Status
Available
Call number
Description
"These are dark days indeed in Victoria's England. Londoners are vanishing, then reappearing, washing up as corpses on the banks of the Thames, drained of blood and bone. Yet the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences--the Crown's clandestine organization whose bailiwick is the strange and unsettling--will not allow its agents to investigate. Fearless and exceedingly lovely Eliza D. Braun, however, with her bulletproof corset and a disturbing fondness for dynamite, refuses to let the matter rest...and she's prepared to drag her timorous new partner, Wellington Books, along with her into the perilous fray. For a malevolent brotherhood is operating in the deepening London shadows, intent upon the enslavement of all Britons. And Books and Braun--he with his encyclopedic brain and she with her remarkable devices--muyst get to the twisted roots of a most nefarious plot...or see England fall to the Phoenix!"--P. [4] of cover.… (more)
Pages
402
DDC/MDS
| 823.92 |
Language
Awards
Airship Award (Winners — 2011)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Isa_Lavinia
Poor writing (too much tell, not enough show), poor editing, poor pacing, lazy characterizations, and a plot that managed, somehow, to be both absurd and boring. The dialogue desperately tried to be witty but always fell short.
Also, Books and Braun? Come on, now.
The actual steampunk bits (the
And I still can't forgive this:
“It was believed that Ferdinand Magellan was one of its members.”
Eliza blinked. “Hold on. Magellan? How does a Spaniard—”
"a Spaniard"?!?!
Also, Books and Braun? Come on, now.
The actual steampunk bits (the
Show More
gadgets and the like) were interesting, hence the 2 stars rating (because I can't give it a 1.5).And I still can't forgive this:
“It was believed that Ferdinand Magellan was one of its members.”
Eliza blinked. “Hold on. Magellan? How does a Spaniard—”
"a Spaniard"?!?!
Show Less
LibraryThing member A_Reader_of_Fictions
So, here we have a steampunk book with an archivist as a main character. Can you say awesome? I know a few archivists myself, and some of them can be quite awful and, well, stereotypical. Thankfully, Books falls firmly into the realm of the fantastic archivists. He is concerned with the
From the beginning, I identified more with Books than with the confident, flirty heroine. A librarian myself, his attempt to find a nonviolent solution, along with his nerdy love of books and research, seems the ideal method. Eliza, while a strong heroine, never really felt like a real person to me. She lacks background, except that she misses her homeland of New Zealand. All I really know about her is that she likes to make Books uncomfortable and to make things explode (likely those two things will combine at some point, but not in this book, the first in the series). Hopefully, some more character depth will be forthcoming.
Clever people that you are, you have likely noticed that Books is a fitting name for an archivist. This naming convention continues throughout, with many of the characters wearing fitting monikers. Like the rather brawny Miss Braun. Or the female assassin del Morte. I found these little elements amusing, along with most of the old timey language. Expect pages "full of rabble-rousers, Fabians, cut-throats and Dollymops" (133). Although there are some occasional slip ups in the use of the old fashioned words, such as referring to an event as grizzly, when the authors really meant grisly.
I will undoubtedly be venturing forth into later volumes about the escapades of Books and Braun. Phoenix Rising was quite entertaining and I hope book two will be even better. If you love reading about librarians with a few aces up their sleeves, explosions and strong women, you won't want to miss this amusing steampunk novel.
Show More
"preservation of the Empire" and of the ministry's artifacts and papers (291).From the beginning, I identified more with Books than with the confident, flirty heroine. A librarian myself, his attempt to find a nonviolent solution, along with his nerdy love of books and research, seems the ideal method. Eliza, while a strong heroine, never really felt like a real person to me. She lacks background, except that she misses her homeland of New Zealand. All I really know about her is that she likes to make Books uncomfortable and to make things explode (likely those two things will combine at some point, but not in this book, the first in the series). Hopefully, some more character depth will be forthcoming.
Clever people that you are, you have likely noticed that Books is a fitting name for an archivist. This naming convention continues throughout, with many of the characters wearing fitting monikers. Like the rather brawny Miss Braun. Or the female assassin del Morte. I found these little elements amusing, along with most of the old timey language. Expect pages "full of rabble-rousers, Fabians, cut-throats and Dollymops" (133). Although there are some occasional slip ups in the use of the old fashioned words, such as referring to an event as grizzly, when the authors really meant grisly.
I will undoubtedly be venturing forth into later volumes about the escapades of Books and Braun. Phoenix Rising was quite entertaining and I hope book two will be even better. If you love reading about librarians with a few aces up their sleeves, explosions and strong women, you won't want to miss this amusing steampunk novel.
Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Having heard Pip Ballantine occasionally on some podcasts (notably Metamor City) I kept hearing her voice when Eliza D Braun spoke, and it brought a smile to my mouth, however I loved Wellington Thornhill Books. He is such a great character, but then again I may be a little biased, he's such a cool
After rescuing Books from certain death Braun has broken the rules once too often and she is sent to join him in the archives where, while going stir crazy, she starts to look into the last case that left her ex-partner in a mental asylum. Along the way she finds that Books is a good man to have at her side and he finds that occasionally venturing forth from the archives isn't the worst thing he could do.
I really enjoyed the two characters and I'm now looking forward to the sequel.
Show More
archivist, though Eliza's fixing of the leak did make me squee and giggle a lot. Eliza is such a self-sufficient character. I didn't really see the scene from the cover in the book but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough, the two were cool enough without her being half-naked.After rescuing Books from certain death Braun has broken the rules once too often and she is sent to join him in the archives where, while going stir crazy, she starts to look into the last case that left her ex-partner in a mental asylum. Along the way she finds that Books is a good man to have at her side and he finds that occasionally venturing forth from the archives isn't the worst thing he could do.
I really enjoyed the two characters and I'm now looking forward to the sequel.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MelHay
Wellington Thornhill Books meets the lovely Eliza D. Braun as she is saving his arse from being tortured, by booming the place. But Eliza has a secret about saving Wellington. Agents Books and Braun work for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences in different fields of the company. They each have
I think I can go on and on about this book. It was so well written and so many different aspects that I enjoyed.
The book starts right in with a bang with action and bullets flying every which direction as the main characters meet. Then we step back a bit to have the world of The Ministry drawn for us to understand what they do and the set up of it. We learn the Archives, in the basement of the Ministry's office building, is a library of sorts and storage area for many peculiar items and past case information, almost magical items. The Archives even reminds me a little of the television show Warehouse 13 on the SyFy channel with the warehousing of magical. While we are learning of the Archives we are also getting to know the characters and the rough blend of personalities, but I have to say I love the give and take in jabs between these two. Once they talk of the Cases of the Unknown we see how Eliza then Books get drawn to one particular case. Before they realize it they are eyeballs deep in the investigation. Then we have another addition to the mix as the House of Usher is after Agent Books for reasons we are not yet aware of.
The characters are fun! Books is the gentlemanly kind of man, not one who thinks of loads of weapons, but one to get lost in the design of things and the puzzle in figuring them out. Books is one that loves the steam machinery and pully machinery, which is ever present in this book. Eliza is a kick arse ask questions later kind of woman. Eliza is the one who loves weapons and to make things go boom. Books even references her once, to himself as he is so gentlemanly, as the Angel of Destruction.
Some might say the book has a slow start or moves slow after the bang of a beginning in the first chapter. However, I have to say it's a perfect balance of action, fun and case building/solving for me. And the dialect and writing styles is a pleasure to read. This is a book to sit down with and enjoy from all angles; world building, characters, case solving ~ all for the style, fun, and mystery of it.
I will be looking forward to the next book with these characters and steampunk world. But until then I will be listening to the podcasts of different cases in the Cases of the Unknown section of the Archives.
Show More
strong personalities and feelings for the areas they excel in. Street agents and the archivist see each other as two different components. But, for their exceedingly strong believes they are paired up as new partners, in "Books" archives. Yet Agent Braun wants nothing more than anything to be back in the field blowing up something with her favorite weapon, dynamite. Miss Eliza Braun has a hard time at adjusting to being in the Archives trying to file the many magical items and cases away, so Mr. Wellington Books takes her to show her something new deeper in the Archives ~ Cases of the Unknown. After seeing hundreds of cases classified as Cases of the Unknown (Books opinion of words) Agent Braun decides with her abilities in the field and Books intelligence here in the Archives and basic training, to take on these cases. When Eliza comes across a case in filing that she recognizes as one her last partner had worked and ended up in the mental hospital over, she decides to do as he had done and pick up the case on her personal time.I think I can go on and on about this book. It was so well written and so many different aspects that I enjoyed.
The book starts right in with a bang with action and bullets flying every which direction as the main characters meet. Then we step back a bit to have the world of The Ministry drawn for us to understand what they do and the set up of it. We learn the Archives, in the basement of the Ministry's office building, is a library of sorts and storage area for many peculiar items and past case information, almost magical items. The Archives even reminds me a little of the television show Warehouse 13 on the SyFy channel with the warehousing of magical. While we are learning of the Archives we are also getting to know the characters and the rough blend of personalities, but I have to say I love the give and take in jabs between these two. Once they talk of the Cases of the Unknown we see how Eliza then Books get drawn to one particular case. Before they realize it they are eyeballs deep in the investigation. Then we have another addition to the mix as the House of Usher is after Agent Books for reasons we are not yet aware of.
The characters are fun! Books is the gentlemanly kind of man, not one who thinks of loads of weapons, but one to get lost in the design of things and the puzzle in figuring them out. Books is one that loves the steam machinery and pully machinery, which is ever present in this book. Eliza is a kick arse ask questions later kind of woman. Eliza is the one who loves weapons and to make things go boom. Books even references her once, to himself as he is so gentlemanly, as the Angel of Destruction.
Some might say the book has a slow start or moves slow after the bang of a beginning in the first chapter. However, I have to say it's a perfect balance of action, fun and case building/solving for me. And the dialect and writing styles is a pleasure to read. This is a book to sit down with and enjoy from all angles; world building, characters, case solving ~ all for the style, fun, and mystery of it.
I will be looking forward to the next book with these characters and steampunk world. But until then I will be listening to the podcasts of different cases in the Cases of the Unknown section of the Archives.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rgurskey
Wherein this reader was not overly impressed with the prose of this first novel in a possible serial and will not peruse any further offerings by either of the scribes of this adventure.
LibraryThing member Bibliotropic
If the X-Files dealt more with artifacts and the truth behind urban legends, and existed in Victorian London, you might end up with something like the Minsitry of Peculiar Occurences, office of Her Majesty the Queen, handler of those strange events that need to be taken care of in the most discrete
That is, until Eliza Braun comes in with gons a-blazing, with Wellington Books shaking his head in long-suffering acceptance.
Phoenix Rising is the first book in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurences series, and what a fantastic beginning it was. We get thrown right into the action and intrigue, which doesn't let up its pace for the whole of the book. Through a series of circumstances which doesn't please either of the two main characters, Agents Books and Braun (lovely pun on the ideas of intelligence and brute strength, which they respectively embody) are thrown together, and among other things, find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrown the Queen and restore glory to the remains of the British Empire.
And that's in their off-hours.
Ballantine and Morris bring together a wonderful blend of writing styles that show great creativity and talent for the little details of Victorian steampunk living, as well as a sense of humour that left me chuckling aloud at some moments (such as the chapter titles). It seems to me that this was a book that must have been as fun to write as it was for me to read, and the enjoyment shows in the tone of the novel; even during the tense and serious moments, there's witty humour and sarcasm, and you tear through the pages wanting to know just what happens next.
Phoenix Rising is, ultimately, a fast-paced action-adventure that should not be missed. To fans of steampunk, or just fans of books with a good plot and sense of humour, this is one book that should definitely be gracing your bookshelves. And I don't say that lightly; this is a book that was given to me for free as an e-ARC, and I know very well that I'm going to be buying a hard copy as soon as I can. It isn't often that I do that, but in this case, I'll make a very happy exception.
Show More
and sensitive way possible.That is, until Eliza Braun comes in with gons a-blazing, with Wellington Books shaking his head in long-suffering acceptance.
Phoenix Rising is the first book in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurences series, and what a fantastic beginning it was. We get thrown right into the action and intrigue, which doesn't let up its pace for the whole of the book. Through a series of circumstances which doesn't please either of the two main characters, Agents Books and Braun (lovely pun on the ideas of intelligence and brute strength, which they respectively embody) are thrown together, and among other things, find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrown the Queen and restore glory to the remains of the British Empire.
And that's in their off-hours.
Ballantine and Morris bring together a wonderful blend of writing styles that show great creativity and talent for the little details of Victorian steampunk living, as well as a sense of humour that left me chuckling aloud at some moments (such as the chapter titles). It seems to me that this was a book that must have been as fun to write as it was for me to read, and the enjoyment shows in the tone of the novel; even during the tense and serious moments, there's witty humour and sarcasm, and you tear through the pages wanting to know just what happens next.
Phoenix Rising is, ultimately, a fast-paced action-adventure that should not be missed. To fans of steampunk, or just fans of books with a good plot and sense of humour, this is one book that should definitely be gracing your bookshelves. And I don't say that lightly; this is a book that was given to me for free as an e-ARC, and I know very well that I'm going to be buying a hard copy as soon as I can. It isn't often that I do that, but in this case, I'll make a very happy exception.
Show Less
LibraryThing member wkelly42
An evil brotherhood (possibly two) is threatening the British Empire and, it stands to reason, the civilized world. Unfortunately, the only man who knows anything about it is being kept in a drugged stupor in a mental institution. And mental institutions in Victorian England are not places to be
Only two people can solve the mystery of what in the world is going on — an Archivist who spends most of his time in a basement office, and a field agent whose previous cases have resulted in her being placed on probation … in the care of the aforementioned archivist. But both are highly trained agents of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, so really anything can happen.
And trust me, it does.
A one word review — wow. Another word — exquisite. I simply am thankful at this point that the wise people at HarperCollins have bought this as a series, because after one book all I can think of is “When is the next one coming out??!”
I have read both Morris and Ballentine before, and have enjoyed both authors’ work. When I heard that they were getting together for a steampunk series, I knew I had to keep track of it. When they announced publication, it immediately went on my must read list. And when NetGalley offered the ebook for reviewers? I couldn’t click “Request” fast enough. I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Steampunk is a fascinating genre, and Ballantine and Morris have captured it perfectly. I think this series could serve as a great introduction to the genre, in fact, since you really don’t have to have much of an understanding of steampunk to enjoy the book. There also seems to be an element or two of the pulp genre, though much of that is actually turned on it’s head. And of course, there are the main characters, who remind me of every male/female pulp partnership I’ve ever read or heard about — with one major difference.
See, traditionally the man is the aggressive, guns blazing type, and the woman (if she isn’t just the damsel in distress) is the perfectionist, analytical type who needs saving quite a bit. And at first glance, we’ve got the formula here — the main characters are, after all, named Books and Braun.
In this book, though, that would be Wellington Thornhill Books, Archivist, and Eliza D. Braun, field agent. And everything you ever thought you knew about this type of adventure fiction is now turned completely upside down.
And that is the fun of the book. That and the interplay between these two polar opposites, who are thrown together and who end up corrupting each other. No — not like that (not in this book, anyway). But that kind of tension is there, too. Some of the scenes reminded me of Moonlighting, in fact, especially in the way that Eliza Braun seemed to enjoy making Books … uncomfortable. Strong characterization is something I always look for in fiction, and I certainly found it here. These are characters that I felt like I knew, and I want to know more about them.
The plot is a classic. Secret society has superweapons, and they’re trying to take over the world for it’s own good. In the process, they’re perfectly willing to kill anyone that gets in their way. Books and Braun, of course, are intent on getting in their way. And, of course, there are twists and turns so that, while you may know how it will turn out, you won’t really know how it gets there, or why. AND, there are enough loose ends left dangling in our faces that we’re just going to have to get the next book, and the one after that, and so on ….
Show More
left in.Only two people can solve the mystery of what in the world is going on — an Archivist who spends most of his time in a basement office, and a field agent whose previous cases have resulted in her being placed on probation … in the care of the aforementioned archivist. But both are highly trained agents of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, so really anything can happen.
And trust me, it does.
A one word review — wow. Another word — exquisite. I simply am thankful at this point that the wise people at HarperCollins have bought this as a series, because after one book all I can think of is “When is the next one coming out??!”
I have read both Morris and Ballentine before, and have enjoyed both authors’ work. When I heard that they were getting together for a steampunk series, I knew I had to keep track of it. When they announced publication, it immediately went on my must read list. And when NetGalley offered the ebook for reviewers? I couldn’t click “Request” fast enough. I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Steampunk is a fascinating genre, and Ballantine and Morris have captured it perfectly. I think this series could serve as a great introduction to the genre, in fact, since you really don’t have to have much of an understanding of steampunk to enjoy the book. There also seems to be an element or two of the pulp genre, though much of that is actually turned on it’s head. And of course, there are the main characters, who remind me of every male/female pulp partnership I’ve ever read or heard about — with one major difference.
See, traditionally the man is the aggressive, guns blazing type, and the woman (if she isn’t just the damsel in distress) is the perfectionist, analytical type who needs saving quite a bit. And at first glance, we’ve got the formula here — the main characters are, after all, named Books and Braun.
In this book, though, that would be Wellington Thornhill Books, Archivist, and Eliza D. Braun, field agent. And everything you ever thought you knew about this type of adventure fiction is now turned completely upside down.
And that is the fun of the book. That and the interplay between these two polar opposites, who are thrown together and who end up corrupting each other. No — not like that (not in this book, anyway). But that kind of tension is there, too. Some of the scenes reminded me of Moonlighting, in fact, especially in the way that Eliza Braun seemed to enjoy making Books … uncomfortable. Strong characterization is something I always look for in fiction, and I certainly found it here. These are characters that I felt like I knew, and I want to know more about them.
The plot is a classic. Secret society has superweapons, and they’re trying to take over the world for it’s own good. In the process, they’re perfectly willing to kill anyone that gets in their way. Books and Braun, of course, are intent on getting in their way. And, of course, there are twists and turns so that, while you may know how it will turn out, you won’t really know how it gets there, or why. AND, there are enough loose ends left dangling in our faces that we’re just going to have to get the next book, and the one after that, and so on ….
Show Less
LibraryThing member samantha.1020
Summary from Goodreads:
"Evil is most assuredly afoot—and Britain’s fate rests in the hands of an alluring renegade . . . and a librarian.
These are dark days indeed in Victoria’s England. Londoners are vanishing, then reappearing, washing up as corpses on the banks of the Thames, drained of
My Thoughts:
This is one of those books that I just HAD to read. I saw the cover while browsing on the internet and then I read the above summary...I just knew that this was my type of book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I'm happy to say that Phoenix Rising was as good as I hoped it would be and far exceeded my expectations! It was such a fun read and the action started on page one and didn't let up until the end of the book. One of the best things about this book was the two main characters Eliza and Books. They were completely opposite of each other in every way but it still allowed for a certain type of chemistry to develop between them. The adventures and mystery that they found themselves involved in moved the story along at a fast pace. And there were some funny moments inserted within the story as well. This all added up to a really solid read for me that I enjoyed immensely. I'm sure that this book will draw comparisons to Gail Carriger's Soulless series but I found that I liked this book for different reasons (and I'm an uber-fan of Gail's series). I'm eager to see what kind of trouble Eliza and Books can stir up next. Highly recommended especially to fans of steampunk!
Bottom Line: A fun, fast-paced read that I couldn't get enough of! I just became an instant fan of this series :)
Disclosure: Checked out from my local library.
"Evil is most assuredly afoot—and Britain’s fate rests in the hands of an alluring renegade . . . and a librarian.
These are dark days indeed in Victoria’s England. Londoners are vanishing, then reappearing, washing up as corpses on the banks of the Thames, drained of
Show More
blood and bone. Yet the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences—the Crown’s clandestine organization whose bailiwick is the strange and unsettling—will not allow its agents to investigate. Fearless and exceedingly lovely Eliza D. Braun, however, with her bulletproof corset and a disturbing fondness for dynamite, refuses to let the matter rest . . . and she’s prepared to drag her timorous new partner, Wellington Books, along with her into the perilous fray."My Thoughts:
This is one of those books that I just HAD to read. I saw the cover while browsing on the internet and then I read the above summary...I just knew that this was my type of book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I'm happy to say that Phoenix Rising was as good as I hoped it would be and far exceeded my expectations! It was such a fun read and the action started on page one and didn't let up until the end of the book. One of the best things about this book was the two main characters Eliza and Books. They were completely opposite of each other in every way but it still allowed for a certain type of chemistry to develop between them. The adventures and mystery that they found themselves involved in moved the story along at a fast pace. And there were some funny moments inserted within the story as well. This all added up to a really solid read for me that I enjoyed immensely. I'm sure that this book will draw comparisons to Gail Carriger's Soulless series but I found that I liked this book for different reasons (and I'm an uber-fan of Gail's series). I'm eager to see what kind of trouble Eliza and Books can stir up next. Highly recommended especially to fans of steampunk!
Bottom Line: A fun, fast-paced read that I couldn't get enough of! I just became an instant fan of this series :)
Disclosure: Checked out from my local library.
Show Less
LibraryThing member astults
This was my introduction to recent steampunk. I had to smile at the pun of the main characters' surnames. They fit the characters personalities and interests. I rather liked Book and Braun and was rooting for them to solve the case. They balance one another.
The plot was action-packed. My only
The plot was action-packed. My only
Show More
complaint is villain related. A villain was introduced and then disappeared for most of the book only to return at the end. It's almost as though Ballantine and Morris had him as a forgotten subplot but plan to use him as the main villain in the second book in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mariecg
I had never read any steampunk, but it's not my last book in that sub-genre I can tell you.
Eliza Braun and Wellington Books, esquire are agents of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, but really different kinds of agents: Braun is an active field agent and Books is an archivist. But they unite to
Phoenix Rising is an adventure set in Victorian London and were Eliza carries more weapons than a soldier and Wellington surprises his partner with his inventions.
Eliza Braun and Wellington Books, esquire are agents of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, but really different kinds of agents: Braun is an active field agent and Books is an archivist. But they unite to
Show More
solve the mystery of why dead bodies, missing skin, blood or even bones, are found around London.Phoenix Rising is an adventure set in Victorian London and were Eliza carries more weapons than a soldier and Wellington surprises his partner with his inventions.
Show Less
LibraryThing member theepicrat
The Ministry Of Peculiar Occurrences is not happy with field agent Eliza Braun, especially after getting a little too dynamite-happy in Antarctica while rescuing archivist Wellington Books. As a proper British organization, they prefer a little more discreteness and lot less kaboom. Hence, they
Phoenix Rising starts off quite delightfully with a most improper rescue-and-explosion, but the aftermath did not quite catch my fancy. I can see how Agents Braun and Books may charm readers with their unlikely pairing - Eliza as impulsive and headstrong, Wellington as by-the-book and action-impaired. However, I wasn't quite sold on the peculiar occurrences that they investigated - and I don't think all the sinister and mysterious sideplots were fully addressed. I wished that I had enjoyed Phoenix Rising a little bit more (I love its cover!), but we just didn't click quite right.
Show More
re-assign Agent Braun to the Archives with Agent Books to learn how to stay out of trouble. Will Books be successful in keeping a tight leash on Agent Braun - or will he find himself getting dragged along with Braun whom trouble seems unable to resist?Phoenix Rising starts off quite delightfully with a most improper rescue-and-explosion, but the aftermath did not quite catch my fancy. I can see how Agents Braun and Books may charm readers with their unlikely pairing - Eliza as impulsive and headstrong, Wellington as by-the-book and action-impaired. However, I wasn't quite sold on the peculiar occurrences that they investigated - and I don't think all the sinister and mysterious sideplots were fully addressed. I wished that I had enjoyed Phoenix Rising a little bit more (I love its cover!), but we just didn't click quite right.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Capnrandm
Despite an action packed opening and ending, the layer of colloquialisms and corny humor overlaying this story smothered most of my interest. With THE JANUS AFFAIR next on my TBR list, I kept soldiering through this book to make sure I was up to speed. I hope book two relies less on steampunk
Show More
tropes and more on character growth, there are intriguing hints of future greatness sprinkled through out PHOENIX RISING that I would love to see explored. Show Less
LibraryThing member GTTexas
Book one of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. Good, but I think the second is even better. I suppose that's the way it should be; improvement over time.
LibraryThing member mysterymax
Like many others, I picked this book because of its cover. It looked too good to miss. Steampunk seems to be a genre that lends itself to cover art.
I am not at all surprised that this book won the 2011 Airship Award. It is action packed from beginning to end; two great characters - Books & Braun -
The sequel has a hard act to follow.
I am not at all surprised that this book won the 2011 Airship Award. It is action packed from beginning to end; two great characters - Books & Braun -
Show More
provide the humor that lightens the pace of the action. I love how Braun calls Books a librarian when she wants to give him a jab, and he always responds with a miffed "Archivist".The sequel has a hard act to follow.
Show Less
LibraryThing member msjessie
This was just great fun for me to read once it hit its stride - Phoenix Rising has nice mix of the best elements: a finely tuned use of steampunk and its gadgets, two vastly different but strangely compatible, rounded main characters, amusing banter, and a plethora of smart antagonists against
Eliza D. Braun is a "successful but not smooth" field agent and is so relegated to the Archives and Wellington Thornhill Books, Esquire. With typical gender roles reversed in this Sherlockian pairing of odd bedfellows, Eliza being the muscle and trigger-happy and Books the, well, bookish one, these two agents are an interesting mix of humorous banter, keen intelligence and walking armoury. There's no dearth of smart, capable women to be found in the book (hello, Sophia!), but Eliza manages to be both feminine and convincingly menacing in exactly her own brand (read: the girl likes weapons and knows how to use them.) It's also thoroughly refreshing to see a woman be the hero and ride in, guns blazing, to save the day her partner. Multiple times. The colonial from New Zealand's counterpart in Archivist Wellington is reserved, by the book - the straight man to her more free-wheeling approach to Ministry business. They are total opposites in nearly every manner and opinion, but their banter is truly amusing - I lol'd several times while speeding through. Wellington does come rather close to being a caricature of a librarian but his vaguely-defined personal history and a slow-reveal show him to be a rather more complicated man than it can first appear. This is obviously a more plot-driven novel, but to the credit of Phoenix Rising's cast, the characters are dimensional and can create credible pathos with the reader during their alternating POVs.
*These last few paragraphs are going to get a bit spoilery.* This book has been out a year so... just be warned. Though the early action scenes lacked a certain momentum and pull, the plentiful adventures later on more than made up for it (A death carriage with spinning wheels of spiky doom a la the car race in Grease? Why not?!) With the exception of the initial and introductory part of the novel, Phoenix Rising is filled to the brim with action, death and unsavory characters. With the addition of sparingly few but appropriate gadgets (the auralscope, analytical engine, the Combobula!), these two authors create an added dimension to their supernatural world without overdoing it on the clockwork. Unlike the somewhat laughable wax/mechanical steampunk/automaton army that was shown as a national threat in Kady Cross's The Girl with the Steel Corset, these Mechamen can actually carry a palpable menace and are juuuust right for a steampunk mystery centered around a case called the "Rag and Bone" murders. Of course there are mentions of "aether" and "corsets" (bulletproof this time! Much a smarter than just steel) but by and large, the inventions here are unique and original to Books, Mad McTighe or other characters herein.
Aside from my shallow and negligible complaint about the pacing of the first few chapters, all was going nearly perfectly (exception: Ferdinand Magellan was Portuguese, not Spanish) except for two little things: #1. the Phoenix Society Initiation Weekend's orgy. While it wasn't overly crass or vulgar, it also seemed totally somewhat unnecessary to the plot. The whole "women as communal property" was also distasteful, but I understood the point being made behind the sexist attitude - the orgy? Not so much. Olivia's essential pimping out (and drugging) of her young niece was also unexpected and randomly distasteful. #2. Other readers might have issues with the style of the book as well - the chapter titles are often ominous, if not outright spoilery in themselves. Titles like "Wherein Our Heroes Endure Perdition's Flames" are pretty much the general bent the authors chose. While certain key plot points and twists aren't explicitly revealed, it can take the edge off some of the adventures that are forthcoming.
Though the main events and plotlines of Phoenix Rising have been neatlydisposed of wrapped up, there are several plotlines that extend themselves quite naturally to the second novel. Due out later this month, The Janus Affair is sure to be a closer look at the Moriarty-like mastermind behind both the Phoenix Society and Sophia amid quarrelsome banter and unlikely escapades. I for one am quite glad I have the second novel to hand - I didn't want the first to end as quickly as it did (downed in one day) so I'll have to draw out my second outing with Books&Braun. Fans of steampunk should take note and give this inviting novel a try.
Favorite quotes:
"Gods... the sacrifices I make for Queen, Country, and all the pommy bastards that live in it."
"The show really does go on.."
Show More
which to pit their brains and Braun. The first hundred pages are used quite effectively to establish each of the individual characters and the world in which they operate, but they are slower in pace than the following three hundred. Once the essential basics are nailed down and the plot has kicked in, this steampunk fantasy is a wild ride full of airship rescues, bar brawls, lots and lots of explosions, (broad)sword fighting, and multiple secret societies - obviously this is a book that kept me on my toes with twists and turns. The first in a series of at least two novels, Phoenix Rising is a good harbinger of hopefully more madcap adventures to follow in Old Blighty with Welly and Eliza.Eliza D. Braun is a "successful but not smooth" field agent and is so relegated to the Archives and Wellington Thornhill Books, Esquire. With typical gender roles reversed in this Sherlockian pairing of odd bedfellows, Eliza being the muscle and trigger-happy and Books the, well, bookish one, these two agents are an interesting mix of humorous banter, keen intelligence and walking armoury. There's no dearth of smart, capable women to be found in the book (hello, Sophia!), but Eliza manages to be both feminine and convincingly menacing in exactly her own brand (read: the girl likes weapons and knows how to use them.) It's also thoroughly refreshing to see a woman be the hero and ride in, guns blazing, to save the day her partner. Multiple times. The colonial from New Zealand's counterpart in Archivist Wellington is reserved, by the book - the straight man to her more free-wheeling approach to Ministry business. They are total opposites in nearly every manner and opinion, but their banter is truly amusing - I lol'd several times while speeding through. Wellington does come rather close to being a caricature of a librarian but his vaguely-defined personal history and a slow-reveal show him to be a rather more complicated man than it can first appear. This is obviously a more plot-driven novel, but to the credit of Phoenix Rising's cast, the characters are dimensional and can create credible pathos with the reader during their alternating POVs.
*These last few paragraphs are going to get a bit spoilery.* This book has been out a year so... just be warned. Though the early action scenes lacked a certain momentum and pull, the plentiful adventures later on more than made up for it (A death carriage with spinning wheels of spiky doom a la the car race in Grease? Why not?!) With the exception of the initial and introductory part of the novel, Phoenix Rising is filled to the brim with action, death and unsavory characters. With the addition of sparingly few but appropriate gadgets (the auralscope, analytical engine, the Combobula!), these two authors create an added dimension to their supernatural world without overdoing it on the clockwork. Unlike the somewhat laughable wax/mechanical steampunk/automaton army that was shown as a national threat in Kady Cross's The Girl with the Steel Corset, these Mechamen can actually carry a palpable menace and are juuuust right for a steampunk mystery centered around a case called the "Rag and Bone" murders. Of course there are mentions of "aether" and "corsets" (bulletproof this time! Much a smarter than just steel) but by and large, the inventions here are unique and original to Books, Mad McTighe or other characters herein.
Aside from my shallow and negligible complaint about the pacing of the first few chapters, all was going nearly perfectly (exception: Ferdinand Magellan was Portuguese, not Spanish) except for two little things: #1. the Phoenix Society Initiation Weekend's orgy. While it wasn't overly crass or vulgar, it also seemed totally somewhat unnecessary to the plot. The whole "women as communal property" was also distasteful, but I understood the point being made behind the sexist attitude - the orgy? Not so much. Olivia's essential pimping out (and drugging) of her young niece was also unexpected and randomly distasteful. #2. Other readers might have issues with the style of the book as well - the chapter titles are often ominous, if not outright spoilery in themselves. Titles like "Wherein Our Heroes Endure Perdition's Flames" are pretty much the general bent the authors chose. While certain key plot points and twists aren't explicitly revealed, it can take the edge off some of the adventures that are forthcoming.
Though the main events and plotlines of Phoenix Rising have been neatly
Favorite quotes:
"Gods... the sacrifices I make for Queen, Country, and all the pommy bastards that live in it."
"The show really does go on.."
Show Less
LibraryThing member Shrike58
I wish I could say that I liked this novel better than I do, as the authors really tried to build some interesting protagonists, develop a screw-ball relationship between the two, and give you an interesting set of interlocking conspiracies. Part of the problem is that Steam Punk is rapidly setting
Show More
into a formula, but the main issue is that the middle of this book kind of dragged for me, and that's the kiss of death for what should be a fast-paced thriller. I'm still interested in the next book in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member SunnySD
An archivist named Books; Wellington Temperance Books, to be exact. He's gotten himself kidnapped, and it's field agent Eliza Braun's job to... well, she interprets her job as "rescue" although not everyone would be in agreement that that's what her orders actually said. Several explosions later,
Gadgets galore, and as mismatched a pair of partners as a reader could ask for. A very promising beginning!
Show More
Eliza finds herself assigned to the Archives of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurences, much to Books dismay. And so begins a partnership that's bound to shake things up... or explode them. Now the pairs on the hunt for the mysterious society of the Phoenix, and England may never be the same.Gadgets galore, and as mismatched a pair of partners as a reader could ask for. A very promising beginning!
Show Less
LibraryThing member majkia
good story, nice world building, but book in serious need of an editor.
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
I really don't think I like the Steampunk Genre. Or maybe I just don't like this book. Hard to say.
Its got a couple of annoying characters, one with a very blatant social agenda, and another who is actually quite dull.
I'm not sure how I feel about the sexual tension in this book - on one hand, it
I think the action scenes were well done, but the book really never slowed down and allowed a reader to catch their breathe.
I do think the writing style was excellent- there is a grace and ease that this book has, but with unlikeable, boring characters, a plot that could be tightened up a bit, this book was only an OK read.
Its got a couple of annoying characters, one with a very blatant social agenda, and another who is actually quite dull.
I'm not sure how I feel about the sexual tension in this book - on one hand, it
Show More
really doesn't feel natural, on the hand I do like how it was used as a weapon.I think the action scenes were well done, but the book really never slowed down and allowed a reader to catch their breathe.
I do think the writing style was excellent- there is a grace and ease that this book has, but with unlikeable, boring characters, a plot that could be tightened up a bit, this book was only an OK read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JJbooklvr
This is the first book in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. I really enjoyed the interplay between the characters of Braun and Books. This will appeal to fans of steampunk and also anyone who likes a fast-paced story with lots of action and humor. I am looking forward to the sequel.
LibraryThing member wakela
If I could only use one word to describe this book it would be SPLEDIFEROUS!
First off, I absolutely loved the characters. They were completely backwards. First off, the female (Braun) was the strong, overbearing, blow everything up type. Whereas, the male (Books) was more the calm, intellectual
The plot was incredible. I couldn’t put this book down! There were so many times that this book had me laughing though. I loved some of the references such as Barnabas and Angelique Collins or Bruce Campbell. Ingenious!
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
First off, I absolutely loved the characters. They were completely backwards. First off, the female (Braun) was the strong, overbearing, blow everything up type. Whereas, the male (Books) was more the calm, intellectual
Show More
type. Even though that is their main personality type, there are so many layers to them that you get to see as the story progresses.The plot was incredible. I couldn’t put this book down! There were so many times that this book had me laughing though. I loved some of the references such as Barnabas and Angelique Collins or Bruce Campbell. Ingenious!
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
Show Less
LibraryThing member srearley
I had a very good time reading this fun steampunk adventure. The main characters (partners, Wellington Brooks and Eliza Braun) were a great pair with a lot of chemistry. The pacing and the voice were just right, and the details, from the clothing to the steampunk gadgets, hit all of the right
I had a few quibbles, one of which was that most of the book was suitable for my 13 year olds, but then it had a sudden turn toward the racy that I wasn't expecting.
This was clearly meant as the start of a series, however it was a complete story of its own, which is nice to see. The number of books lately that end with massive cliffhangers are starting to try my patience. I will definitely read the second book in the series.
Show More
buttons with me.I had a few quibbles, one of which was that most of the book was suitable for my 13 year olds, but then it had a sudden turn toward the racy that I wasn't expecting.
This was clearly meant as the start of a series, however it was a complete story of its own, which is nice to see. The number of books lately that end with massive cliffhangers are starting to try my patience. I will definitely read the second book in the series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member liz.mabry
Mixed feelings on this one. The premise is great, the characters are fun. James Langton is a wonderful narrator, as usual. But it really needs an editor, to trim the fat and correct some mis-usages - e.g., "detract" instead of "distract", abrupt and confusing shifts in.character development, etc.
Show More
Definitely has potential. Show Less
LibraryThing member skraft001
I read the second book in the series first and enjoyed the writing so read the first one as well. Well developed characters that while you know they won't be killed off no matter how desperate the situation, you still root that no harm will come to them. The steampunk is just right for my taste.
Show More
Plan to read the next one that comes out. Show Less
LibraryThing member ScoutJ
Not a bad opening to the series, but a few too many storylines, some of which were not necessarily satisfactorily fleshed out, but I suppose that is jut the point to a series now, isn't it...certainly worth a shot for fans of thrillers, scifi or steampunk.
Publication
Harper Voyager (2011), Edition: First Paperback Printing, 402 pages
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011
Physical description
402 p.; 6.7 x 1.2 inches
ISBN
0062049763 / 9780062049766