Book Review: Amongst the Believers by Kochery C. Shibu

I'm grateful to @authorshibu for providing a copy of this book for review.

Amongst the Believers explores themes of power, corruption, and ideological conflict within an ambitious political thriller framework. The narrative interweaves multiple perspectives while referencing real-world events, setting the stage for what could be a gripping, Bollywood-style espionage thriller.

The book's strengths include its accessible writing style and meticulous attention to certain details, particularly its depiction of power structures and political conflicts. The premise itself is intriguing, creating moments of genuine tension that offer insight into complex political landscapes.

However, the execution doesn't fulfil its promising premise. The overly large cast of characters—many introduced without sufficient development—hindered my investment in their individual stories. While the book references several real-world conflicts, these often read as superficial inclusions rather than thoroughly explored themes. Without a strong emotional connection to the characters, I found it difficult to remain engaged despite the high-stakes plot.

Readers who enjoy broadly scoped political thrillers and appreciate complex narratives may find Amongst the Believers worthwhile. It offers an intriguing examination of the intersections between politics, religion, and power, though one that would benefit from tighter execution and more robust character development.

What are your thoughts on political thrillers? Do you prefer fast-paced action or more in-depth character development?

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Aditi is an avid reader and a coffee connoisseur. You can follow Aditi on her Instagram