Tryst With Power (Indira Gandhi) by Nayanthara Saghal
Book Video Review #2. Be sure to drop your comments below, follow the channel and blog. I’d be happy to make new friends as I make book video reviews.
Book Video Review #3
As you know, I’ve started doing book video reviews as a #booktuber and my reviews would be book-fiction books. One of the last few weeks, I reviewed #whatitoldmydaughter and this week is for #trystwithpower which is about #IndiraGandhi
This vivid novel offers much entertainment and excitement throughout its telling of various adventures. Although the main character’s motives are presented, only small portions of the story involve his attempted redemption, leaving room for resolution in a subsequent sequel. Creating a more obvious through line that better connects all of the characters and their actions will improve the overall narrative while the multitude of subplots offer the creative material necessary to build a compelling series.
Having no former knowledge of The Count of Monte Cristo hinders the reader’s understanding of the protagonist’s current situation, but additional sequels provide a format that allows room for necessary background information to be provided. Dantes’ character is undoubtedly flawed, a huge asset in terms of presenting a relatable protagonist. Offering further insight into his past will allow audiences to better understand his former behaviors and appreciate the lengths to which he will go to try to remedy his wrongdoings.
Raymee is introduced rather abruptly, but is a strong and gripping character nonetheless. One is instantly impressed by her intelligence and confidence and appreciates the desperation of her situation. Raymee’s motives are a bit muddled, as her desire seems to change from one of avoiding her betrothal in favor of true love to that of acceptance of her fate in exchange for power. The disclosure of Dantes’ influence on her behavior is a brilliant addition, as it strongly connects the two characters and allows for vivid representation of the monstrosity of revenge. The castrations are unexpected and graphic, characteristics highly indicative of current popular television programs. Parallels between Raymee and Daenerys Targaryen from the program Game of Thrones can certainly be drawn, as each beautiful female develops from youth to a place of authority, cunningly demonstrating her power to influence her subjects. Raymee’s continued rise, especially following the implied birth of the Arabian prince, and potential fall is certainly deserving of further exploration, particularly if she continues to gain inspiration from Dantes’ past.
Review:
I have not read the original version, The Count of Monte Cristo. However, this short read turned out to be a pleasurable read for Dantes and Mercedes, who are lovers. I like how the story is written in a simple and easy-to-read read manner. Dantes later learns about his anscesty, which is traced all the way back to Mary Magdalene. I think the continuation of the story from one chapter to another is a little abrupt and leaves the readers feel that the story is hanging. As a reader, it takes a while to follow the shift in the settings of the story.
I like the fact that Mercedes is being protrayed as an independent woman who goes on to venture into a business although she agreed to become Dantes’ second wife. She also asked Dantes to marry her, and I see this as a form of a strength of woman.
Overall, I would give this book a 3-star for the characterization of Mercedes and Dantes.
We interviewed Else Byskov for the May Group author interview and it was an absolute pleasure to speak to her about various topics within spirituality and the Martinus theory. It was mind-blowing. Do catch up with her recent interview here.
The identity of the author is part of an international contest. The first person to correctly name the HG Writer from the clues found in the Count of Monte Cristo sequels will receive a reward of $5000. Visit the Holy Ghost Writer’s Amazon Author Page for Details and see if you can discover the real identity of the author being heralded by fans as the new Stieg Larsson for The Anonymous Girl, the successor of Alexander Dumas for The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo and the next Ray Bradbury for The Boy Who Played With Dark Matter. Contact the author c/o books@illuminatedpublications.com
How many books does the author have on the Amazon site?
A total of 31 books have been published to date.
The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Holy Ghost Writer
What is the latest release on Amazon?
Donald J. Trump: The Second Coming of Christ
What is the most notable reviews received for The Sultan of Monte Cristo: First Sequel to the Count of Monte Cristo?
“The Sultan of Monte Cristo is a quick and fascinating read that fulfills the fantasies so many readers have longed for after turning the last page of The Count of Monte Cristo. I highly recommend Holy Ghost Writer’s book, but with a warning: Once you read this first book there is no going back; you are going to want to read the next. I can’t wait to read the next installment, The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo, and see what new adventures await.” Tania Staley, Pacific Book Review.
“Edmond Dantes, and his many identities, traverses the world in this whirlwind of a sequel.” Kirkus review.
“Overall, this book, though shorter than I wanted, was a good one to read.” Hollywood Book Reviews.
Where can readers get the clue to guess the author’s identity?
It is FREE on Kindle
Where did you get the idea to explore the stories of Alexandre Dumas?
My desire to continue the stories of Alexandre Dumas stem from a deep love for literature that he helped develop in me. I realize that some will be offended that I have the moxie to condense and retell his stories through the Americanized voice of Sherlock Holmes and add my own as sequels. In doing so, I believe that I am reintroducing The Count of Monte Cristo to a new generation of readers that most likely would have skipped this classic for its age and verbosity. I actually advise my readers to enjoy, as I did, the best translation, for those who read only English, by Robin Buss.
Why the pen name, ‘Holy Ghost Writer’? Am I saying that I am holy? God forbid! No, it is just a way to add mystery to the contest to discover my true identity. It is more along the lines of Robin saying, “Holy Ghost Writer, Batman.” Another reason is that Edmond Dantes refers to himself as “divine providence” in this classic tale. Those who write on subjects touching on divinity are often referred to as holy ghost writers. Just google the term if you doubt my word. In the process of writing That Girl Started Her Own Country (6th in the Monte Cristo series) I discovered that I am a possibillionist as did Zaydee, that book’s heroine. So for those of you who are turned off by religion, please understand that I am not ‘holier than thou’ and certainly not preaching any particular religious beliefs (or lack thereof) although my characters may express some of their own from time to time.
How many books are there in the Monte Cristo series?
There are 6 books with “That Girl Started Her Own Country” being the last and the one that has garnered the most reviews so far.
That Girl Started Her Own Country
What is your message to your readers?
I hope, dear reader, you enjoy exploring these works of quasi-fiction as much as I enjoyed creating them.
LaToya Lawson is a crime thriller/ mystery author and caregiver, whose creativity, compassion and perseverance have all earned her the reputation as a service-centred leader. Born in Chicago and employed as a caregiver from the age of nineteen, LaToya Lawson has spent most of her life by the bedsides of the sick and infirm.
By age twenty-three, she had founded Mississippi Professional Nursing Care, LLC, which would go on to inspire her debut novel, MA’SITTER. Although this career choice offered many rewarding moments, it was her lifelong passion to write that ultimately helped create this original work. As an African-American woman living in Mississippi, LaToya is familiar with the bigotry and social injustices of life in the Deep South.
An intensely personal work, the book was born from LaToya’s first-hand experience with racism, faith, friendship and life as a single mother in a world shaped by privilege. Her main character, Victoria Lewis, is a strong, single-minded woman, determined to build a better life for her child, Mona. As a female writer, Lawson’s stories are at times filled with pain, but are ultimately uplifting, buoyed by the triumph and redemption of her characters.
When LaToya isn’t writing, she can be found by her oven, either checking her latest baked three-layer Red Velvet cake or cooking a soul food feast; she can also be found soaring down the highway on her motorcycle
Ma’Sitter
Ma’Sitter looks like a great mystery thriller. Any plans to release similar books or turn it into a series?
Yes, MA’SITTER is a four-part series.
So, we are just warming up with the first book.
What will
readers get out of your book?
I hope entertainment! It’s a
fiction book yet my main character Victoria Lewis is relatable to anyone who
has struggled to make ends meet. While working for privileged individuals or
super rich snobby corporate bosses. Every night millions of people dream and
pray for a fruitful life. Or to sing and dance like Beyoncé, act like Hallie
Berry, produce movies like Steven Spielberg or have an all-time best-selling
book, movie and so much more like J.K. Rowling.
What
inspired you when writing Ma’Sitter?
I
started writing MA’SITTER in 2011 and I buried it not long after. My motorcycle
accident on March 9, 2018 made me immobile, depressed, hopeless and bored.
Therefore, my love DeLeón and sister-cousin Toroda encouraged me to complete MA’SITTER.
Once, I started back writing I couldn’t stop. Writing and creating people (LOL)
truly makes me happy. I love it!!!!!!
I also kept hearing my 8th grade
teacher Mr. Lewis telling me you’re going to be a writer one day.
Side
note too teachers: MOLD AND ENCOURGAE OUR CHILDREN.
The
words of my 8th grade teacher Mr. Lewis at Chastain Middle School in
Jackson, MS have stuck with me all these years!!
When
did you decide to become a writer?
I was
ordained at the young age of 13. Summoned into an imaginary world where I could
be whoever I wanted. And speak my mind to whom ever I felt. It wasn’t until my
motorcycle accident that I pursued this career.
When
writing Ma’Sitter did anything stand out as particularly
challenging?
I cried as I wrote about the
character Zaka.
How did
you come up with story for Ma’Sitter?
Well, since you
asked! LOL
At the age of 23 I
started my own private care sitting service. Therefore, I have seen and heard
many things. Some of the people who signed my checks became the best
inspiration and motivation. And not because they personally encouraged me but
more so because they looked down on me. Therefore, I emptied my rage, feelings,
thoughts, dreams and crazy ideas into MA’SITTER.
What do
you like to do when not writing?
I am so ashamed to say this
but, riding my motorcycle.
I also love to bake, cook and
plant flowers. Seeing my flowers grow into huge, “FEED ME SEYMOUR PLANTS,” has
been a thrill when not writing a thriller. LOL
How can
readers discover more about you and your work?
…”Read something small out loud and put it on YouTube. Alternatively you can use YouTube as a form of podcasting. If you’re good at video, trailers for your books will help.”
There are four things involved with producing your masterpiece. You need to write, edit, research and market it. I’m including plot development within research. If you’re reading this, there’s a very good chance you have the research and writing under control, the editing more or less under control and the marketing … well maybe not so much. You realize it has to be done but you also realize it might be more pleasurable to poke yourself in the eye with a sharp stick. The real question you need to ask is how much are you prepared to give of yourself in order to obtain commercial success.
I must agree that the internet has now paved a way for readers to pick up materials from new authors. I think the real challenge for any author would be how he or she finds the perfect tribe of readers in this noisy online space. And the decline in the sales of e-book is probably a good sign that people are still preferring hardcopies.
As a video enthusiast, I’m on a mission to enhance author branding by leveraging the power of video. (If you want to learn more, get in touch with us https://internationalbookpromotion.com/contact-us/)
But, I noticed that quite a number of authors are not comfortable facing the camera and coming on screen.
We’re a video enthusiast and our mission is to make you feel comfortable getting uncomfortable. And that means we’re encouraging you to embrace your fears to face the camera.
We came up with this fun-filled idea to splice-up short videos of authors answering questions briefly and posting it up on YouTube every week.
Author Video Splice Up Challenge Titles for August and September are as displayed in the images above. I’ll be joining in the fun too! ⠀ ⠀ Record yourself answering this question within 10 seconds and send it to info@internationalbookpromotion.com with your name and website by the due date.⠀ ⠀ Taking submissions from 12 authors only for each title. You can submit videos for every bi-weekly challenge, if you like.
This post is gold! Cristian Mihai wrote a very soulful post on how to gain your followers or readers when you blog. Now, I believe this applies not just for bloggers but also authors.
Now, let me share with you how being authentic helped to just forget about stressing if I’ll attract readers for my blog, thoughtsandviewsthatmatter.blogspot.com because I know for a fact that what I wrote there would definitely interest readers who are keen to learn about social issues.
Being authentic had helped to me to grow my audience, and even had an author sending her book to me as a gift. This is also how I plan to promote my new book.
I’m still in the planning phase of my new book, but I’ve roped in my audience, asking them what social issues pertaining to women that they want me to discuss in my new book.
I’ve had readers saying Female Genital Mutilation, forced marriage, and human rights as some of the issues to be incorporated into the book.
Tentative cover idea of my new book
Just so you don’t know, this book is going to be highlighting issues that are common to women across the world. For instance, rape happens in a different context and intensity in different countries. Spiking drinks and raping women when they are drunk happens in the Western part of the world. Whereas, marital rapes are more prevalent in the East.
Do you have an idea that would fit my book? Please, please drop me an email to jassie987 at gmail.com and follow my blog at thoughtsandviewsthatmatter blogspot.com
It creates an interest even before the book is released. Genuine interest because you’re being authentic.
Read what Cristian has got to say here in his post
International Book Promotion 