By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
Written by: Kreg Steppe
Narrated by: Chuck Tomasi
Format: Podcast, 44:59 minutes
Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk
Series: 11th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 2 podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series
Recommendation: Nice way to meet new characters and authors in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising. The archives are full of stories to be told.
Synopsis:
The Carolinas, 1879
Daniel Pleasant, agent of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, is assigned to the United States of America to track down some missing items of the Archives. Pleasant is partnered up with a clankerton from the Office of the Supernatural and Metaphysical (O.S.M.) Elijah Paxton, and together the two set off to track the missing Archive items, their power rumoured to be able to bend time and space itself.
My Thoughts and Summary:
Daniel receives an invisible letter, only read with special glasses, for his next mission. To retrieve two power cells stolen, cargoed from London to the United States in the Carolinas, and feared to be used for a bomb. While on the zeppelin Daniel finds a nervous man, and keeping an eye on him finds the note and item left behind. After meeting Elijah, the American agent, and heading to the selling place for the cells, Daniel believes the Doctor he introduced himself to is involved in some way with his case.
This is set in the Americas. The story has more of an American roughness to it, as opposed to elegance of London. Not that it's bad or good, but there is a difference in style. (I am an American, and the west has the rough feel, it's new! London's been around for about ever, so it's refined.)
If you like gadgets and gizmos, this one is for you. Elijah is much more than Daniel thought upon first impression and not seeing a gun. Elijah is full of surprises secreted about his body and is more into action than expected.
This story is written in four parts and an epilogue. Which makes it quick in getting through the story and to the important parts. At first I felt the sentence phrasing felt... un-rhythmical to me. I'm not sure if it was the sentence structure or the reader. However, quickly I got over this with the action taking the lead. The story moved along quickly and the agents saw their fair share of lead-time. There were a few moments the characters turned a smile to my face, with a well placed comment.
The fourth part closes out the story with a bang, and explains the why's. The Epilogue...makes me wonder if these character will surface again.
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.
You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.
You can find the Archives: Amazon Kindle ~ Tales from the Archives
Scroll through the list for them all, and the ones you still need.There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!
I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.
Yay! So glad you're still enjoying these. Sounds like a good break from a full length novel to spice things up reading wise. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGina R, it is. To get a quick story in between reads and such. I do enjoy these, and get to sample many different authors as they play in this world too. :)
Deleteit's impressive this story is really long. I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteMelliane, these are quick, but yes longer in length than a few. :) Thank you!
DeleteI'm intrigued by A ministry of Peculiar Occurences. I've never read them though
ReplyDeleteRivie Bleu, these stories are other authors playing in the world, but Pip and Tee do a few as well. :) Hope you get to try the Ministry books one day. :)
DeleteOh yes! More Tales! I'm needing another novel... :D
ReplyDeleteHehehee, I am right with you Melissa (B&T)
DeleteThis one sounds really good to me. I love the idea of the invisible letter and the gizmos. Thank you so much for sharing! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteJaclyn Canada, These are fun little listens (reads if you get the short estory). Hope you get to try them one day. :D
DeleteI really need to read this asap. I loved both books more than I can say, and when the third one was announced, I almost dies of happiness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me, Mel.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library) There are a few stories in these collections that are geared to the characters in the books. Great little additions, and there are many new authors playing in the world too. Great additions to hold me over. :) Hope you enjoy them.
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