The Secret of the Nagas

Book Title         : The Secret of the Nagas

Author               : Amish Tripati

Year Published  : 2011

Date I Read      : 15 Feb 2012

My Rating         : 7/10

Theme

The Secret of the Nagas is part 2 of the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripati. It continues the story of Shiva as a human god and his quest to find evil.

What I thought about it

I really liked the characters of Vasudevas - the group of people assigned by an avatar of Vishnu to help the avatar of Rudhra (Shiva). Since Shiva becomes leader no one can advice him or give opinion. These characters easily bridge the gap. The author successfully uses them to bridge a lot of gaps in the story/

I am going to skip review of the book in fear of giving away too much of the story. I highly recommend this book. Do check out the series

Related links

The Secret of the Nagas in Wikipedia

Amish Tripati in Wikipedia

Shiva Trilogy in his Website

 

Challenges

Linking this to letter S for A to Z by Title

Linking this to #4 for South Asian Books

The Immortals of Meluha

Book Title         : The Immortals of Meluha

Author               : Amish Tripati

Year Published  : 2010

Date I Read      : 10 Feb 2012

My Rating         : 7/10

Theme

Immortals of Meluha is part 1 of the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripati. It is a book written fictionalizing the life of Shiva. It describes Shiva as a tribal leader in the Himalayas who rises to be Neelakanth to help the people of Meluha. The story revolves around different groups of people - Suryavanshis, Chandravanshis and Nagas.

What I thought about it

When I started reading the book, I was taken aback. The first page talks about Shiva smoking Marijuana. I was surprised it survived the hindutva leaders J. As I read it I really enjoyed the book. It beautifully weaves facts and characters in Shiva’s life with fiction. You will find yourself reading about characters like Nandi, Bruhaspati etc.

If I write a lot about this book, I will give away a lot of storyline. I really do not want to do that. If you are interested in the plot, read it in Wikipedia link below.

I highly recommend this book.

Related links

The Immortals of Meluha in Wikipedia

Amish Tripati in Wikipedia

Shiva Trilogy in his Website

Challenges

Linking this to letter I for A to Z by Title

Linking this to letter T for A to Z by Author Last Name

Linking this to #3 for South Asian Books

Revolution 2020

Book Title         : Revolution 2020
Author               : Chetan Bhagat
Year Published  : 2011
Date I Read      : 30 Jan 2012
My Rating         : 5/10

Theme
Revolution 2020 is the story of childhood friends Gopal and Raghav and their love interest Aarthi. It is set in the holy city of Varanasi. The story revolves around Gopal who struggles in his childhood and finds ways to overcome difficulties. It takes us thru the corruption in Indian politics, money involved in educational institutions, coaching centers for IITs etc. 

What I thought about it
This is a typical Chetan Bhagat. When I say that, anyone who likes reading Chetan Bhagat will love reading this as well. If you are not a fan, give it a pass. I share a love hate relationship with the author. I feel that his books do not have the standard to be included as a literature. But I like the quick read aspect of his books.

This book also involves the usual Chetan masala of love, friendship, patriotism, corruption etc. It is a quick read. Don’t expect a classic out of this. 

Related links
Revolution 2020 in Wikipedia



Challenges
Linking this to letter R for A to Z by Title

Linking this to letter B for A to Z by Author Last Name

Linking this to #2 for South Asian Books