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Run Dad Run
Anurag isn’t just a computer scientist. He’s a master of neural exploration and out-of-body travel. During a routine visit to Chicago to troubleshoot Y2K systems at a financial firm, he vanishes without a trace. No messages. No remains. Just a cold trail—and a family left in the dark. Twenty years later, his three children are awakening to terrifying abilities they never asked for. Karan slips into others’ dreams, where whispers and shadows wait. Abhi watches the world through ghost-like eyes, drifting into moments he shouldn’t witness. And Chandra, the youngest, steps into photographs … and walks straight into the dead past. As their powers grow, so does the darkness around them. They’re being watched. Hunted. Underworld syndicates, cults, and something older—something not entirely human—want what’s inside their minds. Secrets long buried claw their way to the surface. To find out what happened to their father, they’ll have to risk not just their lives … but their sanity. Because some doors, once opened, don’t close again.
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Published November 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 25, 2026
I picked this one up without any big expectations, thinking I’d read a few pages before bed and continue later. But a few chapters in, I realized I was already too involved to stop. There was a strange heaviness in the air of the story, a kind of silence that tells you something is about to break. The disappearance of Anurag is where everything begins, but what unfolds after that is not just a mystery it’s a journey into secrets, fear, love, and the invisible threads that bind a family together.
As the story follows Abhi, Karan, and Chandra, you don’t just watch them discover their unusual abilities you grow with them, worry for them, and quietly hope they’ll be okay. What touched me most is how human their struggles feel. They are not fearless heroes. They are confused, scared, sometimes overwhelmed, and often just trying to hold themselves together while the world around them keeps getting darker and more dangerous. The idea that power always comes with a price is woven so gently and so painfully into the narrative.
There are moments in this book that make your heart sink and your thoughts go silent for a second. The kind of moments that stay with you even after you close the book. But what balances all this darkness is the warmth of relationships—the unspoken care between siblings, the quiet strength of standing together when everything feels uncertain, and the deep emotional need to find the truth, no matter how much it hurts.
What I truly appreciated is that this isn’t just a fast, thrilling story. It takes its time to build an atmosphere. The world feels real, the emotions feel lived-in, and the characters feel like people you might actually know. Even the science and the powers are explained in a way that feels natural and easy to follow, without ever taking away from the emotional core of the story.
By the time I reached the climax, I realized how beautifully everything had been connected. Nothing felt random. Nothing felt wasted. And the ending… the ending left me with that quiet, restless feeling the kind where you just sit there for a moment, holding the book, not ready to move on yet.
At its heart, this is a story about family, belonging, and finding yourself in the middle of chaos. It’s about how love can be both a comfort and a strength, and how sometimes the scariest journeys are the ones we take to understand who we really are.
As the story follows Abhi, Karan, and Chandra, you don’t just watch them discover their unusual abilities you grow with them, worry for them, and quietly hope they’ll be okay. What touched me most is how human their struggles feel. They are not fearless heroes. They are confused, scared, sometimes overwhelmed, and often just trying to hold themselves together while the world around them keeps getting darker and more dangerous. The idea that power always comes with a price is woven so gently and so painfully into the narrative.
There are moments in this book that make your heart sink and your thoughts go silent for a second. The kind of moments that stay with you even after you close the book. But what balances all this darkness is the warmth of relationships—the unspoken care between siblings, the quiet strength of standing together when everything feels uncertain, and the deep emotional need to find the truth, no matter how much it hurts.
What I truly appreciated is that this isn’t just a fast, thrilling story. It takes its time to build an atmosphere. The world feels real, the emotions feel lived-in, and the characters feel like people you might actually know. Even the science and the powers are explained in a way that feels natural and easy to follow, without ever taking away from the emotional core of the story.
By the time I reached the climax, I realized how beautifully everything had been connected. Nothing felt random. Nothing felt wasted. And the ending… the ending left me with that quiet, restless feeling the kind where you just sit there for a moment, holding the book, not ready to move on yet.
At its heart, this is a story about family, belonging, and finding yourself in the middle of chaos. It’s about how love can be both a comfort and a strength, and how sometimes the scariest journeys are the ones we take to understand who we really are.
February 16, 2026
Who said Indian authors don’t write good thrillers?
Because I have proof right here.
And what makes it even better? It’s not just a thriller — it’s a perfect blend of science fiction and psychological suspense.
Also, a small fact: this book was the first runner-up at the Delhi Literature Fest. 👀
Honestly, while reading it, I felt like I was watching Inception.
It gives you that same vibe — you constantly question what’s real and what’s not. Is the character dreaming? Or is this actually happening?
I can guarantee you one thing — this book will mess with your mind… but in the best way possible.
Now, coming to the story:
Anurag Roy suddenly goes missing during a Christmas work trip. And twenty years later, in the present, his wife and children are still living with the trauma.
One gets abducted.
One becomes involved in a murder but doesn’t even know whether he committed it or not.
Another faces a serious accident.
But the real question is — why is this family going through all of this?
To find out, you have to read Run Dad Run.
And like I said… it will mess with your head — but in a good way.
Because I have proof right here.
And what makes it even better? It’s not just a thriller — it’s a perfect blend of science fiction and psychological suspense.
Also, a small fact: this book was the first runner-up at the Delhi Literature Fest. 👀
Honestly, while reading it, I felt like I was watching Inception.
It gives you that same vibe — you constantly question what’s real and what’s not. Is the character dreaming? Or is this actually happening?
I can guarantee you one thing — this book will mess with your mind… but in the best way possible.
Now, coming to the story:
Anurag Roy suddenly goes missing during a Christmas work trip. And twenty years later, in the present, his wife and children are still living with the trauma.
One gets abducted.
One becomes involved in a murder but doesn’t even know whether he committed it or not.
Another faces a serious accident.
But the real question is — why is this family going through all of this?
To find out, you have to read Run Dad Run.
And like I said… it will mess with your head — but in a good way.
January 25, 2026
Run, Dad, Run by Ship Niyogi is an engaging thriller that smartly incorporates suspense, science, and supernatural elements. The mystery of a vanished father and the unsettling powers of his children create constant tension and intrigue. With sharp pacing and a dark, gripping atmosphere, this book kept me hooked till the end. A great pick for fans of fast-paced thrillers with a supernatural edge.
January 25, 2026
🍀Book - Run Dad Run
🍀Author - Shil Niyogi
“This book is Nominated for the best thriller of 2026 at Delhi Lit Fest.”
🍀 Between the pages -
“I remember little about my father”Karan lied.
Of course, he remembered a lot. Sumati had told them enough stories to last a lifetime. Even then, Karan recalled how his father often went out with Abhi on matters that never interested him. Karan had no passion for deep studies of the human mind, but he knew his dad, brother, and sister were deeply involved in it. Somehow, Karan had always been closer to his mother. These questions were meant for Abhi, not him.”
🍀Plot - December 25, 1999. Anurag Sharma vanishes in Chicago without a trace.
Twenty years later, his children—Karan, Abhi, and Chandra—discover extraordinary abilities rooted in the spiritual knowledge their father shared with them on Maghostava, a sacred ancestral tradition. Karan controls his dreams, Chandra communicates through photographs, and Abhi can see the world from anywhere—or avoid it entirely.
Chandra uncovers the truth: about her father’s missing.
But now their powers has become their curse as everyone is after their life. They are being watched and to find what happened to their father they will have to risk their lives.
Hunted for what they can do, the siblings must cross forbidden realms and confront ancient truths—knowing that one wrong step could trap them in the same fate as their father, or erase them from reality altogether.
🍀Review-
From the very first page, Run Dad Run pulls you into its central mystery—where did Anurag go? His sudden disappearance haunts not only the reader but also his children, who have spent twenty years waiting for his return. This unanswered question drives the emotional core of the story.
The novel is a compelling blend of science, emotion, and the supernatural, where extraordinary abilities feel as much like a burden as a gift. The author builds suspense with precision, revealing just enough to keep the reader constantly guessing. The pacing is tight, and the tension rarely lets up, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
More than just a thriller, Run Dad Run is a powerful story about family, loss, and hope—one that lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page.
The content perfectly justifies the title of the book.
🍀Author - Shil Niyogi
“This book is Nominated for the best thriller of 2026 at Delhi Lit Fest.”
🍀 Between the pages -
“I remember little about my father”Karan lied.
Of course, he remembered a lot. Sumati had told them enough stories to last a lifetime. Even then, Karan recalled how his father often went out with Abhi on matters that never interested him. Karan had no passion for deep studies of the human mind, but he knew his dad, brother, and sister were deeply involved in it. Somehow, Karan had always been closer to his mother. These questions were meant for Abhi, not him.”
🍀Plot - December 25, 1999. Anurag Sharma vanishes in Chicago without a trace.
Twenty years later, his children—Karan, Abhi, and Chandra—discover extraordinary abilities rooted in the spiritual knowledge their father shared with them on Maghostava, a sacred ancestral tradition. Karan controls his dreams, Chandra communicates through photographs, and Abhi can see the world from anywhere—or avoid it entirely.
Chandra uncovers the truth: about her father’s missing.
But now their powers has become their curse as everyone is after their life. They are being watched and to find what happened to their father they will have to risk their lives.
Hunted for what they can do, the siblings must cross forbidden realms and confront ancient truths—knowing that one wrong step could trap them in the same fate as their father, or erase them from reality altogether.
🍀Review-
From the very first page, Run Dad Run pulls you into its central mystery—where did Anurag go? His sudden disappearance haunts not only the reader but also his children, who have spent twenty years waiting for his return. This unanswered question drives the emotional core of the story.
The novel is a compelling blend of science, emotion, and the supernatural, where extraordinary abilities feel as much like a burden as a gift. The author builds suspense with precision, revealing just enough to keep the reader constantly guessing. The pacing is tight, and the tension rarely lets up, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
More than just a thriller, Run Dad Run is a powerful story about family, loss, and hope—one that lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page.
The content perfectly justifies the title of the book.
February 11, 2026
At its heart, this is a story about a father who vanishes, not in some dramatic explosion, but during an ordinary work trip to Chicago right around the Y2K scare. Anurag Roy, a computer scientist, simply disappears. No note, no body, no answers. His family is left to stitch their lives back together around the hole he left. Twenty years pass in that heavy silence. Then his three grown children start waking up to abilities they never asked for… strange, terrifying gifts that feel less like superpowers and more like curses inherited from the man who walked away.
What makes Run Dad Run quietly devastating (and compulsively readable) is how it refuses to let the sci-fi elements overshadow the human ache. The thriller plot races forward with layers of mystery, conspiracy, and mind-bending “neural exploration” that some readers compare to Inception-level ideas, but grounded in very Indian family realities. The quiet grief of a mother raising kids alone, the unspoken resentments between siblings, the way love and guilt twist together over decades. Shil Niyogi doesn’t shout the emotion; he lets it seep in through half-finished conversations, memories that won’t stay buried, and the terrifying realization that saving someone you love might cost you pieces of yourself.
It’s humanistic in the best way: no larger-than-life heroes, just flawed people desperate to understand why their dad ran, and what it means if he’s still out there, reaching back across dimensions or whatever wild frontier the story eventually crosses. The sci-fi isn’t there to dazzle; it’s there to ask harder questions about memory, identity, and how far we’d go to protect (or reclaim) the people we can’t let go of.
If you’re someone who finishes a thriller and then sits staring at the wall thinking about your own family, this one will hit different. It’s confident, layered, and surprisingly tender beneath the suspense. A debut that doesn’t just pack a punch, it leaves a bruise you don’t mind carrying.
Definitely a must-read if Indian-rooted speculative fiction with real emotional weight is your thing. Shil Niyogi is one to watch.
What makes Run Dad Run quietly devastating (and compulsively readable) is how it refuses to let the sci-fi elements overshadow the human ache. The thriller plot races forward with layers of mystery, conspiracy, and mind-bending “neural exploration” that some readers compare to Inception-level ideas, but grounded in very Indian family realities. The quiet grief of a mother raising kids alone, the unspoken resentments between siblings, the way love and guilt twist together over decades. Shil Niyogi doesn’t shout the emotion; he lets it seep in through half-finished conversations, memories that won’t stay buried, and the terrifying realization that saving someone you love might cost you pieces of yourself.
It’s humanistic in the best way: no larger-than-life heroes, just flawed people desperate to understand why their dad ran, and what it means if he’s still out there, reaching back across dimensions or whatever wild frontier the story eventually crosses. The sci-fi isn’t there to dazzle; it’s there to ask harder questions about memory, identity, and how far we’d go to protect (or reclaim) the people we can’t let go of.
If you’re someone who finishes a thriller and then sits staring at the wall thinking about your own family, this one will hit different. It’s confident, layered, and surprisingly tender beneath the suspense. A debut that doesn’t just pack a punch, it leaves a bruise you don’t mind carrying.
Definitely a must-read if Indian-rooted speculative fiction with real emotional weight is your thing. Shil Niyogi is one to watch.
January 31, 2026
I just finished Run Dad Run by Shil Niyogi and I’m not even kidding… this book is a solid 5/5 ⭐ for me.
It’s dark. It’s psychic. It’s kinda sci fi. And it’s the kind of thriller that makes your brain go wait… what is happening?? in the best way possible.
So the plot revolves around Anurag Roy, a computer scientist, but not the usual type. He believes in out of body meditation and travel... And the craziest part is, he actually learnt these techniques earlier in his life at Tarapith, their old home. He becomes a master of something called neural exploration. Sounds intense already, right?
Then one day… he goes to Chicago for work, because of an urgent call from his boss, and he just disappears. Completely. No trace. Nothing. He leaves behind his wife Sumati and their three kids Abhi, Karan and Chandra… and the family is left with this huge hole that never really closes. Did he actually disappear? Or did something else happen?
And then BOOM… 20 years later, things start moving again. Something happens to Abhi and suddenly the story takes a turn that’s honestly so unexpected... and you realise these siblings are not ordinary at all.
Karan has the ability to see things in his dreams. His intuition is terrifyingly accurate.
Chandra… she can speak with dead people through photographs.
And Abhi… let’s just say he has something that makes you go speechless.
There’s this one line that literally gave me chills:
“The extraction procedure for Chandra was set to begin, but…”
And that’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to spoil it 😭 but trust me… the moment you reach this part, you’ll understand the vibe of the book. It gets intense.
And throughout all of it, the biggest questions keep haunting you…
Will Karan be able to find his brother, sister and mom?
And what about their dad?
Is Anurag Roy alive… or is the truth way darker than that?
So yeah… if you like reading something intense, psychic, and slightly sci fi with a creepy edge that gets on your nerves a little… you NEED to try Run Dad Run
It’s dark. It’s psychic. It’s kinda sci fi. And it’s the kind of thriller that makes your brain go wait… what is happening?? in the best way possible.
So the plot revolves around Anurag Roy, a computer scientist, but not the usual type. He believes in out of body meditation and travel... And the craziest part is, he actually learnt these techniques earlier in his life at Tarapith, their old home. He becomes a master of something called neural exploration. Sounds intense already, right?
Then one day… he goes to Chicago for work, because of an urgent call from his boss, and he just disappears. Completely. No trace. Nothing. He leaves behind his wife Sumati and their three kids Abhi, Karan and Chandra… and the family is left with this huge hole that never really closes. Did he actually disappear? Or did something else happen?
And then BOOM… 20 years later, things start moving again. Something happens to Abhi and suddenly the story takes a turn that’s honestly so unexpected... and you realise these siblings are not ordinary at all.
Karan has the ability to see things in his dreams. His intuition is terrifyingly accurate.
Chandra… she can speak with dead people through photographs.
And Abhi… let’s just say he has something that makes you go speechless.
There’s this one line that literally gave me chills:
“The extraction procedure for Chandra was set to begin, but…”
And that’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to spoil it 😭 but trust me… the moment you reach this part, you’ll understand the vibe of the book. It gets intense.
And throughout all of it, the biggest questions keep haunting you…
Will Karan be able to find his brother, sister and mom?
And what about their dad?
Is Anurag Roy alive… or is the truth way darker than that?
So yeah… if you like reading something intense, psychic, and slightly sci fi with a creepy edge that gets on your nerves a little… you NEED to try Run Dad Run
February 1, 2026
Run Dad Run by Shil Niyogi is nominated for the best thriller category in Delhi Literature Festival 2026.
The book opens quietly, almost deceptively so. The writing doesn’t rush to impress with twists or big reveals. Instead, author focuses on atmosphere, absence, and emotional residue — what it feels like when a family grows up around a mystery that was never resolved.
The Plot starts with unsettling question about a father who went missing without any trace and decades later his kids harboring strange out the world abilities, what will they do with those powers and will they be able to uncover about the strange disappearance of their father is something worth reading.
The author’s writing technique is restrained and deliberate. Scenes are built through small details: rain against windows, half-finished conversations, casual remarks that carry emotional weight. Dialogue feels natural, often understated, and that’s where the tension lives — in what characters choose not to say.
What stood out to me most is how the story blends everyday domestic realism with speculative ideas without making the science feel forced or flashy. The speculative elements hover in the background at first, like a presence rather than a plot device. This makes the story feel grounded, and when things begin to shift, it feels earned.
The pacing is a slow burn. Readers looking for immediate action might find the beginning measured, but readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, psychological unease, and gradual world-building will appreciate the patience this book demands.
This is not a book that spoon-feeds answers. It trusts the reader to observe, connect dots, and sit with ambiguity — which I personally enjoyed.
Readers who like stories that linger after you put the book down will goes gaga over it and those who are looking for plot explosion might not get along with it.
Overall, Run Dad Run feels less like a sprint and more like a quiet pull — subtle, unsettling, and thoughtful. It’s a book that asks you to pay attention.
The book opens quietly, almost deceptively so. The writing doesn’t rush to impress with twists or big reveals. Instead, author focuses on atmosphere, absence, and emotional residue — what it feels like when a family grows up around a mystery that was never resolved.
The Plot starts with unsettling question about a father who went missing without any trace and decades later his kids harboring strange out the world abilities, what will they do with those powers and will they be able to uncover about the strange disappearance of their father is something worth reading.
The author’s writing technique is restrained and deliberate. Scenes are built through small details: rain against windows, half-finished conversations, casual remarks that carry emotional weight. Dialogue feels natural, often understated, and that’s where the tension lives — in what characters choose not to say.
What stood out to me most is how the story blends everyday domestic realism with speculative ideas without making the science feel forced or flashy. The speculative elements hover in the background at first, like a presence rather than a plot device. This makes the story feel grounded, and when things begin to shift, it feels earned.
The pacing is a slow burn. Readers looking for immediate action might find the beginning measured, but readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, psychological unease, and gradual world-building will appreciate the patience this book demands.
This is not a book that spoon-feeds answers. It trusts the reader to observe, connect dots, and sit with ambiguity — which I personally enjoyed.
Readers who like stories that linger after you put the book down will goes gaga over it and those who are looking for plot explosion might not get along with it.
Overall, Run Dad Run feels less like a sprint and more like a quiet pull — subtle, unsettling, and thoughtful. It’s a book that asks you to pay attention.
January 25, 2026
This book has been showing up on my feed for the past few weeks, and honestly, the title itself made me pause. There’s urgency in it. Fear. Movement. As if someone is running not just from something, but towards answers.
Once you start reading, you realise this isn’t a fast-paced thriller just for the sake of suspense. It’s a story built around absence the kind that quietly reshapes a family over time. A father missing, years passing, questions growing heavier instead of fading.
What works for me is how the book balances mystery with emotion.
I can feel The emotion of children after 20 years ,and that's what I love most about any book when they craft a scene like its happen in front of me the detailing are beautiful...
There’s tension, yes but beneath that is the unease of not knowing, the weight children carry when explanations never arrive.
The story slowly opens layers memories, strange occurrences, and moments that make you question what’s real and what’s buried.
I didn’t read this book expecting loud twists every chapter. Instead, it gives you a creeping sense of curiosity the kind that keeps you turning pages because you need to understand what connects everything. The narrative plays with time, perception, and the idea that the past never really stays where it belongs.
And I personally love the cover it reflects that perfectly dark, restless, and slightly unsettling. It prepares you for a story where nothing is completely still, and no silence is accidental.
This isn’t just about running.
It’s about searching.
About the pull of unfinished stories.
And about how some truths wait until you’re ready to face them.
If you enjoy mysteries that grow slowly, emotionally, and stay with you even after you close the book Run Dad Run is worth picking up.
February 17, 2026
Twenty years ago, Anurag boarded a flight to Chicago to fix a Y2K glitch for a financial firm. He never came back. No ransom call. No body. Just silence. What begins as a cold missing-person case quickly mutates into something far stranger and far more dangerous.
This book wastes no time tightening its grip. Anurag isn’t just a computer scientist; he’s been experimenting with neural exploration and out-of-body travel. When his three children begin manifesting abilities that defy logic, the mystery surrounding his disappearance explodes into a full-blown supernatural thriller.
Karan’s dream-walking sequences are some of the most chilling parts of the novel. The dreamscapes aren’t whimsical they’re hostile, alive with whispers and figures that seem aware of being watched. Abhi’s ghost-like drifting through real-world moments adds a voyeuristic tension, as if he’s trespassing in realities he shouldn’t access. And Chandra stepping into photographs? That’s where the story truly unsettles you. The past isn’t static here. It breathes. It reacts.
The pacing is sharp, cinematic, and relentless. Just when the siblings begin understanding their powers, the threat escalates. Underworld syndicates, cult factions, and something far less human close in, each wanting control over what the siblings carry in their minds. The stakes feel personal and global at the same time.
What makes this story gripping isn’t just the abilities it’s the hunt. The sense of being watched coils through every chapter. Every breakthrough leads to a darker question. Every answer opens a more dangerous door.
By the final stretch, the lines between mind, memory, and reality blur dangerously. This isn’t just a mystery about a missing father. It’s a nerve-shredding chase through consciousness itself and it doesn’t let you breathe until the very last page.
4/5
This book wastes no time tightening its grip. Anurag isn’t just a computer scientist; he’s been experimenting with neural exploration and out-of-body travel. When his three children begin manifesting abilities that defy logic, the mystery surrounding his disappearance explodes into a full-blown supernatural thriller.
Karan’s dream-walking sequences are some of the most chilling parts of the novel. The dreamscapes aren’t whimsical they’re hostile, alive with whispers and figures that seem aware of being watched. Abhi’s ghost-like drifting through real-world moments adds a voyeuristic tension, as if he’s trespassing in realities he shouldn’t access. And Chandra stepping into photographs? That’s where the story truly unsettles you. The past isn’t static here. It breathes. It reacts.
The pacing is sharp, cinematic, and relentless. Just when the siblings begin understanding their powers, the threat escalates. Underworld syndicates, cult factions, and something far less human close in, each wanting control over what the siblings carry in their minds. The stakes feel personal and global at the same time.
What makes this story gripping isn’t just the abilities it’s the hunt. The sense of being watched coils through every chapter. Every breakthrough leads to a darker question. Every answer opens a more dangerous door.
By the final stretch, the lines between mind, memory, and reality blur dangerously. This isn’t just a mystery about a missing father. It’s a nerve-shredding chase through consciousness itself and it doesn’t let you breathe until the very last page.
4/5
January 25, 2026
This book caught my attention because of its idea, and it kept me reading because of the way that idea unfolds. Run Dad Run begins with a mystery , Anurag, a computer scientist with extraordinary abilities, disappears during a work trip to Chicago. No clues, no closure, only questions. That absence quietly sits at the centre of the story.
Years later, the focus shifts to his three children, and this is where the book becomes intense. Each child discovers abilities they never asked for and don’t fully understand. Karan enters other people’s dreams, Abhi sees moments he shouldn’t, and Chandra steps into photographs and walks into the past. These powers are unsettling, not glamorous, and the book handles that feeling well. There is fear, confusion, and a constant sense that something is wrong.
What worked for me is how the story balances emotion with suspense. This is not only about supernatural abilities or hidden forces; it is also about children trying to understand their father’s disappearance and the truth tied to it. The danger feels real, especially with underworld groups, cults, and darker entities closing in. The sense of being watched runs throughout the book and keeps the tension alive.
The writing is clear and fast-paced without being chaotic. The plot keeps opening new layers, slowly revealing how deep the mystery goes. The idea of mind, memory, and sanity is explored in an interesting way, and some moments genuinely make you pause.
Run Dad Run is a gripping read for those who enjoy mystery, science fiction, and darker themes tied to family and identity. It leaves you thinking about how far one would go to uncover the truth and what it might cost once the truth is found.
Years later, the focus shifts to his three children, and this is where the book becomes intense. Each child discovers abilities they never asked for and don’t fully understand. Karan enters other people’s dreams, Abhi sees moments he shouldn’t, and Chandra steps into photographs and walks into the past. These powers are unsettling, not glamorous, and the book handles that feeling well. There is fear, confusion, and a constant sense that something is wrong.
What worked for me is how the story balances emotion with suspense. This is not only about supernatural abilities or hidden forces; it is also about children trying to understand their father’s disappearance and the truth tied to it. The danger feels real, especially with underworld groups, cults, and darker entities closing in. The sense of being watched runs throughout the book and keeps the tension alive.
The writing is clear and fast-paced without being chaotic. The plot keeps opening new layers, slowly revealing how deep the mystery goes. The idea of mind, memory, and sanity is explored in an interesting way, and some moments genuinely make you pause.
Run Dad Run is a gripping read for those who enjoy mystery, science fiction, and darker themes tied to family and identity. It leaves you thinking about how far one would go to uncover the truth and what it might cost once the truth is found.
January 31, 2026
Run Dad Run is an interesting and emotional thriller. Apart from this, the book also has a elements of family drama, psychic abilities, mystery, and spirituality.
Now, coming to the storyline, it's a story about a family broken by disappearance. But this broken family gets pulled back together by secrets that refuse to stay buried.
I enjoyed reading the book because the beginning is quiet interesting. The novel begins with the sudden disappearance of Anurag Sharma, a brilliant computer scientist. During a routine Y2K-related work visit to Chicago, he vanishes without leaving behind a trace. No body. No explanation. Only silence Twenty years later, his three children—Abhi, Karan, and Chandra—begin to discover terrifying abilities they never asked for.
The story begins with a confusion and this confusion soon turns into fear when the kids realize they are being watched, hunted, and manipulated by forces far darker than they imagined.
Which is my favourite character; :
• Chandra
Chandra is emotional. She is closest to her father and so has a lot of spirituality. Her ability—to enter photographs and travel into the past—is haunting, beautiful, and dangerous.
• Karan
Apart from Chandra, Karan’s dream-walking ability is also what makes this character interesting.
Themes:
1. Family and Loss
The book, " Run Dad Run" is about the missing parent. Anurag’s absence shapes every decision, fear, and memory his children carry.
2. Memory and the Past
Another major theme in the book is memory. Through Chandra’s power, the novel asks an important question:
Should the past always be revisited?
And if we can relive it—are we strong enough to survive it?
Message of the Book
The book teaches a powerful message:
Not all doors should be opened, and not all truths come without cost.
It also reminds us that healing does not come from running away—but from facing what hurts, no matter how terrifying it is.
Why You Should Read This Book
• The book is fast-paced
• Psychological and supernatural mysteries
Now, coming to the storyline, it's a story about a family broken by disappearance. But this broken family gets pulled back together by secrets that refuse to stay buried.
I enjoyed reading the book because the beginning is quiet interesting. The novel begins with the sudden disappearance of Anurag Sharma, a brilliant computer scientist. During a routine Y2K-related work visit to Chicago, he vanishes without leaving behind a trace. No body. No explanation. Only silence Twenty years later, his three children—Abhi, Karan, and Chandra—begin to discover terrifying abilities they never asked for.
The story begins with a confusion and this confusion soon turns into fear when the kids realize they are being watched, hunted, and manipulated by forces far darker than they imagined.
Which is my favourite character; :
• Chandra
Chandra is emotional. She is closest to her father and so has a lot of spirituality. Her ability—to enter photographs and travel into the past—is haunting, beautiful, and dangerous.
• Karan
Apart from Chandra, Karan’s dream-walking ability is also what makes this character interesting.
Themes:
1. Family and Loss
The book, " Run Dad Run" is about the missing parent. Anurag’s absence shapes every decision, fear, and memory his children carry.
2. Memory and the Past
Another major theme in the book is memory. Through Chandra’s power, the novel asks an important question:
Should the past always be revisited?
And if we can relive it—are we strong enough to survive it?
Message of the Book
The book teaches a powerful message:
Not all doors should be opened, and not all truths come without cost.
It also reminds us that healing does not come from running away—but from facing what hurts, no matter how terrifying it is.
Why You Should Read This Book
• The book is fast-paced
• Psychological and supernatural mysteries
February 5, 2026
To what extent will you go to save your parents and children? The answer reminds me of the film "Drishyam".What a father did to save his daughter was not only haunting to some but is highly praised by one and all. The title and blurb of this book made me feel excited while I started reading. This book was a game of survival and saving. The sudden disappearance of Anurag and the extraterrestrial power of his children suit the genre of this book, which is fiction/thriller/mystery.
While I was reading the prologue, the tension was perennial inside my body. Anurag got a message and then Sumati, blaming him for not being available to his family, jumped to the conclusion of Anurag's life because he mentioned that he didn't know that it would be the last time he would see India.
Chapter one was quite relatable to me. The way Abhi was behaving since some uneasy sensation griiped him. His yearning was to get his sibling's power as Chandra had the power to step into photographs and walk straight into the dead past since he wanted to unravel the mystery of his father’s disappearance. This actually peaked the pace of the plot, as, being a reader, I kept questioning myself what had actually happened with Anurag. Was he dead? Or, someone kidnapped him since he was a master of neural exploration and out-of-body travel.
I really fell in love with the questions that the book throws at its readers, creating more suspense. For example, will the children save their father, or find out the mystery? Another are certain cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. Being a fan of the thriller genre, this really worked for me since I could use my novice detective skills to solve the case along with the author or find some clues.
February 12, 2026
I thought I was starting a simple thriller about a missing father; I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would unsettle me. This book begins quietly, with Anurag’s sudden disappearance during a routine work trip. No dramatic buildup, no clear explanation, just an absence that fractures a family and refuses to fade with time.
Years later, that silence turns heavier when his three children begin experiencing abilities they neither understand nor welcome. Karan can step into people’s dreams. Abhi sees fragments of moments he shouldn’t be able to access. Chandra can enter photographs and walk into the past. What could have been written as flashy superpowers instead feels like a burden - intrusive, dangerous, and isolating. Watching them struggle to make sense of what’s happening is both gripping and emotional.
The tension in this book doesn’t rely on sudden shocks. It grows slowly, through fear, half-spoken conversations, and the creeping sense of being hunted; not just by shadowy networks interested in their minds, but by unanswered questions about their father. Beneath the sci-fi and psychological elements, this is really a story about family, loyalty, and how far someone would go to protect the people they love.
The writing is clear and fast-paced, yet emotionally grounded. The scientific ideas feel imaginative but believable, which makes the danger feel even more real. By the end, I wasn’t just racing through the pages; I was thinking about the cost of truth and how some legacies refuse to stay buried.
This book blends mystery, science, and raw emotion into a thriller. What stayed with me most wasn’t just the mystery, but the people at its center - their fear, their courage, and the impossible choices they had to make.
Years later, that silence turns heavier when his three children begin experiencing abilities they neither understand nor welcome. Karan can step into people’s dreams. Abhi sees fragments of moments he shouldn’t be able to access. Chandra can enter photographs and walk into the past. What could have been written as flashy superpowers instead feels like a burden - intrusive, dangerous, and isolating. Watching them struggle to make sense of what’s happening is both gripping and emotional.
The tension in this book doesn’t rely on sudden shocks. It grows slowly, through fear, half-spoken conversations, and the creeping sense of being hunted; not just by shadowy networks interested in their minds, but by unanswered questions about their father. Beneath the sci-fi and psychological elements, this is really a story about family, loyalty, and how far someone would go to protect the people they love.
The writing is clear and fast-paced, yet emotionally grounded. The scientific ideas feel imaginative but believable, which makes the danger feel even more real. By the end, I wasn’t just racing through the pages; I was thinking about the cost of truth and how some legacies refuse to stay buried.
This book blends mystery, science, and raw emotion into a thriller. What stayed with me most wasn’t just the mystery, but the people at its center - their fear, their courage, and the impossible choices they had to make.
January 31, 2026
run dad run by shil niyogi
genre: sci-fi thriller
My 💭:
[30/1/26 8.30 PM]
I SOOOO love thrillers with sci-fi twists! Especially, the ones involving multiple reality and crossovers. And this book was exactly that!
The story has a very strong backstory, starting with a father going missing some 20 years ago. After his children become adults, they find that they have some paranormal mental powers. Karan can slip into others' dreams (oh man, I would bug my friends and sisters SO MUCH if I had this ability too!), Abhi's powers seem boring and confusing at first, but later...ahem, it turns out to be a big twist and Chandra can step into photographs and talk with dead people (I swear I would have made so many dead friends!). I would have preferred to know them better slowly in the story, but the story starts at breakneck speed with all the siblings and their mother fighting for their lives and fleeing so many deadly people. All this keeping the father character, Anurag, at the centre of the plotline - hence the book's title. The rush felt so gooood and it made me read faster and faster.
The timelines of the story were confusing to me a bit till the middle, but then I realised that timeline IS the twist. Can't reveal anything else, obviously 😉. The story doesn't have much emotionally trigger factors which worked perfectly for me today, that turned out to be quite dreadful. It's a fast thriller that any reader will enjoy who wants to escape the real life. I read these kinds of books because I prefer living in a world where such supernatural stuff is possible and life seems exciting.
Okay, now, am gonna go try learning astral projection. Laters! ☕
genre: sci-fi thriller
My 💭:
[30/1/26 8.30 PM]
I SOOOO love thrillers with sci-fi twists! Especially, the ones involving multiple reality and crossovers. And this book was exactly that!
The story has a very strong backstory, starting with a father going missing some 20 years ago. After his children become adults, they find that they have some paranormal mental powers. Karan can slip into others' dreams (oh man, I would bug my friends and sisters SO MUCH if I had this ability too!), Abhi's powers seem boring and confusing at first, but later...ahem, it turns out to be a big twist and Chandra can step into photographs and talk with dead people (I swear I would have made so many dead friends!). I would have preferred to know them better slowly in the story, but the story starts at breakneck speed with all the siblings and their mother fighting for their lives and fleeing so many deadly people. All this keeping the father character, Anurag, at the centre of the plotline - hence the book's title. The rush felt so gooood and it made me read faster and faster.
The timelines of the story were confusing to me a bit till the middle, but then I realised that timeline IS the twist. Can't reveal anything else, obviously 😉. The story doesn't have much emotionally trigger factors which worked perfectly for me today, that turned out to be quite dreadful. It's a fast thriller that any reader will enjoy who wants to escape the real life. I read these kinds of books because I prefer living in a world where such supernatural stuff is possible and life seems exciting.
Okay, now, am gonna go try learning astral projection. Laters! ☕
January 25, 2026
Nominated for Best Thriller at DLF'26
👍 My Recommendation-I honestly have not read such a fast paced, exciting and brilliantly written psychological thriller till recent days. There is no exaggeration to the story just cut throat scenes which felt like I was watching a movie so good I was hooked. The short chapters are a plus point which will keep you engaged and you won't be able to put down this book. This book has all the flavours a psychological thriller should have. A must read!!
📝Storyline- This story is about Anurag a scientist and the father of three who believed in psychic powers. He wanted to explore beyond his abilities and do something good about it but little did he know that his abilities will destroy not just his but his children's future as well.
Anurag was abducted with no clues, his family tried everything to find him but was in vain. But after twenty long years his children were hunted down by goons hungry for selling down their abilities in the dark market for billions. The path laid them down at the end which helped them find their father and discover the dark truth they did not expect.
✍️Writing Style- Shil's writing style is clean and amazingly cinematic. His art of ending each section in a chapter with a twist is commendable. What i loved most is short chapters, clear-cut narration and no exaggerations. 👏
🕵️♂️Themes & Strenghts
👁️🗨️Supernatural and Psychic Abilities
👁️🗨️Family Bond
👁️🗨️Dark Secrets
👁️🗨️Underworld syndicates
Overall a short, fast paced and quite engaging read. Go for it!!
👍 My Recommendation-I honestly have not read such a fast paced, exciting and brilliantly written psychological thriller till recent days. There is no exaggeration to the story just cut throat scenes which felt like I was watching a movie so good I was hooked. The short chapters are a plus point which will keep you engaged and you won't be able to put down this book. This book has all the flavours a psychological thriller should have. A must read!!
📝Storyline- This story is about Anurag a scientist and the father of three who believed in psychic powers. He wanted to explore beyond his abilities and do something good about it but little did he know that his abilities will destroy not just his but his children's future as well.
Anurag was abducted with no clues, his family tried everything to find him but was in vain. But after twenty long years his children were hunted down by goons hungry for selling down their abilities in the dark market for billions. The path laid them down at the end which helped them find their father and discover the dark truth they did not expect.
✍️Writing Style- Shil's writing style is clean and amazingly cinematic. His art of ending each section in a chapter with a twist is commendable. What i loved most is short chapters, clear-cut narration and no exaggerations. 👏
🕵️♂️Themes & Strenghts
👁️🗨️Supernatural and Psychic Abilities
👁️🗨️Family Bond
👁️🗨️Dark Secrets
👁️🗨️Underworld syndicates
Overall a short, fast paced and quite engaging read. Go for it!!
Read
January 25, 2026sometimes, knowing what really happened can break you and there are reasons why some secrets are buried. Curiosity and the need to know can be right but they also make you vulnerable to forces that should never be touched. This is what you feel when you finish reading this book.
I liked how the author created an environment and explained that power (like accessing other minds, dreams, or the past) come with a heavy cost. The more the siblings explore their abilities, the more they are watched and haunted by darkness that's not easy to understand
I particularly liked a scene where abhi found a threatening note along with a blood-pooled middle finger in a box, only to later learn that Shekhar had died. I also liked how the author narrated each sibling's struggle to understand their powers while managing their personal lives.
With an engaging plot the struggle of character's feel real. Despite many characters, all are well defined and perfectly suited to their roles. It was interesting to read how the author connected all the characters and events together seamlessly, which makes the climax explosive, justified and satisfying.
It's a story that will make you realise how strong family bonds are. When Abhi, Karan and Chandra search for their father, they discover their own identities while facing an unknown world and hidden enemies. The science and powers are explained in a way that feels natural and easy to follow, even if you’re not a fan of sci‑fi. It was a fresh and amazing read.
I liked how the author created an environment and explained that power (like accessing other minds, dreams, or the past) come with a heavy cost. The more the siblings explore their abilities, the more they are watched and haunted by darkness that's not easy to understand
I particularly liked a scene where abhi found a threatening note along with a blood-pooled middle finger in a box, only to later learn that Shekhar had died. I also liked how the author narrated each sibling's struggle to understand their powers while managing their personal lives.
With an engaging plot the struggle of character's feel real. Despite many characters, all are well defined and perfectly suited to their roles. It was interesting to read how the author connected all the characters and events together seamlessly, which makes the climax explosive, justified and satisfying.
It's a story that will make you realise how strong family bonds are. When Abhi, Karan and Chandra search for their father, they discover their own identities while facing an unknown world and hidden enemies. The science and powers are explained in a way that feels natural and easy to follow, even if you’re not a fan of sci‑fi. It was a fresh and amazing read.
February 8, 2026
A Delhi Literature Festival Thriller award Finalist.
A book that is a dark and unsettling thriller, which stays with you long after you finish reading. The story begins with the sudden disappearance of a father, an event that quietly breaks a family and leaves behind questions that refuse to fade. Years later, those unanswered questions return in disturbing ways, forcing the characters to confront truths they were never ready for.
The core of the book is an ordinary man trying to protect his family keeping his life at sleeves. He is not a hero but a man who's. scared, flawed, and desperate, which makes his choices feel real and deeply uncomfortable. As the story unfolds, fear slowly becomes a companion, love turns complicated, and survival comes at a huge cost. The book perfectly explores how far a father or husband will go when the people he love are at risk, and what that journey reveals was who he truly is.
The writing is clear, easy to go through and patient. The tension builds through quiet moments, half-spoken conversations, and an atmosphere that constantly feels real and uneasy. The thriller elements do not rely on shock alone; instead, they grow from emotional pressure, moral conflict, and a sense of being hunted by both the past and the self. This is a perfect blend of mystery, psychic abilities, family drama and facts beyond and within science
This is not just a fast sprint but a slow, gripping one. It’s a powerful read for anyone who enjoys thrillers that make you think.
A book that is a dark and unsettling thriller, which stays with you long after you finish reading. The story begins with the sudden disappearance of a father, an event that quietly breaks a family and leaves behind questions that refuse to fade. Years later, those unanswered questions return in disturbing ways, forcing the characters to confront truths they were never ready for.
The core of the book is an ordinary man trying to protect his family keeping his life at sleeves. He is not a hero but a man who's. scared, flawed, and desperate, which makes his choices feel real and deeply uncomfortable. As the story unfolds, fear slowly becomes a companion, love turns complicated, and survival comes at a huge cost. The book perfectly explores how far a father or husband will go when the people he love are at risk, and what that journey reveals was who he truly is.
The writing is clear, easy to go through and patient. The tension builds through quiet moments, half-spoken conversations, and an atmosphere that constantly feels real and uneasy. The thriller elements do not rely on shock alone; instead, they grow from emotional pressure, moral conflict, and a sense of being hunted by both the past and the self. This is a perfect blend of mystery, psychic abilities, family drama and facts beyond and within science
This is not just a fast sprint but a slow, gripping one. It’s a powerful read for anyone who enjoys thrillers that make you think.
February 10, 2026
"Did I teleport? Did I just sleep for one full day? Am I dreaming now?" - these were not only the thoughts of Abhi [one of the characters in the novel], but also a collection of feelings that I, as a reader, felt while reading Shil Niyogi's tightly crafted speculative thriller, Run Dad Run! It blends neuroscience, psychic anomalies, and tense family drama with striking clarity. Recognized at the Delhi Literature Festival 2026, the story begins with the mysterious disappearance of Anurag Sharma, a neural researcher who vanishes during a Y2K assignment in Chicago. Twenty years later, his absence echoes through his wife and children, who begin experiencing unsettling mental abilities, ranging from dream intrusion to distorted memory perception. Instead of empowering them, these abilities put them in danger, drawing interest from criminal networks, occult groups, and entities seeking to exploit the human mind. The emotional core rests on the siblings, whose reactions of fear, mistrust, and desperation keep the narrative human and believable. Their journey is less about mastering powers and more about surviving the legacy left behind.
Niyogi has explored themes of scientific speculation, that feels grounded rather than flashy. The narrative is kept intellectually engaging yet approachable, while incorporating niche themes and concepts like that of stellar consciousness.While its pacing leans into creeping tension instead of action-heavy set pieces, "Run Dad Run" manages to stand out for fans of noir-tinged, analytic sci-fi thrillers - it delivers in every page!
Niyogi has explored themes of scientific speculation, that feels grounded rather than flashy. The narrative is kept intellectually engaging yet approachable, while incorporating niche themes and concepts like that of stellar consciousness.While its pacing leans into creeping tension instead of action-heavy set pieces, "Run Dad Run" manages to stand out for fans of noir-tinged, analytic sci-fi thrillers - it delivers in every page!
January 29, 2026
Run Dad Run by Shil Niyogi is a debut novel that skillfully weaves high-stakes psychological thriller elements that are grounded in family drama. Nominated for Best Thriller of 2026 - Delhi Lit Fest. This novel is being hailed as a cinematic exploration of neural space and inherited legacies.
The story opens with Anurag, a computer scientist and master of out-of-body travel, vanishing in Chicago. Twenty years later, his three children, Karan, Abhi and Chandra, awaken to extraordinary, unsettling abilities they never asked for.
What makes this book unique is its "unputdownable" pacing. The chapters are short and punchy, and end on twists that require you to read on. It doesn't treat psychic powers as "superhero" perks; rather, they are portrayed as heavy burdens that attract dangerous attention from underworld syndicates and dystopian "Mind Extraction Markets."
Fans of mystery, mind-bending sci-fi and family ties will understandably feel right at home. The atmosphere is thick with a creeping sense of curiosity and a dark, restless energy. Despite the sci-fi edge, the core of the book is the siblings' emotional journey to find closure and uncover their father's truth.
Run Dad Run is a one-sitting read, balancing cutthroat scenes with a deep human emotion. It is an unmissable pick for those who love mysteries which grow slowly, stay with you, and challenge your perception of reality.
The story opens with Anurag, a computer scientist and master of out-of-body travel, vanishing in Chicago. Twenty years later, his three children, Karan, Abhi and Chandra, awaken to extraordinary, unsettling abilities they never asked for.
What makes this book unique is its "unputdownable" pacing. The chapters are short and punchy, and end on twists that require you to read on. It doesn't treat psychic powers as "superhero" perks; rather, they are portrayed as heavy burdens that attract dangerous attention from underworld syndicates and dystopian "Mind Extraction Markets."
Fans of mystery, mind-bending sci-fi and family ties will understandably feel right at home. The atmosphere is thick with a creeping sense of curiosity and a dark, restless energy. Despite the sci-fi edge, the core of the book is the siblings' emotional journey to find closure and uncover their father's truth.
Run Dad Run is a one-sitting read, balancing cutthroat scenes with a deep human emotion. It is an unmissable pick for those who love mysteries which grow slowly, stay with you, and challenge your perception of reality.
February 8, 2026
This book slowly pulls you into a world where science, consciousness, and the paranormal blur in deeply unsettling ways. What begins as the mysterious disappearance of Anurag—a brilliant computer scientist with expertise in neural exploration and out-of-body travel—evolves into something far more disturbing and expansive.
Set against the backdrop of the Y2K era, Anurag vanishes during a routine work trip to Chicago, leaving behind unanswered questions and a family fractured by absence. Two decades later, the story shifts to his children, each burdened with abilities they neither understand nor want. Karan’s ability to enter dreams is haunting and invasive, Abhi’s ghost-like witnessing of reality feels isolating, and Chandra’s power to step into photographs is both fascinating and terrifying.
What stood out to me was how the author balances speculative science with emotional weight. The children’s powers are not gifts—they are curses that attract cults, criminal syndicates, and forces that feel ancient and inhuman. As the narrative unfolds, the tension escalates steadily, revealing secrets that challenge sanity itself.
This is not a fast, flashy thriller—it’s a dark, layered story that rewards patient readers. If you enjoy speculative fiction that questions the limits of the human mind and explores the cost of forbidden knowledge, this book is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Set against the backdrop of the Y2K era, Anurag vanishes during a routine work trip to Chicago, leaving behind unanswered questions and a family fractured by absence. Two decades later, the story shifts to his children, each burdened with abilities they neither understand nor want. Karan’s ability to enter dreams is haunting and invasive, Abhi’s ghost-like witnessing of reality feels isolating, and Chandra’s power to step into photographs is both fascinating and terrifying.
What stood out to me was how the author balances speculative science with emotional weight. The children’s powers are not gifts—they are curses that attract cults, criminal syndicates, and forces that feel ancient and inhuman. As the narrative unfolds, the tension escalates steadily, revealing secrets that challenge sanity itself.
This is not a fast, flashy thriller—it’s a dark, layered story that rewards patient readers. If you enjoy speculative fiction that questions the limits of the human mind and explores the cost of forbidden knowledge, this book is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
January 29, 2026
Because some doors, once opened, don’t close again."
🔪 I picked this up expecting a standard fast-paced thriller, but what I found was something much more haunting. Run Dad Run is a story built around absence the kind that quietly reshapes a family over two decades. When a scientist vanishes into thin air, he leaves behind more than just a cold case; he leaves a void that his two sons must eventually navigate. As they peel back the layers of their father’s disappearance, the narrative shifts from a domestic mystery into a mind-bending exploration of astral projection, energy, and the multiverse.
🚪 What makes this debut stand out is the balance between its high-concept sci-fi and its raw, human heart. You can feel the tension and the "weight of not knowing" that the children carry for 20 years. The atmosphere is dark, restless, and slightly unsettling, with a pacing that favors a "creeping curiosity" over loud, cheap twists. Even if you aren't a typical sci-fi reader, the way Niyogi handles the alternate universe theme is incredibly grounded and intriguing.
☑️ Nominated for Best Thriller at the 2026 Delhi Lit Fest, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a thriller that makes them think as much as it makes them feel. It’s not just about running; it’s about the relentless pull of unfinished stories.
🔪 I picked this up expecting a standard fast-paced thriller, but what I found was something much more haunting. Run Dad Run is a story built around absence the kind that quietly reshapes a family over two decades. When a scientist vanishes into thin air, he leaves behind more than just a cold case; he leaves a void that his two sons must eventually navigate. As they peel back the layers of their father’s disappearance, the narrative shifts from a domestic mystery into a mind-bending exploration of astral projection, energy, and the multiverse.
🚪 What makes this debut stand out is the balance between its high-concept sci-fi and its raw, human heart. You can feel the tension and the "weight of not knowing" that the children carry for 20 years. The atmosphere is dark, restless, and slightly unsettling, with a pacing that favors a "creeping curiosity" over loud, cheap twists. Even if you aren't a typical sci-fi reader, the way Niyogi handles the alternate universe theme is incredibly grounded and intriguing.
☑️ Nominated for Best Thriller at the 2026 Delhi Lit Fest, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a thriller that makes them think as much as it makes them feel. It’s not just about running; it’s about the relentless pull of unfinished stories.
February 6, 2026
Run Dad Run is one of those thrillers which is gripping until the very last page.
At the heart of the story is Amit, a regular man, a father, someone just trying to live a decent life, until circumstances spiral violently out of control. What I loved instantly is how ordinary he feels. He isn’t a trained agent or a larger-than-life hero. He’s flawed, scared, desperate, and that makes every decision hit harder. As danger closes in, Amit is forced to confront how far he’s willing to go to protect his family, and watching that transformation is genuinely chilling.
What made me love this book is the relentless pacing. The psychological pressure, the moral dilemmas, and the constant sense of being hunted kept my heart racing. It’s not just about running from danger, it’s about running from guilt, fear, and the consequences of choices already made.
Some lines stayed with me long after reading, especially those that hint at the cost of survival -
"how fear can become a companion,
how love can turn into a weapon,
and how innocence doesn’t always survive the truth."
Dark, gripping, and unsettling in the best way, Run Dad Run is a thriller that proves sometimes the scariest thing isn’t the chase, it’s what you discover about yourself while running.
Highly recommended if you like thrillers that mess with your peace.
At the heart of the story is Amit, a regular man, a father, someone just trying to live a decent life, until circumstances spiral violently out of control. What I loved instantly is how ordinary he feels. He isn’t a trained agent or a larger-than-life hero. He’s flawed, scared, desperate, and that makes every decision hit harder. As danger closes in, Amit is forced to confront how far he’s willing to go to protect his family, and watching that transformation is genuinely chilling.
What made me love this book is the relentless pacing. The psychological pressure, the moral dilemmas, and the constant sense of being hunted kept my heart racing. It’s not just about running from danger, it’s about running from guilt, fear, and the consequences of choices already made.
Some lines stayed with me long after reading, especially those that hint at the cost of survival -
"how fear can become a companion,
how love can turn into a weapon,
and how innocence doesn’t always survive the truth."
Dark, gripping, and unsettling in the best way, Run Dad Run is a thriller that proves sometimes the scariest thing isn’t the chase, it’s what you discover about yourself while running.
Highly recommended if you like thrillers that mess with your peace.
February 16, 2026
Run Dad Run by Shil Niyogi is a sharply executed speculative thriller that merges neuroscience, psychic phenomena, and high-stakes family suspense with remarkable precision.
The narrative is anchored in the unexplained disappearance of Anurag Sharma, a computer scientist and neural exploration expert who vanishes during a Y2K-related assignment in Chicago. Two decades later, his absence resurfaces through his children, each developing disturbing cognitive abilities tied to dream infiltration, altered perception, and memory traversal. These abilities function less as gifts and more as liabilities, drawing the attention of underworld syndicates, secret cults, and non-human forces that view the human mind as a resource worth extracting.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its grounded treatment of speculative science. Neural exploration, astral projection, and temporal consciousness are presented with intellectual restraint, allowing the story to remain accessible while still feeling ambitious. The pacing carefully balances atmospheric build-up with controlled bursts of tension, appealing to readers who prefer psychological unease over spectacle-driven action.
Character writing remains emotionally credible. The siblings respond with fear, fractured trust, and urgency rather than exaggerated heroism, keeping the stakes realistic and deeply human. The story is driven not by power escalation but by survival, truth-seeking, and the consequences of inherited knowledge.
Thematically, Run Dad Run examines inherited trauma, ethical boundaries in consciousness research, memory as both archive and weapon, and the irreversible cost of forbidden inquiry. A persistent sense of surveillance sustains tension throughout, making the threat feel constant and intimate.
Nominated for Best Thriller at the Delhi Literature Festival 2026, and praised by The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and several distinguished bestselling authors, Run Dad Run positions itself as a notable work in Indian speculative fiction. Recommended for readers drawn to cerebral thrillers, sci-fi noir, and narratives where the human mind becomes the primary battleground.
The narrative is anchored in the unexplained disappearance of Anurag Sharma, a computer scientist and neural exploration expert who vanishes during a Y2K-related assignment in Chicago. Two decades later, his absence resurfaces through his children, each developing disturbing cognitive abilities tied to dream infiltration, altered perception, and memory traversal. These abilities function less as gifts and more as liabilities, drawing the attention of underworld syndicates, secret cults, and non-human forces that view the human mind as a resource worth extracting.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its grounded treatment of speculative science. Neural exploration, astral projection, and temporal consciousness are presented with intellectual restraint, allowing the story to remain accessible while still feeling ambitious. The pacing carefully balances atmospheric build-up with controlled bursts of tension, appealing to readers who prefer psychological unease over spectacle-driven action.
Character writing remains emotionally credible. The siblings respond with fear, fractured trust, and urgency rather than exaggerated heroism, keeping the stakes realistic and deeply human. The story is driven not by power escalation but by survival, truth-seeking, and the consequences of inherited knowledge.
Thematically, Run Dad Run examines inherited trauma, ethical boundaries in consciousness research, memory as both archive and weapon, and the irreversible cost of forbidden inquiry. A persistent sense of surveillance sustains tension throughout, making the threat feel constant and intimate.
Nominated for Best Thriller at the Delhi Literature Festival 2026, and praised by The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and several distinguished bestselling authors, Run Dad Run positions itself as a notable work in Indian speculative fiction. Recommended for readers drawn to cerebral thrillers, sci-fi noir, and narratives where the human mind becomes the primary battleground.
February 16, 2026
Abhi was the product of an absent father who disappeared 20 years ago. His father’s memories still haunted him and Abhi was still angry at his father. They were not close and their relationship was not a bed of roses. But compared to his brother and sister Abhi was working under an overbearing boss and does not even have a girlfriend both of which are quite worrisome for his mother.
His sister Chandra had a loud pitch and she had a French boyfriend not much to their mother’s liking. His brother Karan was all settled professionally and quite literally the star of the family. He also had a girlfriend and quite a serious one at that. But all the three siblings came into contact with some supernatural powers after the disappearance of their father.
The book is set in Chicago and surrounds events with the disappearance of Abhi’s father Mr Anurag Roy and the connection of active elements like various sorts of underworld syndicates and cults. However, things take a serious turn when the same events which led to the disappearance of Abhi’s father also follows him and traps him.
The book is quite engrossing and engaging with unpredictable twists and turns and fast paced and everything that u will love in a good book with the elements of mystery, thriller and family drama.
January 29, 2026
picked up this book with very little hope and was completely drawn into its world. run dad run opens with the mysterious disappearance of anurag sharma, a genius computer scientist who goes poofo during a business trip to chicago. twenty years later, his disappearance still casts a shadow over his family, abhi, karan, and chandra, who gradually uncover disturbing powers they never wanted.
what makes this story so compelling is how human it feels. these siblings are not invincible superheroes, but rather bewildered, terrified, and struggling to stay alive while being observed and stalked. the powers are more of a curse than a blessing, and the price of knowing the truth is always lurking. the relationship between the siblings is what brings a warmth to this dark and suspenseful tale.
the prose is easy to follow and highly engaging, with a smooth flow that continually reveals new secrets and mysteries. it combines science, the spiritual, and suspense in a way that feels organic and interesting. this is more than just a suspenseful tale, but a story about family, loss, and the perils of digging up old secrets.
what makes this story so compelling is how human it feels. these siblings are not invincible superheroes, but rather bewildered, terrified, and struggling to stay alive while being observed and stalked. the powers are more of a curse than a blessing, and the price of knowing the truth is always lurking. the relationship between the siblings is what brings a warmth to this dark and suspenseful tale.
the prose is easy to follow and highly engaging, with a smooth flow that continually reveals new secrets and mysteries. it combines science, the spiritual, and suspense in a way that feels organic and interesting. this is more than just a suspenseful tale, but a story about family, loss, and the perils of digging up old secrets.
February 13, 2026
Run Dad Run is a story filled with mystery, intense emotional unease and the secrets that lies hidden beneath ordinary lives.
At its core, this book shows that past never stays buried, the narrative is about perceptions of reality, memory, consciousness and fragile identities. It creates an atmosphere thick with paranoia and dread. The tension doesn’t rely on shock value; instead, it builds steadily, making even the quiet moments feel loaded.
Run Dad Run follows the story of a man’s sudden and unexplained disappearance and the unsettling consequences that surface years later. As time passes, buried truths begin to resurface, and his family left behind are forced to bear the burden of the abilities and realities they neither understand nor want.
Run Dad Run blends psychological depth with mystery. The characters aren’t chasing adventure but they’re struggling with confusion and fear.
This is not a light or comforting read. It’s demands attention. But you must pick up this book if you enjoy thrillers that blur the line between reality and the unknown with a gripping experience
At its core, this book shows that past never stays buried, the narrative is about perceptions of reality, memory, consciousness and fragile identities. It creates an atmosphere thick with paranoia and dread. The tension doesn’t rely on shock value; instead, it builds steadily, making even the quiet moments feel loaded.
Run Dad Run follows the story of a man’s sudden and unexplained disappearance and the unsettling consequences that surface years later. As time passes, buried truths begin to resurface, and his family left behind are forced to bear the burden of the abilities and realities they neither understand nor want.
Run Dad Run blends psychological depth with mystery. The characters aren’t chasing adventure but they’re struggling with confusion and fear.
This is not a light or comforting read. It’s demands attention. But you must pick up this book if you enjoy thrillers that blur the line between reality and the unknown with a gripping experience
February 15, 2026
From Tarapith to Chicago: A Jaw-Dropping Thriller of Powers and Minds
Run Dad Run is not just a fast-paced thriller; it’s a gripping exploration of human ambition and manipulation. The idea of exploiting special powers for business was truly thought provoking, revealing how destructive and cunning the human mind can be. Set against a modern backdrop, the narrative cleverly intertwines practices believed to be followed by the Tarapith Tantric practitioner, adding a mystical authenticity that elevates the suspense.
Abhi thrives on risk, while Karan plays it safe—the contrasting personalities of the brothers drive the story’s intrigue. The storytelling is brilliantly crafted, woven with urgency, cultural resonance, and emotional intensity. It feels as though the narrator himself possesses special powers to craft such a magnificent and intriguing tale. The final line—“that kept Karan’s jaw open”—does the same to readers, leaving us curious, and eager for what comes next.
Overall, it’s a beautifully executed thriller that blends modern pace with ancient mysticism.
Run Dad Run is not just a fast-paced thriller; it’s a gripping exploration of human ambition and manipulation. The idea of exploiting special powers for business was truly thought provoking, revealing how destructive and cunning the human mind can be. Set against a modern backdrop, the narrative cleverly intertwines practices believed to be followed by the Tarapith Tantric practitioner, adding a mystical authenticity that elevates the suspense.
Abhi thrives on risk, while Karan plays it safe—the contrasting personalities of the brothers drive the story’s intrigue. The storytelling is brilliantly crafted, woven with urgency, cultural resonance, and emotional intensity. It feels as though the narrator himself possesses special powers to craft such a magnificent and intriguing tale. The final line—“that kept Karan’s jaw open”—does the same to readers, leaving us curious, and eager for what comes next.
Overall, it’s a beautifully executed thriller that blends modern pace with ancient mysticism.
January 25, 2026
I’ll admit, when I first picked this up, I figured it would be just another standard read. But I was so wrong. Literally two or three pages in, I was completely hooked. The world-building is incredible, and the story is just as extraordinary as the characters living it.
The plot really pulls you in, it starts with the mysterious disappearance of Anurag, but the real twist comes years later when his kids start manifesting these special abilities. From that point on, it’s a total adrenaline rush.
What I loved most was that it wasn't just mindless action; it has a genuinely solid plot and even a sweet romantic subplot that doesn't feel forced.
But the absolute best part? The way the story leaves you at the very end. It’s one of those endings that makes your heart race and leaves you completely buzzing for the next chapter. I’m already counting down the days for the sequel! If you’re looking for a story packed with thrill and suspense that keeps you gripped until the final second, don’t even think twice, just go for it
The plot really pulls you in, it starts with the mysterious disappearance of Anurag, but the real twist comes years later when his kids start manifesting these special abilities. From that point on, it’s a total adrenaline rush.
What I loved most was that it wasn't just mindless action; it has a genuinely solid plot and even a sweet romantic subplot that doesn't feel forced.
But the absolute best part? The way the story leaves you at the very end. It’s one of those endings that makes your heart race and leaves you completely buzzing for the next chapter. I’m already counting down the days for the sequel! If you’re looking for a story packed with thrill and suspense that keeps you gripped until the final second, don’t even think twice, just go for it
January 25, 2026
I picked up Run Run expecting a simple mystery, but it turned out to be far more layered and unsettling than I imagined. The story slowly pulls you in, blending family drama with sci-fi ideas in a way that feels thoughtful rather than flashy. What I appreciated most was how human everything feltthe fear, confusion, and emotional distance between the characters are just as important as the mystery itself.
The book explores themes of memory, consciousness, and loss without over-explaining them, which addDads to the eerie atmosphere. The tension builds steadily, and even during quieter moments, there’s a sense that something isn’t right. The writing is cinematic in places but still grounded, making it easy to visualize what’s happening without feeling overwhelming.
This isn’t a fast, action-heavy read, but it keeps you engaged through mood and curiosity. By the end, I felt genuinely invested in the characters and their journey. It’s a strong, confident debut that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
February 9, 2026
1st runner up in Delhi Literature Fest
'It is your light that frightens you... not your darkness...'
Sometimes there are so many elements fearing us, and us fearing them, due to uncertain circumstances or intimidating people, comparing other people's progress to ours, interlinked with many layers weaving into our subconscious adding into the effect of them coming into our lives repeatedly, making it a spiritual conscious effort to understand these things.
Well, this book goes into the same effect peeling narratives and situations like an onion bit by bit with a thriller aspect weaved into the plot as the foreground, sometimes making us curious yet surprised by each narrative as the story unfurls.
This book follows Anurag's disappearance, twenty years forward, when his children Abhi, Karan and Chandra get caught up in the mysteriousness behind it, due to them inheriting special powers following his legacy, and some people have started hunting them for these abilities and the story follows onward.
It was quite a fast paced read, with interloping narratives of several characters bringing the perspective from every possible as the mystery kept building up to a terrifying yet strong finish.
I enjoyed reading this one.
'It is your light that frightens you... not your darkness...'
Sometimes there are so many elements fearing us, and us fearing them, due to uncertain circumstances or intimidating people, comparing other people's progress to ours, interlinked with many layers weaving into our subconscious adding into the effect of them coming into our lives repeatedly, making it a spiritual conscious effort to understand these things.
Well, this book goes into the same effect peeling narratives and situations like an onion bit by bit with a thriller aspect weaved into the plot as the foreground, sometimes making us curious yet surprised by each narrative as the story unfurls.
This book follows Anurag's disappearance, twenty years forward, when his children Abhi, Karan and Chandra get caught up in the mysteriousness behind it, due to them inheriting special powers following his legacy, and some people have started hunting them for these abilities and the story follows onward.
It was quite a fast paced read, with interloping narratives of several characters bringing the perspective from every possible as the mystery kept building up to a terrifying yet strong finish.
I enjoyed reading this one.
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