Blog Tour: DANCING WITH DEMONS by Nidhie Sharma
DANCING WITH DEMONS
Nidhie Sharma
Karan is a boxer. I was hesitant to sign up for the book for this reason. I can't relate to this bloody sport. But I heard from some people that the book is really good and got tempted. I am glad I did.
The story begins with Karan in the boxing ring. He's on the verge of winning the finals and has great chances of participating in the Olympics. But his demons surface at the wrong moment, to the point that he beats up his opponent to a pulp. That's when he's banned from boxing for the next four years. His coach and mentor Jerry is terribly disappointed with his pupil and washes his hands off him. It's up to Madan to help Karan to survive. Madan organises underground matches where Karan makes enough money to get by.
Into this scene walks Sonia. She goes to live in Karan's spare bedroom as a PG. She also has her demons to face and has recurring nightmares. Read the story to find out if the two of them are able to set behind their ghosts and get on with their lives.
Sonia's character has been brilliantly sketched. Her characteristics are introduced bit by bit until we get to know the whole Sonia after many chapters. I simply loved it. The scene I like best is when she goes to buy a bottle of Old Monk at a shady shop. No, I won't tell more. I am sure everyone will want to read it.
Karan is also a superb character, only second to Sonia. The author has done a lot of research on boxing and has made the story and situations totally authentic. I got pulled in with the descriptions despite not liking the sport.
Next come Jerry and Madan who are equally good. All the other characters – Imtiaz, Vijay, Sawant, Chottu, Ria and the others – everyone played their roles to perfection.
What I liked best about the book was that I wanted to know what happened next at the turn of every page. Well paced and interesting. Kudos to the author!
I have just one peeve. After all the build up towards the end, the epilogue is too brief and abrupt. I know the reader should be left begging for more, but even considering that, it was rather disappointing.
VERDICT: Definitely worth a read
Disclaimer: I received a free paperback version of this book from the author via The Book Club in return for my honest review.
Karan Pratap Singh is on the brink of winning the Amateur Boxing Championship, when in a moment, he loses it all. His fall from glory seems fuelled by ruthless arrogance and an out-of-control anger management problem. That, however is just symptomatic of a deeper issue. Buried under layers of his fractured subconscious lies a childhood secret he cannot come to terms with.
Sonia Kapoor is a beautiful, volatile young woman with a secret that torments her at night but a secret that she feels no guilt for.
When fate throws Karan and Sonia together in Mumbai, their personal demons and pasts collide and stir up trouble in their fragile and uncertain present. But, is redemption possible without forgiveness?
Dancing with Demons is a fast-paced action drama of love, loss and resurrection.
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The Book Club introduces Nidhie Sharma to you
1. Tell us a little bit about your background. When did you start writing?
My journey into the world of storytelling began way before I graduated with honours in English literature and was offered scholarship by the university. The early formative years took me into the world of the Panchatantra and classic English literature while I also watched my mother paint. At the same time, I got introduced to the joys of adventure sports too since my father was in the Armed forces. On hindsight, I think these early influences shaped my storytelling ability, albeit in a visual way.
I read voraciously through my teenage years and graduated to Booker prize winning novels quickly. I think reading good literature is hugely instrumental in widening mental horizons and giving the reader an ability to comprehend complex characters, their emotional and physical graphs, along with a unique insight into the geo-political landscape of the times the novel is set in. All of this is a fantastic bedrock and training ground for good writing.
I started experimenting with poetry and short stories initially, and a lot of the early writing during my childhood happened under the open sky in my garden, lying on the grass, dreaming about heroes, action and adventure.
At the age of twelve, I had written what might now be called a Novella. It was about the daily exploits of a girl and her group of friends and how they explored a new part of the nearby jungle every day, in search of wild animals, thrills, and adventure. It was autobiographical of course and my delighted parents had it printed and bound into a small book. They treasure it to this day.
Studying English literature in college helped me enormously in comprehending and interpreting works of literature and soon after, I started to write book reviews for national newspapers. I also wrote short stories every single day during those college years and I think that has helped me hone my craft.
I realize now that writing a drama set in the world of combat sports, which most critics have called visual and action packed, is no accident. Dancing with Demons is a sum total of all my early influences and experiences.
2. How would you describe your book Dancing with Demons? What prompted you to write a book on boxing?
'Dancing with Demons' is a gripping romance drama set against the backdrop of combat sports in India. It is the story of two fallen souls who must vanquish their inner demons to become the people they were destined to be. When the story begins, Karan Pratap Singh, an angst-ridden boxer and the mysterious and volatile Sonia Kapoor are angry and emotionally damaged by their pasts and when fate throws them together in Mumbai, their personal demons and pasts collide and stir trouble in their fragile and uncertain present. "It was some night. Thunder and lightning playing, chasing one another like two furtive, carefree lovers, oblivious to the havoc they were wrecking. Sonia put her hand out of the window as the bus started to hurtle down the highway, to Mumbai. A sliver of lightning fell on the trees just ahead of them, setting a large bush on fire. Then thunder roared again... Perhaps this was an appropriate setting for what was to follow...two tumultuous lives on a head-on collision course."
This book explores if redemption is possible without forgiveness and also delves into the depth and unsaid connection that Karan and Sonia have with each other. In fact, Sonia's poems in the novel throw light not only on self-love and forgiveness but also on the passionate and intense relationship that these two anti-heroes share.
"I know I'm not easy to love
On somedays there's no God above
And maybe it's a messed up world
Into which we have been hurled
And maybe I remind you of you
So Love yourself darling, to love me too"
Overcoming one's limitations or demons is essential in order to fulfill one's true potential. That is the real core of this story. The good thing is, millions of people find a way to battle and overcome their inner demons. So there is hope for everyone and 'Dancing with Demons' is about that hope. It's about the light at the end of the tunnel.
This novel is a fast-paced story of love, loss and resurrection for both Karan and Sonia.
3. What prompted you to write a book on boxing?
I was brought up in an army background that exposes you to adventure and the outdoors very early on. Having studied in various army schools across India, I trained in karate, horse-riding and attended adventure camps. Camping, trekking, hiking along with all the unforgettable misadventures shaped my love for the outdoors.
As a teenager, I watched live boxing matches as well. They fascinated me no end. Two men beating the hell out of each other while spectators egged them on. I noticed that every time a boxer bled in the ring, the audience cheered even louder. Human reaction to violence only shows how deep and primal that instinct is and this totally fascinated me back then. I started to watch boxing championships on the internet. Soon I was following the sport like a fan and started going for the big fights to Madison square garden while I was studying filmmaking in New York. I met boxers and coaches out of curiosity and interest. I spent time inside boxing gyms and also started to train and spar.
Personally, I love the raw athleticism in this sport and the fact that it is a skillful craft, needing strategy and forethought . Also, when the boxers fight, it is almost like a dance in the ring, lyrical and rhythmic, and that has drawn me to it visually as well. Given my exposure and interests, I think the stage to write Dancing with Demons, was set long ago.
4. What inspires you to write?
A lot of things actually but my mother's abstract paintings have been my greatest inspiration. Almost nothing inspires me more than a work of art, even a great piece of music for that matter. The outdoors and the sight of a rising sun sometimes triggers the need to put pen to paper. Since I enjoy observing life and am particularly fascinated by human duality and contradictions, I spend a lot of time creating complex and flawed characters and then throwing them into a world I am familiar with. The writing that follows is automatically organic and un-manipulated. Ultimately for me, it's almost always about exploring and learning something new through the process of creation.
5. And do you ever have a writer's block? What do you do to get rid of it?
I am very passionate about the stories I want to tell and on most days I don't feel the block but when I do, I think discipline helps. I've realized through personal experience that showing up in front of that laptop every single day is the only way to beat it.
6. Who are your favourite writers and poets and have they in anyway motivated you to be better at your craft? If so, how?
My favorite writers are Rohinton Mistry, Ian Mcewan, Maya Angelou, Kiran Desai, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Samuel Beckett, John Donne and T.S Eliot, to name a few. The unparalleled quality of their writing is a huge motivation for any young storyteller and I'm no exception. Like I mentioned earlier, my journey into the world of writing began with reading good literature and I strive every single day to better my craft.
7. Apart from writing what are your other interests?
I enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports, photography, watching plays and music of all genres.
8. You are also a filmmaker, how do you juggle between both the crafts?
The first step for a Writer-Director like me is to put an interesting story in place and once that is accomplished, then it's all about visually interpreting and executing it.
As a filmmaker, I think I am lucky to have a unique advantage by virtue of being a novelist too. It has given me a deeper understanding of story, characterization, plot, subplots, genres, mood and tone, all of which are an essential part of building an engaging narrative, be it for a movie or a novel. I also have greater understanding of the source material (the novel) and the training to adapt it for the screen. Infact, I have already finished adapting 'Dancing with Demons' into a screenplay and thoroughly enjoyed the process.
Although Cinema and literature are principally two different mediums, both aim at telling an interesting story well and despite their own unique challenges and audiences, I think it is possible to straddle them equally well if one has the talent, passion and training for storytelling.
Personally, I fell blessed that I am able to juggle between these two crafts and I'm having a lot of fun doing so.
9. Finally, what is your next novel going to be about and where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I write every single day and am sure the next story will find me soon enough.
The journey for 'Dancing with Demons' is still on and my full focus and energies at the moment are on directing the film.
I am a filmmaker-novelist and that's all I know, so that's where you'll find me even five years down the line.
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Labels: #TBC, Blog Tour, Book Review, Dancing with Demons, Flaming Sun, Harlequin, Nidhie Sharma, Rubina Ramesh, Sundari Venkatraman, The Book Club
Book Review: FIGHTING FOR TARA: A Novel by Sunanda J. Chatterjee
Disclaimer: I downloaded a kindle version of this book in return for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for the same.
Fighting for Tara is the story of 13-year-old Hansa, who is also the mother of Tara, a month-old baby. Hansa had been married when she was barely eleven, to a very old man. Not aware of any other life, she accepts her role as his wife and later as Tara's mother. The only highlight in her life is the time she spends with Rani Champawati, who teaches Hansa to read and write.
Her simple life is shaken when her husband Gyani dies. His brother Baldev comes from another village and offers to marry Hansa. But his offer comes with a condition – that she kills her girl child. Well, Hansa does consider it as she doesn't have a choice. But when push comes to shove, she's unable to kill her sweet little baby. That's when she decides to run away...
The author takes the reader from the small village in Rajasthan to a big city in the USA, the tale flowing in many threads, over the next decade. Tara is adopted by an American couple. But the story doesn't end there. There's more...
I fell in love with the courageous little Hansa, who's so protective of her little child. Beautifully penned by Sunanda Chatterjee, Hansa's character surpasses all else. The next on my list is Wolfgang. He's so real and I loved him only next to Hansa. All the other characters, Vikram, Rani sahiba, Baldev, the Stuarts, Tara and a host of others – all were well sketched.
The author has woven a beautiful tale that's extremely plausible. What I liked best is the hope it gives the reader - that life can turn positive when we put the right effort into it.
VERDICT: A must read!
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Labels: Book Review, Book Review: Fighting for Tara: a Novel, Fighting for Tara, Flaming Sun, Sunanda Chatterjee, Sundari Venkatraman
Book Blitz: TALES OF SUNSHINE by Sundari Venkatraman
(A collection of short stories)
TALES OF SUNSHINE is a collection of ten short stories that bring hope.
"A Ray of Sunshine" is about young Raj who's terribly upset when many people in his team lose their jobs. But is he able to do anything about it?
"A Promise Given" is about Sachin, the poor, rich, young man; and the pregnant Aparna.
"Life Goes out of Control" is the story where Preeti, an only child, is a bone of contention between her parents.
Rakesh Nath has slogged throughout his life to become rich, to suffer a massive heart attack at 57. Read "Rakesh Nath's Recovery" to find out more...
"Exam Fever" is about Renu and her anxious mother, Maya. Renu wants to play truant from studies while Maya is terribly worried about her daughter's exams.
"Until Death us do Part" is the story of Rekha, the 35-year-old COO of an MNC. She finds love or does she?
Ansh adores his grandfather. But his mother Anu is scared of her son spending time with the Alzheimer patient in "Is Grandpa Home?"
The "Daydreaming Mercenary" is Reema. She blows up her sister Rita's hard-earned money. But are things what they actually seem?
"Breaking Free from the Mould" is the most difficult thing as a human. With so much pressure from his Grandma, will Aarush pursue his calling?
"The Elephant in the Room" is in the first person where the poor Nandita talks about her friendship (?) with the rich Shruti.
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Tales of Sunshine is the seventh book authored by Sundari Venkatraman. This book is an anthology of human interest stories. Other published novels by the author are The Malhotra Bride, Meghna, The Runaway Bridegroom, The Madras Affair and An Autograph for Anjali—all romances. She also has a collection of romantic short stories called Matches Made in Heaven. All of Sundari Venkatraman's books have been on Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers in India, USA, UK & Australia many times over.
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Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set)
Labels: #TOS, anthology, Book Blitz, Flaming Sun, Human Interest Stories, Sundari Venkatraman, Tales of Sunshine, The Book Club
Cover Reveal: ROYAL ROMANCE, BOOK 1: THE PRINCE'S SPECIAL BRIDE by Devika Fernando
ROYAL ROMANCE, BOOK 1:
DEVIKA FERNANDO
Marie doesn't believe in fairytales and needs no handsome prince to rescue her from misery – but everything changes when she falls in love with Crown Prince Christian of Taragonia. When his sister invites Marie to the palace, their lives collide and leave them both fighting their forbidden attraction.
Prince Christian has no place in his life for love or for a woman who doesn't fit into the royal scheme of things. But vivacious Marie steals his heart and puts all he has lived for at stake. When the media gets wind of their affair, he has to make a difficult decision.
Will the unlikely couple have a chance at a happy ending?
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing. Her trademark are sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home. What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. When she's not writing, she's reading or thinking about writing.
You can follow the author here:
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Excerpt from the book
Marie blinked some more, her feet automatically carrying her close. "What…what are you doing here?" Belatedly, she curtsied and added a weak "Your Highness", remembering that they were not alone.
His smile widened. For a moment, he seemed to be drinking her in, his gaze roving appreciatively over her body clad turquoise capris and a white polo shirt. She felt his gaze like a physical caress, driving her out of her mind, increasing the heat.
"This is my family's property. Surely I have a right to be here," he joked mildly. For a moment, it looked like he wanted to touch her, but his hand fell back down to his side, clenching into a fist once.
"Yes," she replied, still dazed. "But you're a crown prince, not a winemaker."
He laughed, and the sound traveled straight to her heart. "That is correct, but I do know a thing or two about wine. My duties encompass everything concerned with my kingdom."
She nodded. Of course. And wasn't that what made him the perfect regent? His interest in anything and everything, his willingness to learn and his readiness to get his hands dirty?
He ushered her into the building, her entourage trailing behind and exchanging looks.
"I came here this morning with the dignitaries from England and Germany to give them a private tour." Christian raked his hands through his hair, as if the time spent with them hadn't exactly been fun. "My sister told me you'd end up here sooner or later, otherwise I'd have traveled through the region, visiting some other vineyards and villages."
Marie swallowed. So he'd stayed behind because of her. She felt thrilled and anxious at the same time. As keen as she was on every minute spent with him, this would lead nowhere and should not even get a chance to bloom. Why nurture something that was doomed to be cut off at the stem before it could blossom?
Are you ready?????
Labels: #TBC, #TPSB, Cover Reveal, Devika Fernando, Flaming Sun, Romance, Royal Romance Book 1: The Prince's Special Bride, Rubina Ramesh, Sundari Venkatraman, The Book Club
Blog Tour: KALEIDOSCOPE - COLOURS OF LIFE by Inderjit Kaur
KALEIDOSCOPE - COLOURS OF LIFE
A LIVING SERIES: BOOK 3
"Patience helps you endure all the troubles and issues that bother you. When you reach a stage, where the only remaining option is to release the things that are clinging on to you and pause your life, you feel enlightened and feel the positive impact of the change, and you no longer see yourself a victim of life.
Kaleidoscope - Colours of Life is a of inspiring stories, suggestive poignant thoughts and ideologies that serve as a guide in every stage of life. Interlaced with threads of experiences of life and the lessons learnt from them, the book depicts seven inspiring stories weaved into the magnificent array of a rainbow. Charting the various shades of life, the book further highlights the ups and downs of each of the characters, who are embedded here as a metaphor for a rainbow, in the patio of a plethora of circumstances.
By sharing wisdom, experiences and insights, Kaleidoscope - Colours of Life intends to deliver a message that will inspire and empower the readers to sense happiness and contentment, and help them to navigate life as a truly confident individual."
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Inderjit Kaur is an author, motivator with a powerful voice of spreading positive words through her writings. A highly influential blogger and inspirational guide who with her tag line 'Keep smiling, keep shining', has brewed up with the original concept of living through her books of A living series.
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Labels: #TBC, Blog Tour, Flaming Sun, Inderjit Kaur, Kaleidoscope - Colours of Life, Notion Press, Rubina Ramesh, Sundari Venkatraman, The Book Club
Book Review: FIGHTING FOR TARA: A Novel by Sunanda...
Book Blitz: TALES OF SUNSHINE by Sundari Venkatram...
Cover Reveal: ROYAL ROMANCE, BOOK 1: THE PRINCE'S ...
Blog Tour: KALEIDOSCOPE - COLOURS OF LIFE by Inder...