The Fire of Retribution

"The Fire of Retribution" by Souvik Chakraborty is a fast-paced page-turning crime thriller.It follows the story of Siddharta Bose, a budding detective from Kolkata, who strikes up a friendship with Subham and Puja upon stepping into college grounds. However, when a "beloved" professor's charred body is discovered, Siddharta is drawn into a web of murder and mystery. Accompanied by his friends, Siddharta delves into the investigation, gradually uncovering layers of darkness within the realms of prostitution, drug trafficking, and sadistic practices. As they dig deeper, they often risk their own safety in pursuit of the truth.This crime thriller is entertaining and engaging and has interesting plotlines with twists and turns in every chapter. It features three relatable teenage protagonists, each with their well-written proper introductory scenes showcasing their own unique skills and perspectives to the investigation. It is evident that the author has completely done his research which can be seen in the way - the authentic autopsy reports, the composition and side effects of the drug used and the nuances of the criminal psychology have been described. The chapters are short and the language is easy to understand.There are a few parts which deserves special mention. Starting from the camaraderie shared between Siddharta and his cousin, to the tenderly way the author has captured the conversation when Heena Mathur describes her past traumatic life. Puja's portrayal of a woman ready to seek revenge, with her voice resonating with rage, hatred and power, will always linger in my memory. The author has seamlessly integrated a story that makes the reader self-retrospect about the question "Is it always about the greater good? Or sometimes it's just about the lesser evil?"Overall, it's a MUST READ. Since the story is set in Kolkata, the intermittent inclusion of the everyday Bengali culture elements has definitely made my Bengali heart happy! There are some questions left unanswered which the author has teased at the end of the book. So, I am waiting impatiently for the sequel "The Epitome of Evil".As for someone like me who has grown up reading and still does read and cherish the timeless classic tales of detective sleuths like Feluda and Byomkesh, it is really encouraging to see young authors especially Bengali authors bringing such nerve-racing crime thrillers to this literary genre.It's definitely a 5 star read for me.

Souvik Chakraborty's gripping mystery novel, "The Fire of Retribution," is set in the meandering lanes of Kolkata, where shadows dance with secrets and whisper the danger.As a keen admirer of the mystery genre, I eagerly delved into this gripping tale, anticipating a journey into the depths of suspense, intrigue, and psychological complexity.Plot Synopsis:The story takes place against the backdrop of a gruesome murder: a beloved professor is found dead from burns in his automobile outside of a college campus in Kolkata. This horrifying event establishes the framework for a complex network of lies, treachery, and ulterior intentions. Here comes Siddharth Bose, a young detective who, with Puja and Subham as his sidekicks, sets out on a relentless mission to find the reason for the professor's death.The three face a variety of difficulties as they go deeper into their investigation, from negotiating Kolkata's dangerous underbelly to facing their own psychological problems. The mystery grows deeper with each clue found and each discovery made, sending Siddharth and his pals along a treacherous path where danger is waiting around every corner.Personal Reading Experience:I was engrossed in "The Fire of Retribution" from the start because of its intriguing prose and well-constructed plot. I was able to fully experience the sights, sounds, and scents of Kolkata thanks to Chakraborty's excellent depiction of its busy streets. The author's keen attention to detail brought the setting to life, infusing the narrative with a palpable sense of place.The characters' richness and depth also jumped out of the pages. Siddharth was a really interesting main character, propelling the story with his keen mind and steadfast will. His friends Subham and Puja, who each contributed their special talents and viewpoints to the inquiry, gave him tremendous assistance. And I feel they were all committed to pursuing justice and were a strong team.The novel's examination of moral ambiguity and the intricacies of human nature is among its strongest points. Siddharth and his pals are forced to face difficult facts about the world and themselves as they investigate the mystery further. The distinction between good and bad becomes more hazy, posing challenging queries about the nature of justice, vengeance, and atonement.The pacing of the story was masterful, with each chapter building upon the last, propelling the plot forward with a sense of urgency and momentum. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, as I eagerly pieced together clues and attempted to unravel the mystery alongside the characters.Though the book was excellent overall, there were times when the storyline appeared a little jumbled, and some of the plot points lacked consistency. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery, while satisfying, left me craving a deeper exploration of certain themes and character arcs.Overall, "The Fire of Retribution" is a gripping mystery book that is full of surprises, chills, and exciting turns. Its evocative environment, superbly rendered characters, and provocative ideas will keep readers engrossed from start to finish. While it may not be without its flaws, its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Souvik Chakraborty has crafted a compelling tale that will linger in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page.

If it's thriller I have to read it. I am glad that I have picked up this book and this book didn't disappoint me.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 story which revolves around the backdrop of Kolkata lanes. The story commences with the murder of a beloved professor. How Siddhartha Bose an amateur detective takes up this case after finding his charred body. As he starts to find the truth he find many layers and so many other things. Also, sometimes he finds himself in tensions and danger situation as well.The well described characters, dialogues are something I was rooting for. The author has maintain the suspense throughout the book which creates enough tension. The mystery will keep you hook from the first page. But the book will leave you wanting for more.The language is crisp and narration is fats pace as well.The nitty gritty mention of Kolkata is worth hype in the book as well.The mystery will keep you hook from the first page. But the book will leave you wanting for more.

It’s wonderful fiction work. The contents are too engaging. The flow of story is wonderful. It’s written well. The structure to the story is perfect. The choice of plot is described well.A nice read overall..

Souvik Chakraborty's "The Fire of Retribution" is an intriguing murder mystery. The twists and turns in the book will keep you guessing. The writing is fast-paced and readers will enjoy the plot and characters. Souvik has done a marvelous of cooking up a good old-fashioned whodunit. There is a healthy dose of tension and suspense that will keep readers engaged throughout. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller or suspense.