What do you think?
Rate this book
The Zora Trigger: Codename : Deception
What if the one person you trusted most, was the one who betrayed you?
Major Paramjeet Singh Gill is the sole survivor of one of the deadliest attacks on the Indian Army. A cryptic gift from the slain Brigadier ‘papaji’ holds the secret to bind all the clues and Patram is thrust into a web of lies and deceit. Param along with his love Shilpa, discover a deep sinister conspiracy and must unravel it all before they lose everything.
As the clock ticks, will Param and Shilpa outwit the mastermind pulling the strings, or will they pay the ultimate price?
Major Paramjeet Singh Gill is the sole survivor of one of the deadliest attacks on the Indian Army. A cryptic gift from the slain Brigadier ‘papaji’ holds the secret to bind all the clues and Patram is thrust into a web of lies and deceit. Param along with his love Shilpa, discover a deep sinister conspiracy and must unravel it all before they lose everything.
As the clock ticks, will Param and Shilpa outwit the mastermind pulling the strings, or will they pay the ultimate price?
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2025
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 31, 2025
The Zora Trigger - Codename: Deception by Priya Nayak-Gole represents a most distinguished entry into the pantheon of contemporary military fiction, demonstrating a remarkable synthesis of espionage machinations, romantic sensibility, and intricate plotting that would not disgrace the shelves of the most discerning bibliophile. The authoress has fashioned a work of considerable ambition, one that sustains the reader's engagement from its arresting opening tableau through to its climactic denouement.
The protagonist, Major Paramjeet Singh Gill, presents as a character of exceptional psychological complexity and verisimilitude. His odyssey from foundling child to decorated military officer, thence to disabled veteran seeking vindication, possesses an authenticity that resonates profoundly with the reader's sensibilities. Priya Nayak-Gole demonstrates admirable restraint and perspicacity in her treatment of Param's physical diminishment and psychological tribulations following his grievous injuries. The authoress eschews sentimentality whilst maintaining unwavering respect for her character's dignity, portraying his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, phantom limb syndrome, and rehabilitation with clinical precision tempered by genuine compassion.
What proves most compelling is the delicately wrought relationship between Param and Shilpa Venkataraghavan. Their childhood attachment, subsequent estrangement, and ultimate reconciliation provides the emotional infrastructure upon which the entire narrative edifice rests. Shilpa transcends the conventional limitations of the romantic heroine, manifesting as a formidable intellectual presence whose scientific acumen proves instrumental in unravelling the cryptographic puzzles. Her characterisation represents a triumph of authorial sophistication.
The enigmatic elements demonstrate exemplary construction and execution. The succession of cryptic clues constitutes a most satisfying intellectual pursuit. Each revelation proceeds with inexorable logic from its predecessor, whilst the authoress provides sufficient intelligence for the astute reader to participate actively in the deductive process alongside her protagonists.
Priya exhibits commendable scholarship in her treatment of military protocols, nuclear physics, and the operations of the Indian security apparatus. Her technical exposition regarding prosthetic devices, rehabilitative medicine, and the particular tribulations faced by disabled servicemen enhances the narrative's verisimilitude without descending into tedious didacticism.
The antagonistic forces prove equally well-conceived, whose protracted infiltration and gradual exposure creates genuine dramatic tension. The narrative rhythm maintains admirable consistency across its tripartite structure. The authoress employs analeptic sequences judiciously, providing essential character exposition without compromising the forward momentum of the central plot. This architectural approach enables readers to comprehend the conspiracy's full magnitude whilst preserving suspense regarding the interconnection of seemingly disparate elements.
The geographical settings receive vivid and evocative treatment, from the snow-mantled peaks of Kashmir through the rehabilitation facilities of Delhi to the littoral regions of Chennai. Each locale serves the narrative imperatives whilst contributing atmospheric authenticity that significantly heightens the reader's immersive experience.
The work addresses themes of supreme importance: loyalty, sacrifice, and the profound cost of national service. It illuminates how terrorist activities affect not merely immediate casualties but entire familial and community networks. The narrative examines the proposition that authentic patriotism may occasionally necessitate extra-legal action when established institutions prove inadequate to the challenge.
The romantic dimension develops with admirable naturalism, never overwhelming the thriller elements. Their physical intimacy receives tasteful treatment, whilst their emotional connection appears thoroughly earned through shared adversity and mutual regard.
The supporting dramatis personae contribute meaningful depth to the fictional universe. Even peripheral characters possess sufficient individuality to transcend mere functional utility within the plot machinery.
Whilst the work's considerable length might initially daunt some readers, Priya maintains engagement through judicious variation in chapter length, multiple narrative threads, and regular revelatory moments. The tripartite structure facilitates the division of the narrative into manageable portions whilst building inexorably toward the climactic confrontation.
The resolution achieves satisfactory closure for the various plot strands whilst providing emotional catharsis for the principal characters. The epilogue offers welcome solace after the traumas they have endured.
The Zora Trigger succeeds admirably both as sophisticated entertainment and as a thoughtful meditation upon individual resilience in the face of betrayal, physical limitation, and loss, whilst examining the means by which persons may transcend personal suffering to serve causes greater than themselves. Priya has produced a work that evidences considerable narrative intelligence and genuine reverence for her characters' struggles and ultimate triumphs.
This volume merits enthusiastic recommendation to devotees of military fiction, romantic suspense, and any reader drawn to narratives celebrating human fortitude when confronted with seemingly insurmountable adversity.
The protagonist, Major Paramjeet Singh Gill, presents as a character of exceptional psychological complexity and verisimilitude. His odyssey from foundling child to decorated military officer, thence to disabled veteran seeking vindication, possesses an authenticity that resonates profoundly with the reader's sensibilities. Priya Nayak-Gole demonstrates admirable restraint and perspicacity in her treatment of Param's physical diminishment and psychological tribulations following his grievous injuries. The authoress eschews sentimentality whilst maintaining unwavering respect for her character's dignity, portraying his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, phantom limb syndrome, and rehabilitation with clinical precision tempered by genuine compassion.
What proves most compelling is the delicately wrought relationship between Param and Shilpa Venkataraghavan. Their childhood attachment, subsequent estrangement, and ultimate reconciliation provides the emotional infrastructure upon which the entire narrative edifice rests. Shilpa transcends the conventional limitations of the romantic heroine, manifesting as a formidable intellectual presence whose scientific acumen proves instrumental in unravelling the cryptographic puzzles. Her characterisation represents a triumph of authorial sophistication.
The enigmatic elements demonstrate exemplary construction and execution. The succession of cryptic clues constitutes a most satisfying intellectual pursuit. Each revelation proceeds with inexorable logic from its predecessor, whilst the authoress provides sufficient intelligence for the astute reader to participate actively in the deductive process alongside her protagonists.
Priya exhibits commendable scholarship in her treatment of military protocols, nuclear physics, and the operations of the Indian security apparatus. Her technical exposition regarding prosthetic devices, rehabilitative medicine, and the particular tribulations faced by disabled servicemen enhances the narrative's verisimilitude without descending into tedious didacticism.
The antagonistic forces prove equally well-conceived, whose protracted infiltration and gradual exposure creates genuine dramatic tension. The narrative rhythm maintains admirable consistency across its tripartite structure. The authoress employs analeptic sequences judiciously, providing essential character exposition without compromising the forward momentum of the central plot. This architectural approach enables readers to comprehend the conspiracy's full magnitude whilst preserving suspense regarding the interconnection of seemingly disparate elements.
The geographical settings receive vivid and evocative treatment, from the snow-mantled peaks of Kashmir through the rehabilitation facilities of Delhi to the littoral regions of Chennai. Each locale serves the narrative imperatives whilst contributing atmospheric authenticity that significantly heightens the reader's immersive experience.
The work addresses themes of supreme importance: loyalty, sacrifice, and the profound cost of national service. It illuminates how terrorist activities affect not merely immediate casualties but entire familial and community networks. The narrative examines the proposition that authentic patriotism may occasionally necessitate extra-legal action when established institutions prove inadequate to the challenge.
The romantic dimension develops with admirable naturalism, never overwhelming the thriller elements. Their physical intimacy receives tasteful treatment, whilst their emotional connection appears thoroughly earned through shared adversity and mutual regard.
The supporting dramatis personae contribute meaningful depth to the fictional universe. Even peripheral characters possess sufficient individuality to transcend mere functional utility within the plot machinery.
Whilst the work's considerable length might initially daunt some readers, Priya maintains engagement through judicious variation in chapter length, multiple narrative threads, and regular revelatory moments. The tripartite structure facilitates the division of the narrative into manageable portions whilst building inexorably toward the climactic confrontation.
The resolution achieves satisfactory closure for the various plot strands whilst providing emotional catharsis for the principal characters. The epilogue offers welcome solace after the traumas they have endured.
The Zora Trigger succeeds admirably both as sophisticated entertainment and as a thoughtful meditation upon individual resilience in the face of betrayal, physical limitation, and loss, whilst examining the means by which persons may transcend personal suffering to serve causes greater than themselves. Priya has produced a work that evidences considerable narrative intelligence and genuine reverence for her characters' struggles and ultimate triumphs.
This volume merits enthusiastic recommendation to devotees of military fiction, romantic suspense, and any reader drawn to narratives celebrating human fortitude when confronted with seemingly insurmountable adversity.
March 10, 2025
Priya Nayak-Gole’s The Zora Trigger is a riveting military thriller that plays like a Bollywood film full of action, twists, turns, romance, and suspense. The book starts with a bang. Major Param is the sole survivor of a bomb blast that wipes out his men and leaves him maimed. The disgraced army man must not only clear his name but also decode the clues left behind by his mentor/foster father. The clues give a very Dan Brown feel to this fast-paced narrative.
While the blast takes an emotional and physical toll on Param, it does not stop him in his quest to decipher the secret that Papaji was safeguarding that has now been passed onto him. What is the Zora trigger? Why must it be found? Why is a militant outfit interested in it?
Param gradually realises that if secrets fall into wrong hands, a disaster of cataclysmic proportions will unfold. In this race against time, he must also protect the love of his life Shilpa, whose scientist father was murdered. Like him, she too seeks answers. The forces they are up against have infiltrated the top ranks and deception awaits them at every corner as the people they know drop dead one by one. Some chapters end on a cliffhanger making the reader impatient to know what lies ahead.
The characters are memorable. Param, the protagonist is complex; he juggles guilt and neglect while trying to uncover secrets linked to his past that threaten his future happiness. Shilpa’s character comes across as a strong woman who knows what she wants. She doesn’t understand why Param distances himself from her but is determined to win his affection. The main leads are supported by characters like Maahi, Vir, Papaji, and others with interesting backstories.
If I had to nitpick, it would be the character of Maahi- I felt there was more to her, given her troubled background. Overall, the language is lucid and flows in a fast-paced narrative. The army setting is well-researched, and so is the V.S.S.C. backdrop.
The Zora Trigger is a page-turning, action-filled gripping thriller.
While the blast takes an emotional and physical toll on Param, it does not stop him in his quest to decipher the secret that Papaji was safeguarding that has now been passed onto him. What is the Zora trigger? Why must it be found? Why is a militant outfit interested in it?
Param gradually realises that if secrets fall into wrong hands, a disaster of cataclysmic proportions will unfold. In this race against time, he must also protect the love of his life Shilpa, whose scientist father was murdered. Like him, she too seeks answers. The forces they are up against have infiltrated the top ranks and deception awaits them at every corner as the people they know drop dead one by one. Some chapters end on a cliffhanger making the reader impatient to know what lies ahead.
The characters are memorable. Param, the protagonist is complex; he juggles guilt and neglect while trying to uncover secrets linked to his past that threaten his future happiness. Shilpa’s character comes across as a strong woman who knows what she wants. She doesn’t understand why Param distances himself from her but is determined to win his affection. The main leads are supported by characters like Maahi, Vir, Papaji, and others with interesting backstories.
If I had to nitpick, it would be the character of Maahi- I felt there was more to her, given her troubled background. Overall, the language is lucid and flows in a fast-paced narrative. The army setting is well-researched, and so is the V.S.S.C. backdrop.
The Zora Trigger is a page-turning, action-filled gripping thriller.
April 14, 2025
Armed forces, deception, romance, and a deadly plan to save the country and protect one's identity.
The Zora Trigger is all of the above and much more. Paramjeet Sehgal, a Major with the Indian Army is convicted in a terrorist attack that he isn't part of. Knowing his dedication to the country, his seniors take pity on him and he doesn't have to face a trial. Yet, he is loses his job and in a bid to not lose his identity Param embarks on a mission to find out who the real culprit is. His long lost love interest Shilpa, joins him in this endeavor as she too is struggling with the suspicious death of her father, an ISRO scientist.
The plot is convoluted and that is expected given the genre. There are characters jumping in and out of the story to keep the level of suspicion high. Though the characters walk in and out of the plot, their movement doesn't jar the readers. For a while it might seem abrupt, but the ends are tied soon. The combination of two of India's prime institutions- the Army and the ISRO- give a distinct flavor to the story. Scientists and soldiers, both live life on the precipice. One wrong move and the fall is dangerous.
The thing I was touched by most is how faujis deal with failures and losses. Param's internal dialogues, his resilience, and the do or die attitude is a lesson to be imbibed. Love, family, and friendships how they take a backseat when the call of nation comes is portrayed dramatically in the book. Despite physical and emotional challenges, a soldier is always ready to stand guard or lay down his life when the call comes.
The book being a thriller maintains good pace. Romance and steamy scenes relax the tense atmosphere but quickly get you back to the main plot. The chapters are short with minimal back and forth. Most of the story flows in a linear fashion.
Get to the book if you are looking for a racy read interspersed with a few moments of solitude.
The Zora Trigger is all of the above and much more. Paramjeet Sehgal, a Major with the Indian Army is convicted in a terrorist attack that he isn't part of. Knowing his dedication to the country, his seniors take pity on him and he doesn't have to face a trial. Yet, he is loses his job and in a bid to not lose his identity Param embarks on a mission to find out who the real culprit is. His long lost love interest Shilpa, joins him in this endeavor as she too is struggling with the suspicious death of her father, an ISRO scientist.
The plot is convoluted and that is expected given the genre. There are characters jumping in and out of the story to keep the level of suspicion high. Though the characters walk in and out of the plot, their movement doesn't jar the readers. For a while it might seem abrupt, but the ends are tied soon. The combination of two of India's prime institutions- the Army and the ISRO- give a distinct flavor to the story. Scientists and soldiers, both live life on the precipice. One wrong move and the fall is dangerous.
The thing I was touched by most is how faujis deal with failures and losses. Param's internal dialogues, his resilience, and the do or die attitude is a lesson to be imbibed. Love, family, and friendships how they take a backseat when the call of nation comes is portrayed dramatically in the book. Despite physical and emotional challenges, a soldier is always ready to stand guard or lay down his life when the call comes.
The book being a thriller maintains good pace. Romance and steamy scenes relax the tense atmosphere but quickly get you back to the main plot. The chapters are short with minimal back and forth. Most of the story flows in a linear fashion.
Get to the book if you are looking for a racy read interspersed with a few moments of solitude.
April 4, 2025
The Zora Trigger is undoubtedly my finest read of 2025 so far. It is the story of Param (Major Paramjeet), who is a decorated army officer, yet due to unfortunate circumstances, is stripped off his uniform and of his leg and hearing through one ear. Suspected of conspiring of the accident he was involved in, that resulted in the deaths of his two best friends and comrades, he is living his life in seclusion for the past few years when he comes across a discovery that his situation is the result of the betrayal caused by two people close to him- his friend and his self-proclaimed lover.
Thus begins his journey of seeking the truth and clearing his name from the allegation against him. He reunites with Shilpa, the girl whom he loved so much as did she, but had to let her go for what he thought of her betterment years ago. Shilpa, too, is living a seclusive life following the murder of her father, an eminent scientist who was working on a secretive national project. Fate brings them together, and they embark on a path that is filled with peril at every step.
The story is subtle and medium-paced paced and that’s what I liked about it. The intensity of the plot builds gradually and hooks the readers with unfolding mysteries and unexpected twists.
The highlight of the story is the deep characterization, especially of Param, and it appears as if the story is narrated in the first person rather than the third person. I also liked the character of Vir, who sticks with Param like a rock, and Mahi who is a lost young girl misguided by bad company.
The other thing I liked about it is the genuine research that the author has undertaken, whether its about the army, terrorism, or the life of an amputee.
Overall, The Zora Trigger is a perfect companion for a weekend or travel break and a potential film material full of love, action, and deception!
Thus begins his journey of seeking the truth and clearing his name from the allegation against him. He reunites with Shilpa, the girl whom he loved so much as did she, but had to let her go for what he thought of her betterment years ago. Shilpa, too, is living a seclusive life following the murder of her father, an eminent scientist who was working on a secretive national project. Fate brings them together, and they embark on a path that is filled with peril at every step.
The story is subtle and medium-paced paced and that’s what I liked about it. The intensity of the plot builds gradually and hooks the readers with unfolding mysteries and unexpected twists.
The highlight of the story is the deep characterization, especially of Param, and it appears as if the story is narrated in the first person rather than the third person. I also liked the character of Vir, who sticks with Param like a rock, and Mahi who is a lost young girl misguided by bad company.
The other thing I liked about it is the genuine research that the author has undertaken, whether its about the army, terrorism, or the life of an amputee.
Overall, The Zora Trigger is a perfect companion for a weekend or travel break and a potential film material full of love, action, and deception!
June 8, 2025
The Zora Trigger is primarily based on the experiences of Major Param, as he finds himself a victim of a dangerous betrayal. Battling physical and mental trauma, he attempts to decipher a deadly game threatening national security and protect the life of Shilpa Venkataraghavan, his true love.
The novel kicks off intensely with a terrorist attack, resulting in Param losing his best friends and his left leg getting amputated. Then, the book oscillates between the past and present, expertly narrating his backstory and the situation he finds himself in presently. After that, the narrative flows smoothly, with many well-executed twists and turns.
Param is a likable character, and his character arc is well-developed. I felt for him and wanted him to find happiness and peace. Shilpa is also a relatable, sympathetic character, although sometimes I found her a bit too tearful. Moreover, the secondary characters are well-etched and play pivotal roles in the story, which is worth appreciating.
The climax and ending are thrilling and well-executed, and I found myself rooting for Param and Shilpa. There are a few interesting surprises as well, and all loose ends are tried up brilliantly.
The author, Ms. Nayak-Gole, possesses a great vocabulary and her writing is simple and lucid, but unfortunately, I did find a few grammatical and punctuation errors here and there. One round of editing would have ironed them out. Also, I feel that some slang and cuss words could have been avoided, and the intimate scenes could have been written with a bit more subtlety.
Nevertheless, The Zora Trigger is an interesting, well-written novel. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a patriotic angle.
The novel kicks off intensely with a terrorist attack, resulting in Param losing his best friends and his left leg getting amputated. Then, the book oscillates between the past and present, expertly narrating his backstory and the situation he finds himself in presently. After that, the narrative flows smoothly, with many well-executed twists and turns.
Param is a likable character, and his character arc is well-developed. I felt for him and wanted him to find happiness and peace. Shilpa is also a relatable, sympathetic character, although sometimes I found her a bit too tearful. Moreover, the secondary characters are well-etched and play pivotal roles in the story, which is worth appreciating.
The climax and ending are thrilling and well-executed, and I found myself rooting for Param and Shilpa. There are a few interesting surprises as well, and all loose ends are tried up brilliantly.
The author, Ms. Nayak-Gole, possesses a great vocabulary and her writing is simple and lucid, but unfortunately, I did find a few grammatical and punctuation errors here and there. One round of editing would have ironed them out. Also, I feel that some slang and cuss words could have been avoided, and the intimate scenes could have been written with a bit more subtlety.
Nevertheless, The Zora Trigger is an interesting, well-written novel. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a patriotic angle.
July 26, 2025
Priya crafts a taut Indian military thriller with generous doses of espionage, romance, and cinematic flair.
The story unfolds in a vivid world of Indian defence and scientific institutions. Armies, labs, and covert services are woven into the plot, creating a brimming atmosphere of tension. Priya ferries the readers into the shadowy corridors of power as the secrets behind the top scientist’s murders unravel. The distinctly national flavour is brought out in technicolour.
With his loyalty under scanner, Param is all about reclaiming honour and enduring grief with his head held high. Shilpa is both Param’s emotional anchor and investigative partner. She’s intelligent, determined, and refuses to be sidelined. Characters like Maahi, Vir, and Papaji enrich the plot. Maahi, in particular, feels intriguing.
Others escalate the stakes in a taut plot and broaden the web of suspicion.
The “Zora Trigger, as expected, is central to the plot. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, making it hard to step away. Covert operations, high-stakes plots, loyal heroes, and emotional grit interweave to lead up to a climax that reads like a Hollywood action sequence.
Priya writes in clean, fast-moving prose with vivid scenes. Subtle romance and light banter soften the edge. The detailed research shines as the plot moves from army life, terrorist threats, to military codes, and scientific lingo.
The Zora Trigger is a gripping story rooted in honour, loss, and national duty. It would appeal to the fans of espionage thrillers.
This high-octane military drama, seasoned with heart, delivers and how!
The story unfolds in a vivid world of Indian defence and scientific institutions. Armies, labs, and covert services are woven into the plot, creating a brimming atmosphere of tension. Priya ferries the readers into the shadowy corridors of power as the secrets behind the top scientist’s murders unravel. The distinctly national flavour is brought out in technicolour.
With his loyalty under scanner, Param is all about reclaiming honour and enduring grief with his head held high. Shilpa is both Param’s emotional anchor and investigative partner. She’s intelligent, determined, and refuses to be sidelined. Characters like Maahi, Vir, and Papaji enrich the plot. Maahi, in particular, feels intriguing.
Others escalate the stakes in a taut plot and broaden the web of suspicion.
The “Zora Trigger, as expected, is central to the plot. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, making it hard to step away. Covert operations, high-stakes plots, loyal heroes, and emotional grit interweave to lead up to a climax that reads like a Hollywood action sequence.
Priya writes in clean, fast-moving prose with vivid scenes. Subtle romance and light banter soften the edge. The detailed research shines as the plot moves from army life, terrorist threats, to military codes, and scientific lingo.
The Zora Trigger is a gripping story rooted in honour, loss, and national duty. It would appeal to the fans of espionage thrillers.
This high-octane military drama, seasoned with heart, delivers and how!
October 6, 2025
Priya Nayak-Gole’s debut military thriller The Zohra Trigger: Codename Deception creditably blends espionage, emotional trauma, and cryptographic intrigue.
The plot is fast-paced, with ciphered puzzles (the author’s deftly uses rhymes as well!) nuclear conspiracies, and high-stakes military operations. The story traverses Kashmir, Chennai, and covert military zones with credible detail. Nayak-Gole’s research into defence protocols and cryptography too keeps pace and is realistic without overwhelming the reader.
The compelling protagonist Major Paramjeet Singh Gill, is an unusual and refreshing choice whose trauma and resilience are portrayed with nuance, lending emotional depth to the action. His physical limitations and psychological scars are handled with sensitivity. His relationship with Shilpa is heartwarming and adds a layer of intelligent romance without veering into melodrama.
The pace flags a bit with Param’s backstory development. The story-arcs of Mahi and Sohail and their motivations could have been deeper and more satisfying. The sub-plots of Kavya and Krishna also came too late and were a tad underdeveloped...
That said, The Zohra Trigger is a confident debut and an engaging Indian espionage/military thriller that delivers generous doses of adrenaline rush with emotional investment. The author deserves credit for crafting a story that respects both genre conventions and character complexity. I especially liked the author’s use of the clever trope of a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter to keep the reader hooked.
For the lovers of thrillers with a human touch, The Zohra Trigger is strongly recommended. I look forward to Priya’s next!
The plot is fast-paced, with ciphered puzzles (the author’s deftly uses rhymes as well!) nuclear conspiracies, and high-stakes military operations. The story traverses Kashmir, Chennai, and covert military zones with credible detail. Nayak-Gole’s research into defence protocols and cryptography too keeps pace and is realistic without overwhelming the reader.
The compelling protagonist Major Paramjeet Singh Gill, is an unusual and refreshing choice whose trauma and resilience are portrayed with nuance, lending emotional depth to the action. His physical limitations and psychological scars are handled with sensitivity. His relationship with Shilpa is heartwarming and adds a layer of intelligent romance without veering into melodrama.
The pace flags a bit with Param’s backstory development. The story-arcs of Mahi and Sohail and their motivations could have been deeper and more satisfying. The sub-plots of Kavya and Krishna also came too late and were a tad underdeveloped...
That said, The Zohra Trigger is a confident debut and an engaging Indian espionage/military thriller that delivers generous doses of adrenaline rush with emotional investment. The author deserves credit for crafting a story that respects both genre conventions and character complexity. I especially liked the author’s use of the clever trope of a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter to keep the reader hooked.
For the lovers of thrillers with a human touch, The Zohra Trigger is strongly recommended. I look forward to Priya’s next!
August 13, 2025
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Vishwakarma Publications
Rating: 4.5/5
The Zora Trigger by Priya Nayak Gole caught my attention not only because my friends were talking about it but also because of the catchy title. It’s a fast paced thriller based with the Army and its activities as a back drop.
This is the second novel of the author, yet the language, plot, action and the climax are woven smoothly through out the story. The characterisation is strong and clear which is bound to leave their distinct stamp on the readers.
A thriller with generous dollops of romance and the motif of revenge makes it a page turner. I was so engrossed, I could not put it down till I learnt all the details. The protagonist is Major Paramjeet Singh Gill who is haunted by a mission that didn’t go as per plan in the dry terrains of Ladakh.
The long story involving his mentor Brigadier Chopra, unearthing the reason for the mission turning sour and somewhere along the way meeting his childhood sweetheart, with deft handling of danger lurking round the corner made for a brisk pace of narration.
If you like adventure, stories with the Army as a setting along with strong characters, you must give it a read.
October 6, 2025
Reading this book is like sitting on a roller coaster! Priya Nayak-Gole’s book “The Zora Trigger’, a story triggered by a horrific terrorist attack, takes you on a ride that is as thrilling as it is emotional, juxtaposing harsh reality and violence with the tenderness of love and the heat of passion. It is also a story that fills you with patriotism, love and concern for India. Her larger-than-life hero, Paramjit, is the kind of warrior that every soldier and patriot would like to be. He is physically strong but shows his softness and vulnerability with his lady love, Shilpa, who is as ardent a patriot as she is a long suffering and neglected lover. Together they take on an unknown and faceless enemy, and as the story twists and turns, you start wondering at times whether this is really fiction and at other times, you are left with the dreaded ‘What if this really happens in India……?’
This is page turner, stomach churner of a book. Buy it but be prepared to spend a couple of sleepless nights as it refuses to be put down……
This is page turner, stomach churner of a book. Buy it but be prepared to spend a couple of sleepless nights as it refuses to be put down……
March 22, 2025
The book is an easy read and an edge of the seat thriller with the Defence forces as the backdrop. It has all elements action, romance,drama and mystery. I binge read it amidst work and household chores and couldn't put it down until I had reached the last page.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews