Eugene Brill spent decades in the international diamond and jewelry industries. He traveled extensively through South Africa, Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Although Diamonds and Destiny is a work of fiction, many of the settings, traditions, and details of the diamond trade are inspired by real places, people, and experiences. His passion for history, travel, and the natural world also shapes Jacques van Heerden’s journey throughout the series.

No. Diamonds and Destiny is a work of historical fiction. While the story and characters are fictional, the historical backdrop, the international diamond industry, and many of the locations are authentic. Therefore, real historical events provide the setting in which Jacques’ fictional journey unfolds.

Not at all. The story is written for every reader, whether you’re fascinated by diamonds or have never stepped inside a jewelry store. Therefore, the diamond trade provides the backdrop for an adventure filled with espionage, friendship, betrayal, and personal discovery. In addition, any technical aspects are explained naturally through the story.

Yes. The novel tells a complete story and can be enjoyed on its own. It is also the first book in The Wild Diamond Chronicles, so readers who continue with the series will follow Jacques’ life as it unfolds across future adventures.

The final years of apartheid were a period of enormous political, social, and economic change in South Africa. Against this backdrop, Jacques comes of age while navigating a rapidly changing country, an international diamond industry under pressure, and his own search for identity and purpose. Additionally, the realistic historical settings shape the story but never overwhelms the characters or the readers.

Absolutely. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, ambition, friendship, family, loyalty, morality, and the choices that define our lives. As a result, its historical setting and ethical dilemmas make it well suited for thoughtful discussion.

Although Jacques begins his journey as a young man, Diamonds and Destiny is an adult coming-of-age novel written for mature readers who enjoy historical fiction, international adventure, and character-driven storytelling. For instance, it will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy authors such as Khaled Hosseini, Anthony Doerr, Lawrence Sanders, and Wilbur Smith.

Yes. Readers can visit the Insiders’ Companion for character guides, historical background, translations, famous diamonds, maps, and behind-the-scenes material that expands the world of The Wild Diamond Chronicles. Additionally, it’s designed to enrich the reading experience without revealing spoilers for future books.

The story, characters, plot, dialogue, and manuscript are entirely my own work. AI cannot compete with my wild imagination 🙂 During the editing process, I used AI in much the same way an author might use a trusted writing partner—to help brainstorm ideas, suggest alternative phrasing, and polish the manuscript before it is sent to my professional editor—a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and the Professional Editors Network (PEN.) Therefore, Amazon classifies this as AI-assisted, not AI-generated. Further more, the book does include two AI-generated charcoal-style illustrations in the interior, and these have been disclosed to Amazon in accordance with its publishing policies. All other images are my own.