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Book Review: Amongst the Believers by Kochery C Shibu

Amongst the Believers by Kochery C Shibu is a hardcore espionage thriller staged against India, Pakistan, war-torn Afghanistan and Ukrain, and few more geographical locations. Right since the first page the novel is atmospheric and engaging. Three Indian characters are thrown in a world of danger, power, corrupt, wealth, and espionage web as they start on their unique danger-filled journey for different reasons. From the Indian side, these are the main characters: Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha. The author has sketched out a detailed bio of the each Indian character. Nanda is from Kerala, charged with murder cases. He is saved and sent on a mission to destroy a family of army elites. This act will safeguard his family in India. As the story chugs ahead, his character comes out more of a sleeping agent of RAW, with long goals.


Khusru is a terrorist in Kashmir. He went goes against his men. He has no fixed settlement. He kidnaps Rekha, a doctor. Both enjoy the stay and fall in love. When Rekha goes back to her home place, she engages herself in dance drama called Amongst the Believers, the title of the novel. This dance shots her into fame, she is recognized worldwide for showcasing her life in the captivity of terrorists. Rekha’s jumps in the unexpected dangerous landscape only to follow Khusru, this creates an unlikely love story. Rekha’s story could trigger emotional collapse among readers as she serves as sex slave in Afghanistan for young Talibanis.

The novel doesn’t stagnant at any particular place. Pakistan’s army is troubled by drug warlords, trying to control them. The heat of revenge among them is visceral. In war-torn countries drug business holds key for money and power, such many scenarios are depicted in the book through Khusru and Miriam, a warlord’s daughter trying to escape to Bosnia.

However the main crux of the novel lies in some videos. A Pakistani military officer is involved in directing 26/11 Indian attack and torturing of a US soldier to outsmart Taliban. At times political interests also rise up in this thriller as US shuttles between Taliban and Pakistan.

Among all brouhaha and drama of espionage, these characters never realize that they are just pawns in the bigger game. The deeper they delve to fulfill their personal motives, the more they get drawn in the mess that will not spare their life. As the web of dark conspiracies grows intense, the real brutal tale of lust, revenge, guilt, and survival compels readers for a roller coaster ride of thrill.

It’s captivating and beautiful and dark. All main and auxiliary characters are excellently written, elements within each one are contrastingly highlighted. This isn’t a fast-paced thriller with murder and gore on every page, its pacing is optimum and character and situation driven. If you like dark espionage thrillers with shuttling backdrops, this is a perfect read for you.

Buy the book from Amazon

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