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Only The Good Die Young : And I'm Not A Saint
Sometimes when you're desperate to leave the past behind, the past is eager to catch up!
Anuradha leaves Gurgaon when Dhruv chooses his family over her. She thinks that chapter of her life hasended, and starts afresh in Mumbai. But strangely, it seems her past is trying to catch up. Dhruv suddenlycomes back into her life. Even as they try to figure out their relationship, horrible things start happening to people they know.
Together, Anuradha and Dhruv need to find out who it is that cannot bear to see them together. Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart, or is there some karmic debt they have to repay?
Taut and thrilling, Only the Good Die Young is unputdownable.
Anuradha leaves Gurgaon when Dhruv chooses his family over her. She thinks that chapter of her life hasended, and starts afresh in Mumbai. But strangely, it seems her past is trying to catch up. Dhruv suddenlycomes back into her life. Even as they try to figure out their relationship, horrible things start happening to people they know.
Together, Anuradha and Dhruv need to find out who it is that cannot bear to see them together. Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart, or is there some karmic debt they have to repay?
Taut and thrilling, Only the Good Die Young is unputdownable.
280 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Akash Verma
7 books51 followersAkash Verma is the co-founder of a fashion start-up centred around Indian designs, www.chokore.com, and a national bestselling Indian author.
Akash has more than twenty five years of experience in the FMCG sector and media, at senior levels with companies such as Coca-Cola, Red FM, Big FM and the Times of India. His work has taken him across the country, and he finds this experience very relevant while giving shape to his stories.
Akash has authored five books till now, and he has been covered by Indian media in publications such as the Times of India, the Hindustan Times, the Pioneer and Financial World.
Akash lives with his family in Gurgaon, India. His parents are eminent and award-winning Hindi writers.
Akash has more than twenty five years of experience in the FMCG sector and media, at senior levels with companies such as Coca-Cola, Red FM, Big FM and the Times of India. His work has taken him across the country, and he finds this experience very relevant while giving shape to his stories.
Akash has authored five books till now, and he has been covered by Indian media in publications such as the Times of India, the Hindustan Times, the Pioneer and Financial World.
Akash lives with his family in Gurgaon, India. His parents are eminent and award-winning Hindi writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
April 4, 2021
Anuradha starts her life afresh in Mumbai leaving behind her past in Gurgaon when Dhruv chooses his family over Anuradha. But strangely her past seems to catch up with her. Dhruv is back in her life and horrible things has started to happen to her closed ones. Now together Dhruv and Anuradha has to find the person behind these shocking crimes and unveil this facade of fear.
"Only The Good Die Young" is the sequel book of "You Never Know". I haven't read the first book but didn't find any difficulty reading and understanding the plot. This book is well written with good narration and correct choice of sentences and words except the overdescriptive plots here and there.
I've lot to talk about the characters. You like to read flawed characters? Then this book is definitely for you, here in this book you'll find the characters so flawed that they eventually led me to feel disgusted about them. Though the Protagonist is a woman (Anuradha), I felt disgusted about her. Anuradha is a person who always seems to end up with the wrong kind of men. Then comes Dhruv, I'm very much annoyed over him, can't tell why because that would constitute a spoiler. His actions didn't justify what his mind is telling him and what he is telling himself. These characters are well sketched and we get to understand them from a 360° angle but throughout the book I didn't see any development in their characters.
Another thing I didn't like in this book is the over emphasis on sexual tension between the characters. I mean wack, we don't need that sexy stuff in a revengeful thriller right? Not necessarily you've to put explicit content to make a book perky, there are so many things that can make a book being noticed.
Overall it's an okay thriller, not for me actually but writing style is good. Maybe I should read the first book first so I can understand why the things are like that the way they are.
"Only The Good Die Young" is the sequel book of "You Never Know". I haven't read the first book but didn't find any difficulty reading and understanding the plot. This book is well written with good narration and correct choice of sentences and words except the overdescriptive plots here and there.
I've lot to talk about the characters. You like to read flawed characters? Then this book is definitely for you, here in this book you'll find the characters so flawed that they eventually led me to feel disgusted about them. Though the Protagonist is a woman (Anuradha), I felt disgusted about her. Anuradha is a person who always seems to end up with the wrong kind of men. Then comes Dhruv, I'm very much annoyed over him, can't tell why because that would constitute a spoiler. His actions didn't justify what his mind is telling him and what he is telling himself. These characters are well sketched and we get to understand them from a 360° angle but throughout the book I didn't see any development in their characters.
Another thing I didn't like in this book is the over emphasis on sexual tension between the characters. I mean wack, we don't need that sexy stuff in a revengeful thriller right? Not necessarily you've to put explicit content to make a book perky, there are so many things that can make a book being noticed.
Overall it's an okay thriller, not for me actually but writing style is good. Maybe I should read the first book first so I can understand why the things are like that the way they are.
March 8, 2021
Only the good die young & I'm not a saint is a crime thriller, it is a sequel of You Never Know. Despite being married to Shalini, Dhruv falls in love with Anuradha with whom he thinks he has a karmic connection. But Anuradha harbours a secret which leads to the breakup between her and Dhruv. After two years, Anuradha's past is eager to catch up with her. With mysterious deaths of Anuradha's colleagues, what is in store for her and Dhruv?
The book has multiple POV which helps to understand the characters better and see their side of the story. There are three main characters that of Dhruv, Anuradha and Sid but all other characters have a strong presence too and have a role to play in the story. The book sometimes felt like watching a full on masala Bollywood movie.
The plot was interesting and the book kept me engaged. Sometimes I couldn't really understand the characters' feelings or where they were coming from despite the author trying his best to validate their feelings. The title undoubtedly refers to Sid but the other characters are no saint too. The cover is intriguing and reflects the place setting ( Mumbai ).
The book gets interesting in the second half and picks up the pace. I wish there were some more murders and they occupied more number of pages. The book is overall entertaining and thrilling for sure.
The book has multiple POV which helps to understand the characters better and see their side of the story. There are three main characters that of Dhruv, Anuradha and Sid but all other characters have a strong presence too and have a role to play in the story. The book sometimes felt like watching a full on masala Bollywood movie.
The plot was interesting and the book kept me engaged. Sometimes I couldn't really understand the characters' feelings or where they were coming from despite the author trying his best to validate their feelings. The title undoubtedly refers to Sid but the other characters are no saint too. The cover is intriguing and reflects the place setting ( Mumbai ).
The book gets interesting in the second half and picks up the pace. I wish there were some more murders and they occupied more number of pages. The book is overall entertaining and thrilling for sure.
May 8, 2021
The story follows Dhruv and Anuradha. When Dhruv chooses to be his family, Anuradha moves out of the city and from his life. However, she didn't anticipate the revival of her dark past. And after a long time, both of them meet again and everything spiral out of control. Their lives get entwined and while they are still navigating through the feelings, a few suspicious events begins to happen. Everything reaches a crescendo when the gruesome brutality continuous.
Anuradha was grappling with her thoughts of present moments and situations was now being traumatized long dead past and someone is hell bent on making sure happy endings aren't an option. And with the arrival of another man, Anuradha's life might yet become more messy than ever. Told from three characters point of views, Only the good die young is a unpredictable and uncanny gripping thriller you wouldn't want to miss.
While the premise promises unpredictability, it is far more complicated and razor sharp to say the least. You have to you got to keep an eye on all the the little things that are revealed eventually throughout the book. Pay close attention to the details and the throwaway revelations because this is a web of intricately designed clever and manipulative story, filled with shocking twists and turns. Although this is a sequel it can be read as a standalone.
Only the good die young : And I'm not a saint is a quick-witted ingenious psychological thriller that entails considerable chunk of self-imposed dilemmas. Be warned once you start reading you will be addicted until your curiosity flames down as you reach its pinnacle of unsettling suspense.
Anuradha was grappling with her thoughts of present moments and situations was now being traumatized long dead past and someone is hell bent on making sure happy endings aren't an option. And with the arrival of another man, Anuradha's life might yet become more messy than ever. Told from three characters point of views, Only the good die young is a unpredictable and uncanny gripping thriller you wouldn't want to miss.
While the premise promises unpredictability, it is far more complicated and razor sharp to say the least. You have to you got to keep an eye on all the the little things that are revealed eventually throughout the book. Pay close attention to the details and the throwaway revelations because this is a web of intricately designed clever and manipulative story, filled with shocking twists and turns. Although this is a sequel it can be read as a standalone.
Only the good die young : And I'm not a saint is a quick-witted ingenious psychological thriller that entails considerable chunk of self-imposed dilemmas. Be warned once you start reading you will be addicted until your curiosity flames down as you reach its pinnacle of unsettling suspense.
March 13, 2021
"How can someone love two people at the same time?", a question that haunted Dhruv when he fell in love with Anuradha despite having a happy married life with Shalini. The ending of "You Never know" implied the end of Dhruv and Anuradha's relation too but the sequel "Only the Good Die young & I'm not a saint" turned everything upside down again in Dhruv's life with the comeback of Sid.
The cover and the title are perfect for the story and the plot is very interesting. The idea of a synthetic mask felt very new making the villain more dangerous. Every character has an important role and I would say this story is a complete entertainer.
The cover and the title are perfect for the story and the plot is very interesting. The idea of a synthetic mask felt very new making the villain more dangerous. Every character has an important role and I would say this story is a complete entertainer.
March 1, 2021
Trigger:- Sexual Assault, murders
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✍️✍️Review
After a very long time, I read a book which I couldn't put down, the story of the book made me fully engrossing in it and hooked me till I finished it to know the mystery of all the incidents which was happening in the book.
I was spellbound by the book and I would love to read a book like this which is so much engrossing that I couldn't put it down once, I finished this book in just one sitting and the book deserves more than five stars according to me.
When I finished I was like wow and felt some pain and there was also a little happiness that at last evil ended
I read 100 pages in one hour today and I couldn't believe what happened to when I was reading this book I was like I will read as soon as possible to find out the answers to all the questions which was running in my mind and everything was running in front of my eyes like a movie, a thrilling one.
I will recommend this book to all thriller lover who will love this book as I did.
👺👺Glimpse
A man is thrown out of a window and is dying with the pains and numbness of his body and on the face, there is a fragment of glasses inched into his cheek and a drunk person came and try to steal his precious things but little did he know something is going to happen with him in a couple of seconds.
Dhruv is going to Mumbai to attend an award ceremony and where he saw Anuradha whom he left months ago due to some issue but he never wanted to leave her and now when he saw her once again he couldn't stop himself smiling but he is guilty of things he did to her.
Anuradha is now working in Mumbai after leaving Delhi and her past lives incident which is the soul reasons of things happening in present but was amazed to see Dhruv but she is angry with him because of what he did to her and also love him from her heart.
A nice bachelor man comes as a client and become a friend to her and offers a flat which is worth more then he asked her for rent but little did she know he has something going on behind her back and he is not what he is showing everyone.
To read this thrilling story go grab this book and start reading.
Happy reading
.
.
✍️✍️Review
After a very long time, I read a book which I couldn't put down, the story of the book made me fully engrossing in it and hooked me till I finished it to know the mystery of all the incidents which was happening in the book.
I was spellbound by the book and I would love to read a book like this which is so much engrossing that I couldn't put it down once, I finished this book in just one sitting and the book deserves more than five stars according to me.
When I finished I was like wow and felt some pain and there was also a little happiness that at last evil ended
I read 100 pages in one hour today and I couldn't believe what happened to when I was reading this book I was like I will read as soon as possible to find out the answers to all the questions which was running in my mind and everything was running in front of my eyes like a movie, a thrilling one.
I will recommend this book to all thriller lover who will love this book as I did.
👺👺Glimpse
A man is thrown out of a window and is dying with the pains and numbness of his body and on the face, there is a fragment of glasses inched into his cheek and a drunk person came and try to steal his precious things but little did he know something is going to happen with him in a couple of seconds.
Dhruv is going to Mumbai to attend an award ceremony and where he saw Anuradha whom he left months ago due to some issue but he never wanted to leave her and now when he saw her once again he couldn't stop himself smiling but he is guilty of things he did to her.
Anuradha is now working in Mumbai after leaving Delhi and her past lives incident which is the soul reasons of things happening in present but was amazed to see Dhruv but she is angry with him because of what he did to her and also love him from her heart.
A nice bachelor man comes as a client and become a friend to her and offers a flat which is worth more then he asked her for rent but little did she know he has something going on behind her back and he is not what he is showing everyone.
To read this thrilling story go grab this book and start reading.
Happy reading
May 10, 2021
"But then some things are just never meant to be."
'Only the good die young' by Akash Verma is a story about Anuradha who leaves her town to move on from her troubled relationship with Dhruv, when he makes an eternal choice and chooses his wife and family over his extra-marital affair. As soon as Anuradha is about to move on with her life by affirming herself a job, she finds her past crawling back to her, however much she contemplates running away from it. Dhruv is tethered to her fate somehow, and they bump into each other despite her attempt to flee from her past courtship days. They decide to remain as friends but life doesn't seem to be as smooth and candy-flavoured for them as people close to them starts getting hurt considerably.
Who is behind this masterplan? Who has such a distinct rivalry against these two? What is it that they have to pay?
Does the past ever really leave one or does it haunt one forever?
The author weaves a mysterious plot with a thrill which keeps you hooked to the pages. The story is written in a journal form which peeks a hint at the characters' nature and personality. The characterisation is sketched deftly, in a shady perspective which gives the plot an altogether interesting viewpoint. To weave a story around an extra marital relation is challenging and the author very passionately carries out the said task. The emotional chemistry between the characters is exhilarating. A sequel to 'You never know', this story is one which you cannot put down easily, with the perfect pace and a gripping storyline.
Engaging narration.
'Only the good die young' by Akash Verma is a story about Anuradha who leaves her town to move on from her troubled relationship with Dhruv, when he makes an eternal choice and chooses his wife and family over his extra-marital affair. As soon as Anuradha is about to move on with her life by affirming herself a job, she finds her past crawling back to her, however much she contemplates running away from it. Dhruv is tethered to her fate somehow, and they bump into each other despite her attempt to flee from her past courtship days. They decide to remain as friends but life doesn't seem to be as smooth and candy-flavoured for them as people close to them starts getting hurt considerably.
Who is behind this masterplan? Who has such a distinct rivalry against these two? What is it that they have to pay?
Does the past ever really leave one or does it haunt one forever?
The author weaves a mysterious plot with a thrill which keeps you hooked to the pages. The story is written in a journal form which peeks a hint at the characters' nature and personality. The characterisation is sketched deftly, in a shady perspective which gives the plot an altogether interesting viewpoint. To weave a story around an extra marital relation is challenging and the author very passionately carries out the said task. The emotional chemistry between the characters is exhilarating. A sequel to 'You never know', this story is one which you cannot put down easily, with the perfect pace and a gripping storyline.
Engaging narration.
March 8, 2021
Only The Good Die Young by Akash Verma is a very gripping thriller which I couldn't put down once I started reading the book. It's the story of Anuradha and Dhruv, who both have to find out the truth as to who it is that cannot bear to see them together.
Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart, or is there some karmic debt they have to repay? The book is full of climax and twists and turns. From a very disturbing and breath taking start to a very painful ending, the book is a full fledged engrossing thriller.
Set in Mumbai and Delhi, the book leaves a very great mark on my mind as it has provoked a lot of thoughts in my mind. The book is filled with different characters but Anuradha steals all the thunder and I love her character. It is very alive and very well developed. We see her past and present clashing between time.
I would really recommend thriller lovers to read this book. The title and the cover is really in line with the story and the plot. It has murder, revenge, love, everything meant for a perfect thriller to sail.
Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart, or is there some karmic debt they have to repay? The book is full of climax and twists and turns. From a very disturbing and breath taking start to a very painful ending, the book is a full fledged engrossing thriller.
Set in Mumbai and Delhi, the book leaves a very great mark on my mind as it has provoked a lot of thoughts in my mind. The book is filled with different characters but Anuradha steals all the thunder and I love her character. It is very alive and very well developed. We see her past and present clashing between time.
I would really recommend thriller lovers to read this book. The title and the cover is really in line with the story and the plot. It has murder, revenge, love, everything meant for a perfect thriller to sail.
February 27, 2021
A dreadful revenge story with a tinge of suspense and compassionate love
✨✨
The antagonist vows to take revenge from his ex girlfriend who pushes him to death in unusual circumstances. He tries out various methods and circles upon trying out masks to change his identity.
The protagonist gets trapped with a man 'aman bhalla' as a tenant and later finds out that he is a women addict and psycho. All the while she never gets herself to forget about 'dhruv' even though she knew he is married and tries to get close to him.
Dhruv on the other side finds it hard to convince his heart from stop loving her and restrict himself to his wife.
How does she get rid of aman?
How does her relationship sustain with the man who already had a family?
How does she save herself from the clutches of her ex boyfriend?
To find the answers read the book
✨
This is a revenge story of a person who tries to torture his target to death
But what draws the limelight is the stained relationship of the protagonist with a married man and shows what unconditional love is
✨
The author took a topic of extra marital affair and showed it in a rather unique manner where no one is at fault and the only blame goes for the feelings which are unstoppable
✨
Also the main thing which i liked about this book is that:
the entire book is not in a single person's perspective rather it is narrated from different persons at different parts.
✨
On a whole this is a good book which can give you a good thrill.
✨✨
The antagonist vows to take revenge from his ex girlfriend who pushes him to death in unusual circumstances. He tries out various methods and circles upon trying out masks to change his identity.
The protagonist gets trapped with a man 'aman bhalla' as a tenant and later finds out that he is a women addict and psycho. All the while she never gets herself to forget about 'dhruv' even though she knew he is married and tries to get close to him.
Dhruv on the other side finds it hard to convince his heart from stop loving her and restrict himself to his wife.
How does she get rid of aman?
How does her relationship sustain with the man who already had a family?
How does she save herself from the clutches of her ex boyfriend?
To find the answers read the book
✨
This is a revenge story of a person who tries to torture his target to death
But what draws the limelight is the stained relationship of the protagonist with a married man and shows what unconditional love is
✨
The author took a topic of extra marital affair and showed it in a rather unique manner where no one is at fault and the only blame goes for the feelings which are unstoppable
✨
Also the main thing which i liked about this book is that:
the entire book is not in a single person's perspective rather it is narrated from different persons at different parts.
✨
On a whole this is a good book which can give you a good thrill.
November 13, 2022
Uffff
Intense.
Sad at the end though. Tragic,to be honest.
I feel this sequel is more eventful than the first book “You Never Know”.
An extremely gripping tale,with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
Intense.
Sad at the end though. Tragic,to be honest.
I feel this sequel is more eventful than the first book “You Never Know”.
An extremely gripping tale,with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
March 31, 2021
10th Book of 2021
As people following my reading journey must be aware that I have slowed my reading process this year because I want to spend time with every book I read so that it stays for a lifetime with me. But there are few books which makes you break your resolve and finish them in a single or as less sittings as possible. This happened with me yesterday with Akash Verma’s latest book named “Only the Good Die Young” which has been released recently by Penguin publication in around 280 pages. There are few authors who win your heart right with their first book itself and Akash is someone I really look forward to read whenever he comes with a new book. This time I was doubly excited as this book is a sequel of “You Never Know” which I had read in October last year and gone crazy with the story. This time, author has just done wonders which again made me get up all night and only sleep after reading the very last line of the book. Such is a magic of Akash Verma’s book/s!
The 1st book was complete in itself but the way author took ahead the story makes you believe in each and every scene mentioned right from the 1st chapter. This time again the story is narrated in first voice of all the three main characters- Dhruv, Anuradha and Sid; wherever needed author has narrated in the 3rd voice too. All of this has been done so naturally and cleverly that you don’t feel that there’s anything fictional in it. You relate with all the three characters and even the others who are playing a kind of supportive characters here in this book such as Aman, Ash, Anna, Ram, Shalini etc. It is not easy to make you aware of what each character is going through in their minds when the focus is mainly on protagonists but Akash manages to do it very well. The party scene where all the characters play Truth and Dare is defined so beautifully that you will feel you are watching all these characters in front of you and know them very well.
Writing thriller is the most difficult art for an author, I believe, as you have to decide it very well how you want to take your story ahead – on the 5th gear right from the 1st page itself or gradually accelerate or keep on changing the pace throughout the book in order to win the attention of the reader. Akash has excelled this art very well as he takes it very comfortably at the 4th gear and keeps shifting little bit here and there that you are at comfort as well as enjoying the adventure in your ride. I like how the book talks about office politics, family lives, new crushes, old-reunions, multiple affairs, marketing meetings etc. but yet doesn’t stop the flow of the story even once. Author knows it very well how to write a perfect page-turner where a reader is not getting bored with these sub-plots or overwhelmed with too many twists and turns. I have very rarely read such thrillers where the story is paced at a convenient speed yet keeps you on your toes due to the shift the characters are going through due to unnatural happenings in their life – which is already scary due to their grey or black past.
I liked how author convinces you with the way the killer is executing his task with the technology being used in Hollywood movies as generally, using any of those ways used in movies to define your stories in a book, doesn’t work out but here, it has been very nicely presented. Even the pre-climax and the climax is written so wonderfully that you can’t deny of how things end for the characters. Not to be ashamed of but I really almost ended up crying in the end. When a love story is also being included with all the thrills and killings happening around, the romantic human in us get involved with the tale of love before getting associated with anything else. And when it is discussed with such extremity, depth and sacrifices of characters for each other, it really makes you happy but at the same time, extremely emotional and broken too. Akash really knows how to touch the nerves of his readers who expect the love story to be as impactful as the thrilling part of the book.
Talking about the last point, I must say, it is not easy to present a societal taboo or a thing considered as a sin in a different perspective. 1st of all, there is a big fear if the audience will accept this representation or not. Secondly, how you write and define this in each of your words when you speak of it makes you extra-conscious while drafting the story. This is a very big mental fight for an author to represent something-coined-as-wrong as an okay-stuff for a character. As represented in the 1st part of this book, the extra-marital affair has been presented so very well in this part too that it might confuse many who are reading if this is a right step for a married or committed partner or not. I have heard many such tales hence going through this was something which made me realize and relate with what author wanted to convey. I hope all the readers get the message behind why author has taken a bit side of it and why it isn’t always wrong.
Okay, one more point – writing a story in parts can make a reader’s life hell if both the books are kept very closely integrated without any touchpoints in the latest part which discusses about what happened earlier with these characters. Akash has written this book in a way that you can read it as an independent book itself. This is not very easy to execute but I think there’s nothing impossible for Verma when it comes to writing.
Now talking about the drawbacks which this book doesn’t make you find many. I must say because Sid had come back in this book in a psychotic manner, I wanted more of him to be written which would have given us more insights on how such characters think who now wants to take only revenge and nothing in spite of knowing that they have themselves been wrong in the past. I felt author just didn’t cover him as much as he could have. Other than this, there is nothing I felt that this book missed.
I give this book 4.75 stars out of 5. I don’t know how long it has been since I rated any book as high as this much but this one really deserves to be in the list of one of the best books I have read in this decade or my whole reading journey. Highly Recommended!
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
As people following my reading journey must be aware that I have slowed my reading process this year because I want to spend time with every book I read so that it stays for a lifetime with me. But there are few books which makes you break your resolve and finish them in a single or as less sittings as possible. This happened with me yesterday with Akash Verma’s latest book named “Only the Good Die Young” which has been released recently by Penguin publication in around 280 pages. There are few authors who win your heart right with their first book itself and Akash is someone I really look forward to read whenever he comes with a new book. This time I was doubly excited as this book is a sequel of “You Never Know” which I had read in October last year and gone crazy with the story. This time, author has just done wonders which again made me get up all night and only sleep after reading the very last line of the book. Such is a magic of Akash Verma’s book/s!
The 1st book was complete in itself but the way author took ahead the story makes you believe in each and every scene mentioned right from the 1st chapter. This time again the story is narrated in first voice of all the three main characters- Dhruv, Anuradha and Sid; wherever needed author has narrated in the 3rd voice too. All of this has been done so naturally and cleverly that you don’t feel that there’s anything fictional in it. You relate with all the three characters and even the others who are playing a kind of supportive characters here in this book such as Aman, Ash, Anna, Ram, Shalini etc. It is not easy to make you aware of what each character is going through in their minds when the focus is mainly on protagonists but Akash manages to do it very well. The party scene where all the characters play Truth and Dare is defined so beautifully that you will feel you are watching all these characters in front of you and know them very well.
Writing thriller is the most difficult art for an author, I believe, as you have to decide it very well how you want to take your story ahead – on the 5th gear right from the 1st page itself or gradually accelerate or keep on changing the pace throughout the book in order to win the attention of the reader. Akash has excelled this art very well as he takes it very comfortably at the 4th gear and keeps shifting little bit here and there that you are at comfort as well as enjoying the adventure in your ride. I like how the book talks about office politics, family lives, new crushes, old-reunions, multiple affairs, marketing meetings etc. but yet doesn’t stop the flow of the story even once. Author knows it very well how to write a perfect page-turner where a reader is not getting bored with these sub-plots or overwhelmed with too many twists and turns. I have very rarely read such thrillers where the story is paced at a convenient speed yet keeps you on your toes due to the shift the characters are going through due to unnatural happenings in their life – which is already scary due to their grey or black past.
I liked how author convinces you with the way the killer is executing his task with the technology being used in Hollywood movies as generally, using any of those ways used in movies to define your stories in a book, doesn’t work out but here, it has been very nicely presented. Even the pre-climax and the climax is written so wonderfully that you can’t deny of how things end for the characters. Not to be ashamed of but I really almost ended up crying in the end. When a love story is also being included with all the thrills and killings happening around, the romantic human in us get involved with the tale of love before getting associated with anything else. And when it is discussed with such extremity, depth and sacrifices of characters for each other, it really makes you happy but at the same time, extremely emotional and broken too. Akash really knows how to touch the nerves of his readers who expect the love story to be as impactful as the thrilling part of the book.
Talking about the last point, I must say, it is not easy to present a societal taboo or a thing considered as a sin in a different perspective. 1st of all, there is a big fear if the audience will accept this representation or not. Secondly, how you write and define this in each of your words when you speak of it makes you extra-conscious while drafting the story. This is a very big mental fight for an author to represent something-coined-as-wrong as an okay-stuff for a character. As represented in the 1st part of this book, the extra-marital affair has been presented so very well in this part too that it might confuse many who are reading if this is a right step for a married or committed partner or not. I have heard many such tales hence going through this was something which made me realize and relate with what author wanted to convey. I hope all the readers get the message behind why author has taken a bit side of it and why it isn’t always wrong.
Okay, one more point – writing a story in parts can make a reader’s life hell if both the books are kept very closely integrated without any touchpoints in the latest part which discusses about what happened earlier with these characters. Akash has written this book in a way that you can read it as an independent book itself. This is not very easy to execute but I think there’s nothing impossible for Verma when it comes to writing.
Now talking about the drawbacks which this book doesn’t make you find many. I must say because Sid had come back in this book in a psychotic manner, I wanted more of him to be written which would have given us more insights on how such characters think who now wants to take only revenge and nothing in spite of knowing that they have themselves been wrong in the past. I felt author just didn’t cover him as much as he could have. Other than this, there is nothing I felt that this book missed.
I give this book 4.75 stars out of 5. I don’t know how long it has been since I rated any book as high as this much but this one really deserves to be in the list of one of the best books I have read in this decade or my whole reading journey. Highly Recommended!
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
March 27, 2021
"𝕆𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕕𝕚𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕘..." is the sequel to "𝕐𝕠𝕦 ℕ𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨" by Akash Verma. Despite not reading the first book, I don't think I missed much.
'You Never Know' is the start of Anuradha and Dhruv's story. The plot features an extramarital affair and mystery-thriller elements.
'Only the good die Young' starts after Anuradha and Dhruv break up . Anuradha moves to Mumbai switching company whereas Dhruv stays in a strained relationship with his wife Shalini and two kids in Delhi.
But Dhruv and Anuradha meet again at an award ceremony when he visits Mumbai .
Slowly, they form a tentative friendship not affair though it's clear they still want each other.
Dhruv gets introduced to people in Anuradha's circle at her housewarming party - Aman, Anna, Ash and Ram. Aman is her landlord while other three are her work acquaintance. They have fun but things take a drastic turn .
𝓐 𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝔂 - 6 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽 - 𝓞𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓭
Two plots simultaneously works towards an end goal . One of revenge and another uncovering a sexual predator .
The lines are blurry and everything muddy, will the culprit be caught in time ?
As for plot, I liked it . It was blend of deception, lies and murder . We can't say it was thriller or mystery cause we get to know the killer from the start .
The factor which made it an interesting plot was I didn't know what the killer was gonna do next and I kept on guessing who will die . So, yes a bit suspense and creppines .
As for characters, I wasn't impressed . Ash, I liked a bit cause he was sweet and cared for his friends . Dhruv , Anuradha , Shalini and all other characters were frustrating to read of.
Dhruv, cheats on his wife and expects forgiveness despite claiming that he still loves Anuradha . Wow !
The concept of extramarital affair ,i.e, cheating relationship of Dhruv and Anuradha, disturbed me from the start. They claim they are soulmate , in love and couldn't help stop their affair. Like , seriously ! They are all excuses ! How can you go after a married man ? And how can you go after another woman when you have a woman and kids at home ! I will never be able to understand cheating deemed 'love'.
Narration was okay. Author have written an interesting book which I enjoyed reading .
It ends on a devastating & sad note , enough to brings tears to my eyes despite all the shortcomings.
3.6/5 ✨
Warning ~ Sexual assault, adult situations, strong language .
'You Never Know' is the start of Anuradha and Dhruv's story. The plot features an extramarital affair and mystery-thriller elements.
'Only the good die Young' starts after Anuradha and Dhruv break up . Anuradha moves to Mumbai switching company whereas Dhruv stays in a strained relationship with his wife Shalini and two kids in Delhi.
But Dhruv and Anuradha meet again at an award ceremony when he visits Mumbai .
Slowly, they form a tentative friendship not affair though it's clear they still want each other.
Dhruv gets introduced to people in Anuradha's circle at her housewarming party - Aman, Anna, Ash and Ram. Aman is her landlord while other three are her work acquaintance. They have fun but things take a drastic turn .
𝓐 𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝔂 - 6 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽 - 𝓞𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓭
Two plots simultaneously works towards an end goal . One of revenge and another uncovering a sexual predator .
The lines are blurry and everything muddy, will the culprit be caught in time ?
As for plot, I liked it . It was blend of deception, lies and murder . We can't say it was thriller or mystery cause we get to know the killer from the start .
The factor which made it an interesting plot was I didn't know what the killer was gonna do next and I kept on guessing who will die . So, yes a bit suspense and creppines .
As for characters, I wasn't impressed . Ash, I liked a bit cause he was sweet and cared for his friends . Dhruv , Anuradha , Shalini and all other characters were frustrating to read of.
Dhruv, cheats on his wife and expects forgiveness despite claiming that he still loves Anuradha . Wow !
The concept of extramarital affair ,i.e, cheating relationship of Dhruv and Anuradha, disturbed me from the start. They claim they are soulmate , in love and couldn't help stop their affair. Like , seriously ! They are all excuses ! How can you go after a married man ? And how can you go after another woman when you have a woman and kids at home ! I will never be able to understand cheating deemed 'love'.
Narration was okay. Author have written an interesting book which I enjoyed reading .
It ends on a devastating & sad note , enough to brings tears to my eyes despite all the shortcomings.
3.6/5 ✨
Warning ~ Sexual assault, adult situations, strong language .
April 5, 2021
Written in First person, multiple POV, Only the good Die young: And I am not Saint by Akash Verma is a continuation and a sequel to You Never Know.
When I read this book, I had no idea it was a part of a Duology and that there is a link between the two books.
Not having read the first book, I was able to get by reading this book without any major issues, but because I loved this book so much and want to connect some missing dots, I will be reading the first book now and would recommend that you read both books in order to gain much more satisfying experience.
I have so much to say about this piece of excellence, but in lieu of keeping my review Spoiler Free here, I will try to express my feelings in very discreet way, so as to not reveal any major plots.
Dhruv and Anuradha had an extra-marital affair, but when time came to chose, he gave precedence to his family over her.
After this, Anuradha decides to get away from him and starts a new life for herself. But then, life has a way of making things happen that we least expect and suddenly, Dhruv re-emerges back in her life, bring along with him some strange series of events.
Touted to be under Thriller Genre, the book had some nail-biting twists and turns. At first, I felt like that it would be no secret who the Villain in this story might be, but as the story unfolded, doubts began to creep up my mind as there were now two Villains on my Hit-List. This interesting tug of war between finding the culprit behind all the strange incident occurrence kept me glued to the story.
My thoughts about the Heroine:
I felt sorry for Anuradha, and my heart literally ached for that poor girl. She was like a magnet that attracted only worse of the worse men towards her.
After one unstable relationship, you would think she might have had enough, but no, destiny kept throwing jerks towards her. She was definitely one of the heroines that absolutely deserved a Happy Ending.
As Anna stated, Anuradha really was ‘One of a kind’.
My thoughts about the Hero:
Dhruv was a nice guy, and I really did like him throughout the majority of the book. But then, that ugly twist came in the end and I started sort of hating him. Not because he did something, but because he got a happy life, a second chance, support from his family and the character which I loved did not get any of this. I'm not trying to be mean here, but he just sorta got his old life back. He was suffering in a way, but not much to my liking.
My final thoughts:
I won't reveal the heartbreaking climax, but would say that I am so upset with the ending.
I completely understand that it is just a story, but whilst reading that ending, it felt like I was experiencing an aching.
I really hope that author comes with another book, like the epilogue ones that are trending now a days, and give an alternate ending to our Main Characters. I will be definitely interested in reading that.
My Review:
I am going to give this book FIVE YOUNG STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When I read this book, I had no idea it was a part of a Duology and that there is a link between the two books.
Not having read the first book, I was able to get by reading this book without any major issues, but because I loved this book so much and want to connect some missing dots, I will be reading the first book now and would recommend that you read both books in order to gain much more satisfying experience.
I have so much to say about this piece of excellence, but in lieu of keeping my review Spoiler Free here, I will try to express my feelings in very discreet way, so as to not reveal any major plots.
Dhruv and Anuradha had an extra-marital affair, but when time came to chose, he gave precedence to his family over her.
After this, Anuradha decides to get away from him and starts a new life for herself. But then, life has a way of making things happen that we least expect and suddenly, Dhruv re-emerges back in her life, bring along with him some strange series of events.
Touted to be under Thriller Genre, the book had some nail-biting twists and turns. At first, I felt like that it would be no secret who the Villain in this story might be, but as the story unfolded, doubts began to creep up my mind as there were now two Villains on my Hit-List. This interesting tug of war between finding the culprit behind all the strange incident occurrence kept me glued to the story.
My thoughts about the Heroine:
I felt sorry for Anuradha, and my heart literally ached for that poor girl. She was like a magnet that attracted only worse of the worse men towards her.
After one unstable relationship, you would think she might have had enough, but no, destiny kept throwing jerks towards her. She was definitely one of the heroines that absolutely deserved a Happy Ending.
As Anna stated, Anuradha really was ‘One of a kind’.
My thoughts about the Hero:
Dhruv was a nice guy, and I really did like him throughout the majority of the book. But then, that ugly twist came in the end and I started sort of hating him. Not because he did something, but because he got a happy life, a second chance, support from his family and the character which I loved did not get any of this. I'm not trying to be mean here, but he just sorta got his old life back. He was suffering in a way, but not much to my liking.
My final thoughts:
I won't reveal the heartbreaking climax, but would say that I am so upset with the ending.
I completely understand that it is just a story, but whilst reading that ending, it felt like I was experiencing an aching.
I really hope that author comes with another book, like the epilogue ones that are trending now a days, and give an alternate ending to our Main Characters. I will be definitely interested in reading that.
My Review:
I am going to give this book FIVE YOUNG STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 12, 2021
'Only The Good Die Young And I Am No Saint' is a sequel to 'You Never Know'.A heartbroken Anuradha moves from Gurugram to Mumbai, when her married boyfriend, Dhruv leaves her for his family. She landed in Mumbai and thought to get rid of her past and tries to begin a new life in the city of dreams. The apartment Anuradha stays was strange according to her. She felt like she was not alone in her room, someone is observing her. Just then surprisingly Dhruv gets back in her life. While the two are still trying to assess their relationship and their life, suddenly her friends start dying one by one very mysteriously. Now Anuradha and Dhruv need to find out who is behind all this before it is too late for them both. Who is carrying out these shocking crimes ? Who is that they cannot see them together ? Will they ever find out the mystery behind this ? To know the answer of this question give this gripping book a read. It is a quick read despite the darkness of its main characters. The author has penned all the characters very well. The book is narrated and written very nicely. The cover and the title of the book is very captivating and catchy which holds the attention of the readers towards it and because of which the emotions and actions flows lively. It is an amazing and spine thriller read I must say. The narration was smooth, and it captivates readers throughout making curious about what may happen next. This book is a roller coaster of heart wrenching thriller ,mystery and suspense with a pinch of emotions in it. Overall its an excellent book and I would recommend it to everyone especially those who love to read thriller books to give this book a read .
March 4, 2021
Only the good die young: & I'm not a saint by Akash Verma 📚
This is one of the best thriller book I've ever read by an Indian author. It had all the ingredients of a good thriller- exciting plot, whacky characters, lots of twists and turns. It was fast paced and unputdownable. The story was a bit unbelievable in some places but the author has creative license to do that. I've not read the first part of the series but I had no issue in understanding the book with ease.
The narration had multiple POVs and it was really interesting. The writing style was articulate. The tone of the book was scary and vicious. It was cat and mouse chase between 2 groups of people. The story was about Anuradha. She was having an affair with Dhruv, a married man. But Dhruv ha dumped her after getting to know the truth behind her past. She moved to Mumbai for a fresh start. She is starting to move on from the pain but things come back from the past to haunt her.
Dhruv and her become friends again. She moves into a fabulous new apartment, courtesy of a rich client, Aman who offers her the place for half the rate. She is happy with her new job. But suddenly strange things start happening in her apartment. And people close to her start dropping dead. Who is behind all the sinister actions? Is her life in danger again? Read to find out!
I'd recommend this book to all thriller lovers!
This is one of the best thriller book I've ever read by an Indian author. It had all the ingredients of a good thriller- exciting plot, whacky characters, lots of twists and turns. It was fast paced and unputdownable. The story was a bit unbelievable in some places but the author has creative license to do that. I've not read the first part of the series but I had no issue in understanding the book with ease.
The narration had multiple POVs and it was really interesting. The writing style was articulate. The tone of the book was scary and vicious. It was cat and mouse chase between 2 groups of people. The story was about Anuradha. She was having an affair with Dhruv, a married man. But Dhruv ha dumped her after getting to know the truth behind her past. She moved to Mumbai for a fresh start. She is starting to move on from the pain but things come back from the past to haunt her.
Dhruv and her become friends again. She moves into a fabulous new apartment, courtesy of a rich client, Aman who offers her the place for half the rate. She is happy with her new job. But suddenly strange things start happening in her apartment. And people close to her start dropping dead. Who is behind all the sinister actions? Is her life in danger again? Read to find out!
I'd recommend this book to all thriller lovers!
March 14, 2021
This book is a sequel of the book, You Never Know by Akash Verma. Both the books can be read as a stand alone, but it is my advice to read the first book as well for a clear understanding of the plot and characters. The story begins with Dhruv, who visits Mumbai for an award ceremony and meets his ex colleague and lover, Anuradha. After he chose his family over his extramarital affair, Anuradha left his company and Gurgaon to settle in Mumbai with a new job. Their meeting brought back past memories and kept them from moving on in life. Little did they know that this is not the only piece of past that is getting back to them. The main themes of the story can be put up as lust, greed, jealousy and revenge. Though I am not a fan of extramarital affairs or getting back to deadend relationships, I couldn't put down the book before finishing it. The main reason being, the the storyline and the antagonist, Sid. Sid is Anuradha's ex boyfriend and is nothing less than a psychopath. His plans and actions kept me thinking "what next?"
At first, I assumed that the title is applicable only for Sid, but as we surge deeper into the story, we realize that it applies to all three of them. Nobody in this story is a saint. Everyone has done some wrong to everyone else. However I loved the character of Ash so much!! The book contains around 280 pages and Dhruv, Anuradha and Sid take turns to narrate their side of the story. The narration was pretty clear and the hints were straight, although I couldn't predict the killer beforehand. Trigger warnings include murder, torture, extramarital affairs, dark obsession and psychological trauma. These are some of the instances that I found were mentally disturbing. Recommended to adults only who love crime thrillers.
At first, I assumed that the title is applicable only for Sid, but as we surge deeper into the story, we realize that it applies to all three of them. Nobody in this story is a saint. Everyone has done some wrong to everyone else. However I loved the character of Ash so much!! The book contains around 280 pages and Dhruv, Anuradha and Sid take turns to narrate their side of the story. The narration was pretty clear and the hints were straight, although I couldn't predict the killer beforehand. Trigger warnings include murder, torture, extramarital affairs, dark obsession and psychological trauma. These are some of the instances that I found were mentally disturbing. Recommended to adults only who love crime thrillers.
March 30, 2021
It’s a book of psychological suspense genre and it’s a sequel to a book but don’t worry about directly reading this part as I picked up this book directly and story is independent. So at no point you will feel like you are missing something. Anuradha and Dhruv are the main characters. At first story starts with two frames simultaneously with narration of two characters, Sid and Dhruv. One scene is in 2015 December in Mussoorie. Sid is cursing his luck and life. He felt violated and loosing his mind to a matter. I won’t discuss that thing as that’s the part, it hold my attention in very first chapter. It’s written too interestingly. The next frame and chapter is in October 2017 at Mumbai. Dhruv set foot in Mumbai. Shalini and he had a minor tussle over a family matter. Anuradha leaves Gurgaon when Dhruv chooses his family over her. And she wanted to start a fresh in Mumbai but her past is trying to catch her up. Strange and horrible things started to happen and Anuradha and Dhruv must have to find who are behind it. Read the book to unfold further plot. This is my first book after a little reading break and this turned out so good. Author grabbed the attention from the second chapter and lots of twists and turns kept on adding page by page. The narration style of the author is captivating and crisp. I couldn’t put it down. Author has used good vocabulary and language. And nicely imagined plot. Indeed good one.
April 8, 2021
☘️This book is a sequel of "You never know!" But you don't need to read the 1st part for reading this book !
The book deals with an amazing story! The story have given justice to the genre . From drawing attraction to characters and then to the plot of the story, the story is completely systematic for this century!
☘️: The story is about Anuradha and Dhruv, the protagonist, dealing with their past at present and trying to build a better future! Anuradha leaves gurgaon when Dhruv choses his family over her. She thinks that chapter of her life has ended, and starts afresh in Mumbai. But, strangely her past kept a hold on her. Dhruv suddenly came back into her life. And there exists another CHARACTER that plays the important role in the whole story!! Is that the villain? Who is that CHARACTER to both Anuradha and Dhruv???
Read the book! You will get all your answers.
☘️The book will take you to different emotions, extra-marital affair, friendship, past, present, sexual encounters, partying!!!!
Mental behaviour is also playing an important role!!!
I completely appreciate the work done by the Author.
Rating: 4.2/5
Language: simple English
The book deals with an amazing story! The story have given justice to the genre . From drawing attraction to characters and then to the plot of the story, the story is completely systematic for this century!
☘️: The story is about Anuradha and Dhruv, the protagonist, dealing with their past at present and trying to build a better future! Anuradha leaves gurgaon when Dhruv choses his family over her. She thinks that chapter of her life has ended, and starts afresh in Mumbai. But, strangely her past kept a hold on her. Dhruv suddenly came back into her life. And there exists another CHARACTER that plays the important role in the whole story!! Is that the villain? Who is that CHARACTER to both Anuradha and Dhruv???
Read the book! You will get all your answers.
☘️The book will take you to different emotions, extra-marital affair, friendship, past, present, sexual encounters, partying!!!!
Mental behaviour is also playing an important role!!!
I completely appreciate the work done by the Author.
Rating: 4.2/5
Language: simple English
May 21, 2021
TW; Sexual assault, murder
Rating: 3.5/5
A good thriller always manages to break me out from a reading slump. I’ve been mindlessly picking up books on a whim, sometimes finishing them but mostly DNDing them after a few pages. Only The Good Die Young by Akash Verma, the sequel to You Never Know Who was something I picked up on a whim because I read the first book and it was interesting
We pick up from where we left in the previous book, Lal Tibba where Siddharth, or Sid, died. Anuradha has shifted her base from Gurgaon to Mumbai after her relation with Dhruv ends on a rough note. But her past catches up. She bumps into Dhruv again, but there is more to it. Unusual things happen around her followed by a series of murder, people that were once close to her. And thus the chase begins to unravel who is behind the ghastly things happening around her.
Finishing a book in less than 24 hours says a lot about the writing and narration. The mysterious elements kept me hooked to the story. It’s not easy to write a sequel. The first book ended on a cliffhanger and to pick up from where it ended, with the same pace and thrill is something Verma easily did. The end, however, had me a little disappointed. While I did anticipate what was going to happen, I wish it didn’t end the way it did.
Rating: 3.5/5
A good thriller always manages to break me out from a reading slump. I’ve been mindlessly picking up books on a whim, sometimes finishing them but mostly DNDing them after a few pages. Only The Good Die Young by Akash Verma, the sequel to You Never Know Who was something I picked up on a whim because I read the first book and it was interesting
We pick up from where we left in the previous book, Lal Tibba where Siddharth, or Sid, died. Anuradha has shifted her base from Gurgaon to Mumbai after her relation with Dhruv ends on a rough note. But her past catches up. She bumps into Dhruv again, but there is more to it. Unusual things happen around her followed by a series of murder, people that were once close to her. And thus the chase begins to unravel who is behind the ghastly things happening around her.
Finishing a book in less than 24 hours says a lot about the writing and narration. The mysterious elements kept me hooked to the story. It’s not easy to write a sequel. The first book ended on a cliffhanger and to pick up from where it ended, with the same pace and thrill is something Verma easily did. The end, however, had me a little disappointed. While I did anticipate what was going to happen, I wish it didn’t end the way it did.
March 21, 2021
Life is all about continuous growth. It isn’t designed to be static and unmovable. Instead, it’s dynamic and continuously confronts us with change. Whether we like it or not, change cannot be avoided. So just calm your worried nerves and take things easy.
•••
Sometimes we feel there are hundreds of reasons not to move on, we hope that by holding on, we somehow have a chance of getting back to how things once were. But in most cases, this is impossible. So instead of desperately trying to hold on, it’s important for your physical and mental well-being to eventually let go of what happened and to move on with your life.
•••
Similar is the life story of our protagonist, Anuradha. A young, ambitious girl, who was about to take that staircase of her life which nobody would ever want to. The great beauty of life is its mystery, the inability to know what course our life will take, and diligently work to transmute into our final form based upon a lifetime of constant discovery and enterprising effort.
•••
Anuradha falls in love with a married man, Dhruv. An adult who remains unsure about his future, whether to stay with the girlfriend or the wife. Suddenly he comes back into her life and unusual things begins to happen. Sid, the villan of the story makes his entry too and even as Dhruv Anuradha tries to figure out their relationship, horrible things happen.
•••
She decides to move-on and thus begins the roller coaster ride. She leaves Delhi, place of past and reaches Mumbai, land of dreams. Being a business woman, she attracts good clients. Amongst them, is a young and handsome Aman. Who is he? Is he going to help her out or create more troubles?
•••
Are Dhruv and Sid interlinked?
Is Aman an ideal match?
Where is dhruv's current wife?
Are Dhruv and Anuradha really soulmates cursed to stay apart or is there a karmic debt that they must pay to come back together?
•••
Only the good die young, I am no Saint is a perfect amalgam of love, lust and betrayal. Do read the book to find out answer to the above questions. Storyline is indeed a cliché one but narration and characterization kept me hooked till the last page.
Rating: 4 🌟
•••
Sometimes we feel there are hundreds of reasons not to move on, we hope that by holding on, we somehow have a chance of getting back to how things once were. But in most cases, this is impossible. So instead of desperately trying to hold on, it’s important for your physical and mental well-being to eventually let go of what happened and to move on with your life.
•••
Similar is the life story of our protagonist, Anuradha. A young, ambitious girl, who was about to take that staircase of her life which nobody would ever want to. The great beauty of life is its mystery, the inability to know what course our life will take, and diligently work to transmute into our final form based upon a lifetime of constant discovery and enterprising effort.
•••
Anuradha falls in love with a married man, Dhruv. An adult who remains unsure about his future, whether to stay with the girlfriend or the wife. Suddenly he comes back into her life and unusual things begins to happen. Sid, the villan of the story makes his entry too and even as Dhruv Anuradha tries to figure out their relationship, horrible things happen.
•••
She decides to move-on and thus begins the roller coaster ride. She leaves Delhi, place of past and reaches Mumbai, land of dreams. Being a business woman, she attracts good clients. Amongst them, is a young and handsome Aman. Who is he? Is he going to help her out or create more troubles?
•••
Are Dhruv and Sid interlinked?
Is Aman an ideal match?
Where is dhruv's current wife?
Are Dhruv and Anuradha really soulmates cursed to stay apart or is there a karmic debt that they must pay to come back together?
•••
Only the good die young, I am no Saint is a perfect amalgam of love, lust and betrayal. Do read the book to find out answer to the above questions. Storyline is indeed a cliché one but narration and characterization kept me hooked till the last page.
Rating: 4 🌟
March 20, 2021
A true thriller, page-turner, and unputdownable! All the praises this book is receiving are genuine and well deserved. It's a 280 pages novel, but the fast pace, great storyline, and suspense are capable of keeping the reader guessing and glued till the end.
It's a sequel to the Author's previous book 'You Never Know'. If you have not read the first book then other than understanding the main character's past, it won't be difficult to follow the story. I have not read the first book, but still, this book kept me highly engaged and pulled me deeper into the life of each of the characters, and left me thrilled by the end.
The story is about Anuradha who gives a housewarming party to her close friends and colleagues after moving into an apartment in a posh area of Mumbai. However, soon after, strange things started happening to Anuradha and those who attended the party started dying strangely. Who is behind these deaths and what's the motive? The suspense is unguessable and full of twists and turns. A true thriller!
It's a sequel to the Author's previous book 'You Never Know'. If you have not read the first book then other than understanding the main character's past, it won't be difficult to follow the story. I have not read the first book, but still, this book kept me highly engaged and pulled me deeper into the life of each of the characters, and left me thrilled by the end.
The story is about Anuradha who gives a housewarming party to her close friends and colleagues after moving into an apartment in a posh area of Mumbai. However, soon after, strange things started happening to Anuradha and those who attended the party started dying strangely. Who is behind these deaths and what's the motive? The suspense is unguessable and full of twists and turns. A true thriller!
April 11, 2021
An ' Unputdowable ' book.
'Only The Good Die Young And I Am Not A Saint' is the sequel of the book 'You Never Know'. This is an amazing crime thriller.
Setting, Plot, End is amazingly characterised. Dhruv was married with Shalini and they both had children but he fell in love with Anuradha, a young, beautiful, successful and happy lady. This book starts with Anuradha's and Dhruv's breakup.
Anuradha moves to Mumbai while Dhruv stays with his wife and children in Delhi. Then Dhruv again meets with Anuradha in a ceremony and again their friendship began to develop. Then Dhruv was introduced to Anuradha's friends in a party- Anna, Ram, Ash, and Aman.
Aman is landlord while other three work at her aquintances.
It was found that one of her friend died mysteriously.
And then people close to them started dying it seems as if anyone from their past life is taking their revenge.
As Anuradha and Dhruv tried to figure out their relationship, horrible things started happening.
Who is Dhruv's current wife?
Who is killing the people Mysterio?
Is Sid and Dhruv interlinked?
To find out those answer read the book. This is full of crime, abuses, thriller, assault, etc.
AN AMAZING BOOK
'Only The Good Die Young And I Am Not A Saint' is the sequel of the book 'You Never Know'. This is an amazing crime thriller.
Setting, Plot, End is amazingly characterised. Dhruv was married with Shalini and they both had children but he fell in love with Anuradha, a young, beautiful, successful and happy lady. This book starts with Anuradha's and Dhruv's breakup.
Anuradha moves to Mumbai while Dhruv stays with his wife and children in Delhi. Then Dhruv again meets with Anuradha in a ceremony and again their friendship began to develop. Then Dhruv was introduced to Anuradha's friends in a party- Anna, Ram, Ash, and Aman.
Aman is landlord while other three work at her aquintances.
It was found that one of her friend died mysteriously.
And then people close to them started dying it seems as if anyone from their past life is taking their revenge.
As Anuradha and Dhruv tried to figure out their relationship, horrible things started happening.
Who is Dhruv's current wife?
Who is killing the people Mysterio?
Is Sid and Dhruv interlinked?
To find out those answer read the book. This is full of crime, abuses, thriller, assault, etc.
AN AMAZING BOOK
April 2, 2021
Only The Good Die Young is a fast paced thriller written by Akash Verma and is the sequel to his previous book You Never Know. Here the plot picks up from the ending of the last book & we get to know what Anuradha and Dhruv are going through after the latter decided to choose his family. And while everything seems to be going on smoothly for both of them, things started to deteriorate quickly as a death happens in her vicinity. You’ll also get to meet another character called Sid, but I won’t say much about him as it might spoil the plot for some.
Written in a similar fashion like last time, this book is also a smooth read which will help you maintain the suspense till the end. The pace of the story is well maintained & so is the character development. Would surely recommend it to people interested in thrillers.
Written in a similar fashion like last time, this book is also a smooth read which will help you maintain the suspense till the end. The pace of the story is well maintained & so is the character development. Would surely recommend it to people interested in thrillers.
March 3, 2021
This is an excellent and gripping thriller. Author keeps you hooked till the very end of the book. Not often do I get immersed in the exquisite world created by an author that I literally forget time and everything around me. It was very surprising to know that it was the second part of the main book "If we Knew" which I didn't knew until I saw the acknowledge. It can be read as standalone, it doesn't hamper the storyline in anyway so you can read both the books individually if you want. This book exceeded all my expectations, right from the beginning to the very end. When I finished I was felt so sad 😢 but felt good that at last evil ended.
Author has done remarkable work in putting all the elements of a perfect thriller in this book. Book is written with impeccable skills. The narration is just so elequent that I was completely blown away
Author has done remarkable work in putting all the elements of a perfect thriller in this book. Book is written with impeccable skills. The narration is just so elequent that I was completely blown away
March 22, 2021
Only the good die young and I am not a saint, is a very good story.
The title is catchy is easy to flow, language, engaging story line.
Store characters are some highlights whereas the length book cover design classic crime, lack of impressive, callbacks and a different take on affairs are some points need to be thought about.
The cover page is really good and title is link to the story towards the end of it. the quality of pages good. The spacing between lines and words make it an easy tree. the formatting of book is reasonable. I would like to read more from the author.
Many mysteries events takes place in this story which are interesting to read.
The story revolves around a girl Anuradha and her ex-boyfriend through who chooses his family over Anuradha and left her after having to know about her detestable past. after one year their destinations meet again but this time carrying curse horrible things start and happen around them.
The title is catchy is easy to flow, language, engaging story line.
Store characters are some highlights whereas the length book cover design classic crime, lack of impressive, callbacks and a different take on affairs are some points need to be thought about.
The cover page is really good and title is link to the story towards the end of it. the quality of pages good. The spacing between lines and words make it an easy tree. the formatting of book is reasonable. I would like to read more from the author.
Many mysteries events takes place in this story which are interesting to read.
The story revolves around a girl Anuradha and her ex-boyfriend through who chooses his family over Anuradha and left her after having to know about her detestable past. after one year their destinations meet again but this time carrying curse horrible things start and happen around them.
March 23, 2021
Only Good Die Young is a blend of excitement and secrecy. Also, it is a duology.
After some issues with her husband Dhruv, Anuradha leaves Delhi and settles in Mumbai to leave her past behind. unfortunately, Dhruv comes back into her life and they start thinking of giving each other a chance. But there comes a foe who does something wrong and terrible incidents take place in their life.
Now, who is that foe? What does he want? Will Anuradha and Dhruv end up together?
Do read the duology to know what happened.
You can’t put down this book at all, it will keep you hooked till the end. Every part of the book was amazing. But there are a few scenes of sexual abuse, murders. I loved how the plot was developed.
Overall enjoyed reading it.
After some issues with her husband Dhruv, Anuradha leaves Delhi and settles in Mumbai to leave her past behind. unfortunately, Dhruv comes back into her life and they start thinking of giving each other a chance. But there comes a foe who does something wrong and terrible incidents take place in their life.
Now, who is that foe? What does he want? Will Anuradha and Dhruv end up together?
Do read the duology to know what happened.
You can’t put down this book at all, it will keep you hooked till the end. Every part of the book was amazing. But there are a few scenes of sexual abuse, murders. I loved how the plot was developed.
Overall enjoyed reading it.
March 18, 2021
How far will people go for love and money ?
'Only good die Young' is a psychological thriller that unfolds the chapters of real lives in a more realistic and deep manner. It cannot be termed as exaggeration but yes to some extend it terrifies us. Truth is bitter and honesty is a crime in the new world. Nobody aims to be brotherly instead tries to be the best possible manipulator to earn money and fame. Well this is the story of the new land, new era where there is no scope for love and humanity.
The first book 'You never know who 'ends up on a mystery note and this is the sequel that turns up to stir and settle the truth. Karma being a real game changer happens in the book and corner of the story with unprecendent twists and turns. The language of the book is quite easy and understandable to many that unfurls the life of young trapped in relationships, politics and corruption.
The book was quite interesting, engaging and thrilling. This book aims at bringing the bad side of wrong choices and it's consequences- Dhruv, Anuradha, Shiv, Anna, Ash all are behind the mystery and they coincidently everyone plays their part well in the plan. To me, I felt like the book is a perfect pick for people who love to read Adult thriller fiction.
'Only good die Young' is a psychological thriller that unfolds the chapters of real lives in a more realistic and deep manner. It cannot be termed as exaggeration but yes to some extend it terrifies us. Truth is bitter and honesty is a crime in the new world. Nobody aims to be brotherly instead tries to be the best possible manipulator to earn money and fame. Well this is the story of the new land, new era where there is no scope for love and humanity.
The first book 'You never know who 'ends up on a mystery note and this is the sequel that turns up to stir and settle the truth. Karma being a real game changer happens in the book and corner of the story with unprecendent twists and turns. The language of the book is quite easy and understandable to many that unfurls the life of young trapped in relationships, politics and corruption.
The book was quite interesting, engaging and thrilling. This book aims at bringing the bad side of wrong choices and it's consequences- Dhruv, Anuradha, Shiv, Anna, Ash all are behind the mystery and they coincidently everyone plays their part well in the plan. To me, I felt like the book is a perfect pick for people who love to read Adult thriller fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
Read 'Only The Good Die Young' by Akash Verma.
Gripping read! Dark and twisted, it keeps you curious throughout.
The writing is engaging. The story has been told from multiple points of view, and sometimes pov shifts swiftly (even in the same scene) but it has been done skillfully, as it doesn't confuse you.
There are certain things that I found unconvincing and too convenient but sometimes taking fictional liberty is okay as long as the book is engrossing.
It's a sequel to You Never Know but I think it can be read as a standalone novel, as important references has been mentioned in a subtle manner so that you know what's going on.
Overall, a good read. Do read if you enjoy reading thrillers.
Gripping read! Dark and twisted, it keeps you curious throughout.
The writing is engaging. The story has been told from multiple points of view, and sometimes pov shifts swiftly (even in the same scene) but it has been done skillfully, as it doesn't confuse you.
There are certain things that I found unconvincing and too convenient but sometimes taking fictional liberty is okay as long as the book is engrossing.
It's a sequel to You Never Know but I think it can be read as a standalone novel, as important references has been mentioned in a subtle manner so that you know what's going on.
Overall, a good read. Do read if you enjoy reading thrillers.
March 12, 2021
Anuradha and Dhruv were over. Through. But then fate takes twisted turns, and they both meet again, but the circumstances have changed. Someone from their past is back for revenge and everyone close to them start dying.
The book was very well written and kept me hooked. I read it in a single go and the word choices were great. The plot twist was baffling and the characters easily had me gripped. The mystery and suspense was well-planned and for those of you who enjoy suspense and thrillers, this is the right book for you!
The book was very well written and kept me hooked. I read it in a single go and the word choices were great. The plot twist was baffling and the characters easily had me gripped. The mystery and suspense was well-planned and for those of you who enjoy suspense and thrillers, this is the right book for you!
January 22, 2022
"Only the good die young & I'm not a saint" written by Akash Verma is a bone chilling Thriller. It is the sequel of the novel "You Never Know" where we find similar characters in both the novels and it seems like "Only the good die young" is a continuation of the novel "You Never Know" (Not 100% sure as I've not read the novel).
.
Anuradha (the female protagonist) keeps some dark past inside her which she tries to leave behind and begin a new life in Mumbai , working in a new company. Life is pretty good until she shift into a new apartment as a tenant where uncomfortable events starts happening with her. On the other side , Anuradha's friends dies one after the other by some strange accidents. Anuradha's ex-lover Dhruv, also plays an important part in the entire story as he tried Anuradha to overcome everything happening to her. But what they discovers at the end is absolutely drastic. Will those unnatural evil events spare Anuradha and others and come to an end?
.
Set In Mumbai this novel begins with Anuradha and Dhruv who meets years after in an award ceremony. Their supressed love for each other was clearly evident for the readers to understand but Dhruv and Anuradha aren't ready to accept their past relationship back again. This kind of "friend like" affection continues in the entire novel which grips the story up. But the novel is all about revenge. Revenge on some actions which made a soul suffer badly in the past. From the very beginning it was clear that some kind of hilarious sinister kind of effect is waiting to come up on the characters. In this novel , a new character introduced 'Aman Bhalla' who creates a new story all together along with the continuation of the sequel novel "You Never Know". Thus, it's a story interlocked with another old story. It's unavoidable that everything that goes on in the novel is really frightening and weird. The reader knows everything happening but it's really difficult to believe it to be real. It's fun and engaging to read how the characters proceeds with their horrific situation as if they are unaware of everything but the reader are aware of everything! This makes the novel really special to me. You picturize the situation so clearly as if you will feel yourself present at the plot itself. And when you realize the next scene, it just makes you so nervous! You start feeling about the characters and at times you care about them too. This book is not a mare thriller genre but a mixture of crime/suspense/ and psychological thriller and for sure , this book will blow you and leave an impact on your mind.
.
There are lots of characters we come across and they all plays an important part in the story involved in someway or the other. Anuradha is a flawless, kindhearted and innocent lady who easily trust any people who appears to be good. Well she have to pay the cost for her innocence. Being Anuradha too much good hearted person made her suffer in many ways. Maybe author tried to tell us that we all should be kind hearted but we should not be fools. We meet a character Ash, a guy who cares too much about his close ones. Anna, a lady with too much girly kind of person who have the character of being jealous. Now , one of the main character Aman Bhalla who is extremely handsome, tall and with a different kind of psychology than others . It's really difficult to express Him. And Dhruv is a kind person but I don't like him cheating on his wife. Dhruv struggles with his own situation which is generally maybe faced by a huge percentage of people in the world. He is a handsome guy who is like trapped in his own emotions.
.
It's said that "one person does a mistake and the others related to that person suffers too" & this novel basically stands on that theory. Of course I don't agree with revenge but we can't run away from the truth that happens all around the world. Another theory that I find is "karma never leaves you" Your wrong deeds boomerang at your present someway or the other. Maybe Anuradha did something wrong in "You never Know" But what comes upon her on "Only the good die young" Is wrong as well. The author has basically framed the consequences such a way and in a so severely that it makes the reader scream out.
.
Akash Verma has not mentioned any family background of any characters which I feel like was important. If I was in the place of any roles then I would have informed my parents at least cause they are experienced people and they can save and give the right decision most of the times. Maybe the author did not want to involve them. And the ending could have been little less harsh. Because it was really harsh on us. It was hard to take such pressure. And also I prefer the evil to die at the end and the good ones to suffer less. But there are people who takes a story as just a story and enjoys tragic endings. So no issues.
.
The writing style is great! It's after so long time that I read a Good Thriller Novel. I loved it. The language was extremely easy going and any reader (NOT CHILDREN ❌) who love to read crime or suspense or thriller will definitely enjoy this book.
4.8/5 Stars ⭐
.
Anuradha (the female protagonist) keeps some dark past inside her which she tries to leave behind and begin a new life in Mumbai , working in a new company. Life is pretty good until she shift into a new apartment as a tenant where uncomfortable events starts happening with her. On the other side , Anuradha's friends dies one after the other by some strange accidents. Anuradha's ex-lover Dhruv, also plays an important part in the entire story as he tried Anuradha to overcome everything happening to her. But what they discovers at the end is absolutely drastic. Will those unnatural evil events spare Anuradha and others and come to an end?
.
Set In Mumbai this novel begins with Anuradha and Dhruv who meets years after in an award ceremony. Their supressed love for each other was clearly evident for the readers to understand but Dhruv and Anuradha aren't ready to accept their past relationship back again. This kind of "friend like" affection continues in the entire novel which grips the story up. But the novel is all about revenge. Revenge on some actions which made a soul suffer badly in the past. From the very beginning it was clear that some kind of hilarious sinister kind of effect is waiting to come up on the characters. In this novel , a new character introduced 'Aman Bhalla' who creates a new story all together along with the continuation of the sequel novel "You Never Know". Thus, it's a story interlocked with another old story. It's unavoidable that everything that goes on in the novel is really frightening and weird. The reader knows everything happening but it's really difficult to believe it to be real. It's fun and engaging to read how the characters proceeds with their horrific situation as if they are unaware of everything but the reader are aware of everything! This makes the novel really special to me. You picturize the situation so clearly as if you will feel yourself present at the plot itself. And when you realize the next scene, it just makes you so nervous! You start feeling about the characters and at times you care about them too. This book is not a mare thriller genre but a mixture of crime/suspense/ and psychological thriller and for sure , this book will blow you and leave an impact on your mind.
.
There are lots of characters we come across and they all plays an important part in the story involved in someway or the other. Anuradha is a flawless, kindhearted and innocent lady who easily trust any people who appears to be good. Well she have to pay the cost for her innocence. Being Anuradha too much good hearted person made her suffer in many ways. Maybe author tried to tell us that we all should be kind hearted but we should not be fools. We meet a character Ash, a guy who cares too much about his close ones. Anna, a lady with too much girly kind of person who have the character of being jealous. Now , one of the main character Aman Bhalla who is extremely handsome, tall and with a different kind of psychology than others . It's really difficult to express Him. And Dhruv is a kind person but I don't like him cheating on his wife. Dhruv struggles with his own situation which is generally maybe faced by a huge percentage of people in the world. He is a handsome guy who is like trapped in his own emotions.
.
It's said that "one person does a mistake and the others related to that person suffers too" & this novel basically stands on that theory. Of course I don't agree with revenge but we can't run away from the truth that happens all around the world. Another theory that I find is "karma never leaves you" Your wrong deeds boomerang at your present someway or the other. Maybe Anuradha did something wrong in "You never Know" But what comes upon her on "Only the good die young" Is wrong as well. The author has basically framed the consequences such a way and in a so severely that it makes the reader scream out.
.
Akash Verma has not mentioned any family background of any characters which I feel like was important. If I was in the place of any roles then I would have informed my parents at least cause they are experienced people and they can save and give the right decision most of the times. Maybe the author did not want to involve them. And the ending could have been little less harsh. Because it was really harsh on us. It was hard to take such pressure. And also I prefer the evil to die at the end and the good ones to suffer less. But there are people who takes a story as just a story and enjoys tragic endings. So no issues.
.
The writing style is great! It's after so long time that I read a Good Thriller Novel. I loved it. The language was extremely easy going and any reader (NOT CHILDREN ❌) who love to read crime or suspense or thriller will definitely enjoy this book.
4.8/5 Stars ⭐
April 5, 2021
When Robert Dugoni said the book an unputdownable one ,he really meant that.And after reading it, I couldn't agree more to what he said.
I haven't read any indian thriller books;this was my 1st one,and it went quite mind-blowing.Still stuck to decide whether I am a bad guesser (which i dont think I am) or this really was beautifully written thriller as every time it elicited suspense and twists, my mind was also moving in a vortex of unanticipated betrayal, vengeance,lust and love.
Sid(ex bf) was killed by Anuradha for taping them having sex unknowingly. But he is not death as she thinks. He is grown out of revenge all these years and back to seek his happiness of torturing her by killing her near dear ones and killing herself too. Meanwhile Anuradha and Dhruv rejuvenates their bond with a fresh start of friendship.Though its only about friendship this time, but Dhruv as well as Anu are finding it hard to carry friendship, when they had and still have something more than that in their hearts. Each and every scene in the story fits perfectly which sets the readers mood great. The characters woven are really hard to forget; from the sex maniac Aman to the
construction of a main character like Dhruv ,who had an extra marital affair and choose family over the affair and after the end of relationship he is still unable to move on. I too wish if he had waited for Anu :) All their love in the bubble was bursted in the air when they made love; little did they knew whats life have kept in for them.
I haven't read any indian thriller books;this was my 1st one,and it went quite mind-blowing.Still stuck to decide whether I am a bad guesser (which i dont think I am) or this really was beautifully written thriller as every time it elicited suspense and twists, my mind was also moving in a vortex of unanticipated betrayal, vengeance,lust and love.
Sid(ex bf) was killed by Anuradha for taping them having sex unknowingly. But he is not death as she thinks. He is grown out of revenge all these years and back to seek his happiness of torturing her by killing her near dear ones and killing herself too. Meanwhile Anuradha and Dhruv rejuvenates their bond with a fresh start of friendship.Though its only about friendship this time, but Dhruv as well as Anu are finding it hard to carry friendship, when they had and still have something more than that in their hearts. Each and every scene in the story fits perfectly which sets the readers mood great. The characters woven are really hard to forget; from the sex maniac Aman to the
construction of a main character like Dhruv ,who had an extra marital affair and choose family over the affair and after the end of relationship he is still unable to move on. I too wish if he had waited for Anu :) All their love in the bubble was bursted in the air when they made love; little did they knew whats life have kept in for them.
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