Audio Book Review: The Mystery of Emerald Flame by Pip Ballantine

The Mystery of Emerald Flame by Pip Ballantine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adventure with Steampunk, perfect!

Our Ministry Seven divide to deal with two different things. Verity and a few of the younger members head out on airship with her new friend from the academy to find out about the Emerald Flame. Henry and the rest of the Seven stay home, and look into the Illuminati and if they know their address.

Things are getting complicated. And the things both see... wow.
Henry looks to go undercover in the Illuminati to get the information they need. What he sees is... frightening. To see someone have that power. To do that with automatons and people... It can be allowed to keep happening.

Verity goes on a trip and the things she learns about the Sound that she can do and the Emerald Flame are amazing. Seeing Verity in action using the Sound to affect automatons is amazing. To see the ancient dig site and imagine the underground city. It sounds amazing.

I love that the steampunk stories by Pip and Tee are always full of the equipment. The world is truly what it says it is. This along with the adventurous story is what keeps me coming back to them.

Pip is the narrator of the story as well. I love her voice and accent. She does well with the voices of the kids of London along with the adults.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh by Pip Ballantine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love my steampunk worlds emersed in all things steampunk. The houses, things used, transportation, and the story. All steampunk related.

Pip and Tee give me that in their steampunk stories. I love it.

This series is a spinoff from their first steampunk series, Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. I love that our main characters have a job to do, find the missing Museum expert Dr. Williams. And there's always action that goes with it.

Verity is part of the Ministry Seven. Seven, well actually eight, orphans that live on the streets. They are their own family and work with Agent Harrison Thorne on small things. Verity is looking for Uncle Octavius, and finds herself trying to help a museum expert that gets kidnapped. Agent Thorne arrives and learns what Verity overheard. Agent Thorne has a mission for the Ministry Seven... To go to the academy for talented young engineers. Three go to the academy and the remainder are near at a farm, waiting for when they are called in.

Each group has their daily tasks as they look around. And some find trouble, which works out to finding out great details they can use.

Verity, Henry, and Emma are at the academy and we follow along through Verity's eyes as she finds friends, deals with those who pick on others, and the teachers. Interesting place. I got a little bit of a Harry Potter feel while at school. But, instead of magic, it was with automatons. Kinda cool.

The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh is really a thing here. And we do get to see the Pharaoh! You'll get there. You'll get there. ;)

And like in The Ministry of peculiar Occurrences, we do have a few explosions. ;)

I had fun with this one. Great way to dive into a world full of steampunk and a case to be solved, even if there's a little danger along the way.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Siren's Tide

Siren's Tide

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Publish Date:  June 12, 2018

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Sea King's Daughters series

First Impression:  Mermaid PI with action and full supernatural world!

Synopsis:
Ianthe Liakos is a mermaid from a different dimension and between that and now working as a PI in the corrupt climate of Washington DC, she'd thought she'd seen it all.

But when following a case leads down a trail of money that connects the murders of young political interns to a new paranormal threat, she realizes she must protect the next target.

The waters turn even murkier when Clayton Abernathy, a newly risen revenant fresh out of the grave, finds himself under the power of this new unnatural threat. Ianthe must hunt down this new threat to DC, while trying to keep her own identity safe. If the paranormal citizens of Washington DC found out that a mermaid has returned her own life and mission would be in danger.
And when it becomes clear that the murderer and Ianthe's mermaid past are inexplicably intertwined, she realizes she may just be out of her depth dealing with this killer.

First Sentence:
I hunted the young man into the setting sun, but I wasn't the only one.

Purchase At:
Amazon  


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I offered to read this book for an honest review.

A mermaid PI story. Hmmm. Haven't had one of those before. And fits with what she can do.

The world is full of paranormal beings. But mermaids are a secret, even to the supernaturals. There is a secret here that could put them and others like them, who live in another realm, in danger.

The mermaids want to return to this world, our oceans where they are originally from, but the portal isn't strong enough. Ianthe is one of the sisters that's here, chored with the task to find a way to open a portal from this side so all can return. Though, she feels they've all failed as magic isn't as strong here as it once was. So they look, while they live lives in our world.

This gives us two cases. One, which is the long haul, to find a way to open a portal for merpeople to return. Two, the case that Ianthe is working on - a mom worried about her adult son being in trouble, as she has feelings he's being followed and in harm. And he is, being persued by an unknown being.

The story is written with a thick, wide world of supernaturals. Oh it's so full, it's busting at the seams! And it's a novella! The world and story are written with great care and detail to give us the most we can get of details, action, feelings, and more. We know there is much out there in the world, but it could go in any direction with the many sisters present too. This story opens up a world that anything could happen.

The story completes the case that Ianthe is working on. But does leave a small possibility at the end. The bigger question for me with the end relates to the portal. You have to read the story to find out what I'm talking about. But this could be a problem for Ianthe and her mer-sisters, or an answer. I'm thinking this is the tying thread between all the books because as I think back on the story, this is a very important piece to all the merfolk that are in the world with Ianthe. And... Ianthe has a new friend? lol.

Great start to a related series of sisters. The world is drawn and we venture on to the next sister and where she's at.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon. Thank you!

Cover Reveal: Operation: Endgame

I had to join this cover reveal when the option came available. Why? Because I've followed this series from the beginning and love it! This reveal is a touch bitter sweet as it's the last book in the series, but it's still such an amazing world! There are podcasts set in the world that we can listen too!

And now to the cover!

Operation: Endgame

Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #6

By:  Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris

Description:

Join Agents Books and Braun on their final adventure with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences!

There is no time to rest for Eliza D Braun and Wellington Thornhill Books. The man who has haunted and hounded them since the fall of the Maestro, Doctor Henry Jekyll, is now on a killing spree, using bizarre, theatrical murders as a way to taunt their inability to capture the. It falls on Books and Braun to turn the tables on Jekyll and bring him to justice.

As Wellington and Eliza continue their pursuit of the madman Jekyll, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences stand against a recent surge in House of Usher activity. Agents Bruce Campbell and Brandon Hill discover more about the intention of Operation: Ragnorok, and the Ministry find themselves in a race to thwart Usher’s intent to plunge the world into chaos, despair, and a noticeable lack of clotted cream for Devon Teas.

The Ministry will not let this stand.

I soooooo can't wait!

Want to pick up the book too? You can find links at Books2Read

Mythical Monday #73 - Frankenstein's Monster

Art work by: @Burntlaughter on Twitter

It seems there are many books influenced by or based on Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are many different Mythology's and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

Frankenstein's Monster

It’s not often we get to add to the ranks of the mythical creatures, but back in 1818 one young woman did just that. Her name was Mary Shelly, and the book that created a new legend was Frankenstein; Or the Modern Prometheus.

Written on a bet, on a literal dark and stormy night, it birthed a creature that has become a staple of our nightmares. The monster made from the dead, cobbled together into a semblance of humanity, and full of rage at his creator.

I have always been fascinated by Frakenstein’s Monster. Written by a young woman after a dream, he has imbedded himself in our subconscious just as deeply as mermaids and dragons.

In the book one thing is clear; the monster is not Frankenstein, Frankenstein is the doctor who made him.

In the book, the doctor’s creation is called monster, creature, and a host of other unfriendly terms. It marks out humanity’s inhumanity that he doesn’t even get a proper name.

Frankenstein decides to create his monster out of obsession and grief, but cannot take how ugly and terrifying he seems once he arises. Well he did make it out of bits and dead pieces so what did he expect?

The monster embodies mankind’s hubris, taking god’s place in giving life.

All of these attributes ended up in someway in my latest book, Immortal Progeny.

I started with this understanding of Frankenstein’s monster, but I wanted to take the themes of that original book, make them even larger, and move them into a fantasy setting full of magic.

In Immortal Progeny, there is a world of monsters. Just like Shelley’s creature they are created out of hubris. Priests and priestesses make these progeny out of the dead, and use them to fight each other for supremacy.

In this world they can stand for there to be only one religion, and war rages over the continent until one is left.

In the eyes of the temples, the use of the dead is a glorious thing since it is used for the glory of their particular god. Never mind the fact they are killing to provide the parts they need.

However it isn’t just progeny. Smaller creations, made of purely human parts, are much more like Frankenstein’s monster. These are called homunculi and are even more frightening I think. Imagine if people who you thought were dead and buried can suddenly be transformed into shambling, stinking, stitched creatures.

Even if the monsters are propelled by magic rather than the wonders of electricity in Shelley’s novel, there are all the same questions to be asked.

Just because you can do something, should you? If you are creating life are you a god…or a monster yourself?

About Pip Ballantine:
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 as well as Social Media for Writers. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, the Steampunk Chronicle Reader’s Choice, the RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for steampunk, and a Sir Julius Vogel. She currently resides in Manassas, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a furry clowder of cats.

Find Pip Ballantine:
Her Site:  http://www.pjballantine.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/philippaballantine/
Twitter:  @PhilippaJane
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pipballantine/

Purchase Immortal Progeny:

Book Review: Harbinger

Harbinger

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Publish Date:  June 30, 2013

Format:  Paperback, 305 pgs

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  4th in Book of the Order series; Book 1 ~ Geist, Book 2 ~ Spectyr, Book 3 ~ Wrayth

First Impression:  They have to fight to the finish now, for all in their world's sake.

Synopsis:
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…

After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.

Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…

First Sentence:
Smoke blew off the once-admired canals of the capital of the Empire of Arkaym.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
When an attack hits the northern citadel they're staying, Sorcha and Merrick see the lines upon lines of souls of the dead, geists and geistlords, waiting to cross and wreck havoc and death upon the world. Sorcha and Merrick will face what they truly are, learning their powers and limits, as they race with Raed Rossin to save the world from the breach happening again. There is one man working all the powers he can to bring the geists and more to this world for him to rule.

I have waited long enough to read this one. It's bitter sweet as I love this world and characters, and this is the last book. *sigh*

We see the world as it's falling apart around our characters. Things are not looking good, and they may not all live to see what happens to the world when the Otherside crosses over. Maybe they don't want to see it. But they all will do everything in their power to stop it from happening. There are even a few geistlords that live upon the human realm and don't want the Otherside to cross, as they have to many enemies there. You know one of these geistlords as the Rossin. The Rossin has his own set of plans that do parallel what the Deacons and Raed want, not to let the geists cross.

We see Sorcha face her other half. She finally remembers her childhood, that was blocked from her. But we see her have to work with who and what she is. She's special and can help or destroy all. Merrick, ah yes. We've known he was unique and powerful in his own way. And here we learn why, combined with what we see with him in the previous books. As I love both of these characters for what makes them special, I also love Raed. He never asks for to much. He does not want to rule, and remains of that mind. He would like to be freed of the Rossin, but not at the cost of the world, and sail the sea. The Rossin has his own plans and wants to be free too. I enjoy seeing these characters pass through different phases in their life and coming to peace with where they end. The events that leave them where they are, makes it easier for us and them to accept the peace.

Now that I'm finished I'm thinking back on the ending. I am starting to think the ending is longer than I originally thought it was. I think it started the final battle when Sorcha and Raed, individually, fought the last man between opening the breach letting all the geists and deadly powers into the human realm. But when we get to the grand finale, I felt it happened to fast. Even reading it felt like there were things skipped over in those flash moments that ended it all. That was a little bummer for me. But what lifted the ending was seeing how the characters plan to go on with their lives. There is an ending, a peace in a way. However, there is always that small spark that is left that leaves a small opening for the world and characters as they could be visited again by the author.

I don't want to say to much more as this is the concluding book of the series and I want you to enjoy it in your adventure with the characters and their big conclusion to attempt to save the world.



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon. Thank you!

Book Review: The Ghost Rebellion

The Ghost Rebellion

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Publish Date:  June 10, 2016

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Steampunk

Series:  5th in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series; Book 1 ~ Phoenix Rising, Novella 1.5 ~ Silver Linings, Book 2 ~ The Janus Affair, Book 3 ~ Dawn's Early Light, Book 4 The Diamond Conspiracy

First Impression:  The Ministry must stop the man responsible for so many deaths is still free, and creating the serum that's dangerous!

Synopsis:
The chase is on! After rescuing Queen Victoria from the clutches of the Maestro, Agents Eliza D Braun and Wellington Books are in hot pursuit of Dr Henry Jekyll. While he continues his experiments on the aristocracy of Europe, he leaves a trail of chaos and despair in his wake. However when Eliza and Wellington run him to ground in India, they are forced to come face to face with ghosts from the past, and the realities of empire.

Meanwhile Ministry agents Brandon Hill and Bruce Campbell travel deep into Russia hunting down a rare ingredient to save Queen Victoria's life. Amid the cold they uncover a threat from the revitalized House of Usher that comes directly from their new Chairman.

All in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences will find their allegiances in question, and their mettle tested as a new dastardly era of international intrigue dawns.

First Sentence:
Wellington Thornhill Books took in a deep breath, sparing just a moment to collect his wits.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts and Summary:
Okay. I have to stop and bring my thoughts together. There is, once again, much we learn here as our Agents fight the best battle they can.

We follow two missions through this book. First and foremost in many eyes is what Wellington Books and Eliza Braun are up against. Following the trail of the isotope Blackwell created for in Dr. Jeckyll, Wellington Books and Eliza Braun find themselves in India where a person Jeckyll had been in contact with was heading.

Books and Eliza are trying  to track down all on the list that are working with Dr. Jekyll. It's going a bit...rough. They are trying to clean up Dr. Jekyll's work and mess of super-enhanced people who go a bit mad and grow in size along with other abilities. This leads them to where one of  Dr. Jekyll's patients had worked, and shared secrets with military in India. Not only are the medicines that Jekyll experiment with an issue, but there are experimental equipment that is now in the hands of the Ghost Rebellion forces. And this brings a new battle for Wellington and Eliza to battle, trying to get to Jekyll.

But reinforcements come! Well, one assassin that is, and the agents that remain in India. Yes, you guessed it by the mention of assassin. We get to see Sophia again. I really do love this woman, and seeing her personality clash with Eliza's is fun. I believe we will see her more in the last book to come as well - you'll come to the same conclusion in the end.

The second mission we follow is with Bruce and Brandon. They are sent to the arctic cold winter of Russia to find and obtain a Firebird feather to help cure the queen after the effects of Dr. Jekyll's serum in the last book. I have enjoyed the bold Bruce in previous books, but here I have started to see another side to him. Bruce seems to have a softer side here, a genuine person.

We get to see inside the House of Usher meetings too! And they are behind so much that Books has unknowingly stopped. Oh and a bit more on our dear Wellington too. There are major points shared with us that I just can't share because I don't want to spoil the book for you.

While the remaining agents are on their missions we see them deal with the great losses, and losses of those that were dear friends as well. There are connections to those we knew and the losses are still fresh in many hearts. The Ministry is reforming after the great losses felt preciously. It's a lot of work, and being in the state The Ministry is, anything can happen...

I want to add, I love that we have a couple that still function and interact as individuals paired together. They are who they are and love each other for that reason. Eliza and Wellington still banter and make me smile as they go through their missions, but they are more to each other as well. I enjoy writing of couples in this way.

For me steampunk is all about the gadgets. And Tee and Pip don't let me down! I love the gadgets created and used or seen with other agents. Awesome! But they also drew in the emotions from lose to love and blooming friendships into the book as well as the adventures and dangers continue.



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon.

Cover Reveal: The Ghost Rebellion

Our favorite steampunk duo is back! Eliza Braun and Wellington Books are back at it!

As many of you know, I love this series! And I'm thrilled to share with you the cover reveal of the book that was successfully funded through Kickstarter.

The Ghost Rebellion

The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #5

By:  Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris

Due Out:  June 10, 2016

Publisher: Imagine That! Studios

Word Count: about 100,000

Cover Artist: Photography by Go ForWard and design by Designed by Starla

Book Description:

The chase is on! After the destruction of the Diamond Jubilee, Agents Eliza D Braun and Wellington Books are in hot pursuit of Dr Henry Jekyll. While he continues his experiments on the aristocracy of Europe, he leaves a trail of chaos and despair in his wake. However when Eliza and Wellington run him to ground in India, they are forced to come face to face with ghosts from the past, and the realities of empire.

Meanwhile Brandon Hill and Bruce Campbell travel deep into Russia hunting down ingredients to save Queen Victoria's life. Amid the cold they uncover a new threat from the revitalized House of Usher .

All the agents of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences will find their allegiances in question, and their mettle tested as a new dastardly era of international intrigue dawns.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Chapter One: Wherein a Delightful Luncheon Is Cut Short

Wellington Thornhill Books took in a deep breath, sparing just a moment to collect his wits. Otherwise he risked not living to see dessert.

The archivist-turned-agent dabbed at the corner of his mouth with his snow-white napkin, and draped it carefully over his lap. Outside the window the gleaming Atlantic rolled under their ocean liner the African Sunset, but that was not the view that held his attention. His focus remained with the dandy in front of him. Since their first meeting, the bombastic Lord seemed rather taken with the sound of his own voice, which was why the change in his dining companion's demeanour came as such a shock.

If an attack should come Wellington still had his dinner knife and fork. He was also in possession of a glass of wine, half finished—a pity to use, since it was a delightful vintage and paired perfectly with the duck—that could blind his opponent for a few valuable moments.

His lunch date kept a hard glare fixed on him, the monocle digging into the folds of his cheek. Rather unexpected to Wellington, Lord Hieronymus Featherstone had run out of things to say, and was now giving him his undivided attention.

Wellington thought he had shown unending fortitude while being subjected to Featherstone's eternal droning on about his recent excursions across Africa, India, and Siam. He now knew to what far reaches Lord Featherstone had traversed in the name of Her Majesty—which might be useful.

Yet now Featherstone sat before him, no longer the awful, droning chatterbox. The gentleman's jaw twitched as he kept his ice-chip blue eyes trained on Wellington, demanding satisfaction.

"Well," the lord spoke, his voice booming from his barrel chest, "answer me, man."

Sod it, Wellington thought as he picked up his glass. At the very least, I will finish this excellent wine.

"You obviously mentioned her name during one of your riveting stories when crossing the Serengeti," Wellington replied, taking in a good, long sip of his wine.

"My dear Bernice does not care for heat."

"Then perhaps you mentioned her joining you as you crossed the Canadian Rockies?"

"Nor does she care for the cold."

Mrs. Bernice Featherstone did not sound either lovely or agreeable, a perfect match for her husband, it seemed.

Nodding in resignation, Wellington cast another quick glance across the table, taking note of the knife and fork. Both hardly suited for close-quarter combat, but still useful. "M'lord, we could speculate for the entirety of the afternoon on how I came to know your lovely wife's name, but why don't we just cut this clever banter short and try a more direct form of engagement."

"Which would be?"

"The truth." With a final dab at of the corners of his mouth, Wellington dropped the napkin on the table, swiping up the fork and placing it in his lap. He positioned the silverware for a quick thrust as he began. "Lord Featherstone, it is no lie when I say your company has been enlightening. I have genuinely enjoyed our spirited and scintillating discussions whilst we journey around the Ivory Coast. However, to say we 'met you' by chance would be disingenuous." His grip tightened on the fork as he said, "My associate and I have been tracking you since your boarding in Conakry."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

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 Sword winning 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 brought 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.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinistryOfPeculiarOccurrences
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BooksandBraun
Tumblr: http://ministryofpeculiaroccurrences.tumblr.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pipballantine/the-ministry-of-peculiar-occurrences/

Keeping it Fresh

I'm thrilled to share a post by the amazing Philippa Ballantine. She and her husband Tee Morris are working hard to bring us the next two (YES TWO!) books in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series.

They have a Kickstarter going to bring us these books, and BOTH! have been funded and WILL happen. You can back the project and get the books too! AND!! A nice bonus is if the funding goes high enough, we could purchase the scandalous Countless Hues of Crimson. (If you read Diamond Conspiracy, you'll know what Countless Hues of Crimson is.)

I'm thrilled to have Philippa Ballantine by today about Keeping It Fresh with a series. Please welcome Pip!

Keeping it Fresh….After All This Time.

By Pip Ballantine

Back in 2008 I pitched the idea of writing a podcast for pay to my (then friend, now husband) Tee Morris. It was just supposed to be a little steampunk side project. Just a bit of fun to seeing if getting people to pay for podcasts was possible.

We ending up not actually finding that out. An agent, and a bidding process with multiple publishers ended up making it into a book…then a series…then a roleplaying game…and round again to a podcast.

So the first book of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences came out in 2011, and here we are, again in a place I never expected. Within those four years later give or take a month or two with Books Five The Ghost Rebellion and Six Operation: Endgame funded.

Along the way we’ve learning how to co-write together, and we’ve developed a world we really enjoy writing in. It started out with Wellington and Eliza, and is now populated with a whole plethora of villains and heroes.

So how do we keep it fresh as we approach book five? Well luckily we still have plenty of world to explore. Welly and Eliza have been to America, Germany and France (briefly), so they haven’t really explored a great deal of the globe at all.

We don’t want to give too much away, however we can say The Ghost Rebellion is partly set in India, which is a culture and setting with tremendous possibilities. We’re lucky that we have over the years made friends far and wide in the steampunk community. So we’re extremely grateful to have Suna Dasi of Steampunk India as our consultant, to keep us on point with our Indian history and culture.

As well as the world as a whole, there is a lot more depth to examine in our main characters. Eliza might have had her mind taken off New Zealand, by her attraction to Wellington, but the desire to go home is still strong in her. In The Ghost Rebellion there will be many reminders of her past, and that the strings are still firmly attached.
Also Wellington is still dealing with the repercussions of his father’s experiments. The House of Usher put a lot into creating him, and they will want a return on investment. Our quiet archivist can travel as far as he likes, but the tentacles of the House are everywhere.

We are also looking at what happened to Sophia del Morte after the events of The Diamond Conspiracy. Having been labeled a turn-coat, and without the protection of the Maestro, what has the assassin been up to? How can she make a living now? Hopefully the answers in The Ghost Rebellion will surprise some people. Sophia has become something of a fan favorite, and the evolution of her character has been interesting.

So this whole adventure, both the Kickstarter and the novels has been quite a ride. And now, thanks to funding two more books, we will be riding around in the Ministry world for awhile longer. Not just that, but we have some earlier periods to explore too. I have about half a YA book done, which is all the about the Ministry Seven before they met Eliza D Braun. So yes…there is plenty more in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences world to play with.

There is still time to pre-order The Ghost Rebellion and Operation: Endgame but the Kickstarter ends 9.30pm EST November 15th.

About the Author:
Philippa Ballantine
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, the Steampunk Chronicle Reader’s Choice, the RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for steampunk, and a Sir Julius Vogel. She currently resides in Manassas, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a furry clowder of cats.

Find the Authors:
Twitter:
  @PhilippaJane
  @TeeMonster

Blogs/Sites:
   http://www.pjballantine.com/
   http://teemorris.com/


I hope you visit and back the kickstarter as well. :)

The Ghost Rebellion is coming!

Many of you know I'm a huge fan of steampunk and Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine. I've enjoyed their four books in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series along with so many podcasted stories in their playground by other authors.

If you've read and enjoyed this series as well, I have news for you!

Tee and Pip have created a kickstarter for The Ghost Rebellion, the 5th book in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. The kickstarter is still in the process, but at this point it WILL go through. The book is FULLY! funded.

Go ahead and jump over to back the kickstarter too.



What is new being worked toward in the kickstarter is funding for book 6, Operation: Endgame! We are ever soooo close to having this added to our list of books to purchase. Book 6 will be coming, but we could have it added to this list to purchase if the goal is hit now. Then after that is funded and if people keep backing the project to the next level, we could get the scandalous and sexy novella, Countless Hues of Crimson, mentioned in Dawn's Early Light.

So I'm rambling. I know. But I'm so excited to see this kickstarter in full funding and going for beyond the gold. :) (Countless Hues of Crimson would be so cool to see! lol)

If you'd like to back the project, please head over and pick your level.

Tales from the Archives Vol 4 #4

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 4: #4

By:  Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written by:  Tim Dodge
Narrated by:  Tim Dodge

Format:  Podcast, 42:56 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  4th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 4 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:
Down by the River

Agent Brandon Hill of the Ministry meets Agent Bill Wheatley of the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical meet up in Afton, New York. The House of Usher is moving a large and dangerous weapon through this small town, and it is up to the agents to track it down. However, not all the residents are quite the same as they seem.

Purchase eBook at:
Amazon

Listen for Free at:
iTunes  /  Tales from the Archives website

*I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Agent Brandon Hill meets Agent Bill Wheatley at the train station of Afton, New York. He's hear as he's heard word of a danger that will be coming through town. The House of Usher will be transporting a destructive weapon through this town in the cover of dark.

Agent Hill and Agent Wheatley are to find the weapon and stop it. But there may also be locals that are involved. Can they find them and arrest them?

Tim Dodge narrates this story himself. As he's well spoken and his words are clear, his voice is a bit laid back for me. Pauses make the story feel easy and relaxed and feels it breaks up sentences. This is a cadence that I feel doesn't flow consistent for me, but many might like.

This story feels to be a slower start in a calm, little town. It didn't feel like much of a big event, and the man who brings the weapon seems to not be expecting the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences along with the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical to be present in this small village. So it was easy to overtake him.

There are a few neat robots here. The Afton Inn has a robot that takes luggage up to your room. And we see Agent Brandon Hill use night goggles.




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!

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 4: #3

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 4: #3

By:  Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written by:  Katharina Bordet
Narrated by:  Katharina Bordet & Mick Bordet (music by Mick Bordet)

Format:  Podcast, 35:05 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  3rd in Tales of the Archives Vol. 4 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 Black Empress

When two agents from the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences are called to Vienna to investigate disturbances at the palace, what they discover could threaten the Austro-Hungarian Empire and shatter the fragile peace in Europe. Who is the mysterious man who has pulled diplomatic strings to enlist the help of a foreign agency and how is the Empress Elisabeth herself involved?

Purchase eBook at:
Amazon

Listen for Free at:
iTunes  /  Tales from the Archives website

*I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Two agents from The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences are sent to Vienna to look into the strange actions of Empress Elisabeth. She secludes herself in the basement, yet there are people that walk in and those that walk out seem...different. The one to call them in for help is concerned about the Empress as she's been this way since her children have died.

This story has a darker feel to it with the ugly ghost of death lingering. There are so many questions as to why death claims some that are so loved.

Our agents venture to Vienna to investigate what is happening in the basement. With the masquarade ball approaching, it's the perfect time to make the trip to the basement. But what they find puts their lives in danger as well.

This story has a bit of steampunk but also has a mad scientist feel on the dark side as well. Interesting.

This story is narrated by amazing voices yet at times when two men are talking you need to pay attention to realize which man it is as they are done in the same voice. (Many may find this easy to do with listening to audiobooks.)



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!

Cover Reveals & Releases:

So with all that's been going on and not being around for a few weeks, I'm trying to get caught up with covers and releases. You may have seen them, but I had to have it on my blog too. :)


Cover Reveals:

Bound by Prophecy

Bound series #3

By:  Stormy Smith

Due Out:  November 12, 2015

Description:

Amelia Bradbury is finally free from Queen Julia and Cresthaven, but she isn’t safe yet. The Keeper power runs rampant inside her and it will take an ultimate act of selflessness to contain the darkness that threatens Amelia’s sanity and the future of the Immortal race.

Aidan Montgomery refuses to give up on Amelia. Once she’s rescued from the Keeper’s hold, he intends to prove his love is more than a side effect of the prophecy, even if doing so leads him away from his pack and on a journey that will irrevocably change them both.

When the past and the present collide and the shocking origin of the Immortals is revealed, Amelia and Aidan are forced back to Cresthaven to end a war that never should have started.

~~~~~~~~~~

Of Flame and Promise

Weird Girls series

By:  Cecy Robson

Due Out:  January 12, 2016

Description:

Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment.

Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad.

Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.

I'm so excited to see more of the Wird girls through another sister's eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Demons We See

#1 Dark Abyss of Our Sins

By:  Krista D. Ball

Due Out:  ?, 2016

Description:

Society was rocked when the Church asked Allegra, Contessa of Marsina, to negotiate the delicate peace talks between the rebelling mage slaves and the various city states. Not only was she a highborn mage, she was a nonbeliever and a vocal objector against the supposed demonic origins of witchcraft. Demons weren't real, she'd argued, and therefore the subjugation of mages was unlawful.

But that was all before the first assassination attempt. That was before Allegra began to hear the strange whispers in the corridors. Before everything changed.

Allegra and her personal guards race to stabilize the peace before the entire known world explodes into war - not just with itself, but with the abyss from beyond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Newly Released:

Ngaire and Whakamua

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Due Out: NOW!

PICK UP AT AMAZON

Description:

New Zealand like the rest of the world, has been broken and remade by the zombie apocalypse. Humanity is scattered, sheltering as best it can in isolated settlements. However, there is hope, and it rests with one old woman and her machine.

Whakamua, the track laying train's mission is to connect Ngaire's home to the rest of civilization. As they set off for Wellington, where they hope to find more survivors,Ngaire knows it is going to be a long road, but she can't anticipate the dangers that are waiting for them just outside the gate.

~~~~~~~~~~

Heart of the Rose

A Tale of the Black Rose Guard

By:  K.L. Bone

Due Out:  NOW!

PICK UP AT AMAZON

Description:

In this sequel to Black Rose, reunite with the captains of the Immortal Guard and witness Mara and Edward at the beginning of their epic love story, which spans more than a millennium of heartache, pain, and undying devotion.

When Edward is sent on a mysterious quest by the ruthless queen, nineteen-year-old Mara—the youngest sub-captain to ever serve the Royal Guard—vowed to await his return, never anticipating decades would pass without word of his fate. The noble captain is taken prisoner by a rival court where he is forced to endure years of brutal torment at the hands of his captors. His life clings to but a single thought—Mara.

Refusing to accept that her love will never return, Mara clutches to a hope which defies the bounds of reason. However as years pass, memories fade from comfort to unbearable grief. As Mara prepares to accept the unimaginable loss, a sinister creature of roses and shadow haunts her dreams. Dreams of blood. Dreams of torment. Dreams of Edward.

The dark presence lingers, and Mara finds herself trapped in a certainty she fears no other will believe—even those closest to her heart. She must choose between honoring her vows to the immortal courts to which she has sworn her life, or leaving to search for the man who possesses her soul.

Dive into the beginning of the tale that shapes the most feared, most loved, and most revered captain in the history of the immortal courts.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Demon's Librarian

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Due Out:  NOW!

PICK UP AT AMAZON

Description:

When demons are preying on schoolchildren in her city, Francesca Barnes does what any red-blooded librarian would do-she does some research and goes hunting. But the books she finds in a secret cache don't tell her the whole story. Chess has no idea what she's just stepped into-or just how special she really is . . .

Orion (Ryan) is Drakul, part demon, and a loyal servant of the Order. He doesn't expect a motorcycle-riding librarian to be messing around with demonic forces, and he doesn't expect her to smell so damn good. But Ryan's got bigger problems. His partner has disappeared, and the forces of Darkness are rising. Now Chess is Ryan's only hope of finding his partner, and Ryan is Chess's only hope of survival, because the demons now know Chess exists-and that she is the heir to a long-lost power that could push back their dark tide.

If Ryan can keep her alive long enough, she just might be the key to destroying the demons completely. But Ryan doesn't know he's been betrayed by the very Order he serves. And if Chess does, by some miracle, survive, he won't ever be able to touch her again . . .

....

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 4 #2

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 4: #1

By:  Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Michael A. Ventrella

Format:  Podcast, 35:28 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  2nd in Tales of the Archives Vol. 4 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 Mummy of Barnsley

Northern England, 1894

Agent Ernest Throckmorton is called to Barnesley to investigate reports of a Mummy terrifying the town. Throckmorton soon finds himself thrown together with an all too eager assistant desperate to be part of the Ministry, as they hunt down the meaning of the Mummy’s ominous threat. All shall pay for the desecration of the tomb!

Purchase eBook at:
Amazon

Listen for Free at:
iTunes  /  Tales from the Archives website

My Thoughts and Summary:
Agent Ernest Throckmorton is sent to investigate a mummy sighting and the deaths that resulted. Agent Ernest finds himself in the path of the mummy...

I loved that this episode starts off right in the heat of things. Agent Throckmorton is being chased by the murdering mummy! Then he wakes in his room as he was found outside, passed out.

The narrator sounds new to podcasting/reading with the growth of volume and pauses while reading. But shortly into the story, when he's doing different voices, he starts to get 'into character' and better at fluid conversing. He does do a great job of differentiating the characters vocally for us.

I did get a kick out of the 'weapons' used to fight. They are common items but were perfect for the fun of the read. The relation to steampunk is ever present too. There is a connection to the clocks and not needing wound and, well, there are a few other things but if I mention you might catch them. ;)



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.

Tales from the Archives, Vol 4 #1

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 4: #1

By:  Alyson Grauer

Written & Narrated by:  Alyson Grauer

Format:  Podcast, 35:18 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  1st in Tales of the Archives Vol. 4 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:
Spiritus Sanctus

Rome, Italy
1896

Emily Cassidy Tuttle, on word from Doctor Sound, arrived in the shadow of the Vatican to receive a mysterious parcel from a local contact. What should be a simple pass between agent and mule spirals deeper and deeper into a wild madness that Emily is not prepared to face.

Purchase eBook at:
Amazon

Listen for Free at:
iTunes  /  Tales from the Archives website

My Thoughts and Summary:
Emily has received her letter from mom, her mission from Dr. Sound. She's to meet her contact and collect a valuable artifact from him. All sounds easy enough, and seems so until the alarm is raised.

Emily is proficient in secrecy. She knows all the codes and the way to scoop the crowd for followers. She's top of the game to accomplish what needs to be done undetected. Emily felt well put together and true to her form here. I liked learning about Emily through her actions and thoughts.

The object she's to collect... well, I can't tell you as it's a neat surprise to hear/read about as the story happens. And she even gets to witness the artifact at work.

I could feel Emily's anxiety was true. The worry of what to do when she realizes what this artifact is, and witnesses it's power. That Phantom Protocol has gone into effect and she has to move. She worries about the poor man who now has the artifact too.

But the call of Phantom Protocol makes us also wonder what is going on, to do what Emily has to do now means some thing's not right back home.



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.

Tales from the Archives ~ Christmas Special 2014

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 3: Christmas Special

Written & Narrated by:  Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris

Format:  Podcast, 42:58 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  11th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 3 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:
A Christmas to Die for

Even an assassin must go home for Christmas.

Sophia del Morte, skilled spy-for-hire, now faces the most formidable of opponents: family. It is the closing of the year, after all; and the lethal Italian beauty returns to her home village for wine, food, and memories.

As this is the del Morte family, Sophia tries to brace herself for awkward talk at the dinner table, and perhaps a touch of intrigue.

Anything to make her Nonna happy…

My Thoughts and Summary:
Sophia del Morte returns home for the holidays. The family sets their spy ways aside for one night, to visit. Nonna, the matriarch of the family, wants them together, believing in family. But being the family of spies and assassins, it's hard to not be suspicious...

What does a family of spies and assassins talk about around the dinner table at the holiday? Oh the conversations. lol.

On her way home, as she has to take a horse to the village, her black sheep of the family cousin is returning as well. Ortensia, a surgeon rather than an assassin or spy, wants to talk with Sophia. Sophia tries to ignore the constant babbling of her cousin.

Even though Sophia is a 'bad' person, I've enjoyed her more and more. She's got morals, though they are a bit different as normal people would see, but she's got limits and rules she lives by. As does her family. To see the family as a whole is like looking at any family together, just the conversations are a bit different. And maybe a few hidden weapons on their person and around the home... Nonna is a strong leader of the family. She has goals for her family. Though they might think differently for themselves at times.

Oh I did have a few chuckles at the family interactions. They do have a great reaction to each other and events. Then there was a warm moment with Nonna too. Well rounded family time. lol!

Being of the profession Sophia is, she trusts no one. Her eyes return to the man Rosia has brought to dinner.

What could a spy and assassin family wish for, for Christmas? What miracle, this night will come? For a family of this profession, there is something, but you have to listen to find out.


Curious about Sophia? You can learn more at Pip Ballantine's guest post on Sophia del Morte. And you can pick up the 3rd book of Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences which has more scenes of Sophia: The Diamond Conspiracy.




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.