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acf151's review
Can I read the next book now?
This book starts showing the carefully woven overall story arc Ann's provides intriguing clues about just what Books' nut of a father was up to.
I highly recommend reading if you enjoyed the first three books.
This book starts showing the carefully woven overall story arc Ann's provides intriguing clues about just what Books' nut of a father was up to.
I highly recommend reading if you enjoyed the first three books.
prgchrqltma's review against another edition
3.0
I just sort of wandered away from this one about half way through. I'm pretty sure the plot was about to move, but I just wasn't into it.
jaclynder's review against another edition
4.0
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
The Ministry is back in action!
The fourth book in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has arrived and the team is being thrown under the bus by outside forces. Forced to go to ground with the Phantom Protocol Eliza Braun and Wellington Books are on the run and ready to save the empire once again, trouble is, the leader of the empire, just might be the problem.
The Diamond Conspiracy takes place just days after the events in Dawn’s Early Light. Welly and Eliza are returning back to England and testing out their new found romantic relationship. However, the pleasure cruise home is brought to an abrupt halt when Eliza receives the signal from her street urchins, the Ministry Seven. Racing against the clock Eliza and Wellington band together with trusted colleagues and former enemies to save both the empire and their own skin.
The latest installment in the series is just as fun as the previous ones. The action starts right away and Eliza and Wellington are thrown into the thick of it, but this time their awesome dynamic had changed. No longer just partners, Eliza and Wellington have to cope with their new status as a couple. They’re not hiding their feelings for one another, but at the same time they can’t let it complicate their mission, the fate of the empire does rest in their hands after all.
What readers are also treated to in The Diamond Conspiracy is Wellington’s dark and tragic childhood. As readers of the series will be well aware, Wellington has secrets skills. He may be a mild-mannered archivist, but he knows his way around a rifle and is a crack shot, all thanks to his autocratic father's training. Here, readers find out more about that father and what Wellington’s childhood was a like. When the Ministry takes refuge in Wellington’s childhood home, he is forced to confront his upbringing and the mysterious purpose of it. And based on that ending, that upbringing is going to have some serious repercussions going forward in the series. Can we have book 5 now?
If you’re a fan of The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences this addition does not disappoint. It’s a fun, action packed adventure studded with great cameos (i.e. Queen Victoria, Dr. Jekyll) and new steampunk gadgets. If you haven't read the series, it's one that I highly recommend. The steampunk elements are fantastic and are actually important to the plot. The alternative London that the authors create is also a lot of fun, as is the secret service that protects it's shores. Start with book 1, Phoenix Rising.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
The Ministry is back in action!
The fourth book in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has arrived and the team is being thrown under the bus by outside forces. Forced to go to ground with the Phantom Protocol Eliza Braun and Wellington Books are on the run and ready to save the empire once again, trouble is, the leader of the empire, just might be the problem.
The Diamond Conspiracy takes place just days after the events in Dawn’s Early Light. Welly and Eliza are returning back to England and testing out their new found romantic relationship. However, the pleasure cruise home is brought to an abrupt halt when Eliza receives the signal from her street urchins, the Ministry Seven. Racing against the clock Eliza and Wellington band together with trusted colleagues and former enemies to save both the empire and their own skin.
The latest installment in the series is just as fun as the previous ones. The action starts right away and Eliza and Wellington are thrown into the thick of it, but this time their awesome dynamic had changed. No longer just partners, Eliza and Wellington have to cope with their new status as a couple. They’re not hiding their feelings for one another, but at the same time they can’t let it complicate their mission, the fate of the empire does rest in their hands after all.
What readers are also treated to in The Diamond Conspiracy is Wellington’s dark and tragic childhood. As readers of the series will be well aware, Wellington has secrets skills. He may be a mild-mannered archivist, but he knows his way around a rifle and is a crack shot, all thanks to his autocratic father's training. Here, readers find out more about that father and what Wellington’s childhood was a like. When the Ministry takes refuge in Wellington’s childhood home, he is forced to confront his upbringing and the mysterious purpose of it. And based on that ending, that upbringing is going to have some serious repercussions going forward in the series. Can we have book 5 now?
If you’re a fan of The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences this addition does not disappoint. It’s a fun, action packed adventure studded with great cameos (i.e. Queen Victoria, Dr. Jekyll) and new steampunk gadgets. If you haven't read the series, it's one that I highly recommend. The steampunk elements are fantastic and are actually important to the plot. The alternative London that the authors create is also a lot of fun, as is the secret service that protects it's shores. Start with book 1, Phoenix Rising.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
vittorioseg's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good thriller with the return of the intrepid duo now in the cuspid of their romance. We are shown the plethora of characters that make the Ministry universe, several plots are finished and so many twists occur that can make difficult to follow the plot unless you remember well the story of the last books from the Ministry of peculiar occurrence.
Even so, I have to admit that several critics about the setting ring very true: There is really no explanation nor reason why this story has to be steampunk. There is no sense of true wonder (not only gazing) about the advancement of technology, of the political situation of the English empire that now possess analytical engines, no social changes from the original Victorian England by the introduction of so many peculiar occurrences nor of the several larger than life characters. Everything seems static and unchanging, which I believe goes against the very essence of Steampunk.
But I wouldn't know. This is my first introduction to the Steampunk setting if you discount Castle Falkenstein, and so far I have enjoyed it.
Even so, I have to admit that several critics about the setting ring very true: There is really no explanation nor reason why this story has to be steampunk. There is no sense of true wonder (not only gazing) about the advancement of technology, of the political situation of the English empire that now possess analytical engines, no social changes from the original Victorian England by the introduction of so many peculiar occurrences nor of the several larger than life characters. Everything seems static and unchanging, which I believe goes against the very essence of Steampunk.
But I wouldn't know. This is my first introduction to the Steampunk setting if you discount Castle Falkenstein, and so far I have enjoyed it.
veronica87's review against another edition
4.0
This was another fun adventure with Agents Books and Braun who are, thankfully, working very closely once again. One of my biggest quibbles with book three was how much of it the two agents spent apart but that is most definitely not an issue here. Eliza and Wellington are enjoying the new status change in their relationship, the Ministry Seven are back, some familiar science fiction characters make appearances, the Ministry is up a creek without a paddle, and Sophia del Morte is lurking in the background considering her options. This book doesn't spend much time or effort in bringing readers up to speed on past events so be prepared to hit the ground running.
ladyhighwayman's review
3.0
Another entertaining romp from Books & Braun, unfortunately I wasn't much into it as the previous books.
The intricate plots to this series are impressive, but I'm starting to think they're a bit too much for me. Also a bit much is the excessive descriptions and unnecessary dialog. I found myself skimming more than usual because of them.
There are also a lot of characters that I really just do not care a fig about. At this point, even the main characters of Books & Braun are starting to make me gnash my teeth. The only character I'm invested in is Sophia del Morte, and I really wouldn't mind having a entire book told from her point of view.
I'm starting to think that maybe steampunk just isn't my scene. I can deal with books that have light steampunk, but when the technology becomes too hard to follow, I find myself zoning out. And that's what happened here.
I gave this three starts because I really did like the story, even if I felt it was weighed down with unnecessary things. I probably will read the next book, or at least most of it.
The intricate plots to this series are impressive, but I'm starting to think they're a bit too much for me. Also a bit much is the excessive descriptions and unnecessary dialog. I found myself skimming more than usual because of them.
There are also a lot of characters that I really just do not care a fig about. At this point, even the main characters of Books & Braun are starting to make me gnash my teeth. The only character I'm invested in is Sophia del Morte, and I really wouldn't mind having a entire book told from her point of view.
I'm starting to think that maybe steampunk just isn't my scene. I can deal with books that have light steampunk, but when the technology becomes too hard to follow, I find myself zoning out. And that's what happened here.
I gave this three starts because I really did like the story, even if I felt it was weighed down with unnecessary things. I probably will read the next book, or at least most of it.
sarah42783's review
3.0
Okay, so there was way too much romantic crap in this one, and not enough evil shenanigans, wicked mayhem, and killing people deadly dead. Also, the too many interludes were distracting as fish and didn’t add that much to the story. Also also, the never-ending ending was a bit, um, you know, never-ending and stuff. Also also also, Meh Cliffhanger of Doom and Oblivion (MCoDaO™).
BUT:
① Our Colonial Pepperpot’s full name is really truly actually Eliza DOOLITTLE Braun. And that is slightly bloody shrimping fantastic, if you ask me.
That’s the spirit!
② Surprises and twists and revelations, oh my!
③ The Ministry Seven that are really the Ministry Eight. Then again maybe not.
④ Stuff like this:
⑥ Super Extra Cool Female Assassins (SECFA™). Need I say more? Didn’t think so.
⑦ Wine, women and song vs. beer, whores and accordion music.
Now that's what I call living it up! Keep-keep it on 'til the break of dawn, you Super Hot Dude of the Glorious Haircut and Super Sexey Outfit (SHDofGHaSSO™)!!!
⑧ Parasol women in tweed (don’t ask).
⑨ HG Wells is Da Bomb. And so is Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character’s real name, in case you were wondering). Because I said so and stuff.
⑩ The Jack Frost and cremation through cold. As the Thunder from Down Under’s best new pal Brandon would say:
Yes, this is indeed me being delighted to no end. Just so you know.
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): the best instalment in this series this book definitely is not, but quite entertaining it is and require the assistance of too manydecaying grey cells it does not, so yay and stuff.
· Book 1: Phoenix Rising ★★★★
· Book 2: The Janus Affair ★★★★
· Book 3: Dawn's Early Light ★★★★
· Book 5: The Ghost Rebellion ★★★★
· Book 6: Operation: Endgame ★★★★
BUT:
① Our Colonial Pepperpot’s full name is really truly actually Eliza DOOLITTLE Braun. And that is slightly bloody shrimping fantastic, if you ask me.
That’s the spirit!
② Surprises and twists and revelations, oh my!
③ The Ministry Seven that are really the Ministry Eight. Then again maybe not.
④ Stuff like this:
“I was expecting some finesse like a tranquiliser followed by a bath in sulphuric acid, or perhaps something more diabolical such as being wrapped in cloth as a living mummy and then trapped in a sarcophagus with flesh-eating scarabs.”⑤ Speaking all frog-like, it’s a thing.
⑥ Super Extra Cool Female Assassins (SECFA™). Need I say more? Didn’t think so.
⑦ Wine, women and song vs. beer, whores and accordion music.
Now that's what I call living it up! Keep-keep it on 'til the break of dawn, you Super Hot Dude of the Glorious Haircut and Super Sexey Outfit (SHDofGHaSSO™)!!!
⑧ Parasol women in tweed (don’t ask).
⑨ HG Wells is Da Bomb. And so is Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character’s real name, in case you were wondering). Because I said so and stuff.
⑩ The Jack Frost and cremation through cold. As the Thunder from Down Under’s best new pal Brandon would say:
“Quite some style shown there. Nice one there, chap.”⑪ Queen Vic is most definitely NOT amused. Which delights me to no end.
Yes, this is indeed me being delighted to no end. Just so you know.
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): the best instalment in this series this book definitely is not, but quite entertaining it is and require the assistance of too many
· Book 1: Phoenix Rising ★★★★
· Book 2: The Janus Affair ★★★★
· Book 3: Dawn's Early Light ★★★★
· Book 5: The Ghost Rebellion ★★★★
· Book 6: Operation: Endgame ★★★★
strangecurrencies's review
4.0
http://strangecurrencies.org/2015/10/08/review-of-the-diamond-conspiracy-by-pip-ballantine-and-tee-morris/
The Diamond Conspiracy is the fourth instalment of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris and is a direct sequel to the previous book, Dawn’s Early Light. A few adjustments to the various meters in this latest book. A bit less on the wacky gadget front, a bit more on the romance novel front, and a very excellent steady-on in the plot department. At least, inasmuch as anything can be said to be steady with as many twists, turns, and escapades that Books and Braun get on with. Just as enjoyable as all the previous books, the Ministry series is full of panache and style.
Say one thing for the British Government in this alternate steampunk England, they certainly know how to name a clandestine organization in the least clandestine way possible. So now in addition to the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences we have the Department of Imperial Inconveniences. I feel like the biggest inconvenience would be getting the business cards to cram all the text in. The Diamond Conspiracy is very true to form for this series. Having just finished their last zany madcap mission, Books and Braun are going to relax, except no wait, it’s time to be hurled willy nilly into another zany madcap mission. Our dynamic duo certainly lead interesting lives.
One thing I really did enjoy about this book was that Books got some really serious character development. So much has ended up revealed about him in very sudden ways that tend to go unremarked until much later, and the whole stiff-upper-lip thing is so much in evidence that it still felt like we were just piling up unanswered questions instead of learning about him. Not so much a concern now. While we do still get some of Ballantine and Morris’ trademark plot twists and sudden stark revelations, we also got to spend a little more time than usual inside Books’ head, and it makes him a much deeper and more interesting character for it.
Braun doesn’t get neglected either, but her development is more by way of forward-looking rather than inward-looking change. I still enjoy the degree to which she remains steadfastly unconcerned with societal expectations, and the developing romance between her and Books continues apace in a way that doesn’t feel too much like every other set of partners who become partners, so that’s a win as well. Also, the interactions between her and recurring villainess Sophia del Morte manage to pass the Bechdel Test, and give both characters a chance to develop from outside the forced confines of their employers and partners. Altogether positive developments across the board.
Another thing The Diamond Conspiracy brought us was a veritable roll-call of Ministry agents. All kinds of people either barely mentioned, or never before seen put in appearances as the agents of the Ministry deal with the predations of the Department. I wonder if this was just a plot element that made sense given the circumstances, or whether this might presage either a greater involvement in the story by agents besides Books and Braun, or whether we might start to see other Ministry novels centered around other agents. I hope for the latter, as a few of them seemed pretty interesting and I wish I could have spent a little more time following them around instead of having them operate in the background of the main plot.
I’m not sure how I feel about the largest of the world developments, which I don’t want to spoil here but which I can say centers around Dr Sound, the head of the Ministry. It’s a very dangerous and tricky thing to work into a world, even one as crazy-go-nuts as this one. It ends up becoming something that either gets misused, or disused, and I’d hate to see for that to happen, when they’ve done such a good job working in all of the other less ‘realistic’ elements to the story. I guess I’ll have to see in the next book whether anything comes of it.
The Ministry series continues to be a fantastic adventure which makes for a quick, light and enjoyable read. Ballantine and Morris have really captured the feel of the old adventure dramas of the past and brought in something new and just really fun as well. As long as they keep writing them, I’ll keep reading them. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, look no further.
The Diamond Conspiracy is the fourth instalment of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris and is a direct sequel to the previous book, Dawn’s Early Light. A few adjustments to the various meters in this latest book. A bit less on the wacky gadget front, a bit more on the romance novel front, and a very excellent steady-on in the plot department. At least, inasmuch as anything can be said to be steady with as many twists, turns, and escapades that Books and Braun get on with. Just as enjoyable as all the previous books, the Ministry series is full of panache and style.
Say one thing for the British Government in this alternate steampunk England, they certainly know how to name a clandestine organization in the least clandestine way possible. So now in addition to the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences we have the Department of Imperial Inconveniences. I feel like the biggest inconvenience would be getting the business cards to cram all the text in. The Diamond Conspiracy is very true to form for this series. Having just finished their last zany madcap mission, Books and Braun are going to relax, except no wait, it’s time to be hurled willy nilly into another zany madcap mission. Our dynamic duo certainly lead interesting lives.
One thing I really did enjoy about this book was that Books got some really serious character development. So much has ended up revealed about him in very sudden ways that tend to go unremarked until much later, and the whole stiff-upper-lip thing is so much in evidence that it still felt like we were just piling up unanswered questions instead of learning about him. Not so much a concern now. While we do still get some of Ballantine and Morris’ trademark plot twists and sudden stark revelations, we also got to spend a little more time than usual inside Books’ head, and it makes him a much deeper and more interesting character for it.
Braun doesn’t get neglected either, but her development is more by way of forward-looking rather than inward-looking change. I still enjoy the degree to which she remains steadfastly unconcerned with societal expectations, and the developing romance between her and Books continues apace in a way that doesn’t feel too much like every other set of partners who become partners, so that’s a win as well. Also, the interactions between her and recurring villainess Sophia del Morte manage to pass the Bechdel Test, and give both characters a chance to develop from outside the forced confines of their employers and partners. Altogether positive developments across the board.
Another thing The Diamond Conspiracy brought us was a veritable roll-call of Ministry agents. All kinds of people either barely mentioned, or never before seen put in appearances as the agents of the Ministry deal with the predations of the Department. I wonder if this was just a plot element that made sense given the circumstances, or whether this might presage either a greater involvement in the story by agents besides Books and Braun, or whether we might start to see other Ministry novels centered around other agents. I hope for the latter, as a few of them seemed pretty interesting and I wish I could have spent a little more time following them around instead of having them operate in the background of the main plot.
I’m not sure how I feel about the largest of the world developments, which I don’t want to spoil here but which I can say centers around Dr Sound, the head of the Ministry. It’s a very dangerous and tricky thing to work into a world, even one as crazy-go-nuts as this one. It ends up becoming something that either gets misused, or disused, and I’d hate to see for that to happen, when they’ve done such a good job working in all of the other less ‘realistic’ elements to the story. I guess I’ll have to see in the next book whether anything comes of it.
The Ministry series continues to be a fantastic adventure which makes for a quick, light and enjoyable read. Ballantine and Morris have really captured the feel of the old adventure dramas of the past and brought in something new and just really fun as well. As long as they keep writing them, I’ll keep reading them. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, look no further.
tachyondecay's review
4.0
I discovered this on my library’s new paperbacks shelf last week and literally squealed aloud. I have a warped perspective of this series’ publication structure because I’ve read the first three books in short succession to get caught up, so I had forgotten The Diamond Conspiracy was coming out so “soon” after I read Dawn’s Early Light.
A lot was riding on this book. With the disavowal of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences at the end of the previous book, the series was forging ahead into brand new and exciting territory. Plus, Books and Braun have now consummated their relationship. I was watching carefully how Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris handle these two aspects of what, so far, has been a delightful and engaging series.
Let’s talk about Books and Braun. These people are my favourites. They’re just so much fun. And it has been a while since I discovered a series with a buddy-cop pair of protagonists like this. As much as I like the noir pastiche urban fantasy environment with a lone protagonist partnered only with a large suitcase full of angst, buddy cop stuff is a nice change. And Ballantine and Morris (I am really tempted to shorten that to “BM,” but I don’t think it would be appropriate) manage to make Books and Braun funny even while they deal with deadly serious issues.
I like the way their relationship develops and deepens in this book. Ballantine and Morris don’t introduce an unnecessary vexation, like triangle owing to an old lover or a rival love interest. Books and Braun have some disagreements, like real people would, even as they progress through that head-over-heels, let’s-have-sex-everywhere phase of courtship. The book opens with them bonding over something they can take shared interest in—gadgets (for Books) that make things go boom (for Braun). And we see them having to negotiate the waters of where they might not see eye-to-eye, with both Books and Braun respecting and compromising for each other.
It’s like Ballantine and Morris wanted to portray a healthy relationship between two enthusiastic and consenting adults instead of a creepy, unequal and potentially abusive relationship. What’s up with that?
Of course, Books and Braun face more challenges that might eventually throw kinks—um, I mean, difficulties—into their relationship. Doctor Sound drops a doozy on them in this book, and basically implies that he wants them to be his successors in the event he ever actually kicks the bucket. It will be interesting to see how they survive as a couple while confronting the stress of such a position—not to mention the last-minute revelation about Books’ childhood and origins!
As far as Doctor Sound’s announcement goes, it’s a bold gamechanger for this series. Arguably it’s bolder than the disavowal of the Ministry. Ballantine and Morris demolish any prospect that we could entertain expectations that this is just a steampunk series set in Victorian England. No, now we have H.G. Wells–level of science-fictional technology elevating the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences into a kind of steampunk(ier) version of Warehouse 13. And you know what? I’m down with that. I really am. I love how Ballantine and Morris keep pushing the envelope in all directions (even fourth-dimensional ones).
Where The Diamond Conspiracy lets me down is that pesky third act, where Books and Braun have to save Queen Victoria from herself (and Dr. Jekyll). What starts as a bizarre but acceptable plan falls to tatters at first contact with the enemy—as it really should. But the resulting chaos doesn’t translate well to page. It’s difficult to follow and, in some cases, a little hard to believe. I get the sense that Ballantine and Morris are trying to go for a larger-than-life atmosphere. Yet the succeed mostly in demonstrating that Books and Braun are at their best on a more personal level. The bigger, larger-er than life things get, the harder it is to see them excel in all those areas of expertise.
Still, that goes far from making this book a disappointment. Rather, I’d categorize this book as being a bridge between the start of this series and its second act: the Ministry is back, albeit in a different way; Books and Braun are together; but now Books has a new mystery to investigate that links his father to villains old and new.
It’s clear this series has plenty of life left in it. I am all too glad of that: I want more Books and Braun! Let’s keep this steampunk buddy cop thing going for as long as we can.
My reviews of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series:
← Dawn’s Early Light | The Ghost Rebellion →
A lot was riding on this book. With the disavowal of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences at the end of the previous book, the series was forging ahead into brand new and exciting territory. Plus, Books and Braun have now consummated their relationship. I was watching carefully how Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris handle these two aspects of what, so far, has been a delightful and engaging series.
Let’s talk about Books and Braun. These people are my favourites. They’re just so much fun. And it has been a while since I discovered a series with a buddy-cop pair of protagonists like this. As much as I like the noir pastiche urban fantasy environment with a lone protagonist partnered only with a large suitcase full of angst, buddy cop stuff is a nice change. And Ballantine and Morris (I am really tempted to shorten that to “BM,” but I don’t think it would be appropriate) manage to make Books and Braun funny even while they deal with deadly serious issues.
I like the way their relationship develops and deepens in this book. Ballantine and Morris don’t introduce an unnecessary vexation, like triangle owing to an old lover or a rival love interest. Books and Braun have some disagreements, like real people would, even as they progress through that head-over-heels, let’s-have-sex-everywhere phase of courtship. The book opens with them bonding over something they can take shared interest in—gadgets (for Books) that make things go boom (for Braun). And we see them having to negotiate the waters of where they might not see eye-to-eye, with both Books and Braun respecting and compromising for each other.
It’s like Ballantine and Morris wanted to portray a healthy relationship between two enthusiastic and consenting adults instead of a creepy, unequal and potentially abusive relationship. What’s up with that?
Of course, Books and Braun face more challenges that might eventually throw kinks—um, I mean, difficulties—into their relationship. Doctor Sound drops a doozy on them in this book, and basically implies that he wants them to be his successors in the event he ever actually kicks the bucket. It will be interesting to see how they survive as a couple while confronting the stress of such a position—not to mention the last-minute revelation about Books’ childhood and origins!
As far as Doctor Sound’s announcement goes, it’s a bold gamechanger for this series. Arguably it’s bolder than the disavowal of the Ministry. Ballantine and Morris demolish any prospect that we could entertain expectations that this is just a steampunk series set in Victorian England. No, now we have H.G. Wells–level of science-fictional technology elevating the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences into a kind of steampunk(ier) version of Warehouse 13. And you know what? I’m down with that. I really am. I love how Ballantine and Morris keep pushing the envelope in all directions (even fourth-dimensional ones).
Where The Diamond Conspiracy lets me down is that pesky third act, where Books and Braun have to save Queen Victoria from herself (and Dr. Jekyll). What starts as a bizarre but acceptable plan falls to tatters at first contact with the enemy—as it really should. But the resulting chaos doesn’t translate well to page. It’s difficult to follow and, in some cases, a little hard to believe. I get the sense that Ballantine and Morris are trying to go for a larger-than-life atmosphere. Yet the succeed mostly in demonstrating that Books and Braun are at their best on a more personal level. The bigger, larger-er than life things get, the harder it is to see them excel in all those areas of expertise.
Still, that goes far from making this book a disappointment. Rather, I’d categorize this book as being a bridge between the start of this series and its second act: the Ministry is back, albeit in a different way; Books and Braun are together; but now Books has a new mystery to investigate that links his father to villains old and new.
It’s clear this series has plenty of life left in it. I am all too glad of that: I want more Books and Braun! Let’s keep this steampunk buddy cop thing going for as long as we can.
My reviews of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series:
← Dawn’s Early Light | The Ghost Rebellion →