Book Review – Kupwara Codes
Book Title – Kupwara Codes
Author – Maj. Manik M. Jolly (Retd.)
Format – Paperback
Length – 240 pages
Publisher – Harper Fiction India
Blurb – In the heart of the volatile Kashmir Valley, Maj. Danny and Capt. Deepak from the legendary Gorkha Regiment unite against a sinister plan hatched by the ISI and their enigmatic ally. As the young officers struggle to decode the cryptic messages of the ‘Codeman’, they are thrust into a high-stakes mission to thwart a devastating terror attack on India.
My rating – 4.5/5
Review – I just finished reading a compelling nonfiction piece. Thanks to following FaujiDays on Instagram, I often find myself lured into picking up military-themed reads. One such recommendation was Kupwara Codes, a concise yet gripping fiction title that delivers a cinematic narrative straight to your imagination.
Authored by Maj. Manik, the book draws heavily from his first-hand experiences in uniform. He masterfully translates the intensity of real-world combat into dramatic storytelling. As a reader, you’re transported to the frontline — scenes of firefights, explosive encounters, and battlefield banter unfold vividly in your mind.
From vivid imagery of “guns blazing” to the spine-chilling moments where a terrorist’s end is graphically portrayed, the writing doesn’t shy away from realism. You can almost hear Maj. Danny’s smirk echoes in your thoughts as the action unfolds. It’s storytelling with the grit of lived experience — a short read, but one that leaves a lasting mark.
This isn’t your typical military fiction filled with romance between a dashing officer and a civilian love interest. Kupwara Codes goes far deeper. It’s a powerful portrayal of brotherhood, camaraderie, ethos, and the often-unseen hardships faced by soldiers.
One of the most courageous moments in the book isn’t a battle scene — it’s when an officer boldly raises his voice to demand advanced equipment, not for himself, but to protect his comrades. That moment alone speaks volumes about the values that bind men/women in uniform.
Though labeled fiction, the book’s narrative is strikingly authentic. The chapter where Lt. Deepak Lathwal visits the village of Nar Bahadur Thapa to return his mortal remains left an indelible mark on me. The emotions were so raw and real, I found myself unable to hold back tears. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain — it moves, resonates, and honors the spirit of service.
In short, Kupwara Codes is a fast-paced military thriller that sweeps the reader through the dense forests of Kashmir, into high-stakes field operations, the strategic meeting rooms of the 15 Corps Commander, and even a covert safe house where Maj. Jha deciphers a critical code — all sparked by a cricket feud. And that’s just the beginning.
Really excited about the next part of the Gorkha Garrison Series – ‘Jammu Juggernauts’
Buy here – Fauji Days
Some of my fav quotes from the book
“The Army is much more than just about killing terrorists”
“A very unpopular leader might just be result-focused, someone who pushes everyone hard and thus ends up being not liked”
“… wondering how difficult it must have been for someone to leave the thing he loved most”
