Book Review: ‘Lies, Spies and Nuclear Rise’ by Juggi Bhasin

Book Title: Lies, Spies and Nuclear Rise
Author: Juggi Bhasin
Publisher: Vitasta Publishing Private Limited
Number of Pages: 376
ISBN: 978-8198829542
Date Published: Nov. 13, 2025
Price: INR 348

Book Review

“Lies, Spies and Nuclear Rise” by Juggi Bhasin is a gripping political thriller centered around Indian Prime Minister Priya Kaul, who navigates a precarious situation marked by national turmoil and internal betrayal. Facing pressure from the Opposition and her son’s treachery, she resorts to India’s first nuclear test as a maneuver to regain public favor. Complicating her plight, the American President harbors animosity towards her, and the local CIA chief is determined to thwart her plans. Meanwhile, Viper, an agent from Pakistan’s ISI, intensifies the chaos in India.

In a charged political atmosphere, Priya faces protests and recognizes her compromised security during a cabinet meeting, while Prahlad’s extremist views on nationalism intensify her worries about losing control over her family and political legacy. In search of guidance, she turns to Swami Dharmachari for spiritual support, contemplating manipulation of public perception to reinforce her power.

And in this tense environment, two key figures emerge: atomic scientist Dr. Venkat Iyer, racing against the clock to construct the bomb, and legendary spymaster Sudhir Raina, known as Rhino, who works to counteract the interference from both the CIA and ISI. Their attempts to support Kaul highlight a world fraught with deception, as they maneuver to achieve their goals amidst a backdrop of espionage and high stakes.

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The story escalates as she secretly directs efforts to develop nuclear capabilities amidst a backdrop of geopolitical scrutiny and internal challenges, with themes of power, deception, and desperation weaving through her quest for a formidable legacy. Concurrently, the unfolding stories of another character, Jyotika, illustrate the clash between personal desires and societal expectations amidst a chaotic urban landscape marked by corruption and brutality.

Both narratives expose a world fraught with betrayal, where trust is tenuous and survival is often buried beneath layers of deception, contrasting personal struggles against a backdrop of political manipulation and societal decay. Her diplomatic efforts in Moscow, aimed at securing alliances amidst Cold War tensions, unveil both opportunities and risks to India’s sovereignty, including offers for military technology that come with hidden agendas. Priya’s engagement with intelligence chief Rhino exposes multiple threats, including domestic rivals and foreign interference, which challenge her leadership.

A highly recommended thriller!

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