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The Ministry of Curiosities #8
Veiled in Moonlight
When a young gentleman is murdered by a shape shifter, Charlie and Lincoln interrogate their contacts and uncover a plot with links to the royal family—and links to more than one member of the ministry's committee. At the heart of the mystery is a sinister love triangle, corruption, lies, and treason.As they close in on their suspects, the dangers close in on them, and Lincoln's protective instincts come to the fore, setting Charlie on edge. The last time he worried this much, he sent her away from her home and the people she loved…
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
675 people are currently reading
1328 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:
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
January 13, 2019
All about the shapeshifters! Excellent entertainment from the crew- Charlie, Lincoln, Gus, Seth, Lady Vickers, Lady Hardcourt, not to mention the Royal princes. Good Victorian paranormal fun!
Want to read
April 9, 2017Is it June yet?
July 4, 2017
Basically same old, same old (*screams internally* please stop, it has no actual story anymore except for that unnatural stretching of the plot, for real...)
My notes are basically same as with the previous books - not bad, but nothing special, too overdone, because "writing it as long as people keep reading it" really isn't a good reason to continue a series (yes, I still complain about it and I will keep complaining about it as long as the author keeps writing it... *see what I've done there?*)
Just two new things:
a) I have no idea why Archer just does not let Charlie and Lincoln finally marry each other. For like three books straight, it's been the exact same thing - Charlie trying to get it on with Lincoln and him being too honorable to do it with her before the wedding - honestly, the story would still continue exactly the same if they were married, minus the annoying back and forth with it and maybe with some proper make-out scenes instead of "we kissed and it was amazing and I got completely lost in it but then suddenly Lincoln stepped back" (I'm not kidding. That's literally how every kissing scene went). Repeat after me, kids, MARRIAGE DOES NOT RUIN THE STORY. In fact, in some cases *cough cough* it keeps you from reading about the same kissing situation over and over again.
b) I don't know, I find it kind of lame how the author put Alice in Wonderland there? I mean, it was about something completely different and suddenly she puts talking rabbits and different realms in it... Just meh.
My notes are basically same as with the previous books - not bad, but nothing special, too overdone, because "writing it as long as people keep reading it" really isn't a good reason to continue a series (yes, I still complain about it and I will keep complaining about it as long as the author keeps writing it... *see what I've done there?*)
Just two new things:
a) I have no idea why Archer just does not let Charlie and Lincoln finally marry each other. For like three books straight, it's been the exact same thing - Charlie trying to get it on with Lincoln and him being too honorable to do it with her before the wedding - honestly, the story would still continue exactly the same if they were married, minus the annoying back and forth with it and maybe with some proper make-out scenes instead of "we kissed and it was amazing and I got completely lost in it but then suddenly Lincoln stepped back" (I'm not kidding. That's literally how every kissing scene went). Repeat after me, kids, MARRIAGE DOES NOT RUIN THE STORY. In fact, in some cases *cough cough* it keeps you from reading about the same kissing situation over and over again.
b) I don't know, I find it kind of lame how the author put Alice in Wonderland there? I mean, it was about something completely different and suddenly she puts talking rabbits and different realms in it... Just meh.
June 30, 2017
4.5 stars
Too short. For me. It actually has like 300 pages but I wanted more, damn it!
Anyway, this book was sooo good.
I know some people are frustrated at how slow the relationship between Charlie and Lincoln is going. I am too! But I can't help but admire the way the author laid out the story and let it develop on it's own. I appreciate the way their romance grew and evolved.
And let's admit it, if they would have been together from book one, a lot of people would still have bitched because they don't like "insta-love". So screw them. You can't please everyone.
Yes, I do want them to get married and I can't wait for them to build a life together. I'm willing to wait for it. That means more books and more of these characters that I've come to love. (But don't take too long!)
Good God , how I hate Lady Harcourt Julia (she is no freaking lady). She's such a hateful bitch and I can't wait for someone to kick the shit out of her! And she is such a whore. She sleeps with anyone that has money, status and/or good looks.
I'm so happy that Charley doesn't feel threatened by her. And finally everyone is starting to see how rotten she is.
Ugh, rant over. Waiting the (un)necessary 30 years for the next book.
Too short. For me. It actually has like 300 pages but I wanted more, damn it!
Anyway, this book was sooo good.
I know some people are frustrated at how slow the relationship between Charlie and Lincoln is going. I am too! But I can't help but admire the way the author laid out the story and let it develop on it's own. I appreciate the way their romance grew and evolved.
And let's admit it, if they would have been together from book one, a lot of people would still have bitched because they don't like "insta-love". So screw them. You can't please everyone.
Yes, I do want them to get married and I can't wait for them to build a life together. I'm willing to wait for it. That means more books and more of these characters that I've come to love. (But don't take too long!)
Good God , how I hate
I'm so happy that Charley doesn't feel threatened by her. And finally everyone is starting to see how rotten she is.
Ugh, rant over. Waiting the (un)necessary 30 years for the next book.
January 11, 2023
This has become on of my all time favorite historical mystery (with magic!) series! Although each of the books (this one included) has it’s small glitches along with all the awesomeness, the overall is just pure fun, reading enjoyment.
June 17, 2018
So a few books have been releases since I caught up with this series a couple of years back and now I'm super happy that I'm reading this series and again and go to finish it.
November 16, 2020
3.5 rounded
Just two more novels before this series ends. In the last few books, we have been inundated with the plots of the shifters, and to be honest, I'm ready for that story arc to be done. I think this has been my least favorite installment so far, and even Seth and Eva couldn't save it. Out of all the threats the Ministry has faced, it is the one I like the least. We also see Lady Harcourt falling apart a little bit more in this novel. He is an abhorrent man, but Gilly's relationship with his wife makes me uncomfortable. I know some see it as her getting back her own, but if the situation were reversed, if he was forcing or intimidating her, it would be just as awful. I also still don't like this whole Seth/Alice thing. It seems very manufactured. I don't really like Alice as a character and the whole Wonderland arc feels a bit like jumping the shark. It frustrates me that Alice gets mad and possessive about Seth, but she doesn't want him. This also makes me think that Charlie isn't as good a friend to Seth as she should be because she keeps encouraging him even knowing that Alice feels that way.
Just two more novels before this series ends. In the last few books, we have been inundated with the plots of the shifters, and to be honest, I'm ready for that story arc to be done. I think this has been my least favorite installment so far, and even Seth and Eva couldn't save it. Out of all the threats the Ministry has faced, it is the one I like the least. We also see Lady Harcourt falling apart a little bit more in this novel. He is an abhorrent man, but Gilly's relationship with his wife makes me uncomfortable. I know some see it as her getting back her own, but if the situation were reversed, if he was forcing or intimidating her, it would be just as awful. I also still don't like this whole Seth/Alice thing. It seems very manufactured. I don't really like Alice as a character and the whole Wonderland arc feels a bit like jumping the shark. It frustrates me that Alice gets mad and possessive about Seth, but she doesn't want him. This also makes me think that Charlie isn't as good a friend to Seth as she should be because she keeps encouraging him even knowing that Alice feels that way.
June 16, 2022
3.5 stars
Charlie continues to be a super engaging heroine and Lincoln a decent enough hero, but the over all with a lot more page time spent on the various familial relationships and related angst than the convoluted plot. Although the murder that drove the plot is solved, the major strings are left hanging. The villains are clear enough, it's just a matter of how they will be defeated.
A little less familial angst, the author could have wrapped the major plot lines in this vol.
Having made it this far, I'll go on to book nine because Charlie has earned her HEA.
Charlie continues to be a super engaging heroine and Lincoln a decent enough hero, but the over all with a lot more page time spent on the various familial relationships and related angst than the convoluted plot. Although the murder that drove the plot is solved, the major strings are left hanging. The villains are clear enough, it's just a matter of how they will be defeated.
A little less familial angst, the author could have wrapped the major plot lines in this vol.
Having made it this far, I'll go on to book nine because Charlie has earned her HEA.
December 3, 2021
Ok so 5 stars for setting they went to the Isle Of Wight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My HOOOMEMME!!!!
And they even stayed at the fountain... one of my locals!!!!! I used to work in a restaranut a few doors down!!!
And Osborne house... We used to do school trips there every season lol
So was really excited... Surprised Charlie didn't see any ghosts as it is known as Ghost island but was so excited to see it in a book!
The story was interesting i think we will probably have a few more issues resolved in the next book
And they even stayed at the fountain... one of my locals!!!!! I used to work in a restaranut a few doors down!!!
And Osborne house... We used to do school trips there every season lol
So was really excited... Surprised Charlie didn't see any ghosts as it is known as Ghost island but was so excited to see it in a book!
The story was interesting i think we will probably have a few more issues resolved in the next book
November 9, 2018
The story was okay, but I don't know I feel like we're repeating a lot of the same material with some new plot elements. And honestly I still don't feel like Lincoln is a great character.
First of all Charlie lived on the streets for five years with prostitutes and criminals all around her. So why at the party which was clearly not your average party, was she so naively awkward at times that is was cringe worthy. It was like the whole evening flew right over her head. She may not have participated in the act herself, but with her life experiences she shouldn't have been able to miss the innuendo. Next the things I loved about this character, her disregard for convention, her quick wit and willingness to always speak up for herself seems to be disappearing all together. Charlie may be the supposed lady of the house but Lady Vickers is the lady in charge. And when she's not Lincoln's making decisions for her. Has it occurred to anyone that Charlie would never have been taken at gunpoint if Fitzroy hadn't forced the coachman to take her away? Seriously has anyone else noticed the recurring theme that every time Fitzroy sends her off to keep her "safe" she ends up being attacked or kidnapped or taken hostage? Is he stupid because it's like he's constantly missing the trend?
The only thing that has ever interested me about her relationship with Fitzroy was her desire to remain and independent woman and him allowing it for all his blustering, but now he's going behind her back to keep her safe, ordering her away and generally just being an idiot.
Not to mention the whole the bad guy wins thing in this book. The council has become ridiculous, Julia is cavorting with their enemies and no one is doing anything about it. She should have been removed when she allowed Charlie to be kidnapped in order to protect her own secrets and yet they continue to let her wreak havoc with knowledge she's not mature enough to be privy to, and the royal involvement twist is just making it worse.
My biggest interest in this book is the escalation of Alice's plotline but even that is soured by the fact that Lincoln wants to send her away to keep Charlie safe enough though Charlie is the one who wants her there and she's Charlie's friend. It's like he's forcing her to choose between love and friendship and that's NOT love.
There were parts of this book that were interesting, but I'll be honest I leave the 8th installment of the series more frustrated than anything else and hope for a better outcome in book nine.
First of all Charlie lived on the streets for five years with prostitutes and criminals all around her. So why at the party which was clearly not your average party, was she so naively awkward at times that is was cringe worthy. It was like the whole evening flew right over her head. She may not have participated in the act herself, but with her life experiences she shouldn't have been able to miss the innuendo. Next the things I loved about this character, her disregard for convention, her quick wit and willingness to always speak up for herself seems to be disappearing all together. Charlie may be the supposed lady of the house but Lady Vickers is the lady in charge. And when she's not Lincoln's making decisions for her. Has it occurred to anyone that Charlie would never have been taken at gunpoint if Fitzroy hadn't forced the coachman to take her away? Seriously has anyone else noticed the recurring theme that every time Fitzroy sends her off to keep her "safe" she ends up being attacked or kidnapped or taken hostage? Is he stupid because it's like he's constantly missing the trend?
The only thing that has ever interested me about her relationship with Fitzroy was her desire to remain and independent woman and him allowing it for all his blustering, but now he's going behind her back to keep her safe, ordering her away and generally just being an idiot.
Not to mention the whole the bad guy wins thing in this book. The council has become ridiculous, Julia is cavorting with their enemies and no one is doing anything about it. She should have been removed when she allowed Charlie to be kidnapped in order to protect her own secrets and yet they continue to let her wreak havoc with knowledge she's not mature enough to be privy to, and the royal involvement twist is just making it worse.
My biggest interest in this book is the escalation of Alice's plotline but even that is soured by the fact that Lincoln wants to send her away to keep Charlie safe enough though Charlie is the one who wants her there and she's Charlie's friend. It's like he's forcing her to choose between love and friendship and that's NOT love.
There were parts of this book that were interesting, but I'll be honest I leave the 8th installment of the series more frustrated than anything else and hope for a better outcome in book nine.
September 2, 2017
I'm still very fond of this series and the characters in it but this particular installment was just mediocre for me. I wasn't really all that interested in the case being investigated and the whole Alice story arc with the white rabbit and the Wonderland references has gotten silly and for me just not all that enjoyable.
The situation with Lady Vickers prompting Seth to marry for money while trying to keep him away from Alice has gotten old and hasn't changed at all since the last book. He hasn't made any progress either way and it all just feels tired. Lady Vickers herself wasn't very entertaining at all in this one either.
I always love all of the antics between Seth and Cook and Gus to provide comic relief but in this there weren't all that many. Throughout this series I've felt like I could count on at least Gus and Seth to liven up boring scenes like dinner parties and balls and whatnot but in this book there was a dinner party and a ball and both remained stuffy and boring.
Lady Harcourt is another character who remains exactly the same and her scenes are boring as well. She's still unlikeable, she still hates Charlie and makes snide remarks but absolutely nothing about her situation has changed.
And finally Lincoln and Charlie were just boring together in this. I don't really even feel the sparks between them anymore. They are busy planning their wedding and there's just a significant lack of romantic tension.
The situation with Lady Vickers prompting Seth to marry for money while trying to keep him away from Alice has gotten old and hasn't changed at all since the last book. He hasn't made any progress either way and it all just feels tired. Lady Vickers herself wasn't very entertaining at all in this one either.
I always love all of the antics between Seth and Cook and Gus to provide comic relief but in this there weren't all that many. Throughout this series I've felt like I could count on at least Gus and Seth to liven up boring scenes like dinner parties and balls and whatnot but in this book there was a dinner party and a ball and both remained stuffy and boring.
Lady Harcourt is another character who remains exactly the same and her scenes are boring as well. She's still unlikeable, she still hates Charlie and makes snide remarks but absolutely nothing about her situation has changed.
And finally Lincoln and Charlie were just boring together in this. I don't really even feel the sparks between them anymore. They are busy planning their wedding and there's just a significant lack of romantic tension.
July 6, 2017
More of a 3.5-4 & a Fun Read
I've enjoyed Archer's books since I first discovered her with the first book in this series (& have managed to read all of her other books since). I enjoyed this book more than the last couple in the series, but it's still not quite keeping me as interested. I love the alternate London Archer has created and the characters. I feel Charlie and Lincoln's romance is slightly stagnant and missing something. I realize their engaged, but something is choppy about how and when they interact as a couple. It also bugs me that the whole series (8 books at this point) are in a relatively short time frame - it would feel more believable as a whole (relationship developments and adventures) if they took place over a longer time frame. I did enjoy meeting more of Lincoln's family and hope they play a bigger role in the future. I also liked the slight addition of some of the Freak House gang. Would I suggest this book and series? Yes. It's a fun quick read & if you're a young adult (the audience it's geared towards) I think this could be a fun jump into the paranormal historical world.
I've enjoyed Archer's books since I first discovered her with the first book in this series (& have managed to read all of her other books since). I enjoyed this book more than the last couple in the series, but it's still not quite keeping me as interested. I love the alternate London Archer has created and the characters. I feel Charlie and Lincoln's romance is slightly stagnant and missing something. I realize their engaged, but something is choppy about how and when they interact as a couple. It also bugs me that the whole series (8 books at this point) are in a relatively short time frame - it would feel more believable as a whole (relationship developments and adventures) if they took place over a longer time frame. I did enjoy meeting more of Lincoln's family and hope they play a bigger role in the future. I also liked the slight addition of some of the Freak House gang. Would I suggest this book and series? Yes. It's a fun quick read & if you're a young adult (the audience it's geared towards) I think this could be a fun jump into the paranormal historical world.
October 4, 2024
Yes, I'm going to talk about the romance AGAIN! The author is intentionally keeping them from getting together and married. Why? I have no reason maybe to make you buy the next book. Well, jokes on you these are free at my library. Seriously there is no reason for them not to be married yet. I also didn't realize till they went to dinner that they never go on dates.
I will say the mystery was one of the more enjoyable ones. Charlie is clever with her detective tactics. Ugh, I am so ill at Lincoln. He has a mother and all these half-siblings and still acting like a closed-off prick face. Alice's magic also doesn't fit the narrative well and seems forced. But this is an easy read and I'm invested.
Oh, you thought I was done talking about the romance well you were wrong. We now just get to watch this hot and cold relationship till the end of time. Kiss. No wait too much. Kiss. No, we shouldn't. Repeat. The romance has dragged on so long there is not even any more meat on the bone omg. I think I'm just hate reading at this point.
Update: Took a break from the series and decided never to return. Don't even care at this point.
I will say the mystery was one of the more enjoyable ones. Charlie is clever with her detective tactics. Ugh, I am so ill at Lincoln. He has a mother and all these half-siblings and still acting like a closed-off prick face. Alice's magic also doesn't fit the narrative well and seems forced. But this is an easy read and I'm invested.
Oh, you thought I was done talking about the romance well you were wrong. We now just get to watch this hot and cold relationship till the end of time. Kiss. No wait too much. Kiss. No, we shouldn't. Repeat. The romance has dragged on so long there is not even any more meat on the bone omg. I think I'm just hate reading at this point.
Update: Took a break from the series and decided never to return. Don't even care at this point.
March 29, 2021
Hmmm, I am not a big fan of the whole royal family and wolves storyline from the last book so I am a little disappointed that it is looking like this is going to take up the next couple of books. I definitely liked the earlier books in this series better, but this was still enjoyable.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I love this series, but I feel like at this point it is kind of just dragging things on. I want that happy ending. And I am no longer really interested in the mystery. Also, the whole Alice Seth thing, yeah not into that. But that is okay, because I can already tell it is not going to happen. But I hate how its not there, but everyone is acting like it is.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I love this series, but I feel like at this point it is kind of just dragging things on. I want that happy ending. And I am no longer really interested in the mystery. Also, the whole Alice Seth thing, yeah not into that. But that is okay, because I can already tell it is not going to happen. But I hate how its not there, but everyone is acting like it is.
dnf
May 2, 2021I have put 8 books into this series and it'll be slow for a book or two and I'd think about giving up and then a really good one will catch my interest but i just can't put the effort in for this one. It's so slow and so repetitive it's like reading the same book over and over. Maybe I'll come back to it some day.
June 23, 2022
Veiled in Moonlight
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 8
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 6/9/22 - 6/11/22
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Shiromi Arserio
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Holloway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Gus, Cook, Lord Vickers, the Butler, Lady Vickers, Alice, various new household staff and the regular annoying people who make up the ministry
The Story:
I am heavily invested in this series and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I love Charlie and her relationship with not only Lincoln but with the rest of the household too. Also, the amount of the people in this home just continues to grow and I’m impressed how the author keeps the occupants together not just out of necessity but also out of love. Even if some members are harder to love than others.
The Random Thoughts:
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 8
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 6/9/22 - 6/11/22
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Shiromi Arserio
The Characters:
Charlotte “Charlie” Holloway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Gus, Cook, Lord Vickers, the Butler, Lady Vickers, Alice, various new household staff and the regular annoying people who make up the ministry
The Story:
I am heavily invested in this series and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I love Charlie and her relationship with not only Lincoln but with the rest of the household too. Also, the amount of the people in this home just continues to grow and I’m impressed how the author keeps the occupants together not just out of necessity but also out of love. Even if some members are harder to love than others.
The Random Thoughts:
March 24, 2021
3.5 stars.
June 21, 2017
A little off
I love this series and have really enjoyed reading it. However, it seemed like everyone was acting out of character in this installment. Charlie spends the majority of the book worrying about Lincoln and constantly tries to modify how he acts. Lincoln seems hamstrung by his own indecision and his growing sense of family. I understand falling in love has changed them both but it also seems to have removed their fighting spirit and autonomy. Also, the interest between Seth and Alice seems like everyone feels it but them. This installment feels more like its setting the scene for the next book instead of a complete book.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book and hope our favorite characters return to their spunky ways.
I love this series and have really enjoyed reading it. However, it seemed like everyone was acting out of character in this installment. Charlie spends the majority of the book worrying about Lincoln and constantly tries to modify how he acts. Lincoln seems hamstrung by his own indecision and his growing sense of family. I understand falling in love has changed them both but it also seems to have removed their fighting spirit and autonomy. Also, the interest between Seth and Alice seems like everyone feels it but them. This installment feels more like its setting the scene for the next book instead of a complete book.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book and hope our favorite characters return to their spunky ways.
July 15, 2017
A great addition to a series for which I have a real soft spot! What's not to love? Romance, humour, murder and a nice helping of mayhem. Love it! Can't wait for the next one!
August 27, 2020
Again this series leaves me in a quandary. On the one hand: Lincoln and Charlie are so much better and more fun to read in their Yelena/Valek roles. On the other: a slow, plodding paranormal mystery that felt unsatisfyingly resolved (or partially resolved), the Alice in Wonderland/Freak House crossovers seeming a bit heavy-handed, and the Alice/Seth thing just being miserable.
Charlie and Lincoln have sorted out all their issues, his personality transplant glossing over how horrible he was earlier in the series and her hormonal hysteric contained to suitably cleanish YAish levels. I like them. Forget their past; they have. They're busy investigating the shape shifter conundrum that sprang up in the wake of the last episode, and the royals are still in jeapardy from supernatural schemes. But how does it connect to the murder of a young man in Hyde Park?
The mystery is a pretty solid one, although there seemed something very usual about it, as if I'd read it before somewhere. It didn't have quite the pizazz of previous plot lines, and took a very long time to get anywhere. The resolution felt underwhelming, and I was disappointed how Charlie's powers don't get quite the showing off they used to either.
There are a few side stories going on: Seth and Alice continue to make each other miserable while everyone crows how they're perfect for each other (I see no chemistry, nor any other justification beyond "I know the supernatural, you know the supernatural; let's get it on" so I am really coming to hate this thread); Alice being a "door" to Wonderland means consulting an outside source (linking to the Freak House series which I haven't read any of - it left me feeling like I was missing something), and the ongoing saga of Lady Harcourt being an absolutely hideous character - she might have learned a few more notes to sing than just being jealous Queen B, but I cannot understand her at all.
While there are lots of things I don't miss about the earlier books, there are others that I do. I miss Seth being fun. I miss Charlie's powers feeling special. I miss the pacing and punchiness of the narratives. I miss not having blank Alice around messing the team dynamic up (sorry, I cannot like her; she has zero personality and only seems to exist to create ~drama~ for Seth and his mother... and open portals to Wonderland, because shifters and ghosties aren't enough? I'm finding that a step too weird for me)
So I found it a pretty solid book, one with good enough writing style to keep me going, but I found my interest waning and the characters sunk into the background more. I want to read the resolution of the shifter arc, but it's starting to feel like an obligation more than a desire to devour the next book.
Charlie and Lincoln have sorted out all their issues, his personality transplant glossing over how horrible he was earlier in the series and her hormonal hysteric contained to suitably cleanish YAish levels. I like them. Forget their past; they have. They're busy investigating the shape shifter conundrum that sprang up in the wake of the last episode, and the royals are still in jeapardy from supernatural schemes. But how does it connect to the murder of a young man in Hyde Park?
The mystery is a pretty solid one, although there seemed something very usual about it, as if I'd read it before somewhere. It didn't have quite the pizazz of previous plot lines, and took a very long time to get anywhere. The resolution felt underwhelming, and I was disappointed how Charlie's powers don't get quite the showing off they used to either.
There are a few side stories going on: Seth and Alice continue to make each other miserable while everyone crows how they're perfect for each other (I see no chemistry, nor any other justification beyond "I know the supernatural, you know the supernatural; let's get it on" so I am really coming to hate this thread); Alice being a "door" to Wonderland means consulting an outside source (linking to the Freak House series which I haven't read any of - it left me feeling like I was missing something), and the ongoing saga of Lady Harcourt being an absolutely hideous character - she might have learned a few more notes to sing than just being jealous Queen B, but I cannot understand her at all.
While there are lots of things I don't miss about the earlier books, there are others that I do. I miss Seth being fun. I miss Charlie's powers feeling special. I miss the pacing and punchiness of the narratives. I miss not having blank Alice around messing the team dynamic up (sorry, I cannot like her; she has zero personality and only seems to exist to create ~drama~ for Seth and his mother... and open portals to Wonderland, because shifters and ghosties aren't enough? I'm finding that a step too weird for me)
So I found it a pretty solid book, one with good enough writing style to keep me going, but I found my interest waning and the characters sunk into the background more. I want to read the resolution of the shifter arc, but it's starting to feel like an obligation more than a desire to devour the next book.
January 18, 2020
Sadly this was another one in this series where it just feels like the characters are running in circles around the overlying mystery of the plot. I kept feeling like no progress was being made about the shapeshifter murder, and it became utterly frustrating and dragged out. I also think at this point most of the characters have lost their character growth and I feel like that is what is missing for me? There isn't much change in them anymore - some, but not a significant amount. And as a result even the romance is kind of dulled for me. The stakes are just the same as always - Charlie is Lincoln's weakness and therefore has to be in danger at some point in the book.
Also, I am so over Lady Harcourt. She is the worst when it comes to character development - there is none. In fact, she seems to retrograde into a horrible charicature of a desperate woman who only knows how to use her body to get what she wants. Or she is screaming at someone. I really don't care about her plight, she never learns from her mistakes (or even owns up to them), and just continues on being obnoxious.
I also feel a little annoyed at Charlie's character sometimes. There are times where she is like she was in the first three books - stubborn, refusing to obey Lincoln's orders, going forth on her own to do what she can to help with the investigation - and other times I feel like I don't know her at all. She is suddenly a prim and proper lady of class who seems to know just the right social cues and etiquette despite having grown up with a pastor as an adopted father and five years on the street. She also spends too much time defending Lady Harcourt when she does not deserve it from Charlie of all people, and sometimes says things about other women that imply them to be fragile or soft and it irks me to no end that she would believe that.
I only have 2 books left in this series so I am going to see it through. I am much more interested in the outcome of Alice's character arc at this point and want to see that come into a more prominent light in the plot, and would finally just like to see Lincoln and Charlie married already.
3 stars
Also, I am so over Lady Harcourt. She is the worst when it comes to character development - there is none. In fact, she seems to retrograde into a horrible charicature of a desperate woman who only knows how to use her body to get what she wants. Or she is screaming at someone. I really don't care about her plight, she never learns from her mistakes (or even owns up to them), and just continues on being obnoxious.
I also feel a little annoyed at Charlie's character sometimes. There are times where she is like she was in the first three books - stubborn, refusing to obey Lincoln's orders, going forth on her own to do what she can to help with the investigation - and other times I feel like I don't know her at all. She is suddenly a prim and proper lady of class who seems to know just the right social cues and etiquette despite having grown up with a pastor as an adopted father and five years on the street. She also spends too much time defending Lady Harcourt when she does not deserve it from Charlie of all people, and sometimes says things about other women that imply them to be fragile or soft and it irks me to no end that she would believe that.
I only have 2 books left in this series so I am going to see it through. I am much more interested in the outcome of Alice's character arc at this point and want to see that come into a more prominent light in the plot, and would finally just like to see Lincoln and Charlie married already.
3 stars
August 23, 2017
while I love this series, something felt off about this book. I kept wondering where the author was going with Alice and Wonderland storyline. Just wished Charlie and Lincoln would get married, we need to see them develop more as a couple. I am looking forward to the next one.
June 18, 2024
Charlie is truly a testament to why women like her can never be trusted with a secret or ever be part of a clandestine organization or sit in a position of power in government. And an excellent reason why any man who operates as part of the military, part of the government, part of the clandestine organization, or any position of power should not tell their wives about what they're doing for work or where they're going. Literally this clandestine underground organization that managed to keep itself hidden from the public and even from the government while working in the interests of the government for hundreds of years. This broad Charlie gets involved with them for less than a month and everyone around London knows. Less than half a year and there's literally in keepers, serving women, tradesman, Street people. All of who know about this secret organization. After a year, even the government finds out. She literally can't help herself from the very first book. She tells everyone about this super secret organization. She says she wants to be a part of it and she wants to be let in on all the happenings and what they're doing and all the secrets, and literally every time she has any kind of significant interaction with anyone. She tells them all about the secret organization and with way more facts than they should ever be made known. By the end of this series, I'm sure it's going to be completely public and published in the newspapers because she just cannot keep her mouth shut. This woman cannot keep a secret, and anytime she's given anything important she offers it up immediately cuz there's the first sign of danger hold on. Let me tell the bad guy everything let me give the bad guy whatever they want because someone might be in danger. Something that had been protected for the lifetime of Lincoln, secrets that have been kept hidden for hundreds of years. She blows in an afternoon after finding out about it. She's the worst weakest character.
September 5, 2017
I am a sucker for Steampunk and late Victorian fantasy, but I had some reservations getting into this series given the basic premise. I had read The Watchmaker's Daughter series (through Book 3) by C.J. Archer, and while I liked the style, it was very much near historical, with the fantasy elements playing at best a very minor role. I found The Ministry of Curiosities to be very much in the same mold. The protagonist, Charlene, aka Charlie, has been living on the streets, disguised as a boy, until she was caught by the police and thrown into jail. It was then that she discovered that she had the ability to raise the dead, which she used to escape. Shortly thereafter, she was kidnapped by The Ministry of Curiosities, led by the enigmatic Lincoln Fitzroy, the organization's head.
The story, over the course of the series, is a slow meander through British society (High and Low) in the 1880s. There is magic involved, but in reality the magic serves primarily as a McGuffin, with the real story being a young woman's emergence into the highest of high society, and the quasi-historical characters that she encounters along the way.
Archer is adept at drawing out period characters, and her knowledge of 19th century England is astonishingly deep, down to the mores and expectations of the various classes. To be honest, after a while, I kind of reached a stage where I was ignoring the magic just to concentrate on the richly drawn characters.
Overall, I'd say my only real complaint is that the stories have all tended to become formulaic and to drag a bit, but for people who love good characterization, this is a gold mine.
The story, over the course of the series, is a slow meander through British society (High and Low) in the 1880s. There is magic involved, but in reality the magic serves primarily as a McGuffin, with the real story being a young woman's emergence into the highest of high society, and the quasi-historical characters that she encounters along the way.
Archer is adept at drawing out period characters, and her knowledge of 19th century England is astonishingly deep, down to the mores and expectations of the various classes. To be honest, after a while, I kind of reached a stage where I was ignoring the magic just to concentrate on the richly drawn characters.
Overall, I'd say my only real complaint is that the stories have all tended to become formulaic and to drag a bit, but for people who love good characterization, this is a gold mine.
May 4, 2022
This is the first book in the series that has kind of felt almost unnecessary.
Random collection of thoughts...
I'm super bummed how Gus has been turned into a vague side character. Seth and him were equally important and on level ground in the first few books in the series. But we are on book 8 and have no background information on him!? Do we even know his full name and age?
I love the deeper connection that Charlie and Lincoln are building. The trust and communication that is happening.
But much like the council , I do think Lincoln is losing his edge. His power. His control.
I feel he is really sacrificing alot to be with Charlie.
I want some smexy times to happen! The sexual chemistry is killing me! I swear if it ends up being a fade to black wedding scene I will protest!!
I do have some mild spoilers about book 10. I know Alice and Seth don't end up together. And I am super super glad. They have no chemistry to me. It feels very forced.
Random collection of thoughts...
I'm super bummed how Gus has been turned into a vague side character. Seth and him were equally important and on level ground in the first few books in the series. But we are on book 8 and have no background information on him!? Do we even know his full name and age?
I love the deeper connection that Charlie and Lincoln are building. The trust and communication that is happening.
But much like the council , I do think Lincoln is losing his edge. His power. His control.
I feel he is really sacrificing alot to be with Charlie.
I want some smexy times to happen! The sexual chemistry is killing me! I swear if it ends up being a fade to black wedding scene I will protest!!
I do have some mild spoilers about book 10. I know Alice and Seth don't end up together. And I am super super glad. They have no chemistry to me. It feels very forced.
May 24, 2017
What a fantastic book! This series from C.J. Archer just keeps getting better and better. I love the direction the series has taken and can't get enough of it. I hope the author keeps writing about Charlie, Lincoln, Seth, Gus, Cook and all the rest, for a long time to come.
In this outing, we get plenty of action in the nighttime, fog-shrouded streets of London. And there are many hair-raising moments as the group falls into one escapade after another. Without giving any of the plot away, I will say there are plenty of moments woven throughout the story with regard to all of the characters, that will be sure to please. You could read this book as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on so much more if you haven't read the entire series. This one should get 10 stars.
**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
In this outing, we get plenty of action in the nighttime, fog-shrouded streets of London. And there are many hair-raising moments as the group falls into one escapade after another. Without giving any of the plot away, I will say there are plenty of moments woven throughout the story with regard to all of the characters, that will be sure to please. You could read this book as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on so much more if you haven't read the entire series. This one should get 10 stars.
**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
February 19, 2021
I am saddened to say that I did not finish this book. I honestly just stopped caring for the characters. It is possible that I may finish this book and series at a later date but, I just lost interest. Who knows. It hurts me when I don't finish a book, but this one just started to bore me. I had enjoyed it up to that point but it just wasn't forcing me to continue reading (listening) like other series have. One day I stopped listening and had no reason to continue it. By the time that I had logged back onto my audiobook app, it had already returned. My final thoughts: meh, it was alright, nothing too special, not the worst but, the characters, both in actions and motivations, stayed similar throughout the series and I got bored.
September 28, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love seeing the way Charlie and Lincoln seem to be able to connect and almost communicate without using an overabundance of words. In this edition packs of shifters and the safety of the royal family comes into play, and thank goodness Charlie doesn't always do as her fiance commands her to. If you enjoy stories about necromancers with a bit of mystery, you will enjoy reading this series. Now I'm breaking from this set to pick up on reading the Freak House series by the same author...then I'll be back finish this set up. :)
January 1, 2021
I have to agree with several other reviewers that this book seems to be a strange sort of interim that muddles along with the shape shifter plots and interaction with the British royal family and with the wealthy. It's interesting enough, but not much really happens except to prepare for the conclusion to the Charlie and Lincoln plot/romance in book 9 and the Seth and Alice plot/romance in book 10 (with a visit to Wonderland?). So I'm glad to keep going to the end. But it feels like the goals are in sight.
March 24, 2021
By this book, the plot gets monotonous and repetitive. The underlying idea is the same, the setting is unvarying, and nothing new is brought to the table. To the point that the storyline becomes near about predictable, not a favorable outcome for a series that kept me hanging for every word in the first three books of the series.
The author has tried to bring in new characters, but they feel quite alien and it's difficult to connect to them. The sanctity of the close knit group of adventurers seems to be breached.
The author has tried to bring in new characters, but they feel quite alien and it's difficult to connect to them. The sanctity of the close knit group of adventurers seems to be breached.
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