Chenyasha by Arnav Agrawal

My Rating - 2 out of 5 stars

Publisher - BriBooks

Genre - Fiction
Publishing year - 2025
Language - English
Pages - 86

Book Review - 

Chenyasha is the third book by Arnav Agrawal, and although it is my first read by him, I approached it with an open mind and a genuine appreciation for young authors who dare to put their creative work into the world. Writing a book at the age of 13 is an admirable achievement, and Arnav deserves recognition for his courage and effort. 

However, as a reviewer, it is my responsibility to provide an honest assessment that not only helps readers make informed choices but also offers constructive feedback to the author for future growth.

Plot Overview:

The story follows Chen Yi, a 21-year-old table tennis player representing Taiwan at the Olympic final in Paris. During the event, terrorists attack the venue, and Chen steps up to help officials save innocent lives. Amidst the chaos, he saves Asashi, a Japanese commander, and subsequently joins forces with them under the codename XB-1. 

The plot then shifts between Chen’s heroic encounters with terrorists and his journey back to the Table Tennis finals, which he ultimately wins. The narrative is accompanied by AI-generated images, adding a visual element to the storytelling.

Areas for Improvement:

While the concept is intriguing, the execution of the story leaves room for improvement:

1. Plot Development and Structure: The plot feels disjointed and lacks a cohesive flow. It jumps abruptly between Chen's heroic deeds and his sports career without establishing clear connections. As a reader, it is difficult to determine the primary focus—whether it is his role as a hero or his journey as a Table Tennis player. Establishing a central theme and building the narrative around it would enhance the story's impact.

2. Characterization and Background: The characters, including Chen Yi and Asashi, lack depth and background. There is minimal information about their motivations, relationships, or history, which makes it challenging to connect with them emotionally. Introducing backstories and more detailed character development would make them more relatable and memorable.

3. Logical Consistency and Realism: Although fiction allows for creative freedom, the events in the story often stretch believability to the point of confusion. For example, the transition from fighting terrorists to winning an Olympic final feels rushed and unrealistic. Balancing imagination with logical flow is crucial for maintaining reader engagement.

4. Ending and Resolution: The story concludes abruptly, leaving many questions unanswered. A more thought-out resolution would provide a sense of closure and satisfaction for the reader.

Constructive Feedback for the Author:

Arnav, you have great potential as a young writer, but here are some suggestions that could help you grow:

1. Seek Mentorship and Beta Readers: Collaborating with experienced mentors or beta readers can provide you with valuable feedback, helping you identify plot holes and enhance character development.

2. Focus on Story Structure and Consistency: Consider outlining your story beforehand to ensure a smooth narrative flow. Establishing a clear focus and theme will help readers stay engaged.

3. Character Development: Give your characters backstories, motivations, and emotional arcs. This will allow readers to connect with them on a deeper level.

4. Editing and Refinement: Working with an editor can significantly improve the coherence and polish of your writing. A good editor will not only correct grammatical errors but also help refine the story's structure and pacing.

A Note to the Publisher:

While I appreciate BriBooks for providing young authors with a platform to share their voices, I believe more support in the form of editorial guidance and developmental editing would greatly benefit emerging writers. Helping them navigate the nuances of storytelling would empower them to create more impactful narratives.

Conclusion:

Chenyasha showcases Arnav Agrawal's enthusiasm and creativity, and although it did not resonate with me on many levels, I respect his effort and encourage him to continue writing. 

Remember, Arnav, the quote by Jodi Picoult: "You can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page." Keep writing, keep learning, and continue to hone your craft. I look forward to seeing how your storytelling evolves in the future.

You can find the book here: BriBooks