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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
First, I would like to recall the author’s creative and engaging writing style which leaves the readers stunned. And talking about the context of the book, it was concisely written in an engaging and entertaining perspective, which provoked different arrays of emotions, and was awesomely delivered by the book’s plots.
The book stood out to be entirely feasible and progressively showed issues related and possibly, a situation associated with orphans. I’m happy to have a written picture of subjects like this. I loved the way the author portrayed the protagonist in the book, as Darwin was very smart, goal-oriented, intelligent, loving and caring. Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I enjoyed reading this book because it is engaging and not monotonous. At first, I thought it’s going to be a bore to read, but the way the author had written the story made me cling onto it more. It is not the usual story that you encounter wherein it’s all about the protagonist. I appreciate that it also ventured out into detailing the story of the supporting characters, what’s behind their attitude and their actions. It seems like it has an intricate plot, with all the multifaceted characters and convoluted events in their lives, but if you really look into it and understand it, it all boils down to who to trust. It is easy to follow. With 66 chapters, each one tried to tie loose ends with the others.
I give this book a score of 4 out of 4 stars as I got engrossed with it the moment I started reading through its pages. Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
This book is a page-turner. The themes revolve around suspense, mystery and drama. The author’s style of writing is captivating and the short chapters add a seamless quality to the book’s structure and flow. The tone of the book is light from beginning to end which adds to the reader’s overall reading experience. Moreover, the novel boasts an array of diverse and enjoyable characters. I loved Granny who Coles initially portrays as eccentric and wily but later we discover her character to be lovely, wise and strong.
I rate Guardian of Deceit a four out of four stars not only because it was an impeccably written novel but because the lessons that Coles reinforces were deep and insightful. Coles’ handling of this drama was brilliant; persons who enjoy suspense and mystery will find this book an enjoyable read. Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
What I loved best about Guardian of Deceit was the character development. William H. Coles really did a great job of developing almost all the characters that appeared in the book. He made the likes, dislikes, history, attitudes, weekeness etc. of characters such as Sweeney, Mrs Thompson, Helen, Lazlo, known intimately to his readers. This he did by not making the whole book about Darwin or his life. Chapters were dedicated to certain characters and their life.
Still on the subject of characters, I love how the author didn’t place a label of protagonist or villain on any of his characters. They were portrayed as just humans. Humans who made bad decisions in life, humans that succeeded in their field, humans with feelings. Even Luther who cheats, lies and doesn’t care, Luther who makes it so easy to hate or dislike him, turned out to be a human that can be broken emotionally after all. Alas he was capable of love, a fact that was proven towards the end of the novel which came as a surprise to me.Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The author manages to create emotions of intense sympathy and interest for many of the characters in the reader. His writing is crisp and very effective. Written from the third person narrative, a compelling plot is created that generates excitement and an atmosphere of mounting social tension. An feeling of life in the social stratosphere of society, but the main protagonist’s maintenance of his own morals and noble ambitions, are skillfully woven into the narrative.
For a superb and moving reading experience, that engages a wide range of emotions and generates genuine interest in the destinies of all of the characters from the reader, this is an unforgettable novel. I have awarded it a rating of four out of four stars.Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
This is the first book I have read by this author. He definitely had a way of drawing me in and keeping me interested. I was intrigued as it challenged my emotions and thinking. I am looking forward to reading more novels written by William H. Coles. Personally, I liked the overall message this book created for me. It was a great example of what hard work can accomplish in life. I loved how the author set the tone and included themes of family and a sense of achievement. I found this book to be a satisfying story with fascinating twists and turns. I admired the suspense and action the story took. I am excited to find another book written by this author. It was beautifully written. There was not anything in the book that I disliked. I also thought that it was professionally edited without any grammatical errors. Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The Guardian of Deceit was an excellent read. From start to finish, I was completely captivated, frantically flipping the pages to see what would come next. One of my favorite parts about this book was how Coles managed to allude to certain things rather than just saying them upfront. So instead of saying a particular thing happened, he would hint at it so that you as the reader could come to discover more along with Darwin. It makes the book much more immersive and made it much more enjoyable and mysterious. Not only did he allude to certain ideas, but he also left some aspects open-ended for the reader to imagine what would come next. I enjoyed that aspect, especially at the end of the book when you are left to wonder and fantasize over the details.
Another thing I really loved about this book was the character development. We get to see our main character grow up. We are there for him in high school, throughout college, and as he pursues his career. We see him struggle, triumph, love, and hurt. It was very well done in that I felt like I knew Darwin and could both sympathize and empathize with him. It also really helped to show how the people you surround you can change and shape your personality, for better or for worse. By developing a strong character-reader bond at the beginning of the story, it helps to allow you as the reader to question his actions with love rather than with hate. Read the entire review here…

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
One of Coles’ impeccable writing skills involves capturing the reader’s attention all through his work. Therefore, this would involve some plot deviations that ensured other characters feature in the protagonist’s story as well. As I read along, he introduced me to some people that interacted with Darwin. He also gave them room to lead their own independent lives, free from direct connection with the protagonist. This gave the book a holistic sense and introduced a sense of realism into the book.
What I liked most about this book is its steady plot development. I believe this is what actually kept me glued to the book from the first page to the last page. Coles ensured that every character had a role to play in advancing the plot and none of them appeared irrelevant. I had the most out of them and connected with them and their roles in the story. I, therefore, could get a clear picture of their relevance in the book and visualize how their absence would affect the story.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I gave this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is largely because the human condition was portrayed so flawlessly. The editing was spot on as well. The “human condition” is a concept that encompasses everything dealing with being human and the ups and downs of our existence. As the complex beings we are, I find it striking whenever an author can really etch a picture of reality into your mind. The topics that were explored in the novel, were very hard-hitting and much needed for exposure to the pitfalls of human life.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
This book has brought tears to my eyes. The author captured concepts of love, family, and relationships in a very unique fashion. I was able to perfectly relate to the painful situations experienced by Darwin. They sounded very realistic. A family gives one a beautiful sense of belonging. It’s second after God. Nevertheless, there is no permanent situation.life can be cruel, people face painful experiences but with great determination, its possible to conquer and make a dream valid. Similarly, not every person in this world is cruel, good people still exist.
I liked reading this book so much. Its a book with immense life lessons to learn. It features real concepts of life. It was difficult to find anything to dislike in this book. I found no grammatical errors and so the book was perfectly edited. I proudly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The characters are all well-developed. It was a very thought- provoking novel that captured my attention. The story was written in a simple language that was easy to read and understand. There were lots of twist and turns in the story. The author discusses a lot of social issues, like bad judgment, bad child upbringing, bad choices and mistrust. The author is very talented to write such an interesting novel. The story flowed easily from one chapter to the next. It is a very realistic story about how fame, power and money can effect a person’s life. I loved the ending of the book.
My favourite character is Darwin. His personality and goodness touched every character in this novel. He made a difference in every one’s life. He has a lot of money but he was not proud or selfish. He helped Sweetney to win Luther’s heart. In the beginning his grandmother and the staff did not like him, but as they got to know him, they learned to love and respect him. He helped Luther to become a better person. Darwin has a very good up bringing and good valves. He stood by his friends and family.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The story highlights aspects like deceit, drama, career, athletics, family, education, abduction, relationships and legal development. The relationships featured in the story are quite interesting. They are dramatic and keeps fluctuating. Furthermore, the effects that divided families have on the members and the flaws present in the education system are vividly explained.
I enjoyed reading the book Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles. For a moment, I thought I was watching a movie. The author knows how to grip the reader’s attention. The book is fast-paced, full of drama, has notable plot twists and fragments of emotions. The narrative is written in the first and third-person perspective. The switching from first to the third-person narrative isn’t confusing. Moreover, the book is exceptionally edited. The plot and the characters are diligently developed. The author has an incredible imaginative ability. Ultimately, the language used is pure.
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In Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles, we see seventeen-year-old Darwin Hastings being sent away to New York from Pittsburgh as his dying aunt is unable to take care of him He is sent to a new guardian, his cousin Luther Pinnelli, who is not only rich, but also a famous football player. He meets Doctor Adrian Malverne on the flight, who will later on play an important role in Darwin’s life and career. His dream is to become a doctor like his father. Darwin does not know what he is getting into until he starts living with Luther, who forces him to earn his living instead of giving him the allowance that came from his inheritance. He realizes that life with his celebrity cousin is not going to be an easy one. Living with Luther, and his flamboyant lifestyle of gambling, and reckless behavior results in Darwin also getting involved in the same at med school. As the story unfolds, readers see twists and turns, secrets, lies, scandals, and complications, which make it a compelling book.

It is a story about human relationships and the coming of age of a young man. The author does an excellent job when it comes to portraying Luther and Darwin, and their personalities stand out. There is a lot of drama in the story, which makes it fast paced. Readers are kept on their toes by the thrills, mystery, romance, cheating, and scandals. All the characters lend good support to the main plot, but it is Darwin who stands out with his behavior and character, and how he keeps his dreams and morals intact – despite living with Luther Pinnelli and his reckless lifestyle, which is worth a mention. 5/5 Stars

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is another interesting novel from this author. Darwin Hastings flies from Pittsburgh to New York. After the death of his parents years ago, he had been living with an aunt who can’t support him anymore. Now he plans to live with his football-star cousin Luther Pinnelli, dreaming of completing his studies in medicine after graduation. But life isn’t what he expected and people aren’t too friendly; in fact, he finds himself in far less favorable conditions with his cousin. He has no access to his inheritance and finds himself living in deplorable conditions in the storage room. But is this going to stop him from dreaming? Follow this story to find out what Darwin is capable of achieving.

It is interesting how Darwin connects with people and how he wins them over to his side. There is emotion in this story and it is easy to feel sympathy for the protagonist. The author makes readers see what being a celebrity is like and creates a fascinating setting in New York against which the narrative develops. Darwin is a character with vision, a disciplined and ambitious young adult who is smart, and this intelligence is evident in the way he interacts with others and in how he handles the tension between himself and his cousin. There are many surprises in the story, intense emotional moments and psychological depth. Guardian of Deceit is a tale that explores family themes and what betrayal feels like. William H Coles writes in a style that is crisp and enticing, imagining characters that are complex. I love how he explores the relationships between the characters, especially the one between Dr. Adrian Malverne and the protagonist. This is a deeply satisfying story, a must-read. 5/5 Stars

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is a contemporary literary fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy mystery adventure stories. Darwin Hastings lost his parents and now his aunt can no longer care for him, which forces him to travel from Pittsburgh to New York to live with his cousin. Darwin Hastings’ cousin, Luther Pinnelli, is a well-known football star who is an arrogant, selfish person with no interest in helping Darwin, but instead prefers to show him cruelty. However, Darwin has a high level of intelligence and empathy that allows him to get around the obstacles Luther throws in his path by befriending allies. Will Darwin’s allies help him to achieve his dream of studying medicine, or will all his work go down the drain, thanks to his arrogant cousin?

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is an enjoyable book that did not truly fit into any one genre. The story line was clearly well thought out and it showcased the author’s ability to create a cast of well-developed characters and a gripping plot line. I found that Darwin’s home situation with his arrogant cousin reminded me a lot of the Harry Potter book series with how Harry also lives with relatives that do not care for him, but instead preferred to treat him badly. Darwin managed to make the most of his situation in finding and befriending people that could help him to achieve his dream. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, Darwin’s intellect, and his ingenuity.

In another of William H. Coles’ literary fiction novels, Guardian of Deceit, is Darwin Hastings, who lands wide-eyed, bushy-tailed and driven to succeed under the care of his sports celebrity cousin, Luther. Luther is wealthy and insensitive to those who love and even worship him, like his celebrity pop star girlfriend, Sweeney Pale. Like Sweeney, young Darwin is loyal to a fault. With every challenge Luther throws at him, Darwin becomes stronger, wiser and eventually very rich, while also fulfilling his role as the Guardian of Deceit…and deceits surround him. From Luther, to Darwin’s mentor in the medical field, to his mentor’s chalk and cheese daughters, Helen and Coral, to their boyfriends, to Darwin’s own relationships, secrets abound. Darwin handles all them expertly, ever mindful of the possible pain and damage to those he cares about if the truth were revealed.

The result of all this is a novel that is not unlike a collection of short stories. There are so many characters in Guardian of Deceit that occasionally the reader forgets Darwin is the protagonist and that this is a story about a young man coming of age in an upper-class society full of petty jealousies and lies. Readers get caught up in the juxtaposition and bickering of the two very different sisters. Next moment, readers are following Luther’s head security guard as he works with police to find out who murdered a potential Olympic swimmer. Or we are weeping with Sweeney as she worries whether fans love her music or Luther loves her. And there is the saga of Luther himself, who is on a steady downward roll thanks to drug abuse, gambling, and violence.

In Guardian of Deceit, every character has a story and few of them know themselves very well. Darwin becomes not only a guardian of their secrets but a sounding board for their insecurities. And occasionally, one of the characters, like Ms. Pearlstein, bounces his advice back at him to consider for himself. So many characters; so many stories. Yet, it’s the reality of life in any neighborhood, town or city. Who really knows what’s going on next door or what the real situation is between husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, grandparents, employers, and employees. William H. Coles simply lets the dialogue between his characters reveal all and leaves it to readers to draw their own conclusions about each of them. But if there is one need they all share, it’s the need for love. Throughout Guardian of Deceit, every character is looking for love. Does each find it? Does Darwin? Read the novel to find out. 5/5 Stars

When Darwin Hastings’ aunt can no longer take care of the talented young man, whose parents had died in a car accident five years earlier, Darwin’s guardianship reverted to his famous football star cousin, Luther Pinnelli. In William H Coles’ Guardian of Deceit, we first meet Darwin on the flight from Pittsburgh to New York, where he meets Doctor Adrian Malverne who will have a big impact on the young man’s future career and personal life. Staying in a converted storage closet at his cousin’s mansion in the Hamptons, Darwin soon discovers that life with his erratic, drunken and gambling cousin was not going to be an easy one. Nevertheless, Darwin sets out to make his life’s dream of becoming a doctor a reality. Along the way, he will meet and associate with many famous and many dangerous persons, but always manage to keep his dreams and his morals intact.

This is a coming-of-age novel with a bit of a difference, set in the well-to-do world of the Hamptons. I particularly liked Darwin as a character, as despite his obvious academic talents he was well grounded and prepared to work hard for his advancement, regardless of the wealth left to him by his parents and his cousin’s ostentatious lifestyle. He never allowed this to cloud his judgement or his morality, and when the occasion demanded it he was prepared to stand up to authority, for himself and for others, where he perceived injustice. The character of Luther’s wife, famous singer Sweeney Pale, was well drawn and I kept waiting and expecting the big romantic scene with Darwin. In summary, Guardian of Deceit is a study in human relationships and behaviour, a romantic coming-of-age of a gifted young man. 5/5 Stars

Guardian of Deceit is a work of literary dramatic fiction penned by author William H. Coles. The central focus in this tale of life, woe, hardship, and achievement is Darwin Hastings, a precocious young man with aspirations to study medicine. Living in a privileged world doesn’t come without hardships, as Darwin soon discovers when he is forced to live with his new guardian Luther. A feckless celebrity footballer with a disregard for decency in general, Luther thwarts young Darwin’s aspirations to reconnect with lost family and messes with his moral compass at every turn. As Darwin navigates the seedy new world he finds himself in, the complications of adulthood and realities of the world present a journey of self-discovery which he has no choice but to take.

Having read a great deal of William H. Coles’s work recently, it becomes clear that unlikely and unlikeable heroes hinge at the center of much of his work, and therein lies the genius of it. Darwin certainly isn’t to everyone’s taste, but the twisting journey which life takes him on keeps you turning pages and teaches important coming of age lessons along the way. The character development stands out in Darwin, Luther and Sweeney Pale, the pop star, holding up mirrors to the less admirable qualities which humans possess and creating a winding road of lessons to be learned. The themes which eventually emerge are deceptively powerful and morally good, making Guardian of Deceit a surprisingly uplifting read, and overall a highly recommended drama from a very talented author. 5/5 Stars

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is literary fiction narrated in a fun, humorous, and engaging voice – the story of Darwin Hastings who flies to New York from Pittsburgh to live with his cousin, Luther Pinnelli, the football star. He has dreams of studying medicine after his graduation from a private school. He lived with his aunt after the death of his parents, but now she is unable to provide for him. Moving to New York is supposed to make things easier for him, but his cocky and selfish cousin makes his life a living hell, having him sleep in the storeroom and blocking access to his inheritance. In this story, Darwin uses his intelligence and his ability to charm people to win some friends and set himself up for success. Can he finally get what is rightfully his and achieve his goals in life?

I was hooked from the very beginning of the narrative when I met the protagonist on his flight as he engaged in a very funny conversation with an eccentric old woman who believes that football is a sexist kind of sport and a medical professional who is laid-back and interesting. William H Coles writes about ordinary situations but infuses them with life and humor while showing readers how his characters evolve through the narrative. His gift for exquisite prose and well-crafted, natural dialogues is among the ingredients that enrich this story. The author establishes relationships with characters that deepen the conflict and allow the protagonist to shape himself into a character that readers want to stick with. Themes of family, romance, inheritance, and the pursuit of a dream are skillfully developed in this narrative. Guardian of Deceit is an exciting, balanced, and well-crafted story that keeps the reader riveted. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction. 5/5 Stars

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is an entertaining story that explores family themes, a drama constructed around inheritance and injustice. Darwin Hastings has a dream of studying medicine after graduating from a private school. His aunt, who has supported him since his parents passed away, can’t support him anymore, so he moves to New York from Pittsburgh to join his cousin, a football star, Luther Pinnelli. But life with the star is hell for him as he finds himself living in the storeroom and like a beggar. His cousin makes it difficult for him to even gain access to his inheritance. Smart and pragmatic, Darwin focuses on relationships that matter, winning the trust of Luther’s weird grandmother, Dr. Adrian Malverne, who becomes his mentor, Laszlo Forgash, the head of security, and many others. Can he succeed in getting what rightfully belongs to him and achieving his dream in medicine?

William H Coles is a master at creating dramatic scenes and his gift for character creates characters readers quickly learn to love and to follow. It is interesting to notice how antagonistic characters evolve in his stories. When readers encounter Darwin Hastings, they feel pity for him, but the pity quickly develops into admiration. While Luther is arrogant and emotional, his cousin Darwin is intelligent, focused, and calculating. The latter invests in building human relationships while the other relies on his fame. The conflict is intelligently handled and it allows the characters to evolve through the story. The prose is excellent, fluid, and charming. Guardian of Deceit features well-written scenes, family drama, and a conflict that takes readers on unexpected emotional rides. I love this author’s work; it is real and utterly engaging. 5/5 Stars

I cannot tell you how fast I breezed through Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles. It is weird, but I actually loved Luther’s character. He was mean and arrogant, but the author did a wonderful job of making him so. He was so well written that I could not help but like him. I loved to hate him and I hated him with a passion. Darwin, on the other hand, had layers upon layers and I enjoyed how the author unraveled each and every one of them. His development was intense but very well done.

This is the story of Darwin Hastings, a seventeen-year-old teenager who wants nothing more in life than to become a med student. But life has a way of getting in the path of his plans. When his dying aunt sends him to New York to his new guardian, his famous footballer cousin, he is excited to start a fresh chapter in his life. But his cousin treats him like dirt, the staff don’t appreciate his presence, and Darwin now has to fight tooth and nail to get his life going without becoming engulfed by his cousin’s life of deceit, money, and excess.

What more can I say; the plot was simply amazing. The characters added something new to the story while the dialogues revealed so much about the characters. Every character had their own back story, even Luther’s grandmother and his house manager. I enjoyed the flow of the novel, the fast pace, and the absolutely genius plot. This was a perfect novel to read! 5/5 Stars

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is an entertaining literary novel with well developed and rock solid characters. Darwin Hastings is an orphan and has been under the care of his aunt until she can’t take care of him any longer. Now, he boards a plane from Pittsburgh to New York to join his cousin, a football star, Luther Pinnelli. But things aren’t what he’d expected to find. His cousin is a self-serving and arrogant guy who lives luxuriously and does everything to make life miserable for Darwin, including cutting his access to an inheritance that is rightfully his. Darwin is determined to win and to pursue his dreams of studying medicine. Read on to find out how he learns to be shrewd, to connect with people that matter, and to get the help he needs to achieve his goals.

William H Coles is a terrific writer and he creates a story in Guardian of Deceit that will both entertain and inspire readers. The characters are believable and readers can easily connect to them. I enjoyed the portrait of Darwin Hastings, a young, energetic, determined, and resourceful personality. The conflict in this story is well developed, and while the reader watches with keen attention as the relationship between the protagonist and his cousin gets tenser, they also enjoy the psychological and personal conflicts in the characters. I loved the writing and the author’s unique signature phraseology. Here is a compelling story woven with great characters, a gripping plot, and a conflict that escalates quickly and with a perfect and satisfying finish. 5/5 Stars

Review from OnlineBookClub.org
This is the second book I’ve read by Coles and what is really intriguing to me is how his knowledge and background as a doctor as his previous profession do not interfere with his storytelling. Instead, his insight is refreshing and provides readers with awareness on the moral dilemmas the profession faces every day. This story would appeal to anyone interested in the underdog and would not appeal to anyone not interested in character driven stories.
Not everything is black and white in the story. All the characters are flawed and in no means less attractive for it. What really worked for the story was the cool progression and solid pacing which kept the pages turning. The story also provided clear resolutions for all the characters affected by or related to Darwin, who in turn is extremely relatable and gives the reader the satisfaction that the underdog never stays down in the dumps for long.
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This novel is a chronicle of failures. It highlights the emotional damages that a person can inflict on himself and his loved ones as a result of his failure to do what is right. It’s central message is about individual moral deficiencies and the damages that follow. These aberrations can be especially disastrous when they affect sensitive institutions like the Medical profession, that is , when politics and financial rewards replace the desire to cure people and make life better.
I love this book because of it’s strong moral undertone and undisputed ethical standpoint. It will be very appealing to religious minded readers and people who are passionate about moral uprightness and doing things properly. Unfortunately however, the book is not well titled. The reader struggles throughout the entire book to relate the story to the it’s title. One keeps wondering if the deceiving Guidian is Luther Pinnelli, Dr. Melverne, Darwin’s English teacher or Betsy’s swimming coach. All these characters failed in one way or the other in their guidian roles but the element of deceit in their actions is quite vague.
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The title of this book is very fitting in many ways. From the beginning of the book, where Darwin meets an unexpected stranger on the airplane who reappears in his life in the book-Darwin is faced with many obstacles. His new guardian gives him what seems like very tough love, but as the story progresses you see the guardians actions towards other people in his life are very similar. It almost seems as if the guardian is so self absorbed he does not care about anyone but himself, but we see a caring side of him late in the story at a breaking point. Darwin’s unexpected mentor takes a great interest in Darwin and treats Darwin as his own son. This mentee mentor relationship opens many doors for Darwin. Darwin’s tragic family loss followed by his deceitful cousin as his new guardian and controller of his money, left Darwin almost unable to experience the great education and life his parents would have wanted.
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Guardian of Deceit by William Coles is another of his fun books to excite readers. All of the main characters are brought to life in remarkably compelling style. The plot flows quickly, but ends too abruptly. This reader was left wanting more of the story.
Darwin, the main character, begins as an orphaned teenager, shipped off to live with an unknown relative. Luther, the highest paid football in the NFL, is his cousin/guardian. Sweeney Dale (picture Brittany Speers or Katy Perry) is the rock star girlfriend, blindly in love with Luther. She also becomes Darwin’s closest friend.
Professional editing was obvious in this clean, crisp novel. Despite unanswered sub-plots, Guardian of Deceit should be rated 4 out of 4 stars. Reading this book was an entertaining experience. This reader would happily read it again.
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The greatest strength of the book is the quality of writing. The author uses English language magnificently and manages to convey ideas with a great dea of subtlety and nauce. In my opinion, the quality of writting mixed with the choice of words made the book an interesting read all by themselves.
The writing style is straightforward and clean, with enough descriptions to give readers a sense of the character and environment. I found the conversations in the book, although some were serious, to be compelling. Despite of its many pages, the book was a quick read.
Having liked the writing style and the amazing plot of the book, I am happy to rate it four out of four stars. I did not come across any grammatical and spelling errors. The book was professionally edited. The tale made me weep, celebrate, and get angered for my fellow humans who may be going through this situations. It was not a happy story, so those looking for a light fiction story should look elsewhere. I would recommend the book to those who enjoy character-driven narratives that focuses on heavy themes.
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The author has a nice style of writing his books especially stories that fall into the category of other fiction. When I first started reading and reviewing novels, it was (McDowell) written by the same author that I reviewed initially. His book was very interesting to me as I followed the story without stopping. So, this story is indifferent, this book is also properly fixed, the characters and chapters are all in order. The struggles that Darwin passed through will definitely pave a way for him to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. Well, he is the teenager that will grow up to face many challenges in life. So, I think the hardships he was going through were necessary to prepare him for the future.
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I give this book 4 out of 4 stars because I felt it was well written and kept my attention throughout my reading. I found Guardian of Deceit interesting and original as William Coles can write. There are plenty of twists and turns and the plot thickens as you read on. This is a book that is hard to put down. I recommend this book; it’s worth spending your money on.
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I must say I was intrigued by this book. The story is about a teenager named Darwin who comes to live under his celebrity Cousin’s (Luther) guardianship. There are plenty of characters in the book and each character exhibits a different kind of characterization.
Darwin is way too matured for his age and finds his own way to make money when he is denied access to his trust fund. He sticks to his goal of becoming a doctor and works for it. He is smart and makes the best use of the resources that are available to him. Though his heart breaks twice, he finally finds his true love in Dominique.
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If you like reading stories about the real world with some moral implications blended into it, then the Guardian of Deceit is a great book for you.
This fast-paced novel is about seventeen years old orphan Darwin Hastings who is sent to New York from Pittsburgh after his dying aunt can no longer care for him. In New York, there’s his cousin, a wealthy football player Luther Pinnelli, who will become his new guardian. Reading this book, you explore the development of Darwin’s relationship with selfish and cruel Luther and his journey towards the dream of becoming a doctor.
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I went out of my comfort zone when I decided to read this novel, and I am glad that I did. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I personally suggest to anyone to be on the lookout for more narratives written by William H. Coles. He genuinely know how to spin a yarn, create a web that ensnares you into the world he creates, makes you feel for the characters within those worlds, and breaks your heart into a million pieces with just a few words. It’s great.
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If you are a lover of fictional stories on the rewards of hard work and discipline, then you will certainly enjoy reading this book. I like the way the protagonist’s lifestyle brought out the reward of hard work, discipline and dynamism in a law-abiding way. I also enjoyed the way various characters in the story found peace. For instance, Darwin had a chance with Dominique and Helen Malverne found peace in her baby (Elizabeth). However, what I liked most about the book is the great use of vocabulary. I love discovering new words and this book did not disappoint in that sector.
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I loved that Darwin had to experience good and bad throughout this story and he knows that money isn’t everything. Darwin experienced the loss of his parents, as well as being treated cruelly by Luther at the beginning and still managed to find the people he needed to help him get ahead. This showed people that no matter what, you can make it through anything.
I would suggest this book to anyone who likes other fiction or even to young adults in the older teenage range.
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I gave this book 4 out of 4 stars. I enjoyed and recommend this book. The story moved along and kept me interested. It was nice how the story was written to encompass love, lust, corruption, exploits, drug abuse, loss of life, loveless marriage, morals and believe it or not kindness. Darwin and Laszlo were my favorite characters of the book. Aspects of those characters resonated with me. This book will be one that I can read over again and still enjoy.
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There are most likely many reasons why this book was a finalist in the 2012 William Faulkner-Williams Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, but I detect much of Faulkner’s work to be inspired by setting and the often bumpy plight of the protagonist. There’s less attention to setting in Coles’ novel, but quite a bit of struggle on behalf of Darwin, the appropriately named protagonist, as he stumbles around familial and personal decay.

Throughout the entire novel, Coles does well with characterization. Even in the most mundane of situations, his command of dialogue and characters make the scene pop for the reader’s imagination. Even the characters you won’t like – you’ll still want to read about them. Again – that is the prowess of Coles’ writing style. I appreciated it and I think all readers of recent fiction will as well.

Finally, the overall plot (series of events) and themes (main ideas) are at once approachable and complex. Coles’ characterization and prose are never written in condescending style to the reader – as I’ve seen in a lot of recent fiction. There’s no snark, just truth, and that goes a long way in the professional standards I hold for excellent modern storytelling.
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I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. What I love about this book is that it never settles on one point. It is forever shifting, the timelines on his life are changing, moving with him as he grows, from a boy to a man. The book also combines different genres, building suspense and jumping from one character’s point of view to another flawlessly. The book is incredibly well-written and the author’s expertise on the subject is obvious. We are taken on a constant emotional roller-coaster from the beginning to the end. We sympathize with the young Darwin, admire his fortitude as we get to know him better, cry with lovely Sweeney as she worries about her life, fume over Luther and Hellen, and so on. It could not be captured any better. I also love that the book has a lot of parallels with real life, that the dilemmas faced are everyday problems that we face. The author leaves us to make our own conclusions based on what he tells us. He only gives us half the puzzle, and that is the beauty of it.
I highly recommend this book to readers. It is a lovely book, very emotional and beautiful to read. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
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What I liked most about the book is that it inspires a reader, especially one that has gone through so many trials, to fight, be strong and work his/her way to the top just like Darwin worked so hard for Luther to get his allowances despite his parents leaving him a huge inheritance which was withheld by Luther, yet he still found time to study to venture into medicine as has always been his life long dream. Through Helen, the reader is also taught that the only person who can make oneself happy and contented is him/herself and not anyone else.
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Guardian of Deceit is a work of literary fiction written by William H. Coles. Coles has received critical acclaim for his character-based style of writing and mastery of character development in this novel and other writings throughout his literary career. Coles style is based on his belief that what happens in the plot is determined by the actions of the characters. So, in typical Coles style, Guardian of Deceit has the elements of drama, romance, crime, action, mystery, and more, all resulting from the development of the characters in the book.
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Coles successfully created Darwin to be a mature and likeable teenager who is trustworthy and wise beyond his years. Darwin possesses attributes that gives society a run for their money when comparing others of similar ages. He is driven to be successful and wishes to be accepted to medical school and no matter the obstacle, is stubborn to the core at fighting for his beliefs. His Uncle, Luther, often acts as a barrier to Darwin instead of a loving guardian, but this fuels Darwin’s character to rise up rather than burn down.

The crime and fame driven storyline offers internal perspectives of societal topics generally not covered in other novels. While he is often surrounded by conflict and others wrenching at his moral standards, he is able to disengage himself from traps and proceed on his journey to find a love similar to his parent’s.
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What a fantastic story! Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles was a very satisfying read from start to finish. There were many moments where I could not put it down. The story has many twists and turns that were not expected, which is engaging and congenial. It is a fictional story with multiple genres. Love, lust, fame, intrigue, mystery, friendship and life lessons from a young man with many challenges early on in life.
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The author does a good job creating a multi-layered storyline with a lot of twists and turns which keeps the reader engaged throughout.The book also has a mixture of very interesting characters who are well developed and easy to relate to. My own favourite was, of course, Darwin who is the protagonist in this story. I like Darwin because he made the best out of the cards he was dealt. Whereas Luther was a bad influence on him, Darwin still managed to stick to his morals. He stayed in school and kept up the pursuit of his dream to become a doctor. I think we can all learn something from Darwin’s perseverance.
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Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles is a slice-of-life novel with Darwin as its main character. At the start of the book, Darwin is on his way to Pittsburgh following the passing of his guardianship from his aunt to his cousin Luther-a famous football player. Although he is reluctant to part with his aunt, he is also rife with enthusiasm at the prospect of living with a blood-related celebrity. The reality that awaits him, however, is not so pleasant.
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You will meet many characters in this book and the author makes sure you get to know all of them. For example, Sweeney is a famous singer and songwriter who becomes Darwin’s best friend but is also Luther’s girlfriend. They’re there for each other throughout the book.

This story will walk you through Darwins life and his struggles. The struggles include financials, schooling, relationships, secrets, etc. It even throws it in a mystery. You will see Darwin grow up and how he handles making money, who he learns to care for, what he values and what he learns from others. You will literally learn all about Darwin! You will also learn other character’s struggles and how they deal with them.
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The book is not a fast paced novel which brings in detail the characteristics of Darwin as an assertive, kind, humorous, aggressive and obedient young man with ambitions to achieve his goals in life. Due to his aggressiveness and humorous nature, Darwin became Luther’s backup chauffer after getting a training for driving from Laszlo who is Luther`s senior security officer. Darwin`s kindness and obedience was admired by Laszlo, Dr. & Mrs. Malverne, Sweeney who was Luther`s fiance, Granny, Coral and Helen who were Malverne`s daughters, Pearlstein who was Darwin`s home English tutor and Dominique who was Darwin`s colleague in the Medical School.
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I enjoy reading this book a lot. It has a lot of events that made me ponder at times. The characters are interesting. They are famous and high profiled people who strived to retain social reputation and integrity. The author was able to properly deliver a series of event by which you need not to worry so much if you’ll remember them. Every read is like an uninterrupted flow by which when you choose to rest, a series of events still linger to your thoughts. In every character you understand every hesitance or abruptness, every disappointment, and desperation; their needs and wants and their emotional interactions with different situations they’re in.
The entire story simply has its own valuable touch to reality. Most interactions are relatable and very smart. It is more of personal validity and building relationship and the effects of being under the magic of love and affection rather than parenting sort of story which I thought this story is all about at first. But despite of that, I enjoyed reading the story so much. I did not see any typos or any kind of errors that I can share in this review. Finally, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who wants to unwind with a good book in their hands. And I haven’t mentioned yet, this book has unpredictable storylines and might not be suitable for people who are underage but is surely recommendable to anyone who has the habits of reading.
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The author openly portrays the positive and negative traits prevailing in society. The selfishness of society is evident in the story. Each character is in struggle to achieve his or her goal by hook or by crook. When we see the positive side of the story, the case of dismissal of Betsy (daughter of Bonita Thomas) shows a sign of cooperativeness as they (characters) consider themselves a “family.” The author beautifully moves the story forward relating all events in a sequence. His omniscient view of each character kept me on my toe until I finished the story.

The author aptly describes the cultural values of upper class in American society. The poor condition of women in which she is mostly considered a sex symbol is ironical. Unending lust for wealth, debauchery and callousness of attitudes goes throughout the story, which may sadden the reader. But of course he (author) has rightly depicted a reality. The book is free from typos, so I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I hope readers would like it much.
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Mature teen to new adult fiction readers will find in The Guardian of Deceit a compelling story exploring seventeen-year-old Darwin’s journey as he leaves his dying aunt and guardian to go live with an unknown cousin; a new custodian who is both rich and a famous sports figure. Luther harbors some serious personality defects, however, which make him anything but the perfect guardian, and through Darwin solidifies his desire to become a doctor and pursues his dream, Luther seems determined to thwart this goal.

As obstacles mount – not the least of which are involvements in drugs, money, and lures to a lifestyle that seem to counteract any dreams for something bigger – Darwin finds himself in a downward spiral where his dream seems ever more elusive.

From Sweeney Pale’s relationship to Luther and Darwin and the messy circumstances which arise from attraction to the choices and conflicts faced by young adults on the cusp of adulthood with the possibilities and pitfalls starkly laid out before them in a maze of challenging uncertainties, The Guardian of Deceit weaves a story that is complicated at times by characters who not only come and go from Darwin’s world, but who bring with them their own challenges and angst. Readers looking for simpler, more linear productions may feel confused or challenged by the wealth of characters and directions proffered by a mercurial story line, but the result is actually more reflective of the vast changes young adulthood often introduces to those in this age group.

In true form for those on the cusp of adulthood, Darwin makes both good and bad decisions for some of the right and wrong reasons, and readers are swept into a whirlwind of circumstances often out of his control.

New adult and mature young adult readers will find The Guardian of Deceit an involving story of sex, family interactions, social circumstances, and personal ambition that follows a young man’s evolution as he conversely rockets towards success and encounters many failures and conundrums along the way.

In another of William H. Coles’ literary fiction novels, Guardian of Deceit, is Darwin Hastings, who lands wide-eyed, bushy-tailed and driven to succeed under the care of his sports celebrity cousin, Luther. Luther is wealthy and insensitive to those who love and even worship him, like his celebrity pop star girlfriend, Sweeney Pale. Like Sweeney, young Darwin is loyal to a fault. With every challenge Luther throws at him, Darwin becomes stronger, wiser and eventually very rich, while also fulfilling his role as the Guardian of Deceit…and deceits surround him. From Luther, to Darwin’s mentor in the medical field, to his mentor’s chalk and cheese daughters, Helen and Coral, to their boyfriends, to Darwin’s own relationships, secrets abound. Darwin handles all them expertly, ever mindful of the possible pain and damage to those he cares about if the truth were revealed.
… Read moreReviewed by Viga Boland for Readers’ Favorite

In Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles, we see seventeen-year-old Darwin Hastings being sent away to New York from Pittsburgh as his dying aunt is unable to take care of him He is sent to a new guardian, his cousin Luther Pinnelli, who is not only rich, but also a famous football player. He meets Doctor Adrian Malverne on the flight, who will later on play an important role in Darwin’s life and career. His dream is to become a doctor like his father. Darwin does not know what he is getting into until he starts living with Luther, who forces him to earn his living instead of giving him the allowance that came from his inheritance. He realizes that life with his celebrity cousin is not going to be an easy one. Living with Luther, and his flamboyant lifestyle of gambling, and reckless behavior results in Darwin also getting involved in the same at med school. As the story unfolds, readers see twists and turns, secrets, lies, scandals, and complications, which make it a compelling book.
… Read moreMamta Madhavan

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is a contemporary literary fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy mystery adventure stories. Darwin Hastings lost his parents and now his aunt can no longer care for him, which forces him to travel from Pittsburgh to New York to live with his cousin. Darwin Hastings’ cousin, Luther Pinnelli, is a well-known football star who is an arrogant, selfish person with no interest in helping Darwin, but instead prefers to show him cruelty. However, Darwin has a high level of intelligence and empathy that allows him to get around the obstacles Luther throws in his path by befriending allies. Will Darwin’s allies help him to achieve his dream of studying medicine, or will all his work go down the drain, thanks to his arrogant cousin?
… Read moreReview by Sefina Hawke for Readers’ Favorite

When Darwin Hastings’ aunt can no longer take care of the talented young man, whose parents had died in a car accident five years earlier, Darwin’s guardianship reverted to his famous football star cousin, Luther Pinnelli. In William H Coles’ Guardian of Deceit, we first meet Darwin on the flight from Pittsburgh to New York, where he meets Doctor Adrian Malverne who will have a big impact on the young man’s future career and personal life. Staying in a converted storage closet at his cousin’s mansion in the Hamptons, Darwin soon discovers that life with his erratic, drunken and gambling cousin was not going to be an easy one. Nevertheless, Darwin sets out to make his life’s dream of becoming a doctor a reality. Along the way, he will meet and associate with many famous and many dangerous persons, but always manage to keep his dreams and his morals intact.
… Read moreReview by Grant Leishman

Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is an entertaining literary novel with well developed and rock solid characters. Darwin Hastings is an orphan and has been under the care of his aunt until she can’t take care of him any longer. Now, he boards a plane from Pittsburgh to New York to join his cousin, a football star, Luther Pinnelli. But things aren’t what he’d expected to find. His cousin is a self-serving and arrogant guy who lives luxuriously and does everything to make life miserable for Darwin, including cutting his access to an inheritance that is rightfully his. Darwin is determined to win and to pursue his dreams of studying medicine. Read on to find out how he learns to be shrewd, to connect with people that matter, and to get the help he needs to achieve his goals.
… Read moreReview By Arya Fomonyuy for Readers’ Favorite

A coming-of-age story reveals a smart and strong-willed teen becoming a man in a new and unfamiliar environment.

At the beginning of this novel, Darwin Hastings is on a flight to New York from Pittsburgh to live with his football star cousin Luther Pinnelli. Darwin’s parents died years before, and his aunt can no longer take care of him. He’s ambitious and wants to study medicine after graduating from private school. His plans get muddled when he moves in with Luther, a self-serving celebrity who thinks he’s doing right by Darwin by denying him basic luxuries, making him live in a storage room on his estate, and denying him easy access to the money his parents left him. Darwin is able to overcome just about every obstacle with his keen intellect and genuine empathy for people. It gives him allies in the house, including
… Read moreGuardian of Deceit Review

– I found GUARDIAN OF DECEIT to be absolutely riveting! I started reading it one night after supper with every intention of reading just a few chapters for that evening and could not put it down. Not only is it an emotionally inspiring story with well-drawn characters whom you grow to care about deeply, but it is also informative on various aspects of life that we might not think about in the day-to-day….It is very impressive how Coles can so astutely put himself in these characters’ shoes in such a convincing manner, from a young boy to an elderly woman, to a country singer star, to an abusive and ruthless pro athlete… Read this book. It will open your eyes to things that you might not really think about, or even just take for granted in life Yet it is things that affect all of us and our lives, whether or not we realize it. Great, fast dialogue, profound discussions and great suspenseful action and plot twists. Awesome! (5 stars) … Read moreread 30 more reviews for Guardian of Deceit