Rough Diamond – Rough Justice
By Avien Gray
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rough Diamond – Rough Justice by Avien Gray hooked me pretty quickly. From the start, it felt clear this wasn’t going to be a story with easy answers or neat resolutions. The whole book sits in that uncomfortable space between what’s legal, what’s right, and what feels fair, and I liked that it didn’t shy away from that.
The characters were the biggest strength for me. They’re flawed, messy, and feel like real people rather than heroes or villains. The main character especially made some choices that had me stopping and thinking about what I’d do in the same situation. Even when I didn’t agree with certain decisions, I still understood where they were coming from, which isn’t always easy to pull off.
The pacing worked well. There were tense moments that made me want to keep reading, but also slower parts that let the story sink in instead of rushing from one dramatic moment to the next. The darker tone gave the whole book a sense of realism, and the way justice was handled felt complicated in a good way — not everything is fair, and not everything gets wrapped up cleanly.
The ending really stuck with me. It didn’t give that simple, satisfying feeling, but instead left me thinking about the characters and their choices long after I finished. This is the kind of book that lingers in your head. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes morally complex stories, flawed characters, and books that don’t treat justice as black and white.
Trigger warnings: violence, murder.
After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.
Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.
But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.
Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.
In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.
Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.
However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?
Praise
“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.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
“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.”
The Coffee Pot Book Club
“Avien Gray’s Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a gritty and cinematic thriller that follows Cain, a former professional photographer turned MI5 surveillance agent, as he navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and violence.”
Literary Titan
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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