The Ghost Rebellion
Author: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
The Ghost Rebellion is the latest exciting installment in the ultra-creative and madly crazy Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences steampunk series. Co-authors Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris take readers on a fantastical journey though an alternate history, filled with familiar names and places. This time around, our favorite Ministry agents are chasing down leads on the evil Dr. Jekyll, which takes them to India. Meeting up with an old friend, the pair gets involved in helping eliminate a dangerous rebel uprising known as the Ghost Rebellion.
Once again, the authors have created a high-action adventure filled with twists and turns. However, while The Ghost Rebellion is richly detailed and full of surprises, it is not as intricately complex as its predecessors. And this is a GOOD THING, because in the past couple of books, I’ve found myself confused and lost. This time around, I felt that the story was much more straightforward, with pieces of the puzzle falling into place seamlessly (even with the twists). I was able to see some twists well in advance of the reveals, yet at times, the authors still caught me off guard. While the Ghost Rebellion mystery plays out by the end of the book, there is a generous mix of the continuing storylines involving The House of Usher, Dr. Jekyll, and Sophia del Morte. Additionally, the authors continue to toss in the entertaining “Interludes,” focusing on a side-assignment run by Agent Bruce Campbell. There are still plenty of open avenues for additional heart-stopping adventures.
While the MoPO series is a steampunk adventure series, romance continues to blossom and deepen between Eliza Braun and Wellington Books, and l adore that they are finally out in the open about it. After watching the pair come together as partners and then friends, witnessing the continuing development in their relationship is emotionally rewarding. The alternating POVs between each gives the additional details that help create a well-balance, loving relationship, and a well-oiled pair of working agents. I think this line from Eliza sums up quite a bit of their relationship:
“It was strange how much she had come to love Wellington Books, and yet still enjoyed working his levers.”
Overall, I enjoyed my return to The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, and look forward to more adventures with Books and Braun. I get caught up in each exciting adventure, which leaves me eager for the next book. The Ghost Rebellion continues some of the overarching storylines while providing another singular thrilling escapade. I just wish these books would come faster so I can find out what is really going on behind the scenes.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
About the Book:
The chase is on! After rescuing Queen Victoria from the clutches of the Maestro, Agents Eliza D Braun and Wellington Books are in hot pursuit of Dr Henry Jekyll. While he continues his experiments on the aristocracy of Europe, he leaves a trail of chaos and despair in his wake. However when Eliza and Wellington run him to ground in India, they are forced to come face to face with ghosts from the past, and the realities of empire.
Meanwhile Ministry agents Brandon Hill and Bruce Campbell travel deep into Russia hunting down a rare ingredient to save Queen Victoria’s life. Amid the cold they uncover a threat from the revitalized House of Usher that comes directly from their new Chairman.
All in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences will find their allegiances in question, and their mettle tested as a new dastardly era of international intrigue dawns.
Release Date: June 10, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Series: The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #5
Genre: Steampunk, Adventure
Format(s): paperback, e-book
Book Source: Authors
Reviews in the Series:
Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #1)
The Janus Affair by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #2)
Dawn’s Early Light by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #3)
The Diamond Conspiracy by Pip Ballentine & Tee Morris (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #4)
Purchase Links:
Alas, book 1 was not for me :/
Ah! I love this series. The complex story and fun adventure!
I NEED THIS ONE! I love this series so much and now I must be on the lookout for it. Sad that the cover art isn’t the same, but I’m glad they kept Welly’s face hidden. LOL Makes me so curious!
Yes! It will be out at the end of this week. I am bummed too about the cover art, but I agree, I love they kept the same feel. It’s now a self-published series, therefore, change in cover art!
I’ve not tried these! Sounds pretty good. It’s nice when they’re a bit more straightforward and easier to get into/follow along.
Oh… it’s a wonderful series. But you really should start at the beginning. It’s full of adventure and cool gadgets!