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chess without a queen
When Rishabh Tanwar returns to Lucknow after completing his MBA in London, he gets kidnapped during the elections. Post elections, Uttar Pradesh prepares to welcome the youngest CM of India. However, shortly after commencing office, the CM is booked for a crime he didn’t commit.
The needle of suspicion points to a retired judge who has scores to settle with the CM.
What follows is an excruciating journey for the accused CM to save not only his skin but also the newly elected government that is in tatters with its CM in the dock.
The needle of suspicion points to a retired judge who has scores to settle with the CM.
What follows is an excruciating journey for the accused CM to save not only his skin but also the newly elected government that is in tatters with its CM in the dock.
306 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2017
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 25, 2017
Chess without a Queen is written by Virag Dhulia.
Let me start with a couple of important points before I get knee deep in my review. First, this is my first time reading a political thriller.. I who enjoys reading Lee Child’s “Reacher” series and this one is really different. Now for my review… Wow! I was pleasantly surprised. To be honest, I was expecting a simple political story but this is really a mind blowing gripping thriller ,fast-paced with a tight plot.
The elections are due in UP and two major political parties, planning their strategies, one inching ahead of other, strategies being planned by the experienced politicians, playing their cards safely using media and even a retired Judge. The innocent lower and middle class people at one side, politicians giving them false promise and luring the voters.
For all political groups power is so important and to achieve the same they will do all tricks and dramas.
The CM seat is always a challenging one isn’t it? Every day, hour, minute is important but here, sworn into power the CM is accused of a murder case. How the inexperienced young CM will overcome the situation? He has to save his party and come out clean… And he's able, as a young guy, to show the leaders at the top how it needs to be done and how they have strayed from their real missions and directives by being too politically correct…. Read the book…a nail biting finish waiting for you…
I typically would prefer to become attached to the protagonist of any book I read, but I must confess that it was difficult with this one. Why did I like the book? The characters, plotting, and fast moving intertwining plot lines that come together at the end were all strong points of the book. Rishab’s character stole the show at times and demanded the reader’s attention. Overall, I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this first Virag Dhulia’s political adventure so much. If you haven’t, maybe you should give Virag Dhulias “Chess Without a Queen” a try too This is a deft, fast-moving thriller that takes place in the arena of Indian politics.
I'd give it five stars, but I'm afraid some of my colleagues and my English Professors may be reading this and, the book certainly isn't literature. But it is efficient, has some great moments and will give you a vicarious thrill here and there, although, sometimes, perhaps, a little over the top. But I'd never cut anything out if I were the editor.
Let me start with a couple of important points before I get knee deep in my review. First, this is my first time reading a political thriller.. I who enjoys reading Lee Child’s “Reacher” series and this one is really different. Now for my review… Wow! I was pleasantly surprised. To be honest, I was expecting a simple political story but this is really a mind blowing gripping thriller ,fast-paced with a tight plot.
The elections are due in UP and two major political parties, planning their strategies, one inching ahead of other, strategies being planned by the experienced politicians, playing their cards safely using media and even a retired Judge. The innocent lower and middle class people at one side, politicians giving them false promise and luring the voters.
For all political groups power is so important and to achieve the same they will do all tricks and dramas.
The CM seat is always a challenging one isn’t it? Every day, hour, minute is important but here, sworn into power the CM is accused of a murder case. How the inexperienced young CM will overcome the situation? He has to save his party and come out clean… And he's able, as a young guy, to show the leaders at the top how it needs to be done and how they have strayed from their real missions and directives by being too politically correct…. Read the book…a nail biting finish waiting for you…
I typically would prefer to become attached to the protagonist of any book I read, but I must confess that it was difficult with this one. Why did I like the book? The characters, plotting, and fast moving intertwining plot lines that come together at the end were all strong points of the book. Rishab’s character stole the show at times and demanded the reader’s attention. Overall, I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this first Virag Dhulia’s political adventure so much. If you haven’t, maybe you should give Virag Dhulias “Chess Without a Queen” a try too This is a deft, fast-moving thriller that takes place in the arena of Indian politics.
I'd give it five stars, but I'm afraid some of my colleagues and my English Professors may be reading this and, the book certainly isn't literature. But it is efficient, has some great moments and will give you a vicarious thrill here and there, although, sometimes, perhaps, a little over the top. But I'd never cut anything out if I were the editor.
September 5, 2018
I loved the book. It contains different topic than routine romantic love stories. Plot revolves around politics. I like the book based on politics. Because to write such type of plot, the smallest details has to be perfect. And author really did the best job. Must read for the readers who likes such type of plots. Nice and simple language, easily understandable, plot has good twists and turns. I loved because its different read after a long time.
April 18, 2018
A very interesting book on politics, based in UP a state of India. I never thought I will like to read about politics but this book is so difficult to leave once you start it. Many twists n turns keep you hooked. The writer seems to have a lot of knowledge politics.
December 30, 2017
Book Title: Chess Without A queen
Author: Virag Dhulia
Format: Kindle
Number of pages : 306
Publisher: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
Publishing Date: 10th Nov 2017
Printed Price: INR 100
ASIN: B077B8WZRS
Book Title:
The title of the book 'Chess without a queen' is very nice and gives the reader a small hint that the story must be a mystery.
Book Cover :
The book cover is interesting with chess pawns and two men figurines.
Plot:
The term 'politics' always hold up the interest of a reader. And when the plot of the book is a suspense thriller with politics in first hand, the book definitely becomes a page turner. One of the nicest political thriller. Every chapter has its own twists and turns that makes a reader engrossed into the story. Indian politics are always interesting and most probably the chair game during state elections is the most interesting plot. Here the author has immensely satisfied the readers with a story that is nice combination of realistic scenarios with a fiction.
The author has excelled in plotting the various characters that are almost identical in the present political scenario.
Characters:
All the characters are very nicely plotted.
Narration:
The narration is very good.
Language and Vocabulary:
A fine usage of fine grammar and vocabulary.
My Final Verdict—.
A definite read for a thriller lover !
Book title: 3.5/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 3/5
Language and Vocabulary: 4/5
I personally rate the book 3 out of 5
Author: Virag Dhulia
Format: Kindle
Number of pages : 306
Publisher: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
Publishing Date: 10th Nov 2017
Printed Price: INR 100
ASIN: B077B8WZRS
Book Title:
The title of the book 'Chess without a queen' is very nice and gives the reader a small hint that the story must be a mystery.
Book Cover :
The book cover is interesting with chess pawns and two men figurines.
Plot:
The term 'politics' always hold up the interest of a reader. And when the plot of the book is a suspense thriller with politics in first hand, the book definitely becomes a page turner. One of the nicest political thriller. Every chapter has its own twists and turns that makes a reader engrossed into the story. Indian politics are always interesting and most probably the chair game during state elections is the most interesting plot. Here the author has immensely satisfied the readers with a story that is nice combination of realistic scenarios with a fiction.
The author has excelled in plotting the various characters that are almost identical in the present political scenario.
Characters:
All the characters are very nicely plotted.
Narration:
The narration is very good.
Language and Vocabulary:
A fine usage of fine grammar and vocabulary.
My Final Verdict—.
A definite read for a thriller lover !
Book title: 3.5/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 3/5
Language and Vocabulary: 4/5
I personally rate the book 3 out of 5
December 14, 2018
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When I read the synopsis of this book I was highly intrigued , and I would confess I was a little bit confused too but I knew that I had to read it. It took me two whooping days to finish this book , as I just couldn't keep it aside , eager to know what would happen next. Whenever I thought let me put it down that very chapter would end with a plot twist , leading me back into the book deeply.
This book has a plethora of characters and plot twists , I guess something familiar with everyday politics which revolves around us. With politicians in foreplay and other sub groups such as media houses , police men , the poor and the rich business magnates who all get consumed into it , some happily and others not too happily .
So this book unravels its story a month before the always landmark elections of the glandulous state of Uttar Pradesh. The author has shown two major parties in the state , with the one already in power for 15 years , and the other one which was in power before it. The party which is not in power , indirectly starts projecting its heir apparent Rishabh Tanwar as part of the Young India Brigade and the messiah who would bring changes that U.P. requires. He returns from England and on the day he reaches he is kidnapped, revealing anything more wouldn't do justice to the book as it deserves to be read for its plot twists.
At every point in the book someone is scheming, all in the pursuit of money , power and position. It shows how intricately all the points in the system are joined but at the end of the day its the top politicians who do what they want to do and can swiftly put the blame on someone else.
This book made me realise that wasting every breath and word on politics is a huge waste of human energy because the ones on the top especially the opposition parties , have a different front in the eyes of the people, and the very people who oppose each other can be best friends behind closed doors.I really loved the ending , how it did not disappoint the whole plot and made me feel wow , that was pretty smart , I didn't really think about that. And I was happy with the ending. In this book every single person in plotting , and thinking I am outsmarting the other but the ones who really outsmarted everyone end up being the real winners , and the beauty being no one else realizes it. To read about the real players of this sleazy game of politics you would have to read till the very last page.
The way the book was written was a little different , with all the characters getting there point of views which at time did become a little confusing . And the English was a little different , and I am still wondering that whether it was good or bad.
Basically this book is for everyone out there who would love to read a political thriller which is a maze in its own right. Someone who wants a fast paced book which wouldn't bore till the very last line.
You can check out more amazing reviews on my blog
https://intactawesomeness.wordpress.com/ (less)
When I read the synopsis of this book I was highly intrigued , and I would confess I was a little bit confused too but I knew that I had to read it. It took me two whooping days to finish this book , as I just couldn't keep it aside , eager to know what would happen next. Whenever I thought let me put it down that very chapter would end with a plot twist , leading me back into the book deeply.
This book has a plethora of characters and plot twists , I guess something familiar with everyday politics which revolves around us. With politicians in foreplay and other sub groups such as media houses , police men , the poor and the rich business magnates who all get consumed into it , some happily and others not too happily .
So this book unravels its story a month before the always landmark elections of the glandulous state of Uttar Pradesh. The author has shown two major parties in the state , with the one already in power for 15 years , and the other one which was in power before it. The party which is not in power , indirectly starts projecting its heir apparent Rishabh Tanwar as part of the Young India Brigade and the messiah who would bring changes that U.P. requires. He returns from England and on the day he reaches he is kidnapped, revealing anything more wouldn't do justice to the book as it deserves to be read for its plot twists.
At every point in the book someone is scheming, all in the pursuit of money , power and position. It shows how intricately all the points in the system are joined but at the end of the day its the top politicians who do what they want to do and can swiftly put the blame on someone else.
This book made me realise that wasting every breath and word on politics is a huge waste of human energy because the ones on the top especially the opposition parties , have a different front in the eyes of the people, and the very people who oppose each other can be best friends behind closed doors.I really loved the ending , how it did not disappoint the whole plot and made me feel wow , that was pretty smart , I didn't really think about that. And I was happy with the ending. In this book every single person in plotting , and thinking I am outsmarting the other but the ones who really outsmarted everyone end up being the real winners , and the beauty being no one else realizes it. To read about the real players of this sleazy game of politics you would have to read till the very last page.
The way the book was written was a little different , with all the characters getting there point of views which at time did become a little confusing . And the English was a little different , and I am still wondering that whether it was good or bad.
Basically this book is for everyone out there who would love to read a political thriller which is a maze in its own right. Someone who wants a fast paced book which wouldn't bore till the very last line.
You can check out more amazing reviews on my blog
https://intactawesomeness.wordpress.com/ (less)
April 16, 2018
We had asked the author on what makes him want to write a book, he indicated that wanted to be a writer and he is able to pursue his passion now.
This book is one of the countless books that I have read on Indian politics. In today’s national political scene, citizens are merely props in a carefully choreographed dramatic narrative that resembles a Bollywood movie set more than it does an Indian democracy. I enjoyed the book dwelling down to the Uttar Pradesh (a state in India) politics which is a political tickle.
According to the author, the cover was chosen because it depicts the simplicity about the small incidents that happen in my story and yet brushes the complexities of the hi-conflict personalities of the main characters. The cover is catchy and so is the blurb.
Writer chooses simple English but manages to give a literary essence to the book by his choice of words, playing it smoothly and combing it right for the political style.
Characterization is slow but gradually catches up and gets into the style.
Overall, I enjoyed this book which written in beautifully unflinching detail. Virag writes with a relaxed eloquence, shifting easily through characters
This book is one of the countless books that I have read on Indian politics. In today’s national political scene, citizens are merely props in a carefully choreographed dramatic narrative that resembles a Bollywood movie set more than it does an Indian democracy. I enjoyed the book dwelling down to the Uttar Pradesh (a state in India) politics which is a political tickle.
According to the author, the cover was chosen because it depicts the simplicity about the small incidents that happen in my story and yet brushes the complexities of the hi-conflict personalities of the main characters. The cover is catchy and so is the blurb.
Writer chooses simple English but manages to give a literary essence to the book by his choice of words, playing it smoothly and combing it right for the political style.
Characterization is slow but gradually catches up and gets into the style.
Overall, I enjoyed this book which written in beautifully unflinching detail. Virag writes with a relaxed eloquence, shifting easily through characters
December 30, 2017
This is a book about political intrigue in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It tells a fictional story about the roles big business, politicians and bureaucrats play in determining the part and people in power in a state and in the governance and well being of that state. It also talks extensively about the huge role the news media plays in determining people’s final decisions at the ballot boxes.
The book describes incidents that seem implausible when reading, but in hindsight, seem plausible given the madness of today’s political realities anywhere in the world.
The story line is fairly well crafted. Character build up is weak, and often it is hard to make out whether a character is really a “good guy” or a “bad guy”.
And my final comment on this book is that it could do with some serious editing by a professional editor.
The book describes incidents that seem implausible when reading, but in hindsight, seem plausible given the madness of today’s political realities anywhere in the world.
The story line is fairly well crafted. Character build up is weak, and often it is hard to make out whether a character is really a “good guy” or a “bad guy”.
And my final comment on this book is that it could do with some serious editing by a professional editor.
February 16, 2018
A really good read. The plot has twists just like a game of chess. It will keep one gripped. You will enjoy this for sure. Glad to discover this.
I received a copy of this book as a part of goodreads giveaway program & I am grateful for it.
I received a copy of this book as a part of goodreads giveaway program & I am grateful for it.
December 19, 2018
This is a political thriller set in Uttar Pradesh state of India.
The best feature of the book is its story. The plot is engaging with many characters, sub-plots and twists at the right moments. The reader cannot guess easily and the pace of story is also very balanced. The language used is simple and is very easy to read. Overall a good read. I happened to read this genre after a long while and I found it engrossing.
The best feature of the book is its story. The plot is engaging with many characters, sub-plots and twists at the right moments. The reader cannot guess easily and the pace of story is also very balanced. The language used is simple and is very easy to read. Overall a good read. I happened to read this genre after a long while and I found it engrossing.
February 27, 2018
very dramatic and intriguing story,I will recommend to all for a nice read.What I liked is the pace of the novel and events as these unfold.
March 19, 2018
Interesting plot with numerous twists and turns. The author has a deep knowledge of UP politics.
December 13, 2018
This book is a political drama. It mainly revolves around a character Rishab Tanwar and how political games are played and coins flipped. The author did a pretty good job at concealing the political feel in the book. The book advances it a relatively uniform pace with it's best at the last 100 pages, where the original games played by all the individuals are unveiled. The story is good, but what disturbs the flow is certain aspects that I disliked about the book,the main ones being the following.
1) The overuse of many phrases like tring -tring -tring every time the phone rings
2) Everyone is always jolted out of their reverie, which happens way too often.
3) There are a few (7-8) errors that I've spotted, but I would credit that to the editor.
Coming to the positives, the writing style was clean and good usage of vocabulary made it professional and appropriate to the story.
1) The overuse of many phrases like tring -tring -tring every time the phone rings
2) Everyone is always jolted out of their reverie, which happens way too often.
3) There are a few (7-8) errors that I've spotted, but I would credit that to the editor.
Coming to the positives, the writing style was clean and good usage of vocabulary made it professional and appropriate to the story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews