I got the book as a part of the review program in Outset. To know more, click:
https://rakhijayashankar.blogspot.in
The Last Attractor of Chaos is a sci-fi thriller, very different from what I have usually read and definitely a first in this genre by an Indian author, and I must congratulate the author for doing a good job of it.
In short - The prestigious and supremely powerful Kali.x has gone missing and the prime suspect is Shruti Rathore, an officer with a dark past, who is on a run from the Government agencies for a 'crime' she did not commit. Guiding her on a different dimension is her dead husband, Ashwin Rathore, who was killed in an attempt actually targeted at Shruti. Through a series of twists and turns, the mystery unfolds.
Language: The language of the book is fluid. One can easily read it in one go, if time permits. The scientific theories have been explained in detail and (should be) easily understood by a person with no background in science. (I cannot be completely sure as I have a decent background in physics). Apart from the first chapter, the entire book is from the POV of the deceased husband. However, there were some glaring grammatical mistakes that, hopefully, would be done away with when the next edition is out.
The characters: The characters have been etched out decently, although I do think a little more background into Ashwin's character was required. Factually, it is all there. Personality wise, a little more detailing would have been good. Shruti's character has a streak of darkness that contributes in creating an aura of mystery to the entire narrative. The supporting characters have been given adequate space to develop and showcase themselves.
The story: The story is unique. The combination of particle physics, thriller and an undercover operation make it a viable option for adaptation and I am hoping to see this book as a movie someday.
The ending/climax: I was a little disappointed with the ending. The climax seems to be a little rushed and the author could've spared a couple of more chapters to satisfactorily tie all the loose ends. The ending seemed abrupt and that took away the charm of the climax.
One glaring problem I had with the book (which also is the reason why I finished the book in two sittings, instead of one) was the portrayal of romance between the two main characters. Not only did it seem ill-founded, whatever little bit of detailing that was given to their relationship only made matters worse. (Vague here to avoid spoiler.) The description of the approach of the male protagonist towards the female protagonist seems too bollywood-ish (and I do not say that in a good way).
Also, there is a part where the author has described the female protagonist having a 'masculine confidence'. This description actually threw me off. Physical traits defined by gender, I can understand. But to deal with a non-physical intangible trait in terms of gender stinks of misogyny at some level, whether conscious or not. A big no-no!
Final thoughts: Recommended read. If one takes the above two points with a pinch of salt, the book is engaging. The USP is that the premise is new and refreshing.
https://rakhijayashankar.blogspot.in
The Last Attractor of Chaos is a sci-fi thriller, very different from what I have usually read and definitely a first in this genre by an Indian author, and I must congratulate the author for doing a good job of it.
In short - The prestigious and supremely powerful Kali.x has gone missing and the prime suspect is Shruti Rathore, an officer with a dark past, who is on a run from the Government agencies for a 'crime' she did not commit. Guiding her on a different dimension is her dead husband, Ashwin Rathore, who was killed in an attempt actually targeted at Shruti. Through a series of twists and turns, the mystery unfolds.
Language: The language of the book is fluid. One can easily read it in one go, if time permits. The scientific theories have been explained in detail and (should be) easily understood by a person with no background in science. (I cannot be completely sure as I have a decent background in physics). Apart from the first chapter, the entire book is from the POV of the deceased husband. However, there were some glaring grammatical mistakes that, hopefully, would be done away with when the next edition is out.
The characters: The characters have been etched out decently, although I do think a little more background into Ashwin's character was required. Factually, it is all there. Personality wise, a little more detailing would have been good. Shruti's character has a streak of darkness that contributes in creating an aura of mystery to the entire narrative. The supporting characters have been given adequate space to develop and showcase themselves.
The story: The story is unique. The combination of particle physics, thriller and an undercover operation make it a viable option for adaptation and I am hoping to see this book as a movie someday.
The ending/climax: I was a little disappointed with the ending. The climax seems to be a little rushed and the author could've spared a couple of more chapters to satisfactorily tie all the loose ends. The ending seemed abrupt and that took away the charm of the climax.
One glaring problem I had with the book (which also is the reason why I finished the book in two sittings, instead of one) was the portrayal of romance between the two main characters. Not only did it seem ill-founded, whatever little bit of detailing that was given to their relationship only made matters worse. (Vague here to avoid spoiler.) The description of the approach of the male protagonist towards the female protagonist seems too bollywood-ish (and I do not say that in a good way).
Also, there is a part where the author has described the female protagonist having a 'masculine confidence'. This description actually threw me off. Physical traits defined by gender, I can understand. But to deal with a non-physical intangible trait in terms of gender stinks of misogyny at some level, whether conscious or not. A big no-no!
Final thoughts: Recommended read. If one takes the above two points with a pinch of salt, the book is engaging. The USP is that the premise is new and refreshing.
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