Of Fate And Phantoms

The Ministry of Curiosities #7

by C.J. Archer, Shiromi Arserio (Narrator)

As Charlie and Lincoln’s lives settle into a harmonious pattern, a new threat arises that could have far reaching effects for the royal family and Lincoln’s parents.

When a seer warns the Prince of Wales that his life is in danger, only Charlie and Lincoln take her seriously. After all, what sensible person would believe a gypsy who claims the danger will come in the form of the prince's dead father?

A meeting at the palace sets them on a path that takes Charlie back to her old haunts in the London slums, on the hunt for a man who can change his appearance. The new threat is their most dangerous yet, but for Lincoln, the biggest concern isn't confronting the shape-changer or meeting his parents for the first time, it's whether Charlie will put his engagement ring on her finger.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical

Audiobook

First published January 24, 2017

About the author

C.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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Reviews

[nicklein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I've inhale-read all the books in this series in less than a week. Is that applause I'm hearing?

Review is up! Not that anyone cares.


This series has just become one of my all time favorites! Each installment becomes more promising and more impressive as the series progresses. I find the characters easy to connect with. The plot was complex, the magic system was easy to understand and I love how the storyline seemed to branch out with every sequel!

Everything was a win for me.


• The characters

The two main characters each had their bad book. Lincoln in book 5 and Charlie in book 6 but they were redeemed, don't worry.

Lincoln was very unpredictable throughout the whole series but he had a major character development in the second half of the series in my opinion. He was very intimidating and strict. The contrast between him and Charlie was mile wide. Charlie was really sympathetic, brave, witty but insecure in the first few books. She was reckless too which almost always lead them to trouble.

The side characters were lovable as well. I especially loved Gus, Seth and Charlie's interactions so much. The three of them were hilarious together. Though Lincoln had a few pretty funny one-liners himself, I can't lie.

Guessing the villains was really fun too. Though some of them were anticlimactic to be honest. I loathe Julia way more than all of the villains in each book combined. Can she just move to another continent already?


• The plot, magic system, worldbuilding

As I have said a while ago, the plot was really complex. Each book had their own twists I didn't see coming. The storyline branched out to other supernatural phenomenon in a heartbeat I was surprised at myself for being caught unaware every time.

The magic system was really easy to follow because I was introduced to it along with Charlie and it was nice to discover how everything works through her fresh perspective.

I loved that it was set in the 19th century and in London! The titles (barons, earls, etc.) were completely jumbled in my head though.


• The romance

The romance was really cute and frustrating at the same time. I don't think it was fast. I liked the pace of it, the slowburn, the longing. Ugh. It progressed a little too fast though. They got engaged after only weeks of actually being together. Yikes. I'm actually glad for books 5 and 6 when romance took a backseat. But it's there. It's palpable and much more genuine and exciting in my opinion.


Overall, the series was really good, an absolute must read I want to cry. I can't wait to read the 8th installment I would gladly sell my liver for it.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the way Charlie and Lincoln’s fiefdom is expanding. We now have Alice and Harriet as well as the boys from Charlie’s gang from when she was living on the streets. Great series!

[L.R.W. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I love this series by C. J. Archer. Each book builds nicely on the one before and she keeps developing the relationship between Lincoln and Charlie. This book was no exception. The action was engaging and each character grows a little more.

I was particularly happy to see how Archer left Lincoln and Charlie's relationship at the end of this book. Now I have to wait another several months to see what happens next. Argh...

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and intrigue. Completely annoyed and confused as to why Charlie absolutely refused to put her engagement ring on, even when she had forgiven Lincoln and desperately wanted to marry him. Made no sense and was the only thing that hindered the book - yet it noticeably did so.

Also… what’s with the weird Alice in Wonderland thread? It throws an otherwise smart paranormal into the silly realm whenever it appears.

[Kayla Silverss · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the seventh book in the The ministry of Curiosites series and if you want to know what it's about just go onto my review of the first book and it'll explain the plot.

ROMANCE-
The romance was gorgeous in this book and it was very well paced and I think that maybe we could have more but we have an eighth book for that.

CHARACTERS-
Charlie is so cool and so interesting as a character and Lincoln is very complex and together they make the perfect cast.

WRITING-
The writing is gorgeous and unique but maybe if we had some quotes that were memorable.

ENDING-
So the ending was great but.. I read the synopsis for the eighth book and there is gonna be a love traingle and I think there is potential for it to be written well.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Love the Narrator of these stories i really couldn't imagine a better voice for Charlie.

The story this time round was a little ...Blah.... I understand the Author was trying to cover multiple sections of the characters private lives as well as the Plot.... But i found the relationships in this more interesting than the story itself.....

Book 7... Charlie and Lincoln are really dancing around each other, im surprised they don't have Blisters yet, im just hoping nothing else will effect the books conclusion.....

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the villain from volumes 3-6 vanquished at the end of the last book, a new one is needed. What better solution than to have the Prince of Wales threatened? A fun read, the melodrama increases to over shadow the action and investigation. I'm also getting really tired of Charlie's nemesis, Lady Julia.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy, oh boy did I like the end of that one - got me smiling like a chimp. The plot was alright and the characters were just there. Two things annoyed me though: Charlie’s attitude towards Julia (she’s a bitch, don’t do her any favours) and Charlie trying to force Lincoln to love his family - he doesn’t want to be involved with them you stupid bitch.

This book taught me that the Queen is a dumb bitch and so is Charlie.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why, but this isn't one of my favorite mysteries the ministry takes on. I love the beginning scene where Lincoln is somehow confronted with his mother and father, but the whole story of someone impersonating Albert just wasn't for me. But I love this book because it really shows the growth in Lincoln and Charlies relationship. You can see that Lincoln has changed a lot and is trying to allow Charlie to be her own person.

I also love having the boys from the gang in the story. And that the house is so full now! I am excited to finally have Charlie and Lincoln get married. Lets make it happen!

[Megan (The Gemini) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I didn't quite make it to the end, but I hardly ever do with a ten book series. It feels like the story is just dragging out at this point. I still enjoy the characters, but three more books seems like a long time and for what? The marriage is drawn out and we already know it's going to happen. The investigations keep growing into more and more, but not in a good way. The romance is s bit slow for me, too. It was a fun story, but I think it's time to move on.

[Heather Brinkerhoff Burdsal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get that Archer is trying to show character growth, but Lincoln and Charlie are pretty much completely different characters in this book. Also, the plot was fractured and jerky. Several competing and completely unrelated storylines haphazardly started, stumbled, and abruptly stopped. Some were clumsily concluded, while others were just left hanging, forgotten. This was haphazard, at best.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fate and Phantoms
The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 7

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 2/17/22 - 2/21/22
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Shiromi Arserio

The Characters:

Charlotte “Charlie” Halloway:
Lincoln Fitzroy:
Seth, Gus, Cook, Lady Vickers, Alice, the boys, the butler

The Story:

The house is really getting crowded these days and I love it. Some family secrets come out and if the prince has it his way the ministry may be forced out of the shadows too. I love how these stories tangle and get a bit more complex with each installment. New characters, new situations, our same lovable and expanding team.

The Random Thoughts:



Challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge 2022 - O
Goodreads Book Bingo 2022 - I4 - A historical fiction book

[TR]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Alice! ♥
(Too cute how her character was added to this story line.)

[LexiLovesBooks34♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes ❤️❤️ aww Love.

[Amanda Flude · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[R.L. Hemlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Of Fate and Phantoms” is the seventh book in “The Ministry of Curiosities” series. Fair warning: this series has some dark content and I would recommend it for mature audiences, preferably whom are not too squeamish.

As Charlie and Lincoln’s lives settle into a harmonious pattern, a new threat arises that could have far reaching effects for the royal family and Lincoln’s parents.

When a seer warns the Prince of Wales that his life is in danger, only Charlie and Lincoln take her seriously. After all, what sensible person would believe a gypsy who claims the danger will come in the form of the prince’s dead father?

A meeting at the palace sets them on a path that takes Charlie back to her old haunts in the London slums, on the hunt for a man who can change his appearance. The new threat is their most dangerous yet, but for Lincoln, the biggest concern isn’t confronting the shape-changer or meeting his parents for the first time, it’s whether Charlie will put his engagement ring on her finger.

As the story continues we get glimpses of the previous characters as they develop. It was nice seeing old characters and getting to know new ones, like Lady Gillingham. I’ve enjoyed following Charlie and Lincoln through all their adventures and relationship. I’m pleased to see their relationship get back to being happy, even though the progression has been slow and sometimes has the habit of taking one step forward and two steps back. Lincoln is finally opening up with Charlie and the others, which made his character relatable and even funny at times. Overall, this is a great addition to the series. Although the ending was not a cliff hanger, there are still mysteries left to be solved leaving the series open for another book. I am looking forward to the eighth book “Veiled in Moonlight.”

[The Docta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to follow this series but I don't know why. The characters just get worse. They're making Lincoln out to be a rather pathetic character. He was supposed to be this super sophisticated, super able, super educated in all things from dancing to navigating social circles to polite society, manipulating people and thievery, who also happened to have an innate ability of sight allowing him to predict things or tell when people are lying. From that they have downgraded him to a socially inept, completely not strategical, not very driven, unsophisticated brute because he only relies on brute strength and blunt force to solve problems. All he knows how to do is threat. He doesn't know how to manipulate, he doesn't know how to work political Intrigue, he doesn't know anything besides to be a caveman. How is this? The all-powerful leader of a hidden society that we were prophesied and promised from the outset. He's out thought constantly by a street urchin girl, and worse. No backbone and constantly gives into her. He agrees that men are clearly the ones in the wrong, when she makes idiotic statements like oh, but they should be in love because they're perfect for each other even though evidence is to the contrary when they're talking about other people like she's just a sudden gossip simpleton. And he goes along with it. He's really just not a strong or capable person. Apparently without her and her softness he couldn't get anything done or ever accomplish any task. What a pathetic male character. He obviously was unable to gain any loyalty cuz the moment he separated from the girl. All of his staff turned on him and instead went with their couple month acquaintance with Charlie and chose loyalty to her over loyalty to the guy who saved their lives and has been their livelihood who had they have known for many years. And those male characters are unloyal simpering pathetic. No backbone men. So literally there are no strong men in this series.

Meanwhile, Charlie continues to be an ignoramus as a character. Zero character growth whatsoever. She's a huge hypocrite. She constantly wants to be involved in danger and put herself into danger to test her skills and be in violent situations and yet is against all the people in her side that would turn to violence. She's an absolute fantastical fool. Someone who never thinks through anything and disregards all repercussions, with the exception of female feelings, that's the thing that's the most important. And that's the thing to be considered first and foremost, regardless of world events, and country changing happenings, and things that may affect all of mankind nope. What's really important is how she and her few female friends might feel about things, or the random females they meet that she takes are liking to. But not those catty awful women who she decides not to like they can all go to hell. Seriously, she's like an adolescent girl who's been spoiled all her life. Awful character

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ministry of Curiosities is one of my all-time favorite series, and C.J. Archer is one of my all-time favorite authors. She never fails to deliver. And in "Of Fate and Phantoms," she once again manages to give a book chalk full of action, adventure, mystery, suspense, ghostly happenings and human drama. And it is the human drama that really stands out for me in this book, as Lincoln is confronted with his past, as well as the future he wants with Charlie. From the absolutely stunning cover to the final page, this book is one you'll want to immediately dive into. If you haven't read this series yet, you're definitely missing one of the best paranormal series out there.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Lincoln are back!
This time the Ministry of Curiosities becomes entangled in a Romani foretelling that proclaims the lives of the Royal family to be in danger. As Charlie and Lincoln investigate the supernatural threat, the work of the ministry comes under the scrutiny of the Royal family and most problematically gains the attention of Lincoln's estranged father. Of Fate and Phantoms tests their limits as the investigation becomes forces the characters' to confront their pasts.

I really loved that Lincoln finally met his parents, especially when he was recognised by his father. His interactions causing Charlie to adamantly help Lincoln to come to peace with his past so that he can move on in the future. Similarly, Charlie goes undercover to her old hideouts and gangs, and we get to see a glimpse into her life before Lichfield Park.
So great to see these two character moving in the right direction with their relationship!

And as always the couple were joined by the machinations of Seth, Lady Vickers, Alice, Gus and Doyle. Just when you think you can't love Lady Vickers more she manages to do something amazingly scandalous. Also its so sweet to see Charlie finding a maternal figure in her.
No only that, we get to see more of the characters linked to the ministry with Lady Gillingham and Robert Buchanan, the late Lord Harcourt's son making an appearance. I don't what it is about Robert, but terrible person that he is, I really like how he has this weird trust/friendship with Charlie.

Love how Archer's addictive characters make it impossible not to devour this book in one go, making it impossible to wait til the next one to comes out.

[LunaLibro · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sighs wistfully* another satisfying installment in what is becoming one of my favorite series. The biggest thing that I love about the Ministry of Curiosities is the relationship between Lincoln and Charlie. This book has really shown how much the relationship AND how the two of them have matured as individuals. They've learned to accept, understand, and compromise with each other. There are no expectations for the other to change and I love that it an relationship. Also, their relationship seems very realistic to me in that they are not the perfect couple. They experienced many ups and downs, disagree more often than not, and have hurt each other in some way. Yet in spite of all that, they know they still care and respect one another. LOVE IT!

My only question is....when can I get my hands on the next book??!! *_*

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY!!

When you read this story you will understand.

In a search for a special shape-shifter Charlie returns to the boys she used to run with when she was a boy. Lincoln, though, changes all of their lives after the boys help him.

I don't know if the author has any more in this series planned but I hope she does. I love all of these characters and look forward to learning more about them.

[Gerrylt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really could have done without the whole Alive in Wonderland spoof

[OldBird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, the kinda of writing and characterisation this series so sorely deserved. If only I could erase the horrors of the characters in books 1-4. There are a couple of clunkers here and there, mostly involving weird interactions with the royal family ("It is I, the Prince of Wales!" - and this guy wasn't an imposter?!) and the whole surly Seth/aloof Alice debacle, but otherwise this is a solid paranormal mystery romance.

At last Charlie and Lincoln have become Yelena and Valek (back to the Poison Study references, allowed now because it is actually similar and not the overblown histrionics of the early series). Having settled the previous round of supernatural murders, we learn there's a new show in town. Prince Albert, heir to the throne, is concerned for his mother's welfare after being accosted by a "crazy" Romany seer who told his he was in danger... from his dead father. Luckily, Charlie and her spirit summoning skills are on hand to find out if this is the case. If not, well, there's certainly a good lookalike around.

A little slow perhaps, but with a well crafted paranormal mystery to compliment the newfound sweet romance which I totally dig with these re-invented characters. I'm choosing to ignore all those "oh, wasn't it funny that time you had me kidnapped and treated me like dirt?" references they make with rose-tinted idiocy - I almost wish I hadn't read the earlier books because I could pretend it wasn't as horrific a bully "romance" as it was. If ever a series deserved a re-write of earlier episodes, this one does, because hot dang everything about the writing has improved and matured so much (I may roll my eyes at poor period references and toffs using bad grammar, but hey, some you win). It doesn't seem like it was written by the same person any more. It's such a shame. Everyone's had an overhaul; even Lady Harcourt is allowed to be more than just a one-note jealousy-inducing Queen B.

I am not digging the Seth/Alice thing, purely because Seth's gone from fun to unpleasant (as has dear ol' Lady V) and Alice is rather blank. Gus and Cook again have been relegated to cameos, but we get to see more of the naive Mrs Harriet Gillingham (she can be a bit TSTL in some situations; she's so childish) and dig a little deeper into Lincoln's unfortunate family circumstances. I wasn't overly comfortable with Charlie's pushiness about making him re-connect with his mother as it seemed a bit overbearing for the character.

The mystery of the spirits and shifters was nicely done, and I really liked how we got to revisit some of Charlie's past too. It was fun to see the boys again now that Charlie is very much changed, and their friendly relationship was one of those heart-warming ones. G'aww.

I honestly wish that those early books hadn't tainted this series for me, because as it is, it's an unrealistic portrayal of how a horrid guy is changed by the power of love into the perfect tall, dark and brooding man of the girl's dreams. That messaging feels deeply uncomfortable and I will never be able to square those early characters with these ones. If you started the series here with a glossed over recap, it probably wouldn't be a bad thing.

Overall, I liked this book, but being part of a continuous series, I'm still troubled by how it came about as I can't separate it completely from what came before.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debated between a three and four stars with this one, because of things that bothered me.

First Charlie debates in the ring not because she doesn't love Lincoln but because she's afraid of losing her freedom through marriage. While I completely understand her fears, even feel I'd have the same myself in her shoes, she makes her decision without actually talking to him about it. There's comments about how men and women aren't supposed to understand each other but how can you have a relationship or marriage, especially like the one she wants without spelling things out and being able to tell each other anything? She assumes he know but he's a seer, not a mind reader and he's been repeatedly wrong in this story about what he expected her to say, so how can she be sure he knows and how can she be sure she wont end up in the place that scares her most if they never talk about it. The whole thing sincerely bothered me.

Next the main plot with King and the shifters was seriously underwhelming with very little focus paid to it. Archer has so many different subplots in play in this series now that she's letting them suffer by not giving any the focus deserved. Yes they are all very interesting ideas but they aren't being fleshed out and therefore are a lot less impressive.

Overall it's a good story but not a great one.

[Annalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books to short, losing the plot

This may contain spoilers, so keep it in mind when reading.

I love the writing and style of these books, but I can't help but think these books have been made small for the obvious reason of making people spend more money to get them. I've read bigger books with bigger plots for less, not that I think this should deter anyone.

However, I can't help but feel some of the elements are a little odd like how Alice is quite clearly depicted from Alice In Wonderland and how when she comes to Lichfield when her dreams start being reality kinda of takes substance out of the plot. Making me wonder why she is even there.

The other thing is this long and drawn out process of Lincoln and Charlie. A romance can be great, bur get quite boring when it's dragged out over seven books. While not much time has passed technically in the books, being at seven books in makes me wonder why it is so dragged out.

Which sort of brings me back to my first point where I can't help but feel some of these books could have been merged together, rather than being separate novels.

I might need to take a break from these series as I am not sure whether I want to continue onwards or not right now.

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this seventh installment in the Ministry of Curiosity novels. The series is coming to a close and so many loose ends are being addressed. Lincoln has now met his mother and Lincoln's father now knows of his existence. This has brought the existence of the ministry under the scrutiny of the crown. This book doesn't necessarily bring resolution to those relationships, but it gives him the possibility of one. If Charlie has her way, it will happen. They have also expanded their family in this book with the addition of Mink and Charlie's old gang. Charlie has also taken Harriet under her wing, against Gilly's wishes. Some big decisions are made in this novel that will impact those in the house and those around.

As a side note, I will say that I still have not warmed up to Alice. She knows that she is leading Seth on and has been very honest about how she feels about him with Charlie. She knows that is causing friction between him and his mother, but she continues on with it anyway. To me, it doesn't paint her in a favorable light.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Continuation
Don't start with this book. If you are not familiar with The Ministry of Curiosities, I don't recommend starting here. Back up and catch the entire adventure with Charlie, Lincoln, and compatriots from the beginning.

This particular story line involves a great new supernatural as well as royal intrigue. We also get more in depth with Lincoln's heritage. Adding to the fun, Charlie is becoming an intrepid flirt. She knows what she wants, and she's doing what she does best- going after it. Meanwhile, Lincoln's house is becoming home to more and more people, it would seem.

I love the escapist nature of this series, and the dynamics of the characters within. They are much more in depth than they first seem, and their lives and secrets are much more intricate. Great characters, pacing, story line, and villains make for a lively and enjoyable listen.

[Keith Beasley-Topliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time to expand Charlie's world and this does so with a vengeance. She meets Lincoln's parents, the Gypsy woman Liesl (not sure of the spelling, I listened to the audiobook edition) who shows up at a ball to warn HRH Edward, Prince of Wales (Lincoln's father), of a danger to Queen Victoria. And it turns out that the danger involves not simply an imposter pretending to be the deceased Prince Consort Albert, but a shape-shifter. So that's mom and dad and grandma Victoria as added bonus. The rest of the book is learning more about shape-shifters in London, mostly werewolves, but some others as well. Thanks to Charlie, we also hear from the "real" spirit of Prince Albert. But Charlie's ring is still sitting on Lincoln's desk.

[Jeanette C. Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've enjoyed a series this much. Of Fate and Phantoms find Charlie (Charlotte), Lincoln and crew chasing after shapeshifters. Lady Gillingham is the only shifter they know so when an imposter shows up to see Queen Victoria looking exactly like her dead husband, Prince Albert, The Prince of Wales is summoned. He, in turn, summons the only 2 people he knows that know anything about the supernatural - Charlie and Lincoln. With the help of Seth, Gus, and a group of young homeless boys Charlie and Lincoln set about taking the unknown shifter. Add in the angst of their romance, Lincoln's mother showing up and the interference of various Ministry members and you have a great addition to the series.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Questa serie purtroppo sta peggiorando di volume in volume, e a questo punto non so se la concluderò.
Questo volume si concentra sui genitori biologici di Lincoln e un mistero sullo scomparso Principe Albert. NIente di entusiasmante, e Lincoln è troppo cocciuto su molti aspetti.
Charlie è maturata moltissimo in questa serie, a volte penso fin troppo, perchè per una ragazza che è cresciuta sulla strada sa amministrare una casa piuttosto bene.
Non ho veramente capito l'introduzione di Alice e del mondo delle meraviglie, non ci azzecca nulla con la storia originale ed è veramente ridicolo dover leggere scene in cui i personaggi di Carroll compaiono sulla scena perchè Alice sta sognando.
A cosa servono? Ad allungare la storia fino a riempire 10 volumi.