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Ruby Iyer #1
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer
This is an alternate cover edition for B00NB3CP9C
When her best friend is kidnapped, Ruby will stop at nothing to rescue him. Criminals run the streets of Bombay. Jam-packed with the worst degenerates. The city is a shell of the pride and joy it used to be. Ruby knows something must be done, but it isn't until her best friend is kidnapped by the despotic Dr Braganza that she knows that she and she alone must save city, save her best friend, save the world from total destruction. Armed only with Vikram, a cop-turned-rogue they are about to embark on a road they may never return from.
2015 Readers' Favorite, Bronze Medal Winner in the Young Adult - Action category.
YOUNG ADULT FINALIST at 2015 IAN Book of the Year Awards.
FINALIST, 9th Annual Indie Excellence Awards
When her best friend is kidnapped, Ruby will stop at nothing to rescue him. Criminals run the streets of Bombay. Jam-packed with the worst degenerates. The city is a shell of the pride and joy it used to be. Ruby knows something must be done, but it isn't until her best friend is kidnapped by the despotic Dr Braganza that she knows that she and she alone must save city, save her best friend, save the world from total destruction. Armed only with Vikram, a cop-turned-rogue they are about to embark on a road they may never return from.
2015 Readers' Favorite, Bronze Medal Winner in the Young Adult - Action category.
YOUNG ADULT FINALIST at 2015 IAN Book of the Year Awards.
FINALIST, 9th Annual Indie Excellence Awards
272 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2012
294 people are currently reading
1862 people want to read
About the author
Laxmi Hariharan
57 books1,389 followersLaxmi is a New York Times bestselling author of paranormal and contemporary romance.
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 19, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Debdatta Sahay.)
“And now that I’ve told you, I can never let you go.”
This wasn’t quite what I was expecting, and I found it a little confusing.
Ruby went a little crazy in this story, and seemed to almost have a death wish, especially when she followed someone who jumped off a bridge! Her thoughts seemed to be a little scattered, and I had a hard time keeping up with her.
The storyline in this was also a bit hard to follow. We had Ruby being attacked and electrocuted, and then she was trying to find her kidnapped house mate, and then she was being shot at, and I did get a bit confused.
There was some romance, but that had some odd moments too. I’m still a little unsure exactly what is going on between Ruby and Vikram, and whether he feels the same way she does.
“What is it about this guy that even seeing him hurt turns me on?”
The ending to this didn’t hold many answers unfortunately, so we were left with a bit of a cliff-hanger.
6 out of 10
“And now that I’ve told you, I can never let you go.”
This wasn’t quite what I was expecting, and I found it a little confusing.
Ruby went a little crazy in this story, and seemed to almost have a death wish, especially when she followed someone who jumped off a bridge! Her thoughts seemed to be a little scattered, and I had a hard time keeping up with her.
The storyline in this was also a bit hard to follow. We had Ruby being attacked and electrocuted, and then she was trying to find her kidnapped house mate, and then she was being shot at, and I did get a bit confused.
There was some romance, but that had some odd moments too. I’m still a little unsure exactly what is going on between Ruby and Vikram, and whether he feels the same way she does.
“What is it about this guy that even seeing him hurt turns me on?”
The ending to this didn’t hold many answers unfortunately, so we were left with a bit of a cliff-hanger.
6 out of 10
March 9, 2017
Author : Laxmi Hariharan
Published : 13/11/2014
I received a digital copy of this book from Debdatta Sahay in return for an honest review.
So here is my review! The novel wasn't exactly what I was expecting after I read the blurb. I think that Ruby Iyer has to be one of the most confusing characters to be able to keep up with. For me when I read a novel I need to be able to feel the character, get to know them and understand them.... this just didn't happen with this novel.
Her movements and thoughts seemed to be random and scattered , there wasn't a moment when I found myself being able to think like her and try think what will come next.
The storyline possibly didn't help this matter. It was all over the place and didn't seem to have any continuity, as soon as a novel doesn't have a solid storyline my attention starts to wonder away from it. There was a few romantic parts in the novel which I liked, but for me there just wasn't the solid story with a solid main character that was easy to get along with.
This is just my honest opinion though, you might find that you get along with the novel much better than I can!
Published : 13/11/2014
I received a digital copy of this book from Debdatta Sahay in return for an honest review.
So here is my review! The novel wasn't exactly what I was expecting after I read the blurb. I think that Ruby Iyer has to be one of the most confusing characters to be able to keep up with. For me when I read a novel I need to be able to feel the character, get to know them and understand them.... this just didn't happen with this novel.
Her movements and thoughts seemed to be random and scattered , there wasn't a moment when I found myself being able to think like her and try think what will come next.
The storyline possibly didn't help this matter. It was all over the place and didn't seem to have any continuity, as soon as a novel doesn't have a solid storyline my attention starts to wonder away from it. There was a few romantic parts in the novel which I liked, but for me there just wasn't the solid story with a solid main character that was easy to get along with.
This is just my honest opinion though, you might find that you get along with the novel much better than I can!
November 7, 2014
When I’ve started reading the novel The many lives of Ruby Iyer by Laxmi Hariharan my first reaction was-oh, so it’s the story of a girl next door, fighting against all odds, struggling and surviving in a hungry Metro city, detached from her family where thousands of greedy eyes following her every move, trying to exploit her in every possible way and ultimately she triumphs against all odds! I’ll read some fifty pages of it and then the storyline will get lot more predictable and finish the story to write a two three line a review. After all everyone has to attend some other business in addition of reading a bulky book.
I was wrong!
As I progressed deep into the story, the story itself started spinning a spidery web all around me-threads of the web only got thicker and thicker with increasing time. The story itself compelled me to finish the entire novel at one go and when I’d finished it-I was completely at loss of words for several moments! I don’t know what mesmerized me most-the neatly crafted storyline, the wonderfully narrated turns of events or the crispy way the author tells us the story or the combination of all blended into one! Every page turned, there were some unexpected turn of events, some surprises. Suspense in every page! The reader will find himself guessing-what‘ll happen next? And surprisingly there will be no answer! What makes a suspense thriller classic-is the main treasure of this story, it is thoroughly unpredictable yet the flow of the story is never distorted.
The curtain of the story is lifted amid curious mix of sounds-traditional and modern, in the bedroom with ‘old fashioned furnishings from the forgotten era’, of Ruby, (our protagonist of the story, trying to fight it out in Mumbai as a ‘lowly placed intern’ in social media marketing sector.), in a rented apartment ,living with Pankaj, her ‘best’ friend . Descriptions by author are so vibrant that you may get afraid that a splash of water from the Arabian Sea may make you completely drenched. Like Mandrake the great majician, our author can make you visualize characters by sheer brilliance of her narration. One example is the description of a ‘gentleman beggar’ in front of their apartment. In her own words-
“I pause on the threshold next to a man who is always there, just outside our bungalow gates. I have sometimes walked home in the early morning after a night out, just as he is setting up his little corner of the world. He doesn’t look up as I pass. I have grown fond of the balding spot at the top of his head. That’s all I ever see of his face, for he is always bent over his notebook: writing. What does he scribble day and night? Can one person carry around so much in his head?
He has curly hair worn in a halo as if to contain the flow of letters, like Lord Shiva trying to contain the restless holy Ganges River in his matted locks. As always he is wearing faded jeans, a grey shirt tucked in, and a tie loosely knotted around his neck. He also wears leather loafers, which have seen better days.”
The thrill of the story started griping us from the second chapter itself, when attempt on her life was made. Was it merely a man trying to molest her? Was it an accident? Or was it a part of bigger conspiracy? That attempt on her, in a moving local train caused something to her-so unnatural for a human being that nobody imagined could ever happen. But it did happen. What is that? That’s for sure the turning point of the story, a teenager transforming into a …………?
From here on the sheer speed of the story line will amaze you, for sure. That ‘something’ that occurred inside her, instigate her to do the craziest of things, a certain rush of adrenal excites her to flow like a river in the face of fear. When you’ll read the train, you’ll feel just like watching a 3D movie, trains whistling past you and you’re standing on the narrow track between the tracks or you’re jumping from the pylon to the Arabian Sea-everything comes so alive. The ‘little miss braver heart’ got prepared go to any length to save her friend Pankkaj. But why somebody is targeting him-is he the real target or someone is using him as a bait for Ruby? And what about the mysterious text massaging, that she receives now and then in her mobile set or from the set of any related one? Who makes these messages from an unknown number? She is in a world surrounded by persons, all in a mask-can be either her friend or foe! In the course of events, our heroine meets Vikram –saving her life and from the anti terrorist squad.
What, when, why-all sorts of questions are for asking. The Mumbai city itself has a terror threat looming large –and she had been sewn with an invisible thread with the fate of the city she feels ‘uncomfortable’ with- a city which she feels is ‘ruthless’. Intentionally or unintentionally, Ruby comes closer to Vikram. In spite of being indifferent to him, she develops some special feelings to him!
Enters Dr. Braganza in the story –the mastermind behind all the terror attacks and behind the attacks on Ruby. In author’s own words –‘She is not slim, not large. Just curvaceous in that typical homely- yet-sexy, housewifely way. Lustrous dark coconut-oil nourished hair falls past her shoulders framing a classic oval-shaped face, supporting full-fleshed bright-red tinted lips, a slightly hooded nose, and eyes from which coal-dark pupils sparkle back The woman’s eyebrows are ruthlessly perfect arches, each kissing the long temple-shaped red-coloured pottu that spurts up in the centre with an almost pornographic perfection.’
But why such a ‘nice’ lady is after Ruby? Why is she trying to turn Mumbai into derbies- terror attack everywhere right from Bandra railway station to Hyatt to Mumbai Taj? What is her real intention? What is her real identity? Ruby discovers the horrible truth and lot more about her. The complex character of Dr. Braganza is really difficult to pen down, but the author accomplished this job with complete ease. At every page, this character reveals some wonder-a psychologically hard to fathom ‘egomaniac’ character.
Ruby found herself trapped in a world with occult Power, magic, violence, revenge, blind faith…….
Had Ruby been able to overcome her evil intention? Or she succumbs to the ‘mysterious’ lady?
Just read the book and discover how a thriller can thrill you. There is one statutory warning though-if you let the story unfinished the suspense may simply kill you.
There is every element in the story to be turned into a fine movie. If it ultimately happens, we’re sure it’ll, then we’ll be able to see ‘angry young lady’ first time in Bollywood( sorry shahensha! Your ‘angry young man’ throne may be in danger!)
Waiting eagerly for Laxmi’s sequel of Ruby Iyer to appear.
Out of 5, I’ll give the story-
Storyline-5 of 5
Narration-4.5 of 5
Plot idea-5 of 5
.
I was wrong!
As I progressed deep into the story, the story itself started spinning a spidery web all around me-threads of the web only got thicker and thicker with increasing time. The story itself compelled me to finish the entire novel at one go and when I’d finished it-I was completely at loss of words for several moments! I don’t know what mesmerized me most-the neatly crafted storyline, the wonderfully narrated turns of events or the crispy way the author tells us the story or the combination of all blended into one! Every page turned, there were some unexpected turn of events, some surprises. Suspense in every page! The reader will find himself guessing-what‘ll happen next? And surprisingly there will be no answer! What makes a suspense thriller classic-is the main treasure of this story, it is thoroughly unpredictable yet the flow of the story is never distorted.
The curtain of the story is lifted amid curious mix of sounds-traditional and modern, in the bedroom with ‘old fashioned furnishings from the forgotten era’, of Ruby, (our protagonist of the story, trying to fight it out in Mumbai as a ‘lowly placed intern’ in social media marketing sector.), in a rented apartment ,living with Pankaj, her ‘best’ friend . Descriptions by author are so vibrant that you may get afraid that a splash of water from the Arabian Sea may make you completely drenched. Like Mandrake the great majician, our author can make you visualize characters by sheer brilliance of her narration. One example is the description of a ‘gentleman beggar’ in front of their apartment. In her own words-
“I pause on the threshold next to a man who is always there, just outside our bungalow gates. I have sometimes walked home in the early morning after a night out, just as he is setting up his little corner of the world. He doesn’t look up as I pass. I have grown fond of the balding spot at the top of his head. That’s all I ever see of his face, for he is always bent over his notebook: writing. What does he scribble day and night? Can one person carry around so much in his head?
He has curly hair worn in a halo as if to contain the flow of letters, like Lord Shiva trying to contain the restless holy Ganges River in his matted locks. As always he is wearing faded jeans, a grey shirt tucked in, and a tie loosely knotted around his neck. He also wears leather loafers, which have seen better days.”
The thrill of the story started griping us from the second chapter itself, when attempt on her life was made. Was it merely a man trying to molest her? Was it an accident? Or was it a part of bigger conspiracy? That attempt on her, in a moving local train caused something to her-so unnatural for a human being that nobody imagined could ever happen. But it did happen. What is that? That’s for sure the turning point of the story, a teenager transforming into a …………?
From here on the sheer speed of the story line will amaze you, for sure. That ‘something’ that occurred inside her, instigate her to do the craziest of things, a certain rush of adrenal excites her to flow like a river in the face of fear. When you’ll read the train, you’ll feel just like watching a 3D movie, trains whistling past you and you’re standing on the narrow track between the tracks or you’re jumping from the pylon to the Arabian Sea-everything comes so alive. The ‘little miss braver heart’ got prepared go to any length to save her friend Pankkaj. But why somebody is targeting him-is he the real target or someone is using him as a bait for Ruby? And what about the mysterious text massaging, that she receives now and then in her mobile set or from the set of any related one? Who makes these messages from an unknown number? She is in a world surrounded by persons, all in a mask-can be either her friend or foe! In the course of events, our heroine meets Vikram –saving her life and from the anti terrorist squad.
What, when, why-all sorts of questions are for asking. The Mumbai city itself has a terror threat looming large –and she had been sewn with an invisible thread with the fate of the city she feels ‘uncomfortable’ with- a city which she feels is ‘ruthless’. Intentionally or unintentionally, Ruby comes closer to Vikram. In spite of being indifferent to him, she develops some special feelings to him!
Enters Dr. Braganza in the story –the mastermind behind all the terror attacks and behind the attacks on Ruby. In author’s own words –‘She is not slim, not large. Just curvaceous in that typical homely- yet-sexy, housewifely way. Lustrous dark coconut-oil nourished hair falls past her shoulders framing a classic oval-shaped face, supporting full-fleshed bright-red tinted lips, a slightly hooded nose, and eyes from which coal-dark pupils sparkle back The woman’s eyebrows are ruthlessly perfect arches, each kissing the long temple-shaped red-coloured pottu that spurts up in the centre with an almost pornographic perfection.’
But why such a ‘nice’ lady is after Ruby? Why is she trying to turn Mumbai into derbies- terror attack everywhere right from Bandra railway station to Hyatt to Mumbai Taj? What is her real intention? What is her real identity? Ruby discovers the horrible truth and lot more about her. The complex character of Dr. Braganza is really difficult to pen down, but the author accomplished this job with complete ease. At every page, this character reveals some wonder-a psychologically hard to fathom ‘egomaniac’ character.
Ruby found herself trapped in a world with occult Power, magic, violence, revenge, blind faith…….
Had Ruby been able to overcome her evil intention? Or she succumbs to the ‘mysterious’ lady?
Just read the book and discover how a thriller can thrill you. There is one statutory warning though-if you let the story unfinished the suspense may simply kill you.
There is every element in the story to be turned into a fine movie. If it ultimately happens, we’re sure it’ll, then we’ll be able to see ‘angry young lady’ first time in Bollywood( sorry shahensha! Your ‘angry young man’ throne may be in danger!)
Waiting eagerly for Laxmi’s sequel of Ruby Iyer to appear.
Out of 5, I’ll give the story-
Storyline-5 of 5
Narration-4.5 of 5
Plot idea-5 of 5
.
December 7, 2014
4.25 stars
This review can also be found at Thoughts of a Hopeless (Book) Romantic.
*Much thanks for Laxmi and her publicist Ally for sending me a copy of the novel so I can participate in this blog tour. Apologies for the post being a bit late as I had technical difficulties.
I had not previously read of Laxmi's novels, but The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer was quite exciting.
I would've gotten to this novel sooner had it not been something called finals, but when I finally found like to sit down and enjoy this novel, I finished it in one sitting. Laxmi has such wonderful control on the tension and the plotline of this story. It's tense in all the right places, and nothing too revealing is given away which keeps the plot fast paced and leaving you to want more.
Our main character Ruby Iyer is a likeable protagonist who we can sympathize and understand through the story. There are hints to her childhood that give us an idea to why she is who she is today, and it shows why she has such loyalty to her best friend because of her own past. Also. BAD. ASS. Can I please have her fighting skills. PLLLLLEASE?
My own issue was the book was I felt like it needed a bit more to it. I wanted more on Ruby's childhood and backstory, as well as more on the other characters, especially her best friend Pankaj. He's an equally interesting character and there were more things I wanted to know about him! Perhaps they will be explained in the second novel... (BUT I WANT IT NOW).
While the romance was not what I was particularly interested in throughout the story, it certainly didn't take away from the story. So don't worry if you're concerned that it becomes the main issue of the story!
There were so many elements to the story that I did wanted to get some more information on. No spoilers, but I wanted to know why certain things were the way they were or a little more on why this happen the way it did. Whether or not it was because we needed to wait until the second book, I don't know, but I would've like a little extra background to go with everything.
All in all, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer was an riveting and action packed novel. I'm dying looking forward to the next novel, and perhaps try out Laxmi's other novels.
***********************
That ending was not OK thank you very much
Full review to come
This review can also be found at Thoughts of a Hopeless (Book) Romantic.
*Much thanks for Laxmi and her publicist Ally for sending me a copy of the novel so I can participate in this blog tour. Apologies for the post being a bit late as I had technical difficulties.
I had not previously read of Laxmi's novels, but The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer was quite exciting.
I would've gotten to this novel sooner had it not been something called finals, but when I finally found like to sit down and enjoy this novel, I finished it in one sitting. Laxmi has such wonderful control on the tension and the plotline of this story. It's tense in all the right places, and nothing too revealing is given away which keeps the plot fast paced and leaving you to want more.
Our main character Ruby Iyer is a likeable protagonist who we can sympathize and understand through the story. There are hints to her childhood that give us an idea to why she is who she is today, and it shows why she has such loyalty to her best friend because of her own past. Also. BAD. ASS. Can I please have her fighting skills. PLLLLLEASE?
My own issue was the book was I felt like it needed a bit more to it. I wanted more on Ruby's childhood and backstory, as well as more on the other characters, especially her best friend Pankaj. He's an equally interesting character and there were more things I wanted to know about him! Perhaps they will be explained in the second novel... (BUT I WANT IT NOW).
While the romance was not what I was particularly interested in throughout the story, it certainly didn't take away from the story. So don't worry if you're concerned that it becomes the main issue of the story!
There were so many elements to the story that I did wanted to get some more information on. No spoilers, but I wanted to know why certain things were the way they were or a little more on why this happen the way it did. Whether or not it was because we needed to wait until the second book, I don't know, but I would've like a little extra background to go with everything.
All in all, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer was an riveting and action packed novel. I'm dying looking forward to the next novel, and perhaps try out Laxmi's other novels.
***********************
That ending was not OK thank you very much
Full review to come
June 26, 2015
The Many Lives Of Ruby Iyer was a very interesting story. It is set in Bombay which is currently Mumbai and the descriptions were so vivid I could picture Mumbai in my head.
This the story about Ruby living in Mumbai and having to deal with things no woman should have to deal with. Her best friend is kidnapped and she decides to fight back by searching for her friend. Ruby is so determined to find out what happened to her friend and locate her friend she ends up befriending a cop gone rogue Vikram.
Vikram is trying to help Ruby because Dr Braganza is threatening Ruby so Vikram decides to help out. This is where the story begins and it is like the roller coaster ride and I could not get enough of this story. I was on the edge of my seat wanting and needing to know what happened at the end.
This is a MUST READ story for all mystery lovers!
This the story about Ruby living in Mumbai and having to deal with things no woman should have to deal with. Her best friend is kidnapped and she decides to fight back by searching for her friend. Ruby is so determined to find out what happened to her friend and locate her friend she ends up befriending a cop gone rogue Vikram.
Vikram is trying to help Ruby because Dr Braganza is threatening Ruby so Vikram decides to help out. This is where the story begins and it is like the roller coaster ride and I could not get enough of this story. I was on the edge of my seat wanting and needing to know what happened at the end.
This is a MUST READ story for all mystery lovers!
June 9, 2015
http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/06/b...
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is one of those books that had me dangling, unable to decide how to aptly judge it. This one was a mix bag where somethings had me sitting up and taking notice while some had me persevering to continue.
First off, I loved the cover and the fact that this was a Dystopian thriller with our own Bombay featuring in it. Now Dystopia is a fairly new genre for me and so I was excited to read a story set so close to home. Next, the blurb attracted me and finally with these factors combined, I knew I had to take up this book to read.
The initial chapters in the book are very slow and the protagonist, Ruby didn't endear herself to me here. She sounded like a person I would never like to be friends with. But then after a few chapters, the story starts developing and we get a new picture of Ruby. She is sassy, strong, independent sometimes foul mouthed, loves drinking tea and is fiercely loyal to her friends which she proves when she races against time to save her friend!
The author's writing style is shiny and glossed and she shows that she has the talent of writing. Despite her great talent and engaging way of taking the story forward, at some places I felt as if she had overdone it all. The overzealous description and narration had me stopping multiple times and then re-reading to understand things again and again making this the book I took a long time to finish because several times I re-read the previous part because I felt as if I had missed something.
I wanted to know more about several things like more about Pankaj, more about Ruby's back story, more about why certain things were how they were (I don't want to give any spoilers here. You will understand what I am talking about when you read the book!)
The story is not our start-to-finish racy adventure that I had expected. It starts slow and multiple times you'll feel like stopping but midway it picks up speed and then rushes to an end that I felt didn't quite complete the adventure and left questions in my mind which maybe, will be answered in the next book.
However, the trivia all through the book is interesting. The description of Bombay and its commuters, Ruby's friendship with her best friend, Pankaj was worth reading about. The subconscious appearances of her mother admonishing her had me feeling sorry for her and angry with her mom.
All in all, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is a great effort, a different kind of story but still doesn't shine to its full potential. 3.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to all Dystopia fans. I will definitely be checking out the next part when it comes out.
I received the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is one of those books that had me dangling, unable to decide how to aptly judge it. This one was a mix bag where somethings had me sitting up and taking notice while some had me persevering to continue.
First off, I loved the cover and the fact that this was a Dystopian thriller with our own Bombay featuring in it. Now Dystopia is a fairly new genre for me and so I was excited to read a story set so close to home. Next, the blurb attracted me and finally with these factors combined, I knew I had to take up this book to read.
The initial chapters in the book are very slow and the protagonist, Ruby didn't endear herself to me here. She sounded like a person I would never like to be friends with. But then after a few chapters, the story starts developing and we get a new picture of Ruby. She is sassy, strong, independent sometimes foul mouthed, loves drinking tea and is fiercely loyal to her friends which she proves when she races against time to save her friend!
The author's writing style is shiny and glossed and she shows that she has the talent of writing. Despite her great talent and engaging way of taking the story forward, at some places I felt as if she had overdone it all. The overzealous description and narration had me stopping multiple times and then re-reading to understand things again and again making this the book I took a long time to finish because several times I re-read the previous part because I felt as if I had missed something.
I wanted to know more about several things like more about Pankaj, more about Ruby's back story, more about why certain things were how they were (I don't want to give any spoilers here. You will understand what I am talking about when you read the book!)
The story is not our start-to-finish racy adventure that I had expected. It starts slow and multiple times you'll feel like stopping but midway it picks up speed and then rushes to an end that I felt didn't quite complete the adventure and left questions in my mind which maybe, will be answered in the next book.
However, the trivia all through the book is interesting. The description of Bombay and its commuters, Ruby's friendship with her best friend, Pankaj was worth reading about. The subconscious appearances of her mother admonishing her had me feeling sorry for her and angry with her mom.
All in all, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is a great effort, a different kind of story but still doesn't shine to its full potential. 3.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to all Dystopia fans. I will definitely be checking out the next part when it comes out.
I received the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
December 7, 2014
A dystopian world, a girl on a mission to rescue her kidnapped best friend, an evil teen army controlled by a depraved doctor intent on bringing Bombay and beyond to its knees. The scene is set for a gut-clenching ride out of reality and into a fast-paced battle of wills and power.
Bombay is crumbling under the weight of violent destruction, but Ruby Iyers is on a mission and finds an ally in a rogue enforcement officer, Vikram Roy, who has caught her interest on more than one level. Together, these two will take on whoever gets in their way, one step at a time. Is this a coming of age for Ruby? Will she finally see her city for what it is, was and could be? Has she found a purpose for her life, a place to finally fit in? If the demented Dr. has his way, the answer is no, but Ruby has to try. Will she make the right choices?
Laxmi Hariharan can write! She has created a YA thriller that will have you white-knuckling it through each page, as Ruby and Vikram race against time and the enemy to save lives. With great detail and high emotions, Ms. Hariharan’s world feels real, depressed and stark. Ruby is an impressive character who goes with her gut, even if her choices are wrong, but her strong determination makes her a heroine to want to know as she matures before the reader’s eyes. As she leads us around Bombay, there is a mental image of places most of us will only see in pictures. A fascinating tale filled with terror, unease, written in a captivating style that leaves us wanting more.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 13, 2014
Publisher: Books@Jacaranda
Genre: YA Dystopian
Print Length: 302 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Bombay is crumbling under the weight of violent destruction, but Ruby Iyers is on a mission and finds an ally in a rogue enforcement officer, Vikram Roy, who has caught her interest on more than one level. Together, these two will take on whoever gets in their way, one step at a time. Is this a coming of age for Ruby? Will she finally see her city for what it is, was and could be? Has she found a purpose for her life, a place to finally fit in? If the demented Dr. has his way, the answer is no, but Ruby has to try. Will she make the right choices?
Laxmi Hariharan can write! She has created a YA thriller that will have you white-knuckling it through each page, as Ruby and Vikram race against time and the enemy to save lives. With great detail and high emotions, Ms. Hariharan’s world feels real, depressed and stark. Ruby is an impressive character who goes with her gut, even if her choices are wrong, but her strong determination makes her a heroine to want to know as she matures before the reader’s eyes. As she leads us around Bombay, there is a mental image of places most of us will only see in pictures. A fascinating tale filled with terror, unease, written in a captivating style that leaves us wanting more.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 13, 2014
Publisher: Books@Jacaranda
Genre: YA Dystopian
Print Length: 302 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 14, 2014
4 beautiful Bombay Stars...
Note: ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review.
When I started reading the book, I didn't expect much. I am a bengali from Kolkata, and even though I have spent some time in Bombay in the past, I've never really understood the city. Sometimes it seemed too fast for me, and sometimes too dangerous.
This book is making me want to go back and try again.
The many lives of Ruby Iyer is a kind of book, which will make you wish you were in Bombay. The author described her city in such vivid details, every street, every corner of the city seems like right in front of us. We see the city from Ruby's eyes. And the love she feels for city, trying to save it from the mysterious Dr Kamini Braganza, you will feel the love too. This is the main strength of the book. The plot is good, but The many lives of Ruby Iyer's strength is not just the plot, it's the beautiful writing style that makes this book different from the others.
I have to say I loved the book. Ruby is a runaway from home with a neglected childhood and very complicated relation with her mother. That relation is the reason for her anger. Her family problems and the continued presence of her mom in her mind makes her the person she is in the book.
But surprisingly that doesn't make it hard for the reader to relate with her. Everything she does, makes sense. the author, with her writing style, effectively brings out the empathy for Ruby from the reader's hearts.
I felt Ruby's terror for her friend Panky (Pankaj). I felt her anger towards the people who tries to destroy her beautiful city. and I felt her slow growing fondness for Vikram. That relation is somewhat a little confusing, but their respect for each other helps to make it better. At the end of the book, the twist... well, you have to read it to know more. :)
All I can say is, I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller with a touch of supernatural, and a lot of heartwarming love for the city, This is the book to go!
Note: ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review.
When I started reading the book, I didn't expect much. I am a bengali from Kolkata, and even though I have spent some time in Bombay in the past, I've never really understood the city. Sometimes it seemed too fast for me, and sometimes too dangerous.
This book is making me want to go back and try again.
The many lives of Ruby Iyer is a kind of book, which will make you wish you were in Bombay. The author described her city in such vivid details, every street, every corner of the city seems like right in front of us. We see the city from Ruby's eyes. And the love she feels for city, trying to save it from the mysterious Dr Kamini Braganza, you will feel the love too. This is the main strength of the book. The plot is good, but The many lives of Ruby Iyer's strength is not just the plot, it's the beautiful writing style that makes this book different from the others.
I have to say I loved the book. Ruby is a runaway from home with a neglected childhood and very complicated relation with her mother. That relation is the reason for her anger. Her family problems and the continued presence of her mom in her mind makes her the person she is in the book.
But surprisingly that doesn't make it hard for the reader to relate with her. Everything she does, makes sense. the author, with her writing style, effectively brings out the empathy for Ruby from the reader's hearts.
I felt Ruby's terror for her friend Panky (Pankaj). I felt her anger towards the people who tries to destroy her beautiful city. and I felt her slow growing fondness for Vikram. That relation is somewhat a little confusing, but their respect for each other helps to make it better. At the end of the book, the twist... well, you have to read it to know more. :)
All I can say is, I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller with a touch of supernatural, and a lot of heartwarming love for the city, This is the book to go!
February 22, 2017
I picked up this book for two reasons... First being that this is a YA Thriller in Mumbai. Secondly, I have already read the author’s debut novel, The Destiny of Shaitan, and I had thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer, as the name suggests, follows the life of a tea drinking, very independent and sometimes immature Ruby Iyer. She is determined to make her life on her own in the fast paced and overcrowded city. When her best friend gets kidnapped, Ruby has only Vikram to depend upon to see her through the challenges and threats posed by Dr. Kamini Braganza. But is Ruby ready for what’s to come her way and will her bond with Pankaj and Vikram stand the test of time?
Ruby Iyer is ‘The Girl’ now. She is smart, sassy and stubborn. She is not your run-of-the-mill runaway teenager. I loved her for all her flaws and strengths. It was a real refreshing change to read about this ‘bindaas’ girl whose strength of character and very strong sense of right and wrong will have the reader cheering for her in no time. Pankaj, Vikram and even Braganza bring a variety of flavor to the novel. All the characters are very well developed and vibrant.
Mumbai, the tinsel town of India, promises glamour, success and money to anyone who is interested. Laxmi Hariharan breaks down that charm and shows us the real face of the city. From breathtaking scenery to the crowded streets to the polluted air to the poverty stricken slums to the elite strata of the society – the author has covered it all. The detailed description of the setting transports you immediately to this world of Ruby Iyer.
Fast paced and full of twists and turns, this novel is a complete page turner that keeps you hooked till the very end.
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/11/Man...
November 19, 2015
The main character in this was okay, but there were times where she annoyed me slightly.
This wasn't a bad read, but there were quite a few times where it confused me, and I felt quite bored at points too.
Overall, An okay read.
This wasn't a bad read, but there were quite a few times where it confused me, and I felt quite bored at points too.
Overall, An okay read.
Want to read
April 22, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/22/2020)! 🎁
November 17, 2015
A complete Masala entertainer
First of all a huge thanks to the author and her team for providing me with the copy of the book and secondly giving me a thorough bollywood/Hollywood style entertainer
This book is what I would gladly call a total masala read with everything added into the book from family, friendship, drama, romance, comedy, supernatural/ superhero to thriller to action to crime to suspense and what not. so basically you name it and the book has got it. It’s a big melting pot for all sorts of genre and story tracks.
I want to say that the author has done a fine job of blending all these genres but frankly there are points when things do clash but in general the author has done a fab job to join every genre and keep it straight and on track
As I said there are a lot of genres converging so at times the author fails to take care of one genre completely and hence certain things feels incomplete. For example the authors tries her hand at supernatural phenomenon which is no doubt well incorporated but somewhere she has skipped on setting a proper ground for this track.
In the book the author shows a very unique and callous behavior of using elements that she feels can be helpful in narrating certain scene and then she would throw it out after the end of scene only to retrieve it back in another scene and doing so completely out of the blue.
It might sound very harmful but trust me somehow the author has still managed to use all these sensibly enough to carry forward the book but yes at times you feel there is too much going on but fans of a typical action thriller movies will totally love it because the book is like a fictional representation of an action movie with cars flying and bursting into flames and bullets ricocheting all around while the main characters are busy in each other’s embrace
Speaking of which…
While the book was awesome and probably one of my favorites now, there are two things that irate me
a) The basic caricature of the female lead. It states very lucid and vivid that our character is of 18 years and keeping in view that this is against an Indian backdrop, I found it really hard to grasp that our 18 year old visits a bar in the morning because …
1. She is a minor and would never be permitted access to a bar
2. She wouldn’t be served hard drinks considering the age limit of drinking is way too high in our country and .....
3. I find it hard to believe that a kid would be comfortable in a bar where even adult woman would falter in her steps to enter a bar in the morning, let alone end up in a fight. The another most important aspect is how our male lead is practically an adult and probably in late twenties … so an adult and a kid in romantic relationship is another creepiness that was hard to digest
b) The whole dystopian nature is confusing to me … I somehow find it hard to believe that the whole setting is worth categorizing as a dystopian novel… a city being evacuated ..fine…but that is not the end of the world… a probable cause perhaps but not worth to categorize the book as a dystopian.
In spite of all these I would gladly say that this book is amazing and for the sake of having fun, this is a pretty good option but you need to be pretty open minded and less pedantic because otherwise it may sound too much to believe but otherwise It is Totally entertaining, almost like a movie and superbly narrated and fast paced and not a dull moment. Apart from the ability to understand why this book would be exactly dystopian and the fact that probably the author failed to sync the age and actions of our female lead, I think this was otherwise a very refreshing take from all other Indian fictions I have ever read
It was really fun to read something so exhilarating to read against an Indian backdrop and with Indian characters and without being just another poor copy of other American dystopian novels …
stop thinking too much... if you are anything like me and are really tired of reading engineering/management romance/dorm room stories then go for this book ..right now and you will know that there are ways in which you can tell stories against Indian backdrop and that too without an ounce of engineering/management degree stuffs being mentioned
First of all a huge thanks to the author and her team for providing me with the copy of the book and secondly giving me a thorough bollywood/Hollywood style entertainer
This book is what I would gladly call a total masala read with everything added into the book from family, friendship, drama, romance, comedy, supernatural/ superhero to thriller to action to crime to suspense and what not. so basically you name it and the book has got it. It’s a big melting pot for all sorts of genre and story tracks.
I want to say that the author has done a fine job of blending all these genres but frankly there are points when things do clash but in general the author has done a fab job to join every genre and keep it straight and on track
As I said there are a lot of genres converging so at times the author fails to take care of one genre completely and hence certain things feels incomplete. For example the authors tries her hand at supernatural phenomenon which is no doubt well incorporated but somewhere she has skipped on setting a proper ground for this track.
In the book the author shows a very unique and callous behavior of using elements that she feels can be helpful in narrating certain scene and then she would throw it out after the end of scene only to retrieve it back in another scene and doing so completely out of the blue.
It might sound very harmful but trust me somehow the author has still managed to use all these sensibly enough to carry forward the book but yes at times you feel there is too much going on but fans of a typical action thriller movies will totally love it because the book is like a fictional representation of an action movie with cars flying and bursting into flames and bullets ricocheting all around while the main characters are busy in each other’s embrace
Speaking of which…
While the book was awesome and probably one of my favorites now, there are two things that irate me
a) The basic caricature of the female lead. It states very lucid and vivid that our character is of 18 years and keeping in view that this is against an Indian backdrop, I found it really hard to grasp that our 18 year old visits a bar in the morning because …
1. She is a minor and would never be permitted access to a bar
2. She wouldn’t be served hard drinks considering the age limit of drinking is way too high in our country and .....
3. I find it hard to believe that a kid would be comfortable in a bar where even adult woman would falter in her steps to enter a bar in the morning, let alone end up in a fight. The another most important aspect is how our male lead is practically an adult and probably in late twenties … so an adult and a kid in romantic relationship is another creepiness that was hard to digest
b) The whole dystopian nature is confusing to me … I somehow find it hard to believe that the whole setting is worth categorizing as a dystopian novel… a city being evacuated ..fine…but that is not the end of the world… a probable cause perhaps but not worth to categorize the book as a dystopian.
In spite of all these I would gladly say that this book is amazing and for the sake of having fun, this is a pretty good option but you need to be pretty open minded and less pedantic because otherwise it may sound too much to believe but otherwise It is Totally entertaining, almost like a movie and superbly narrated and fast paced and not a dull moment. Apart from the ability to understand why this book would be exactly dystopian and the fact that probably the author failed to sync the age and actions of our female lead, I think this was otherwise a very refreshing take from all other Indian fictions I have ever read
It was really fun to read something so exhilarating to read against an Indian backdrop and with Indian characters and without being just another poor copy of other American dystopian novels …
stop thinking too much... if you are anything like me and are really tired of reading engineering/management romance/dorm room stories then go for this book ..right now and you will know that there are ways in which you can tell stories against Indian backdrop and that too without an ounce of engineering/management degree stuffs being mentioned
August 25, 2015
Laxmi Hariharan’s RUBY IYER opens with a note from the author that struck a chord and stayed with me throughout my reading of her action-packed, thrilling dystopia:
"I wanted to be economically independent. So, everyday I would leave the relative safety of home, knowing that my commute to work was going to be nightmarish. It’s just how public transport is in this city. When you get on a crowded local train platform, you accept that you are probably going to be felt up. Every time this happened to me, I would get really angry. But, I would deal with it and get on. So, when a young photojournalist was raped in the centre of Bombay in broad daylight, I was furious. It was as if nothing had changed in all the years I had been away. Then, I had a vision of this young girl who would not back down anymore, who would stand up for herself regardless of the consequences. Who would follow her heart… Thus Ruby Iyer was born."
I love this note – it’s a feminist call-to-arms and every time I read it, like right now as I typed it into this post, I feel angry and disgusted for all those women in India getting groped by those men – as a kid, I remember walking through the Chennai airport with my mom, when a man approached and grabbed her breasts…because he could – and then empowered by Laxmi’s vision of Ruby Iyer and her take-no-prisoners, suffer-no-fools attitude.
Which is all a long-winded way of saying Laxmi sucked me into her tale of a badass girl, a sexy rogue cop, and a crumbling city from the very first word. And boy, am I glad I took a little time away from my writing to get lost in Ruby’s world because the adventure was exciting and thrilling and read like an action-packed Bollywood film that all of us would stand in line for and pay good money to see.
But I must say, just as enthralling as the action and adventure, the characters and the danger, is Laxmi’s writing; her ability to make you touch and taste, smell and hear her city is spellbinding. I found myself closing my eyes and letting her descriptions really get into my bones, deep down and dirty, and felt Bombay, that grimy, throbbing, smelly, loud city of never-ending energy right along with her. It’s escapist to the extreme and even if you’re not a fan of YA or dystopia, you should read RUBY IYER just to lose yourself in Laxmi’s descriptions.
The world created by Laxmi is fast-paced, full of righteous anger, and so well-written, you close the book only wanting more. More Ruby, more Vikram – please, Laxmi! more Vikram – and more of those delicious, delectable descriptions of a city on the verge of collapse and a girl on the verge of greatness.
Rock on with your bad self, Laxmi, and keep writing because I can’t wait to see what’s next.
"I wanted to be economically independent. So, everyday I would leave the relative safety of home, knowing that my commute to work was going to be nightmarish. It’s just how public transport is in this city. When you get on a crowded local train platform, you accept that you are probably going to be felt up. Every time this happened to me, I would get really angry. But, I would deal with it and get on. So, when a young photojournalist was raped in the centre of Bombay in broad daylight, I was furious. It was as if nothing had changed in all the years I had been away. Then, I had a vision of this young girl who would not back down anymore, who would stand up for herself regardless of the consequences. Who would follow her heart… Thus Ruby Iyer was born."
I love this note – it’s a feminist call-to-arms and every time I read it, like right now as I typed it into this post, I feel angry and disgusted for all those women in India getting groped by those men – as a kid, I remember walking through the Chennai airport with my mom, when a man approached and grabbed her breasts…because he could – and then empowered by Laxmi’s vision of Ruby Iyer and her take-no-prisoners, suffer-no-fools attitude.
Which is all a long-winded way of saying Laxmi sucked me into her tale of a badass girl, a sexy rogue cop, and a crumbling city from the very first word. And boy, am I glad I took a little time away from my writing to get lost in Ruby’s world because the adventure was exciting and thrilling and read like an action-packed Bollywood film that all of us would stand in line for and pay good money to see.
But I must say, just as enthralling as the action and adventure, the characters and the danger, is Laxmi’s writing; her ability to make you touch and taste, smell and hear her city is spellbinding. I found myself closing my eyes and letting her descriptions really get into my bones, deep down and dirty, and felt Bombay, that grimy, throbbing, smelly, loud city of never-ending energy right along with her. It’s escapist to the extreme and even if you’re not a fan of YA or dystopia, you should read RUBY IYER just to lose yourself in Laxmi’s descriptions.
The world created by Laxmi is fast-paced, full of righteous anger, and so well-written, you close the book only wanting more. More Ruby, more Vikram – please, Laxmi! more Vikram – and more of those delicious, delectable descriptions of a city on the verge of collapse and a girl on the verge of greatness.
Rock on with your bad self, Laxmi, and keep writing because I can’t wait to see what’s next.
May 17, 2015
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
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Rather refreshing, whimsical and a bit riddled with the ridiculous ..... and reminded me a bit of those CID (Indian crime/thriller show) episodes, which is not necessarily a bad thing but oh well I got distracted. Back to the review. Anyway like its protagonist Ruby Iyer, this book goes through a bit of an identity crisis - YA thriller, contemporary or sci-fi is not really clear.
I'd admit the plot has its merits. Mumbai city is on the brink of destruction from a crazed villainous Dr. Braganza and her teen army and the only one standing in her way is an angry young Mumbai-kar Ruby Iyer and the strong and mysterious officer Vikram Roy. Have to hand it to the author, she came with a great plot with a rather eccentric pace. It starts out great when after Ruby gets her thousands of watts transformation, it picks up speed and rushes and fumbles to the end.
Of course, Mumbai is the main attraction here and in that respect the author did an authentic and somewhat realistic picture of the city. So much so that you could think of the city as a separate character. But herein lies the problem, it appears she spent a big much time with her city, that the characters didn't get the needed space to flourish. Although she did raise the issue on eave-teasing and harassment which is a big problem in the country and highlighted to the most noteworthy characteristics of Mumbai, standing back on its own two feet even after suffering through a major disaster (natural or man-made).
Ruby Iyer & Vikram Roy. A bit more work and they could have just been the superstars of the book. While they were individually strong characters but sadly I couldn't really connect with them. The author tries to do a lot here so the end result turns into a hybrid of story genres with the action part that jumps out through the pages with much romp and kick my favorite part of the book .... But it was entertaining nonetheless.
"A fast paced romp-ity ride through 'aamchee' Mumbai"
November 26, 2014
The eye for visual detail brought me right into the different settings in Bombay. Born in England, I've always been fascinated by Indian culture from a distance, and now there was the luxury of being immersed in the landscape; not even from the point of view that a tourist might see but because depicted across the social scale down to the raw and true of the seedier side which any large city may harbour but which Bombay hasin their own right.
Against this setting, Ruby and Pankaj emerge as very three-dimensional, plausible and, above all, accessible characters. Between them there is a lively cut and thrust which I thought skipped off the page in dialogue so that this was the way two people from their background, their setting, age and individual personalities would in reality speak. Their friendly exchange of good-natured taunts rarely offend or alienate because of a deeper and deepening mutual understanding as the story progresses.
The tough side of survival for any outside the more privileged/connected in Bombay came home more vividly to me than any text book could portray - again, because of Hariharan's distinct ability to home in on just the most salient detail. I thought this was true whether the author is describing a landlord, a beggar, even as she most quaintly puts it " a double-door-refrigerator sized saree clad aunty" and then the man with wandering hand as it "invades" the privacy of Ruby's thigh while she is effectively captive on her train journey.
Even so, this incident creates another tension, testing the bond between flat mates, Ruby and Pankaj. Then when Ruby meets the mysterious cop Vikram - through subtly nuanced allusions in the dialogue between them, the stage is masterfully set for a convincing story to develop into another test for both of them - the question of whether that bond will see them through the threats posed by Dr Kamini Braganza's teen army.
Lively, refreshing, seamless storytelling.
Against this setting, Ruby and Pankaj emerge as very three-dimensional, plausible and, above all, accessible characters. Between them there is a lively cut and thrust which I thought skipped off the page in dialogue so that this was the way two people from their background, their setting, age and individual personalities would in reality speak. Their friendly exchange of good-natured taunts rarely offend or alienate because of a deeper and deepening mutual understanding as the story progresses.
The tough side of survival for any outside the more privileged/connected in Bombay came home more vividly to me than any text book could portray - again, because of Hariharan's distinct ability to home in on just the most salient detail. I thought this was true whether the author is describing a landlord, a beggar, even as she most quaintly puts it " a double-door-refrigerator sized saree clad aunty" and then the man with wandering hand as it "invades" the privacy of Ruby's thigh while she is effectively captive on her train journey.
Even so, this incident creates another tension, testing the bond between flat mates, Ruby and Pankaj. Then when Ruby meets the mysterious cop Vikram - through subtly nuanced allusions in the dialogue between them, the stage is masterfully set for a convincing story to develop into another test for both of them - the question of whether that bond will see them through the threats posed by Dr Kamini Braganza's teen army.
Lively, refreshing, seamless storytelling.
February 19, 2015
I could imagine everything that happened in this book, the heat of the sun, the terror, and the love portrayed throughout the book was very well thought out and made to sound real. In fact the whole thing came across as plausible, which in its self is a frightening thought. It would be beyond awful if something like this really did happen.
Iyer was by far the most interesting character, the portrayal of her fear, love and subsequent understanding ensured I went through plenty of tissues. Vikram is another interesting character, at first he seems aloof and it's difficult to figure him out, but as the story progresses you learn more and more about him and his feelings. Finally is Dr B. and least said the better, she is one evil piece of work.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to pretty much anyone.
Iyer was by far the most interesting character, the portrayal of her fear, love and subsequent understanding ensured I went through plenty of tissues. Vikram is another interesting character, at first he seems aloof and it's difficult to figure him out, but as the story progresses you learn more and more about him and his feelings. Finally is Dr B. and least said the better, she is one evil piece of work.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to pretty much anyone.
September 24, 2014
This is a book that you just can't put down once you start reading it! The characters and places have been beautifully described and there is a sense of foreboding reality in the book. If you live in Bombay or have even visited the city, you almost feel like the events of the book are unfolding right in front of you and start living the characters.
The character of Ruby Iyer is quite amazing - throughout the book you keep discovering different facets of her personality and you gradually start empathizing with her and the situations she goes thorough.
Can't reveal the climax - all I can say is that it sets you thinking in more ways than one!
Kudos Laxmi for conceptualizing something like this and writing so beautifully!
The character of Ruby Iyer is quite amazing - throughout the book you keep discovering different facets of her personality and you gradually start empathizing with her and the situations she goes thorough.
Can't reveal the climax - all I can say is that it sets you thinking in more ways than one!
Kudos Laxmi for conceptualizing something like this and writing so beautifully!
March 9, 2015
Frist of all it was a novel set in Bombay , which is rare to find . I have been making it a point to read more diverse fiction, so I was excited by the chance to read a novel featuring (and written by) someone of Indian descent. The plot was great , the wirting was great. But ,there are times when the book treads into unknown zones and then balances out the effect with both good and bad. Then there's a lot of thrill and drama and acquaintance with few other characters.
Overall , It was good an d i would love to have a series
Overall , It was good an d i would love to have a series
Want to read
January 23, 2016I won this book from Goodreads First Reads. Review coming soon.
October 26, 2015
What I enjoyed most about The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is the fact that the book centres around a kickass female protagonist. Although difficult to relate to and immature at times, Ruby Iyer was definitely a fresh change from the typical damsels in distress. Getting into her head got on my nerves sometimes, but it was amusing to read from her point of view. She and her love interest, Vikram Roy made for a very cool and new age couple, which was awesome.
While I wasn't a 100% into the story as it didn't keep me as gripped and interested as I would have liked, it was still really good to imagine the city of dreams collapse and go from being hero to zero. Bombay was really well portrayed by author Laxmi Hariharan, who made it easy even for a person like me who isn't a frequent Bombay visitor, to imagine everything perfectly. Also, I found it so hard to even think of the same happening in reality because even though I am not the biggest fan of the city, even I know that Bombay is Bombay.
Another really impressive part was the subtle combination of dystopian and fantasy that Laxmi nailed. It was fascinating on the one hand, to read the slight mythological references and on the other hand, the very futuristic aspirations that the villain, Dr. Braganza has for Bombay. I'm not sure if that was the intention of the author, but the two aspects stood out and made for a good combination.
All the other characters were very well done as well. It's still confusing for me as to exactly where the story is headed and what the villain really wants, but I sure as hell am curious to know more. I just hope I get all the answers in the next instalment and the other books to come in the series. Overall, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer was an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to fans of dystopian who want something different in the genre.
*A copy of The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer by Laxmi Iyer was provided by the author and Read Out Loud in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book.
While I wasn't a 100% into the story as it didn't keep me as gripped and interested as I would have liked, it was still really good to imagine the city of dreams collapse and go from being hero to zero. Bombay was really well portrayed by author Laxmi Hariharan, who made it easy even for a person like me who isn't a frequent Bombay visitor, to imagine everything perfectly. Also, I found it so hard to even think of the same happening in reality because even though I am not the biggest fan of the city, even I know that Bombay is Bombay.
Another really impressive part was the subtle combination of dystopian and fantasy that Laxmi nailed. It was fascinating on the one hand, to read the slight mythological references and on the other hand, the very futuristic aspirations that the villain, Dr. Braganza has for Bombay. I'm not sure if that was the intention of the author, but the two aspects stood out and made for a good combination.
All the other characters were very well done as well. It's still confusing for me as to exactly where the story is headed and what the villain really wants, but I sure as hell am curious to know more. I just hope I get all the answers in the next instalment and the other books to come in the series. Overall, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer was an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to fans of dystopian who want something different in the genre.
*A copy of The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer by Laxmi Iyer was provided by the author and Read Out Loud in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book.
May 15, 2015
I received a copy from Netgalley.
Not for me. Unfortunately DNFing at 27%. The idea of this one got my attention immediately. Diverse books FTW! POC main character, and set in Bombay? This was a must have for me. The description of the setting is beautifully vivid. Very well written and easy to picture and feel like you're right there.
My problem with this book was I simply could not stand the main character, Ruby. Her attitude was grating and got very tiring and irritating very quickly. She has some obvious anger issues, which she readily acknowledges and appears at least to be doing something to control them. Until a strange incident occurs and things rapidly take a turn for the different.
Ruby's attitude takes a turn for the worse as well, her anger issues start to get out of control. She's also very contradictory in her behavior as well. And it just got on my nerves.
I was just shaking my head at it. And totally unimpressed. And this is all before the 30% mark. Urg. No. I don't like this character at all and really don't care in the slightest about what happens to her. Therefore DNFing.
I would certainly read something by this author again, but this particular book is no for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for approving my request to view the title.
Not for me. Unfortunately DNFing at 27%. The idea of this one got my attention immediately. Diverse books FTW! POC main character, and set in Bombay? This was a must have for me. The description of the setting is beautifully vivid. Very well written and easy to picture and feel like you're right there.
My problem with this book was I simply could not stand the main character, Ruby. Her attitude was grating and got very tiring and irritating very quickly. She has some obvious anger issues, which she readily acknowledges and appears at least to be doing something to control them. Until a strange incident occurs and things rapidly take a turn for the different.
Ruby's attitude takes a turn for the worse as well, her anger issues start to get out of control. She's also very contradictory in her behavior as well. And it just got on my nerves.
I was just shaking my head at it. And totally unimpressed. And this is all before the 30% mark. Urg. No. I don't like this character at all and really don't care in the slightest about what happens to her. Therefore DNFing.
I would certainly read something by this author again, but this particular book is no for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for approving my request to view the title.
November 18, 2014
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is a white-knuckle ride through the disintegrating streets of Bombay as a terrifying encounter with a molester on a train propels our heroine from her everyday commute into a battle for survival – her own survival and the survival of the city she loves.
What I like best about Laxmi’s writing is her powerful and unique voice, a voice that drags you into Ruby’s world and Ruby’s perspective and doesn’t let you go until the nail-biting ending. (And not really then, as there’s another book, The Second Life of Ruby Iyer to come). It’s refreshing to have a strong woman at the centre of a book set in India, and Ruby is as strong as they come, yet not above the temptations of love with supercool but dangerous cop Vikram.
The book is a YA fantasy thriller and uses all the scope that genre offers to tell a story that has some distant reminders of The Hunger Games. Once Ruby has started on her quest to find the sinister Dr B who is at the heart of the disasters that continually strike Bombay, she doesn’t let up, and nor do her enemies. It’s a no-holds-barred bloody battle to the death and perhaps beyond that gives Bombay, a city that Ruby passionately loves and hates, a starring role. I found it hard to put down. There are some astounding revelations along the way, but I’m not going to give anything away. I’ll just say that I guarantee you’ll be glued to the roller-coster ride of this remarkable book.
What I like best about Laxmi’s writing is her powerful and unique voice, a voice that drags you into Ruby’s world and Ruby’s perspective and doesn’t let you go until the nail-biting ending. (And not really then, as there’s another book, The Second Life of Ruby Iyer to come). It’s refreshing to have a strong woman at the centre of a book set in India, and Ruby is as strong as they come, yet not above the temptations of love with supercool but dangerous cop Vikram.
The book is a YA fantasy thriller and uses all the scope that genre offers to tell a story that has some distant reminders of The Hunger Games. Once Ruby has started on her quest to find the sinister Dr B who is at the heart of the disasters that continually strike Bombay, she doesn’t let up, and nor do her enemies. It’s a no-holds-barred bloody battle to the death and perhaps beyond that gives Bombay, a city that Ruby passionately loves and hates, a starring role. I found it hard to put down. There are some astounding revelations along the way, but I’m not going to give anything away. I’ll just say that I guarantee you’ll be glued to the roller-coster ride of this remarkable book.
June 10, 2015
I very much enjoyed reading The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. One reason being is that she's basically a clone of myself. I see myself in many of the actions that she takes and how she responds. Maybe that means I'm a rebellious gal as well but it shows that she has courage, heart and most of all, she's true to herself. There is no chance she will let anyone run her life. She will always do what's best for her even if it takes a few times getting there. Grab a copy, it's a great thriller to read.
April 1, 2015
This book is phenomenal. It is full of twists and turns. I never expected this book to end the way it did. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Give this book a try. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
April 3, 2015
What I found
I found this book interesting how she conquers all life throws at her and never gives up on herself and her interself. Will there be more for her to find out about herself and the world around her.
I found this book interesting how she conquers all life throws at her and never gives up on herself and her interself. Will there be more for her to find out about herself and the world around her.
August 7, 2019
Boy, I was not a fan of The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. I never DNF, but I was tempted to give up on this one quite a few times throughout the first half, but I forced my way through and then decided I was too far in to abandon it so late in the game.
There's just so much about this book that vexes me.
A superhero story with a severe lack of realism, I first started rolling my eyes when Ruby broke her friend Panky's arm - in front of a doctor - and he reacted like "Oh, you broke my arm". The doctor didn't respond, Panky wasn't in any kind of pain, he simply showed up a few chapters later with his arm in a sling and the next time he appeared? Ping, the sling is gone! Miraculous. It makes sense that Ruby heals quickly because of her 'powers', but this just felt like an overlooked aspect of the plot.
Then there are Ruby's 'powers', which become stronger when she self-harms. I'm not a fan of glorifying self-harm, and for this book to not only do that but address the fact that it's doing it and double down to try and justify it fills me with rage.
I also wouldn't call this young adult, because even though Ruby is 18 she seems like a much older character. It feels like a paranormal romance, and with the relationship between Ruby and Vikram developing towards the end of the novel it certainly felt as though it was travelling in a saucier direction (but there's no way I'm going to subject myself to reading book two, so I'll never know).
The copy that I read was an ARC via NetGalley, but even for an ARC the editing was horrendous, with random, commas spliced in regularly making it difficult to understand the meaning of some sentences. That, combined with a stilted lack of contractions and an awful lot of repetition, made it a very draining book to read. There was also an awful lot of explanation for terms that the character wouldn't need to describe because they're part of her every day life. Describing 'idlis or rice cakes as Ma preferred to call them' is so unnatural: I would have preferred to have been challenged into looking up what idlis was and furthering my knowledge of Bombay culture, rather than having the answer handed to me on an extremely contrived plate.
The 'twist' at the end was obvious as soon as the big bad Dr. B appeared, the relationship between VIkram and Ruby was one of the least compelling I've ever encountered and the lack of explanation behind exactly what Youthenasia had me rolling my eyes yet again.
I had lost interest in reading The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer, which is why it's taken me so many years to read and review it, but my partner chose it as my next read so I valiantly trudged through. I'm now regretting letting him have a look at my Kindle...
There's just so much about this book that vexes me.
A superhero story with a severe lack of realism, I first started rolling my eyes when Ruby broke her friend Panky's arm - in front of a doctor - and he reacted like "Oh, you broke my arm". The doctor didn't respond, Panky wasn't in any kind of pain, he simply showed up a few chapters later with his arm in a sling and the next time he appeared? Ping, the sling is gone! Miraculous. It makes sense that Ruby heals quickly because of her 'powers', but this just felt like an overlooked aspect of the plot.
Then there are Ruby's 'powers', which become stronger when she self-harms. I'm not a fan of glorifying self-harm, and for this book to not only do that but address the fact that it's doing it and double down to try and justify it fills me with rage.
I also wouldn't call this young adult, because even though Ruby is 18 she seems like a much older character. It feels like a paranormal romance, and with the relationship between Ruby and Vikram developing towards the end of the novel it certainly felt as though it was travelling in a saucier direction (but there's no way I'm going to subject myself to reading book two, so I'll never know).
The copy that I read was an ARC via NetGalley, but even for an ARC the editing was horrendous, with random, commas spliced in regularly making it difficult to understand the meaning of some sentences. That, combined with a stilted lack of contractions and an awful lot of repetition, made it a very draining book to read. There was also an awful lot of explanation for terms that the character wouldn't need to describe because they're part of her every day life. Describing 'idlis or rice cakes as Ma preferred to call them' is so unnatural: I would have preferred to have been challenged into looking up what idlis was and furthering my knowledge of Bombay culture, rather than having the answer handed to me on an extremely contrived plate.
The 'twist' at the end was obvious as soon as the big bad Dr. B appeared, the relationship between VIkram and Ruby was one of the least compelling I've ever encountered and the lack of explanation behind exactly what Youthenasia had me rolling my eyes yet again.
I had lost interest in reading The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer, which is why it's taken me so many years to read and review it, but my partner chose it as my next read so I valiantly trudged through. I'm now regretting letting him have a look at my Kindle...
June 26, 2020
The story is about a young girl fighting not only the outside world but also all her inner conflicts and demons.
Bombay is the backdrop. The author paints Ruby's Bombay beautifully by describing every street, bus stop, railway station as it is; along with the malls, five star hotels, skyscrapers, etc. The intent of the writer is also to acquaint the readers how to live in Bombay, a place with an assorted culture.
What I like best about Laxmi’s writing is her powerful and unique voice, a voice that drags you into Ruby’s world. The author uses first person writing, giving us direct access to Ruby mind, you can taste her emotions displaying the ill effects of a neglected childhood. It’s refreshing to have a strong woman at the centre of a book set in India.
Laxmi Hariharan blends culture, youth, emotion and life in one brilliant novel. She has poured her heart and soul into this book. As a young adult read, this book tests one thing - friendship.
A fast paced thriller is what this book promises to be and not one single dull moment in the entire book. It leaves the reader wanting for more from this series. It is UN-put-down-able to put it simply. And when I did finish it, I was simply at a loss for words.
If you are looking for a strong female character, this is a must read. The day Bollywood decides to make a ‘Heroine’ movie in the back drop of Bombay, Ruby Iyer shall be the place to start. There is every element in the story to be turned into a fine movie!
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
Bombay is the backdrop. The author paints Ruby's Bombay beautifully by describing every street, bus stop, railway station as it is; along with the malls, five star hotels, skyscrapers, etc. The intent of the writer is also to acquaint the readers how to live in Bombay, a place with an assorted culture.
What I like best about Laxmi’s writing is her powerful and unique voice, a voice that drags you into Ruby’s world. The author uses first person writing, giving us direct access to Ruby mind, you can taste her emotions displaying the ill effects of a neglected childhood. It’s refreshing to have a strong woman at the centre of a book set in India.
Laxmi Hariharan blends culture, youth, emotion and life in one brilliant novel. She has poured her heart and soul into this book. As a young adult read, this book tests one thing - friendship.
A fast paced thriller is what this book promises to be and not one single dull moment in the entire book. It leaves the reader wanting for more from this series. It is UN-put-down-able to put it simply. And when I did finish it, I was simply at a loss for words.
If you are looking for a strong female character, this is a must read. The day Bollywood decides to make a ‘Heroine’ movie in the back drop of Bombay, Ruby Iyer shall be the place to start. There is every element in the story to be turned into a fine movie!
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
March 12, 2015
My objective rating for this would be somewhere between 2 and 3 stars.
The two shining stars would be for the imagined settings of a real city - Mumbai that this fast-paced urban fantasy is set in. And the other would be for the searingly passionate prose of the author, Laxmi Hariharan. And then I would vacillate thinking of the plot that just didn't strike a chord with me and went from "I'm-hooked-and-intrigued" in the first few chapters to "Huh" in the mid-chapters and then "Duh" as I was just skimming to get to the end with my eyebrows arched over in disbelief. I had to suspend my disbelief for the sake of following the story to it's explosive end - but then I got really exasperated as events went rolling out of control - and the non-stop action and the thrill-ride just took over - without any logical reason as to why anything was happening.
Okay - so am getting ahead of myself.
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is set in the Maximum City, Bombay featuring the eponymous protagonist, a New Adult ( Is that right? After hitting eighteen, am assuming you are a New Adult right) who lives and breathes the city. Now a word about Mumbai and Mumbaikers. I've hardly understood the passion the folks who actually LIVE in that city have for the same. But it's unmistakable - the righteous passion and never-say-die spirit that symbolizes this city and it's people. We've seen the resurgence of this in the past countless times. Be it the floods or the terrorists.
Now Laxmi takes the plot of a Terrorist attack( More like a tyrannical megalomaniac with world-domination ambitions who goes nuts! in trying to take over the city ) and balances Ruby Iyer's dysfunctional personal life against it. Ruby is an easy protagonist to go along with - for the ride. And heck, it's a jet-setting screaming ride without any brakes.
A independent self-made woman living life on her own terms, Ruby rents a bungalow with her male "best" friend Pankaj in South Bombay and life is the usual struggle of mumbai local trains, the crowded roads and never-ending night life of the city. Sights and sounds of Bombay filters in through Laxmi's livid prose makes the initial few chapters a real treasure. And there's this false sense that lulls you into thinking, wow! what an atmospheric book. That Ruby's personal life is a mess, is something we get sense of pretty early on.
And then Laxmi steps up the pace - shifting into higher gears with a train accident in the crowded mumbai local train-stations. Where Ruby gets pushed onto the path of an oncoming local train. After this, things go haywire. Literally so. Ruby survives a ten-thousand volt electrocution by a live wire and wakes up hale and hearty - with just a tattoo to speak of that ordeal.
Suspended Disbelief # 1.
As things proceed at a breakneck pace from here, the novel started turning slightly bizarre for me. Random events happening for no apparent reason stitched together by unbelievable coincidences. A cop who stalks Ruby everywhere, the leering eve-teaser ( called the HAND - after the train-pushing incident ) who shows up even after Ruby saw him getting crushed under the Rajdhani express, fights in the local bar without any kind of prompting, the lightning pings from the tattoo that explodes into some kind of a violet rage that screws up Ruby's head and composure...It all started to blend and mix up for me a bit. Suspended Disbelief # - Sorry, I lost count there.
Into this mess, Laxmi introduces the antagonist of the story - Mrs. Kamini Braganza. A fully crazed out psycho-bitch who has no apparent reason but an inexplicable penchant for mindless violence. That penchant snowballs into a world-dominating rage, Mrs. B wants a Bombay city where only the Young and Strong survive and thrive. I was shaking my head at this point, perplexed and seriously in need of a head-check up. There's a line from the book about Mrs. B - "This woman is more melodramatic than a Bollywood Movie. But then she's always been that way, tending to the Theatrical." So when Mrs. B kidnaps Pankaj, Ruby's best friend/room-mate and "the only person who doubles for a family and the only emotional connect to people", she is dragged into this world-shattering conspiracy that threatens to melt-down her favorite city. And then, Whoosh! Things go spiraling out of control.
Now one of the best lessons I learnt from my serious theatre days is that - less is more. Melodramatics dont sell. Subtle, genuine emoting always is the best way to be a good actor. All along the way I felt that the author is trying too hard. Sample this - "I go through the opaque surface and into the swirling darkness, the thick liquid wrapping me in its cold, slithery embrace. My skin crawls and I shrivel, folding into myself - a tiny blob in the underbelly of the city." Now without context, I would have been scratching my head as to what the hell was going on. relax, it's just that Ruby fell into the sea and is coming to terms with it.
The author's prose is earnest and sometimes really borders on the poetic - bringing alive the atmosphere around. Like Ruby's frequent dives into her guilt-ridden mind-mines. But I felt overall, it just takes the focus away from the plot that is begging to be hurtling forwards. Like in the middle of an intense shoot-out, Ruby slips into internal monologues and dreamy moony imaginings. That irritate the hell out of a reader.
Another factor that detracted me from really enjoying this book were the mysteries left unexplained. It takes a lot of time to unravel and Ruby's past, Vikram's involvement etc all of the resolution has a half-baked feel. Cheated, that's the term I'm looking for. Perhaps there is redemption in the Second Life of Ruby Iyer.
Overall, I'm disappointed with how the end turned out to be. It's a promising book and yet the over-zealous execution of what could have been a fantastic premise lets it down.
Oh wait a question that really rankles me STILL is this. Does Pankaj, Ruby's best friend for whom she braves the seven hells and beyond, survive the apocalypse?
Interested to find out ? Well, i dare you to plunge into the zany, crazy fucked-up life of Ruby Iyer. A ride guaranteed to knock your senses out. Literally so. Ride Safe.
The two shining stars would be for the imagined settings of a real city - Mumbai that this fast-paced urban fantasy is set in. And the other would be for the searingly passionate prose of the author, Laxmi Hariharan. And then I would vacillate thinking of the plot that just didn't strike a chord with me and went from "I'm-hooked-and-intrigued" in the first few chapters to "Huh" in the mid-chapters and then "Duh" as I was just skimming to get to the end with my eyebrows arched over in disbelief. I had to suspend my disbelief for the sake of following the story to it's explosive end - but then I got really exasperated as events went rolling out of control - and the non-stop action and the thrill-ride just took over - without any logical reason as to why anything was happening.
Okay - so am getting ahead of myself.
The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is set in the Maximum City, Bombay featuring the eponymous protagonist, a New Adult ( Is that right? After hitting eighteen, am assuming you are a New Adult right) who lives and breathes the city. Now a word about Mumbai and Mumbaikers. I've hardly understood the passion the folks who actually LIVE in that city have for the same. But it's unmistakable - the righteous passion and never-say-die spirit that symbolizes this city and it's people. We've seen the resurgence of this in the past countless times. Be it the floods or the terrorists.
Now Laxmi takes the plot of a Terrorist attack( More like a tyrannical megalomaniac with world-domination ambitions who goes nuts! in trying to take over the city ) and balances Ruby Iyer's dysfunctional personal life against it. Ruby is an easy protagonist to go along with - for the ride. And heck, it's a jet-setting screaming ride without any brakes.
A independent self-made woman living life on her own terms, Ruby rents a bungalow with her male "best" friend Pankaj in South Bombay and life is the usual struggle of mumbai local trains, the crowded roads and never-ending night life of the city. Sights and sounds of Bombay filters in through Laxmi's livid prose makes the initial few chapters a real treasure. And there's this false sense that lulls you into thinking, wow! what an atmospheric book. That Ruby's personal life is a mess, is something we get sense of pretty early on.
And then Laxmi steps up the pace - shifting into higher gears with a train accident in the crowded mumbai local train-stations. Where Ruby gets pushed onto the path of an oncoming local train. After this, things go haywire. Literally so. Ruby survives a ten-thousand volt electrocution by a live wire and wakes up hale and hearty - with just a tattoo to speak of that ordeal.
Suspended Disbelief # 1.
As things proceed at a breakneck pace from here, the novel started turning slightly bizarre for me. Random events happening for no apparent reason stitched together by unbelievable coincidences. A cop who stalks Ruby everywhere, the leering eve-teaser ( called the HAND - after the train-pushing incident ) who shows up even after Ruby saw him getting crushed under the Rajdhani express, fights in the local bar without any kind of prompting, the lightning pings from the tattoo that explodes into some kind of a violet rage that screws up Ruby's head and composure...It all started to blend and mix up for me a bit. Suspended Disbelief # - Sorry, I lost count there.
Into this mess, Laxmi introduces the antagonist of the story - Mrs. Kamini Braganza. A fully crazed out psycho-bitch who has no apparent reason but an inexplicable penchant for mindless violence. That penchant snowballs into a world-dominating rage, Mrs. B wants a Bombay city where only the Young and Strong survive and thrive. I was shaking my head at this point, perplexed and seriously in need of a head-check up. There's a line from the book about Mrs. B - "This woman is more melodramatic than a Bollywood Movie. But then she's always been that way, tending to the Theatrical." So when Mrs. B kidnaps Pankaj, Ruby's best friend/room-mate and "the only person who doubles for a family and the only emotional connect to people", she is dragged into this world-shattering conspiracy that threatens to melt-down her favorite city. And then, Whoosh! Things go spiraling out of control.
Now one of the best lessons I learnt from my serious theatre days is that - less is more. Melodramatics dont sell. Subtle, genuine emoting always is the best way to be a good actor. All along the way I felt that the author is trying too hard. Sample this - "I go through the opaque surface and into the swirling darkness, the thick liquid wrapping me in its cold, slithery embrace. My skin crawls and I shrivel, folding into myself - a tiny blob in the underbelly of the city." Now without context, I would have been scratching my head as to what the hell was going on. relax, it's just that Ruby fell into the sea and is coming to terms with it.
The author's prose is earnest and sometimes really borders on the poetic - bringing alive the atmosphere around. Like Ruby's frequent dives into her guilt-ridden mind-mines. But I felt overall, it just takes the focus away from the plot that is begging to be hurtling forwards. Like in the middle of an intense shoot-out, Ruby slips into internal monologues and dreamy moony imaginings. That irritate the hell out of a reader.
Another factor that detracted me from really enjoying this book were the mysteries left unexplained. It takes a lot of time to unravel and Ruby's past, Vikram's involvement etc all of the resolution has a half-baked feel. Cheated, that's the term I'm looking for. Perhaps there is redemption in the Second Life of Ruby Iyer.
Overall, I'm disappointed with how the end turned out to be. It's a promising book and yet the over-zealous execution of what could have been a fantastic premise lets it down.
Oh wait a question that really rankles me STILL is this. Does Pankaj, Ruby's best friend for whom she braves the seven hells and beyond, survive the apocalypse?
Interested to find out ? Well, i dare you to plunge into the zany, crazy fucked-up life of Ruby Iyer. A ride guaranteed to knock your senses out. Literally so. Ride Safe.
November 5, 2016
Laxmi Hariharan's "Awakened"; it's how the world in her series, Many Lives, begins. It has so much going on you don't dare put it down till you finish. It's the story of a young girl, Ruby, who as a child wanted only to be loved, something she never felt from her parents, especially her mother. Due to this absence of love, she commits a horrific act and runs away. Now a young woman, she miraculously lives through an attempt on her life and is forever changed. She can see on her body the physical changes and the pain it causes her when she seems to be in danger. But there are more changes that she will not know till later (and I'm not telling). This also bring into her life a protector, Vik, a policeman; only she's not sure what his real goal is, nor what her true feelings for him are. Then her mother comes back into her life causing death and destruction to make a so-called better world. Ruby's story is very powerful, magical one and how this story ends, well it's the end of life as she knew it and the beginning of a new one for mankind.
October 16, 2020
I am quickly becoming obsessed with this universe though I read all the series in this universe backwards I have to say reading this series now is so exciting. The characters though are going through superhuman changes are larger than live and literally change the world. It is amazingly written.
Ruby went through so many things that a young girl should never have gone through and alone with no support from her parents at that here we get to see the amazing young woman she turns out to be.
Vikrum we followed him previously we pick him up here midplan of taking down those he thinks are responsible for his families murders. When he meets an amazing young woman who turns his world and plans upside down.
What rode will they travel together. Read The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer aka Awakenings to see the birth of a new literary universe.
Ruby went through so many things that a young girl should never have gone through and alone with no support from her parents at that here we get to see the amazing young woman she turns out to be.
Vikrum we followed him previously we pick him up here midplan of taking down those he thinks are responsible for his families murders. When he meets an amazing young woman who turns his world and plans upside down.
What rode will they travel together. Read The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer aka Awakenings to see the birth of a new literary universe.
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