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A System of Deception: Dark Edition
A System of Deception (Dark Edition)
#1 New Release and Amazon Best Seller
A captivating psychological thriller that skillfully explores the complex and profound impact of Dissociative Identity Disorder. This book will leave readers questioning the boundaries of relationships and healing, while educating and exposing the truth behind this mental illness.
When Harper Lane, a psychiatric patient, and renowned psychologist Brody Shaw, meet, there’s an undeniable chemistry between them. As they work together, Brody’s thoughts become consumed by Harper, and she finds herself drawn to the slightly older doctor. Their professional and personal connection rapidly develops into a web of deceit and manipulation—especially when Brody decides it’s in his best interest if Harper remains in the dark about her mental illness.
After several unexplained incidents, Harper questions her relationship with Brody and during this time, she crosses paths with the irresistible private investigator Alo Billengana. As Brody watches Harper and Alo’s relationship grow, his infatuation with her spirals into a toxic obsession. Fueled by jealousy and uncontrolled rage, he becomes determined to possess Harper at any cost.
A System of Deception is intended for mature readers.
Every person has a unique experience with the content they read. Reading with caution is vital if the topics listed below have the potential to be distressing to you. While some are briefly mentioned in conversation, others are brought to life through detailed descriptions.
Triggers
Teenage Pregnancy
Child Abuse - Neglect - Abandonment
Prostitution
Miscarriage
Adoption
Abortion
(Mentioned Conversationally)
Natural/Unnatural Death
(Mentioned conversationally and implied)
Physical//Mental Abuse
Manipulative Control
Blackmail
Misogyny
Stalking/Kidnapping
(Mentioned conversationally and depicted)
Sexual Assault/Sexual Control
(Depicted but not overly graphic)
Dissociation
Compartmentalization
PTSD
Depression
Anxiety
(Mentioned and depicted)
Explicit/Non-Explicit Sexual Content
Strong Language lightly scattered throughout.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Found Family
Dark Secrets
Diverse Romance
Mental Illness Rep
Multiple POV
Morally Gray
Insurmountable Odds
Workplace Romance
#1 New Release and Amazon Best Seller
A captivating psychological thriller that skillfully explores the complex and profound impact of Dissociative Identity Disorder. This book will leave readers questioning the boundaries of relationships and healing, while educating and exposing the truth behind this mental illness.
When Harper Lane, a psychiatric patient, and renowned psychologist Brody Shaw, meet, there’s an undeniable chemistry between them. As they work together, Brody’s thoughts become consumed by Harper, and she finds herself drawn to the slightly older doctor. Their professional and personal connection rapidly develops into a web of deceit and manipulation—especially when Brody decides it’s in his best interest if Harper remains in the dark about her mental illness.
After several unexplained incidents, Harper questions her relationship with Brody and during this time, she crosses paths with the irresistible private investigator Alo Billengana. As Brody watches Harper and Alo’s relationship grow, his infatuation with her spirals into a toxic obsession. Fueled by jealousy and uncontrolled rage, he becomes determined to possess Harper at any cost.
A System of Deception is intended for mature readers.
Every person has a unique experience with the content they read. Reading with caution is vital if the topics listed below have the potential to be distressing to you. While some are briefly mentioned in conversation, others are brought to life through detailed descriptions.
Triggers
Teenage Pregnancy
Child Abuse - Neglect - Abandonment
Prostitution
Miscarriage
Adoption
Abortion
(Mentioned Conversationally)
Natural/Unnatural Death
(Mentioned conversationally and implied)
Physical//Mental Abuse
Manipulative Control
Blackmail
Misogyny
Stalking/Kidnapping
(Mentioned conversationally and depicted)
Sexual Assault/Sexual Control
(Depicted but not overly graphic)
Dissociation
Compartmentalization
PTSD
Depression
Anxiety
(Mentioned and depicted)
Explicit/Non-Explicit Sexual Content
Strong Language lightly scattered throughout.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Found Family
Dark Secrets
Diverse Romance
Mental Illness Rep
Multiple POV
Morally Gray
Insurmountable Odds
Workplace Romance
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Isabella De Bruno
2 books17 followersFollowing a decade of rigorous work in the corporate world, coupled with the rewarding but demanding task of raising two successful children, De Bruno made the bold decision to leave the corporate environment and try an alternative career path.
De Bruno’s lifelong passion for storytelling began in her youth, nurtured by countless hours spent listening to her grandfather, a master storyteller, whose captivating tales ignited her imagination and shaped her love for the art. He fostered De Bruno’s creativity through encouragement and praise, while simultaneously instilling in her a deep appreciation for the artistry of skillfully crafted yarn.
De Bruno started working on her first novel, a project she began in early 2023, which would later become a significant milestone in her literary career. It was a long and arduous process, taking nearly eighteen months, but she persevered and finally saw the culmination of her efforts with the publication of her novel, *A System of Deception*, in June 2024. With its skillful and accurate exploration of mental illness, the dark yet essential novel earned the title of bestseller and claimed the top spot among new releases in the Dissociative Identity Disorder/Mental Illness category.
De Bruno’s lifelong passion for storytelling began in her youth, nurtured by countless hours spent listening to her grandfather, a master storyteller, whose captivating tales ignited her imagination and shaped her love for the art. He fostered De Bruno’s creativity through encouragement and praise, while simultaneously instilling in her a deep appreciation for the artistry of skillfully crafted yarn.
De Bruno started working on her first novel, a project she began in early 2023, which would later become a significant milestone in her literary career. It was a long and arduous process, taking nearly eighteen months, but she persevered and finally saw the culmination of her efforts with the publication of her novel, *A System of Deception*, in June 2024. With its skillful and accurate exploration of mental illness, the dark yet essential novel earned the title of bestseller and claimed the top spot among new releases in the Dissociative Identity Disorder/Mental Illness category.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 17, 2025
This is a book that's hard to assess. I finished it a few days ago & I'm still trying to piece together my thoughts on it. I'll say it's an addictive read. At times, I really enjoyed the story. At times, I'd look feeling I had to be almost done & realize I was only half through it! Lol. I was hooked in with the lead character suffering from DID right away. I have always been drawn to this subject. I find the psychology of this disorder both fascinating & horrific. I'll warn for some the events of this story can be triggering, so please research that before reading. The things that happen in this book to Harper & all her alternate personalities are just so intense to wrap your mind around.
Harper is sucked into a long-twisted game by the son of her therapist, who is also a doctor. At times, he seems to be her doctor, friend, love interest, & teacher. But is he really her dream come true or her worst nightmare in the flesh? The entire book, I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded & what ended up happening with all the characters. The subject matter, the multiple layers of events & the deep psychological impact of everything, & the rollercoaster of events keep you wanting more. That said, at times I did find myself emotionally disinterested in the story in parts. I'm not sure why, if that was a me thing or a writing style thing. In the middle of the book that did make the story feel slow.
The introduction of Alo into the story was the saving grace for both Harper & the book. I found his character really added rocket fuel to the last third of the story as we get led into a twisted web of deceit & suspense. You'll be overwhelmed with so many emotions in the final third of the story about how this will turn out & who you can trust. You often worry there will be no real conclusion at all. Trust me, the story does have a very epic closing. You might be conflicted on how you feel about the story & the end, but once you start this book, I can't imagine anyone can walk away from it!
Harper is sucked into a long-twisted game by the son of her therapist, who is also a doctor. At times, he seems to be her doctor, friend, love interest, & teacher. But is he really her dream come true or her worst nightmare in the flesh? The entire book, I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded & what ended up happening with all the characters. The subject matter, the multiple layers of events & the deep psychological impact of everything, & the rollercoaster of events keep you wanting more. That said, at times I did find myself emotionally disinterested in the story in parts. I'm not sure why, if that was a me thing or a writing style thing. In the middle of the book that did make the story feel slow.
The introduction of Alo into the story was the saving grace for both Harper & the book. I found his character really added rocket fuel to the last third of the story as we get led into a twisted web of deceit & suspense. You'll be overwhelmed with so many emotions in the final third of the story about how this will turn out & who you can trust. You often worry there will be no real conclusion at all. Trust me, the story does have a very epic closing. You might be conflicted on how you feel about the story & the end, but once you start this book, I can't imagine anyone can walk away from it!
Displaying 1 of 1 review