HOT OFFthe press
Brilliantly translated in a unique collaborative project, For Now, It Is Night brings a comprehensive selection of Kaul’s stories to English readers for the very first time.
A whirlwind of love, passion, suspicion and a quest for the truth, Why Should I Trust You? is a perfect mix of romance and mystery that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
SEPTEMBER 2023 STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 13
by Sreelekha Chatterjee
“One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind ”
- Neil Armstrong
Iwake up from the 10-day-long slumber
Looking through the tiny window of the spacecraft, I stare at the immeasurable, dark void
“How long will it take to reach the Moon?” I ask the captain, awake at the flight deck.
“We’ll be there within the next couple of hours, ma’am ” He points toward a tiny luminescent dot in the whirling darkness of the space outside.
Gradually, all my co-passengers 10 people including me woke up We have been in sleeping mode ever since we left Earth on this holiday trip to the Moon. I recall viewing an advertisement on the Internet about a 24hour stay on the Moon, organized by a private company I learned that they’ve built a hotel on the Earth’s satellite, which must have cost a fortune, with all the facilities needed for life form to exist.
“Fasten your seatbelts ” The captain roars ecstatically after some time, breaking into my thoughts.
As we brace ourselves for the impact of landing, our incredulous hearts beat more rapidly than normal, enthralled by the actual occurrence of the much-awaited moment, boasting our pride evident on our cheeks painted vermillion It’s truly an exhibition of human genius the act of man’s landing and walking on a celestial body other than Earth the Moon almost six decades ago. A swarm of scientific inventions followed that, birthing enormous progress, which has made
possible this delightful voyage to the Moon now.
Outside the window, as our spacecraft nears the ground, there appears a greyish-brown land surface covered by powdery dust and rocky debris, and dotted with pits and big craters. We feel violent tremors when the spacecraft touches the lunar surface and then stops abruptly
On reaching safely, we unfasten our seatbelts, wear our space suits including our helmets, each having a dedicated light, and strap the oxygen tanks on our backs
One by one, we land on the Moon, the shady–bright and hauntingly-silent terrain. Brimming with excitement and stupendous hope, we proceed toward the lunar hotel situated at a distance Approaching the hotel, we notice a big domeshaped, iron structure with a signboard Hotel Luna.
On entering a passcode, the sliding iron door unlocks and opens
We move inside, to be received by two staff members, dressed in ordinary clothes like they wear on the Earth Along with their smiling, radiant faces, the entire area glistens, illuminated with bright lights, as we march forward At every corner of the hallway that gleams with tiny bulbs positioned in the ceilings, we find display screens highlighting temperature and pressure inside They say that the temperature outside is around 70-degree Celsius The temperature inside is regulated to that of 28-degree Celsius, and has central oxygen supply and air purification units installed
The hotel is a proof of the technological marvel It seems like one of those glittering space stations that we get to see in sci-fi movies an abode of humankind on the Moon
We walk past the individual rooms behind glass doors devoted to research laboratories, with devices signaling and blinking monotonously different light codes red, green, yellow, orange unknown to laymen like us; air purification and circulation; pressure and temperature control; conversion of ice rocks obtained from Moon into water; and office of the hotel. Once we reach our
STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 15 SEPTEMBER 2023
single rooms, we remove our spacesuits and oxygen tanks.
Each of us is provided with refreshments like carbohydrates, protein, fat in tubes and toffees, and a one-liter plastic water bag with straw. I’ve heard that some of the hotel staff stay there permanently and are provided with this kind of food by Earthians who visit on a regular basis
After resting for an hour or so, we go out for sightseeing
Wearing the spacesuits along with our individual oxygen tanks, we step out of the hotel, ready to explore and enjoy the magnificent, triumphal excursions A scientist also the tour manager accompanies us We walk cautiously and follow the trail of the tour manager, as we have been warned about the big craters on the ground that may appear suddenly, and accidentally, we may land in a bottomless pit from where recovery is impossible After walking for half an hour, we arrive at the site where Chandrayaan-3 has been stationed The lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan) now remain still on the surface, bearing the proud memories of human progress almost a decade ago We also visit the place where Neil Armstrong first landed, Sea of Tranquility a heritage site now Mountains are sighted far away from that place, much like the ones on Earth.
On our way back, the scientist warns us about the presence of biological species, other than us, nearby. His bio-entity recognition detector makes a strange beeping sound on sensing an unknown organism
Our oxygen cylinders seem to be lighter than before, and a warning appears on each of our sensors about urgently refilling them. So we try to walk faster than usual Because of the low gravitational pull, every step we take on Moon wearies us down, as we try to stay close to the ground.
Outside the hotel, we see a group of 4 to 5 peculiar creatures, hardly differentiable, devoid of any space gear like us. We stare at the vibrating life form in dismay that appears somewhat like humans, a little taller than us; each with hairless, off-white round head and in place of eyes are two reddish burning,
circular blocks like high-powered bulbs; without sensory organs like ears, nose, and mouth; two pale-white hands like trunks of elephants; the rest of the body cylindrical, with no feet, covered with an iron armor. Their skin appears like a shimmering, pearl-like, piscine shell.
They guard the entrance of the hotel and don’t allow anybody to move in or out of it Vehement scuffles break out between us pulling and pushing one another; our hands, confined in spacesuits and gloves, awkwardly intertwine with their trunk-like, fingerless hands The useless battle or rather confusion converges into a dreadful silence on our part, once we see an iron rod slid out from one of their body jackets that swirls mechanically at their touch The rod lingers near them till we step back In sign language, we try to explain the necessity to go in and refill our oxygen cylinders, but they don’t seem to understand. Some of us, with faces clouded in despair, show symptoms of restlessness, rapid heart rate, and difficulty in breathing If we don’t receive oxygen soon, we’ll all die of hypoxia
Assuming the happy era of mankind coming to an end, I mindlessly wander a little away from my crowd
With a jumble of tempestuous thoughts roaring in my head, I close my eyes, and say in my mind, “Please allow us to go inside.”
I open my eyes Surprised, I spot one of them hop toward me astonishingly, agile and nimble like a frog.
Stirred by its movement, I shut my eyes once again and continue nervously with my inside expression, “We will die if we don’t get oxygen ”
“Why have you come here? What do you want?” I hear a voice coming from the one right in front of me, but it doesn’t have a mouth
“The guy is able to read my thoughts,” I tell other humans in exultation through my radio microphone, raising them from their numb, lifeless state, with a glimmer of hope
16 | STORIZEN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2023
“We’re not going to cause you any harm We’re here on a holiday ” I associate with the interested sentimentally.
At the end of our thought transference, the living thing turns around, bounds up to its fellows and huddles with them, probably conveying through telepathy. After a moment’s quiet, they shift aside from the hotel’s entrance.
All the humans rush inside to get their oxygen cylinders replenished
Out of curiosity, I walk toward one of the strange beings and pose questions in my head, “Where are you from? Do you live here?”
“We live on the other side of this place, inside one of the craters.” The Lunarian communicates. “Can I have a look?” I contemplate on my query “Some other time!”
Along with other Lunarians, the friendly being hops briskly assuming an unusually comical physiognomy up to a nearby hollow basin and vanishes inside the black nothingness
Sreelekha Chatterjee’s short stories have been published in various national, and international magazines and journals like Indian Periodical, Femina, Indian Short Fiction, eFiction India, The Criterion, The Literary Voyage, World of Words, Writer’s Ezine, and Estuary, and have been included in numerous print and online anthologies such as Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul series (Westland Ltd, India), Wisdom of Our Mothers (Familia Books, USA), and several others. She lives in New Delhi, India.
You can connect with her on Facebook at facebook com/sreelekha chatterjee 1/,
Twitter -@sreelekha001, and Instagram @sreelekha2023
STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 17 SEPTEMBER 2023
In "A Walk up to the Hill: Living with People and Nature," Madhav Gadgil offers readers a multifaceted memoir that traverses a life dedicated to ecological causes woven through a tapestry of diverse communities and experiences The book is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts, seamlessly blending anecdotes of
elephants, birds, and regional histories that beckon to the avid adventurer Moreover, those drawn to environmental literature will find solace in Gadgil's meticulous documentation of his work and encounters Gadgil's journey begins with his move from Pune to Harvard, where his academic pursuits align with his deep passion for nature Escaping the confines of rigid exam structures, Gadgil sought refuge in the arms of the Harvard environment and scholars like Edward Wilson and Oppenheimer. He reminisces about early memories, such as treks in the awe-inspiring Western Ghats, forging an enduring connection with the natural world from a tender age. The book goes beyond personal reflections, delving into Gadgil's interactions with tribal communities in the northeastern region of India. His candid accounts unveil the challenges faced by these communities, particularly in strife-torn Manipur Gadgil's ecology exploration extends to his influential report for the Union forest ministry, centering on the ecology of the Western Ghats a topic of paramount significance The memoir also encapsulates Gadgil's deep-seated familial and academic influences His upbringing in a liberal family, influenced by stalwarts like Salim Ali, laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to ecological preservation A pivotal aspect of his journey is his partnership with Sulochana, his classmate, and later his wife, who shared his aspirations and played an instrumental role in creating a home in academia.
Readers are transported into a realm through this enthralling account where personal journeys merge with the larger discourse on our relationship with the environment
Exploring Pondicherry and Chennai during my recent vacation was a captivating experience, as the grandeur of colonial and French architecture entranced me Rosie Llewellyn Jones - "Empire Building" offered valuable insights into the intricate history, scientific
craftsmanship, and political significance embedded within each of these remarkable edifices, enriching my appreciation for the architectural wonders I encountered "Empire Building" is a fascinating and richly illustrated book that explores how the British East India Company transformed the physical landscape of India from 1690 to 1860 The author, Rosie Llewellyn-Jones, is a renowned historian of colonial India and has written several books on the topic In this book, she focuses on the concept of 'political building', which refers to the use of Indian contractors and laborers to construct buildings and infrastructure that served the Company's interests and influenced the attitudes of those who saw and used them. The book covers various topics, such as military engineering, cartography, railways, docks, municipal buildings, Freemasons' lodges, hotels, racecourses, barracks, cemeteries, statues, and canals. The author shows how these structures reflected the Company's political, economic, and cultural agendas and its adaptation to local conditions and responses She also examines how Indians reacted to the changing environment by embracing, resisting, or modifying the new technologies and styles This book suits individuals interested in India's history, architecture, or colonial legacy It is presented as compelling and reader-friendly, ensuring the content is accessible and understandable Furthermore, the book offers a unique viewpoint on the East India Company's influence in India, diverging from the typical discussions on colonialism by accentuating the tangible transformations it instigated.
In conclusion, "Empire Building" is a valuable contribution to the literature on Indian history and culture.
A must-read and recommended book!
18 | STORIZEN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2023 STORIZEN REVIEW
Jim Corbett, a British hunter-turnedconservationist, emerges as a legendary figure in the riveting account of his life portrayed in "Hero of Kumaon " Born in the picturesque town of Nainital, India, in 1875, Corbett's childhood amidst the Himalayan foothills ignited a deep affinity for nature and hunting Under the tutelage of his father, he mastered the art of tracking and hunting animals As the 20th century dawned, Corbett responded to the desperate pleas of terrorstricken villagers by embarking on a mission to confront and eliminate man-eating tigers and leopards that plagued the Kumaon region His impeccable skills as a hunter and tracker enabled him to neutralize these predators without causing harm to innocent lives. Corbett's triumphs earned him acclaim as a national hero in India. A gifted writer, he penned books like "Man-Eaters of Kumaon" and "The Temple Tiger," which recounted his gripping encounters and raised awareness about man-eating predators. These literary contributions played a pivotal role in propelling conservation efforts in India. Having retired from hunting in the 1930s, Corbett redirected his energy towards conservation His efforts established several wildlife sanctuaries in India while he tirelessly advocated for wildlife protection In 1955, Corbett passed away, leaving a legacy that continues to evoke reverence and admiration in India
In "Hero of Kumaon: The Life of Jim Corbett," authored by Hart-Davis and published by Harper Collins, readers are granted a comprehensive view of Jim Corbett's life. This man transformed into a savior for the impoverished communities of the remote Kumaon region. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Corbett's relentless pursuit of man-eating tigers and leopards that terrorized locals earned him their undying gratitude.
As Corbett's name lives on, this work is a fitting tribute to a hero whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
How many of you made simple balance using plastic plates and straws? How many of you remember screw gauge or vernier callipers and the experiments? How many of you have witnessed the importance of fundamental machines in daily life?
Engineers and scientists use scientific knowledge to design and build machines that make our lives easier The machines they produce today start with the basics known as Simple Machines. Simple Machines are the simplest mechanisms that use mechanical advantage to multiply force. These machines have either few or no moving parts and use energy to work. This term refers to the six classical simple machines; lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw. They make work easier for us by allowing us to push or pull over increased distances, and each has enormously impacted human civilization As students, we have played and built prototypes for school and college projects in this connection The fundamental simple machines are like atoms in a cell where all the cells make up a human body This book by Roma Agrawal enables the readers to go back to the basics of the primary simple machines and their history with ease, elegance, and impactful narration "Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World" is a fascinating and enlightening book that explores the history, science, and engineering behind seven seemingly simple but immensely influential inventions: the nail, spring, wheel, lens, magnet, string, and pump. The author, Roma Agrawal, is an award-winning engineer and broadcaster who has worked on iconic structures such as the Shard in London Nuts and Bolts is a book that will appeal to anyone curious about how things work and why they matter
This book celebrates human ingenuity, creativity, and the wonders of nature and science. This book shows how small things can make a big difference. The book also is a perfect gift for those who love simple science and informative books.
STORIZENREVIEW STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 19 SEPTEMBER 2023
"The Penguin Book of Modern Tibetan Essays," curated by Tenzin Dickie, is a groundbreaking anthology that introduces readers to the rich tapestry of contemporary Tibetan non-fiction Unveiling Tibetan Narratives in Exile through a
collection of essays, this volume offers a candid exploration of life in exile, painting an intimate portrait of the Tibetan experience. From personal anecdotes to reflections on identity and survival, this collection is a testament to the resilience of a community far from its homeland. Growing up in exile ignited Tenzin Dickie's quest to bridge the gap between the stories she longed for and the reality she faced Now, as a prominent editor and translator, Dickie amplifies Tibetan voices that resonate with truth Elevating Tibetan Voices, "The Penguin Book of Modern Tibetan Essays," showcases the voices of twenty-two Tibetan writers dispersed globally, each contributing a unique perspective to the narrative The essays honor their roots, portraying life in exile through descriptions of hope, resilience, and cultural preservation. These essays are poignant narratives that reveal the depths of the human experience. From tales of loss to accounts of triumph over adversity, the writers lay bare their emotions with vivid descriptions and heartfelt revelations. The power of these essays lies in their ability to transport readers into the writers' inner lives, conveying the essence of being Tibetan in a world far from their homeland Through their words, readers can see the spectrum of emotions that define their existence "The Penguin Book of Modern Tibetan Essays" signifies a milestone in contemporary Tibetan literature and celebrates the Art of Tibetan NonFiction The writers, many of whom write in English as a second language, create a unique blend of personal experiences, cultural insights, and emotional depth
By capturing the essence of exile and the enduring connection to the homeland, these essays ensure that the narrative of Tibetans remains alive and potent, resonating with readers far beyond the pages of this remarkable collection.
"Toward a Free Economy: Swatantra and Opposition Politics in Democratic India" by Aditya Balasubramaniam offers a fresh perspective on economic conservatism in India postindependence. Balasubramaniam argues that economic conservatism
emerged in a postcolonial society aligned with democracy's logic. The "free economy" concept took on different meanings across regions, languages, castes, and classes and gained diverse advocates. The Swatantra Party, founded in 1959, advocated for a "free economy" based on anticommunism, private enterprise, decentralized development, and property rights Balasubramaniam traces the idea's circulation across different regions, languages, castes, and classes, appealing to various groups of entrepreneurs, intellectuals, activists, and voters Balasubramanian's book is based on extensive archival research and oral history interviews He draws on various sources, such as party manifestos, speeches, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, books, cartoons, films, songs, and personal memoirs. He analyses how Swatantra's economic ideas were shaped by local contexts and global influences, such as the Cold War, the Green Revolution, the Vietnam War, and the 1967 devaluation of the rupee. He also explores how Swatantra's economic ideas interacted with other aspects of its ideology, such as its views on democracy, secularism, nationalism, and foreign policy “Toward a Free Economy” is a history of economic ideas, politics and a history of emotions, and aspirations Balasubramanian shows how Swatantra's supporters expressed their hopes and fears about India's future regarding economic freedom and prosperity He also shows how Swatantra's opponents criticized its economic policies as elitist, reactionary, and impractical
Overall, Toward a Free Economy is an insightful and thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom about neoliberalism and economic conservatism in India. It is a valuable contribution to economic history and political economy.
20 | STORIZEN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2023 STORIZEN REVIEW
The right books happen to readers at the right times! In the present situation of political fever in the country for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and AP's caste and vindictive politics, reading this book is too entertaining Talking about the book Juggi Bhasin's "Those Who Wait" is a compelling drama that goes deep into the lives of India's influential individuals, revealing their goals, emotions, and weaknesses. The plot centers mainly around the Tripathi family, a military family propelled into politics, Prime Minister Kanwar Pratap Singh, who faces challenges not just to his power but also to his heart, and the intriguing Samyukta, who is motivated by a ruthless vendetta against him. Military honor, China's betrayal of India, and the oncoming threat of Maoist insurrection all come to life inside the pages Author Juggi Bhasin, noted for works such as "The Terrorist," "The Avenger," and "Bollywood Deception," explores power dynamics, aspirations, and the complexities of love in "Those Who Wait " Inspired by the seismic transformations in India's political and social scene over the last decade, Bhasin has crafted a fast-paced and compelling tale full of plot twists and turns that keep the reader's attention. The characters are multidimensional, with flaws and strengths that are meticulously sculpted, making them believable and sympathetic. Bhasin deftly ties several plot strands together, creating a cohesive and engaging plotline. The story also reflects modern India, addressing themes such as corruption, terrorism, and outside threats. Juggi Bhasin's storytelling in "Those Who Wait" is both believable and fascinating, making the reader feel as if they see the events unfold on a screen rather than simply reading about them on the page The work, however, is not without flaws Some events and lines are dramatic and unrealistic, especially near the novel's climax
Finally, "Those Who Wait" is an exciting and gripping book ideal for political and military thrillers fans. It demonstrates Juggi Bhasin's narrative talent and ability to weave a compelling story that reflects the intricacies of modern India.
"A Dark and Shiny Place" by Pragati Deshmukh is a spellbinding psychological thriller that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey Set against a lockdown, the narrative centers around Maya, a woman who finds herself isolated and creates a surreal world to
combat her solitude As Maya's psyche blurs the boundaries between the paranormal and psychological, her sister Meera rescues her from this challenging path, leading to a heartwarming portrayal of their sisterly bond. Getting into the story's plot, Maya once enjoyed a fairy tale life with a seemingly perfect marriage and a beautiful home. However, the cracks of reality begin to fracture her idyllic existence. When the pandemic strikes at the most inopportune moment, Maya is thrust into a confrontation with a concealed realm lurking within the walls of her home Maya must grapple with these mysterious occurrences alone with her sister Meera, who lives in another country Author Pragati Deshmukh skillfully weaves a riveting, emotionally charged narrative with vivid descriptive elements, immersing readers in Maya's world The book delves into love, loss, hope, and mental health themes, providing a thrilling and dramatic reading experience. The pacing is smooth yet intense, captivating readers with every twist and turn while keeping them on edge as they fret for Maya's well-being. The portrayal of emotions and the beautifully depicted sisterly relationship between Maya and Meera make the characters relatable and evoke powerful emotions. Pragati's writing style is engaging and precise, focusing on minute details that elevate the book to an exceptional level The emotional depth portrayed is commendable, forging a deep connection between readers and the characters Her exploration of the desolation of lockdown and the challenges the characters face within their respective worlds is praiseworthy
Seamlessly combining psychological thriller elements with the charm of attractive storytelling, it's a must-read for those who crave emotionally charged narratives that explore the depths of human relationships.
STORIZENREVIEW STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 21 SEPTEMBER 2023
In "The Immortal King Rao" by Vauhini Vara, a mesmerizing tapestry of speculative fiction is woven, inviting readers to delve into an audacious and contemplative world Set against the backdrop of an Indian village in the 1950s, the novel follows the journey of King Rao, a brilliant Dalit boy with grand aspirations for himself
and his people. The narrative seamlessly transports us from Rao's humble beginnings to his remarkable success as a tech magnate in the United States, a journey of innovation and ambition. As King Rao's star rises, however, the shadows grow darker. Vara masterfully explores the intricate web of power and isolation that success can bring, pulling King into a clandestine project that could change the course of humanity The enigmatic technology named the Harmonica stands at the nexus of creation and destruction, a symbol of the novel's exploration of the ethical complexities of progress Fast forward to the present day, and we meet King's daughter, Athena, grappling with the legacy of a father she hardly knows Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Athena finds herself at a crossroads, facing the moral conundrum of utilizing the Harmonica for self-preservation or preventing its misuse. Vara's storytelling is an intricate dance of complexity and depth, tackling profound themes head-on. The novel resonates with its examination of technology's dual nature, capable of emancipating and ensnaring humanity. The cautionary thread woven through the narrative is a stark reminder of the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition and the allure of power Amidst these themes, the novel never loses sight of the human connections that ground us, urging us to cherish empathy and compassion
The book is a testament to Vara's ability to craft compelling characters who evolve King Rao's transformation from an ambitious dreamer to a potentate consumed by his desires is portrayed with nuance.
HG Gauranga Darshan Das, a distinguished spiritual author and speaker with over 30 published books, holds a dean position and has earned a master's degree from IISc. He also serves as a lecturer, advisor, and member of various organizations within ISKCON
Notably, he is a dedicated disciple of HH Radhanath Swami and has recently released another fantabulous book that talks about the affinities and success sutras from the eminent epic tale. As we know the story of little boy Dhruva who was denied access to his father's love went on to get that love from Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu) by pleasing him through penance. However, the author gave a detailed explanation through the angle of triumph and bonding.
Coextending the elucidating the fable of the brave boy Dhruva, Shri Gauranga Darshan Das gave the readers a blend of myriad pearls that talk about the learning derivatives at the end of every segment Unlike the traditional excerpts, this book deep dives into the glean of the anecdote in a divergent ingenuity With a two fragments approach, HG Gauranga Darshan Prabhu ji bisected the story of the epic tale of Dhruva as a "Determined Prince" and "Efficient Emperor". As a vehement reader and having gone through ample versions of "Bhagavata MahaPurana", I am pretty sure none of the authors dealt with this macro viewpoint of how this book was designed.
If you are someone who wishes to derive inspiration and motivation through our epic tales, this book will be an undoubted pick. A quintessential page-turner, marvelous vocabulary, and engaging treatise stand out as per the personal top list of 2023.
(Reviewed by Kiran Adharapuram)
Despite minor flaws, the novel is a testament to the author's narrative finesse, sparking vital conversations about our future.
22 | STORIZEN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2023 STORIZEN REVIEW
Fourth Wing is the first book in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels It is a New Adult fantasy romance novel that follows the journey of Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old girl forced to join the Rider Quadrant, a brutal and elite war college for dragon r iders, in a kingdom facing an imminent threat from an ancient enemy. Violet must overcome her physical limitations, her mother's expectations, and her enemies' schemes to bond with a dragon and become a warrior. Along the way, she also finds love, friendship, and betrayal in a world where nothing is as it seems. The book is set in Basgiath, a kingdom with four quadrants: Riders, Scribes, Healers, and Mages. Each quadrant has a war college, with Riders being the most powerful They bond with dragons and fight on the front lines, but not everyone can Dragons are scarce and reluctant to bond due to the kingdom's wards Violet, the daughter of General Sorrengail, is sent to join the Rider Quadrant instead of the Scribe Quadrant Her rare condition makes her bones brittle and her hair grey She faces hostility and resentment from other candidates, especially Xaden Riorson, the powerful leader in the Rider Quadrant. Xaden, the son of Lord Riorson and heir of the Iron Flame lineage, sees Violet as weak and unworthy. He blames General Sorrengail for his father's imprisonment and mother's death and sees Violet as a weak candidate. As they interact, they discover more about each other and discover secrets and lies that could change everything. They must decide whether to trust each other as they face dangers and challenges that test their loyalty, courage, and love Fourth Wing is a captivating novel that blends fantasy, romance, adventure, and mystery in an original world The author creates a complex plot that explores themes like identity, family, duty, freedom, power, corruption, sacrifice, and destiny The characters are welldeveloped, with Violet as a strong, smart heroine and Xaden as a brooding, arrogant hero. The intense chemistry between Violet and Xaden leads to a slowburn romance that will make readers swoon. The book also features a diverse cast of supporting characters who add depth and color to the story. Some of them
are allies to Violet and Xaden, such as Lila (Violet's best friend), Kieran (Xaden's second-in-command), Remy (a charming rogue), Nia (a fierce healer), Asher (a mysterious mage), and Zephyr (Xaden's dragon) Some of them are enemies or rivals to Violet and Xaden, such as General Sorrengail (Violet's mother), Lord Riorson (Xaden's father), Eris (a cunning scribe), Cade (a vicious rider), Talon (a rogue dragon), and Astra (the Empress's dragon) The novel explores Basgiath's society, history, politics, religion, geography, and culture, focusing on the various types of dragons and their abilities. Written in a captivating style, it features a dual first-person point of view between Violet and Xaden and uses vivid language, humor, and sarcasm to lighten the mood. The fast-paced, actionpacked novel adds tension and drama, while steamy romance adds heat. It is a must-read for fantasy, romance, dragons, and dark academia fans. Apart from the narration and engaging story, the book's aesthetics are worth mentioning The sprayed edges of the book with dragons in black attract the readers initially The art differs from the country and the version of the book The comfortable font makes the reading enjoyable, though the book is long
The book ends with a cliffhanger, and the second book, Iron Flame, is set to be released in November 2023.
(Reviewed by Swapna Peri)
STORIZENREVIEW STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 23 SEPTEMBER 2023
TO READ SIMILAR STORIES, VISIT WWW.STORIZEN.COM
ARIES MOON SIGN: TEMPERANCE
This Month, Aries This month, you need to be calm and have patience, things will move as per the right time There is no need to rush or take impulsive decision It also indicates, balance in your life for success.
TAURUS MOON SIGN: 7 OF CUPS
This Month, Taurus, you might receive lots of opportunities and everything seem to be promising; Don’t get carried away with all the opportunities, rather think and research which would be suitable for your success.
GEMINI MOON SIGN: PAGE OF SWORDS
This month, Gemini You will be very curious and inquisitive to learn new things and gain knowledge required to improve your skills. It also indicates, New ideas are flowing in your mind and you want to fulfil it
CANCER MOON SIGN: ACE OF PENTACLES
This month, Cancer it’s time to receive new opportunities that will help you to grow financially. It is a good month to receive news related to unexpected flow of income
LEO MOON SIGN: ACE OF WANDS
This Month, Leo, you will be passionate about your dreams and ready to fulfil it It is the good month to start new project as you are very energetic and enthusiastic about it It also indicates, this month singles might flirt and meet lots of people
VIRGO MOON SIGN: STRENGTH
This month, Virgo, you will have inner strength and courage to overcome all obstacles and challenges in your life to fulfil your goals It also indicates confidence to overcome your weakness and fulfil your desires.
LIBRA MOON SIGN: 10 OF CUPS
This Month, you will spend time with your family, and they will support you in every aspect your life. It is the time to have a joyful experience with your family. Workwise it will be contentment and happiness.
SCORPIO MOON SIGN: 7 OF WANDS
This month, Scorpio you will be facing competition in your workplace and people try to challenge you to take your position which you had earned from your hard work So, you have to push yourself continuously to maintain your position.
STORIZEN MAGAZINE | 25 SEPTEMBER 2023
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SAGITTARIUS MOON SIGN: KING OF PENTACLES
This month, Sagittarians You will be Financially abundant and find lots of opportunities that will help you to grow financially It also indicates, people might take your advice for financial investment.
CAPRICORN MOON SIGN: KNIGHT OF WANDS
This Month, Capricorns You will be passionate and determined to pursue your dreams and moving ahead to achieve it. You are very ambitious, and nothing can stop you to reach your goals But don’t rush yourself too fast as you might fell and get hurt.
AQUARIUS MOON SIGN: 5 OF SWORDS
This Month. Aquarians, you need to be careful while speaking with your superiors and there might be conflict and disagreement with your opinions and any harsh words might destroy the relationship which cannot be amended, and you might feel guilty later So, it is advisable to be silent this week.
I am Himani Goyal, By profession, I am an HR Manager working in Banglore. Reading is my hobby which led me to write reviews for my readers I have read and reviewed numerous books so far I am also a practicing Tarot consultant and would be sharing daily, weekly, monthly horoscopes for you all here.
PISCES MOON SIGN: THE EMPRESS
This month, you will be more creative towards your work It also indicates financial growth and success. This is the good month for women who are planning for pregnancy
26 | STORIZEN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2023
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by Aparna Mukherjee
