Once Upon A Spy

by Suvash Dev

YOU DON’T CHOOSE THE WORLD OF ESPIONAGE
THE WORLD OF ESPIONAGE CHOOSES YOU.
Vishwamitra Saini — a spy, a consummate man, and an avid lover — sees the world in black and white. He has his own set of rules that he abides by. But when he falls in love during a mission, a deed which ultimately blows his cover, his superiors decide to put him on the shelf. It is then that he decides he has had enough. He crosses over to Pakistan and defects to the other side, putting all of India’s secrets in jeopardy. At least that is the story that the world knows about him. But has he really defected? Or has he gone rogue? What is the truth? As the hunt for Saini begins, a secret is revealed from the veil about a mysterious informant from the other side, codenamed The Rook, whose agenda is yet obscure. A threat, unknown and unseen, looms upon the country and the people, as Saini navigates his way through the web, which is determined to ensure his downfall. Once Upon A Spy — is a devasting portrayal of men who have played different roles for so long that they no longer know who they are.

Paperback

First published August 26, 2020

Reviews

[Apoorva · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there's anything that honestly grabs my attention instantly and keeps me glued, then it's nothing but spying tales in novels or films, be it fiction or actual stories. The scheme is indeed different, and the writer has done enough research on the history of the two nations, its diplomacies, undercover operatives, and their bureaus. You totally feel for the actors and get in the spying role to hold the accused on your own.

The book has multiple stories weaved together, and you ought to contemplate and make sure not to avoid any part. The word usage is pleasing; nevertheless, I really wish that the overall construction, presentation, and narrative conclusion could become more enjoyable. The story transitions were a little perplexing, but re-reading it a few times provided a significant clear view. Sure recommendation to everyone!!

[Ankita Khataniar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Once Upon A Spy" tells us the story of Vishwamitra Saini who has apparently defaulted to Pakistan, much to the dismay of his colleagues at the Indian Intelligence. Now with the superiors in India at his tail and the Pakistan Govt wanting to make the best use of a blessing that has fallen into their hands, the question remains that what is really going on in Saini's head and what is his endgame? The facts are revealed as the story proceeds but ends in kind of a cliffhanger.
When I first picked up the book, I was expecting to find extreme action and glamour clad spies in dapper clothing. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author has actually showed a somewhat true scenario of what actually goes on behind the scenes. It is more about who can outtalk others than outrun others. The story is a nice blend of smart talk and brief actions that shows us the multiple faces of humans.
The narration is somewhat linear, but goes back and forth between backstories and present happenings. The plot is intricate and the characterization is excellent. The characters are deep, complex and conflicted. The language is aesthetic and descriptive.
Recommended this book to readers who like to analyze their reads and enjoy deep conversations and complex plots.

[Motivationaldailythoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title - Once Upon A Spy
Author - Suvash Dev
Publisher - Kalamos Literary Services
Genre - Spy thriller/fiction
Pages - 237
Format - Kindle
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The story of 'Once Upon A Spy' revolves around Vishwamitra Saini, a spy and a perfectionist. He is a man who stands for his own set of rules. He is right away back out to Pakistan due to some reason.
What happens next?
To know read this amazing thriller which is inspired by the current political situation in the world.
The cover of the book could have been better. The title is totally apt. The plot of the story is complex, deep, multilayered and unpredictable. It is a perfect blend of thrill, suspense, romance, politics and espionage. This is something rare, the spy novel that provides lots of detail on intelligence work used to current today's situation.
Language used is simple and well written by the author. It is moving at a good pace. This book is just a bit different from the other from detective stories. The author has amazingly described the scenes which makes it an gripping read.
The truth is unravelled slowly in a suspense. He has cleverly written about the tricky people.
The narration is quite smooth and well balanced between past and present.
Characters are well developed and described by the author.
Overall, a breathtaking read.

Rating - 4.2/5

I recommend this book to those who love reading thrillers

[Polomy Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Lines from the Book ;
1. "Intelligence work has one law - that it has no moral code and it strives on results"

2. Spying is the same as acting. The only difference is the actor receives accolades for his good performance, whereas a spy gets one more day to live. It's the lies that keeps us alive. An artist fools the audience for 3 hours while a spy fools himself his whole life"

"Once Upon a Spy" is one of the brilliant novel that has been penned down with great imagination & story telling skill.
The story begins when Vishwamitra Saini who once worked as a spy for India surrenders himself in Pak.
It is believed that he is a traitor.
A guy who dedicted decades of his life for the country is said to be betraying the same country and the reason being probably out of greed, anger or for the love.
A series of investigations & encouters that keeps the readers hooked to the book.

There are various characters narrated in this book and the Author has brought them up with clarity and the feeling is similar to watching movie.
The concept of spying has been justified very well.
Either be it spying agencies or the people involved in, as I reader I could feel the intensity through which the storyline has been designed.
It makes us feel that the Author has closely observed the life of spy before publishing this book.
The suspense is maintained till the end & if I am not wrong, the book ends unexpectedly leaving us speechless because readers can not predict the climax of this book...
I was still curious until the last page & Last paragraph and wanted to know the face.

Since the beginning, the character of Saini was very fluctuating to draw an impression about his true nature & that's why I admire the Author's work here because this is how Spy's are.
In the beginning, It was interesting to know about Hayat as he held unique personality as well as unique perceptions.
Zeenat's character was very descent yet she was suspected and I wanted to know more about the relationship bond.
The seema's fate actually hit me hard & Nusrat's fate was no less.
As a book lover, I could feel the heart break of Muneer.
So many character offering their own stories to the readers yet the suspense of Saini awaits us.
I could see major development in all the characters.

This is such a mature read that I have read some chapters twice to make sure I am not missing out any detail.
Not giving more spoilers, the ending chapters completely took me by surprise.
Throughout the book I tried to know Saini but I connected with him during the conversation with Zeenat at the end and I could feel Zeenat's justification too for her actions.
The language is extremely well.
The only suggestion I have is that, it could have been better if each chapter.
I have watched few movies on Spy game but I admit this book offers much better spy game than any movie that I have watched so far.
Overall it was a nail biting thriller that kept challenging me to predict reality until the end.

[Solitude and books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spies have to live in secrecy . Not even their near and dear ones know about their secret missions. For collecting information they visit so many places and dangerous situations they handle and may be one such thing is falling in love on a mission. But here is Mr.saini who is unruly . He is a rebel type
has his own sets of rules. But he too has his side of the stories kept in a very safe place where memories dwell .While the story starts as if he is on another of his mission but soon it shifts to a twisted path . Is it rightful for a spy to behave like that ? How will it affect him and what consequences will it brought upon India when he gets into the clutches of Pakistan with his collection of extremely sensitive details of national details. What conspires him to take such actions ? Adventure filled thrilling plot . You may check the blurb and pick it up if you are a thriller lover.

[Ipshita Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a spy

It's an action thriller. The Indo Pakistan conflict can be said as the highlight of the story. The story is about a spy and his experiences. The spy itself is the narrator and depicts the story without adding anything extra which I liked the most. It's not kind of Bollywood movies which portrays added scenes and all. Somewhat I enjoyed reading this one. The secrets, plotting and twists have been very well sketched. The language was lucid and clear. The narration was fast paced. I will definitely recommend it to action thriller lovers.

[Devasish Bhowmick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa! It was a hell of a ride. I have yet to come across such a spy novel. It's literally one of its kind. The descriptive writing and the ideologies were breathtaking. The book is slow paced and its written in an unrelated narrative style, but hats off to the author to put all the chapter together in a masterful piece of art. For a debutante author, this is a great piece of work.

I wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

[Kidliomag · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is first full fledged novel by Suvash but for me this is second time that I'm reading his book ,first one I really liked it but this one just completely blew me away ,what a drastic change in his writing, the way he presented this book it seems like he is an experienced writer.
When I saw this book, I thought of it is about a spy who is on a secret mission but when I started reading it ,with in 10 pages my perception is completely changed because it is about an Indian spy Vishwamitra Saini whose on a mission in Pakistan but he surrendered very easily in a police station and puke out many secrets too about Indian agents.
So there is a question why would he do it ?
Why he make his life hell?
So there are lot of questions which are answered as layers of mystery unfolds later in the book.
This book is successful in keeping me hooked till the end, Characters are also well defined except one or two and you have to keep a track on all the characters otherwise you missed out the suspense in the end.

A very well written fiction which going to reveal so many secrets about spy and their dark life because a spy lives many lives ,plays different roles for so long that they no longer know who they are.

[Abhinav Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a really hard task to understand a spy. He is chameleon, not hiding but wandering among people with utmost secrecy. So in this book, vishwamitra Saini: a spy who tells his story.
The storyline actually set in Pakistan among various officers, agents & so-called secret agencies. Visheamitra tells his story as it is. It's too complex to understand what's happening but believe me, once you catch the characters it's been all clear.
The story starts with the introduction of different places saini visits & revealing many consequences on which he is working. Along with the incidents he tells about his life, personal as well as a professional one. Sometimes he visits his livable moments with his lover & on the other side the memories of a mission.

The book is full of characters, hidden facts, conspiracy & influence of the different organisation on country's matters. The whole book is interesting throughout.

Book gives a good ethical vision of a spy's life. It's really inspiring as well as emotional.
The end part of the story is more interesting. It is fast & leaves the reader with an uncertain feeling, the moment after someone watch a spy movie. This book is full of action, adventure, secrets, planning & a mysterious environment of spy life.
Overall I like this book. A must-read for thriller fiction readers.

[Niharika Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything is not always the same as it seems. The perfect mantra for the life of the spy, Vishwamitra Saini, who is the protagonist of the book 'Once upon a spy'. The book narrates his story - how a skilled and dedicated spy gets overpowered by his emotions, hampering his professional life. Our spy then moves to Pakistan, considering it to be a better option over getting shelved. But again that's not the end. The story is a thriller mystery, multiple incidents unfolds and a complex labyrinth of detection and devotion gets created.
The book is a page turner and maintains the mystery throughout. Author takes the readers to the spy's journey in the third form of narration, thus giving room to intensified active voice conversations. The story being set in Pakistan, a true vibe of military and agent like environment is rendered. The novel showcases the life of spies at a very personal and realistic end. Although at places, the spy's mindset could have been elaborated. The best thing about the book is the title itself as it describes the entire story by itself.
Grab the book if you are into thrillers.

[Govind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title - Once upon a spy
Author - Suvash Dev
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Once upon a spy .. You will definitely get many idea from the Title itself but all gonna being wrong. I would not tell much about the story because reading it first time without having any idea about it will make the book more interesting. I have myself read the book three times and will read it again in future too. I loved the plot and the way the author has told the story. The author work is really appreciative and changes in his writing skills can be easily noticed from his past books. The role of media and the detailed explanation about a spy life , their work , their daily life makes the book much more interesting and alot engaging. I finished it in a go and was definitely lost in it till the last word. I loved reading it and would definitely recommend you all and especially the one who love reading about spy and some detective types should must try this. Just grab the book guys , its worth it.
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Review -
1) The cover and the title of the book is nice and attractive.
2) The book is very well thought and framed.
3) The plot of the story very well narrated by the author.
4) The characters were well described and formed.
5) The language used by the author is simple and easily understandable.
6) The flow of the book is well paced.
7) Overall, an amazing read.
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I recommend this book to all.

[Joyshy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading spy thriller. Once upon a spy is a well written thriller fiction with high informative details. One who doesn't know much about the international politics and its complexity,you may find it hard to follow. I belong to this category,so from my reading experience it is little hard to follow. Other than that, it is a great book. I highly impressed that this is author's debut novel. The narration of the story is so good and well penned. It is slow paced thriller but it didn't engrossed me much. Overall, i loved reading this book.

[Sukaina Majeed · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Once Upon A Spy is a story of a spy Saini who has been trapped in a mission and an enquiry is conducted on him. But as he goes deeper in the details something doesn't sit right with him.

A book surrounding a spy's life and the truth of his job he knows or he thinks he knows.
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An interesting read from the beginning. The author has captured some of the most vulnerable moments of the characters through the detailed writing.
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The story of a spy through the political lense and the role of media in the entire story is something that intrigues one as a reader.
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Though there is definite stereotyping which could have been avoided the book is going to be a favourite among readers who love spy movies or are familiar with Tom Clancy's work in the past.
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Some scenarios in the book give you a cinematic feel which makes it a light read.
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Find out the truth of a spy's life and his journey.

[Manisha Minni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book- Once Upon A Spy
Author- Suvash Dev
Edition-Kindle

I should tell you that once I picked up 'Once Upon A Spy' it was so gripping and thrilling that I could not put it down. A mix of complicated mystery,politicial thriller,romance,Gothic traditional and just simple great writing.

Vishwamitra Saini is a Indian Spy- a consummate man and an avid lover,sees the world in black and white and he has his own set of rules, who has been trapped in a mission,overpowered by his emotions.The mission that revolves around two countries India and Pakistan.
Through this book we can get the idea of a spy's life,their work,they always engaged with difficult and dangerous situations.
The book require attention as there are many characters explained in different chapters and the timeline of the story keeps changing.
The title of the book is totally appropriate.
Language is well written.Every page is full of suspense.
I highly recommend it.
Loved this book!!!!

[Bucketful Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

YOU DON’T CHOOSE THE WORLD OF ESPIONAGE
THE WORLD OF ESPIONAGE CHOOSES YOU.

And this very statement goes with you once you become a spy. The choices you want to employ and the decisions you have to make; mostly have a difference of day and night. You have no right to opt; the power to choose your fate is in the hands of those who know politics more than anything else. Those power holders decide when to evacuate you and when to disown you.

The book "Once Upon A Spy" by Suvash Dev, puts the spotlight on the system, which goes around the life of any agency's spy. It doesn't matter if you belong to RAW, ISI, or Mi6. Once you get into the political games of superiors, they will push you toward the verge of death without thinking twice or they will thrust you in a pit where death can be easier and life must be god awful for you.

A patriot agent never fears death, but dying as a traitor is a curse. Vishwamitra Saini an Indian Spy, has been caught by ISI agents when he was cracking some kind of deal that involves national confidential information of Indian projects. He has been manhandled and tortured horribly by the cruel bureaucrats of the Pakistan army.

He isn't able to breathe properly from his badly broken nose and neither is he able to reckon which part is aching as he is feeling like every part of his body has been broken. He yields at last.

He gets two choices; either he turns traitor to his own country or dies bit by bit in the lifeless bunker, where heartless soldiers serve cruelest tortures on his platter every day. What choice Vishwamitra will make? And what kinds of consequences and repercussions he and the whole nation will need to pay for it? Is Vishwamitra really a traitor?

As the author said in the acknowledgment section that the spy genre doesn't get much exposure in India, but then he wrote this book in a jargon language; like he isn't writing it for readers but for the agencies and whoever officials belong to them. So I didn't like the language of this Indian Spy storybook.

However, I liked the narration. It was very descriptive. The author made an effort to meticulously put everything which goes in and out, inside both countries' espionage agencies. A lot of backstories had been going with the main plot, though most of the backstories weren't fitting well, they just increased the length of the book.

The action was great and the suspense of the Rook was remarkably awesome; it was a mind-boggling experience. This Indian spy storybook and the conspiracies and ulterior agendas which come with it; surprise me to the roots. Every character was well developed, though their back Stories weren't that great. The book was mostly focused on the politics of the secret agencies and how it ruined a Spy's life completely.

The author tried to put some Spy love story and drama, though I didn't like the love chemistry of Vishwamitra and the woman he loved. It could be more realistic and intense. The best part of the story for me was its descriptive narration and the action.

And the best scene of the book was, which was a heart-melting scene when Vishwamitra meets with Ahmed Muneer and later he dies in an accident; Ahmed was truly an inspiring character for me. This book isn't for all so if you're taking your chances with this book, then you need to have patience, as it would take time to immerse yourself in this story. I have a fifty-fifty feeling about this book.

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[Ashutosh Dikshit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is cut from the same cloth as those by the legendary John le Carrè, not having high octane car-chases, or trigger happy James Bonds, instead preferring to keep it real, in tune with the actual espionage world of playing a waiting game. The book may come across as slow-paced and plodding to those who do not really understand how the “Great Game” is played, but in reality, it is a cerebral piece that paints an accurate picture of the unforgiving lives of espionage agents.

[Bestbookhunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, "Once Upon A Spy" is an unpredictably enthralling saga full of absorbing twists and layers which will keep you hooked evenly throughout the story.

The story is bit complex but captivating and suspenseful at the same and it will leave you agape after each chapter seeking for more and will definitely give you the thrill and goosebumps one page at a time.

In the beginning, seeing the sheer volume of book it might seem an arduous read and infact even when I started reading,it took me certain amount of time to get engrossed in it but once one starts becoming familiar with the tale and the nuisances of the characters it becomes an unputdownable thriller.

The story entails the life of the Protagonist, Vishwamitra Saini, an Indian spy and a complex personality who embarks on several secret missions. During one of his missions, he falls in love and found himself in a total mess, digressing from his goals.

What would have been gone wrong that a devout spy like him resorts to give in his patriotic duties? What could compell him to leave for Pakistan and kneel before the enemy camp and end up revealing confidential information? Or, is there some other parallel stratagem at work ?

To know further what happens with him, you will have to flip through the pages of this book which is so riveting that it will keep you hooked to the story till the very end. The best thing about this book is that it has rightly shown how "easy reading is hard writing."

The story telling, plot, dialogues, storylines, conflicts and character's sketching all these are second to none when it comes to this genre of popular fiction. The way the author has sketched the character of Vishwamitra Saini is somewhat the very reason why you should pick this book. A spy who loses his own identity on the odyssey of playing different roles throughout his life.

The language used in this book is very lucid and legible. The readers will hardly find it strenuous to finish it in one go, for sure. This story has it's own emotional touch which will send chills in the reader's back, it's guaranteed. I personally loved the plot and storytelling in this book and will recommend this book to everyone who loves to read.

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovers of spy fiction are some of the most devoted genre fans of all, and it’s easy to see why. The best spy novels are thrilling, dangerous, and often a little sexy. They explore politics and history through a unique lens. Their heroes speak seven languages and drive a minimum of four expensive cars — all well above the speed limit, might we add. With secrets, lies, conspiracies and undercover plots abound, these books span the national and the international, blending the personal and the political and showing how they are inextricably linked. Plus, admit it: you always secretly thought you’d make a great spy.

Once Upon a Spy by Suvash Dev is a story of Vishwamitra Saini, an Indian spy who was a part of many secret assignments. Saini has his own distinct way of living his life. On one of the missions, Saini falls in love and that leads to a mistake where his true identity is revealed which compromises the mission. He is put on the bench for that. With the thought that a lot is going against him, Saini decides to go to Pakistan where he surrenders in front of the investigators and even conjectures a lot of delicate and confidential information about India. How could he do that to the country to which he is dedicated all his life? Are we missing something? What could compel him to take such a decision? Read the story of Saini to find answers to all these questions.

The story is representative and the author’s way to unknot the obscurities is spectacular. Present-day politics is included in the story impressively. The plot is multifaceted making it more and more unpredictable with many twists and turns. The arrangement of the plots is so great that it feels that all the scenes happening in front of the eyes. The characters are apt and the character development of Saini is outstanding for he willing to do anything for his country. Language is well written and well versed even if you are a beginner.

An incredible novel which is gripping till the very end and will not disappoint. Definitely recommending it to lovers of an action-packed thriller.

[Nitin Sreedharan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Spy is a story of a government operative Saini who has been caught in a mission and an inquiry is led on him. Be that as it may, as he goes further in the subtleties something doesn't agree with him. A book encompassing a covert agent's life and the reality of his employment he knows or he thinks he knows.

At the point when I saw this book, I pondered a government operative who is on a mystery mission however when I began understanding it, within 10 pages my observation is totally changed on the grounds that it is about an Indian covert operative Vishwamitra Saini whose on a mission in Pakistan yet he gave up effectively in a police headquarters and vomit out numerous mysteries too about Indian specialists.

It is genuinely said that you don't pick the universe of surveillance, the universe of undercover work picks you. The life of a government agent isn't so courageous as it is by all accounts, when you profess to be of an alternate character for extremely long, you will in general overlook who you truly are.nThe book has scrupulousness. I completely delighted in the nitty-gritty depiction of the characters.

It is an intriguing book stuffed with activity. An unquestionable requirement read for the experience darlings. The storyline of the book is amazing and extraordinary. The creator has all around characterized the characters. Each page is loaded with anticipation. The story thrills us and we begin foreseeing what is coming straightaway. It is written in a straightforward language which is straightforward. It is relentless as well. Generally, a decent book committed to all the experience darlings.

I would prescribe this book to everybody.

[Neha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As name suggests ‘Once Upon a Spy' is a spy and political thriller. It is a story of a spy named Vishwamitra Saini and how things unfold in his life and spy career.

There are different and important characters in the story and author have done justice to every one of them. From the narration of the person to their thought process and their views, everything was crystal and spot on.

One thing reader have to vary though as to in different chapter the timeline of the story keeps changing, so you have to keep up with it.

The story starts with Vishwamitra Saini, an Indian spy from Raw, decided to go rouge after an incident with this department that changed the course of his spy career. He defected himself to the enemy, the ISI.

His this step didn’t come without some political unrest from both side. Is he really a defecter or something large has been in the scheme.

Different chapter shows the different emotions of Saini and all the characters. Political unrest, romance, mystery, pain, betrayal and twists at the correct moment.

The name of the book is totally apt and the writing is impeccable. The blurb is amazingly written which pecks your interest for the book. Language is well written and well versed even if you are a beginner, it’s a good way to start your spy thriller journey.

[Hepzibah Becca Jael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Spy
Suvash Dev

Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Review

“Spying is the same as acting. The only difference is the actor receives accolades for his good performance, whereas a spy gets one more day to live. It’s the lies that keep us alive. An artist fools the audience for three hours while a spy fools himself his whole life.”

This book was such a thrilling joy ride, I personally prefer Detective and Spy fiction to any other genre, and this one was just the thing I was looking for, the writing was just perfect for this book, the language was elegant and not too superfluous, the characters were descriptive enough for the reader to travel along companionably, the plot was without holes and the cover art is just so intriguing.

The story starts off with VISHWAMITRA SAINI a spy or an agent for the nation depends on which country you belong, the book has a beautiful and clear cut description of a spy and to master it is an art. The author has done justice to the novel as well as to the concept of spying and gives the reader perspective on Saini's multifaceted personality. My favorite part was the complexity of the plotline, the book kept me on my toes and that in itself is one reason and the next one is the trials that were thrown and yet there were no loose ends (only the ones that were indicating that there would be another book.

[Sneha Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Once Upon a Spy
Author: Suvash Dev

🕵🏻‍♂️Spy fiction is a genre in literature involving espionage as an important context or plot device.

🕵🏻‍♂️ The spy fiction arrived in the early twentieth century, inspired by rivalries and intrigues between the major powers, and the establishment of modern intelligence agencies.

🕵🏻‍♂️The work of Suvash revolves around a spy named Vishwamitra Saini.

🕵🏻‍♂️The characterisation is at its best because the background story for Saini shows how much the spies also have a normal background and this is contrary to the James Bond vibes

🕵🏻‍♂️The first few pages itself develops the curiosity to know more about the profession of the protagonist

🕵🏻‍♂️The mystery is kept intact till the secrets are unravelled

🕵🏻‍♂️Some scenes do bear resemblance to the spy films (unavoidable !)

🕵🏻‍♂️The emotions of the protagonist grabs the attention especially during the investigation scenes.

🕵🏻‍♂️The novel presents the multiple faces of India and Pakistan which is true to certain extent

🕵🏻‍♂️The language neatly suits the complex plot

🕵🏻‍♂️Definitely the plot has something more to offer beyond the stereotype of an espionage thrillers

🕵🏻‍♂️Want to know about a spy's life and his journey as well ? Read this to find out more !!!!

-Sneha

[Mohit Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover: 5/5
Title: 4/5
Blurb: 4/5
Presentation: 4/5
Plot: 5/5

Final Rating: 4/5

The cover is designed with quite simply. It looks dark, depicting the life of a Spy which is in shadows.

The title “Once Upon a Spy” seems perfect as the plot is based on the story of a spy, who went rouge and changes side.

The Blurb is thought provoking with the mention of the blowing of cover and mention of a mysterious informant from the other side, The Rook.

This is the story of an Indian intelligence spy, Vishwamitra Saini. Saini is willing to do anything for his country, like any other army men. But things take U-turn when his seniors decides to get rid of him.

The story is a real thriller. Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down till you complete it.

The language used is really good. The narration is simply interesting and all the supporting characters are crafted beautifully, that they feel so real, specially Hayat.

I somehow got involved with the plot, thinking about what will happen next in the story. This is an story of love, affection, courage, duty, betrayal, heart, and honour.

It’s a recommended read for book lovers who like to read thriller stories. Recently I have found my interest in reading tales from Indian Army.

[REHANA · Rating 4 out of 5]

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📚 Book Review


Title : Once Upon a Spy
Author : Suvash Dev
Language : English
Edition : Paperback
Pages : 250


🎯 Spies are secret agents who work under cover for the government or an organization. They help to procure valuable information from a country or a competitor which might prove to be fatal and can cause danger. They are an advantage for the country as they give advance warning about the dangers which can harm us.


🎯 The story is about a spy named Vishwamitra Saini. Once he goes on a mission to Pakistan but then he surrendered himself to the cops and told them all the secrets about the Indian agents. The story gets more captivating as it proceeds further.

🎯 It is an interesting book packed with action. A must read for the adventure lovers. The storyline of the book is awesome and unique. The author has well defined the characters. Every page is full of suspense. The story thrills us and we start anticipating what is coming next. It is written in simple language which is easy to understand. It is fast paced too. Overall a nice book dedicated to all the adventure lovers.



🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

[Ekta M · Rating 4 out of 5]

💐🌱You dont choose the world of espionage......the world off espionage chooses you.


Category- Espionage/Spy Thriller

An indian spy, Vishwamitra saini, enters Pakistan through the Karachi harbor posing as an Indian Businessman. The ISI was onto him as soon as they found out he was an indian agent besides a businessman. They started to follow him everywhere. One day Saini defects by declaring himself as a spy.
But what is the truth? Has he really defected?

#bookreview - This is the debut novel of author and for a debut one I must its mind blowing. It was as if I was reading a book by an international author. Yes because most indian authors dont do proper justice to thrillers.
This is a complex and a very lengthy read. Its time consuming but will totally keep you immersed in the book.
The author has narrated an authentic account of the spy trade and life. The details were so tantalizing. It showed a great deal about the spy life. Everything looked so real. It wasn't just another thriller.

Dark , Twisted and a Complex tale.

If you fancy reading a complex espionage or detective thrillers you can go for it.

Not recommended for beginners.

[Susan_ Writeups · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Once upon a spy written by Suvash Dev is a fictional read. This story mainly focuses on an Indian Spy named Vishwamitra Saini. He is someone who would be ready to put his own life at risk to accomplish a mission assigned to him. He gets stuck in a situation where both his personal and professional lives were at complete risk. At that time he suddenly breaks his ties with the Indian Military and gets closer to ISI and the Pakistani Military. From this point the story travels through the life of Vishwamitra Saini revealing the lifestyle and the complications faced by him due to his profession. The struggles faced by a spy in his personal life are presented well to the readers in a very detailed manner by the author through the character of Saini.

The story is completely filled with numerous twists and turns thus making the readers stick to the book until the book is completed. The narration and the writing style are more than perfect. The story is medium paced and never goes out of track at any point. This is my first read which is completely based on a spy and thanks to the author for making it a memorable one! I would surely recommend it to my fellow readers too.

[Wilson Tamil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a spy
Author: Suvash Dev

Once Upon A Spy is an account of a government operative Saini who has been caught in a mission and a request is directed on him. A book encompassing a covert operative's life and the reality of his occupation he knows or he thinks he knows.

Indian government operative Vishwamitra Saini whose on a mission in Pakistan yet he gave up effectively in a police headquarters and vomit out numerous insider facts too about Indian operators.
As the story pushes forward, things begin getting somewhat cloudy as the lines between truth and untruths get obscured. While this is something worth being thankful for in a book on spies that centers around individuals betraying, a lot of this will, in general, make things mistaking for the peruser, which is what occurs.

The portrayal is very smooth and even among various times.
the characters through the itemized composition.
A very elegantly composed fiction which going to uncover endless mysteries about a covert agent and their dim life.

overall, beautiful read

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of the book starts on an excellent note with some very interesting scenes that would engage the reader into the premise of the book and the story of Saini. As the story moves ahead, things start getting a bit hazy as the lines between truth and lies get blurred. While this is a good thing in a book on spies that focuses on people double crossing, too much of this tends to make things confusing for the reader, which is what happens. The manner in which the story has been told is quite interesting and Suvash as a storyteller can go places with the eye for detail that he has. The premise of the story is well crafted, but I felt that the execution could have been a bit better. The climax of the story started on an amazing note, but did not do justice to the level I expected from it.

Coming to the characters, the story has some of the best characters that can be present in a story about spooks. With tragic backstories and nefarious pasts, each one has their own agenda and throughout the book, the reader is kept guessing the identity of the Rook. Personally, Vishwamitra was one of the favorites because of the manner in which his arc develops and the manner in which he twists and turns the story to his advantage. Hayat was another character that caught my fancy in the way he carried himself, and how his mannerisms changed.

[Nilofar Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average Read!

This is a story of an Indian Spy who was set to accomplish his mission. Being stuck in an unfortunate situation concerning his personal and professional life as well, Vishwamitra Saini was held for an enquiry by Pakistan embassy. The investigation leads to the unfolding of many characters and incidences with their generous and shocking facts.
This is my second book on Spies, but I didn't find it intriguing enough. The start was quite thrilling and this leads me to expect more from it. Unfortunately, it lacked the zeal. The pace was too slow. The plot became confusing because of its continuous switching between the past and the present.
But I must add, the narration and the wordplay was commendable. The language was superb. Its that, too many characters play made it a little challenging to comprehend.
The story was thoughtful though. Cover-page is attractive and so is the title.

[Archi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Spy is a story of a spy Saini who has been trapped in a mission and an enquiry is conducted on him.Spies have to live in secrecy . Not even their near and dear ones know about their secret missions. This is the story of such a spy.

This is a very interesting and enjoyable book. The writers have put in decades of painstaking research on spies.

This book deserves far more media attention than what it's presently getting and its startling content needs to be widely discussed in the public sphere.

This novel not only has a story about a struggling spy, but it is also conveying a message to the audience that how easy our lives are when compared to these people who can't share their secrets even to their close ones.

An enjoyable read, though it perhaps doesn't go as deeply as I would have preferred (no doubt due to the lack of declassified documents and access issues) and raises quite a few questions that are left unsatisfactorily answered