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Operation Jinnah
A girl is kidnapped by Pakistani terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. But this is no ordinary girl. And her kidnapper is no ordinary man…
- GenresMilitary FictionFiction
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2020
51 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 3, 2019
I read this novel on a whim. I had enjoyed the author’s previous book – India’s Most Fearless, a non-fiction book containing fourteen true stories of the modern military heroes of India. Thus, when I saw this book in my friend’s collection I decided to give this book a try.
This book is a techno-thriller revolving around the exploits of Nirbhay Rana, a maverick Admiral of the Indian Navy, and his group of naval commandos.
The story begins with a trio of young girls sightseeing in Kashmir, and soon one is kidnapped and others are killed. The kidnapped girl is none other than Admiral Rana’s daughter. A covert operation by the good Admiral to avenge the Mumbai attacks had made him powerful enemies, and now they seek revenge on Rana and India.
Yes, you have guessed it! A daring rescue would be launched, and there would be commando-style action and battle of wits between the Indians and the Pakistanis. A diplomatic battle would also be waged between the Indian Prime Minister and his Pakistani counterpart.
This is just a military thriller. A quick read to while away the time – nothing more! Only one thing stood out here – the commando team includes a transgender. This is the first book that I have read to feature a transgender commando.
A thing in the story – the identity of an “asset” for the Indians was pretty hard to digest. I could even digest it but some things don’t sense. I have said enough – no more spoilers!
This novel is a one-time read. If you want an easy-to-read action thriller then you might want to give this one a try.
This book is a techno-thriller revolving around the exploits of Nirbhay Rana, a maverick Admiral of the Indian Navy, and his group of naval commandos.
The story begins with a trio of young girls sightseeing in Kashmir, and soon one is kidnapped and others are killed. The kidnapped girl is none other than Admiral Rana’s daughter. A covert operation by the good Admiral to avenge the Mumbai attacks had made him powerful enemies, and now they seek revenge on Rana and India.
Yes, you have guessed it! A daring rescue would be launched, and there would be commando-style action and battle of wits between the Indians and the Pakistanis. A diplomatic battle would also be waged between the Indian Prime Minister and his Pakistani counterpart.
This is just a military thriller. A quick read to while away the time – nothing more! Only one thing stood out here – the commando team includes a transgender. This is the first book that I have read to feature a transgender commando.
A thing in the story – the identity of an “asset” for the Indians was pretty hard to digest. I could even digest it but some things don’t sense. I have said enough – no more spoilers!
This novel is a one-time read. If you want an easy-to-read action thriller then you might want to give this one a try.
June 13, 2017
The first thriller by Shiv Aroor is an edge of the seat read. Nice plot, vividly described. Showcases Indian capabilities and outlines the terrorist-ISI network and the double game of the Paki establishment.
It is also heartening to read about the potential of our women officers of the defence forces. The lesson from the book is very simple- Never leave your enemy alive.
A must read for everyone.
It is also heartening to read about the potential of our women officers of the defence forces. The lesson from the book is very simple- Never leave your enemy alive.
A must read for everyone.
May 25, 2017
A fast-paced racy page-turner, Operation Jinnah is simply un-put-downable. It's great to read a thriller in the context of the Subcontinent with the Indian Navy, an Indian prime minister and Indian commandos among the protagonists. Well written, the story is mostly convincing and the pace relentless. Shiv Aroor, I hope you have other stories you want to tell.
August 4, 2017
Shiv Aroor’s Operation Jinnah steps in to what can be termed a genre-in-the-making, of thrillers set in the subcontinent and with protagonists drawn from there. In the backdrop of one of the tense military standoffs in the world, Operation Jinnah delivers the first of Indian fiction’s military heroes and heroines.
The book starts with an aborted nuclear attack by the Indian government on Pakistan in retaliation to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It then cuts to present, to Kashmir, where three friends on a holiday face a terror attack that kills two of them and results in the abduction of the third. The abducted girl is the daughter of the chief of the Indian Navy, whom the kidnappers have a score to settle with.
The book is a thriller with the Indian Navy, an Indian Prime Minister, and Indian commandos among the protagonists. The story is a genre called faction, where it is difficult to differentiate between facts and fiction. The author has intelligently managed to narrate a tale of revenge, politics, and patriotism.
Indo-Pak relations have always been a topic of discussion not only in political circles but also in movies and books. This is one of the books which were simply un-put-down-able. Though the plot, dialogues, rescue missions are way too unrealistic, as an Indian, I was awestruck with the plot, the rescue mission and the team-work where the team-members watch each other’s back and work in a closed network for covert combat missions.
Even those not especially enamoured of military jargon and details of weaponry will be held by the fast-paced narrative and the author’s demonstrable mastery of his subject, details and plot. When a book has a real life as a backdrop, a lot of meticulous research is needed and the flawless plot-line is the proof for the amount of research put in by the author of this book. It is very interesting to read the minute details giving more edge to the plot and characters.
I loved the ending where all the loose ends meet, however, I just couldn’t understand how the blind contact could read and type the message. The contact angle has been the only loose end that I felt has been left incomplete. The end is exactly where I also felt a pang of hurt as the roller coaster ride called "Operation Jinnah" was about to end. The experience of reading it was thrilling, one that I would recommend to all thriller and espionage fans. This is one read that will leave you asking for more.
The book starts with an aborted nuclear attack by the Indian government on Pakistan in retaliation to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It then cuts to present, to Kashmir, where three friends on a holiday face a terror attack that kills two of them and results in the abduction of the third. The abducted girl is the daughter of the chief of the Indian Navy, whom the kidnappers have a score to settle with.
The book is a thriller with the Indian Navy, an Indian Prime Minister, and Indian commandos among the protagonists. The story is a genre called faction, where it is difficult to differentiate between facts and fiction. The author has intelligently managed to narrate a tale of revenge, politics, and patriotism.
Indo-Pak relations have always been a topic of discussion not only in political circles but also in movies and books. This is one of the books which were simply un-put-down-able. Though the plot, dialogues, rescue missions are way too unrealistic, as an Indian, I was awestruck with the plot, the rescue mission and the team-work where the team-members watch each other’s back and work in a closed network for covert combat missions.
Even those not especially enamoured of military jargon and details of weaponry will be held by the fast-paced narrative and the author’s demonstrable mastery of his subject, details and plot. When a book has a real life as a backdrop, a lot of meticulous research is needed and the flawless plot-line is the proof for the amount of research put in by the author of this book. It is very interesting to read the minute details giving more edge to the plot and characters.
I loved the ending where all the loose ends meet, however, I just couldn’t understand how the blind contact could read and type the message. The contact angle has been the only loose end that I felt has been left incomplete. The end is exactly where I also felt a pang of hurt as the roller coaster ride called "Operation Jinnah" was about to end. The experience of reading it was thrilling, one that I would recommend to all thriller and espionage fans. This is one read that will leave you asking for more.
June 19, 2017
trying to be "Indian Tom Clancy". this is a novel that can be considered a peculiar wish of the author to make someone in Indian armed forces do something against Pakistan state sponsored terrorism or war. the plot is too linear from story point of view despite the linking with 26/11 terror attacks and potentially what could have India done then. Good to read but it could have been a better read if the research and plausibility could have been worked on by the author. Still 3 stars out of 5 for first attempt.
September 4, 2019
Dramatic, detailed and engrossing! Narration around the kidnap, the Taj attack and all aerial operations were tight and impactful . Author must be an expert on matters of National Defence and International Affairs.
February 7, 2018
[Detailed Review: http://thinkerviews.com/books/english...]
Recently I came across a book named “Operation Jinnah!” by Shiv Aroor. I've started reading the book without many expectations and gradually I started enjoying the way it is written.
The Plot:
A young girl named Varuna who was visiting Kashmir with her friends was so mesmerized by its beauty that she cannot think that this place could be dangerous. Like her other friends and many youths around the world, she also was connected with the social media in a “more than required” attachment! While on her way to the airport with her friends, her car was force stopped. The driver and all her friends were killed and she was abducted!
The attack didn’t give her any time to react, and she could not have done anything otherwise. She was taken to an unknown destination by the kidnappers. And it was not within the country!
But, why was she abducted? Is terrorism rising again in “the heaven on the earth”? But then also why a young girl like her? Or was it something much bigger, which is not known to many?
Views and Reviews:
The book touches some of the aspects in a way that other authors often doesn’t like to explore to stay away from controversies. Shiv took a brave step in that regards. It is not rare to find such examples in some of the countries through. Anyway, let us talk about this book and various aspects of the same.
These days, it is not rare to find abusive words in a book or even some forced adult readers specific scenes, this book is free of them and I like this attribute as well.
Some of the interesting lines found in the book:
There’s nothing as pure as revenge.
If there ever were a bridge no one wanted to cross, it was this one.
You ever heard of field magic?
Summary:
It has the right mixture of action, emotion, drama, nicely built characters, patriotism. A recommended read.
We would love to give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
Recently I came across a book named “Operation Jinnah!” by Shiv Aroor. I've started reading the book without many expectations and gradually I started enjoying the way it is written.
The Plot:
A young girl named Varuna who was visiting Kashmir with her friends was so mesmerized by its beauty that she cannot think that this place could be dangerous. Like her other friends and many youths around the world, she also was connected with the social media in a “more than required” attachment! While on her way to the airport with her friends, her car was force stopped. The driver and all her friends were killed and she was abducted!
The attack didn’t give her any time to react, and she could not have done anything otherwise. She was taken to an unknown destination by the kidnappers. And it was not within the country!
But, why was she abducted? Is terrorism rising again in “the heaven on the earth”? But then also why a young girl like her? Or was it something much bigger, which is not known to many?
Views and Reviews:
The book touches some of the aspects in a way that other authors often doesn’t like to explore to stay away from controversies. Shiv took a brave step in that regards. It is not rare to find such examples in some of the countries through. Anyway, let us talk about this book and various aspects of the same.
These days, it is not rare to find abusive words in a book or even some forced adult readers specific scenes, this book is free of them and I like this attribute as well.
Some of the interesting lines found in the book:
There’s nothing as pure as revenge.
If there ever were a bridge no one wanted to cross, it was this one.
You ever heard of field magic?
Summary:
It has the right mixture of action, emotion, drama, nicely built characters, patriotism. A recommended read.
We would love to give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
September 5, 2018
Great story narration, technical detail on different equipments. Long read but, throughout the book the details are subtle not strechy.
April 9, 2018
Set in the Naval branch of our armed forces, this book is packed with action, suspense, and wonder. The pages don't just turn, they seem to fly by, much like the aircrafts featured in the story. The author keeps you hooked with all the military plot turns and twists.
The team of commandoes include two women characters whose combat experience definitely adds a star to the rating.
For the genre of fiction that it is, Operation Jinnah took me completely by surprise. This military thriller is unlike any other I've read from an Indian author. So if you are a thriller junkie like me, I strongly recommend this book.
Lastly, I can't help but mention the author's dedication to his niece and daughter that, I think, is simply beautiful:
For Maya and Mira,
May India and Pakistan be friends in your time.
The team of commandoes include two women characters whose combat experience definitely adds a star to the rating.
For the genre of fiction that it is, Operation Jinnah took me completely by surprise. This military thriller is unlike any other I've read from an Indian author. So if you are a thriller junkie like me, I strongly recommend this book.
Lastly, I can't help but mention the author's dedication to his niece and daughter that, I think, is simply beautiful:
For Maya and Mira,
May India and Pakistan be friends in your time.
June 2, 2021
From a defence correspondent I expected better.
The two operations stretch credibility: no one would sign off on a mission of this gravity on a lark and expect that the team will wing its way through. The first mission will simply not be allowed to take off. Which idiot will agree to a serving officer of this seniority winging his way on a wing and a prayer to PoK during 26/11?
Addditionally, what is the unrefuelled endurance of a Mig-29K again...?
Please....
The two operations stretch credibility: no one would sign off on a mission of this gravity on a lark and expect that the team will wing its way through. The first mission will simply not be allowed to take off. Which idiot will agree to a serving officer of this seniority winging his way on a wing and a prayer to PoK during 26/11?
Addditionally, what is the unrefuelled endurance of a Mig-29K again...?
Please....
July 4, 2017
An extremely well researched, well plotted, fast paced thriller. This book is unputdownable.
July 10, 2017
Detailed description of the rescue mission and attacks. Thriller.
January 16, 2018
Excellent Thiller, Looking forward to more from the Author.
February 21, 2018
A genre in the making...
March 14, 2019
This book entered my "Want to read" category the day I saw it on the author's Twitter Profile (His other book has as well).
"Operation Jinnah" the perfect title to attract any Indian reader's attention.
A Military Thriller, with the story revolving around an Indian Naval Chief's life - Personal & as an officer & his 3 hand picked Special Forces comprising of all the 3 genders. Action from the 1st scene itself; one mission, its repercussions, which again leads to another mission, the perfect tactics for "the big picture" allowing another mission - all against terrorism & thrilling at each phase.
The author has beautifully showcased the baggage that Military Officers carry in their personal lives, due to professional decisions. It also depicts, how these people always manage to think of the bigger picture rather than, just getting done with the current problem. The explanations of military weapons is done subtly.
Brief & apt introduction of each character except that of the asset, about whom not much is said.
As, mentioned in the title, a girl is kidnapped in Kashmir, the part where the actual rescue mission starts is when u just can't put the book down. Truly satiating when it comes to what the Indian Armed Forces can & will do, in dire times!!
Overall, a must read!!
"Operation Jinnah" the perfect title to attract any Indian reader's attention.
A Military Thriller, with the story revolving around an Indian Naval Chief's life - Personal & as an officer & his 3 hand picked Special Forces comprising of all the 3 genders. Action from the 1st scene itself; one mission, its repercussions, which again leads to another mission, the perfect tactics for "the big picture" allowing another mission - all against terrorism & thrilling at each phase.
The author has beautifully showcased the baggage that Military Officers carry in their personal lives, due to professional decisions. It also depicts, how these people always manage to think of the bigger picture rather than, just getting done with the current problem. The explanations of military weapons is done subtly.
Brief & apt introduction of each character except that of the asset, about whom not much is said.
As, mentioned in the title, a girl is kidnapped in Kashmir, the part where the actual rescue mission starts is when u just can't put the book down. Truly satiating when it comes to what the Indian Armed Forces can & will do, in dire times!!
Overall, a must read!!
November 3, 2021
This is a military thriller. The author is a great journalist who has ventured into this genre. I picked it up with great anticipation but overall disappointed with the book.
It is absolutely technical perfect with detailed description of the military hardware, including air force and navy, spyware etc. In fact so much has the author gone into these details with diagrams etc that the story wanders around.
The daughter of the Indian naval chief is abducted by terrorist group to POK as a revenge for a retaliatory action by the admiral 7 years ago after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008.
The book goes back and forth between the two operations, present to rescue Varuna and the old one.
The story is weak, unbelievable, not gripping.
There are much better books in this genre. Just a three star for me.
It is absolutely technical perfect with detailed description of the military hardware, including air force and navy, spyware etc. In fact so much has the author gone into these details with diagrams etc that the story wanders around.
The daughter of the Indian naval chief is abducted by terrorist group to POK as a revenge for a retaliatory action by the admiral 7 years ago after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008.
The book goes back and forth between the two operations, present to rescue Varuna and the old one.
The story is weak, unbelievable, not gripping.
There are much better books in this genre. Just a three star for me.
January 14, 2026
Operation Jinnah is a relentless, high-stakes military thriller that keeps you hooked from the first page with its authentic tactical detail. Shiv Aroor masterfully blends geopolitical tension with pulse-pounding action, making the rescue mission feel incredibly urgent and grounded in reality. The pacing is cinematic, driven by sharp dialogue and a deep understanding of special forces operations. It is a gripping read for anyone who enjoys a sophisticated, modern take on Indian military fiction.
December 29, 2021
Loved this book
I had read Shiv Aroors earlier books.This was really special as it brought me the excitement of a real situation. Aroor has embellished the book with so many details reading it was a wonderful experience.
I had read Shiv Aroors earlier books.This was really special as it brought me the excitement of a real situation. Aroor has embellished the book with so many details reading it was a wonderful experience.
April 11, 2023
Only book I have ever read where the woke agenda of equal representation to all communities where they are not even in real has been done in a way that doesn't feel forced. The team has a woman, man, transgender, Christian, muslim all of it.
July 22, 2023
Good read
A real thriller, from the word go it has a gripping tale which keeps you going until the end, with many twists and turns. The story describes the sequence of events that happened with Admiral Rana over a period of 7 years. Overall a good read.
A real thriller, from the word go it has a gripping tale which keeps you going until the end, with many twists and turns. The story describes the sequence of events that happened with Admiral Rana over a period of 7 years. Overall a good read.
December 28, 2023
A nice quick read
A very simple plot based on the recent action by Indian forces across the line of control with some fancy bells and whistles. The last few pages about finishing Operation Jinnah were not practical though.
A very simple plot based on the recent action by Indian forces across the line of control with some fancy bells and whistles. The last few pages about finishing Operation Jinnah were not practical though.
June 21, 2017
Good first attempt but too many loose ends. More meticulous research and fine tuning of plot needed.
April 6, 2019
A thrilling and gripping read. You can’t put it down and throughout the book hope that one day Indian leadership and armed forces turn this fiction into reality.
August 25, 2020
Its dharmender movie in current scene..
January 26, 2021
Interesting fictional thriller.
Loved the Shiv's way of story telling.
Loved the Shiv's way of story telling.
April 21, 2023
Good but too unrealistic
It's a fiction alright but too unrealistic and unrelated to ops by services. But it was interesting to read and won't feel like putting it down
It's a fiction alright but too unrealistic and unrelated to ops by services. But it was interesting to read and won't feel like putting it down
September 3, 2021
Its a thriller, so it would be a bad idea to give even some of the plot away.
The good part is that it is very difficult to put down. I ended up not sleeping a Sunday night to finish it in one sitting.
Also, the fictional parts combine nicely with real life events to give a good anchor to the flow of events. Many characters are also real, the names changed only slightly to clearly reveal who they are supposed to be in real life.
The bad part, is that the book is full of events that either could never have happened in real life, or would at least be very unlikely. This is particularly jarring when set against real events and people. Only because of this, the ending left me unhappy and thinking that 'it could not have happened this way'.
The good part is that it is very difficult to put down. I ended up not sleeping a Sunday night to finish it in one sitting.
Also, the fictional parts combine nicely with real life events to give a good anchor to the flow of events. Many characters are also real, the names changed only slightly to clearly reveal who they are supposed to be in real life.
The bad part, is that the book is full of events that either could never have happened in real life, or would at least be very unlikely. This is particularly jarring when set against real events and people. Only because of this, the ending left me unhappy and thinking that 'it could not have happened this way'.
April 22, 2022
This book is indeed a thriller. The storyline is solid and the details are amazing. Other than this being fiction, I technical error is that the book says that two of the MARCOS aren't qualified jumpers but their training includes HAHO and HALO making them qualified jumpers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2017
Defence enthusiast Shiv Aroor slamdunks a turbo-charged thriller set in Kashmir and PoK, diverting occasionally to the eponymous Jinnah Naval Base.
Things I loved:
- a cast of very likeable characters, not only the commandos but the support staff as well
- amazing research and presentation of defence tech
- a fairy tale scenario from the Indian POV (that's unlikely to happen in real life)
A rollercoaster ride into very familiar and yet uncharted territory. Recommended.
Things I loved:
- a cast of very likeable characters, not only the commandos but the support staff as well
- amazing research and presentation of defence tech
- a fairy tale scenario from the Indian POV (that's unlikely to happen in real life)
A rollercoaster ride into very familiar and yet uncharted territory. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews