Reviews and Comments

This book contains the experiences of Sudha Murthy while working for Infosys Foundation across the length and breadth of India. There are stories about dowry victims, sex workers, tribals, poor content with whatever they have. At times, I felt that the self-boasting in form of repeated mentions of author’s foundation was unnecessary but I do realise that the nature of the stories in this book demand some sort of creditability and what could be better than Infosys Foundation to provide the legitimacy to the experiences of the author.

The stories are written in a simple and lucid manner and it doesn’t require a lot of effort to read the book. I could relate to most of the stories myself and at times, my emotions did overwhelm me as well. Author managed to capture a range of human emotions as well as the problems plaguing the Indian society since ages. Depending on perspective, one may find some of the lessons from this book really invaluable.

Definitely worth a one time read.

I love Ashwin Sanghi's books for their depth of historical facts and clever intertwining of facts with fiction. The Magicians of Mazda adopts the Zoroastrian migration to India from ancient Iran as base and takes the reader on a journey which flip flops from the roots of the Vedic civilisation to modern day USA and India.

I liked the pacing of the book. It gets moderately serious in tone when the persecution of Zoroastrians by Muslim invaders is explained. As usual, the mixing of modern day facts with history and mythology is impeccably done. At times, the information overload becomes too much to handle.

I was expecting a more grander conclusion to the novel. I felt that the ending didn't justify the entire story. A rather non-significant character became the key to all the mysteries and suspense developed throughout the book. I would have liked if the main characters had discovered the conclusion based on their understanding, but they were reduced to mere guessing at the end.

As always, this book is a perfect addition to the Bharata series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading most books of the series, and this book was no exception. A solid 4 stars to the book. I have reduced one star because of the information overload and the dull ending. Otherwise, this book is sure to give you a healthy dose of Zoroastrian legacy and Parsi history in India.

This book is my 8th Riordan's read, and with this, he overtakes JK Rolling. Absolutely thrilling and fun-filled books. It probably is by far the best Percy Jackson book I have read. Totally nuts. I hope Hollywood will make movies on these books someday. Not like those crap Percy Jackosn movies, something as good as Harry Potter movies. Just a random wish from a mere mortal.

After almost 1000 pages, finally, a reunion of Percabeth happens, and gosh, I can't describe my feelings. The plot of this book is primarily focused on the quest of Annabeth, but there are mini-quests involving other characters also. The formula is the same, a prophecy, a pursuit, many side quests, victory, and finally, a cliffhanger. But during all these, the characters develop, and that's where Rick's writing shines. I love the way the characters are narrated, though Nico and Jason should have gotten more space.

The ending was the book is really shocking. It was such a massive cliffhanger that I couldn't resist myself from starting the next book immediately, that thankfully I already had, as I started this series long after all the books were released.

I love this series, and this is an understatement of how well-written these books are. Thank you, Rick Riordan. I was looking forward to Percy's adventures, and he doesn't disappoint.

Coming to the characters in the book, Hazel was my favorite. Her story is well written and mysterious. I am waiting to see how her past unfolds and connects her to other characters.

Frank was okayish, too powerful, and outshines Percy at some places, but I felt that his story is more slowly narrated.

Nico was a surprise package. I like the mystery and darkness of his character. One can expect such aura from a son of Hades. I feel that Nico should have gotten more space in the book. Perhaps, the next books will focus more on his character.

Percy, ah, do I need to write anything about him! I missed him so much since the time I read the Percy Jackson origin books last October. I loved his chapters. I think the story is going to be different for Percy in the next books. He will evolve to be more realistic and in control of his powers and their limitations. Let's see.

Can't wait to read The Mark of Athena. Looking forward to the adventures of Annabeth ❤️