Book published in 2022 | Fiction

A personal review of ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o, a novel that explores mental illness, family bonds and the path towards healing.

During a recent trip to Nagaland, I decided to pick up a few books by local authors, and Out of the Woods by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o was among them. One of the main reasons I chose it was the blurb. There was no tiptoeing around the subject matter, no promises of happy endings or redemption, and no attempt to disguise the fact that this would be a difficult read. And it is.

A Difficult but Important Read

Out of the Woods is a book that may be triggering for readers who have dealt with mental health issues – themselves or as support for families. Because Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o captures the emotional turmoil not only of the afflicted but the immediate family too. It took me a good while to read through the book as it brought back memories from the days when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, the battle that ensued and the struggles that my immediate family, especially my parents faced in the interim.

The Story

Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is the story of a family struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations that village life brings with it, while also grappling with the trauma of caring for a growing teen who is struggling to find his place in the real world that collides with the alternate world he lives in. The book traverses through the life of this family that is caught in an endless, harsh loop of loss, pain, trauma, the struggle to find the cause behind the boy’s ‘behaviour’ and the eventual discovery of a path towards healing.

The Highs & Lows

One of the highlights of the book is the strong hold the writer has on the language (which could be attributed to her being an educator based in Kohima and to her having won an award for a previous book). The author uses simple language as effectively as a painter uses a paintbrush – her words transport you from the eerily peaceful and happy alternate world the boy lives in, while effectively drawing out a picture of the home and world he shares with his family. She uses words to explain to readers the thoughts and emotions that rush through the boy’s mind, in vivid contrast to the helpless anguish and frustration of the family, bound together by their love for him. What is disturbing – and true – is that it is this very love and the resultant uncertainty that govern their lives and threaten to break them apart. The book is a deep dive into the mind of a young boy dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

I keep writing ‘the boy’ because that is what he is through the book – ‘the boy’ – and that, in my opinion, works to create an awareness that the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world.

The relatives, the villagers, the pastor and other sources that claim they can help the child act as a commentary on the society’s struggles to accept the reality of mental health issues. This would, perhaps, be more pronounced in pockets that continue to remain relatively disconnected from the rest of the parts of society that remain relatively disconnected from conversations around mental health and awareness.

…the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world

So, does this mean Out of the Woods is without its follies? The very strength of the author works against the book – the words. By the time you reach the halfway mark, you may be hit by the ‘this is repetitive’ thought because it is for several pages. Thankfully, there is a shift from the normal to the parallel reality, which shocks the reader out of the lull.

Another aspect that did not work for me is the ending – the journey from the intervention to seeking medical help, and the manner in which the doctor explains the situation, as well as the boy’s return to ‘normalcy’, are not entirely satisfying from a reader’s point of view. Personally, tighter editing could definitely have helped this book. However, for the sheer gumption required to write an entire novel that depicts the emotional trauma and exhaustion of mental health, Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is definitely a book I’d suggest you pick up.

Published 2017 | Self help

A personal review of Margareta Magnusson’s Dostadning, a practical and surprisingly comforting guide to decluttering and letting go.

“A fond and wise little book” is how The New York Times described it, and I would agree.

I stumbled upon this book at a time when I had desperately turned to the internet in search of ways to convince my mother to declutter. She is a habitual hoarder who has preserved everything — from gift boxes that arrived more than 15 years ago to old frying pan sets, photographs, baby clothes and much more.

Then again, considering that I hoard books because “what if there’s an apocalypse and I suddenly have all the time in the world?”, perhaps I should refrain from too much commentary.

The book appeared on one of the many recommendation lists I found online, and I was immediately intrigued by the oddly musical and surprisingly assertive word: Dostadning.

The Crux

Margareta Magnussion’s book isn’t a preachy, morbid book that laments death. Instead, it treats death as a fact of life, which, despite its heartbreaking nature, it is. The author, who writes from her own experience of death cleaning, advocates the idea of taking care of your possessions, to, among other things, ensure that what you value goes to an individual or place that appreciates it and your immediate family or loved ones do not have to bear the burden of sorting through your things after you’ve moved on.

Following the initial introductory chapters, the author has divided the chapters on the basis of the things that form a part of life and have to be dealt with later – artefacts and articles, knick-knacks and photographs, pets, clothing and more. The author downplays the gravity by interspersing her suggestions with instances from her life, with memories attached to her own death cleaning, personal and professional.

To Read or Not to Read

What stands out for me in this particular read is that the tips that she has given are practical enough that they need not be limited to the concept of death cleaning alone. These tips are helpful when you are changing homes, moving to another city or country or downsizing/decluttering, as is evident in the photograph above – note the number of stickers peeping out of the book! I recommend this book for those looking for such practical tips, and have added it to my mother’s bedside pile of books she should read.

I would, however, also add a ‘trigger’ label to this particular book for those who’ve seen death at close quarters – it may bring back memories that aren’t necessarily good, it may remind you of moments of grief that may throw you into despair. That is not the intention of this book in any way, but there is no discounting the unpredictability of the human mind and emotions, so I’d recommend that for those who continue to struggle with the concept of death, take your time with this book, if at all.

P.S. Can be ‘borrowed’ by fellow bibliophiles in Ahmedabad.

2019 | Korean | Romance

Set in the cosy yet competitive world of publishing, Romance Is a Bonus Book is a slow-burn Korean romance that explores ageism, career breaks, friendship and love. The story unfolds through the lens of a woman rebuilding her life — quietly and without spectacle. Gentle and meandering, the series is rooted in emotional realism rather than dramatic twists.

I believe there’s a right time to read a book — and the same holds true for watching a series. Romance Is a Bonus Book proved this to me. There have been times I’ve started a series and stopped it after an episode or two because it didn’t appeal to me. Romance is a Bonus Book is one such drama. RIABB was recommended by the friend who introduced me to Korean dramas in 2019. Back then, I’d given up on the series after episode 4 or 5, for reasons I don’t really remember. But my 2022 viewing of RIABB has been smooth sailing. Here’s the good and the bad of this series…

The plot of Romance is a Bonus Book

Kang Dan-i (Lee Na-young), a 37-year-old, is scrambling to upgrade her life. The former advertising copywriter has separated from her husband, who cheated on her, and is now an unemployed single mother. Adding to the struggle of finding suitable employment after the long career gap is the fact that her house is being razed. So, to make ends meet, she is working as a housekeeper… at her best friend Cha Eun-ho’s (Lee Jong-suk) home, and he doesn’t know it!

Eun-ho, 32, is a successful author, chief editor and one of the founding members of Gyeoroo Publishing. He has been in love with Dan-i since he was a teenager but obviously, the latter is clueless. In the present (of the show) Eun-ho is unaware about Dan-i’s struggles. Eventually, Dan-i finds a job at Eun-ho’s publishing house, and the latter finds out about her state of affairs and drags her to live with him until she finds her footing.

The story progresses in tandem with Dan-i’s professional and personal growth. She impresses her colleagues with her hard work and creative flair, makes new chingus and love comes knocking. Of course, the journey isn’t smooth as the duo navigate through personal and professional highs and lows but then, what’s a series without some drama, right? 

The Good…

A very generic and mundane description of this series would be that it is a mature friends-to-lovers romance, the story of a divorced woman fighting against the odds and winning. But just as life isn’t as simple, the series isn’t as generic.

Although branded a romantic comedy, Romance is a Bonus Book may not be a series that viewers in their 20s may relate with because honestly, most of the issues that the protagonist faces are the 30s problem – especially the ‘age discrimination’ and the various societal pressures that ‘aging’ women have to face. And when I say ‘age’ here, I mean women in their late 30s and 40s. It’s subtle but evident in the way Dan-i has to fudge her resume to land a menial job, the way she is berated for trying to take a job that ‘belongs’ to someone younger and her thoughts about exploring a romantic relationship with someone younger.

The highlight of this series is Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk’s acting. The former slays as Dan-i, effortlessly showing the character’s inner struggles, determination to survive, presence of mind, and self-belief. She adds to the existing layers of the character, and in doing so, she becomes a heroine viewers will relate to and empathise with – because, trust me, we’ve all been there at least once in life.

And please, I simply can not mention Lee Jong-suk. The man with the cute face can make your heart flutter and how! Jong-suk’s broad shoulders carry the role of Eun-ho with as much ease as they carry off those amazing long coats and sweaters (a little swoon here please). His admiration, love, and support for his noona are evident in every single frame, like that warm comforter you want to snuggle into after a hard day. There are several emotional moments, and the duo does a brilliant job with these without going overboard.

A key point of attraction here is the setting – Gyeoroo Publishing. It makes me want to apply for a job there right away because that’s what a dream job would be, right? Your work is an extension of a genuine love; you get to live in the world of books day in and day out, your bestie works at the office, and your love interest does too! And not to forget the colleagues that range from scary and tyrannical to weird and adorable. All the supporting characters – including the potential love interests Ji Seo-joon (Wi Ha-joon) and Song Hae-rin (Jung Yoo-jin) – are well etched, each with backstories that justify their behaviour and add to the storyline.

One of the best moments of the series is in the last episode, when a letter drawing a comparison between life, relationships, and books is read out. It’s poignant and heartwarming, and the reason the title of the series makes absolute sense.

… and The Bad

If you are the kind that needs drama and speed and a cliffhanging end to every episode, then Romance Is A Bonus Book isn’t something you want to want. The series, albeit interesting, is a bit scattered, and for non-Koreans, the references to books and authors can be a little confusing since we aren’t familiar with them.

There is no shock value in the series, not even the unravelling of the mystery creates conflict. Moreover, with much of the information dropped in the first half of the series, the remaining episodes are more about tying up the knots and feel dragged out. I’d say chop off an episode and a half!

It’s soothing, but sometimes, soothing can put you to sleep too.

Published 2022 | Fiction

A boy caught between the real and an ‘alternate reality’, ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o takes a look at the struggles that mental health illnesses bring with them – for the person and their immediate family members.

During a recent trip to Nagaland, I decided to pick up a book or two written by local authors, and ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o was one among them. One of the key reasons to pick up the book was the book blurb – there was no tiptoeing around the subject of the book, no promises of happy endings and salvations, no hiding the fact that this could be (and is) a painful read.

Out of the Woods is a book that may act as a trigger for individuals who have dealt with mental health issues – themselves or as support for families. Because Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o captures the emotional turmoil not only of the afflicted but the immediate family too. It took me a good while to read through the book as it brought back memories from the days when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, the battle that ensued and the struggles that my immediate family, especially my parents faced in the interim.

The Crux

Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s ‘Out of the Woods’ is the story of a family struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations that village life brings with it while also grappling with the trauma of caring for a growing teen who is struggling to find his place in the real world that collides with the alternate world he lives in. The book traverses through the life of this family that is caught in an endless, harsh loop of loss, pain, trauma, the struggle to find the cause’ to the boy’s ‘behaviour’ and the penultimate discovery of the road to healing.

The Highs & Lows

One of the highlights of the books is the strong hold the writer has on the language (which could be contributed to the fact that she is an educator based in Kohima and has won an award for a previous book). The author uses simple language as effectively as a painter uses a paintbrush – her words transport you from the eerily peaceful and happy alternate world the boy lives in while effectively drawing out a picture of the home and world the boy inhabits with his family. She uses words to explain to the readers the thoughts and emotions that rush through the boy’s mind, in vivid contrast to the helpless anguish and frustration of the family that is tied together by their love for him. What is disturbing – and true – is that it is this very love and resultant uncertainty that govern their lives and threaten to break them apart. The book is a deep dive into the mind of a young boy dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

I keep writing ‘the boy’ because that is what he is through the book – ‘the boy’ – and that, in my opinion, works to create an awareness that the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world.

The relatives, the villagers, the pastor and other sources that claim they can help the child act as a commentary on the society’s struggles to accept the reality of mental health issues. This would, perhaps, be more pronounced in pockets that continue to remain relatively disconnected from the rest of the woke and allegedly more aware world.

So, does this mean Out of the Woods is without its follies? The very strength of the author works against the book – the words. By the time you reach the halfway mark, you may be hit by the ‘this is repetitive’ thought because it is for several pages. Thankfully, there is a shift from the normal to the parallel reality which shocks the reader out of the lull.

Another aspect that did not work for me is the end – the journey from the intervention, to seeking medical help and the manner in which the doctor explains the situation as also the boy’s return to ‘normalcy’ is not fulfilling from the reader point of view. Personally, tighter editing could have definitely helped the cause of this book.

However, for the sheer gumption required to write an entire novel that depicts the emotional trauma and exhaustion of mental health, Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is definitely a book I’d suggest you pick up.

Published 2022 | Fiction

A boy caught between the real and an ‘alternate reality’, ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o takes a look at the struggles that mental health illnesses bring with them – for the person and their immediate family members.

During a recent trip to Nagaland, I decided to pick up a book or two written by local authors, and ‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o was one among them. One of the key reasons to pick up the book was the book blurb – there was no tiptoeing around the subject of the book, no promises of happy endings and salvations, no hiding the fact that this could be (and is) a painful read.

Out of the Woods is a book that may act as a trigger for individuals who have dealt with mental health issues – themselves or as support for families. Because Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o captures the emotional turmoil not only of the afflicted but the immediate family too. It took me a good while to read through the book as it brought back memories from the days when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, the battle that ensued and the struggles that my immediate family, especially my parents faced in the interim.

The Crux

Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s ‘Out of the Woods’ is the story of a family struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations that village life brings with it while also grappling with the trauma of caring for a growing teen who is struggling to find his place in the real world that collides with the alternate world he lives in. The book traverses through the life of this family that is caught in an endless, harsh loop of loss, pain, trauma, the struggle to find the cause’ to the boy’s ‘behaviour’ and the penultimate discovery of the road to healing.

The Highs & Lows

One of the highlights of the books is the strong hold the writer has on the language (which could be contributed to the fact that she is an educator based in Kohima and has won an award for a previous book). The author uses simple language as effectively as a painter uses a paintbrush – her words transport you from the eerily peaceful and happy alternate world the boy lives in while effectively drawing out a picture of the home and world the boy inhabits with his family. She uses words to explain to the readers the thoughts and emotions that rush through the boy’s mind, in vivid contrast to the helpless anguish and frustration of the family that is tied together by their love for him. What is disturbing – and true – is that it is this very love and resultant uncertainty that govern their lives and threaten to break them apart. The book is a deep dive into the mind of a young boy dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

I keep writing ‘the boy’ because that is what he is through the book – ‘the boy’ – and that, in my opinion, works to create an awareness that the teenager and the family could be anyone, in any part of the world.

The relatives, the villagers, the pastor and other sources that claim they can help the child act as a commentary on the society’s struggles to accept the reality of mental health issues. This would, perhaps, be more pronounced in pockets that continue to remain relatively disconnected from the rest of the woke and allegedly more aware world.

So, does this mean Out of the Woods is without its follies? The very strength of the author works against the book – the words. By the time you reach the halfway mark, you may be hit by the ‘this is repetitive’ thought because it is for several pages. Thankfully, there is a shift from the normal to the parallel reality which shocks the reader out of the lull.

Another aspect that did not work for me is the end – the journey from the intervention, to seeking medical help and the manner in which the doctor explains the situation as also the boy’s return to ‘normalcy’ is not fulfilling from the reader point of view. Personally, tighter editing could have definitely helped the cause of this book.

However, for the sheer gumption required to write an entire novel that depicts the emotional trauma and exhaustion of mental health, Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s Out of the Woods is definitely a book I’d suggest you pick up.

Published 2017 | Self help

Sharing the Swedish concept of ‘death cleaning’, Margareta Magnusson’s ‘Dostadning’ is a handy book to have, if for nothing but tips that can help the decluttering process too.

‘A fond and wise little book’ is what the New York Times called it and I would agree. I stumbled on this book at a time when I had – desperately – turned to the Internet for solutions on ways to convince my mother to declutter. She is a habitual hoarder who has preserved everything – from gift boxes that came our way over 15 years ago to frying pan sets and of course, the usual photographs, baby clothes etc. And considering the fact that I hoard books because “what if there’s an apocalypse and I have all the time in the world”, its best I put a pause on the commentary.

The Internet listed this book in its set of suggestions and I was caught by the musically assertive sounding word – “Dostadning”. As I read the blurb, I was intrigued.

The Crux

Margareta Magnussion’s book isn’t a preachy, morbid book that laments death. Instead, it treats death as a fact of life, which, despite its heartbreaking nature, it is. The author – who is a professional ‘death cleaner’ advocates the idea of taking care of your possessions, to, among others things, ensure what you value goes to an individual or place that appreciates it and your immediate family or loved ones do not have to bear the burden of sorting through your things after you’ve moved on.

Following the initial introductory chapters, the author has divided the chapters on the basis of the things that form a part of life and have to be dealt with later – artefacts and articles, knickknacks and photographs, pets, clothing and more. The author downplays the gravity by interspersing her suggestions with instances from her life, with memories attached to her own death cleaning, personal and professional.

To Read or Not to Read

What stands out for me in this particular read is that the tips that she has given are practical enough such that they need not be relegated to the concept of death cleaning alone. These tips are helpful when you are changing homes, moving to another city/country or downsizing/decluttering as is evident in the photograph above – note the number of stickers peeping out of the book! I recommend this book for those looking for such practical tips and have added it to my mother’s bedside pile of books she should read.

I would, however, also add a ‘trigger’ label to this particular book for those who’ve seen death at close quarters – it may bring back memories that aren’t necessary good, it may remind you of moments of grief that may throw you into despair. That is not the intention of this book in any way but there is no discounting the unpredictability of the human mind and emotions so I’d recommend that for those for who continue to struggle with the concept of death, take your time with this book, if at all.

P.S Available to be borrowed by fellow bibliophiles in Ahmedabad.

2019 | Korean | Romance

I believe there’s a right time to read a book and until the time has arrived, you will either not enjoy reading the book or will set it aside for later. I’ve noticed the same is applicable to movies and series. There have been times I’ve started a series and stopped it after an episode or two because it didn’t appeal to me. Romance is a Bonus Book is one such drama. RIABB was recommended by the friend who introduced me to Korean dramas in 2019. Back then, I’d given up on the series after episode 4/5, for reasons I don’t really remember. But my 2022 viewing of RIABB has been a smooth sailing. Here’s the good and the bad of this series…

The plot of Romance is a Bonus Book

Kang Dan-i (Lee Na-young), a 37-year-old is scrambling to upgrade her life. The former advertising copywriter has separated from her husband who cheated on her and is now an unemployed single mother. Adding to the struggle of finding suitable employment after the long career gap is the fact that her house is being razed. So, to make ends meet, she is working as a housekeeper… at her best friend Cha Eun-ho’s (Lee Jong-suk) home and he doesn’t know it!

Eun-ho, 32, is a successful author, chief editor and one of the founding members of Gyeoroo publishing. He has been in love with Dan-i since he was a teenager but obviously, the latter is clueless. In the present (of the show) Eun-ho is unaware about Dan-i’s struggles. Eventually, Dan-i finds a job at Eun-ho’s publishing house, the latter finds out about her state of affairs and drags her to live with him until she finds her footing.

The story progresses in tandem with Dan-i’s professional and personal growth. She impresses her colleagues with her hard work and creative flair, makes new chingus and love comes knocking. Of course, the journey isn’t smooth as the duo navigate through personal and professional highs and lows but then, what’s a series without some drama, right? 

The Good…

A very generic and mundane description of this series would be that it is a mature friends-to-lovers romance, the story of a divorced woman fighting against the odds and winning. But just as life isn’t as simple, the series isn’t as generic.

Although branded a romantic comedy, Romance is a Bonus Book may not be a series that viewers in their 20s may relate with because honestly, most of the issues that the protagonist faces are the 30s problem – especially the ‘age discrimination’ and the various societal pressures that ‘aging’ women have to face. And when I say ‘age’ here, I mean women in their late 30s and 40s. It’s subtle but evident in the way Dan-i has to fudge her resume to land a menial job, the way she is berated for trying to take a job that ‘belongs’ to someone younger and her thoughts about exploring a romantic relationship with someone younger.

The highlight of this series is Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk’s acting. The former slays as Dan-i, effortlessly showing the character’s inner struggles and determination to survive, her presence of mind and her self-belief. She adds to the existing layers of the character and in doing so, she becomes a heroine viewers will relate to and empathise with – because trust me when I say, we’ve all been there at least once in life.

And please, I simple cannot not mention Lee Jong-suk. The man with the cute face can make your heart flutter and how! Jong-suk’s broad shoulders carry the role of Eun-ho with as much ease as they carry off those amazing long coats and sweaters (a little swoon here please). His admiration, love and support for his noona is evident in every single frame and is like that warm comforter that you want to snuggle into after a hard day. There are several emotional moments and the duo do a brilliant job with these without going overboard.

A key point of attraction here is the setting – Gyeoroo publishing. It makes me want to apply for a job there right away because that’s what a dream job would be, right? Your work is an extension of a genuine love, you get to live in the world of books day in and day out, your bestie works at the office and your love interest does too! And not to forget the colleagues that range from scary and tyrannical to weird and adorable. All the supporting characters – including the potential love interests Ji Seo-joon (Wi Ha-joon) and Song Hae-rin (Jung Yoo-jin) – are well etched, each with backstories that justify their behaviour and add to the storyline.

One of the best moments of the series are in the last episode, when a letter drawing comparison between life-relationships-books is read out. Its poignant, its heartwarming and the reason why the title of the series makes absolute sense.

… and The Bad

If you are the kind that needs drama and speed and a cliffhanging end to every episode then Romance Is A Bonus Book isn’t something you want to want. The series, albeit interesting, is a bit scattered and for non-Koreans, the references to books and authors can be a little confusing since we aren’t aware of them.

There is no shock value in the series, not even the unravelling of the mystery creates conflict. Moreover, with a lot of the information dropped in the first half of the series, the remaining episodes are more to tie up the knots and feel dragged out. I’d say chop off an episode and a half!

Its soothing, but sometimes, soothing can put you to sleep too.

Published 2022 | Fiction, thriller, romance

A romantic thriller, Nightwork by Nora Roberts is a treat for her fans and those who have a soft spot for the good boys who step onto the ‘wrong’ paths for justifiable reasons. 

Fans of Nora Roberts who’ve probably been wondering if her recent novels were ghost-written might just be delighted by this standalone novel. Nightwork is a page-turner. It spans a couple of years and a few countries until the hero exacts revenge and finds his way to living a normal life with his beloved. There is a healthy dose of romance, suspense, thrill, emotions, and the works. But is it the perfect read?

The Crux of Nightwork

Nightwork is the story of Harry, a boy who pulls off a theft to fund his mother’s cancer treatment. Finding he has a flair for the act, he decides thievery would be the best way to ensure his mother gets the best treatment. Working by his own code of honour, he continues to steal even after his mother’s death. Harry chooses to live a rootless life until he bumps into Miranda, a fellow student at the university where he’s enrolled. Love blooms. But his life isn’t meant to be smooth sailing (he is the protagonist with a shady profession, after all!) A blast from the past, also known as Carter LaPorte, a collector and the antagonist in Nightwork, rudely shakes Harry’s equilibrium and fledging relationship with Miranda. Harry is forced to run and goes into hiding, globetrotting and thieving along the way. Until yet another attempt to establish roots is botched by Carter and Harry finds himself at a crossroad with the creepy collector and an elegantly livid Miranda, who has to decide if she is really ‘into’ the reality of her first love.

To Read or Not to Read

Nora Roberts’ novels’ beauty has always been the narrative and endearing, relatable characters. Several of Nora’s previous whodunnits have been the edge-of-the-seat kind where you keep wondering about the identity of the perpetrator while rooting for the protagonists as he/she/they grow from strength to strength until the final showdown. The chemistry between the lead and their love interest makes you root for them, and there’s a lot of exciting flushing and blushing. Even the characters that make up the particular world worm their way into your heart or make it to your hate list.

Nightwork, however, falls short on some parameters. If Nora meant this novel to be a light and quick read that doesn’t require you to tax your brain, then I’d say mission achieved. Her narrative is simple and grasping; she crosses all the Ts and dots the Is through the pages. She ensures Harry experiences the graph of a typical protagonist – his is a journey of realisation, acceptance, adjustment and comeuppance as he loses, loves, plans, and achieves.

But at no point was I able to understand, relate to, justify or fall in love with any of the characters, especially not Harry or Miranda. Why does Harry continue to be a thief after the death of his mother? If he is unable to switch careers because he is already a law-breaker, how does he manage to do what he does at the climax and why did he have to be pushed into a corner by Carter LaPorte to do it? I also felt that Harry was missing the kind of sensitivity that Nora’s characters have traditionally displayed. Where is the need or even the thought of spending at least part of the theft earnings to do something worthwhile? You don’t need to be a Robin Hood, but you could be a good Samaritan!

Moreover, if I am picking up a romantic suspense/ thriller, I need the romance to be the kind that’ll either make me hot and bothered (in the good way) or make my heart flutter. Harry and Miranda fail to do any of that. In fact, the one question that kept bothering me till the last word was, “Why would a seemingly intelligent woman who is well-educated and financially independent, justify the unlawful actions of a thief who isn’t even pretending to be Robin Hood? Why?”

Overall, I’d say pick up Nightwork if you are looking for an easy read that doesn’t require you to put your grey cells to use. Diehard Nora Roberts fans might enjoy it but if you aren’t one, just ask a friend to lend you the copy for a quick weekend read.

Japanese Reality Show | 2012-2020

A Japanese reality show with a global following and a cult-like status, Terrace House’s focus on a select group of youth is endearing, addictive and complicated. 

A reality show following the seemingly mundane lives of a group of six Japanese youth living together in one house, the Terrace House series is at once serene and unsettling. Serene in the way it focuses on the regular lives of these young individuals who juggle their daily routine (including work, chores, and looking for ‘the one’) without being abrasive or rude. In fact, even their arguments and discussions feel tame, especially compared to the Big Boss-esque screaming we’re all used to! Terrace House is unsettling, too, as it gives viewers an insight into the socio-cultural patterns that shape the thoughts of Japanese youth, their perceptions and the idea of the ‘perfect man’ and ‘perfect woman’.

What’s Terrace House about?

Six individuals (and strangers) – three men + three women – are sent to live together in one house and interact with each other with the hope of finding love. Terrace House is like a boarding house or a temporary living quarter; the six continue to go about their daily lives while completing group activities and dating each other. If any individual decides to leave Terrace House for good, whether for personal or professional reasons or because they’re done, they can leave. A replacement walks in soon after to ensure the number stands at six.

The Good & Bad of Terrace House

Let’s start with the house itself. The living accommodations shown across the series are worthy of dedicated Pinterest boards with streamlined and aesthetically appealing interiors.

Whether the show is scripted continues to be a topic of debate across the internet. Irrespective of this, the appeal of this show lies in the fact that it is not as loud, crass or intense as other reality shows like The Bachelor, Big Boss or The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.

Since most of the individuals come from different walks of life, the viewer gets a chance to understand the different kinds of work profiles prevalent and accepted in Japanese culture. There is a daycare centre caretaker, a hair stylist, a hat designer, a model who part-times, a tap dancer, a teacher and someone who does nothing.

Terrace House moves at a turtle pace, which gets it brownie points. There is tension but not of the nailbiting variety; there are cliffhangers but not the kind you’d lose sleep over. It’s delightful and charming as the youngsters discuss the potential of someone they are interested in, share their dreams and sometimes even pitch in to help each other out of tough spots. 

Terrace House includes a group of commentators who watch the series and share their thoughts on the proceedings and the various individuals (some of them should simply be called ‘characters’). These commentators make you feel you are watching the show with friends, not alone.

But the show is not without its issues, the most disturbing being the undertones of patriarchy, the emphasis on physical beauty and the revelation that all was not right in the Terrace House world. And as you watch the series, you’ll realise there is a ‘pattern’ to the process; every shot is a bit too aesthetic and appealing, and the mundaneness seems forced. The male participants’ efforts and discussions around being emphatic about their ‘maleness’, the unacceptance and commentary on the female participants who do not fit the ‘demure’ and ‘good looking’ norms set by the Japanese society are cringeworthy. They will make you question the series unless you are in a Terrace House coma.

The death by suicide of a former participant due to cyberbullying resulting from her non-conforming reaction on the show opened the proverbial can of worms that has led to the series being pulled off for the time being. You can check out these interesting articles, which, even if you aren’t going to watch the show, are great reads – The tragic lie behind the beautiful dream of Terrace House & The Fall of ‘Terrace House’.

Controversies and the scripting debate set aside, Terrace House is a pleasantly relatable and calming watch. Watching the participants interact with each other, explore their interpersonal dynamics, weigh in on each other’s attractions along with theirs and trying to find romance is something that you’d definitely want to watch at the end of a hectic, stressful day. The series offers an insight into a different, experimental genre of reality shows contrived to entertain. But at whose cost is the question.

Is there a future for humanity? A future where we can continue to be the way we are? Walter Tevis’ Mockingbird, a pathbreaking novel in the science fiction genre, explores this thought through a poignant tale of man, woman and machine.

Walter Tevis | Science Fiction | Published 1980

What does it mean to be human? Is it the small things, the small traits like enjoying the sunlight and the feel of water on one’s skin? Or is it the bigger, more serious stuff, like the ability to think about ourselves, our space, our purpose?

These are some questions that Walter Tevis brings up in his work, Mockingbird, along with the realisation that we don’t really know what makes us human.

Set in the far, far future, in a dystopian world where humans live a drugged, soporific life that’s controlled by robots, nothing is natural anymore – not even food – and every human instinct is muted through drugs, Mockingbird is, in a way, a prediction of one of the many possible futures of mankind. Humans are not allowed cohabitation, arts, reading, or any entertainment except programmed television. Education has been replaced by programmed instructions to reduce humanity to vacant bodies. 

Mandatory Politeness indicates that they cannot communicate amongst themselves or have eye contact. Individualism, Inwardness, and Privacy are the rules. In this world, Spofforth is a “Make Nine” robot, the most advanced of the kind – the robot was created by copying the consciousness of a human being and imprinting it onto a metal brain. Spofforth is a unique Make Nine: the flaws of his human “parent” have been erased in his manufacturing. Therefore he is a perfect machine. But, having a human consciousness, he’s near-human in his thought processes – which means he is aware of death; and he craves nothing more than death. He’s been alive, awake 23 hours a day for centuries and he runs pretty much everything in New York.

Amidst this arrives a man (Paul) who says he can read. He’s taught himself how to. Spofforth instructs him to watch silent movies, read the subtitles, and provide transcripts. Paul meets a woman (Mary Lou) who’s rebelling against the senseless destruction of humanity and has stopped taking the ‘compulsory’ drugs. These drugs contain fertility inhibitors which ensure that there will be no more humans in the world after a generation or so. Against the law, Paul and Mary begin to live together, learn to read, write and piece together the history of humanity and what existed before this monochrome dullness that passes for humankind in the present.

The joy they discover in reading, their experience of music, their understanding of emotions, friendship, and kinship give the reader a jolt because one realises that we’re taking these things for granted. How often do we appreciate these beautiful, joyous aspects of being human? Paul is utterly enamoured with the process of reading and steals books wherever he can find them. (It’s illegal to read, no more books are created and the ones that exist have been stored for destruction).

The book dwells deeply on existential questions, free will, and emotions. It roots us in our present – are we slowly, inexorably moving towards such a future due to our obsession with Individualism, and inability to coexist in healthy communities? Will we be in a world without children soon, as having children is getting replaced by other pursuits for more and more people? Are we denying our basic human reactions by labelling them as illnesses, and creating a generation of soporific people who cannot get anxious, cannot get upset, who never feel anything?

What are we doing to create our future? 

Slow, intense and engrossing, this book was published in 1980, and I cannot think of a better time to read this than now.

If2022 | South Korea | Rom Com

A series that’s been trending since its release, and for the right reasons. The Business Proposal is a wholesome entertainer, a rom-com that celebrates all the tropes we crib about but secretly love!

What’s it about?

Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) goes on a blind date in place of her bestie Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah). Their aim is to get Young-seo rejected because she’d prefer to find her own life partner rather than marry someone her father picked out. But things go downhill for Ha-ri when she realizes that the suitor is Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop), the CEO of her company! Stuck helping her friend, Ha-ri continues the charade. But only until Young-seo bumps into Cha Sung-hoon (Kim Min-kyu), Tae-moo’s secretary and best friend.

A disgruntled and cornered Ha-ri claims to be someone she’s not (yes!) to save her job and is then bullied by Tae-moo to be his fake date. While the lead bungle along these lines, trust-fund baby Young-seo moves out of her father’s home to make her own life. Her neighbour is Sung-hoon – her heart flutters, he is reluctant. The two couples sort through various differences like class, monetary status, misunderstandings, family and more to come together (but obviously!).

The Good & Bad

It’s apparent things will work out for both the couples by the last episode. But as with every drama, it’s the journey that matters. And the Business Proposal gets that journey right!

The makers don’t waste time justifying the use of tropes, nor do they waste time dragging out angles (no triangle here) to stretch the series. It’s evident in the first episode that this series will be a fun ride, and the makers do not disappoint, nor do they allow the series to become a weep fest. However, the makers do not rush through the story; it progresses naturally and the individual struggles seem viable and relatable. Business Proposal is focused on the two couples who’ve all got off-the-charts chemistry – as romantic couples and friends! The chemistry and comic timing are the highlights of this ‘tropefest’ and of course, the ‘good looks’ that K-dramas are famous for and one of the main reasons we love them.

Is it a unique K-drama? Not at all. As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, Business Proposal is a romantic comedy that celebrates tropes and has certain portions that’ll make you want to eye-roll. But the eye-roll will be with an indulgent smile because blame the actors; they’re that good at their job.

A must-watch if you love romcoms and need to give your grey cells a break. Strictly avoid it if you are looking for a ‘story’.

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If On A Winter’s Night A Traveller by Italo Calvino, translated by William Weaver was released in 1979; it is written in postmodernist narrative and takes readers through a whole spectrum of sensations as they read the 10 stories woven together in this masterpiece. Highly recommended!

Italo Calvino | Italian publication 1979 | English transl. 1981 | Postmodernist novel

Not all books are meant to be light and quick reads, even if they are fictional in nature. There have been quite a few I’ve started to read and, with a strong feeling of guilt, given up as a bad job. My bad, obviously. 

If On A Winter’s Night A Traveller, too, is not an easy read. It contains passages that need a peaceful atmosphere, an alert mind or whatever else it is that makes for an ideal atmosphere for the Reader. It draws the Reader into a whole new world.

Did I say the Reader? 

The Reader (which is you) plays the central character in this literary masterpiece by Italo Calvino. You are ably supported by the Other Reader (Ludmilla, whom you obviously have a big crush on), an author suffering from writer’s block of some kind (Silas Flannery) and a shady translator (Ermes Marana) who seems to be the root of all the trouble. The book’s central premise is that you, the Reader, start reading a book that starts out well but is incomplete; you take it back to the bookstore you bought it from and are given a ‘complete’ copy in exchange. However, you discover that the new book is an entirely different story! You go back to exchange the new book for a version of the original book. Again. And again. 

This saga continues through If On A Winter’s Night A Traveller – each book you begin reading tantalizes you with the story it is weaving before abruptly ending or getting interrupted and leaving you wanting to read more. The purported reasons for this mix up are many – ranging from a simple mixup during printing, a bungled translation of the original, a different story under the same name, a change of scene or atmosphere etc. Each book you procure through this journey has a different title and seems to be written by a different author spanning across countries – either as an original, a translation of the original but with no link to the original, or should I say, the first book. 

Confusing, isn’t it? What is the point of writing such a book, you’d ask.

Calvino lends his brilliance to a total of 10 such books within the book. To my mind, a single author weaving 10 different stories (or at least their starts) under a different genre, is in itself a significant achievement. Without spoiling this fantastic book, let me just say that there is something in all these books that comes together delightfully in the end.

Each book is interspersed with a chapter that takes the base story ahead. Calvino sets you up for reading his new novel with minute instructions: preparing yourself for a long and comfortable read that includes your position, the lighting, refreshments you may want, etc. He also ingeniously describes the various kinds of books you may come across in a bookshop before you pick up his latest novel. Only post ensuring that the Reader is in place and comfortable does he commence with the actual story – a smorgasbord of events in which the Reader plays the central role as the plot gets fantastic and intriguing as you hurtle from one situation to another. All in pursuit of what you started out with – to read one complete and correct copy of Calvino’s new novel.

Through the words and thoughts of the Reader, the Other Reader and the Author, Calvino delivers a series of delicious blows that will blow the minds off (once again) any self-respecting book lover. I admit that I had never thought of these angles, and I had to re-read many a passage to ensure I had read correctly and understood the essence as Calvino intended. I remain unsure. 

Calvino, time and again, explores the peculiar mindset of a reader versus that of a writer and how they are parallel tracks that will always run together but can never merge. So all of us who are readers and also write occasionally may do well to examine our thoughts when we are doing either of these things that we so love and think one stems from the other. Another passing thought that comes to my mind is that If On A Winter’s Night A Traveller is the kind of book that one can read early in life and then again at middle age or even later and it’ll always feel like you are reading a completely different book. 

Yes, this is a challenging read and many a reader may succumb to the ‘convoluted’ plot and storyline and escape to relatively easier, quicker reads. After all, we are already well into the age of instant noodles, and instant gratification is a reality. However, this has been one of my most satisfying reads and has given me a sense of wonder about Calvino’s construction and content in this book – a classic in the truest sense. 

I cannot end this long review without mentioning William Weaver, the man responsible for translating the book from Italian to English and retaining the magic of the original. A mean feat indeed!

Bestselling author Fredrik Backman’s Beartown – translated by Neil Smith – set in a small community explores the secrets that tie it and courage that can fracture even the strongest bonds. At once profound, dazzling and hard-hitting, Beartown is a must read.

Fredrik Bachman | 2016 | Fiction

Bang bang bang bang.
That’s how this book will seem if you’ve read A Man Called Ove or Anxious People by Fredrik Backman.

Bang bang bang bang.
There is nothing sweet, warm, or comforting about this book.

Bang bang bang bang.
Misogyny. Racism. Toxic masculinity. Bullying. Victim shaming. Those are just some of the things Backman brings to you in this one.

The story is set in a fictional town called Beartown. The author brings the deadly winter landscape of rural Sweden to life through the town’s imagery and, most importantly, through Ice Hockey. Ice Hockey is the stage upon which this entire story plays out.

Arrayed with a complex cast of characters and with cutting insight and dialogue, this book will make you squirm. Some of the locker room conversations and some of the attitudes displayed in the stands during a game – it should and will feel uncomfortable. You’ve been guilty of it yourself, man or woman. Don’t even try to say no.

Here are some samples:

“…needs to put the handbag down.”

“Does your wife make all the decisions at home!”(this is yelled as an insult)

The wife of the general manager is mistaken to be a waitress at a diner (because women are never traditionally present in these meets). When she objects, she is derisively told she “Can’t take things too seriously, eh?”

Above all this, this is a book about the heartbreaking reality of parenting. Can we ever protect our children? Can we ever make the right decisions for our children? Do our kids become good people because of us? Do we really have that power? A line in the book sums it up “If she does everything right at work, things usually go as planned, but it doesn’t matter if she does absolutely everything in the universe correctly as a mother: the very worst can still happen”. Bang bang bang bang.

This book, in a nutshell, shows you everything that is wrong with the world and perhaps with your own self. But it also gives you everything that is right with the same world because what is our world, if not a set of contradictions and dichotomies? This book gives you Amat, Fatima, and Benjamin. It gives you the quiet strength of Peter. The “wolf mother” Kira.

This book gives you the world.

Be ready to be shocked.

Be ready to cry and smile through those tears.

Be ready.

Guild Hunter Series | Author Nalini Singh | Published 2021 | Genre: Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Thriller, M/M Romance

“It’s not weird. It’s us.” It was that simple. This was their story and they’d be the ones to write it, the ones to decide which turns to take.

The first M/M romance in Nalini Singh‘s immensely popular Guild Hunter series has been the most anticipated instalment. Why? Because (finally!) it’s time to read Bluebell aka Illium and his Sparkle, also known as Aodhan’s, stories. When I first saw the cover of this particular book, I did a booty wriggle in delight. As a series fan, I’ve been Camp Illium right from the beginning, drawn by his propensity towards humans, his loyalty to his sire-mother-friends, and his charisma. And his wings. Aodhan has grown on me despite making his presence felt only in the later novels. His physical description reminds one of a luminous diamond. He is beautiful and filled with valour, the kind that ensured the cruel acts that left him brutalized and traumatized. 

To be honest, I did not like the book after my first read. And the blame lies solely on my preconceived notions and expectations – a cardinal sin because a reader knows that each book, even if it is part of a series, must be approached with an open mind. After revisiting the entire series, I went in for a second read and was awed by Nalini Singh’s storytelling techniques.

The author has dropped nuggets about Illium and Aodhan’s friendship from the first book, but most of it has been from Illium’s point of view – his need to cherish, pamper and above all, protect his childhood friend. And it is this care that Aodhan – who is finally unfurling his wings to step out from the darkness of his past – lashes out at, in the process breaking Illium’s heart. Perhaps for the first time in centuries of a friendship that started when tiny Illium toddled up to Sparkle and extended a chubby hand of friendship, these friends are at odds with each other. And it is this very reason that inspires Raphael, the Archangel of New York, to send Illium to aid Aodhan as the latter helps Suyin, the new Archangel of China, recover the territory from the dark blot left by Lijuan. 

While the duo’s friendship is legendary – among angelkind that make Nalini’s alternate world and readers glued to the series since book one – the discord between the two that first came to light in Archangel’s Legion has rankled. But the author manages to soothe our nerves and fill our hearts with her expert writing. 

Archangel’s Light picks up from Raphael’s decision. It takes the readers through the beginning of Illium and Aodhan, their childhood, friendship, mischiefs, first love, differences, and tragedies. The author achieves this by alternating incidents from the past with interactions in the present, thus enlightening us about: 

• Illium’s fascination with humanity, the reasons behind the at-times cloying protectiveness and the tender, damaged heart beneath the charismatic appearance.
• Aodhan’s aversion to physical touch and his need for solitude, the nuances that make him the most revered artist after Hummingbird (her story in Archangel’s Sun is a delight) and his struggle to step out and grow stronger from his trauma.

One of this series’s more emotional and heartwarming novels, Archangel’s Light is a slow burn (often torturous and a tearjerker) romance without any of the sizzling physical aspects. Nalini Singh whets our appetite for some scorching M/M intimacies in the last chapter, where the duo meet after months apart, but this is yet another cliffhanger ending. Because if this was the only book dedicated to this beautiful couple, then I might just forsake this series. I’m hoping for another book or enough pages devoted to this fledgling ship that’s been centuries in the making… Nalini Singh, can you hear me?

Guild Hunter Series | Author Nalini Singh | Published 2020 | Genre: Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Thriller, Romance

Reclaim & Shine.
If asked for two words to describe the 13th novel in one of the best urban fantasy series I’ve read, these are the words I’d use.

Archangel’s Sun picks up after the previous novel Archangel’s War (click here to read the review in IG highlights) that saw the Cadre, ancient angels and vampires join forces to battle the evil Lijuan, Archangel of China (world politics alert!) It’s the story of Hummingbird, aka Sharine, one of the most revered angels of Nalini’s Guild Hunter world and Archangel Titus, the Archangel of Africa.

At once gentle and riveting, this particular novel is one that not only brims with life and hope, it presents a female protagonist unlike one seen before. But let’s start from the beginning.

With the world struggling to recover from the debilitating effects of the war of archangels, Titus is in deep water as he works to control the undead left behind by the Archangel of Death and Archangel of Disease. With some Cadre members recuperating and others stretched in their own territories, Raphael (Archangel of New York) requests the much-revered Hummingbird to aid Titus. Hummingbird who? Only the most famous artists known to angelkind, an ancient (read born a millennia ago) and mother to the charming Illium of Raphael’s Seven.

Up until Archangel’s Prophecy (Book 11) (click here to read the review in IG highlights), the author had etched Hummingbird as an angel to be esteemed, honoured and protected. An artist with unparalleled talent with a mind fractured under the acts of cruelty by individuals, some conscious, some unconscious. In Archangel’s War, the Hummingbird was shown to begin a journey of reclaiming her identity and healing her mind with help from Raphael, Elena, Aodhan, Illium and her old friend, Caline. And in Archangel’s Sun, she overcomes the legacy of death she’s been burdened with to become Sharine.

And Archangel Titus seems to be the perfect partner-in-crime – he is honourable, brave, just, admires strength and courage, has no patience for political subtlety, is quick to laugh and anger.

Nalini Singh adopts a more robust, direct and at times cheeky tone for this book, interspersing the horrors of the present with Sharine’s past, throwing light on why the entire angel kind has been protective of the latter. As much a story of mental health as a romance, it’s intriguing that the author uses Titus to represent the world and its relation with Hummingbird, aka Sharine. Angelkind protects her, humours her and at times damages her by handling her as broken and lost. Only to be stunned when Sharine heals, grows and shines the way she was.

This book has won my heart not only for the endearing banter, mature love and devastating horrors but also because Sharine is unlike any other female protagonist seen before. She is ancient (nearly 1000 years old), is mother to a grownup angel (Illium) and is way older than her beau. I love how Nalini’s alternative universe has no regard for age.

A must-read in this particular series but best picked up after you’ve read the previous books because trust me when I say this, you’ll miss the context and not enjoy the book. Check out the list below along with links to the individual reviews posted on the blog and Instagram highlights. The review of Archangel’s Light, Book 13 of the series, a poignant M/M romance, is already on the post – click here to read it.

• Angels’ Blood (Guild Hunter #1)
• Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunter #2)
• Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter #3)
• Archangel’s Blade (Guild Hunter #4)
• Archangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter #5)
• Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter #6)
• Archangel’s Shadows (Guild Hunter #7)
• Archangel’s Enigma (Guild Hunter #8)
• Archangel’s Heart (Guild Hunter #9)
• Archangel’s Viper (Guild Hunter #10)
• Archangel’s Propechy (Guild Hunter #11)
• Archangel’s War (Guild Hunter #12)

Guild Hunter Series #4 | Author Nalini Singh | 2011 | Paranormal Fantasy, Urban, Thriller, Romance

Note: Trigger warning for sexual abuse, violence

A 1000-year-old ruthless, broody vampire meets brutalized vampire hunter with an ‘old soul’. And quite obviously, the two fall in love because that IS, after all, the purpose of this novel. But not without some Bollywood-ish drama that includes murders, thrilling mystery, revenge, redemption, long-lost true love and hints of reincarnation.

Archangel’s Blade is the story of Dmitri, Archangel Raphael’s second, known among all kinds (read archangels, angels, vampires and mortals) as one of the most dangerous vampires alive, AND he is the very definition of the bond that ties the Seven to Rafa. That he is someone Raphael considers a friend is a testimony to his strong core. But the foundation of this dark vampire lies in bloodshed that’s forged Dmitri into a persona who prefers sensual pain and loves none.

Until Guild Hunter Honor.

Victim of a brutal kidnapping and sexual assault, Honor is haunted by the recent events, her upbringing and a sense of unexplained loss that she has lived with for as long as she can remember. Revolted by the thought of touch yet intrigued by Dmitri, claiming her own self back while finding answers to memories that seem to be her own but aren’t ones she has lived… the novel sees the duo embark on a journey that was tragically cut short a long time ago.

Archangel’s Blade establishes the author’s penchant for bringing together two damaged individuals who find strength in each other, in this case, Dmitri and Honor. This novel is an entertaining read due to the character transformation and revelation, especially Dmitri’s. Their chemistry is superb, so kudos to Nalini Singh for that.

As much as I love the sexy vamp’s story, I cannot connect with Honor’s story – I admire and appreciate her resurgence, but I simply could not love her the way I do Elena. Is that on the author, or did I go looking for something extra? That’s a question for another day. Also, don’t look for the ‘story’ with a critical eye. This is more of an emotional read rather than solve-a-mystery. In fact, the latter at times feels forced. But all in all, as I mentioned before, a good masala romance! 

Note: Sometimes, it helps to read the reviews of previous books in the series, even though a particular novel can be read as a standalone, as is the case with Archangel’s Blade. To read reviews of the books released before and after this particular novel of the exciting series, click on the titles below

• Angels’ Blood (Guild Hunter #1)
• Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunter #2)
• Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter #3)
• Archangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter #5)
• Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter #6)
• Archangel’s Shadows ((Guild Hunter #7)

Guild Hunter Series #1 | Author Nalini Singh | 2009 | Paranormal Fantasy, Urban, Thriller, Romance

A smashing opening to a vividly written urban, paranormal fantasy series, one of my favourites in recent times. And I don’t say this lightly – I’ve read Angels’ Blood not less than four times, and I’d go back for a fifth read.

Set in the world of archangels, angels, vampires, mortals and one-of-a-kind creatures, Angels’ Blood, the first of Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series, kickstarts the story of Elena Deveraux and Raphael, the Archangel of New York. The author creates a world where the Cadre of Seven Archangels rule with ironclad (and often ruthlessly bloody) fists over angels, vampires and mortals. Archangels are the strongest predators, angels soar through the skies going about their ‘business’, vampires are Made through strict selection. They have to serve a 100-year-contract under stronger angels, and mortals reside alongside, well aware that while they thrive, they can be annihilated in an instance. Think of it as a melting pot of people from different ethnicities living together – only, in Nalini’s world, these are other species (for lack of a better word!)

The Protagonists

Our heroine Elena Deveraux is a mortal with a difference – she is a Guild Hunter, a gifted and highly-trained vampire hunter. And it’s her unique ability that gets her hired by Raphael on behalf of the Cadre. Her task is to hunt for an archangel on a rampage which basically means she’s signed a death warrant – whilst in pursuit of an abomination or if she succumbs to the chemistry with the near-immortal Raphael. 

Nalini has a striking way of drawing images with words, and she uses them to draw the reader vibrant characters and a thrillingly jagged world such that you find yourself invested in it. She uses these very words to build the fine lean lines of Elena, a badass heroine who is fiercely independent, courageous, filled with honour and manages to snag the attention of the extremely hot and inhumanely scary Raphael.

Raphael’s character is easily one of the most multi-dimensional characters written in a paranormal series I’ve read. However, this fact unravels through the course of the series. So don’t hold that against me after you’ve read only Angels’ Blood. Raphael is thousands of years old, jaded by age, isolated by power, determined to rule wisely, distant from his closest aides. He is also ethereally hot with a ruthless edge from being the strongest predator in the jungle.

The juxtaposition of the inherent natures of the two protagonists feels natural rather than forced. Elena and Raphael’s interaction is between the young and old – he is thousands of years old, and she is 28 – between dominance and independence, between someone who sees time as eternal and another who knows that time flashes by. The duo’s conflicts as Raphael’s attempts to exert control are rebutted by Elena’s determination not to ‘bow down to anyone’ forms the base of this unbalanced relationship – the verbal foreplay is the kind you’d want in a love story, witty, full of puns, laying the foundation. Because that is precisely what Angels’ Blood does while leaving you on a cliffhanging end!

The Others

Albeit focussed mainly on the two main characters, the author does a quick but thorough job of laying the groundwork for Elena and Raphael’s immediate circle. You are introduced to Raphael’s Seven (each character a treat!), Elena’s fearless group of Guild Hunter friends, and there’s a hint of past shadows that have shaped our couple.

I judge a reread, especially a series, based on the author’s groundwork for the upcoming novels right, and Nalini Singh does a thorough job in Angels’ Blood. Only when I went back to the first novel after reading through a majority of them did I notice the subtle clues woven into the narrative from the first sentence. This is not to say that the book isn’t without faults and loopholes that make you question the writer’s purpose but in most cases, the answers are revealed in the following novels. So happy reading!

Want to check out the reviews of the other books in this series to decide whether you want to add them to your To-Be-Read list? Just click on the titles.

• Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunter #2)
• Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter #3)
• Archangel’s Blade (Guild Hunter #4)
• Archangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter #5)
• Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter #6)
• Archangel’s Shadows (Guild Hunter #7)

Ocean Vuong | 2019 | Semi-autobiographical, literary fiction

Once in a while, a book comes along that reminds you why you read. A book that makes the world realise why books must be written, why authors must be celebrated and what beauty the written word holds.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is not a book. It’s a celebration of language, of the art of writing, and of those million little stories that come alive when you write about them.

Written in the form of a letter, the central character (named Little Dog, a literal translation of his Vietnamese name) converses with Rose, his mother. This conversation meanders like a river gushing through an abyss, touching the bends of childhood, his physical abuse, his parents’ failed marriage and Little Dog’s journey towards acceptance of his own homosexuality. He also traverses into the history of his grandmother Lan, Vietnam during the war and how this war shaped Lan’s experience of migration and love.

Above all, this book is a poem. It’s a sad story but written with such beauty that the feelings will catch in your throat. You’ll be at the end of a page, and you’ll see your tears dropping soundlessly.

The importance of syntax plays a vital role in this novel. It is reflected in Little Dog’s relationship with the English language, the constant thought that he would be given a better world if he knew English. His relationship with language shows how language shapes the world of an individual. Communication, after all, is how we experience the world. The word is everything, isn’t it? What is our fragile life without the language to convey it?

Finishing with a set of lines that knocked the wind out of my lungs: I am thinking of beauty again, how some things are hunted because we have deemed them beautiful. If, relative to the history of our planet, an individual life is so short, a blink of an eye, as they say, then to be gorgeous, even from the day you’re born to the day you die, is to be gorgeous only briefly.