This is a novel that will keep you hooked till the very end. The need to know what happens next will make you read this book compulsively. ‘As Death Stared Back’ written by Psychological Horror writer Ajinkya stands true to its name. The title has the entire story hidden in it which you will understand only in the end.
The book starts with a scene from one of Sanjana’s nightmares but the description is broadly vivid and you will have the chills in your spine once you can imagine it just the way the author has chosen his words. Sanjana is the female protagonist of this story and she and her son Manu are having the same kind of recurring nightmares. Sanjana lost her husband Punit and after witnessing his cremation from close, she and her son Manu begin to witness nightmares, a strange fear of Punit’s presence in the house, and his strong intention of harming them both.
Sanjana is a mother, and her motherly warmth, love, and protectiveness toward her son have been described in such a superlative manner that at times it almost dissolves the difference that all the narrative and characterisation is coming from a male author. Every detail of her womanly emotions, her care toward her child, her instincts to save him no matter what, and her presence as a strong yet vulnerable character is something that you will love in this book.
She tries to turn every stone possible to make sure Manu is safe! The mother-son duo and their own small world where they complete each other, will simply steal your heart and you would pray by all means that Manu remains safe from the uncanny presence around them.
But, the story will hit a different climax and you will be hit by an unexpected truth bomb in the end! You will not be able to predict the story until you reach the climax, such is the power of Ajinkya’s writing in this book. He will play with your mind and make you want to read more to know the ending sooner. Warning- The ending will bring tears to your eyes and nothing is what it seems, the reality is a completely upside-down world of what the author has painted in the beginning.
Will Sanjana be able to save her only son Manu? Why the nightmares are always the same for both the mother and son duo? Why the ominous entity is willing to hurt her son? It often watches them from the ceiling above and disappears in it. Will you be able to face such a dark entity lurking beside you all the time? Are you willing to go for a mind-bending ride, then hop on and start reading, ‘As Death Stared Back’ by Ajinkya Bhasme.
Review by Monalisa Joshi- Founder & Director (Chrysanthemum Chronicles: A Contemporary Publishing House)
Bhasme is a Chemical Engineer from IIT Bombay. He further pursued his interest in psychology by doing a diploma in psychotherapy and forensic psychology.
He got placed as a scientist in Dr Reddy's from campus where he developed processes of life saving drugs. It was here where he started writing 'When the Devil Whispers'
Later he moved to UPL limited where he nurtured his interest on human behaviour and culture. It was during his time in UPL that he published his 3 bestselling books.
In 2022, he was employed with Swiss Re as a Vice President in People and Culture Development and was based in Bangalore.
He has also founded a mental health organisation called Zealopia and is the current CEO. He is now embarking on an entrepreneurial journey in mental health and is based out of Mumbai. His 4th book has already gathered lot of momentum before its official release. He is currently working on his 5th book in the horror genre.
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