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Checkmate
An upright judge is used as a pawn by the terrorists to hijack a plane. The militants strike with vengeance to free their most dangerous fidayeen from the Indian prisons, as they hold a hundred passengers in the plane to ransom. Calling the shots for jihadis from Pakistan is once upon a time the right hand man of Osama Bin Laden and now the most dangerous terrorist in the world, Muhammad Zia ul Afridi. With the Prime Minister in a soup, there is only one man to stop the diabolical scheme of the dreaded jihadis—Vikram Roy, chief Secretary of RAW, a dashing young man of action. As the Prime Minister is about to surrender the prisoners, Vikram Roy discovers the most shocking truth about activities inside the RAW. The weary nation holds its breath as the fate of a hundred hostages and the prisoners hangs in a limbo. However, the events that are about to follow are so unforeseen that they shock everyone to the core.
158 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 5, 2017
Arms in the air for dear life.
An Indian plane is hijacked by the world's deadliest of people and some 400 people are held captive.
Ransom is too big for any government to pay because it is not the matter of money.
The villains want the release of their heads of the group. Three dangerous terrorist who are responsible for the most heinous of acts are going to be freed soon and after that the world is going to see the horrible catastrophe caused by them.
The brainwashing process was informative.
An insider's view of RAW and IB is well portrayed.
How the innocent kid turned into the most wanted criminal when he grew up, was surprising. Oops, no spoilers.
This one is a real quick read so one can finish it in one-two seating.
Developed characters and amazing plot certainly arrest the reader's interest. The writing style is simple.
The author has kept it all simple and to the point. Some characters succeed in getting you in their side and gain sympathy but taking someone's side would be a big mistake and this you'll realize when the people you blamed will be well wishers and whom you thought to be your benefactors would be the real danger.
I was impressed with the fact that Hrishikesh Joshi has showed the well-researched background of why terrorist become who they are. Using the judge was the most intelligent part.
As you finish the book, you want to read more of his works.
The suspense at the end decided that this one is worth reading.
Keeps you on the same spot, fearing a move in the seat might shift the story's natural fall into pieces.
December 28, 2015
‘Checkmate’ by Hrishikesh Joshi is a light but speedy entertainer. As the title of the book suggests, the story is all about moves and counter moves. While the book cannot be claimed as an edge of the seat type of thriller, the book is quick and to the point. Reading this book gives you a feel of watching a Bollywood movie. In fact, the book has all the ingredients to convert it into a good masala movie.
The plot follows the story of a plane hijack and Indian government’s attempts to deal with this hostage situation. Two terrorists capture an Indian plane going to London. They threaten to kill all the passengers if their demands are not accepted by the Indian government. These terrorists want Indian government to free three dangerous militants from the Indian prison. The Prime Minister of India is in soup as the life of more than a hundred hostages hangs in limbo. Would government accede to their demands or take some military action? There is an unexpected twist in the end, which surprises you. This unexpected twist keeps the readers engrossed. There is also a love story, which brings some lighter moments. However, such lighter moments are very short and sporadic as not much space is given to develop this sub story. Development of this sub plot and a stronger first half of the book would have certainly made this book a more enjoyable read.
Additionally, I think that the depiction of the mental conditions of hostages stuck in the plane would have helped to bring the emotional quotient in the book. The thought of what could happen if you were stuck in a similar situation as these hostages are bound to cross your mind.
The book can be finished in one sitting as it is not only fast paced but also not lengthy. Furthermore, the author has beautifully maintained the thriller component, which forces you to keep turning the pages. Though there is drama, it never overshadows the thrilling component. The author has beautifully balanced these two in the book. However, at the same time, the author has not dedicated enough time to develop the characters of the book. Consequently, while you like some traits of some of the characters in the book, not even a single one leaves deep impression on you. For example, character of Vikram impresses you but in bits and pieces. The author could have devoted some more pages to develop some of the characters in the book.
The language of the book is simple and easy to follow. The dialogues are small. However, the narration could have been better. There is a monotonous feel in the narrative, which kills the enjoyment time to time. The background scenes could have been developed better. The cover of the book also failed to impress me.
In its 157 pages, ‘Checkmate’ can pass for an ok type of thriller. Some of its portions are fun to read while they last but not compelling enough to desire a repeat.
Read Original Review On:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2015/0...
The plot follows the story of a plane hijack and Indian government’s attempts to deal with this hostage situation. Two terrorists capture an Indian plane going to London. They threaten to kill all the passengers if their demands are not accepted by the Indian government. These terrorists want Indian government to free three dangerous militants from the Indian prison. The Prime Minister of India is in soup as the life of more than a hundred hostages hangs in limbo. Would government accede to their demands or take some military action? There is an unexpected twist in the end, which surprises you. This unexpected twist keeps the readers engrossed. There is also a love story, which brings some lighter moments. However, such lighter moments are very short and sporadic as not much space is given to develop this sub story. Development of this sub plot and a stronger first half of the book would have certainly made this book a more enjoyable read.
Additionally, I think that the depiction of the mental conditions of hostages stuck in the plane would have helped to bring the emotional quotient in the book. The thought of what could happen if you were stuck in a similar situation as these hostages are bound to cross your mind.
The book can be finished in one sitting as it is not only fast paced but also not lengthy. Furthermore, the author has beautifully maintained the thriller component, which forces you to keep turning the pages. Though there is drama, it never overshadows the thrilling component. The author has beautifully balanced these two in the book. However, at the same time, the author has not dedicated enough time to develop the characters of the book. Consequently, while you like some traits of some of the characters in the book, not even a single one leaves deep impression on you. For example, character of Vikram impresses you but in bits and pieces. The author could have devoted some more pages to develop some of the characters in the book.
The language of the book is simple and easy to follow. The dialogues are small. However, the narration could have been better. There is a monotonous feel in the narrative, which kills the enjoyment time to time. The background scenes could have been developed better. The cover of the book also failed to impress me.
In its 157 pages, ‘Checkmate’ can pass for an ok type of thriller. Some of its portions are fun to read while they last but not compelling enough to desire a repeat.
The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.
Read Original Review On:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2015/0...
May 13, 2015
Checkmate can be seen as a daring first attempt by Hrishikesh Joshi. This is a entertaining light read, something one could enjoy on a plane ride, on a second thought may be not. It stands at nearly 150 pages of drama among Indian government, IB, RAW and the terrorists.
The book is narrated from varying perspective and is easy to keep up with. The title suggests moves and counter moves, and one expects a gruelling tale of calculated/miscalculated steps, but the story line sadly remains predictable. The background into a life of a terrorist, a RAW agent and even a judge is a nice touch. The twist at the end of the book and few characters strongly reminded me of the movie 'The Wednesday'.
The book, however made a nice read and I would recommend it to anyone who has only 1-1.5 hours to spare from reality.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways.
The book is narrated from varying perspective and is easy to keep up with. The title suggests moves and counter moves, and one expects a gruelling tale of calculated/miscalculated steps, but the story line sadly remains predictable. The background into a life of a terrorist, a RAW agent and even a judge is a nice touch. The twist at the end of the book and few characters strongly reminded me of the movie 'The Wednesday'.
The book, however made a nice read and I would recommend it to anyone who has only 1-1.5 hours to spare from reality.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways.
October 12, 2015
Link to the Book Review at ALOP
Nimue feels that this is a good book for crime fiction lovers. Good attempt at desi thrillers involving terrorists and the agencies that work hard to keep us away from harm.
Rating: 3 STARS
Nimue feels that this is a good book for crime fiction lovers. Good attempt at desi thrillers involving terrorists and the agencies that work hard to keep us away from harm.
Rating: 3 STARS
June 12, 2015
Being a non reader i recommend this book especially for non readers. This is the best book to start with. The story is new to its own kind. And the twists and turns make the storyline more interesting. I appreciate the writer's courage for writing his debut book on this topic.
July 5, 2015
Splendid debut! A must read for all suspense thriller lovers. (4/5)
Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-63
Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-63
April 27, 2015
the usual plot , some spoofed characters but overall the end saved the book.
April 3, 2015
This is a brilliant and a fast paced book. The plot and storyline keeps the reader engaged throughout. I could picture a number of scenarios and possible ways as to how the story would unfold and that is why I enjoyed reading the book. What I loved is the unpredictable, deviating from the mainstream and a surprising finish to the book.
May 28, 2015
Kamal Paneru Reviews novel "Checkmate"
Author: Hrishikesh Joshi
Publisher: Frog Books, Imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
Genre: Espionage Thriller
ISBN: 978-93-81836-94-1
Edition: First, 2015
Page Count: 158
Platform:
The narration is about hijacking of a plane having hundreds of hostesses. Story begins with the trapped Justice Ramkrishna Shastry who is compelled to follow the terrorists to deceive the country. Rules take place with the hardworking and more dedicated RAW agents Vikram Roy and Abhishek Jha who put their best efforts to save the hijacked lives and catch the terrorist. Story also gives light to the life of these agents that how they manage their personal and professional world.
Strength of the Book:
As the name Checkmate suggests, the story is well planned and written in good manner. Chapters are written separately and connected with each other very cleverly without making balderdash. Writer has shown its best creativity in the work it could be ever in such type of stories. In front of the eyes it visualizes the scene of all the things written. Also, writer has touched each corner which is prerequisite for the story. It gives amazing mindset to the reader and brings to the end with curiosity. Love, passion, strategies, profession all are expressed very well. Dialogue writing is admirable and seems too much real. Book ends with the mind blowing thinking and deep hard work of author.
Weakness of the book:
After taking an appreciable start, story falls down and goes very fast. No much interesting things are added to bind the reader page by page. It could be more effective if more relevant situations were added. Story is not centralized properly over a person and leaves readers to skip couple of pages. Failed attempt of literature is done in the book.
Conclusion:
Author Hrishikesh Joshi has sharply done his work by engaging the readers’ interest with his creativity. Proper negotiation of words is used from first page to end. Story and the knitted platform are really awesome. Conceptualized with real things, this book doesn’t let reader feel the wastage of time. Narration deeply fits with the name Checkmate and hope soon gonna be converted into the blockbuster movie.
Reviewing Point:
3.5 out of 5
Review By:
- Kamal Paneru
Author: Hrishikesh Joshi
Publisher: Frog Books, Imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
Genre: Espionage Thriller
ISBN: 978-93-81836-94-1
Edition: First, 2015
Page Count: 158
Platform:
The narration is about hijacking of a plane having hundreds of hostesses. Story begins with the trapped Justice Ramkrishna Shastry who is compelled to follow the terrorists to deceive the country. Rules take place with the hardworking and more dedicated RAW agents Vikram Roy and Abhishek Jha who put their best efforts to save the hijacked lives and catch the terrorist. Story also gives light to the life of these agents that how they manage their personal and professional world.
Strength of the Book:
As the name Checkmate suggests, the story is well planned and written in good manner. Chapters are written separately and connected with each other very cleverly without making balderdash. Writer has shown its best creativity in the work it could be ever in such type of stories. In front of the eyes it visualizes the scene of all the things written. Also, writer has touched each corner which is prerequisite for the story. It gives amazing mindset to the reader and brings to the end with curiosity. Love, passion, strategies, profession all are expressed very well. Dialogue writing is admirable and seems too much real. Book ends with the mind blowing thinking and deep hard work of author.
Weakness of the book:
After taking an appreciable start, story falls down and goes very fast. No much interesting things are added to bind the reader page by page. It could be more effective if more relevant situations were added. Story is not centralized properly over a person and leaves readers to skip couple of pages. Failed attempt of literature is done in the book.
Conclusion:
Author Hrishikesh Joshi has sharply done his work by engaging the readers’ interest with his creativity. Proper negotiation of words is used from first page to end. Story and the knitted platform are really awesome. Conceptualized with real things, this book doesn’t let reader feel the wastage of time. Narration deeply fits with the name Checkmate and hope soon gonna be converted into the blockbuster movie.
Reviewing Point:
3.5 out of 5
Review By:
- Kamal Paneru
April 3, 2015
It is a drama in the air and a cat and mouse game involving India’s security and the fundamentalists.
It is a high voltage game where suspense and thrill will make you compel to fasten your seatbelt from the take off ……….
It is a brilliant move of chess by some invisible mastermind…………..
It is a Checkmate- a fresh suspense thriller by Hrishikesh Joshi.
Two contemporary matters of international interest has visibly inspired the writer in writing the book-the first, is the hijack of Air India flight IC 814 by Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, a Pakistan-based Islamic extremist group and storming of the Jinnah International Airport by five assailants. A thriller was craved out by the writer from these international matters, which has every potential to be converted into an excellent Bollywood suspense movie. It is the sheer speed of the story- no, not as fast as a supersonic, but as fast as a racing car -that will give this newly released story an edge…..
In spite of being influenced by two matters of international relations-the world of the creation belongs to the creator only. The story line is original and the imagination has reached its zenith to produce a suspense story which is appealing and can impart visual effect to the reader.
Let us come to the story line. Justice Shastry-the chief justice of Mumbai High court was used as a pawn by some unknown men to hijack a London bound plane. Despite slight weakness for women, Justice Shastry is honest and truly a pride of his profession. But the unknown people had used a bait that is worthy of compelling him doing anything in the world-they had captured her dear wife. When he first got the kidnapper’s call, he felt
“His brains seemed to have jammed. He desperately hoped that he was in some kind of a nightmare. But he recovered fast. He gave the head a good shake and stood up quickly. He crossed silently as pain shot through his remaining right leg where the artificial one was attached; he paced the room twice, summoned his butler and asked him to hail a rickshaw.”
Read complete review at
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...
It is a high voltage game where suspense and thrill will make you compel to fasten your seatbelt from the take off ……….
It is a brilliant move of chess by some invisible mastermind…………..
It is a Checkmate- a fresh suspense thriller by Hrishikesh Joshi.
Two contemporary matters of international interest has visibly inspired the writer in writing the book-the first, is the hijack of Air India flight IC 814 by Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, a Pakistan-based Islamic extremist group and storming of the Jinnah International Airport by five assailants. A thriller was craved out by the writer from these international matters, which has every potential to be converted into an excellent Bollywood suspense movie. It is the sheer speed of the story- no, not as fast as a supersonic, but as fast as a racing car -that will give this newly released story an edge…..
In spite of being influenced by two matters of international relations-the world of the creation belongs to the creator only. The story line is original and the imagination has reached its zenith to produce a suspense story which is appealing and can impart visual effect to the reader.
Let us come to the story line. Justice Shastry-the chief justice of Mumbai High court was used as a pawn by some unknown men to hijack a London bound plane. Despite slight weakness for women, Justice Shastry is honest and truly a pride of his profession. But the unknown people had used a bait that is worthy of compelling him doing anything in the world-they had captured her dear wife. When he first got the kidnapper’s call, he felt
“His brains seemed to have jammed. He desperately hoped that he was in some kind of a nightmare. But he recovered fast. He gave the head a good shake and stood up quickly. He crossed silently as pain shot through his remaining right leg where the artificial one was attached; he paced the room twice, summoned his butler and asked him to hail a rickshaw.”
Read complete review at
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...
June 3, 2015
Firstly i would like to Thanks to the publisher for sending me the book.
The story is based on terrorism.
After the demise of Osama Bin Laden, Muhammad Zia ulAfridi was feared to be the most dangerous man on the planet. The new poster boy of Ismalic Terrorism was on the top ten wanted list by the United States.
Muhammad Zia ul AFridi was born in the city of Lahore ,Pakistan.he was raised in a devoted,religious,middle class Muslim family.
Nobody from his childhood days would have believed that the shy,intelligent boy would grow up to become a terrorist one day.
His responsibilty carried out the bomb blasts in London,Indonesia & India & also had a part to play in 9/11.Post 9/11 he was in charge of Sheikh OsAMA'S security while in hiding.
HE laied out a wonderful plan to hijack a plane & kidnapped Judge Sahab's wife & forced the Judge to carry pistols.
At the Indian airports,the Judges are of the High courts are exempted from frisking & security screening.
Everyone in india was shocked & scared by the news ,even the Prime Minister.
The sheikh & other people who hijacked the plane didnt let anyone move, else " they give warning that they will blow everybody up! ".
The story consisti of well-defined characters and plenty of action, this is a must read for any fan of thrillers!
The language of the book is simple and easy to follow. The dialogues are small. However, the narration could have been better.
I would like to give this book 4 out of 5 stars .
The story is based on terrorism.
After the demise of Osama Bin Laden, Muhammad Zia ulAfridi was feared to be the most dangerous man on the planet. The new poster boy of Ismalic Terrorism was on the top ten wanted list by the United States.
Muhammad Zia ul AFridi was born in the city of Lahore ,Pakistan.he was raised in a devoted,religious,middle class Muslim family.
Nobody from his childhood days would have believed that the shy,intelligent boy would grow up to become a terrorist one day.
His responsibilty carried out the bomb blasts in London,Indonesia & India & also had a part to play in 9/11.Post 9/11 he was in charge of Sheikh OsAMA'S security while in hiding.
HE laied out a wonderful plan to hijack a plane & kidnapped Judge Sahab's wife & forced the Judge to carry pistols.
At the Indian airports,the Judges are of the High courts are exempted from frisking & security screening.
Everyone in india was shocked & scared by the news ,even the Prime Minister.
The sheikh & other people who hijacked the plane didnt let anyone move, else " they give warning that they will blow everybody up! ".
The story consisti of well-defined characters and plenty of action, this is a must read for any fan of thrillers!
The language of the book is simple and easy to follow. The dialogues are small. However, the narration could have been better.
I would like to give this book 4 out of 5 stars .
May 10, 2015
Check out the complete review at Views She Writes - WordPress Reviews
Yet another Indian author comes up with an interesting mystery. Checkmate is a story on terrorist hijacking of a plane. When you start the story, it feels like any other Bollywood terrorist movie ever made. The start of the book is quick and to the point. As the story proceeds, the story takes a turn for interesting-ville. The twist in the story happens in the middle, unlike the stereotypical end. The twist is unexpected and really makes you read it again to understand where the story changed lines.
However, the narration is dry and does not manage to keep the interest alive, as much as the story deserves it. There is a monotonous feel to the way the story is told, which kills the joy of the suspense, very much like how typical History professors manage to kill the interesting historical events by their tone. The characters are not given enough depth but a bit too much background. There was some more potential for Vikram in the story, which could have been explored, instead of bringing in his love life.
Stars are definitely deserved by the story line, pace and the twist. So a 3 star rating in spite of the amazing thriller.
Yet another Indian author comes up with an interesting mystery. Checkmate is a story on terrorist hijacking of a plane. When you start the story, it feels like any other Bollywood terrorist movie ever made. The start of the book is quick and to the point. As the story proceeds, the story takes a turn for interesting-ville. The twist in the story happens in the middle, unlike the stereotypical end. The twist is unexpected and really makes you read it again to understand where the story changed lines.
However, the narration is dry and does not manage to keep the interest alive, as much as the story deserves it. There is a monotonous feel to the way the story is told, which kills the joy of the suspense, very much like how typical History professors manage to kill the interesting historical events by their tone. The characters are not given enough depth but a bit too much background. There was some more potential for Vikram in the story, which could have been explored, instead of bringing in his love life.
Stars are definitely deserved by the story line, pace and the twist. So a 3 star rating in spite of the amazing thriller.
June 19, 2020
A well written book with an enthralling plot. It has all that is needed to make a book engaging: a handsome protagonist, an antihero and lots and lots of suspense. The book is a cliff-hanger right till the very end.
A pulse-pounding thriller from an emerging author, 'Checkmate' doesn't waste any time before it jumps straight into the action. The hijacking of the plane and the subsequent efforts of the Indian intelligence agency RAW to resolve the situation forms the core of the book's conflict, while unseen forces work in the shadows towards an extraordinary master-plan.
The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, and the end filled with unexpected twists and turns. Consisting of well-defined characters and plenty of action, this is a must read for any fan of thrillers!
Checkmate can be seen as a daring first attempt by Hrishikesh Joshi. This is a entertaining light read. It stands at nearly 150 pages of drama among Indian government, IB, RAW and the terrorists.
For an upcoming, budding author it is very brave to come up with such a gripping plot. A really first-rate straightforward as well as nippy charming paperback well worth a interpret!
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
A pulse-pounding thriller from an emerging author, 'Checkmate' doesn't waste any time before it jumps straight into the action. The hijacking of the plane and the subsequent efforts of the Indian intelligence agency RAW to resolve the situation forms the core of the book's conflict, while unseen forces work in the shadows towards an extraordinary master-plan.
The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, and the end filled with unexpected twists and turns. Consisting of well-defined characters and plenty of action, this is a must read for any fan of thrillers!
Checkmate can be seen as a daring first attempt by Hrishikesh Joshi. This is a entertaining light read. It stands at nearly 150 pages of drama among Indian government, IB, RAW and the terrorists.
For an upcoming, budding author it is very brave to come up with such a gripping plot. A really first-rate straightforward as well as nippy charming paperback well worth a interpret!
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
June 19, 2015
Checkmate
Finally I can write a review on my friend's first book 'Checkmate'!
So starting with the storyline, Hrishikesh has done a great job in unleashing the story and making it full-proof. As a habitual and ardent reader of fiction, I like a fiction novel when all the characters and the events connect with each other well and throughout. Also the way he gives an insight into the characters of the people in the book is appreciable, since only the information that is needed to connect the character to the storyline is covered. This frugal but effective use of words might feel bad for regular readers of fiction, since we want more description and insight into the story, but at the same time it is a welcomed by the less frequent readers.
The second thing I liked the most about the book is the suspense and the twist in the story which gets you off-guard and makes you read the last 50 pages in one go. I won't be a spoiler here so won't comment anymore on this part of the novel.
Overall I would rate the book as 4/5. It is a great book for new readers as well as a book you would like to read on a coffee table. #Checkmate #HrishikeshJoshi.
Finally I can write a review on my friend's first book 'Checkmate'!
So starting with the storyline, Hrishikesh has done a great job in unleashing the story and making it full-proof. As a habitual and ardent reader of fiction, I like a fiction novel when all the characters and the events connect with each other well and throughout. Also the way he gives an insight into the characters of the people in the book is appreciable, since only the information that is needed to connect the character to the storyline is covered. This frugal but effective use of words might feel bad for regular readers of fiction, since we want more description and insight into the story, but at the same time it is a welcomed by the less frequent readers.
The second thing I liked the most about the book is the suspense and the twist in the story which gets you off-guard and makes you read the last 50 pages in one go. I won't be a spoiler here so won't comment anymore on this part of the novel.
Overall I would rate the book as 4/5. It is a great book for new readers as well as a book you would like to read on a coffee table. #Checkmate #HrishikeshJoshi.
October 26, 2015
As a matter of fact, you check the spread page, you like it, then you read the blurb, you even like that and after that reasoning procedure begins and you begin envisioning the characters live. The book helps me to remember the episode that was happened around the year 2000, when an Indian plane was hijacked and the hijackers did their hellfire with sightseers and left them powerless on the land of Dubai.
Hrishikesh has written the story in an unexplained way that would keep you hypnotized. His solid story aptitudes and educated interests keep readers snared until the end and you don’t get dependably what you expected in the before section. There you may discover a great deal of traps, baffling things yet at the same time straightforward and as clear as a glass.
The story with the dynamic composition of the author, leads us to the internal points of interest of RAW and Ib with their capacity to work and handle things that would be in the good of all natives.
The occasions and the occurrences make it far a genuine impact on readers and that is the thing that offering purpose of this book is.
Hrishikesh has written the story in an unexplained way that would keep you hypnotized. His solid story aptitudes and educated interests keep readers snared until the end and you don’t get dependably what you expected in the before section. There you may discover a great deal of traps, baffling things yet at the same time straightforward and as clear as a glass.
The story with the dynamic composition of the author, leads us to the internal points of interest of RAW and Ib with their capacity to work and handle things that would be in the good of all natives.
The occasions and the occurrences make it far a genuine impact on readers and that is the thing that offering purpose of this book is.
June 13, 2015
A fast paced book which can be finished in one sitting, simple language and easy to follow. I think author has read too much of newspaper and watched Indian Bollywood movies so the plot is very common. Also India was suffered due to plane hijacked by terrorists, not more than a decade so the book is predictable in many ways. Character buildup is also very low; protagonist is also not being explored properly in the book.
If you have watched the movie Wednesday, staring Nasureddin Shah and Anupam Kher, than it will be very easy to know the outcome of the book. I think author is a big fan of Bollywood masala movies. One thing which I didn’t like is too much ingredients of sex; it is least needed in such type of novels according to my view.
Positive side of the novel is author’s writing style, dialogues are very admirable. The author Hrishikesh Joshi has done a good attempt in his debut novel.
If you have watched the movie Wednesday, staring Nasureddin Shah and Anupam Kher, than it will be very easy to know the outcome of the book. I think author is a big fan of Bollywood masala movies. One thing which I didn’t like is too much ingredients of sex; it is least needed in such type of novels according to my view.
Positive side of the novel is author’s writing style, dialogues are very admirable. The author Hrishikesh Joshi has done a good attempt in his debut novel.
October 28, 2015
An engaging crime thriller with lucid language and interesting twists and turns. The author has done a commendable job in his debut novel and the way in which minute details have been taken care of within the story line; be it regarding RAW or the jehadis, or the weapons used by the Army etc., clearly show that a lot of research has been done by the author before writing the novel.
Several facts have been blended very cleverly with the fiction elements within the story line to make the story feel real. It's a fast paced book which has all the elements to hook the reader till the end.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Read the full review at http://mybookshelf.in/book-reviews/ch...
Several facts have been blended very cleverly with the fiction elements within the story line to make the story feel real. It's a fast paced book which has all the elements to hook the reader till the end.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Read the full review at http://mybookshelf.in/book-reviews/ch...
July 19, 2017
A gripping thriller from the start to the end, Checkmate takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions.
The characters drawn by the author stay with you long after you've put the book down.
for instance, you can't help but empathise with Justice Ramkrishna Shastry who has been reduced to a mere pawn in the hands of the terrorists.
This book also draws to attention the various security loopholes that could possibly be exploited by certain anti-social elements to wreck havoc.
Hopefully books like these will bring about a much needed shake-up in the current security procedures.
All said, this book is a memorable work of fiction that will undoubtedly strike a chord with the reader.
The characters drawn by the author stay with you long after you've put the book down.
for instance, you can't help but empathise with Justice Ramkrishna Shastry who has been reduced to a mere pawn in the hands of the terrorists.
This book also draws to attention the various security loopholes that could possibly be exploited by certain anti-social elements to wreck havoc.
Hopefully books like these will bring about a much needed shake-up in the current security procedures.
All said, this book is a memorable work of fiction that will undoubtedly strike a chord with the reader.
May 10, 2015
A pulse-pounding thriller from an emerging author, 'Checkmate' doesn't waste any time before it jumps straight into the action. The hijacking of the plane and the subsequent efforts of the Indian intelligence agency RAW to resolve the situation forms the core of the book's conflict, while unseen forces work in the shadows towards an extraordinary master-plan. The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, and the end filled with unexpected twists and turns. Consisting of well-defined characters and plenty of action, this is a must read for any fan of thrillers!
June 21, 2015
For someone who loves suspense thrillers and novels with fast-paced story lines, Checkmate is a perfect match. Based on a simple, yet interesting flaw in the airport security systems, the novel unfolds a cleverly written plot consisting of many twists with every page you turn. The twist at the end of the story is especially an interesting one which leaves the reader flabbergasted. The character development throughout the novel is very well-written.
If you're looking for a new book to read, then search no further because Checkmate won't disappoint you for sure!
If you're looking for a new book to read, then search no further because Checkmate won't disappoint you for sure!
June 2, 2015
A story inspired by real life incident with flavors of drama, thrill and planning which makes it an interesting read. Though some movies also have similar themes but you may like the treatment of the subject and pace of the narrative. Read my full review of this book Book Review - Checkmate
September 17, 2015
Fantastic Book, really. I enjoyed it. I like the characters. Thanks for the pleasant & adventurous experience.
July 1, 2015
a very nice plot , thought the ending was little rushed . Finished it in train journey , light read and good.
May 6, 2015
My review on Checkmate y Hrishikesh Joshi on http://bhavinshah.in/books/2015/04/ch...
May 28, 2015
For a writer this young to write a book dealing with a mature subject like this, Hrishikesh has nailed it. Great work!
May 11, 2015
A well written book with an enthralling plot.It has all that is needed to make a book engaging: a handsome protagonist,an antihero and lots of suspense.The book is a cliff-hanger till the very end.
September 18, 2015
A splendid book. Must read for all.
September 30, 2015
Interesting twist. Very much involving and making me think all the time. I liked it. Thanks.
April 14, 2016
Good introduction to the characters in the start which sets up the story very well. This book has a lot of twist and turns that conquer your imagination. The use of vocabulary is phenomenal, and the author's way of explaining minor details of the situation is exceptional. I would not give away spoilers :P
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November 24, 2016Each genre requires a sort of mind training. Writing an edge the seat thriller is a tough nut to crack. Kudos to the author for attempting one and that to on a ‘high voltage’ topic. A learning for sure. An added follow up – one cannot be in hurry to end the story when it’s such a topic. The right balance between pace and description is needed.
Read the entire review here: https://lovewordie.wordpress.com/2016...
Read the entire review here: https://lovewordie.wordpress.com/2016...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews