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The Briar Archive #2
The Monarch Papers: Cosmos & Time
Insidious experiments, a supernatural storm, and the manipulation of time itself.
Martin Rank is still reeling from the Cagliostro’s shocking final performance, plagued by a bone-deep chill he can’t seem to shake. When he receives a cryptic cry for help, Martin begins investigating a tech firm connected to the Cagliostro that he and the Mountaineers suspect may be manipulating magic users in their clandestine research. An investigation that will put Martin in the crosshairs of a society that's controlled magic from the shadows for centuries.
Halfway around the world, Deirdre follows the secret path her father laid out for her. Using his journals to uncover clues that may help her understand her past, she’s confronted by a dark force hellbent on stopping her, Martin, and the Mountaineers. With time running out to unlock The Book of Briars, and a relentless, living Storm menacing on the horizon, Deirdre finds the echoes of a lost world of magic, and soon realizes that to understand her past, she may have to leave her old life behind.
Cosmos & Time is the thrilling conclusion to The Monarch Papers series, based on the groundbreaking interactive experience. The events established in Flora & Fauna come to a critical head as Deirdre, Martin, and the Mountaineers race to unlock the Book of Briars before it’s lost forever. The truth of our world hangs in the balance, but all truth comes at a cost, and the Mountaineers may have to choose between sacrificing everything they believe in, or losing one of their own.
Martin Rank is still reeling from the Cagliostro’s shocking final performance, plagued by a bone-deep chill he can’t seem to shake. When he receives a cryptic cry for help, Martin begins investigating a tech firm connected to the Cagliostro that he and the Mountaineers suspect may be manipulating magic users in their clandestine research. An investigation that will put Martin in the crosshairs of a society that's controlled magic from the shadows for centuries.
Halfway around the world, Deirdre follows the secret path her father laid out for her. Using his journals to uncover clues that may help her understand her past, she’s confronted by a dark force hellbent on stopping her, Martin, and the Mountaineers. With time running out to unlock The Book of Briars, and a relentless, living Storm menacing on the horizon, Deirdre finds the echoes of a lost world of magic, and soon realizes that to understand her past, she may have to leave her old life behind.
Cosmos & Time is the thrilling conclusion to The Monarch Papers series, based on the groundbreaking interactive experience. The events established in Flora & Fauna come to a critical head as Deirdre, Martin, and the Mountaineers race to unlock the Book of Briars before it’s lost forever. The truth of our world hangs in the balance, but all truth comes at a cost, and the Mountaineers may have to choose between sacrificing everything they believe in, or losing one of their own.
- GenresFantasy
545 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2018
7 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 17, 2018
As always C.J. Bernstein succeeds in enveloping you into his story. A conclusion to The Monarch Papers wonderfully told by the best possible narrator. There’s undeniable skill in the way C.J. tells the story to new readers, while still keeping current Mounties on their toes. This is only the beginning for C.J. Bernstein, and he is definitely an author you want to keep on your radar for future releases.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and have voluntarily chosen to leave a review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and have voluntarily chosen to leave a review.
August 17, 2018
This is a continuation of The Monarch Papers: Flora and Fauna. Where the first book comprised of the first eight fragments, Cosmos and Time covers the final eight, as well as the after effects of unlocking the Book of Briars.
Bernstein continues to stun with his unique and compelling world-building and interesting characters. I loved this book as much as I did the first. After finishing Flora and Fauna, I couldn't wait to read Cosmos and Time, and it didn't disappoint. I'm more excited than ever for the release of the Book of Briars, so we can learn what the Mounties were able to unlock with the new age of magiq!
Bernstein continues to stun with his unique and compelling world-building and interesting characters. I loved this book as much as I did the first. After finishing Flora and Fauna, I couldn't wait to read Cosmos and Time, and it didn't disappoint. I'm more excited than ever for the release of the Book of Briars, so we can learn what the Mounties were able to unlock with the new age of magiq!
June 15, 2019
Best thing since Harry Potter
Like many other kids, I grew up reading the Harry Potter series and loving the way they made me feel like anything was possible and that there were good people and real magic in the world. This is the first book I've read in a very long time that could really capture that magic I felt reading the Potter books as a child. This book makes me, a grown adult, with an adult life and adult responsibilities, feel like a little kid who believes in magic again. This is a wonderfully written, cant-put-it-down read with a fantastic array of believable, lovable characters and a fascinating story. I can't wait for book 3- The Book of Briars. I highly recommend The Monarch Papers! (Both Flora and Fauna, and Cosmos and Time)
Like many other kids, I grew up reading the Harry Potter series and loving the way they made me feel like anything was possible and that there were good people and real magic in the world. This is the first book I've read in a very long time that could really capture that magic I felt reading the Potter books as a child. This book makes me, a grown adult, with an adult life and adult responsibilities, feel like a little kid who believes in magic again. This is a wonderfully written, cant-put-it-down read with a fantastic array of believable, lovable characters and a fascinating story. I can't wait for book 3- The Book of Briars. I highly recommend The Monarch Papers! (Both Flora and Fauna, and Cosmos and Time)
August 30, 2018
While I thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1, Volume 2 totally blew me away. Perhaps the format and style had clicked by the end of Volume 1 or something like that, but I felt much more immersed in the story this time around. To be totally transparent, I participated in the game portion of TMP and joined right before the start of "Time", but I don't think that's 100% of the reason for my reaction to this book. I really don't want to give too much away, because the suspense is one of the best parts (even when you sort of know what's coming), but the emotions just shine in this story. Bernstein does a phenomenal job of drawing you in and making you feel what Martin is feeling. I find it difficult to believe that someone could read Volume 1 and not continue it...but if you were on the fence, take this as your encouragement to keep going. And if you've spotted this book/review without reading Volume 1, head on over there first...it's definitely worth your time!
August 20, 2018
We seek the mountain no one seeks
The second half of Martin Rank and the Mounties' journey of discovery intertwines fully with the secrets that Sullivan Green left for his daughter in Cosmos and Time.
And wow.
Facing down an evil brainwashing corporation, liberating secrets from a hero's broken mind, and triumphing against a darker force than nature could conjure. This is the happy, bittersweet story I like. I can't go into detail without spoiling the story, but lordy, I got all emotional. I'm so proud and so touched.
If you like a well-crafted conclusion to a contemporary magiqal adventure, this is for you. I can't wait for the Book of Briars later this year!
The second half of Martin Rank and the Mounties' journey of discovery intertwines fully with the secrets that Sullivan Green left for his daughter in Cosmos and Time.
And wow.
Facing down an evil brainwashing corporation, liberating secrets from a hero's broken mind, and triumphing against a darker force than nature could conjure. This is the happy, bittersweet story I like. I can't go into detail without spoiling the story, but lordy, I got all emotional. I'm so proud and so touched.
If you like a well-crafted conclusion to a contemporary magiqal adventure, this is for you. I can't wait for the Book of Briars later this year!
November 15, 2019
The story never really ends
What a captivating story! I truly felt for and with the characters, and had my emotions toyed with. I look forward to the continued story, both in the published word and in the forum where the players are acting.
What a captivating story! I truly felt for and with the characters, and had my emotions toyed with. I look forward to the continued story, both in the published word and in the forum where the players are acting.
March 1, 2020
Magiq is Real
Absolutely brilliant. I took pages of notes on this book, and I can’t believe how immersed I was. It didn’t feel like just a book it really feels like a record or a history.
Absolutely brilliant. I took pages of notes on this book, and I can’t believe how immersed I was. It didn’t feel like just a book it really feels like a record or a history.
August 27, 2019
Other reviews have said it better than I, so I'll be brief - this is a rabbit hole you want to get sucked into. I started reading it casually, and before I knew it I was losing sleep reading both of these books.
September 19, 2019
While I had a hard time describing the novel to friends and family, I can tell you it feels at times like an epic fantasy, and at others an armchair mystery shared with with friends. It was fun to read, and I am looking forward to more from CJ Bernstein!
February 15, 2021
Do you believe in magiq?
A heartwarming tale of magic, courage, and family. Join the Ackerly Green forum to help solve the riddles that can bring magic back to a world bereft of wonder.
A heartwarming tale of magic, courage, and family. Join the Ackerly Green forum to help solve the riddles that can bring magic back to a world bereft of wonder.
October 17, 2021
Such a great and creative way of writing a series
I love how this series began and I look forward to someday participating in the very, very cool series. Well done, Bernstein, well done.
I love how this series began and I look forward to someday participating in the very, very cool series. Well done, Bernstein, well done.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews