Thriller & Suspense, Action & Adventure, Fiction, Historical fiction, Literary fiction

The Phantom of Freedom: The First Heist

Litlinks Review

I read this book on Inkitt, but it is also available on Amazon.

https://www.inkitt.com/stories/1586573

The Phantom of Freedom – The First Heist by Jasveer Singh Dangi is a gripping exploration of what it truly means to be free. From the very first page, Dangi draws the reader into a world where liberty is more than just a right—it’s a complex, often elusive journey. The narrative is rich with vivid characters, each wrestling with their own constraints and desires, and Dangi’s writing captures both the internal and external battles of seeking freedom in a compelling, relatable way.

The book masterfully blends its historical setting with a fictional narrative, making the two feel seamlessly intertwined. What stood out for me was the author’s clever inclusion of a real revolutionary, along with key details about him, without ever explicitly naming him. This subtle touch adds an extra layer of intrigue and “zing” to the story—inviting readers to connect the dots and guess the historical figure for themselves. It’s a brilliant way to engage the audience while keeping the story immersive and dynamic.

That said, if you ask me, there wasn’t much room for suspense—after all, the historical figure featured in the book is a legend, and anyone with even a basic knowledge of colonial India can likely guess who it is. For whatever reason, Jasveer chose not to name the person directly, and I respect that choice. For me, it actually added to the enjoyment, turning the guessing game into part of the fun.

Description
Additional information

India, 1941. The subcontinent stands restless beneath the suffocating weight of the British Empire. Whispers of rebellion echo across its villages and cities, carried by the wind of a nation desperate to breathe free. In this charged atmosphere, destiny intervenes when a young, unassuming man encounters one of the greatest visionaries of India’s independence movement — a leader whose fiery conviction and unwavering courage spark a revolution in his heart.

What begins as admiration soon transforms into purpose. The young man chooses a path few dare to tread — a life lived in the shadows, fueled by loyalty to the motherland and a burning desire to see his people free. Armed not with armies, but with wit, fearlessness, and an unbreakable will, he pledges himself to the cause of liberation.

As the empire tightens its grip, he strikes back with breathtaking audacity. From meticulously planned operations to daring escapes and underground alliances, his actions rattle the colonial machinery and unsettle even the most powerful British officers. Rumors spread of a phantom revolutionary — a man who appears without warning, disrupts imperial order, and vanishes before the dust settles.