The First Life of Vikram Roy

Many Lives #1.5

by Laxmi Hariharan

His family is being held to ransom by a deadly mastermind.

Vikram never should have left his family, but when Vikram's father bring his half-brother Vishal home, life will never be the same.

Vikram thinks things will be better now that he's gone. He's met the love of his life, his future looks bright and then everything is shattered.

Now, his family's life is hanging in the balance, and only Vikram can do what needs to be done to save them.

From the bestselling dystopian fiction author with over 200 reviews and ratings of her dystopia books across Goodreads, Amazon and other retailers.

"A killer ending and the pacing of the story and the build-up is really good. I related to Vikram, really liked it." Richard Sheehan, Author and editor

"I raced through the book... And the killer ending! Oh my God! It left me with a hangover, and makes me want to physically push the author to write the next book in the series faster." Ritesh Kala, Book reviewer & blogger

If you’re looking for books like Hunger Games, then this dystopia romance, The Ruby Iyer Series is it.

Genres: Coming Of Age

207 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2015

About the author

Laxmi is a New York Times bestselling author of paranormal and contemporary romance.
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!

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Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How did Vikram become he man he is today? Laxmi Hariharan gives us his story, before he knew Ruby, unveiling the events that brought him to the life he now lives.

As a child, Vikram was privileged, intelligent and a quick study. See his life in snapshot focus as he grows form a child and is forced to become a man with a mission, a man tortured by his memories and the truths he uncovers. Vikram finds young love, discovers how fleeting it can be, and discovers the secrets of his father’s life and the reasons he lived it. He had a good life, was always mature for his age and had no idea of the depths of the secrets he was protected from until the day his father returned, brutally murdered.

Determined to be the man of the house, it is only with much soul-searching that he goes off to college only to receive the final blow that entraps him in a new world, a new life and a darkness that knows no limits. Can Vikram keep his family safe by becoming a puppet to a mysterious and powerful master or is he just another pawn in a game he cannot win?

The First Life of Vikram Roy by Laxmi Hariharan is just that, the untainted life of a brilliant and promising young man before his world become one of shadows and chaos. Laxmi Hariharan has brought the Vikram we know into better focus by telling his story and making him completely human in the process. A wonderful read, filled with pain, loss and heartache as one boy becomes the man he never expected to be.

I received this copy from Laxmi Hariharan in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Ruby Iyers - Book 1.5
Publication Date: September 25, 2015
Publisher: Read Out Loud
ISBN-10: 1517262682
ISBN-13: 978-1517262686
Genre: YA Dystopian | Coming of Age
Print Length: 208 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Book Gannet · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the same way that The Ruby Iyer Diaries filled in some of the gaps in Ruby’s childhood, this book does an excellent job of revealing more about the mysterious Vikram Roy. After reading The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer, I have to admit that Vikram was the character that most intrigued me – whether he was good or bad, how he’d come to be where he was, what he really knew about all that was going on. This book goes a fair way to answering many of those questions, and while I really enjoyed it, I think it works best as a companion novel to The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer, rather than a standalone. Simply because if this is your first taste of this world, this ending will leave you with far too many questions.

The book itself follows Vikram in short bursts from the age of ten right up to his early twenties. The way the story unfolds explains much about the person Vikram grows up to be, in large part thanks to the arrival of his step-brother Vishal and the way his family life slowly falls apart. With a father he adores – but who cannot be trusted to be faithful – and a mother who comes to rely on him for everything, Vikram learns from an early age what it means to be responsible. Yet there are so many more lessons for him to learn as the story unfolds.

Considering the way it’s written, telling Vikram’s life in short bursts, I found it strangely compelling, especially as things heat up towards the end. From friendship to first love, through grief and combating urges to stay or to go, Vikram has a lot to learn through his teenage years – and it’s all good training for what he will face.

Finishing before Vikram and Ruby meet, it left me wanting to go back and reread that book – not least because of this ending! Fast and furious and never pulling any punches when it comes to darker emotions and violence, this is a great addition to the Ruby Iyer series. I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds next.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Ruby Iyer Diaries and The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer comes this novella, that can be read as a standalone, to take us further into the Ruby Iyer series.

Vikram had made an impression on anyone who had picked up The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. He is not just an eye candy, or just a man in uniform, or just someone to put Ruby Iyer into contrast [or make her pulse race faster ;)]. He had this persona that demanded to be felt and seasoned readers had also picked up on the fact that he knew more than he let on… In short, he demands attention and affection from his readers. So, I was pretty excited when I had first heard that Laxmi Hariharan is coming up with a novella about Vikram.

The First Life of Vikram Roy is very similar to Ruby Iyer Diaries in the respect that it chronicles the life of Vikram before he meets Ruby and The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer happens. We get to see Vikram – the kid and his family life. Growing up Vikram did not really have an easy life but his confident choices in most cases shaped him up as the person he finally becomes. As a result it was fascinating to see his background and see him grow into the man we were introduced to earlier. I have to admit that initially I was a bit disappointed as since the moment I heard about this book being in works, I had been expecting to hear some cop stories filled with action and adventure. I wasn’t expecting the author to go so far back in Vikram’s life or this to be a diary of sort touching upon the important moments of his life. But I got over that disappointment as easily as I realized that though this book doesn’t have as much action as I expected, it offers something else that is equally interesting. The book certainly opens up new avenues as it brings a lot of questions about the series into focus. It makes the reader wonder why did ‘this’ happen and why did that character do ‘that’ and what was the motive for ‘this’… Yes, I know the last sentence didn’t make much sense, but then I am trying real hard not to give out spoilers here. At the same time I want you to know that there is another level in the plot that will really make you wonder.

The author maintains her style of narration and if anything, it feels crisper in this instalment. And OMG the ending… That ending!! She just keeps getting better – both at narrating stories and leaving us hankering for more.

[Natshane · Rating 4 out of 5]

That cliffhanger! omg...omg..omg..omgg.

Stop hyperventilating Natasha!

First of all, a huge thanks to Laxmi and Ritesh for giving me this rare opportunity to be one of the first to read and review an ARC of this book! You guys know how much I love Vikram and for that, a big hug to both of you!



The first time I met Vikram Roy, he was a hotshot police who went rogue saving Bombay from the brink of destruction, everything about him was oozing mysterious, dark and sexy! But in this book, I was able to get to know Vikram as the boy before he became a man. I was immediately pulled into the story when Vikram was first introduced in this book as a young boy, innocent, way too smart and shy. I loved his innocence and adoration for his father, and I was entertained reading about his dislike for spelling bee's competition. Life was normal, but it quickly went downhill when his father brought home Vishal, Vikram's half-brother.

What I loved about this book is how Laxmi is able to describe the pain of a marriage as an impact of an affair, and how much it can impact the children in the process. Things may be toned down a little in this book as compared to the action-packed Ruby Iyer series, but it provides you with a greater insight as to what actually happened before Bombay's apocalypse. And heck! It is about Vikram! I read this book in one sitting, I just can't put it down. It was surprising to me that I was so engrossed by Vikram's family problems more than Vikram himself! But then again, it was his family dramas that shaped him into who he is now. One word. Applause!



Yeap, just gotta do that! Theo James as Vikram (cast by Laxmi herself!)

I would recommend you to read the Ruby Iyer series and proceed with this one, just my opinion :P

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next book in the Many Lives prequel series lifts the curtain veiling Vikram Roy´s background story.
We follow Vik´s life and aging from a ten-year-old young boy until a mature adult of 23. This story shows the reader Vik´s family, his beautiful but sad and disappointed mother, friendly, intelligent and charming but unfaithful father, Vishal´s arrival and his rejection, Seema´s role in the family life. We aslo experience Vik´s studies and police training, concluded with his first contact with Dr B, leading to the shattering events in Awakened and his meeting with Ruby.
Vikram is one of Laxmi´s best characters ever written, and if I met such a guy in my life I could bet I would fall in love with him. He is intelligent, serving as an anchor in his broken family, mature too early for his young age. He is an excellent listener, quiet and composed guy controlling his emotions and rage. His protectiveness and warm heart make him adorable and the events he must cope with in his life make you pity him. I simply loved this man.
This book also enables to understand Vishal´s motives in the future. He could have been such a different person, if only some people reacted differently.. in the end, the reader feels sorry for him instead of writing him off directly.
Nice story, very fast and well built, and good explanation of behavior of the main male protagonists in Awakened, the opening story of Many Lives series.

[Ailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh yes, I have been an avid follower of poor Ruby and Vikram. I love dystopians and how these two seemingly random people get picked to be fighting for survival. It is just as well Laxmi writes a story for Vikram, because he needs a voice. Ruby can't be the only heroine in the story you know!

It starts off with young Vikram meeting his brother Vishal, his half brother. The story is about him, his history and interest. How he grew up from cute to cut throat. His mother wants him to be successful, his father wants him to be happy even if he does not become successful.

I admire Vikram, his outlook is a little more positive, he is less angry than Ruby. They are somehow both sides of the same coin. It is not that I do not like Ruby, this story is somehow a little bit more mellow and less aggressive.

Being a book 1.5, Vikram's story just makes book two closer, and bridges the gap between past and present a little more. I can't wait for book 2 of Ruby Iyer, I wonder what will happen next.

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/09/a...

The First Life of Vikram Roy is the backstory of Vikram Roy before he met Ruby in The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. In this book, the readers get an insight into Vik's childhood and the events in his adult life that shape him in to sharp cop-turned-rogue that we meet in The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer book.

I loved reading this book which very efficiently filled gaps in my understanding of Vik's nature and helped me understand his actions in the other book. Just like Ruby Iyer Diaries that shed light on Ruby's childhood and her life before the events of The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer book, this book too is like a prequel to the main book.

The story is crisp, expertly narrated and had me engaged throughout. I felt connected to the emotions felt by the characters in this book and empathetic to Vikram's plight when he saw his parents fighting, his stepbrother drifting away and the mysterious events that are rapidly changing his life.

Laxmi's writing skills have definitely sharpened from her first book and I enjoyed her style of telling the story where she brought the sights, smells and the feel of Bombay right to me through the book. The scenes had me intrigued, glued to the pages and eager to know what happened next.

The characters are multi dimensional and I loved reading about the relationships and the gradual development of these relationships that shape the story and take it forward. There are layers to the characters that had me analyzing and assessing their behaviour which is quite fun and a definitely additional appeal to this book.

After reading this book, I think I'll reread The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer because now I think I have a better understanding of the protagonists Ruby and Vikram.
So if you havent started on this series yet then I suggest you start with Ruby Iyer Diaries and then go to The First Life of Vikram Roy and The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer.

However, despite being part of a series, the book can be read as a standalone story.

A very interesting Dystopian thriller that I heartily enjoyed reading, I give this book 4 stars out of 5 and recommend it and the series to all mystery, thriller, adventure and Dystopia lovers. I am eager to next the book and can't wait to know what happens next!

Laxmi is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

I received the ARC of the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

[Mukti Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer” although brilliantly written and having done complete justice to Ruby, left me high and dry! The book introduces us to a character called “Vikram” and I just wanted to know more about him, so much more! Vikram is cop-turned-rogue, but what pushed him over to the other side? Why is he allergic to romance? Why did he join force one after acquiring a degree at Oxford? So many questions!
And then one night, my phone beeped, and I received a newsletter from the author that the First life of Vikram Roy is out! At first I was overjoyed, but on second thoughts I decided not to set my expectations too high. I mean, could the author match up to Ruby Iyer? I had my doubts!

So with a cuppa, I sat with Vikram, and slowly got immersed in his world! The tale of an extraordinary kid, learning the ropes to be called NORMAL, to fit in! The author retells a first person account of Vikram, going through puberty, learning to get along with siblings, chasing girls, getting his heart broken, making friends who will stand the test of time.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Vikram stumbles upon a secret inherited from his father’s life that will create havoc! Havoc that has the potential to destroy the lives of not only his loved ones, but the city he inhabits.

The author has developed the character of Vikram with the finesse of sculptor. The use of first person pov makes Vikram’s journey from a meek shy boy to the guardian of his family more relatable and at times you’d feel like you’re the one standing at the precipice.
The novella gives great insight into the Vikram’s brain, and is a fun, quick read! It is a must read for fans of Ruby Iyer series, and lovers of dystopian fiction.

The author has outdone herself!

[Aldii - perfectioninbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5/5 stars*

This was a short read but I enjoyed it a lot!

The Writing:
As I said in that first sentence, this was an easy fast read.

The Story:
This felt like a kind of bipgraphy or a story of a life, which is supposed to be.
I read the first book in this series 8-9 months ago, but I remembered this character, a bit of what happened and I still loved to read his story, to know him in a different way.
I loved how we see what happens at different times of his life.
I loved his character soo much, where is my Vikram?

The Characters:
It's just great to see Vikram's character development from his early years to hist adulthood. How life challenges him, his reactions, his thoughts on some situations. I just loved being in his head.
Then we have other characters like Ash, who I hated, she is a b*tch; Tenzin, I'm not sure he would be my friend or that we would have many things in common but I think he was a good friend for Vikram.

I enjoyed this quick, fast but very interesting read from Vikram's head.

[Charlotte Hope Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen

Gives the background of Vic as he is growing up. It has a lot of suspense in the story. You don't really know what is going to happen. It keeps you reading to find out what is going to happen next.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen: Vik's origin story (Many Lives Prequel Book 2) digs deep into the background of Vikram Roy with well detailed world building descriptions and settings. The story unfolds in a way that we learn about Vikram from age 10 to his early twenties. I absolutely loved the composition of this story. A intriguing look into the past of Vikram Roy that I recommend reading along with the rest of the series.

[Cyndi Babinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great origin story of Vikrim Roy. I enjoyed how it followed him through pivotal years and experiences in his life. Especially allowing the reader to witness the emotions he went through at those moments or traumatic experiences. On to the next one!!!

[Teresa Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!

Wow! The author takes you on a roller coaster of emotions throughout the entire book! Just when you think things have settled down, there is another twist!!!

[Sarika Patkotwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the recent past, I have been on a Laxmi Hariharan reading spree. I read The Ruby Iyer Diaries sometime ago, and then I almost read her The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer, UnTamed (a short story that's a part of the Uncommom Bodies anthology) and The First Life of Vikram Roy back to back, which kind of made me get used to the author's beautiful writing style and enchanting story-telling. What I can say without second thought is that The First Life of Vikram Roy is the best I've read by Laxmi so far.

Just like any reader out there who has read the first book in the Ruby Iyer series, I was super curious about the mysterious and very tantalizing cop, Vikram Roy. He was unlike any Indian cop I've read about before, and that too as hero of the book, he stood out a lot in a very unconventional and alluring way. So naturally, when I got to know about The First Life of Vikram Roy, I was really interested in reading it to get to know Vikram better. My friend Ritesh (you can read his review of the book here) was absolutely right when he said that I will like this book.

In terms of its execution, The First Life of Vikram Roy is very similar to The Ruby Iyer Diaries, in the sense that we have direct access to the head of Vikram as an innocent, cute and extremely mature child to a sensible, responsible and still mature adult. There's so much in this book that helped me understand Vikram better, as a reader and all of it was absolutely good and sometimes difficult to know. On the surface, it might seem like Vikram's life is easy, but deep down, his life is full of hardships. I mean, he doesn't even get to enjoy his childhood, because he is too busy being the adult that his home needs. I feel for this guy- oh so much!

Without giving away any spoilers especially when it comes to the story, I will conclude by saying that the reason I find this to be Laxmi's best work is because this book has everything- puberty, teenage drama, romance, mystery, suspense, thrill, emotions, feelings, a killer ending... You name it and the book has it. And that ending! I need to know more, so I'm excited to see what happens next.

*A copy of The First Life of Vikram Roy by Laxmi Hariharan was provided by Read Out Loud in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book.

[Merril Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Mr. Vikram Roy

First of all a huge thanks to the author and her team for providing me with the copy of the book

The character of Vikram Roy was another of the mysterious characters in the author’s main book, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. While I wasn’t very happy with the other novella which was supposed to give us a good peak into the life of Ruby Iyer, I loved this novella because the book had nicely managed to remove all the mysteries surrounding Vikram. Through the journey of the book, we could actually see the growth of the character and with the entire sneak peek into his background story and growing years there is nothing that could have left about this guy

Before moving on to other aspects, I have to mention the two things that I didn’t like. First is the overall tone of the book which was kind of monotonic and stagnant. More like the graph throughout the book remained a straight line but I will admit that the end chapters were a lot more active. Second that at times, I did find a difference in the vikram I saw in the original book and the novella but perhaps that is a natural case as we all grow up through the years being completely opposite to our child self , also at the end of the book, everything sort of automatically falls into place to be in sync with the main book. Certain things did make sense while others went on to create more questions perhaps that is for the sequels to answer

Language and the characters are as sharp and good as from the first book and makes for a wonderful read and the best part is that you actually learn a lot about the character through this novella making it all the more essential to pick this one as in the first book you can’t help being intrigued at Vikram’s character and this novella is like an in-depth study to the character. Wish the end parts could have been as in depth as the first but then that could be just me wanting more from the character

The way the author creates a tell-all for the character of Vikram, this novella becomes an absolutely necessity if you have read the first book and had been intrigued and in awe of the character from the very page of his entrance.

[Adam Webling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got sent The First Life of Vikram Roy in exchange for an honest review. It follows Vikram Roy from the age of ten up to twenty-three, who was introduced in The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. I really liked it, the same as I liked the first novelette in the series, The Ruby Iyer Diaries, so it’s a shame I didn’t like the main novel as much as the novelettes.

Vikram gets introduced to his half-brother near the beginning from his father’s affair and has to deal with the fallout it causes between his parents. He’s then sent to boarding school and balances school life with what’s going at home with his family in Bombay.

The book felt very real and I was completely invested in Vikram’s trials through his teenage years. I actually wanted it to be longer as it was interesting seeing a family deal with having a child from an affair move in, and I love a story set in a boarding school. The only part I didn’t like was near the end when the story started to merge into the thriller storyline of the main novel and the realness slipped away.

I was glad to get to know Vikram more as he’s a great character, making this a great addition to the series.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book Laxmi. I voluntarily leave a review. This is my honest review.
I've read the rest of the series leading up to these prequels and they are a must read to get the insight of the characters and why they turn out the way they do.
I really enjoyed this book although at times I found it confusing yet I couldn't put it down. It was brilliantly thought out and written and you get to see how Vik ends up the way he is with his brother, but it also gives you an insight to him.
Laxmi is utterly brilliant to show this side and a totally different slant on how these things were started years before.
I'd definitely recommend that you read this but read the rest of the series before picking this book up or you'll just be confused, there is a definite order to the books and again so well thought out.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok I admit it I read these out of order so I know what happens next but man does this give great insight into how Vikram *deep sigh* became who he is. We learn of the things that shaped him from a young boy, the part his parents played as well. The surprises in his life, the betrayal, pain, desperation, guilt. Nothing is what it seems yet it becomes so clear. By the time you get to the end he has become a part of you and you really want him to succeed at what ever he sets out to do. Great read and addition to the Many Lives library.

[Braham · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If reading is believing

Now I see how Vik fits into Dr. B's twisted plot. There were also answers I had that were solved by reading. Loved it!

[Lori Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is were Vik life begin in the many lives story it back at the beginning.on how it all started just before he met Ruby.

[Trina]

Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

[Saloni · Rating 4 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW COMING SOON

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book a part of a paranormal/fantasy boxset. So, I was kind of surprised by this book. I'm not sure why it was included in the box set, it doesn't really belong with that genre. The writing is good and I was engaged, but it's not really the kind of story I like to read- which is why I have it three stars. It want right for me. If the synopsis intrigues you, then give it a go, the writing is very good.