Book Review #89: Dasharajna – The Battle of Ten Kings (Harappa Book 3)

Author: Shankar Kashyap
Pages: 313
Publisher: Indus Publishing Group

• Ratings-

Cover : 4.5/5
Title : 4.5/5
Blurb : 3/5
Theme : 4/5
Story : 4/5
Characters : 4/5
Value for money : 4/5
Overall : 4/5

• Blurb:

This is the story based on the main event within the seventh book of Rigveda. It is the story of an epic battle between Sudas of Bharatas and Cayamana of Anus leading confederacy of ten disgruntled kings. It takes place on the banks of River Ravi, it is also battle between the two of the most powerful sages of Rigveda-Vashista and Vishwamitra.Extensive research into the vedic scriptures and archaeological records have helped to create a fascinating insight into the geography of the battle. It is the battle whose result is paradigm shifting in that the outcome decided the future of the great epics of India-Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

• Review:

History is one of the boring subjects for all students. But when we have a writer like Shankar Kashyap, even the sleep infusing history turns to something so interesting! Shankar has been researching about the Harappa civilization for quite some time now. He published his first book of the Harappa series, The Lure of Soma, in 2013 which showcased life in the cities of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal and Dholavira. The highlight of it was the war between the Vedic Aryans and the Avestans from Afghanistan. The second book, The Fall of Shuruppak, published in 2014, revolves around the cultural links of Harappa with Sumerians.

Dasharajna is the third book in the Harappa series, released in 2015. The reality has been beautifully molded to a totally different story. There are very few books which manage to keep the reader engaged throughout, especially if it a huge script of over 300 pages. Dasharajna is one of them. The plot, as the series suggests, is based on the Harappan civilization. The amalgamation an ancient plot with totally different characters placed from Rig Veda was a very novel idea! But having a strong plot and characters is not all that is required for a great book. It is what the author does with them to bring out an authentic story is of utmost importance. The story of Dashrajna too is based on tales from Rig Veda. It made the narration of the battle between King Sudas of Puru and a crew of ten kings conspiring against him, very interesting to read. However, it did seemed a bit dragged at certain points.

It takes a lot of will power, passion and enthusiasm to write about something ancient because not much has been written about our history. Not many authors pick up this genre for fear of it not selling and / or connecting with the audience. So every time I come across a book written on classic tales from ancient times, it only rejuvenates my mind and makes me feel proud to be a part of a nation which has such a rich culture. I can only say that Shankar has done full justice to the story and the book on the whole.

• Verdict:

Beautifully crafted unique narration. (4/5)

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Author Interview #19: Lokesh Gulyani

Lokesh Gulyani has recently made his debut with a paranormal thriller J – Jack, Jennifer & Jaisalmer. Born on Aug 23rd, 1978 at Bharatpur, Lokesh has done his Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication & M.A. in Sociology. Before getting into writing, Lokesh was into non-fiction programming and was popular for his late night radio show as RJ Sanam. He is currently working for an MNC in Jaipur. Married to an immensely talented Kathak dancer and father of an equally talented 7 year old lad, Lokesh is all set to leave his mark in the literary industry. Let’s get to know him more-

• Hi Lokesh, congratulations on being published!

Thanks Madhuri! 🙂

• Please tell us something about your book “J“:

It’s a paranormal thriller, written keeping the ruins of Jaisalmer as background. This is an unusual story which connects people from different walks of life to chase one single goal. The USP of this story is that every character’s life is running parallel with the protagonist. The story revolves around a mysterious Australian girl Jennifer. She is a project advisor for a wind mill project in Jaisalmer and she has a dark past which gets revealed, later in the story, to protagonist Jack, who is a consultant from UK. Jack comes to India to prepare a feasibility report for Jennifer’s project but gets trapped in the unforeseen circumstances. There are other mysterious characters also like Allen and Brahmadutt etc. What I like about the novel is that it has a very visual feel and actual description of Jaisalmer. The title of the book ‘J’ stands for Jennifer, Jack & Jaisalmer.

Read my review of Lokesh’s book “J“

• Interesting! When did you start writing?

It started as early as 2002, initially due to my various Radio & TV programming jobs and now it’s for my own satisfaction.

• What is the purpose of your writing?
  

I feel happy when I finish writing any piece be it a sher, ghazal, nazm, short story anything. It feels like something was stuck inside me and now it’s out and I can breathe easily now. The purpose is to first make myself happy and then others.

• True! Only a happy person can make others happy 🙂
  What inspired you to bring forth this idea as a book?

This book is a result of a nightmare and my couple of visits to Jaisalmer. Though both are not inter-connected. I had this dream in Oct 2014 and the very next day I was in front of a computer surfing dream interpretation websites and according to few sites my dream was leading me to fulfill my long awaited wish. I discussed the same with my wife and she reiterated positively for me to write as she believes that I can write.

• A living example of “Behind every successful man, there is a woman”. Is the story fiction or inspired from real life?

 It is purely a work of fiction and has got no or coincidental resemblance with anyone.

• Which of your works have been published so far?

From time to time my poems got published in newspapers and as a professional writer this is my debut novel.

• You had first published your book in Hindi vernacular and now in English. What according to you appeals more to today’s audience? Hindi or English?

That’s subjective but I prefer Hindi because I think in Hindi and feel in Hindi. I find the right words and depth to express my emotions in Hindi. I read & write in both the languages but I feel more connected to Hindi though people are reading more in English these days.

• So how was this journey of becoming a published author? Give some insights of your efforts on getting your work published.
  

Like any other debutante, I too had my share of sweet and sour experiences. I completed my novel around August 2015 and sent emails with manuscript to almost 300 publishers and literary agents including international publishers. There were 7-10% positive responses and out of that less than 10% were traditional offers. I mean I got almost 25-30 positive responses for my book but most of them were leading the conversation towards vanity publishing. I didn’t want to wait more as I wanted to write more books and wanted to get free from this daily marketing routine of mine so I chose the deals which were best for me and my pocket.

• You have self-published your book. What is your take on the current scenario of the publishing industry?
  

It’s bad, not because of vanity publishing but because of the poor content that is getting published in abundance. The power of internet and self publishing has changed the game totally. It’s good up to the level of blog writing but when it comes to writing a book only quality books must see the light of the day. Stay a good reader rather than becoming a bad writer.

• What should the beginners / debutantes do today?

If a writer one can wait then no doubt traditional is the best approach but if you are a new name and can’t afford to wait then go for a suitable economically viable plan and leave the rest to your book’s fate.

• What is your idea of love, family and relationships on the whole?

All three stay together. Love is sweet surrender, family and relationship is a boat of life on which one sail through the sea of life and love is the air of its journey.

• What are the four top most things you take care of while writing a book?

1. To leave space for imagination for the readers
2. Use of the language
3. Characterization & Plot
4. Point of view, length and grammar

• What are your forthcoming writings?

I am writing my second fiction which is a combination of fantasy-reality, hope it will come in 2016 itself and after that I plan to write romance.

• What is your favorite genre and why?

I like inspiring stories, tales which gives me goosebumps, extra ordinary achievements by ordinary people and I like to read romance also.

• What / Who is your biggest source of inspiration in life?

My family and my inner crave for writing.

• What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?

Luckily life has always been kind so far. The challenge we fight today becomes routine tomorrow.

• If you had to live a day of your life as one of the living or dead personalities, who would it be and why?

Bon Jovi from the band Jon Bon Jovi because I love his music.

• And finally, any message for our readers? 

Read and read more. Buy and buy more books. If you get time, write unbiased reviews & emails to writers and try to buy more and more hard-copies rather than e-books.

So that was Lokesh for you, author of “J” (Jack, Jennifer and Jaisalmer)

Read my review of Lokesh’s book “J“

You can get in touch with Lokesh directly at: lokeshgulyani@gmail.com

Contact Madhuri for your author interview and getting your book reviewed / edited: writermadhuri@gmail.com

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Book Review #82: J (Jack, Jennifer & Jaisalmer)

Author: Lokesh Gulyani
Pages: 152
Publisher: Omji Publishing House

• Ratings-

Cover : 3.5/5
Title : 2.5/5
Blurb : 3/5
Theme : 4/5
Story : 4/5
Characters : 4/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Overall : 3.5/5

• Characters:

1. Jack – The protagonist
2. Priscilla – Jack’s fiance
3. Jennifer – An Australian working on a project at Jaisalmer
4. Maya – Jennifer’s subordinate
5. Allen – Jack’s acquaintance at his place of stay in Jaisalmer

• Blurb:

Meeting someone unknown cannot be termed as sheer coincidence. A larger truth lay beneath Jack’s ill timed visit to Jaisalmer, meeting Jennifer and encounter with Allen wasn’t a mere coincidence. Something was not right with Jennifer and Jack was unaware of the fact but Allen knew it all. And then she went missing in the deserts of Jaisalmer. Will Jack be able to find her? Will the secret of Jennifer ever be out? To know more read this spine chilling thriller ‘J’ in which love conquers all.

• Review:

J – Jack, Jennifer & Jaisalmer is a thriller presented by debutante Lokesh Gulyani. The protagonist Jack is required to travel to Jaisalmer on an urgent assignment, leaving alone his fiance, Priscilla, when they were about to get married. Jack works as a consultant and Jennifer is his company’s client. Although he misses Priscilla throughout his journey to Jaisalmer and even later, he instantly falls in love with his receiver at the airport. A very beautiful young lady that Jennifer is, Jack adores her beauty and child-like innocence. Jack is also introduced to Allen during breakfast on the next day of his arrival.

Allen was visiting Jaisalmer for sight-seeing along with a tourist group. They soon become fast friends. Maya is Jennifer’s subordinate at work and has a mother who is hell bent on getting her married. She presents prospective grooms to Maya almost everyday until Captain Vikram from the Indian Army, Maya’s childhood neighbor and friend, is posted in Jaisalmer to serve at the India-Pakistan border.

Along with working together, Maya and Jennifer make it a point to make Jack familiar with all the well-known places in Jaisalmer. During one such visit at a famous lake in Jaisalmer, Jack and Jennifer bump into Allen. Allen is shocked to see Jennifer and his emotions are clearly expressed by his sudden shriek. He however composes himself then and later reveals to Jack that Jennifer is need of dire help. Jack shrugs off Allen’s remark only to realize later that he was indeed right. Allen shares with Jack his own life story – about his wife Miriam and son Toni who both met with untimely death and he is in the process of searching for a communication medium to be able to communicate with them.

One morning Maya receives a mysterious call from Jennifer wherein Jennifer is requesting Maya to help and save her. Shell-shocked, she dials Jennifer’s number again only to find out that she is absolutely fine. The strange thing being that Jennifer denies having made any call to Maya. Allen later reveals to Jack that another soul is resident in Jennifer’s body and that she is unaware of it. Jennifer disappears one day, out of the blue. Maya and Jack are hell bent on finding her. At the same time, Priscilla, who is tired of shrugging off her ex-boyfriend Andrew, decides to visit Jaisalmer to be with Jack. Unaware of the situation at Jack’s hand, Priscilla lands in Jaisalmer and proves to be very helpful to Jack and Maya. Allen, Maya, Jack, Priscilla, and Vikram, together set on the search for Jennifer; not knowing that they are heading towards their own death. Will they survive? Will they ever be able to find Jennifer? Who is this soul residing inside Jennifer and why is she holding on to Jennifer’s body? These questions made my head spin as I turned each page of this suspense thriller with goosebumps and shrills down my spine.

• Let-downs:

There is a lot of scope for improvement when it comes to editing. That is the only thing which distracted me while reading the book.

• Appreciations:

Lokesh has brillinatly portrayed his thoughts through words. Horror / thriller is not very commonly chosen by debutantes unless they are very confident of their writing styles. Lokesh has done a great job with the manuscript. The flow of events and spilling the beans at the right time is of utmost importance for a suspense thriller and this book has that aspect taken care of. Descriptions have been made very vividly with simple vocabulary and plain English. I see a movie being made on this book.

• Verdict:

A paranormal thriller which will make you jump to the edge of your seat (3.5/5)

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Click here to read Lokesh Gulyani’s interview by me.

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