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Mandate of Heaven: A Treasure Hunting Adventure
Ethan Chase’s past has finally caught up with him, and the entire world’s future now stands on a knife’s edge.
Ex-Army Ranger Ethan Chase breaks his oath of allegiance to the military when he deserts from the Army while deployed to Afghanistan. Years later, he’s captured and sent to military prison, but the director of a shadowy government agency takes him into his direct custody. They offer Ethan his freedom and a blank slate, but only if he can track down and retrieve the lost Heirloom Seal of the Realm, an ancient Chinese artifact believed to grant godly powers to any ruler who possesses it.
With little choice, Ethan takes on this quest, joined by three his best friend, the federal agent who arrested him, and a beautiful treasure hunter. Yet they’re not the only ones seeking the Heirloom Seal, and some will cross any line, betray any loyalty, for a chance at supreme power.
EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS the first fast-paced book in the “Ethan Chase Thriller” series of globe-trotting, treasure-hunting adventures.
Ex-Army Ranger Ethan Chase breaks his oath of allegiance to the military when he deserts from the Army while deployed to Afghanistan. Years later, he’s captured and sent to military prison, but the director of a shadowy government agency takes him into his direct custody. They offer Ethan his freedom and a blank slate, but only if he can track down and retrieve the lost Heirloom Seal of the Realm, an ancient Chinese artifact believed to grant godly powers to any ruler who possesses it.
With little choice, Ethan takes on this quest, joined by three his best friend, the federal agent who arrested him, and a beautiful treasure hunter. Yet they’re not the only ones seeking the Heirloom Seal, and some will cross any line, betray any loyalty, for a chance at supreme power.
EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS the first fast-paced book in the “Ethan Chase Thriller” series of globe-trotting, treasure-hunting adventures.
- GenresAdventure
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2022
25 people want to read
About the author
Peter Martuneac
12 books53 followersHusband, father of two, Boilermaker alum, and former United States Marine. Ever since reading The Lord of the Rings at a young age, Peter has wanted to be an author, and writing stories continues to bring him no small amount of joy.
Peter's writings tend to share a theme that focuses on PTSD and the different ways people cope with trauma, some healthy and others not. He also writes about redemption, and not being chained to your former self.
P.S. Martuneac is a Romanian name, and is pronounced "Mar-TOO-knee-ack", for all those wondering.
Peter's writings tend to share a theme that focuses on PTSD and the different ways people cope with trauma, some healthy and others not. He also writes about redemption, and not being chained to your former self.
P.S. Martuneac is a Romanian name, and is pronounced "Mar-TOO-knee-ack", for all those wondering.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 4, 2023
MANDATE OF HEAVEN by Peter Martuneac is a fun, action-packed 5-star adventure that combines the vibes of Indiana Jones, Mission Impossible, and the Amazing Race.
MY TEASE…
Although proven to be a fierce soldier, former Army Ranger Ethan Chase likes to think for himself—not a quality revered and rewarded by the U.S. military. In fact, the renegade corporal is serving hard time in Leavenworth penitentiary for his actions in Afghanistan.
No one is more surprised than Ethan when he receives a get-out-of-jail free card to apply his other skill set, treasure hunting, on behalf of a clandestine agency of the U.S. government.
Well, almost free. That's because his assigned mission will most likely require a hefty cost.
Ethan and a small team are to retrieve an ancient Chinese artifact that has been missing for one thousand years: the Heirloom Seal. Legend suggests that whoever possesses the mystical token is bestowed with the Mandate of Heaven and is granted a supreme god-like power to rule as an immortal.
China is on the verge of finding the Seal and wielding its unfathomable power. No wonder the United States is hell-bent on finding the Seal first.
But the closer Ethan gets to the endgame, the more he worries that there may be no winners in this covert mission. Supreme power, after all, can corrupt. Can destroy. No matter who possesses it.
If Ethan should find the artifact, he suspects he’ll face his age-old dilemma. Should he follow orders or think for himself?
Only this time, the stakes wouldn't be prison; rather, the future of humanity itself.
THOUGHTS…
What a fun and exciting read! I love being whisked to foreign lands with a book’s characters, especially when there’s the added tension of needing to outsmart dangerous competitors who are in pursuit of the same goal. And weaved into the fictional mix are authentic legends such as the Heirloom Seal, Mandate of Heaven, and Mount Penglai. Which means, I’m having fun learning while being immersed in an adventure!
Ethan’s treasure hunting team consists of three additional characters and the author did a great job differentiating their voices. I liked them all and enjoyed their banter.
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5
Main character’s likability: 4.5
Development of supporting character(s): 4.5
Settings/Atmosphere: 5
Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 5
Believability (in the context of the story): 4.5
Satisfying ending: 5
Tension of the story: 4
OVERALL…
MANDATE OF HEAVEN is an excellently paced, treasure hunting adventure that will keep readers running alongside Ethan Chase!
MY TEASE…
Although proven to be a fierce soldier, former Army Ranger Ethan Chase likes to think for himself—not a quality revered and rewarded by the U.S. military. In fact, the renegade corporal is serving hard time in Leavenworth penitentiary for his actions in Afghanistan.
No one is more surprised than Ethan when he receives a get-out-of-jail free card to apply his other skill set, treasure hunting, on behalf of a clandestine agency of the U.S. government.
Well, almost free. That's because his assigned mission will most likely require a hefty cost.
Ethan and a small team are to retrieve an ancient Chinese artifact that has been missing for one thousand years: the Heirloom Seal. Legend suggests that whoever possesses the mystical token is bestowed with the Mandate of Heaven and is granted a supreme god-like power to rule as an immortal.
China is on the verge of finding the Seal and wielding its unfathomable power. No wonder the United States is hell-bent on finding the Seal first.
But the closer Ethan gets to the endgame, the more he worries that there may be no winners in this covert mission. Supreme power, after all, can corrupt. Can destroy. No matter who possesses it.
If Ethan should find the artifact, he suspects he’ll face his age-old dilemma. Should he follow orders or think for himself?
Only this time, the stakes wouldn't be prison; rather, the future of humanity itself.
THOUGHTS…
What a fun and exciting read! I love being whisked to foreign lands with a book’s characters, especially when there’s the added tension of needing to outsmart dangerous competitors who are in pursuit of the same goal. And weaved into the fictional mix are authentic legends such as the Heirloom Seal, Mandate of Heaven, and Mount Penglai. Which means, I’m having fun learning while being immersed in an adventure!
Ethan’s treasure hunting team consists of three additional characters and the author did a great job differentiating their voices. I liked them all and enjoyed their banter.
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5
Main character’s likability: 4.5
Development of supporting character(s): 4.5
Settings/Atmosphere: 5
Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 5
Believability (in the context of the story): 4.5
Satisfying ending: 5
Tension of the story: 4
OVERALL…
MANDATE OF HEAVEN is an excellently paced, treasure hunting adventure that will keep readers running alongside Ethan Chase!
November 2, 2022
A fast-paced thriller along the lines of Dan Brown and Steve Berry.
Ethan Chase is an adventurer who had years earlier risked his life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, but deserts rather than be courtmartialed for his efforts. Once apprehended, he is tasked with finding and returning to Washington DC a long-lost treasure of the Chinese emperors, lost for almost two thousand years. Even more, this treasure holds the promise of unlimited power for whoever possesses it. Needless to say, the Chinese are looking for this powerful talisman as well!
If you like historically based thrillers, you'll love this novel!
Ethan Chase is an adventurer who had years earlier risked his life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, but deserts rather than be courtmartialed for his efforts. Once apprehended, he is tasked with finding and returning to Washington DC a long-lost treasure of the Chinese emperors, lost for almost two thousand years. Even more, this treasure holds the promise of unlimited power for whoever possesses it. Needless to say, the Chinese are looking for this powerful talisman as well!
If you like historically based thrillers, you'll love this novel!
June 1, 2023
Well, that was a pleasant surprise. Going into this book, I didn't really have high expectations. Several recent disappointing books in this genre conditioned me to come away being less than thrilled. I figured this would be another formulaic ancient treasures chase. However, several twists and surprises coupled with a fresh take on Chinese ancient history made for one helluva ride. I have added this author to my "must-read" list and am planning to pick up his next book very soon. Well done!
October 15, 2022
This is a fantastic adventure story. A bit like "Indiana Jones," if it had been written by Tom Clancy. Anyone who likes a good old-fashioned tale of action and suspense should check it out.
November 27, 2023
This book is a great treasure hunt in China. I was impressed by the research that obviosly went into this (even around some of the necessary fabrications to make the story happen). Martuneac wove the modern and the ancient together well, and he tied it with a bow of magical realism (though I won't spoil it as to whether ir not the magic was real). Once again, Martuneac builds some of the best fight and action scenes I've ever read, so definitely look forward to that when you read this.
I enjoyed Ethan Chase as a character because he was easy to root for despite some of his mystery, and he was a good leader of his crew. You always knew his intentions were good, and I appreciate that; it's become too uncommon in these post-GoT days. But if you want a more morally ambiguous character, look no further than Lindsey - her position and theoretical loyalties can keep you guessing, which I thought added a lot to the story. The relationships between heroes, baddies, and in between really make this book pop.
I like Martuneac's style, and this book stands up. It's well-written and edited, as well, so you don't need to worry about that.
I enjoyed Ethan Chase as a character because he was easy to root for despite some of his mystery, and he was a good leader of his crew. You always knew his intentions were good, and I appreciate that; it's become too uncommon in these post-GoT days. But if you want a more morally ambiguous character, look no further than Lindsey - her position and theoretical loyalties can keep you guessing, which I thought added a lot to the story. The relationships between heroes, baddies, and in between really make this book pop.
I like Martuneac's style, and this book stands up. It's well-written and edited, as well, so you don't need to worry about that.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews