Book Review : Who Burned the Moon? by Rahul Vishnoi

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"For The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors". This is the very first quote that strikes me these days whenever I hear the word burn or fire. Though Melisandre is nowhere related to this book, but this quote did make a brilliant start. So, here I'm with a review of my friend's latest book, a fantasy novel set in Dimakiya and brings in interesting elements involving the readers in a roller coaster ride of its own.

Blurb (From Amazon):

This novel has a superhero, but it's not about him. It's about his best friend-Rehan Saxena. He couldn't even pass class XII, but his mother wants him to become a "dactar". Thanks to a duplicate marksheet, he's sent packing to Lala Purabnath's Medical College

Here Rehan befriends Namak, who happens to be a superhero in the making. Namak doesn't wear a back-hanging dupatta like Superman, but he does have this kickass-looking burning moon between his tits and he can fly, too (occasionally though). So are you thinking it's pretty cool to have a superhero as your BFF, right?

Wrong!

Namak is an heir to a superpower that Lala Purabnath has been seeking for decades. As Lala discovers his identity, Rehan finds his life stirring into an epic mess that involves gilchis, flesh-eating apes and sex-crazed professors. Dragged through tunnels; thrown down the hostel; forced to participate in a ferocious blood game called Moontrack, Rehan has to pay the price of being friends with a guy whose superhero cherry hasn't popped fully yet.

Can Rehan survive beyond the first week of MBBS-I YR?

What's good with the book:

1. The freshness the story has brought up. Rarely one gets to read new Indian authors that do not stick to the stale concept of cheesy romance.

2. The book has its humor at right places. The characters are funny and easy to relate to if you are born and brought up in current age India.

3. Also, the plot is so tightly written that the reader does not feel that the book comprises of adventures of just 7 days. Also, the unique concept of the game 'Moonraker' is something that is rarely heard of.

What's wrong with the book:

1. Unfortunately, the book's high point becomes its own low point. If the author is planning to write sequels, assuming medical studies drags for 5-6 years, he might need to write a lot to keep the pace going.

2. At times, the book seems a bit confusing with new creatures introduced at odd times. Though the story makes sense by the time one finishes the book, it still is a bit irksome.

My take on the book:

As I mentioned earlier, it is a refreshing take for a budding Indian author to come up with a novel other than cheesy rom-coms. A very good attempt by the author and it should obviously be commended. Though the climax was a bit rushed up and can be surely be worked upon, this is one book, I will surely recommend.

My Ratings : 🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 5

Book in Three Words : Fresh. Fast-Paced. Unstoppable.

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