Featured Official Review: The Mask of Perpetuity by Martin Jones

Kelebogile Mbangi · Post by **Kelebogile Mbangi** » 22 Nov 2018, 14:12

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Mask of Perpetuity" by Martin Jones.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Mask of Perpetuity is an adventure book set in 1935. It is written by Martin Jones and is the first book in the George Melville Mystery series.

When a treasured Chinese artifact, called the Mask of Perpetuity, goes missing while under British possession, George Melville is called upon to help a British Secret Services agent return the mask. He meets the agent, Ali McAlistair a.k.a Mad Dog, in a casino in Macau. George is to bid for and buy the mask, which was smuggled out of Britain, at the casino. After things go horribly wrong, he is left with little faith in the wild-haired agent. George is merely an investigate officer and finds himself uncomfortably out of his element in this fast-paced, pre-war world of espionage as he is forced to tag along with Mad Dog to track down the mask.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is written from George's perspective, who happens to be an ordinary civilian. Thus, we experience the journey through his very relatable eyes. He is terrified witless half of the time, and who could blame him? He finds himself in crazy scenarios he would have never dreamed up, from dodging bullets in an Egyptian bazaar to uncomfortable, rickety flight experiences in biplanes. His discomfort and highly descriptive, sarcastic expressions of this discomfort make this book come alive in a very realistic way.

The author does an excellent job in taking us back in time. The time period in which the book is set is well depicted through the clothing, transportation modes, technology, and language used and described in the book. It is so well depicted, that it fades seamlessly into the background, creating the perfect backdrop for a believable story to unfold without distracting the reader.

The book has an assortment of amusing characters. Take Mad Dog for example. He presents himself as an unreliable alcoholic with pea-brained ideas. The truth about this Secret Services agent, however, makes for quite a read! The Mask of Perpetuity also has fascinating supporting characters who enhance the element of intrigue. One such character is an ancient Chinese man we meet in Macau with opaque eyes and a blackened smile who packs quite a kick.

I recommend this book to adventure book fans. It is quite a short book at only 86 pages. This, coupled with its fast past, means that readers can complete it in one very entertaining sitting. This thrilling, light read deserves nothing less than 4 out of 4 stars. I look forward to reading upcoming books in this exciting series which jets readers across the globe on crazy, dangerous adventures!

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The Mask of Perpetuity
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charmperit · Post by **charmperit** » 23 Nov 2018, 09:05

Sounds refreshing to read a story from the perspective of a civilian in a mystery adventure kind of book.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 25 Nov 2018, 03:20

This sounds absolutely thrilling! The premise is fascinating, and I am glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review.

topdan30 · Post by **topdan30** » 25 Nov 2018, 07:47

This book sounds interesting with its amusing characters.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 25 Nov 2018, 17:43

A mystery gone wrong set in the 30s? Sounds great. Plus it's a short read. I'll put it on my list. Thanks!

Sunday diamond · Post by **Sunday diamond** » 25 Nov 2018, 18:28

Though the book sounds interesting, but its not my best genre of book. I pass it.

Ayat paarsa · Post by **Ayat paarsa** » 27 Nov 2018, 13:52

Ok, so the Mask of Perpetuity was a Chinese artifact. You explained the title well. The book lengths short and full of adventures. What else a reader can wish.
Whole your review is a piece of perfection.

Cassandra Zela · Post by **Cassandra Zela** » 28 Nov 2018, 01:55

I love this book it covers so much about adventure and action

preethijkumar · Post by **preethijkumar** » 28 Nov 2018, 06:34

Sounds like a book tailor made for me! Thanks for the interesting review.

Sabrinaknutson · Post by **Sabrinaknutson** » 29 Nov 2018, 14:37

I would love to read this book. It sounds interesting for those who love mysteries

Cirhue30 · Post by **Cirhue30** » 30 Nov 2018, 04:24

An adventure set in the 30's isn't what I'd normally go for but, the book sounds interesting.

Queenbee1991 · Post by **Queenbee1991** » 30 Nov 2018, 10:08

Sounds interesting, yet boring . Dates way back in the 30’s if you ask my judgement it sounds like boredom at its finest , I’ll pass

princyB · Post by **princyB** » 30 Nov 2018, 10:42

Wow, cool reviews. Looks like I'll have to read this book.

Ajayisola · Post by **Ajayisola** » 01 Dec 2018, 10:03

The author does an excellent job in taking us back in time. The Time period in which the book is set well dipicted through the clothing, transportation modes, technology, and language used and described in the book I like this review and its sound well thanks