Review by Mmileski23 -- Duplicity by Fin C Gray

Mmileski23 · Post by **Mmileski23** » 20 Mar 2020, 09:51

[Following is a volunteer review of "Duplicity" by Fin C Gray.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Daniel McIntyre is a troubled young man, who had his childhood innocence taken away from him in a traumatic way. Between his mother's death, and his broken relationship with his father, Daniel craved the need to feel loved and accepted. Duplicity by Fin C. Gray, tells the story of lost innocence, family relationships, and a young man who was radicalized with tragic repercussions.

The story is a realistic, captivating thriller, following the story of Daniel and his father, Tom, throughout their lives. With the mix of Daniel’s mother’s death, Tom’s drinking problem, and his traumatic childhood, Daniel is filled with hatred, especially for his father. Daniel has always had a rough relationship with his father. But when it all becomes too much and Daniel has finally had enough, he decides to move out. Months after putting up a roommate ad, he meets Waqar, a young Muslim man, who quickly becomes his closest friend. Daniel begins to learn about Waqar’s beliefs and his mission in life. Waqar believes he has to achieve this mission in order to finally find peace and happiness. He manipulates Daniel into thinking that these missions are the only way they can have a relationship, which leads Daniel to being a part of a terrorist organization. When it finally reaches time for Daniel’s mission, he carries out something he always wanted to do. But will this lead Daniel to finally find the peace he always craved? Or will it lead to a family being torn apart?

I was surprised at how readable and addicting the book became to read. I enjoyed the two stories running alongside each other, with one being in the past, and the other in the present. The pace was quick, and wonderfully structured, and even had me have feelings of sympathy for both characters. One of my favorite things about this story was reading the different points of views. It was fascinating to read their opposing point of views, and how they both had completely different takes on the events that happened.

The author skillfully drives the plots through a cast of realistic well-developed characters. The character’s were relatable, and truly made it feel like I was there with them through these experiences. I liked how Gray showed their flaws but also allowed their good qualities to shine through. The story was very beautiful, yet dark, which made it so captivating and had me eager to read what would happen next.

There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book, but I did find some of the scenes a little too dark and disturbing. I also found it quite confusing to understand what exactly happened in the childhood trauma scene. The author seemed to quickly describe it and then it was not talked about again until later on in the book. Daniel went through a lot in his childhood, but it seemed like that big part was skipped over, which left me a little confused at points. Nonetheless, this was an engaging story about family issues and manipulation that kept me on my toes the entire book.

This book is exceptionally well edited, and I found no areas to highlight for improvement. Adult language is present often throughout the book, so I would not recommend it for young readers. However, with all this in mind, I am happy to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. It will definitely appeal to fans who like mysteries and psychological thrillers. If you are looking for an emotional, thrilling story that keeps you guessing, this may be the book for you.

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Duplicity
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Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 04 Apr 2020, 07:43

This definitely sounds like an intriguing story! I love books with well-developed characters and an exciting plot. I will have to take a look at this one. Thanks for you informative and well-written review!

Tavaiel26 · Post by **Tavaiel26** » 04 Apr 2020, 12:10

One of my favorite things about this story was reading the different points of views. It was fascinating to read their opposing point of views, and how they both had completely different takes on the events that happened.

This is one of my favorite things in books, when it's done properly it's amazing to see how different perspectives are portrayed!

Mmileski23 · Post by **Mmileski23** » 06 Apr 2020, 14:17

Prisallen wrote: ↑04 Apr 2020, 07:43 This definitely sounds like an intriguing story! I love books with well-developed characters and an exciting plot. I will have to take a look at this one. Thanks for you informative and well-written review!

It is definitely a book worth looking into. Thanks for the comment!

Mmileski23 · Post by **Mmileski23** » 06 Apr 2020, 14:21

Tavaiel26 wrote: ↑04 Apr 2020, 12:10
One of my favorite things about this story was reading the different points of views. It was fascinating to read their opposing point of views, and how they both had completely different takes on the events that happened.
This is one of my favorite things in books, when it's done properly it's amazing to see how different perspectives are portrayed!

Exactly! I highly recommend reading this book. It isn't boring at all, and you can really sympathize with each character. Thanks for the comment!