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Reckoning from the Shadows: A Riveting Political and Espionage Thriller
Agent Petra Shirazi is back in sizzling action thriller to stop an Agency mole… and save a democracy. Veronica Salazar knows her former colleague Petra Shirazi’s dark secret. Under threat of blackmail, Petra and her partner Kasem Ismaili, formerly known as the deadly assassin the Ahriman, have no choice but to join a covert operation to hunt down an Agency Mole. After tracking the mole to the East African Great Lakes region the team gets caught in an even larger Chinese intelligence is attempting to orchestrate a military coup d’etat to ensure their stake in a major green energy deal. The race to stop a coup d’etat begins. The Agency mole hunt quickly transforms into a race to stop the Burundi government from being overturned. As the conspiracy unravels, the team questions the Agency’s motivation and has to decide who to trust. Can the team put their differences aside to focus on the threat at hand? Does Petra and Kasem’s relationship stand a chance in this turmoil? The perfect blend of action, espionage, and suspense. Fans of Mark Greaney, Kyle Mills, Don Bentley, Tom Clancy, Daniel Silva, Frederick Forsyth, John LeCarre and international espionage will love this fast-paced suspense novel. Find out why Reader's Digest and LA Weekly magazine refer to Reckoning from the Shadows as one of the most exciting pieces of espionage fiction in recent times. THE AHRIMAN LEGACY is back with another action-packed adventure. Get your copy today to dive right into the action!
369 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2023
13 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Puja Guha
12 books76 followersPuja Guha draws upon her experiences from traveling and living around the world in her writing. She has lived in Kuwait, Toronto, Paris, London, and several American cities including New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. Each of these places and many more show up in her writing as her travel to places such as Mozambique, South Africa, Vietnam, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Guinea-Bissau inspire more and more story ideas. She also uses her experience working in international finance and development with the World Bank and Oliver Wyman to delve into global political themes in both her thrillers and literary fiction.
She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with work experience in finance and health care consulting, along with master's degrees in public policy from London School of Economics and Sciences Po. She has published two books, international spy thriller AHRIMAN: THE SPIRIT OF DESTRUCTION and literary fiction piece THE CONFLUENCE.
She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with work experience in finance and health care consulting, along with master's degrees in public policy from London School of Economics and Sciences Po. She has published two books, international spy thriller AHRIMAN: THE SPIRIT OF DESTRUCTION and literary fiction piece THE CONFLUENCE.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 3, 2023
Reckoning From the Shadows, #4 - Interesting addition to the series. I was lucky to have the trio to read back to back and although it has been awhile I remembered much of those books. Intriguing bit of the past rises its ugly head and causes problems for and between the team. See other reviews for more information. 4*
The Ahriman Legacy:
Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction #1 - This is my first read by Ms. Guha and I was impressed. I took my time to read this well thought out and well written and well edited first time novel. The author's experiences and education show throughout her book; while not a spy, she understands of the parts of the world she is writing about so clearly. There are several storylines that weave in and out during two or three periods of time and mesh together in this intriguing, suspenseful saga of terrorism and politics in the Middle East and the agents assigned to combat the terrorists.
While there are Americans involved, the majority of the characters are from the Middle East and there is plenty of customs and languages used throughout the story that add depth. The characters have interesting backgrounds about their developments and the events that shaped them during the different timeframes. The pace is fast and smoothly transitions the years and events to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Plenty of time is given to set the foundation that meshes the storylines and shapes the characters into a novel that keeps the reader constantly striving to figure what happens next. There is nothing Hollywood about this book. This is a very substantial read that could have been written by any of the heavy weights like Ludlum and Follett and company. This caliber of Indie author is hard to find in this genre nowadays.
Happily, I read the paperback version. This 309 paged, oversized book was comfortable to hold and didn't have any fumes. The serif typeface was a size too small for me to read comfortably, but with normal eyesight it is perfect. I'm used to a Kindle with narrow pages and large font to enable me to read faster. I have the other two books of this series, in paperback, and look forward to reading more about the female character that played such a strong role in this novel. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Road to Redemption #2 - I think this was the best. This is a well written, well developed and realistic story complete with a gamut of action, suspense and second chances. Once started, this book was hard to put down and the pages flew by rapidly. The storylines continue from Ahriman and further develop into new worlds and problems.
The characters come into their own and fulfill their roles with intelligence, daring and bravery. Of course, they are human and show their inner struggles. I like the fact that some of the characters were shown in a good light, since their nationality is usually depicted as the terrorist or villain. The locations and politics and events are interesting, along with the twists that keep the wheels rolling on the bumpy roads.
There is so much to this story, but I find it difficult to write about them without turning this into a book review. I cannot say anything without it being a spoiler. I do recommend reading all three books sequentially for the foundation and storylines are built up and give so much more substance to the reading. Each book can be read without the others, but why do that? 5*
Resurgence of the Hunt #3 - I love this trilogy. This book was heavier into the relationship between Petra and Kasem, complete with their ups and downs, doubts and trust issues, BUT the story still continues all the storylines and is filled with fast paced action.
Well written and well thought out, the story moves at a good pace and keeps the reader interested. While it is not necessary to read Ahriman and Road, books 1 and 2, I highly recommend reading them sequentially; there is so much background and the foundation that this trilogy builds upon is worth the time invested.
The characters are multi-faceted and range the spectrum of personalities, complete with the evil ones. Even the good characters will have to decide how far to go with boundaries. None are boring and all serve their purpose. The cursing is infrequent and not vulgar, I only remember one word that fit that descriptor and it was not the F-bomb. There is sex but we are not invited as voyeurs.
This author does remind me a lot of Ludlum. The planning, the research and the intelligence found in these three books makes the Ahriman Legacy worthy of the big boys. There is nothing Hollywood or patching to make the story flow. AL is realistic and believable.
I did notice a difference with Resurgence that did not appear in the first two books. The author does state she did not agree with all the editing, so this is probably why "thank God" has been changed to "thank god". I have a bad habit developed from my job to edit as I read, bad, bad habit when the books are subpar, but Ms. Guha's books were well edited and did use God in the first two books. So Ms. Guha, your editors were wrong about thank God, but they are probably following the trend against God since there is no more regulation with multimedia and the owners have their own agendas; not counting the Internet - that's a different world. I do not know how to clearly describe the difference with how the relationships were handled in this book. Do not get me wrong, this IS a very good story, but the nuances were noticeable to me. 5*
The Ahriman Legacy end.
The Ahriman Legacy:
Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction #1 - This is my first read by Ms. Guha and I was impressed. I took my time to read this well thought out and well written and well edited first time novel. The author's experiences and education show throughout her book; while not a spy, she understands of the parts of the world she is writing about so clearly. There are several storylines that weave in and out during two or three periods of time and mesh together in this intriguing, suspenseful saga of terrorism and politics in the Middle East and the agents assigned to combat the terrorists.
While there are Americans involved, the majority of the characters are from the Middle East and there is plenty of customs and languages used throughout the story that add depth. The characters have interesting backgrounds about their developments and the events that shaped them during the different timeframes. The pace is fast and smoothly transitions the years and events to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Plenty of time is given to set the foundation that meshes the storylines and shapes the characters into a novel that keeps the reader constantly striving to figure what happens next. There is nothing Hollywood about this book. This is a very substantial read that could have been written by any of the heavy weights like Ludlum and Follett and company. This caliber of Indie author is hard to find in this genre nowadays.
Happily, I read the paperback version. This 309 paged, oversized book was comfortable to hold and didn't have any fumes. The serif typeface was a size too small for me to read comfortably, but with normal eyesight it is perfect. I'm used to a Kindle with narrow pages and large font to enable me to read faster. I have the other two books of this series, in paperback, and look forward to reading more about the female character that played such a strong role in this novel. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Road to Redemption #2 - I think this was the best. This is a well written, well developed and realistic story complete with a gamut of action, suspense and second chances. Once started, this book was hard to put down and the pages flew by rapidly. The storylines continue from Ahriman and further develop into new worlds and problems.
The characters come into their own and fulfill their roles with intelligence, daring and bravery. Of course, they are human and show their inner struggles. I like the fact that some of the characters were shown in a good light, since their nationality is usually depicted as the terrorist or villain. The locations and politics and events are interesting, along with the twists that keep the wheels rolling on the bumpy roads.
There is so much to this story, but I find it difficult to write about them without turning this into a book review. I cannot say anything without it being a spoiler. I do recommend reading all three books sequentially for the foundation and storylines are built up and give so much more substance to the reading. Each book can be read without the others, but why do that? 5*
Resurgence of the Hunt #3 - I love this trilogy. This book was heavier into the relationship between Petra and Kasem, complete with their ups and downs, doubts and trust issues, BUT the story still continues all the storylines and is filled with fast paced action.
Well written and well thought out, the story moves at a good pace and keeps the reader interested. While it is not necessary to read Ahriman and Road, books 1 and 2, I highly recommend reading them sequentially; there is so much background and the foundation that this trilogy builds upon is worth the time invested.
The characters are multi-faceted and range the spectrum of personalities, complete with the evil ones. Even the good characters will have to decide how far to go with boundaries. None are boring and all serve their purpose. The cursing is infrequent and not vulgar, I only remember one word that fit that descriptor and it was not the F-bomb. There is sex but we are not invited as voyeurs.
This author does remind me a lot of Ludlum. The planning, the research and the intelligence found in these three books makes the Ahriman Legacy worthy of the big boys. There is nothing Hollywood or patching to make the story flow. AL is realistic and believable.
I did notice a difference with Resurgence that did not appear in the first two books. The author does state she did not agree with all the editing, so this is probably why "thank God" has been changed to "thank god". I have a bad habit developed from my job to edit as I read, bad, bad habit when the books are subpar, but Ms. Guha's books were well edited and did use God in the first two books. So Ms. Guha, your editors were wrong about thank God, but they are probably following the trend against God since there is no more regulation with multimedia and the owners have their own agendas; not counting the Internet - that's a different world. I do not know how to clearly describe the difference with how the relationships were handled in this book. Do not get me wrong, this IS a very good story, but the nuances were noticeable to me. 5*
The Ahriman Legacy end.
May 31, 2023
This is a complex thriller with a lot of threads to follow, and therefore the mystery is hard to figure out and the stakes feel like there's always something dangerous simmering.
We sure do get into the high stakes fast, which is good -- I definitely want fast pacing in a thriller. Also, I personally as a reader am really picky about pop culture references, but the pop culture references are handled well here!! Thanks for actually providing a few notes about what they are so that people who aren’t familiar with pop culture can at least get the jist, that's legitimately a thing that makes this a more immersive experience!
Additionally, I love all the different unique locations that the different plot points happen in. It definitely adds to the tension of the “chase” and a problem that's "this worldwide" makes it easier (and scarier in a good way!) to root for the characters to get to the root of everything.
There are a few things that took me out of the experience a little: there's kind of a lot of run-on sentences. I think another edit would be helpful. Additionally, I get that this is a later book in a series, but we get a loooot of dialogue, especially in the first few pages. This trend continues throughout the story, that a lot of important things happen just from back-and-forth dialogue. In my opinion, it'd be more immersive if there was more exposition and/or description.
And the dialogue issue is tricky -- sometimes it really works and I really liked when people were making plans and bouncing ideas off of each other (and sometimes it wasn't always easy to tell who could be trusted)! The strategizing that happens around page 80 is super cool. Still, I do find myself wishing that there was less dialogue overall and more description.
Overall, this was a fun experience with a lot of complicated threads to unravel!
We sure do get into the high stakes fast, which is good -- I definitely want fast pacing in a thriller. Also, I personally as a reader am really picky about pop culture references, but the pop culture references are handled well here!! Thanks for actually providing a few notes about what they are so that people who aren’t familiar with pop culture can at least get the jist, that's legitimately a thing that makes this a more immersive experience!
Additionally, I love all the different unique locations that the different plot points happen in. It definitely adds to the tension of the “chase” and a problem that's "this worldwide" makes it easier (and scarier in a good way!) to root for the characters to get to the root of everything.
There are a few things that took me out of the experience a little: there's kind of a lot of run-on sentences. I think another edit would be helpful. Additionally, I get that this is a later book in a series, but we get a loooot of dialogue, especially in the first few pages. This trend continues throughout the story, that a lot of important things happen just from back-and-forth dialogue. In my opinion, it'd be more immersive if there was more exposition and/or description.
And the dialogue issue is tricky -- sometimes it really works and I really liked when people were making plans and bouncing ideas off of each other (and sometimes it wasn't always easy to tell who could be trusted)! The strategizing that happens around page 80 is super cool. Still, I do find myself wishing that there was less dialogue overall and more description.
Overall, this was a fun experience with a lot of complicated threads to unravel!
June 11, 2023
Firstly, I was contacted by this author's representative and offered a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review. Secondly, had I not been contacted in this manner, it's highly unlikely that I would ever have bought a copy of this book as it's not a genre, Espionage/Thriller, which particularly interests me. As I am not a member of the intended audience for this book, it's likely that many people who do enjoy reading this kind of fiction will disagree with my views.
It wasn't until I got a copy of this book, Reckoning from the Shadows, that I realised it was part of a series called, The Ahriman Legacy. I struggled to finish this book simply because it failed to have any interest for me. This does not mean it is a bad book, it is well written and I am sure many people who have enjoyed the previous books in this series will also enjoy this one. As the main characters and some of the key events in this book feature in the previous books in the series, I suspect anyone who has read the previous instalments will be already familiar with many things, but for me, things were a little hard to follow at first, and then I just seemed to lose interest.
The plot of Reckoning from the Shadows is actually quite straightforward, a group of agents who have previously worked together try to prevent a coup from taking place in Burundi. Given that I have not read any of the previous instalments in the series, and nor does this genre particularly interest me, many things in the book just didn't seem to make much sense to me.
I am sure people who enjoy reading books in this genre, Espionage/Thriller, will find this to be an enjoyable.
It wasn't until I got a copy of this book, Reckoning from the Shadows, that I realised it was part of a series called, The Ahriman Legacy. I struggled to finish this book simply because it failed to have any interest for me. This does not mean it is a bad book, it is well written and I am sure many people who have enjoyed the previous books in this series will also enjoy this one. As the main characters and some of the key events in this book feature in the previous books in the series, I suspect anyone who has read the previous instalments will be already familiar with many things, but for me, things were a little hard to follow at first, and then I just seemed to lose interest.
The plot of Reckoning from the Shadows is actually quite straightforward, a group of agents who have previously worked together try to prevent a coup from taking place in Burundi. Given that I have not read any of the previous instalments in the series, and nor does this genre particularly interest me, many things in the book just didn't seem to make much sense to me.
I am sure people who enjoy reading books in this genre, Espionage/Thriller, will find this to be an enjoyable.
March 16, 2023
Wow! That's A Cliffhanger Ending!
While I think this book could have been shorter (a bit too wordy) I found it to be very thrilling. The world of espionage can be riveting and suspenseful but this story has as many twists as a can of worms. The team that Veronica forced together using coercion was nonetheless committed to the mission. To say there are subplots would be an understatement.
The "support" from the Agency in NYC wasn't really help but, rather, a different case of coercion. One that involved regime change in an area of the world that is getting stronger through its own efforts and the suggested change would have serious, deadly consequences. Carlos, Petra, Kassem are opposed to such an act and are willing to stop it from happening. Thus, we have a "To be Continued" ending that I'm really looking forward to.
While I think this book could have been shorter (a bit too wordy) I found it to be very thrilling. The world of espionage can be riveting and suspenseful but this story has as many twists as a can of worms. The team that Veronica forced together using coercion was nonetheless committed to the mission. To say there are subplots would be an understatement.
The "support" from the Agency in NYC wasn't really help but, rather, a different case of coercion. One that involved regime change in an area of the world that is getting stronger through its own efforts and the suggested change would have serious, deadly consequences. Carlos, Petra, Kassem are opposed to such an act and are willing to stop it from happening. Thus, we have a "To be Continued" ending that I'm really looking forward to.
January 24, 2023
I have been honoured to receive an early read copy of Reckoning from the Shadows.
Those who love to read thrillers will be hooked from page one of this exceptional book in the Ahriman Legacy Series.
I have loudly recommended Puja Guha's Sirens of Memory book as my favourite read of all time, and I read prolifically. Yet now I find myself with another favourite to add to my list.
The Ahriman Legacy Books are breathtakingly exciting from start to finish. The characters are believable and I found myself cheering them on throughout the storyline.
Beautifully written I highly recommend this both to Thriller fans and to those who are new to the genre. You are in for a treat from an extremely talented Author.
Those who love to read thrillers will be hooked from page one of this exceptional book in the Ahriman Legacy Series.
I have loudly recommended Puja Guha's Sirens of Memory book as my favourite read of all time, and I read prolifically. Yet now I find myself with another favourite to add to my list.
The Ahriman Legacy Books are breathtakingly exciting from start to finish. The characters are believable and I found myself cheering them on throughout the storyline.
Beautifully written I highly recommend this both to Thriller fans and to those who are new to the genre. You are in for a treat from an extremely talented Author.
February 7, 2023
Reckoning From the Shadows - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Undercover agent on the run, Veronica is confronted by her traitorous ex-lover, FSB agent Kevin Smith - what's the outcome?
In France, Veronica's former fellow agent Petra Shirazi is with her lover Kasem - the Iranian former assassin, Ahriman.
What's the connection between him and Kevin?
Why has Petra's mentor Carlos visited her?
Puja Guha weaves a spider's web of conspiracy, plot and counter-plot, in which a mission they've been ordered into, determines whether Petra, Veronica and their team are being undermined and betrayed by their own Government...and who escapes that web.
Get your copy of her stunning international spy-thriller, Reckoning From the Shadows today!
Undercover agent on the run, Veronica is confronted by her traitorous ex-lover, FSB agent Kevin Smith - what's the outcome?
In France, Veronica's former fellow agent Petra Shirazi is with her lover Kasem - the Iranian former assassin, Ahriman.
What's the connection between him and Kevin?
Why has Petra's mentor Carlos visited her?
Puja Guha weaves a spider's web of conspiracy, plot and counter-plot, in which a mission they've been ordered into, determines whether Petra, Veronica and their team are being undermined and betrayed by their own Government...and who escapes that web.
Get your copy of her stunning international spy-thriller, Reckoning From the Shadows today!
February 24, 2023
Puja Guha's new book, Reckoning from the Shadows is the fourth in her Ahriman Legacy series. It is an exciting espionage thriller set in Burundi, East Africa. Ms. Guha takes us once again into the world of international intrigue. She is adept at writing detailed descriptions that draw the reader into exotic
locations. We can see and feel the natural beauty of Burundi, and the warmth of its people. She always brings authenticity to her work when describing people and places. We follow the continuing story of Petra, and Kasem as they attempt to foil a military coup and the impact it has on their relationship. Unexpected plot twists keep the reader guessing and turn up the suspense. I recommend this book highly to readers looking for an exciting thriller that is very hard to put down.
locations. We can see and feel the natural beauty of Burundi, and the warmth of its people. She always brings authenticity to her work when describing people and places. We follow the continuing story of Petra, and Kasem as they attempt to foil a military coup and the impact it has on their relationship. Unexpected plot twists keep the reader guessing and turn up the suspense. I recommend this book highly to readers looking for an exciting thriller that is very hard to put down.
February 14, 2023
An outstanding follow up to the Ahriman Trilogy! Once again, the author has woven a web of conspiracy, plots and counterplots that leave you breathless and wondering who the real villain is. The characters are well rounded and come across as believable, whether you love them or hate them. This provocative, somewhat dark and twisted story grabs you from the first page and keeps you guessing until the very end!
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 1, 2023
The Airhman Trilogy was well written, exciting, and entertaining. Now, the author continues the enthralling saga with Reckoning from the Shadows. Puja Guha’s prose is highly readable, her characters colorful and, her plot lines remarkably believable. The mark of a great book is not being able to put it down -> this totally applies to Reckoning.
January 31, 2023
Former boyfriend and considered a traitor, Kevin visits Veronica to warn her that the FSB is hunting her. A former assassin, Ahriman now known as Kasem is wanted by the Agency. A planned coup that the team needs to stop. An espionage thriller.
February 7, 2023
Puja is One of my Favorite Authors !
She weaves a tale that no one can put down for very long! Her words transport you to another time and place full of intrigue and Mystery !!
This new tale in the Ahriman series is a Must Read!!
She weaves a tale that no one can put down for very long! Her words transport you to another time and place full of intrigue and Mystery !!
This new tale in the Ahriman series is a Must Read!!
April 26, 2023
The end didn’t happen
After the combat in Burim the end of the fighting come the women had to the romance. The good didn’t happen and the romance failed to happen. Nothing of the action ever comes an result.
After the combat in Burim the end of the fighting come the women had to the romance. The good didn’t happen and the romance failed to happen. Nothing of the action ever comes an result.
January 31, 2023
As always an amazing book. Full of suspense, fast paced and strong characters that lead you through the story. Kept me trying to guess what could possibly happen next.
February 14, 2023
A brilliant read which you may find very difficult to put down once you start reading, you have been warned
March 22, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to accomplish this operation.
Please let me know when book 5 is available.
Please let me know when book 5 is available.
May 5, 2023
This story has a large cast of character; spies, former spies, traitors, and assassins. It took me longer than usual to get a feel for the story and I'm not sure I really did. It didn't really end.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews