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Beyond the Unknown: Mysteries of the Lost Land
About the Book
Revathi, a PhD student in archaeology, finds an ancient relic on an island near the city of Mumbai. Her curiosity to unfold the mystery of the artefact leads her to a lost ancient civilisation.
Guided by mysterious forces, she makes discoveries one after the other. Little did she know that she was to embark on a journey in finding the Lost Land, which leads her to South India as well as the archipelago of Southeast Asian nations.
Driven by circumstances and various obsessions along with her determination, she finds many allies for her journey. She faces life or death while unraveling the truth. Will she be able to unfold the mysteries and convince the world of the existence of this forgotten land?
Revathi, a PhD student in archaeology, finds an ancient relic on an island near the city of Mumbai. Her curiosity to unfold the mystery of the artefact leads her to a lost ancient civilisation.
Guided by mysterious forces, she makes discoveries one after the other. Little did she know that she was to embark on a journey in finding the Lost Land, which leads her to South India as well as the archipelago of Southeast Asian nations.
Driven by circumstances and various obsessions along with her determination, she finds many allies for her journey. She faces life or death while unraveling the truth. Will she be able to unfold the mysteries and convince the world of the existence of this forgotten land?
640 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2021
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 19, 2022
Considering the fact that this book was published in 2021, it is extremely annoying to see such a regressive beginning to the book which made me put it down after 3 pages of reading. Some points that need to be considered before someone goes on to read this sorry excuse of a book are:
1. The book was published in 2021 but, the thought process of the writer appears to be medieval.
2. This book is another example of a how a man perceives a conversation between two women goes. I'm sorry to say this but the writer really needs to get out of a sexist mindset that a conversation needs to have the topic of men to make it interesting.
3. From the first page itself, the book has failed to clear the Bechdel Test and goes on to become even more misogynistic. The writer's characters are internally misogynistic which is yet another proof of a man trying to portray the character of a woman and failing miserably at it.
4. Coming to the writing, the portrayals of the environment, situation and characters seem extremely forced and at some points downright cringeworthy.
The first three pages have failed to create any kind of interest in me. Rather they have convinced me that no person should read this book. If I could have given this book a negative rating then I certainly would have.
1. The book was published in 2021 but, the thought process of the writer appears to be medieval.
2. This book is another example of a how a man perceives a conversation between two women goes. I'm sorry to say this but the writer really needs to get out of a sexist mindset that a conversation needs to have the topic of men to make it interesting.
3. From the first page itself, the book has failed to clear the Bechdel Test and goes on to become even more misogynistic. The writer's characters are internally misogynistic which is yet another proof of a man trying to portray the character of a woman and failing miserably at it.
4. Coming to the writing, the portrayals of the environment, situation and characters seem extremely forced and at some points downright cringeworthy.
The first three pages have failed to create any kind of interest in me. Rather they have convinced me that no person should read this book. If I could have given this book a negative rating then I certainly would have.
September 3, 2022
Review of Book
“Beyond the Unknown – Mysteries of the Lost land”
by
Mr.Kamal Venkatachalam.
What is hidden behind the Universe that operates the space surrounding it? Why some new planets appear or born anew and the existing ones disappear or vanish. Why Oceans swallow parts of earth mercilessly? Human perception has limits to think and find an answer to this.
Mr.Kamal Venkatachalam, through his fiction titled “Beyond the Unknown – Mysteries of the Lost land” has made a debut to seek a solution to the unknown mystery of the lost land. He is like Mr.Morgan Robertson who wrote his Novel “Futility or the Wreck of the Titan”, and published in 1898 just 14 years before the Titanic Tragedy. It is not known how the events Mr.Morgan Robertson’s writings really took a real shape like an event. Nobody thought at that time that his novel would prove right through real event like biblical verse. When the novel vanished from the memory of every normal human being, it again flashed back in the minds of so many only, after the tragedy happened.
On similar lines, the fiction by Mr.Kamal Venkatachalam, is also a thrilling one with lot of twists and turns between each chapter and within chapters as well. His way of presentation of events in a lucid manner, understandable to anyone with basic English language, made my predictions of events in all chapters wrong.
Second chapter itself made me to lay the book on table once or twice only a day for carrying out daily routines. I took hardly 5 days to read the entire fiction, like which I never did in my life. I feel the charm of the author’s style of writing induced and seduced me to read at a stretch with marginal gap of time.
Before closing, the author has left the choice to the readers, indicating that it is for the readers to explore and know more especially whether such land existed before long. It is still a surprise to mankind whether humans are born once only or born again and again. I myself do not know whether I am on this earth for the first time, or I was born again and again or I will be born again. But if Almighty appears before me and asks for boon, I would ask this boon only. “Give another birth as a special case to me to carry out the mission of what the author has put at the end of the fiction because at this age of 68 years, I have limited time to explore the ‘lost land’ and make the world know what is that ‘lost land’ and whether it could be revived with the support of Almighty. I am sure without Him, I cannot. Before I do that, my suggestion to the viewers of this Review to please join me to read the book and derive the pleasure of enjoying extensive reading. I bet the readers’ thinking will change for the better.
Mahadvan S. California
Email – tejomay2004@gmail.com
“Beyond the Unknown – Mysteries of the Lost land”
by
Mr.Kamal Venkatachalam.
What is hidden behind the Universe that operates the space surrounding it? Why some new planets appear or born anew and the existing ones disappear or vanish. Why Oceans swallow parts of earth mercilessly? Human perception has limits to think and find an answer to this.
Mr.Kamal Venkatachalam, through his fiction titled “Beyond the Unknown – Mysteries of the Lost land” has made a debut to seek a solution to the unknown mystery of the lost land. He is like Mr.Morgan Robertson who wrote his Novel “Futility or the Wreck of the Titan”, and published in 1898 just 14 years before the Titanic Tragedy. It is not known how the events Mr.Morgan Robertson’s writings really took a real shape like an event. Nobody thought at that time that his novel would prove right through real event like biblical verse. When the novel vanished from the memory of every normal human being, it again flashed back in the minds of so many only, after the tragedy happened.
On similar lines, the fiction by Mr.Kamal Venkatachalam, is also a thrilling one with lot of twists and turns between each chapter and within chapters as well. His way of presentation of events in a lucid manner, understandable to anyone with basic English language, made my predictions of events in all chapters wrong.
Second chapter itself made me to lay the book on table once or twice only a day for carrying out daily routines. I took hardly 5 days to read the entire fiction, like which I never did in my life. I feel the charm of the author’s style of writing induced and seduced me to read at a stretch with marginal gap of time.
Before closing, the author has left the choice to the readers, indicating that it is for the readers to explore and know more especially whether such land existed before long. It is still a surprise to mankind whether humans are born once only or born again and again. I myself do not know whether I am on this earth for the first time, or I was born again and again or I will be born again. But if Almighty appears before me and asks for boon, I would ask this boon only. “Give another birth as a special case to me to carry out the mission of what the author has put at the end of the fiction because at this age of 68 years, I have limited time to explore the ‘lost land’ and make the world know what is that ‘lost land’ and whether it could be revived with the support of Almighty. I am sure without Him, I cannot. Before I do that, my suggestion to the viewers of this Review to please join me to read the book and derive the pleasure of enjoying extensive reading. I bet the readers’ thinking will change for the better.
Mahadvan S. California
Email – tejomay2004@gmail.com
February 12, 2022
The story is that of an archeology student Revathy, who happened to get a relic from the cave at Revadanda Fort, Mumbai and starts exploring through the lead she got from the relic. She started her journey to Kerala and advances through the leads, stage by stage to various places in India, Andaman Nicobar islands and countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Srilanka. Being a man with least interests in history and archeology, I found myself going easily through her journey even without much knowledge on the subject.
The theme unveils a lost land in the ancient civilization. The author suggests this could be the oldest civilization among the known civilizations, which needs further researches to establish. The protagonist takes us through various places of historical importance and the author successfully narrated the places for us to visualise easily...
Throughout her journey across India, she faces lot of hurdles and riots which seems highly exaggerated and will give a negative impression on our social culture.
I felt the pace a bit lagging while explaining the story of the lost land, but picks up soon. The revealing of female dominant territories in the ancient civilisation is interesting.
That subtle detailing of Angkor Wat temple, Bayon temple, Son Doong Cave, Mekong river, Andaman islands and Srilankan forests gives us a vivid and realistic picture of the places. The author succeeds in concluding the book with a different climax than our expectations and desire...
The theme unveils a lost land in the ancient civilization. The author suggests this could be the oldest civilization among the known civilizations, which needs further researches to establish. The protagonist takes us through various places of historical importance and the author successfully narrated the places for us to visualise easily...
Throughout her journey across India, she faces lot of hurdles and riots which seems highly exaggerated and will give a negative impression on our social culture.
I felt the pace a bit lagging while explaining the story of the lost land, but picks up soon. The revealing of female dominant territories in the ancient civilisation is interesting.
That subtle detailing of Angkor Wat temple, Bayon temple, Son Doong Cave, Mekong river, Andaman islands and Srilankan forests gives us a vivid and realistic picture of the places. The author succeeds in concluding the book with a different climax than our expectations and desire...
February 9, 2022
As the story unfolds, the author's bold attempt to depict the details and his ability to recreate the old world charm without compromising the south indian traditon and culture is really worth mentioning and is truly a thought provoking piece of art which carries the reader at a steady pace as the main character Reva uncover various clues...social structure ,norms etc
What really caught my attetion was the beautiful intellectual exchange of philosophical ideas and thoughts between the lead characters and it really shows the author's mastery in epics , current affairs , contemporary issues as well as the harsh realities about human life .At some point, the author will ride you through a soul searching experience and at the same time will amuse you with his thrilling traveloge.Overall this book is a good read for civic minded people who are in search of truth and reality behind the charm and beauty of those relics that you get to see especially in South east Asian coutries...yes still there are questions unanswered and mysteries unsolved. Lot more to explore despite of all these the "story of the lost land" is not meant for the faint hearted since it involves not only the "old world charm but also the brutal and treacherous nature of human mind as well.
What really caught my attetion was the beautiful intellectual exchange of philosophical ideas and thoughts between the lead characters and it really shows the author's mastery in epics , current affairs , contemporary issues as well as the harsh realities about human life .At some point, the author will ride you through a soul searching experience and at the same time will amuse you with his thrilling traveloge.Overall this book is a good read for civic minded people who are in search of truth and reality behind the charm and beauty of those relics that you get to see especially in South east Asian coutries...yes still there are questions unanswered and mysteries unsolved. Lot more to explore despite of all these the "story of the lost land" is not meant for the faint hearted since it involves not only the "old world charm but also the brutal and treacherous nature of human mind as well.
May 19, 2022
The title of the book indicates the genre and the plot revolves around it. A young woman Reva embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. Through the eyes of Reva, the author connects us with unique personalities whose experiences and views deeply impact her. The author creates a relatable protagonist. Her willingness to hit the road with few resources is admirable. Her encounters with new food, places, and people broaden the horizons. Yet her impulsively and selfishness persists.
The flashback story is told with such freshness, intensity and power.
This is Kamal’s first novel, but he has complete control of his story and style.
The eye for detail is impeccable. Be it in the plot, the book cover, the characterization, or the writing style, every inch of the novel is detailed meticulously, showing the due care that has gone into its construction.
The flashback story is told with such freshness, intensity and power.
This is Kamal’s first novel, but he has complete control of his story and style.
The eye for detail is impeccable. Be it in the plot, the book cover, the characterization, or the writing style, every inch of the novel is detailed meticulously, showing the due care that has gone into its construction.
May 10, 2023
From the outset, this story, "Beyond the UNKNOWN" is full of twists and turns. Each chapter closes with an intrigue to read the following one, keeping readers' spirits up until the conclusion of the novel. It begins with the present and eventually provides insight into the fascinating ocean floor's depths and its exploration, changes taking place in our civilization, and ancient cultures. The plot leaves us in the position that an "unknown land" exists in reality, and we should carry on our exploration to gather proof that the heroine's Ph.D. work should be brought and displayed before everyone on Earth, as such explorations open up new possibilities for students pursuing a doctorate in their particular field. The story ends with conflicting emotions as a result of the surprise that happened in the final act. The entire story is, however, pretty intriguing.
February 20, 2022
This book by a debut author is a good read for fictional lovers and serious readers .
The author succeeded to
1) offer more than just reading a unique narration with the main character, Revathi and the mystery land.
2)Maintaining the suspense till last chapter, Engross the reader in imagining the story and thinking of what is coming next !
3)Give the readers to imagine the visuals (also picture visuals) and its surroundings which will immerse you in the storyline.
4)Use all his scientific, geographical, historical knowledge in suitable plots.
And few things which the author should have taken into account :
1)Should have added bit of suspense in the first half
2)Should have skipped elaborate descriptions in few areas so that it can be little more short read.
The author succeeded to
1) offer more than just reading a unique narration with the main character, Revathi and the mystery land.
2)Maintaining the suspense till last chapter, Engross the reader in imagining the story and thinking of what is coming next !
3)Give the readers to imagine the visuals (also picture visuals) and its surroundings which will immerse you in the storyline.
4)Use all his scientific, geographical, historical knowledge in suitable plots.
And few things which the author should have taken into account :
1)Should have added bit of suspense in the first half
2)Should have skipped elaborate descriptions in few areas so that it can be little more short read.
March 27, 2022
As a debutant writer Kamal has done a excellent work.once we start reading, could feel the trip with lead character Reva.
I hope travel experience of author reflects in places explained in story with minute details.Which makes one feel that Kumari Kandam also had existed once and not a Myth!
There is lots of twists and suspense element packed in story. Could have made certain explanations short in Lost Land chapters.
But again it makes one think about human made catastrophe & relate it to current situations faced in many countries.
Altogether, Beyond the unknown - mysteries of the lost land is worth a read. It has got a love story, thrill, suspense, scientific fictional everything equally mixed to keep the reader interested.
I hope travel experience of author reflects in places explained in story with minute details.Which makes one feel that Kumari Kandam also had existed once and not a Myth!
There is lots of twists and suspense element packed in story. Could have made certain explanations short in Lost Land chapters.
But again it makes one think about human made catastrophe & relate it to current situations faced in many countries.
Altogether, Beyond the unknown - mysteries of the lost land is worth a read. It has got a love story, thrill, suspense, scientific fictional everything equally mixed to keep the reader interested.
October 2, 2022
Mysteries of lost land - it's worth a read. It maintains the element of suspense thriller till the end of the story. The simple language helps average readers like me understand and visualize the story with ease. I like the main character’s perseverance to achieve her dreams, even though it requires her to be very active and adventurous . I hope this story gets a movie adaptation so that we can get a complete visualization of the pre-historic civilization.
Wishing the author all the very best for his future endeavours.
Wishing the author all the very best for his future endeavours.
September 1, 2022
Highly recommend the book for anyone who loves suspense and thrill. The author takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and actions.. Written in simple language and style, you rfeel you are literally living the characters. Captivates the reader through out. A must read for readers of all ages.
February 25, 2022
Well written novel which does manage to arouse curiosity about prehistoric civilisation. Fast paced with complex twists and an unexpected, though interesting climax. Commendable work for a debutant novelist. Definitely recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews