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Penguin Metro Reads Only The Good Die Young: And I'm Not A Saint

Penguin Metro Reads Only The Good Die Young: And I'm Not A Saint

byAkash Verma
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Top positive review

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Writing Buddha
5.0 out of 5 starsThe best thriller book convenient for both- beginners and bibliophile
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 31 March 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!
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Kiranmayi
3.0 out of 5 starsStrictly for thriller fans!
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 22 April 2021
Anuradha left her job at C&M as Dhruv chose his wife Saritha and their kids over his love for Anuradha. Anuradha finds a new job and life in Mumbai and assumes she left behind her past. A chance encounter with Dhruv at an awards function brings Dhruv back into her life, although only as a friend. Soon, a new project that she is assigned with a high-profile client Aman helps her grab a posh residence.

As Anuradha rejoices that she found new friends, beautiful house and great work in Mumbai, unexpected things start happening to the people around her. While she mulls if it is coincidence or a warning from her past, things only get murkier, leaving her shocked. What secrets does Anuradha’s past hold and will she be able to stop further destruction forms the rest of the story.

This is the sequel to You Never Know and the author gives a brief recap of the story from the earlier part at the beginning. All through the current book, author makes sure to elaborate on the story that is being referenced from the earlier part, so even those who did not read the earlier part can pick this one without hesitation. I haven’t myself read the earlier part but reading the first part will add to understanding the characters better.

The story is dark, all characters flawed with grey shades or character traits that are not readily likeable. The revenge theme for a thriller is impressive which immediately draws the reader’s interest. For major part of the second half, author keeps the reader guessing on the real identity of the culprit, with ample twists and turns.

However, as the story progresses, the women sound dumb and naïve, though they are supposedly young, successful, independent women working in corporates. The author chose a wonderful story but falters in execution of building a taut sequence of events. Though the story starts off with a bang, it loses direction especially in second half with logic missing and the author taking too much of fictional liberties.

Pick this one if you are a fan of thriller genre and wouldn’t mind a dark thriller.
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From India

Writing Buddha
5.0 out of 5 stars The best thriller book convenient for both- beginners and bibliophile
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 31 March 2021
Verified Purchase
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!
Customer image
Writing Buddha
5.0 out of 5 stars The best thriller book convenient for both- beginners and bibliophile
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 31 March 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!
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Stories_to_telllll
4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging psychological thriller. Apt for movie adaption.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 25 May 2021
Verified Purchase
Anuradha, a girl in her twenties used to work in an advertising company where she fell in love with her boss Dhruv, a family man with two kids. Anuradha has a dark past with her psychopath ex-bf Sid who his believed to be dead. But Dhruv and Anuradha broke up one year back when Dhruv chooses his family over her. Both of them tried to get over this but deep down they still desperately love each other. To start afresh Anuradha settled in Mumbai to work in a new company. Suddenly they came again face to face in an event & again started ameliorate their relationship.
Aman, a young charming wealthy page-three restaurateur became Anuradha's client and later her landlord but something was odd with him. Ash, Anuradha's friend, colleague & neighbour felt that and tried to bring his mystery in front of all especially to save her but all these oddness was masked infront of all due to his reputation.
On the other hand Sid who is still alive with mutilated face came back with new face, in disguise to make Anuradha's life hell.
Apparently Anuradha's life looked normal but soon weird incidents & muders started to take place & now the actual game begins....
Who is conspiring all these and actually what they want from Anuradha ?
The story is well narrated from Anuradha, Dhruv,Aman & Sid's aspect. Everytime in the story from minute details to every emotion is well described. Characters are well built. As I believe in commitment so this extramarital affair was a bit unsettling for me throughout the story. I found most of thr characters self-centered & emotionally unstable.
Amoung these dark nature of humans like revenge, Veangence, betrayl this story also highlighted the 'pure' motherly instint. It showed that a mother irrespective her oldness never fails to comprehend their children. They didn't need to speak hours after hours with their offspring. Only a glance or through a single word they can sense the change in them.This story gave a well insight of a person who is engaged in an extramarital affair. How it is difficult for then to balance both their family & lover. Here arises a question that really a man can love two person at the same time ? Really they can give the position of a partner to two woman ? Do all person really follow the commitment of marriage ? I found Shalini's (Dhruv's wife) character to be a strong woman with great tolerance. She handled their children, her job & most importantly her mental condition with great efficiency. Though his husband broke her heart into pieces still she stood by his side in his bad time. This story is not overcrowded with characters so it is easy to keep track of them. The climax didn't keep me in awe rather the ending made me a bit emotional. This story is a sequel of 'You never knew but you can easily read it as a standalone as the author did a great job in giving the sketch of past incidents. This is an engaging thriller especially for those who are new to this genre.
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Abhigyan Sanyal
4.0 out of 5 stars A recommended thriller if you are up for a light mystery
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 17 March 2021
Verified Purchase
Only the good die young by Akash Verma

Spun into existence through the vision of 3 people miles apart yet connected by some irrevocable Karma, this book draws out its darkness as it reaches The End.

Anuradha, an Independent woman living out her best corporate life in the budding city lights of Mumbai has a shadow trailing her back.
Dhruv a family man, a bigshot employee in the corporate world, and a man with an intense connection with the lady in limelight Anuradha.
A shadow from the past, a dead man haunting the living Sid. Once thought to be dead comes haunting Anuradha for the irregularities of her tainted past.
The book is a sequel to the existing You never Know by Akash Verma has the potential to serve as a standalone book, there are references from the past but nothing crucial that will shroud your illumination in the journey that follows.

The Plot:
We enter the embittered lives of Anuradha and Dhruv at the beginning of the book which perfectly simulates the meaning of the shattered experience from a broken relationship. Dhruv struggling to keep his senses in control while his familial life is in shambles. Anuradha on the other hand seems to find herself at loss in replacing the void that was left by Dhruv.
The story gets major acceleration when the so-called karma throws the shattered souls against each other again after forgetfulness had numbed the pain of their disheveled lives even for a bit.

What shall be the consequences of the revival of the flame once extinguished? But in reality, had the flame between the two succumbed to the theatrics of society or just numbed their way to ease their sorrows.
The introduction of Sid throws the entire balance of scales tipping against the favor of Anuradha & Dhruv as the violent and abusive Sid makes his way to take revenge on Anuradha.
The story is thrilling and written in a decent script the only drawback being the excessive usage of colloquially translated Hindi phrases. It tips me off when the original Hindi phrases are translated not in their correct form. The plot contains a good amount of thrill that keeps you going but then again you might get the feeling of "I might know what's going to happen".
Apart from these little drawbacks, this book offers you a good sport of reading with a decent storyline with minimal loopholes.
The literary abilities of the author and the editor are commendable for the nominal or no errors in the texts. While getting into a certain plot geyser you feel like the character is unlikely to have done this in reality, I gave a little thought on the point to conclude that it was done indeed to grab the attention of the reader and dramatize the topic, [Ofcourse I am not revealing the plot geyser which will otherwise be regarded as spoiling]
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Tabdeeli Graphics (Alisha)
4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping thriller; An amazing sequel
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 3 January 2022
Verified Purchase
“Only the good die young” A phrase typically used as a source of comfort after someone has died at a young age. (Prov. Good people tend to die at an early age.)

“Only the Good Die Young: And I'm Not A Saint” is a sequel of the book “You Never Know” which I had read in March 2021 And I really liked the story. If you haven't read the first book then other than understanding the main character's past, it won't be difficult to follow the story. So coming back to this book. The cover is bold, mysterious and is enough to attract readers. There are three main characters named Dhruv Saxena, Shalini and Anuradha, the protagonist. The story revolves around their love. Despite being married to Shalini, Dhruv falls in love with Anuradha, a gorgeous lady with whom he thinks he has a divine connection. The story revolves around the impact of Anuradha's past relationship with Siddharth or Sid. The sequel details Sid's comeback and cunning revenge. Dhruv ends up choosing his family over her. This leaves Anuradha with a broken heart and the desire to start afresh. Therefore she moved from Delhi to Mumbai. But strangely, it seems her past is trying to catch up. Even as they try to figure out their relationship, horrible things start happening to people they know. Who is carrying out these shocking crimes?

The title of the book “Only the Good Die Young: And I'm Not A Saint” is totally apt and does justice to the story. The book kept me hooked till the last page. If you have not read this yet you must read it.
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Tabdeeli Graphics (Alisha)
4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping thriller; An amazing sequel
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 3 January 2022
“Only the good die young” A phrase typically used as a source of comfort after someone has died at a young age. (Prov. Good people tend to die at an early age.)

“Only the Good Die Young: And I'm Not A Saint” is a sequel of the book “You Never Know” which I had read in March 2021 And I really liked the story. If you haven't read the first book then other than understanding the main character's past, it won't be difficult to follow the story. So coming back to this book. The cover is bold, mysterious and is enough to attract readers. There are three main characters named Dhruv Saxena, Shalini and Anuradha, the protagonist. The story revolves around their love. Despite being married to Shalini, Dhruv falls in love with Anuradha, a gorgeous lady with whom he thinks he has a divine connection. The story revolves around the impact of Anuradha's past relationship with Siddharth or Sid. The sequel details Sid's comeback and cunning revenge. Dhruv ends up choosing his family over her. This leaves Anuradha with a broken heart and the desire to start afresh. Therefore she moved from Delhi to Mumbai. But strangely, it seems her past is trying to catch up. Even as they try to figure out their relationship, horrible things start happening to people they know. Who is carrying out these shocking crimes?

The title of the book “Only the Good Die Young: And I'm Not A Saint” is totally apt and does justice to the story. The book kept me hooked till the last page. If you have not read this yet you must read it.
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Krishnasree V
4.0 out of 5 stars an amazing story which captivates the reader in its thrilling and terrific world.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 30 April 2021
Verified Purchase
•Only the good die young & I'm not a saint•

TW: Murder, violence, sexual abuse 

'Only the good die young & I'm not a saint' by Akash Verma is a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller which rips open the dark reality of humans & unveils how sadistic & barbaric a person can be when under stark vengeance. The book is the sequel of 'You never know', another breathtaking thriller. Though I haven't read the first book, this story can also be read as a standalone.

The story revolves around the life of Anuradha & Dhruv, who had an affair earlier. She thought that chapter of her life was over & began building a new life in Mumbai. Strangely, the moment she leaves her past behind, her past begins to catch up with her. Dhruv suddenly comes back into her life & as they begin to figure out their relationship, horrible things begins to happen to people around them. They fears that it might be Sid, her ex, who is presumably dead, is stalking and following her with a different face. Is Sid alive? How does he have a 'different' face? Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart or is there a karmic debt that they must pay back together?

The story begins with terrific & intense events which will glue the reader to their seats at once. The book title itself is enough to urge the reader to pick up the book. Another thing that I must compliment, is the character development. Moreover, there are other rather 'shady' characters, with their own dreadful stories. The author has managed to keep the reader on the edge of seats, without getting bored with the sub-plots. There is no plot complexity in this book, as in most thrillers & can also be read by beginners. The ending was unpredictable & it just BROKE ME.

I think the story would have been more interesting, if the author had given more detailing to Sid's part of the story & his heinous deeds. I expected more outlook to the story from Sid's perspective, which makes me think that the author didn't cover him as much as he could have.

Akash Verma has penned down an amazing storyline which captivates the reader in his thrilling and terrific world. One of my favorite thrillers I have read.
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Krishnasree V
4.0 out of 5 stars an amazing story which captivates the reader in its thrilling and terrific world.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 30 April 2021
•Only the good die young & I'm not a saint•

TW: Murder, violence, sexual abuse 

'Only the good die young & I'm not a saint' by Akash Verma is a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller which rips open the dark reality of humans & unveils how sadistic & barbaric a person can be when under stark vengeance. The book is the sequel of 'You never know', another breathtaking thriller. Though I haven't read the first book, this story can also be read as a standalone.

The story revolves around the life of Anuradha & Dhruv, who had an affair earlier. She thought that chapter of her life was over & began building a new life in Mumbai. Strangely, the moment she leaves her past behind, her past begins to catch up with her. Dhruv suddenly comes back into her life & as they begin to figure out their relationship, horrible things begins to happen to people around them. They fears that it might be Sid, her ex, who is presumably dead, is stalking and following her with a different face. Is Sid alive? How does he have a 'different' face? Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart or is there a karmic debt that they must pay back together?

The story begins with terrific & intense events which will glue the reader to their seats at once. The book title itself is enough to urge the reader to pick up the book. Another thing that I must compliment, is the character development. Moreover, there are other rather 'shady' characters, with their own dreadful stories. The author has managed to keep the reader on the edge of seats, without getting bored with the sub-plots. There is no plot complexity in this book, as in most thrillers & can also be read by beginners. The ending was unpredictable & it just BROKE ME.

I think the story would have been more interesting, if the author had given more detailing to Sid's part of the story & his heinous deeds. I expected more outlook to the story from Sid's perspective, which makes me think that the author didn't cover him as much as he could have.

Akash Verma has penned down an amazing storyline which captivates the reader in his thrilling and terrific world. One of my favorite thrillers I have read.
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Ashrita Chowdhury
4.0 out of 5 stars It's thrilling
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 8 May 2021
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Review time ⭐
Book name - Only the good die young
Genre- Fiction
Author - Akash Verma

Rating: 4/5 ✨

The story goes around Anuradha and Dhruv who were deeply in love with each other but Dhruv had to break the relationship as he had to choose between his family as in his wife and two kids and Anuradha. He had no other option and so chose his family. He was yet to get over Anuradha s absence when he comes to Mumbai again for an Award function where he expects to meet Anuradha, who apparently left the job after their breakup. And yes, he did meet her. They eventually happen to talk again and soon starts to develop their bond again, even as friends. Meanwhile, one fine day Anuradha's ex Siddhart's mother calls her up but the connection doesn't goes well, yet she could clearly listen to her saying, 'Siddharth is back. Take care of yourself'. This makes her world tremor. How is that even possible ? How come Siddhartha come back while it she who pushed him to death that night?
She tries to forget everything when Dhruv says she might have over heard her and that she is overthinking. And meanwhile strange incident takes place in their lives which shakes everyone amongst their whole friends group. Almost one by one every one of their closed ones are dying tragically and the reason stays known yet unknown. How come this happen consequently? And why will Sid's mother call and say her this? Does it mean he is back? Or it's someone amongst them who's playing with Dhruv and Anuradha s life??
For this, do read the book, "Only the good dies young" by Akash Verma.
Characters like Anna,Aman,Ash and other characters plays very important role in the entire story.
The story was quite intriguing in the beginning. I loved how it began and slowly took its turn. In between I lost the path somehow, but found it's track by the end. It made me stick to the story. I mostly knew the end would come drastic and this way.
To end it, I really liked it a lott, I expected it to be more better.
Do give this a read❤
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Visalini Kumaraswamy
4.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Thriller!
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 9 April 2021
Verified Purchase
I had been thinking to give on tries on thrillers especially by Indian Authors, and this one found its way to me. Akash Verma's "Only The Good Die Young & I am Not A Saint" is a sequel to "You Never Know". I haven't read the first book but didn't find any jams with this plot.

Right from the prologue, I could sense that the author has his own flow of a riveting writing style — A key ingredient for thrillers involving psychotic characters.

~

Anuradha hits refresh in her life, moving to Mumbai leaving Dhruv and her past life with him in Gurgaon when he chooses his family over his affair with her. But, mysterious events fall into place, threatening her sanity, when she happens to meet Dhruv back again at Mumbai at an event.

Sid, her abusive ex-BF who is assumed dead, has not passed away. Breeding vengeance under his hood, he sets on to turn Anu's life into an earthly hell.

Horrendously her closed ones meet death, and she sets to find the man behind the mask, along with Dhruv, rejuvenating their bond and struggling to maintain their new friendship.

Sadly, she just gets in the helping hands of the wrong men, especially Aman and struggles her life all out!

~
The author had deployed arrant suspense and plot twists, perfectly unfurling tornadoes of emotional turmoils of the characters undergoing betrayal, revenge, desire, and love-lust. All set to keep the reader engrossed.

The utilization of every character is applaudable. Dhruv, Sid, Anuradha, and Aman, as well as the other ones with small roles just envelop the scene tightly, with no blackouts, revealing various shades of persona and flaws.

I could perceive a bird view of the innard sketch of the plot and the people!

But, just couldn't get to like oodles of explicit content involved inside a revenge plot. Maybe they could have been reduced slightly.

Further, Sid seems sorta incredible and intangible in terms of plotting. A few scenes seemed quite exaggerated. Anyways, it's just obvious under the terms of a fictional thriller.

~

Do give this one a try!

4 🌟
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krishna kumar
4.0 out of 5 stars It's serious page turner and it's beautiful book to read.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 10 March 2021
Verified Purchase
This is the seventh book is this author.

The protagonists were Anuradha, Dhruv, Aman, and Sid.

Anuradha was a beautiful young girl who works in Mumbai. Were Dhruv was Ex boss of Anuradha and he works in Delhi. He has an extramarital affair with her. Aman was a very famous model in Mumbai. They called him a page 3 celebrity. Sid was the Ex-boyfriend of Anuradha.

Anuradha was happy because her relationship with Dhruv was found the new track. Also, she was a new tenant to Aman. Aman was rented this room for half the rate of the original price. Ashwin her colleague and also neighbor to her room. He thought something fishy that aman rented his room for half rate. Then Anuradha throws a housewarming party in that Dhruv, Aman, and her office colleagues were present. In that, they had a lot of fun. From the day onwards Anuradha close once especially those who attended that house warming party started dying in an unknown way.

What happened then? Will Anuradha and Dhruv figured out what's happened around them? Will, they found who is behind these crimes? What's the intention behind that Aman rented his room for half rate? What's the intention behind these crimes? Will Anuradha and Dhruv survived before they were killed? Read it find out the remaining story.

This book was a serious page-turner. I just finished this in one go. It's 280 pages. It never happened before that I haven't read this many pages in one go. BCS of curiosity of what happened next it does let me sleep 😂!! So I finished it in one go.

This book continues from his previous book You Never know. Even though it's stand-alone but characters are were continued from his previous book.

If you are a thriller genre fan you will love to read this book. I recommend this to read.

Sexual abuses, Murders were there. So take note of it.
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Kiranmayi
3.0 out of 5 stars Strictly for thriller fans!
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 22 April 2021
Verified Purchase
Anuradha left her job at C&M as Dhruv chose his wife Saritha and their kids over his love for Anuradha. Anuradha finds a new job and life in Mumbai and assumes she left behind her past. A chance encounter with Dhruv at an awards function brings Dhruv back into her life, although only as a friend. Soon, a new project that she is assigned with a high-profile client Aman helps her grab a posh residence.

As Anuradha rejoices that she found new friends, beautiful house and great work in Mumbai, unexpected things start happening to the people around her. While she mulls if it is coincidence or a warning from her past, things only get murkier, leaving her shocked. What secrets does Anuradha’s past hold and will she be able to stop further destruction forms the rest of the story.

This is the sequel to You Never Know and the author gives a brief recap of the story from the earlier part at the beginning. All through the current book, author makes sure to elaborate on the story that is being referenced from the earlier part, so even those who did not read the earlier part can pick this one without hesitation. I haven’t myself read the earlier part but reading the first part will add to understanding the characters better.

The story is dark, all characters flawed with grey shades or character traits that are not readily likeable. The revenge theme for a thriller is impressive which immediately draws the reader’s interest. For major part of the second half, author keeps the reader guessing on the real identity of the culprit, with ample twists and turns.

However, as the story progresses, the women sound dumb and naïve, though they are supposedly young, successful, independent women working in corporates. The author chose a wonderful story but falters in execution of building a taut sequence of events. Though the story starts off with a bang, it loses direction especially in second half with logic missing and the author taking too much of fictional liberties.

Pick this one if you are a fan of thriller genre and wouldn’t mind a dark thriller.
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Akriti Purbey
4.0 out of 5 stars A gripping tale.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 20 March 2021
Verified Purchase
Book: Only The Good Die Young
Author: Akash Verma
.
Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, blood and revenge are hammering in my head
- Willam Shakespeare
.
Description:
Sometimes when you're desperate to leave the past behind, the past is eager to catch up!
Anuradha left Delhi when Dhruv chose his family over her. She thought that that chapter of her life was over and so she began building a new life in Mumbai. But strangely, the moment she leaves her past behind, her past begins to catch up with her. Dhruv suddenly comes back into her life and even as they begin to figure out their relationship, horrible things begin to happen to people around them.

Who is it that cannot see them together? Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart or is there a karmic debt that they must pay back together?
.
🌼 This book is a sequel to ' You Never Know' which was released in 2017. It would be better if the first book is read before reading this one but even if the book is read without reading the previous book it'll still be a good and enjoyable read.
🌼 The book is a mixture of various emotions like love, lust, jealousy, betrayal and revenge. The plot is definitely gripping.
The narration is also engaging and lucid.
🌼 At the start the book seemed a bit dragging but then after few pages , it was able to maintain the pace throughout. As someone who is not into thriller genre I did like the book enough. So it would be perfect for the readers who like the genre.
🌼 The cover is quite suitable for the story. The book is written from the character's view and it was a good point.
🌼 Overall the book is a good pick for readers who want something suspenseful to read. 🌼
Customer image
Akriti Purbey
4.0 out of 5 stars A gripping tale.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 20 March 2021
Book: Only The Good Die Young
Author: Akash Verma
.
Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, blood and revenge are hammering in my head
- Willam Shakespeare
.
Description:
Sometimes when you're desperate to leave the past behind, the past is eager to catch up!
Anuradha left Delhi when Dhruv chose his family over her. She thought that that chapter of her life was over and so she began building a new life in Mumbai. But strangely, the moment she leaves her past behind, her past begins to catch up with her. Dhruv suddenly comes back into her life and even as they begin to figure out their relationship, horrible things begin to happen to people around them.

Who is it that cannot see them together? Who is carrying out these shocking crimes? Are they really soulmates cursed to stay apart or is there a karmic debt that they must pay back together?
.
🌼 This book is a sequel to ' You Never Know' which was released in 2017. It would be better if the first book is read before reading this one but even if the book is read without reading the previous book it'll still be a good and enjoyable read.
🌼 The book is a mixture of various emotions like love, lust, jealousy, betrayal and revenge. The plot is definitely gripping.
The narration is also engaging and lucid.
🌼 At the start the book seemed a bit dragging but then after few pages , it was able to maintain the pace throughout. As someone who is not into thriller genre I did like the book enough. So it would be perfect for the readers who like the genre.
🌼 The cover is quite suitable for the story. The book is written from the character's view and it was a good point.
🌼 Overall the book is a good pick for readers who want something suspenseful to read. 🌼
Images in this review
Customer image
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