Book Review: Serpent's Reign by Varun Sayal

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Serpent's Reign

Subtitle: (Superheroes of the Multiverse #2)

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes, but can be read as stand-alone.

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60379243-serpent-s-reign

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

The first book in this series introduced us to the existence of superheroes, Sigmas. Ulka was attacked after her banishment from her world by Mohita. Now, both women come to a parallel world via a wormhole at different times.

Will Mohita succeed in killing Ulka? Will Ulka be able to save the world? And what is the role of the Serpent, DN?

What I liked about the book:

The friendship between some of the characters.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in this series. He has written several other science fiction books that are also worth reading.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book is a fantasy novel/science fiction.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like science fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Banished! Forgotten! Lost!

 

So vicious was the last attack on Ulka, that she lost her memories and her abilities.

 

Her entry to the parallel earth was well publicized. Broadcast by media, made viral by the internet.

 

With time she gained back her memories and her powers. Once again pulled into the saving-the-world business, she makes new friends and foes.

 

During a high profile rescue operation, the evil from her past catches up and she’s struck by the deadly Vikruid magic.

 

Will her friends help her survive? And will they together take down their nemesis who’s always a step ahead?

 

If you enjoy action-packed stories with an ensemble of superpowers, you will love Serpent’s Reign.

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is a Data Science manager living in Redmond, Washington. He grew up in India on a steady dose of fantastical tales from ancient Indian scriptures. His genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy, blended with Indian legends and mythology. In his own words:

I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'

Book Review: Invincika by Varun Sayal

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

 

Book Title: Invincika

Subtitle: (Superheroes of the Multiverse #1)

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction/super hero

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60378907-invincika (available on pre-order, due for release 25 April 2022)

 

Overall score:

 

I scored this book 4.5/5

 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

 

Short Summary of book:

 

Ulka was born with the Sigma gene. Unlike her fellow students at the monastery, her powers remain dormant and she appears to be the only one without any powers at all.

But, all isn’t as it seems. Will her powers awaken in time to save the world and herself?

 

What I liked about the book:

 

The book was action-packed and full of hidden secrets.

 

 

What I didn’t like about the book:

 

I enjoyed the entire book and wonder what will happen next.

 

 

My favourite bits in the book:

 

The lasting friendship and loyalty.

 

 

My least favourite bits in the book:

 

I enjoyed the entire book.

 

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

 

I have read several books by this author. This is the start of a new series that appears to be aimed at young adult readers.

 

 

What books could this be compared to and why?

 

Although the book has similarities to other books I’ve read by this author, this is completely different at the same time.

 

 

Recommendation:

 

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	Maybe
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like science fiction and superhero stories, this book might be the book for you.

 

 

Book description by the Author:

She tries to save the world ...

 

... but can she save herself?

 

Ulka trained besides the Sigma, but unlike them, her powers remained dormant.

 

Until a ballistic weapon finally awakened her hidden abilities and flipped her world upside down.

 

As Ulka struggled with her new found powers, a Magnetar raced toward earth, causing tides, volcanoes and tremors. The super-humans sent to counter the Magnetar never returned, and Ulka is the world’s last hope.

 

Even if she succeeds, there’s a much bigger threat lurking in the shadows, waiting to unleash a fate worse than death.

 

If you like superhero stories with riveting action sequences, you will love this first book in the series.

 

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is a Data Science manager living in Redmond, Washington. He grew up in India on a steady dose of fantastical tales from ancient Indian scriptures. His genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy, blended with Indian legends and mythology. In his own words:

I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'

Book Review: Doomsday of Tamas by Varun Sayal

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Doomsday of Tamas

Subtitle: Race to the Second Apocalypse (Time Travelers Book 3)

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction/Thriller

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56169654-doomsday-of-tamas

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book didn’t disappoint either. In the third book in this series (not counting the prequel I also read and reviewed previously), we meet Pri, the daughter of our hero Tej. Like her father, she is also a time demon. And also like him, she tries to use her powers for good rather than evil. Will she be able to find her dad? Will they be able to defeat Tamas?

What I liked about the book:

I liked the book in its entirety. It continued the story with our hero and his friends and daughter.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Tej realises his daughter has powers he knew nothing about.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was like the previous books, not able to put down.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book in the series and like the others, I can also recommend this book. Will there be more in the series? Only time can tell.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book follows the same trends as the others in the series and continues to captivate you.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like science fiction and thrillers, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Time demons can possess a man and bend his will.

But can they stop an asteroid on a collision course with the earth?

 

Tej is back to fulfill his promise to Rudrakshini. But all she asks him is to save the world from this impending catastrophe.

As the asteroid races towards the earth, an evil entity starts quashing any attempts to prevent armageddon. Astronomers are killed and rocket-scientists are blown apart around the globe.

 

Tej joins forces with his daughter Pri, who has her unique set of powers. His once nemesis, now friend, Rigasur is also pulled into the conflict. Together they face an enemy who's a master of stealth and tech-warfare.

 

As they travel back and forth in time to prevent the imminent doomsday, they realize a second apocalypse is waiting to happen.

 

If you like action-packed time travel stories, you'll love this conclusion story to the Time Travelers series.

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is an engineer and MBA with a background in physics and mathematics. He grew up on a steady dose of fantastical tales from ancient Indian scriptures. His genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy, blended with Indian legends and mythology. In his own words:

I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'

Book Review: Disciples of Trikaal by Varun Sayal

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Disciples of Trikaal

Subtitle:

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 0

Best read after earlier books in series? No

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48220955-disciples-of-trikaal

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book is the prequel to the other (currently) two books in the series. As such it gives an insight in how the time demons came into existence and how the main character in the other books could possibly exist. The book shows the story of two friends and disciples who expect to receive a wish from Trikaal. While one tries to use his gift for the good of others, the other only wishes to use it for his own betterment.

What I liked about the book:

I liked the background and foundation this book gave to the other two books in the series.

What I didn’t like about the book:

This book did not flow as well as the other two and, therefore, received 4 stars instead of 5.

My favourite bits in the book:

I liked how Aru continued to try his best for others despite the betrayal of his friend Nemi. I also liked how he was able to keep an eye on his family while being a captive himself.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I did not like how Nemi betrayed his friend in the hope to delay the time of his ultimate death for as long as possible.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The first and second book in the series were published before this prequel. I enjoyed both better than this one.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Recommendation:

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like Science Fiction and Fantasy, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

His death was tied to a demon's...

...and his boon turned into a curse

Will he still sacrifice himself to save mankind?

Aru thought of Nemi as a friend, as a co-disciple who worshipped alongside him. But could he have been more wrong?

When they both received their boons from goddess of time, all Aru sought was knowledge of past and future. But Nemi had different plans.

While Aru was imprisoned, sedated and separated from his pregnant wife, Nemi time traveled through the ages, writing a gory tale of death and destruction. His latest journey targeted the last survivors of the human race.

Aru could either escape the talons of the demon or stay and save the world. But the price of doing the right thing was too high.

You will love this prequel sci-fi fantasy story because it's a time travel tale with a twist.

Get it now.

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is an engineer and MBA with a background in physics and mathematics. He grew up on a steady dose of fantastical tales from ancient Indian scriptures. His genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy, blended with Indian legends and mythology. In his own words:

I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'

Book Review Devourers of Suryaksh by Varun Sayal

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Devourers from Suryaksh Race to the Last Eventuality

Subtitle: (Time Travelers #2)

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47589047-devourers-from-suryaksh

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Tej returns in this second book in the series and again is tasked with saving the world and the future. At the start of the book, he tries to lead a quiet life with his partner. Instead, he loses many of his loved ones while trying to save the world from a sadistic woman.

What I liked about the book:

I loved seeing this brave young man return in this book. His love and self-sacrifice are inspirational.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I was sorry to see the sacrifices Tej had to make to make the world safe once more.

My favourite bits in the book:

The small victories for Tej were my favourite.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I hated how Tej had to lose so many of his loved ones and friends to help saving the world.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I understand the author has more books planned in this series and I can’t wait to read more and find out how the story continues.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Obviously, this book can be compared to the first in the series. It is rather unique in this field of books.

Recommendation:

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like Science Fiction and Fantasy this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author and hope the next in the series will be ready to be read in the near future. I can’t wait to read what happens next.

Book Description by Author:

She makes people dance around the fire ...

... before she kills them in cold blood.

No one knows her true origin. Time readers can't read this ruthless telekinetic, who snaps necks with a mere hand gesture.

Tej, once a simple villager, now a time traveler, is pulled into conflict as she attacks him in 3057 BC, hunting for his friend. Dead bodies of his loved ones pile up as she ravages through his village. Intending to seek justice Tej races against time itself to fight her: an entity so vile, even her own kind fear her. But can he do this alone?

Traveling to the futuristic world of robotic armies and virtual realities, Tej builds questionable alliances. It's a matter of not 'where' but 'when' can he battle his enemy. If he loses, humanity may never regain its freedom - but winning may cost the ultimate price.

If you love time travel stories and super-villains then you will love this sci-fi fantasy.

Get it now.

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is an engineer and MBA with a background in physics and mathematics. He grew up on a steady dose of fantastical tales from ancient Indian scriptures. His genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy, blended with Indian legends and mythology. In his own words:

I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'

Book Review: Demons of Time by Varun Sayal

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Demons of Time

Subtitle: Race to the 7^th Sunset (Time Travellers #1)

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: SciFi Thriller

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series? No

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43858346-demons-of-time

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Tej, a young man, who was tormented by two time-demons. His mother was sexually, physically and mentally abused by the two and she escaped from them with the help of a sage who trapped the demons.

When one of the demons escapes to the future, Tej is asked to help catch him again. Will he succeed and what will he find out in the process?

What I liked about the book:

I particularly liked how the young boy and man always continued to think for himself and did not take things for granted.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The writing style in places was rather hesitant, although this did not take away from the book in general.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved where the young boy Tej bit one of the demons to try and save his mum. I also enjoyed how he thought for himself and made his own decisions.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I didn’t like it when the happy ending was not such a happy ending after all. The risks of time travel, right?

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The #1 appears to indicate more books are to follow in this series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book was completely different to the previous book I read by this author. I must admit I enjoyed this book more than his other book, “Time Crawlers”. As this is not the usual type of books I read, I have difficulty finding any books to compare it with.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like Science Fiction and mythology this book might be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

The demon who tormented him has escaped to the future. He has only seven days and a single chance to exact his vengeance.

Time Travel meets Demonic Possession in this mythology inspired sci-fi thriller.

3077 BC. Ancient India. As a young child, Tej saw his mother endure brutal torture by Kumbh, a nefarious time-demon, until she was rescued by Rigu, a well-known sage. Twenty years later, Tej's scars have healed, but the fire of revenge burns inside him, unabated.

When Rigu reveals that Kumbh has escaped from his time-prison and plans to decimate human life on a global scale, Tej knows that he needs to act. To stop Kumbh, Tej must travel five thousand years into the future to the year 2024 AD and re-capture the demon. He races against time as he has only seven days, after which Kumbh will become invincible. The clock is ticking.

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is an engineer and M.B.A. with a background in analytics and machine learning. He is also an avid reader of Hindu mythology and psychology related non-fiction. His genre of writing is predominantly science fiction blended with ancient legends and a sprinkle of the gruesome actualities of life. In his own words:

“I live by the quote, ‘a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.’”

Book Review: Time Crawlers by Varun Sayal

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Time Crawlers

Subtitle: Stories from Parallel Universes

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series: N/A

Best read after earlier books in series? N/A

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40540847-time-crawlers

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of book:

This book is a compilation of short stories which tell what happens in some parallel universes according to the author. Several of the stories are rather dark. There is a variation of stories telling about alien invasion, artificial intelligence, the darknet and many others.

What I liked about the book:

I liked only some of the stories. Although the writing style is good, the stories themselves did not really interest me very much. I found it easy to put the book aside to deal with other chores. Basically, it was not really something that interests me very much.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I wasn’t impressed by the darker stories. Especially Death by Crowd made me feel rather squeamish. Not my cup of tea at all.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved the last story. At least this one had some nice bits in it and a positive note.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I didn’t like Death by Crowd at all. It is too dark to my liking and although it is fiction, I could see it as something that would happen in real life. Perverted entertainment that the world would be better without, but it might happen in the future. Let’s hope it won’t.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I have no information on that at present.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book seemed quite unique but this might be due to the fact I don’t seek this genre out a lot. Science Fiction love stories perhaps, not this type of story, I’m afraid.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	NO
Young Adult	Doubtful
Adult	Yes

If you like science fiction this book might be the book for you.

Book description by the Author:

Billions of universes run slightly parallel to our own universe; worlds full of infinite possibilities. There are many humans living in those parallel worlds, leading their lives, in a very similar way to how we are leading ours. But their respective realities differ from ours in some very peculiar ways.
Inhabitants of some worlds have already been visited and are being ruled by aliens. Some traveled through time, back and forth, and some have taken their space exploration to advanced stages using their powerful spaceships. Some created ruthless artificial intelligences that are fulfilling dark, human desires. Some developed advanced weapons technologies thousands of years before we did.
I believe a writer's brain can somehow tap into this multitude of universes and take a peek into the events happening in each of them. This book, comprised of six stories, is my attempt to narrate to you tales from six different parallel universes. These stories are events that my brain somehow tapped into and captured in detail.
Let me know if your unconscious mind visited the same universes as mine.

Eclipse

No attacks, no blood-shed, yet there was an invasion and a conquest. Who are these shape-shifting aliens being hounded by an eclipse?

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?

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.

Time Crawlers

There are individuals who existing in multiple time periods at once, and there are those who know about them….

The Cave

The fate of an advanced imperial race hangs in balance as a dark celestial entity meets a legendary protector.

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.

About the Author:

Born in New Delhi, India 

Website http://varunsayal.in/

Twitter vsa2

Genre Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller

Influences Isaac Asimov

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. In his own words:
“I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'”

Love,