Book blurb & My views
Stories
1. Nark-astra, The Hell Weapon: The weapons he possesses make him the destroyer of worlds, and he burns for revenge. A high-tech take on ancient Indian mythology.
My views – I like books which amalgamate Hindu mythology with sci-fi. I sincerely believe that all the new space stories discovered have been foretold in our old lost tales. I loved the way author Varun Sayal has brought technology to mythology, and that uplifted an old tale of vengeance and penance. This story to me felt complete.
2. Death by Crowd: The dark desires of the masses; darknet websites fueled by a crypto-currency. What lurks in the background – an advanced artificial intelligence?
My views – A good concept which dealt with evolution of man. It overrules Darwinism, and that made so many possibilities come alive for me. The story was supposed to be gruesome and shocking at the need for gore and violence by humans. But it just spoke of an interview. A good concept but lacked the force.
3. Genie: He rubbed a lamp alright, but what he got was the shock of his life. An entirely sci-fi take on the djinn myth.
My views – This was slightly humorous at the way genie has terms and conditions and clauses in granting wishes. Again could have had a surprising end.
4. Time Crawlers: There are individuals who existing in multiple time periods at once, and there are those who know about them….
My views – This story could have been done much better, but I just skim read it.
5. Eclipse: No attacks, no blood-shed, yet there was an invasion and a conquest. Who are these shapeshifter aliens being hounded by an eclipse?
My views – Another story which had a different shapeshifter/alien/multi-dimensional concept. I wanted it to be fleshed out well. I suppose I have to wait for an eclipse for that to happen.
6. The Cave: The fate of an advanced imperial race hangs in balance as a dark celestial entity meets a legendary protector.
My views – This didn’t attract me at all, it tried to ramp up sci-fi with space travel at the speed of light and telekinesis. And a mythical woman. But for me, it just fell flat.
Overall, the concepts were good, but the delivery lacked its pitch. These didn’t feel like stories, but short snippets with sci-fi and technology. It should have packed a punch, hitting me hard with its ending lines, but it didnt. Nevertheless, a good try!!
About the Author
VARUN SAYAL is an engineer and MBA from I.I.T. and I.S.B. (top schools in India), who has been involved in theatre as a playwright, actor, and director, and has also been an independent movie-maker. His genre of writing is predominantly science fiction blended with mythology and a sprinkle of the gruesome actualities of life.
Author Contact Details
Book Links
Amazon
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRPPGK6
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DRPPGK6
India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07DRPPGK6
Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07DRPPGK6
Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07DRPPGK6
Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07DRPPGK6
Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07DRPPGK6
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40540847-time-crawlers
22 Responses
Hmm…sounds like this one could have been much better, but just fell short of the mark. Still sounds like a few stories are worth it. Especially like the concept of the first one. Also loved the cover for this book! Anyways…you made another great post! 😘😊
Yayyy… Post was made on the go📯😉😉😂😂
Well, on the go or not: it was a great post! 😊😘
Yayyyy go me!!
Great review 💙
Great review Shalini. I like how you reviewed each story briefly, nicely done. Not my cup of tea, but for Sci-Fi lovers, it might just hit the mark.
It had so much potential Carla, but his next book would be great
Sounds like he’s almost there and just needs to write another book, and spend a little bit more time in editing. Great review as always. ❤😍😘
He is writing another book, and I will see to it that he writes a good one 😉😉😂😂
You go, girl 😉😉😂😂
I was quite intrigued by the concept of mixing Hindu mythology with sci-fi too. Interesting. Pity it didn’t hit the mark better for you.
Oh yes… The old tales with bow and arrow and suddenly there is the sci-fi thing happening with eye of archer and he sees far more and brain can calculate velocity distance angle… That was fun… Rest were OK.. Lacked the punch and a good punchline
Shucks. But so cool too. Lol
I am far too lazy for all that world building 😉
Hahaha ya this was very, very different
Great review 💖
Thanks Ayushi.. Hope everything is okay with you
Thank you for the excellent review, Shalini!This is definitely written for me. ***lol*** Pushing up my dreams of the future. Best wishes, Michael.
Hahaha true… When are you writing your own book Michael
I am on the way to do, but you know – and can read to – my skills in English language are not so perfect to do as soon as possible. It will be a thriller, with a lot of politics. Best wishes, Shalini! Michael
Yayyy… Good going Michael. Lots of action like James Bond?