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Unit 22 #1

The 1st Assassin

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The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller

I once worked for the government, going into missions that never officially happened, killing enemies we never officially killed. They gave me a bunch of medals, partly for doing my job well, mostly to keep my mouth shut.

I still work for the government, but now I ride a desk, barely tolerated by my boss, barely tolerating myself. My world is turned upside down when I am put on a task force investigating an assassination plot against the US President.

Nothing is as it seems, the enemy always seems to be one step ahead of us, and I must keep myself and those I care about alive long enough to get to the bottom of this conspiracy.

The clock is ticking, the body count is mounting, and the assassins never stop coming.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

288 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

Mainak Dhar

58 books277 followers
After finishing his schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road and his under-graduation at Hindu College, Delhi, Mainak Dhar graduated from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He has spent two decades in the corporate sector — starting with Procter & Gamble in India. He spent eighteen years with P&G, fifteen of them outside India across the Asia Pacific region. In 2014, he moved back to India as the CEO of the India operations of a major consumer products multinational.
A self-described cubicle dweller by day and writer by night, Mainak is also the author of over a dozen books, some of which have been bestsellers in India and abroad. These books have been translated into Turkish, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, German and Portuguese. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Puja, and their son, Aaditya. When not at work or with his family, he can usually be found working on, or thinking about his next book. Learn more about him and contact him at www.facebook.com/AuthorMainakDhar.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
Profile Image for Swati Tanu.
Author 1 book617 followers
December 13, 2025
The protagonist of the novel is a major commander who falls into melancholy as a result of his failure to accomplish his goals, but who afterwards discovers love for a girl. Despite the fact that he and his father are both in the military, they must deal with financial difficulties to care for their mother. To battle the opponents, whether they are nightmares or the war against others, the characters are created with wrath and unbreakable spirits.

The interaction between the mother and boy because it was beautifully described in this thriller. But when he was appointed to a task team looking into a presidential assassination plot, his entire world was thrown upside down. Readers will discover that the protagonist is telling the occurrence in the first person since the narrative is in the first person. The narrator's language and manner are both excellent, and they use clear English. It's an excellent book overall and a good thriller.

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Profile Image for Booknerds Cornerrrr.
170 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2022
"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us."

Okay, so basically this book was very different from something I usually read and still I enjoyed reading it. It created suspense, it was thrilling and intriguing. ✨

In this story, Major Aditya Sen who is in Military just as his father. He shares a beautiful relationship with his mother but she's unwell.
The story is on Aditya's POV and talks about his fears and how he heals from them.

Sen basically kills people unofficially who are enemies of America.
They are in military still they had to face financial issues for the treatment of mother.
Durning a task consisting of American secret service agents and Indian special agents, he fell in love with an agent named, Amy.
Was Sen always into Military? Does his father inspired him or there's something else? What happens during these kinda wars and the relationships of soldiers (not just as a lover)?

READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT. ✨

This book kept me HOOKED. I was just so into it that I couldn't stop reading and even this is not my fav genre.

If you like the war troupe and stories with suspense, DEF READ THIS ONE.
Profile Image for Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books).
598 reviews92 followers
April 5, 2025
I bought the book but with the digital restrictions I am having difficulty reading it on my old Sony EReader. So the one star is not a reflection of the book or author, but rather the lack of ability to actually read the book withe the larger print I am used to.
Profile Image for Antara Bhattacharjee .
90 reviews30 followers
August 12, 2023
"The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller by Mainak Dhar" plunges you into the covert world of government operations through the eyes of a seasoned operative - Major Aaditya Sen. This gripping narrative follows a former assassin turned desk jockey, thrust back into action to thwart a presidential assassination plot. The story's relentless pace and the protagonist's introspective voice create an immersive experience. As danger escalates, trust becomes a rare commodity, and loyalties blur against a backdrop of deception. The urgency of the investigation and the unrelenting pursuit of assassins keep you hooked. With its authentic portrayal of sacrifice and survival, this thriller offers a thrilling exploration of duty and intrigue.
65 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2023
Ian Fleming once said that once is a happenstance, twice is a coincidence but thrice is enemy action"
Book - THE 1st ASSASSIN ~ A UNIT TWO THRILLER.
Writer @dharmainak
Review partner @kharidobechobooks
Book @amazonbooksin
Genre~ Thriller
TW ~ Ptsd, gruesome deaths, suicidal thoughts
Rating ~⭐⭐⭐⭐
#spoileralert

Major aditya sen, an army officer suffering from PTSD trying hard to move in his life after an operation he performed with his team where he lost his fellow team members which left him with trauma and survivor's guilt. Trying to unfold all this mess with the help of a therapist, major aditya often feels suicidal.
After the war, which left him traumatized, he was assigned a desk job but one day he's called by his seniors about the possible attack on the US PRESIDENT. He is informed that seven assassins have infiltrated via NEPAL with false IRANIAN passports and are now threatening to kill the US PRESIDENT.
Now it's major aditya's duty to sabotage this operation and kill anything and anyone that's a threat to his nation. But those seem to be one step ahead always.
Soon major realizes someone from the inside has been passing all the information about the operation to them. While working with the US secret Service agents, major sen realizes it's not what it looks like. Things are way more messed up than they seem.
Major sen now unfolds some very ugly truths about the US GOVERNMENT and his own department, revealing a huge conspiracy while breaking his own heart in the middle.
This book truly had me hooked from the start as it has everything. THRILLER. MYSTERY. SUSPENSE and spine chilling details of the war zone.
The author @dharmainak has so skillfully portrayed what soldiers go through everyday. The lives being lost everyday and no one really talks about it.
How bravely these men protect their nation at all costs even if it costs them their lives.
This book is a very well written work of fiction.

#amustread✨

#kharidobecho #kharidobechobooks #kb_ki_family #Reviewerpartner #thriller #mystery #bookstagram #bookblog #bookworm #booknerd #bookphotography #readerslife #readabooktoday #mainakdhar #thefirstassassin #war #fiction #conspiracy #mybookshelf
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ruchi Patel.
1,148 reviews95 followers
August 4, 2022
I have read this author’s work and lived it so I had to pick this up. The title and cover give us the idea about the book. It’s design is so apt. The book is of thriller genre. I will briefly summarise the blurb here trying to avoid spoilers. Author introduced few characters in the beginning. Manoj Kumar Pandey, the honourable Minister of State for Home Affairs, who was stupid and corrupt. Sean D’Silva was a policeman, currently confined to desk job. Major Sen and Sahil were having conversation that despite of having medals why he is stuck in this job. Because he was a war hero suffering from PTSD. Major Aaditya sen, the protagonist, worked for the government, in another part of the R&AW not too many people hear of. He had been a part of the Special Group, a unit within the Special Frontier Force, what they used to call ‘22’. In which the government, going into missions that never officially happened, killing enemies we never officially killed. They gave him a bunch of medals, partly for doing my job well, mostly to keep my mouth shut. But now he is stuck to the desk job as there had been an issue. I won’t discuss that as it will lead to spoilers. I loved the conversation between mother and son because in this thriller, that conversation had been narrated quite delicately. But his world turned upside down when he was put on a
task force investigating an assassination plot against the US President. And obviously there are lots of twists and turns in the plot. And there are number of characters that make plot interesting. I liked the story. It nail biting. Once I started it. I couldn’t put it down. The narration style of the author is crisp. The language of the book is lucid so that everyone can understand it. Overall good one. Recommended from my side.
Profile Image for Social Librarian.
135 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2022
Book Name: The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller

Genre: Thriller

Blurb: I once worked for the government, going into missions that never officially happened, killing enemies we never officially killed. They gave me a bunch of medals, partly for doing my job well, mostly to keep my mouth shut.

I still work for the government, but now I ride a desk, barely tolerated by my boss, barely tolerating myself. My world is turned upside down when I am put on a task force investigating an assassination plot against the US President.

Nothing is as it seems, the enemy always seems to be one step ahead of us, and I must keep myself and those I care about alive long enough to get to the bottom of this conspiracy.


My Opinion: Woah! In my opinion this the best thriller I read in a while. I was in reading slump and I was wanting to read something that will re ignite my love for reading and this is the book which got me into reading again. It's futuristic, boom bashing and admirably a block buster read for me.


Good and Bad: Really appreciate the writing, the thrill that was maintained, the moments that turned the story upside down are my favourite and, author Mainak has a thing in his writing and knows how to suprise his readers.


My favorites from the book: My favourite character is Adi, I was glued to see what he does in those created situations and I'm truly fan gurling now!!


Target Audience: 14+ onwards will enjoy it. A book that got me spy comic vibes too.

What to expect: Great plot, unpredictable storyline and well built suspense.

Final verdict: I will whole heatedly suggest to all my fellow book lovers and friends.

Rating: 5 /5
Profile Image for Shreya.
402 reviews19 followers
September 2, 2022
Now this is something unexpected coming from me but I absolutely devoured this book.

• I usually don't go for thrillers with political twists but this one here is a gem.

•Mainak Dhar knows his audience and the dude delivers.

•Major Aditya Sen, our main protagonist is a military guy who is very damn good at his job. I mean, I know of no Indian who isn't proud of the Indian Army. This is a story about an Indian Soldier and his healing process post-captivity in an enemy territory.

•A vivid description of Sen's life, before and after traumatic incidents is mentioned. Might be a possible trigger.

•There are instances of political intrigue. If it's anything you like, i suggest you read this.

• The plot was interesting but I dislike the cover. Maybe the author will revise the later editions. I dunno, the cover doesn't exactly portray how cool the contents are, because the book is amazing. Take my word for it.

•The supporting characters were fun and I actually like Aditya Sen so much.

•What I didn't like was the usual description of the female protagonist from the male pov. I mean, I get it, 'she's very pretty but also intelligent'. Well then, we're half the planet so it makes sense for us to be lmao.

•Other than that it was a pretty amazing read.

Give it a READ. NOW.
191 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2022
Book Review :

Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book is a cinemetic version of a story. The cover of the book isn't very catchy though.

The story is as follows :

Major Aaditya is a former operative who specialized in the killer of those who appeared to pose a great threat against the people of the United States. He is a part of unit 22, where he has to be in mission which were not official but official and killed the enemies without any dilemma.

The story is confusing in some parts but the twists and turns are good enough to keep the reader hooked until the very last page.The narrative features many roundabouts. Additionally, the narrative is interesting due to the variety of characters. The author uses straightforward yet attractive words. I liked how the story was, but I wish it was a genre I liked.
Profile Image for Isha.
174 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2022
Someone has recommended me this and I am truly saying that it's a must read book for all those who want to read something new and different.

Mainak Dhar has crafted this book which is a must read book. The title of the book is The 1st Assassin which is quite attractive and the cover is also very attractive and meaningful.

The book contains 9 episodes and all are in simple and common language. It's a thrilling reading. The book narrates the political tension between Indo - Pakistan.

The Indian Express has truly said that -
"When terrorism is a daily part of our lives, the book seems very relevant to our times."


In this book you will learn about lots of things related to nation security and war ideas. The book shows how our people work to save our country.

Suggesting this book to all.
Profile Image for Shreya Vijay.
Author 5 books31 followers
August 19, 2022
Indian Political Thrillers do not get better than this!

Political Thrillers have a way of pulling the readers in through fascinating ways - by appealing to their clandestine controversial theorist selves. 1st Assassin was a book that had me in a chokehold from the beginning. The fast-paced plot and the dexterously penned action sequences were phenomenally depicted.

The book cover is vibrant and evident of the fiery storyline awaiting the readers between the pages. Despite being mere ink on paper, the written words had my heart pounding in anticipation and my eyes misting over with unshed tears. The emotional turmoil was real, and the characters' struggle was heart-wrenching. The plot was simple and yet worthy of being made into a film. There were instances in the book that made me sure I was watching a cinematic masterpiece unfold in front of my eyes.

For every political thriller fan, this book is a must read!
Profile Image for Sunshine.
243 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2022
Here I am with my views about yet another thriller.

The 1st Assassin was a rollercoaster ride for ride for me.
At first I thought it was going to be about the trauma a soldier goes through after a war, but this was so much more.

This book had action, trauma, strategy, suspense, even romance. In all this book was full of masala. And I enjoyed reading it so much.
The only issue I had was that it was a bit long. And when I say long, I don't mean it in a bad way. Despite being long, there was never a point which was boring or felt slow. But it was just a bit longer for my personal choice. That's it.

It was a great read, absolutely thrilling and I recommend it.
Profile Image for S.Readss.
553 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2022
This was such an enthralling read, I loved every bit of it. It is a fast-paced mysteries thriller that kept me hooked throughout. From the very first page, I just knew this was something I was going to enjoy. The story is a political investigative thriller.
It is from the pov of the protagonist Aaditya Sen, who is an ex-RAW agent but now stays with his sick mother. His world completely changed when he was put in a task force investigating an assassination plot against the US President.
The story itself is so unique and amazing. The narration makes it more intriguing. I loved the characters and the depth the author put into them. The twists and turns will keep the readers on the edge of their seats throughout. If you love action-paced mysterious thrillers this one is surely for you. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Dr. Monidipa Dutta.
1,067 reviews17 followers
February 9, 2023
Mainak Dhar is one good author and I must say this book in the first series create a high expectations for you for the next books in the series.

Loved the story line. Impressive Writing.
1,186 reviews46 followers
August 3, 2022
📚 Rating: 4.8/5️⃣


| BOOK REVIEW | - 🍁 The Book, The First Assassin By Mainak Dhar, Is a Fictional Story.
🍂

🍁 The Book Is Divided in to Nine Episodes.
🍂

🍁 The Author has written the story as if the Protagonist of the story is teling the story in the book. The Protagonist of the story is sharing about How he is now use to the Government Offices as he works there.
🍂

🍁 The Protagonist told everything that was becoming the Reason of Trauma to Dr. Hadap when doctor asked about having Recent Suicidal Thoughts. Gradually with time, the Protagonist is healing from his Trauma.
🍂

🍁 The Protagonist has written about the encouters that happened during his work and about the characters he had to handle while being on Work. Read this Amazing Thrilling Story and get to know about the Story of the Protagonist.
🍂

🍁 The Language of the Book Is Lucid. The Wrting Style of the Book Is Fast - Paced. The Cover and The Title of the Book Are an Absolutely Appropriate.
🍂

🍁 The Book Is a Good Pick for Someone Who Likes to Read Mysterious Thriller Stories.
🍂

| PERSONAL INSIGHT | - 🌸 The Story is Fictional in Nature Yet the Writing Style of the Story Is So Impressive That a Reader Would Feel That Events Are Happening in Real in Front of Him/her.
🍂

🌸 Each and Every Scene Is Written with an Intricate Details. The Imagination Behind the Story Is an Impeccable. The Execution of That Imagination Is Done Wonderfully.
🍂

🌸 The Story Has So Many Ups and Downs That a Reader Would Feel Overwhelming Yet Exciting.
Profile Image for Motivationaldailythoughts.
1,091 reviews33 followers
August 26, 2022
Title - The 1st Assassin ( A unit of 22 thriller)
Author - Mainak Dhar
Genre - Thriller
Pages - 304
Format - Kindle

I have read author's previous books and was so impressed with his writing style that's the reason to buy this one. The story revolves around the protagonist Major Aditya Sen, an ex operative who is currently working at a desk job in a company. He specialises in killing those who are threat to people of US. But when he's given a task to investigate on assassination plot against US president his world turns upside down.

Grab the book and read about this adventurous story to know what happens next?

The cover of the book is aptly designed and the title is totally relevant to the content. The plot of the story is interesting, engaging and adventurous. It's a perfect blend of suspense, thrill, action, adventures with lots of twist and turns. The author has very well narrated about the corruption, psychology and encounters. Language used is simple and lucid. The character of protagonist is well developed by the author. The flow of the book is fast paced.

Overall, a thrilling read.

Rating - 4.7/5

I recommend this book to all who love reading thrillers.
Profile Image for Bianca.
70 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2022
[PR]

I have read non-fiction from the same author. In fact, two of the non-fiction books were written by Dhar. Though I had learned not to rate non-fic books lately, I knew this one’s going to be a good read especially after Dhar’s writing style in Brand New Start, which was my very first read by the same author.

Leaping into a world of military action, packed with assasination and a little dash of romance surprised me from an author whose only books I have read were non-fics. As mentioned, Dhar’s miscible writing style was compelling enough to serenade one through a fast paced plot. This is the perfect political thriller you might want to take a chance on if you love books loaded with action and suspense. Though some parts of the plot appeared a bit too rushed or unrealistic sometimes (not the plot but some of the operations), this book was unequivocally a story worth the read and time overall.
423 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2022
It's a fantastic thriller by Mainak Dhar, engrossing and overall enjoyable.

The story is a mystery thriller about Major Aaditya Sen who recounts his days as a part of the secret mission with Unit 22 where he has to be a part of a mission that was not official and killed the enemies without any dilemma. The book follows the story from Sen's POV and talks about his trauma, his fears, and how he heals from them all.

The story is filled with plot twists , unexpected revelations and most important amazing character development and plot progression. Never while reading I felt that the story is boring or repetitive. All the characters introduced in the story were interesting and interconnected and justifies their need.
Finally a little touch of romantic environment brings mirth to every thriller, here's not the exceptional case also.

Everything you hoped for in a thriller with twists you will get it in here. Superbly written and well worth a read.
Profile Image for Prachi Biswal.
165 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2022
A mystery fiction with a number of spiral twists is what you find when you read this book!

The lead character of the story, Major Aaditya is a person who is an ex-operative who is a specialist in killing the enemies of America unofficially.

The story is based on the viewpoint of Aaditya's fears, his worst desires and his traumas as well.
Aaditya considers himself responsible for his mother's illness and he feels guilty for this.

In the long run, Aaditya faces a numerous challenges and he wins over these challenges.
He falls in love with a woman and the ending part was really sad. It really hurts when you know that the person you love is going to leave you and you don't want them to leave.
Aaditya's love for Amy and Amy's love for Aaditya made me cry 😭.

The book was a bit lengthy and I took a lot of time in reading it which is not at all a negative remark as the characters were super interesting and quite amazing.

A nail-biting , thrilling read!
362 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2023
Title: A Gripping Thrill Ride: "The 1st ASSASSIN" by Mainak Dhar

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Review:

"The 1st ASSASSIN" by Mainak Dhar is an electrifying and intense roller coaster of a thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With his masterful storytelling and impeccable pacing, Dhar has crafted a gripping narrative that captivates from the very first page.

Set in a world of clandestine operations and high-stakes intrigue, this book introduces us to an unforgettable protagonist, a highly skilled assassin with a mysterious past. Dhar's ability to breathe life into his characters is exceptional, as he delves deep into their motivations, fears, and desires. The protagonist's journey is not just about action and adrenaline but also about self-discovery and redemption, adding a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a mere thriller.

What sets "The 1st ASSASSIN" apart is Dhar's meticulous attention to detail. The author has clearly done extensive research to create a realistic and immersive world that feels both authentic and thrilling. From the intricacies of assassination techniques to the complex web of international espionage, every aspect of the story feels meticulously crafted and expertly executed.

The pacing of the book is relentless, with non-stop action and suspense that keeps readers hooked until the final page. Dhar's prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes and heart-pounding moments that play out like a blockbuster film in the reader's mind. The author's ability to build tension and maintain it throughout the story is truly remarkable, making it almost impossible to put the book down.

Furthermore, "The 1st ASSASSIN" delivers thought-provoking themes and explores the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. It raises questions about the nature of power, loyalty, and the human capacity for change. While the book is undeniably thrilling, it also invites readers to reflect on deeper issues, adding an extra layer of substance to the story.

As a fan of the thriller genre, I can confidently say that "The 1st ASSASSIN" is a standout novel that deserves a spot on every reader's shelf. Mainak Dhar's writing is exceptional, and his ability to craft a story that keeps you glued to the pages is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heart-pounding action, intricate plots, and unforgettable characters.

"The 1st ASSASSIN" is a thrilling masterpiece that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series. Grab your copy today and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure that will leave you breathless.
Profile Image for Sagar Naskar.
797 reviews13 followers
May 4, 2023
Book : The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller
Author : Mainak Dhar

I used the holiday to read the book. Post lunch I picked up the book thinking I would finish one chapter and go off to sleep! The first chapter took me off my feet and I landed back only when I completed all of them by evening. It was a 6-hour roller-coaster ride of emotions. The characters are still ringing in my head! This story was almost like watching a movie. Every scene was running inside my mind. The author's writing skill was the obvious reason behind this.

As we all know, a soldier is never on holiday. He has been given an office job but he is also looking forward to that success to get back on the field and teach a lesson to those who dare to look down on our country. The story is about a boy named Major Aditya who is a special agent investigating issues related to the national security of the United States of America. Aditya Sen is one such chief who comes highly recommended, he is full of experience, and a keen planner, all his associations and projects have given him tremendous recognition to be a part of our country's biggest covert mission. But this time the mission is unknown and unnamed, there is no official paperwork, and the enemies will be killed but the report is a plain white paper. It may name their work, and question their integrity and duty. As well as the unknown threat to his life. His life is turned upside down when he is tasked with investigating and stopping an assassination plot against the President of the United States. Do grab your copies and go through the journey of thriller adventure.

Oh, what a book! If you just buy one book this year, make it this! It appears as if someone is sitting next to you and narrating these stories. While reading certain scenes in the story I actually felt like it was happening in reality! That is how the book deeply engages the readers. Each of the characters are so strong that they bind you with their personalities, and force you to remember them long after you have read the stories. The Author has described each scene in the book in detail and with accuracy. He has used interesting words that portray the scene brilliantly. The Author has described everything perfectly. The author has a good storytelling style. However, it's the ending that was the most satisfying. The language of the book is brilliant. Leave all specification just grab the book & give it a try.

⭐ Rating : 4.5/5 🌟⭐
⭐ Must Recommended 🌟
Profile Image for Prerna  Shambhavee .
731 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2023
"The First Assassin" by Manik Dhar takes readers on an exhilarating journey filled with action, conspiracies, and the complexities of the protagonist's life. The story revolves around Major Aditya Sen, a former member of the Indian Army Special Forces, who battles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and wrestles with suicidal thoughts. Dhar beautifully portrays the dedication of Aditya to his motherland, where he is willing to go to any extent to ensure its safety.

The novel delves into the world of Indian defense organizations, shedding light on the intricate politics and secret operations within. Aditya, now working a desk job in Delhi, struggles with the bureaucratic environment, adding another layer of tension to his character. The exploration of the political landscape and the covert activities of special forces serve as compelling themes throughout the book.

Aditya Sen's character shines with wit, humor, and resilience. The author skillfully portrays his struggles providing readers with a deep understanding of his journey. The depiction of his PTSD and the challenges he faces adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, making Aditya a relatable and compelling protagonist.

As the plot unfolds, the impending visit of the President of the United States to India brings forth a grave threat. Aditya, along with Amy Khan from the American Intelligence, analyzes and investigates this threat, leading to a gripping tale of suspense and danger. The relationship between Aditya and Amy develops organically throughout the book, adding a touch of romance amidst the intense action.

Author's writing style is fast-paced yet descriptive, allowing readers to vividly visualize the scenes and immerse themselves in the story. The language is accessible and easy to understand, making it an engaging read for a wide range of readers.The easy-to-understand language allowed me to immerse myself fully in the story,and experiencing the adrenaline rush of the action-packed sequences.

"The First Assassin" is a captivating blend of action, suspense, and political intrigue. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to unravel the conspiracies and mysteries that lie within. With a compelling protagonist, a well-crafted plot, and a writing style that strikes the perfect balance between pace and description, Manik Dhar delivers an enthralling and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Bibliophillic1997.
400 reviews16 followers
June 19, 2023
In "The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller," the author takes readers on a thrilling and suspenseful journey filled with intriguing characters, a gripping plot, immersive world building, and captivating language. This action-packed novel grips readers from the first page and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The characters in this book are well-developed and multi-dimensional, adding depth and complexity to the story. The protagonist, a former government operative, is a compelling figure torn between duty and self-discovery. As the reader delves deeper into the protagonist's mind, we witness their internal struggle and growth. The supporting characters, including colleagues and adversaries, are equally captivating, each with their own unique motivations and secrets.

The plot is masterfully crafted, weaving a web of conspiracy and danger that keeps readers guessing at every turn. The assassination plot against the US President serves as the central conflict, but it is the layers of deception and unexpected twists that make the story truly engaging. The pacing is relentless, building tension with each chapter, while the carefully placed revelations propel the narrative forward.

The world building in this novel is rich and immersive, offering readers a glimpse into the shadowy world of government operations and covert missions. The author's attention to detail creates a realistic backdrop for the story, enhancing its authenticity and allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the protagonist's world.

The language employed throughout the book is evocative and vivid, heightening the sense of danger and urgency. The author expertly captures the essence of the thriller genre, employing descriptive prose that paints a vivid picture of action sequences, intense emotions, and intricate conspiracies.

With "The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller" being the first installment in a trilogy, readers will undoubtedly be left yearning for more. The gripping conclusion of this book sets the stage for an epic continuation of the story, promising even more twists, revelations, and heart-stopping moments. Fans of fast-paced thrillers will eagerly anticipate the sequel, craving answers to the lingering questions and the fate of their beloved characters.
Profile Image for astra_reads.
34 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2022
3.75 ✨

Very intriguing blurb.

Aaditya Sen is an ex RAW(Indian foreign intelligence agency) officer now working a boring desk job. He's been part of missions that aren't for everyone's eyes and ears, and has medals and honors on his mantel that he feels are more to keep him shut than anything else.

He ends up with the scurt work when his latest mission goes south with him witnessing the cruel death of his close friends and getting out of it with survivor's guilt.

He's assigned to be a part of a team that oversees the safety measures for the arrival of the US president. When they go investigating into a tip about an assassination plot, things spiral out of hand, with the officers and the militants falling dead, left and right. Who's behind all this? Will they be able to find out? Can they put a stop to it?

The whole story seems to want to talk about these elite group of soldiers who sacrifice themselves both physically and mentally for the well being of our country, placing a lot of emphasis on how the reality of such works are far from the glorified versions we get on movies or on any popular sources, but ultimately ends up being one itself.

The writing itself was good, the dialogues and the jargons felt appropriate but it was the lack of depth in the characters and a plot with very obvious loose ends that made it hard to enjoy.

The first half of the book is mostly Aadi driving the plot being the smartest cookie in the room. I get that he's the hero but does it have to be him finding out stuff and suggesting every next step in the mission. It was kinda of rectified in the second half, but it still largely felt like a one man show.

With the book clearly establishing that it's all about Aadi, the side characters aren't putting up a lot of fight either: there's an obligatory mother who loves no matter what, a boss he couldn't stand, a funny co-worker, a senior he looks upto, a girl he falls in love with, a little too quickly. They don't add much to the story expect for being there to participate in the hero worship of our MMC.

For a story that should have you at the edge of your seat, it falls flat with unsolicited monologues and its characters' poor decisions.
263 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2023
The book is totally a should peruse book for spine chiller sweethearts like me.The writer ready to attract an image of the entire story perusers mind.The writer portrays the story with point by point data and makes tension in perusers mind,which is overwhelmingly significant in a thrill ride story.The writer additionally capably depicts each activity scenes which makes perusers anxious to be aware of the following scenes.The story is exceptionally grasping and keep you up throughout the evening.

The creator has required an incredible exertion for breaking down this multitude of exceptional powers to give a great concentrate with such a lot of intriguing realities. The outright exhilarating that the creator delivered in the story is a magnificent show. One of the scene where the horrible experience of major decribed when he individuals lost his colleagues was so very much portrayed by the creator. Likewise the way how he decribed the extreme and activity scenes is astounding. Portrayal of the story is straightforward so even a novice can undoubtedly have the option to get this.As you read it, the new goal and people are presented, and you learn more about the main character. The narrative is told from Aditya’s point of view and discusses his concerns and how he overcomes them. I like how carefully the mother and son’s relationship was described in this thriller’s suspenseful dialogue. The author has a gift for writing and understands how to surprise his readers. I like the writing, the thrill that was maintained, and the times that turned the plot upside down.

This book contains a wealth of information on topics relevant to the military theory and national security. The book demonstrates how our people strive to preserve our nation. The characters’ battle was agonizing, and the emotional upheaval was palpable. The storyline was straightforward, yet it was nevertheless deserving of a movie. There were parts of the book that had me convinced I was seeing a work of art being created on the big screen.Overall, written in a simple and lucid language with strong characters and engrossing plot, “The 1st Assassin” is a fast paced intriguing read that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Profile Image for Shina.
305 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2022
⚔️ THE 1ST ASSASSIN: A UNIT 22 THRILLER ⚔️
By Mainak Dhak

This is my first time reading a book by Mainak.This book is a mystery and thriller genre book. Anyone who likes to read mystery and thriller type of stories will definitely like this book.

When you look at the title of this book, you can easily guess the story of this book? Not entirely maybe partially. Yeah, this is a fictional political freedom based story with mystery and thriller in it.

As far as I am concerned this book seemed to me a long book. Because the writer of this story has introduced many characters in this story and also different events are happening in this story if you want to understand all this then you have to have a good concentration while reading it.

The protagonist of this book, Major Aadhitya Sen, is the one who begins to tell this story from his point of view. Major Sen is a person who worked for the Government but no one knows what he worked for, in which area. He worked, in the special force unit set by the government and he was a park R&AW.

While having a conversation with Sahil, Major Sen told him that he worked for the government Special Force Unit and he started to explain why the unit was designed and what they did in that unit. They call that special unit 22.

Apart from that some other thing that happens in this unit is that they will announce a mission that is going to happen officially. But the reason to be surprised is that such a mission would never happen and they will show the world that they killed people in that mission and portray them as enemies. But official such things never happened.

After running a mission like this, they would give the major sen, some medals to shut him up and they even hold some parties to make him proud.If I tell you more of this story here, it will not be good and it will be the biggest betrayal I will do to this book.

Because there are a lot of events in this book in a way that we can read and understand and besides that only when you read these books you will understand and how is the depth and meaning of this, definitely buy and read this book.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Mili Das.
607 reviews22 followers
August 17, 2022
“I have heard some details of what happened in that famous last mission, but you know, with all the secrecy you people in the Special Group love, I don’t know it all and perhaps they will never reveal all that happened. They said all of you were heroes, but I said that I prefer heroes who don’t get captured and killed by the enemy.”

Stormy winds and rain accompanied this thriller, my Sunday derived a great adrenaline rush from the book.
This is a pretty sickeningly brilliant spy thriller. I wasn't expecting it would be this kind of engrossing action-packed thriller, it was surprisingly awesome.

The story evolved around major Sen, his hunting memory from the combat field made him mentally disoriented so he took leave from fieldwork, and goes to the psychiatrist, nevertheless he was again appointed to the mission when US presidential security team came to India. US president is visiting India to celebrate its independence day celebration. The team wants now Major Sen's expertise in decoding a conspiracy theory against the guest president, that was informed by special intel of RAW.

His survival struggle on the field and off the field and his missions are staged here in a very picturesque narrative style.

Back-to-back suspenseful missions, combat war, and adrenaline rush make me feel exhausted yet so much make me want to read more. An amazingly well-crafted plot that is twisted masterfully. Every character is skillfully rooted in the story.

I liked how the author executed major Sen's emotional aspects here. His concern for his mother, and his nightmares, all portrayed a softer side of a Major,
It was surprisingly evocative and the emotional amalgamation makes this read more engaging, it never occurred to me as any speed breaker rather it appeared to make the book more enjoyable.

The book is jammed with action sequences, the author didn't let the flow go down, and the dexterity hooked me immediately after I started reading.

The most crucial thing in a thriller is editing, and in this book, the editor has a great job in making this book a breathtaking, page-turner.
138 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2022
Those of us who grew up watching James Bond and Tom Cruise's 'Mission Impossible' series movies know how it feels to have adrenaline rushing through us as we get sucked into the fast paced and thrilling espionage stories. Author Mainak Dhar's 'The 1st Assassin' is one such book which narrates the story of a SFF ( Special Frontier Force) agent Aditya Sen who goes against a highly crafty rogue CIA agent's plan of assassination of the US President in India and comes out victorious.

The story starts with us seeing the protagonist Sen battling mental problems as he tries to come to terms with the brutal deaths of his comrades on a mission. He deals with guilt and remorse and is left to a desk job by his superiors. His life changes when he is recruited into a task force jointly set up by the Indian and US governments to foil the assassination attempt on the US President and unveil the conspirators. Demoralised by his boss Sean everyday , Sen sees this as a welcome chance to get out of the monotonous desk job and starts actively getting involved. He is attracted to an US agent and soon falls in love with her. Meanwhile he along with his friend go on identifying terrorists and terminating them. The story gets intriguing when the people close to him starts dieing by accidents and murders and he realises that there is a greater force at work. Throughout the novel we get to witness the soldier, the spy and the patriot working singlehandedly to foil every terrorist action and emerging victorious. The climax is shocking and leaves us with plenty of food for thought.

The author does well to invade the psyche of a soldier who feels pain, guilt and remorse after watching his friends die in battle. Through the voice of Sen, the author speaks out against meaningless wars and hypocrisy of the ones ordering and sending the soldiers to battle without caring for their lives. He makes a bold and strong statement indeed which is reflected in the dialogues of the protagonist. Overall the fiction is fast paced, action packed, scintillating and a must read for those who love espionage stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sumedha Wasan (throughthepassages).
43 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2022
Picking up Mainak Dhar’s stories for the first time, it was very happy with my choice. It's no small achievement when a story that we often appreciate as a movie is just as thrilling as a book. An American hero in an Indian War movie effect served up the tale of an Indian Para officer doing a desk job in RA&W. Aditya, the main character, is a distinguished officer who has completed numerous successful missions. However, a recent failure has left him with PTSD and doubt about his own capabilities. In order to succeed, he must rest his demons as a new mission and threat in India develops.

The action scenes were plenty, with sufficient description to allow for simple visualisation. The hierarchy and the ease of communication between the armed forces was a familiar sight and the brotherhood and camaraderie in the fighting arms was a relation we all aspire for. Aditya's patriotism was admired because it wasn't mindless but rather motivated by instincts of protection. The support he had from his family and friends in wake of his mental health is a reality to be reached. The speedy recovery, though, was too fantastical and could have been demonstrated more effectively.

I could relate to and see the issues Aditya had with the system. We also battle it on a daily basis with the silos and barriers that Indian politics and government offered him. The agencies' and jurisdictions' complexity effectively positioned their roles in the narrative and added to its suspense.

Each of the supporting figures was fully developed and excelled in their respective roles. Salil is the kind of friend everyone needs in their life. The only predictability in the book was the doubtful nature of Amy Khan's character, which I noticed from the beginning. Aditya's mother gave him a lot of support throughout the novel, demonstrating the strength a woman may have for her family even if she isn't actively engaged in war.

Overall, Unit 22 was a fantastic book that was both entertaining and exciting. And the mystery as to why the book is named so will have to solved by reading the book, wouldn’t it ?!
93 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2023
"The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller" by Mainak Dhar is an action-packed novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of covert operations and secret missions. The main character, Aditya Sen, is a highly skilled and experienced soldier who has been tasked with a dangerous and secretive mission.

The story begins with Aditya being approached to take on a mission that involves killing enemies without leaving any evidence. This creates a significant challenge for Aditya, as he must balance his duty to his country with the risks to his own safety and reputation. Despite these challenges, Aditya is eager to get back to the field and show his enemies what they are up against.

As the story unfolds, Aditya is given the opportunity to return to his field duty, where he can use his skills and instincts to complete his mission. Along the way, he also finds himself falling in love and must balance his personal life with his duty to his country. The plot is exciting and fast-paced, with plenty of action, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns.

One of the strengths of the book is the depth of the characters. Aditya is a well-developed character with a complex backstory, and the supporting characters are also fleshed out and interesting. The author does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and making the reader care about their fate.

The writing style is engaging and easy to read, with a good balance of description and dialogue. The author's attention to detail is impressive, particularly when it comes to the military and covert operations aspects of the story. It is clear that the author has done his research and knows his subject matter well.

Overall, "The 1st Assassin: A Unit 22 Thriller" is an excellent book that is highly recommended for fans of action and suspense novels. The plot is thrilling, the characters are well-developed, and the writing is engaging and well-paced. This is a book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
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