De Bruno’s crisp writing immediately hooked me, reminiscent of the movies “Sybil” and “The Seven Faces of Eve.” The seamless use of multiple POVs added depth, making the story truly engaging.

The main character, Harper Lane, struggles with her mother’s abandonment and assault experiences, though she can’t remember them. At sixteen, she’s forced into therapy for an undiagnosed mental illness. Her first psychologist, Doctor Jett Shaw, dismisses her as seeking attention.

After seven years, Doctor Shaw retires, and Harper meets his son, Dr. Brody Shaw, a respected psychologist who validates her symptoms. Harper develops feelings for Brody, who reciprocates but hides her diagnosis for his own purposes. Brody becomes infatuated with Raven, one of Harper’s alter personalities, who manipulates him for her own game, leaving Harper unaware and confused by memory gaps and time loss.

Brody’s plans are disrupted when Harper meets private investigator Alo Billengana. As Alo and Harper grow closer, he becomes suspicious of Brody and investigates, uncovering secrets about Harper’s childhood and illness. With the help of Harper’s friend, Nella, and the emergence of another alter-personality, Amethyst, Alo races against time to save Harper from Brody.

De Bruno’s narrative, rich with multiple POVs, enhances the story, allowing readers to understand each character’s motivations and growth. The exploration of mental illness is central, portrayed with sensitivity and insight, challenging preconceptions and fostering empathy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Isabella De Bruno, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A System of Deception
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
ARC Review

This is the first of Isabella De Bruno's novel I have read. I will definitely look out for more of her work!

This book had me hooked from the start. It is based on a character, Harper, who has a mental disorder. There were so many turns and twists! The different characters were fun to get to know throughout the story. This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me while reading this. Definitely recommend this book!

⚠️There are some trigger warnings ⚠️
*teenage pregnancy
*child abuse/neglect
*abandonment
*Prostitution
*Miscarriage
*Natural/Unnatural Death
* Physical & Mental Abuse
* Blackmail
*Stalking
*Kidnapping
*Explicit Sexual Content

#netgalley #netgalleyreview #arcreview

For anyone who has ever felt imprisoned by their own mind, this book is dedicated to you. — Isabella De Bruno

Complex mental health issues are never an easy topic to write about. But Isabella has very obviously done her research to bring the character of Harper to life. Beyond that there are many deep issues that happen or are discussed throughout the story and they all come together for readers. Take to heart the triggers. This is an intense read that takes us to a lot of dark places.

Thankfully, there are moments of light such as Harper’s true support system. Sometimes in our hardest times, having even one person to believe in us can make so much difference.

If you can appreciate complex and dark issues, struggles with mental health, and you want to be on the edge of your seat the entire time, then check out A System of Deception!

Spice level is 5/5 due to non-con. Please check author's TW list.

Harper's childhood wasn't what she deserved. She was mentally and physically abused which had her having issues with her mental health. Harper's life changes when she meets Dr. Brody Shaw, a renowned psychologist who recognizes that she has an illness. Harper starts to develope feelings for Brody, who starts to obsessed over her. The situation takes a turn when private investigator Alo Billengana and Harper meet and they become close. He starts to have iffy feelings of Brody so he investigates and finds out dark truths about both Harper's past and Brody's intentions, How would he save her from the danger of that doctor?

At first, it was hard for me to understand what was going on, but the way the author's writing kept me reading... I wanted to understand! The story was absolutely fascinating! I loved the different POVs and just how it all came together! The mental health representation was incredible! If the chapters were long I couldn't tell! That's how much I was invested!!

A System of Deception by Isabella De Bruno
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 26 June 2024

Harper Lane's turbulent upbringing, marked by abandonment and assault, leaves her grappling with undiagnosed mental illness. At sixteen, she reluctantly enters therapy under Dr. Jett Shaw, whose dismissive treatment of her dissociative fugue and abuse allegations exacerbates her emotional turmoil.

Seven challenging years later, Dr. Shaw retires, leading Harper to encounter his son, Dr. Brody Shaw, a respected psychologist who recognises and validates Harper's symptoms. As they collaborate, Harper develops feelings for Brody, who reciprocates, but conceals the full extent of her diagnosis for his own gain.

Their dynamic shifts when Harper meets charming private investigator Alo Billengana. As their relationship deepens, Alo becomes suspicious of Harper's ties to Brody and her erratic behaviour. Investigating Brody's past, Alo unravels secrets from Harper's childhood and her mental health struggles. He realises the danger Harper faces under Brody's manipulative influence and resolves to protect her.

Alo's discovery triggers a race against time to rescue Harper from Brody's control, unraveling a complex web of deception and danger that threatens to shatter Harper's life.

Isabella's narrative is a masterful tapestry of multiple perspectives that enriches the story's complexity and ensures a deeply engaging experience from start to finish. Through these diverse viewpoints, the novel achieves a remarkable depth, allowing readers to perceive the intricacies of each character's motivations, struggles, and growth.

The exploration of mental illness in the narrative is not just a backdrop but a central theme woven intricately into the fabric of the story. Harper Lane's journey, haunted by the shadows of abandonment and trauma, unfolds with poignant authenticity. From her turbulent adolescence marked by misunderstood symptoms to her adult years grappling with elusive diagnoses, the portrayal is both enlightening and empathetic. Isabella skilfully navigates the nuances of mental health, portraying Harper's challenges with sensitivity and insight.

What sets the novel apart is its ability to captivate and provoke thought long after the final page. Each perspective adds layers of understanding to Harper's experiences, highlighting the impact of mental illness on relationships, identity, and self-discovery. The narrative invites readers to contemplate the complexities of psychological health, challenging preconceptions and fostering empathy.

Overall, Isabella's storytelling prowess shines through in her ability to craft a narrative that not only entertains but also enlightens. The exploration of mental illness is handled with nuance and depth, making the novel a compelling and thought-provoking journey that resonates deeply with readers.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author, Isabella De Prune, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title- A system of deception
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first experience with Isabella's writing did not disappoint. The book's focus on mental illness was thoroughly explored and presented in a unique and captivating way. The use of multiple perspectives was executed seamlessly, making it easy for me to follow and deeply invest in the story.

Harper Lane’s troubled childhood, haunted by abandonment and assault, leaves her with an undiagnosed mental illness. Forced into therapy at age sixteen, Harper feels emotionally invalidated when her psychologist, Doctor Jett Shaw, dismisses her complaints of dissociative fugue and abuse as an attempt to seek attention.

After seven agonizing years of therapy, the contemptuous doctor retires, and Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with his son. Doctor Brody Shaw is a renowned research psychologist who recognizes the definitive symptoms of Harper’s mental illness and offers his help. As they work together, Harper develops a crush on the slightly older doctor and Brody becomes increasingly infatuated with her. When Brody finally confirms Harper’s diagnosis, he realizes it is more beneficial for him if the details of her illness remain undisclosed.

Everything seems to go according to Brody’s plan until Harper meets the charming private investigator, Alo Billengana. As Alo and Harper grow closer, he becomes suspicious of Harper’s unusual relationship with Brody and her bizarre behavior. Unsure of what to do, Alo taps into his investigation skills to look into Brody's past and, he simultaneously uncovers the mysteries surrounding Harper’s childhood and her illness. Only after Alo solves the puzzle does he realize the importance of saving Harper from the manipulative and dangerous doctor.