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Showing posts from July, 2023

Dogged Pursuit: The Madras Tea Salesman Series Volume 1 by Raghavan Srinivasan

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My Take Dogged Pursuit is an engrossing and vividly crafted bio-historical fiction written by by Raghavan Srinivasan that took me on a captivating journey through the rapidly changing city of Madras.  Set over four decades from the late 1920s, the book immerses readers in the life of Raju, the resilient protagonist who finds his home in the bustling city after a tumultuous past. What I loved most about the book is its rich historical backdrop and the intricately woven narrative. The growth of Madras and the behind-the-scenes twists and turns in Tamilnadu add depth and authenticity to the story. Raju's character is beautifully portrayed, with his determination and keen mind guiding him through the dangerous realm of international antique and gold smugglers. His relationships are heartwarming and add a human touch to the thrilling investigations. The book seamlessly blends elements of mystery, adventure, and family drama, keeping me engaged and eager to know what happens next. The pa

Lightning Brain Series: A Mesmerizing Sci-Fi Adventure Unveiling Human Potential

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If you are a fan of action-packed science fiction thrillers that explore the depths of human potential, look no further than the "Lightning Brain" series by the talented author Cliff Ratza. This captivating five-book saga takes readers on a mind-bending journey through a futuristic world filled with cutting-edge technology, suspenseful plots, and unforgettable characters.   1. The Girl with the Lightning Brain The series commences with a bang, introducing us to Electra Kittner, a young woman with extraordinary abilities stemming from a near-death experience at birth. As she unravels the secrets of her powers, she embarks on a quest to understand her destiny while navigating a world threatened by Techno-Plague and terrorism.   2. The Girl Who Electrified the World In this heart-pounding sequel, Electra's life takes a perilous turn as she faces a deadly new strain of the T-plague. The narrative brims with tension and vulnerability, bringing us closer to our fearless

The Girl Who Sparked The Singularity by Cliff Ratza (Book 5)

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My Take: The Girl Who Sparked The Singularity is the 5th book in the Lightning Brain Series written by Cliff Ratza, it is a heart-racing and action-packed addition to the Lightning Brain series. The feel of the book is one of constant suspense and excitement, keeping you on the edge of your seat as Electra embarks on her relentless pursuit of adversaries and a mysterious hacker-leaker. The narrative effortlessly weaves between the real world and the captivating realm of Cyberspace, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. What I particularly enjoyed about this book is the unpredictable nature of the plot. The constant twists and turns kept me guessing until the very last line, making it impossible to put the book down. Electra's determination and brilliance shine through, making her an even more captivating and admirable protagonist. After the 5 th book I was left with a sense of fascination for the world created by the author. The seamless blend of technology, su

The Girl Who Cloned Lightning by Cliff Ratza (Book 4)

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My Take: The Girl Who Cloned Lightning is the 4th book in the Lightning Brain Series written by Cliff Ratza, it is an exhilarating and futuristic addition to the Lightning Brain series. If you have read my previous reviews of this series you will know, from the very beginning, you are drawn into the action-packed world of Electra and Alisha as they continue to coexist and navigate through life's challenges together. The feel of the book is one of constant excitement and anticipation. Electra's brilliance shines through as she makes groundbreaking strides in science, all while facing threatening situations and unexpected surprises, including the discovery of a half-sister. The fast-paced narrative keeps you hooked, wondering what thrilling turn of events will come next. One of the highlights of this installment is witnessing Electra's incredible growth as a character. Her journey of confronting cyber threats and successfully cloning herself is both awe-inspiring and

The Girl Who Commanded Lightning by Cliff Ratza (Book 3)

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My Take: The Girl Who Commanded Lightning is the 3rd book in the Lightning Brain Series written by Cliff Ratza, is a heart-pounding installment that takes Electra (now known as Alisha) on a perilous journey of self-discovery. What I loved most about this book is how it delves deep into Alisha's character. Her journey of rediscovering herself and her abilities is both captivating and emotionally resonant. The author skillfully portrays her struggles, making her feel like a genuine and relatable person despite her extraordinary circumstances. After reading the third book I was left with a sense of admiration for Alisha's resilience and determination. The book brilliantly explores the complexities of identity, friendship, and sacrifice, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. It continues to deliver on the series' promise of action, suspense, and compelling character development. If you have been following Alisha's journey, this book is a must-read that will

The Girl Who Electrified the World By Cliff Ratza (Book 2)

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  My Take: The Girl Who Electrified the World is the 2nd book in the Lightning Brain Series written by Cliff Ratza, which takes the electrifying momentum of the first installment and turns it up several notches. From the very beginning, you are plunged into a world of high-stakes action and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author's vivid storytelling style makes you feel every emotion alongside the characters. The way the narrative unfolds, revealing new enemies while old ones are disposed of, keeps the excitement alive with each turning page. Electra Kittner's evolution as a character is one of the highlights of the book. As her extraordinary skills continue to deepen, you can't help but be drawn to her as a fierce and capable protagonist. The secret she carries adds an extra layer of complexity to her actions, making you wonder how she manages to navigate the treacherous waters of her mission. After reading the second book I was left with a mi

The Girl with the Lightning Brain by Cliff Ratza (Book 1)

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My Take: The Girl with the Lightning Brain is the 1st book in the Lightning Brain Series written by Cliff Ratza, it is a captivating and thrilling read that will keep you hooked from the very first page. The author crafts a vivid portrayal of an ominous America in the early 22nd century, drawing parallels with our present-day concerns and challenges. The story takes unexpected twists and turns, building suspense until a satisfying and thrilling conclusion that leaves you eager for more. What I loved most about this book is the relatability of the characters. Electra is a compelling and endearing heroine, with strengths and weaknesses that make her feel like a real person. Each character in the story has a depth that allows readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs, making the narrative all the more engaging. The "Lightning Brain" series seamlessly combines elements of gripping action and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Whether you se

The Quest of the Singular Keepers By Cliff Ratza

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My Take: "The Quest of the Singular Keepers" is an action-packed and emotionally resonant book that left me thoroughly captivated. The story begins in Washington DC, where the Irani-Electra duo plans a significant announcement to America's President, Genesee Huston. As events unfold, troubles intrude into both personal and professional worlds, leading to unexpected changes in plans. What I loved most about the book is its ability to evoke a strong sense of empathy and connection with the characters. Irani's selflessness and determination to put friends and family first are truly inspiring. Her brilliance and pragmatism keep adversaries at bay, making her a compelling and likable protagonist. The book's exploration of relationships and the rewards of reaching out to help others struck a chord with me. The theme of balancing our own wishes while caring for those we love is beautifully depicted throughout the story. As the action-adventure unfolds, I found myself ful

The Keepers of the Lightning Brain by Cliff Ratza.

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My Take: "The Keepers of the Lightning Brain" is an action-packed and suspenseful thriller that left me on the edge of my seat throughout. The book masterfully builds upon the Lightning Brain Series, introducing a new generation of Keepers on a thrilling rescue mission. What I loved most about the book is its ability to create a sense of urgency and mystery from the very beginning. The catastrophe that strikes the Keepers Group sets the stage for a riveting journey as the four novice Keepers must navigate unknown territory and potential dangers. The characters in the book are vibrant and relatable, making it easy to root for them as they embark on their mission. Su-Lin Song Chou's unwavering determination to activate the next Keepers generation despite her physical and cognitive ailments is inspiring. The theme of self-discovery and responsibility is at the heart of the story, posing questions that each of us must face at some point in life. The book encourages us to trus

The Girl Who Reset the Lightning Brain by Cliff Ratza (Book 1)

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My Take:  "The Girl Who Reset the Lightning Brain" is an electrifying and action-packed adventure that left me enthralled from the very beginning. The book immerses readers in the life of Electra, a dynamic protagonist who has faced unimaginable challenges but emerges stronger than ever. One of the things I loved most about the book is its fast-paced and gripping narrative. From the University of Texas at Austin's athletics center to far-flung venues, the story takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Electra's transformation and her quest to protect her loved ones drew me deeper into the story. The way she embraces a new identity and takes charge of her destiny resonated with me. Her resilience and determination to tackle adversaries and make a difference in a world facing complex challenges are truly inspiring. The book's exploration of world climates and the interplay of various forces adds an intrig

The Keepers of the Contingent World by Cliff Ratza (Book 1)

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My Take:  "The Keepers of the Contingent World" by Cliff Ratza is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that left me deeply immersed in its action-packed pages. From the very start, the book takes readers on an exhilarating journey, continuing where its predecessor, "The Keepers of the Lightning Brain," left off. One of the aspects I loved most about the book is its ability to create a vivid and immersive world. The author skillfully weaves together a complex web of pandemics, cyber-terrorism, greedy corporations, and power-hungry governments, all set against the backdrop of a world in turmoil due to environmental disruptions. This captivating plot, combined with the compelling characters, made it impossible for me to put the book down. Throughout the story, the characters face numerous challenges and uncertainties, mirroring the contingencies we all encounter in life. The theme of navigating one's path through doubt and strife resonated deeply with me, and th

Author's Interview by Khushwinder K. Heer

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First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? Hello, I am Khushwinder K Heer, a 17-year-old girl, living in her head. I am from Jammu and Kashmir and if my name doesn't indicate it already, well I belong to the Sikh community. Fun fact about me: I am a bit different from people of my age I suffer from OCD. One of the perks of it I tell you, it makes me an extremely imaginative person. 2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book? Thank you so much, well this book is very close to my heart. I am a person who build a home for people easily and those homes get broken and leave me homeless very often. I needed to find a way to build a home in myself and I think I have started accomplishing that by writing this book. 3. What is the book all about? The book is about a girl and a boy, which I haven't named or specified so that people can imagine themse

Theory of Suspicion: A Legal Murder Mystery by Juby Kirit Panwala & Rohan Panwala

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My Take: Blooming of Me by Khushwinder K. Heer is a captivating book jthat took me on a rollercoaster of feelings. From the very first page, I was drawn into the author's raw and heartfelt words, immersing myself in a journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Heer's writing is deeply introspective, and her vulnerability shines through in every essay. She takes us on a compelling exploration of the idea of home, emphasizing that true home isn't merely a physical place but lies within each of us. I found myself relating to her emotions and reflections on building homes in others and ultimately finding solace in oneself. The narrative flows seamlessly, effortlessly pulling me from one emotion to the next. Heer's portrayal of love's complexities and the aftermath of heartbreak is poignant and beautifully crafted. Her honest and evocative storytelling left a lasting impact on me, reminding me of the importance of self-love and acceptance. As I journeyed through th

Blooming of Me by Khushwinder K. Heer

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My Take: Blooming of Me by Khushwinder K. Heer is a captivating book jthat took me on a rollercoaster of feelings. From the very first page, I was drawn into the author's raw and heartfelt words, immersing myself in a journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Heer's writing is deeply introspective, and her vulnerability shines through in every essay. She takes us on a compelling exploration of the idea of home, emphasizing that true home isn't merely a physical place but lies within each of us. I found myself relating to her emotions and reflections on building homes in others and ultimately finding solace in oneself. The narrative flows seamlessly, effortlessly pulling me from one emotion to the next. Heer's portrayal of love's complexities and the aftermath of heartbreak is poignant and beautifully crafted. Her honest and evocative storytelling left a lasting impact on me, reminding me of the importance of self-love and acceptance. As I journeyed through th

The Economy of Enough by Bronwen Sciortino.

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My Take:  The Economy of Enough by Bronwen Sciortino is a transformative masterpiece that left me feeling empowered and ready to embrace a life of self-compassion and happiness. From the very first page, I was drawn into Sciortino's compassionate and relatable writing style, as she delved into the harsh self-criticisms many of us battle daily. With a perfect blend of empathy and practicality, Sciortino guides readers on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. She unveils the secret to attaining "happily ever after" in a way that resonated deeply with me. Through simple and easy-to-follow steps, she illustrates how we can infuse our lives with boundless happiness, love, and laughter. One of the book's most significant revelations is the realization that we often hold ourselves to much higher standards than we do others. Sciortino skillfully helps us break free from this pattern, teaching us to be kinder to ourselves and to recognize our worth. The book's message

Keep It Super Simple: Tips from a Recovering Perfectionist by Bronwen A Sciortino

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My Take: In a world filled with chaos and constant demands, I stumbled upon a book that felt like a soothing balm for my overwhelmed soul. "Keep It Super Simple" by Bronwen A Sciortino is a remarkable guide that offers a refreshingly simple approach to overcoming stress and cultivating resilience in our daily lives. From the moment I delved into its pages, I was captivated by Sciortino's engaging writing style. She effortlessly conveys the importance of living differently and embracing a life with less stress and exhaustion. Through relatable anecdotes and practical advice, she gently guides readers towards reclaiming their energy and rediscovering a sense of fulfillment and happiness. One aspect that particularly resonated with me was the emphasis on aligning our lives with our core values. Sciortino encourages us to be true to ourselves and eliminate the pressures of conformity. By consciously choosing activities and experiences that truly resonate with our authentic se

Author's Interview with Shivangi Sharma

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F irst, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? Hi, Im Shivangi. Professionally I have worked for half a decade as a flight attendant before I made a big switch to content writing where I worked as a subject matter expert in sociology and history. I obviously am a graduate and I also hold various diplomas in social sciences including in psychology, travel and tourism, etc. With my first release I have taken a full time career switch as an author. I am pretty optimistic about my writing style however I do hope people enjoy and relate to my words and stories. 2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book? Well, writing is where I find solace. Ever since a young adult I maintained my diary and I turned to it for every emotion I felt, be it joy, anger, sorrow, excitement, anxious, etc. And so, writing became an integral part of me. When I started posting on m

Author's Interview by Yash Tambe

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First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? I am Yash Tambe, a poet and writer who embarked on a literary journey during my teenage years. As an introvert, I found solace in the world of writing, using it as my means of channeling emotions and giving voice to the thoughts within. It was during the sleepless nights that my creativity thrived, and I poured my feelings and emotions onto the page. The darkness became my canvas, and the words became my guiding light. In addition to my passion for writing, I hold a graduation degree in Mass Media & Advertising. For the past six years, I honed my skills as a graphic designer, bringing visual elements to life through my creativity. This experience led me to establish my own design agency, "Twin Soul Solutions Pvt Ltd," where I continue to bring innovative ideas and solutions to the forefront. 2. Congratulations on your boo

Author's Interview with E.C. Saulness

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First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction.  1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? I’m a parent, a former social worker, and a US Navy Veteran. I’ve been writing in some form since I was a teenager. I’m a natural contrarian and fight an unending (and not always victorious) battle with my tendency towards sarcasm and dark jokes.  2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book? A combination of my experiences as a social worker and as a military veteran. The feeling of seeing truly horrible things and not always being able to do anything about it, along with knowing people who have been damaged if not truly broken in some deep and fundamental way but who keep getting up and putting themselves in harms way anyway, despite their trauma.  3. What is the book all about? The book is about Frank, a hundred year old private investigator who is a werewolf and a veteran of several wars. Because of his