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?

This book was another amazing read by an incredible Canadian author. Arthur Slade has been in my top ten reads almost every quarter and every year for a few years running. This book was no exception. I had heard a rumour that this book 3 was to be the last, but now Arthur Slade has confirmed at least a 4th book, breaking with his tradition of only doing trilogys for series, such as Northern Fights and his Canadian Chills. I already anticipate the next, and if you have not read them, read the Hunchback Assignments.

They are exceptional works of fiction!

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!

(May contain spoilers)

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.