Interview with Eliza Braun & Wellington Books from The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Tour for Dawn's Early Light by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

I had the opportunity to read an early copy of Dawn's Early Light, and what can I say? You can check out my review. ;) Then I thought I would like to talk to the star agents.

I can not express the excitement I felt in preparing this post for you. I got to sit down and talk with the
Ministry Agents Eliza Braun and Wellington Books. They are an amazing duo!

Here is how it went...


M:  I’m honored to have two amazing agents of the Ministry with me today. Please welcome, Miss Eliza Braun and Mr. Wellington Books.

Congratulations is in order! Miss Braun and Mr. Books, you are both in the field.

ELIZA:  Oh yes, we are so thrilled to be returning to the field. Aren’t we Welly?

WELLINGTON:  Yes. Quite.

M:  Eliza, you have to be excited to have earned your field position back. How do you feel? Maybe more guns and explosives for you?

ELIZA:  Well now, I need to take this return gently. I’ve been — ahem — in the Archives for almost six months, avoiding any sort of non-sanctioned investigative work. So I need to find out what innovations have been made in firearms and explosive. I have heard that there is a new line of Winchester-Tesla rifles. They sound exciting.

M:  Wellington, a very nice promotion for you too. You must feel honored. Who have you left to take care your neatly organized Archives?

WELLINGTON:  Apparently, both Doctor Blackwell and Professor Axelrod have volunteered to watch over the Archives, but after a few visits to R&D, I’m a bit apprehensive about the care the Archives need. So I’ve turned to our intern from the Canadian branch, Katherine Sinclair. A very talented girl. I think she can take adequate care of our Archives whist we’re away.

M:  Your recent, and first official field case, takes you to the Americas. You got a crash course tour of different cities. I know you didn’t get to actually take in the sights, but of what you did see, what was your favorite?

ELIZA:  Detroit was a truly breathtaking city. I wish we could have stayed there longer. The Paris of the West they call it, and for good reason. I would have loved to stay there a bit longer, but we did have a train to catch.

WELLINGTON:  I found myself partial to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Quite a lovely place. Very serene. Very calm. I think I would like to return there, enjoy the ocean breeze.

ELIZA:  You would like to return there?

WELLINGTON:  I mean, we should return there. It’s a magical place.

M:  Wellington, the Americas are all new territory for you, had to be a sight!

WELLINGTON:  I did have a brief stay in New York. A bit too bustling for my taste, but this was my first trek across the country. Most impressive. Very diverse.

M:  Eliza, have you added new cities to your list of America stops?

ELIZA:  Oh let me see…I would like to return to Virginia. I understand Richmond is a delightful place. I am a bit envious of Welly here. New York also sounds like a lovely city.

M:  *chuckle* You got a taste of the Americas…strong liquors. What did you think?

ELIZA:  *through clenched teeth* I tried to warn you…

WELLINGTON:  Yes, I believe that American liquors are…an acquired taste.

M:  Eliza, it seems you have traveled the world and met some amazing people in your line of work. Where was your favorite to visit? Aside from your home of New Zealand, of course.

ELIZA:  That is as easy one—Paris. I have yet to travel there with my new partner, but I was there with my previous partner, Harrison Thorne. I was also there on assignment solo and never tire of the sights and sounds of Paris.

M:  Wellington, Seems you have become a very popular man these days. Why do you feel that is?

WELLINGTON:  Oh, they are? I mean, I am. *straightens his lapels* Well, I am most certain that people appreciate a level head, a calm demeanor, and intellect. It’s obvious, is it not?

ELIZA:  *pats Wellington on the arm gently*

M:  Eliza, you have an unusual love in your line of work, for dynamite. Will all the booms you have made what was the one you enjoyed the most? Was it the biggest or the craftiest?

ELIZA:  Oh, another easy one—Antarctica, 1895. Remember, Wellington? That was when we met.

WELLINGTON:  How could I forget? *mutters* How would I forget?

ELIZA:  That was a lovely exercise in taking advantage of the environment. I had a limited amount of explosives, but the munitions the House of Usher had stockpiled in their fortress more than made up for my modest supply. And the end result?

WELLINGTON:  Truly unforgettable.

M:  Wellington, you have a knack for machinery. When did you find you loved this work?

WELLINGTON:  Oh, I think that started with the analytical engine I created for better organization of the Archives. I’ve been expanding on it for some time, adding new functionality to it whenever and wherever I can. I am quite proud of it, and have been trying to find more projects to undertake.

M:  Speaking of machinery, I believe you have a new toy. One you built of your own, a motorcar. Nicely done.

ELIZA:  Yes. *smiles tightly* The motorcar.

WELLINGTON:  Now, just a moment, Eliza—you grew to love my motorcar.

ELIZA:  *grumbles*

WELLINGTON:  Yes, I am very proud of the motorcar. I don’t know how—practical—some of the
options are that I’ve installed, but we will see.

M:  Oh, Wellington. That was a lovely ebony cane. I heard it broke in a little scuffle. Do you have a new one? Created exactly like its predecessor?

WELLINGTON:  I have this cane, a rather lovely cherrywood, and yes, it has its own personality, much like my former walking stick.

M:  Hmm, I have to ask. You can defer the question if you’d like as I wouldn’t want any information leaked from the Ministry. The House of Usher’s reaches are further and wider spread than expected. Do you think you, or the Ministry, will ever get ahead of them?

ELIZA:  The House of Usher has always been a problem , ever since I joined the Ministry years ago. As Wellington can attest, there have been times we’ve scored the upper-hand with them, other times where they have disappeared into the shadows. I don’t know what the future holds with them, but believe it or not I believe the Old Man—

WELLINGTON:  She means, Doctor Sound.

ELIZA:  —has an upper-hand on Usher. Not sure how, but I think he knows something.

M:  They are very focused on one person. *cough* You both know who that is. Is it safe to be in the field with them wanting him?

WELLINGTON:  The last time they tried to lay hands on me, it cost them a base in Antarctica. And considering events in this latest case file, I think they may be a touch more cautious.

M:  One last question.
When you both first met you really didn’t see eye to eye. What have you learned about the other in your adventures that you like now, or respect more so, with getting to know each other?

ELIZA:  These previous adventures have indeed taught me a lot about Wellington Thornhill Books. I think around me, Wellington has a bit of a daring streak, and it is quite adorable how he attempts to quash it. I do love a man with a bit of depth.

WELLINGTON:  I have learned, in most situations, if I listen to Eliza Braun—even if the notion at first sounds utterly preposterous—I live to see another sunrise. For that, I am grateful.

M:  Thank you both for taking time to sit with me. It was great to talk with you both. Do take care!


Dawn's Early Light 
By Tee Morris & Philippa Ballantine
Working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, one sees innumerable technological wonders. But even veteran agents Braun and Books are unprepared for what the electrifying future holds…

After being ignominiously shipped out of England following their participation in the Janus affair, Braun and Books are ready to prove their worth as agents. But what starts as a simple mission in the States—intended to keep them out of trouble—suddenly turns into a scandalous and convoluted case that has connections reaching as far as Her Majesty the Queen.

Even with the help of two American agents from the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical, Braun and Books have their work cut out for them as their chief suspect in a rash of nautical and aerial disasters is none other than Thomas Edison. Between the fantastic electric machines of Edison, the eccentricities of MoPO consultant Nikola Tesla, and the mysterious machinations of a new threat known only as the Maestro, they may find themselves in far worse danger than they ever have been in before…

Giveaway Time!!

Tee and Pip have offered up amazing packages to win.

(Open to US & Canadian readers)

PRIZE ONE

Three paperback set (signed) of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences

Signed Abney Park Poster

Signed Abney Park CD Ancient World

Signed coverflats of Phoenix Rising and the Janus Affair

PRIZE TWO

Three paperback set (signed) of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences

The Extraordinary Contraptions CD

Signed cover flat of Phoenix Rising

PRIZE THREE

Three paperback set (signed) of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:
New Zealand born fantasy writer and podcaster Philippa (Pip) Ballantine is the author of the Books of the Order and the Shifted World series. She is also the co-author, with her husband Tee Morris, of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, and a Sir Julius Vogel. Morris is the author of Morevi: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana and the co-author of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. In addition to his work as a fantasist, he is also a social media pioneer and the author of Podcasting for Dummies and All a Twitter.

Author Links:
Pip's website:  www.pjballantine.com
Pip's Twitter:  @philippajane

Tee's website:  http://teemorris.com/
Tee's Twitter:  @TeeMonster

The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinistryOfPeculiarOccurrences

Purchase the books at any Book Seller:



Barnes & Nobles:
  Phoenix Rising
  The Janus Affair
  Dawn's Early Light

Book Depository:
  Phoenix Rising
  The Janus Affair
  Dawn's Early Light


Check out the rest of the tour:

3/6: Patricia D. Eddy (Review)

3/7: Jennifer Melzer (Excerpt)

3/10: Lori @ A License to Quill (Q+A)

Virginia @ Heart to Heart Books (Review)

3/11: Jan @ My Opinion on Various Books (Excerpt)

3/12: Amanda @ Switzy Thoughts (Guest Post)

Melissa @ My World in Thoughts and Pages (Character interview)

3/13: Melissa @ Books and Things (Excerpt)

Doc @ Swimming Cat Studios

3/14: Ria @ Bibliotropic (Excerpt)

3/17: Chris @ asylos (Guest Post)

3/18: Paul K Ellis (Q+A)

3/19: Katharina Bordet (Excerpt)

3/20: Warren @ The Pew Reviews (Review)

3/21: CJ @ Black Satin (Guest Post)

Book Review: Dawn's Early Light

Dawn's Early Light

By:  Tee Morris & Philippa Ballantine

Publish Date:  March 25, 2014

Publisher:  Ace

Format:  ARC Print, 373pg

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  3rd book in Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series; 1st Book ~ Phoenix Rising, 2nd Book ~ Janus Affair

Recommendation:  Heavens yes! Electrifying and will blow you away.

Synopsis:
Working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, one sees innumerable technological wonders. But even veteran agents Braun and Books are unprepared for what the electrifying future holds…

After being ignominiously shipped out of England following their participation in the Janus affair, Braun and Books are ready to prove their worth as agents. But what starts as a simple mission in the States—intended to keep them out of trouble—suddenly turns into a scandalous and convoluted case that has connections reaching as far as Her Majesty the Queen.

Even with the help of two American agents from the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical, Braun and Books have their work cut out for them as their chief suspect in a rash of nautical and aerial disasters is none other than Thomas Edison. Between the fantastic electric machines of Edison, the eccentricities of MoPO consultant Nikola Tesla, and the mysterious machinations of a new threat known only as the Maestro, they may find themselves in far worse danger than they ever have been in before….

First Sentence:
Truly there was nothing more delightful to Eliza D. Braun than a jolly good foot chase; whether it was across London's rooftops in the morning, and afternoon tearing through the streets of Paris, or slipping in and out of the darkest shadows of a night in Cairo.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

**I requested to review this book from the tour company.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Things are still simmering in England after the Janus Affair. Sound has sent Agents Braun and Books as "Goodwill Advisers" to the Americas agency, the Office of the Supernatural and Metaphysical, while the heat of the last case cools a bit. Working with their counterparts of the Americas, they help with the case of ships of ocean and air are disappearing off the coast of the Outer Banks. Mysteriously, no debris is washing up on shore, that many are noticing. But there is one who has seen something. A bright light and debris that is gone the next morning. The Ministry Agents were requested for their experience with the aether gate commandeered from the House of Usher. The light ray takes the four agents to additional cities in the Americas, following Thomas Edison, working to stop the next deadly disaster. Things become suspicious for Dr. Sound as the Queen of England wants her son to visit the Americas, for a clankerton convention and he hears of the troubles stirring in the America's.

Amazing fun with Eliza and Wellington once again! Enlightening on several levels, and will blow you away. We get to see Wellington in action, and the beautiful Eliza as well.

Eliza is reinstated to active field agent. Wellington receives a promotion with her. Nothing is ever relaxing and calm for our duo. On the airship a thief is spied leaving Eliza's room and a race is under foot. There is always trouble in the line of duty that Eliza and Wellington serve.

A shoot 'm up bang, bang of American West blended with the elegance of Europe. Exciting! The American partners Eliza and Wellington meet are just like them, but maybe not as elegant as the British Agents. 'Wild Bill' Wheatley and Felicity Lovelace. I'm sure you can guess which is of Eliza's gun-shooting ways and which is the Librarian. And there is a bit of attraction to the, or from, their counterparts.

I love Eliza's spunk. Welly even gets a gun, or two, in hand. It seems trouble finds our boy Welly as well. Now that he's in the field, he seems to find the right spots to be with his reasoning deductions. We see Wellington in full action, even though he doesn't want to. Mostly, he's paired with his counterpart in the Americas. With doing so, Welly steps up his game and is more active with guns and actions. Having his counterpart present gives us someone to compare and reflect on Wellington's past ways (in previous two books).

We even get views from England. We learn Queen Victoria would like her eldest child, Bertie, occupied out of town for a time. He's taken to much of an interest in her health and away from his own enjoyments. She requests Dr. Sound to arrange for Albert to go to the Americas for a Clankerton Symposium. There is...bad blood between mom and son, Queen and heir to the throne.

Aaah, if you have read this series thus far, you know there are feelings to be sorted. Eliza tries to sort out her own and what relationship she has with Wellington, who seems to have forgotten the kiss he planted on her. There is no time with all the action, and interruptions, for Eliza and Wellington to talk. But, at one point Eliza is ready to explode and makes the time. Hahaha! Perfect timing.

Oh! Are you curious who the Maestro is? Well, you will learn who the person is behind the armor. We learn a bit of Wellington as well. He's picked up some habits from Ms. Eliza Braun, but he has his own secreted talents. I love his bloody car!! He has crafted it with great care and thought! All I will say...Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang.

The story here is complete. But in the end leaves me anxious as to what's to come to pass in England. There is much to look forward too. Oh how things are moving there. An amazing adventure with our favorite duo that leads us to so much more to come.

Cover Reveal & Book Description: Dawn's Early Light

I've been in love with this series, and turned many on to it (or so I hear).  I'm not going to spend your precious time talking about it as the cover can speak for itself.

A-A-A-A-A-MAZING!!

So many of us have been waiting for this fabulous day!  So, here it is!!!

Dawn's Early Light

Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #3

By:  Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris

Due Out:  November 2013

Description:

Working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, one sees innumerable technological wonders. But even veteran agents Braun and Books are unprepared for what the electrifying future holds…

After being ignominiously shipped out of England following their participation in the Janus affair, Braun and Books are ready to prove their worth as agents. But what starts as a simple mission in the States—intended to keep them out of trouble—suddenly turns into a scandalous and convoluted case that has connections reaching as far as Her Majesty the Queen.

Even with the help of two American agents from the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical, Braun and Books have their work cut out for them as their chief suspect in a rash of nautical and aerial disasters is none other than Thomas Edison. Between the fantastic electric machines of Edison, the eccentricities of MoPO consultant Nikola Tesla, and the mysterious machinations of a new threat known only as the Maestro, they may find themselves in far worse danger than they ever have been in before…

Tee and Pip are running a Kickstarter for 2 items!
  > Brand New Anthology
  > A Roleplaying Game set in world of Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences

Check it out:  http://bit.ly/ministry-initiative 




About the Authors:

Philippa (Pip) Ballantine
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Philippa has always had her head in a book. For this she blames her father who thought Lord of the Rings was suitable bedtime reading for an eight year old. At the age of thirteen she began writing fantasy stories for herself.

She first earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science and then a Bachelor of Applied Science in Library and Information Science. So soon enough she found herself working in the magical world of libraries where she stayed for over a decade.

Her first professional sale was in 1997, and since then she has gone on to produce mostly novel length fiction. In 2006 she became New Zealand’s first podcast novelist, and she has voiced and produced Weaver’s Web, Chasing the Bard, Weather Child and Digital Magic as podiobooks. Her podcasts have been short listed for the Parsec Awards, and won a Sir Julius Vogel award.

Philippa is the author of the Books of the Order series with Ace- Geist and Spectyr and Wrayth out now, and Harbinger to follow. She is also the co-author of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series with Tee Morris. Phoenix Rising debuted in May 2011 and The Janus Affair came out in May 2012. She also has the Shifted World series with Pyr Books, with the first book Hunter and Fox out now.

When not writing or podcasting, Philippa loves reading, gardening, and whenever possible traveling. With her husband, Tee and her daughter, she is looked after by a mighty clowder of three cats.

Tee Morris
Tee Morris began his writing career with his 2002 historical epic fantasy, MOREVI The Chronicles of Rafe & Askana. In 2005 Tee took MOREVI into the then-unknown podosphere, making his novel the first book podcast in its entirety.

That experience led to the founding of Podiobooks.com and collaborating with Evo Terra and Chuck Tomasi on Podcasting for Dummies and its follow-up, Expert Podcasting Practices for Dummies.

He won acclaim and accolades for his cross-genre fantasy-detective Billibub Baddings Mysteries, the podcast of The Case of the Singing Swordwinning him the 2008 Parsec Award for Best Audio Drama. Along with those titles, Tee has written articles and short stories for BenBella Books’s Farscape Forever: Sex, Drugs, and Killer Muppets, the podcast anthology VOICES: New Media Fiction, BenBella Books’ So Say We All: Collected Thoughts and Opinions of Battlestar Galactica, and Dragon Moon Press’ Podthology: The Pod Complex.

Tee bought all these skills to the award-winning Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series which he wrote with his wife, Pip Ballantine. When he is not writing, Tee enjoys life in Virginia alongside Philippa Ballantine, his daughter, and three cats.