A WRITER ON A MISSION; THE RISE OF ASTRAAVAN

𝗔 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻 𝗔 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻
𝗕𝘆 𝗔𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝟐𝟕𝟐
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝗳𝗲𝗯 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒



The story, as the title suggests, revolves around Ronil, a writer residing in the tranquil hills of Coonoor. Selected by SIA, an elite Indian spy agency, Ronil embarks on a thrilling journey as an undercover agent for a high-stakes mission in London.
Our protagonist is drawn into the mission when Natasha, a seasoned SIA agent, finds herself navigating a dangerous world of espionage. The agency's security server is compromised, leading to a breach of sensitive information, the kidnapping of Natasha's trusted colleague, Sahira, and the jeopardizing of Project Astra. As a result, Natasha is now charged with finding Ronny, who is suspected of stealing critical data and abducting Sahira.
SIA recruits Ronil to assist Natasha in seeking justice despite his lack of field experience. Together, they face formidable adversaries in an adventure that spans continents—from the serene landscapes of Coonoor to the bustling streets of London and the heart of Germany.
The story weaves in a captivating mythological element, adding depth and intrigue. To uncover the mystery behind "Astraavan," you'll need to dive into the book—a discovery that makes the journey all the more rewarding!

The language is simple and lucid, making it accessible to many readers. The fast-paced writing style adds to its appeal, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience. The plot and storyline are well-crafted, keeping readers hooked until the last page. The narration, too, is commendable, effectively driving the story forward. Regarding the characters, apart from Ronil and Natasha, the book features a host of supporting characters, which is fitting for a spy thriller. These characters play their roles effectively, adding depth to the narrative.

Let’s discuss why I’ve rated this book 3.5 stars despite its many strengths. The language is simple and engaging, the narration is smooth, the writing style is crisp, and the plot is intriguing. These elements work together to create a gripping story. However, a few aspects could use enhancement. However, Ronil's character felt slightly underdeveloped in maturity despite being central to the story. Considering he has been assigned a critical mission involving international stakes and national security, a more responsible and commanding persona would have made him more convincing. In the same way, Natasha is presented as a committed and determined character and shows promise from the beginning. As the story progressed, her development didn't quite match expectations. Both characters occasionally leaned towards teenage-like behaviour, focusing more on personal emotions than the gravity of their high-stakes mission.
While the narration is fast-paced, the actual progression of the story felt slightly slower, as much of the focus shifted towards the characters' dynamics. Considering the importance of the mission, one would expect a stronger emphasis on responsibility and seriousness. The quick romantic subplot between the mission partners - though appealing to some - felt a bit rushed and took away from the intensity of the spy thriller.
Another aspect influencing my rating is that I could anticipate the twist around the 100-page mark. The twist itself was well crafted, but its predictability slightly reduced the element of surprise.

I recommend this book to novice readers or fans of Bollywood-style storytelling. Its vibrant, cinematic vibe and entertaining twists make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy light-hearted Bollywood-style spy thrillers. Even though it might not tick all the boxes for avid readers, the narrative is engaging and fast-paced, so it's worth checking out. This is the first instalment in the series, and with the story yet to reach its conclusion, I’m looking forward to reading the second book to see how the narrative unfolds further.

My Rating:

3.5/5

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