Reviews
Spectyr
Philippa Ballantine is back and with each new work, she surpasses herself and in the process proves that she is the real deal. Her new book, Spectyr, the second in The Order series, is a fine example of genre mixing done right…The combination of great characters and an outstanding plot makes this book a winner. If Spectyr was dinner I’m going back for thirds. I’m stuffed to the gills but I want to get “American” full on this one.
…a story filled with heart, with bravery and courageous actions, with plenty of actions…The world is familiar enough not to put us off but unfamiliar to the extent we feel the edge. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you sidle up to this edgy world and read Spectyr
I’m impressed with how well Ballantine layer the action and intrigue into such a short book—in terms of fantasy books, that is. She did a great job developing twists and turns and packing an emotional wallop into only 310 pages. The emotional development between the main characters is so much deeper than it was in the first book, and we even get to branch off into some other characters to watch their story arc play out.
Ms. Ballantine delivers. Again. Her writing grabs you in a way that is visceral. It hits early. It hits repetitively. It hits hard. No cheap shots are taken. None are needed. You see, Ms. Ballantine knows how to write characters that make you care. Regardless of whether Sorcha, Merrick or Raed turns out to be your favorite, you’re going to find plenty to like and your favorite will live for you. Spectyr is a thrill packed adventure full of everything that makes a good book great. As you realize you’re heading in to the last fifty pages, you ask yourself how Ms. Ballantine can hope to pull this story together. Don’t worry. She does.
We get to know more about all three of our favorite characters Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed. We learn a lot more about Merrick’s backstory and his family. The fascinating bonds between the three of these characters continue to grow and change. There is no guessing what happens next at every turn. Everything about Spectyr was new and refreshing, with amazingly vivid action and suspense. If you are looking for a new Fantasy series, please look no further. If you have never tried a Fantasy series and are curious, please look no further. Philippa Ballantine’s writing really and truly cannot be beat, and the third book in the series, Wrayth, is on my auto-buy list. Oh, and before I conclude with my gushing, how incredible are the covers for this series? I can tell you that this is definitely a case of the gorgeous covers matching the books perfectly.
There’s a bit of romance, but only as an element. There’s some wonderfully subtle handling of religion, faith, and power. Some of the magic elements, such as the “air ships” have an almost steampunk feel, giving the books wonderful and unexpected layers. Which, let’s face it, is exactly what fantasy fans look for. We want our stories to feel like fantasy without being rote or cliche. Ballantine delivers just that. Don’t miss this series, it’s really worth your investment. Perfect summer escapism!
Spectyr keeps up the series’ promise: well-crafted, tightly packed action, interspersed with clues to worldbuilding which should satisfy even die-hard fantasy fans. While Geist took us into the action, Spectyr is keeping us there: waiting for Wrayth.
Wow – another great story in Ms. Ballantine’s richly-detailed, exotic world of Arkaym!…Once again, the three-way bond of Sorcha, Merrick and Raed, the ousted heir to the Empire and Sorcha’s lover, was a focal part of the story. The bond penetrated the threesome’s actions and grew in sometimes unexpected ways. The emotional impact of their deep connection reverberated throughout the story, leaving me wanting more.
This book made it so easy to slip back into this world. Not just because I read the first book, but the way it was written was just brilly. In this book, not only is the world expanded and more interesting to our imagination, but the characters were more rounded out as well. We see even more softness to Sorcha and even into some of her fears. We learn more about Merrick and are surprised at a few twists to his story. Even the Rossin, who is a Geistlord we learned to fear in the first book evolves his character. That was the most surprising and interesting bit of all!...I give this book 5 stars. If you read and liked the first, you will love the second book. I can’t wait for the third book, Wrayth which is currently being written. Oh and like the first book, it does contain a smidgen of steampunk to ease you into the genre.
If you have read and enjoyed Geist you will love this book even more. If you haven’t read it yet get yourself in gear, Buy Geist and Spectyr, you will thank both Ms Ballentine for writing them, and me for the recommendation once you’ve read them. I can not recommend these books highly enough, and I can’t wait for book 3 Wrayth to be released.
I’m afraid that just listing out the various twists and turns that pop out of this book might take some of the fun out of reading it. Make no mistake about that, by the way — this is a fun and fast read. The characters are solid and the moments of the book that deal with their interactions are where this book truly shines. Whether the small personal moments between family and friends or the heated moments of battle and betrayal by family, friends and foes (not to mention the occasional undead entity or goddess).
Phoenix Rising: Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
This has easily become one of my favorite books, and as soon as I’d finished it, I wanted to start all over again…I fell in love with each of the characters, and I can’t wait for the next book and the next mystery. The story pulled me along and I could not stop turning the pages.
Ballantine and Morris have created an appealing steampunk Odd Couple in Eliza and Wellington and I’m really annoyed that I discovered this series so early on. Ideally, I like to stumble across established series so I don’t have to impatiently wait for the next book in the series to come out…Part of what I liked so much about this book is that it did just about everything right. The historical touches of gritty Victorian England were vivid, the action sequences were well-paced and made sense, and the banter between Eliza and Wellington was funny.
What can I say about Phoenix Rising… Could there be a more awesome and deliciously fun steampunk novel? I think not! The first book in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series is full of mystery, diabolic secret societies, fantastic steampunk devices and enough Victorian mayhem to make the Brontë sisters blush. But let’s be practical for a moment. A book can have all the inner workings, but for me the characters are what seal the deal. The chemistry between Eliza D. Braun and Wellington Books is reminescent of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and it works from the start.
High stakes action and intrigue, with two great characters from whom the chemistry is radiant. In parts, a light action romp, akin to a summer blockbuster; in other parts, however, this book is as serious as a heart-attack. Agents Books and Braun are worthy heirs of Jon Steed and Emma Peel, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, and Peter Bishop and Olivia Dunham.
Using a beautifully detailed language, coupled with a Sherlock Holmes-like plot, Phoenix Rising proves to be an invigorating read about two mysterious characters you’ll come to know and love. If you’re a sucker for historical fiction and can’t say no to fabulously rendered technological advancements (think guns, contraptions and thing-a-ma-jigs), then you’ll be in good company with these two creations.
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.
Mr. Morris and Ms. Ballantine have cowritten a story here that is unlike anything I’ve ever heard or read by either of them. It is seamless in a way that few cowritten stories I’ve ever read are able to achieve. The story simply flows and you’re never aware that two cooks have been playing in the sauce. Simply stated, Phoenix Rising really should be on your “must read” list. It is a bargain at the relatively inexpensive cover price and can also be purchased through your favorite ebook store. If you haven’t read this amazingly fun book yet, go get a copy. You’ll thank me for it, and Mr. Morris and Ms. Ballantine will have gained another fan.
…the fantastic first book in a new steampunk series by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris…The scenes between Eliza and Books are full of lively conversation and a bit of tongue in cheek humor. They are not romantic but there is a hint of a mutual attraction which I hope Ms. Ballantine and Ms. Morris develop further in future books…I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the next book in this intriguing series.
Goggles and gears are not some decorative icing tossed on the top of some pulp fiction thriller. Instead, Morris and Ballantine have woven a complete tapestry where the technology is part of the world and history has adjusted ever so slightly to reflect this technologically advanced British Empire. Any doubt on the richness of the universe they have created can be dispelled by listening to any of the eight podcast short stories set in the MoPO universe.
In the very first chapter, we meet our pair of characters. Agent Books, being held hostage, and Agent Braun getting ready to save him. The scene is filled with action, suspense and most of all, humor. I found this book to be absolutely hilarious!
Braun and Books fill every page with exciting exploits and daring-dos. Particularly thrilling are the smallest of details that turn this book from a sophomoric effort into a smooth and absorbing read. For example, one of the secret societies in question employs the kitschy moniker “The House of Usher”. Tips of the hat to the Victorian foundations of the genre had me smirking my way through the 400-something page novel. With plenty of plot arcs left untapped, mysterious doors unopened, and a tantalizing room filled with the Ministry’s abandoned “cold cases”, I do not imagine that Braun and Books will sit on their laurels for long before beginning their next adventure. PHOENIX RISING is a delightful addition to any bookshelf and could entertain even the starchiest of matrons. Pour some tea, spike it with something explosive, and get to reading.
-Melanie Jacobs on Fresh Fiction
Rife with Steampunkian elements, PHOENIX RISING is an eminently satisfying adventure into the world of an alternate Victorian London, one ruled by the power of steam mixed well with arcane forces. I can’t remember having such a good time caught up in a story unless it was seeing Indiana Jones for the first time. Books and Braun will linger in the back of my mind until their next adventure (Cogs and Corsets) comes to my greedy hands.
- Diana Trokdahl on Fresh Fiction
Phoenix Rising is full of action, delicious witty banter, and fascinating twists and turns. The characterization of Eliza and Wellington is deeply detailed and utterly entertaining…I recommend Phoenix Rising for a rush of steampunk fun that’s more on the action film side of things than the steamy romance side, though it’s undeniable there’s chemistry between Welly and Eliza at some points…
PHOENIX RISING, whatever it’s genre designation, is a rather thrilling and labyrinth detective romp laced with humor, feminine moxie and mayhem. The prose is Dickens on steroids, yet it somehow grips the reader; the novel is long and dense, but skimming is virtually impossible. Every word builds character development or contributes to the intricate plot details. The language is creative and fun, a modern version of Modernism that has the reader believing in the existence of pre-microchip robotics and laser guns; the possibilities are endless. A dark and twisted roller-coaster of a read for those fond of elegant vernacular and bizarre weaponry.
Phoenix Rising is another marvelous addition to the steampunk genre. A modern version of Sherlock Holmes with the creepiness of Frankenstein. Whether you’re a steampunk fan or just love a good adventure mixed in with a little mystery, be sure to give this one a try!
So very many fun scenes… the dialogue is snappy and really brings out the characters and their attitudes. Delightful… and delicious! Wellington Books, the agent that ‘lives’ in the archives reminded me of Detective Latimer Finch from USA Network’s Peacemakers. It was so much fun hearing his voice in my head as Books. It really gave the story an added layer for me. The setting is truly another character in this book. It lives and breathes right along with the ‘human’ characters and received just as much attention from the authors… you’ll be lost in this world and enjoy every minute of it. I’m happy to say that I highly recommend both this book but also both authors!
‘Phoenix Rising’ is a great addition to the Steampunk genre. It was good to see the chemistry between the characters with their diverse backgrounds. I hope to learn more about where they all come from and how they came to be the way they are now. Wellington Books is the best kept secret the Ministry does not even know it has to offer! Sophia is seriously a great nemesis for Eliza, especially given the information that Wellington provides during the apex of the story. These are just a few examples of how the players were well developed. For example, describing the expressions and mannerisms of Wellington when he had Eliza pushed into his world – priceless! I’m happy to see that we will have more coming from the dynamic duo and mysteries left in play with Dr. Sound, Campbell and Sussex. Oh, and do not let me forget the awesome cover!
This is probably the most clearly drawn Steampunk world I have come across so far. The machines are described so well that they are quite believable. Some might find Eliza a bit of a stretch in believability for a woman of the time, but it is an alternate reality, and she is a Kiwi who learned to fight from the Maoris which makes her character quite plausible. The ending came to a satisfying conclusion with just enough left over to give you an idea of where the story might be going next. I’ll definitely be keeping up with this series.
I love the fact that a good bit of the book takes place in the archives cataloging the cases. I love that Eliza is the physically dangerous partner, although Welly has secret strengths. I love the fact that the villains are villains without any shades of gray. As a matter of fact, I love this entire book.
Phoenix Rising is many things, but first and foremost it’s a lot of fun. Eliza and Wellington play their parts wonderfully well as the sexy, deadly secret agent, alongside the stiff-necked Brit with a little more going on under his perturbed surface than first appears. The real strength of the duo is the deft banter that fills the pages as each tries to work out the other while holding their own cards close to their, in Eliza’s case ample, chests. Comparisons can be drawn between the Avengers, Castle, and Warehouse 13 for the partnership of brains and battle but Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine have worked hard to give their creations a life of their own with enough depth and charm to warrant the further titles that are planned in the series. Add to this a believable Victorian London setting (complete with the obligatory street-urchins of unquestionable loyalty and dubious hygiene), a fine selection of secondary characters, and enough action sequences to keep even Michael Bay happy, the result is an exciting, funny, and highly enjoyable novel that will last long in the memory. A romp with some pomp, we Brits love that.
The technology was in no way frivolous or ill conceived; the melding of our world and the steampunk realm was done cleanly and to great effect. It made me wish our technology was steam-powered now. The relationships between the characters were ever evolving and interesting and the characters themselves surprised and delighted me with their layers upon layers of complexity. By the time I was done reading, they were living, breathing people, some whom I liked and others I reviled. It may sound cliché but the only complaint I have with this book is that I am finished reading it and there isn’t another one ready to go. Believe me when I say, there are enough loose threads that I hope to be enjoying the series for a long time to come.
Phoenix Rising is a sensational steampunk inaugural offering from the team of Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris about the dashing duo Agents Braun and Books. This book is fast paced, well written and extremely thought provoking while remaining a lot of fun. Agents Books and Braun are vivid characters that really come to life behind your eyes...Phoenix Rising has chemistry, clandestine British secret society’s, Victorian fashions and societal commentary beautifully combined with fantastical steam powered technology the likes of which never made it to light. This book will involve you and have you thinking about where things fit in with the actual histories of the Victorian era and eagerly anticipating the next volume – which I’m sure will be coming. There are many adventures still to be had by the intrepid investigators Books and Braun.
Steampunk is a genre that revels in anachronism and absurdity. With these aspects in mind Ballantine and Morris have written a story that takes advantage of those absurdities and anachronisms to deliver a fast paced action thriller very reminiscent of the recent Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey jnr, with believable characters and motivations…As a closing point I will note that Ballantine and Morris write well together. I was not able to spot changes in authorial style through the book, which shows that these two are able to seamlessly pass the pen from one to the other without disrupting the narrative flow. Phoenix Rising is a fun read and I look forward to the next volume in the adventures of Books and Braun.
-SFFANZ review by Simon Litten
Who doesn’t love an adrenaline pumped, pistol twirling woman wearing a fur coat “flowing around her like a cape”. This is your first introduction to Eliza Braun, agent at the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. Not only is she a crack shot and incredibly endowed with other talents, but she also likes to blow things up. The perfect woman…If you like secret agents, mystery, cleavage, explosions and perpetual action….you will love Phoenix Rising!
Absolutely delightful! Ballentine and Morris have created a well realized world and given us two wonderfully snarky partners in Wellington Books and Eliza Braun (yes, those last names are very descriptive of the characters). The witty banter and well paced action flows along nicely and never seems to get tripped up by info dumps or too detailed descriptions of the steampunk world and gadgets…I loved this book and laughed out loud throughout.
Take Warehouse 13, make it cool and intelligently written, add in some Sherlock Holmes-ish murders and set it during Victorian London and you would have something almost as good as this excellent steampunk novel…Ballantine and Morris create a world and a story that you can’t help but smile at while reading. This book is a diamond in super-affordable rough. Why isn’t there a major publisher pushing this series with hardbacks and advertising? It has mass appeal and would easily translate into film.I highly recommend this series (hopefully) to fans of steampunk and mysteries. You won’t regret reading it!
The dynamic between them reminds me strongly of the recent Sherlock Holmes movie. Watson and Holmes had the same bickering camaraderie between them that Eliza and Wellington do. The language is also another delight in the book. There are lots of slang words popping up here and there (especially from Eliza) like dollymop and Fabian. It added a nice flavor to the dialogue…All in all I thought this was a strong first book and that anyone who was a fan of the adventure in the Blades of the Rose series and the dynamic in Sherlock Holmes movie might want to check this series out. I’m very eager to see where this partnership takes Eliza and “Welly” in the future.
Readers new to the Steampunk genre can’t do better then starting out with this excellent romp through an alternate version of Victorian England. As if the main character names are not enough of a clue, this is simple good fun. The smooth pace, assorted subplots, evil villains and plot twists create a delightful, engaging read that draws readers in and doesn’t let go.
Phoenix Rising is the type of book I could happily spend an entire book review quoting from, it’s just full of punchy one liners and witty dialogue. If you really want to work out what the story is all about, just look at the cover, it really does manage to sum up the story nicely…Otherwise the story itself just flows from beginning to end as one constant page-turning read and he characters are great fun. The whole book is also a wonderful set up for an ongoing series, which promises to have several books that are all just as enjoyable. I can’t wait.
Eventually, she finds a manner to amuse herself, by investigating old cases left to wither in the dark corners of the archives. The reader suspects this is the set-up for their partnership, looking into cold cases, for future books to come, and this reader crosses her fingers that it indeed is true because I want to read much more about this daring duo…Phoenix Rising has all the steampunk gadgets and gears readers desire, along with a smart pair of protagonists that you will insist on reading about in the next book, and the next book, and….
Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris fill the pages with explosions, witty banter, clever fashion, chase scenes, derring-do, and more explosions. The writing style intentionally evokes Victorian writing mannerisms and plays them for laughs. You’ll find plenty of steampunk gizmos, too, ranging from the handy (such as Braun’s armored corset and certain incendiary devices) to the just plain fun (Books’ “difference engine” is set up to have a function similar to that of an mp3 player)…The action/adventure atmosphere does return, however, and the ending promises more Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences cases to come. With the dry humor and crackling chemistry displayed in Phoenix Rising, I’m sure they’ll be fun.
First of all, I must commend you both on writing a steampunk that actually makes use of steampunk! It’s not just goggles here…I also appreciated the fact that Britain’s imperialistic tendencies during this time period were not glossed over…In fantasy, we often swing between two extremes: the very lighthearted and the very serious. It was nice to read a book that was fun and had its serious moments but never completely descended into the grim and dark.
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…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.
This is a fun, well paced book that does Steampunk right. I have read other titles from both of the authors and the combination of Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris is truly a recipe for greatness…This book combines aspects of the “The Odd Couple”, the first three Indiana Jones movies, any good detective novel and the TV show, Cold Case…People love Steampunk and I think in Ballantine and Morris we have authors that can carry the torch. If you haven’t purchased this book or downloaded it you are missing out. Buy it, open the cover and enjoy the hissing sound as you escape into a well developed, exciting romp thru an alternate reality. I think my goggles just fogged up.
I enjoyed this book more than I think I can express in a single review. The moment I finished it I wanted the next one in the series. The steampunk world is incredible, all the way from awesome weaponry to colorful clothing. Eliza’s sassy attitude kept me upbeat throughout the entire book, even when I was scared for the characters’ lives. At one point I actually stopped reading and wondered, “How are the authors going to get them out of this?” I must also say, nothing pleases me quite as much as a bad-ass heroine. Furthermore, the hero is equally as bad-ass, but in his own, unique flavor. So, if you are a sci-fi/fantasy lover, or even if you’ve toyed with the idea of trying out the genre, I shall advise you on what I think you should do after you read this review: Drive to your local bookstore, and purchase Phoenix Rising. If you are looking for a quick-paced, passionate adventure with characters you’ll want to follow through many, many books, I am sure that Phoenix Rising is a superb choice. As I write this, I am still yearning for the next in the series.
It is very hard to write about this story without giving spoilers, it has exploding books, bullet-proof corsets, airships, Babbage Machines, Evil Villans (Male and Female), Stalwart Heroes…. and more wonderful things than I can fit into one review. There is a wonderful atmosphere here a good sense of place, and a real feel for English Victorian attitudes, especially towards women, and “others”.
Phoenix Rising is a well-written amazing adventure. The plot unfolds at just the right pace, leaving me at the edge of my seat throughout much of the tale. The story is smart and the characters witty…Ms. Ballantine and Mr. Morris have captured my imagination, heart and mind with their wickedly delightful tale. Phoenix Rising kicked off what I hope to be a long-lived series of adventures for Ms. Braun and Mr. Books.
-That’s What I’m Talking About
There is so much adventure, banter and espionage goodness in Phoenix Rising, that I cannot wait to read more. Eliza and Books have quickly become two of my favorite characters!
What is the best part? It is very hard to say. Certainly, a major highlight — not to mention enduring delight — lies in the creation of our main protagonists, staid and sardonic archivist Wellington Books and feisty New Zealand renegade Eliza Braun. The two meet under trying circumstances (in Antarctica!) and strike sparks off each other immediately; “Welly” — as Eliza soon dubs her new acquaintance, much to his prissy distaste — is all logical problem-solving aristocratic Lord Peter Wimsey, whereas as she is all where-does-she-get-those-wonderful-toys Batman. Their chemistry? It positively leaps from the page; they are equal parts Mulder and Scully, Steed and Peel and Stargate SG-1’s Daniel and Sam, with more than a little Jane and Lisbon from The Mentalist thrown in….what Phoenix Rising does beautifully, uniquely and with tremendous skill is blend the at-times dour tone of its medium — think Charles Stross’s The Laundry — with a Regency-esque sensibility; if Jane Austen had written Fantasy (and been just a little less ladylike; the Victorians may be considered prudish by today’s morality, but they had nothing on the early nineteenth century), this could well be what she’d have produced: a book brimming with elegant prose, crackling dialogue, a disdainful, but honorable, hero and a singularly ass-kicking heroine to cheer for.
And the plot? Wow. Just, wow. Right from the very start it’s action packed—these two sure know how to get themselves caught up in trouble, and get themselves out of it (in fairly good shape anyway!). The storyline threaded through past and present, blending backstory and character history seamlessly into the action, while also raising enough questions to leave the reader itching for the next book in the series. There are bigger things afoot, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. If you like a rollicking good time, then I encourage you to check this one out—you won’t be disappointed.
Oh, what fun! Steampunk, great characters, a rousing adventure! That’s this book in a nutshell.
-Murder By The Book’s Mystery Book Blog
What follows is a rollicking story full of carriage chases, shootouts, wondrous steam gadgetry, and intriguing mystery! I loved the interplay between Welly (Books) and Eliza, and Eliza will meet a female assassin that just may be her match! I also enjoyed how the authors balanced the action (and there was plenty) with the character development, which kept me turning the pages to see what romp Eliza and Welly would get drawn into next during their investigation. The mystery kept me guessing and the atmosphere created by the authors was just wonderful. It was certainly easy to imagine being in the streets of Victorian London, amidst amazing steam gadgets and fog shrouded mystery! I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series!
Things I loved: Eliza and Welly’s drunken night on the town followed by the frenetic following morning after they’d taken the hangover cure. Eliza’s a bit of a firecracker as it is, making her lose her (admittedly already loose) inhibitions and go charging into battle without a care in the world was great. Come to think of it, pretty much any time Welly and Eliza were going toe-to-toe was a hoot. Those two are such polar opposites and yet they flourish when they’re together. I also thoroughly enjoyed the threads that were laid out for later books. There were so many things that I want to know more about and I’m anxious to see where the overall arc is heading.
This was a great start to a great series. Steampunk-when written right-can be a grand adventure into the past that tells a whole new story of the ingenuity of the human mind. The banter between Eliza and Wellington, or “Welly” as she calls him, had me chuckling in more than one spot. The two are polar opposites, but somehow manage to work together without killing each other. Eliza wears trousers and a steel corset, while Wellington abhors violence but can hold his own in a fight. There’s more to Wellington than meets the eye. I hope there’s a book 2 in this series on the horizon, because I’d love to read more about this unlikely duo. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s read Gail Carriger, or has an interest in a good steampunk story.
If James Bond wore a corset and drank Earl Grey it might be something like the adventures in Phoenix Rising….The book is heavy with its steampunk theme, but it’s also pretty light reading. The bodycount is ridiculously high and there are plenty of very cinematic passages that get the blood pumping. I don’t think I can describe it correctly as high octane (maybe high coal?), but there’s always a lot of action…The two agents make light-hearted banter whilst chasing down evil villains and mad scientists and getting in and out of scrapes in immaculate period style. It’s anachronistic and absurd, but Phoenix Rising has a sweet ending and getting to it is gleeful fun.
Eliza is a dashing heroine, reminiscent of the wonderful Emma Peel, from the 1960s TV show The Avengers. Both are intelligent, highly-skilled, and extremely well-dressed feminists who aren’t above exploiting their own sexual charms to attain the upper hand. While her relationship with Wellington replicates the same witty repartee and sense of sexual innuendo as that of Peel and Steed, Wellington is a far more bookish and charmingly awkward hero than John Steed ever was….Sophia del Morte is a femme-fatale of James Bond quality, while Doctor Devereux Havelock would be equally at home in any of the more far-fetched entries in that cinematic saga. The rivalry between Eliza and Sophia comprises the bulk of the novel‘s action, with gloriously choreographed fight scenes that see as many clothes shed as they do weapons introduced. Wellington and Havelock, on the other hand, are more intellectual adversaries, each with a deep and abiding respect for the other’s inventiveness and creativity. That’s not to say there’s anything lacking in their final confrontation, just that it’s all the more satisfying for the build-up.
This is a great romp through a Victorian England that’s just off enough to be intriguing, and I found Books and Braun rapidly growing on me. The pace is lively, and the authors keep the reader guessing…Recommended for a good, light-hearted, adventurous romp.
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??!”…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.
The book starts on a high action note, and doesn’t really slow down all that much throughout. There are places with a more sedate pace, but those are generally setting up more action or important plot points. The setting is a Victorian England with plenty of fun steam-powered gadgets, nicely but not off-puttingly described, to keep the reader entertained. Besides the main pair of agents, we also get some nicely fleshed out side characters, which always makes for a better read. The Ministry itself has endless plot potential, with the Archives being a focal point for artifacts and mysteries. And the book conveys a strong sense of both history, of the world and our characters, and future, as there are unresolved plot points clearly pointing to a sequel or sequels. At the same time, the main story within the book is self-contained and complete.
I’d recommend this to fans of action, anyone into Steampunk as a genre, and readers looking for a strong female character.
Geist
The most remarkable for me where the three main characters: Sorcha, Raed and Merrick. Sorcha is an amazingly human character in a fantasy story. She is so jaded, cynical and proud. She experiences real human and imperfect emotions that we can all relate to. Sometimes I would cringe for her over how arrogant and condescending she came across, but I loved her in spite of it because I felt I understood her. She is socially stupid! But she has a huge heart, and discovering that was so touching. I loved her cigar addiction, it was just one of those things where I totally felt connected with her. It also helped to “get” Sorcha because of the chemistry between her and Merrick and Raed. They are somehow able to see past what she blurts out and translate her to us as they all learn more and more about how the Active:Sensitive bond works. I enjoyed the dialog between the characters so much I was completely lost in the world of Arkaym and The Order. The descriptions are so vivid, the action is packed on the page and it never stops, this book took my imagination on a crazy wild journey.
All considered? Well, Geist is a novel which should be making its way onto your reading list. A fast-moving, rather riotous fantasy in a mainly slow-moving genre, it’s definitely a refreshing read. And it’s got sequels… (Insert badly-concealed hook for next review here) Also… Airships. Let me just savour that word.- Drying Ink
I promised myself so not too much, but then what was already offered on the first pages was fantasy at the highest level… A world where airships operate, firearms are in use. The other aspect of the world is a welcome change in the book shelf, as it provides material for many ghosts…It is an open end, because with Spectyr this Fall already part 2 and two further volumes are planned. Clearly a must for me, because the book was exciting, varied, dangerous, sexy and funny. This was all true, by the story, the setting and the characters, I was dazzled entertained.
- Mützen-Varieté (Translated from the German)
I was thrilled with the book, though. Absolutely thrilled! The book mythology was really interesting — Deacons and geists and undead possession — and I loved the idea of Actives and Sensitives, and the occasional pinch of steampunk. But my favourite thing by far was how the relationship between Actives and Sensitives is symbiotic but not co-dependent — a really interesting magical connection that gets explored in a lovely, deep way over the course of the novel. The characters are also really great.
At the start of the story the book seemed laced with genre tropes, such as, for example, the exceptional partnership between Sorcha and Merrick, the noble cursed prince and the Order militant to protect the realm, but Ballantine quickly twists these and makes them her own. Said partnership turns out to be special for an unexpected reason, the noble prince is noble, but his curse stays a curse and the Order militant isn’t exactly as clerical as one might expect from their titles! Ballantine succeeds in using tropes without letting them slip (too far) into cliché and I wasn’t bored with them at any point…I also liked how there were plenty of clues given for Nynnia’s true identity. I knew something was up with her as this is broadcast pretty clearly from the moment we meet her, I just couldn’t figure out what until the reveal and then all the pieces fell into place. The three-way bond, with Sorcha as the linchpin, was also a nice conceit and not only creates solutions, but tensions as well. A character that was most interesting as well, though we only see him as an active point of view for a few scenes, was the Rossin. I found the Beast fascinating, since he’s supposed to be evil, but there does seem to be some honour there.
Geist also features a strong if imperfect woman as the protagonist, and she is one of the best ones of her kind I’ve seen yet.
The prose is Ballantine’s own, and she spins her world and characters with the kind of professional confidence lacking from so many of the other works I’ve recently read. She picks a good balance between explaining things that need to be explained, and leaving mysteries left in the world; between letting the heroes be heroic and leaving powers beyond and above them.
Part of the entertainment in this novel is putting the pieces together to get a picture of the complicated political situation, the period (they have magic airships!), and the nature of the geists and the Deacons’ powers. Things get pretty grim, with monsters and treachery everywhere, but plenty of magic-blasting action keeps things lively for a rousing start to this new series.
- Carolyn Cushman of Locus (February 2011)
As the book continues we are introduced to an Arch Abbot, a Cursed Pretender King and a Hotshot Novice Sensitive with a secret past, to name a few. Ballantine does a wonderful job of bringing the world she has created into focus for the reader. Rather than front loading the reader with a boring history of the world she jumps right in feet first and brings the reader up to speed as the story progresses. Some people don’t like this style but I think that Ms. Ballantine has found the “sweet spot” on this one.
Philippa Ballantine has crafted a unique and engrossing tale with GEIST. Memorable characters, multiple subplots, and spot-on dialogue combined with some dramatic action scenes create a vivid and satisfying read. Unlike many strong heroines, Sorcha can only succeed in her duties with her partner; alone she can’t see what she’s fighting. This dependence on one another adds another layer to these characters. Sorcha is a powerful fighter, but she doesn’t do well in social situations, although her humanity begins to show through as the story progresses. Merrick, on his first assignment for the Order, learns to rely on his own strengths. Ballantine has created 3- dimensional characters that ring true; they have flaws like the rest of us, and she throws in a bit of romance for fun. This novel is a promising start to a unique series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in 2011.
We’re in a great time of innovation in world-building, seems like people are getting away from strict Tolkien worlds and adding twists, which I find quite enjoyable. The society and magic system in Geist is REALLY interesting and believable. The paranormal-fighting Paladin order was really fun to learn about, and the world was well-layered in familiar ways. The steam punk stuff was very light, but added nice flavor…they were all distinct and Sorcha, the main female character, was tough but BELIEVABLE, she never tried to hard to be competent: she just WAS. Everyone’s personality was well balanced against each other, and I definitely rooted for them to succeed!
Felicia Day, review on Goodreads.com
Make no mistake, Geist is good, really good. Ballantine has found a way to make Ghosts scary again. As I mentioned in my review of Unholy Ghosts, ghosts usually play second fiddle to something far uglier, but the geists of Philippa Ballantine’s world are entirely nasty enough without being cheesy. While of course there is more going on than an infestation of the undead, I never felt like a geist attack was something the characters could brush off.
All in all this book was such a pleasure to read that by it’s ending I was like heck ya! But the next release is months away which turned into: this book was amazing! but now I have to wait 
But I recommend you pick up a copy and dive into this fantastical world of wonderful characters and a great plot.
- Snarky Mama (5 out of 5 stars)
The story starts off with an intense action scene that does more than just set up the pace for the rest of the book. You also get to learn a good bit about the world, Sorcha, and the odds stacked against her. The book’s not just about her though. It would be good enough if it was, but Philippa also introduces several other characters, each with hidden depths and secrets that go somewhere. Add to that a world that’s as complex as any other fantasy realm (without all the weighty exposition that bogs many of them down) and you have a book well worth buying.
Ballantine not only weaved a perfect magical world, she filled it with complex characters and monsters you might find in an Urban Fantasy novel. It deserves 5 stars for originality, 5 stars plot, and 5 stars for characters who start off a bit rough but end up shining like diamonds These things combined make it one of the top Fantasy books I’ve read this year!
Spectyr can’t get here fast enough.
The story is an unusual mix of Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance and Mystery packed with a lot (!) of action. The book is focused on three very unique characters and I really liked the development of the characters through the book. The story is told mainly from Sorcha’s view, but also from Merrick’s and Raed’s view, which made the story even richer and more fun.
-Books, Cats, Movies and Coffee (4.5 stars out of 5)
The characters are another wonderful strength here. The characters stick to their personalities, but grow in more ways than I had expected, to show other sides I wouldn’t have thought to show, making them three dimensional to me. I enjoyed watching all the characters grow in wonderful leaps in this book. And the characters secrets start to unfold.
The story Philippa has to tell here is captivating. There are a few stories with in this book; learning of the characters, the history of the world, and the mystery of what is happening with the changes the geist are showing. Then the mystery of where the corruption is or coming from.
I would think many who loves Fantasy would enjoy this book along with Urban Fantasy lovers as well. This book touches on a few different genre, but has a depth to it to make you wonder where Philippa will go in the future and how deep does the venality go.
As we venture deeper into this world I found the mystery and horror to be very appealing; dripping with action and suspense. While the world Ms. Ballantine built is definitely interesting and has the potential to become much more then revealed so far-I found her characters to be the focal point of this drama. As I raced towards the ending, I felt like I was on a roller coaster, my stomach pitching and rolling as each new clue and dramatic scene unfolded. I like how everything isn’t explained and some decisions made, though I don’t agree with them, are really the only decisions that could be made. We aren’t promised rainbows and sunshine.
The characterization is fantastic. Sorcha, in particular, jumps right off the page; an abrasive, snarky, sometimes narrow-minded, yet often endearing woman who is determined to do what’s right and likes her cigars. Merrick is less sharply drawn but also lovable, and Raed — a noble rogue with a dark secret — may just win my award for “Hottest Fantasy Hero Since Joscelin Verreuil.”
The plot moves quickly and is peppered with banter and sexual tension. The ending is not a cliffhanger, but left me eager for more; I just have to know what happens with these characters! Geist will appeal to urban fantasy fans willing to venture into a wholly invented world, and to high fantasy fans that don’t mind a story that’s a little sexy. I thoroughly enjoyed this character-driven novel that isn’t quite like anything else I’ve read.
- Tempting Words
Ms. Ballantine does create a firm mythos that encapsulates the motivations driving her characters towards their objectives. However, she does this whilst keeping the focus on the characters and letting the mythos build along the way. This is a lesson I think many writers need to learn…Geist is much more than another quest fantasy. Geist has elements of fantasy, horror and romance all rolled into one action packed adventure spanning continents where loyalties are called into question, rogues can be heroes and heroes can be idealists.
The world of Geist is an intriguing blend of fantasy, paranormal and history. It’s not really any more of one genre than another, nor is any of it emphasized above each other. Fans of history may be able to spot all the historical references that were slightly skewed to fit in with the world, while fans of fantasy will be able to spot the magic’s used and fans of the paranormal will marvel over the ‘undead’ that Sorcha and co. fight. It has a little something of everything in other words.
Although the book is full of exciting action and amazing adventure, the trio created of Sorcha, Merrick and Raed is fascinating and the true heart of the story. Ms. Ballantine does an amazing job with the character development. The trio each sees things in a unique way, bringing a full spectrum of views in each situation. I enjoyed the give and take that makes this relationship work.
With layer after layer unfolding before me – causing several twists and turns, I was on the proverbial edge of my seat. The book came to a satisfying conclusion, yet it was open-ended for subsequent stories. I for one, cannot wait! I want to know more about the secrets of the Sensitives. I want to know more about how the bond works. And I want to know what will become of this amazing trio!
- That’s What I am Talking About
A prickly character who enjoys smoking cigars, Sorcha embodies the strong, loner character often found in fantasies, but she has a woman’s perception and desires, too. Little is learned about Kolya other than from Sorcha’s biased opinion, but Merrick is an interesting counterpoint to Sorcha’s near world-weary attitude. Raed’s character is a surprise, as is Nynnia, whom the deacons meet on their way to Ulrich. GEIST is a fast paced, adventure packed fantasy. Author Philippa Ballantine leads the reader through this unusual world in an understandable fashion.
- Romance Reviews Today
I’m glad they gave Geist such a cool cover, because historical fantasy fans are going to dig this one. I appreciated the fact that the heroine is a mature, sexy woman with a gruff personality. I also appreciated that her partner, Merrick, is a total greenhorn, but he compliments her perfectly by providing cool-thinking and diplomacy, which Sorcha lacks in every way. And I really appreciated that Philippa Ballantine did not muck up their relationship with any romantic entanglements. It’s so rare to find a story that features a male and female lead with a close relationship that is purely platonic. I loved it. There are no messy love triangles here.
Rebecca of Dirty Sexy Books
Sorcha is a tough woman. She’s got skills that can kick ass and an attitude to match. However, the best part of Sorcha is how horrible she is with social situations. She’s brusque, rude, and condescending in turns. I find that a very human twist on the standard “kick ass heroine” routine. Well, that and I love characters that just aren’t as good at navigating social situations as they are with their talent. Being thrust into a partnership with Merrick really uncovers the differences between the two characters as well as Sorcha’s failings and abilities. Even before the two see how they can learn to work together, they’re a logical match–and I had a lot of fun having the book work up to that point slowly and painfully.
The key to this great horror-fantasy is the belief in the magical world of Philippa Ballantine summed up by the Guardian and the Pretender when she says “If wishes were horses,” and he finishes with “I would never have to walk again.” Little touches like this bring alive the prime element of the Bond, which make the realm of Geist seem genuine. Sorcha and her two comrades are terrific characters who keep the story line focused even as the plot entertainingly switches from fantasy to horror. This is a wonderful thriller.
Digital Magic
Things start to get very interesting upon the arrival of a thief who’d been around far longer than anyone’s great great grandparents can remember. I absolutely loved all of the characters in this book. I loved the story, I loved the romance, I loved the technology, I loved the magic, and I loved the surprising ending at the end. I could not put the book down and it left me feeling stunned and thoughtfully introspected for a long while afterwards.
Pip’s talent was evident in Chasing the Bard. With this title, her talent has evolved. Digital Magic was a delight for the senses: tearful moments of regret, blood-chilling terror, and sensual moments of intimacy. Even without reading Chasing the Bard (although you can hear it for free as a podcast), you can appreciate and enjoy the intrigue Ballantine weaves both in the waking world and the virtual one.
-Tee Morris, author of Morevi and the Billibub Baddings Mysteries
I believe readers of the steam punk genre, those who like cyberpunk novels and those who appreciate a good paranormal romance will all love Digital Magic.
The descriptions in Digital Magic transport the reader in time and space; Ballantine does an excellent job, her strengths seem to be in knowing what to spend time describing, and what not to. Many writers have the former down pat, but struggle mightily with the latter. The characters are well written and believable, as they were in Chasing the Bard. Digital Magic is a wonderful book, but you won’t read this one as quickly as some others. Ballantine repeatedly has readers stopping to ponder what they’ve just read, trying to find out exactly what’s going on. And trust me — you won’t find out until the last chapter or two. Promise. But the wait and the patience are worth it. This isn’t a beach book, but it’s certainly a great book to curl up with on a rainy day, or even a sunny one.
-Warren Kelly of Blog Critics Magazine
Chasing the Bard
Chasing the Bard is a saga of love and betrayal. In a time when magic is slowly dying at the hand of the church, the fey return one last time for help. Philippa Ballantine expertly describes the life and times of Elizabethan England within a story of ancient magic and power. Chasing the Bard deftly weaves history and fantasy within the mortal and fey world. Maybe he was called the Bard for reasons beyond his plays and sonnets.
Chasing the Bard intrigued and mesmerized me with its tale of heartache and sorrow. Sive and Will’s relationship captured my heart and I longed for them to be together. Will became more than a part of history, he lived in Chasing the Bard and I will miss him. Philippa Ballantine brilliantly exposes the blindness that causes us to believe we don’t need each other whether human or not.
-Fallen Angel Reviews
7 gargoyles out of 9
This book is an imaginative extension of Shakespeare’s play. The premise is much darker than the original, but there is enough light-hearted banter by Puck to keep the story from getting too dark.
-In the Library Review