Uncontrollable

by Varsha Seshan

Children forced out of their homes
Humans discarded as empty shells
A Machine that sucks out Power.
Secrets
More secrets
And still more secrets-
I must fight a government of evil,
destroy the Machine,
and . . . save my mother.

Me, twelve-year-old Rohini.
Ha. Really?

248 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2023

About the author

Varsha Seshan is a writer of to-do lists, emails, and detailed notes to self. In between all that, she writes stories, mainly for children.

Awards and Shortlists
- Winner - Crossword Book Award 2025
- Highlights Foundation Full Scholarship Awardee 2024
- Shortlisted for the AG-BLF Book Prize for Children's Fiction 2023
- Author of a Parag Honour Book 2022
- Shortlisted for the Neev Book Award 2021
- Finalist for the Singapore Book Award 2019
- First runner-up for the Scholastic Asian Book Award 2018
- Winner of the Juggernaut Travel Writing Contest 2018
- Winner of the Chanakya Award for Communicator of the Year (Literature) 2018
- Shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award 2016
- Second runner-up for the Parents and Kids Choice Awards 2014

Reviews

[Book_withquotes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Enter the fantastical world of Rohini, a young girl burdened with extraordinary power and a family secret that threatens to unravel her entire existence. Raised in secrecy by her mother, the Fairy Queen, Rohini’s world is turned upside down when her mother finally reveals the truth. Born in Kallua, a realm plagued by the sinister Machine, Rohini possesses uncontrollable power coveted by her father, the head chameleon. The Machine drains power from individuals like Rohini, leaving them discarded and powerless. When her mother falls victim to the Machine’s clutches, Rohini must summon all her courage to rescue her and destroy the source of their suffering. But facing her formidable father and the Machine’s tyranny proves to be a daunting task. Join Rohini on an epic journey of self-discovery, courage, and sacrifice as she battles against the forces of darkness to save her family and reclaim her destiny.

The heart of the novel lies in Rohini’s journey of self-discovery, fueled by the urgency to rescue her mother from the clutches of the malevolent machine. A unique tale, uniquely written with subtle themes that will make you think and leave you with a little bit of confidence, righteousness and magic of course! What sets this book apart is its thoughtful exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.

Through Rohini’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, readers are reminded of the power of hope and determination in overcoming even the most daunting obstacles. Overall, this book is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will captivate audiences of all ages. With its engaging plot, compelling characters, and imaginative world-building, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Varsha Seshan's novel weaves a captivating tale of a young girl, Rohini, whose world turns upside down when she discovers her extraordinary powers and her hidden lineage in the magical realm of Kallua. "Uncontrollable" unfolds as a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a journey through a world where superpowers are both a gift and a curse.

The narrative skillfully introduces Rohini's unsuspecting existence as an Uncontrollable, someone gifted with special powers, yet oblivious to her true identity. The moment her shimmering ability manifests, it triggers a series of events that lead to the revelation of her mother's role as The Fairy Queen, a guardian of Uncontrollables in Kallua. The delicate unraveling of their departure from Kallua adds layers to the story, introducing a sinister machine that drains powers from Uncontrollables to empower the higher-ups, including The Head Chameleon, who happens to be Rohini's father.

The heart of the novel lies in Rohini's journey of self-discovery, fueled by the urgency to rescue her mother from the clutches of the malevolent machine. Seshan introduces a diverse set of characters – Aveek, Hussain, Shaheen, and Prateek – each possessing unique superpowers such as telepathy, shape-shifting, shimmering, receiving, lie detection, and intuition. Together, they form an unbreakable bond as they embark on a perilous mission to save The Fairy Queen.

The plot cleverly integrates themes of friendship, courage, and the consequences of power misuse. Seshan's writing is vivid, immersing readers in the fantastical world of Kallua, where every twist and turn keeps them on the edge of their seats. The climax, centered around the confrontation with the machine, is a riveting culmination of the characters' strengths and vulnerabilities.

"Uncontrollable" is a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and self-discovery. Varsha Seshan masterfully crafts a tale that not only entertains but also explores deeper themes, making it a compelling read for audiences of all ages. The novel's rich character development, intricate plot, and the seamless integration of superpowers create a memorable literary experience that lingers in the imagination long after the final page is turned.

[Ekta M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy Fiction (Middle Grade / YA)
Age 11+
Ebook available

This fantasy fiction is written in form of Poetry. A fantasy world made of shapeshifters, time travel, telepathy, a machine that sucks out power, vortexs etc.

#plot
Rohini, a 12 year old is fed up of her mother keeping secrets. But this time her mother, the fairy queen, spills it all out. Rohini is an uncontrollable- one with power - born in Kallua. They had run away from Kallua because of the Machine - it sucks out power from an uncontrollable and infuse it in higher ups - the chameleons(police) and the doctors. The uncontrollables were then discarded. What was more shocking was, the head chameleon - the one who controlled the machine was Rohini's father. He too wanted Rohini's power. One day the fairy queen is captured and taken to the Machine. Rohini must somehow save her mother and destroy the machine. But how?? How will she fight her poweful and mean father?

#bookreview
A fantasy fiction in verse format is an amazing concept. I have read story in verse format for the first time. It was mind blowing. Varsha Seshan has created a fantasy that will transport you into another world. Its a good mix of science and fantasy. It is also about fighting the wrong and winning over the right. Amazing set of characters too.

Best enjoyed by lovers of science fiction fantasy.

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well if you had to NOT judge a book by its cover, this would be it! Why you ask - because the book is a surprise in itself, a novel in verse. Filled with fantasy this book will also show you the mind of twelve year old coming to terms with a lot things!
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Rohini ' mom is the Fairy Queen, a performing artist but well she has that name for a reason. Rohini has had her past kept secret from here, until one day she starts shimmering! Thats when the Fairy Queen starts divulging things to her - about Kallua, a land she has been made an outsider too, because she s an uncontrollable!
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Gradually Rohini learns about the different magical powers and of working in Kallua and why they had to leave. These uncontrollable s are kept separate from the South of Kallua where live the elite of Doctors and also Head Chameleon. There is also the machine, an instrument of power play that sucked up power and left shells. In north kallua live the Fairies too and The Fairy Queen, now protects these victimised communities!
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You will be completely vortexed into the story - as Rohini s mother is kidnapped, Rohini learns of her family's history and forms a group of friends with who now she now has to be the superhero!
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A unique tale, uniquely written with subtle themes that will make you think and leave you with a little bit of confidence, righteousness and magic of course! The chapters are most interestingly titled and you will turn the pages, uncontrollably!

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I really kept the review and the book interiors spoiler free this time - well because you need to READ it yourself please!

[Sakshi Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book "Uncontrollable," The Author Varsha Seshan narrates a fictional story in Verses.
She has built a believable world that blurs the fine line between Fantasy and Fiction.
I am amazed by her ability to imagine and build a world.

Here we meet, Rohini, a 12-year-old Uncontrollable with special powers, who discovers her mother, The Fairy Queen, has a secret connection to the powered world of Kallua. They were drained of power by a machine, empowering higher-ups. Rohini's journey triggers a vortex, pulling her mother into the machine. With their superpowers, Rohini and her friends rescue her mother. Alongside friends Aveek, Hussain, Shaheen, and Prateek, Rohini sets out on a mission to save her mother, utilizing their superpowers, such as telepathy, shape-shifting, shimmering, receiving, lie detection, and intuition. Very thoughtful superpowers right?

Yes I have tried to give you a gist without revealing much. With Other characters like Head Chameleon, Rohini's friends the story becomes interesting.

I believe the story resonates with themes of parent-child dynamics, self-discovery, friendships, and, most importantly, honesty and courage. My 12-year-old and I enjoyed reading it, especially after our positive experience with Dharas Revolution. The use of verses allowed us to delve into the metaphors, making the reading experience even more enriching.