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WP Trilogy #1-3
Privilege
WINNER, BEST ADULT FICTION, 2021 - OHIO AUTHOR PROJECT
"Bharat Krishnan has managed to create this friend group that has the feeling of years of friendship and history behind it. You get the impression that they would do a lot for each other." - SPFBO Judge Becky M
In this epic saga about privilege and power, Rakshan Baliga will have to choose between the American Dream… and his own.
New York’s drug problem is Rakshan's solution. Getting his hands on a super drug called WP could earn him glory, power, and a chance to win back his ex. But stealing it from the Top 1% is costly, and if Rakshan isn’t careful he’ll pay with his life.
Discover how Rakshan’s journey sets off a chain of events that changes his city, his country… and the world.
"Bharat Krishnan has managed to create this friend group that has the feeling of years of friendship and history behind it. You get the impression that they would do a lot for each other." - SPFBO Judge Becky M
In this epic saga about privilege and power, Rakshan Baliga will have to choose between the American Dream… and his own.
New York’s drug problem is Rakshan's solution. Getting his hands on a super drug called WP could earn him glory, power, and a chance to win back his ex. But stealing it from the Top 1% is costly, and if Rakshan isn’t careful he’ll pay with his life.
Discover how Rakshan’s journey sets off a chain of events that changes his city, his country… and the world.
568 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2021
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Bharat Krishnan
15 books116 followersBharat Krishnan writes about family, ambition, and the crushing weight of success. He’s the author of seven books, including a memoir he had the audacity to publish at 27. He is still trying to recreate his dad’s quesadillas.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 3, 2022
I have the oddest feeling of not being smart enough to write a review that will be helpful to potential readers. This is a story larger than is pages. It is political, yes, but also heartbreakingly personal. Krishan states that he believes writing one's truth is the only path to good literature; these pages ring with truth.
I binged straight through all 3 books, an approach I highly recommend due to the complexity of the story. However, despite the large cast and numerous threads of plot, Krishnan executes with skill. I never lost track as POV shifted. In the final book, everything blossoms and comes together in ways both shocking and satisfying.
I binged straight through all 3 books, an approach I highly recommend due to the complexity of the story. However, despite the large cast and numerous threads of plot, Krishnan executes with skill. I never lost track as POV shifted. In the final book, everything blossoms and comes together in ways both shocking and satisfying.
July 2, 2021
Content Warnings: drug use and abuse, homophobia, racist slurs, police violence, gang violence
There are multiple brief sex scenes—if you’re not a fan of that, this is your heads up.
In April, I moderated a panel for WriteHive in which the author, Bharat Krishnan, was a panelist. We were discussing what-if questions in speculative fiction, and he mentioned this book briefly, saying “What if white privilege was a drug?” That’s the premise of this book, all wound up in an ensemble cast with a House of Cards/Oceans 11 flair, and I was instantly intrigued.
Plot: Rakshan Baliga is convinced that getting his hands on some WP will change his life. He’ll finally have everything he’s ever wanted. He’ll do anything to get it—especially after he scrapes up enough cash to buy a WP-laced ring for his fiancé and she breaks up with him. There’s only one thing left to do—steal enough WP to make himself so powerful no one can say no again. So powerful his parents will have to be proud. So powerful his friends will never be humiliated with menial little tasks.
Except the heist sets off a chain of events, from Washington DC to the black market, over to India, and more.
Review:
This book is not an easy book. It’s thoughtful, but it doesn’t pull its punches as it delves into what power looks like— including the power to simply say no. Not every character has this power, and not every character uses this power.
Obviously, it's filled with diverse, morally grey characters—Rakshan doesn't consider his fiancee's desires; he just doesn't want to be turned down again. And each of the characters is faced with these choices, of how far will they go to get what they want? What lines will they not cross? How far is too far? Each of them has to determine that for themselves, and this is one of the few books I've read where the ensemble cast really works well.
Some of the characters I wanted to shake, while others I whole-heartedly rooted for. Every character feels fully fleshed out, rather than a cardboard caricature, and their motivations make sense, even when they made me want to groan. Even when I frankly despised them (and some of them I truly despised—I should note, the author’s political affiliations are clear, but that said, there are terrible people doing terrible things everywhere in this book, as well as the people trying to do good no matter which camp they’re in as well, so I don’t feel as if there’s unfair treatment).
The pacing of this book is pretty fast, with a storytelling style not given to long descriptions, although there are some. I loved the peeks into the characters’ lives, how the plot moved forward through life at the same time—so many times, business was conducted over dinner, or just afterward, and setting never felt like just a prop, but like an integral part of the environment, adding to the characters. It’s engaging, and it’s incredibly quotable book.
I think if I was more of a political thriller reader, I would have liked it even better than I did. I got the distinct impression that some connections were passing over my head, but that’s okay. I liked it quite well regardless.
Story shape: https://indiestorygeek.com/story/670
There are multiple brief sex scenes—if you’re not a fan of that, this is your heads up.
In April, I moderated a panel for WriteHive in which the author, Bharat Krishnan, was a panelist. We were discussing what-if questions in speculative fiction, and he mentioned this book briefly, saying “What if white privilege was a drug?” That’s the premise of this book, all wound up in an ensemble cast with a House of Cards/Oceans 11 flair, and I was instantly intrigued.
Plot: Rakshan Baliga is convinced that getting his hands on some WP will change his life. He’ll finally have everything he’s ever wanted. He’ll do anything to get it—especially after he scrapes up enough cash to buy a WP-laced ring for his fiancé and she breaks up with him. There’s only one thing left to do—steal enough WP to make himself so powerful no one can say no again. So powerful his parents will have to be proud. So powerful his friends will never be humiliated with menial little tasks.
Except the heist sets off a chain of events, from Washington DC to the black market, over to India, and more.
Review:
This book is not an easy book. It’s thoughtful, but it doesn’t pull its punches as it delves into what power looks like— including the power to simply say no. Not every character has this power, and not every character uses this power.
Obviously, it's filled with diverse, morally grey characters—Rakshan doesn't consider his fiancee's desires; he just doesn't want to be turned down again. And each of the characters is faced with these choices, of how far will they go to get what they want? What lines will they not cross? How far is too far? Each of them has to determine that for themselves, and this is one of the few books I've read where the ensemble cast really works well.
Some of the characters I wanted to shake, while others I whole-heartedly rooted for. Every character feels fully fleshed out, rather than a cardboard caricature, and their motivations make sense, even when they made me want to groan. Even when I frankly despised them (and some of them I truly despised—I should note, the author’s political affiliations are clear, but that said, there are terrible people doing terrible things everywhere in this book, as well as the people trying to do good no matter which camp they’re in as well, so I don’t feel as if there’s unfair treatment).
The pacing of this book is pretty fast, with a storytelling style not given to long descriptions, although there are some. I loved the peeks into the characters’ lives, how the plot moved forward through life at the same time—so many times, business was conducted over dinner, or just afterward, and setting never felt like just a prop, but like an integral part of the environment, adding to the characters. It’s engaging, and it’s incredibly quotable book.
I think if I was more of a political thriller reader, I would have liked it even better than I did. I got the distinct impression that some connections were passing over my head, but that’s okay. I liked it quite well regardless.
Story shape: https://indiestorygeek.com/story/670
June 1, 2022
It’s no mistake I happened upon Bharat Krishnan’s Privilege, Book 1 of the WP Trilogy, during this time of social and political change (do I dare say upheval?) in our country and around the world. Power and politics go hand-in-hand, imbuing every aspect of society from the nabobs to the powerless masses. Privilege, an #ownvoices political thriller, takes a hard look at privilege and power in the U.S.: who holds it, how one can achieve it, and who is barred from it. Krishnan claims politics seep into every aspect of society and believes we can’t understand each other without a firm, constant knowledge of how politics affect us.
The story is told by several characters, foremost, Rakshan Baliga, an Indian-American working for a profitable hedge fund in New York City. His boss, Aditya Shetty, has risen into the ranks of the rich and powerful, including acquiring the sought after WP, a drug with magical-like properties, causing consumers to be stronger, smarter, and more prosperous than mere mortals.
WP by law is forbidden to non-whites. But Rakshan want his share. He also wants to marry Sadiya and have a family. Rakshan has an engagement ring made containing WP and proposes. Once on her finger, she realizes he is not what she wants and breaks up with him. He is determined to win her back and comes up with a plan to steal the WP and take over the hedge fund with the help of his best friends. With the WP he can spin a tale the world will believe and avoid arrest. His dreams will come true. That is, if he isn’t killed in the process.
Meanwhile, Sadiya has fallen for her best friend from childhood, Maadhini, and they travel back to India to tell her parents they are going to get married. The tension eases as the themes shifts to family and values.
Although he’s got his WP, things have not gone well for Rakshan, who alienates his friends in his drugged quest, He becomes involved with a congressional hearing to consider legalization of WP to all Americans, and aligns with the mother of a boy murdered by the police to give testimony. The current president opposes legalization. The country is in the balance—and the story tension, running high already, ratchets up as the plot sounds like it was ripped from today’s headlines.
The peek behind closed congressional doors was chilling and realistic. The book makes me wonder how any real change can be made, or equity for all citizens be achieved with the madness of privilege addling our brains. I don’t come from an immigrant experience and have had many advantages in my life. Seeing our country through the “other’s” eyes has given me new understanding and fresh resolve to help with the solution. It’s time to unify our society under an inclusive and equitable system where we all can live healthy and productive and secure lives.
The story is told by several characters, foremost, Rakshan Baliga, an Indian-American working for a profitable hedge fund in New York City. His boss, Aditya Shetty, has risen into the ranks of the rich and powerful, including acquiring the sought after WP, a drug with magical-like properties, causing consumers to be stronger, smarter, and more prosperous than mere mortals.
WP by law is forbidden to non-whites. But Rakshan want his share. He also wants to marry Sadiya and have a family. Rakshan has an engagement ring made containing WP and proposes. Once on her finger, she realizes he is not what she wants and breaks up with him. He is determined to win her back and comes up with a plan to steal the WP and take over the hedge fund with the help of his best friends. With the WP he can spin a tale the world will believe and avoid arrest. His dreams will come true. That is, if he isn’t killed in the process.
Meanwhile, Sadiya has fallen for her best friend from childhood, Maadhini, and they travel back to India to tell her parents they are going to get married. The tension eases as the themes shifts to family and values.
Although he’s got his WP, things have not gone well for Rakshan, who alienates his friends in his drugged quest, He becomes involved with a congressional hearing to consider legalization of WP to all Americans, and aligns with the mother of a boy murdered by the police to give testimony. The current president opposes legalization. The country is in the balance—and the story tension, running high already, ratchets up as the plot sounds like it was ripped from today’s headlines.
The peek behind closed congressional doors was chilling and realistic. The book makes me wonder how any real change can be made, or equity for all citizens be achieved with the madness of privilege addling our brains. I don’t come from an immigrant experience and have had many advantages in my life. Seeing our country through the “other’s” eyes has given me new understanding and fresh resolve to help with the solution. It’s time to unify our society under an inclusive and equitable system where we all can live healthy and productive and secure lives.
January 21, 2022
Political thriller meets dystopian science fiction in Krishnan's "Privilege," a blistering take on classism, racism and sexism. Though putting all these oppressive structures in the crosshairs should be far too heavy for one work to carry, Krishnan guides his ensemble cast of characters -- from loveable to detestable -- through lushly detailed settings to paint an all-too-realistic picture of how privilege operates. Don't think you'll ever know where the plot is headed next -- Krishnan is always one step ahead.
In this novel, white privilege is literally a drug people can take to improve nearly aspect of their lives. Of course, the American government has only approved the drug to be taken by white folks, and Krishnan's work features a cast of mostly Indian & Indian-Americans who aren't legally allowed to access the benefits of white privilege. The imagination and world-building in this novel are top notch, and I really appreciated the way Krishnan fearlessly addresses sexism and toxic masculinity. Though I think the ensemble cast mostly works, I do feel like there's just ~a lot~ of plot happening in this novel that sometimes takes away from how solid Krishnan's worldbuilding is, and I do wish the dialogue was stronger. A lot of the secondary characters sort of melded together because they all sounded similar when they spoke, which made them they feel less like actual people and more like plot devices. All in all, this is a really exciting novel from a new talent, and I definitely encourage you to read it!
In this novel, white privilege is literally a drug people can take to improve nearly aspect of their lives. Of course, the American government has only approved the drug to be taken by white folks, and Krishnan's work features a cast of mostly Indian & Indian-Americans who aren't legally allowed to access the benefits of white privilege. The imagination and world-building in this novel are top notch, and I really appreciated the way Krishnan fearlessly addresses sexism and toxic masculinity. Though I think the ensemble cast mostly works, I do feel like there's just ~a lot~ of plot happening in this novel that sometimes takes away from how solid Krishnan's worldbuilding is, and I do wish the dialogue was stronger. A lot of the secondary characters sort of melded together because they all sounded similar when they spoke, which made them they feel less like actual people and more like plot devices. All in all, this is a really exciting novel from a new talent, and I definitely encourage you to read it!
September 23, 2021
Full disclosure: I was given a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In all of my years of reading, I have never come across a political thriller. However, I’m glad that I started this website, so I could read novels that I would normally not pay much attention to. I’m glad that I lost my political thriller virginity to "Privilege" by Bharat Krishnan – a wonderfully fast-paced book with complex characters that addresses privilege, power, wealth, class, and race.
To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
In all of my years of reading, I have never come across a political thriller. However, I’m glad that I started this website, so I could read novels that I would normally not pay much attention to. I’m glad that I lost my political thriller virginity to "Privilege" by Bharat Krishnan – a wonderfully fast-paced book with complex characters that addresses privilege, power, wealth, class, and race.
To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
May 18, 2021
Interested in politics and magic? Read on!
In this trilogy, you will find an examination of the Indian-American diaspora, toxic masculinity, racism as magic, misogyny, LGBT rep, and, most importantly, an answer to the question: what does it take for an immigrant to succeed in America?
Researched through ten years of life as a Democratic political strategist and a lifetime as the one Brown kid in a room of white people, I poured my soul into this trilogy and hope you enjoy it, or at least try to understand it.
In this trilogy, you will find an examination of the Indian-American diaspora, toxic masculinity, racism as magic, misogyny, LGBT rep, and, most importantly, an answer to the question: what does it take for an immigrant to succeed in America?
Researched through ten years of life as a Democratic political strategist and a lifetime as the one Brown kid in a room of white people, I poured my soul into this trilogy and hope you enjoy it, or at least try to understand it.
January 18, 2022
Set in a high powered business environment, this Trilogy also deals with the fringes of that world. The main plot follows Rakshan in his quest, but there are two other subplots going on that add to the fullness of the story.
What would you do if the answer to all your problems was at your fingertips? And would your friends be in for the plan or running the other way. Luckily for Rakshan, his friends are assisting. This Trilogy, covers the full evolution and consequences. This author presented a brave tale with finesse.
What would you do if the answer to all your problems was at your fingertips? And would your friends be in for the plan or running the other way. Luckily for Rakshan, his friends are assisting. This Trilogy, covers the full evolution and consequences. This author presented a brave tale with finesse.
December 10, 2022
Bharat Krishnan’s trilogy Privilege is so timely. It took a while for me to get through the series because of the many threads woven into the story, but all in a good way. It is well paced with great writing and definitely thought provoking. Krishnan has you thinking about the book long after you finish the last page. The characters are well developed and bring into focus the impact of how our country is so caught up in classism. It all makes for a fantastic read, one I would recommend to anyone.
May 18, 2021
Intense, gripping, political thriller with an excellent plot! I couldn't put these books down. The characters are so deep and well-written, and the story is fast-paced and exhilarating, with beautiful tranquil parts embedded within just when you need them. This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible, going through feelings of disgust, anger, hilarity, fear, suspense, awe, and romance. You must read this!! You won't be disappointed!
May 18, 2021
I’ve had the “privilege” of reading this trilogy through its evolution. I loved it from the first time and adored it the second go-around! This is easily Bharat’s best creation—a fiction with many intersecting plots, dynamic characters, a political narrative reflective of his past experiences and our current environment, social and cultural issues aplenty...it is a gripping series that will satisfy and surprise, and I believe that's all a reader is looking for.
September 23, 2021
Privilege is a timely, thought-provoking, political fantasy. An intellectual read, there are many concepts that highlight the real psychological affects of classism and privilege in our society. It's also rich with culture (fantastic food), brotherhood, interesting speculative fiction, and complex characters that the author has cleverly woven together. The trilogy builds with unexpected allies, enemies, and resolutions. Loved the sub-plot with Sadiya and Maadhini.
June 12, 2023
The first part of the story focuses on Rakshan deciding on the American Dream or his own dream, getting his hands on WP. The second part looks at the politics side. The third part focuses on Rakshan's romantic life and his interest in Sadiya. There are various characters introduced and this is not a casual read as the story delves into serious subjects.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
May 3, 2022
This is a thoughtful and creative trio that forced me to think about many fundamental aspects of society that either grant or deny access. I find the characters to be authentic and relatable, the premise of the book is one that is core to the American identity. I highly recommend a read for anyone feeling like their community ties are starting to fray.
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September 8, 2022“The old line from Gordon Gekko comes to mind while reading this epic on the American zeitgeist - ‘greed is good.’ This was a tour de force from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read more from the author.”
July 6, 2022
Set in a high powered business environment, this story also deals with the fringes of that world. What would you do if the answer to all your problems was at your fingertips? And would your friends be in for the plan or running the other way. After reading the first book, I was intrigued enough to see where it may go. And curious if the author would be brave enough to continue the storyline of Sadiya with the finesse he had shown so far (he did!).
The author allows the reader to skillfully leap from Rakshan’s politically fueled world in D.C. to Sadiya’s personal life in India. Nicely woven story of W.P. and its impact on various people and segments of society. As experts are brought into the story, I got a better understanding and could see the correlation of W.P. with the “real” world’s issues. A thought provoking read that leads to some great discussion points.
The author allows the reader to skillfully leap from Rakshan’s politically fueled world in D.C. to Sadiya’s personal life in India. Nicely woven story of W.P. and its impact on various people and segments of society. As experts are brought into the story, I got a better understanding and could see the correlation of W.P. with the “real” world’s issues. A thought provoking read that leads to some great discussion points.
May 26, 2022
Privilege makes me wonder how any real change can be made and equity for all citizens be achieved with the intoxication of "privilege" addling our brains. The peek behind closed congressional doors was realistic and chilling—right out of the day's headlines, with tensions and pacing to match. Seeing our country through Rakshan's and other characters' point of view has given me new understanding and fresh resolve to help with the solution. It’s time to unify our society under an inclusive and equitable system where we all can live healthy, productive and secure lives. Privilege is telling us to choose. Read the entire review at https://buildingabeterstory.com/2022/...
December 20, 2021
This is a fast-paced thrill ride of a trilogy with intricate plotting, well-rounded characters and enough witty snark to have me laughing for days. Sadiya and Maadhini steal the show and I loved every freaking second of it!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews