Review by Jyockel08 -- Guardian of Deceit

[Jyockel08]

[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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Life is not easy when you are a teenager. But, Darwin Hastings has great aspirations to become a doctor and help those in need. Having lost his parents in an accident when he was younger, he’s determined to make a difference in the world. When his elderly aunt can no longer care from him, Darwin is shipped off to stay with a cousin he barely knows, that just so happens to be a very famous football star. In Guardian of Deceit, young Darwin is thrust into a world of the rich and famous, where he is treated as if he were the help. His cousin thinks Darwin should earn his own way in the world, and only provides him with a closest-sized room with a mattress on the floor. Soon the young man’s world is filled with a famous pop star, the upper echelons of society, politicians, and athletes. Yet, everyone wants something more than they already have and will stoop to various different levels to achieve it. Will Darwin be able to reach his dreams and still stay true to himself in the process?

Author William H. Coles is an extremely talented writer and it shows in this novel. His prose flows very well on the page, and his storytelling skills are well presented. He sets up the story in a novel way, that sometimes jumps time, but fills you in via conversations between the characters. I enjoyed this aspect because it eliminated the story from becoming stale or boring. There were times I did wish for more of a back story on some of the supporting characters. In the first half of the book, there is sufficient information and they weave their story beautifully with Darwin’s own coming of age tale. However, the second half of the book tends to get away from the focus of only Darwin. While I did enjoy the storylines of the other characters, I just struggled to connect with why it was important to the overall story.

The themes in the book are rich and deep, focusing on the stark contrast between the haves and the have nots. Characters like Darwin, work hard and honestly, while truly focusing on what is best for humanity. Yet, he is surrounded by other people that tend to be self-entitled, violent, and only look out for themselves. I loved how there were two sides to the relationships in his life. The people that want to see what he can do for them, and the people that only want the best for Darwin’s life. It was fascinating watching the divide grow, as the book went on.

Another element that struck me as different, was that the characters were never fully described in physical appearance, with very much detail. I found that I liked this in some ways and in other ways, not so much. It leaves so much room for the reader to really create the character in their own imagination, and see them in a more relatable way. I struggled with really picturing Darwin and I think I needed him to be clearer in my mind, to fully connect with him as a character. What I disliked the most, were the few illustrations that were added in random spots. They were meant to depict some of the characters in the story, but by the time they were added, I had already formed a vision of the character in my mind, that did not match the illustration. I found that it detracted from the story. It was not an unpleasant aspect, just one I personally struggled with.

As the storyline changed, so did the focus on the characters. Yet, I still could not put this book down. My dislikes really did not hinder my appreciation of the book, and they did make me try to think on an even deeper level about the power struggles that often occur in society. For these reasons, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was intriguing, well written, and extremely well-edited on a professional level. I recommend it to adult audiences that appreciate a deep look into the human psyche and what it means to be a good person. It reminded me J.K. Rowling’s, ‘A Casual Vacancy’, with so many characters that represent the worst side of human-kind, parading around as good people. There is some profanity and sexual content, while it is not overly graphic, it is present in the book.

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Guardian of Deceit
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[Fernando222]

I liked that the reader could alter the personalities, or should I say, manipulate their positions in the reader's mind. Thanks for the review.

[Jyockel08]

I liked that the reader could alter the personalities, or should I say, manipulate their positions in the reader's mind. Thanks for the review.

I appreciate you stopping by!

[Mbrooks2518]

Great review! It sounds like the author is a very talented writer, but this isn't a book I would enjoy.

[FABIAN_BATS]

Books like this are rare. It has a lot of heart from your review. Great job.

[Jyockel08]

Great review! It sounds like the author is a very talented writer, but this isn't a book I would enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by!

[Divergent_2020]

I didn't like that the characters are not fully described. It would come in the way of me enjoying the book. Great review though. Glad you mentioned it.

[Jyockel08]

I didn't like that the characters are not fully described. It would come in the way of me enjoying the book. Great review though. Glad you mentioned it.

Thank you for stopping by and commenting.