Title: AMONGST THE BELIEVERS
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Thriller
Page Count: 290
Author: Kochery C. Shibu
Publisher: Mishan Design Point Pvt Ltd
Publication Date: 2024
BOOK BLURB (as on book) :
Amongst the Believers, another masterpiece from the best-selling and award-winning author of “Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar” and “Faith and the Beloved.” The novel is a saga of love, set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Nanda is an accused in a murder case, and the lives of his dear ones are in danger. He is given an option to join RAW on a mysterious mission and penetrate the elite society of Pakistan. A choice that forces him to create a family only to destroy it.
Khusru is a terrorist who has fallen out with his handlers, the ISI, and is on the run. Caught in the vicious gang wars of Karachi, he is to escort the warlord’s daughter Miriam to Bosnia. A journey that takes him to Iran, Armenia, and the prisons of Russia.
Rekha has choreographed her life in the captivity of a terrorist as a dance drama. Even after marriage and two children, her obsession with Khusru knows no bounds. She is kidnapped and ends up as a sex slave to the teenage terrorists in war-torn Afghanistan.
A ruse that led America to invade Iraq and a mysterious video of an Army officer directing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that could change the course of history are being chased by the ISI, Mossad, CIA, Russians, and the RAW. The lives of Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha are entangled in this international web of espionage.
A journey through the unknown, a saga of love, espionage, and suspense that will keep you riveted.
MY REVIEW:
I received the copy from the Author to review the book. I choose this kind of GENRE because it is a political action thriller.
The story involves the lives of three different people from different backgrounds with their own missions and the way they intertwined in an untangled web of politics and intelligence.
It is a gripping story that you keep turning the page until you get to know what happened next. Is Khusru successful in escorting the warlord's daughter? Does Rekha succeed in finding Khusru? How did she turn in sex slaves? Nanda, a murderer, is able to solve the case? Save the life of his family?
The characters are complex and multifaceted. The narration shows how this character deals with their fear and desire and struggles with moral dilemmas.
I like each character. Especially Khusru. I wonder how this normal teen becomes a terrorist. What kind of life they choose and how it ended. I want to say this terrorist also has a good heart, and I feel he is the HERO in this novel.
Rekha being a doctor, married with two kids, and her obsession with Khusru is weird and heart aching. But love is blind and have no end.
The minute details of the geopolitical scenario give a realistic touch to the story. The author's writing reflects his technical knowledge and army background as well as human emotions with complex backdrops.
I like the way each chapter ends with the beautiful quotes that resemble the whole saga.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
When you leave me in the grave, don't say goodbye; remember the grave is the only curtain for the paradise behind.
You've come to know the fortunate and the in auspicious stars, but you don't know whether you yourself are fortunate or lucky.
And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hours of separation.
At the end of my life, with just one breath left, if you come, I'll sit up and sing.
Believe in love's infinite journey, for it is your own, for you are love. Love is life.
DRAWBACKS :
The story is fast-paced. Some chapters are going at a speed that I find difficult to match with pace.
And some chapters are explained in such way that you can witnessed the exact scenario.
Where as in some places tiny description of each plot, excessive cultural description, unnecessary geographical details and frequent shifts of location make a loss of interest.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kochery C. Shibu, the bestselling and award-winning author of ‘Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar’ and ‘Faith and the Beloved,’
He is a graduate of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He has served in the Indian Navy and commanded two warships.
Amongst the Believers’ , suspense thriller, is his third book. A passionate and committed writer, Shibu creates a magical world of fiction built around a well-researched background.
MY RATING
For Book Cover: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
Buy Books: here
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Amongst the Believers is a well-written, action-packed thriller novel with rich character development and an intriguing plot that captivates readers. Author Shibu's writing is proactive. Though the story is complex, like RAW, terrorism, and survival of each character, he made the story flow easily by using simple language. The book takes you into the dark world of intelligence. Dive in to this action packed thriller.
Related Reading: The book review of Silk Route Spy
---------------------------
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
--------------------------
Question of the day
Do you like to read action packed thriller?Have you read the book Amongst The Believer?
--------------------------
Let's connect
Memory Flies on Social Media
---------------------
Reading the review of Amongst the Believers made me realize this is exactly the kind of book I’d love to get lost in. The way the you described Nanda’s journey—from an accused murderer to a RAW operative—immediately grabbed my attention. I love stories where characters navigate morally complex situations, and Khusru’s escape from a life of terrorism sounds equally compelling. The mention of Rekha’s complicated emotions towards her captor adds another layer of intrigue. What really stood out to me was how the book doesn’t just focus on action but also deep character exploration. I appreciate stories that take me to different parts of the world, and the way the review highlighted the realistic depictions of conflict zones makes me even more eager to read it. It’s always exciting to come across books that blend intelligence, thrill, and emotional depth. This review didn’t just summarize the book—it made me want to experience it myself. Definitely adding this to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteThis review gives a great insight into the book’s gripping plot and complex characters! I love how you highlighted the emotional depth along with the fast-paced action.
ReplyDeleteYour review is very detailed and interesting, but the cover and the murder just put me off. I read only light romances now. My life has enough of drama as it is, and living alone, I avoid reading such stuff.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so interesting. I am placing this among my TBRs and hope to get to it once I finish so many on my list.
ReplyDeleteI liked the espionage part. I would read just for that. The characters also have a lot of dramatic stories. Good to know about this book.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the author is a veteran himself assures me the book will be rich in detail and incredibly accurate, making it truly unputdownable. Your review of Among the Believers by Kochery is compelling—definitely adding it to my reading list! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have never read the political action. Your review seems interesting
ReplyDeleteThe review is quite intriguing, with some interesting characters. Will try to read it.
ReplyDeleteWell reviewed Neeta! I too have read this book.The author's defence background adds a lot of credence to his storytelling .I is truly action packed and quite thrilling but there were some passages that could have been edited more slickly I believe..
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Many time i lost intrest.
DeleteOh wow! Seems like a great premise although there appears to be a lot happening in one book. That the author has real life experience with such stuff could be a great advantage to create authentic plots, characters, dialogues, and incidents. Will put it into my TBR
ReplyDeleteYour review captures the gripping intensity and depth of the story beautifully! I love how you highlighted the complexity of the characters, especially Khusru, and the author’s intricate portrayal of geopolitical tensions. Your personal insights really bring the narrative to life!
ReplyDeleteYou have given quite a high rating for the book and yet I find the blurb very confusing and disjointed as if these are 4 different stories of 4 different characters. This was the reason I had moved on from this one in my amazon suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite an insightful review Neeta. Your detailed analysis of the characters and plot provides a comprehensive understanding of the novel's depth. Your honest critique regarding the pacing and descriptive elements makes me feel that I might not enjoy the book as much. But then your favorite quotes not only add a personal touch but make me feel like I could give it a try. My interest is definitely piqued while I'm still unsure whether I will pick up this book.
ReplyDeleteWhat a detailed review! I felt as I have absorbed the synopsis of the book.
ReplyDeleteI love how this review highlights the complexity of the characters and the gripping nature of the plot in Amongst the Believers. The detailed character analysis, especially of Khusru, is fascinating!
ReplyDeleteKhusru and his love Rekha both are fascinating
DeleteI'm also curious how the lves of 3 diff people is intertwined o form the story. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting plot. I love this genre but have not read any written by Indian authors in an Indian backdrop.
ReplyDeleteI like the military angle and will definitely check out this book. Thank you for recommending.
ReplyDeletePolitical thrillers, although disturbing, can be an interesting and gripping read. The three characters and their possible backstories are quite intriguing. Would like to give it a read.
ReplyDeleteNanda’s journey from accused murderer to RAW agent sounds so interesting, and I love stories with complex characters. This review made me want to experience the story myself. It’s definitely on my reading list.
ReplyDelete-Anjali /Messymom
The premise is very interesting and intriguing i will definitely check this out soon
ReplyDelete