By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
Written & Narrated by: P.J. Schnyder
Format: Podcast, 36:00 minutes
Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk
Series: 2nd in Tales of the Archives Vol. 2 podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series
Recommendation: Yes. Nice way to meet new characters in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising. A case before Wellington and Eliza's time, taking a look into strange occurrences in the world, with magic and steampunk.
Synopsis:
A Swan in Siam
Fall, 1863
Phailin is not your typical personal guard to the King of Siam. This royal protector of secrets finds herself intrigued by a guest of the British Ambassador's, the enigmatic John M. Alvey of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, and his quest for a swan possessing mythical powers...
My Thoughts and Summary:
Looking into the next case folder, a ring falls out, and into Wellington's tea.
Agent John Alvey makes a journey to South East Asia, Siam, to search for a peculiar swan in a native land it should not be. Phailin, a secreted special guard to the King of Siam, takes notice of Agent Alvey, for taking notice and understanding in a foreign culture, where the ambassador from his country has not. Will Agent Alvey find the swan he's looking for, while someone tries to assassinate the King?
This was an interesting little tale. We learn of a whole culture here in Siam, and get the feel for the secretive Phailin, in the beginning.
We do have steam equipment, as always. :) There is a steam mechanical music box, brought as a gift for the King. Interesting! I really liked this, and I think I would like one...when first saw it. Then, the getaway used by the guilty party is neat too, but I have to say it's not quite as exciting as Phailin's way of following the person. And the extras she can do.
This story not only has steampunk, but also a blend of magic as well. Old magic. Very nice blend of the two here. In the end, I enjoyed this story as well. We get a historical tale, magic, steampunk, and bullets and bombs. What else can you ask for?
Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.
NEW!! The Tales from the Archives: Volume 1 can now be found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.
There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!
I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.
I still need to get into these. First I have a full novel and then I'll get into them. :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa (Books&things) - I think if you start listening to these, you would really enjoy them. And they really are awesome to listen to while doing things. :)
DeleteI still haven't listened to these or the others, every time I remember too the internet is really sucky
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd - Boooo on the internet. Sorry you have troubles listening to these. If you have an ipod there are out there as well, for free. :) That's how I've been listening to mine lately with my router going in and out on me. (until I get a new one hooked up)
DeleteI listened to the first podcast and I wasn't captivated... but I might have to revisit...
ReplyDeleteCherry, this one was neat as we got a touch of Wellington's past. I really liked that. It explained a few suspicions I had of him. :) If you want to learn more of Welly, do listed to at least this one. :)
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