A mind-bending psycho-thriller!

25th June 2025

A mind-bending psycho-thriller!
Before you judge me for my review let me warn you this is the first psycho-thriller book I have read.

"Berserk" by Tejaswi Priyadarshini plunges readers into a whirlpool of grief, revenge, and moral ambiguity, delivering a mind-bending horror thriller that lives up to its promise of keeping you guessing. From the distressing opening, the novel establishes a relentless pace, pulling you into a world where justice is difficult to achieve and revenge a double-edged sword.

The story centers on Ramakrishna, a gentle teacher shattered by the brutal murder of his beloved student and fiancée, Nazm, on their wedding night. His grief is intense, and his guilt leads to the coffin, making his desperate quest for answers both understandable and heartbreaking. His alliance with the enigmatic "Coffee Man" introduces a compelling dynamic. Coffee Man is a fascinating, volatile character whose ruthless pragmatism challenges Ramakrishna's inherent morality, pushing him closer to the contrast with every calculated step. This unlikely partnership forms the investigation's core, providing moments of chilling efficiency and unsettling dilemmas.

Parallel to Ramakrishna's journey, we follow the chilling trajectory of a man who has traded spiritual renunciation for a singular, consuming thirst for revenge. The transformation of this particular character is expertly handled, adding another layer of intensity to the narrative. His "twisted score of betrayal" promises a separate, equally brutal path of punishment, and the worrying mix of these two blood-soaked quests is a constant source of tension.



The author has brilliantly crafted an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. The "mind-bending horror thriller" descriptor is apt; the narrative skillfully weaves elements of psychological torment, spine-chilling violence, and an extensive sense of unease. The plot is intricately constructed, with twists and turns that genuinely surprise, preventing any easy predictions. The author doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of revenge, exploring its destructive impact on the victims and the avengers themselves.

However, be warned: "Berserk" is not for the faint of heart. The "carnage ensues" is not an exaggeration, and the story delves into the darker aspects of human nature. The moral ambiguity explored is a significant strength, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, retribution, and the price of vengeance.

A huge round of applause for the book cover. The analogy of the goldfish, which is carried throughout the book, has been brought out exceptionally well on the cover too. The fonts used on the cover resemble a visual effect of the meaning of the word "Berserk" - going uncontrollably wild.

"Berserk" is a gripping, intense, and genuinely thrilling read. Tejaswi Priyadarshini has crafted a dark and compelling narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a horror edge, and you're prepared for a journey into the moral gray areas of human vengeance, then "Berserk" is an absolute must-read. It will indeed leave your mind blown.