Book Review : Baramulla Bomber

Book Title : Baramulla Bomber

Author : Clark Prasad
Published August 2013 by Niyogi Books, India
Reviewed for : The Tales Pensive

We all love challenges in life (at least we say so), but exactly how many have the strength to take a blow on its face, to take hard decisions, to seek the truth. Multiple stories, weaved beautifully on the canvas converging towards the one end which you wouldn't guess until you finish is something I loved about the book.

The Premise : "AN ANCIENT WEAPON FROM THE VEDAS & BIBLE ONCE HUNTED BY THE NAZIS POWERED BY THE SOUND OF UNIVERSE REBORN WITH HELP OF QUANTUM PHYSICS GOING TO BE UNLEASHED ON TO THE WORLD AND KASHMIR HOLDS ITS SECRET Multiple intelligence agencies are tracking Mansur Haider, a god-fearing aspiring cricketer from Kashmir. His girlfriend, Aahana Yajurvedi, is trying to locate her missing mountaineering team, who vanished after a mysterious earthquake strikes Shaksgam Valley. Investigating Mansur and the Shaksgam Valley incident is Swedish intelligence officer, Adolf Silfverskiold, whose only relationship to god consists of escorting his girlfriend to Church. A dual China-Pakistan battlefront scenario facing the Indian Home Minister, Agastya Rathore, whose ancestors carry a prehistoric secret linked to the stars. He is faced with the challenge of finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir crisis. Which Biblical Weapon was Tested in Shaksgam Valley? Why is Mansur Haider Important? Is There a Solution to the Kashmir Crisis? Can Destiny be Controlled? Does a Cosmic Religion Exist?"

My Review: Baramulla Bomber is the sci-fi thriller revolving around the Kashmir crisis while running around multiple dimensions of quantum physics, Vedas, Hindu religion, cricket, films, politics  and so much. One might relate a bit to Da vinci code, but I must say India has found its own Dan Brown in Clark Prasad. The illustrations are good and it does seem that the author has put in a lot of meticulous effort in designing the details through the diagrams and maps. The characters are serious and well crafted. The story moves at a fast pace, though it does take a few 50 pages to get a grip of it. The first chapters seem very complex and heavy as the writer tries to give too many details while still concealing the plot, but eventually you start enjoying the story as it races to its climax.

I must say there that I am more of a romance person and do not enjoy reading thrillers. However, I did like Baramulla Bomber. I would have loved to talk about a few characters including the lead Mansur, cricketer and the vulnerable politician Agastya, but the disclaimer of the author. He requested the reviewers to refrain from revealing any details of the plot or characters in the review. There are a few dabangg dialogues too which charge you every now and then.

This is the first part of the Swastik trilogy. I look forward to reading the Part 2 and part 3. I am glad that I was provided the reviewers copy, otherwise being a romance addict I would never have known that Indian writers are presenting such great work too.

A few negatives - I feel there was too much to absorb in the first few pages, which could be a turn off for new readers, though the story went very smoothly once we get a hang of the charecters.  Also, the cover page shows two fiery eyes of a terrorist, could have been a bit positive.
All in all, nice book. Keep writing and good luck.
 
My rating  - 4/5 stars

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.