What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ministry of Curiosities #6
From The Ashes
When Charlie returns to Lichfield, she steps into chaos. The killer is still on the loose, Lady Harcourt's secret is out, Seth and Gus are gone, and Lady Vickers has come to stay. But nothing compares to the chaos inflicted on Charlie's heart by seeing Lincoln every day.
Despite their frequent clashes, Lincoln and Charlie manage to work together to narrow their list of suspects. No one can be trusted, especially not the members of the committee who are not what they seem. Long buried pasts are dug up as Charlie and Lincoln attempt to restore peace to Lichfield.
But when danger enters her home, Charlie's world is shattered.
Despite their frequent clashes, Lincoln and Charlie manage to work together to narrow their list of suspects. No one can be trusted, especially not the members of the committee who are not what they seem. Long buried pasts are dug up as Charlie and Lincoln attempt to restore peace to Lichfield.
But when danger enters her home, Charlie's world is shattered.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2016
582 people are currently reading
1318 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
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 10, 2024
I'm currently reading the 7th book as I type this and it only proves that a) Valentine's Day is just an ordinary day for me and b) I'm consciously ignoring my enormous pile of schoolwork and c) I DON'T HAVE A FREAKING SOCIAL LIFE.
(I'll write a review of the whole series after I'm done with book 7.)
(I'll write a review of the whole series after I'm done with book 7.)
August 12, 2018
Yes! Charlie’s back! The balance of power on the committee shifts; a friend for Charlie you’ll have met before, the enemy is found close to home, the household and Charlie’s ‘family’ expands. Familiar and much loved shenanigans!
July 31, 2017
What will happen when Charlie returns to Lichfield?
The killer is still on the loose, Lady Harcourt's secret past is out, and Lady Vickers is trying to find Seth a wife. Charlie is stepping back into chaos, but nothing compares to the chaos wreaked on her heart by seeing Lincoln every day.
With her life once again in danger, she and Lincoln are forced together to catch the murderer and bring calm to Lichfield. But how can there be calm when the killer threatens everyone dear to Charlie?
CHARACTERS-
So finally Charlotte was back where he belong and this book was a very character driven book in the series instead of the action which i kinda loved because it was cool to just read and enjoy.
ROMANCE-
My OTP in this book were beautiful and amazing. He bought her a house, if that's not love I don't know what is. The romance is written in a way that you forget that Charlie and Lincoln are two very different people.
PLOT-
This plot was much better than the previous book in the series and I fairly enjoyed it.
ENDING-
I'm ready for the next book, bring it on.
Characters-9/10
Romance-10/10
Plot-9/10
Ending-9/10
Speed-9/10
The killer is still on the loose, Lady Harcourt's secret past is out, and Lady Vickers is trying to find Seth a wife. Charlie is stepping back into chaos, but nothing compares to the chaos wreaked on her heart by seeing Lincoln every day.
With her life once again in danger, she and Lincoln are forced together to catch the murderer and bring calm to Lichfield. But how can there be calm when the killer threatens everyone dear to Charlie?
CHARACTERS-
So finally Charlotte was back where he belong and this book was a very character driven book in the series instead of the action which i kinda loved because it was cool to just read and enjoy.
ROMANCE-
My OTP in this book were beautiful and amazing. He bought her a house, if that's not love I don't know what is. The romance is written in a way that you forget that Charlie and Lincoln are two very different people.
PLOT-
This plot was much better than the previous book in the series and I fairly enjoyed it.
ENDING-
I'm ready for the next book, bring it on.
Characters-9/10
Romance-10/10
Plot-9/10
Ending-9/10
Speed-9/10
March 14, 2017
This is one series I really enjoy :)
The story picks up pretty soon after Lincoln forces Charlie to leave for the Wayward Girls school for etiquette. She's upset, heartbroken and lost to say the least. Not to mention, the school headmistress is a tyrant and has it in for Charlie. However, some unforeseen events at the school lead to danger for Charlie and rest of the girls. Thus, eventually leading her back home with Lincoln and the rest of the gang. What I found interesting was the introduction of a new character (& possible story arc spin off) called Alice and her story. There were some heavy hints to it being related to Alice in Wonderland. She and Charlie end up being friends.
Once back home, Charlie has to deal with the mystery involving the supernatural deaths and risk to her life. On top of all that, she also has to deal with her feelings for Lincoln, whether to forgive him or not for his betrayal. At the same time, Lincoln realized that sending Charlie away was not the best move and his regret at the whole situation. He is still struggling with all the emotions going through him (due to his dysfunctional childhood). And, dealing with the aftermath of his decisions - a very pissed of Charlie and his coming to terms with his feelings/emotions and accepting the fact that his love for her is a strength. It was interesting to see how a confident, sharp minded, risk taker Lincoln in the previous books was so lost, unsure and out of sorts in this book.
While the back and forth feelings and frustrations between characters can get annoying....it was great to see the "growing up" Lincoln and Charlie had to do on their own. I was sad how things ended in Grave Expectations between Charlie and Lincoln. I was rooting for them to be together so much. However, I felt it was also a very important step for both of them be apart and realize that they each help the other bring out the best in them. Charlie, helps Lincoln deal with the empathy and other emotions he lacked growing up and be a better person. Lincoln, treats Charlie as a person (despite being a female), helped her be independent and taught her to stand for herself. Hence, it was so important for them to "see" for themselves and thus, help grow as characters.
I loved Seth, Gus, Cook, Doyle. I loved them from the beginning and I enjoy their camaraderie and sense of loyalty. I also enjoyed the character of Mrs. Vickers despite her being a somewhat meddlesome old woman. I felt she brought in some interesting angle to the story.
The book ends with them eventually solving the murderer . Following with Charlie and Lincoln coming to terms with their feelings and moving along. I would have liked some more of them and seeing them with a bit more HEA :)
I am definitely curious to see where book 7 leads. I feel there is another story arc going to happen as the bits were set in this book. However, we should definitely see more of Charlie and Lincoln positively moving in the right direction!!
The story picks up pretty soon after Lincoln forces Charlie to leave for the Wayward Girls school for etiquette. She's upset, heartbroken and lost to say the least. Not to mention, the school headmistress is a tyrant and has it in for Charlie. However, some unforeseen events at the school lead to danger for Charlie and rest of the girls. Thus, eventually leading her back home with Lincoln and the rest of the gang. What I found interesting was the introduction of a new character (& possible story arc spin off) called Alice and her story. There were some heavy hints to it being related to Alice in Wonderland. She and Charlie end up being friends.
Once back home, Charlie has to deal with the mystery involving the supernatural deaths and risk to her life. On top of all that, she also has to deal with her feelings for Lincoln, whether to forgive him or not for his betrayal. At the same time, Lincoln realized that sending Charlie away was not the best move and his regret at the whole situation. He is still struggling with all the emotions going through him (due to his dysfunctional childhood). And, dealing with the aftermath of his decisions - a very pissed of Charlie and his coming to terms with his feelings/emotions and accepting the fact that his love for her is a strength. It was interesting to see how a confident, sharp minded, risk taker Lincoln in the previous books was so lost, unsure and out of sorts in this book.
While the back and forth feelings and frustrations between characters can get annoying....it was great to see the "growing up" Lincoln and Charlie had to do on their own. I was sad how things ended in Grave Expectations between Charlie and Lincoln. I was rooting for them to be together so much. However, I felt it was also a very important step for both of them be apart and realize that they each help the other bring out the best in them. Charlie, helps Lincoln deal with the empathy and other emotions he lacked growing up and be a better person. Lincoln, treats Charlie as a person (despite being a female), helped her be independent and taught her to stand for herself. Hence, it was so important for them to "see" for themselves and thus, help grow as characters.
I loved Seth, Gus, Cook, Doyle. I loved them from the beginning and I enjoy their camaraderie and sense of loyalty. I also enjoyed the character of Mrs. Vickers despite her being a somewhat meddlesome old woman. I felt she brought in some interesting angle to the story.
The book ends with them eventually solving the murderer . Following with Charlie and Lincoln coming to terms with their feelings and moving along. I would have liked some more of them and seeing them with a bit more HEA :)
I am definitely curious to see where book 7 leads. I feel there is another story arc going to happen as the bits were set in this book. However, we should definitely see more of Charlie and Lincoln positively moving in the right direction!!
June 24, 2022
4.5/5.0
Wow, this is certainly a happy change from the last book! It takes off right where book #5 should have and delivers a delightfully scrumptious road to redemption for Lincoln. I especially appreciated that Charlie didn’t immediately forgive and forget but allowed herself time to work through Lincoln’s betrayal. I also appreciated that Lincoln actually did work through it with sincere remorse and not just surface words. By the end, we are back on track and thoroughly enjoying the mysteries and romance again!
Wow, this is certainly a happy change from the last book! It takes off right where book #5 should have and delivers a delightfully scrumptious road to redemption for Lincoln. I especially appreciated that Charlie didn’t immediately forgive and forget but allowed herself time to work through Lincoln’s betrayal. I also appreciated that Lincoln actually did work through it with sincere remorse and not just surface words. By the end, we are back on track and thoroughly enjoying the mysteries and romance again!
November 6, 2020
In this sixth novel, we finally learn who is killing the supernaturals. I'm glad to see those around Charlie are loyal to her and have truly become a family she can count on. I like Alice as a character, but wasn't a huge fan of the Wonderland tie in. It felt very random and a bit forced to me. I love how Seth's mother has taken Charlie under her slightly tarnished wing. Six books in and I am still enjoying this series.
February 9, 2017
Yet another wonderful addition to the Ministry of Curiosities. From the Ashes sees Lincoln and Charlie reuniting to uncover the culprit behind the supernatural serial killings.
More than the mystery itself, this book marks the much needed development of Lincoln's character as he deals with the consequences of breaking off his engagement and sending Charlie to the School for Wayward Girls. I loved seeing Lincoln's transition from an enigmatic and at time volatile person to someone with exercising more care in his personal relationships and his position as a ministry leader.
In my opinion, this book made Charlie and Lincoln's romance so much more genuine and their interactions more heartfelt than any previous novels in the series.
Once again meeting the inhabitants of Lichfield Park; I loved Seth's well-meaning, but meddling mother Lady Vickers and her hand in dabbling in Seth, Lincoln and Charlie's love life. Plus, the book would not be complete without the presence of Cook, Gus and Doyle to add to the dynamic life at Lichfield Park and the Ministry of Curiosities. Plus Archer introduces us to a character who I suspect is going to be a future a love interest for Seth, which I can't wait to see the develop!
The only thing that I disliked about this book was the Alice in Wonderland story, which seemed contrived. This was because a the supernatural undertones in this series are usually subtle and can be easily be masked by the Victorian lifestyle - which makes sense since the supernaturals are trying to avoid public attention. However the Alice story arc was such an in-your-face magic moment that I felt that it detracted from the otherwise delicate supernatural system that Archer created. I mean I can't imaging why someone wouldn't alert the authorities/media/anyone if the entirety of the Queen of Hearts' army came knocking at your door.
Even so, I loved reading about Charlie and Lincoln slowly finding where their relationships stands and becoming more equal in their partnership.
Of course, Charlie and Lincoln are able to devise a way to catch the murderer, but truth be told I didn't actually expect them to find out who was responsible for the murder in this book. I actually thought that the mystery itself would be more elaborate and subtle than a villain that you point to at the end of the book and go "Haha it was you all along" followed by the cliched villain speech that no one really called for. Because of that I felt the ending came off as abrupt and it detracted from the complexity that Archer was building for Lincoln and Charlie's relationship.
In fact, I would love if these books had an overarching plot line - like the one in her other series the Watchmaker's Daughter - that link the books together instead of the series just being connected by the will-they-won't they romance between the two principal character.
Even so, I'm counting down the days till the next instalment because I can't wait to once more join these characters as they race through London streets tackling mysteries of the supernatural variety.
More than the mystery itself, this book marks the much needed development of Lincoln's character as he deals with the consequences of breaking off his engagement and sending Charlie to the School for Wayward Girls. I loved seeing Lincoln's transition from an enigmatic and at time volatile person to someone with exercising more care in his personal relationships and his position as a ministry leader.
In my opinion, this book made Charlie and Lincoln's romance so much more genuine and their interactions more heartfelt than any previous novels in the series.
Once again meeting the inhabitants of Lichfield Park; I loved Seth's well-meaning, but meddling mother Lady Vickers and her hand in dabbling in Seth, Lincoln and Charlie's love life. Plus, the book would not be complete without the presence of Cook, Gus and Doyle to add to the dynamic life at Lichfield Park and the Ministry of Curiosities. Plus Archer introduces us to a character who I suspect is going to be a future a love interest for Seth, which I can't wait to see the develop!
The only thing that I disliked about this book was the Alice in Wonderland story, which seemed contrived. This was because a the supernatural undertones in this series are usually subtle and can be easily be masked by the Victorian lifestyle - which makes sense since the supernaturals are trying to avoid public attention. However the Alice story arc was such an in-your-face magic moment that I felt that it detracted from the otherwise delicate supernatural system that Archer created. I mean I can't imaging why someone wouldn't alert the authorities/media/anyone if the entirety of the Queen of Hearts' army came knocking at your door.
Even so, I loved reading about Charlie and Lincoln slowly finding where their relationships stands and becoming more equal in their partnership.
Of course, Charlie and Lincoln are able to devise a way to catch the murderer, but truth be told I didn't actually expect them to find out who was responsible for the murder in this book. I actually thought that the mystery itself would be more elaborate and subtle than a villain that you point to at the end of the book and go "Haha it was you all along" followed by the cliched villain speech that no one really called for. Because of that I felt the ending came off as abrupt and it detracted from the complexity that Archer was building for Lincoln and Charlie's relationship.
In fact, I would love if these books had an overarching plot line - like the one in her other series the Watchmaker's Daughter - that link the books together instead of the series just being connected by the will-they-won't they romance between the two principal character.
Even so, I'm counting down the days till the next instalment because I can't wait to once more join these characters as they race through London streets tackling mysteries of the supernatural variety.
January 27, 2020
I liked this one. I thought the pacing was a bit dodgy at certain points, some of the characters were doing my nut in, and the reveal of the long awaited villain was utterly underwhelming. Despite this, I liked how the relationships between characters developed.
One thing I wish though, was that Lincoln and Charlie had been apart for longer. It was only two weeks and I feel like that wasn’t a long enough time for them to assess their situations. Though, I loved Charlie’s attitude towards Lincoln for the most part. I had expected her to revert back into her old ways but we actually got some development out of this.
One thing I wish though, was that Lincoln and Charlie had been apart for longer. It was only two weeks and I feel like that wasn’t a long enough time for them to assess their situations. Though, I loved Charlie’s attitude towards Lincoln for the most part. I had expected her to revert back into her old ways but we actually got some development out of this.
January 13, 2017
I would like to thank CJ Archer for writing From the Ashes. The ending of this book is a good place for Ms. Archer to pause/ complete the series. However; it should be noted that she did leave the possibility for further books to be be written open.
Now, on to my evaluation of From the Ashes. From the Ashes has many bothersome inconsistencies.
In Ashes to Ashes, Lincoln says it has been several weeks since Charlie's departure (several infers 3 or more weeks). Ashes to Ashes takes place over the span of five days. Thus, by the time Lincoln goes to retrieve Charlie, it has been almost a full month. Yet, in From the Ashes, Charlie says she has been Alice's roommate for only 10 days. At first I thought that maybe it had taken a few weeks by carriage for Charlie to arrive at the school. However; in July 1847, all passenger coach travel stopped in England since railway travel had become faster. Since the year is 1889, Charlie would have traveled by train.
Going from the clues left in Grave Expectations, Ashes to Ashes, and From the Ashes, Charlie is attending school at Inglemere in the Yorkshire area of England. Inglemere is a is a fictitious place, and Yorkshire no longer exists as a whole. But, there is an Inglemire near the bustling port city of Hull (AKA Kingston upon Hull) in part of the old Yorkshire district that is now called the East Riding of Yorkshire. It is a river port city that is about 25 miles from the ocean. The Hull river actually joins the ocean. In a way, by sending her to the school, Lincoln did almost fulfill his promise to take Charlie to the ocean.
Charlie lists many reasons why she has chosen to stay at the school. One reason is that there is no town nearby that is large enough to have a Jewelry merchant to pay her what her engagement ring is worth. In 1889, Hull was a major importing and exporting hub, as well as immigration hub. It was a large city with over 239,000 people. Jewelry merchants were amongst the population. To keep pace with the demands of importing, exporting, and influx of immigrants, Hull had a well-connected railway station (transporting goods and people to and from the coast, to Hull, and then to and from Hull to all over England and Scotland). So, saying that there was no worthy Jeweler nearby was a lie.
Even if the fictitious school was located further from Hull, maps of England from 1872, show that the country was covered in roads for mail service and extensive railways and rail stations. She would never be more than a few walking hours (not days as Charlie eluded it would take) from another town, mail stop, railway station, or river ferry.
Charlie also claims that she might freeze to death if she tried to escape and had trouble finding shelter. As I already discussed, Charlie would never be more than a few hours stroll from a city or rail/ mail station. Hull even had services (such as shelters and hospitals) for the indigent (AKA homeless). Since Hull was a hub for immigrants, these services make sense.
So, In order for Charlie's claim that there were no nearby cities with Jewelers and that she will freeze to death and possibly not find shelter to be true, we'd have to assume that Charlie was blindfolded on her way from the railway station to the school, and that was why she didn't know she was not in as isolated a location as she thought. This scenario is highly unlikely and would raise many questions by onlookers.
As for the weather "freezing [her] to death":
The Yorkshire area she was in is a very flat land that sits next to a mountain. The mountain shields the area from the majority of inclement weather. According to my research, the median high for Hull in December is 45 degrees F, with the median low being above freezing at 36 degrees F. I spent the last few months checking the weather in London and York. The coldest I saw was in January (not December as in the story) at around 26 degrees F (just a little below freezing) with wind never over 15 mph. The sources of information I searched all stated that snow almost never sticks to the ground in the Yorkshire areas. However; because of its low elevation, the ground does freeze. The only record low I could find was 17 degrees F. The average precipitation of Hull in December was only 2 1/2 inches, with no snow averages - no snow at all.
I had envisioned Charlie in a desolate location, 100's of miles from civilization, caught in a blizzard, gale force winds and negative zero degrees F temperatures. The reality was the opposite. Once I realized what a wussy Charlie was being, I began to lose all respect for her. Heck, I survived -25 degrees F (-50 with wind chill) with 2 inches of ice covered by three feet of snow. I survived even though I was only wearing a mini-skirt, tattered t-shirt, ripped fishnet pantyhose, and a thin, beaten-up leather jacket while sheltering in a condemned, partially exploded beer factory at the age of 16. If I could survive those conditions overnight, and I don't have half the skills Charlie has, than what was her excuse? The only answer I could come up with was that Charlie was just using this as an excuse to herself on why she wussed out and stayed at the school.
Another factor I found strange was that if one of the reasons Lincoln had sent Charlie away was because she was in danger, why wouldn't he have made sure she packed her "boy clothes" disguise? Why wouldn't he have given her pocket money in case of emergency? He, at the very least, should have handed her the money from her wages that she had kept and did not spend. Charlie had said in Her Majesty's Necromancer that she never spends her wages. That's like, six months of wages owed to her. Even if he never planned to see her again, she would need money once she graduated to start a new life. It was very out of character and irresponsible of Lincoln not to give her her money, or even ensure she had money on her person. Charlie could have used the money and her boy disguise to save herself in case someone came after her. Of course, she could have also used it to escape the school.
Another oddity was that Lincoln seemed genuinely shocked upon learning that Charlie had been mistreated at the school. Considering the violent way he was taught, why would he expect her school to be different?
On a side note, seeing as such a big deal was made over the conversation Lincoln had with Julia Harcourt the morning before he sent Charlie away, I feel Ms. Archer owed her readers an explanation as to what was fully discussed and the bearing it had on Lincoln's decision. Skimming over it was just not satisfactory.
Ashes to Ashes should have given the reader answers to some of Lincoln's motives and greater insights and understandings into why he says or acts the way he does. Lincoln's inner dialogue was written fundamentally no different than Charlie's. Lincoln and Charlie are completely different people. I find it extremely difficult to believe that their thoughts, meta cognitions, and thought processes are absolutely similar.
Talking about Ashes to Ashes, I was quite disappointed in that book. I think it was supposed to show Lincoln's downward spiral into depression and its negative impact on his ability to work effectively. This was a beautiful opportunity for the author to expand her writing abilities. I was expecting to read about the inner turmoil of a man sinking deeper and deeper into depression. A man who keeps making more and bigger careless mistakes at work. I would expect his behavior to be truly erratic (like sleeping ten hours one day and suffering insomnia the next, being physically and verbally aggressive with everyone (male and female) with little to no provocation and no forewarning, being emotionally labile, experience the thought patterns consistent to those who suffer from depression, etc.). I would expect deeper signs of anhedonia from Lincoln. Not his happy thrill he seemed to get from jumping rooftop to rooftop.
I further expected Lincoln's downward spiral to end not in the soft landing of Seth and Gus just saying that they had enough and leaving. I expected Lincoln to crash (both literally and figuratively). A perfect example would be Lincoln making the horse and carriage speed too fast down icy streets in the dark with no street lights. He should have taken a corner too fast and ended up tipping over and crashing himself, Seth and Gus. Seth and/ or Gus should have sustained injuries significant to require hospitalization. That would have been a grave enough mistake to serve as a "wake up" call befitting Lincoln's personality.
Another aspect of the Necromancer series that drove me crazy was that Charlie pretty much had a superpower. Necromancy is her superpower. She could have used her power to put the members of the committee in their place so that they stopped bullying her. She needed to empower herself and let the committee members know that their harassment needed to stop or there would be consequences. She could have joined forces with other "magical" people like herself to promote positive change in her society. Charlie could have been an awesome combination of Professor X and Magneto of the X-Men championing social change. Instead, she cowered and let others dictate her life. What a profound disappointment.
The Necromancer Series started out so well-written. I felt that Ms. Archer's writing was neither Young Adult nor Women's Fiction. But, a genre all its own. It felt like Ms. Archer was breaking down the walls the literary world imposed on her, and was willing to chance it all by writing her stories the way her heart felt they should be told. She was a rebel, just like Charlie.
However; just like how the protagonist, Charlie, quickly became less and less bad ass by the second book, Ms. Archer's writing style quickly began to waver. I couldn't help but get the feeling that Ms. Archer changed the character due to either her publishing company putting pressure on her (which I somehow doubt that was the case), or she just became self-conscience of how her children (who are rapidly growing up) would perceive her when they read her books. I honestly feel that Ms. Archer's storytelling is impeded by this fear. Until she makes peace with it, she will continue to write subpar books that will never let her true potential shine. She owes it to her children and to her art to live up to that potential. I hope that Ms. Archer comes to realize that being brave presents a better role-model for her children and for her readers.
Now, on to my evaluation of From the Ashes. From the Ashes has many bothersome inconsistencies.
In Ashes to Ashes, Lincoln says it has been several weeks since Charlie's departure (several infers 3 or more weeks). Ashes to Ashes takes place over the span of five days. Thus, by the time Lincoln goes to retrieve Charlie, it has been almost a full month. Yet, in From the Ashes, Charlie says she has been Alice's roommate for only 10 days. At first I thought that maybe it had taken a few weeks by carriage for Charlie to arrive at the school. However; in July 1847, all passenger coach travel stopped in England since railway travel had become faster. Since the year is 1889, Charlie would have traveled by train.
Going from the clues left in Grave Expectations, Ashes to Ashes, and From the Ashes, Charlie is attending school at Inglemere in the Yorkshire area of England. Inglemere is a is a fictitious place, and Yorkshire no longer exists as a whole. But, there is an Inglemire near the bustling port city of Hull (AKA Kingston upon Hull) in part of the old Yorkshire district that is now called the East Riding of Yorkshire. It is a river port city that is about 25 miles from the ocean. The Hull river actually joins the ocean. In a way, by sending her to the school, Lincoln did almost fulfill his promise to take Charlie to the ocean.
Charlie lists many reasons why she has chosen to stay at the school. One reason is that there is no town nearby that is large enough to have a Jewelry merchant to pay her what her engagement ring is worth. In 1889, Hull was a major importing and exporting hub, as well as immigration hub. It was a large city with over 239,000 people. Jewelry merchants were amongst the population. To keep pace with the demands of importing, exporting, and influx of immigrants, Hull had a well-connected railway station (transporting goods and people to and from the coast, to Hull, and then to and from Hull to all over England and Scotland). So, saying that there was no worthy Jeweler nearby was a lie.
Even if the fictitious school was located further from Hull, maps of England from 1872, show that the country was covered in roads for mail service and extensive railways and rail stations. She would never be more than a few walking hours (not days as Charlie eluded it would take) from another town, mail stop, railway station, or river ferry.
Charlie also claims that she might freeze to death if she tried to escape and had trouble finding shelter. As I already discussed, Charlie would never be more than a few hours stroll from a city or rail/ mail station. Hull even had services (such as shelters and hospitals) for the indigent (AKA homeless). Since Hull was a hub for immigrants, these services make sense.
So, In order for Charlie's claim that there were no nearby cities with Jewelers and that she will freeze to death and possibly not find shelter to be true, we'd have to assume that Charlie was blindfolded on her way from the railway station to the school, and that was why she didn't know she was not in as isolated a location as she thought. This scenario is highly unlikely and would raise many questions by onlookers.
As for the weather "freezing [her] to death":
The Yorkshire area she was in is a very flat land that sits next to a mountain. The mountain shields the area from the majority of inclement weather. According to my research, the median high for Hull in December is 45 degrees F, with the median low being above freezing at 36 degrees F. I spent the last few months checking the weather in London and York. The coldest I saw was in January (not December as in the story) at around 26 degrees F (just a little below freezing) with wind never over 15 mph. The sources of information I searched all stated that snow almost never sticks to the ground in the Yorkshire areas. However; because of its low elevation, the ground does freeze. The only record low I could find was 17 degrees F. The average precipitation of Hull in December was only 2 1/2 inches, with no snow averages - no snow at all.
I had envisioned Charlie in a desolate location, 100's of miles from civilization, caught in a blizzard, gale force winds and negative zero degrees F temperatures. The reality was the opposite. Once I realized what a wussy Charlie was being, I began to lose all respect for her. Heck, I survived -25 degrees F (-50 with wind chill) with 2 inches of ice covered by three feet of snow. I survived even though I was only wearing a mini-skirt, tattered t-shirt, ripped fishnet pantyhose, and a thin, beaten-up leather jacket while sheltering in a condemned, partially exploded beer factory at the age of 16. If I could survive those conditions overnight, and I don't have half the skills Charlie has, than what was her excuse? The only answer I could come up with was that Charlie was just using this as an excuse to herself on why she wussed out and stayed at the school.
Another factor I found strange was that if one of the reasons Lincoln had sent Charlie away was because she was in danger, why wouldn't he have made sure she packed her "boy clothes" disguise? Why wouldn't he have given her pocket money in case of emergency? He, at the very least, should have handed her the money from her wages that she had kept and did not spend. Charlie had said in Her Majesty's Necromancer that she never spends her wages. That's like, six months of wages owed to her. Even if he never planned to see her again, she would need money once she graduated to start a new life. It was very out of character and irresponsible of Lincoln not to give her her money, or even ensure she had money on her person. Charlie could have used the money and her boy disguise to save herself in case someone came after her. Of course, she could have also used it to escape the school.
Another oddity was that Lincoln seemed genuinely shocked upon learning that Charlie had been mistreated at the school. Considering the violent way he was taught, why would he expect her school to be different?
On a side note, seeing as such a big deal was made over the conversation Lincoln had with Julia Harcourt the morning before he sent Charlie away, I feel Ms. Archer owed her readers an explanation as to what was fully discussed and the bearing it had on Lincoln's decision. Skimming over it was just not satisfactory.
Ashes to Ashes should have given the reader answers to some of Lincoln's motives and greater insights and understandings into why he says or acts the way he does. Lincoln's inner dialogue was written fundamentally no different than Charlie's. Lincoln and Charlie are completely different people. I find it extremely difficult to believe that their thoughts, meta cognitions, and thought processes are absolutely similar.
Talking about Ashes to Ashes, I was quite disappointed in that book. I think it was supposed to show Lincoln's downward spiral into depression and its negative impact on his ability to work effectively. This was a beautiful opportunity for the author to expand her writing abilities. I was expecting to read about the inner turmoil of a man sinking deeper and deeper into depression. A man who keeps making more and bigger careless mistakes at work. I would expect his behavior to be truly erratic (like sleeping ten hours one day and suffering insomnia the next, being physically and verbally aggressive with everyone (male and female) with little to no provocation and no forewarning, being emotionally labile, experience the thought patterns consistent to those who suffer from depression, etc.). I would expect deeper signs of anhedonia from Lincoln. Not his happy thrill he seemed to get from jumping rooftop to rooftop.
I further expected Lincoln's downward spiral to end not in the soft landing of Seth and Gus just saying that they had enough and leaving. I expected Lincoln to crash (both literally and figuratively). A perfect example would be Lincoln making the horse and carriage speed too fast down icy streets in the dark with no street lights. He should have taken a corner too fast and ended up tipping over and crashing himself, Seth and Gus. Seth and/ or Gus should have sustained injuries significant to require hospitalization. That would have been a grave enough mistake to serve as a "wake up" call befitting Lincoln's personality.
Another aspect of the Necromancer series that drove me crazy was that Charlie pretty much had a superpower. Necromancy is her superpower. She could have used her power to put the members of the committee in their place so that they stopped bullying her. She needed to empower herself and let the committee members know that their harassment needed to stop or there would be consequences. She could have joined forces with other "magical" people like herself to promote positive change in her society. Charlie could have been an awesome combination of Professor X and Magneto of the X-Men championing social change. Instead, she cowered and let others dictate her life. What a profound disappointment.
The Necromancer Series started out so well-written. I felt that Ms. Archer's writing was neither Young Adult nor Women's Fiction. But, a genre all its own. It felt like Ms. Archer was breaking down the walls the literary world imposed on her, and was willing to chance it all by writing her stories the way her heart felt they should be told. She was a rebel, just like Charlie.
However; just like how the protagonist, Charlie, quickly became less and less bad ass by the second book, Ms. Archer's writing style quickly began to waver. I couldn't help but get the feeling that Ms. Archer changed the character due to either her publishing company putting pressure on her (which I somehow doubt that was the case), or she just became self-conscience of how her children (who are rapidly growing up) would perceive her when they read her books. I honestly feel that Ms. Archer's storytelling is impeded by this fear. Until she makes peace with it, she will continue to write subpar books that will never let her true potential shine. She owes it to her children and to her art to live up to that potential. I hope that Ms. Archer comes to realize that being brave presents a better role-model for her children and for her readers.
January 24, 2022
From the Ashes
Ministry of Curiosities, Book 6
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 1/19/22 - 1/22/22
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Shiromi Arserio
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Holloway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Seth, Gus, Lady Vickers, The Ministry, Alice
The Story:
Charlie has returned to Litchfield but a killer is still on the loose. Can she and the boys solve the mystery before anyone else dies? Will she and Lincoln reconnect and rebuild the future they were once heading for?
I was quite surprised with the resolution of this book.
The Random Thoughts:
I wonder what role Alice will play in future books. Will we see the other girls from the school again?
Challenges:
A to Z Reading Challenge 2022 - F
Goodreads Book Bingo 2022 - I1 - A book set in another country
Ministry of Curiosities, Book 6
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 1/19/22 - 1/22/22
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Shiromi Arserio
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Holloway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Seth, Gus, Lady Vickers, The Ministry, Alice
The Story:
Charlie has returned to Litchfield but a killer is still on the loose. Can she and the boys solve the mystery before anyone else dies? Will she and Lincoln reconnect and rebuild the future they were once heading for?
I was quite surprised with the resolution of this book.
The Random Thoughts:
I wonder what role Alice will play in future books. Will we see the other girls from the school again?
Challenges:
A to Z Reading Challenge 2022 - F
Goodreads Book Bingo 2022 - I1 - A book set in another country
June 16, 2022
4.5 Stars
The series is back on track after the lackluster volumes 3 and 4. Charlie and Lincoln are at their investigative best searching for the killer of super naturals.
The series is back on track after the lackluster volumes 3 and 4. Charlie and Lincoln are at their investigative best searching for the killer of super naturals.
March 27, 2021
Boy, I was hoping Charlie would really make Lincoln pay for sending her off. And she does!
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am so glad she didn't just forgive him. Even after he got hurt she didn't give in and become his fiance again. It really showed how much she had grown.
I completely forgot the man behind it all was Eastbrooke. I didn't really believe that someone a part of the ministry was going to be behind it all, but if it had to be anyone I am glad it was him. I also thought it was a really funny reveal to have everyone follow Charlie out of the dinner. AND FINALLY!!!!! Julia is getting what she deserves. She is acting completely crazy and I love that people are seeing it.
I completely forgot about the Alice in Wonderland plot and I absolutely live for it. It is such a fun spin to the story to have that in there.
I am glad Charlie is being strong and not letting Lincoln wiggle his way in, but I am also glad that they are giving it another shot. After all, I do love a good romance.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am so glad she didn't just forgive him. Even after he got hurt she didn't give in and become his fiance again. It really showed how much she had grown.
I completely forgot the man behind it all was Eastbrooke. I didn't really believe that someone a part of the ministry was going to be behind it all, but if it had to be anyone I am glad it was him. I also thought it was a really funny reveal to have everyone follow Charlie out of the dinner. AND FINALLY!!!!! Julia is getting what she deserves. She is acting completely crazy and I love that people are seeing it.
I completely forgot about the Alice in Wonderland plot and I absolutely live for it. It is such a fun spin to the story to have that in there.
I am glad Charlie is being strong and not letting Lincoln wiggle his way in, but I am also glad that they are giving it another shot. After all, I do love a good romance.
March 3, 2017
This series, while entertaining at the start, is dwindling. The end of this installment was abrupt, melodramatic, and poorly conceived. For the wrap-up of a storyline that has spanned multiple books, I was hoping for an ending that actually made sense, delivered with subtlety. Instead I got a villain with motives that ring false, delivered with over-the-top exposition accompanied by dramatic outbursts of "my son, my son!"
August 25, 2016
THIS Is How A Paranormal Mystery Series Should Be ♥️
Scary as heck, sexy as HELL and filled with just enough sweet romance and intrigue to melt your heart and soul! I LOVE THIS ONE BEST out of all the ones so far and Charlie finding Alice and her unique gift is priceless and such a wonderful addition to the series. I believe in this world and cannot wait for the next one!
Scary as heck, sexy as HELL and filled with just enough sweet romance and intrigue to melt your heart and soul! I LOVE THIS ONE BEST out of all the ones so far and Charlie finding Alice and her unique gift is priceless and such a wonderful addition to the series. I believe in this world and cannot wait for the next one!
March 20, 2019
DNF @ 23%
I really don‘t care about this series anymore. The previous book was kind of disappointing and things just get more ridiculous in this one.
I really don‘t care about this series anymore. The previous book was kind of disappointing and things just get more ridiculous in this one.
February 20, 2021
This one had a good peaceful ending.
April 2, 2017
I enjoy this series because it has a lighthearted and charming feel to it. It's pretty good as long as you don't expect the dark parts to actually feel really dangerous. What I liked most about this particular installment, was the way Charlie and Lincoln worked through their problems like adults and talked things over.
I was kind of disappointed in the ending, because it felt really rushed to me. And because of both the resolution to the identity of the killer, and the resolution to Charlie and Lincoln's relationship, it kind of felt like a good place for the series to end. I'm not sure what else can happen to keep things moving along.
I was kind of disappointed in the ending, because it felt really rushed to me. And because of both the resolution to the identity of the killer, and the resolution to Charlie and Lincoln's relationship, it kind of felt like a good place for the series to end. I'm not sure what else can happen to keep things moving along.
July 28, 2023
4.5 Stars
I really liked this one more than the previous ones!
I really liked this one more than the previous ones!
December 20, 2019
I think this one dragged for me a bit too, more because it's the third book dealing with the same murder mystery and I just needed that to be solved already. The beginning and ending were great - I LOVED the addition of Alice and the ending was chock full of interesting stuff, but the middle was a bit of a drag.
Also, in retrospect, I think the whole Licoln-forcing-Charlie-to-leave thing was just one giant eyeroll of an unnecessary plot point. On the one hand I'm glad it caused Charlie to see how much she was allowing her love for Lincoln overtake her life and choices, but on the other I think it was just a bunch of unnecessary angst to cause strife between them. I mean, yeah, it brought out some new character development in a lot of the characters, but also, couldn't that have been resolved in another, less suddenly out-of-character kind of way?
Idk
I'm rambling
Anyway
Onto the next one
3.5 stars
Also, in retrospect, I think the whole Licoln-forcing-Charlie-to-leave thing was just one giant eyeroll of an unnecessary plot point. On the one hand I'm glad it caused Charlie to see how much she was allowing her love for Lincoln overtake her life and choices, but on the other I think it was just a bunch of unnecessary angst to cause strife between them. I mean, yeah, it brought out some new character development in a lot of the characters, but also, couldn't that have been resolved in another, less suddenly out-of-character kind of way?
Idk
I'm rambling
Anyway
Onto the next one
3.5 stars
August 26, 2016
I really enjoyed the latest book in the Ministry of Curiosities - so much so I read it in it's entirety the day it came out! I loved the Charlie is really coming into her own confidence and getting to be a leader among women and peers. I loved the flirtatious innuendo throughout the book, and getting to know some new characters better. I can't wait for book 7!
September 6, 2016
Maybe if I'd gone back and reread the series before starting this I would have been able to get into it more, but I did not and the book really feel flat for me. I disliked the beginning quite a bit which probably soured things for me...too bad because I really enjoyed the prior books!
August 28, 2016
There were some editing problems in this book but I'm glad there was a resolution to the mystery that seemed to have spanned three books. The Alice in wonderland crossover was also a little distracting.
August 24, 2020
A.K.A "The Redemption of Lincoln Fitzroy"
Or should that be character transplant?
Honestly, I have no idea how to feel about this book. If Lincoln hadn't been so utterly vile and emotionally abusive in the first four books, his behaviour romanticised by Charlie, I'd have shrugged and gone with this Beauty and the Beast style transformation. I would even have shipped the couple. But this complete 180 from Lincoln just does not work for me because of his earlier behaviour. I just can't believe he's gone from rageball of sexual frustration to the perfect damaged-by-my-past-but-I-can-change love interest. He's murdered people. He had Charlie attacked to prove a point. He screamed at her for making him "weak" shortly after pawing at her like some teenage boy. It just did not compute to me how he's gone from borderline violent to the attentive and caring latter story stages of Mr Darcy.
Charlie's character arc makes perfect sense. I like how she's grown more emotionally mature and aware of her past mistakes. She even starts to think of Lincoln as being a bully, and deciding that her feelings towards him shouldn't have made her allow his mistreatment of her. Hell yeah, you go girl! You go- Right back into your abuser's arms. But he's changed, right? He has, but, well, see above.
I'm finding this inconsistency so problematic and upsetting.
Side characters take a bit of a backseat for this one. Seth's become more surly and less fun; Gus and Cook aren't around as much either. I'm immensely grateful for Lady Vickers though - finally a female character who's not horrible and/or a love rival! While she's difficult (and uncomfortably pushing for Charlie to reconsider Lincoln, apologising for his past behaviour on his behalf), she genuinely seems like a good-but-flawed companion that this series has so badly needed.
The supernatural part of the story here is mostly about tying up loose ends started earlier, mostly about the murdered supernaturals and those suspected of doing so. To be fair, I didn't know exactly whodunnit, though the list is pretty short in the end (). The other strand involves Charlie's "schooling" (why did Marchmont not know she was there? He told her to go there! And how could Lincoln not know what kind of school it was when he actually sent her there?) and a strange new girl called Alice.
I found the Alice In Wonderland interludes pretty weird and outlandish even for this series. I liked the idea of the girl being troubled by weird dreams of another realm, but actually summoning them when she's unhappy? That's... odd. It just seemed a bit of an out of place power given everyone else is the usual gothic seer/ghost whisperer/shifter. I'm also just not a fan of Alice's strange aloofness.
If Lincoln hadn't been tainted by the past bully romance, I probably would have liked this book far more. I just couldn't square his sudden transformation into perfect love interest material. It's too good to be true, but I'm being asked to believe it because love.
At the start of the series, I assumed it'd be a difficult Poison Study sort of romance - troubled by a guy who's got issues with emotional attachments that could jeopardise his job, but ultimately kinda sweet when they work it through. What we got was a bully romance where the girl swoons while the guy rages internally and externally. Now it wants to be sweet?
Overall... I'm confused, because I was enjoying the general paranormal idea of the series but the tone of the romance has always been so wrong it was upsetting. Now it's changed. If only the earlier books had shared this characterisation. If only I could believe it.
Or should that be character transplant?
Honestly, I have no idea how to feel about this book. If Lincoln hadn't been so utterly vile and emotionally abusive in the first four books, his behaviour romanticised by Charlie, I'd have shrugged and gone with this Beauty and the Beast style transformation. I would even have shipped the couple. But this complete 180 from Lincoln just does not work for me because of his earlier behaviour. I just can't believe he's gone from rageball of sexual frustration to the perfect damaged-by-my-past-but-I-can-change love interest. He's murdered people. He had Charlie attacked to prove a point. He screamed at her for making him "weak" shortly after pawing at her like some teenage boy. It just did not compute to me how he's gone from borderline violent to the attentive and caring latter story stages of Mr Darcy.
Charlie's character arc makes perfect sense. I like how she's grown more emotionally mature and aware of her past mistakes. She even starts to think of Lincoln as being a bully, and deciding that her feelings towards him shouldn't have made her allow his mistreatment of her. Hell yeah, you go girl! You go- Right back into your abuser's arms. But he's changed, right? He has, but, well, see above.
I'm finding this inconsistency so problematic and upsetting.
Side characters take a bit of a backseat for this one. Seth's become more surly and less fun; Gus and Cook aren't around as much either. I'm immensely grateful for Lady Vickers though - finally a female character who's not horrible and/or a love rival! While she's difficult (and uncomfortably pushing for Charlie to reconsider Lincoln, apologising for his past behaviour on his behalf), she genuinely seems like a good-but-flawed companion that this series has so badly needed.
The supernatural part of the story here is mostly about tying up loose ends started earlier, mostly about the murdered supernaturals and those suspected of doing so. To be fair, I didn't know exactly whodunnit, though the list is pretty short in the end (). The other strand involves Charlie's "schooling" (why did Marchmont not know she was there? He told her to go there! And how could Lincoln not know what kind of school it was when he actually sent her there?) and a strange new girl called Alice.
I found the Alice In Wonderland interludes pretty weird and outlandish even for this series. I liked the idea of the girl being troubled by weird dreams of another realm, but actually summoning them when she's unhappy? That's... odd. It just seemed a bit of an out of place power given everyone else is the usual gothic seer/ghost whisperer/shifter. I'm also just not a fan of Alice's strange aloofness.
If Lincoln hadn't been tainted by the past bully romance, I probably would have liked this book far more. I just couldn't square his sudden transformation into perfect love interest material. It's too good to be true, but I'm being asked to believe it because love.
At the start of the series, I assumed it'd be a difficult Poison Study sort of romance - troubled by a guy who's got issues with emotional attachments that could jeopardise his job, but ultimately kinda sweet when they work it through. What we got was a bully romance where the girl swoons while the guy rages internally and externally. Now it wants to be sweet?
Overall... I'm confused, because I was enjoying the general paranormal idea of the series but the tone of the romance has always been so wrong it was upsetting. Now it's changed. If only the earlier books had shared this characterisation. If only I could believe it.
June 10, 2024
I'm sorry I'm only 65% of the way through this book and all I can say is it's terrible once again because the main female character is one of the worst people I've ever run into in literature. Mrs. Havisham at least has more behind her sadistic awful character than our supposed heroin? Mrs. Havisham is awful and insane, but she's supposed to be the villain and her sadistic sick ways are recognized. In the book that I'm currently reading from the ashes, this horrible c*** Charlotte AKA Charlie is supposed to be the good girl. In no way is she good. I need to start the next portion of this commentary by reminding everybody that this girl was living as a boy on the streets with zero money. Zero food. Zero place to live. This b**** decided to make a problem of herself at a school that she was sent to for free. A school that was going to teach her things that she could make use of in the real world, that provided her food, a place to live, and prospects for the future. But instead of going along with the curriculum which by the way was being provided to her for free: she did not have to pay tuition, someone else was doing it for her, this entitled b**** decided to disrupt every class and fight the head, mistress and the teachers at every possible corner. Disrupting the school making a nuisance of herself and generally just being a bad person. Having zero appreciation for the fact that she was provided for free room and board, an education, and prospects for the future.
When she leaves the school and then starts tearing into Lincoln. She also continues to forget the fact that when she was found, she was found kicking and screaming and not wanting to be brought to the place that she now wants to call home. When she was found she was a street urchin, with no money, with no skills, with no future prospects, and with no family that backed her whatsoever: and yet she wants to be treated like the madam of the house, who pays all the bills, who has plenty of means and tons of talent. This stupid heroine is none of those things and all she is is problematic to the true hero who is Lincoln, and nothing but problematic to any of the missions that they conduct because she always wants to put herself in danger even though she shouldn't be there because she is untrained and a liability. This overly entitled Street urchin b**** continues to make herself a problem even when invited back. She has zero appreciation for the fact that all of her bills are being paid for her, she doesn't have to worry about being raped out on the streets, she's being provided a place to live, she's provided delicious meals, and being treated with a level of common decency. And yet still she acts like she's the victim and that she should be given as much entitlement as the person who owns the property, who runs the business. This b**** is like the worst horribly entitled intern, who thinks that she should be put in to the CEO's office and consulted on everything. I wish you would die and that Lincoln would find a much more appropriate and better consort.
When she leaves the school and then starts tearing into Lincoln. She also continues to forget the fact that when she was found, she was found kicking and screaming and not wanting to be brought to the place that she now wants to call home. When she was found she was a street urchin, with no money, with no skills, with no future prospects, and with no family that backed her whatsoever: and yet she wants to be treated like the madam of the house, who pays all the bills, who has plenty of means and tons of talent. This stupid heroine is none of those things and all she is is problematic to the true hero who is Lincoln, and nothing but problematic to any of the missions that they conduct because she always wants to put herself in danger even though she shouldn't be there because she is untrained and a liability. This overly entitled Street urchin b**** continues to make herself a problem even when invited back. She has zero appreciation for the fact that all of her bills are being paid for her, she doesn't have to worry about being raped out on the streets, she's being provided a place to live, she's provided delicious meals, and being treated with a level of common decency. And yet still she acts like she's the victim and that she should be given as much entitlement as the person who owns the property, who runs the business. This b**** is like the worst horribly entitled intern, who thinks that she should be put in to the CEO's office and consulted on everything. I wish you would die and that Lincoln would find a much more appropriate and better consort.
September 22, 2017
I gave this book five stars. I liked it because it ties other fairy tale like stories into it’s own. I liked it because it went back to Charlie’s point of view in this book and in the one before it was in Lincoln’s point of view. I also liked the fact that Lady Vickers is in the house now with everyone including Charlie.
I like that C.J. Archer incorporates other fairytale like stories into her own. Earlier in the series you find out that Frankenstein is Charlie’s father, and that whole part of the story fits into the rest of the series. Now she brings in a girl named Alice whose dreams come to life. In one of her dreams that came to life there’s a queen after Alice, and this queen likes to behead people for pretty much no reason and with very little evidence. Now she’s after Alice for speaking against her. It’s just like the Red Queen in “Alice in Wonderland”. Alice becomes one of Charlie’s best friends at the school where they met. I love the way that Alice was added to the story, and I love how she fits in so well.
I like how it’s back to Charlie’s point of view. Throughout the series it been Charlie’s point of view the whole time except for the last book. I like that it switched to Lincoln for a book and that we got to see what it’s like to be inside his head in a way, but it switched at the worst moment for me. That was probably on purpose but anyway. I like Charlie’s point of view more because she feels more, and I like learning about people’s feelings. I like to predict what they will feel based on what they’ve felt during different past situations, and what they felt after those situations. Charlie’s more of an open book. I do also like the fact that you view Lincoln in a way where you have no idea what he’s going to do, so I also like predicting that.
I think it’s hilarious the fact that Lady Vickers is living in the same house as all these people that don’t really care about what society thinks or what’s proper when she is all about that life. I like the fact that she’s trying to get Charlie to get out and go to all these parties and events to get her a husband, but she’s also trying to get Lincoln jealous so Charlie and him get back together. I just like the fact that she is trying to play matchmaker.
All in all I thought this book was really good. It is still exciting and funny even though it’s the sixth book in the series. It continues to make me smile and laugh. It has it’s emotional and angry parts that make the story that much better. I definitely recommended this book if you’re thinking about no longer reading the series.
I like that C.J. Archer incorporates other fairytale like stories into her own. Earlier in the series you find out that Frankenstein is Charlie’s father, and that whole part of the story fits into the rest of the series. Now she brings in a girl named Alice whose dreams come to life. In one of her dreams that came to life there’s a queen after Alice, and this queen likes to behead people for pretty much no reason and with very little evidence. Now she’s after Alice for speaking against her. It’s just like the Red Queen in “Alice in Wonderland”. Alice becomes one of Charlie’s best friends at the school where they met. I love the way that Alice was added to the story, and I love how she fits in so well.
I like how it’s back to Charlie’s point of view. Throughout the series it been Charlie’s point of view the whole time except for the last book. I like that it switched to Lincoln for a book and that we got to see what it’s like to be inside his head in a way, but it switched at the worst moment for me. That was probably on purpose but anyway. I like Charlie’s point of view more because she feels more, and I like learning about people’s feelings. I like to predict what they will feel based on what they’ve felt during different past situations, and what they felt after those situations. Charlie’s more of an open book. I do also like the fact that you view Lincoln in a way where you have no idea what he’s going to do, so I also like predicting that.
I think it’s hilarious the fact that Lady Vickers is living in the same house as all these people that don’t really care about what society thinks or what’s proper when she is all about that life. I like the fact that she’s trying to get Charlie to get out and go to all these parties and events to get her a husband, but she’s also trying to get Lincoln jealous so Charlie and him get back together. I just like the fact that she is trying to play matchmaker.
All in all I thought this book was really good. It is still exciting and funny even though it’s the sixth book in the series. It continues to make me smile and laugh. It has it’s emotional and angry parts that make the story that much better. I definitely recommended this book if you’re thinking about no longer reading the series.
November 8, 2018
This one is a huge improvement over the last two novels. I will point out I noticed a couple discrepancies from the previous novels, but nothing like the last book.
This book picks up with Charlie at the school and overlaps slightly with the previous novel before continuing on. I love how Archer is continuing to expand the world with new supernaturals and the introduction of Alice with her unique ability definitely intrigued me. Honestly I think I'd have been fine to spend the entire book at the school exploring the different new characters and their abilities pitted against the headmaster from Hades. The school is a series asking to be written in and of itself. I was also interested in the way Sir Jeffrey was able to affect objects in the mortal plane while in spirit form and I'm dying to know what makes him so different from the other ghost we've so far encountered in the series.
While Lady Vickers character improves somewhat in this novel, I'm still not entirely sure what to think of her. It was interesting also to learn a little more about the council and their story took some turns I really didn't expect. I was disappointed however that the council wives didn't make an appearance in this story since they were the characters that most interested me in the previous novel.
One of my favorite parts of the story though was the way Charlie didn't just instantly forgive Lincoln when he showed up to collect her from the school. It wasn't okay and him changing his mind and showing up didn't just erase how horrid his actions were in the first place. I was afraid she might just forgive him when he showed up but instead she finally seemed to grow a backbone where he was concerned and it made their romance so much more interesting.
The overall arching mystery's reveal was a little bit less than I expected and the dinner scene was... not the best. The way Charlie would leave and come back, then leave and come back again was kind of ridiculous and I think Archer could have done a lot better with the scene. It was almost like she was done with the section of the series plot, not interested anymore and just wanted it over. While I was surprised to find which of the committees members was the killer, I just kind of wanted it to be... more.
That said I enjoyed this book a lot more than I have the last two and can't wait to read or listen to more of the story.
This book picks up with Charlie at the school and overlaps slightly with the previous novel before continuing on. I love how Archer is continuing to expand the world with new supernaturals and the introduction of Alice with her unique ability definitely intrigued me. Honestly I think I'd have been fine to spend the entire book at the school exploring the different new characters and their abilities pitted against the headmaster from Hades. The school is a series asking to be written in and of itself. I was also interested in the way Sir Jeffrey was able to affect objects in the mortal plane while in spirit form and I'm dying to know what makes him so different from the other ghost we've so far encountered in the series.
While Lady Vickers character improves somewhat in this novel, I'm still not entirely sure what to think of her. It was interesting also to learn a little more about the council and their story took some turns I really didn't expect. I was disappointed however that the council wives didn't make an appearance in this story since they were the characters that most interested me in the previous novel.
One of my favorite parts of the story though was the way Charlie didn't just instantly forgive Lincoln when he showed up to collect her from the school. It wasn't okay and him changing his mind and showing up didn't just erase how horrid his actions were in the first place. I was afraid she might just forgive him when he showed up but instead she finally seemed to grow a backbone where he was concerned and it made their romance so much more interesting.
The overall arching mystery's reveal was a little bit less than I expected and the dinner scene was... not the best. The way Charlie would leave and come back, then leave and come back again was kind of ridiculous and I think Archer could have done a lot better with the scene. It was almost like she was done with the section of the series plot, not interested anymore and just wanted it over. While I was surprised to find which of the committees members was the killer, I just kind of wanted it to be... more.
That said I enjoyed this book a lot more than I have the last two and can't wait to read or listen to more of the story.
March 30, 2024
“From the Ashes” more or less marks the end of the 'Ministry of Curiosities” series – Charlie and Lincoln are back on track, the killer has been unmasked, and t most of the questions raised until now have been answered.
It isn't the end, just probably where the series was originally intended to finish.
Looking back over the six books it strikes me that the paranormal aspect was never really developed, even Charlie's necromancy was used sparingly.
It's the same for Lincoln's very limited ability as a seer.
The imp in the necklace was a nice touch but was essentially a 'get out of jail free' card.
The introduction of an “Alice in Wonderland” subplot late in the series didn't quite work (the Tweedledum and Tweedledee episode seemed especially forced).
There was a solid cast of secondary characters, Gus, Seth, Cook, Darcy and, towards the end, Seth's mother, the matchmaking Lady Vickers.
While I enjoyed the series to date there was, as book followed book, a certain formulaic tendency, particularly when Charlie, given the choice between caution and danger, invariably chooses the latter.
4 Stars.
It isn't the end, just probably where the series was originally intended to finish.
Looking back over the six books it strikes me that the paranormal aspect was never really developed, even Charlie's necromancy was used sparingly.
It's the same for Lincoln's very limited ability as a seer.
The imp in the necklace was a nice touch but was essentially a 'get out of jail free' card.
The introduction of an “Alice in Wonderland” subplot late in the series didn't quite work (the Tweedledum and Tweedledee episode seemed especially forced).
There was a solid cast of secondary characters, Gus, Seth, Cook, Darcy and, towards the end, Seth's mother, the matchmaking Lady Vickers.
While I enjoyed the series to date there was, as book followed book, a certain formulaic tendency, particularly when Charlie, given the choice between caution and danger, invariably chooses the latter.
4 Stars.
December 24, 2021
Hooked All Over Again
I've liked this series from the start. It's different, witty, a little angsty, and full of the tension of two unique people drawn to each other under impossible circumstances. The characters are intelligent and likable, and the story line is always well done.
Charlie is back in a big way in this novel, after having been "out of the loop" for virtually the entire book prior to this one. Her character completely lights up the story all over again. I'm loving the evolution of personalities this particular story line shows. From Charlie, who is not quick to forgive Lincoln, to Lincoln struggling with his social graces and emotions. The judgmental and intrusive Mrs. Vickers is becoming an intriguing character as well.
If you're new to the series, it is possible to read this as a standalone novel, but it will be best enjoyed as part of the entire series. As per the rest of the series, readers will find adult themes and some adult language, but no steamy love scenes. This particular story focuses on loyalty, honor, honesty, and hope. Awesome.
I've liked this series from the start. It's different, witty, a little angsty, and full of the tension of two unique people drawn to each other under impossible circumstances. The characters are intelligent and likable, and the story line is always well done.
Charlie is back in a big way in this novel, after having been "out of the loop" for virtually the entire book prior to this one. Her character completely lights up the story all over again. I'm loving the evolution of personalities this particular story line shows. From Charlie, who is not quick to forgive Lincoln, to Lincoln struggling with his social graces and emotions. The judgmental and intrusive Mrs. Vickers is becoming an intriguing character as well.
If you're new to the series, it is possible to read this as a standalone novel, but it will be best enjoyed as part of the entire series. As per the rest of the series, readers will find adult themes and some adult language, but no steamy love scenes. This particular story focuses on loyalty, honor, honesty, and hope. Awesome.
May 10, 2021
This is the sixth book in the engaging paranormal series, the Ministry of Curiosities. The story continues as Charlie is brought back home. The killer of paranormals is still unknown. I love this series and how the characters grow and evolve while solving paranormal related mysteries.
The book is so rich with personal drama and side stories that it seems to have something always happening adding much to the series storyline. I recommend this series is read in order as you may miss out in some of the subtleties. The characters seem to jump off the page with their strong and well crafted personalities. The narrative was from the point of view of Charlie allowing access to her experiences, emotions, thoughts and motivations. The character interactions are interesting and witty. The romance is filled with tender moments. This book has everything one could want in a cozy paranormal adventure. I can not wait until I get to read the next book.
The book is so rich with personal drama and side stories that it seems to have something always happening adding much to the series storyline. I recommend this series is read in order as you may miss out in some of the subtleties. The characters seem to jump off the page with their strong and well crafted personalities. The narrative was from the point of view of Charlie allowing access to her experiences, emotions, thoughts and motivations. The character interactions are interesting and witty. The romance is filled with tender moments. This book has everything one could want in a cozy paranormal adventure. I can not wait until I get to read the next book.
June 7, 2022
This was an angsty installment, which I mean in the best way. Charlie is in a wayward home for girls, which, of course, is run by someone pretty nasty and cruel.
I thought the tension between Charlie and Lincoln was deliciously taught and satisfying. Lincoln having her shipped off in book four was awful, and Charlie doesn't forgive and forget too soon, and the reunion with Seth, Gus, and Cook was all the sweeter.
But, there's still a killer out there, and Lincoln is back to including Charlie in his plans, though the Committee has a plan of their own.
Great mix of action, adventure, and romance.
I thought the tension between Charlie and Lincoln was deliciously taught and satisfying. Lincoln having her shipped off in book four was awful, and Charlie doesn't forgive and forget too soon, and the reunion with Seth, Gus, and Cook was all the sweeter.
But, there's still a killer out there, and Lincoln is back to including Charlie in his plans, though the Committee has a plan of their own.
Great mix of action, adventure, and romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews