The Lost World Rises by Pranay Bhalerao (Book Review: 3.75*/5) !!!

5^th Book of 2023

 

Well, this is 3^rd book of Pranay Bhalerao that I have completed reading within 3 months itself. It seems as if I have been living in the world created by the author since all this time. Thankfully, his new book is yet to be released and I can now finally move on to other authors. Haha! I am done reading the sequel of “The Lost World” named “The Lord World Rises” which is published by the author himself. The book is written in around 300 pages which is 90 pages more than the 1^st part of the duology. To start with, I must say that the publishing quality of the book is maintained so well that it’s hard to believe that it has not been touched by any leading traditional publisher. Kudos to author for giving his all to the book.

 

This book, definitely, extends to a better scale and brings to you unexplored sectors that were not included in the 1^st book at all. Pranay’s writing style remains mostly the same – OBVIOUSLY – but the way the story is written is comparatively interesting. The chapters stay crisp making it easier for you to explore the world of both- 1980s and 2000s. The shift in the characters’ attitude and aura is nicely handled making it passionate for most moments. All the characters are finally ready to take revenge or complete their goals which were left incomplete. Hence, as a reader, you stay alert throughout the book as there are characters planning, plotting, strategizing, revenging and fighting against each other.

 

In between of all this adrenaline rushes, there’s a section of two characters – Ramtirtha and Naina where they are on an escape. And as our Bollywood culture suggests, they eventually fall for each other and hence, a romantic relationship establishes. All those segments are beautifully described and makes you feel loved – even if you are single. I endorse this claim. Haha! I like how author was able to bring both the generations together where all the characters have their own role to play and yet ensures that no one gets sidelined. I just felt that Surya could have also been involved a bit more but anyway, the inclusion of Shanitirtha, Ramtirtha and Apoorav has been a phenomenal camaraderie to read. Again, Apoorav is bit sidelined compared to how he was treated in Book 1 – he could have been made a hero in this book with the kind of character development author had done in the previous part.

 

The story involves a Doctor, Politician, Police, Gangster, NGO team and a Pandit as well. You can imagine the storyline. The book is like a written version of Gangs of Wasseypur and multiple web-series we have watched in recent times where characters are inter-related with each other – each of them having their own dark past and tough future. There are lot of actions, death, violence, tragedy and other elements which gives the depth to the layers of the story and makes you understand the level of pain it takes for few people to undergo a life they never wished to live. I liked how author started wrapping the story slowly in the pre-climax without rushing like the previous book. You are able to feel all the emotions which are described for the characters – where some of them go through pain whereas some of them find success.

 

Now, talking about the drawbacks- I must say that the book consists of some grammatical and spelling mistakes – which wasn’t the case with the Book 1. I don’t know how it got skipped in this one. Secondly, the book could have been kept under 250-pages as I felt there are many scenes which doesn’t add up to the story. The same characters in both the timelines did create confusion this time and made it difficult at times to keep myself up with what happened within which timeframe. That’s it.

 

Overall, the Lost World series is a wonderful one to spend your time with. You will definitely not be disappointed. There’s a lot of mystery, thriller and suspense which keeps on getting intense with the story progression. I give “The Lost World Rises” 3.75* out of 5. Awaiting Pranay to come back with a new book soon.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

 

Thanks!

 

WRITING BUDDHA 

Redefine your purpose by Roy Riddhinil (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

  

4^th Book of 2023

 

I remember the 1^st book that got me into reading was a non-fictional self help book written by Robin Sharma. Since then, I have tried many genres and writing style but this one particular genre keeps attracting me whenever I am down. Last month, I picked up reading one such book from Roy Riddhinil named “Redefine your purpose” which also comes with a tagline that says “Live to create, innovate and inspire”. The book has been self-published by the author in around 206 pages. It’s a short read that can be completed within a sitting or two though it took me little more time as I wanted to list down all the new concepts that author has discussed in around 36 crisp chapters where each one of them are not more than 2-3 pages. Roy has ensured the book to be light yet an effective and productive read for his audience.

 

It speaks about self-discovery where initial few pages talk about having a purpose in life which is what the title of the book is all about. Author helps you understand what is life’s purpose and how one needs to identify it for themselves. He discusses on what changes do you need to make in order to work upon your purpose. Eventually, he talks about the goal-building exercise – something that all of us read and listen in almost every management, self-help book or motivational video. Author gives fresh perspective on how one can innovate new things by giving examples of earlier innovations where it took people years to establish something but how its impact changed the way world lives today. The first 60 pages are all about making the reader understand the agenda of the book and prepare to develop himself on all aspects.

 

Author then picks up a word starting with each alphabet and creates a powerful section where 26 areas are shared based upon which we can create a purposeful file. For e.g. Aspirations, Blessings, Clarity, Discipline, Emotions, Focus and so on. Even though it’s quite evident that author worked upon these 26 points based on alphabets but the contents shared within them doesn’t sound forced barring few chapters. Every chapter is of around 2 pages which are effective and helps you understand how you can better yourself in the area. Roy has wonderfully used quotes by famous personalities in between paragraphs which makes you jump off your seat in motivation. I am just surprised how we are still not aware of such powerful sentences which can change the whole meaning of our life.

 

Roy has not shied away in giving references of religions wherever he felt its important. What makes it more acceptable and beautiful is that it talks not only about Sanatan Dharma but also Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Western philosophies and almost every religion that author has read and is aware of. In contrast, he also keeps giving references of modern examples of personalities and successes which makes it easy for people of all belief systems to understand the message author is trying to give rather than judging him upon his content. Not every author is able to do this but I must say that’s one of the USPs of this book which makes it sound different from all other self-help books released recently.

 

Towards the end, there are few questions that author has asked us to fill with our answers. I must say these questions are enough for you to get into self-inspection mode and move further towards self-realization and eventually- self-development. Author tells us the importance of having a good mentor in life for every kind of growth which can help us understand the deeper aspect behind every journey that we are willing to take.

 

The writing style of the book is very simple which makes it easy for people from any age group to pick it up and read it with ease. The chapters are to-the-point which helps you move with the concepts fast as people generally don’t have much time to give it to books these days. Talking about the drawbacks, I must say the book could have been edited well ensuring that there are less grammatical and punctuational errors. Secondly, as I said, few chapters don’t align well with its title even though they are nicely written but it tends to confuse you a bit.

 

Overall, this is a good book to have in your shelf as well as a good gifting option for your siblings and friends. I give it 4 stars out of 5.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

 

Thanks!

 

WRITING BUDDHA