Phoenix Rising

A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel

By: Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 13 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

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 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 - must get to the twisted roots of a most nefarious plot... or see England fall to the Phoenix!

©2011 Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Light bit of fun

What did you like best about Phoenix Rising? What did you like least?

The story was engaging but I wouldn't waste time on another one. A bit of fluff.

So this is steampunk...

I'm not a qualified steampunk reader, so forgive me if I hit things with an obvious stick, but what fun! For those, like me, who are strangers to this universe: the science is wonky, steam powered and fantastical. History is not following the course that it did in our history books, so don't be alarmed by drastic departures. At times this seems like both an homage to and a parody of Victorian fantastic fiction, but with a thoroughly modern sensibility. I love that the male lead character is allowed to decide to be gentile and mannered and horrified by the behavior of the female lead character who is fierce and cunning, while at the same time fascinated by her. The role reversal seems natural and satisfying, both for the characters and for me, the reader.

I see this so often in the youngsters my son knows: gentle boys and fierce girls. Perhaps that is why this kind of literature is so popular with their generation. This world is turned on its head, but in a way perhaps it is truer than the world we live in.

Tried It, and Then Got the Whole Series

I listened to to this to see if I was at interested in it. Wow, I was impressed. It has left me with a desire to find, and wear, a bullet proof corset. This a a nicely written series and I really liked it. Love the narration by James Langton.

Cannot wait for the next one

If you could sum up Phoenix Rising in three words, what would they be?

Steampunk Occult Avengers

What was one of the most memorable moments of Phoenix Rising?

The final scene under the mansion where the two agents really get to dig deep and show off their skills.

Which scene was your favorite?

Scene at the opera.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Adventures in an extraordinary past.

A ripping yarn

A great romp through Victorian England with a pair of loveable agents. Mystery, action and humour, a perfect blend. Steampunk enthusiasts will love this book.

An archivist and an adventurist

Or would stuffed shirt and a daredevil be more accurate. Books and Braun are an interesting pairing. A good read.

The game is a-foot.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

In the second half of the audio. He changes the voice of secondary character (Lizzy) it almost sounds too child like.

Very well done story

I was totally intrigued by the way the story developed and also the wounderful development of the various Characters. Truely enjoyed Miss Broum and her quirks throughout the story!!

great book for a steampunk newbie

Tee and pip wonderful story writers. the narration was wonderful to. i would recommend this book for everyone including people just beginning to gain interest with steampunk.

If you enjoyed "Parasol Protectorate"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If anyone enjoyed the "Parasol Protectorate" series this reminds me very much of that series. Lots of action as well.

What did you like best about this story?

Lots of action and so many characters interacting with our hero and heroine.

What does James Langton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Langton was perfect in his narration. He does each character voice so perfectly you always know who is speaking. Great emotions as well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Great humor and much excitement.

Any additional comments?

This is a very good start of a new series. I hope the rest will be as good. There was one problem that I contacted Audible about. There are two chapters that repeat themselves. I hope they re-edit.