ALL OUR YESTERDAYS BY CRISTIN TERRILL : SCI-FI - THEME OF THE MONTH

 GENRE: Sci-fi, Young Adult, Dystopia

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All Our Yesterdays, is a sci-fi novel mainly based on the concept of time travel. To say that the concept was stunningly executed, is an understatement. It was not just the concept, but the plot, the characters and the writing also, equally contributed to the book's success in being the best sci-fi book.
To begin with, let me talk about the plot. Without revealing much, this book revolves around Em, who is currently held captive by Doctor who is ruining this world one by one. When one day, Em finds a note saying she has to complete a final instruction in the note, she finds herself fighting against the Doctor, and killing her one and only love. I am not a big fan of romance, and I never even look towards sci-fi novels, and when I find a book with romance AND sc-fi together, I knew I shouldn't pick it up. But I did. And, boy was I surprised! I literally breathed the book, taking everything like wind. Writing a proper review is still very difficult for me, because I'm still inside that book, and I refuse to come out of this.
The characters of this book were mind-blowing. The protagonist Em living in the future, is everything from badass to caring. She is definitely my favorite literary hero. On the other hand, Em's past self, Marina, is a very different, though not opposite of Em. Like every other girl, who cares about her looks, and wants to fall in love with the perfect guy, Marina is everything Em is not. But, what is strikingly similar about them is their caring nature, their love, and their strong personality. The male leads, James and Finn, love interests of Marina and Em, respectively, are pure awesomeness. And what is strangely beautiful, is the love triangle which seems to grow out their their relationships.

“I've been scared of so much stupid crap in my life. Making a bad grade or not fitting in. God, I was scared of you. And it was all such a waste. None of it matters now that the real scary shit is here.”

Lastly, what stood out for me is the writing. No matter how great a plot is, and how striking the characters, what binds a story together is its writing. I often find myself bored when the writing is not good. and if the writing is good, I'll love it no matter what the story is like. In this case, the writing was so good, that it was a cherry on the top, for such a powerful story and such amazing characters. Cristin Terrill writes beautifully, yet powerfully. It makes a lasting impact, and even when the story ends, you'll find yourself wanting for more.

“The truth is, the world is a f*cked up place sometimes.”

 What are your Sci-Fi reads this month, tell us about it with the hashtag #ficfortressreads on any social media.

Book Review: Private India

Title: Private India
Authors: James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi
Publisher: Century (Random House)
Publication Date: August 28, 2014
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller

SYNOPSIS

In Mumbai, seemingly unconnected people are dying, strangled in a chilling ritual and with strange objects carefully arranged with the corpses.

For Santosh Wagh, head of Private India, the Mumbai branch of the world's finest investigation agency, it's a race against time to stop the killer striking again.

In a city of over thirteen million, he'd have his work cut out at the best of times, but this case has him battling Mumbai's biggest gang lord and a godman who isn't all he seems.

And then he discovers there may be an even greater danger facing Private India. Hidden in the shadows is someone who could destroy the whole organisation - along with thousands of innocent Mumbai citizens...



PLOT

A sociopath has went on a killing spree across the city of Mumbai. His/Her targets are – hold your breath – only women. Scratch that: high-profile renowned women. Plus, he/she leaves behind clues and props at the crime scene. Cue music and enters Mumbai’s finest private investigation agency: Private India. And with that its team of fine detectives investigators. The rest of the book is a cat-and-mouse chase between the killer and Private India as they try to solve the murders, possible terrorism and obviously- catch the killer. Duh!

REVIEW

You know how sometimes you have exceptionally high hopes about a book but ultimately it turns out to be pure rats? Private India was just that. Don’t take offence: the book was quite enjoyable. Entertaining too, if I may add. But the rest- I'm glad I survived it. Here’s a quickie (sans spoilers) why-

• The first cliché: the head/boss of the Private India – Santosh Wagh – is an alcoholic who comes with a crazy past. He’s arrogant and a slightly toned-down version of Mr.Know-It-All. Alright.

• The second cliché: Pretty much all the characters come with some wild past. By that I mean, something happened (read: accident, murder, rape etc) to someone closer to them. Oh, and all of them have had recurring dreams about it.

• The third cliché: Illicit affairs. There always has to be atleast one crazy hush-hush affair. And steamy romances. And scandals. *facepalm*

Frankly, the thing I found most disturbing was how India was depicted. To an extent I found it demeaning and completely disrespectful. The rituals, the culture, the people – everything.

It was a too corrupt version of the reality. Too much corruption, too much politics, too many motives. Everything was a notch higher than it should be.



Also like I mentioned earlier: the killer is a sociopath. He/She dresses up the corpse with props after murdering them. Or rather strangling them. Always with a yellow scarf. Apparently, the whole thing does stand for something. So obviously, Santosh Wagh and his team is hell-bent on solving it and unmasking the killer.

There’s a lot of guessing game going on in the book. Lots of mystery, suspense and puzzle (not literally, ofcourse!). So that’s a good thing.

But all in all, the book is a quick-read. Easy words, short-crisp chapters. I'd say the book is slightly okay-ish than disappointing!

Have you read Private India?