"A Novel
Meet Raj Kumar Reddy and his brother in life, Iqbal Ali Mohammad Khan. They are Gandhians. Peace-lovers. Truth-seekers. At least in intention if not yet in action.
Means what? As Iqbal puts it, “How can we say we are pursuing truth if we do nothing but drink tea and go to office and eat dinner and love our families? If we say pursuit, then we must pursue.”
And so, when the price of onion increases by hundreds of percents, they set about pursuing the truth. After all, an onion problem is never a small problem in India. Governments have fallen because of onion problem. Murders have been committed because of onion problem. And these are just the facts. The rumors are much, much worse.
They say that the 1947 partition between India and Pakistan was thirty-five percent due to onion problem. Current border disputes with China are minimum eighty percent related to onion problem. After all, China is the number one producer of onion and India is number two. Onion requires land for cultivation, and therefore any land dispute is almost definitely related to the desire to move ahead in the onion rankings!
Shamelessly trivializing everything from Indo-Pak relations and terrorism to food-shortage and foreign-policy, The Gandhian Adventures of Raj & Iqbal is a quirky, desi satire about friendship and patriotism in the Indian subcontinent.
ZUBIN J. SHROFF writes unique, entertaining, eclectic novels, many of which contain elements of satire, drama, and surrealism."
Voicemates: A Novel
"Tulip Hill is an obedient and intelligent daughter to her disciplinarian parents. She has been a topper throughout her school, because her parents wanted her to be. Now, they want her to enroll in one of the best colleges. But Tulip harbors the desire to become a singer, for music is her only passion that helps her see through life’s miseries.
Then there is Sam - witty, easy-going and flirty. Both Tulip and Sam share their love for music. Yet, both dream of a different life.
What are those dreams? What happens when they meet and enter the biggest duet competition together? Will their love blossom during this emotional roller-coaster?
Join the VoiceMates in their musical journey to know more!
Anamika Mishra is an Indian author and blogger. Her debut novel Too Hard to Handle was an instant hit. She is also a motivational speaker and has given guest lectures in reputed organizations and institutions. She has a degree in BCA followed by MJMC from Amity University.
You can follow Anamika on (www.anamikamishra.com), (www.facebook.com/anamikamishra.page), Twitter (@anamikawrites) or Email her at mail@anamikamishra.com"
Urmila
"Recapturing the mythical journey of love and longing in contemporary India
Inspired by the story of Lakshman’s wife from Ramayana, Urmila traces a tale of rejection and a woman’s passionate search for love, rekindling questions of devotion and desire.
The talented and passionate Urmila Karmarkar has recently married into a wealthy, politically connected family in suburban Mumbai. When Urmila’s brother-in-law is compelled to move to Dubai, her husband leaves her behind and chooses to follow him instead. Fuelled by this rejection, Urmila seeks solace in her art as she battles to keep her dreams of love and motherhood alive, waiting for her husband to return.
Pervin Saket was shortlisted for the Random House India Writers’ Bloc award in 2013. Her fiction has appeared in Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction inspired by the Ramayana, The Asian Writer Collection, Earthen Lamp Journal and other works. Her collection of poetry, A Tinge of Turmeric, was published in 2008."
Thicker than Blood
"A Novel
The poignant tale of a husband and wife who fight adversities to keep their marriage going.
Young and beautiful Mayuri, wife of affluent businessman Vimal, is crushed as she fails to conceive even with medication. Deeply in love with his wife, Vimal gives in to her plea to seek help through reproductive technology. The treatments tax the couple physically and emotionally, straining their relations.
While Vimal grapples with his business challenges, Mayuri plods along, restless, depressed, painfully aware of her growing age and convinced she cannot be content unless she has a child. In her desperation, she turns to religion and even hurtles to the edge of infidelity.
What makes a couple’s life complete?
Are children the indispensable glue binding a family?
And does motherhood and fatherhood have to be biological?
Munmun Ghosh holds a master’s degree in English literature from Mumbai University. She worked as a full-time journalist for a range of publications – Stardust, The Economic Times, The Daily and indya.com – for over a decade before segueing to creative writing."
Two Quality Ladies
"Set in the enchanting isles of Lakshadweep, Two Quality Ladies is an unexpected tale of romance between three exceptional people. Offering a generous slice of life, it explores the physical and emotional turmoil of relationships between man and woman, and woman and woman.
Musheer, a successful businessman seems to have it all – riches, success and a beautiful wife, Omera. On the outside, his life is paradise. In reality, he and Omera are gradually drifting apart. Her rejection drives him headlong into the arms of beautiful young Kinja. But Kinja has her own secrets. Who is her mysterious benefactor, who communicates to her only through letters? And what does Omera know about this matter?
As the trio explore the boundaries of their relationship, Two Quality Ladies reminds us that love is limitless and cannot be constrained by established norms.
Amrita Priya enjoys observing and writing about people. She began her career 16 years ago a features writer for The Hindustan Times, The Pioneer and Prabhat Khabar. She is the author of the bestsellers Romance on Facebook and 100 Ways to Cook Potatoes, Cereals and Pulses. Amrita can be reached at facebook.com/Amrita.Priya.Writer and amritapriya.com."
Ranga Half-Pants
"How horribly wrong can a boy’s dream of owning a pair of full pants go? Set in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, Ranga Half-Pants is a breathtaking, coming-of-age tale of courage, love, and friendship.
Ranganathan aka Ranga, 14, goes to school after Dasara holidays to discover that he is the only boy in his class still wearing half-pants. All the other boys have moved on to full trousers making Ranga the butt of cruel jokes and bullying. Things reach a real low when his arch-nemesis, Joel, becomes friends with Ranga’s best friend, Kaivalya.
Prasad, 24, is a man forced to live by the sword. Now he wants to give it all up for the love of his life, Tabassum. His rivals, however, have other plans for him.
The worlds of Ranga and Prasad clash on a fateful, violent night. Will Ranga get his full pants? Will Prasad outwit his foes?
Suman Kumar – a former IT employee – is a stay-at-home dad, movie writer and a stand-up comic. He lives in Bangalore with his gorgeous wife and beautiful six-year-old daughter (who threatened to throw him out of the house if he didn’t include them in his bio). His other interests include bird-watching (feathered ones), movies and books."
Siddhartha
"Siddhartha, a young man, leaves his family for a contemplative life but soon becomes restless and discards it for pleasures of the flesh. He is quickly bored and sickened by the unending lust and greed, moves on again. Near despair, he comes to a river where he hears a unique sound. This sound signals the true beginning of his life – the beginning of suffering, rejection, peace and, finally, wisdom
Hermann Hesse’s beautiful rendition of the journey of a young man during the times of the great Gautam Buddha is not just an evocative piece of art but also a work of mystery offered to the reader to solve for himself.
Hermann Karl Hesse was a German-born Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. His best-known works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha and The Glass Bead Game, each of which explores an individual’s search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946."
Classic Vampire Tales
"Featuring the Immortal Stories of Bram Stoker, Sheridan Le Fanu MR James, John William Polidori, Ernst Raupach and others
Always thrilling and at times deeply moving, Classic Vampire Tales presents 10 stories from true masters of the genre.
Dracula’s Guest
Wake Not the Dead
The Vampyre
Carmilla
An Episode of Cathedral History
Good Lady Ducayne
The Room in the Tower
For the Blood is the Life
The True Story of a Vampire
Clarimonde"
Double or Quits
"Racy, realistic and fast paced, Double or Quits traces Jyotsna Singh’s story against the backdrop of the treacherous stock markets.
Losing her father at the age of 12 and brought up under frugal circumstances, Jyotsna grows up too soon. Nervy and edgy by nature, she morphs into a confident and charming young woman with a successful career in Investment Banking.
Enter Aryan Sahani, rising corporate star and billionaire who wraps Jyotsna in his charms, but has plans of his own. Driven by her loyalty to the firm, a desire to break out of her lower middle class moorings and misplaced love, Jyotsna overreaches. She is soon faced with the dark side of the stock markets – a world where ambition, greed and fear rule and reputations are lost a lot faster than they are built.
Will Jyotsna be able to resurrect her life? Will she find the true love she has been craving? Double or Quits is a tale of love, betrayal and courage. It is a tale about falling down, but not staying down.
Shilpa Gupta is a graduate of IIT Roorkee and IIM Ahmedabad. After 13 successful years in Investment Banking, she now pursues her passion for writing, painting and travelling. Double or Quits is Shilpa’s second novel."
The Epic Mahabharata - Book 1 - The Children of Midnight
"The seeds of war have been planted and the world is on the brink of the greatest of all battles.
First in Ashok Banker’s The Epic Mahabharata series, The Children of Midnight explores the home of the illustrious Kuru dynasty, which has just welcomed two new sons – Dritarashtra and Pandu. Cursed with unfortunate afflictions from the moment they are born, the two nevertheless grow up to be skillful young princes. As the wicked Jarasandha plots to seize their empire, they must prove their mettle and fight for their lives – and their legacy.
Meanwhile, in distant Bhoja, a young Kunti sacrifices her youth – and her heart – to appease the wrath of Sage Durvasa. And his reward for her service inextricably links her fate with that of the entire Kurujangala.
Delving into the youthful lives of the forerunners of the powerful Pandava and Kaurava dynasties, India’s epic storyteller is back with a magically woven and beautifully narrated series that is just as gripping as the ones before it.
Ashok Banker, bestselling author and screenwriter, has sold over two million copies and been published in 18 languages in 58 countries. He is credited with the resurgence of mythology in Indian publishing with epic series like Ramayana and Krishna Coriolis."
The Epic Mahabharata - Book 2 - The Darkness before Dawn
"The Kuru princes are now grown and as young men, engaged in their own battles.
But the threat of the demon Jarasandha still looms large. And this time, it is Pandu who must face his wrath. Ashok Banker is back with an enchanting new tale, flawlessly fusing history to magic in The Darkness Before Dawn, the second in the Mahabharata series.
Kunti, now married to Pandu, contemplates her future, still unable to come to terms with her decisions of the past. Overcome with remorse, she seeks solace in the holy waters of the Ganga never guessing that the son she gave up was even then causing a stir in her own kingdom.
Oblivious to the mischief afoot in Hastinapur, Pandu is on a mission to purge Rajagriha of the devil’s presence. But even with his prodigious skills in battle, will he be able to fell the mad king Driddha? Or will the ghosts of his past stop him?
Ashok K. Banker, bestselling author and screenwriter, has sold over three million copies and been published in 21 languages in 61 countries. He is credited with the resurgence of mythology in Indian publishing with epic series like Ramayana and Krishna Coriolis."
Trust Me Not
"A POLITICAL PUPPETMASTER
A DIABOLICAL SCHEME
A VOLATILE LOVE AFFAIR
RISING CORPORATE STAR Reeva Rai is offered a prestigious position in a top-notch PR agency. It is the opportunity of a lifetime. But working with ENIGMATIC BILLIONAIRE Kunaal Kabi was not going to be easy. Even as she develops feelings for him, she is determined to prove herself.
But when an activist friend turns to her for help with a real-estate scam, Reeva has to make a high-stakes choice. Can she retain the credibility of her prominent clients while helping hundreds save their homes?
As she digs deeper to find solutions, a nefarious scheme unravels with unexpected connections. A no-holds-barred race ensues, blood is drawn and REEVA IS TRAPPED IN THE EYE OF A POLITICAL THUNDERSTORM.
IF SHE SUCCEEDS, POWERFUL PEOPLE WILL HAVE MUCH TO ANSWER FOR.
“An excellent account of today’s cut-throat world, told through an intense love story. The complexity of the characters and the story keeps you riveted until the unexpected end.”
MADHUR BHANDARKAR
Ankita Verma Datta is an Economics graduate from Mumbai University and is trained in advertising communication and marketing at the Xavier Institute of Management/Communication. She has spent more than a decade in the advertising industry, handling a wide range of clients from finance, insurance, education, food industry, and also government sector and political campaigns, before starting her own communications consultancy in 2003. Apart from marketing and advertising, she has interests in various other fields, including curating antique Portugal houses in Goa and ‘hobby-breeding’ the exotic dog breed of Tibetan Mastiffs. An ardent nature and animal lover, she spends her time between Mumbai, Lonavala and Goa.
Trust Me Not is her debut fiction novel and she intends to continue writing socio-political thrillers with current relevance in future too. She writes to evoke and entertain."
Mama Tandoori
"“IT WASN’T UNCOMMON IN MY CHILDHOOD FOR ROTI TO BE OFF THE MENU BECAUSE THE ROLLING PIN WAS BROKEN AGAIN.”
It is Ernest van der Kwast’s overbearing yet loving Indian mother who is at the centre of this big-hearted, hilarious family saga. Veena van der Kwast is a woman with an iron will, hilarious directness and a talent for haggling. When armed with her trusty rolling pin, every man she meets is eventually beaten to submission – especially her husband and three sons.
Including other equally delightful and amusing characters, this book is an intimate glimpse into van der Kwast’s childhood. Whether it is his strait-laced Dutch father, his Bollywood star Uncle Sharma or his talented heptathlete Aunt Jasleen, they all come together to lovingly entertain you in this engaging and charming book.
Intriguing, surprising and moving in equal measure, Mama Tandoori is inspired by an unusual family that will make you chuckle from beginning to end.
Ernest van der Kwast is a Dutch author born in Mumbai, India, in 1981. He made his debut in 2005 with the novel Sometimes Things Are Better When People Applaud. His breakthrough book is Mama Tandoori,which became a bestseller in the Netherlands and Italy upon publication, and has to date sold more than 100,000 copies. It is the second of his novels (after The Ice-Cream Makers) to be published in English. He lives in Rotterdam."
Of Noble Blood
"“For so long you have worshipped me, sat in my temple, offered prayers, asked for answers to your questions. Yet I stand before you, and you do not recognise me? Look with your heart, Rajendra: I am Devi, whom you worship as Katyayani, as Parvati, and as Durga.”
She held her arms open, smiling at Raj. “Now do you see?”
Raj, a cloth merchant’s son from Delhi, lives a contemplative life in the old town of Sultanpur. He seeks meaning in his rapidly advancing nation but feels that India’s beauty is locked in the past and forgotten by the consistent desire to imitate the West.
Guided by his wise grandfather, Raj sets out to explore the source of all things spiritual, cultural and poetic – and in a series of spellbinding visions from gods and goddesses, his destiny unfolds. As he learns to be the guardian of the millions of souls who take birth in this land, he must ensure they have a truly spiritual place to call home. And so he comes face to face with the last true evil that roams the earth, the enemy of the world, and the one who has brought emperors to their knees: Kali!
Of Noble Blood is an enthralling medley of drama, fantasy and history, celebrating the possibilities of glorious, timeless India.
Braja Sorensen hails from the beaches of Australia but has lived in on the banks of the Ganges in West Bengal since the turn of the century. She is the author of Lost & Found in India (Hay House Publishing, 2013), Mad & Divine: Collected Writings (2015), and her first novellas, Kavita: Search for Transcendence, and Short Lives: Growing Up to Die, were both bestseller e-books on Amazon in 2016. Sorensen has other published works in the Vaishnava genre, including the well-received India & Beyond: Plane Reading for Part-time Babajis (Amazon, 2012). She worked for a few years on Nava-vraja-mahima (Lal Publishing, 2013), authored by Sivarama Swami: a fourthousand-page, nine-volume treatise on the sacred sites of India through the Vaishnava perspective of philosophy, pilgrimage and pastime (lila). Find all her books at amazon.com/author/brajasorensen."
Yoddha: The Dynasty of Samudragupta
"AD 379.
The Gupta dynasty is stepping into its golden age
But the past holds many dark secrets...
After long and bloody wars, Samrat Samudragupta sits on the pinnacle of an empire. yet, close to his throne are hearts filled with revenge, scheming to bring him down.
Into this gathering storm arrives Chandragupta, the king’s long-lost son. As he settles into his new life devastating family secrets surface, old wounds are reopened and Chandra can no longer trust anyone – least of all those closest to him. Bizarre and sinister incidents abound as palace conspiracies unravel plunging Rajgriha into a pit of chaos.
Will the son pay for the sins of his father?
Yoddha: The Dynasty of Samudragupta unfolds the murky loves and lies of one of the most illustrious clans in history.
Rajat Pillai is a graduate from IMI Delhi. He is the author of two previous novels – Chandragupta: Path of a Fallen Demi-God and The Dead Woman Writing."
An Arabian Dream
"An Arabian Dream is a story that falls through the crevices of pitiless anonymity, yet miraculously waits to be told...
Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman, leaves his tiny hamlet of abject poverty in a coastal village in search of his destiny in Dubai, that gleaming hub of fortune, like millions of his brethren. What unfolds is a stirring saga of hardship, exploitation, identity, and friendship, and the heartbreaking choices Shiju is often forced to make.
What he sees is not what he experiences when he lands in a world of glimmering towers, fast-paced life, and unabashed opulence. Shiju’s life takes dramatic turns in the Dream City’s dark underbelly. But he holds his ground, drawing on the ancient instincts of his seafaring ancestry. To make matters worse, he is inexorably pulled into the canyon of global recession…
Will Shiju be able to hold on to his dreams? Will he survive against all odds? Will he redeem himself?
Nikhil Ramteke weaves a captivating tale of migrant labourers, their struggles, their loneliness, and their dreams.
Nikhil Ramteke is a Maharashtrian making a living in Sharjah, UAE, as a production manager with an MNC. When he’s not writing, Nikhil likes to paint, indulge in a bit of wildlife photography and travel the world."
Life Is What You Make It (Marathi)
"Now in Marathi
What would you do if destiny twisted the road you took? What if it threw you to a place you did not want to go? Would you fight, would you run or would you accept?
Set across two cities in India in the early eighties, Life is What You Make it is a gripping account of a few significant years of Ankita’s life.
Ankita Sharma has the world at her feet. She is young, good-looking, smart and has tonnes of friends and boys swooning over her. She also manages to get into a premier management school for her MBA.
Six months later, she is a patient in a mental health hospital.
Life has cruelly and coldly snatched that which meant the most to her and she must now fight to get it all back.
It is a deeply moving and inspiring account of growing up, of the power of faith and how determination and an indomitable spirit can overcome even what destiny throws at you.
A tale, at its core a love-story that makes us question our beliefs about ourselves and our concept of sanity, and forces us to believe that life is truly what one makes it.
Preeti Shenoy is an author and an artist based at Banglore, India. Her first book '34 Bubblegums and Candies', a creative non-fiction made it to the national best-seller list. Her interests are as multifarious and diverse as her several academic degrees. She also specialises in pencil portraits and holds an internationally recornised qualification from UK in portraiture. She has held a number of varied jobs in the past. She has also written for different publications life Readers Digest and Times of India, as well as taught English and Math to underprivileged children in India. She loves art, reading, travelling, photography, nature, animals, blogging and basketball and most of all, spending time with her spouse and two children."
Life Is What You Make It (Tamil)
"Now in Tamil
What would you do if destiny twisted the road you took? What if it threw you to a place you did not want to go? Would you fight, would you run or would you accept?
Set across two cities in India in the early eighties, Life is What You Make it is a gripping account of a few significant years of Ankita’s life.
Ankita Sharma has the world at her feet. She is young, good-looking, smart and has tonnes of friends and boys swooning over her. She also manages to get into a premier management school for her MBA.
Six months later, she is a patient in a mental health hospital.
Life has cruelly and coldly snatched that which meant the most to her and she must now fight to get it all back.
It is a deeply moving and inspiring account of growing up, of the power of faith and how determination and an indomitable spirit can overcome even what destiny throws at you.
A tale, at its core a love-story that makes us question our beliefs about ourselves and our concept of sanity, and forces us to believe that life is truly what one makes it.
Preeti Shenoy is an author and an artist based at Banglore, India. Her first book '34 Bubblegums and Candies', a creative non-fiction made it to the national best-seller list. Her interests are as multifarious and diverse as her several academic degrees. She also specialises in pencil portraits and holds an internationally recornised qualification from UK in portraiture. She has held a number of varied jobs in the past. She has also written for different publications life Readers Digest and Times of India, as well as taught English and Math to underprivileged children in India. She loves art, reading, travelling, photography, nature, animals, blogging and basketball and most of all, spending time with her spouse and two children."
Life Is What You Make It (Telugu)
"Now in Telugu
What would you do if destiny twisted the road you took? What if it threw you to a place you did not want to go? Would you fight, would you run or would you accept?
Set across two cities in India in the early eighties, Life is What You Make it is a gripping account of a few significant years of Ankita’s life.
Ankita Sharma has the world at her feet. She is young, good-looking, smart and has tonnes of friends and boys swooning over her. She also manages to get into a premier management school for her MBA.
Six months later, she is a patient in a mental health hospital.
Life has cruelly and coldly snatched that which meant the most to her and she must now fight to get it all back.
It is a deeply moving and inspiring account of growing up, of the power of faith and how determination and an indomitable spirit can overcome even what destiny throws at you.
A tale, at its core a love-story that makes us question our beliefs about ourselves and our concept of sanity, and forces us to believe that life is truly what one makes it.
Preeti Shenoy is an author and an artist based at Banglore, India. Her first book '34 Bubblegums and Candies', a creative non-fiction made it to the national best-seller list. Her interests are as multifarious and diverse as her several academic degrees. She also specialises in pencil portraits and holds an internationally recornised qualification from UK in portraiture. She has held a number of varied jobs in the past. She has also written for different publications life Readers Digest and Times of India, as well as taught English and Math to underprivileged children in India. She loves art, reading, travelling, photography, nature, animals, blogging and basketball and most of all, spending time with her spouse and two children."
Corridor of Queens
"Kitty Mehta’s days revolve around college applications, school projects, and Halloween parties like any teenager. As temple trips conflict with her daughter’s parties, Mrs. Mehta’s worship takes longer than usual, and Kitty’s diet is thrown off, things get too much for her during the holidays.
Compelled to break away from the chaos, Kitty chances upon a museum exhibition of portraits of stellar women from Indian mythology, called ‘Corridor of Queens’. In spite of herself, she feels drawn to the exhibit and discovers an entire world that is charming as it is dangerous—foggy islands where babies grow to adulthood in days; mothers taking on many creatures’ forms to keep an eye on their daughters; fisher girls bartering in magic; supernatural beings who can lend you their gender; and women forcing heavenly rivers to end earthly famines.
Follow her as she navigates her world, trying to find herself, with the wisdom of the ages from tales that come alive at the Corridor of Queens.
SHEFALI SHAH CHOKSI is Coordinator of the Writing Centre at Broward College, North Campus’ Academic Success Centre, in Florida. Previously, Shefali taught Literature and Composition at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She lives in Plantation, Florida, with three cats and her daughter (when she visits from college)."
Bankers’ Game
"A TALE OF GREED, LUST AND REDEMPTION
The good days are over on Dalal Street and the past comes to haunt those who didn’t play it by the book.
Rekha, Amit, Satya and their boss, Nitin, struggle to maintain their sanity in the dynamic world of office politics, fuelled by their mad drive for the high life. Unfortunately, the skills needed to survive this fast-paced corporate maze are not taught at B-schools.
Follow these bankers as they navigate choppy financial markets at work and volatile personal lives, manoeuvring through aggressive competition and covert deals—bosses stealing credit, subordinates thrown to the wolves for “greater good”, sexual transgressions and booze-filled nights.
To add to the mayhem, a sudden crash in the global markets sends their lives into a tailspin, testing their strength of character. Who will win and who will lose? Who will stay and who will quit?
ASHUTOSH MISHRA is a senior banker, a life coach and motivational speaker. An alumnus of XLRI Jamshedpur and IIT Delhi, he is an avid reader, blogger, YouTuber and well-being enthusiast."
Harsha: The Fearless Warrior of Thanesar
"The Fearless Warrior of Thanesar
Nothing is permanent in politics.
Only scars remain forever.
Born a royal and surrounded by luxury, Prince Harshavardhan had assumed that life would be easy. But everything changes shortly after his 17th birthday as the young prince is thrust into hostile territory all alone.
A grand game of deceit beyond his age is simmering, and Harsha is the central piece. A ruthless invader, a barbaric neighbor, allies with changing loyalties and untrustworthy deputies are all part of the volatile political landscape he inherits. To add to his woes, a pair of bloodthirsty, psychotic twins stalk him across kingdoms, tracking his every move. The only thing that keeps Harsha alive is the desire to rescue his sister imprisoned by a savage rival.
Will the young prince defy all odds to counter Bharatvarsh’s two mightiest kingdoms?
Where will destiny carry Harsha?
Will the Vardhana dynasty sink into history?
Rajat Pillai is a Mumbai-based software technology architect whose first book Chandragupta was a national bestseller. It was translated into regional languages and the movie rights were acquired by a global production house. He has ventured into different genres with novels like Dead Woman Writing and Yoddha, which have garnered critical acclaim from national media."
The Magic of Lost Temple (Tamil)
"Discover the magic of the lost temple
Are you a curious reader, ready to explore the depths of the magic hidden in the lost temple of Karnataka?
Are you ready to join Nooni as she travels around to discover the answers to her questions?
If yes, then this book, 'The Magic of the Lost Temple' is a must have.
Nooni is a city girl who is very surprised at the unexpected pace of life in her grandparent?s village in the state of Karnataka. Not being fazed with the turn of events, she engages herself in many of the odd jobs that are available in the village. She resorts to doing work like Papad making, organising enjoyable picnics, learning to ride a cycle and a long list of activities with her new found friends. Join Nooni as things get complex and she discovers something really exciting Things get far from exciting when Nooni comes across a very ancient stepwell that is located right in the middle of a forest. As she tries to discover the mystery behind this well, the story takes a drastic turn when she unravels things she didn't envisage before. Join Nooni as she unfolds the secrets linked to this stepwell along with her friends as they bask in the experience of a lifetime. Unfold the secrets hidden in the forest Join the very curious character of Nooni as she unfolds the mystery behind the stepwell. Her incessant urge to abstracting information is what leads her on this adventure. This much awaited book by Sudha Murty is indeed a heart-warming read."
The Daughter from a Wishing Tree (Tamil)
"Did you know that the Trinity often turned to goddesses to defeat the asuras?
Did you know that the first clone in the world was created by a woman?
The women in Indian mythology might be fewer in number, but their stories of strength and mystery in the pages of ancient texts and epics are many. They slayed demons and protected their devotees fiercely. From Parvati to Ashokasundari and from Bhamati to Mandodari, this collection features enchanting and fearless women who frequently led wars on behalf of the gods, were the backbone of their families and makers of their own destinies.
India's much-loved and bestselling author Sudha Murty takes you on an empowering journey through the yarns forgotten in time-abounding with remarkable women who will remind you of the strong female influences in your life."
The Tiger Throne: Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan Retold
"The Chola kingdom needs a strong ruler and the Tiger Throne a new master.
Rival factions stake their claim to the Chola throne as a power struggle ensues with Emperor Sundara Chola’s failing health.
The air is thick with political intrigue. On one side stands Prince Madurandaka, supported by the ruthless Pazluvur chieftains. On the other is Prince Arulmozlivarman, the future Raja Raja Chola, one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. The Pazluvur chieftains take the emperor hostage and civil war looms over the Chola kingdom.
History and fiction merge to weave a story of vengeance and romance, disguised princes and beautiful princesses, secret passages and dark dungeons, evil sorcerers and master spies…
Who will emerge victorious in this dangerous and thrilling game to seize the throne?
Preetha Rajah Kannan has written five books on Indian mythology, edited a translation of the Telugu Navagraha Purana and contributed to several newspapers and magazines. A homemaker and mother to two sons, she lives in Madurai, Tamil Nadu."
Shiva in the City of Nectar
"Fifty-four divine tales from ancient India
Throbbing with non-stop excitement, Shiva in the City of Nectar sweeps across Heaven, Earth and the Underworld, narrating the exploits of the mysterious and powerful blue-throated god.
One after another, the tales unfold the follies of ancient devas, asuras, sages, men and mythical beasts. And through them all, Shiva blithely takes on the guise of beggar, saint, monarch, merchant, fisherman, hunter, warrior and woodcutter; walking through the three worlds to slay rampaging demons, perform his Dance of Bliss and embrace good and bad alike.
Shiva is portrayed in all his multi-faceted mystique – the tender lover who woos and weds Goddess Meenakshi; the eternal Guru who dispenses wisdom; the fierce avenger whose third eye flashes fire; the generous benefactor who showers blessings on his devotees; and, above all, the gentle prankster who embodies the essence of Vedic faith.
Preetha Rajah Kannan lives in Madurai, where she is a homemaker and mother of two. She has written extensively for the New Indian Express and contributed short stories for children in the Express School Magazine. Her story ‘The Tale of an Ice Cream’ was published by Penguin in their anthology, Blogprint. Another short story, ‘Moving Out’, was published by Unisun as part of the anthology, Two is Company and Other Stories."
Shiva in the City of Nectar (Tamil)
"Now in Tamil
Fifty-four divine tales from ancient India
Throbbing with non-stop excitement, Shiva in the City of Nectar sweeps across Heaven, Earth and the Underworld, narrating the exploits of the mysterious and powerful blue-throated god.
One after another, the tales unfold the follies of ancient devas, asuras, sages, men and mythical beasts. And through them all, Shiva blithely takes on the guise of beggar, saint, monarch, merchant, fisherman, hunter, warrior and woodcutter; walking through the three worlds to slay rampaging demons, perform his Dance of Bliss and embrace good and bad alike.
Shiva is portrayed in all his multi-faceted mystique – the tender lover who woos and weds Goddess Meenakshi; the eternal Guru who dispenses wisdom; the fierce avenger whose third eye flashes fire; the generous benefactor who showers blessings on his devotees; and, above all, the gentle prankster who embodies the essence of Vedic faith.
Preetha Rajah Kannan lives in Madurai, where she is a homemaker and mother of two. She has written extensively for the New Indian Express and contributed short stories for children in the Express School Magazine. Her story ‘The Tale of an Ice Cream’ was published by Penguin in their anthology, Blogprint. Another short story, ‘Moving Out’, was published by Unisun as part of the anthology, Two is Company and Other Stories."
Son of Shiva
"Legend of KARTIKEYA: Champion of the Gods
The asura king snarled and launched an avalanche of arrows at his adversary. Kartikeya countered with his mystic spear, which emitted a flurry of sparks, incinerating the oncoming missiles with consummate ease. The champion of the gods then whirled his discus. The twirling orb of light danced lethally through the asura army, obliterating Surapadma’s hordes. Weaponless, armour shattered and flagstaff severed, Surapadma stood defenseless on the field.
Son of Shiva is the gripping narrative of the warrior-god Kartikeya, commander-in-chief of the heavenly hosts, and epitome of wisdom and valour. The book depicts in mesmerizing prose the monumental battle between the forces of good and evil, as embodied by the devas and asuras.
Preetha Rajah Kannan is the author of Shiva in the City of Nectar, an enthralling collection of stories based on the revered Tamil text, Thiruvilayaadal Puranam. She is also the editor of Navagraha Purana, a translation of the eponymous Telugu work on the mythology of the nine planets, by celebrated author V. S. Rao. Kannan has contributed extensively to newspapers and magazines, such as The New Indian Express and The Express School Magazine. A homemaker and a mother of two boys, she lives with her family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. "
Hounds of Shiva
"As its mahout goaded the mammoth royal elephant to the open space where Navukkarasu was held, the beast trumpeted in fury, knocking down walls and ornamental arches in wanton aggression. The earth shook under its tread and the crowd surged back in fear.
Navukkarasu fearlessly stood his ground asserting, “The Cosmic Dancer who wears a garment of elephant hide will protect me.”
The animal charged forward - only to stop short before the saint. In an instant, all aggression leached out of the beast. As docile as a lamb, the elephant circumambulated Navukkarasu, clumsily fell to its knees, and raised its trunk in homage to him. Lumbering to its feet, it then carefully backed away from its intended victim.
Hounds of Shiva is a treasure house of tales with impassioned, heroic acts of sacrifice, devotion and service in the lives and times of the Nayanmars – the sixty-three Shaivite saints who were exemplars of bhakti. Kannappa gouges out his eye to heal Shiva’s wound; Punitavati renounces her youth and beauty to follow the Lord as an emaciated ghoul; Siruthondar sacrifices his own son at Shiva’s command; Iyarpahai gifts his beloved wife to another man; Samandhar raises a boy from the dead; Poosal builds an intricate Shiva temple in his heart.
But the book’s hero is Lord Shiva, who assumes myriad disguises to sport with his devotees, blessing and testing them. Filled with astounding miracles, Hounds of Shiva is an untold tale of the Blue-throated Lord and a feast for the mind and soul.
Preetha Rajah Kannan is the author of Shiva in the City of Nectar, an enthralling collection of stories based on the revered Tamil text, Thiruvilayaadal Puranam. She is also the editor of Navagraha Purana, a translation of the eponymous Telugu work on the mythology of the nine planets, by celebrated author V. S. Rao. Kannan has contributed extensively to newspapers and magazines, such as The New Indian Express and The Express School Magazine. A homemaker and a mother of two boys, she lives with her family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. "
The Warrior God: Ayyappa of Sabarimalai
"Suddenly, the silence of the jungle was shattered by the crash of branches. The prince froze. Some large animal threshed through the thick undergrowth. Manikanthan silently followed the trail of destruction. He emerged from the jungle onto the banks of the Azhutha.
There before him stood a huge she-buffalo, muscles rippling as she lapped the water. It was none other than the wicked Mahishi.
Sensing the intruder in her domain, Mahishi raised her head. A young boy stood by the forest edge. He held a bow in his hand; a sword hung in the scabbard by his side.
The asura and the boy stood motionless, locking eyes.
The Warrior God: Ayyappa of Sabarimalai depicts the epic confrontation between good and evil. Mahishi, the buffalo-headed asura princess, wreaks vengeance on the devas for killing her brother, the mighty Mahishasura. She subjugates the gods and unleashes a reign of terror on the three worlds.
A series of divine events culminate in the birth of Mahishi’s nemesis, Hariharaputra – the son of Shiva and Vishnu, later known as Ayyappa. The baby, raised on earth as a prince of the Pandalam dynasty, awaits his tryst with destiny.
Here is the story of Sabarimalai, where legend and history meld into one tidal wave of devotion. Discover why five crore pilgrims annually ford rivers and trek through forests and hills to pay homage to Ayyappa.
Preetha Rajah Kannan is the author of Shiva in the City of Nectar, an enthralling collection of stories based on the revered Tamil text, Thiruvilayaadal Puranam. She is also the editor of Navagraha Purana, a translation of the eponymous Telugu work on the mythology of the nine planets, by celebrated author V. S. Rao. Kannan has contributed extensively to newspapers and magazines, such as The New Indian Express and The Express School Magazine. A homemaker and a mother of two boys, she lives with her family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. "
Dance of Shiva & Other Divine Tales
"The stories that await you are an exhilarating mix of devotion, history and myths!
Dance of Shiva & Other Divine Tales explores the mysteries that lie behind some of our most ancient and revered temples—from Kanyakumari to Kanchipuram. Revealing the legends behind the origins of these temples and the wonders associated with them, these stories will delight anyone fascinated by Indian folklore.
These timeless and enchanting stories narrate the triumph of good over evil; they portray god’s compassion towards man; they reveal the miracles worked by devotion. Immensely engaging and magical, the action in these narratives ranges over heaven and earth: Indra is punished for lusting after a sage’s wife; Narada uses his tricks to stop Shiva’s marriage to Parvati; Kannagi’s curse reduces Madurai to ashes; Vishnu saves Gajendran, the elephant, from the crocodile’s clutches … and much more. A collection that is in equal parts enlightening and enthralling.
Preetha Rajah Kannan is the author of Shiva in the City of Nectar, an enthralling collection of stories based on the revered Tamil text, Thiruvilayaadal Puranam. She is also the editor of Navagraha Purana, a translation of the eponymous Telugu work on the mythology of the nine planets, by celebrated author V. S. Rao. Kannan has contributed extensively to newspapers and magazines, such as The New Indian Express and The Express School Magazine. A homemaker and a mother of two boys, she lives with her family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu."
Navagraha Purana
"Tales of the Nine Planets
Navagraha Purana chronicles in fascinating detail the birth, life and glory of the Nine Planets, the powerful astral deities who are the ultimate arbiters of man’s destiny.
This compelling narrative paints a delightfully intimate portrait of the Navagrahas. Surya subdues his raging heat to please his beloved Samjna. Chandra lusts after his guru’s wife and is cursed to wane each month. Kuja emerges from a drop of perspiration on Shiva’s brow. Budha marries Ila, who is his wife for one month and a prince in the next. Brhaspati forgives his wife’s adultery and curses an amorous apsara to be born as a monkey. Usana becomes Sukra when he is swallowed by a furious Shiva. Sanaischara requests the Trimurti to ensure he inspire fear in all living beings. Rahu and Ketu wreak their vengeance on Surya and Chandra by swallowing them.
In an irresistible medley of drama, romance, humour and devotion, Navagraha Purana entertains and informs as it asserts that no one is exempt from the implacable influence of the Nine Planets.
V.S. Rao is a celebrated, multifaceted Telegu author, playwright, translator and scriptwriter. Mr. Rao has 84 titles to his credit, including short stories, novels, children’s books and plays. His writing spans an astounding variety of genres, from crime and detective fiction, to thrillers, drama, mythology, philosophy and lyrics for devotional albums. In his largely women-centric writing, Mr. Rao passionately highlights women’s issues. He is the recipient of numerous literary honors and awards."
Navagraha Purana (Hindi)
"Now in Hindi
Tales of the Nine Planets
Navagraha Purana chronicles in fascinating detail the birth, life and glory of the Nine Planets, the powerful astral deities who are the ultimate arbiters of man’s destiny.
This compelling narrative paints a delightfully intimate portrait of the Navagrahas. Surya subdues his raging heat to please his beloved Samjna. Chandra lusts after his guru’s wife and is cursed to wane each month. Kuja emerges from a drop of perspiration on Shiva’s brow. Budha marries Ila, who is his wife for one month and a prince in the next. Brhaspati forgives his wife’s adultery and curses an amorous apsara to be born as a monkey. Usana becomes Sukra when he is swallowed by a furious Shiva. Sanaischara requests the Trimurti to ensure he inspire fear in all living beings. Rahu and Ketu wreak their vengeance on Surya and Chandra by swallowing them.
In an irresistible medley of drama, romance, humour and devotion, Navagraha Purana entertains and informs as it asserts that no one is exempt from the implacable influence of the Nine Planets.
V.S. Rao is a celebrated, multifaceted Telegu author, playwright, translator and scriptwriter. Mr. Rao has 84 titles to his credit, including short stories, novels, children’s books and plays. His writing spans an astounding variety of genres, from crime and detective fiction, to thrillers, drama, mythology, philosophy and lyrics for devotional albums. In his largely women-centric writing, Mr. Rao passionately highlights women’s issues. He is the recipient of numerous literary honors and awards."
The Warrior Sage
"PARASURAM The Sixth Avatar of Vishnu
A humble Brahmin boy transforms into a fierce warrior to protect the weak and punish the wicked—Parasuram’s life is the ultimate story of a revolutionary.
The Warrior Sage chronicles the legendary journey of Parasuram through the various yugas. Believed to be an immortal and one of the greatest warriors in the Hindu mythology, Parasuram is present in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, thus marking his presence in the Treta as well as in the Dwapara Yuga.
Parasuram is the embodiment of duty and justice. His actions—going on a kshatriya killing spree to avenge his father’s death; punishing the sea god Varuna for encroaching on the holy land Gokarna; challenging Lord Ram to a duel for breaking Lord Shiva’s bow; waging a war with Bhishma for the injustice done to Amba …—all point to his firm belief in truth and righteousness.
Parasuram’s story shows you that you don’t have to be stuck in a mould others expect you to be in; you are free to choose your path, your truth. Read on to discover the many heroic feats of Parasuram and be inspired to take charge of your life.
V. S. Rao is a celebrated Telugu author, playwright, translator and scriptwriter. He has 90 titles to his credit, including short stories, novels, children’s books and plays. His writing spans a variety of genres, from thrillers, drama, mythology, philosophy to lyrics for devotional albums. He is the recipient of numerous literary honors and awards."
Popular
"A novel
Meet the clique that rules Fidelity High: Olivia, Zelda, Nordica, and Shelly, each one handpicked by uber-popular Hamilton Best.
You know you’re “in” when you make the guest list for one of Hamilton’s parties. And in the thralls of senior year, everyone wants to get noticed by Hamilton.
But Hamilton’s elite entourage is coming apart at the seams. Olivia fantasizes about finally having a boyfriend, Zelda dreams of ditching high school, Nordica wants to be alone with her photography, and Shelly’s plotting to dethrone Hamilton. Lies and secrets are ripping away the careful ties that have kept them together for years. But Hamilton has the biggest secret of all, one that only her boyfriend Alex knows.
If the truth got out, it would shock everyone and destroy Hamilton’s fragile world—and she’ll do anything to protect her secret and keep her clique together."
Victoria’s Got a Secret
"A REALITY-BASED ROMANCE NOVEL
HelenKay Dimon puts her red-hot pen to paper to tell the sizzling true love story of Victoria Sinclair, lead anchor of Naked News Network: her true identity, the drama behind the camera, and the whimsical courtship that inspired it all.
When Canada’s Naked News lead anchor chose the stage name “Victoria Sinclair” to debut her risqué take on global headlines, little did she know that millions of viewers would soon tune in to watch her artfully disrobe in front of the camera. But behind every alter ego is a real person, often hidden from public view, and there’s much that “Victoria” is hiding. . . .
Raised in a family of artists and intellectuals, the young Victoria-to-be excelled in school – as well as in the tutorials of her exotic grandmother. But her real education comes in high school, compliments of a handsome, talented scrapper named Paul who gives her his heart, body and soul – only to be devastated when he loses the girl he’s crazy about to dreams and ambitions too big for their small Canadian town. Those ambitions are realized in Toronto as she climbs the corporate ladder – and falls under the seductive spell of an older, worldly man who orchestrates her transformation from a shy brainiac in a business suit into a sensual siren named Victoria Sinclair.
With a come-hither voice and seemingly nothing to lose but her clothes, Victoria isn’t as easy in her own skin as a growing legion of fans believe her to be. Victoria’s got a secret – actually a few. So when a twist of fate brings Paul back into her life, will he even recognize the girl she once was?
Will she? "
In the Shadow of Death
"True Stories of Convicts Facing the Death Penalty
A RARE GLIMPSE INTO THE
COMPLEX MINDS OF KILLERS
In the Shadow of Death is a retired CID chief’s quest to understand the psyche of death row prisoners. In this chilling account, D.V. Guruprasad delves deep into the world of crime to uncover who these convicts are and how they view the charges against them.
In India, capital punishment is awarded only in the ‘rarest of rare’ cases; the gruesome murders covered in this book will convince you that they fit the description.
Criminals featured in this book are as varied as they can come and so are their crimes: a serial killer who targeted young women, a savage gang that terrorized a metropolis, a runaway woman who took to murder as an easy way to survive, a constable with a deadly fetish …
As these prisoners stare death in the face,
Do they experience the crippling “death row syndrome”?
Do they fear the impending execution and the uncertainty about their final day on earth?
Do they regret their past deeds?
There’s also the view from the other end of the rope—a peek into a hangman’s typical preparations before a hanging—making this a gripping read.
D.V. GURUPRASAD, IPS, is a retired director general of Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department. He is the recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service as well as Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
He is a guest faculty in criminology and law enforcement for many universities and colleges. He is also a columnist for several English and Kannada dailies.
“The impairment of reality sense, the lack of thought for the future, the denial of unpleasant facts and possibilities, an almost delusional belief in his own cleverness and ability to escape detection are characteristic of many criminals.”
MELITTA SCHMIDEBERG, Psychologist"
Panchatantra
This masterpiece of Indian Literature contains the most widely known stories in the world. Infact, it is universally acknowledged as the best collection of stories known to civilized man. It is presented in an artistic form of wise and witty stories that has never failed to bring delight to millions of people.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop : The International Bestseller for lovers of Before the Coffee Gets Co
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