Title: Modesty Jack

Author: D.E. Ring

Genre: Historical Adventure Fiction

 

At 22 years old, Jack Torrance is a man of the world. He is affable and capable of ingratiating himself with the upper strata of society. Recently, he’s been traveling with members of the British royal family. He is a close friend of Princess Louise and Prince Leopold. Jack’s previous heroic exploits are getting him noticed by not only the royals but also esteemed Prime Minister William Gladstone.

His relationship with Princess Louise leads to Torrance being given a plum assignment in intelligence work for the British. Jack is a perfect fit, because the British Government is unaware of Jack’s role as a spy for the Canadian Government. Jack’s fluency in languages makes him ideal for intelligence-gathering, particularly in Africa where the British are concerned about the growing Nationalism movement in Egypt.

D.E. Ring delivers a dynamic story of espionage and international relations in the continuing story of Jack Torrance. The story is told through the journals of Jack Torrance and the first-person narrative brings action, adventure, humor along with the occasional assignation as Jack conducts multiple missions at the behest of multiple masters. Ring skillfully writes of the dangers inherent in the cloak-and-dagger activities of spies. The story starts out on a solid footing and never loses ground as the tensions continue to build in and around Jack’s work.

Jack is the go-getter protagonist who lives a dual life in order to serve the government of his home country. Jack doesn’t mince words when it comes to each individual he meets during his journeys. Despite his conflicted loyalties, he harbors no delusion about his work and goals. Jack’s charisma is what brings men and women into his orbit and also what makes him an ideal intelligence asset. Ring imbues his hero with admirable chivalry along with empathy.

The story is set in the late 19th century when the battle for empirical dominance in Africa is being waged between Britain and Russia. Jack Torrance is another piece on the game board of an intensifying battle. Jack’s mission for the Canadian government is to see what the British have planned in terms of military campaigns which ultimately the Canadians may be dragged into. The competition between empires is being tested as countries like Egypt are facing internal upheavals. The sporadic but shocking violence against foreigners living in Egypt are poignantly portrayed.

The bulk of this thrilling book revolves around Jack’s intelligence work. His romantic relationship with Princess Louise is alluded to in multiple instances, but many of the scenes between the two keep them at arm’s length. I believe the impact of the story would be greater with a flashback or two between Jack and the Princess.

Modesty Jack is a smart and enthralling read that explores a world that is further approaching the brink of a cataclysmic war. Jack Torrance is a dashing figure who recalls his tales of derring-do in a refreshing, no-nonsense style that leaves the reader satisfied yet anticipating the next chronicle of his exploits. Author D.E. Ring has created a spy worth cheering for in their quest.

 

 

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