📖 Diamonds from Destiny, Long Way Around Book Overview
Short Review
Diamonds from Destiny: Long Way Around by Wayne T. Walker is a riveting, tension-filled novel that pulls readers deep into the underground world of a Missouri mine while exploring courage, integrity, and the hidden scars of heroism. After being crushed by the tragic murder of his girlfriend, Adam Durant is forced to temporally put aside what had once been their shared goal of finding a diamond orebody. Instead, we follow our newly minted mine geologist below ground to his first job. As a Marine veteran, his disfigured face and quiet determination place him apart in the harsh underground world. Soon after he’s hoisted down into the thousand foot deep mine, with his hideously scarred face, the cockroaches crawl out of the dark to take their turn at spewing their mocking and scornful comments. When he discovers a sinister pay-to-play extortion scheme his quest for justice places him directly in the crosshairs of Vader, a brutish crew leader who rules with intimidation and violence. Even though he worked in the blackness of the mine, Adam found that the darkest secrets lurked above in the light. The simmering relationship between Adam and his Chief Geologist boss eventually boils over. When his warped superior puts the advancement of his career above safety concerns, Adam defies his boss’s orders and refuses to put the men he supervises in harm’s way. Adam goes rogue and makes a multimillion dollar discovery again in defiance of the Chief’s self-serving orders. A balancing act follows, as he is forced to defend himself while calculating the personal cost. Later, when student journalist, Adaline Brodeur, arrives at the mine for a tour, Adam is chosen to be her guide. Immediately captivated by her beauty and radiant smile, he can’t stop staring. In contrast, she struggles not to gape at his hideous facial scars. To their surprise, an unanticipated brief romance follows. Even though Adam obeys his sexual desires, he also struggles with his self-imposed social restraints that create a romantic roadblock causing them to go their separate ways. Readers will have to wait for the second book to find out if their breakup will be permanent. Walker crafts a dynamite tale about a drill and blast underground mining operation delivering an immersive sense of place. The novel explores how the quiet courage of a flawed man can ripple outward, challenging systemic corruption while risking his safety to protect others. With crisp pacing, intense confrontational scenes, Walker’s storytelling blends the tension of a crime thriller with the spirit of a redemption journey. Perfect for readers who appreciate suspenseful, character-driven stories grounded in real-world settings, Diamonds from Destiny showcases how integrity can shine through darkness, even when the cost is high. It’s a gripping, gritty read that will resonate long after the last page.
Long Review
Wayne T. Walker’s Diamonds from Destiny: Long Way Around is a striking, immersive read that takes readers into the dark and deep underground mines of Missouri’s Viburnum Trend, where corruption thrives in the shadows, and one man’s quiet courage becomes the catalyst for change.
After being crushed by the tragic murder of his girlfriend, a capable young geologist is forced to temporally put aside what had once been their shared goal of finding a diamond orebody. At the heart of the story is Adam Durant, a Marine Corps veteran with a hideously scarred face. This sadistic souvenir from a terrorist explosion is a constant reminder of his survivor’s guilt and other hidden wounds he carries into civilian life. Soon after he is hoisted down into the thousand foot deep mine, the cockroaches crawl out of the dark to take their turn at spewing their mocking and scornful comments. He quickly discovers that the mine’s physical darkness is matched by moral decay. Vader, a ruthless utility crew leader, by means of intimidation, leads a pay-to-play extortion racket, forcing crews to pay for water vital to their drilling.
Adam, driven by a strong sense of integrity and mission, quietly begins probing into the water shortages, refusing to back down despite warnings to "mind his business." This triggers a violent confrontation with Vader in the claustrophobic confines of the mine cage while they descend into the mine. Although Adam wins the physical fight, the aftermath evolves into a symbolic battle between integrity set against corruption, courage versus fear, and the cost of standing for what is right. Vader’s plans for retaliation puts not only Adam but also innocent parties at risk.
Even though he worked in the blackness of the mine, Adam found that the darkest secrets lurked above in the light. The simmering relationship between Adam, and his perverse Chief Geologist boss eventually boils over. When his egocentric superior puts the advancement of his career above safety concerns, Adam defies his orders and refuses to put the men he supervises in harm’s way.
Adam goes rogue and makes a multimillion dollar discovery in disobedience of the Chief’s self-serving policy. A balancing act follows as he is forced to defend himself while calculating the personal cost.
Later, when student journalist, Adaline Brodeur, arrives at the mine for a tour, Adam is chosen to be her guide. Immediately captivated by her beauty and radiant smile, he can’t stop staring. In contrast, she struggles not to gape at his hideous facial scars. To their surprise, an unanticipated brief romance follows. Even though Adam obeys his sexual desires, he also struggles with his self-imposed social restraints that create a romantic roadblock causing them to go their separate ways. Readers will have to wait for the second book to find out if their breakup will be permanent.
Walker excels in crafting vivid, authentic depictions of the mining environment, from the tremors of the cage descent to the oppressive darkness of the underground, building a setting that feels as alive and dangerous as are the antagonists Adam faces. What sets this novel apart is its layered exploration of a veteran’s resilience. Adam’s trauma is handled with nuance, never reducing him to a stereotype but instead portraying him as a man with quiet strength, determined to find purpose despite his scars. Walker’s prose is clean, direct, and engaging, with moments of introspection that humanize Adam without slowing the plot. Dialogue is authentic, capturing the grit of the mining culture and the quiet determination of a man unwilling to bow to intimidation.
Diamonds from Destiny: Long Way Around will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic, tension-filled fiction that combines the stakes of a crime thriller with the emotional journey of a redemption arc. In the end, Walker delivers a story that is both an immersive look into the harsh realities of underground mining and a tribute to the resilience of those who, despite the scars they carry, refuse to let darkness win. This book will leave readers reflecting on what it truly means to take the long way around when seeking justice, reminding us that the true diamonds of destiny are forged under pressure, both in the earth and within ourselves.
Back Article
Diamonds from Destiny is the compelling first book in a quartet of tales, focusing on the resilient Adam Durant. A skilled geologist and wounded Marine Corps veteran, Durant's diamond ore quest is postponed due to challenging circumstances. Bearing a significant scar from his time in service, Durant finds himself facing bias and rejection in his job hunt, ultimately landing in Southeast Missouri.
In his new role, Durant battles adversity on multiple fronts - hostile miners, a prejudiced personnel director, and a deceitful Chief Geologist. However, his unwavering spirit triumphs, leading to a lucrative ore discovery that underlines his exceptional abilities, which have been overlooked due to his physical disfigurements and emotional struggles.
Adding depth to this gripping adventure is a fleeting romance with a young journalism student, who visits the mine to cover a story on lead mining. This unexpected relationship brings a touch of tenderness to Durant's otherwise intense journey.
Diamonds from Destiny is a riveting exploration of the mining industry through the eyes of a scarred veteran, with a captivating blend of adventure, scientific intrigue, and a surprising dalliance. As you delve into this extraordinary story, Durant's world unfolds, illustrating not just a tale of survival but a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit when tested to its limits.
Experience the engrossing journey of Adam Durant in Diamonds from Destiny, a story that goes beyond the ordinary, offering readers a unique blend of adventure, science, and romance. It's a tale of triumph against the odds, sure to captivate those seeking an extraordinary narrative.
Diamonds from Destiny follows the gripping journey of Adam Durant, a scarred Marine Corps veteran and geologist. Facing bias and rejection due to his disfiguring scar, he secures a job in Southeast Missouri, where he battles hostile miners and unscrupulous superiors. Despite these challenges, his resilience leads to a significant ore discovery. An unexpected romance with a journalism student adds depth to this intense narrative, making this first book in a four-part series a compelling tale of triumph against all odds.
Wayne T. Walker is a seasoned geologist with an illustrious 30-year career in mining and exploration. Holding a master's degree in geology from Missouri Science and Technology, Walker's scientific expertise is evident in his compelling writing. His book, Diamonds From Destiny, reflects his passion for adventure, science-based complexities, and unusual settings. A keen reader and writer of fiction, Walker's other hobbies include bass fishing and gold panning. He's a family man, happily married with two children. This former geologist turned author beautifully intertwines his knowledge of geology with his love for storytelling, creating a unique reading experience.
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