The Zora Trigger: Codename Deception – Priya Nayak Gole
Pages – 252
When I started reading The Zora Trigger, I thought it was just another story. However, what stood out to me was the struggle of the main protagonist, Param, throughout the narrative. He was the hero, but his pain – both emotional and physical – was highlighted consistently. Had this been a typical Bollywood movie, Param would have been performing flawless stunts with his prosthetic leg while singing songs with his ladylove. But here, his pain and inner turmoil were evident all along.
Also, I must say that Papaji’s clues were hard to crack. I have rarely read such well-thought-out clues by Indian authors.
What didn’t work for me were a few plot points that didn’t quite add up (Apologies for some spoilers here)
- Param and Shilpa reach the abandoned house of the late scientist on the same night. Why did Shilpa choose that night? She could have gone there any time in the years following her father’s death.
- Maahi’s relationship with her family, especially her father. Why was she the way she was?
- Shilpa’s fiancé’s reason for agreeing to marry her felt trivial. Just to get in touch with someone she knew? That didn’t seem convincing enough for such a major decision.
Honestly, I started this book quite slowly. However, as the story progressed, I got hooked. When the key was finally revealed, I had to read that part twice. I felt what Param might have felt in that moment – that’s it?! This is the key people were killed for?
All in all, this is a good one-time read, especially for the riddles and clues. It’s a decent mix of patriotism, love, personal loss and turmoil, and mystery.
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: For someone who has grown up watching military-based thriller movies, reading The Zora Trigger offers a different experience. It has a slow start, but picks up pace around the middle. Readers will genuinely feel the pain of Param, a realistic portrayal of a man with prosthetic legs.
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