Berserk by Tejaswi Priyadarshi - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th March 2025

Genre: Drama, Pulp Horror 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Fast-paced! 

Ramakrishna, a humble teacher, marries his feisty student Nazm. However, their love story is doomed when Nazm is murdered on their wedding night. A desperate Ramakrishna partners with someone called the Coffee Man, whose ruthless methods seem to create more trouble. Can Ramakrishna find justice for Nazm, or will this association with the Coffee Man destroy his soul? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of different characters. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve read the author’s previous book and knew what to expect in terms of gore. I’d say this one probably has less graphic content, but don’t take my word for it. I could be wrong.  

The best part of the book is its pacing. After the initial setup (the first two chapters), the book steadily gains momentum and keeps going. I read it in one sitting since I didn’t want to break the flow. It’s easy enough since the book has fewer than 210 pages. 

Things get squeamish from the very beginning. You can identify your tolerance level after the first chapter. It’ll only get more graphic from there on.  

Since it has multiple first-person POVs, I’d recommend using the chapter titles as clues. I’m sure they were intended to be the same since they worked perfectly as trackers. 

A disadvantage of fast-paced narration is the lack of proper character development or emotional connection. Things happen way too soon for the readers to get used to the idea. This distances us from the events. I’d have preferred for the central ‘love track’ to be explored in detail since everything sort of hinges on it. Given the nature of the relationship, it could have benefited from some space to unfurl a little more organically. 

That said, the book still explores the dark side of humans. It presents how a person can slip and spiral into the abyss and what it does to them and the people around them. This aligns with the characters’ voices and their justifications as they move beyond any chance of redemption. 

You can guess how the plot will go after the first reveal. That’s exactly what happens. This may not work for some readers since it dampens the excitement. However, I prefer things to follow a pattern (and I like being right), rather than have random twists for the sake of it. 

The book is mainly set in two cities, with a couple of scenes in a village. The settings are used just right. They create a good feel of the local culture and vibe without distracting from the plot. 

And yes, Berserk is a more suitable title for the story than ‘We’. The goldfish on the cover smartly represents the characters. 

To summarize, Berserk is a fast-paced pulp horror drama about the dangerous side of humans and what it could do if unleashed without restraint. Despite the flaws, the book is entertaining, that is, if you are squeamish about blood. 

It always makes me happy when the acknowledgement section names my friends!

My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

See the Stars by Eleanor Ray - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 10th July 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/SeetheStars

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228885851-see-the-stars

Genre: Women’s Fiction

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming!

Book Blurb:

Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?

When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.

Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing, and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?

Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel reminds us all that we need the darkness if we want to see the stars.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Alice’s third-person POV.

This is the second book I read in the same month dealing with burnout in a 30-something career woman. The rest of the plots are vastly different, and both books have handled it well.

The main reason I got the book was because of the stars. If my plans had gone the way I wanted them to, I would have been an astrophysicist. I love space and all things up there in the vast, wide universe. The book does justice to the topic without making it sound like a science show.

The narrative shifts between the past and present. The past comes in installments with the year clearly marked. Though it may seem like you have to calculate the age, there’s no need to do it every time. Once is enough. You can track it from there.

This is a book where almost every character is flawed. They are not evil or villainous. They are just people with flaws, and those who thought it was the right thing at that time. I like that the fiancé is not made to be a bad guy. No need to demean him unnecessarily, right?

The characters are not that deep, but they aren’t shallow either. While we could have gotten more information (especially about Matt), the story works fine with what we know.

It is not romance. It is purely women’s fiction with just a bit of ‘love’ that doesn’t dominate the central plot, not even at the end.

The book also touches on academia and politics, among other topics, especially when you are a woman in STEM. I’m sure you can guess what I’m implying!

Bertie, the 13-year-old, is my favorite. The kid is super smart (but no social cues), which makes him a refreshingly honest buddy as those around him try to be polite and say the right things.

To summarize, See the Stars is a heartwarming and introspective read about life, relationships, passion, and doing what makes one happy (while also bringing an income).

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Piatkus, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Eleanor Ray

Eleanor Ray is the author of the highly acclaimed novels Everything is Beautiful and The Art of Belonging. She has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and had a career in financial marketing before turning to writing. She lives in London with her husband and three young children.

See the Stars, her new novel, is about reclaiming our dreams and was inspired by her own career change. Her son’s passion for space fuelled her research, and together they visited science museums, planetariums, and observatories around the world. She is currently writing her next novel.

Follow the Author:

Instagram: @eleanorraybooks

Facebook: @eleanorraybooks

TikTok: @eleanorraybooks

X: @eleanorraybooks

***

This has been a stop on the #SeeTheStars blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express by Kelly Oliver - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: The Detection Club #2

Publication Date: 14^th July 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/CaseBodyOrientExpress

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227744805-the-case-of-the-body-on-the-orient-express

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Nice!

Book Blurb:

Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.

But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.

As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.

Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in third-person POVs of Eliza and Theo.

This is the second book in the new series, which has real-life characters and fictional ones. While the mystery is standalone, I think reading the previous book would help establish the base for character interactions.

The book takes a time leap, which I did not expect, especially since the previous one ended on a cliffhanger. Moreover, that element seems to have been brushed aside with just a little mention! Maybe it will be taken up in the coming books.

It’s a small book, so I could finish it in a single sitting. The mystery is cozy but with some high stakes, as international criminals and MI5 seem to be involved. There are enough twists to keep you hooked.

Dorothy and Agatha are good at what they do, though we must remember that the book belongs to Eliza, who is a bit too competent and a one-woman show. While I love competent heroines, I like them better when they are sensible. Eliza seems to be multitalented, with the only character flaw being too forceful and an utter lack of ability to see that Theo loves her when the guy is pretty much holding a banner you could see from the moon!

In theory, I like the contrast between Eliza and Theo’s characters. He is the softer one, someone who faints at the sight of blood and is a struggling writer.  He has a good brain but spends much time thinking about Eliza. After a point, I wanted him to stop it and focus on himself.

The setting of the Orient Express and other places is well done. The descriptions are just enough to visualize the details without slowing down the plot.

Don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It’s informative. I like how the author was extra careful and added a large spoiler tag with the note. She discusses a few important events in the book based on real incidents.

To summarize, The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a decent continuation of the series and works as a light read between intense works. I’m hopeful it’ll get better, so let’s wait and see what happens next.

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @KellyOliverAuthor

Twitter: @KellyOliverBook

Instagram: @kellyoliverbooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KellyOlivernews

Bookbub profile: @KellyOliverBook

***

This has been a stop on the #TheCaseOfTheBodyOnTheOrientExpress blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th July 2025 

Genre: Women’s Fiction

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful 

Becky Thorne cannot afford to stop or slow down. Who cares about burnout when she has to climb up the ladder while handling her mother’s meddling? However, when she is signed off and asked to get some rest, Becky doesn’t know what to do. She learns about the café she inherited from her great-aunt and flies to France. 

Becky’s plan is clear. Sell the café. But the tenant is not willing to budge. She flies to France for a show, but the trip brings forth a visit to the past, a meeting with the handsome tenant, and interactions with the villagers. Maybe it’s time for Becky to sit and think about what she wants. 

The story comes in Becky’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is proper women’s fiction with a sprinkling of romance. The book is about finding oneself, prioritizing relationships over jobs, and not being afraid to do something different. 

The FMC is flawed and realistic. She can be annoying, which is exactly how she should be. This is the story of her character growth. At the same time, there’s nothing too deep or complex about it. 

The tone and quick pacing work well to make this a light yet heartwarming read. If you want philosophical explorations, this is not for you. But if you want feel-good fiction with characters who realize some valuable lessons, pick this up. 

Amber is my favorite character. She is such a wonderful bestie! I felt sad for her quite a few times, seeing how the FMC takes her for granted and acts selfishly. Still, it aligns with the arc and is done realistically. Can’t complain! 

The side characters (including the love interest) are okay. He is a decent guy, one who is not afraid to hold a mirror or tell the truth to the FMC. Still, he is compassionate and kind. 

Since romance is not the central plot, there isn’t enough development or connection for readers to root for. So, when it happens, it feels formulaic rather than organic. 

The book discusses the pressure of corporate culture, security vs. freedom, success vs. happiness, etc., and whether one should come at the cost of the other. It makes valid points about how a person can choose to take risks only when they have financial security to cushion them. After all, you have to pay the bills every month, like it or not! 

To summarize, The Village Cafe in the Loire is a heartwarming book well suited for a weekend read or when you want something thoughtful yet light. It’s a small book and can be completed in a couple of hours. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheVillageCafeInTheLoire

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen - Book Review

Series: Hart and Mercy #3

Publication Date: 08th July 2025 

Genre: Fantasy Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Had some fun moments! 

Rosie Fox, the immortal demigod, had been patrolling Tanria for decades, but there are only so many times she can die and be born again before the newness wears off! When it happens yet again in a portal, the portal’s inventor, a grumpy Dr Adam Lee, arrives to repair the damage. 

However, the portal breakdown and the duo ends up stuck in the Mist by a thorny plant. With nothing much to do, Rosie realizes that their personal histories are tangled. Maybe they can find a way to fix the issues while also ensuring they don’t end up stuck in the Mist forever. 

The story comes in Rosie’s third-person POV (mostly). 

My Thoughts: 

I was rather excited to read this one since Rosie is a demigod and all that. Of course, I hoped for the Ducker & Zeddie subplot too, since I was rooting for them from the first. 

There’s a time leap between the previous books and this one. It makes sense once you delve a little into the story. 

The FMC is a tall, curvy, and loud character, an immortal demigod who is more than a century and a half old but with the personality of someone in their twenties. I like her quirkiness, though it sometimes feels forced. The repetition about 'soft intimates' did get boring. 

The MMC is a short, composed, and efficient inventor with an interesting backstory. This reveal was my favorite part of the book. And it was well-written. 

The last quarter is the strongest, where quite a few adventures take place. The setting and the old gods come alive in this section. Compared to this, the rest of it feels a little bland despite the sprinkling of OOT humor and a heavy dose of profanity. 

For those eager to know about Duckers and Z, yes, they have a subplot. It could have been better, though! Two very important developments happen off-page since the book is from the FMC’s POV, and she is not present during those events. This diluted the impact. I was looking forward to their scenes. 

We meet the dragons again! The scenes with the pink dragons that chirp like birds and sneeze sparkling goo are always a treat. Can I ride a dragon, too, please? 

Meeting the side characters again is one reason I like the standalone series. They have tiny roles, enough to make series readers happy, but not enough to confuse someone picking the book at random.  

The romance is where things get a bit off. It is both insta-love and slow-burn. I appreciate the theme chosen – height differences in couples, where the woman is much taller than her guy (the FMC is 6’5”). You can see this on the cover too! 

The pacing is slow, as it is in this series. However, combined with the repetition, it doesn’t have the same impact as the first book. The setting also doesn’t stand out any longer until the last quarter, when it comes alive. 

There’s an epilogue of sorts, which is good. The book has many moments. I would be lying if I said I didn’t laugh. I did! I laughed, chuckled, and snorted many times, even when I rolled my eyes. 

To summarize, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam is a slow-paced but entertaining read. While the book has some flaws, it should still leave you with a smile. Rounded up the rating as I enjoyed it. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK (Orbit), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheUndercuttingOfRosieAndAdam

Annapurna's Bounty: Indian Food Legends Retold by Veena Gokhale - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st July 2025

Genre: Short Story Anthology, Food

2.5 Stars

One Liner: Sadly, nope!

This is a collection of stories that explore food in various forms. It combines stories from Indian history, real, mythological, and fictional, where food plays a role in the plot. Some stories are set in the contemporary period.

My Thoughts:

Annapurna is the Goddess of Food and Nourishment, an avatar of Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort). We have a shloka we recite thanking Annapurna for providing us with food before the start of every meal.

With food and Indian stories mentioned in the blurb, I knew I had to read this collection. The blurb ends with the sentence, ‘Expertly blending ancient and modern, mystic and mundane, East and West, these delectable tales will banish negativity, to entertain and inspire in equal measure.’

Well, how can I resist something that banishes negativity and promises to entertain? I should have resisted!

The title is Hindu, the tagline says Indian Food: Legends Retold. However, the book leans heavily towards the invaders. Why have so many invaders when there are enough legends about food in Hinduism? And for stories that have Hindu characters, it’s all about giving free gyan. A typical colonial framework, and I’m sick of it.

The book starts with an author’s note about the inspiration and theme for the book. Even that didn’t prepare me for the contents.

As I prefer to do with anthologies, I rated each story after reading it and edited it at the end for typos. This collection has ten stories, each followed by a vegetarian recipe mentioned in it. Of course, I won’t disclose the names of the recipes shared.

I like that each story starts with the character list.

Land of Milk and Sugar – 3.5 Stars 

This is about the Zoroastrians who fled to India when their country was invaded by the Arabs. If you know this story, you would have guessed the central plot based on the title. Here, it has a proper arc and a storyteller sharing the details with the reader. While the story is emotional, the narrative style could have been stronger.

Parvati Bai and the Bandits – 3 Stars

What does Parvati Bai do when she hears the news of the fearsome bandits attacking her village? This is a story of ‘thinking outside the box’ that also touches a bit upon human emotions. I wish it were a wee bit longer.

The Emperor Who Loved Mangoes – 2.5 Stars

As you can guess, this story is about Akbar and Birbal. I enjoyed many of these tales as comics, TV shows, etc., so I knew what to expect. However, the narration was disappointing. I just didn’t feel the vibe. The dialogue felt mechanical and bland.

If you want a lighthearted version of Akbar and Birbal, see if you can find the episodes of Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, which aired on Big Magic a few years ago.

Three Grains of Mustard – 3.5 Stars

This is the story of a mother’s grief. A different version of the story was used in a Telugu movie, so I figured out the plot soon. Once again, the narration feels surface-level for what could have been an intense story. Still, it manages to stir some emotions in the reader.

Annapurna’s Soup Kitchen – 1.5 Stars

Oh, boy! This should have been my favorite story in the book, but the result was the opposite. This is one about Parvati and her avatar, Annapurna. It is presented as a story-in-story, something a mother reads to her child. Now, would a children’s story (not even MG) mention lovemaking, even if it is between gods? I don’t think so.

Moreover, the Kichadi mentioned here is a modern version. Kichadi is a satvik dish, meaning it doesn’t have onion and garlic. It is also a softer dish, comfort food cooked when someone is ill or recovering. You don’t dump a whole lot of spices into it. The idea of Kichadi is to feed a person something substantial but easy to digest.

Interlude

Not rating this as it provides some snippets about the word ‘curry’ and such, some of which are taken from Wikipedia. *eye roll*

Do the Right Thing – 2.5 Stars

A typical story about a caste and a Sikh guru enlightening a Hindu about being a good human, yada yada. Something the West will love. I’d have liked it better if there had been some nuance or proper character development instead of a bland recital.

The Fisherman and the Sorceress – 2.5 Stars

What happens when an unlucky fisherman gets help from a woman performing black magic to turn the tide for the better? NGL, this one had a heck of a premise and could have been so darn atmospheric. But, sadly, it is not. I’m not sure why the focus shifted from the main character to a side character.

Chef William and Captain Tyrant – 2 Stars

Well, based on the title, you can guess it is about the British Colonizers in India. The beginning was quite interesting. But when it ended, I couldn’t figure out what the story’s purpose or intent was. What was I supposed to take from it?

The Cries of Animals – 2 Stars

This story features Krishna and his cousin, someone I haven’t read about until now. I do know about the famous Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, where paal payasam is offered as prasad to Krishna. Though I’m not from Kerala, I know that in the South, we don’t use Basmati rice for prasadam. We use locally-grown rice (each state has its own type of rice, some have more than one).

The Travels of Sanbusak – 2 Stars

This doesn’t even seem like an Indian story. The author’s note at the end says it’s a fictional piece. Maybe they should have kept it for another book. I zoned out a few times despite all the drama in the plot. Go figure!

To summarize, Annapurna's Bounty, while providing some interesting recipes, doesn’t meet expectations. The book (recipes) might appeal to the target audience, though the dry narrative style doesn’t do the stories any favor.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Dundurn Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AnnapurnasBounty