By Avien Gray
They say you never forget your first kill. Cain is pushed into a world of espionage and assassinations when a stakeout to get photographs turns violent. His elite fighting skills and MI5 position lead him to a hidden Bureau, where he is recruited for his special skills.
Injured and signed off work until his recovery, Cain leaves England behind and takes to the road, coming to rest in Australia. He tries to escape his turbulent past, finding peace and love with a woman he meets by chance. However, as he attempts to build a perfect life, the threat of his former world looms, and personal tragedy drags him back into a battle with pain that is worse than any bullet wound.
Introduced to the diamond world by his sweetheart, Cain's curiosity pulls him across continents. Yet, every step into this seemingly glamorous new life exposes him to the shadows of his past, making him question whether he can ever truly escape it.
Avien Gray’s “Rough Diamond - Rough Justice” transports readers into a world of covert operations.
Meeting Riley changed Cain’s life. She introduced him to love, serenity, safety, and the world of diamonds, and she shared her elite business with high-profile clients. When tragedy strikes, Cain’s grief overwhelms him; not even revenge rumours ease his pain. Though hardened by work, Cain is depicted as realistic: his emotions show under stress, and his actions reveal his good intentions. He never walks away from those in danger. Cain quickly becomes likeable; his sarcasm proves his humanity, and his job hasn’t made him cold. As the novel progresses, so does he.
Cain follows several different walks of life throughout this novel. His injury and subsequent recovery led him away from a life of undercover missions, but he seems unable to simply walk away from his past. His Beretta 9mm semi-automatic pistol remains in pride of place in his shoulder holster as he delves into the world of diamonds, both in Florida and then in South Africa. Using the information and skills Riley taught him, Cain remains an important name in the world of diamonds, but such shine and glamour hide a much darker underworld, and it is not long before Cain finds himself face to face with shady individuals. The different storylines are woven incredibly intricately, especially as Cain spends time in South Africa. Individuals rise to take their place in the story, and their interactions with Cain begin to reveal plots much darker and with more surprising reveals than could be imagined. At times, as Cain traverses the challenges faced in Florida and South Africa, the story can begin to drag a little, for much happens, and it can, at times, feel rather disjointed, but as the novel progresses, it becomes captivating and draws the reader in with a fast-paced and intriguing plot that keeps the reader’s attention rapt.
The time that Cain spends, tucked away in a Chinese prison, is where this novel truly picks up speed and becomes impossible to put down. The rigidity of the day, right down to folding belongings the correct way, harkens back to the formalities of life in service back in London, but this time, Cain can’t just talk or fight his way out of his situation. Prison shackles Cain, both physically and metaphorically, trapping him in a difficult scenario wherein he becomes completely reliant on those around him, and can’t rely on himself as he has done for so many years. With so many enemies beginning to close in on him, and with Cain caught in a trap he can’t break out of, hope seems to be starting to slip away. This part of the novel is where the story truly begins to shine, for the hopelessness of Cain being pinned down provides a stark contrast to the freedom he had previously enjoyed and exploited throughout the rest of the novel. The intricacies of the different people he comes into contact with, as well as those whose names ring out with danger, create a well-rounded scenario. People are closing in, and whether or not Cain can escape this time is undeterminable.
A character who cannot go unmentioned is Cain’s best friend, Jerry. Despite life and, at times, many miles separating them, they remain incredibly close and rely on each other for emotional support, as well as being able to turn to a friend to discuss work matters that others simply would not understand. Their connection stems from a long-standing friendship, and having worked in similar fields, they have a deep understanding of what the other may be dealing with. Their plans for the future, as well as simply their light-hearted banter, provide a certain warmth to this novel. Through difficult times, the knowledge that Jerry is on the other end of a phone is enough to keep Cain going, and such a friendship is overtly precious to him. With such an important relationship, the reader can’t help but develop a soft spot for Jerry, much like the one Cain has for him.
A gripping high-stakes thriller, “Rough Diamond - Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is driven by the urgent question of whether one can ever truly escape a dark and violent past. Through layered undercover dealings and the journey of its compelling protagonist, the novel delivers both suspense and a probing examination of redemption, making it an enthralling and thought-provoking read.
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.
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