My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher - Mishan Design PointGenre - Fiction
Publishing year - 2024
Language - English
ISBN - 978-81-963704-0-4
Pages - 278
Amongst the Believers is the author's third book set against the tumultuous backdrops of Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Pakistan. As a continuation of Kochery C Shibu's earlier work, Men and Dreams: In the Dhauladhar, this novel seamlessly picks up the threads of Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha's lives, making it a delightful read for fans of the series. However, even for those new to the author's work, this book stands strong as a standalone narrative.
The story follows Nanda, who finds himself embroiled in a murder case, his loved ones' lives hanging in the balance; offered a chance to redeem himself by joining RAW on a covert mission into Pakistan. He must navigate a treacherous path, ultimately leading him to create and destroy many lives in the pursuit of his objectives.
Meanwhile, Khusru, a disillusioned terrorist, is on the run from his former handlers, the ISI. Tasked with escorting a warlord's daughter Miriam across dangerous territories, his journey takes him from Karachi to Iran, and different parts of Armenia and Russia.
Rekha, a Kathak dancer and a doctor was a captive of Khusru in the previous book, but even after her survival and marriage to Sikander, she is still fascinated by her captor. Her obsession leads her to war-torn Afghanistan where she is forced to become a sex slave.
Will these three emerge from this life-threatening situation, or will they become even more entangled in the web of lies and deceit?
The narrative is rich with intrigue and suspense, weaving together elements of international espionage and personal drama. From a ruse leading to the invasion of Iraq to a mysterious video implicating a Pakistani army officer behind the Mumbai terror attacks and torture of American soldiers, the lives of Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha become entangled in a web spun by intelligence and terror agencies from around the globe.
This fast-paced tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in the plot. The characters are complex and multifaceted, sometimes even seeming heartless, grappling with their desires, fears, and moral dilemmas.
Kochery C Shibu's vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of war-torn landscapes and offer a compelling read. Whether you're a fan of the series or diving into the author's world for the first time, this book delivers everyone some food for thought. I recommend it.
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