Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Vanishing Winds by Saroor Sarao

Do you remember that feeling of being the new kid in school? Multiply that with switching countries, add a town where people disappear every two weeks, and boom—you’re living Sanjay’s life. Vanishing Winds by debut author Saroor Sarao is one of those rare YA books that seamlessly blends mystery, fantasy, and cultural identity, while never losing its emotional heart.

It reminded me a bit of when I first read Percy Jackson—that mix of real-world teenage chaos with something mysterious bubbling under the surface. But here, the twist is uniquely fresh. Sarao is a name to watch. With just one book, he’s created a story that feels like a warm mug of nostalgia with a supernatural kick.

The story follows 14-year-old Sanjay, who moves from vibrant, noisy New Delhi to the sleepy little town of Ashen Falls, Texas. He expects awkward first days and culture shock—but definitely not people disappearing into thin air, leaving behind only their clothes.

As Sanjay navigates bullies, strange classmates, and unsettling rumours, he uncovers layers of a haunting secret. Every two weeks, someone vanishes. No explanation. No goodbye. Just... gone. And the closer Sanjay gets to the truth, the more he questions whether he wants to escape Ashen Falls—or stay and uncover what’s really going on.

Sarao’s writing is simple, clean, and so effortlessly engaging that you forget you're reading—it just flows. The prose is beginner-friendly without being shallow, perfect for younger readers or anyone who enjoys fast-paced fiction with a little heart. He’s particularly good at painting atmosphere—small-town eeriness, school corridors buzzing with unsaid things, and those moments of quiet confusion when you're not sure if it's the town that's strange, or just you.

Sanjay absolutely steals the show. He’s awkward, brave, confused, funny—basically, a real 14-year-old. One of my favorite moments is when he prays to fall sick just to skip school. Haven’t we all done that at least once?

Through Sanjay, Sarao subtly explores themes of belonging, identity, and courage. His immigrant lens adds depth to what could have been a typical “new kid in town” tale. And while Sanjay shines brightest, the supporting characters—be it the bullies, the odd friend, or the mysterious townsfolk—feel fleshed out and purposeful.

The plot is tightly wound. Every few pages, a new clue, a surprise, or a twist keeps you flipping forward. Each chapter ends with just the right pinch of suspense—not overwhelming, but enough to keep you saying, “Just one more.”

That said, the ending felt a little rushed. For a story that did such a good job building tension, I would’ve loved a more dramatic climax. Still, it delivered a satisfying punch.

This isn’t just a spooky fantasy—it’s a story about feeling lost, about longing for home, and about the resilience it takes to face the unknown. Whether you’re a teen changing schools or an adult trying to adapt to a new environment, that emotional core hits home.

The mysterious “Vanishings” almost feel symbolic of how we can lose parts of ourselves in unfamiliar surroundings—and how courage can bring us back.

There were several “aww” moments and a few goosebump ones too. What stayed with me most was Sanjay’s inner conflict—run back to what’s safe or stay and face what’s scary. That feeling is universal. We all hit those crossroads, no matter our age.

Vanishing Winds shines with a relatable and lovable protagonist at its core, delivering smooth, addictive pacing that makes it hard to put down. What sets it apart is its unique blend of fantasy and the immigrant experience, adding emotional depth to the supernatural elements. The eerie yet cozy small-town vibe wraps the mystery in a comforting atmosphere, making it especially appealing for middle-grade and YA readers—or even nostalgic adults like me who love a good coming-of-age adventure with a magical twist.

Honestly, there’s very little to complain about. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the ending could’ve used a bit more build-up to truly match the suspense it had been building, and a few sections in the middle felt like they could’ve been trimmed to keep the pacing tighter—but these are minor bumps in an otherwise thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read.

This book felt like a soft reminder of my own school days—the anxiety of being new, the awkward friendships, the small wins that feel like big triumphs. I saw my younger self in Sanjay. His voice is honest, his fears are real, and his bravery feels earned.

I didn’t expect to be this invested, but I was. That’s always the mark of a good read for me.

Vanishing Winds is a delightful debut—a genre-bending story that blends the spooky with the heartfelt. It’s part mystery, part fantasy, and all heart. Whether you're a teen navigating your own “new town” moments or an adult who remembers what that felt like, Sanjay’s journey will tug at something in you.

Highly recommended for fans of Percy Jackson, A Series of Unfortunate Events, or anyone who believes that courage begins where comfort ends.

💬 Let me know—have you ever wanted to disappear and start over, only to find that maybe... staying back was where the real story was?

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