⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Brutal, Brilliant Knockout of a Thriller
I’m still buzzing from the aftershocks of finishing Rough Diamond – Rough Justice. From the very first page, this book grabbed me by the collar and refused to let go — equal parts brutal, gripping, and utterly relentless. There’s no gentle easing in here; you’re thrown straight into danger, moral ambiguity, and razor-sharp tension, and the story never once loosens its hold.
The pacing is fierce. This isn’t a book that dawdles or overexplains — it barrels forward with intent, pulling you through one high-stakes moment after another. I kept promising myself I’d stop at the end of a chapter, only to find myself reading far later than planned. That kind of compulsive pull is hard to come by, and this book delivers it in spades.
Cain is a protagonist who stays with you. He’s flawed, hardened, and shaped by choices that carry real weight. Watching his transformation is uncomfortable at times — violent, morally grey, and emotionally charged — but that discomfort is precisely what makes it so compelling. Cain never asks you to excuse his actions, only to understand the path that leads him there.
The atmosphere is steeped in grit and tension. The settings feel lived-in and cold at the edges, and every exchange hums with an underlying sense of threat. The dialogue crackles with dry humour and sharp edges, offering brief moments of levity before the darkness closes back in. The violence isn’t romanticised, but it isn’t glossed over either — it’s impactful, purposeful, and carries consequence.
By the final page, I felt completely wrung out in the best possible way. Rough Diamond – Rough Justice is intense, uncompromising, and unapologetically dark, yet it never loses sight of its humanity. It’s the kind of thriller that leaves a lasting impression, lingering long after you’ve closed the book. An easy five-star read for me, and I’ll be eagerly picking up whatever comes next by this author.
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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.
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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