What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curse of Mohenjodaro
2016 AD. When footage of a team of archaeologists bursting into flames at the ancient site of Mohenjodaro goes viral, the world is horrified and shaken. While authorities suspect it to be an incendiary terrorist attack, Nadia Osbourne determines to find her archaeologist sister, Layla, convinced that she has survived. Her frantic search takes her to the ruins and forces her to confront her own demons – her inexplicable dreams about a woman named Jaya.
3800 BC. The city of Meluhha is on the brink of a revolution and Iaf and his coterie of corrupt priests will do anything to maintain their power. Jaya is the only one who can read the Bloodstone, the heart of the Goddess Shakari, and divine the future. But with her daughter under Iaf’s control, will Jaya be able to prevent what is to come?
Inspired by the legends surrounding the lost Indus Valley city, The Curse of Mohenjodaro is a gripping thriller about a powerful relic, a sinister cult, and family secrets that haunt generations.
Maha Khan Phillips is a multiple award-winning financial journalist, and the author of Beautiful from This Angle and The Mystery of the Aagnee Ruby. She grew up in Karachi, Pakistan. She has a bachelors degree in Politics and International Relations and a masters in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent at Canterbury. In 2006, she completed a masters degree in Creative Writing from City University in London, where she currently lives with her husband and son.
3800 BC. The city of Meluhha is on the brink of a revolution and Iaf and his coterie of corrupt priests will do anything to maintain their power. Jaya is the only one who can read the Bloodstone, the heart of the Goddess Shakari, and divine the future. But with her daughter under Iaf’s control, will Jaya be able to prevent what is to come?
Inspired by the legends surrounding the lost Indus Valley city, The Curse of Mohenjodaro is a gripping thriller about a powerful relic, a sinister cult, and family secrets that haunt generations.
Maha Khan Phillips is a multiple award-winning financial journalist, and the author of Beautiful from This Angle and The Mystery of the Aagnee Ruby. She grew up in Karachi, Pakistan. She has a bachelors degree in Politics and International Relations and a masters in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent at Canterbury. In 2006, she completed a masters degree in Creative Writing from City University in London, where she currently lives with her husband and son.
448 pages, Paperback
Published December 28, 2016
22 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 5, 2017
The Curse of Mohenjodaro narrates two parallel stories. On one hand, we have the story of Jaya set in 3800 BC. Jaya can divine the future but her daughter is in under the control of Iaf who is leading a revolution. With her daughter in a compromised situation, can Jaya change the tides? On the other hand, we have the story of Nadia set in the present day. Nadia is a paranormal writer who has set on a dangerous journey of finding her sister Layla, who she believes has survived an incident at an archeological site. What connects the two parallel stories and the leading ladies? Read this book to find it out.
I loved the character sketches of Jaya and Nadia. They are well developed in ways that is just enough information is provided for the plot – nothing more or nothing less. Though both the characters are similar in all the important ways, I found it easier to connect with Nadia… Maybe it is because of the timeline differences. I found the author’s language and narrative style quite interesting as he maintained a dainty quality throughout.
The two parallel stories are narrated in alternate chapters. While Nadia’s story feels like a thriller, Jaya’s feel like a historical fiction. While they each stand out on their own for most parts, the alternate narrative actually slowed down the progression of the thriller. As a result, the whole book felt a bit slow even though I expect a lot of info dump with historical fiction. That took away from the overall reading experience.
Overall though, this is a good book that should interest both thriller and historical fiction fans.
I loved the character sketches of Jaya and Nadia. They are well developed in ways that is just enough information is provided for the plot – nothing more or nothing less. Though both the characters are similar in all the important ways, I found it easier to connect with Nadia… Maybe it is because of the timeline differences. I found the author’s language and narrative style quite interesting as he maintained a dainty quality throughout.
The two parallel stories are narrated in alternate chapters. While Nadia’s story feels like a thriller, Jaya’s feel like a historical fiction. While they each stand out on their own for most parts, the alternate narrative actually slowed down the progression of the thriller. As a result, the whole book felt a bit slow even though I expect a lot of info dump with historical fiction. That took away from the overall reading experience.
Overall though, this is a good book that should interest both thriller and historical fiction fans.
December 4, 2020
This book was such a wonderful, adventurous ride and really felt like I was watching an Indiana Jones movie.
I don’t know which genre this book can be categorised in - because it’s a mixture of a historical fiction mixed in with a thriller and elements of fantasy merged in. The pacing was perfect, and the plot left no loopholes - every detail was carefully taken care of. The ancient and modern timeline worked well, and both the stories had my full attention.
It really seems that the author was passionate about this project and it shows that she knows what she’s writing. Her hard work and dedication shows, but also her creative reimagining cannot he missed.
Definitely excited to read more of her work and I would love to read more Pakistani books like this!
I don’t know which genre this book can be categorised in - because it’s a mixture of a historical fiction mixed in with a thriller and elements of fantasy merged in. The pacing was perfect, and the plot left no loopholes - every detail was carefully taken care of. The ancient and modern timeline worked well, and both the stories had my full attention.
It really seems that the author was passionate about this project and it shows that she knows what she’s writing. Her hard work and dedication shows, but also her creative reimagining cannot he missed.
Definitely excited to read more of her work and I would love to read more Pakistani books like this!
February 17, 2017
'There is no God,'he told his shocked family. 'There is no Allah, no Shiva, no Buddha. There are only humans. Humans and more evolved humans. Those of us who are evolved.. Well, we have all the power.' Often he made little sense. And so did the book. There was a constant struggle throughout the story. Historical fiction, thriller and some science fiction, the book intended to be a good mixture of everything but failed epically. It's worse because a book named 'The Curse of Mohenjodaro' does not deserve to be pushed away like this. I was expecting more. Sadly it did not deliver.
Cover page
Mohenjodaro is an ancient civilisation which has been mapped. It is not understood much and the lines are often confusing. There is a lot to be found out and a lot to be learnt.
The cover page depicts just that. The maroon background of the layout portrays the hazy picture. The golden font compliments the background and shaky lettering gives out the mystery. It is an intelligent design.
Characters
The story is about two sisters. Nadia is a paranormal writer who is quite famous in the field. She is an independent person, mostly due to the circumstances imposed on her rather than by choice. But if there is someone she cares about more, then it is her sister Layla.
Layla is studying archeology. She is just the opposite of Nadia. She loves company and life has given her more chances. Layla is chasing her dream to be an archaeologist unlike Nadia who is doing what she is best at.
There is not much said about the characters in the story. Maybe because it is plot driven. But I would have liked to know them personally rather than the outside view that was given in the book.
Content
There are two parallel stories in the book. One taking place in the current time and another in 3800 BC. Nadia in 'today' is having some dreams or visions. These visions are trying to reach out to her but she is not able to decipher it until one day her sister goes missing in Mohenjodaro after what could be a radioactive emission. Nadia while tracing her sister down draws the significance of the visions in which she was seeing a woman from an ancient period.
In 3800 BC, in Meluha, Jaya is chosen as the 'Goddess Blessed'. It is meant to be an position of prime importance but she slowly discovers the ugly truth. She is being used for shellfish motives and the power to read the future is slowly destroying her.
The stories run parallel with each era taking turns to depict the monstrosity that selfish motives befall on the mankind.
Unfortunately, the intention of the book was not clear right from the beginning. The supposed historical fiction slowly turned into a thriller ended into a science fiction and philosophy. It was a bit confusing throughout. The story flowed with ease but there was no direction there either. Parts could have been cut short and it wouldn't have made any difference to the story. Only after page 233 is the intention clear.
Ultimately the book leaves more questions than it gives answers. Such as why was the story in past based in 3800 BC when the Mohenjodaro period is dated at least ten centuries after that, what was the intention? How did bloodstone show visions to some but not others? And several more.
Language
The narration did not help the content at all. It was quite dry. There was nothing to look forward to and nothing that created any suspense.
Good points
The cover page is a work of art. It definitely piques one's interest in the book.
Bad points
Everything else. The characters lacked depth. The content was unconvincing. The narration was dry.
Overall
The book is nothing that I expected it to be. I shut the book thinking 'what was the point'!
Whom do I recommend this to
I frankly cannot categorize this book. I would recommend everyone to stay away from it.
I received the book from the publishers for review. The opinions are my own, completely uninfluenced.
Cover page
Mohenjodaro is an ancient civilisation which has been mapped. It is not understood much and the lines are often confusing. There is a lot to be found out and a lot to be learnt.
The cover page depicts just that. The maroon background of the layout portrays the hazy picture. The golden font compliments the background and shaky lettering gives out the mystery. It is an intelligent design.
Characters
The story is about two sisters. Nadia is a paranormal writer who is quite famous in the field. She is an independent person, mostly due to the circumstances imposed on her rather than by choice. But if there is someone she cares about more, then it is her sister Layla.
Layla is studying archeology. She is just the opposite of Nadia. She loves company and life has given her more chances. Layla is chasing her dream to be an archaeologist unlike Nadia who is doing what she is best at.
There is not much said about the characters in the story. Maybe because it is plot driven. But I would have liked to know them personally rather than the outside view that was given in the book.
Content
There are two parallel stories in the book. One taking place in the current time and another in 3800 BC. Nadia in 'today' is having some dreams or visions. These visions are trying to reach out to her but she is not able to decipher it until one day her sister goes missing in Mohenjodaro after what could be a radioactive emission. Nadia while tracing her sister down draws the significance of the visions in which she was seeing a woman from an ancient period.
In 3800 BC, in Meluha, Jaya is chosen as the 'Goddess Blessed'. It is meant to be an position of prime importance but she slowly discovers the ugly truth. She is being used for shellfish motives and the power to read the future is slowly destroying her.
The stories run parallel with each era taking turns to depict the monstrosity that selfish motives befall on the mankind.
Unfortunately, the intention of the book was not clear right from the beginning. The supposed historical fiction slowly turned into a thriller ended into a science fiction and philosophy. It was a bit confusing throughout. The story flowed with ease but there was no direction there either. Parts could have been cut short and it wouldn't have made any difference to the story. Only after page 233 is the intention clear.
Ultimately the book leaves more questions than it gives answers. Such as why was the story in past based in 3800 BC when the Mohenjodaro period is dated at least ten centuries after that, what was the intention? How did bloodstone show visions to some but not others? And several more.
Language
The narration did not help the content at all. It was quite dry. There was nothing to look forward to and nothing that created any suspense.
Good points
The cover page is a work of art. It definitely piques one's interest in the book.
Bad points
Everything else. The characters lacked depth. The content was unconvincing. The narration was dry.
Overall
The book is nothing that I expected it to be. I shut the book thinking 'what was the point'!
Whom do I recommend this to
I frankly cannot categorize this book. I would recommend everyone to stay away from it.
I received the book from the publishers for review. The opinions are my own, completely uninfluenced.
April 8, 2017
This was an interesting read, with the backdrop of an age old civilisation that has always fascinated me. Mohenjo-Daro or the mound of the dead, has been a mystifying source for most archaeologists. This thriller is derived from events that could have triggered the fall of the Indus valley civilisation and would have invariably brought about anarchy in the current world.
What charms me is the engaging beginning of the book. A handful of archaeologists are digging up an excavation site at Mohenjo-Daro. Regular monitoring and excavating activities are going on at the site, when a sudden discovery leads to mayhem. The disastrous accident or pre-planned murders give rise to unnecessary press releases and a seemingly over-the-counter YouTube video. Nadia finds herself in the middle of this with her sister being a victim in the accident. Nadia’s struggle with the present scenario, her past and the recurring prophetic dreams of a woman named Jaya is what constitutes the rest of the book.
The Curse of Mohenjo-Daro reminded me of the Millennium series, not because of similarity in plot (they were as unlike as possible) but ’cause of the potential this book had. Had the characters and plot twists been tapped into properly, this book could have been a masterpiece of a thriller. Nevertheless, it got me hooked the entire time. I was thoroughly intrigued by the 3800 BC and the beautiful way the ending was portrayed. There is no way that I can complain about the theme or the plot of the book. My only regret was the characterization. With the powerful writing the author showed, I am sure she could have brought out more depth in the characters of the cold-hearted murderer Philip or the lone survivor Nadia.
What charms me is the engaging beginning of the book. A handful of archaeologists are digging up an excavation site at Mohenjo-Daro. Regular monitoring and excavating activities are going on at the site, when a sudden discovery leads to mayhem. The disastrous accident or pre-planned murders give rise to unnecessary press releases and a seemingly over-the-counter YouTube video. Nadia finds herself in the middle of this with her sister being a victim in the accident. Nadia’s struggle with the present scenario, her past and the recurring prophetic dreams of a woman named Jaya is what constitutes the rest of the book.
The Curse of Mohenjo-Daro reminded me of the Millennium series, not because of similarity in plot (they were as unlike as possible) but ’cause of the potential this book had. Had the characters and plot twists been tapped into properly, this book could have been a masterpiece of a thriller. Nevertheless, it got me hooked the entire time. I was thoroughly intrigued by the 3800 BC and the beautiful way the ending was portrayed. There is no way that I can complain about the theme or the plot of the book. My only regret was the characterization. With the powerful writing the author showed, I am sure she could have brought out more depth in the characters of the cold-hearted murderer Philip or the lone survivor Nadia.
March 7, 2017
Hollow, shallow and so painfully slow I wish #TheCurseOfMohenjoDaro would burn and self destruct from the Bloodstone within. Torture.
over lengthy, unnecessary details for endless pages, soap opera glacial paced background story and chaotic present day plot.
its nonsensically nuisanced in this shallow present day reincarnate attempt and miserably 250 pages overstretched. pointless dialogue and practically hyperventilating characters... The absence of depth of characters adds to the woes of a reader, for it all feels hap hazard and shallow and only till explicitly stated within the last 10 chapters does a reader know exactly what was going on and why.
a possible strong story so terribly edited.
over lengthy, unnecessary details for endless pages, soap opera glacial paced background story and chaotic present day plot.
its nonsensically nuisanced in this shallow present day reincarnate attempt and miserably 250 pages overstretched. pointless dialogue and practically hyperventilating characters... The absence of depth of characters adds to the woes of a reader, for it all feels hap hazard and shallow and only till explicitly stated within the last 10 chapters does a reader know exactly what was going on and why.
a possible strong story so terribly edited.
March 29, 2017
When will authors finally agree to retire the dual storylines thing? Because honestly, I'm DONE with it. There's always one that is so much better than the other one that I find myself skimming 50% of the book. Such a waste.
This book fell victim to the same problem. I was utterly fascinated by the ancient storyline and would have much preferred an entire book simply exploring the power dynamic between male and female, the selective caste system, even the possible city layout of Mohenjodaro.
In fact, if the first chapter of the modern section had been the last chapter of the book, that would have been enough of those characters for me.
This book fell victim to the same problem. I was utterly fascinated by the ancient storyline and would have much preferred an entire book simply exploring the power dynamic between male and female, the selective caste system, even the possible city layout of Mohenjodaro.
In fact, if the first chapter of the modern section had been the last chapter of the book, that would have been enough of those characters for me.
September 25, 2018
There is nothing fresh on this .Totally disappointing.Im gonna write a novel,The curse of a reader .
March 19, 2021
3.5 stars, closer to 4 than 3.
December 24, 2019
The ending is spectacular,, with 2 timeline merging, with Nadia and Layla being the direct descendant of Jaya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
Who would say Nay! for a time travel to 3800BC Meluha with just a flip and a sniff through the pages(Ps: I love the smell of novels❤️)
The curse of Mohenjo-Daro is a novel which has a series of events that toggles between 2016 and 3800BC. The switch of plot between the time was so intricate that will keep the readers hooked up till the end. The best part is that the events in these two times are all interconnected that will reveal an ancient indestructible marvel in the end.
The story starts with Layla a budding archeologist who go on an internship over a digging in the ruins of the Indus valley civilization. She unveils an ancient possession that kills her friends and gang that leaves her perplexed and anxious of what has happened. Layla has her sister Nadia on her way to find out her sister and in the course of which she comes over too much of surprises and hard facts about her family. Her father who she hates is cult leader who tries to misuse the power the possession beholds. But what does the family has to do with the possession ? Is it their ancestral possession? Did they carry any sought of Genetic Memory ?What does the treasure beholds? So the answers lies in this 440 pages of unputdownable reading.
Just like any other historical fiction this book also had a team of people who are searching for the ancient secrets and another team chasing to snatch and exploit it.The overall ending might be predictable but the author has some twist and turns here and there to keep the ride more interesting. I badly want to talk about Jaya and Aal and Rafe and Al- Mein as they remain etched in my imaginary lobe.But I stop right here not to be a spoiler. So find it for yourself..
This book is again a thrilling reminder that our ancestors are far more civilized and intelligent than we could imagine. Though the novel manuveres itself through fantasy and superstitions but the best part is now the superstition is broken to be wrong at the end. This is a good pick and a "must read" for all who love history and more interested in digging out and solving ancient mysteries...
The curse of Mohenjo-Daro is a novel which has a series of events that toggles between 2016 and 3800BC. The switch of plot between the time was so intricate that will keep the readers hooked up till the end. The best part is that the events in these two times are all interconnected that will reveal an ancient indestructible marvel in the end.
The story starts with Layla a budding archeologist who go on an internship over a digging in the ruins of the Indus valley civilization. She unveils an ancient possession that kills her friends and gang that leaves her perplexed and anxious of what has happened. Layla has her sister Nadia on her way to find out her sister and in the course of which she comes over too much of surprises and hard facts about her family. Her father who she hates is cult leader who tries to misuse the power the possession beholds. But what does the family has to do with the possession ? Is it their ancestral possession? Did they carry any sought of Genetic Memory ?What does the treasure beholds? So the answers lies in this 440 pages of unputdownable reading.
Just like any other historical fiction this book also had a team of people who are searching for the ancient secrets and another team chasing to snatch and exploit it.The overall ending might be predictable but the author has some twist and turns here and there to keep the ride more interesting. I badly want to talk about Jaya and Aal and Rafe and Al- Mein as they remain etched in my imaginary lobe.But I stop right here not to be a spoiler. So find it for yourself..
This book is again a thrilling reminder that our ancestors are far more civilized and intelligent than we could imagine. Though the novel manuveres itself through fantasy and superstitions but the best part is now the superstition is broken to be wrong at the end. This is a good pick and a "must read" for all who love history and more interested in digging out and solving ancient mysteries...
June 9, 2019
I have always been a geek for historical and mythological fiction. And i have always been curious to know more and more about the civilisation that was more advanced than their time. This is the reason i chose this book.
The story develops simultaneously, present day and then 3971 BC Mohenjodaaro.
Not much is known about that civilisation as the excavation has yet to uncover the major part but still i enjoyed the writers fiction knitted around the limited knowledge of that time.
So i will tell something that i liked and disliked about the mohenjodaaro fiction.
I disliked specially the calnning process, i found it particularly very cruel. It knowingly or unknowingly describes the ugly caste system that exists in India. How certain people based on their caste consider themselves more superior and deserving. But it holds true picture to some extent. I particularly liked the dialogue between Jaya and Rafe when the unclanneds rebel. Both of them right in their own place. That part was particularly deep and heartbreaking.
And the present day stories were not that exciting to read compared to Mehulla stories. It was slow and i kind of skipped pages.
I am giving this 3 stars only because i liked writers imagination of how those people must have lived and how having greed for power always destroys the civilisation.
The story develops simultaneously, present day and then 3971 BC Mohenjodaaro.
Not much is known about that civilisation as the excavation has yet to uncover the major part but still i enjoyed the writers fiction knitted around the limited knowledge of that time.
So i will tell something that i liked and disliked about the mohenjodaaro fiction.
I disliked specially the calnning process, i found it particularly very cruel. It knowingly or unknowingly describes the ugly caste system that exists in India. How certain people based on their caste consider themselves more superior and deserving. But it holds true picture to some extent. I particularly liked the dialogue between Jaya and Rafe when the unclanneds rebel. Both of them right in their own place. That part was particularly deep and heartbreaking.
And the present day stories were not that exciting to read compared to Mehulla stories. It was slow and i kind of skipped pages.
I am giving this 3 stars only because i liked writers imagination of how those people must have lived and how having greed for power always destroys the civilisation.
Read
September 18, 2022I have always been a geek for historical and mythological fiction. And i have always been curious to know more and more about the civilisation that was more advanced than their time. This is the reason i chose this book.
The story develops simultaneously, present day and then 3971 BC Mohenjodaaro.
Not much is known about that civilisation as the excavation has yet to uncover the major part but still i enjoyed the writers fiction knitted around the limited knowledge of that time.
So i will tell something that i liked and disliked about the mohenjodaaro fiction.
I disliked specially the calnning process, i found it particularly very cruel. It knowingly or unknowingly describes the ugly caste system that exists in India. How certain people based on their caste consider themselves more superior and deserving. But it holds true picture to some extent. I particularly liked the dialogue between Jaya and Rafe when the unclanneds rebel. Both of them right in their own place. That part was particularly deep and heartbreaking.
And the present day stories were not that exciting to read compared to Mehulla stories. It was slow and i kind of skipped pages.
I am giving this 3 stars only because i liked writers imagination of how those people must have lived and how having greed for power always destroys the civilisation.
The story develops simultaneously, present day and then 3971 BC Mohenjodaaro.
Not much is known about that civilisation as the excavation has yet to uncover the major part but still i enjoyed the writers fiction knitted around the limited knowledge of that time.
So i will tell something that i liked and disliked about the mohenjodaaro fiction.
I disliked specially the calnning process, i found it particularly very cruel. It knowingly or unknowingly describes the ugly caste system that exists in India. How certain people based on their caste consider themselves more superior and deserving. But it holds true picture to some extent. I particularly liked the dialogue between Jaya and Rafe when the unclanneds rebel. Both of them right in their own place. That part was particularly deep and heartbreaking.
And the present day stories were not that exciting to read compared to Mehulla stories. It was slow and i kind of skipped pages.
I am giving this 3 stars only because i liked writers imagination of how those people must have lived and how having greed for power always destroys the civilisation.
May 14, 2017
Picked up this book after reading Kamila Shamsie's praising remarks written at top, only to find out later that she is a close friend of hers.
The theme is intriguing and so are the first few chapters about the parallel timeline (i.e 3800 BC) but after that it is just as described by most of the reviewers. The world view or the theory is the backbone of any sci-fi or fantasy novel and this is where the book falls short. The cult thing is messed up and unconvincing.
One specific observation that I have made in the works of contemporary English writers is that their characters always seem to be 'exhausted', 'in need of a bath', 'in need of a drink', 'in need of a sleep', and a lot more in this novel. May be this reflects something about the writers.
The theme is intriguing and so are the first few chapters about the parallel timeline (i.e 3800 BC) but after that it is just as described by most of the reviewers. The world view or the theory is the backbone of any sci-fi or fantasy novel and this is where the book falls short. The cult thing is messed up and unconvincing.
One specific observation that I have made in the works of contemporary English writers is that their characters always seem to be 'exhausted', 'in need of a bath', 'in need of a drink', 'in need of a sleep', and a lot more in this novel. May be this reflects something about the writers.
November 26, 2017
It is unputdownable.
No kidding.
I've always been fascinated by history so picking up this book was obvious. But I was hooked from page one. The way it's has spun stories around the past and the present do not seem unrealistic at all.
I am in awe of Meluhaa. And I guess the characters here are pretty straightforward. You either Hate them, or you love them. Nadia, Jay, Jahanara, Jaya, Liam, Aal, Al-Mein, You can't help loving them.
Sohail, Phillip, Iaf. You have to hate them.
Layla and Rafe, how could you be so stupid? Really?
As says the disclaimer, this probably isn't what happened in the city we now know as Mohenjodaro. But, well, how would we know it didn't either?
If you're intrigued by History and Thriller, this book will never be a waste of time.
No kidding.
I've always been fascinated by history so picking up this book was obvious. But I was hooked from page one. The way it's has spun stories around the past and the present do not seem unrealistic at all.
I am in awe of Meluhaa. And I guess the characters here are pretty straightforward. You either Hate them, or you love them. Nadia, Jay, Jahanara, Jaya, Liam, Aal, Al-Mein, You can't help loving them.
Sohail, Phillip, Iaf. You have to hate them.
Layla and Rafe, how could you be so stupid? Really?
As says the disclaimer, this probably isn't what happened in the city we now know as Mohenjodaro. But, well, how would we know it didn't either?
If you're intrigued by History and Thriller, this book will never be a waste of time.
December 2, 2019
I bought the book imagining it to be a historical fiction, but it turned out to be a mixture of sci-fi, thriller and historical fiction. Although, the plot is marvelous and characterization has depth, but I think it could have been more. The element of sci-fi in such an already intricate story really disappointed me. At least, It could've been fantasy than sci-fi. Sci-fi lost the charm and ambiance of mohan-jo-daro. Nevertheless, I enjoyed parts surrounding Jaya, she at least gave a little bit glimpse of the lives of people of Indus Valley civilization. More could've been added if more research was done. It had the potential.
February 10, 2019
3 1/2 stars
The book started out very slowly, in fact for the first 100 pages the book was boring bordering on excruciating but then the pace picked up and I could not put it down. There is a dual storyline seperated by 5000 years. The ancient story is way more interesting and gripping. Infact it is that story that kept me engaged. The present day story is more of a filler. The ending is not at all satisfying, in fact it does not really connect to the story. It is not a bad experience overall but with a little more imagination could have been better.
The book started out very slowly, in fact for the first 100 pages the book was boring bordering on excruciating but then the pace picked up and I could not put it down. There is a dual storyline seperated by 5000 years. The ancient story is way more interesting and gripping. Infact it is that story that kept me engaged. The present day story is more of a filler. The ending is not at all satisfying, in fact it does not really connect to the story. It is not a bad experience overall but with a little more imagination could have been better.
March 15, 2021
The curse of Mohenjodaro by Maha Khan Phillips Genre: adventure Rating 5/5
Layla, field archeologist-in-training, makes everything go wrong when she clutches a strange box thinking that it is meant to be hers, ultimately melting her colleague’s flesh off their bones, killing them. Her sister, Nadia, tries to find her sister after this tragedy, evading danger and struggling with the story of the skeleton clutching the box.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone since I think all of you will like it!
Layla, field archeologist-in-training, makes everything go wrong when she clutches a strange box thinking that it is meant to be hers, ultimately melting her colleague’s flesh off their bones, killing them. Her sister, Nadia, tries to find her sister after this tragedy, evading danger and struggling with the story of the skeleton clutching the box.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone since I think all of you will like it!
May 28, 2017
I started to read this with minimum expectation but was surprised that it turned out to be a fast page turn. I am a history buff but not history expert... so enjoyed the racy thriller like approach of his book. Specially liked the way two stories unfolded together and entwine with each other. Don't expect too much gyan or historical facts which are accurate in this book but after a very very long time found a book which made me read this in one go! 👍🏻
November 17, 2017
A slow start this has. While one part of timeline is interesting from start, other part is stretched and takes hell lot of time to pick up the pace and by the time it does, we are already halfway thru the book. However, it takes me on a journey, rather a dull one, to my favorite civilization, it held my interest. But still, my hopes were far more high.
October 27, 2023
I was not expecting that this would be the reason for Mohenjo-Daro being Mohenjo-Daro. But as it is said in synopsis that it is based on myth surrounding Mohenjo-Daro in Sindh. So then it is little bit good.
There was a thrill in it which kept me reading it but it also had creepy vibes like what has happened with Jaya.
There was a thrill in it which kept me reading it but it also had creepy vibes like what has happened with Jaya.
July 27, 2017
Very gripping... Interesting story.
Sad it is all fictional. I started reading it thinking there was some curse on the site :(
However, the fictional world is fascinating! It could give The Hunger Games a run for its money if the author starts writing a series based on Meluha in 3800 BC...
Sad it is all fictional. I started reading it thinking there was some curse on the site :(
However, the fictional world is fascinating! It could give The Hunger Games a run for its money if the author starts writing a series based on Meluha in 3800 BC...
September 3, 2019
Interesting read. A very captivating narration of past and present. Invokes an interest in archeology and ancient civilisations.
At some parts I felt the author couldn’t properly explain what she wanted to say but overall it was a nice, light read.
At some parts I felt the author couldn’t properly explain what she wanted to say but overall it was a nice, light read.
March 25, 2020
I feel pretty "meh" about this book. It was easy to read, but I found the writing to be uninviting and the plot to be very predictable. I was intrigued with it being set in Mohenjodaro, but perhaps I had set my expectations too high.
March 19, 2025
A well written novel by Maha Khan Phillips. The dual stories are interesting and interconnect quite well. This would make a good Indiana Jones-type movie with clearly defined good and bad guys and a story that incorporates old civilizations and supernatural elements in modern times.
May 21, 2017
Nice & gripping suspense plot. However, it looses a bit during story development.
September 6, 2017
A gripping story
This book is for the ones who loves to read about ancient world and myths. Loved it and definitely recommend
This book is for the ones who loves to read about ancient world and myths. Loved it and definitely recommend
March 12, 2019
It was a great book, I picked it up by just reading the little description behind it but ended up finishing it within a day!! The narrative is catchy and really grippy!!
December 25, 2019
Well the story is good. Just takes time to set the pieces together, Otherwise it's a good companion for historical fiction lovers
July 23, 2020
LOved it
July 31, 2020
history killed by fiction
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews