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He Knew a Firefly
An INDIE NEXT GENERATION BOOK AWARD Finalist, He Knew a Firefly has been described as lyrical, powerfully emotional and suspenseful.
Six-year-old Akshara watches her mother die. At thirteen, she watches her best friend die. She’s heartbroken, but their deaths don’t surprise her. She has a secret ─ she can glimpse into the future of those she loves. For her it’s not a blessing, but a curse; every life she touches is thrown into turmoil, friends abandon her, and she is overwhelmed by more guilt than she can bear. Then, one day, she sees her own unhappy fate.
Does Akshara bring upon her loved ones the misfortunes they blame her for? Will Akshara be able to save herself after she has lost everyone she loved? Or will she lose her sanity like her mother did?
A gripping, evocative, and sometimes surreal page-turner, He Knew a Firefly follows Akshara as she tries to light the dark, unknown pathways for her loved ones, before being ultimately consumed by the flames herself.
Six-year-old Akshara watches her mother die. At thirteen, she watches her best friend die. She’s heartbroken, but their deaths don’t surprise her. She has a secret ─ she can glimpse into the future of those she loves. For her it’s not a blessing, but a curse; every life she touches is thrown into turmoil, friends abandon her, and she is overwhelmed by more guilt than she can bear. Then, one day, she sees her own unhappy fate.
Does Akshara bring upon her loved ones the misfortunes they blame her for? Will Akshara be able to save herself after she has lost everyone she loved? Or will she lose her sanity like her mother did?
A gripping, evocative, and sometimes surreal page-turner, He Knew a Firefly follows Akshara as she tries to light the dark, unknown pathways for her loved ones, before being ultimately consumed by the flames herself.
- GenresParanormal
188 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2015
28 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Smita Bhattacharya
16 books67 followersSMITA BHATTACHARYA writes atmospheric cosy, and psychological mystery fiction. Strong female protagonists and twisty whodunnits are her forte. Her psychological thriller novel—Dead to Them—was amongst the top Crime, Thriller & Mystery books of Amazon India in 2022. It has been optioned for a movie. She has also authored a popular amateur detective series—the Darya Nandkarni Misadventure Series. The first of the series—Kiss of Salt—is in talks to be optioned for a movie.
Smita lives in Mumbai but has solo travelled to over 45 countries. Her stories are heavily inspired by her travels and by those she meets. She has worked in a vineyard, a newsroom, a school, a library, a bank, an advisory firm, and a technology start-up.
You can read her colourful travel and life stories at www.smitabhattacharya.com.
Smita lives in Mumbai but has solo travelled to over 45 countries. Her stories are heavily inspired by her travels and by those she meets. She has worked in a vineyard, a newsroom, a school, a library, a bank, an advisory firm, and a technology start-up.
You can read her colourful travel and life stories at www.smitabhattacharya.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 22, 2016
I would have rated He Knew a Firefly as 3.5 if that option were available.
Akshara, a beautiful and charismatic young storyboard artist from India is more cursed than blessed with dreams that foretell the future. The occurrences she sees in these prescient glimpses will come to pass, they cannot be changed, but sometimes, especially with hindsight, some mitigating kindness or healing wisdom is possible for those whose lives are impacted. Akshara does her best to ease the pain and heartache she sees coming, often a great personal cost.
The premise of this novel is intriguing and there were so many aspects of the story that I enjoyed. Ms. Bhattacharya has a rich vocabulary and a gift for description (her depictions of life in India are lively, colorful, and often very tactile), her characters are well developed and complex, and the central narrative of the novel is compelling—so why did I sometimes feel I had to push myself to keep reading? He Knew A Firefly is populated by a great many secondary characters that assume center stage for protracted sections of the novel, each with a story of his or her own and a lengthy and painstakingly developed back story, so much so, that I kept wishing the author had structured the book as a series of connected short stories (one for each of the individual characters). I also felt that at times, some of the long descriptive passages could have been more focused.
Akshara, a beautiful and charismatic young storyboard artist from India is more cursed than blessed with dreams that foretell the future. The occurrences she sees in these prescient glimpses will come to pass, they cannot be changed, but sometimes, especially with hindsight, some mitigating kindness or healing wisdom is possible for those whose lives are impacted. Akshara does her best to ease the pain and heartache she sees coming, often a great personal cost.
The premise of this novel is intriguing and there were so many aspects of the story that I enjoyed. Ms. Bhattacharya has a rich vocabulary and a gift for description (her depictions of life in India are lively, colorful, and often very tactile), her characters are well developed and complex, and the central narrative of the novel is compelling—so why did I sometimes feel I had to push myself to keep reading? He Knew A Firefly is populated by a great many secondary characters that assume center stage for protracted sections of the novel, each with a story of his or her own and a lengthy and painstakingly developed back story, so much so, that I kept wishing the author had structured the book as a series of connected short stories (one for each of the individual characters). I also felt that at times, some of the long descriptive passages could have been more focused.
January 23, 2016
This is the first book I’ve read by an author from India (I was delighted when Ms. Bhattacharya approached me and requested I review her book), so I don’t know if my perspective is necessarily balanced. I’m approaching this novel from an American/British perspective on what novels look like, and Indian standards and expectations may be quite different.
It is definitely literary fiction. The style was a unique mix of fanciful, realistic, and fantastic, but it was adult, in focus and content. Here’s a closer look, examining the Narration, Content, Characters, Artwork, World Building, and Overall Response.
Narration: 4 out of 5. The writing was very good, even if it didn’t always make sense (due to the fanciful, mystical quality of the plot, there were times that I wasn’t quite sure exactly what had or hadn’t truly happened). The description was a unique mix of poetry and prose, realism and surrealism, and it added to the overall effect.
Content: 4 out of 5. There was a tasteful, though somewhat detailed, sexual encounter early in the book, and a description of a school shooting (which, though it happened in the United States, seemed rather “Indian” in motivation: the boy was pushed towards his actions by his father’s abandonment and his being, more than likely, an illegitimate child, even though paternity is not generally held as important in the United States, where many children are raised by single parents, foster parents, or adopted parents).
Still, the focus overall was on relationships and love, what matters and what doesn’t. However, the description made me expect more resolution about Akshara, by the end, and I also expected her to be the main character. Instead, we spent a great deal of time dealing with Miriam, Vedant, Arvind, and Olivier, as they all moved through a world that was part modern, part mystical: dreams and visions mixed with reality and memories.
It made for a rather odd novel, and I didn’t feel like the description prepared me for it. It took me a long time to understand who some of the characters were (like Arvind: I wasn’t sure if this was a male or female character until we finally got a scene where he was present), and the places didn’t feel real. (Of course, these places might genuinely resemble their in-novel descriptions, but at one point, when the setting was portions of the United States that I have visited, it still felt like we were in India, in the imaginative, surreal landscape where we first meet the characters.)
Characters: 3 out of 5. The characters fit the book, but like the rest of the book, they didn’t feel real. They felt more like archetypes or ideas of people, with a mystical overlay. Akshara was magic and life; Vedant was desire and yet responsibility. Arvind was greed, desire, and power, Miriam was art and love, and Olivier was pain, happiness, and uncertainty. The mix made for a mosiac of feelings and relationships, but it didn’t feel like any of these people were actually real, like you could meet them or have them walk through your front door.
Again, this may have been the desired effect, and if so, it would deserve a far higher rating, but as a novel–even a literary novel–I found the characters a bit too swirly, as it were, made up of their component parts without ever being real, tangible people (a bit like the woman in the cover).
Artwork: Subjective. I thought the cover was gorgeous, and it really fit the story. The title made me think that we’d spend a bit more time understanding how Akshara was a firefly, and who it was that was the “he” mentioned in the title–that somehow, she would light up someone’s life before her light went out and “summer ended”–but overall, I felt the two worked together to somewhat prepare you for the mystical story inside.
World-Building: 3 out of 5. The world was consistent, and yet it didn’t feel like a real world, unless one counts the worlds of dreams, where things don’t always make sense or ascribe to a particular set of physics. By the end, we still don’t really know why Akshara has these dreams, or where they come from, or what she’s “supposed” to do with them. We don’t understand why Akshara has to make the relationship choices she does–why she can’t seem to remain with anyone, even when she cares about them, when it doesn’t seem to stop the dreams one way or the other–and what her future will hold. Or, for that matter, what anyone else’s future will hold. We’re left with the overall feeling that life is a blur of confusing details, a riddle that can never be solved (which, again, if that’s the goal, was very effective, but not very novel-like).
Overall Response: 14 out of 20, for a total of 3.5. The book was unique: very consistent, but more like a dream, good or bad, than a novel. To me, a novel tells a story about someone’s encounter (or journey or fight) with someone or something, and their decision as a result, even if that decision is to do nothing and change nothing.
And, while there was some decision in this book, it felt like everything just ran its course, that the characters really had no agency at all and were just being dragged along to their ultimate fates, despite themselves and their attempts to make a different choice. The description prepared me for a very different novel–the suggestion that Akshara would be consumed by the flames and lose all those she loved suggested that she’d have this great, dramatic moment of decision, where the “evil forces” of her gift would have to be confronted and a choice made. Instead, we just drifted along towards the climax in a swirl of emotions, characters, actions, and dreams, without any defining moments.
Still, it was well-written and had a magical quality to it, even it it was fatalistic in its overall tone, and I enjoyed seeing what a good writer could do with the novel-medium when the goal is quite different from what I’m used to. I’d recommend it to those who prefer the surreal and the mystical, and who can handle a fairly ambiguous ending.
To read more reviews like this, click here.
It is definitely literary fiction. The style was a unique mix of fanciful, realistic, and fantastic, but it was adult, in focus and content. Here’s a closer look, examining the Narration, Content, Characters, Artwork, World Building, and Overall Response.
Narration: 4 out of 5. The writing was very good, even if it didn’t always make sense (due to the fanciful, mystical quality of the plot, there were times that I wasn’t quite sure exactly what had or hadn’t truly happened). The description was a unique mix of poetry and prose, realism and surrealism, and it added to the overall effect.
Content: 4 out of 5. There was a tasteful, though somewhat detailed, sexual encounter early in the book, and a description of a school shooting (which, though it happened in the United States, seemed rather “Indian” in motivation: the boy was pushed towards his actions by his father’s abandonment and his being, more than likely, an illegitimate child, even though paternity is not generally held as important in the United States, where many children are raised by single parents, foster parents, or adopted parents).
Still, the focus overall was on relationships and love, what matters and what doesn’t. However, the description made me expect more resolution about Akshara, by the end, and I also expected her to be the main character. Instead, we spent a great deal of time dealing with Miriam, Vedant, Arvind, and Olivier, as they all moved through a world that was part modern, part mystical: dreams and visions mixed with reality and memories.
It made for a rather odd novel, and I didn’t feel like the description prepared me for it. It took me a long time to understand who some of the characters were (like Arvind: I wasn’t sure if this was a male or female character until we finally got a scene where he was present), and the places didn’t feel real. (Of course, these places might genuinely resemble their in-novel descriptions, but at one point, when the setting was portions of the United States that I have visited, it still felt like we were in India, in the imaginative, surreal landscape where we first meet the characters.)
Characters: 3 out of 5. The characters fit the book, but like the rest of the book, they didn’t feel real. They felt more like archetypes or ideas of people, with a mystical overlay. Akshara was magic and life; Vedant was desire and yet responsibility. Arvind was greed, desire, and power, Miriam was art and love, and Olivier was pain, happiness, and uncertainty. The mix made for a mosiac of feelings and relationships, but it didn’t feel like any of these people were actually real, like you could meet them or have them walk through your front door.
Again, this may have been the desired effect, and if so, it would deserve a far higher rating, but as a novel–even a literary novel–I found the characters a bit too swirly, as it were, made up of their component parts without ever being real, tangible people (a bit like the woman in the cover).
Artwork: Subjective. I thought the cover was gorgeous, and it really fit the story. The title made me think that we’d spend a bit more time understanding how Akshara was a firefly, and who it was that was the “he” mentioned in the title–that somehow, she would light up someone’s life before her light went out and “summer ended”–but overall, I felt the two worked together to somewhat prepare you for the mystical story inside.
World-Building: 3 out of 5. The world was consistent, and yet it didn’t feel like a real world, unless one counts the worlds of dreams, where things don’t always make sense or ascribe to a particular set of physics. By the end, we still don’t really know why Akshara has these dreams, or where they come from, or what she’s “supposed” to do with them. We don’t understand why Akshara has to make the relationship choices she does–why she can’t seem to remain with anyone, even when she cares about them, when it doesn’t seem to stop the dreams one way or the other–and what her future will hold. Or, for that matter, what anyone else’s future will hold. We’re left with the overall feeling that life is a blur of confusing details, a riddle that can never be solved (which, again, if that’s the goal, was very effective, but not very novel-like).
Overall Response: 14 out of 20, for a total of 3.5. The book was unique: very consistent, but more like a dream, good or bad, than a novel. To me, a novel tells a story about someone’s encounter (or journey or fight) with someone or something, and their decision as a result, even if that decision is to do nothing and change nothing.
And, while there was some decision in this book, it felt like everything just ran its course, that the characters really had no agency at all and were just being dragged along to their ultimate fates, despite themselves and their attempts to make a different choice. The description prepared me for a very different novel–the suggestion that Akshara would be consumed by the flames and lose all those she loved suggested that she’d have this great, dramatic moment of decision, where the “evil forces” of her gift would have to be confronted and a choice made. Instead, we just drifted along towards the climax in a swirl of emotions, characters, actions, and dreams, without any defining moments.
Still, it was well-written and had a magical quality to it, even it it was fatalistic in its overall tone, and I enjoyed seeing what a good writer could do with the novel-medium when the goal is quite different from what I’m used to. I’d recommend it to those who prefer the surreal and the mystical, and who can handle a fairly ambiguous ending.
To read more reviews like this, click here.
November 19, 2015
This is a beautifully written book. The prose is almost poetic, and there are some poems scattered through it too. I was immediately entranced by the flow of the words. I also enjoyed the many intense scenes when the author went deep into her characters’ heads to show their love or loss or just the mundane tedium of their lives. But for me it was three loosely connected stories. Their connection is through a woman who is loved by the three men in the stories. But her relationships with those men aren’t the focus of the book. Her relationship with two of them is important in two of the stories, but in the third, the man is a fairly minor character. The woman also has dreams that sometimes come true, so she sometimes offers advice to some of the characters, and sometimes her advice is helpful, but other times it’s not at all. For me this was an awkward combination, the fantasy element of precognition with such realistic human drama. And I didn’t see any pattern to her attempts to act on her dreams. She says she can’t change fate, but it seems she sometimes does. The stories are so loosely connected I couldn’t always keep track of all the characters. I kept wondering if they would eventually interact more. So I was never caught up in something I’d call a plot. Nevertheless, I recommend this book as a gracefully written poignant read. I especially liked the scenes which showed some of the different cultures of India, the extended family, the expectations of marriage, and the competitive high tech culture. And the three stories stand on their own as deeply felt, sometimes tragic, portraits.
I was given a review copy of this book.
I was given a review copy of this book.
January 12, 2017
This was wonderfully written - lyrical, poetic, poignant. We follow the tragic life of Akshara as she meets different people during different times of her life - each of them is touched by her beauty and magnetism and yet she has a terrible secret which she must keep to herself and which ultimately keeps her away from those she loves most - spoiler - she can see into the future and guess the fate of others.
The style of writing is some of the best I have read. However, I found that the life of Akshara lacked some coherence for me as we swapped from one person she met to another. Though each tale is well told, the lack of a complete story, in the end, meant that I dropped from five stars to four. However, this is a book I definitely recommend to those who seek depth in their characters and are not bonded to happy tales.
The style of writing is some of the best I have read. However, I found that the life of Akshara lacked some coherence for me as we swapped from one person she met to another. Though each tale is well told, the lack of a complete story, in the end, meant that I dropped from five stars to four. However, this is a book I definitely recommend to those who seek depth in their characters and are not bonded to happy tales.
December 29, 2015
I loved this book and I love the author’s style of writing. Throughout the book I was really flowing with the characters and felt like I was lost in them, living vicariously. Exactly the experience I look for in a book.
I typically read and review science fiction so for those who follow my reviews I have to point out right away that this book is more along the lines of literature than science fiction. For those who exclusively read plot-driven narrative science fiction, this book is a world away and very different.
The plot revolves around a girl who sees people’s futures in her dreams. This is a very common and well-traveled device of many a science fiction novel, however it reads like none I have come across. Unique. Novel. Jarring. Endearing.
The main character has the ability to see people’s futures, but unlike most science fiction out there, this is not what the book is about so much as the characters and their very human, fragile, broken and mistake-filled lives. The characters ride a roller coaster of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and Akshara, our dreamer, sees some of it ahead of time and tries to do what she can to avoid things or change them. Many times the events happen anyway and she feels her gift is nothing but a curse. Other times things happen she didn’t foresee and she hates herself for not dreaming.
The other characters have fully developed stories and lives that intersect with Akshara’s tangentially and their choices affect her life and her dreams as much as her actions affect theirs. Powerful stuff.
I won’t give away much more, but only to say this was a mesmerizing, enchanting journey of a book I highly recommend to those who like literature with a science fiction twist.
I typically read and review science fiction so for those who follow my reviews I have to point out right away that this book is more along the lines of literature than science fiction. For those who exclusively read plot-driven narrative science fiction, this book is a world away and very different.
The plot revolves around a girl who sees people’s futures in her dreams. This is a very common and well-traveled device of many a science fiction novel, however it reads like none I have come across. Unique. Novel. Jarring. Endearing.
The main character has the ability to see people’s futures, but unlike most science fiction out there, this is not what the book is about so much as the characters and their very human, fragile, broken and mistake-filled lives. The characters ride a roller coaster of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and Akshara, our dreamer, sees some of it ahead of time and tries to do what she can to avoid things or change them. Many times the events happen anyway and she feels her gift is nothing but a curse. Other times things happen she didn’t foresee and she hates herself for not dreaming.
The other characters have fully developed stories and lives that intersect with Akshara’s tangentially and their choices affect her life and her dreams as much as her actions affect theirs. Powerful stuff.
I won’t give away much more, but only to say this was a mesmerizing, enchanting journey of a book I highly recommend to those who like literature with a science fiction twist.
July 13, 2016
He Knew a Firefly is, at the heart of the story, about love. It is also about people, and the crazy things people do for love--whether it is real, was real, or is only imagined. In the middle of the chaos, the swirl of people who and come and go throughout the pages, is Akshara, a woman as bright and vibrant as a firefly. And yet, within her is something she sees as dark. A curse.
Although this story isn't the kind I generally seek out, I did find it well-written. The characters are engaging and three-dimensional--no one is perfect, everyone has secrets, and everyone has a dark side. Akshara believes she is the darkest… But that's for the reader to judge. The pages are full of romance, lost love, and hidden love. The love of mothers, the love of couples. Told in short segments, the story unfolds, multiple stories wrapped into one narrative of which the central thread is Akshara.
It is difficult to judge how much is safe to say in this review, given how entwined the narrative is with secrets. However, the underlying drive beneath the story is Akshara's dreams--dreams as vibrant and real as she is, telling her how things will come to pass. Is it a gift to see the future, if you can't change it? Or a curse?
The ultimate ending is unexpected, but, I think, fitting for the story, which is why I'm giving this book four stars. I may not have enjoyed the story, but I'm not the target audience. For someone seeking the kind of story that is He Knew a Firefly, you will not be disappointed.
Although this story isn't the kind I generally seek out, I did find it well-written. The characters are engaging and three-dimensional--no one is perfect, everyone has secrets, and everyone has a dark side. Akshara believes she is the darkest… But that's for the reader to judge. The pages are full of romance, lost love, and hidden love. The love of mothers, the love of couples. Told in short segments, the story unfolds, multiple stories wrapped into one narrative of which the central thread is Akshara.
It is difficult to judge how much is safe to say in this review, given how entwined the narrative is with secrets. However, the underlying drive beneath the story is Akshara's dreams--dreams as vibrant and real as she is, telling her how things will come to pass. Is it a gift to see the future, if you can't change it? Or a curse?
The ultimate ending is unexpected, but, I think, fitting for the story, which is why I'm giving this book four stars. I may not have enjoyed the story, but I'm not the target audience. For someone seeking the kind of story that is He Knew a Firefly, you will not be disappointed.
April 29, 2016
'He Knew A Firefly' is a beautifully written book about the entrancing Akshara Pradhan, the three men that love her, and the events of their lives over a period of years.
Akshara has the uncanny ability of forseeing certain future events - tragedies, in particular, that befall her friends - and these visions prevent her from participating as fully as an ordinary person might have in the general stream of life. She does try and live as well and unapologetically as she can - and people are attracted to her everywhere she goes - but it is still a case of perching on a cliff and looking down into the depths and up into the sky and not quite knowing how to resolve the quandary.
The story is more character-driven than plot-driven, and very well-crafted - you dive right in, follow the various threads, and figure out what is going on - there are no unnecessary explanations. The author has done such an impressive job of portraying complex, flawed individuals and their interpersonal relationships and their everyday lives that you almost feel you are right in there with them, experiencing things as they unfold.
The ending is particularly poignant and haunting, and just exactly right under the circumstances.
Highly recommended!
Akshara has the uncanny ability of forseeing certain future events - tragedies, in particular, that befall her friends - and these visions prevent her from participating as fully as an ordinary person might have in the general stream of life. She does try and live as well and unapologetically as she can - and people are attracted to her everywhere she goes - but it is still a case of perching on a cliff and looking down into the depths and up into the sky and not quite knowing how to resolve the quandary.
The story is more character-driven than plot-driven, and very well-crafted - you dive right in, follow the various threads, and figure out what is going on - there are no unnecessary explanations. The author has done such an impressive job of portraying complex, flawed individuals and their interpersonal relationships and their everyday lives that you almost feel you are right in there with them, experiencing things as they unfold.
The ending is particularly poignant and haunting, and just exactly right under the circumstances.
Highly recommended!
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
This book started off good enough. It held my attention and was really interesting. The prose was beautiful but as the story progressed, I felt that there were way too many poems and I really didn't even know what the plot was or where the story was supposed to go anymore. So many new characters just start entering the story and you are subjected to extremely long backstories although these people don't even form a main part of the story. Honestly, I didn't get this book. I thought it wandered too much and is boring after a hundred pages or so.
This book started off good enough. It held my attention and was really interesting. The prose was beautiful but as the story progressed, I felt that there were way too many poems and I really didn't even know what the plot was or where the story was supposed to go anymore. So many new characters just start entering the story and you are subjected to extremely long backstories although these people don't even form a main part of the story. Honestly, I didn't get this book. I thought it wandered too much and is boring after a hundred pages or so.
June 11, 2016
He Knee a Firefly was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Akshara has a gift, she can see how people will die. She witnessed the death of her mom and her closest friend as a child and so begins ger story.
This book had a lot going on. There were a million and one characters and too much ethnic language without any indication of what the word might mean. Since a lot of the terms seem to be pet names or terms of endearment, it is difficult to gauge what the word might mean.
The many characters made this story boring and difficult to follow. I think it has the beginnings of a good book but it needs to remove a lot of excess padding.
Akshara has a gift, she can see how people will die. She witnessed the death of her mom and her closest friend as a child and so begins ger story.
This book had a lot going on. There were a million and one characters and too much ethnic language without any indication of what the word might mean. Since a lot of the terms seem to be pet names or terms of endearment, it is difficult to gauge what the word might mean.
The many characters made this story boring and difficult to follow. I think it has the beginnings of a good book but it needs to remove a lot of excess padding.
November 26, 2015
Terrible things happen in this wonderful book. And the most awful thing is: Akshara knows they will happen, but can't prevent them. Intriguing story about a handful of colorful characters. Beautifully written!
Thank you, Smita Bhattacharya, for giving me a chance to read this!
Thank you, Smita Bhattacharya, for giving me a chance to read this!
June 26, 2017
This is one those books that you want them to be good but somehow it fails. ¨He Knew a Firefly¨ has an amazing blurb and a fantastic start. The first chapters grab you and fill you with expectations of a great story. However, somewhere along the lines, the book didn´t make it for me.
Akshara has this awful gift and it affects the whole story. I liked the idea but the different changes of POV and scenarios confused me a bit and sometimes they made me lose the atmosphere I was getting into.
Overall, I could finish the book because it got interesting for moments and the writing is good.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
Akshara has this awful gift and it affects the whole story. I liked the idea but the different changes of POV and scenarios confused me a bit and sometimes they made me lose the atmosphere I was getting into.
Overall, I could finish the book because it got interesting for moments and the writing is good.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
February 2, 2021
An unexpected thriller
This novel draws you into the path of destiny vs our ability to control our lives. Is one born to live out a predestined reality with the only question is whether we continue against the odds; or do we determine our fate by the story we believe to be ours.
This novel draws you into the path of destiny vs our ability to control our lives. Is one born to live out a predestined reality with the only question is whether we continue against the odds; or do we determine our fate by the story we believe to be ours.
September 10, 2016
This book was better and made more sense on the second reading, but how many indie authors get a second reading. Generally I found it too long, disjointed and confusing. Perhaps there is too much information in an effort to create a grand saga. A passage starts with Akshara’s hangover and her relationship with Oliver and then cuts to Miriam her parents and her childhood. I understand this background provides depth to the character and their relationships, but it seems to be in the wrong place. Again we have a scene with Miriam painting and Akshara thinks about Oliver and his sisters growing up. Again I understand why this information would be useful, but it is in the wrong place and disrupts the flow of the story. The idea that such asides are used to break up a boring story is not a good reason.
There are some foreign words, especially between Vedant and Rumi, but that is not a problem as they are only odd words and not whole passages, indeed it adds to the feeling that this is set partly in India. Personally I would like to see more cultural references, providing they were adequately explained, as I think that would be interesting. The relationship between Vedant and Rumi is great, as it shows the very differing expectations of married life, as well as an Indian mother’s opinion.
Connecting with a book is a difficult issue. Not everyone will like the main character. Akshara seems unable to commit to anyone, a flighty party animal who undeservedly attracts men and is likely to alienate female readers. Vedant is normal, anything for a quiet life and not really the kind of alpha male stereotype you associate with romantic novels. Miriam is the stereotypical arty, bohemian painter with the open relationship who is content to leave her child to be cared for by someone else. Although these are the main three characters there are others, the purpose of which should be to show us something more about the main characters or move the story along. If they don’t and just provide an aside, the interview by the journalist, then they are at best a distraction and at worst padding.
Much has been made in other reviews of Akshara’s ability, but personally I didn’t see it. The suggestion was that she sees things in her dreams. Perhaps there needs to be a little more demarcation between waking and sleeping. Italics are good, but they can be used for so many things and it should not be the only device used. Perhaps a reflection on waking on what the dream meant. The idea also needs to be carried throughout the book if it is going to be a significant theme.
As stated in previous reviews the language is very good and insightful in places. Personally the crisis between Vedant and Rumi really drew me into the novel unlike the other relationships. I think how they dealt with their differing perspectives was interesting. Their dialogue and what they talked about also directly related to that relationship.
I did find the book very boring and it was a chore so that may be the reason why I experienced a few problems. Also I am not sure what the main crisis point was and again this can be seen as a structural problem,
There are some foreign words, especially between Vedant and Rumi, but that is not a problem as they are only odd words and not whole passages, indeed it adds to the feeling that this is set partly in India. Personally I would like to see more cultural references, providing they were adequately explained, as I think that would be interesting. The relationship between Vedant and Rumi is great, as it shows the very differing expectations of married life, as well as an Indian mother’s opinion.
Connecting with a book is a difficult issue. Not everyone will like the main character. Akshara seems unable to commit to anyone, a flighty party animal who undeservedly attracts men and is likely to alienate female readers. Vedant is normal, anything for a quiet life and not really the kind of alpha male stereotype you associate with romantic novels. Miriam is the stereotypical arty, bohemian painter with the open relationship who is content to leave her child to be cared for by someone else. Although these are the main three characters there are others, the purpose of which should be to show us something more about the main characters or move the story along. If they don’t and just provide an aside, the interview by the journalist, then they are at best a distraction and at worst padding.
Much has been made in other reviews of Akshara’s ability, but personally I didn’t see it. The suggestion was that she sees things in her dreams. Perhaps there needs to be a little more demarcation between waking and sleeping. Italics are good, but they can be used for so many things and it should not be the only device used. Perhaps a reflection on waking on what the dream meant. The idea also needs to be carried throughout the book if it is going to be a significant theme.
As stated in previous reviews the language is very good and insightful in places. Personally the crisis between Vedant and Rumi really drew me into the novel unlike the other relationships. I think how they dealt with their differing perspectives was interesting. Their dialogue and what they talked about also directly related to that relationship.
I did find the book very boring and it was a chore so that may be the reason why I experienced a few problems. Also I am not sure what the main crisis point was and again this can be seen as a structural problem,
May 24, 2016
Title: Fly AwayFirefly
“He Knew A Firefly” by Smita Bhattacharya
Reviewed by K. Royce
5/7/16
10:00 a.m.
Akshara possessed a gift that no one should ever have. A gift that allowed her to experience the most vivid dreams, but the downside, she, as well as those around her were at risk. Several major events took place in Akshara’s life in which she blamed herself for and she swore to never allow herself to get close to anyone ever again. But that all changed when she met Olivier. Things appeared to be going great, but her dreams started becoming more realistic and she was faced with making a choice: stay with Olivier and be happy or be alone in order to keep her friends and loved ones safe.
The recap mentioned above gives some readers the impression that this book was more interesting than it really was. Unfortunately, the story was slow and extremely difficult to understand. The chapters jumped from character to character and at sometimes, the reader had to make it halfway through a chapter to realize if the events taking place were in the past, present or future. And lastly, there was the issue with dialect. He Knew A Firefly, was set in India for the majority of the story, and often times during character conversations Indian dialect and jargon was tossed into the story; this made it impossible for someone who does not speak the language to know what was being said.
I took a few extra days on this review to truly figure out, why I did not like this story? And more importantly, I wanted this to be honest and offer a fair review. I loved the author’s writing style - the language, when it was English, was beautiful; the descriptions of emotions felt by the characters and the characters themselves were very developed and expressed wonderfully. However, there was not enough action with the characters. Even if this story was supposed to mimic life, which is perfectly fine, there still was not enough taking place to keep the story moving. The book lulled in some spots and came to a complete stop in others.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Enjoy!
K. Royce
“He Knew A Firefly” by Smita Bhattacharya
Reviewed by K. Royce
5/7/16
10:00 a.m.
Akshara possessed a gift that no one should ever have. A gift that allowed her to experience the most vivid dreams, but the downside, she, as well as those around her were at risk. Several major events took place in Akshara’s life in which she blamed herself for and she swore to never allow herself to get close to anyone ever again. But that all changed when she met Olivier. Things appeared to be going great, but her dreams started becoming more realistic and she was faced with making a choice: stay with Olivier and be happy or be alone in order to keep her friends and loved ones safe.
The recap mentioned above gives some readers the impression that this book was more interesting than it really was. Unfortunately, the story was slow and extremely difficult to understand. The chapters jumped from character to character and at sometimes, the reader had to make it halfway through a chapter to realize if the events taking place were in the past, present or future. And lastly, there was the issue with dialect. He Knew A Firefly, was set in India for the majority of the story, and often times during character conversations Indian dialect and jargon was tossed into the story; this made it impossible for someone who does not speak the language to know what was being said.
I took a few extra days on this review to truly figure out, why I did not like this story? And more importantly, I wanted this to be honest and offer a fair review. I loved the author’s writing style - the language, when it was English, was beautiful; the descriptions of emotions felt by the characters and the characters themselves were very developed and expressed wonderfully. However, there was not enough action with the characters. Even if this story was supposed to mimic life, which is perfectly fine, there still was not enough taking place to keep the story moving. The book lulled in some spots and came to a complete stop in others.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Enjoy!
K. Royce
April 2, 2020
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for an honest review:
He knew a firefly is the story of Akshara a lonely girl who watches her loved ones die in front of her and can't do anything about it which consumes her from within. The story moves across the timelines and to the stories of different people whose life Akshara touches. This was a very nice read and I loved flowing through the story of a girl who is troubled and lonely but still moves through her life spreading only the happiness.
The story is lyrical and lovely, even though the overall tone is of sadness but still we keep on finding slivers of happiness hidden in the pages throughout. I liked the book immensely as I loved following Akshara through her life as 6 years old, 13 years old and as an adult while she tries to run from herself but still can't run away from her destiny but still she travels the world touching lives throughout her own life improving lives of others who get in her aura.
I would recommend this wonderful book for it's narrative and a nice story. You wouldn't regret this journey through Akshara's life.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
He knew a firefly is the story of Akshara a lonely girl who watches her loved ones die in front of her and can't do anything about it which consumes her from within. The story moves across the timelines and to the stories of different people whose life Akshara touches. This was a very nice read and I loved flowing through the story of a girl who is troubled and lonely but still moves through her life spreading only the happiness.
The story is lyrical and lovely, even though the overall tone is of sadness but still we keep on finding slivers of happiness hidden in the pages throughout. I liked the book immensely as I loved following Akshara through her life as 6 years old, 13 years old and as an adult while she tries to run from herself but still can't run away from her destiny but still she travels the world touching lives throughout her own life improving lives of others who get in her aura.
I would recommend this wonderful book for it's narrative and a nice story. You wouldn't regret this journey through Akshara's life.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
November 22, 2015
I'm a long-time fan of novels that are set in other cultures, so I was thrilled to be offered this title to review. In a similar vein as The Kite Runner and The Rose Hotel, this book instantly has the power to put you in the setting and the culture without having to provide endless backstory in order to hold your hand through it. For example, the author did a masterful job interjecting "foreign" words and phrases in her dialogue, but did not need to translate those terms for the reader; the tone of the conversation told us all we needed to know in order to understand.
While the plot itself is intriguing, what struck me was the universal application of it. This book didn't have to take place throughout India or Paris, it could have just as easily spoken to a vast audience of readers no matter where and when it was set. The fact that the author brings her readers to these locales is simply another layer of enjoyment to the reading process.
But the most important part of this novel is the absolutely exquisite writing. It is equal parts joy and heartbreak, and at time it is even bone-chilling, but all throughout the book the writing wraps you in such a familiar sense of understanding. The most horrific details are written with such finesse that you are in the scene but still somehow safely encased in the author's words.
As someone who reads and reviews as many books as I do, it's easy to think you know how it will end, but that's also not the case.
Fans of stories that take them outside their own world views and outside their ability to suspend belief will treasure this one.
While the plot itself is intriguing, what struck me was the universal application of it. This book didn't have to take place throughout India or Paris, it could have just as easily spoken to a vast audience of readers no matter where and when it was set. The fact that the author brings her readers to these locales is simply another layer of enjoyment to the reading process.
But the most important part of this novel is the absolutely exquisite writing. It is equal parts joy and heartbreak, and at time it is even bone-chilling, but all throughout the book the writing wraps you in such a familiar sense of understanding. The most horrific details are written with such finesse that you are in the scene but still somehow safely encased in the author's words.
As someone who reads and reviews as many books as I do, it's easy to think you know how it will end, but that's also not the case.
Fans of stories that take them outside their own world views and outside their ability to suspend belief will treasure this one.
December 22, 2015
https://thechroniclesofjen.wordpress....
He Knew a Firefly by Smita Bhattacharya centers on Akshara who has the ability to see the futures of the people she loves. However her “gift” is more of a curse than a blessing as it seems that every life she touches is thrown into turmoil. Akshara must try to light the dark paths of her loved ones before fear and guilt consume her.
Bhattacharya writes in a graceful, almost lyrical style that I’ve rarely encountered in past novels and this poetic talent is certainly her strong suit. Seriously, her writing is exquisite.
I also really enjoyed having a glimpse into some of the different cultures of India. The author does this with ease, even adding words from her native tongue into the dialogue of the story without losing her English readers.
Where I encountered some problems was in the plot. Bhattacharya has created three loosely connected stories, all tied together by Akshara’s relationship with them which in theory is great however I found the storylines were somewhat difficult to follow. Because of this confusion, it made it difficult to connect with some of her characters.
If I were to give a rating on the story alone, He Knew a Firefly would get 3 cups of java. However, because I feel that Bhattacharya’s writing itself is beautiful, I have given the novel a 4 out 5 cup rating.
He Knew a Firefly by Smita Bhattacharya centers on Akshara who has the ability to see the futures of the people she loves. However her “gift” is more of a curse than a blessing as it seems that every life she touches is thrown into turmoil. Akshara must try to light the dark paths of her loved ones before fear and guilt consume her.
Bhattacharya writes in a graceful, almost lyrical style that I’ve rarely encountered in past novels and this poetic talent is certainly her strong suit. Seriously, her writing is exquisite.
I also really enjoyed having a glimpse into some of the different cultures of India. The author does this with ease, even adding words from her native tongue into the dialogue of the story without losing her English readers.
Where I encountered some problems was in the plot. Bhattacharya has created three loosely connected stories, all tied together by Akshara’s relationship with them which in theory is great however I found the storylines were somewhat difficult to follow. Because of this confusion, it made it difficult to connect with some of her characters.
If I were to give a rating on the story alone, He Knew a Firefly would get 3 cups of java. However, because I feel that Bhattacharya’s writing itself is beautiful, I have given the novel a 4 out 5 cup rating.
December 12, 2015
The story centres on Akshara a strong woman who has, what some people might call, a gift. She can see glimpses of the future. However for her it’s more a burden than a blessing as she feels every life she touches is affected and generally not in a positive way. People die while friends abandon her, blaming her for their misfortunes. She is overwhelmed with guilt, loneliness and fear and knows eventually it might consume her like it did her mum but she is determined to fight it until the end.
The plot consist of 3 separate storylines describing the 3 different people that Akshara encounters at some point in her life and how each of their lives and the people they love are affected from then on.
The author manages to create complex but realistic characters. The story isn’t so much about what happens but about how the characters think, feel and how they cope with the high and low’s of life.
The author does this very well to create a beautiful moving tale, full of love, sadness, happiness and intrigue. The writing is evocative and gripping,. The book also gives you an insight into Indian society and culture which makes it all the more interesting.
Overall it is a beautifully written literacy fiction.
Review copy provided by Story Cartel in exchange for a honest review.
The plot consist of 3 separate storylines describing the 3 different people that Akshara encounters at some point in her life and how each of their lives and the people they love are affected from then on.
The author manages to create complex but realistic characters. The story isn’t so much about what happens but about how the characters think, feel and how they cope with the high and low’s of life.
The author does this very well to create a beautiful moving tale, full of love, sadness, happiness and intrigue. The writing is evocative and gripping,. The book also gives you an insight into Indian society and culture which makes it all the more interesting.
Overall it is a beautifully written literacy fiction.
Review copy provided by Story Cartel in exchange for a honest review.
January 2, 2016
He Knew a Firefly is a well-written story set in India, rich with story, and complex characters whose emotions and life fill the pages with a tale compelling enough to keep the pages turning.
Akshara, the main character, is woman who is tortured by her past and the future of those around her. From an early age, her visions of the future for schoolmates and others haunt her. She is rejected, ostracized and blamed for telling what she sees. Yet, those around her are compelled to know what she sees about them.
Akshara’s life is rich and full of love and friendship, yet that is all conditioned on the knowledge that she sees or knows what is in store for others. So there is sorrow, fear, and anger as well that go hand in hand with the positive side of her life.
Ms. Smita Bhattacharya has written a wonderful story about the world around her, yet, the story could be set in any country or culture today. The book is technically well put together, the cover reflects the theme of the story, and the writing is excellent. I read this story in three sittings and only set it down because I had to work the next day. Let me say, I really liked “He Knew a Firefly” and think that you should read it.
I received an ARC of this book and no other compensation or favor for the above review. If you are looking for something satisfying to read, this is the book for you.
January 3, 2016
When I finished reading this book, even I can say, yes, I too knew a firefly. The symbolic representation of the female protagonist through a Firefly in the title is best understood once the book is read.
The plot revolves around Akshara, her special power and three men who fall in love with her. Giving away the nitty gritties would act as spoilers. Hence, the fact that this book will force you to ponder well past your reading, is proof that its a must read.
The narration is fast and well paced. There are places where it may seem disjointed, but personall, I thought they were kept so in order to break monotony. Again, its my opinion only. Smita does have a way with words. Its like she has used language like a toy. The poetic interludes add a beautiful touch to the story. Reading the book is like becoming a part of it.
The characters are so well etched out that they are indeed, as good as real. They have their flaws, their ups and downs, their fears. Akshara is so very natural that she converts you into her empathizer.
To sum up, this book is unputdownable once you start. It will make you smile, fear, cry. And yes, its not the 'happy endings' type. Yet, it is a story that will touch a chord in your heart.
P.S- Smita, I hope there is a sequel and that has something good in store for Akshara!!!
The plot revolves around Akshara, her special power and three men who fall in love with her. Giving away the nitty gritties would act as spoilers. Hence, the fact that this book will force you to ponder well past your reading, is proof that its a must read.
The narration is fast and well paced. There are places where it may seem disjointed, but personall, I thought they were kept so in order to break monotony. Again, its my opinion only. Smita does have a way with words. Its like she has used language like a toy. The poetic interludes add a beautiful touch to the story. Reading the book is like becoming a part of it.
The characters are so well etched out that they are indeed, as good as real. They have their flaws, their ups and downs, their fears. Akshara is so very natural that she converts you into her empathizer.
To sum up, this book is unputdownable once you start. It will make you smile, fear, cry. And yes, its not the 'happy endings' type. Yet, it is a story that will touch a chord in your heart.
P.S- Smita, I hope there is a sequel and that has something good in store for Akshara!!!
June 29, 2016
This was a very hard book to read for me. It was very disjointed and hard to follow throughout. It starts out with a mystery. In the very beginning, it tells you there is something different and almost magical about a character. So I kept reading, waiting for something magical to happen but it never even gets mentioned again until past the middle of the book. Even then, there's a build up that never really goes anywhere. There a new characters added almost every chapter but they are never really fleshed out. By the end I had a slight idea of their mind's and character but they never were fleshed out to me.
This story takes place in India, France and America. I personally do not speak East Indian or French so when the writer adds in several words and phrases without any kind of translation or explanation as to what he was talking about, it puts off the reader. I felt like a good part of this book read like "Blah, Blah, Blah" because I didn't understand a foreign comment. It didn't make for an easy read.
I have to admit, I was very disappointed with the ending. I kept on waiting for something of significance to happen. I mean, there was an, almost event but the story kept building and building but nothing ever happened. It closed out all the sub-stories and closed out the main story, but I kept waiting for IT to happen, and it never did.
This story takes place in India, France and America. I personally do not speak East Indian or French so when the writer adds in several words and phrases without any kind of translation or explanation as to what he was talking about, it puts off the reader. I felt like a good part of this book read like "Blah, Blah, Blah" because I didn't understand a foreign comment. It didn't make for an easy read.
I have to admit, I was very disappointed with the ending. I kept on waiting for something of significance to happen. I mean, there was an, almost event but the story kept building and building but nothing ever happened. It closed out all the sub-stories and closed out the main story, but I kept waiting for IT to happen, and it never did.
July 17, 2016
It's a great concept for a book but it wasn't for me
Really wanted to like the book. I truly liked the concept but the storytelling just could not bring me into the book as it should have. I couldn't connect with the main character or heck any of them really and maybe to many were in and out of the book quickly. It skipped around a lot for me and sometimes that got confusing. I never truly liked the main character just couldn't connect with her, which is what the book is about as you read in the blurb and that for me was the worst of it because I did try to like her and I have read many books that I don't care for many characters but when you don't like the main one I dunno, it just wasn't for me I guess. I found myself dreading to read it and took many times of just putting it down and coming back to finish and even some skimming here and there and that is something I try to never do! But I did finish it but it took a long time as I would have to just put it down and go back later hoping that is was going to get better but it didn't I was never so glad for a book to be over, sorry it just wasn't for me.
I see the book has quite a few great ratings, I think they way its written is sometimes so over the top I just couldn't "like it" . I was given this book as a Reviewer from Book Review 22 for my honest Review and nothing else.
Really wanted to like the book. I truly liked the concept but the storytelling just could not bring me into the book as it should have. I couldn't connect with the main character or heck any of them really and maybe to many were in and out of the book quickly. It skipped around a lot for me and sometimes that got confusing. I never truly liked the main character just couldn't connect with her, which is what the book is about as you read in the blurb and that for me was the worst of it because I did try to like her and I have read many books that I don't care for many characters but when you don't like the main one I dunno, it just wasn't for me I guess. I found myself dreading to read it and took many times of just putting it down and coming back to finish and even some skimming here and there and that is something I try to never do! But I did finish it but it took a long time as I would have to just put it down and go back later hoping that is was going to get better but it didn't I was never so glad for a book to be over, sorry it just wasn't for me.
I see the book has quite a few great ratings, I think they way its written is sometimes so over the top I just couldn't "like it" . I was given this book as a Reviewer from Book Review 22 for my honest Review and nothing else.
June 4, 2016
I didn't love this book. I didn't hate it either, but I didn't love it. He Knew A Firefly was okay; I didn't mind reading it one time, but I wouldn't want to read it again.
The idea of the story was interesting. I liked how it involved more than one central character, while still maintaining a main character, but I hate how it kept jumping from one person's point of view to the others. The entire book seemed to be written in first person, and kept switching. I found it to be annoying, trying to remember who's point of view I was reading at the time.
I found the story to be well-written, descriptive, and the characters were complex, which I really liked. Overall, I would definitely recommend the book to others, as it really wasn't bad. I just personally couldn't get into for some reason.
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**
The idea of the story was interesting. I liked how it involved more than one central character, while still maintaining a main character, but I hate how it kept jumping from one person's point of view to the others. The entire book seemed to be written in first person, and kept switching. I found it to be annoying, trying to remember who's point of view I was reading at the time.
I found the story to be well-written, descriptive, and the characters were complex, which I really liked. Overall, I would definitely recommend the book to others, as it really wasn't bad. I just personally couldn't get into for some reason.
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**
July 13, 2016
This book has a very intriguing premise, is well-polished and deeply imagined. However, despite some nice descriptive work throughout I found it somewhat lukewarm and meandering overall. There are a myriad of secondary characters and as a consequence I lost sight of the (admittedly very intriguing) premise; for no easily definable reason I was never entirely hooked by it. Perhaps a more concentrated prologue might have pulled me in.
On the other hand, numerous passages feature some very pretty imagery (worth experiencing in and of itself), and the central character is intriguing and likeable. There's lots of raw material to enjoy here - if it had delivered in a slightly more concentrated, clearly-structured manner I might have found it a very absorbing and rewarding book.
On the other hand, numerous passages feature some very pretty imagery (worth experiencing in and of itself), and the central character is intriguing and likeable. There's lots of raw material to enjoy here - if it had delivered in a slightly more concentrated, clearly-structured manner I might have found it a very absorbing and rewarding book.
June 2, 2016
I was not overly thrilled with this book. While the story line was interesting, I often found myself confused as to what was this book about and what its purpose was. While it was interesting to step into each of the characters lives, there was a lot of mystery and unanswered questions surrounding each one. There was not enough pertinent information given for them but there was long, dragged out writing about un needed fluff which kept me not wanting to pick up the book to read. I felt for the most part, this book left me questioning what was the meat of the story. In the end, the book seemed to find closure for all but the main character, which left me unsatisfied.
May 27, 2016
The lyrical language in this book makes it immediately engrossing, and the author does a good job of creating a world for you to inhabit with her characters. Tragedy and pain are handled with a delicate touch, but still have an impact, and the lives of the characters feel real to the reader. The horror of knowing the (sometimes painful) future of people you care about is made apparent.
Breaking the story into three narratives can make it a little harder to follow, and the pace is a bit slow. But the language is lovely, and the concept makes for an intriguing story.
Breaking the story into three narratives can make it a little harder to follow, and the pace is a bit slow. But the language is lovely, and the concept makes for an intriguing story.
June 27, 2016
He Knew a Firefly didn't grab my attention from the first page. I always give new (to me) authors several chapters before I give up, though, and I'm glad I did in this case.
Smita Bhattacharya writes this story jumping around all over the timeline, but it works for her. The plot and the characters are very well developed by the end of the book. I am really impressed with the way she develops each character's person and story and ties them together with the main character, Akshara.
I received a review copy of this book, and I'm glad I did.
Smita Bhattacharya writes this story jumping around all over the timeline, but it works for her. The plot and the characters are very well developed by the end of the book. I am really impressed with the way she develops each character's person and story and ties them together with the main character, Akshara.
I received a review copy of this book, and I'm glad I did.
June 28, 2016
An Indie next generation book.
She has seen too much death. She can also see the future of loved ones.
This story is very well written. It contains Fantasy and realism.
I will keep this book in my library to re-read and recommend to others.
She has seen too much death. She can also see the future of loved ones.
This story is very well written. It contains Fantasy and realism.
I will keep this book in my library to re-read and recommend to others.
July 6, 2016
Great book
The book was will written and I had a hard time putting it down. I felt like I was in the book. I like it when I can not figure out how the story is going to go. Love the city's.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The book was will written and I had a hard time putting it down. I felt like I was in the book. I like it when I can not figure out how the story is going to go. Love the city's.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
June 6, 2016
I loved how easy it flowed with having three different pov's. some parts were a little slow but I do recommend trying this book out. I will be looking forward to read more by this author.
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