Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising follows the exploits of Field Agent Books and Eliza Braun, two operatives working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences in an alternate Victorian London. After a disciplinary incident, Eliza is reassigned from field work to the Ministry Archives, where she must partner with the reserved archivist Wellington Books. The pair becomes entangled in an unauthorized investigation involving a secret society and unexplained phenomena across London. Their contrasting methods - Eliza's preference for explosions and action versus Books' analytical approach - create friction as they navigate both their new partnership and the dangers they encounter. The novel operates in the steampunk genre, incorporating advanced Victorian-era technology, supernatural elements, and espionage into its world-building. The Ministry itself serves as a secret organization dedicated to investigating and containing threats beyond the scope of regular law enforcement. The story explores themes of duty versus personal conviction, while examining how people with opposing approaches can find common ground in pursuit of justice. Through its Victorian setting, the novel addresses social constraints and expectations that still resonate in modern contexts.

Readers call Phoenix Rising a fun steampunk adventure with witty banter between the lead characters. Many note the strong chemistry and playful rivalry between agents Books and Braun. Readers appreciate: - Fast-paced action sequences - Detailed Victorian London atmosphere - Humor and snappy dialogue - The complex Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences organization Common criticisms: - Plot can feel scattered and unfocused - Some find the steampunk elements superficial - Romance subplot feels forced to some readers - Writing style described as "trying too hard to be clever" Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (230+ ratings) "A perfect balance of action, humor and sexual tension" - Goodreads reviewer "The bickering between Books and Braun gets tiresome" - Amazon reviewer "Steampunk elements feel more like window dressing than integral to the story" - LibraryThing review

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🔧 Phoenix Rising launched the "Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences" series, blending steampunk adventure with Victorian spy fiction and supernatural elements. ⚡ Authors Ballantine and Morris wrote the entire first draft during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), completing it in just 30 days. 🎭 The character Wellington Books was partially inspired by John Steed from The Avengers TV series, while Eliza Braun draws some influence from Emma Peel. 🌏 Pip Ballantine is from New Zealand, bringing a unique colonial perspective to the Victorian-era steampunk genre, which traditionally focuses on London-centric stories. 🎧 Before the novel's publication, the authors released free podcast episodes of their earlier works, building an audience that helped Phoenix Rising debut on the Locus Bestseller List.