Review by kadinkins14 -- Guardian of Deceit

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kadinkins14
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Review by kadinkins14 -- Guardian of Deceit

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Guardian of Deceit" by William H. Coles.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles is an inspiring story about an orphaned teenager with dreams of becoming a physician. Darwin, the orphaned teenager, is sent to live with his cousin Luther. Luther is a professional football player and lives a lifestyle expected of a celebrity, including dating a pop singer, residing in a mansion, and dabbling in extreme poker. The novel follows Darwin through his junior year of high school until after medical school. Darwin meets Dr. Malverne, an influential physician that lives near Luther, and Dr. Malverne takes Darwin under his wing and assists Darwin with getting accepted into medical school and gaining healthcare experience.

Although Guardian of Deceit is a fictional novel it can be used for inspiration for anyone pursuing a dream and is a great example of moral integrity and knowing your heart. Darwin’s moral character is flawless. I was quite struck that throughout the novel Darwin always seemed to choose the moral high ground, no matter what the circumstance. Darwin wasn’t tainted by Luther’s celebrity lifestyle. Instead, I believe Darwin had a sobering influence on Luther. Darwin’s relationship with Dr. Malverne and his family is intricate and strained at times but Darwin masterfully navigates those tough interactions while maintaining his integrity. For example, when Darwin is drawn into a potential legal scandal involving Dr. Malverne, Darwin honestly explains what he saw take place knowing that this may place his relationship with Dr. Malverne in jeopardy. Darwin is a true inspiration for young and old.

I have enjoyed Dr. Coles work before and this novel did not disappoint either! I would happily give this novel a 4/4 stars. It is written exceptionally well and is devoid of any grammatical or typographical errors. I was totally enthralled with Darwin’s story. It is a refreshing story that is creatively and thoroughly portrayed. My favorite aspect of the novel was the length of time that it followed Darwin; Darwin’s story starts on the plane as he travels to begin his life with Luther and ends after Darwin graduates from medical school. I felt like I really got to know Darwin and thus appreciate how his experiences shape him into the man he will become. Readers with varied backgrounds and ages will enjoy this story. However, I would recommend this novel especially to high school students who are considering their next step in life. This novel will remind you that you can succeed at anything you set your heart to accomplish.

My only critique of this novel would be that it seemed as if it lacks a plot at times. The novel seems to be a collection of experiences for Darwin which culminates in his eventual graduation from medical school. Sometimes I wondered where the story was taking me and what experiences of Darwin’s was significant to the plot. I don’t think the lack of plot detracted from the novel significantly. In fact, following along with Darwin through his multitude of experiences added to the relatability of the novel and helped the reader really get to know Darwin. It felt as if the reader was following alongside Darwin through his day to day life. I don’t recommend this book to anybody that enjoys a fast-paced thriller; this book is more of a leisurely journey.

As you hopefully can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I even started to read it twice just to make sure that I absorbed every bit of inspiration available. I hope there is a sequel and if not, I hope Dr. Coles would consider it. I can’t help but wonder where Darwin finds himself next.

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Guardian of Deceit
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Latest Review: Yesterday by Samyann
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