{"id":83,"date":"2016-01-29T15:39:10","date_gmt":"2016-01-29T15:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/online-med-edu.com\/fantasytreasures\/?p=83"},"modified":"2018-06-24T17:14:17","modified_gmt":"2018-06-25T00:14:17","slug":"phoenix-rising-by-pip-ballantine-and-tee-morris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/online-med-edu.com\/fantasytreasures\/book-review\/phoenix-rising-by-pip-ballantine-and-tee-morris\/","title":{"rendered":"Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I normally read pure\u00a0Fantasy novels: Lord of the Rings<\/a>, The Chronicles of Prydain<\/a>, the collections of Dungeons and Dragons novels, etc….. \u00a0Every now and then I’ll throw in a Science Fiction novel, or a classic horror novel. \u00a0That being said, until recently, I had not tried the “Steampunk” genre, and I thought that it would be a nice change of pace. \u00a0Thus I picked up Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel<\/a> by\u00a0co-authors Pip Ballantine<\/a> and Tee Morris<\/a>. \u00a0I have enjoyed various movies of the genre, but this was my first novel. \u00a0Well, I guess that’s not exactly true, growing up I loved the John Carter of Mars series<\/a> by Edgar Rice Burroughs<\/a>. \u00a0I also enjoyed the Flash Gordon series by\u00a0Alex Raymond. \u00a0Though I never considered these as Steampunk, until a fellow at a book convention pointed out that they have flying machines, ray guns, etc…. at a time where that was unheard of. \u00a0So, by definition they do fit. \u00a0Thus I guess, to be more accurate, I have to say that Phoenix Rising<\/a> was my first taste of modern Steampunk.<\/p>\n

The best description I can give this book is: James Bond meets Dr. Watson. \u00a0Though that description is not wholly accurate as, in this case, James Bond is a woman. \u00a0A very courageous-daring-self-assured woman, who wears a bullet proof corset, my favorite touch by the way. After introducing my daughter to the novel, she is determined to make her own bullet proof corset. \u00a0 Our Heroine,\u00a0Eliza D. Braun, is an agent for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. \u00a0She is adept and getting into and out of the most dangerous situations. \u00a0So much so that the Ministry feels they need to rein her in a bit. \u00a0Thus she is reassigned to partner,\u00a0Wellington Books. \u00a0A very logical and sober English gentleman, who just happens to be the Ministries records keeper, in essence the Librarian. \u00a0Mr. Books introduces Miss Braun\u00a0to the steam powered cataloging system he has created for the Ministries library. Where with the punch of a few keys various histories are brought to the inquirer through a series of baskets and cabling. A most boring assignment for our illustrious heroine. Or so she thought…….<\/p>\n

As the story unfolds, our heroes will venture out of the library and into some very harrowing experiences. \u00a0While at the same time, attempting to keep the illusion that they never left the library in the first place. \u00a0If caught, there will be serious reprimands, possible suspensions, and even possibly sacked from the Ministry itself. \u00a0If successful they may just save all of England.<\/p>\n

If you like stories of Victorian England, a little espionage and mystery, throw in steam powered computers and floating restaurants, then you’ll love this book. \u00a0I found this taste of Steampunk to be quite delicious and made me hunger for more. \u00a0I have since started seeking out others of the Steampunk genre. \u00a0If you haven’t experienced this particular section of the bookstore, yet, I highly recommend it, and this particular book, and subsequent series,\u00a0is an excellent place to start.<\/p>\n

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Writer’s Note!! As you will find, I purposefully keep my reviews short and make the utmost attempt to avoid spoilers in them. After reading my reviews I want you interested in reading the novel, without knowing too many of the treasures hidden in the book. If you are dissatisfied with this, leave a comment, and after enough comments appear asking for more content, then I will be happy to extend my reviews. Thank you for reading.<\/p>\n

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