Synopses & Reviews
Working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, one sees innumerable technological wonders. But even veteran agents Braun and Books are unprepared for what the electrifying future holds
After being ignominiously shipped out of England following their participation in the Janus affair, Braun and Books are ready to prove their worth as agents. But what starts as a simple mission in the Statesintended to keep them out of troublesuddenly turns into a scandalous and convoluted case that has connections reaching as far as Her Majesty the Queen.
Even with the help of two American agents from the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical, Braun and Books have their work cut out for them as their chief suspect in a rash of nautical and aerial disasters is none other than Thomas Edison. Between the fantastic electric machines of Edison, the eccentricities of MoPO consultant Nikola Tesla, and the mysterious machinations of a new threat known only as the Maestro, they may find themselves in far worse danger than they ever have been in before
Review
Praise for Geist, Book One in the Books of the Order "Absorbing adventure that revels in both the creepy and the courageous."
-Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Heartless
"In the tradition of greats like Margaret Weis and Robin Hobb, Philippa Balantine has woven an excellent tale of fantasy, paranormal, black powder, steampunk goodness."
-Geek Life
"Part of the entertainment of this novel is putting the pieces together to get a picture of the complicated political situation, the period (they have magical airships!) and the nature of the geists...Plenty of magic- blasting action keeps things lively for a rousing start to this new series."
-Locus
"With its richly detailed world and wonderfully realized characters, Geist is one of the most vividly original books I've read this year."
-Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of Kiss of Snow
"An incredibly rich story...rich in high action, rich in mystery, rich in characters, rich in ghosts. Absolutely not to be missed."
-Barb Hendee, national bestselling co-author of Of Truth and Beasts
Review
Praise for the Book of the Order novels “One of the most vividly original books I’ve read this year.” —Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author
“Absorbing adventure that revels in both the creepy and the courageous.” —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author
“Absolutely not to be missed.” —Barb Hendee, coauthor of the Noble Dead saga
Review
Praise for the Book of the Order Novels
“[A] richly detailed world and wonderfully realized characters.”—Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of Wild Invitation
“Absolutely not to be missed.”—Barb Hendee, national bestselling coauthor of Between Their Worlds
“A fantastic fantasy.”—Genre Go Round Reviews
“[A] unique, character-driven fantasy that delivers on all levels.”—Smexy Books
Review
Praise for Dawn's Early Light
“Ballantine and Morris third entry in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences raises the bar for the entire series...Extensive worldbuilding, multi-faceted characters, fast-paced action, and an engaging plot all make for a thrilling, absorbing read.”—RT Book Reviews
Praise for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series
“A dark and twisted roller-coaster of a read for those fond of elegant vernacular and bizarre weaponry.”—Fangoria
“[A] rollicking adventure series of the finest order.”—The Ranting Dragon
“Action, mystery, undercurrents of a personal nature and a pace that is sure to keep a readers interest.”—Night Owl Reviews
Synopsis
Though one of the most powerful Deacons, Sorcha Faris has a tarnished reputation to overcome, which is why she jumps at the chance to investigate a string of murders in the exotic city of Orithal. But it is there that her lover, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, is targeted by a cruel and vengeful goddess, unwittingly unleashed by the Emperor's sister.
Synopsis
In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside… Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past.
Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie.
Synopsis
In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside… Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past.
Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie.
Synopsis
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves
After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.
Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understandingpowers that may prove to be her undoing
About the Author
New Zealand born fantasy writer and podcaster Philippa (Pip) Ballantine is the author of the Books of the Order and the Shifted World series. She is also the co-author, with her husband Tee Morris, of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, and a Sir Julius Vogel. Morris is the author of Morevi: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana and the co-author of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. In addition to his work as a fantasist, he is also a social media pioneer and the author of Podcasting for Dummies and All a Twitter.