What do you think?
Rate this book
Equilibrium
AN ANCIENT PROPHECY,
THE LARGEST METROPOLIS IN THE WORLD . . .
A PETITE SMALL-TIME ROBBER . . .
Meet Arya, a 17-year-old with the uncanny ability to open almost every locking mechanism ever known to mankind. Paid to break into a high-profile government vault, he unknowingly sets in motion events of apocalyptic consequences—The Tamisra is rising; mercenaries and shadow spirits have joined hands with humans to destroy the Equilibrium; and rumours abound of a Maayukh that links the ring, known as Avaasya, to the fate of the world.
Racing against time to undo what he has done, Arya finds that time is his biggest enemy and that he can trust no one in this race to return balance to the world.
THE LARGEST METROPOLIS IN THE WORLD . . .
A PETITE SMALL-TIME ROBBER . . .
Meet Arya, a 17-year-old with the uncanny ability to open almost every locking mechanism ever known to mankind. Paid to break into a high-profile government vault, he unknowingly sets in motion events of apocalyptic consequences—The Tamisra is rising; mercenaries and shadow spirits have joined hands with humans to destroy the Equilibrium; and rumours abound of a Maayukh that links the ring, known as Avaasya, to the fate of the world.
Racing against time to undo what he has done, Arya finds that time is his biggest enemy and that he can trust no one in this race to return balance to the world.
- GenresFantasy
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2014
2 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Paras Joshi
5 books13 followersParas Joshi, also called ‘Paolini of the east’ by his friends, has just turned twenty-one. Soft-spoken but intense and always immersed in his writing, he is an avid blogger. At present a third year student at University School of Law and Legal Studies, Paras has over the years found himself beginning and abandoning many ambitious projects, never quite being able to break the fifteen-page psychological barrier. The idea of Equilibrium began as a daydream, and as a result of invigorating discussions he had with his mother on Lord Krishna’s sermon to Arjun in the Bhagvad Gita. Since then, after more than a year and a half of writing and a real roller coaster ride, the first book of the trilogy is complete and ready, while the second book is nearing completion.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 17, 2017
Welcome to the future of our world.
Set in faraway future, Equilibrium is the story of Arya, a teenaged orphan who is good at picking any and all locks. When a job lands him in the midst of a high security government vault, life as he knew it changes for good. As the fight between good and evil / light versus dark wages on, Arya not only gets entangled in it, he is in the smack middle of it. Now the question is whether Arya will succeed or is the apocalypse imminent?
Paras Joshi has created a wonderful new world in his debut novel Equilibrium. The book is quite appealing right from the very first chapter. A lot of imagination and thought has gone into the world building. The concept of Saatvikalok, Tamisra and Maayukhare are intriguing. The plot is quite unique that kind of mixes fantasy with action and thrills. It has a good premise and a lot of promise. Little bit of details here and there, provided by the author, makes it more interesting and keeps your glued to the pages. The protagonist Arya is intriguing and highly loveable. I enjoyed cheering for him through the pages as his character grew into something more than I ever expected.
The book ended with a lot of unanswered questions. I guess that this being the first part of a trilogy, it is only natural that the author would leave us with questions to ensure that we pick up the next book. For me, it is going to be a looooooong wait to see if my guesses are right or not. I will surely be picking up the second book in the series… In the meanwhile, why don’t you guys pick this one up?
Set in faraway future, Equilibrium is the story of Arya, a teenaged orphan who is good at picking any and all locks. When a job lands him in the midst of a high security government vault, life as he knew it changes for good. As the fight between good and evil / light versus dark wages on, Arya not only gets entangled in it, he is in the smack middle of it. Now the question is whether Arya will succeed or is the apocalypse imminent?
Paras Joshi has created a wonderful new world in his debut novel Equilibrium. The book is quite appealing right from the very first chapter. A lot of imagination and thought has gone into the world building. The concept of Saatvikalok, Tamisra and Maayukhare are intriguing. The plot is quite unique that kind of mixes fantasy with action and thrills. It has a good premise and a lot of promise. Little bit of details here and there, provided by the author, makes it more interesting and keeps your glued to the pages. The protagonist Arya is intriguing and highly loveable. I enjoyed cheering for him through the pages as his character grew into something more than I ever expected.
The book ended with a lot of unanswered questions. I guess that this being the first part of a trilogy, it is only natural that the author would leave us with questions to ensure that we pick up the next book. For me, it is going to be a looooooong wait to see if my guesses are right or not. I will surely be picking up the second book in the series… In the meanwhile, why don’t you guys pick this one up?
March 21, 2016
From my blog: http://thegloballycurious.blogspot.in...
According to his author biography, Paras Joshi’s friends call him the “Paolini of the East.” I find this comparison rather appropriate, both because of his age (21 when this book was published) and because of the quality of his writing.
Equilibrium seems to be two different books, and the transition is rather startling. The first section is a heist story, in which a ragtag group of thieves attempts to steal treasure from the highest-security building in the country, which, by the way, is apparently a dystopian society with a huge gap between the rich and the poor. With little background, we are introduced to our hero, Arya, who, despite having the same name as the female Game of Thrones character, is male. Arya may be young, but he’s a great thief because he has a magic key that opens any lock.
After the heist goes wrong and Arya is the only one to (miraculously) escape, the Lord of the Rings fanfiction begins. Arya is rescued from a shadowy, evil being by a member of a wise, humanlike species and is taken to the “House of Ayrof.” This is where he is told by the Saatvikas, the magical elders, that the Ring of Aavaasya (that Arya stole in the first section) is magical, and needs to be taken back to where it was created in order to prevent the apocalypse. Gathering a group together, Arya and the elders set off to return the ring to where it came from.
Sigh. You see the similarities.
The time period and level of technology of this world is very unclear. At times, the story appears to be set in a future with very advanced technology; at others, it seems to be set in a medieval period. It is ironic that Joshi did not provide consistent details when setting the scene, since a majority of this book is taken up with descriptions, either as narration or as characters telling each other something. While Joshi tries to describe the political situation, it ends up being a disjointed, dry description of events and political parties that does not make the reader care about the characters or what is happening. There is a civil war going on, but it is unclear why I should care. There are some sort of ongoing trade problems, but I don't know why that is important. Most of what Arya does (and therefore most of what the reader is privy to) is listen to or follow the other characters; his active actions are confined to stealing the Ring, which he does on accident, and, in the very last pages, performing magic.
Many of the problems with this book stem from the youth and inexperience of the author. I hope that he will learn from this critique and produce better work, with less description and more action, in the future.
This book might be worth a read if you like fantasy and you want something pulpy to read on the train. I wouldn’t recommend it for anything else.
According to his author biography, Paras Joshi’s friends call him the “Paolini of the East.” I find this comparison rather appropriate, both because of his age (21 when this book was published) and because of the quality of his writing.
Equilibrium seems to be two different books, and the transition is rather startling. The first section is a heist story, in which a ragtag group of thieves attempts to steal treasure from the highest-security building in the country, which, by the way, is apparently a dystopian society with a huge gap between the rich and the poor. With little background, we are introduced to our hero, Arya, who, despite having the same name as the female Game of Thrones character, is male. Arya may be young, but he’s a great thief because he has a magic key that opens any lock.
After the heist goes wrong and Arya is the only one to (miraculously) escape, the Lord of the Rings fanfiction begins. Arya is rescued from a shadowy, evil being by a member of a wise, humanlike species and is taken to the “House of Ayrof.” This is where he is told by the Saatvikas, the magical elders, that the Ring of Aavaasya (that Arya stole in the first section) is magical, and needs to be taken back to where it was created in order to prevent the apocalypse. Gathering a group together, Arya and the elders set off to return the ring to where it came from.
Sigh. You see the similarities.
The time period and level of technology of this world is very unclear. At times, the story appears to be set in a future with very advanced technology; at others, it seems to be set in a medieval period. It is ironic that Joshi did not provide consistent details when setting the scene, since a majority of this book is taken up with descriptions, either as narration or as characters telling each other something. While Joshi tries to describe the political situation, it ends up being a disjointed, dry description of events and political parties that does not make the reader care about the characters or what is happening. There is a civil war going on, but it is unclear why I should care. There are some sort of ongoing trade problems, but I don't know why that is important. Most of what Arya does (and therefore most of what the reader is privy to) is listen to or follow the other characters; his active actions are confined to stealing the Ring, which he does on accident, and, in the very last pages, performing magic.
Many of the problems with this book stem from the youth and inexperience of the author. I hope that he will learn from this critique and produce better work, with less description and more action, in the future.
This book might be worth a read if you like fantasy and you want something pulpy to read on the train. I wouldn’t recommend it for anything else.
April 29, 2015
Generally when 21 year old writes novel in India, you just don't even want to touch it because you know it would be nothing more than a love story or a college campus tale. But what Parag Joshi have done with Equilibrium is something that should set a big example for all the authors out there. At 21, he has attempted something that the authors between 40-55 age group have started attempting in India. After Amish's trilogy series, many authors have got inspired by it and anyone who had interest in history, mythology and philosophy started attempting the same in three parts. Though I am yet to hear any updates of the 2nd book of all such writers. I hope Parag announces the one soon before this story wipes out of our mind.
Parag have written this one by mixing history, mythology, fantasy and science fiction though history has been created by his fictional mind here. It is one of the most toughest plot I have read till date. It isn't easy to write. But I am happy that Parag have tried to explore the area which is difficult and challenged himself as a writer. The book starts with a very wonderful pace and it keeps going till the last page without stopping or slowing down even for 5 pages in between. One or the new thing keeps getting introduced regularly which hooks you to the story. The names that he have used like Avaasya, Tamisra, Gurujanas, Saatvika, Jalayu etc gives a feel of the genre in which he has scribbled this story in. The sentence-formation and wonderful narration makes you imagine everything and that's almost a success to the author's work.
There are few drawbacks too. I didn't feel quite connected with any of the character because of the super speed in which this story moves ahead. Also, because the author keeps describing new plot every now and then, it becomes hard for you to remember each one of them as even the names used are difficult and new. The anti-climax isn't the one that makes you feel that a great tale is about to end and even the climax isn't fully captivating. It isn't bad but less than what I had imagined while reading the same initially. Also, all the trilogies are based on the same concept of good vs evil which have become quite predictable. But still, this book is a worth-go and at the age of 21, Parag have done wonders with his work. I would ask everyone to read this book if this is their favorite genre. I give this book 3.5* out of 5.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
February 10, 2015
I picked up this book since i am a fan for Fantasy and second it was by an Indian Author.
I did not know the age of the author, till i got the book.
Its a Story about a young Boy named AARYA .
A city named Carbyn and the dynamics in the city, a well to do central area and a corrupt and not well do to Northern Sector.
Northern sector is full to corrupt and theives and anyone entring it cannot guarantee his/her safety.
Aarya is a thief who can break any lock and understands the locking mechanism like back of his hand.
He and his group get together for a Heist which would change his Future.
He gets in possession of a Ring.
For me this Ring brings the Lord of the rings similarity forward.
Anyways he meets a group of people called Gurujana and is told he is destined for big things.
A dark force Tamisra is on the rising and is causing unrest among the countries.
Dark creatures and being controlled by someone .
Both the groups want the Ring and AARYA is caught in the crossfire.
The story looks quiet interesting, its another good vs bad book.
the setting is good with the nations and creatures.
the story flowed nicely til 3/4 of the book. after that it became little confusing . the author tried to give us lots of information which could have been given smoothly.
The language is simple and nice to read.
The characters are decently defined, have not grown on me till now. Hope the next books will make the characters more defined and lovable.
The ending in nice even after some confusion.
I am looking forward to the next book.
I give this book 4/5
DeVil D
I did not know the age of the author, till i got the book.
Its a Story about a young Boy named AARYA .
A city named Carbyn and the dynamics in the city, a well to do central area and a corrupt and not well do to Northern Sector.
Northern sector is full to corrupt and theives and anyone entring it cannot guarantee his/her safety.
Aarya is a thief who can break any lock and understands the locking mechanism like back of his hand.
He and his group get together for a Heist which would change his Future.
He gets in possession of a Ring.
For me this Ring brings the Lord of the rings similarity forward.
Anyways he meets a group of people called Gurujana and is told he is destined for big things.
A dark force Tamisra is on the rising and is causing unrest among the countries.
Dark creatures and being controlled by someone .
Both the groups want the Ring and AARYA is caught in the crossfire.
The story looks quiet interesting, its another good vs bad book.
the setting is good with the nations and creatures.
the story flowed nicely til 3/4 of the book. after that it became little confusing . the author tried to give us lots of information which could have been given smoothly.
The language is simple and nice to read.
The characters are decently defined, have not grown on me till now. Hope the next books will make the characters more defined and lovable.
The ending in nice even after some confusion.
I am looking forward to the next book.
I give this book 4/5
DeVil D
January 6, 2015
I would like to thank Paras Joshi and Fingerprint! Publishing for sending me a free copy of this book through Firstreads!
The author needs to be congratulated for his attempt at a fantasy thriller, that too a trilogy, as his debut work and the publisher, too, deserves praise for believing in the work of a college-going youngster. This is a highly encouraging trend for budding writers.
The age-old plot of light vs darkness has been presented in a future world, with the protagonist, a seventeen year old orphan, holding the key to maintaining the equilibrium. A group of Elders, responsible for keeping up the balance between light and darkness, take him under their wings and travel in their quest of saving the world. As this is the first part of a trilogy, the story stops at a point where there are more questions than answers...
The setting of a future world with several powers fighting for supremacy has a lot of scope to which the author has, to some extent, done justice.
More will follow....
The author needs to be congratulated for his attempt at a fantasy thriller, that too a trilogy, as his debut work and the publisher, too, deserves praise for believing in the work of a college-going youngster. This is a highly encouraging trend for budding writers.
The age-old plot of light vs darkness has been presented in a future world, with the protagonist, a seventeen year old orphan, holding the key to maintaining the equilibrium. A group of Elders, responsible for keeping up the balance between light and darkness, take him under their wings and travel in their quest of saving the world. As this is the first part of a trilogy, the story stops at a point where there are more questions than answers...
The setting of a future world with several powers fighting for supremacy has a lot of scope to which the author has, to some extent, done justice.
More will follow....
January 26, 2015
A fantasy story set in the far future.
17-year old Arya, a petty thief who can open any lock gets
entangled in the fight between the good and the evil.
The five elders or the Saatvika find that the Ring of the Rings, Avaasya chooses Arya through whom to present itself to the world and so he is destined for something.
Arya's journey into danger starts when he has to reach the SaatvikaLok safe with the rig, inspite of the threats of the Ulkas
First of the Avaasya trilogy, this is a racy-pacy read.
Read the complete review at PlusMinus'n'More
17-year old Arya, a petty thief who can open any lock gets
entangled in the fight between the good and the evil.
The five elders or the Saatvika find that the Ring of the Rings, Avaasya chooses Arya through whom to present itself to the world and so he is destined for something.
Arya's journey into danger starts when he has to reach the SaatvikaLok safe with the rig, inspite of the threats of the Ulkas
First of the Avaasya trilogy, this is a racy-pacy read.
Read the complete review at PlusMinus'n'More
December 9, 2014
This book clearly belongs to the 'you-cannot-put-it-down-till-you-finish-it' category with action at a frenetic pace all through its narrative. An extremely bold attempt by Paras Joshi in creating a world where the forces of light and darkness are at constant loggerheads with each other, with imminent apocalypse and young Arya being unwittingly thrust in the middle of all the action. Readers will surely be reminded of the LOTR series as well as a few other fan favorites from the fantasy fiction and this only adds more to the credibility of the author.
December 17, 2014
Nice attempt for a beginner, but long way to go buddy.
June 30, 2016
Equilibrium tells the story of 17 year old Arya, who is forced to fend for himself in a world that has turned a blind eye to the less fortunate. Living in the Northern Grid of Carbyn, Arya becomes a part of the corrupt and criminal society. When a robbery spirals out of control and his team members are arrested, Arya gets thrown into a world he didn't know existed. Complete with elementalists, heroic responsibilities and a battle of good vs evil; Arya finds himself in the company of those who call themselves the Saatvika (essentially, the peace makers). It is upto him to deliver the Ring of Avaasya, that he stole unknowingly, to the Saatvikaalok , lest the balance between two polarized forces would be disrupted and wreck havoc on the human world.
This story had so much potential, particularly because it played with the theme of elemental magic. But somehow, it fell flat for me. Firstly, the characterization wasn't very convincing or strong. The Elders who possessed so much power appeared to be very passive and mellow. They didn't exude the kind of authority or power that one would expect. Similar was the case of the King Alexis. He appeared to be submissive and cowardly. Given the circumstances, maybe it's a little justifiable. However, we don't even get an inkling that he wanted to stay and fight. Secondly, there are entire chapters that seemed a little purposeless, as in they don't contribute much to the story except for the fact that we are well assured that Arya is an inquisitive boy. The chapters don't end with a cliffhanger, so the pace was more constant than not. I wouldn't say that I hated the book, but I didn't enjoy myself as much as I would have liked to. The author writes good action sequences. I enjoyed two such sections - one with the execution of the robbery and the other being Ayrof's fight sequence. They were adequately thrilling and packed with a punch (no pun intended).
What I liked about Arya's back story is that even though being a protagonist, he is negatively portrayed, we are made to understand what drove him to the extreme. His relations weren't supportive or affectionate. I didn't understand the purpose of introducing a new character, i.e Althoran, towards the end. Anyhow, the ending was very good, especially the last page. The author made sure that even those whose interest has been only minutely piqued would await the next book. I don't know if I would want to read the next one. But the story is promising. And this being the author's debut book, there's only more progress that could be reflected in next one.
This story had so much potential, particularly because it played with the theme of elemental magic. But somehow, it fell flat for me. Firstly, the characterization wasn't very convincing or strong. The Elders who possessed so much power appeared to be very passive and mellow. They didn't exude the kind of authority or power that one would expect. Similar was the case of the King Alexis. He appeared to be submissive and cowardly. Given the circumstances, maybe it's a little justifiable. However, we don't even get an inkling that he wanted to stay and fight. Secondly, there are entire chapters that seemed a little purposeless, as in they don't contribute much to the story except for the fact that we are well assured that Arya is an inquisitive boy. The chapters don't end with a cliffhanger, so the pace was more constant than not. I wouldn't say that I hated the book, but I didn't enjoy myself as much as I would have liked to. The author writes good action sequences. I enjoyed two such sections - one with the execution of the robbery and the other being Ayrof's fight sequence. They were adequately thrilling and packed with a punch (no pun intended).
What I liked about Arya's back story is that even though being a protagonist, he is negatively portrayed, we are made to understand what drove him to the extreme. His relations weren't supportive or affectionate. I didn't understand the purpose of introducing a new character, i.e Althoran, towards the end. Anyhow, the ending was very good, especially the last page. The author made sure that even those whose interest has been only minutely piqued would await the next book. I don't know if I would want to read the next one. But the story is promising. And this being the author's debut book, there's only more progress that could be reflected in next one.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews