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Kala Ghoda: The Game Begins

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This is a classical story of emotions, ambitions, greed and power. How a small-town boy grows up to become the mafia don of Bombay. How life and people change with time and circumstances.

A fascinating tale of a mentor and his protégé. Their journey with ups and downs from rags to riches.

How man does crazy things in love and hate. Who wins in the end, is it hate and revenge or love and forgiveness?

Read to find out how a man steps up from a pawn in the game to be a player.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2018

7 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Ashwini Malhotra

7 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Pari.
152 reviews18 followers
March 20, 2019
A series of mysterious murders calls for the release of a forgotten criminal from the prison that the mafia boss sees as a return of a son and also, as a warning to the unknown enemy. The newly released person is warmly welcomed into the Haveli amidst much merry – making and soon he is assigned an impossible task. The story goes on to trail the investigation and actions that is to follow such investigations by this protégé. Who is this protégé? Who dared to attack a dominant regional power and how and why these attacks were planned? Such questions are addressed and becomes the major part of the book.

First Impression
The book’s title and the cover art basically symbolises a bloody affair as well as the upward movement of a mere pawn to the position of a mighty player, a dark horse defeating and replacing a King. Although the cover art tries to provide a hint towards the subject matter within, it is not impressive enough for me.

The title is accompanied by the phrase, “The Game Begins”, referring to the start of a chapter, that is, the first in a series that has few others to follow after it.
The blurb has described the plot in a similar line as the cover art. It talks about a relationship between a mentor and his disciple and how a person from a paltry background succeeds in achieving a powerful spot in a bloody business.

My Review
Having around 320 pages, this mystery thriller had a fast paced narration as events unfolded one after the other, ending with a drastic change in the hierarchy. I won’t say that the culmination of this thrilling drama was unforeseen as I had witnessed similar tones on the mafia drama showcased in Hindi film industry, where the newcomers challenge those in power.

In regards to language, it is simplistic in nature and there is a bit of Hindi in parts of the conversation between characters, that is, while most of the book is in English, there are also frequent use of Hindi terminology, vocabulary or construction to create an effect and portray a genuine sentiment in the conversations.

I didn’t find any interesting twists to the characters in the Mafia. There was the shrewd leader of the gang, a loyal second in command, a rebellious son and an enemy wearing the mask of a close friend. As one often comes across similar settings in books and movies there is a need for a different approach in characterisation or presentation, the lack of which snatches away the enthusiasm towards the plotline.

What I loved the most?
I liked the personality of Iqbal Mallick because of his determined and calculated approach towards any life situation. Also, the author was able to create appropriate sensation that matched the scenes unfolding within the book.

Would I recommend this book?
I liked the overall performance in the book and believe that readers interested in similar premise may read this thriller and enjoy what the author has to offer.
Profile Image for Rubaia Khatun.
Author 2 books4 followers
March 29, 2021
A nail-biting thriller it is where you'll be holding on to your breath to read the next pages till you close the book. Why? Because it's a brilliant game of chess!

Just like in a chess every move of the players matters, in the book every move of every single character matters. But what matters most is Timing. "Timing is very important" , as stated by one of the characters of this book... the story revolves around strategies, plotting, timings and far-sighted perception.

Set in the mid-80s Bombay, it's about the time when mafia, corruption and illegal activities are reigning in every corner of Bombay and only one name rules over all these, Iqbal, the Kala Ghoda, as stated by his late mentor and guide, Muhammad, who died because of Iqbal according to the first half of the story. Now why it's like that and why even after that Muhammad's daughter-in-law, Zeenat, got married with Iqbal and why Muhammad's wife, Badi Ammi, also stays in the same Haveli is a question whose answers are for you to find by reading the book.

The story starts with Maharashtra Election lurking around the corner and ends after the CM is chosen. But it's not only about election. The story rather unveils the curtain of behind the scenes of an election and amidst all these stands Iqbal's name in every scene, even where he is not physically present.

A story of betrayal, greed and lust for power and money, using religion as a tool to play with citizen's emotions, brainwashing innocents with sweet-talks, fighting for family, love, emotions, philosophy of modern world, etc... this book has all. A power-packed thriller with amazing action scenes and clever planning.

But this is not where it ends. The book ends with a chapter called Karma. After all karma comes back for all, even when it is Iqbal, the Kala Ghoda. This chapter gives a hint of the second part and what could it be about but I'll say not to assume much incase of disappointment because I've been surprised quite a few times while reading this book. Though my assumption about Raja, another interesting character, was correct to some extent. To know who he is, grab the book and read.

So my dear friends, if you are someone who likes action-packed thrillers, be it movie or book, this book is for you. Believe me, you'll get the feel of watching a movie some times. So, let's get ready to plunge into the game of chess!

Thank You!
Profile Image for karmaleavesnone.
90 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2020
Title: Kala Ghoda the game begins
Author: Ashwini Malhotra
Publisher: Dhruva Publishers
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Pages: 328
No. of chapters: 39
Ratings: 4.7/5

1st Impression :
The title is accompanied by the phrase, “The Game Begins”, referring to the start of a chapter, that is, the first in a series that has 38 others to follow after it.
The Book has described the plot in a similar line as the cover art. It talks about the story of ambitions, emotions, greed & power. It talks about the relationship between a mentor and his disciple.

My Review:
This book has around 328 pages and a complete mystery thriller, Let me warn you.. once you start it will be difficult to stop till you complete the book.
So the story revolves around a Mafia don Muhammed Qureshi and his own gang member Iqbal. The way the underworld was pictured as a kingdom and that they are good people but circumstances made them what they are and all the background stories were thrilling. The story was gripping and not once did I find it boring. It’s a story filled with emotions, ambition, love, pain, suffering, hatred, revenge and masterminds, uncertainties, insecurities, and suspense. For me, it was like watching Netflix film. I could imagine this becoming a movie in which my favorite actor Yash is playing the lead role.
Having said it, the story is very entertaining and engrossing with every chapter enfolding new characters and stories around it. I believe the author has a fantastic way of writing skills. In my opinion, a Netflix movie can be made in this story.
The way the author explained the story is just fantastic. The book kept me hooked with it until I finished it to the end and I'm so happy that I picked this book up. I recommend this book to every fiction/Suspense lover!! 💯💯
Thank you @akdmalhotra for the Book.❣️
A review by @guywithrelatable
Profile Image for Shweta Rohira.
173 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2022
Kala Ghoda - The Game Begins by Ashwini Malhotra

“Life is a tricky game, remember I told you what may seem wrong today may be right tomorrow. Things change, people change, nothing in life remains constant.”

Reading a mafia fiction after long and couldn’t have read a better one. This is a story that revolves around the mafia times and majorly between mafia don mohammed and Iqbal. The book is intricate to a point that it covers every little thing about them from their ongoing story to their past with a great deal of cliffhangers. Each feeling is tapped and the activity successions are so all around arranged with his words that you will feel you are really watching a mafia film between the pages. There is a ton of referencing about the chess and gaining's from the game that these characters use in their life to design their best course of action. The writer has made these parts so well in the book that at a point I wanted to learn chess as well. Additionally the reason of the title of the book is covered in the middle of narration so well that it astounded me. The manner in which the creator draws an obvious conclusion it's excellent. It closes on a section which makes you need to know more and will quickly push you to purchase. I have completely partaken in the initial segment and can hardly hold back to go to the following one.

I have enjoyed authors current book “The Cursed Gem” and I have to admit that I equally enjoyed this one too. Though the books are different genres, I enjoyed the narration style of the author which is fast paced and very visualistic.

So my dear perusers assuming you like the mafia world this activity stuffed book is a decent treat you could gift yourself and might be like me other than perusing you might need to get familiar with the round of chess as well.
Profile Image for Rutuja Ramteke.
2,013 reviews100 followers
February 28, 2019
♥Kala Ghoda By Ashwini Malhotra♥
♥Genre: Thriller
♥Publisher: Dhruva
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Plot: A small-town boy grows up to become the mafia don of Bombay. How life and people change with time and circumstances. A fascinating tale of a mentor and his protégé. Their journey with ups and downs from rags to riches. How man does crazy things in love and hate. .
My Opinion: First of all I am used to this kinda books and movies. I am in love with genre where there is fluctuating scenes all over the book. The book deal with A small town boy who due to circumstances forced himself first & then willing get into this under world of Dons & Mafias where no one is safe & no one is who enters can left either. Hoping you have watch the movies staring- Ajay Devgan & Imran Hashmi & clearly know the mind set of such people. Talking about the book itselt, it was amazing. I felt I was watching a movie & I was curious to know what will happen next. There were many ups & downs throughout the book which kept me intriguing as a reader. My adrenaline was rushing & gushing throughout the book. The main protagonist was mind blowing. The cove of the book is amazing & the cover gives the feel that the book is more cool.
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Pros: As a thriller, it was really fast paced. The language was very easy & experiencing thrillers since years knowing that they are not written in a simple language, I was amazed. The characters were appropriate & up to the mark. The book takes to you various pathways where you may feel lucky to pick it up. Even a beginner can pick it up. The plot line was amazing, you won't feel bored in this 300 pages of this amazing book. I do recommend this book to all the book lovers.
Cons: The language & narration could have been more constructive with more enthusiasm in the narration.
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Rating: 3.75🌟
Profile Image for iamprabaltandon.
162 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2020
#qotd: what gets too much attention in the news?

Honestly, it is an awesome thriller book,
I just had to make time to commence looking over the first 1st and 2nd chapters of the book,
Because after that the knickknacks built inside took over and did the magic till I reached to give a 4-star rating are the vivid articulating of the story, the ways the mystery started unravelling one level deeper with chapter by chapter of the book,
The way inside the one-story there are also many stories perfectly connected to each other and played a vital role in the main story with great relevance and significance etc.

The title name of this book is equally interesting as opt for a crime thriller.
I totally like and relate to the story of the book.
The author gave a sense of a well organized and well-sequenced story,
I really like the author's way to write this story in a perfect manner.
While reading the novel thoroughly I had been tensed, anxious, thrilled, happy, and see very well experienced moments as real.
It's a beautifully and well-narrated story with simple language which easily understandable for beginners.
Talking about characters
All characters of the story are very well written and well developed which keeps the readers through marinated in with their own imagination and prediction for the next moves and hold the suspense on.
The author arrange the whole story in a very impressive manner.
Guys if you like to read suspense, thriller books and looking awesome thriller book you definitely try to read this
( KALA GHODA the game begins )the book was written by @akdmalhotra
And I also really like to say thank you to the author for writing this amazing book.
I definitely recommend this book to all.
Happy reading :)
433 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2022
Well when i started, reading, I dint realise that I will be a vivid part of a 1980's era of gangsters of Mumbai. Yes the story of this book by author Ashwini Malhotra is set at the backdrop the rising of underwolrd mafia gangsters of Mumbai. The combination of emotions, circumstances, ambitions, greed, power, fame, money, along with a intriguing tale of a mentor, his apprentice through the streets of mumbai will make you feel part of an era of mumbai where everyone wanted to king of underworld. Being a 1980's born, I was fascinated the way the author has combined the essence of this book with apt title, cover& design, and very relatable and lucid writing which makes it an absolute delight for readers. The story has 3 lead protagonists Muhammad, Javed, Iqbal and Suleiman who cross paths and are destined to change each others life and luck. Muhammad being a man of moral ethics, honesty and fairness is forced to become one of the most dreaded mafia don of Mumbai due to bad and negative circumstances. Story takes a twist when few gang members of Muhammad are targetted and murdered and becomes more intriguing when Iqbal is released from jail after 2 years of imprisonment and is called upon to Muhammad's haveli. The book has all ingredients to be a web series or a movie. The size of the book is a liitle long but it will keep you gripped, entertained as well as asking for more. Overall a sureshot entertainer with blend of morals, ethics, fairness, revenge, love, forgiveness along with a very strong message for the society we live in. Grab your copy today enjoy the ride with The Kala Ghoda.
Profile Image for Vishakha.
353 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2020
Thrilled with a twisted end

The theme of the book: crazily ambitious, power and influence.

Well, we all have heard or read stories of people where they get from rags to riches. It's easy to get one. However, it's difficult to sustain one. And there you need just one mistake or one step of overconfidence and boom! You lost everything. Power, Respect and most importantly family. Just gone.
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Rate:4/5🌟
Kala Ghoda is story of a Mafia Don who was on the edge of collapsing his empire. Just because of invisible enemy or because of trojan horse. Who knows?
Characters like Iqbal, Javed and Suleman were really influential and serious. This was not a clichè story where protagonist has abusive childhood or triggers where people force them to be one. It was simple where he himself chooses to be one because he wanted to financially secure family and the only way he came across was killing someone and illegally export things.
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There are many unfold mysteries of Mafia Don as the story progress it send the chills down the spine when we reliaze power can make one "sane" person "insane".
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In some gangster's stories you may get weak female characters or depend upon husband's character. Here in this story, she was as determined and effective as her husband who was king of old Mumbai (Bombay). Transition from present to past was okay, I was able to connect with it. But I felt it was stretch in some points. Narrative was smooth and edgy. It was a thriller pack with medium-paced which kept me glued.

Altogether, plot full of thrills with a twisted ending.
466 reviews13 followers
July 23, 2020
Engaging story line

Book Name- Kala Ghoda: The Game Begins
Author- Ashwini Malhotra
Review- Kala Ghoda is a thriller novel with suspense dripping over the pages. The story line is very intense and engaging as it features the life of a mafia. It features the life of a boy who went from rags to riches. The meaning of dreams and desires can be better understood from the eyes of those who have seen it all. The book gives detailed information of life as a mafia and how things work and what they have to face. We’ve heard about the underworld but this book gives a close view of underworld. The story line revolves around Muhammad and Iqbal and the characters are built really well. The narration is fluid and the descriptions of the characters and their background is given really well. The best part about the story line is it is a not so normal life as it is different from those where the characters have a normal job and life but the characters in this book have a different phase to go through and learn from their situations. The fire within the characters and the desire to change things and achieve their dreams is worth reading. It is a battle of saving once career and name in the market and the everything is at stake. The story is very engaging and there are a lot of twists and turns in the story which are good enough to keep the reader hooked till the last page. The title is very interesting and the cover is attractive and grabs the attention of the reader.
Ratings-
Title- 4/5
Cover- 4/5
Narration- 4/5
Concept- 5/5
Overall- 4/5
245 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
Book : Kala Ghoda
Version : Kindle
Author : Ashwini Malhotra

In the Game of Thrones you either win or lose there is nothing in between. We all get petrified and curious about the underworld gangs that are ruling some major cities since many decades. The book is the glimpse of a fictional gangster who ruled Bombay.
The protagonist is Iqbal Mallick. In the book Iqbal is the head of a gang. He notoriously killed the previous gang leader and heading towards the monopoly. Life is definitely not smooth for Iqbal as he is being attacked out and open mercilessly. He has a few members of his gang in whom he trusts , but it is the emotion of mistrust on his own people that is bothering him. Iqbal is also the most wanted person in the field of politics. He has his close links with the political leaders for benefits. Iqbal out of guilt is married to Zeenat who wishes to continue her family with him. The main worry of Iqbal is to find the people who are backstabbing him.
Let us also meet Arjun Singh who is the commissioner and our Singham type police who wants to rule out the gang war and wishes Arjun Singh to surrender. Arjun Singh is a smart, sincere, brave officer.
The scenes where we have the conversation between Arjun Singh and Iqbal is fantastic. That has been my favourite part which is filled with tantrums and taunts.
Who are the people behind the attacks on Iqbal?
How will Arjun Singh tackle Iqbal?
Who will rule Bombay?
Finally , Who is Kala Ghoda?
Do read the book to enjoy an amazing story.


Profile Image for Book  Reviewer.
38 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2022
📚 " Kala Ghoda: The Game Begins "

Author : Ashwini Kumar Malhotra

Ratings : 10/10 ⭐

Review :-

📚Hello dear readers, I hope so you all are doing absolutely fine and healthy. The author Ashwini kumar malhotra come up with this amazing book which will definitely leave the readers craving for more.

📚The story revolves around a Mafia don of Bombay, Muhammed Qureshi and his significant gang member Iqbal.It starts with the release of Iqbal from central jail of Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

📚This was not a clichè story where protagonist has abusive childhood or triggers where people force them to be one. It was simple where he himself chooses to be one because he wanted to financially secure family and the only way he came across was killing someone and illegally export things.

📚Then after 2 years of imprisonment he was suddenly called by Muhammad for the purpose of finding the secret killers who have killed 3 important gang members including Muhammed's son.

📚 So Muhammed thought that Iqbal is the only capable person to find the killers. Until that 2 years of imprisonment, Iqbal doesn't have any contact with the gang members. So he was in great anger towards the Don and the gang members. The story is all about:

📚The drama, suspense, mysteries and many more that is being inculcated in this book. Everything is being weaved beautifully.

📚One thing that I love about this book is the fast-paced narration. The story is very alluring and appealing. It holds the reader's attention and makes them want more

📚LOVED IT ⭐
Profile Image for Shivanshu.
175 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2020
REVIEW:- KALA GHODA: THE GAME BEGINS
AUTHOR:- ASHWINI MALHOTRA

This book is the perfect blend of Crime, Revenge, Power, Respect and family. How priorities and situation changes a person this book shows it very well.

Story of this book revolves around a Mafia don and a member of his gang named “ Iqbal”. One day suddenly a news hits him which says that three of his gang members dead by an hidden enemy. One of them was mohammad’s son also.

After 2 years “Iqbal” called by “Mohammed” who was in jail for 3 years, for the purpose of finding that secret killer because he is the only capable person who was able to find that killer but…..
Iqbal has hidden anger towards mohammed and gang members for sending him to jail. Did he help him or he take revenge? Does mohammad be able to find the killer? Who is killer? For knowing answers of these question you guys has to dive into this book by yourself.

Narration of the story is awesome. The way author penned down and portrayed the dark side of underworld and it’s characteristics was just magnificently.

Cover of the book looks astonishing and even the title dosen’t seems apt. to the story but it makes sense at the end.

Writing style is lucid and also language is simple yet effective.
Pace of the book feels so slow sometimes but it was all okay at the end when story pick it up.

Overall I loved reading this book and surely recommend it to all.

RATING:-8/10
Profile Image for Bookishalley.
76 reviews
July 22, 2020
Muhammad gang is hit by torment when the news of three simultaneous deaths of the gang members spread like a wildfire. The suspicious deaths have cautioned the gang against a hidden enemy, a perilous time.
Meanwhile Iqbal after 2 years of imprisonment is suddenly released and called for by Muhammad himself. The game of chess begins.
Do you want to know more? - Read the book.
The book is divided into sections. Each section has something new to offer.

Positive attributes:

•The book is fast paced and won't bore the reader.
•The writing style is pretty flexible and the narration is precise and on point.
•Besides the thrill, the book teaches numerous moral ethics throughout its execution. The gang leader's fair play and his ideology is definitely something one should possess.
•There are certain twists and turns which take the reader on the edge of the seat.
•Character specifications are meticulously done. There is a mix of likeable and unlikeable characters which balance out the book.
•The impact of the book is definitely character driven. Although the book has a firm plot, the characters enhance the execution.

Negative attributes:

• The flashbacks were a bit to far fetched and felt unnecessary. That's the portion where I felt bored and sleepy. The past description should've been a little concise.

An Indian thriller. What else does one need?
I recommend the book.
Profile Image for Motivationaldailythoughts.
1,091 reviews33 followers
July 23, 2020
Title - Kala Ghoda - The Game Begins
Author - Ashwini Malhotra
Publisher - Dhruva publishers
Genre - Action thriller
Pages - 329
Format - Paperback
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The story revolves around a small town boy Muhammad turned to a Mafia Don of Bombay and his gang member Iqbal Iqbal went to jail for 3 years in favour of Muhammad. After 2 years, he was released and called by Muhammad to find out the killers of his 3 gang members along with his son.
Read the book to find out -
1. How a small town boy becomes the Don?
2. Who was the killer?
3. Will Iqbal take revenge for his imprisonment ,with Muhammad?
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Review -
The cover of the book is attractive and the title is apt. The plot of the story is interesting, thrilling and emotional. It is a tale of
ambition ,power ,greed and emotions which is smoothly narrated by the author. The author has penned down all the descriptions so expressively that it seems to be like watching a movie. All the emotions like love, hate, lust, struggle are described perfectly. The book also talks about the life of Mafia world ,their functions, scams and their emotions.
Language used is simple.
Characters are well portrayed by the author.
It is the thrill of the story which hooked the readers till the end.
Overall, a thrilling read with unexpected twists.
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Rating - 4.4/5
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I recommend this book to all thriller lovers out there.
119 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2022
Kala Ghoda is a thriller novel with mystery and suspense dripping over the pages. The story revolves around a Mafia don. In this story, the underworld was pictured as a kingdom and that they are good people but circumstances made them what they are and all the background stories were thrilling. The story was really gripping and not once did I find it boring. The story line is very intense and engaging as it features the life of a mafia. It features the life of a boy who went from rags to riches. The meaning of dreams and desires can be better understood from the eyes of those who have seen it all. The book gives detailed information of life as a mafia and how things work and what they have to face.

All the characters have been presented very well. I like a book if I can visualize the characters and scenarios very clearly. Not a big fan of mafia stories but still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Suspense has been maintained till the very end of the story and I really liked the flow and the excitement maintained throughout.

Overall it's a wonderful story filled with pain , suffering, hatred, love, betrayal, revenge with lots of suspense.For me, it was like movie. The narration style is very catchy. The story has a complete package of emotions, thriller, mafia and more, so calling it just crime thriller won't do justice to the book.
Profile Image for Ananya Maji.
107 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2020
Review of '𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐚- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬'

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞

Author: Ashwini Kumar Malhotra (@akdmalhotra)
Format: Kindle edition
Genre: Crime Thriller

Summary: 

The story revolves around a Mafia don of Bombay, Muhammed Qureshi and his significant gang member Iqbal.

It starts with the release of Iqbal from central jail of Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

After returning to Bombay in the haveli of Muhammed, he is soon assigned for an unfeasible job, when few of Qureshi's gang members were murdered.

The story then goes on to trail an investigation of the killers with a twisted climax.

The book perfectly describes Mumbai's powerful gangs, how the mafia world functions, treacheries and feelings that transformed them into the individual they are today.
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The story has complete package of emotions, thrill, mafia and more, with an appalling ending.

The Author has beautifully sketched the characters. The writing style is laudable and action-packed. It kept me hooked till the very end. The narration is pretty startling and fascinating.

I loved the book. It has all the elements as expected from a thriller. People who are diehard fans of thriller will obviously enjoy reading this.
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
212 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2022
As the title of the book suggests the story is about the power and leading role of an underworld king, Iqbal Mallick. The story revolves around an underworld mafia king Iqbal Mallick. He is the protagonist of this story. The story was set in 1980s. The journey of Iqbal becoming mafia's king from scratch to surviving in this underworld to gain his power and position back is the main plot of story. Even though his actions and story seems like a villain's, his struggle and success shows the protagonist's desperate wish to become a king.
The book has an interesting title and cover. The plot and the narration is intriguing. I was left fascinated and hooked into the book right from the beginning of the first story itself. The author profoundly characterizes every single person and their interactions makes it an interesting read. The language in the book used is simple and accessible to all readers. It was a fast paced story, and finished the book quickly. If you are interested in reading something full of action and thrilling, then this book is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Mrunal.
59 reviews
July 22, 2020
Kala Ghoda by Ashwini Malhotra is an action thriller based book.

The book begins with Iqbal Mallick released from jail under the order of Muhammad Qureshi a gang leader also known as Abbaji. It is later revealed that three weeks ago in Bombay, three of Muhammad Qureshi's members including his own son were all killed in a single day under suspicious circumstances and Iqbal is the only person they could look up to.

The book further revolves around how the mafia world works, betrayals and emotions that turned them into the person they are today, tracking down the murderer and finally ending with a stunning climax.

The characters are portrayed wonderfully, the narrative is stunning and detailed, most part of the writing is very regional. The co-relation between Muhammad the disciple and Iqbal his protege and their take on the world and how every action has it's consequences is what the book further talks about. Highly recommend this one for the mafia and action thriller lovers.
136 reviews5 followers
Read
March 24, 2021
This book is the second part after the Kala Ghoda - The Game Begins. The story sets up in Bombay (today's Mumbai) and revolves around the protagonist Iqbal Mallick who took over the control of underworld in the 1980s after defeating all his rivals one by one. Read the book to know the story of a mafia don of Bombay and Gujarat and why was Iqbal known as Kala Ghoda?

The story is full of twists and turns, strategies being made and plans being executed by many characters in the story, be it Javed, Iqbal's ally who looks after the business in Gujarat, or Thakur Saheb, a seasoned politician or the newly appointed Commissioner, Arjun Singh. The story is action packed and the dialogues are droolworthy. The fast paced narration and secrets revealed just at the right time added the spice in the story and kept me hooked till the very end.

Definitely if you are a fan of action movies I recommend you give this book a try. 
Profile Image for RAHUL.
66 reviews
April 11, 2021
Rating:- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Book name:- Kala ghoda

Author:-

Kala ghoda the games begins written by ashwini malhotra is a story of power and emotions. Ther story revolves around two main character Iqbal and Muhammad. They belong to mafia. Iqbal is an important gang member and yes one thing that I love the most in this book is the cover. The cover of this book is really amazing and cool. Iqbal Mallick was the mafia king in 1980s in Bombay. He had taken our the underworld. when I start reading this book I feel like I was visualising a 80s movie. The author gave a sense of a well organised and well sequenced story. The character of Iqbal and Suleman were really influential and serious. The best part about this story line is it not so normal life as it is different from those where the characters have a life but the characters in this book has a different phase to go through and learn from their situations. I recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Tanmay Mehta.
305 reviews17 followers
July 19, 2020
Accompanying the title is the phrase, "The Game Begins," referring to the beginning of a chapter, that is, the first in a series that has few others to follow.
I could totally see this turning into a movie. Everything else was unpredictable except for one small portion. The style of narration is very gripping.
It was very fast paced, as a thriller. The writing has been really quick & I've been fascinated to encounter thrillers for years realizing they 're not written in a basic language. The characters were suited & up to the mark
I would also like to thank the author for paying a lot of attention to the specifics of and character without allowing information to get lost in the story and this shows how much commitment and patience the author has shown to flow right and keep his audience engaged and concentrated. 📚
Profile Image for Pritha.
281 reviews21 followers
July 22, 2020
BOOK:Kala Ghoda: The Game Begins
BAUTHOR:Ashwini Malhotra
PAGES:332

First of all the book title is very interesting.If we chose to ignore the working of karma, we tend to create many problems for ourselves.For example this story,how a small-town boy grows up to become the mafia don of Bombay. how our life start changing at a point of time.this book will tell you about underworld. Author beautifully penned it. You will get,love hate passion life struggle every single piece of emotion in this book.The title justifies the storyline. The cover is aesthetically pleasing. Language used is lucid. Narration is smooth and writing style is commendable. Descriptions are vivid, the feelings and emotions are written in heart felt way. The book gives answers all unanswered questions by the end. Overall a brilliant read
Profile Image for Krishne Tanneerbavi.
184 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2019
The story revolves around a Mafia don and his own gang member Iqbal. The way the underworld was pictured as a kingdom and that they are good people but circumstances made them what they are and all the background stories were thrilling. The story was really gripping and not once did I find it boring. It’s a story filled with love, pain , suffering, hatred , revenge and masterminds, uncertainties, insecurities and suspense.For me, it was like watching a film. I could totally imagine this becoming a movie. Except one small part everything else was unpredictable. The narration style is very catchy. The story has complete package of emotions, thrill, mafia and more that calling it just crime thriller won't do justice to the book
50 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2021
The very interesting cover of the book gives a perfect glimpse of the story. As the chair justifies, it is about becoming the “ultimate ruler".
The story is in a detailed format which makes it easier to go with the flow and analyse each and every incident properly. The language is also intelligible.
I liked the vibes that were created by the narration of 1980's Bombay and the underworld which developed more interest.
The book is all about the king of mafia - Iqbal Mallick who plays to every extent in order to become the supreme ruler of Bombay's underworld in 1980s . But, it always takes a huge toll to reach upto this extent. What did the mafia had to suffer, pay andsacrifice and what were the before and after consequences? To know more, definitely give this book a try.
665 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2021
The book is about mafia and underworld. This is a treat if you love reading mafia amd underworld stuff. The story revolves around the lead protagonist Iqbal who is the king of mafia that ruled Mumbai and Gujarat during 1980s.
This book lets us step into the shoes of an underworld and look the world that way. It is not an easy task to be a king of mafia. Iqbal too lives in consistent fear of rival gangs, police and the threat of being caught.
This is a crime thriller and adventurous read portraying Iqbal's quest of survival and combats.
This was my first time of such theme and I really enjoyed it. There was slight politics. I don't like politics so that part was boring for me. But overall a chilling read. Recommended to thriller and crime lovers.
Profile Image for Rishi Singh.
134 reviews
April 7, 2021
The best thing that i loved about the book is the line " All want to rule but do they know the cost of ruling? "
The book is a crime thriller and the story is about the underworld king Iqbal Mallick who ruled Mumbai and Gujarat.
He became the king of mafia in Bombay's underworld in 1980's but how his powers are in threat now?? Will he be able to regain his powers?? Grab your copies now to read the full story.
There is a hint of mafia politics too which is amazingly pictured.
The story is adventurous and awesome. The language used is simple and lucid. Talking about the cover, the cover seems mysterious and cunning in its own way.
Profile Image for Angelena.
53 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2019
The title was really intriguing and is apt for the story. The plot of the book is very engaging. The book is a fast paced thriller and I loved this thing about the book. I started reading this book and after few chapters I realised I couldn’t put it back. Absolute page turner from the start to the end. There were lots of nail biting twists and turns. The anticipation of what will happen next keeps you going. Language is easy to understand. The characters are well crafted. Overall, a nail biting thriller with lots of twists and turns.
Profile Image for JAKE WEISTER.
88 reviews39 followers
April 3, 2019
What I particularly liked (apart from the twists), were the snatches of dialogue and nuggets of information hidden in plain sight throughout the story that made the motivation behind the actions of the characters. This could not have been pulled off without good characterisation – almost everyone is a three dimensional, real and therefore flawed, human being. What is also commendable is that most exposition blended easily into the narrative.
Profile Image for ELLA.
67 reviews38 followers
April 3, 2019
So I finished this novel in single sitting because I couldn't help myself till I was done with it. It keeps you hooked till the end and on the edges. You would feel here comes the close but then again the story throws a new twist, a new plot. There is mystery, love, betrayal and the author has managed to depict everything so brilliantly. It is an example of effortless writing and well crafted story-line. Anyone who has a penchant for mystery and suspense thrillers should definitely go for it.
Profile Image for Aurora.
51 reviews
April 17, 2019
The title has been chosen very wisely. A depth mind has been worked behind it. I liked the title very much. It relates to the content. The cover has been designed so well. It has been made by matching with the title of this book. The story has been written very well by the author. I like the way how the author has described all scenes like an outstanding story-teller. I like the style how he has written the plots.
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