Playing XI for upcoming 1st Test Indian vs England (Feb 5, 2021)

Result: England Won

Predicted XI

Rohit Sharma

Shubhman Gill

Virat Kohli (c)

Cheteswar Pujara

Ajinkya Rahane (vc)

Rishabh Pant (Wk)

Axar Patel

Ravichandran Ashwin

Kuldeep Yadav

Ishant Sharma

Jasprit Bumrah

Playing XI

Rohit Sharma

Shubhman Gill

Virat Kohli (c)

Cheteswar Pujara

Ajinkya Rahane (vc)

Rishabh Pant (Wk)

Washington Sundar

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ishant Sharma

Jasprit Bumrah

Manga Review: Apotheosis

Another good Wuxia based manga. The story is interesting and developed well.

The main character completes one major cycles and get transported into another dimensions further introducing new species.

It's always unfair for the main protagonist always gets amped up surprising everyone and sometimes jumping across level limitations. Current manga does the same, missing out on many great build up and final fights. 

Story appears to be dragging around chapter 380. Hope it picks up later.

Good pick up in story around chapter 410, with the limbo tribulations emerging. Interesting reading currently in chapter 426. I see a small time gap between manga chapter 426 and 427 maybe its a problem with the site I am reading from.

Wow, the highest power level has been named as a bhagavan, which is Hindu Sanskrit name for God. I definitely was surprised to see the reference here.

The entry of another set of overpowered characters, the sky lords, is spicing up the story.

the concept of someone who is fateless, or one without fate, sounds similar to neo from he movie matrix.

Manga Review: Dauluo Dalu (Soul Land/Combat Continent) series

I got hooked onto this Wuxia manga while screening through recent releases. I was looking for a manga with good magic system with good character development. When I found this series, I came to know of many similar wuxia mangas based on chines doaist and Buddhism based fantasy mangas.

Douluo Dalu has 4 different time series continuing simultaneously and independently  the first two series are most developed with 200 plus chapters. The other two are lagging behind.

What I liked was the great magic system and tiered approach of character development. Tiered character development reminds us of games but it's something structured which I have always enjoyed. Similar to magic score system that Goku series developed to compare powers. It's always great to compare character powers and that has always fascinated all readers of cartoon, anime and mangas. 

The Black Magician Trilogy Book 2: The Novice (Trudi Canavan)

Here, I will review the second book of this series as I read it. Here we go:

Interesting how the author has used recollection of old events by the protagonist bas a mean to summarise the earlier part. So a reader who just picks this book can also enjoy it stand alone.

Ah, the excitement of starting on a completely new adventure. Remember first day at school, college and university. The nervous energy and enthusiasm for making new friends or enemies some of whom might stay for life. The arrays of judgement and choices and acts put upon as part of our typical social games.

Typical University hazing, with the strong and rich bullying the underdog protagonist.

 The angle around the main plot line is starting to get interesting. I am excited to see how it ties in with the main protagonist's magic studies. 

The Black Magician Trilogy Book 1: Magicians' Guild ( Trudi Canavan)

I will be documenting my views as I read this book:

Societal differences in classes - stark contract in rich and poor. 

Magician - started from noble origin - now only apprentices taken from Noble houses

the poor folks are purged out of the main city by the king with the help of magicians.

Protagonist female - gender equality debates involved, and Poor - underdog concept that audience can relate

Trained vs rogue magician byplay involved

Story told from the perspective of a weak underdog who then becomes important

A bit cliched story and world created, maybe could be due to influences from time when this novel when it was released. This feels more like young adult fiction for targetting teens.. Harry Potter market targetted

 Writing and pace a bit low in gripping attention. I am not moved to read it like other books. Maybe it picks up later.

Story picking up well after a few chapters.

Different races having characteristic of religious, tribal and communities

Had a nice mid book finale, dividing the entire story into two parts. Brandon Sanderson has many small battles building up to one final big fight.

The way the main protagonist's fears are broken down by using truth as a weapon is a bit naive but makes a good story. Some aspects of psychology of a terrified youth are correct, Trudi has tried to find the balance she has made a commendable effort. Some slips made but we'll written as a whole.

Good build up happening, being emergence of a clear antagonist.

The hubris of youth is always a very good tol to develop plot twists. The young always overestimate their abilities blissfully aware of realism and hurdles. The old on the other hand always underestimate the younger ones' ability, due to their condescending or protective attitude. It's always great when stories like here use the clash if the above ideologies.

The antagonist is purely dark, the characters mostly are exhibiting clear shades. If they are good they are very good. If they are bad then they are really bad. Except for some magicians and members of Thieves. I am curious how the other characters develop as we move ahead with the story.

Decent build up to first book finale. Few surprises and a major plot twist involved especially in creating some darker shades in an important character thought to be positive. I think this twist will drive the second book.

New Year Greetings.

WISHING ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021! 

May this new year bring good health and prosperity to everyone!