Tales from the Archives, Vol 3: #3

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 3: #3

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written by:  Michael Spence

Narrated by:  Philippa Ballantine

Format:  Podcast, 47:24 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  3rd 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:
Why the Sea is Boiling Hot

Researcher Dodgson is happy in the bowels of the R&D department of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, until a mysterious death and the question of space and time fling him out of it. He finds himself in the foreign environment of field work, with the whole fate of the Ministry, and the Empire itself in his nervous hands.

My Thoughts and Summary:
In London 1871 there is a man who went for a walk through Hide Park. Simons Ravensdale is an elderly gentleman who was shoot in the heart. No shot was heard and no one was seen leaving. There is an exit wound, but no entrance wound!

The story starts right off with the murder and leaving us curious of what happened. My kind of start!!

We meet Agent Hugh Carpenter and Agent Dodgson in this story. Agent Carpenter transfers to the War Office to guard the secret project. Dodgson gets caught up in the details of the secret project plans Carpenter accidentally took from the office. The theory of folding space was a touch hard for me to follow while listening. I would like to have read that section so I could reread to try to imagine and wrap my brain around it. But that is my thinking process.

We see the Eather gate! Dodgeson talks to Sir Carol Ludovick, who does the Eather Gate. We see the use of the Eather Gate and speculations further from what it is currently used for. It seems House of Usher was who one wanted to get in good with.

A complex story with the Eather Gate and connections



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 3: #2

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 3: #2

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written by: K.T. Bryski

Narrated by:  Gavin Douglas and Blythe Haynes

Format:  Podcast, 39:52 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  2nd 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:
Under Oak Island

Agent Brandon Hill is called in to investigate strange happenings in Nova Scotia. The location is an isolated stretch of land called Oak Island, a truly peculiar place with mystery and peril surrounding it. At the Money Pit, a man-made excavation site at the island’s heart, Hill meets up with Agent Anouk Tremblay, le Ministère Officiel d’Occurrences Sans Explication, the Québec counterpart to the Ministry.

Struggling against the dark claustrophobia lingering around them in their descent of the Money Pit, Hill and Tremblay navigate hydrological systems and digging technology to discover what has taken refuge under Oak Island.

My Thoughts and Summary:
December 1894 in Nova Scotia, Canada. Agent Brandon Hill finds his next case is in the Money Pit, an excavation pit. Brandon is to be known to the workers of the shaft as a health inspector. He is paired with a French female agent from Quebec, Agent Anouk Tremblay. No one knows what is buried in the shaft James Clark has been digging in. Clark has come across a metal plate of 155 feet across, and the Ministry won't let him go further until it is investigated. The dig operator says they saw an image of a skeleton and shadows moving on the metal plate.

The shaft was founded in 1795 by three boys and was rumored to have a pirate treasure buried in it. Oh when you finally find out what is buried deep in the shaft, you will be shocked! And a curse unlocked.

I liked that the story was well thought out. The mention of the ocean and how Clark has managed to keep the tunnels from the ocean from flooding the shaft. Yet this comes in handy later too! Excellent use of surroundings.

Brandon and Anouk feel as they are at competition with each other for who will lead the investigation and go first on everything. Brandon has an Indiana Jones feel with his quick escape. I like this!

Gripping tale with suspense! This story felt more supernatural than steampunk, but I was hooked from the beginning. The character interaction between Brandon and Anouk and the mystery suspense of what was down here. Oh, then when we saw it!



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 3: #1

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 3: #1

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Format:  Podcast, 25:25 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  1st 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:
Silver Linings

Wellington Books and Eliza D. Braun arrive in Cairo, Egypt, sent from Ministry headquarters on an archival audit. What Wellington hopes will be a stay in the cradle of civilization and a break from the bitter winter of England instead looks to be a brief visit on account of Eliza’s poor attitude and the disdain of the area field director, Marcus Donahue.

The plans for an uneventful collection of case documents and artifacts are soon shattered by a massacre that that can only be described by the visiting archivists as peculiar.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Wellington and Eliza are in Cairo for transfer of files, six crates for the last ten years of cases, for archiving back in London. While at the Cairo agency, an urgent call comes in for Donahue to call the police station. While Donahue is gone an agent comes in looking for Agent Donahue as there is a matter involving one of the Queens own Camel Brigade and Lord Arland Rutland. Duke of Rutland is in Cairo and there is reason to suspect there is a threat on his life. Seth, the Duke's cousin, pays a surprise visit to the Duke and while the men are playing cards... All the men are found in a blood bath, having committed suicide.

We get both Eliza's and Wellington's POV in this story. Eliza remembers her past. She remembers Agent Donahue and how she and Henry had to step in on his case. Eliza is a tad saddened she's not a field agent and loves the adrenaline kick she gets when on a case. Wellington is with a saddened and irritated Eliza as he knows she does NOT want to be here. Wellington has gotten to know his partner so well, he can tell by the look in her eyes and face that there will be troubles ahead. And, always, where Eliza is...there's gunfire!

There is a mystical connection to the case. One that drew me to wonder why those playing cards died so terribly. Well, we sure find out!

I love the ties to past that the story has. The strong feelings tied to the artifacts and the affects on people. I'm fascinated when all comes out and together in the end.

After the story I got to thinking... I wonder if it's happen chance that Eliza and Wellington show up where House of Usher is, even with the wide spread touches House of Usher has in the world. Or if House of Usher follows Wellington and Eliza, to draw out Wellington and watch him.

I so enjoyed the way this story ended. Yes, that's all that needs to be said. ;)



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 2 Hanukkah Special

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - Hanukkah Special

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Lisa-Ann Samuel

Format:  Podcast, 49:05 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  13th 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 Miracle of a First Night

Clerk Natalie Hart, a woman shunned by her orthodox Jewish family for her involvement with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, is joined by Chief Archivist Wellington Thornhill Books, Esquire, in a case that reaches beyond the archivist’s scope. Natalie must not only educate the archivist naïve to the ways of her people, but help in retrieving a mysterious artifact deeply rooted in legends and lore foreign to the stalwart Englishman.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Natalie Hart returns to the home she hasn't been to in over a year, her being dead in her fathers eyes, with Wellington Books in tow to help. A friend of the Ministry and a prestige member of Parliament suggests that the Ministry come investigate a strange happening in the Rabbi's home. An artifact in the form of a menorah on this holy night to the Jewish decent.

Books gets a view of a strong culture and religion with Natalie's family. Natalie is a new character as well. She has a strong belief, but she is a strong woman in a time of a different view of what women can do. She has left her family for what she wants. That makes a strong person. And she has returned to make sure they are safe. She even stands up to her father to explain that.

The menorah. Now this is neat. I love the gears and the way it moves and rotates. But the magic that comes with it. The Miracle. Aww-ing.

The story is a relaxed story with the holiday in mind. And in the end, family is very important.



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 2 #12

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #12

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written by:  Lewis Hoban
Narrated by:  Pip Ballantine

Format:  Podcast, 27:33 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  12th 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 Taniwha of Ana Cove

Doctor Josepha Blackwell's love of strange fauna has bought her to the wilds of New Zealand to track down whatever is responsible for a rash of disappearances. Unfortunately, not only is her personal grooming in peril, but also her very life. When she discovers was lurks in the deadly cover, she may have to reconsider her role as a field agent.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Dr. Blackwell, a junior agent who's mission is in New Zealand. Through the thick brush of New Zealand to a camp where Mr. Albert Cambrom. Cambrom is to escort Blackwell down the dangerous waters to find the animal taking and killing the woman of the local colonies.

We get a view of a legend of the area, the taniwha. A taniwha that has the love for beautiful woman. I loved hearing this lore come to life.

This case it thought to be perfect for Josepha Blackwell with her expertise in exotic fauna. She is to find and stop, at all cost. It's interesting to see Josepha in the out doors element, with her fancy shoes. lol. This is interesting to see Josepha out in the field. You can tell she's out of her element out here, in the brush instead of behind a lab desk. But makes for fun as well. Loved the way her attention had to be drawn. Oh, I have to mention, I love what Dr. Blackwell left in after the trouble is solved. lol! Nice touch.

The story holds true to the fun and the action found with all the stories in the archives. Along with the draw of a magical lore that needs to be stopped before it hurts more.

Cute, quick tale.



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 2 #11

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #11

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.

Tales From the Archives Vol. 2 #10

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #10

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Dan Rabarts

Format:  Podcast, 43:37 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  10th 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:
Preservation Inlet, Fiordland, New Zealand

Agents Lachlan King and Barry Ferguson are called to an isolated mining town to investigate the disappearance of a young Chinese girl.  They found the town all but abandoned, and as they descend into the realm of Ruaumoko, the Maori god of earthquakes they find an explosive situation that will test both agenst and their equipment sorely.

**Featuring Grant Stone as Agent Lachlan.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We start with Eliza and Wellington in the archives as Eliza diverts Welly making him flustered at the mention of him being on the daring side and a touch of unorganized as he has unfinished reports.  This one being one from her home, where time has moved on and she's not met these agents.

June 1900, Ferguson and Lachlan are on the ship, Ferguson taking in the sights, as they head to an area where miners washed away in a flash flood in the southern island gold mine to appear in a northern one.  Suddenly a young Chinese girl silently appears behind them, questioning their intent to find gold and advises they should leave.  In her silent disappearance a card is left.

This is an interesting story, one I think I'd enjoy much more reading.  There are many details and things I wanted to read over a few times.  In listening, this is were I have troubles, I seem to not catch everything.  And I like to catch everything.

Ferguson has some interesting 'tools' he's looking forward to trying out.  And his breather equipment, might have multiple uses before their mission is complete.

This mining town feels as it's been taken off the map, not literally but with minimal visitors since the happening of the mine and mention of ghosts it's dwindled to kneel.  Lachlan mentions with digging in the ground they might have upset the God of Earthquakes, and he might be to blame.

There is one man who's remained strong in the town, Fato, who is looking for his daughter.  Investigating the mines, Agents Lachlan and Ferguson find water seeping in and more cards.  In close inspection of the card, they are found with Chinese writing and from a game.

This one is a paranormal feel to the steampunk and clockworks of the world as well.  We get the answer to how the men turned up in a completely different area than where they started, but on the girl... I think I know what happened to the girl, but I'm not one hundred percent sure.



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. 2 - #9

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #9

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Tee Morris

Format:  Podcast, 43:37 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  9th 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:
Positively Shocking

Spring, 1893

Constance Magee is not a street urchin, not a thief, not a lost soul in the street of London.  She is a girl surviving Her Magesty's Empire one day at a time, nursing a sense of right and wrong.  And sometimes, that sense doesn't always see eye-to-eye with the law.  After being jailed for her latest stand against injustice, Constance braced herself for a long stay in Newgate.  Today, though, she is extended an unexpected opportunity from a strange fellow named Doctor Sound...

My Thoughts and Summary:
Constance sits in her jail cell after the incident at the pub.  One that has caught the attentions of Doctor Sound, who now visits her offering her a choice.  To join him in a special unit and lead them on daring unknown adventures or stay in the jail.  He likes her character and the choice she made at the pub.

This story makes me wonder more on Dr. Sound.  He seems to know things that others don't mention.  Is he that good at reading people?  Or something more?  We see a little bit of a different side to Sound here.

I'm caught with the daring personality of Constance.  She is quick and fearless like her troops.  She will do what it takes to get the job done as Shock Troops.  And she will not leave a man behind.  There is some sweet driving with motor cars here - drifting and racing, fearless driving.

I feel Tee has created an amazing new character here.  I would love to see more of her, maybe in future Archives?  Or even added into the book?  She is here with the Ministry at the same time as Eliza, as the two are on the same mission in the field here.

I did enjoy this tale with Constance and the action (maybe trouble) she gets through.



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 2 ~ #8

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #8

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Shaun Farrell

Format:  Podcast, 36:56 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  8th 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:
Curtain Call

Cordelia is called to a strange theatre by a message from her estranged father, and she hopes for a joyful reunion.  Her father though has been treading on dangerous ground while trying to impress the Director the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.  Still Cordelia cannot possibly know the strange and terrifying details of what lies within this particular play house.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Wellington works to keep the case from Eliza, as she struggles to get it, it rips in two...it's from the theater, and knowing Eliza's experiences with theaters...well...

Cordelia receives an unexpected note from the father who abandoned her and her mother for adventure.  When Cordelia shows up to the theater she can't believe what she finds.  Now Cordelia will have to share this amazing and horrid tale with Dr. Sound, whom her father mentioned in the letter.

This story tells a shocking tale from Charles Fitzroy to Cordelia on Lenore.  It's neat to see how Fitzroy controls the "show" of the theater from his box, with knobs and gears.  And the energy created and absorbed from the audience.

This story ends with an ending, but a possibility of revisiting these characters.  I'd be curious to see more of these characters and what's created around Lenore and Charles Fitzroy.



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.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives: Volume 1 can now be found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.  You can find the Archives on Kindle for your Reading.

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 2012 Christmas Special

Tales from the Archives 2012 Christmas Special

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Philippa Ballantine

Format:  Podcast, 23:14 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  A special episode in Tales of the Archives Vol. 2 podcasts for Christmas, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation:  This is a story centered around one of the Ministry Seven, Verity.  Wonderful to see her again and continue with a few pieces from her first story.

Synopsis:
It's Christmas Eve, and Verity Fitzroy finds herself distracted from her duties with the Ministry Seven.  When she endangers her fellow urchins, she begins to question her role in their life.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Christmas Eve, 1891.

Verity is in the snow watching for the home owner or anyone to return while four of her fellow urchins search inside for evidence for Harrison Thorn, in order to arrest the owner.  Waiting in the boring cold her mind wonders back to her ever distracting past, and what she thinks might affect her future as well - her uncle thought to be dead but alive and a murderer.  Then Verity recognizes the sound of a familiar ticking noise in the back of her head.  Verity's distraction results in trouble, and she questions her time with her family with the Ministry Seven.

I'm a Verity fan.  I've said before in the short story about Verity, and I'll say it again now, there is something special about this girl.  I love her.  She hears the ticking of clockworks and cogs, and it seems she might be the only one.  There is a new element dropped here, and I'm curious of the connection to Verity and her piece she took from her Uncles.  Oooo, so good.  And makes me WANT more from Verity and what she's connected too.

We get a touch of Verity's family past, her parents.  We also we see Harrison Thorn here, and Dr. Josepha Blackwell.  Oh Dr. Blackwell and her machines... giving Verity a taste of what she thought if she never met the boys, for the boys safety...or is it?

Oh there is a neat little warning device she has with the boys inside.  I really liked this.  Then there's Dr. Blackwell's machine that Verity uses.  Oh so interesting in this world of mechanics.  And, it seems Verity has a knack for wanting to investigate mechanical items.  Sounds like the girl has a great future.



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.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives: Volume 1 can now be found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.  You can find the Archives on Kindle for your Reading.

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 2 ~ #7

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #7

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Doc Coleman

Format:  Podcast, 56:49 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  7th 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 Cross of Columbia

April, 1883

Agent Bryan Teague travels from the London offices to a remote area of Scotland on the call of Lord Pennyfarthing, a self-proclaimed scientist and specialist in ancient and rare fauna.  Agent Teague arrives to find his skepticism of Pennyfarthing's previous follies on finding a traumatised valet and a dying English lord with an incredible fish story...

My Thoughts and Summary:
The sever storms are hitting Eliza's and Wellington's area, but they make it to the Archives.  And Eliza learns the Archives are well protected from leaks.  All is safe.

Agent Bryan Teague is sent on another excursion after the Lord Pennyfarthing, a thorn in Teague's side.  Teague, being a zoological expert has become the one to follow Pennyfarthing around to find exotic creatures, and Teague is to prove them fake.  Teague is now following Pennyfarthing to rainy Scotland to prove yet another farce - a mysterious creature of the lake.

I loved listening to this tale!!  Not only is it of one that is popular with people, the Loch Ness monster, but the tale has it's own twists to it.  Wonderful creation here.  The sight of the demon creature is wonderful!  Well, horrid, but well described and amazing to see the connections of the tale of this story.  I am, however, curious as to what the demon is.  Not that it deters from the story, as it doesn't, but adds great depth to it.  I'm doing my over thinking, and very interested in the creation.  Interested enough to make a trip to investigate on my own. ;)

Pennyfarthing is missing when Teague arrives, and the boy that was with him on the boat swam to shore the previous night and now down with fever.  Teague comes across a priest that seems to sway Teague's thinking, but learns a deeper truth from him, when Pennyfarthing washes up on shore badly hurt from an attack.

The Ministry requires Teague to debunk the findings, if true then samples are needed, and if dangerous to eliminate the threat.  However, what Teague learns from the Priest and of a Secret Order of a Brotherhood of Columbia, he will have to make a choice or let the demon hidden escape.

If you listen to this story, you will be amazed at Doc Coleman's ability to switch accents while talking in character.  Great accent added indeed.  Easy to hear and understand.  Doc Coleman does wonderful with descriptive words, not over-killing the details but using ones that are strong and create a full easy image while listening.

This is one of my top favorites from the Archives.  It's a story I want to hear, and always enjoy.



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.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives: Volume 1 can now be found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.  You can find the Archives on Kindle for your Reading.

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 2 ~ #6

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #6

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Alyson Grauer

Format:  Podcast, 30:54 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  6th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 2 podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation:  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.

Synopsis:
A Trick of Strong Imagination

Althea Galway, a gifted statistician for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, follows her tedious pursuits for Doctor Sound to a Winter carnival and a strange mystery at its heart.  With a dashing illusionist and the memories of her own secretive past with the Traveling Galloway Circus clouding her judgment, she dares to reach beyond her station and discover what is behind the tricks of a trade she knew better than any active field agent.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Eliza and Wellington are preparing for Dragon*Con!  (hope you saw them if you went)

It's winter 1893, Althea is a trapeze artist flying to her father, and falls short.  Then she snaps her eyes open, to the Ministry and Mr. Sound.  Seeing her peeked Mr. Sound sends her for a walk outside, even though winter.  She sets her papers aside, the ones of missing items across the country and many more.  While out she is approached by a beggar with a flower, persistent she finally reaches for it, turning to a white dove.  The beggar now gone when she turns her eyes back, to see a flyer for a circus in his place.   A circus of magic and strange animals.  She didn't want to go to the circus due to her history, but something was interesting with the show of the flower and bird.  At the circus Althea finds a curious box of unexplained powers, then finds more connections here.

Althea is employed by the Ministry, filing papers and reading through cases.  She is a smart woman and makes connections no other does, by luck? maybe.  She goes to Mr. Sound, but without more facts and proof can't send anyone out.  Althea decides to get this proof, and finds herself in deeper than she ever expected.  Althea's curiosity seems to get the best of her.

Enzo, the circus leader, has a way about him.  One of presence and seems he might be attracted to Althea for some reason.  But the magic that he presents is amazing.  The box is curious and more to his act.  Very interesting and one I would love to see.

Althea sounds like a kind woman, with smarts to connect the unusual feels with facts.  I love the sound of the circus, and would love to be able to see this magical display.




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.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives: Volume 1 can now be found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.  You can find the Archives on Kindle for your Reading.

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 2 ~ #5

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #5

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Catherine Ford

Format:  Podcast, 30:54 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  5th 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.

Synopsis:
The Wrong Camera

Blythe is very excited to receive a camera for her birthday, but finds that gifts can have their price.  What she sees through the lens offers a chilling insight into the future that people will kill for.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We start with learning this case was one of Eliza's first, and in New Zealand.  There are several strange pictures present with the case file.

Blythe's Uncle Fredrick takes her to get her birthday present, at the camera shop.  There is another man, tall and in dark clothing and kind of scary look to his eyes, which Mr. Evans asks to take care of first.  Blythe's gift is a camera.  Blythe and her Uncle walk around the city and she takes several pictures of people, children, women, and also of the buildings of the city.  Returning to Mr. Evans camera shop to have the film developed.  However, when Blythe receives the photos she is shocked by what she sees, and when tries to return to the shop to talk to the owner is surprised to bump into the tall man from the previous visit, and a shorter man with him, both wanting the camera.  Blythe is on the run being chased by these men as they fly after her on ornithopters, when a strange woman shows up as the men catch up to her.

Ahh, this is interesting.  We do get to hear what is in the photos that Blythe took.  It even makes me wonder if they are of a futuristic version of the city Blythe is in.  The clothing is different and the scenes are completely unfamiliar to her, things missing and different things present.

I did enjoy the action of the chase and the Ministry Agent that appears to help Blythe.  Would you like to guess who this woman was?  There are gun shots.  And there is a drop that maybe, someday, Blythe would hear from this Ministry Agents agency as she liked the way Blythe handled herself in the action.

I do like the ornithopters as well.  These are machines mentioned in the books, but so neat to think about as having wings and flying.  Then we are left with a picture of a strange air ship that is not of the current day type, one that is very peculiar to Blythe.  Sounds very interesting.


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.  You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

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. 2 ~ #4

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #4

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  JR Murdock

Format:  Podcast, 28:52 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  4th 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.

Synopsis:
The Emperor's Fist

Spring 1889

Agent Reginald Coffey and Special Liaison Meiying Ling are deep within the jungles of China, setting technology against the oldest of dark Chinese magic.  The two are set on a rendezvous with the most sinister of sorcerers and a plot to plunge the world into darkness.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Before we start into the story, we learn Eliza is adverse in several different languages including Chinese, which surprises Wellington.

Agent Reginald Coffey and Liasion Meiying Ling are hired to find out why traders traveling this route through the jungle are attacked.  As they move through in their walker they are attacked constructs of red pottery people, and as Agent Coffey breaks them they slowly reconstruct.  Following the path they come to a pyramid of the burial ground for the first emperor, one no one has ever entered....until now.  A man has entered and has taken on the liquid silver to become the first.

This is an interesting tale as it has adventure and action, mixed in with steampunk.  The walker Agent Coffey and Liasion Meiying ride is neat in its own way; there is a blooming lotus, which is a fire weapon.  Then as we head into the forbidden tomb we see there is a machine created of pipes and gears the power driven man is using to cycle the Elixir of Life to create and control mechanical beings of mercury.  He has even taken in the mercury as well.

What Agent Coffey and Liasion Meiying find in the pyramid is interesting.  One would not think so much would be able to fit in here but that is deceiving there is a miniature city and farm lands.  There are traps that could kill as there are many priceless treasures here from the first emperor.

There is fighting with the terracotta soldiers, then the liquid mechanical soldiers, and finally with the man claiming to now be The First.  In the end, Reginald Coffey does talk with our Wellington about a piece he kept far longer than he should have, after he turned in his report.  A piece to remember what happened, and it still moves, every once in a while.

JR Murdock does the voices and has a difference between them for us to know who's talking.  The story keeps moving and is quick.  I did have to rewind a time or two to make sure I got the details correctly. This is an interesting story in the Archives.


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.  You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!

I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Special Preview!

We are so close to the release day of the next The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences: Janus Affair by Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris.  (I think we are 6 days from release of May 29th.)

Are you curious about it?  Maybe looking forward to it?  I am. :)

But I have something special for you.  Well, Okay.  Pip and Tee have something special for you.

Eliza and Wellington have found a snippet of the audio book and shares it with us!  The book is read by the same mesmerizing reader, James Langton.

If you would like to hear this brief preview, you can at: 

Tales from the Archives: SPECIAL ADVANCE PREVIEW.

Do hope you enjoy meeting Lena. ;)  I did, and now I'm curious as to what she saw, and the "abomination" she is worried about! 

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 ~ #3

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #3

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  JR Blackwell

Format:  Podcast, 18:37 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  3nd 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. We are introduced to another Agent of the Ministry, and her experiment in the name of women of the Empire. Really is a great fun listen!

Synopsis:
Women of the Empire

Wellington Thornhill Books and Doctor Josepha Raven Blackwell share 'an encounter' after-hours at the Ministry, all part of Dr. Blackwell's research into hysteria.

Brief as the encounter, one of them will not come out quite the same from it.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Wellington shares a memorable...encounter with Doctor Blackwell.

Doctor Blackwell summons Wellington to her lab, after hours, by way of a note mentioning she needs him urgently.  Agent and Doctor Josepha Blackwell wants Wellington to help in an experiment on hysteria, a condition believed that more unmarried women suffer from.  Wellington is nervous from all the stories he has heard and from a few other interactions with the good Doctor, along with being after hours.  Wellington thinks he knows what body part Doctor Blackwell wants a mold of, in the name of science and for women of the Empire.

Oh this was fun!  Enjoyed the sense of humor in this episode.  This episode was just what the Doctor ordered for the end of the day.  Laughter, was on the order here.  I chuckled, and then laughed out, enjoying the insinuation and what Wellington thought, then what Wellington learns to be truth.

This is not your typical Archive tale.  We are not on a mission, but meeting other agents with Wellington's impressions of the lovely Doctor.

I loved Dr. Blackwell!  She is crazy, smart and makes Wellington uncomfortable, which makes me laugh!  Mix an independent woman with the reserved and proper Wellington Books, and well, Wellington is a might bit uncomfortable.  And it's funny.  A classic funny.

Tee Morris does a fabulous job as Wellington.  I enjoyed the strain in his voice.  And JR Blackwell, had so much fun with her character.  She gave the feel of Dr. Blackwell perfectly in her voice.


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.  You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!

I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

A New Crest! for MoPO

What is MoPO, you ask.  Well, it is The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.  And the Ministry now has a brand new crest on their doors.

Looks amazing!  And with all the magical experiences the Ministry goes through... Oh, this covers so much through symbolism!  I will say Alex White, the author of the podcasts The Gearheart: Artifice (I've been listening too) is the artist of this amazing art.

To cool!

If you would like to check out the books, and podcasts, you can at The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.


Do keep an eye out for the second book:  A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences: The Janus Affair, Coming Your Way:  May 29, 2012!

If you would like to read my thoughts:
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences: Phoenix Rising

Tales from the Archives: 
   Volume 1 (can listen or read these short tales, of cases found in the archives.)

   Volume 2 (can listen or read these short tales, of cases found in the archives.)

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 ~ #2

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #2

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.

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 ~ #1

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #1

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  Tee Morris

Format:  Podcast, 36:19 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  1st 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. Oh oh oh!  If you had wonders about Wellington before, You NEED to Listen to this one!!!

Synopsis:
Sins of the Father

Summer, 1888

Arthur Books welcomes home his son, Wellington, from the jungles and deserts of Africa.  In his own manner, the invalid father bestows upon his heir all the pride and respect due to actions in the field.  The returning war hero, though, has returned more than a decorated soldier in Her Magesty's Army; and Arthur collects on an investment spanning across decades.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We start with the lovely Eliza and Wellington talking about old cases.  Eliza tries to sneak in about the House of Usher kidnapping Wellington, and why?  Wellington admits it's from wanting access to the Archives.  Eliza speculates if it might be of his wealthy upbringing, Welly puts a stopper on that thinking, wanting his past left as it is.

We take a step into the past, when a well trained and acknowledged soldier returns home to his invalid father.  A father hooked up to the iron lung and other mechanical.  A father that trained and shaped his son to be what he wanted him to be.  Just to have the young man leave his fathers services, or so he thinks.

Once again, the usage of voices and changes in voice with help of equipment, is wonderfully done.  This is a huge part of what has me hooked on the podcasting world.  Tee tells a story that drops me back into this world quick, and gets my mind racing again.  Wonderful!

Oh this was a treat!  We got to see a piece of Wellingtons past!  A BIG mysterious piece of Wellingtons past!  This was so interesting to see how the House of Usher connects here, and AND the thoughts of why House of Usher might have kidnapped Wellington!  I'm glad to see House of Usher has surfaced again!  I keep wondering about them.

Ooooh, this is one wondrous way to get back into the stories with Wellington!  And a little bit on how Wellington is so...adverse with using his cane and weapons, even though he doesn't use them.  And now, I have so many more questions!  Did Wellington's father find him?  Why did House of Usher want Wellington?  Does he know of some secret works of his fathers?  Will House of Usher come again?  Did they get what they needed?  We have to see House of Usher again!!  What about Arthur, is he still alive?

Oh oh oh! If you had wonders and thoughts on Wellington from reading Phoenix Rising, you very much need to listen to this archive!  A touch of Wellington's past flashes before our eyes.

I don't want to say much more.  Other than if you only listen to one, listen to this one to learn more of our dear boy Wellington! (then I say try to stop listening, as you'll be hooked. lol!)


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.

It's Coming Back!!

I'm so excited and need to share with someone, any one!

After listening to The Shared Desk by Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris, I was all hyped up.  You all know how much I enjoyed listening to the first volume of Tales from the Archives with Eliza and Wellington finding old cases.

Well...

Tales from the Archives: Volume 2 

will be starting up April 10, 2012!!

Yeah! Yeah! YEAH!!! *doing a little dance*

So, just a few short weeks before I can get back to one of my favorite podcast listens. :)  The neat thing is getting different cases and seeing different agents.