Review of Changing Masks

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Changing Masks" by Nicholas Metelsky.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Changing Masks by Nicholas Metelsky

Imagine waking up with a new identity: a different body, a different name, and a different life. Would you embrace this new reality or fear the unknown? Most people might choose the latter. This is the plight of Max Maxim Rudov, who not only found himself in the body of a 10-year-old boy but also in a world unlike the one he knew. To make matters worse, his parents in this new world had abandoned him, leaving only a note in his pocket telling him to seek help from a neighbor. Who does that to their own child? How irresponsible!
Will Max survive in this new world? Will his past life influence his new reality? What is his name in this world, and does it matter? Why was he abandoned, and how did that turn out for him? To find out, you need to read the book, as the author takes you on an unforgettable journey.
In this world, people function as extensions of their families, called clans. The clan you belong to determines your respect and prestige. Max’s new reality leaves him clanless, as he has no family, making him a commoner. This adds an intriguing element to the story.

The book starts slowly, with the introduction of many new characters, which might feel overwhelming and even make you consider putting it down. However, the author soon narrows the focus to a few key characters, whose roles become more engaging as the story progresses. As the pace picks up, the book becomes unputdownable.
My favorite characters are the Koyama sisters, who make Max’s life a living hell. Their relationship and antics add excitement to the story. If this were a movie, I’d eagerly await and rewatch their scenes. Max can’t avoid them either, as the Koyama family is his neighbor—the ones he is supposed to ask for help. The Koyama family consists of the head, Kenta, a 69-year-old grandfather; his son, Akeno; Akeno’s wife, Kagami; their daughter, Shina; and their adopted daughter, Mizuki. They are a close-knit family.

The author’s attention to detail and descriptive writing engage the reader’s imagination. The book is packed with action, drama, and enough suspense to keep you hooked. There are also unexpected twists and turns that make the story even more captivating.

The book is professionally edited, with no noticeable errors. However, I have a few critiques: some events drag on too long, making the book feel slow at times. For example, the school scenes where Max and his friend hit a girl and his attempt to join the club could have been more concise. The poker scene was also unnecessarily prolonged. Additionally, there are too many scattered characters with names that include their clan names, making it difficult to remember who’s who. Despite these issues, the overall enjoyment and understanding of the story remain intact.

This is the first book in the series, and it ends on a note that leaves you wanting more. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its enchanting qualities and amazing storyline. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story with twists, turns, drama, action, and suspense.

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Changing Masks
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[Leona Rodrigues]

It's sounds like an interesting read! Additionally the review is well-written by highlighting the pros and cons of the book!