PLAYING GOD

As soon as I arrived in Bangalore, a new science fiction novel by Dr. Shantala, which my son happened to be holding, immediately caught my attention. After a cursory flip through the pages, I felt an irresistible urge to read the entire work. And once I began reading, such was its magnetic pull that I did not rest until I had finished it completely. The novel’s central theme revolves around the bright and dark facets of "designer babies" and gene manipulation, alongside the ethical questions inherent to this technology—all of which the author has woven into a dramatic and suspense-filled narrative. While reading, it felt very much like a thriller. Since the author is herself a surgeon, she has presented the intricacies of the IVF procedure to the readers with meticulous detail and has provided a vivid portrayal of the hospital environment. The author also issues a cautionary note regarding the future allure of "made-to-order" infants—created through IVF and gene manipulation—and the inherent dangers associated with the desire for such customized offspring. Throughout the novel, I was repeatedly struck by the sense that this is a quintessential work of Indian Science Fiction (ISF)—one that successfully integrates compelling characters and settings with a profound emphasis on ethics and human sensibility. Congratulations to the author on this magnificent work.

“What stands out is the raw honesty of the storytelling. Each story carries its own weight—some heartbreaking, some hopeful—but all deeply human. Through multiple subplots, the author beautifully captures the emotional journeys of patients, families, and doctors, reminding us how fragile and interconnected our lives truly are. Playing God lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page. The author deserves admiration for weaving such deeply emotional stories with remarkable sensitivity.”

Playing God is intricately woven, striking a balance between the fascinating world of science and thrilling revelations in every chapter. The author keeps the reader hooked right to the edge of the narrative. The book explores and envisions the darker side of science with remarkable insight and diagnostic precision. A thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking read.

I finished reading this book in a day! Such a unique read. Absolutely wonderful. The storyline was very interesting, the characters were very well portrayed. Science fiction and thriller is my favourite. Can’t wait to read more such amazing books from this author 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

This book was a compelling and engaging read. The author does a great job of developing the characters and building sub plots that keep you interested from beginning to end. The writing style is clear and immersive, making it easy to connect with the themes and emotions in the story.