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Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction
"Like Grisham and Clancy... this title shines among the genre simply though superb storytelling." -The US Review of Books
The Day of the Jackal meets Syriana in the near future.
When the CIA intercepts intelligence on a terrorist attack in Kuwait, Petra Shirazi, a former field agent, comes face to face with the Ahriman, one of Iran's deadliest assassins.
It was the year when global economies continued to plummet despite analysts' predictions of a turnaround.
It was the year when the Kuwaiti National Assembly consisted of the largest Islamic contingent in more than two decades.
It was the month when the price of oil plunged to twenty dollars a barrel.
It was the month when the Emir of Kuwait dissolved the National Assembly for the thirteenth time in fifteen years.
It was the day when the head of the Islamic majority of the Assembly hired an assassin and the CIA intercepted intelligence about a new wave of terrorist attacks.
It was the day that would change the face of the Middle East forever.
It was May 15, 2021.
After a disastrous mission forces her out of the field, Petra Shirazi retires from a life of espionage to work in a research position. Three years later, her division stumbles upon a money trail that reveals a massive new wave of terrorist attacks. The money trail places her in the midst of an assassination plot that implicates the highest levels of the Kuwaiti and Iranian governments. Petra will find herself face to face with the Ahriman, a man named for the Persian spirit of destruction who is responsible for a series of bomb blasts that paralyzed the Suez Canal two years earlier. As the investigation begins to unravel, the ripple effects threaten to engulf not only the Middle East and its Western allies, but also the darkest secrets of Petra's past.
The Day of the Jackal meets Syriana in the near future.
When the CIA intercepts intelligence on a terrorist attack in Kuwait, Petra Shirazi, a former field agent, comes face to face with the Ahriman, one of Iran's deadliest assassins.
It was the year when global economies continued to plummet despite analysts' predictions of a turnaround.
It was the year when the Kuwaiti National Assembly consisted of the largest Islamic contingent in more than two decades.
It was the month when the price of oil plunged to twenty dollars a barrel.
It was the month when the Emir of Kuwait dissolved the National Assembly for the thirteenth time in fifteen years.
It was the day when the head of the Islamic majority of the Assembly hired an assassin and the CIA intercepted intelligence about a new wave of terrorist attacks.
It was the day that would change the face of the Middle East forever.
It was May 15, 2021.
After a disastrous mission forces her out of the field, Petra Shirazi retires from a life of espionage to work in a research position. Three years later, her division stumbles upon a money trail that reveals a massive new wave of terrorist attacks. The money trail places her in the midst of an assassination plot that implicates the highest levels of the Kuwaiti and Iranian governments. Petra will find herself face to face with the Ahriman, a man named for the Persian spirit of destruction who is responsible for a series of bomb blasts that paralyzed the Suez Canal two years earlier. As the investigation begins to unravel, the ripple effects threaten to engulf not only the Middle East and its Western allies, but also the darkest secrets of Petra's past.
Paperback
First published June 15, 2014
About the author
Puja Guha
12 books77 followersPuja Guha draws upon her experiences from traveling and living around the world in her writing. She has lived in Kuwait, Toronto, Paris, London, and several American cities including New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. Each of these places and many more show up in her writing as her travel to places such as Mozambique, South Africa, Vietnam, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Guinea-Bissau inspire more and more story ideas. She also uses her experience working in international finance and development with the World Bank and Oliver Wyman to delve into global political themes in both her thrillers and literary fiction.
She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with work experience in finance and health care consulting, along with master's degrees in public policy from London School of Economics and Sciences Po. She has published two books, international spy thriller AHRIMAN: THE SPIRIT OF DESTRUCTION and literary fiction piece THE CONFLUENCE.
She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with work experience in finance and health care consulting, along with master's degrees in public policy from London School of Economics and Sciences Po. She has published two books, international spy thriller AHRIMAN: THE SPIRIT OF DESTRUCTION and literary fiction piece THE CONFLUENCE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 28, 2023
I love a book that can get all my emotions roiling and Puja Guha did just that with Ahriman. From gut wrenching sorrow, to savage torture, to a love that will break all the rules, I was hooked from beginning to end.
We start off with a late night call and Kasem races to meet Lila. And, we begin the story of Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction.
We will travel from New York to Kuwait.
Years later, Petra is awakened by an early morning call, cutting short her vacation.
We are in Kuwait. Their is political unrest. There are those that are pushing for Sharia law, wanting to role back any progress they have gained, but the Emir has other ideas. Seeing what is happening in the world today, we all know that is a possibility.
May 15, 2021, is a date that will change the face of the Middle East forever, or will it? What is the plan? Can it be stopped?
Petra had retired from active field duty, but she was the only agent suitable for the job. She has struggled with PTSD and I wonder what happened to cause it. Her career hinges on her decision. They are, more or less, blackmailing her into doing it. And, she will be on her own. It makes me wonder how these undercover operations work in real life. The Agency is a swift action oriented organization that members around the world agreed to. It allows for action without all the oversight and approvals that other organizations may require.
Petra has an incentive to come home from this mission. She has a significant other, Grant, who is also an agent, and though she hasn’t said those three little words, he has. His specialty is IT, and it will come in handy.
We travel from the past to the present and back again as Puja Guha fills in all the blanks and keeps us informed of current events. Terrorism. Betrayal from your own always cuts the deepest. Tragic terrorist actions will change Kasem and Petra’s lives forever.
Kasem didn’t deserve the hand he was dealt. I feel so bad for him and I don’t see a good ending for him. Will Lila ever know the truth? Will Kasem?
General Mayed…evil…I hope he gets taken down in a brutal, savage way. Do unto others should apply to him.
Puja Guha has written a realistic novel of terrorism, betrayal, and love. The manipulation and psychological torture was so real. Ahriman is the story of the creation of an assassin. In the spy game, we have to watch out for those rogue elements that can change history. It makes me wonder how an intelligence agency can keep track of all the double crosses and convoluted ‘missions’ among so many players.
This amazing debut novel brings to mind a suspense series that I have been following for years, the Leine Basso series by D V Berkom. A lone woman agent is sent in to stop a terrorist action that will reverberate around the world. I can’t think of a thing I would change about Ahriman and I never figured out all the double crosses, betrayals, and the ending. There will be more and I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
We start off with a late night call and Kasem races to meet Lila. And, we begin the story of Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction.
We will travel from New York to Kuwait.
Years later, Petra is awakened by an early morning call, cutting short her vacation.
We are in Kuwait. Their is political unrest. There are those that are pushing for Sharia law, wanting to role back any progress they have gained, but the Emir has other ideas. Seeing what is happening in the world today, we all know that is a possibility.
May 15, 2021, is a date that will change the face of the Middle East forever, or will it? What is the plan? Can it be stopped?
Petra had retired from active field duty, but she was the only agent suitable for the job. She has struggled with PTSD and I wonder what happened to cause it. Her career hinges on her decision. They are, more or less, blackmailing her into doing it. And, she will be on her own. It makes me wonder how these undercover operations work in real life. The Agency is a swift action oriented organization that members around the world agreed to. It allows for action without all the oversight and approvals that other organizations may require.
Petra has an incentive to come home from this mission. She has a significant other, Grant, who is also an agent, and though she hasn’t said those three little words, he has. His specialty is IT, and it will come in handy.
We travel from the past to the present and back again as Puja Guha fills in all the blanks and keeps us informed of current events. Terrorism. Betrayal from your own always cuts the deepest. Tragic terrorist actions will change Kasem and Petra’s lives forever.
Kasem didn’t deserve the hand he was dealt. I feel so bad for him and I don’t see a good ending for him. Will Lila ever know the truth? Will Kasem?
General Mayed…evil…I hope he gets taken down in a brutal, savage way. Do unto others should apply to him.
Puja Guha has written a realistic novel of terrorism, betrayal, and love. The manipulation and psychological torture was so real. Ahriman is the story of the creation of an assassin. In the spy game, we have to watch out for those rogue elements that can change history. It makes me wonder how an intelligence agency can keep track of all the double crosses and convoluted ‘missions’ among so many players.
This amazing debut novel brings to mind a suspense series that I have been following for years, the Leine Basso series by D V Berkom. A lone woman agent is sent in to stop a terrorist action that will reverberate around the world. I can’t think of a thing I would change about Ahriman and I never figured out all the double crosses, betrayals, and the ending. There will be more and I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
November 18, 2014
Petra is everything you want in a main character: heroic, smart, driven. I also like most of Petra’s supporting cast, such as her boss and her recruiter who’s now retired. Except her boyfriend. The positive I can say about Grant is the character is used like he should be. He has a certain skill set that Petra lacks and needs in order to complete her mission.
The Ahriman is everything I want in a villain. Great motivation with a strong, conflicted backstory.
Great job of characterizing villains. Gives most of them (except for the most diabolical) a good, sympathetic backstory.
Weaves between the past and present. The past covers Puja’s recruitment, early missions and lead up to a huge, global event that took place in the past.
Writing is well done. The story reads easily. There’s a lot of information that gets covered early on the book, especially for someone like me who knows little about Middle Eastern politics. Luckily, Mrs. Guha works this in naturally, such as during briefings or in regular dialogue between characters. Instead of being bored by it, I found it fascinating.
Mrs. Guha used the prologue well in her story. Normally, I dislike it because, but it’s a faced paced prologue and its significance is realized later in the story with a big “AHA!” moment.
Just like one of my favorite things about this book was the characters, some characters were my least favorite. The President is a total douche. Which one? You’ll find out towards the end. It seems too strange that someone could become so powerful and yet be that big of a douche. I’m fine with the character being a jerk, just so outright. But maybe that’s a personal preference. I disliked the way Grant and think this was mostly due to how he weaseled certain characters into given him classified information.
But don’t let a few bad apples stop you from reading it. I still enjoyed and I’m sure you will, too. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.
The Ahriman is everything I want in a villain. Great motivation with a strong, conflicted backstory.
Great job of characterizing villains. Gives most of them (except for the most diabolical) a good, sympathetic backstory.
Weaves between the past and present. The past covers Puja’s recruitment, early missions and lead up to a huge, global event that took place in the past.
Writing is well done. The story reads easily. There’s a lot of information that gets covered early on the book, especially for someone like me who knows little about Middle Eastern politics. Luckily, Mrs. Guha works this in naturally, such as during briefings or in regular dialogue between characters. Instead of being bored by it, I found it fascinating.
Mrs. Guha used the prologue well in her story. Normally, I dislike it because, but it’s a faced paced prologue and its significance is realized later in the story with a big “AHA!” moment.
Just like one of my favorite things about this book was the characters, some characters were my least favorite. The President is a total douche. Which one? You’ll find out towards the end. It seems too strange that someone could become so powerful and yet be that big of a douche. I’m fine with the character being a jerk, just so outright. But maybe that’s a personal preference. I disliked the way Grant and think this was mostly due to how he weaseled certain characters into given him classified information.
But don’t let a few bad apples stop you from reading it. I still enjoyed and I’m sure you will, too. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.
November 19, 2014
It is debatable whether being able to compare the way a book is written to a TV series is a good thing, but in this case, I think it’s a great thing.
Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction is the literary equivalent of the TV series 24. Fast paced, completely terrifying in places and constantly has you teetering on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
Set in the not too distant future, the lack of difference between life now and then is really well written and actually builds on the fears that many have when it comes to being the victim of a terrorist attack.
The use of a strong female lead in this action political thriller is really refreshing change from the mountains of books in the genre that have women side-lined to the role of romantic interest, damsel in distress or double agent. This is especially prevalent when you think that the strong female lead is being sent into Kuwait, where even in 2021 women still have little to no rights.
The plot is very well thought out and executed in a way that means you are strapped in for the duration of the book, you do have to put it down at some moments just to catch a few mouthfuls of oxygen before getting back to it and there may be moments when you really feel like you want to stop, that you don’t want to know what happens next, but you will find yourself drawn back to the story.
The characters are well developed and easy to engage with and the realism displayed in the writing brings it to life in a vivid way.
The only downside to this book is that it is almost too full on at times and could have done with a little bit of slowing down in places, but on the whole a great book and definitely one that can be read again and again.
Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction is the literary equivalent of the TV series 24. Fast paced, completely terrifying in places and constantly has you teetering on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
Set in the not too distant future, the lack of difference between life now and then is really well written and actually builds on the fears that many have when it comes to being the victim of a terrorist attack.
The use of a strong female lead in this action political thriller is really refreshing change from the mountains of books in the genre that have women side-lined to the role of romantic interest, damsel in distress or double agent. This is especially prevalent when you think that the strong female lead is being sent into Kuwait, where even in 2021 women still have little to no rights.
The plot is very well thought out and executed in a way that means you are strapped in for the duration of the book, you do have to put it down at some moments just to catch a few mouthfuls of oxygen before getting back to it and there may be moments when you really feel like you want to stop, that you don’t want to know what happens next, but you will find yourself drawn back to the story.
The characters are well developed and easy to engage with and the realism displayed in the writing brings it to life in a vivid way.
The only downside to this book is that it is almost too full on at times and could have done with a little bit of slowing down in places, but on the whole a great book and definitely one that can be read again and again.
February 23, 2018
An Off the Book Operation?
Story is a little complex but very good, strong characters with depth and realism.
A well crafted novel.
Narration is good.
Allround a good read.
I received a copy of this audio book at my request and voluntarily leave this review.
Story is a little complex but very good, strong characters with depth and realism.
A well crafted novel.
Narration is good.
Allround a good read.
I received a copy of this audio book at my request and voluntarily leave this review.
September 20, 2014
This was such a great read! I really enjoyed this one from Puja Guha. One of my friends had read this book and said that it was really good. She couldn't stop talking about it, so I decided to give it a try too. I'm so glad that I did! This book was thrilling, fun and exciting. You can tell that Puja put a lot of time and energy into this story to make it what it is.
Once I turned the first page, I found the book extremely hard to set down. It had so much action, thrill and I wanted to see what would happen between the characters. I am such a fan of this author already and I would love to see what she will put out next. The scenery was so vivid in this book and the storyline was very interesting. This is normally not the genre that I enjoy to read, but this one really kept me on the edge of my seat! It was a great action thriller and I greatly enjoyed reading it!
Once I turned the first page, I found the book extremely hard to set down. It had so much action, thrill and I wanted to see what would happen between the characters. I am such a fan of this author already and I would love to see what she will put out next. The scenery was so vivid in this book and the storyline was very interesting. This is normally not the genre that I enjoy to read, but this one really kept me on the edge of my seat! It was a great action thriller and I greatly enjoyed reading it!
October 5, 2014
Well if you are a regular novel reader you will most probably be putting puja’s next book in your buy list after you read her first ever published novel Ahriman: the spirit of destruction. And its good to know that she maybe planning to write more volumes for this title. Its mainly based on international politics mainly the middle east. For a new writers first work, this book might actually exceed your expectation and leave you to wait for the next volume of the series. You probably even notice she is a new writer if you didn't read up about the writer or the reviews. Give it to your friend who doesn't know about puja and ask her opinion, and you will get an honest opinion regarding just how good a writer puja is and how much more she can become.
February 3, 2023
The Ahriman Legacy:
Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction #1 - This is my first read by Ms. Guha and I was impressed. I took my time to read this well thought out and well written and well edited first time novel. The author's experiences and education show throughout her book; while not a spy, she understands of the parts of the world she is writing about so clearly. There are several storylines that weave in and out during two or three periods of time and mesh together in this intriguing, suspenseful saga of terrorism and politics in the Middle East and the agents assigned to combat the terrorists.
While there are Americans involved, the majority of the characters are from the Middle East and there is plenty of customs and languages used throughout the story that add depth. The characters have interesting backgrounds about their developments and the events that shaped them during the different timeframes. The pace is fast and smoothly transitions the years and events to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Plenty of time is given to set the foundation that meshes the storylines and shapes the characters into a novel that keeps the reader constantly striving to figure what happens next. There is nothing Hollywood about this book. This is a very substantial read that could have been written by any of the heavy weights like Ludlum and Follett and company. This caliber of Indie author is hard to find in this genre nowadays.
Happily, I read the paperback version. This 309 paged, oversized book was comfortable to hold and didn't have any fumes. The serif typeface was a size too small for me to read comfortably, but with normal eyesight it is perfect. I'm used to a Kindle with narrow pages and large font to enable me to read faster. I have the other two books of this series, in paperback, and look forward to reading more about the female character that played such a strong role in this novel. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Road to Redemption #2 - I think this was the best. This is a well written, well developed and realistic story complete with a gamut of action, suspense and second chances. Once started, this book was hard to put down and the pages flew by rapidly. The storylines continue from Ahriman and further develop into new worlds and problems.
The characters come into their own and fulfill their roles with intelligence, daring and bravery. Of course, they are human and show their inner struggles. I like the fact that some of the characters were shown in a good light, since their nationality is usually depicted as the terrorist or villain. The locations and politics and events are interesting, along with the twists that keep the wheels rolling on the bumpy roads.
There is so much to this story, but I find it difficult to write about them without turning this into a book review. I cannot say anything without it being a spoiler. I do recommend reading all three books sequentially for the foundation and storylines are built up and give so much more substance to the reading. Each book can be read without the others, but why do that? 5*
Resurgence of the Hunt #3 - I love this trilogy. This book was heavier into the relationship between Petra and Kasem, complete with their ups and downs, doubts and trust issues, BUT the story still continues all the storylines and is filled with fast paced action.
Well written and well thought out, the story moves at a good pace and keeps the reader interested. While it is not necessary to read Ahriman and Road, books 1 and 2, I highly recommend reading them sequentially; there is so much background and the foundation that this trilogy builds upon is worth the time invested.
The characters are multi-faceted and range the spectrum of personalities, complete with the evil ones. Even the good characters will have to decide how far to go with boundaries. None are boring and all serve their purpose. The cursing is infrequent and not vulgar, I only remember one word that fit that descriptor and it was not the F-bomb. There is sex but we are not invited as voyeurs.
This author does remind me a lot of Ludlum. The planning, the research and the intelligence found in these three books makes the Ahriman Legacy worthy of the big boys. There is nothing Hollywood or patching to make the story flow. AL is realistic and believable.
I did notice a difference with Resurgence that did not appear in the first two books. The author does state she did not agree with all the editing, so this is probably why "thank God" has been changed to "thank god". I have a bad habit developed from my job to edit as I read, bad, bad habit when the books are subpar, but Ms. Guha's books were well edited and did use God in the first two books. So Ms. Guha, your editors were wrong about thank God, but they are probably following the trend against God since there is no more regulation with multimedia and the owners have their own agendas; not counting the Internet - that's a different world. I do not know how to clearly describe the difference with how the relationships were handled in this book. Do not get me wrong, this IS a very good story, but the nuances were noticeable to me. 5*
Reckoning From the Shadows, #4 - Interesting addition to the series. I was lucky to have the trio to read back to back and although it has been awhile I remembered much of those books. Intriguing bit of the past rises its ugly head and causes problems for and between the team. See other reviews for more information. 4*
The Ahriman Legacy end.
Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction #1 - This is my first read by Ms. Guha and I was impressed. I took my time to read this well thought out and well written and well edited first time novel. The author's experiences and education show throughout her book; while not a spy, she understands of the parts of the world she is writing about so clearly. There are several storylines that weave in and out during two or three periods of time and mesh together in this intriguing, suspenseful saga of terrorism and politics in the Middle East and the agents assigned to combat the terrorists.
While there are Americans involved, the majority of the characters are from the Middle East and there is plenty of customs and languages used throughout the story that add depth. The characters have interesting backgrounds about their developments and the events that shaped them during the different timeframes. The pace is fast and smoothly transitions the years and events to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Plenty of time is given to set the foundation that meshes the storylines and shapes the characters into a novel that keeps the reader constantly striving to figure what happens next. There is nothing Hollywood about this book. This is a very substantial read that could have been written by any of the heavy weights like Ludlum and Follett and company. This caliber of Indie author is hard to find in this genre nowadays.
Happily, I read the paperback version. This 309 paged, oversized book was comfortable to hold and didn't have any fumes. The serif typeface was a size too small for me to read comfortably, but with normal eyesight it is perfect. I'm used to a Kindle with narrow pages and large font to enable me to read faster. I have the other two books of this series, in paperback, and look forward to reading more about the female character that played such a strong role in this novel. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Road to Redemption #2 - I think this was the best. This is a well written, well developed and realistic story complete with a gamut of action, suspense and second chances. Once started, this book was hard to put down and the pages flew by rapidly. The storylines continue from Ahriman and further develop into new worlds and problems.
The characters come into their own and fulfill their roles with intelligence, daring and bravery. Of course, they are human and show their inner struggles. I like the fact that some of the characters were shown in a good light, since their nationality is usually depicted as the terrorist or villain. The locations and politics and events are interesting, along with the twists that keep the wheels rolling on the bumpy roads.
There is so much to this story, but I find it difficult to write about them without turning this into a book review. I cannot say anything without it being a spoiler. I do recommend reading all three books sequentially for the foundation and storylines are built up and give so much more substance to the reading. Each book can be read without the others, but why do that? 5*
Resurgence of the Hunt #3 - I love this trilogy. This book was heavier into the relationship between Petra and Kasem, complete with their ups and downs, doubts and trust issues, BUT the story still continues all the storylines and is filled with fast paced action.
Well written and well thought out, the story moves at a good pace and keeps the reader interested. While it is not necessary to read Ahriman and Road, books 1 and 2, I highly recommend reading them sequentially; there is so much background and the foundation that this trilogy builds upon is worth the time invested.
The characters are multi-faceted and range the spectrum of personalities, complete with the evil ones. Even the good characters will have to decide how far to go with boundaries. None are boring and all serve their purpose. The cursing is infrequent and not vulgar, I only remember one word that fit that descriptor and it was not the F-bomb. There is sex but we are not invited as voyeurs.
This author does remind me a lot of Ludlum. The planning, the research and the intelligence found in these three books makes the Ahriman Legacy worthy of the big boys. There is nothing Hollywood or patching to make the story flow. AL is realistic and believable.
I did notice a difference with Resurgence that did not appear in the first two books. The author does state she did not agree with all the editing, so this is probably why "thank God" has been changed to "thank god". I have a bad habit developed from my job to edit as I read, bad, bad habit when the books are subpar, but Ms. Guha's books were well edited and did use God in the first two books. So Ms. Guha, your editors were wrong about thank God, but they are probably following the trend against God since there is no more regulation with multimedia and the owners have their own agendas; not counting the Internet - that's a different world. I do not know how to clearly describe the difference with how the relationships were handled in this book. Do not get me wrong, this IS a very good story, but the nuances were noticeable to me. 5*
Reckoning From the Shadows, #4 - Interesting addition to the series. I was lucky to have the trio to read back to back and although it has been awhile I remembered much of those books. Intriguing bit of the past rises its ugly head and causes problems for and between the team. See other reviews for more information. 4*
The Ahriman Legacy end.
September 24, 2014
Wow, I really enjoyed this one from Puja Guha! Actually, My friend gave me as a gift.So, I decided to read this.I was interest to read this.As well as, I could learn about Middle East politics, and had something interesting and easy to read everyone.The scenery was so vivid in this book and the storyline was very interesting. I can't wait to read more from this author. Her writing style is very interesting and it kept me on my toes.I suggest to every one to read. So.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
September 28, 2014
I really liked this book. It was entertaining and intriguing to read and learn about Kuwaiti and Middle East politics through a fictional novel. Puja Guha is a young and promising author. Petra, with her experience and secret past, makes for a fascinating lead. There is a lot of action and suspense making for a real page turner. I couldn’t wait to read what happened next. I really enjoyed reading this book and am excited for the next one.
October 1, 2014
I was not expecting this to be so good!
I didn't think I'd enjoy this book, Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction, nearly as much as I did. I'm usually more fond of the types of stories that center around character than events. However, this story manages to have both in equal richness. I never thought the political aspect would be entertaining to me, but the author successfully was able to weave it in such a story that it was not boring in the slightest. Cannot wait to read more by Ms. Guha!
I didn't think I'd enjoy this book, Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction, nearly as much as I did. I'm usually more fond of the types of stories that center around character than events. However, this story manages to have both in equal richness. I never thought the political aspect would be entertaining to me, but the author successfully was able to weave it in such a story that it was not boring in the slightest. Cannot wait to read more by Ms. Guha!
November 11, 2014
This is my very first thriller book set in the Middle East . "Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction" turned out to be the perfect pick.
"Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction" is an interesting and easy read. The text flows smoothly and the twists and suspense kept reading.
Highly recommended to all thrillers lovers.
"Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction" is an interesting and easy read. The text flows smoothly and the twists and suspense kept reading.
Highly recommended to all thrillers lovers.
February 6, 2019
Ahriman #1 - This is my first read by Ms. Guha and I was impressed. I took my time to read this well thought out and well written and well edited first time novel. The author's experiences and education show throughout her book; while not a spy, she understands of the parts of the world she is writing about so clearly. There are several storylines that weave in and out during two or three periods of time and mesh together in this intriguing, suspenseful saga of terrorism and politics in the Middle East and the agents assigned to combat the terrorists.
While there are Americans involved, the majority of the characters are from the Middle East and there is plenty of customs and languages used throughout the story that add depth. The characters have interesting backgrounds about their developments and the events that shaped them during the different timeframes. The pace is fast and smoothly transitions the years and events to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Plenty of time is given to set the foundation that meshes the storylines and shapes the characters into a novel that keeps the reader constantly striving to figure what happens next. There is nothing Hollywood about this book. This is a very substantial read that could have been written by any of the heavy weights like Ludlum and Follett and company. This caliber of Indie author is hard to find in this genre nowadays.
Happily, I read the paperback version. This 309 paged, oversized book was comfortable to hold and didn't have any fumes. The serif typeface was a size too small for me to read comfortably, but with normal eyesight it is perfect. I'm used to a Kindle with narrow pages and large font to enable me to read faster. I have the other two books of this series, in paperback, and look forward to reading more about the female character that played such a strong role in this novel. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
While there are Americans involved, the majority of the characters are from the Middle East and there is plenty of customs and languages used throughout the story that add depth. The characters have interesting backgrounds about their developments and the events that shaped them during the different timeframes. The pace is fast and smoothly transitions the years and events to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Plenty of time is given to set the foundation that meshes the storylines and shapes the characters into a novel that keeps the reader constantly striving to figure what happens next. There is nothing Hollywood about this book. This is a very substantial read that could have been written by any of the heavy weights like Ludlum and Follett and company. This caliber of Indie author is hard to find in this genre nowadays.
Happily, I read the paperback version. This 309 paged, oversized book was comfortable to hold and didn't have any fumes. The serif typeface was a size too small for me to read comfortably, but with normal eyesight it is perfect. I'm used to a Kindle with narrow pages and large font to enable me to read faster. I have the other two books of this series, in paperback, and look forward to reading more about the female character that played such a strong role in this novel. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
April 17, 2023
Intense, detailed, and complex characters; misinformation, military and governmental lies, intrigue, a strong female protagonist, and informative and active language, are all in this book. There were a few places in the story that were predictable (some of the character’s habits are big clues) but the story had me questioning or analyzing how/if politicians are the same globally. Does every government and media entity lie to the public? (Pffft) False accusations are a global epidemic in government and business, and it does cost people their jobs. Guha builds onto these and weaves them into Petra’s experiences, and as she navigates the reader through past and present situations, the connections tie things together impressively well.
Petra is a strong lead character, but I still wanted more of her story; for me, it felt like pieces of her backstory that led to her trauma were missing. I wonder if Guha builds on that in book two (thinking emoji goes here). Guha also added to my ongoing wonder about what the rest of the world thinks of the U.S. The way Guha writes about U.S. democracy wowed me, and the villain, you can't help but feel sorry for him, but also wonder about how week-minded he was, then wonder about how his loss of free will is traumatizing, and then about how trapped he felt, it was a roller coaster of emotions when it came to him. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Petra is a strong lead character, but I still wanted more of her story; for me, it felt like pieces of her backstory that led to her trauma were missing. I wonder if Guha builds on that in book two (thinking emoji goes here). Guha also added to my ongoing wonder about what the rest of the world thinks of the U.S. The way Guha writes about U.S. democracy wowed me, and the villain, you can't help but feel sorry for him, but also wonder about how week-minded he was, then wonder about how his loss of free will is traumatizing, and then about how trapped he felt, it was a roller coaster of emotions when it came to him. Definitely an enjoyable read.
March 9, 2019
Espionage. Assassins.Middle East.
Homeland meets Syriana in the near future.
When the CIA intercepts intelligence on a terrorist attack in Kuwait, Petra Shirazi, a former field agent, comes face to face with the Ahriman, one of Iran's deadliest assassins.
The story is led by a strong female protagonist who is pitted against her nemesis. To stop him, Petra must confront her past and the traumatic experience that took her out of the field.
This was a well thought out, well written intricate international thriller. The main character, Petra, is an intelligent and independent woman who is forced to overcome her fears and PTSD from a failed field op in order to prevent a massive terrorist attack.
Ms. Guha does a great job weaving the political landscape of the today’s Middle East with a future (2021) that she’s created. It’s a refreshing change from the majority of spy thrillers in that the author stays away from all the typical clichés that can slow a fast paced thriller down. A great first novel.
Very good strong characters and loved the plot.
Really enjoyed this and highly recommend!
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review
Homeland meets Syriana in the near future.
When the CIA intercepts intelligence on a terrorist attack in Kuwait, Petra Shirazi, a former field agent, comes face to face with the Ahriman, one of Iran's deadliest assassins.
The story is led by a strong female protagonist who is pitted against her nemesis. To stop him, Petra must confront her past and the traumatic experience that took her out of the field.
This was a well thought out, well written intricate international thriller. The main character, Petra, is an intelligent and independent woman who is forced to overcome her fears and PTSD from a failed field op in order to prevent a massive terrorist attack.
Ms. Guha does a great job weaving the political landscape of the today’s Middle East with a future (2021) that she’s created. It’s a refreshing change from the majority of spy thrillers in that the author stays away from all the typical clichés that can slow a fast paced thriller down. A great first novel.
Very good strong characters and loved the plot.
Really enjoyed this and highly recommend!
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review
May 17, 2026
“Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction” by Ahriman:
The Spirit of Destruction is an absolute page-turner
The mix of mythology, mystery, action, and suspense kept me hooked from the very first chapter.
Puja Guha has created a fascinating world full of secrets, danger, and intelligent storytelling
Petra Shirazi is such a strong and memorable character
loved how the story blends ancient Persian mythology with modern-day espionage and adventure
The pacing is excellent, and every chapter leaves you wanting more
The descriptions are vivid and cinematic 🎬, making it easy to imagine every scene
The twists were unexpected, and the emotional depth added richness to the narrative
I especially enjoyed the historical references and cultural details woven naturally into the story
It felt both educational and entertaining at the same time 🌍📖
The writing style is smooth and engaging, making it hard to put the book down
If you enjoy thrillers with mythology, mystery, and powerful female leads, this book is definitely worth reading 🌟
Can’t wait to continue the series!
May 20, 2026
This book is an unforgettable thriller that combines mythology suspense and adventure in an incredibly engaging way Puja Guha has created a fascinating story filled with mystery danger and emotional moments that keep the reader invested from start to finish Petra Shirazi is a powerful and inspiring character who makes the novel even more enjoyable because of her intelligence courage and determination The storytelling is vivid and immersive and the author describes every scene with great detail making the book feel almost cinematic I loved how the plot balanced action emotional depth and mythological elements without ever becoming confusing The suspense builds perfectly and every twist adds more excitement to the journey The themes of bravery truth and survival are explored beautifully throughout the novel making the story feel meaningful as well as entertaining Ahriman is a gripping and creative novel that stands out because of its originality and strong storytelling I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mythological thrillers mystery novels and exciting adventures ✨🔥
May 20, 2026
Ahriman The Spirit of Destruction is an exciting and imaginative novel that blends mythology mystery and suspense beautifully The author creates an intense atmosphere full of secrets danger and unexpected twists that make the story impossible to put down Petra Shirazi is a memorable protagonist because she is fearless intelligent and emotionally relatable Her journey through mystery and conflict keeps the reader emotionally connected throughout the book The writing style is detailed smooth and cinematic which makes every scene easy to imagine I especially loved how the author used mythological concepts to create a thrilling and unique storyline The pacing is excellent because there is always something interesting happening and the suspense never disappears The novel also explores themes of courage trust and survival which add emotional depth to the story This book is perfect for readers who enjoy adventurous thrillers with strong characters and creative storytelling I truly enjoyed the experience of reading this novel and would definitely recommend it to fans of mystery mythology and action packed fiction 🌟📚
April 24, 2019
How does one become a terrorist? A legend of that dark world? Is there a place for compassion, sympathy when we view them? Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction is an intense political thriller that follows the making of such a legend. It is a very human story, worth your time and money!
Kasem Ismaili was raised in the US and went to Kuwait for a job as a financial analyst. It may have been where his family originated, but it is an all new world for him. He is a young man, used to a light, carefree life. Being immersed in the Arab world is an awakening for him.
Petra is an agent with an organization similar to the CIA. Her past career saw her as a field agent. Since a very traumatic mission, she has worked in the office gathering intelligence without the risk.
Unfortunately she is the ideal operative for a new mission. Will she be able to overcome her PTSD and return to the field, at least this one time? How does her world collide with that of Kasem Ismaili? Is the world at the doorstep of another day like 9-11?
Kindle Unlimited edition
Kasem Ismaili was raised in the US and went to Kuwait for a job as a financial analyst. It may have been where his family originated, but it is an all new world for him. He is a young man, used to a light, carefree life. Being immersed in the Arab world is an awakening for him.
Petra is an agent with an organization similar to the CIA. Her past career saw her as a field agent. Since a very traumatic mission, she has worked in the office gathering intelligence without the risk.
Unfortunately she is the ideal operative for a new mission. Will she be able to overcome her PTSD and return to the field, at least this one time? How does her world collide with that of Kasem Ismaili? Is the world at the doorstep of another day like 9-11?
Kindle Unlimited edition
May 20, 2026
This novel is a brilliant combination of suspense mythology and fast paced storytelling that captures attention immediately From the first chapter I felt completely drawn into the world created by Puja Guha The story is mysterious thrilling and filled with unforgettable moments Petra Shirazi is a strong and inspiring character whose intelligence and bravery make her stand out throughout the book The author has written the action scenes beautifully and the suspense continues to build until the very end The mythological themes are handled in a creative and exciting way which makes the plot feel different from ordinary thrillers I also liked the emotional depth of the characters because it made the story feel more realistic and meaningful Every chapter adds excitement and keeps the reader eager to know what will happen next Ahriman is a captivating and imaginative novel that combines history mystery and adventure perfectly It is an entertaining read that keeps the mind engaged and leaves a strong impression after finishing the story 📖💫
May 20, 2026
Ahriman The Spirit of Destruction is a fascinating blend of mythology suspense and adventure that delivers a truly entertaining reading experience The story is filled with danger secrets and unexpected twists that keep the excitement alive from the very first page Puja Guha has done an excellent job creating a mysterious atmosphere that draws the reader deeper into the plot Petra Shirazi is an unforgettable character because she is intelligent confident and emotionally strong Her journey through challenges and hidden truths makes the story even more engaging The descriptions are vivid and detailed which makes every location and event feel realistic and dramatic I loved how the author connected ancient myths with modern events in such a creative way The pacing is excellent and there is never a dull moment throughout the novel This book is perfect for readers who enjoy thrilling adventures with mythology and suspense I found it exciting emotional and highly entertaining and I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and gripping novel 🌌📚
May 20, 2026
Reading Ahriman was an exciting experience because the story constantly surprised me with its suspense and creativity The novel mixes mythology action mystery and emotional depth in a way that feels fresh and original Puja Guha's storytelling is powerful and engaging and the narrative flows smoothly from beginning to end Petra Shirazi is a fantastic lead character who brings strength intelligence and emotion to the story Her determination and courage make the reader connect with her journey on a deeper level The mystery surrounding the plot is fascinating and every chapter reveals something unexpected that keeps the reader curious The author also creates vivid settings and intense scenes that make the story feel cinematic and immersive I especially enjoyed the mythological references because they added richness and uniqueness to the narrative This book is thrilling thought provoking and full of adventure making it a perfect choice for fans of mystery and mythology I genuinely enjoyed every part of this novel and look forward to reading more from this author⭐️🔥
May 13, 2026
This novel delivers everything I enjoy in a sophisticated espionage thriller
The story is suspenseful, emotionally layered, and filled with unpredictable twists that constantly maintain tension.
I appreciated how the author explored the psychological impact of danger, loss, and responsibility rather than focusing only on action scenes.
The protagonist feels deeply human because she carries emotional scars and personal struggles that influence her decisions throughout the story.
The international political setting also adds realism and urgency to the narrative. I admired how naturally the suspense builds without becoming repetitive or overly dramatic.
The pacing remains strong from beginning to end, keeping the reader fully invested in every chapter.
This is a gripping and emotionally intelligent thriller that offers both excitement and meaningful character development throughout🤌
The story is suspenseful, emotionally layered, and filled with unpredictable twists that constantly maintain tension.
I appreciated how the author explored the psychological impact of danger, loss, and responsibility rather than focusing only on action scenes.
The protagonist feels deeply human because she carries emotional scars and personal struggles that influence her decisions throughout the story.
The international political setting also adds realism and urgency to the narrative. I admired how naturally the suspense builds without becoming repetitive or overly dramatic.
The pacing remains strong from beginning to end, keeping the reader fully invested in every chapter.
This is a gripping and emotionally intelligent thriller that offers both excitement and meaningful character development throughout🤌
May 13, 2026
I was impressed by how emotionally engaging this thriller turned out to be Beneath the espionage and political conflict lies a deeply personal story about trauma, guilt, and resilience
The author handles both the emotional and action-driven aspects of the narrative with remarkable skill and balance.
I especially appreciated the realistic portrayal of intelligence work because it focused on psychological pressure rather than unrealistic heroism.
The international setting gives the story additional depth and atmosphere, making the unfolding crisis feel urgent and believable. Every chapter introduces new tension while gradually revealing deeper emotional layers within the characters.
The pacing remains consistently gripping without ever feeling rushed or chaotic.
This is a sophisticated and emotionally powerful thriller that remains memorable long after finishing the final chapter…
The author handles both the emotional and action-driven aspects of the narrative with remarkable skill and balance.
I especially appreciated the realistic portrayal of intelligence work because it focused on psychological pressure rather than unrealistic heroism.
The international setting gives the story additional depth and atmosphere, making the unfolding crisis feel urgent and believable. Every chapter introduces new tension while gradually revealing deeper emotional layers within the characters.
The pacing remains consistently gripping without ever feeling rushed or chaotic.
This is a sophisticated and emotionally powerful thriller that remains memorable long after finishing the final chapter…
May 13, 2026
This novel exceeded my expectations with its combination of suspense, emotional intensity, and intelligent storytelling
The author creates a world filled with danger, betrayal, and uncertainty that immediately pulls the reader into the narrative
“What impressed me most was the emotional vulnerability of the protagonist because her fears and regrets made the story feel authentic and deeply human”
The action scenes are tense and exciting, but the quieter emotional moments are equally compelling
I also appreciated the realistic political backdrop because it added credibility and seriousness to the plot.
The writing style remains smooth and immersive throughout the novel, keeping the suspense consistently high,
This is an emotionally layered and highly entertaining thriller that successfully balances action, character development, and political intrigue from beginning to end❤️
The author creates a world filled with danger, betrayal, and uncertainty that immediately pulls the reader into the narrative
“What impressed me most was the emotional vulnerability of the protagonist because her fears and regrets made the story feel authentic and deeply human”
The action scenes are tense and exciting, but the quieter emotional moments are equally compelling
I also appreciated the realistic political backdrop because it added credibility and seriousness to the plot.
The writing style remains smooth and immersive throughout the novel, keeping the suspense consistently high,
This is an emotionally layered and highly entertaining thriller that successfully balances action, character development, and political intrigue from beginning to end❤️
May 13, 2026
I found this novel impossible to put down once the story began unfolding
The combination of espionage, emotional tension, and political conspiracy creates an incredibly gripping reading experience. What impressed me most was the emotional realism woven throughout the protagonist’s journey Her struggles with grief, fear, and responsibility made the dangerous mission feel deeply personal rather than simply action-driven.
The author also deserves praise for maintaining suspense without relying on unnecessary shock value or excessive violence.
Every twist feels purposeful and carefully developed.
The international setting adds richness and authenticity to the narrative while keeping the stakes consistently high.
The writing style is polished, immersive, and emotionally engaging throughout.
This book succeeds both as a thrilling espionage novel and as a meaningful exploration of personal resilience….
The combination of espionage, emotional tension, and political conspiracy creates an incredibly gripping reading experience. What impressed me most was the emotional realism woven throughout the protagonist’s journey Her struggles with grief, fear, and responsibility made the dangerous mission feel deeply personal rather than simply action-driven.
The author also deserves praise for maintaining suspense without relying on unnecessary shock value or excessive violence.
Every twist feels purposeful and carefully developed.
The international setting adds richness and authenticity to the narrative while keeping the stakes consistently high.
The writing style is polished, immersive, and emotionally engaging throughout.
This book succeeds both as a thrilling espionage novel and as a meaningful exploration of personal resilience….
May 13, 2026
This is one of those thrillers that feels emotionally substantial while still delivering constant suspense and excitement.
The author skillfully combines political intrigue, intelligence operations, and personal conflict into a story that feels immersive and believable throughout.
I especially appreciated the emotional depth of the protagonist because her vulnerability made the suspense far more effective.
The novel explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and redemption without becoming overly dramatic or sentimental.
The writing style is sharp, atmospheric, and highly engaging, particularly during the more dangerous scenes. I also admired the realistic political backdrop because it made the unfolding crisis feel frighteningly possible. Every chapter builds tension while deepening the emotional stakes for the characters involved.
This is an intelligent and emotionally gripping thriller that leaves a strong impression…
The author skillfully combines political intrigue, intelligence operations, and personal conflict into a story that feels immersive and believable throughout.
I especially appreciated the emotional depth of the protagonist because her vulnerability made the suspense far more effective.
The novel explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and redemption without becoming overly dramatic or sentimental.
The writing style is sharp, atmospheric, and highly engaging, particularly during the more dangerous scenes. I also admired the realistic political backdrop because it made the unfolding crisis feel frighteningly possible. Every chapter builds tension while deepening the emotional stakes for the characters involved.
This is an intelligent and emotionally gripping thriller that leaves a strong impression…
May 13, 2026
What I enjoyed most about this book was its ability to balance emotional storytelling with relentless suspense and political intrigue
The story moves quickly, but it never sacrifices character development for action scenes or dramatic twists
The protagonist’s emotional scars and inner conflicts give the narrative a depth that many thrillers often lack
I appreciated how the author explored themes of fear, loyalty, and responsibility within such a dangerous environment
The geopolitical backdrop feels realistic and carefully constructed, adding credibility to the unfolding events.
Every chapter introduces new tension while gradually revealing more emotional complexity within the characters
The writing is vivid, polished, and consistently immersive throughout the novel
This is a gripping and emotionally powerful thriller that remains memorable long after finishing the story….
The story moves quickly, but it never sacrifices character development for action scenes or dramatic twists
The protagonist’s emotional scars and inner conflicts give the narrative a depth that many thrillers often lack
I appreciated how the author explored themes of fear, loyalty, and responsibility within such a dangerous environment
The geopolitical backdrop feels realistic and carefully constructed, adding credibility to the unfolding events.
Every chapter introduces new tension while gradually revealing more emotional complexity within the characters
The writing is vivid, polished, and consistently immersive throughout the novel
This is a gripping and emotionally powerful thriller that remains memorable long after finishing the story….
May 14, 2026
Danger, secrets, and emotional conflict drive this fast-paced novel from beginning to end
The story never feels repetitive because the setting adds freshness and realism to the overall experience
The political environment was especially interesting and made the world feel believable without becoming too complicated
What stayed with me most was the emotional side of the main character
She carries emotional scars that influence her choices, making her journey feel personal and authentic
The pacing remains strong throughout, and every new revelation increases the suspense
I also enjoyed how the writer balanced tense moments with quieter scenes that explored fear and vulnerability
The final chapters were especially gripping and satisfying
This is a smart and entertaining thriller that combines emotional storytelling with exciting international suspense very effectively...
The story never feels repetitive because the setting adds freshness and realism to the overall experience
The political environment was especially interesting and made the world feel believable without becoming too complicated
What stayed with me most was the emotional side of the main character
She carries emotional scars that influence her choices, making her journey feel personal and authentic
The pacing remains strong throughout, and every new revelation increases the suspense
I also enjoyed how the writer balanced tense moments with quieter scenes that explored fear and vulnerability
The final chapters were especially gripping and satisfying
This is a smart and entertaining thriller that combines emotional storytelling with exciting international suspense very effectively...
May 16, 2026
Political tension and emotional conflict are blended together very effectively in this fast-moving thriller
The story creates a strong atmosphere filled with uncertainty, danger, and personal struggle
What worked best for me was the emotional realism of the main character
Her past experiences continue affecting her decisions, which made her feel believable and emotionally layered
The international backdrop also gave the story a distinct personality compared to many similar novels
I enjoyed learning about a different environment while following the suspenseful storyline. The pacing remained steady, and every chapter introduced something new that pushed the narrative forward
The emotional moments were handled carefully and never became overly dramatic
This is a smart and engaging novel that offers both exciting suspense and meaningful character development throughout the story..
The story creates a strong atmosphere filled with uncertainty, danger, and personal struggle
What worked best for me was the emotional realism of the main character
Her past experiences continue affecting her decisions, which made her feel believable and emotionally layered
The international backdrop also gave the story a distinct personality compared to many similar novels
I enjoyed learning about a different environment while following the suspenseful storyline. The pacing remained steady, and every chapter introduced something new that pushed the narrative forward
The emotional moments were handled carefully and never became overly dramatic
This is a smart and engaging novel that offers both exciting suspense and meaningful character development throughout the story..
May 17, 2026
The plot is beautifully crafted with layers of mystery and danger that slowly unfold throughout the story.
The author’s attention to detail is impressive, especially when discussing Persian mythology and historical elements 🌍📖
It made the story feel authentic and immersive. I also loved the pacing—there was never a dull moment! Every chapter added excitement, tension, or an unexpected twist 😱🎬
The atmosphere of the novel is dark yet fascinating, giving it a cinematic quality
Puja Guha’s writing style is smooth and descriptive without being overwhelming. The action scenes are intense, while the emotional moments are heartfelt ❤️
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers mixed with mythology and history. It’s entertaining, mysterious, and thought-provoking all at once 🌟👏
I genuinely enjoyed every moment of this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh and gripping adventure 📘
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews