Quick. Think of possible superpowers (if they existed, that is). How many minutes and how many powers pass before you hit the ones like telepathy, metal manipulation and so on? Not many, I’m guessing. This is why when (or if) you feel a sense of déjà vu while reading The Rook, Daniel O’Malley’s début novel that’s about supernatural forces, you must remind yourself that just because something has a character who...

Old wine in a new bottle. As trite as the expression may sound, it’s really apt for Jeffrey Archer’s writing. I haven’t read all of his books. In fact, a cursory look at that list tells me I have only read a little more than half of them. Despite that, I am now able to pinpoint several idiosyncrasies that he repeatedly turns to. Whether it be the names of characters, certain narrative techniques or some plot elements, it’s no secret...

There is a stage, one-third of the way through The Girl Who Played with Fire, when a lot of people talk about Lisbeth Salander, or The Girl. Atleast half a dozen people weigh in on her, discuss her past, list her traits, express their feelings for her and so on. It is at this point one truly realizes the brilliance of the character Stieg Larsson has created. I wouldn’t go so far as to call her “amazing”, but it’s a fact that Lisbeth...

The problems I have with The Eleventh Commandment could fill a book themselves. I readily agree that Jeffrey Archer’s books are not the most profound and thought-provoking works of literature out there, and that’s perfectly alright. His books are enjoyable, popcorn-munching page-turners and many times, I need nothing more, or nothing less. I still have fond memories of A Prisoner of Birth, Sons of Fortune and As The Crow Flies....

I have become addicted to Jeffrey Archer’s novels recently. This craze began when a friend lent me A Prisoner of Birth. Though hesitant at first, I was entranced by it and ran through it in 2 days, in the middle of my exams. This was 3 months ago. Since then, I have read 7 more novels by the British wordsmith, the latest being Paths of Glory, which I am reviewing here. I toured Nepal in the summer, and was fascinated by the majestic...