Book Review - Eternal Mayhem by Aniruddha Bose

Eternal Mayhem by Aniruddha Bose can be considered a science-based thriller that puts before the eyes an unreal story (or almost). But at the same time, the book makes me shiver and makes me reflect a lot because it deals with a theme of considerable importance. The story is concerning the creation of a new super-race by genetic manipulation. The arc of suspense is consistently built on, until the big resolution at the end.

How far can science go? What is the boundary between a form of research focused on the good of humanity and one that allows itself to be exploited by the desire for racial supremacy? What is the limit beyond which the thirst for knowledge can become a source of danger? What are the ethical implications of genetics, of cloning, of experimentation on human beings?

The focus continues to be the eternal rivalry between the good and the evil. Here the difference is that the book focuses more on the evil ones. Everything seems to be going according to plan in the beginning. But the true danger is not apparent until the end. To these and other questions Aniruddha Bose does not only try to give answers but raises questions. The book focuses on issues of burning actuality, even within a conventional narrative framework.

The plot takes place over a period of many years. The characters are partially predictable, but some are surprisingly different. Also very nice is the scenery. One travels through different places such as Bali, Fiji, Hawaii, Maldives, Bora Bora, Punta Cana, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

What I have read is much more than a suspense-thriller. It is an outrageous vision of a good author. He shows us how small and sensitive our earth is and how little we know about the vast, wide universe.

Aniruddha Bose is a Plastic Surgeon, and you can tell that on every single page. The author has tried to reread the canons of one of the most codified genres - the thriller. He enriches it with nuances of science. He makes a psychological dig as intense as possible of the complex figure of the protagonists but also of the other side characters.

The story sometimes appears a little predictable but is still quite intriguing and pleasant. The plot is varied and evolves on different levels because it is told from the point of view of different characters. This gives a far-reaching overview of all the events that are related to the protagonists.

Overall, there is a multi-faceted and well-structured plot over a long period of time. There are interesting characters and many backgrounds to the motives alternated between exciting moments. The compelling thriller is able to show the reader how often science can go against ethics if its reins are in the hands of men without scruples.

A captivating narrative style and a lively, as well as careful psychological construction of each character that animates the whole story, contribute to make this work by Aniruddha Bose a pleasant reading and a starting point for interesting reflections.

Even the writing, which is thick and sharp at the beginning becomes more and more relaxed and traditional. It intends to reflect the psychological process of the main character. The novel is also dotted, from the titles of the chapters, some of which are more immediately understandable. Others stimulate interaction with the interested or passionate reader.

The current novel like the previous ones is based on an entertaining mix of suspense and action. In this case, it is augmented by historical and scientific aspects and an Indiana Jones-like search for the antidote. One action sequence follows the next. There is hardly any time to catch your breath in this fast-paced thriller between science and mysticism and facts and fiction.

Aniruddha Bose knows how to keep his reader on the hook with an exciting, and nerve-wracking experience that follows. Maybe some elements are a bit obvious. But in the end, everything fits well enough. So, as a whole, I can claim to have enjoyed a good thriller! It is a must-read but not only for suspense-thriller fans!
Kalyan Panja