Conviction

by Dwayne Gill

Not All Monsters Are Created Equal.

Cane was supposed to be out of sight. His most important asset has always been his anonymity, spanning back to his days as an assassin for the U.S. government. But when he finds a cassette player taped to the bumper of his vehicle, he realizes someone not only knows what car he drives, but the routes he takes, as well as what’s most important to him. He’s compelled to listen to the message on the tape, but deep-down, he knows that once he does, his life will never be the same again.

And he’s right.

The voice on the cassette player not only knows far too much about him, but also offers evidence of a dangerous group of terrorists spreading across the country.

An apocalyptic threat is looming…

Cane embarks on a series of tasks to uncover their sinister plans.

An important ally…

Cane is led to recruit the help of Daniel, a colossal man with a violent past, who’s currently serving time for murder.

Sometimes it takes one monster, or two, to kill others…

Cane and Daniel may be the only ones capable of stopping the terrorists, but they’re badly outnumbered.

And that’s just how they like it.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CONVICTION

“If you like action thrillers with a slightly futuristic, Crichton-esque twist, I strongly recommend Dwayne Gill.” –Matt McAvoy

“If you are looking for action, and conflicted heroes like Jack Reacher, you’ll really like this novel. But if you’re looking for something deeper, something that’s guaranteed to move you on a personal level, then you’ll LOVE this book.” –RobertGG, Booksprout reviewer

Genres: Thriller

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Dwayne Gill first thought of the premise of his series "Written By Blood" when he was just twelve years old. Growing up, he loved action movies and larger-than-life heroes, which is evident when reading his writing.
However, as he got older, he became bothered by the typical action figure tropes and the predictability of the plots, causing his series idea to evolve further.

If you like action thrillers, unlikely, conflicted heroes, twists, and character development that has a much deeper moral than most other thrillers in its genre, you'll want to follow the series "Written By Blood."

Dwayne Gill lives in Louisiana with his wife, son, and daughter.

Reviews

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written By Blood: Conviction by Dwayne Gill is an action-packed techno-thriller that is sure to keep you entertained right from the start to the very end. This book is jam-packed with high octane thrilling action and masculine drama like there's no tomorrow. The storyline was good and the thing I liked best about this books is that it revolved around male characters, something rare to find in today's books where the leading lady always steals the show, so for me, this book was a real treat.

I liked the writing style as the simplicity of it greatly complimented the plot, though at times it did feel a little rough around the edges, it did not get in the way of reading. The characterization was good and I was able to relate to almost all the characters, primary or secondary. The plot progression was really, really good and the pacing was great too.

Overall, it was a really new engaging read which proved to be a quick read and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a book with strong male characters and don't mind gritty action and rustic tones. 

You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love how a title for a book can click and connect and give you an "aha" moment. It really feels like an author as thought about the title for the book.

The cast of characters in this bok is huge and I never messed them up once. That's thanks to the author. I love how friendships and relationships in this book form and how people bond and help each other.

Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks

One thing that stood out to me as unnecessary were the dates at the start of a chapter. Maybe it's me, but it just doesn't work for me. I've forgotten the date after reading two pages and it's kinda hard if a story relies on the dates and timeline.

Overall such a fun story and series and I'm so curious what the next books will bring me. I will definitely keep reading!

[JAMES MURRAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown Away

When I started reading this book I was very sceptical about it's setting in the future. However I have been Blown away by gripping storyline.
I could not put the book down. Thanks.

[Nick Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written and storming thriller set a few years into the future. Not, in my mind, a sci-fi thriller but there are some elements of technological advancements best underpinned by the passage of a few years of time. So don’t be put off if sci-fi is not your thing.
In the excellent prequel books “Cane’s Detour” and “Daniel’s Darkness” we meet to dangerous individuals, one a US trained assassin and one an overly large natural killer. Both books are well worth seeking out and establish two very interesting characters.
Written by Blood brings them together when Cane (who prides himself on being invisible) finds a message left for him in his car. The contents change his world view and his place within it. There are highly skilled individuals who want him dead, but luckily the small group he finds himself part of includes the very dangerous Daniel.
So an all action conspiracy thriller with strong characters alongside plenty of violence and plot twists. One of those almost under the radar books that deserves better exposure and more readers.
If you like the Bourne books with a bit of a modern twist, this could be ideal for you.

[Matt McAvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a touch wary when reading a book, the title of which includes the words “part one”, having been left hanging on many occasions by infuriating and sometimes ridiculous cliffhangers. However, this is not one of those books, I’m pleased to say; I don’t think I’m spoiling it in any way by saying that “Conviction” is satisfyingly self-contained, whilst leaving a tantalising hint at the bigger picture of the series generally – as Marcene says: “A storm is coming”, and you do indeed sense this throughout the book and at the conclusion of this instalment; something more grand and something menacing is definitely brewing in the background, if not yet ready to reveal itself.

If not particularly outstanding for any reason, “Conviction” is certainly an entertaining actioner, formulaic, in the usual three acts, with all the elements you would expect from that: a tough bad guy, sinister high-level corruption, a vulnerable protectee (or three or four) and an elusive link to a threatening past. Add to this the spectre of a deadly super-villain with epic (and surely terrible) plans, and you have a pretty entertaining book, in the vein of Childs or Koontz, which is definitely worth a read. “Conviction” is action-packed in all the right places, yet timed and paced well; so well, in fact, as to incorporate its plot, sub-plots, and backstories, all within an enjoyable 170 pages. Add to this an ensemble of genuinely layered and thought-provoking characters, whom Gill knows well, and you get a lot packed in to this relatively short book without overkill. The action scenes are rousing and satisfying set-pieces, and the moments in between are genuinely poignant; despite the machine-like persona of the principle, Cane, you do find yourself empathizing with him for that very reason.

Gill is a good author, with a professional approach to fiction writing, whom I wish well. His addition of the optional free download of a couple of short stories, to enhance the backstories of two of its main characters, is a nice idea, which I liked a lot; executed well, it doesn’t come off as a gimmick, but as a great little bonus, which adds to the book. Hats off to him for crafting (and crafting well) a promising and engaging series, and a strong start with this instalment. If you like action thrillers with a slightly futuristic, Crichton-esque twist, I strongly recommend Dwayne Gill.

[Aimee Luu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for new authors and it takes a well crafted, well-written story to catch my attention. I had picked up a free copy of Cane's Detour and Daniel's Darkness and my interest was piqued with these two characters so when the chance came for an advanced copy of Written by Blood, I took it. When I picked it up, the blurbs had stated that the two prequels be read prior. Cane's Detour definitely yes, but I feel Daniel's Darkness can be read before or after as the connection doesn't occur until the two-thirds into Blood.

It was spelling mistake free, which is always a plus as once I see one of these, I get pulled out of the story and can't really enjoy it. Cane is not as bad-ass as I expected given the teasers in Detour but he's still a hard character and a ruthless one when you cross him. I have no idea if the science in the story is accurate or even plausible, but I like that the book wasn't too bogged down by technical jargon that the reader gets lost.

There are also a number of flashback scenes that seemed to spring out of nowhere and from placement perspective, didn't seem to quite fit in at the point in the story in which they appear. I am, personally, not a fan of flashback sequences and I feel that the situation and outcomes would have been just as effective if they came out as part of the story and discovery by the characters as they go on this wild journey together.

There wasn't a lot of mystery besides Marcene. The bad guys are clearly defined and identified early and motive can be extrapolated by what they do say. I do find it a bit implausible that a guy like Cane would take Marcene at her word. He was a little too trusting, especially when he's defined as someone who doesn't trust easily and ensures all his I's are dotted and T's crossed. Everyone was a little too accepting of this mysterious woman.

The book to me, felt a little bit light and a few more pages would have helped to flesh out the characters a bit more. I definitely will be keeping an eye out for part two as I want to know who this woman is and I've become invested in Cane. The others not so much.

[Simon Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and thoroughly enjoying the prequels Cane's Detour and Daniel's Darkness I eagerly jumped at a Chance to read an advance copy of this book and wasn't disappointed. This superior thriller picks you up straight away and drags you along. We meet Cane checking in on Kristy against his instincts he has maintained a connection with the young woman and her mother after the events five years previously and in his own way enjoys the connection made.
After one of these visits he finds maybe he hasn't been as careful as he thought and as a mysterious Marcene through ths quaint medium of a tape recorder gives him a mission to save a young lady with the promise of answers to his past as an incentive.... thus begins a story that sees Cane and his tech partner Lynks, move from quest to quest leading up to the planned jail break of Daniel last seen in Daniel's Darkness and beyond.
Set slightly in the future this all action has a slight Koontz feel to it.
Where this book wins out is the easy hand style of writing from the author, with no typos to ruin the flow his story telling has you loving the good characters (even ones as hard as Cane) and disliking some well described bad guys, not to say that the easy hand style let's you down in regard of action as there are some wonderfully bone crunching action set pieces and the pacing is smooth and consistent. All the characters have their moments in the sun and are well fleshed out....with me looking forward to seeing more of both Calvin and Lynks working together and of course my favourites the eponymous agents Hart and Barkley. If you are looking for an exceptional thriller that both delivers and offers so much more to come, then this is the read for you. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, five stars are not enough.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Logan-Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part thriller, part sci-fi, this futuristic novel, Written By Blood, Part One: Conviction, by Dwayne Gill, will hold your attention from beginning to end. Gill knows how to weave a compelling, suspenseful tale, and make you wonder if some of the somewhat sci-fi components of the story could ever come to be.

Set in 2023 through 2028, it is a very different world from the one we know today. Guns as we know them are all but gone, replaced by E-guns that will fire only by the person whose fingerprints match the gun’s registered owner. Cars are almost all driverless. Everything is electronic. DNA can be manipulated.

The main character, Cane, and many other baby boys, were taken from their mothers at birth. They were then raised to be devoid of emotion, sympathy, or empathy, and trained to be human killing machines who would follow orders without question. Did someone tamper with their DNA? Were some kind of devices implanted in these men when they were young boys? Or were they simply brainwashed?

When the unexpected experience of saving a kidnapped girl leads Cane to feel emotions he never experienced, he begins to question his superiors. As the most highly skilled assassin on the planet, Cane refuses to execute an American businessman who is cradling his child in his arms. He knows the man deserves a fair trial for his crimes, and walks away. Thus begins Cane's conviction that something evil is going on in our government; and that something is terribly wrong.

The evil goes right to the top of parts of the government, and Cane decides to set things right – to see the corrupt officials  removed from power. Others of his trainee cohort have also begun to question things, and Cane recruits them to help root out those working with the Russians to create a “New America”.

If you love a good thriller with a lot of action, violence, and a sci-fi slant, you will love Written By Blood, Part One: Conviction. There are two prequels to this book:  Cane’s Detour and Daniel’s Darkness. I have not read them, but I’d bet they are just as compelling.

What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy?

The usual mistakes:  consistently referring to people as “that” rather than “who”, as in “the man that….” Using “bring” and “brought” rather than “take” and “taken” (things are brought here, but are taken there). Some punctuation errors with commas and apostrophes, and misplacement of the word “only” within sentences.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the Orphan X series, complete with secret government assassins and tons of twists. The author has provided links to two prequels at the beginning of the book and I would recommend that the reader take advantage of these tales in order to enjoy this book.

Cane is a highly trained and highly dangerous assassin who is now working on his own. He is being hunted by the FBI for killing an innocent woman and her children. However, all is not as it seems and Cane is soon drawn into a wild mix of events when he finds a cassette player on the bumper of this car. A woman's voice tells him of a threat against a young college student and Cane and his partner, Lynks, answer her call.

This book is full of action and plenty of twists and the author has done a good job of weaving together many different aspects and a lot of characters. By the end of the book, most of your questions will be answered, but there is also a hint of future books in the epilogue.

I would recommend this book to fans of spy thrillers and government conspiracy fans. I look forward to reading more books in this series since the characters are engaging and the storyline is fairly unique.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provided his prequels in order to prepare for reading this book and it was so wonderful, as I wanted to start reading this immediately! I couldn't wait and started it right away! I was not disappointed. A sci-fi thriller that does not disappoint. This book is a 5-star because, well it is a 5-star. If the next book is better, I'll say I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Books should be judged on themselves, not on expectations of now or of the future. So this is a fabulous book and I highly recommend it but do grab the 2 prequels first. They will wet your appetite for this story.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your particular taste is nonstop, breathtaking, action thrillers with tuned-up science in a near-futuristic setting; and if you also enjoy conspiracy theory dilemmas; take a look right here. This novel will blow you out of the water, because it is jampacked full with all of that. I hardly took a breath during my reading. Just whenever I thought something had been straightened out, I was wrong...more action, more breathtaking suspense; and that reader's hook! Totally awesome! (Tragic, yet awesome) And the series rolls on!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, nearly impossible to put down!!! It may be in the sci-fi category but it is way more action, adventure, suspense, and thriller with just a tiny amount of sci-fi. Definitely recommend reading the 2 prequels before starting this book, but not reading them will not take away from the plot.
Cane is genetically unique man, trained by the government from birth to be “no questions asked” assassin. But he is so much more than they anticipated. And he will make them all pay for hurting someone he cares about!!!

[Mick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the prequels I was more than ready for this book to come out. Some great character building and I assume and hope more of their background will be available in the coming books. It kept my interest throughout and I am now ready for the next book! Why not 5 stars? Because I hope the series continues and there is only one way to go from top marks and that is down. So always aim high.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written By Blood Part One: Conviction by Dwayne Gill is a wonderful story to read. This story is a brand new start to a brand new series with a brand new author for me. I never read anything from this author till this story. I loved reading it with the strong chratacters and wonderful story line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Cueva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book Dwayne I loved it I am not into sci-fi stuff but the way you WROTE this didn't feel like sci-fi I could see this happening I want to meet cane I fell n love with him for helping and
all the technology stuff was great kept my attention had me up past my bed time I can't leave a review on Amazon I Don't have what I need so this is where I write my reviews

[James Haydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes saving the world means recruiting a monster, or two. But, who’s doing the recruiting? Great high intensity read with the fate of the world in play.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisha Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Read the prequels first! Loved the characters and how well you get to know each, even those that don’t have a big role. The writing style is great, flows well and keeps you wanting more. I am hating having to wait for the next book.

[Jason Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....can you say once again mind blown?????😁just finished this up and once again Dwayne has shown why he should be considered a master of the trade...now it's on to the next set of prequels for friction....folks you want a damn good read then pick up dwaynes bookshop won't regret it

[Lynn Wendland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful thrilling book to read. Great character descriptions and interaction. You know which sides each person is on and why. Then you get to find out what makes each one of the special to the group as a whole.

[TopHat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully enjoyed

Will be looking for others by this author. Enjoyable read and would definitely pick up anything else by this author, what more is there to say than that, save all the rest for lit class!!

[Jennifer Willison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The characters are very well written. The storyline flows wonderfully. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good, well written short story, will look for more by this writer!

[Debbie Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome

I just recently discovered this author and I love his books. This book will make you laugh, cry, cringe in horror and have you quickly turning the next page.

[JOHNRISTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Couldn't put the book down once I started to read ,great story line full of action and pace cannot wait to read next book

[Domenick M. Tufariello · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true mystery

Great read full of characters and mystery held my attention thruout the book makes you want to see what's next

[Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Enjoyed the tech and the near-future scenario.
Good plot.

[James N Fulton, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story

You have to like those guys that break the rules, but enforces their own version of right versus wrong. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me hooked from start to finish. Great characters. Plenty of action. Believable storyline. Who could possible ask for more? I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[BonusMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected

Much better. I expected a typical assassin story but this is more. Great characters and story building. Intense action and emotion.