Kevein Books and Reviews

Published in 2026, Newsfire stands as a sweeping, deeply personal memoir by veteran Indian journalist, media strategist, and environmental crusader B. N. Kumar—widely known across media circles simply as BNK. Far more than a conventional retrospective, the book seamlessly integrates three distinct perspectives into a single compelling narrative: a living history of modern Indian journalism, a frontline witness account of pivotal political upheavals, and an urgent manifesto for environmental conservation. Over a canvas spanning five decades, Kumar chronicles the seismic shifts in India’s democratic fabric through an authentic and resolute lens. Kumar adopts an engaging, non-linear approach to chart his origins. He traces his ancestral roots from rural Andhra Pradesh to a mobile, disciplined upbringing across various Indian Army cantonments, shaped by his father’s military postings. This nomadic childhood instilled in him an early adaptability, fierce independence, and an observant eye f...

Mohamed Nabeel Moidunni’s Trace is a lean, razor-sharp crime thriller that delivers the pulse-pounding excitement of a commercial blockbuster in the compact format of a 50-page novella. Moving with the sheer kinetic energy and dramatic flair reminiscent of a fast-paced Tollywood action-thriller, the story wastes no time on fluff, plunging readers directly into a high-stakes arena of ambition, deceit, and sudden violence. The narrative establishes its central conflict instantly: the bitter rivalry between two broadcasting moguls, Rahman and Mujeeb. Competing fiercely for dominance in the cutthroat world of television news, their feud reaches a boiling point when Arun, Mujeeb’s trusted assistant, arrives at Rahman’s opulent mansion under the pretense of brokering a peace treaty. However, diplomacy collapses before it even begins. Within moments of Arun’s arrival, the atmosphere turns grim—Rahman is found dead inside his own estate, murdered under mysterious circumstances. What follows ...

“The Rajwada Poisonings” is an Indian crime fiction that seamlessly blends murder mystery and treasure hunt in it. This is the second novel of the author N. J. Kulkarni. Her previous novel – The Hawa Mahal Murders – was based on similar murder mystery & crime thriller elements. However, most of the characters are same in both the novels. The Rajwada Poisonings is mandatorily not a sequel, yet both novels have similar setting of Maharashtra. Before you read this novel independently, it’s advisable to go through the overview of the previous novel – The Hawa Mahal Murders – for better clarity and smooth reading experience. Smita is a familiar character from 'The Hawa Mahal Murders'. When she was living in that building named Hawa Mahal, there her husband was accused of killing Ria Khan. In this novel, she is the lead character. She is the detective hired by a navy officer to save her daughter from accusation of killing someone in Bhorkot's royal palace. She shuttles betwee...

“Journey to Infinity Within” by Devsingh is a refreshing, deeply contemplative Vedantic spiritual memoir, this profound work serves as the inaugural volume in the author's ambitious "A Trilogy of Contemplation Series." Rather than lecturing from an elevated pedestal, Devsingh positions himself as a humble companion to the reader, exploring the intricate alignment of human integrity across the conscious mind, the subconscious, and the soul. The narrative begins with a beautifully grounded sense of place. The author traces his spiritual roots back to his childhood within the Badaga community in the serene Nilgiri Hills of Ooty. This humble setting serves as the launchpad for a lifetime defined by doubt, searching, initiation, and eventual awakening. The book is structured around three distinct, carefully crafted movements: First, Personal Awakening offers an intimate, refreshingly honest account of the author’s early life. Devsingh does not shy away from detailing his ...

In “Lyre: Death of Orpheus,” author Zarina Sani delivers a refreshing departure from standard, sprawling epic fantasy world-building, opting instead for a highly focused, puzzle-driven investigation. The story’s tense, atmospheric plot ignites when the lifeless body of Orpheus—the legendary poet and scholar—crashes onto the sun-bleached stones of the palace of Knossos. Rather than leaving behind a straightforward confession, the killer has left a cryptic parchment hidden on Orpheus's corpse, filled with baffling riddles and esoteric symbols that serve as a dangerous warning to the palace elite. Facing a claustrophobic atmosphere of intense suspicion, the observant and highly intelligent Ariadne must spearhead the investigation. To navigate this labyrinth of lies, she forms an unlikely alliance with legendary figures Perseus and Atalanta, diving into a web where everyone is a suspect. Sani’s narrative acts as a classic, locked-room "whodunit" superimposed onto a rich, myth...

In the rapidly evolving economic landscape of 21st-century India, a stark dichotomy has emerged: while the nation’s e-commerce giants break records daily, the traditional brick-and-mortar retailers—the backbone of the Indian economy—often find themselves watching from the sidelines. Jacob Abraham’s Mastering Online Sales, the debut instalment in his E-commerce Playbook series, arrives as a much-needed bridge across this digital divide. It is an essential manual specifically tailored for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of India that possess the product and the passion but lack the digital roadmap to scale. Abraham begins his exploration by situating the reader within the current reality of Indian market penetration. He argues that digital transformation is no longer a luxury for the urban elite; it has become a survival necessity for shops in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The book’s greatest strength lies in its groundedness. Rather than offering high-level Silicon Valley t...

In the burgeoning landscape of North-East Indian literature, Nikhil Khasnabish has carved a niche as a writer who treats the socio-political and cultural realities of Assam with both a journalist's precision and a poet's heart. His latest offering, The Son of Santra Hill, is perhaps his most ambitious work to date — a sprawling narrative that deftly weaves together realistic fiction, historical folklore, and high fantasy into a singular sociocultural tapestry. Set against the verdant, mist-shrouded backdrop of Santra Gaon, the novel introduces us to Otenga, a young man caught in the crosshairs of a generational and ideological rift. His father, Paniram Rabha, a poor peasant whose life has been a grueling battle against the soil, harbors the quintessential dream of the marginalized: to see his son ascend to the security of a government post. When Otenga fails his BA examinations, the domestic tension reaches a boiling point. However, Khasnabish frames this not merely as a failur...

At the Pace of the Pines is a contemplative contemporary novella by Amit Pande that interrogates the profound emptiness enforced by modern living. Neither a traditional memoir nor a simple personal narrative, this 93-page work of literary fiction possesses the delicate texture of an intimate, slice-of-life study. It explores a deep psychological landscape, demanding that we question the very nature of our existence and the price of our survival.   The Protagonist and the "Quiet Weight"   The narrator is a man weary of the world—jaded, tired, and weathered by a void that modern success fails to fill. Having endured the hollow pressures of urban life, he seeks a pace and comfort of his own, though the path to finding it forms the core of this introspective journey. The novella’s undercurrent explores the psychological toll of urban isolation and corporate burnout. While the storyline is devoid of a high-octane plot, the narrative feels strikingly familiar and deeply persona...

In the landscape of Indian literature, the voices from the North East have often been relegated to the footnotes of the national narrative. However, Ramu Upadhaya, an author deeply rooted in the soil of Assam, has emerged as a consistent and formidable chronicler of regional anxieties. Through his previous works, Upadhaya has navigated the complex socio-political terrains of Gorkhaland, Dima Hasao, and Haflong, giving breath to the aspirations of those living within India’s territorial peripheries. His latest offering, The Quest of Baojender, is a 54-chapter odyssey that transcends mere storytelling, serving as a powerful vessel for North Eastern voices delivered with a mixture of raw thrust and intellectual gusto. The Spiritual Cartography of Baojender   At the heart of the novel lies the concept of "Baojender." The term finds its roots in the word Baojen, which traditionally signifies a tiny, humble hamlet. Yet, in Upadhaya’s imaginative skeins, the "by-liner" o...

Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali is a sequel to his previous novel Dabi Aas (Diary). The story continues with the same set of characters that were left in the previous part. At the outset of this novel, John is seen being a famous painter. His pain of yesteryears that he endured while bein in love with Ishita transformed him drastically. As John's fame grows as painter, his memories of earlier days of college and job haunts him. Though he knows he cannot go back in the time yet the wounds that he got will remain with him. Against the tide of time, John longs for Ishita's love. But things have changed a lot at Ishita's side. She was married when John became her companion during a job. That love was different and John did not dare to disturb her family life. Thus, both could not reciprocate that. However, feelings were strong at both sides. It was John who retreated. What all happened with their love story had already described in the first part – Dabi Aas Diary. Much part of t...

“Rakht Banddhan” by Dipnanda Bhaduri is an eclectic mix of thriller, horror, and supernatural novel. It is set in beautiful tea estate place Coorg in South India. However, its timeline and the mettle of characters stretcher across boundaries. One of the finest aspects of a horror thriller could be its perfect backdrop that exudes vibes of ghostly activities and eerie ambience. Coorg is that one backdrop and because of that the novel seems rooted in Indianism but also exudes a gothic reverberation. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Bhargavi – a poor displaced young woman. Her personal story of struggle doesn’t take the main course narrative, yet through sweeps and memories we get to know about the gap between her aspirations and current misery. Through a contact of a doctor, she takes up house maid job in a riche estate in Coorg where she confronts with other auxiliary characters of the novel like Kumar and Mamtha and Swami Ji. She has to report to Ashwini Amma, the senior l...

“The Monk in The Mansion” by Rajiv Agarwal offers a refreshing and subversive take on spiritual growth, daring to bridge the gap between deep spirituality and modern hedonism. Unlike traditional texts that advocate for the renunciation of the material world, Agarwal argues that spiritual enlightenment and worldly success are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they can—and should—coexist through precision and practice. The core premise of the book is that the root of spirituality lies within the mind rather than in the rejection of tangible possessions. Agarwal challenges the long-standing myth that one must retreat to the Himalayas or live in a forest to achieve "saintly" status. By shifting the focus from external environments to internal landscapes, he demonstrates that a "monk-like" state of being is achievable even while enjoying the privileges of a mansion. The book is far from a dry theoretical treatise. It is a vibrant narrative punctuated by the author’s own...

In the crowded landscape of leadership literature, where "hacks" and "overnight success" stories often dominate the shelves, Prof. Gautam Bandyopadhyay offers a refreshing and grounded departure. Known primarily for his expertise in civil engineering, the Professor has expanded his literary repertoire with a profound new work: Practitioner’s Guide to Sustainable Leadership. This is not merely another book on corporate strategy; it is a masterclass in "human engineering," forged through decades of field experience, site challenges, and the complex dynamics of leading people. Unlike the polished, often abstract advice provided by typical motivational coaches, Bandyopadhyay’s approach is rooted in the humble, messy, and essential reality of the workplace. He moves away from hollow strategies and "show-off" leadership styles, focusing instead on the development of a leader through the lens of actual projects, team interactions, and client relationshi...

“Peaceful Wellness” by Shibu Nair is indeed a genuine guide for the laymen. The book doesn’t cover anything larger-than-life lessons, rather it takes a dig at daily chores and habits and other simple hacks that ultimately but slowly change life by infusing mindfulness approach in our daily life. The author is a renowned motivational speaker and educational consultant, he brings a fresh breath of air in his book by bringing simple intangible ways for everyone. The book reads like as a friend is narrating anecdotes from his life…taking a look back from small villages of South India to modern luxury life in Mumbai…and much more. Keeping it away from complex psychological theories and rigid hacks for productivity and emotional wellness, the book is less of a lecture and more of a warm, afternoon conversation. Nair positions himself as a companion on the path to overall wellness rather than an untouchable authority, sharing a gamut of activities based on experiences that focus on finding ...

In her evocative collection of Hindi poetry, Ehsaas Jazbati, Babita Rani invites readers into a sanctuary of raw emotion and quiet resilience. The title, which translates to "Emotional Feelings," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the work—a deep, rhythmic exploration of the human heart’s capacity to endure untimely loss while still yearning for the "chirpiness" that once defined its landscape. Rani’s work operates on a striking dual plane. On one side, the technical craftsmanship of her poetry—the choice of words and the melodic rhyming—acts as a soothing balm. There is a gentleness in her cadence that draws the reader in, making the heavy themes of the book feel accessible and intimate. However, once the reader is nestled within her verses, the second side of the work reveals itself: a stark, melancholic realism. Rani does not shy away from the fragility of existence. She explores the "untimely loss" not as a dramatic event, but as a persistent, atmo...

At times, it is rare to encounter a collection that manages to be both strikingly modern in its aesthetic and ancient in its wisdom. Darpan: Khud Se Mulakat (Mirror: An Encounter with Oneself) is one such anomaly. It is not merely a book of poetry; it is a visceral experience that confronts the reader with the "life-threatening" realities of our existence—those sharp, jagged truths we often spend our lives trying to outrun. The title itself serves as a prerequisite for the journey ahead. To look into a mirror is to invite a confrontation. For the wanderer, the traveler, and the solitary thinker, this book resonates with a peculiar frequency. Many of us have found ourselves roaming the world like aimless observers, noticing the vagaries of human nature and the strange, rhythmic pulse of the streets, only to realize we have no "life at hand" to offer as a distraction. We think because we must. We observe because we are searching for a version of ourselves that has not...

Positive Feelings, a profound poetry collection authored by Kishore Kumar Das, a talented writer hailing from Odisha, stands as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the often-turbulent waters of modern existence. In a world that frequently feels overwhelming, this book offers a curated sanctuary of over 100 poems designed to instill a sense of optimism, even when the reader is passing through the darkest of times or grappling with low spirits. The primary objective of Das’s work is to underscore the impetuous and transformative value of maintaining a positive outlook. Rather than offering abstract theories, the book provides a practical roadmap for emotional survival. One of the most significant takeaways is the poet’s emphasis on "self-talk." Das suggests that this internal dialogue is a hidden yet potent technique that can enable an individual to develop a "routinely habit" of positivity. By consciously shifting the way we speak to ourselves, we can fundamentall...

Dabi Aas (Diary) is Shaikh Sarafat Ali's debut novel written in Hindi. The subjective theme of the novel takes a dig at the emphatic feelings on lost love, swaying friendship, and self-expectations in the course of life. The story follows the flashback technique to list out a chronicle of youthful expectations and emotional turmoil through its central characters that are intertwined in the ambience. Like a Bollywood college driven kind of movie, the novel’s storyline mostly is about young characters that have yet to take the course of life. As we read, we get to know Harsh Godbole, John, and Ishita in the mainstream narrative. The novel is back staged against Goa and central India region. As Harsh being an engineer struggles and jolts for jobs in plants, the geography of the area inevitably gets painted along the canvas of the storyline. John takes the center stage in the novel. Harsh and he are college friends pursuing engineering with tensions building related to their placement....

Sanchari Ghosh’s debut novel, From Darkness to Light, is a profound work of philosophical fiction that courageously pulls back the curtain on the underbelly of Mumbai, using a bustling brothel as the unexpected crucible for spiritual enlightenment. At its heart is Naina, a central character who embodies a striking paradox: a sex worker residing in a marginalized world, yet radiating a compelling, transcendent wisdom. Naina stands in stark contrast to her environment. While her peers might be characterized by vociferous activity, greed, and the frantic reality of their profession - she remains calm, composed, and redolent of a deep, inner power. She does not engage in typical transactions; instead, she transforms her interactions into impromptu spiritual sessions. Seated with clients of mixed age and background, Naina dispenses powerful ethical and moral concepts drawn directly from the ancient wellsprings of Hindu scriptures—the Vedas and Puranas. This juxtaposition of the sacred and t...

In the vast, sprawling landscapes of India’s villages and semi-urban towns, millions of women live lives brimming with untold courage and quiet dreams. Their stories, however, are often shrouded in silence, their realities confined by invisible barriers. Arti Mishra’s powerful work, The Silent Cage, steps directly into this silence, bringing these narratives to the forefront of our national conversation. The book illuminates the often-unseen struggles and an indomitable spirit, posing a simple yet profound question that echoes long after the final page is turned: Can India truly progress if half its population is left behind? The Silent Cage is a story that compels its audience to pause, reflect, and ultimately, to act. It transcends the easy categorization of genre, presenting itself as a fabulous and innovative "fiction-oriented documentary." This unique approach allows Mishra to delve deep into the circumstances of women and young girls in rural and semi-urban India with t...