Something has been evoked in the dark corners of a mind . . . Sevita and Sama are identical twins, but they couldn't be more different. Sevita is popular and outgoing while Sama is a loner who never really fit in. As the two enter their first year of college, tragedy strikes-one of them dies a sudden death. Barely has the town come to terms with this, when the news of another death rattles them all. As the death toll keeps rising, police are perplexed. What is plaguing the idyllic town of Lavasa? As Inspector Mohite investigates the deaths and soon secrets tumble out, it soon becomes clear that underneath the placid surface of Lavasa lurks a complex web of lies and deceit. Can he uncover the truth before more people die?
This book was an amazing read. It was a thriller packed with well developed characters and an amazing storyline.
In the story, identical sisters Sama and Sevita are shown who are different from each other. Sama is the introverted shy girl while Sevita is the popular sister. One of them dies while they were in college and soon, the town of Lavasa was filled with such mysterious deaths. Everyone think that whatever happening was an accident, but Inspector Mohite was sure that someone was behind it all.
The story went on a fast paced manner. I couldn't get a single moment to compose myself as it was that exciting. It showed the darkness inside a human mind.
If you want to read a thriller with not even a second of lag, then this book is the best option.
This is as deep one can go into darkness. The portrayal of the antagonist is superb! Towards the end I even felt bad for everything that happened to her. But then you feel the chill go down your spine thinking of what she did. Recommended to all psychology thrill lovers eps American Psycho lovers!
Evoked by Mansi Babbar is a fast paced psychological thriller set in the beautiful city of Lavasa. The plot revolves around Sevita and Sama twin sisters who look identical physically but poles apart in nature. Sevita being an extrovert is popular amongst her friends and Sama an introvert doesn't mingle a lot. During their first year of college, one of the twin sister dies under mysterious circumstances. This marks the beginning of a series of suspicious deaths in Lavasa, which leaves the people aghast. Inspector Mohite starts investigating the case and is astonished at the secrets that tumble one after the other. What happens next? Grab the book to know more...
The plot is gripping and has been planned and executed well. The mystery element is maintained for most part of the story. The narration is smooth and engaging which surely gives the edge of the seat moments, and grips us to the book. What I liked the most is the author's way of engrossing the readers with the constant twists throughout the read.
I did not hesitate even for a second before rating this book five stars. The author clearly tells us in the note to the reader that she is going to use pace alone as the focal point of the book and keep us enthralled and glued to the pages. And she has done exactly that very effectively. She does not hide anything from the reader and everything is there in black and white in front of us. The ending is predictable. The suspense of the conventional kind like the kind found in whodunits is not present. These are things that perfectionists may pick on. But the furious speed at which the events occur one after the other make these so called defects pale completely into insignificant. This is what compelled me to give it a 5 star rating.
The main character is a troubled aloof young girl Sara who is jealous of her twin sister Sevita and all the attention she gets because of her lovely sweet friendly nature. Not just the friends and society but their own mother has always felt something different and troublesome with Sama.
When one of the twins die in a horrific incident surrounded by suspicious circumstances, the town of Lavasa is cursed and deaths start happening one after the other and the surviving sister is linked to them in one way or the other.
This novel is one of the best psychological thriller I have read in a long time. I could totally feel the characters come out alive while reading. Plot twists are just gripping and the whole book is a real page turner just like author promised.
Every chapter has a unique agitating title that made me just go ahead and read it so you know why it was named like that. I am always a fan of chapter names rather than numbers. It just enhances the reading experience so much for me.
The only thing that felt unreal to me is the twin’s mother’s behaviour after the accident. I really feel a mother would always know the difference and could not be fooled for long about their identity but I think that was the plot’s need. But other than that, it was a super fast read for me. I have completed a book within a week after ages
'There isn't a slow moment, not a sentence that does not take the story forward, not a page that doesn't beg to be turned,' says the author Ravi Subramanian to describe or define the books coming under the series, 'Ravi Subramanian presents.' A bold statement of promise. ' These stories promise to hold you firmly in their grip until you reach the very end.' Another assurance. He also warns the readers to fasten their seat belts and get ready for the ride. I read the short prologue and was not much impressed. Three suicides were reported in Lavasa, and two were reported from the same spot! Inspector Suresh Mohite was introduced. Another murder mystery? I went on. Then came the first chapter titled 'Still waters run deep' and the identical twin sisters were introduced Sevita and Sama. My interest was aroused. I am always fascinated by the stories of twins, more so twin sisters. More so, if one of them is a negative or different character. I think it is due to watching great Hindi hits like 'O Kaun Thee?' and 'Sharmeelee.' The story was getting interesting. These two enter the College, are no more school girls and one is a bubbling extrovert and the other is a detached introvert. The story was happening in Lavasa and in a college setting. The story is going on.
Then I came up to page 49.Under the chapter titled 'Trigger.'That was the decisive moment for me to close the book and sleep to continue it the next day or to continue a few more pages. It was already ten o'clock in the night. I could not resist the urge to continue since I knew I will not get sleep unless I read further. The warning was right. The assurances were not empty. The promise was not just a wish statement. I fastened my seat belt. The ride is going to be fast. Page after page, they need not have to beg me to turn, I turned and found new excitement. I do not want to share the details of the story with you and spoil the excitement you would get. Such books should be read without knowing too much about the details. Like I did at the recommendation of a friend. Soon, I reached page 210 where the story sort of finished, and then to the last chapter ' Evoked' page213 when the novel ended. Then I again read the Prologue again and it made perfect sense. Were the authors planning for a sequel? They certainly created ground and go ahead if they wanted to. If you like or enjoy crime pictures, the book is for you. I said you can visualise it like a movie in my brain. I was doing it while reading the book. Leave alone, each and every character, my choice for the heroine was none other than Kajol much younger than now. Maybe when she was 18 or 20. Like the role she played in the crime thriller 'Gupth', where she loved the hero obsessively. Did you watch that movie? You can choose your own caste for the movie you are going to watch.
As far as the writing style is concerned it appeared to me more like a Sidney Sheldon, than RaviSubramnian we know from his earlier works. Particularly, all the matter which was under italics and was very effective. Very eminently written, and there were no loose ends.
My congratulations to Mansi Babbar for creating a page-turner. It is not easy to write crime thrillers, though the work was a result of a fine collaboration between both the authors.
Evoked: The Lavasa Incident by Mansi Babbar is a part of the Ravi Subramanian Presents series, which aims to provide " short, plot-oriented, fast-paced novellas that are the book equivalent of caffeine for an exhausted mind" and I completely agree with it for this book.
This is the story of Sevita and Sama, twin sisters who are exact opposites, the former being completely extroverted and popular, and the latter being an introvert and loner. But what will happen when one of them dies a sudden death? Will the truth be ever uncovered regarding this mystery? Will Inspector Mohite be able to solve this case? To know more, read the book.
I am someone who reads thrillers and mysteries once in a while and when I do, I want something to be fast-paced, creating the environment of suspense and thrill, maintaining the mystery, and keeping the strings of it very tight, and this book delivers it.
From the prologue itself, the author has created a scenario that was so interesting to let you keep reading. Because of the sustained fast pace throughout the book, it didn't occur for a second when the book started and when it was finished.
The plot was very well developed and even though the ending was predictable for me, it was surprising because of the way it was written. The plot is related to Mrs. Vyas was a little unrealistic and there could have been more about it and so does about the parenting.
It is my first read by the author, and I'm looking forward to reading more. It was a novella that could be easily finished in one sitting(just be aware of the trigger warnings mentioned below).
If you are someone who is looking forward to a short, crisp, fast-paced novella with a great build-up, check it out. I'll give it 4.2/5 stars.
Evoked- The Lavasa Incident is a very fast paced thriller which keeps the readers hooked throughout. Sometimes the things that may seem on the surface are not similar to what is going on underneath and there can be a big web of lies and deceit. This book is a thriller rush for your brain which just bring you instant feel of experiencing a good murder mystery with lots of different types of characters.
Evoked is a story of two identical twin sisters, Sama and Sevita. But in reality they are poles apart from each other. Sevita is a fun loving and lively girl who loves to enjoy life and hang out with her friends. While on the other hand, Sama is a person who likes to keep to herself, don't like to socialize and is a mystery for everyone around her. Everything was going pretty well unless one of them dies suddenly and then the things changed for the town of Lavasa. After that death tolls keep increasing but nobody could figure out what exactly is happening. Inspector Mohite is the one who thinks that something is fishy and will get to the bottom of this.
The book is really fast paced and engaging. I loved the writing style and story building of the author. The characters are very well developed over the period of time and the book is unputdownable as you want to know what will happen next in the story or who can die next. The twists and turns in the story are interesting. The overall story is really well written and brought together in an act of fast paced thriller. The cover is pretty intriguing and The title is apt to the story as you will feel Evoked after reading this. This is the first book I have read of Mansi Babbar and I can say that I am really impressed by her work. Will look forward to read more of her books. Also, kudos to Ravi Subramaniam presents to bring such a great initiative to bring us these great stories.
Evoked by Mansi Babbar . The more I read thrillers, the more it attracts me to the essence of living through the story and playing along like a character. But what makes a good thriller a great one is the mystery and atmosphere the author creates with his/her words or narration.
"Evoked" is a gripping mystery novel written by a talented new author, weaving together a tale of intrigue, tragedy, and the complexities of human nature. With a compelling synopsis that promises a small town plagued by a series of mysterious deaths, the story unfolds with a blend of suspense, unexpected twists, and an exploration of the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.
The narrative centers around Sevita and Sama, identical twins who possess starkly contrasting personalities. Sevita is the life of the party, while Sama is a reclusive and introverted individual. When one of the twins meets an untimely demise, the town of Lavasa is left in shock and mourning. However, the tranquility is shattered as more deaths occur, leaving the community on edge and the police perplexed.
The author's writing style is engaging and evocative, allowing readers to vividly imagine the idyllic yet sinister setting of Lavasa. The pacing of the story is well-maintained, with a careful balance between action-packed sequences and quieter moments of introspection.
Character development is another strength, particularly in portraying the intricate dynamics between the twins and the individuals they interact with. The contrasting personalities of Sevita and Sama create a fascinating dichotomy, enriching the narrative and adding depth to the plot.
Overall, "Evoked" is a commendable debut novel that will captivate fans of mystery and suspense. With its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and atmospheric setting, it offers an immersive reading experience that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
Psychological Thrillers are my absolute favorite, and Mansi Babbar's "Evoked" nailed it. The story begins with two sisters (twins) Sevita and Sama, who are exact copies of each other but with very different personalities. Sevita is an outgoing, lively, and extroverted girl who loves to make friends and go out for socialization, whereas Sama is a peculiar girl who doesn't talk to anyone, doesn't open up about her feelings, dislikes being around people, and enjoys her own company.
The story begins when one of the twins dies, and after that, a series of murders takes place in Lavasa, all connected to each other. The plot keeps you awake, and you end up turning pages within minutes. I loved the fast pace the author has maintained throughout the plot, and I finished the book in just two sittings. The writing is flawless and keeps you engaged; I loved Mansi's writing style—it's simple yet glorious.
The story delves into the fact that parents often look differently at their children, and this behavior can influence them in a bad way. Parents play a major role in a child's life cycle. Often, the neglected child can go through worsening mental health and can start acting peculiarly, causing harm to others. As a parent, if you notice your child behaving abnormally, you should always seek therapy before things go wrong, and their unattended feelings turn to grudge.
Overall, it was a thrilling read for me, and I wouldn't mind reading the book again. The ending was quite predictable, yet the plot twist in the last chapter kept me hooked. The plot is well-developed, and so are the characters.
"Sama's face was just the same as Sevita's but without her sister's lively expressions. It was as if the reflection of a hollow ceramic doll was staring back at her. Lifeless and empty."
Evoked by Mansi Babbar is the story of two twin sisters - Sama and Sevita - who are literally poles apart. While Sevita is loved by all and always radiates a happy energy, Sama is only supported by her father and avoided by most due to her distant behavior.
This novel turns out to be a psychological thriller when one of the sisters is found to be dead. Soon the entire town seems to be cursed following more murders. Who was killed and how?
Although as a reader you might be able to guess the progress of the story, it'll still keep you bound to it. That is because of the language it's written in and how vividly it's described. You'll feel the emotions of jealousy and anger felt by the characters strongly as well as the reason they turned out that way.
My biggest takeaway from this novel is the role of parents in shaping their children's personality. If a child doesn't feel accepted by their own parent it for sure leaves a dent in their life.
Overall it was a work I devoured in a single night. Very honestly i was delaying picking it up but I'm so glad my buddy readers motivated me. If you're a thriller fan, please don't miss them.
Going into a new book by a new and young author is always a risk as I chose my reads really carefully. It was such a relief to read Mansi Babbar’s new smash of a book Evoked - The Lavasa Incident that I could not have been more wrong not to choose new young authors more often.
A fast-paced murder mystery thriller, Evoked covers a lot of ground in the first few pages and really sets a dark tone and atmosphere to enjoy for the reader. The book starts with the introduction of the twins, Sama and Sevita and the people around them. It digs deep into the social and isolative nature of each twin in the backdrop of the town of Lavasa. Things go bleak when a death occurs. What is worse is that the death is followed by more deaths. Enter Inspector Mohite who thinks that something is not right. What happens next will leave you wanting more from the author as the twists and the thrill grips you not to put down this twisted tale.
Mansi Babbar's psychological thriller Evoked follows the lives of twins Sama and Sevita in Lavasa, a town where their lives are threatened by a mysterious murder. Sama becomes the prime suspect after Sevita's body is found, leading to a complex plot that explores mental health, emotions, and the struggles of parents. The story is filled with twists and turns, focusing on family relationships, hidden information, and the power of retribution. The novel's rich and believable characters, including Inspector Mohite, add depth to the story. Despite being short, Evoked is a gripping and thought-provoking read for fans of psychological thrillers.
Flew through this page-turner in a day. The premise is strong and simple and compelling - two identical twin sisters, and the one with no human connection or empathy or remorse kills her sociable sister and takes her place.
We see her connive and plot revenge on anybody who stands in her way or wrongs her, a calculating and cold killer who nevertheless gives in to impulse and bitter emotion.
Great pacing, clear characters, a substantial body count, intrepid heroes, and an implacable central antagonist who thinks in her own unusual way.
The plot essentially provides an insight into the darkness of the human mind in a clear and precise manner. This psychotic thriller is narrated in the third person and the book takes the readers to a place where the characters are living in a chaotic world full of violence and self-harm.
The book begins on a slow note, highlighting the personality difference between the two sisters. There is no detailed description of characters; emphasis is on action and events that bring out the difference. If you like a Sherlock Holmes or an Iris Johansen or Agatha Christie, then you would miss the depth. But remember the note at the beginning–it’s a short book, a novella. I would call it a cozy mystery.
Basically a senseless thriller. The pace was really good and I was glad that the author kept the story succinct. I loved the craziness that took place in this story. A chaotic novel through and through. My only issue was the lack of depth and a proper storyline. The story was all over the place and seemed jumbled up.
It was good book. One can read it in one day. The language is simple. I liked reading it. Kind of a serial killing story of a short temper girl. Twins, friends, love, killings, police, revenge, parenting, and the bridge where it starts and where it ends. One can read it once.
A fast-paced thriller that would make an enjoyable read for lovers of the genre
My rating: 4.1/5 Sevita and Sama are identical twins whose physical attributes are similar down to the T. But their personalities are poles apart. While Sevita has a pleasing personality and is friendly with almost everyone, Sama is a recluse and an introvert. Things take a dark turn when one day, tired of all the comparisons and teasing about how different she is from her sister, Sama takes a drastic step. This is followed by a series of tragic and mysterious deaths and suicide attempts across the town of Lavasa. Are these incidents linked? If yes, how?
This book is a part of the Ravi Subramanian Presents series, which aims to provide short, plot-oriented, fast-paced novellas that are the book equivalent of caffeine for an exhausted mind and I completely agree with it for this book. This is the story of twins, Sevita and Sama, twin sisters who are contrasting personalities. But what will happen when one of them dies a sudden death? Will the truth be ever uncovered regarding this mystery? Will Inspector Mohite be able to solve this case? To know more, read the book. I am someone who reads thrillers and mysteries once in a while and when I do, I want something to be fast-paced, creating the environment of suspense and thrill, maintaining the mystery, and keeping the strings of it very tight, and this book delivers it.
Right from the beginning, the author has set up the pace of the book. The prologue itself was so gripping that I couldn't hold back. I read it cover to cover in one sitting.
The plot was very well developed and even though the ending was predictable for me, it was surprising because of the way it was written. The plot is related to Mrs. Vyas was a little unrealistic and there could have been more about it and so does about the parenting.
It is my first read by the author, and I’m looking forward to reading more. If you are someone who is totally into fast paced thrillers and mysteries, you would surely enjoy reading this.
Whenever we hear Twin, we imagine the exact design of clothes, mistaken for one another or dependent on each other. Reading the sibling bond in the fictional story is delightful to read, and the twin bond just doubles it.
Evoked, presented by Ravi Subramanian and written by Mansi Babbar, is a book that offers a twin bond in a different haunting way. The book follows the story of two identical twins, Sama and Sevita, living in the small town of Lavasa. Sevita is an outspoken, happy-go-lucky girl with a good friend circle and a handsome and caring boyfriend. On the other hand, Sama is an introverted girl who doesn't love to socialize. One day in a mysterious way, one twin gets killed and starts a series of killing and unfortunate events.
Mansi has crafted a masterful plot with mystery and suspense in her stellar series. The story also touches the mental health issues, dark human emotions, and parents' negligence in understanding their children's behavior. The story also shares the teen's feelings, from rebellion to first love and identity crisis.
All the characters are well-developed and have their own identity. However, I wish there was more about why there is a difference between mother and daughter relations and what happened with Astha.
Overall, Evoked is an engaging crime fiction; I highly recommend this to every reader who enjoys reading mystery and crime fiction.
Trigger warning: Betrayal, emotional blackmail and murder. Readers discretion is advised.
I'll be honest, the only reason why I picked up the novel was because of the cover. It caught my eye and after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to give it a read. The story revolves around identica twin sisters - Sevita and Sama. One of the twins is popular among friends, and has a loving boyfriend. The other is an introvert and usually stays inside her room. Till one of the twins die "MYSTERIOUSLY". Although plot was quite predictable but it had me hooked on from the start. The book is a fast paced thriller with plot twists in almost every chapter. I ended up finishing this book within 24 hours!