KARM by Aditya Mukherjee, Arnav Mukherjee

Blurb (from the jacket):

2020. Mumbai a fetid city, full of crime and violence.

Rising above it, a flattened obelisk of polished black granite, stands the Rustomji Group's imposing headquarters the One World Tower. And at its very tip, is Babylon, Vishnu Rustomji Mistry's famous garden on top of the tallest building in Mumbai the centre of its wealth and power.

It's the day the flamboyant billionaire will make his big announcement. Yet, it'll be one of the few days in the year when his won't be the biggest story. It's the day a letter will be found that could change the meaning of everything. A simple letter, signed ‘The People's Guardian', which threatens the Chief Minister with dire consequences.

When model-turned-newscaster Tara and rookie journalist Sudhir Navkar stumble upon clues about this possible vigilante, they are led on a breadcrumb trail from the eerie slums of gangland Mumbai to the high-rise towers of SoBo. 

As the two of them try desperately to solve the mystery, they begin to uncover a frightening conspiracy that threatens to cast a shadow on the entire nation and on their lives. 

In a choice between love, life and their karm, will they have the courage to pursue the truth?

My take on the book:

Off-note, this is the best smelling book. Maybe it has been a long time since I last read a fresh, off-the-press book. This is the best, I must say. All thanks to Richa from Rupa Publications who found us worthy of reviewing their books.

Basically, the story revolves around three characters - Navkar, Tara and Rustomjee. Perhaps - hero, heroine and villain. The letter finds its way into the hands of the protagonists and one thing leads to another a secret with such devastating ability would be unraveled that it endangers the Government. Obviously, that means threat to the people who know the secret, hence starts the thrill and drags the story.

The story is actually set in Mumbai 2020 - which is not very bright the way author had imagined it. It is one aspect that had prompted me to accept this book for reviewing. The other is the cover, which seems like a very good work. Overall, the anatomy of the book, the physical aspects - the aroma, the quality of paper, the entire cover (front & back) design - are immensely satisfactory.

Well, the physical aspects alone don't make a book best-sellers, do they?

The authors' choice of genre was appreciable. Who wants to read another college-romance?

There were quite a many typos. Greater at scale but not much to make it up. They don't interrupt the flow, but I guess the Editor must have paid it more attention to it.

From the very first, from the prologue itself  the authors have got me hooked. Seriously, they have written it so beautifully, you are already thrilled, even before the "Letter" makes entry into the story.

It was good that there wasn't much backstory. Most of it was caught up parallel the present story, not delaying the entry of the Letter, the grave object the whole story revolves around.

In spite of all their attempts, somewhere in the middle, the story lagged great deal, There were few expressions and statements that were totally childish, immature, totally spoiling the thrill of the story. It was one time I needed motivation to read this book.

But during the end the story got pacy and the climax blew my mind away.

Overall it is an fair read - you see, the kind you would read only if you think the blurb interests you. In any case, the book wouldn't disappoint...

                          

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Title: KARM

Author: Aditya Mukherjee, Arnav Mukherjee

ISBN (edition I've read): 9788129134707

Rating:

Read between: 18-01-2015 to 22-01-2015

Reviewed for: Richa

Publishers: Rupa Publications

Pages: 262

MRP: ₹ 195

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