Le peuple de la pluie

Mission Clockwork #3

by Arthur Slade

Après ses aventures au fond de la mer face à la redoutable Mlle Hakandottir, Modo est condamné au repos, à l’extérieur de Londres.
Ce n’est qu’au bout de quelques semaines qu’il découvre sa nouvelle mission. Au programme, un temple égyptien perdu au milieu de la jungle australienne, un masque aux pouvoirs dévastateurs et un peuple de la forêt peu accueillant.
Le but : récupérer un masque construit par le Peuple de la Pluie, également convoité par la Confrérie de l’Horloge. Quiconque a tenté de s’emparer du masque a succombé à la folie.
Aidé par Octavia et M. Socrate lui-même, Modo réussira-t-il à s’emparer du masque et à éviter les pièges millénaires tendus par le Peuple de la Pluie ?

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Mystery

309 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He is the author of the bestselling The Hunchback Assignments series of books, Dust (which won the Governor General's award), Tribes and Jolted. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada (which really is a real place). Join his creative & somewhat clever newsletter at: what a zany newsletter!

Reviews

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the series, so far, though perhaps only because my favorite characters played a larger role than in the previous books. I was occasionally confused by a few things, but I nevertheless enjoyed the steam punk world in which the story is set.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assolutamente il migliore di tutta la serie!
Ambientato in Australia ma con dei templi Egizi, questo terzo volume è esattamente quello che cerco in uno steampunk: azione, avventura, posti esotici, strani macchinari che solcano i cieli, battaglie contro i cattivi.
Le interazioni tra Modo ed Octavia a volte mi fanno ridere, a volte mi fanno battere il cuore, sono ottimi personaggi.
Fantastico! Sono contenta di aver scoperto questa serie, molto di nicchia.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur Slade has another smash hit on his hands. In this amazing novel we are reunited with Modo, Octavia, and Mr. Socrates, and Tharpa joins the expedition this time around. And of course, it features our favorite mechanical hand villain, Miss Hakkandottir. This time the steampunk adventure takes us to the colonies once again as we immerse ourselves in the Victorian World with a technological twist.

Now the adventure heads to the Australian Outback and a rumored Egyptian pyramid in the middle of the Jungle. Filled with a mix of Victorian sense and sensibility, and the steampunk cutting-edge technology, the story takes us into an alternate past. This story is wonderfully written with greater character development and depth than the earlier two books. Slade is a master storyteller and as he draws us into this world and the complex relationship between two spies serving their country, Modo and Octavia both explore new feelings and expectations. This adventure is to see and find a legendary God Face, an ancient relic supposed to turn an enemy arm upon itself. But with poisonous mechanical falcons, an assassin, and Modo and company always seeming one step behind, can they pull it together and achieve another victory for England and the Crown?

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as an author profile and interview with Arthur.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great. Modo has spent a quiet winter resting. Now he has to find out what the G-d Face is. No one knows. This book takes you on another adventure that leaves you wanting more.

[Sensitivemuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Possible spoilers you’ve been warned***

This series is so consistent and does not disappoint. So we covered the city, we covered the sea in the second book. Now it’s time to go into the deep jungles and go on an exciting adventure that involves natives, flying ships, an Egyptian temple placed in Australia (I know right?), which results in an Indiana Jones type of adventure but involves secret agents, spies, and horrible clockwork falcons that can kill.

You can’t get more exciting than this. It starts off at a good pace and it’s steady. I enjoyed how during the ‘down times’ there is focus on Modo and Octavia’s character development. Modo still has some childish characteristics in him but as the novel progresses he slowly gets over that and the change stands out. You really do feel for him as his appearance starts to affect him, especially with his relationship with Octavia. His encounter with the natives help him to be comfortable in his own skin and I think because of this he starts acting more headstrong and does the talk back to Mr Socrates (which was a great scene to read. Wowwweee Modo, you do that clap back because Mr Socrates sure can’t take it haha)

I felt for Modo when he reveals his true likeness to Octavia. I get where she’s coming from though. She had this mental picture of Modo and it was nothing like the real thing so of course she wouldn’t know how to react. It hurt to read though. I couldn’t even imagine how crush Modo would have felt considering how much he feels for Octavia.

The plot in itself was super good and filled with action during the last half of the novel. The bad guys run with their tail between their legs in this one (enjoyable to read no doubt) but they come back with a vengeance towards the end. I rather expected the temple to be a little more of a challenge to go through (more traps please) but then perhaps that would prolong the adventure just a little too much.

I’m wanting to know what’s going to happen between Modo and Mr Socrates considering they had a falling out in the novel. This is going to get good and I hope the fourth and final novel will close this on a good note. Greatly recommend this series so far, pick it up and enjoy! It’s a great adventure!

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to love Modo. Almost an iconic figure, he is disfigured beyond belief and yet so enigmatic that you can't help but love him.

This time around, Modo, Octavia and Mr Socrates are in pursuit of a mysterious artifact - believed to be hidden in an Egyptian temple. Unlike the previous escapades, this book focuses more on the character of Modo himself, his feelings and his desires, bringing a more rounded figure into the story and making him much more human than just a borderline freak / secret agent who is just wanting to be accepted.

There are plenty of battles to keep the Sci-Fi / Steampunk fans happy, as well as some great traps / lost tribes / enemies reminiscent of Tomb Raider / Indiana Jones. Modo encounters some surprising new friends along the way and the Clockwork Guild do not disappoint in their new attempts to capture Modo and put a stop to the Permanent Association.

Although not quite as fast paced as the previous books, this book is still a great read and a welcome addition to this series - Bring on book 4!

[Thibault · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I bought this book some time ago (two years?), it was cheap at twice the price! Naturally, I grabbed it, seeing a fancy cover and a a nice synopsis, not thinking that it would actually turn out to be a really fun book.

It was a light read, and I mean that most positively. It was not complex, everything happened the way I wanted it to and it was over before I knew it. The blurb said the characters were likeable, but that does not sound sincere, or perhaps I cannot not read it in a sarcastic manner. The characters were great and I will be definitely checking out the other books. Frankly, I forgot this was the third installment (even though I looked it up when I bought the book), and although they do refer from time to time to previous adventures, I never had the feeling I missed something. This was a wodnerful adventure that can easily be read as a stand-alone story.

[Winterstar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enter the 3rd adventure in the Hunchback Assignments. This book takes Modo, Tavia, Mr. Socrates and the sensible Tharpa to the jungles of... Australia? The adventurers travel with some old and new companions to try to thwart the Clockwork Guild's attempt to attain a powerful ancient weapon which turns out to be a weapon to which Modo can relate very well. As Modo explores the wilds of Australia he finds himself having to face the harsh realities of his appearance as well as being surprised by conceptions of beauty. Octavia gets to do something she has been asking for since book 1.

We also get to see some more villains within the nefarious Clockwork Guild as well as be revisited by some old pals including another showdown for Modo that leads Modo to discover some capabilities he didn't know he had. A few surprises and lots of fun.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment in the series has some of the best character development yet. They didn't just learn new skills, they change as people and it's wonderful. The discovery at the end was big, but didn't change the world and plot quite as much as I had hoped. It still seemed to go back to usual. However, the final story is next and I'm eager to see the big finish of the series.

Bottom line: Fun YA story.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Canadian author and his clever tails which pay homage to classic literature and mythology. It is young adult fiction but is quite engaging for adults as well. I have read all four books in the series. The first two as audio books which were such fun then I read the last two in tradition paperback. Thank you Arthur Slade - I love Saskatoon too!

[Suzanne Montigny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! And what an imagination Arthur Slade has. An Egyptian ruin in Australia! I loved the way Modo stuck up for the Rain People and I love the author depicted the Rain People. The writing is not only pristine, but strong.

[Jhyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to read

This would make the second book I've read from this series and I've grown even more attached to the characters. If anyone likes to learn a little and see a lot of action and adventure with a bit of possible romance, this is totally a book you should read.

[Mark Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Rhonda Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

The best in series so far for me. Modo grows in this story. Its set mostly in Australia. It takes an interesting turn.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff

[Victor Vilchiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read and probably the best of the three books so far.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empire of Ruins (Hunchback Assignments 3) is an Egyptian temple buried in the Australian jungle. Explorers who venture inside go mad. Metal-hand villainess returns to foil our Britannia secret agent team of chameleon Modo (can hold another image for 5 hours now), pretty always-curious Tavia, their old acting teacher Mrs. Finchley, fighting instructor from India, Tharpa ("Keep the mind steady. Be in the present.") and mentor Mr. Socrates, eager to be back in the field.
"Think about what needs to be done, not what you cannot change."
"Boredom won't kill you, Modo, but you can always kill boredom with a good book."
More eccentrics, good and bad, ride along, by sea and air. Although Modo crashlands after losing thumb at the start, Slade flips to months before, and viewpoints shift and die, short chapters snap quickly with headline titles. We feel instantly in place, eager to catch up. I usually dislike skipping around. Author Asprin effectively changes voices of MYTH investigators; Slade stays smoothly in third person.
Our teen hero's distorted visage influences the plot directly this time, affecting a native tribe and reactions to the secret weapon. I don't like when he slips into self-pity or jealousy, but such weak moments remind me that he is still less than 16, of no set birthday. He is no perfect superman to idolize, rather a striving ethical thoughtful courageous youngster to emulate. The attraction between the teens continues to hum softly. "He'd seen her shine like a jewel in her finest dress, but he'd choose to remember her this way ..."
The Rag & Famish Hotel in ch 22, in fact est. 1860 N. Sydney, is misnamed Famine on p 144 AND p145, although the meaning is similar, severe hunger. Firebox is mistyped fiebox on p151.
The song quoted, Dream-Pedlary, is a real poem by Thomas Lovell Beddoes (1803–49).
http://www.bartleby.com/101/667.html
I was surprised the "closer" stars on p163 are not noted for their unique constellations. The Southern Cross astonished me, and the bright blue day sky only comparable to Van Gogh's Southern France, perhaps from proximity to the equator? I would think the drastic difference from smoggy coal smoked London would be accentuated.
I just finished Intrigues, where Lackey insists on trying to approximate an unpolished low accent. I prefer here, toothless beggar informant's straightforward "I have no teeth ... I want teeth" from "indeed a black hole".
Cockney Tavia glories in her expanding vocabulary, all the better to banter.
"Who can sleep? I'm soaking wet. Every insect on this forsaken countryside has taken a chunk of my flesh. And later tonight we will likely die trying to steal an imaginary treasure from under the nose of a woman who probably sleeps lying on the skulls of babies."
"You never could give a short answer," he said, grinning.
"Yes, well, not everyone can be as overly short in words as they are in height."
The ending, heading away from London on a steamship, has me onboard. All Hunchback books deserve to be 5* on my fan shelf. If I eventually downgrade them to 4*, I'm only making room for more.

[Amy Lignor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful adventure series that began with The Hunchback Assignments and The Dark Deeps surfaces yet again with another fantastic Indiana Jones-‘esque’ story that provides the reader with a seriously good time.

Modo is back. This is a young man who began his training as an agent for Britain’s Permanent Association when he was just fourteen years old. Modo’s boss, Mr. Socrates, has been his advisor, protector, and mentor for a good, long time. Tharpa, Modo’s weapons master, is still right by the side of Mr. Socrates and always helping Modo with his training; while Octavia, Modo’s fellow agent, is still as saucy, complex, and hysterical as she’s always been.

In this new adventure, a slimy treasure seeker by the name of Alexander King has worked his way through ‘bodies’ to find a map that leads to a ruin in the middle of Queensland, Australia. In this far away location, buried deep in a rainforest that is protected by a native tribe, lies what is called ‘The God Face.’ But this is no easy treasure to escape with. After all, it is rumored that ‘The God Face’ actually makes people go insane the minute they gaze upon it.

Modo has been sitting around the home he stays in when he isn’t working for far too long. He’s getting bored, and he rarely ever goes outside because, of course, Modo has a frightening face. His features are harsh and he scares people on sight. Thankfully, the gift he has of being able to transform his facial muscles into any face he wants to create, is what helps him when he’s on the outside.

One day a letter arrives that sends Modo into an asylum to speak with prisoner 376. That man basically tells a riddle to Modo - a riddle that makes Mr. Socrates pack up and head straight to Australia. Octavia is on her own mission, a mission that involves retrieving a treasure map. Unfortunately for her mission to be a success, Octavia must escape a man named Visser and his iron falcons; creatures with beaks and claws dipped in poison that dive-bomb her at every turn. Visser was hired to get the map away from Octavia and into the hands of the Clockwork Guild - the evil organization that has been against Mr. Socrates and trying to capture Modo for what seems like forever.

Who will get to ‘The God Face’ first? And once there, who will be able to retrieve a treasure that could permanently steal your mind from your body?

Yet again, Mr. Slade has done a spectacular job of writing a story that moves quickly, offers a ton of action, and really gets into the heart of its main character. The emotional scenes that have Octavia finally being able to set her eyes upon the real Modo, are truly lovely to read. And finding out whether a wonderful caring young man with a ‘frightening’ face can be her Prince Charming, is even more powerful to discover. Book lovers everywhere will simply race through this and demand book number 4!

This is definitely a younger version of the great Clive Cussler adventures!

[James Beers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slade's Empire of Ruins is part King Solomon's Mines, part Indiana Jones, part James Bond, and all adventure and excitement that I couldn't put down.

In this third installment of the Mission Clockwork series, Slade starts us off with an exciting mini-adventure prologue introducing a powerful artifact hidden at Egyptian ruins in the Australian rain forest. Called the God Mask, the artifact can supposedly cause insanity in anyone who looks on it. Mr. Socrates, excited at the prospect that such an artifact could be used to end wars and empower Britain, takes his team - including Modo, Octavia, Tharpa, and Mrs. Finchley - on a journey to locate the artifact. They're not alone in the search though; the Clockwork Guild also has their eye on the God Mask and are way ahead in the competition.

Along the way, Modo and his friends are attacked by clockwork falcons with poisonous talons (so cool!) and fight in a close-call airship battle with Hakkandottir and the Guild. The airship battle is awesome and Modo really shines in the fight. But he also nearly dies as he falls from the Guild's airship trying to create an escape for his friends in their airship. Saved by natives who revere him, Modo takes off in search of his friends and the God Mask. The story resolves in a unique twist of events characteristic of Slade's stories - it's fantastic!

There are also several character-revealing moments in the story. From the beginning of the series, readers wonder if Modo will ever show Octavia his face and, if so, how will Octavia react? That element is very evident and essential in the story. Readers also see more of Modo's inner convictions and feelings, especially with regard to the natives who save him after his fall. This is also evident in the omniscient narration for both Modo and Octavia and leaves the reader wondering what's going to happen in that relationship. The reader also gets a little glimpse at Mr. Socrates inner workings, which made me wonder what kind of guy he really is.

Although I think Book 2 is still my favorite in the series, Book 3 does not disappoint. It's truly an exciting adventure story. I'm already reading Book 4.

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit one thing about Arthur Slade's The Hunchback Assignments series - They're consistent; in that I consistently love every book. The Hunchback Assignments was my favourite book in 2009. The Dark Deeps was a rollicking good ride, and I adored it. And the third book, Empire of Ruins, is just as good as the previous two.

People are turning up mad in Britain. When Mr. Socrates and the Permanent Association investigate they turn up something rather odd - an ancient Egyptian temple rumoured to be found in the heart of the Australian Outback. Determined to see this fabled "God Face" Socrates, Modo, and Octavia set sail for adventure. Modo encounters Aborigines, dirigibles, and the infamous Clockwork Guild during this trip, but it is in the face of his greatest fear that his will is truly tested - showing his disfigured face to the beautiful woman he has grown to love.

I love this series. Completely, fanatically. I love the characters and the ethos. I love how Slade has crafted this to mirror and mimic Classic Victorian Novels and yet written something original and new. Hunchback Assignments takes a page from all of the monster books (Frankenstein, The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Phantom of the Opera) while The Dark Deeps is clearly an homage to Jules Verne. With Empire of Ruins Slade doffs his cap to the adventure novels of the period; to King Solomon's Mines and She.... and yes, I realize Frankenstein is technically pre-Victorian but it's close enough for government work. What Slade has done with this series is nothing short of spectacular and astounding, and I can't wait to see how he astounds me with the fourth and final book in the series.

Mr. Slade, you have high expectations from this enthusiast for the next book. Don't disappoint me.

5 out of 5 stars.

- review courtesy of www.bibliopunkkreads.com

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually haven’t seen many reviews of this series by bloggers but I for one really like this series. It has action, adventure, mystery and little bit of romance to satisfy readers. Empire of Ruins is the third book in the series and follows Modo, Octavia along with Mr. Socrates and Tharpa as they travel to Australia in search of a mysterious relic called the God Face. Nobody knows what the God Face really is but rumours are that it is a powerful weapon and that is why Modo must get to it before the Clockwork Guild.

Up until this book, Modo has always looked up and idolized Mr. Socrates. He’s always done what he’s been told and never disobeyed Mr Socrates. Modo realizes that Mr. Socrates is not always right and stands up and defends his position which shocks Mr. Socrates. We also get more of Octavia and Tharpa in this book. After three books, Tharpa is still pretty much a mystery. As we still don’t know much about his background or his past. The spark between Modo and Octavia is still there. The big event that tests their relationship is that Modo finally shows Octavia his real face and gets her subsequent reaction. They bicker and banter but its obvious they care for one another.

This is a good addition to the series but compared to the two previous books I didn’t like it as much. There’s a lot more character growth especially for Modo and you get to see another side to Mr. Socrates but the story wasn’t as exciting as the previous two books. The ending might be a little spoilery. I do have a hunch of where Modo might he headed next…its only a guess on my part but I hope I’m right.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: Next in the series; plus I read every new book by the author.

Modo and 'Tavia are back with a bang in a brand new adventure that is fresh and exciting. The Clockwork Guild are back as is the villain with Miss Hakkandottir at the command but she has some new tricks up her metal hand's sleeve, namely a falconer and some vicious clockwork falcons added to the poisonous menagerie who are out to get Modo. On an exploration trip to Australia to find perhaps a valuable weapon called the God's Face, the Association enters the jungles to discover what can only be described as an Egyptian temple. All the crew are here, Modo and Octavia, back to work together again, along with Tharpa, Mr. Socrates joins the team in the field for a change as well! Another nice surprise is to see Mrs. Finchley back on the scene, not about to enter any jungles, but back in civilization where she may be needed. A fast-paced rip-roaring tale that certainly leaves the sameness some series often get bogged down in by transporting our heroes (and villains) to new surroundings and obstacles to face in primitive early 20th century Australia. My favourite of the series so far! There is a teeny-weeny bit of romance in the air but there is so much to be overcome by the participants themselves, individually, that the romantic theme is only barely only a whisper in the background, which suits me fine. Great characters, great adventure, cool inventions, and book 4 seems to be headed for Canada so another out of the ordinary adventure to look forward to in the next book!

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur Slade has another smash hit on his hands. In this amazing novel we are reunited with Modo, Octavia, and Mr. Socrates, and Tharpa joins the expedition this time around. And of course, it features our favorite mechanical hand villain, Miss Hakkandottir. This time the steampunk adventure takes us to the colonies once again as we immerse ourselves in the Victorian World with a technological twist.

Now the adventure heads to the Australian Outback and a rumored Egyptian pyramid in the middle of the Jungle. Filled with a mix of Victorian sense and sensibility, and the steampunk cutting-edge technology, the story takes us into an alternate past. This story is wonderfully written with greater character development and depth than the earlier two books. Slade is a master storyteller and as he draws us into this world and the complex relationship between two spies serving their country, Modo and Octavia both explore new feelings and expectations. This adventure is to see and find a legendary God Face, an ancient relic supposed to turn an enemy arm upon itself. But with poisonous mechanical falcons, an assassin, and Modo and company always seeming one step behind, can they pull it together and achieve another victory for England and the Crown?
...
Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More.And also an author profile and interview with Arthur Slade.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is young adult fiction, and although it is a bit youthful in style, I still found it entertaining and fun.

Despite being a YA book, the author still tells a fun and exciting adventure story. The characters are extremely unique, particularly Modo, and the adventure they embark upon in this third in the Hunchback Assignments series is a lot of fun for the reader to go along on.

There is tension and challenge for all the characters, and there is definite character development for all these characters. The author clearly has a vision, both of the world he's created, and for the characters within it.

This is a terrific series for young people, probably anywhere between about 8 and 12 or 13. The story is exciting with drama and adventure, but not overly scary or upsetting, although there are some anonymous soldiers who die and are mentioned briefly. There is some violence, but, again nothing even remotely resembling what a child could see on any TV show or current video game. It is, however, a very unusual and entertaing adventure story, with characters in their age range, so a good opportunity to experience adventure through a good book.

[Jack Baillot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this book. I liked the Dark Deeps, but that one took place on the sea and if I could enjoy that one with my lack of sea loving adventures, this one was sure to be great. (It had everything I like in an adventure book. Jungles, nasty tempered bugs, and airships - every book should have an airship in it.)
However, this surpassed my expectations. It was far more exciting then I had hoped for, and Modo is no longer the little boy I've come to love in the first two books. He is growing up now and I feel very proud of him. Especially how he faced down...won't say on account of spoilers. But it really shocked me, and yet he faced it bravely.

Something I'm learning about Mr. Slade, DO NOT ever assume you know his characters! In book two, by the end of it, he had me liking two characters I never thought I could. By the end of this one, I felt betrayed by a character I was just growing to trust. And he does this almost instantly, and yet makes it convincing. One thing, with the fourth book, I will be sure to keep on my guard.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Hunchback Assignments takes Modo and friends to Australia. The book opens with a sadistic adventurer who has become obsessed with finding the God Face--an old Egyptian artifact abandoned in Queensland, Australia, rumoured to cause anyone who looks upon it to go insane. He realizes his goal, but then goes insane, so it's not much use to him. When the Clockwork Guild and the Permanent Association get word of the God Face's location, agents from both sides clamor to claim the God Face as a weapon for their side. Intrigue ensues.

I enjoyed this installment less than the other two. There was less steampunky goodness, and a kind of awkward treatment of indigenous people. Due to the Victorian era in which a lot of steampunk is set, there can be a lot of racism. This one goes the "they are incredibly nice and useful to my white cause" route, which is not as bad as some other books, but still a bit of a disappointment coming from Slade. Also, too much yearning on Modo's part and not enough action and wicked awesome gadgetry.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 in the series The Hunchback Assignments more than met my expectations. This series, set (mostly) in England in Queen Victoria's era, is an oh-so-inventive adventure series. I love it! Each book seems to get better than the previous one.

Ruins of an Egyptian pyramid with a powerful "God Face" inside is rumored to lie in the remote rain forest jungles of Australia. Men have killed for the knowledge of its whereabouts only to go completely mad after seeing it. Mr. Socrates, head of Britain's secret Permanent Society of spies and defenders of England, decides to come out of being behind a desk and with his best young agents, go seek the idol. So the deformed Modo, who is capable of changing his appearance, street-smart Octavia, and Mrs. Finchley, who raised Modo, accompany him on a long journey to the Australia wilderness. Not only is the trip fraught with natural dangers but the evil Clockwork Guild, enemies of England, is determined to get to the God Face first!

This is one series that I hope goes on and on!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to get my hands on this 3rd book of The Hunchback Assignments series! I liked that there was more character development of the main character, Modo and that he just yearns to be loved like anyone else, and that he and Mr. Socrates not all business.

In this volume, Modo must assume a new identity with the help of Mrs Finchley to try to get information from a crazy man named King who might be able to help them locate the mysterious God Face. Soon he and Octavia are traveling with their master, Mr. Socrates, Tharpa their Martial Arts intstructor and Mrs. Finchley to Australia to track down the artifact. Of course, they aren't the only ones looking for it, the Clockwork Guild is as well. Who will get to the artifact first and be able to control it for the good or bad of humanity? Recommended for ages 11+, 4 stars.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modo is really in for it this time - an Egyptian tomb in Australia! Rumors of a God Face in the tomb have arisen. Mr Socrates takes the whole team to Sydney to find and obtain the God Face for the benefit of the British Empire. Unfortunately, their Clockwork adversaries have arrived first and will do anything to get the God Face for themselves. Modo takes an unexpected abrupt shortcut on this mission. Arthur Slade continues the adventures of Modo and his friends in Mission Clockwork 3: Empire of Ruins, which I have volunteered to review. This incredibly inventive series gets more exciting with each book. The characters are intriguing - the reader will love some and hate others. Slade's inventions and characters are marvelous ... and the tension continues to build. The potential for more super stories is endless!

[5t4n5 Dot Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time the Verne flavour is Five Weeks in a Balloon , but instead of flying over Africa, Modo and the crew go flying over Australia in search of a strange and ancient artefact.

Of course, to keep with the main story line of this tetralogy, and also to keep things exciting, the Clockwork Guild is back and also flying in a balloon over Australia searching for the same artefact.

And, once again, the same caveat applies, don't apply 21st century thinking and science to anything and don't take it too seriously and you'll find it a rather enjoyable yarn that'll pass the time nicely.

And so i dive straight into the fourth and final chapter: Island of Doom