nashwa017's review
4.0
This book was such a wonderful, adventurous ride and really felt like I was watching an Indiana Jones movie.
I don’t know which genre this book can be categorised in - because it’s a mixture of a historical fiction mixed in with a thriller and elements of fantasy merged in. The pacing was perfect, and the plot left no loopholes - every detail was carefully taken care of. The ancient and modern timeline worked well, and both the stories had my full attention.
It really seems that the author was passionate about this project and it shows that she knows what she’s writing. Her hard work and dedication shows, but also her creative reimagining cannot he missed.
Definitely excited to read more of her work and I would love to read more Pakistani books like this!
I don’t know which genre this book can be categorised in - because it’s a mixture of a historical fiction mixed in with a thriller and elements of fantasy merged in. The pacing was perfect, and the plot left no loopholes - every detail was carefully taken care of. The ancient and modern timeline worked well, and both the stories had my full attention.
It really seems that the author was passionate about this project and it shows that she knows what she’s writing. Her hard work and dedication shows, but also her creative reimagining cannot he missed.
Definitely excited to read more of her work and I would love to read more Pakistani books like this!
b00kr3vi3ws's review
4.0
The Curse of Mohenjodaro narrates two parallel stories. On one hand, we have the story of Jaya set in 3800 BC. Jaya can divine the future but her daughter is in under the control of Iaf who is leading a revolution. With her daughter in a compromised situation, can Jaya change the tides? On the other hand, we have the story of Nadia set in the present day. Nadia is a paranormal writer who has set on a dangerous journey of finding her sister Layla, who she believes has survived an incident at an archeological site. What connects the two parallel stories and the leading ladies? Read this book to find it out.
I loved the character sketches of Jaya and Nadia. They are well developed in ways that is just enough information is provided for the plot – nothing more or nothing less. Though both the characters are similar in all the important ways, I found it easier to connect with Nadia… Maybe it is because of the timeline differences. I found the author’s language and narrative style quite interesting as he maintained a dainty quality throughout.
The two parallel stories are narrated in alternate chapters. While Nadia’s story feels like a thriller, Jaya’s feel like a historical fiction. While they each stand out on their own for most parts, the alternate narrative actually slowed down the progression of the thriller. As a result, the whole book felt a bit slow even though I expect a lot of info dump with historical fiction. That took away from the overall reading experience.
Overall though, this is a good book that should interest both thriller and historical fiction fans.
I loved the character sketches of Jaya and Nadia. They are well developed in ways that is just enough information is provided for the plot – nothing more or nothing less. Though both the characters are similar in all the important ways, I found it easier to connect with Nadia… Maybe it is because of the timeline differences. I found the author’s language and narrative style quite interesting as he maintained a dainty quality throughout.
The two parallel stories are narrated in alternate chapters. While Nadia’s story feels like a thriller, Jaya’s feel like a historical fiction. While they each stand out on their own for most parts, the alternate narrative actually slowed down the progression of the thriller. As a result, the whole book felt a bit slow even though I expect a lot of info dump with historical fiction. That took away from the overall reading experience.
Overall though, this is a good book that should interest both thriller and historical fiction fans.
meeranair_54's review
5.0
Thank you Pan Macmillan India for sending me a copy of this book for review :)
Maha Khan Phillips' The Curse of Mohenjodaro is a sweeping narrative that shuffles between 3800 BC and the present; chronicling the dire consequences of corrupted leaders and subjugated populace, both, then and now. Nadia Osbourne had just about escaped the clutches of her maniacal father, when her sister, Layla, goes missing in Mohenjodaro, during an archaeological dig. What's more, her frequent dreams about a girl, Jaya, grow to be more vivid and strangely connected to the Mohenjodaro mystery. There's more than meets the eye with regard to the disappearance of the archaeologists group and so Nadia must look to historic events to protect thousands of people in the present. Full with magical realism, mobsters and rediscovery of a family's powerful lineage, this novel is a brilliant addition to the thriller genre.
The cover design is an interplay of strong colours placed in the forefront of sharp structures that represent the Indus Valley civilization. It is alluring enough to draw one's attention towards the book, from wherein, the story takes over and does its job wonderfully. Even though the format of the book is such that it goes back and forth between two time frames, it isn't confusing or distracting in the least bit. In fact, the portions set in Jaya's world are so strong that they transport you to the era. The author's writing style supports her story very well and creates a captivating atmosphere throughout. It is fast paced and worthy of being finished in one sitting.
The characterization too, is up to the mark, and imbues many of the important characters with all the power they require to carry forward the story. As infuriating as Sohail (Nadia and Layla's father) is, he plays an integral role in mirroring the greed and corruption of today's time. Many women characters are made the focal point of the plot, and wield the driving force. I liked Aal the best - she is depicted to be this obedient daughter who becomes feisty because of circumstances. The whole system, in 3800 BC, that of the Goddess-Blessed, High One, Priests and Clans is allegorical of caste systems and social hierarchy as seen now. A disturbing theme at that. Some other themes that are explored in this novel are that of abuse, poverty, rebellion, good conquers bad etc. There isn't really anything I can fault about the book. And so, everything considered, I loved this novel a great deal. I am very glad that it is my first book of 2017. It is a must read, so do pick it up, for sure!
Maha Khan Phillips' The Curse of Mohenjodaro is a sweeping narrative that shuffles between 3800 BC and the present; chronicling the dire consequences of corrupted leaders and subjugated populace, both, then and now. Nadia Osbourne had just about escaped the clutches of her maniacal father, when her sister, Layla, goes missing in Mohenjodaro, during an archaeological dig. What's more, her frequent dreams about a girl, Jaya, grow to be more vivid and strangely connected to the Mohenjodaro mystery. There's more than meets the eye with regard to the disappearance of the archaeologists group and so Nadia must look to historic events to protect thousands of people in the present. Full with magical realism, mobsters and rediscovery of a family's powerful lineage, this novel is a brilliant addition to the thriller genre.
The cover design is an interplay of strong colours placed in the forefront of sharp structures that represent the Indus Valley civilization. It is alluring enough to draw one's attention towards the book, from wherein, the story takes over and does its job wonderfully. Even though the format of the book is such that it goes back and forth between two time frames, it isn't confusing or distracting in the least bit. In fact, the portions set in Jaya's world are so strong that they transport you to the era. The author's writing style supports her story very well and creates a captivating atmosphere throughout. It is fast paced and worthy of being finished in one sitting.
The characterization too, is up to the mark, and imbues many of the important characters with all the power they require to carry forward the story. As infuriating as Sohail (Nadia and Layla's father) is, he plays an integral role in mirroring the greed and corruption of today's time. Many women characters are made the focal point of the plot, and wield the driving force. I liked Aal the best - she is depicted to be this obedient daughter who becomes feisty because of circumstances. The whole system, in 3800 BC, that of the Goddess-Blessed, High One, Priests and Clans is allegorical of caste systems and social hierarchy as seen now. A disturbing theme at that. Some other themes that are explored in this novel are that of abuse, poverty, rebellion, good conquers bad etc. There isn't really anything I can fault about the book. And so, everything considered, I loved this novel a great deal. I am very glad that it is my first book of 2017. It is a must read, so do pick it up, for sure!
ghazalshaykh's review
4.0
I bought the book imagining it to be a historical fiction, but it turned out to be a mixture of sci-fi, thriller and historical fiction. Although, the plot is marvelous and characterization has depth, but I think it could have been more. The element of sci-fi in such an already intricate story really disappointed me. At least, It could've been fantasy than sci-fi. Sci-fi lost the charm and ambiance of mohan-jo-daro. Nevertheless, I enjoyed parts surrounding Jaya, she at least gave a little bit glimpse of the lives of people of Indus Valley civilization. More could've been added if more research was done. It had the potential.
shom's review
3.0
Two parallel archs converging and diverging over a lost forgotten civilistaion.
A dynasty doomed with an involuntary legacy to retrack, retrace and reivent the paths/actions forged by their ancestors.
A loop in time, revelaing itself over two life lines, characters in the wake of shape-shifting incidents, casting their imprints into memories of their lineage, trapped inbetween loyatlties and betrayals, the author delivers a sweeping saga to enjoy in its whirlpool of episodes.
Get lost in the sands of time as you walk the pages with Jaya/Nadia/Layla.
Out of the conventional mould, this book delivers in both its parallel storytellings and merging them into one beautiful saga.
A dynasty doomed with an involuntary legacy to retrack, retrace and reivent the paths/actions forged by their ancestors.
A loop in time, revelaing itself over two life lines, characters in the wake of shape-shifting incidents, casting their imprints into memories of their lineage, trapped inbetween loyatlties and betrayals, the author delivers a sweeping saga to enjoy in its whirlpool of episodes.
Get lost in the sands of time as you walk the pages with Jaya/Nadia/Layla.
Out of the conventional mould, this book delivers in both its parallel storytellings and merging them into one beautiful saga.
theliquidsunset's review
4.0
This was an interesting read, with the backdrop of an age old civilisation that has always fascinated me. Mohenjo-Daro or the mound of the dead, has been a mystifying source for most archaeologists. This thriller is derived from events that could have triggered the fall of the Indus valley civilisation and would have invariably brought about anarchy in the current world.
What charms me is the engaging beginning of the book. A handful of archaeologists are digging up an excavation site at Mohenjo-Daro. Regular monitoring and excavating activities are going on at the site, when a sudden discovery leads to mayhem. The disastrous accident or pre-planned murders give rise to unnecessary press releases and a seemingly over-the-counter YouTube video. Nadia finds herself in the middle of this with her sister being a victim in the accident. Nadia’s struggle with the present scenario, her past and the recurring prophetic dreams of a woman named Jaya is what constitutes the rest of the book.
The Curse of Mohenjo-Daro reminded me of the Millennium series, not because of similarity in plot (they were as unlike as possible) but ’cause of the potential this book had. Had the characters and plot twists been tapped into properly, this book could have been a masterpiece of a thriller. Nevertheless, it got me hooked the entire time. I was thoroughly intrigued by the 3800 BC and the beautiful way the ending was portrayed. There is no way that I can complain about the theme or the plot of the book. My only regret was the characterization. With the powerful writing the author showed, I am sure she could have brought out more depth in the characters of the cold-hearted murderer Philip or the lone survivor Nadia.
What charms me is the engaging beginning of the book. A handful of archaeologists are digging up an excavation site at Mohenjo-Daro. Regular monitoring and excavating activities are going on at the site, when a sudden discovery leads to mayhem. The disastrous accident or pre-planned murders give rise to unnecessary press releases and a seemingly over-the-counter YouTube video. Nadia finds herself in the middle of this with her sister being a victim in the accident. Nadia’s struggle with the present scenario, her past and the recurring prophetic dreams of a woman named Jaya is what constitutes the rest of the book.
The Curse of Mohenjo-Daro reminded me of the Millennium series, not because of similarity in plot (they were as unlike as possible) but ’cause of the potential this book had. Had the characters and plot twists been tapped into properly, this book could have been a masterpiece of a thriller. Nevertheless, it got me hooked the entire time. I was thoroughly intrigued by the 3800 BC and the beautiful way the ending was portrayed. There is no way that I can complain about the theme or the plot of the book. My only regret was the characterization. With the powerful writing the author showed, I am sure she could have brought out more depth in the characters of the cold-hearted murderer Philip or the lone survivor Nadia.
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