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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Rough Diamond – Rough Justice by Avien Gray follows Cain, an ex-MI5 agent, as he’s pulled back into a world of international intrigue and deadly enforcement, spanning continents and the diamond trade.
Rough Diamond – Rough Justice
From the very first page, Rough Diamond – Rough Justice by Avien Gray seizes readers with an unrelenting grip, introducing Cain—a protagonist as multifaceted and captivating as the diamonds that define his world.
A former MI5 agent turned extra-judicial killer, Cain’s journey weaves through the danger, grit, and seductive glamour of the international diamond trade, delivering a high-stakes narrative inspired by true events. This is no ordinary action tale; it’s a morally complex exploration of a man wrestling with his past, his desires, and his fractured moral compass.
Cain begins his story as an MI5 operative and amateur photographer, thrust into the shadows after his first kill. Recruited by a clandestine Bureau, he becomes an undercover enforcer, executing justice beyond the reach of the law. After sustaining injuries while protecting the Royal Family, Cain seeks respite in sun-soaked Australia, where he builds a new life and finds romance—seemingly leaving his violent past behind. But tragedy has a way of finding him, shattering his fragile peace and propelling him into the glittering yet treacherous world of diamond dealings in Florida.
Driven by curiosity, Cain ventures deeper into the diamond trade, landing in South Africa, where the ghosts of his past finally catch up. Here, the criminal underworld unites against him, forcing him back into the role of killer. A stunning betrayal lands him in the brutal confines of a Chinese prison, where the tangled truths of his history begin to unravel. Yet, even in his darkest hour, Cain is not alone. A loyal cadre of friends from the intelligence world rallies to his side, enabling him to mete out his signature brand of rough justice.
What sets Rough Diamond – Rough Justice apart in the crowded action-thriller genre is Cain himself. Unlike the invincible archetypes of typical action heroes, Cain is profoundly human—haunted by internal struggles as much as external foes. His yearning for a “normal” life clashes with the adrenaline-fueled reality he cannot escape, making him a character readers can’t help but root for. Gray masterfully blends high-octane thrills with introspective depth, crafting a protagonist who is as compelling in quiet moments as he is wielding a Beretta in the heat of battle.
Tailor-made for devotees of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Ian Fleming’s James Bond, and Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne, this novel offers an intricate plot that races forward with relentless momentum. The international settings—from Australia’s sunlit shores to South Africa’s diamond mines and the stark cells of a Chinese prison—add a layer of dark glamour, while the guns, girls, and high-stakes drama deliver everything action fans crave. Yet, at its core, this is a story of self-discovery, betrayal, and redemption, as Cain navigates a world where loyalty is rare and enemies lurk on all sides.
With its hard-edged hero and sparkling narrative, Rough Diamond – Rough Justice leaves readers breathless and hungry for more. As Cain battles foes both within and without, the question lingers: will he prevail? Avien Gray has crafted an unforgettable debut, introducing a cool, conflicted, and utterly human hero whose journey is only just beginning. For those who love their action with a moral heartbeat, this is a novel that shines as brightly—and cuts as deeply—as the diamonds at its center.
Avien Gray
Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of lived experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK and now retired, Gray has led a dynamic, unmarried life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. A holder of a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license, he’s equally adept on the road, in the air, and at the shooting range, where his prowess as a handgun marksman shines. 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 rumored travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent a year in Saudi Arabia, two years in Australia, and another two in the USA, immersing himself in diverse cultures. His time in South Africa, spanning many years and including visits to neighboring countries, reflects a deep connection to the continent, while his property dealings hint at a shrewd, entrepreneurial spirit. Whispers also place him in China for a year, exploring cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, before he settled for an extended period in and around Spain. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist, Cain.
Find more from Avien Gray now:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4bOthY8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4kDhwro
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4iD9tcn
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