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The Ministry of Curiosities #4
Grave Expectations
Charlie’s life is perfect. She has everything her heart desires. Until it all goes horribly wrong.
Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there’s talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away.
But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims – but she’s unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie’s time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.
Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there’s talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away.
But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims – but she’s unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie’s time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2016
753 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,628 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
February 14, 2017
This is, by far, my favorite installment. Except for the fact that I have wanted to strangle Lincoln a couple of times, everything else was gold.
January 16, 2018
I normally really enjoy this paranormal Victoriana series. I did still enjoy this story but Charlie really got on my nerves. She ignored all pleas to behave in a cautious way, not just once but over and over. No wonder it ended the way it did. Look forward to seeing how the story continues from here.
July 22, 2016
This book blew Lincoln's hot and cold out of the water. He is the most stupid and utterly annoying man I have ever read about. He proposes to Charlie at the beginning of the novel, and I think, okay we are getting somewhere. Then he freaking sends Charlie away to a finishing school at the end of the novel, breaking off their engagement, because his ex lover thinks it's a good idea.
Charlie, on the other hand, begs him to let him stay. My God woman. Get a life!
Charlie, on the other hand, begs him to let him stay. My God woman. Get a life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2016
Kind of disappointed that the author made Charlie so pathetic and needy at the end of this book. I thought her character was stronger than that. I mean, I'm seriously reconsidering carrying on with this series. Personally, I think it would have been so much better for her to have an accepting attitude. It would have made for a much better cliffhanger if she was to react in the opposite way. She should have been like "Oh, well. I'm literally dead inside but I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing that or any of the committee (because throughout the past 4 books, all I've been is stubbourn but now that it actually counts I am as meek as a kitten,,, fuck logic) fuck you Mr. Fitzroy, I'm going to this school, I'll become a "lady" and then I'm gonna go and fuck and catch myself a respectable husband and then come to your house to see my friends to rub the salt in the wound because you're a dick." THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH BETTER. I WOULD HAVE PAID 50 QUID FOR A BOOK IN WHICH THIS HAPPENED. YET YOU CHOSE TO MAKER HER PATHETIC AND NEEDY???? Why??? Why? Why C.J.. Why??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
Thus far, probably my favourite out of the series. I felt like the last three books have done very little in terms of moving the plot along with each one of them having a small mystery, which Charlie gets dragged into despite opposition from the Ministry and ends with either her in trouble or Lincoln 'supposedly' in trouble.
But in Grave Expectations we finally see Lincoln and Charlie commit to a serious relationship, the appearance of a serial killer targeting paranormal humans and the possibility that someone close to Lichfield Park is trying to harm Charlie. It was great to finally see the common thread connecting all the mysteries that the Ministry has encountered finally becoming evident, as the members confront kidnappings, betrayal and spirits from their past.
I really enjoyed the insight to Lincoln and Charlie's past that was revealed; where we learn who Lincoln's father and orphanage Charlie was given up to. I absolutely loved the way Seth and Gus doted on Charlie like a sister and I love the newly introduced butler at Lincoln's household.
After the conversation Charlie has with Marchbank, I can see aspects of why a particular decision was made towards the ending of the book, but I still felt that the ending came abruptly and completely left me hanging. I think this can be attributed partially to the fact that Lincoln's character doesn't feature as centrally in this book. This was because Lincoln places Charlie on house arrest to protect her, and so much of what she does is done without Lincoln's prior knowledge and in the company of Gus or Seth. That being said, I really liked this side of Charlie and the way that she was able to unravel the mystery by herself.
Another great addition, that leaves you in anticipation for C.J. Archer's next installment.
But in Grave Expectations we finally see Lincoln and Charlie commit to a serious relationship, the appearance of a serial killer targeting paranormal humans and the possibility that someone close to Lichfield Park is trying to harm Charlie. It was great to finally see the common thread connecting all the mysteries that the Ministry has encountered finally becoming evident, as the members confront kidnappings, betrayal and spirits from their past.
I really enjoyed the insight to Lincoln and Charlie's past that was revealed; where we learn who Lincoln's father and orphanage Charlie was given up to. I absolutely loved the way Seth and Gus doted on Charlie like a sister and I love the newly introduced butler at Lincoln's household.
After the conversation Charlie has with Marchbank, I can see aspects of why a particular decision was made towards the ending of the book, but I still felt that the ending came abruptly and completely left me hanging. I think this can be attributed partially to the fact that Lincoln's character doesn't feature as centrally in this book. This was because Lincoln places Charlie on house arrest to protect her, and so much of what she does is done without Lincoln's prior knowledge and in the company of Gus or Seth. That being said, I really liked this side of Charlie and the way that she was able to unravel the mystery by herself.
Another great addition, that leaves you in anticipation for C.J. Archer's next installment.
February 17, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
You know that feeling where you are so happy and giddy you practically feel like you're on the top of the world? You feel super satisfied and believe that everything has finally gone right with everyrhing then SOMETHING COMES ALONG TO RIP YOUR HEART OUT STOMP ON IT A FEW TIMES BEFORE THROWING IT IN A PAPER SHREDDER. My heeeeeeeaaaarrrt! THE FEELS ARE STRONG! One word...WHHHHHHHHHY?
Final Thoughts: Definite Read/Pass
You know that feeling where you are so happy and giddy you practically feel like you're on the top of the world? You feel super satisfied and believe that everything has finally gone right with everyrhing then SOMETHING COMES ALONG TO RIP YOUR HEART OUT STOMP ON IT A FEW TIMES BEFORE THROWING IT IN A PAPER SHREDDER. My heeeeeeeaaaarrrt! THE FEELS ARE STRONG! One word...WHHHHHHHHHY?
Final Thoughts: Definite Read/Pass
July 31, 2017
Charlie's life is perfect. She has everything her heart desires. Until it all goes horribly wrong.
Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn't bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there's talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away.
But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims - but she's unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie's time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.
The following review, will contain spoilers. If you haven't read the book or you just don't wanna be spoiled, don't read the rest of the text.
CHARACTERS-
The charcaters are very cool and interesting. The cast of characters have great personality and when you read this series. You get so devoted to the characters and what they do in this book. This book encaptures you and you feel drawn to these characters.
ROMANCE-
They were engaged and it was gorgeous and they were both so happy and I was happy.
Then guess what he does, sends her away to a school to become a lady. My OTP were finally together and then they just aren't together and I was devastated.
PLOT-
The whole raising bodies thing was awesome and just so cool.
ENDING-
Yep I'm in tears. The next book will be a bit weird because it's told from lincoln which obviously I'm not used to.
Characters-9/10
Romance-10/10
Plot-9/10
Ending-9/10
Speed-9/10
Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn't bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there's talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away.
But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims - but she's unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie's time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.
The following review, will contain spoilers. If you haven't read the book or you just don't wanna be spoiled, don't read the rest of the text.
CHARACTERS-
The charcaters are very cool and interesting. The cast of characters have great personality and when you read this series. You get so devoted to the characters and what they do in this book. This book encaptures you and you feel drawn to these characters.
ROMANCE-
They were engaged and it was gorgeous and they were both so happy and I was happy.
Then guess what he does, sends her away to a school to become a lady. My OTP were finally together and then they just aren't together and I was devastated.
PLOT-
The whole raising bodies thing was awesome and just so cool.
ENDING-
Yep I'm in tears. The next book will be a bit weird because it's told from lincoln which obviously I'm not used to.
Characters-9/10
Romance-10/10
Plot-9/10
Ending-9/10
Speed-9/10
January 24, 2020
Ooooo, this one got me angry. You’d think that you’d see some bonding between the main couple since they only just got together after a long wait, but no, they were separated most of the time. That ending especially just made my blood boil. My goodness! Just...what was the point of this book? I really don’t understand this time.
January 22, 2021
3.5
Charlie and Lincoln seem to be 1 step forward two steps back.... The Audio was brilliant. But the love story in it is moving at a snails pace.... I will read the next book... I may not continue after that though if it makes no significant progress..... its a very very very slow burn.
Charlie and Lincoln seem to be 1 step forward two steps back.... The Audio was brilliant. But the love story in it is moving at a snails pace.... I will read the next book... I may not continue after that though if it makes no significant progress..... its a very very very slow burn.
March 16, 2016
This is a 5-star story. But, I subtracted one star due to the ending.
Spoiler alert: There is no Happily Ever After
The way that the ending is written, and judging that the next part of the story is a novella and NOT a full length novel of only Lincoln's point of view, leads me to believe that a true happy ending for Charlie (Charlotte) and Lincoln is impossible.
The only happy ending I can foresee for Charlie, is if she continues to accept herself for who she is (a necromancer who wants a relationship with someone who sees her as and equal and treats her as an equal), she surrounds herself with people who like and respect her irregardless of her necromancy, and she becomes empowered to live life for herself and not for a man, a committee, or England's suffocating social norms. That acceptance and freedom would be the best gift Charlie could give herself. This is the best ending I can envision not just for Charlie, but anyone.
Spoiler alert: There is no Happily Ever After
The way that the ending is written, and judging that the next part of the story is a novella and NOT a full length novel of only Lincoln's point of view, leads me to believe that a true happy ending for Charlie (Charlotte) and Lincoln is impossible.
The only happy ending I can foresee for Charlie, is if she continues to accept herself for who she is (a necromancer who wants a relationship with someone who sees her as and equal and treats her as an equal), she surrounds herself with people who like and respect her irregardless of her necromancy, and she becomes empowered to live life for herself and not for a man, a committee, or England's suffocating social norms. That acceptance and freedom would be the best gift Charlie could give herself. This is the best ending I can envision not just for Charlie, but anyone.
June 20, 2022
3.5/5.0
Was loving this story as much as the previous ones until the last few pages where it almost dumped to a 3 in a heartbeat.
The book begins with Lincoln and Charlie in Paris where he proposes, and they pick a ring before returning home. Things are absolutely wonderful. They are working together, their friends are stronger than ever and the whole is an absolute joy to read as they continue searching for whoever is killing supernaturals. Charlie is once again placed in danger (as usual but a bit far-fetched in this instance) but her quick wits and devoted friends save the day and things seem great… until her heart is absolutely ripped open and left bleeding. The end.
Seriously. That is exactly how the author leaves it. Yes, it makes us want to grab the next installment immediately. BUT it is with more than a bit of resentment that I will do so. I HATE that kind of manipulation. I was already enjoying the series and planned on purchasing the next anyway. Why destroy everything awesome in the series for a begrudging guarantee?
Was loving this story as much as the previous ones until the last few pages where it almost dumped to a 3 in a heartbeat.
The book begins with Lincoln and Charlie in Paris where he proposes, and they pick a ring before returning home. Things are absolutely wonderful. They are working together, their friends are stronger than ever and the whole is an absolute joy to read as they continue searching for whoever is killing supernaturals. Charlie is once again placed in danger (as usual but a bit far-fetched in this instance) but her quick wits and devoted friends save the day and things seem great… until her heart is absolutely ripped open and left bleeding. The end.
Seriously. That is exactly how the author leaves it. Yes, it makes us want to grab the next installment immediately. BUT it is with more than a bit of resentment that I will do so. I HATE that kind of manipulation. I was already enjoying the series and planned on purchasing the next anyway. Why destroy everything awesome in the series for a begrudging guarantee?
August 1, 2017
If you like emotionally abusive relationships, this is for you.
I liked this series at the beginning because Charlie was fierce and didn't take slack from anyone. But I have become disgusted with all of the emotional, physical and verbal abuse she has to endure. This series has romanticized an abusive relationship and shown the woman as too weak to stand up for herself or to feel like she is worthy of respect. Shame on the author for that.
The cliffhanger ending was especially horrible.
Just an FYI...if your loved one treats you anything like Lincoln treats Charlie...get a new loved one.
I liked this series at the beginning because Charlie was fierce and didn't take slack from anyone. But I have become disgusted with all of the emotional, physical and verbal abuse she has to endure. This series has romanticized an abusive relationship and shown the woman as too weak to stand up for herself or to feel like she is worthy of respect. Shame on the author for that.
The cliffhanger ending was especially horrible.
Just an FYI...if your loved one treats you anything like Lincoln treats Charlie...get a new loved one.
October 27, 2017
It's always frustrating when you find a series/storyline you really enjoy, with characters that you fall in love with..then...ugh. The fierce, vibrant, snippy female character we're all rooting for.. why do they always feel the need to make her to be an idiot where her love interest is involved? Why can't she be intelligent, witty, feisty..without being a love sick fool, with little backbone, where her lover is concerned?
Stop making me lose my love for Fitzroy, please. -and my respect for Charlie. lol
Stop making me lose my love for Fitzroy, please. -and my respect for Charlie. lol
January 22, 2017
“Grave Expectations” is the fourth book in “The Ministry of Curiosities” series. Again, I would like to give fair warning that this series has some dark content and I would recommend it for mature audiences, preferably whom are not too squeamish. The story continues from the previous book “Beyond The Grave. “
Charlie’s life is perfect. She has everything her heart desires. Until it all goes horribly wrong. Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there’s talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away. But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims – but she’s unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie’s time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.
Book four takes you for an emotional roller coaster that you will both love and hate. Just when you think things are going great, the rug gets pulled out from underneath Charlie (very much how it sometime goes in real life.) If you’ve read the series up to this point and are invested in the characters, this book will infuriate you, but it is still worth the read. I won’t say too much about this book as it would give away the good parts, but I will say that the characters are so well written and described that I was actually mad at one of them (in my opinion if an author can make you love or hate somebody, they clearly did their job.) I can’t wait till I find out what happens in the next book “Ashes To Ashes.”
Author: C.J. Archer
Grave Expectations: The Ministry of Curiosities series
Charlie’s life is perfect. She has everything her heart desires. Until it all goes horribly wrong. Charlie and Lincoln return to London to find two supernaturals have been murdered, and Charlie might be next. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the man who adopted her has escaped from prison, and the committee members have just learned some news that infuriates them. Now there’s talk of sending Charlie away again. Far away. But the worst is yet to come. Charlie is kidnapped and forced to summon one of the murder victims – but she’s unable to send him back. With an angry dead supernatural on the loose and the committee determined to get rid of her, Charlie’s time with the Ministry of Curiosities, and Lincoln, is in grave danger of coming to an end.
Book four takes you for an emotional roller coaster that you will both love and hate. Just when you think things are going great, the rug gets pulled out from underneath Charlie (very much how it sometime goes in real life.) If you’ve read the series up to this point and are invested in the characters, this book will infuriate you, but it is still worth the read. I won’t say too much about this book as it would give away the good parts, but I will say that the characters are so well written and described that I was actually mad at one of them (in my opinion if an author can make you love or hate somebody, they clearly did their job.) I can’t wait till I find out what happens in the next book “Ashes To Ashes.”
Author: C.J. Archer
Grave Expectations: The Ministry of Curiosities series
March 26, 2021
I forgot how angry Lincoln makes me in this book. Seriously! I want to throttle him.
So much happens in this book. It is hard to keep up. I felt like I had already read the climax of the book and we were not even halfway through. The mystery gets even more convoluted in this one. Someone is killing supernaturals and it is proving tricky to discover who has been behind so many of the things that have happened. I can't seem to remember who it is so this is just as thrilling an adventure as the first time I read it.
But honestly, that ending. Dear Lincoln, I am going to kill you.
April 15, 2021
This is one of those books that I wish we had a ten number scale instead of 5 stars because it's a true 7 to me. 3 seems too low and 4 too high.
The story is fun and action packed and it's kept my attention through 4 books and counting, even with a sloooooooooooow burn romance. There are some YA elements which I had to cringe at, but the MC really isn't immature. She's well spoken and astute, though definitely brash. I would of enjoyed this book the most if not for the way that it ended. And it ended in a way that I had been waiting for due to Lincoln's personality, but dreaded to read all the same. It's how she handled this one situation that I've disliked the most in ANY of the books.
The story is fun and action packed and it's kept my attention through 4 books and counting, even with a sloooooooooooow burn romance. There are some YA elements which I had to cringe at, but the MC really isn't immature. She's well spoken and astute, though definitely brash. I would of enjoyed this book the most if not for the way that it ended. And it ended in a way that I had been waiting for due to Lincoln's personality, but dreaded to read all the same. It's how she handled this one situation that I've disliked the most in ANY of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2017
Even though I've given 3 stars to each book in this series so far, this one is my favorite. I think that finally I am seeing some plot movement and character development.
I think that at the start of the series the author did a good job of balancing the light-hearted slightly humorous moments with the somewhat darker subject matter. Then in the last two books I think things might have gotten a little too heavy on the whimsical and it became somewhat harder to take things seriously. I was happy with this one because it seems to have gotten that balance back. Another aspect I think is worth mentioning is that I like how the author handles the male lead. He's prone to random acts of dickishness on occasion, probably less than most and for the most part relatively minor-but they still happened. In this series, other characters tend to call him out on it, which I liked. I also felt like he tended to actually make a valid attempt to change and I don't often see that.
I enjoyed almost all of this except the ending which I really wasn't all that surprised about. To me it felt like just another version of the big "misunderstanding" that's always present in any novel featuring any type of romance.
We'll see where it goes.
I think that at the start of the series the author did a good job of balancing the light-hearted slightly humorous moments with the somewhat darker subject matter. Then in the last two books I think things might have gotten a little too heavy on the whimsical and it became somewhat harder to take things seriously. I was happy with this one because it seems to have gotten that balance back. Another aspect I think is worth mentioning is that I like how the author handles the male lead. He's prone to random acts of dickishness on occasion, probably less than most and for the most part relatively minor-but they still happened. In this series, other characters tend to call him out on it, which I liked. I also felt like he tended to actually make a valid attempt to change and I don't often see that.
I enjoyed almost all of this except the ending which I really wasn't all that surprised about. To me it felt like just another version of the big "misunderstanding" that's always present in any novel featuring any type of romance.
We'll see where it goes.
November 18, 2020
What drives me crazy about Charlie is she always does the opposite of what Lincoln says, and she has so many TSTL moments...which had me rolling my eyes. 🙄🙄🙄 As a reader I could see what was coming a mile down the road. Also, in the beginning of the book Lincoln finally realizes he cares for Charlie and proposes. At the end of the book (because of Charlie's TSTL moments) she is sent away cruelly by Lincoln.
I've had enough of this series. They don't really work together...Charlie does as she pleases and gets in trouble. Lincoln knows things but doesn't tell Charlie and she wastes time investigating the same thing. He doesn't communicate with her. I've also had enough of back and forth between Charlie/Lincoln. This same relationship dynamic in C.J.A.'s Glass and Steele was irritating and this series is following the same path.
I've had enough of this series. They don't really work together...Charlie does as she pleases and gets in trouble. Lincoln knows things but doesn't tell Charlie and she wastes time investigating the same thing. He doesn't communicate with her. I've also had enough of back and forth between Charlie/Lincoln. This same relationship dynamic in C.J.A.'s Glass and Steele was irritating and this series is following the same path.
September 15, 2021
Grave Expectations
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 4
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via PP Library
Dates Read: 8/28/21 - 8/30/21
Stars: 4 Stars
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Halloway:
Lincoln:
The Story:
A lot happens in this book but it’s the last part that has stuck with me. Mostly because it broke my heart. I am choosing to believe the author is setting us up for a great comeback but only book 5 will tell.
Narrator(s):
Shiromi Arserio does an excellent job bringing these characters to life and is seamless.
The Random Thoughts:
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 4
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via PP Library
Dates Read: 8/28/21 - 8/30/21
Stars: 4 Stars
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Halloway:
Lincoln:
The Story:
A lot happens in this book but it’s the last part that has stuck with me. Mostly because it broke my heart. I am choosing to believe the author is setting us up for a great comeback but only book 5 will tell.
Narrator(s):
Shiromi Arserio does an excellent job bringing these characters to life and is seamless.
The Random Thoughts:
May 4, 2020
I've been really hot and cold on this series, particularly due to our Leading Man, Mr Fitzroy. I was willing to give him a bit of a pass because brooding Victorian hero but I honestly think his actions in this book are unforgivable. I'm not sure I want to continue reading it knowing it'll all be swept under the rug and likely not mentioned again and his bouts of anger, irrationality and cruelty will be romanticised. Look, I like Bad Boy(tm) love interests in books, even outright villains, but I can't bring myself to like him.
June 20, 2022
3.5 stars
The 4th installment is a bit disjointed, the narrative leaping around a bit. It starts out with Charlie and Lincoln a happy couple visiting France for information about Charlie's birth mother and buying an engagement ring. The return to London means hostility from the committee and a fragmented murder mystery. It ends on an annoying note with Lincoln regressing and forcing a separation. It reads like the author manufactured a conflict to postpone the HEA to milk the series for a few more volumes.
The 4th installment is a bit disjointed, the narrative leaping around a bit. It starts out with Charlie and Lincoln a happy couple visiting France for information about Charlie's birth mother and buying an engagement ring. The return to London means hostility from the committee and a fragmented murder mystery. It ends on an annoying note with Lincoln regressing and forcing a separation. It reads like the author manufactured a conflict to postpone the HEA to milk the series for a few more volumes.
February 15, 2021
This one ended sadly, but I am sure things will turn around. Good series so far.
June 6, 2022
There was a lot of action and intrigue in this novel in the series. I loved the fast pace and the twists and turns.
Lincoln and Charlie get engaged early, and then all hell breaks loose. Charlie has a mission to make herself useful and for the committee (and Lincoln) to see her as an asset and not a liability.
The necromancy sections are always fun and interesting, and it's always a good time watching Charlie get herself into and out of trouble.
Quite the cliffhanger ending, though. I was so relieved to see the next book is already available.
Lincoln and Charlie get engaged early, and then all hell breaks loose. Charlie has a mission to make herself useful and for the committee (and Lincoln) to see her as an asset and not a liability.
The necromancy sections are always fun and interesting, and it's always a good time watching Charlie get herself into and out of trouble.
Quite the cliffhanger ending, though. I was so relieved to see the next book is already available.
May 8, 2018
So I was right when I was thinking about Edward and Bella, because this was the equivalent of New Moon and so It ended with me crying and wondering how this was going to ever fix itself. This one broke my heart and I am wondering what I will hear when I listen to the next book that is in Lincoln's voice. At this point I want to smack him up the side of the head, but I'm sure he had his reasons and I am eager to find out what they were. On to the next book!
October 7, 2016
This isn't anything I'd love, but I still enjoy this series, although definitely more casually that anything.
Also, I wanted to read the rest of the books because there were finally all of the parts out, and then I found out the author's planning on more than the six books. Really. Really... really??
Also, I wanted to read the rest of the books because there were finally all of the parts out, and then I found out the author's planning on more than the six books. Really. Really... really??
November 5, 2020
We can't expect everything to fall into place for Charlie. Now that things are going well, they can't stay that way forever. Someone is killing supernaturals. I did like how Charlie struggles to assume her place as Lincoln's fiance.
February 9, 2020
Can’t wIt for the next one!!!
Oh my so much packed in to this book! There was never a dull moment. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
Oh my so much packed in to this book! There was never a dull moment. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
July 20, 2022
omg Charlie, girl, just find another man. preferably one who isn’t an ignorant ASS. and STOP acting like a love-stricken poodle, it’s pathetic
July 18, 2023
3.5 Stars
August 24, 2020
I'm getting really torn about this series. It takes two steps forwards, but then all the steps back. The "romance" is getting to me and leaving me increasingly frustrated and troubled. I'm still engrossed by the paranormal mystery side of things, but Lincoln... Ladies, if a guy treats you like this, get out of there.
(Mild spoilers ahoy for anyone not caught up on the romantic antics)
After Charlie's ultimatum at the end of book 3, I had higher hopes for how things would develop. She seemed to want to make a mature decision, forcing Lincoln to decide if he was happiest being either hot or cold, not this emotional switcheroo rubbish he's been pulling so far. And lo, he decided she was worth it. Hot all the way!
Except it couldn't last. Of course. Because he has ~issues~ and unintentionally lives for the ~drama~. I've seen other people upset by how needy Charlie is, but I sympathised with her even at the end. She's a teenage character head over heals crazy about the first man to show her even a modicum of kindness. Plus being, y'know, tall, dark and brooding. Her desperation was understandable (though her creepy "lie with me" demands? Not so much; totally unVictorian and contrary to everything she believes about Lincoln being a gentleman.)
Lincoln grows increasingly vile as the book goes on, and as in previous cases of hot-n-cold with him, there's no explanation offered at the time. By the end, I actually loathed his character for being such a flip-floppy >insert unmentionable words here<. He is a terrible love interest, and I wish that Charlie would break free from him. They surely can't get together because it'd be a train wreck. I felt it had gotten to the level where any happily ever after between the two of them would sound so false and unbelievable.
Romance-rant aside, I still really like the main necromancer-sleuthing thing going on. Charlie finds out about her mother and the magic she left behind, Seth and Gus play it both straight and as comic relief, Lady Harcourt is a caricature Queen B as ever (she could do with a few more dimensions - her backstory was pretty cool, I just wish she had more purpose that just to provoke catty thoughts in Charlie), we get a cameo from our favourite member of the recently deceased, and naturally there are murders and kidnappings aplenty.
If it weren't for the troubling "I can change him with my love!1!!" type of "romance", I would absolutely love this story and shout it from the rooftops. As far as I understand, this isn't meant to be some psychologically twisted "dark" gothic romance, so I'm finding it increasingly off-putting (and a minor bugbear being there's an increasing number of typos and odd references to period clothing that just don't quite add up). I'm still interested in the series because the writing is engaging and while "romance" features heavily it doesn't overwhelm the action side of things, but... I'm torn and troubled by it. It's not what I expected or hoped for.
(Mild spoilers ahoy for anyone not caught up on the romantic antics)
After Charlie's ultimatum at the end of book 3, I had higher hopes for how things would develop. She seemed to want to make a mature decision, forcing Lincoln to decide if he was happiest being either hot or cold, not this emotional switcheroo rubbish he's been pulling so far. And lo, he decided she was worth it. Hot all the way!
Except it couldn't last. Of course. Because he has ~issues~ and unintentionally lives for the ~drama~. I've seen other people upset by how needy Charlie is, but I sympathised with her even at the end. She's a teenage character head over heals crazy about the first man to show her even a modicum of kindness. Plus being, y'know, tall, dark and brooding. Her desperation was understandable (though her creepy "lie with me" demands? Not so much; totally unVictorian and contrary to everything she believes about Lincoln being a gentleman.)
Lincoln grows increasingly vile as the book goes on, and as in previous cases of hot-n-cold with him, there's no explanation offered at the time. By the end, I actually loathed his character for being such a flip-floppy >insert unmentionable words here<. He is a terrible love interest, and I wish that Charlie would break free from him. They surely can't get together because it'd be a train wreck. I felt it had gotten to the level where any happily ever after between the two of them would sound so false and unbelievable.
Romance-rant aside, I still really like the main necromancer-sleuthing thing going on. Charlie finds out about her mother and the magic she left behind, Seth and Gus play it both straight and as comic relief, Lady Harcourt is a caricature Queen B as ever (she could do with a few more dimensions - her backstory was pretty cool, I just wish she had more purpose that just to provoke catty thoughts in Charlie), we get a cameo from our favourite member of the recently deceased, and naturally there are murders and kidnappings aplenty.
If it weren't for the troubling "I can change him with my love!1!!" type of "romance", I would absolutely love this story and shout it from the rooftops. As far as I understand, this isn't meant to be some psychologically twisted "dark" gothic romance, so I'm finding it increasingly off-putting (and a minor bugbear being there's an increasing number of typos and odd references to period clothing that just don't quite add up). I'm still interested in the series because the writing is engaging and while "romance" features heavily it doesn't overwhelm the action side of things, but... I'm torn and troubled by it. It's not what I expected or hoped for.
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