Emerging from the enigmatic world of MI5, Cain is a man sculpted by the perils and complexities of espionage. Following a harrowing experience where he sustained injuries during a botched assassination attempt on members of the Royal Family, Cain finds himself granted an extended leave. Seizing this rare moment of respite, he escapes to the sun-drenched shores of Australia, where the azure waters and golden sands promise relaxation and renewal. His recruitment into a clandestine Bureau involved in eliminating targets leads him into many dangerous situations. However, his world is turned upside down when a tragic plane crash alters the trajectory of his life in unimaginable ways. In the aftermath, he unexpectedly inherits a small fortune, a twist of fate that catapults him into the glamorous yet treacherous world of the diamond trade, pulling him toward the vibrant heart of South Africa. In this new realm, he encounters a landscape rife with volatility, unrest, and gang warfare, where every moment brims with tension and danger lurks in every shadow.
“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is a riveting spy thriller that seamlessly blends electrifying elements of espionage, adrenaline-charged action, and daring escapades. The novel stands out for its distinctive and refined narrative style, drawing readers into a world brimming with intrigue and danger.
Cain is more than just a handsome and wealthy man; he embodies a complex blend of charm and intelligence that captivates readers from the very first page. He can read a room as quickly as he can shoot his gun. He can also fly a plane and holds a black belt in Ryukyu Kobujutsu. He sees himself as a James Bond figure, a secret agent with an agenda, but he is also a successful businessman. His journey is filled with struggles that resonate on a profound level, immersing the audience in his trials and triumphs. As the narrative unfolds, Cain’s ability to read situations before chaos erupts showcases not only his skills but also the depth of his character, making him an intriguing figure in a world fraught with danger and deceit. When he ends up in Guangzhou prison, after a moment of grief-stricken rage, his dry humour and use of nicknames get him through the ordeal. There is, however, a darker side to his character. He likes his job, and after his initial first kill, he feels no remorse for the lives he takes.
Jerry, a loyal and devoted friend to Cain, serves on the elite Royal Protection Team. His role involves safeguarding a prominent member of the royal family, where he employs his keen instincts and exceptional training to ensure their safety. The bond between Jerry and Cain is profound, marked by years of shared experiences and unwavering support for one another. Jerry’s dedication to his duty and his friendship adds a rich layer of depth to his character, highlighting the importance of loyalty in both his personal and professional life.
The book showcases several antagonists, a few of whom leave a lasting mark. One is the gunman, Lastly, who is depicted as a man driven by grief and revenge, yet susceptible to manipulation. His inner turmoil and exchanges with Zokwana paint a picture of a man wrestling with circumstance. Zokwana, meanwhile, is cunning and self-serving, exploiting the gunman’s pain for his gain. Over time, Zokwana becomes a formidable presence, wielding veiled threats and ambiguous language to control those near him. Trenchard, in turn, adds an undercurrent of political intrigue that enriches the plot.
The narrative unfolds like a relentless storm, a whirlwind of action that leaves little room for calm or introspection. This electrifying thriller pulses with heart-pounding excitement at every twist and turn, drawing readers deep into a vividly imagined world alive with suspense and adrenaline. As the tension escalates to a fever pitch, glimpses of the antagonists’ hushed conversations weave a web of intrigue, hinting at their dark motivations. Yet, the spotlight squarely remains on Cain, whose daring pursuit propels him through a treacherous landscape riddled with deception and peril, keeping readers perched precariously on the edge of their seats.
The description of the settings is just as important as the story itself. The shooting range in the English countryside is portrayed as a solitary and somewhat bleak environment that reflects Cain’s isolation. In contrast, the London garden square is initially depicted as tranquil, which heightens the tension when violence unexpectedly erupts. The greasy spoon café in Brixton serves as a gritty and realistic backdrop for the interaction between the gunman and Zokwana. The English manor house and polo pitch highlight a world of wealth, privilege, and tradition. Similarly, the sterile environment of the private hospital, the corridors of power in Whitehall, and the beaches of Sydney are portrayed with great attention to detail. As the story transitions to South Africa, primarily in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the setting is richly described, establishing a strong sense of place. Locations such as the minister’s residence, Jewel City, and the Sempre Aqui Hotel are distinctive and add to the overall atmosphere of the story. The glimmering diamond room, the sun-soaked terrace of the Sempre Aqui, and the haunting expanse of the desolate desert landscape are infused with sensory details that draw the reader in. The haunting despair and suffocating monotony of the Chinese prison are vividly portrayed, where the daily grind is marked by a rigid routine that offers little reprieve. The juxtaposition of lavish surroundings against treacherous settings creates a pervasive sense of dread, skilfully heightening the tension throughout the narrative.
The story unfolds during the vibrant and transformative years of the 1990s and early 2000s, a period marked by sweeping social, political, and technological changes. Moshe’s, a master diamond merchant, humorous journey into the world of cutting-edge technology is particularly delightful, especially as he excitedly navigates the quirks of his newly acquired fax machine—an object of modern marvel at the time! Interwoven into the narrative are poignant references to significant global events, such as the tragic death of Princess Diana and the shocking murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace. The narrative intricately explores the ominous influence of various active terrorist organisations. It also subtly weaves in references to the complexities and ramifications of the war in Iraq, illustrating how these global conflicts shaped the landscape of fear and uncertainty in the regions affected.
“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is an absolute triumph that should not be missed by any true fan of fast-paced thrillers. Gray delivers a masterful narrative, plunging readers into an electrifying journey filled with complex emotions, relentless danger, and an adrenaline rush that leaves you breathless. With each unexpected twist and turn, you won’t just be a spectator; you’ll be fully immersed in a gripping story that skilfully balances heart-stopping action with profound character depth. This book promises to captivate your imagination and keep you enthralled from the first page to the last—don’t let this thriller of a ride pass you by.
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Rough Diamond, Rough Justice
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Avien Gray
Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.
Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.
Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.
‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.
They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.
‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’
And time moved on.
But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.
Your book sounds amazing, Avien. I have added it to my to-read list. :)
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