Operation: Endgame

Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #6

by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris, Philippa Ballantine

Join Agents Books and Braun on their final adventure with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences!

There is no time to rest for Eliza D Braun and Wellington Thornhill Books. The man who has haunted and hounded them since the fall of the Maestro, Doctor Henry Jekyll, is now on a killing spree, using bizarre, theatrical murders as a way to taunt their inability to capture the. It falls on Books and Braun to turn the tables on Jekyll and bring him to justice.

As Wellington and Eliza continue their pursuit of the madman Jekyll, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences stand against a recent surge in House of Usher activity. Agents Bruce Campbell and Brandon Hill discover more about the intention of Operation: Ragnorok, and the Ministry find themselves in a race to thwart Usher’s intent to plunge the world into chaos, despair, and a noticeable lack of clotted cream for Devon Teas.

The Ministry will not let this stand.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2017

About the author

See also works published as Philippa Ballantine.

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

Wherein the Thunder from Down Under and the Eccentric Canuck steal the show, while this series come to a satisfying (albeit could've-been-more-titillating) conclusion.

Of the Colonial Pepperpot and Dashing Archivist's frolicsome tales of deering-do there shall be no more, so sob sob sob and stuff, but The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences overflowing with archives is and the most awesome Ministry Seven ready to call it quits aren't, so yay and stuff.



Yes, I know, I've got Super Extra Smooth Moves *and* am Super Extra Sexey. I can't help it, I was born that way and stuff.

· Book 1: Phoenix Rising ★★★★
· Book 2: The Janus Affair ★★★★
· Book 3: Dawn's Early Light ★★★★
· Book 4: The Diamond Conspiracy ★★★
· Book 5: The Ghost Rebellion ★★★★

[Katter · Rating 3 out of 5]

After years of reading this series, the end has finally come. The adventures of Books and Braun are at close in this sixth installment. I have enjoyed a lot of the previous adventures that take place in this fantastical steampunk world. There has been such buildup of what the duo would eventually face on their last mission.

I was excited to see how the big showdown would play out. How Jekyll and the House of Usher would fall and the Ministry would prevail. I had such high expectations of how everything would play out. It was surely going to be a glorious event full of explosions and mayhem! Unfortunately, this last book fell flat on all counts.

Sure there is action that goes on, but I didn't feel a connection to the characters anymore. I didn't get drawn into the plot. For the most part, this book is a slog. I was actually bored during the middle of the story.

The first half of the book is all about Wellington and Eliza agonizing over what Jekyll is doing and how they can catch him. Then there is a long train ride and not much else. Of course there is a hunt for the mad doctor and things turn out okay, but what could have been an amazing scene, was horribly uneventful.

It's like the authors put in minimal effort in some parts. Instead of going full on spectacular and really adding in intense actions scenes, the reader gets the lame alternative. I wanted the hunt for Jekyll to be gripping and suspenseful. But did I get that? Nope.

Then there is that whole House of Usher business. In the beginning the House was a truly scary opponent. The idea that there was some malevolent super power that was pulling the strings in the shadows so it could take over society was quite the unnerving concept. Over time, and especially in this book, the House seems to have been reduced to a Dr. Evil level of menace.



Sophia del Morte also makes an appearance, which I have to say doesn't seem to add much to the story. The reader is never really sure which angle the assassin is working, but she too has been demoted to predictable mustache twirling villain.

The worst part of it all is that NOTHING really gets resolved. Out of everything that has happened in all these books you would think that it would culminate into one heck of an ending, yeah? WRONG! Only one plot gets solved. The rest are left in the air. And poor David Harker! I felt SO bad for him.

I am betting the reason for some of the plots remaining open is so Ballantine and Morris can write more short stories that take place in this world. Which is nice in its own way I suppose, but I would of liked to have had some more closure.

The 'ending' that we did get really didn't feel like an ending at all. I didn't feel the emotional ties between the characters. The supposed love between Eliza and Wellington felt lukewarm at best. The big plot is still open, and after going through everything and being certain about the decision for their future, the two decide that it might change. Yet again.

It's frustrating to follow a series for so long, and then not get any true finality in the end book. It's such a disappointment. I wanted more from this series. Heck, I wanted Books and Braun to get married but that doesn't happen either! Perhaps that'll happen in a novella.

I can't say there is really anything all that great about this last installment, except for Bruce and Brandon. In all honesty, they are the only reason this story was readable. I adore Brandon! Bruce is fun to read about as well. I'd be more than happy to read their short stories!

With that being said, I probably will devour all the shorts that are available that pertain to this fantasy world. I have actually found that I like the short stories better than the full length novels. Go figure. I can only hope that in one of them I get some true closure on this series. The House needs to go down!

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Eliza and Wellington continue their pursuit of Jekyll. They start things off with the most exciting opening to one of these novels since we first met the duo in Phoenix Rising. From there, they get in a little official trouble, and get sent packing. They're brought off of their suspension because Jekyll is leaving a path of corpses throughout Europe to draw them in. Yeah, it's terrible, but it's a fun story. While on the hunt, the couple make a new friend who I'd enjoy getting a book/series of her own, frankly -- but first she's a whole lot of fun to read and helps Eliza and Wellington out a bit, too. About halfway through the book (maybe a little longer), this story takes the turn it needs to and fully explores what Jekyll and Father Books were up to. This takes everything up a notch and really helps sell this finale. I can't go further without ruining the book -- but from here out this is the best thing that Ballantine and Morris have done yet.

Meanwhile, we continue the subplot of Agents Bruce Campbell and Brandon Hill chasing the House of Usher around trying to find out more/stop Operation: Ragnorak. Following their exploits in Russia last time, they're primarily in the US and Italy for this book. They cross paths a few times with the always entertaining (for the reader, not the Ministry's agents) Sophia del Morte. This was probably my favorite use for these two agents yet (although, I really did like the Russia stuff), and I thoroughly enjoyed everything but the very end of this storyline. I found the conclusion to this particular storyline disappointing -- and maybe I'm supposed to, maybe we're going to see the actual conclusion to it in the spin-off series (or in one that hasn't started yet). I'm not saying that there wasn't an ending to this, but it felt off somehow, like there's more to be said.

This installment probably did a better job of tying the entire series together than the previous books did -- not that there were continuity problems (at least not that I noticed), but books 2-5 built on each other and little else. Operation: Endgame helps you see the way that book 1 led to something in 3 and 6, etc. Which is probably easier to do when you know that you're bringing everything to a close. The other two main stories (particularly the Books and Braun) also had a sense around them that this was it -- do or die time, and no, "Oh, rats, they got away! I guess we know what we're doing in the next novel!" It gave a heightened urgency, a heightened sense of import to everything that happened -- or maybe it was the other way around. Or maybe it's just me, because I knew it was the last book so that. I don't think so -- I think I'm going to credit Ballantine and Morris for writing that way.

A minor gripe: this really could've used one more copy-edit pass -- there were too many sentences missing a word, and that kind of thing.

Operation: Endgame did everything it needed to do: it told a compelling story and it brought a series to a satisfying end. Not every series finale can do both, so it's always a relief when one does (especially when it's a series you really enjoy). I enjoyed the book on its own merits -- a fun chase through, well, most of Western Civilization for Books and Braun; some nice stuff for Campbell and Hill -- some chuckles, a little romance, a lot of excitement, some goofy Steampunk tech. The kind of thing that these Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences books have been delivering for years. I also enjoyed the book as a finale -- the story of these two agents is over, but it's not done in such a way that there's nothing more to be done in this world. The door's open for more adventures for the surviving characters, the Ministry as a whole, etc. but there's no need for it -- which is a nice bonus. I've got the first novel in the spin-off series (and hope to get to it soon), so I know we don't have to say goodbye to everyone, just Eliza and Wellington (which is bad enough). If you haven't read any of this series, I really do recommend it from start to finish.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy toledo, what a finale!

Operation: Endgame keeps you on the edge of your seat from the get-go. You don't have much time to relax before you're thrown for a loop. And let me tell you, there were A LOT of loops! And twists, and turns, and a pirouette or three. It was a whirlwind of adventure and intrigue, which is exactly what I've come to expect from this series. Doesn't necessarily mean I was prepared for it all, though.

Wellington Books has evolved in such a magnificent way since the first book. He's barely recognizable from the first time we met him. And I love it so much! Just as he's changed, and adapted, and learned from being in the field, Eliza has grown just the same. Their relationship remains one of the best dichotomies in this series. They're so complimentary to each other. It's wonderful to read!

Even with our charming duo running head first into danger and pursuit of a dastardly villain, there are moments of rest. In those moments, I tried to piece everything together. I tried to figure it all out, and come up with my own theories and conclusions. Usually, I'm fairly good at this (at the risk of tooting my own horn). But I was so far off the mark this time round. And it was delightful! I loved not being able to see it all coming together until the very last moment.

Another pleasant surprise is the field partnership of Bruce Campbell and Brandon Hill. They're a necessary comic relief (even when they're in the middle of fisticuffs) in the midst of all the angst. Their banter literally made me snort and laugh out loud on numerous occasions. They're a great partnership, and I really hope to see more of their adventures in the YA series!

While the adventures of our duo of daring do come to a close, I look forward to what kind of shenanigans one Verity Fitzroy gets up to in the YA series!

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Operation:Endgame is just that… the final adventure with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences for our beloved heroes, Eliza Braun and Wellington Books. I have loved Books and Braun since their first story and am sad to let them go. However, the authors did a great job wrapping up their time with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. This is definitely not a standalone story; it is the culmination of the five previous books.

The bulk of the story is spent following B and B as they chase down their ultimate nemesis, Jekyll. Meanwhile, Bruce and Brandon are tracking down the House of Usher and trying to discover more/stop Ragnarok. Per usual, multiple point-of-views are employed so readers can follow all aspects of the larger picture. The story is fast-paced and a bit confusing at times (mostly because it’s been so long since I had read the previous books).

Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris have created a wholly original world filled with exciting gadgets, interesting times, and absorbing characters. They fold historical and literary references into their world, tying it to the familiar while reinventing history. Operation: Endgame showcases all of the supporting characters and resolves most of the outstanding plotlines in an agreeable way, yet leaves a window open for future fun. It is the fitting end for Books and Braun, and I’ve enjoyed this series from start to conclusion. Smart and at times silly, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series showcases a partnership and love that stands the test of time.

My Rating: B+/B, Liked It

[Lori Alden Holuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the entire series, there was no way I'd miss out on the grande finale! The storyline didn't disappoint, with both Eliza and Wellington in top form, both physically and with their sharp wit. In spite of loving the story, I do have to drop my rating one star due to editing. There were enough formatting and copy editing errors throughout to distract me from the story. With luck, a tighter edit will happen soon and we will all get updates to our Kindle versions. It's a story deserving of good editing.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! This whole series has risen to join some longstanding series of favorite books ever. The characters, plots, worlds, gadgets & general fun tone of the books immediately endeared them to me & haven’t let go since the first time I picked up the first book.

This ending was as satisfying as I was hoping it would be. I’ve had other series let me down (looking at you Hunger Games) so I was optimistic but cautious having been burned before. This was one of the few that didn’t let me down, the story & tone of the book kept me engaged & interested the whole time. Not one moment of rage shouting or fist shaking!

I cannot understate how much I absolutely love this series & look forward to reading over & over again in the years to come. Yes, this is a steampunk book but it’s more like an additional character that supports the overall story. A story that grips you & is a damn good time.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series lost steam with me a few books back and I am glad to be done with it. There was a definite stall with character development and interesting plot points. I liked Eliza and Wellington but I just couldn't get into the story. It felt too similar to the last couple of books and I had to really focus to finish it. I didn't really feel like anything got resolved at the end of this book either. There was a pretty big cliffhanger with the House of Usher and that was surprising since I was expecting everything to be wrapped up nicely. We don't really get much wrap up with Wellington's ability either or much explanation. But since I lost interest, I don't really mind all that, I am just glad to be done with the series.
2 out of 5 stars.

[Colin Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A timely final outing for agents Books and Braun.

The previous couple of Ministry books proved to be a bit of a slog to get through, but this was back to the core of what the series does well - light hearted action adventure in steampunk trappings. I was enjoying the read and finished the book quite quickly as a result.

However, as an ending point for the series, it wasn't that conclusive. An awful lot was left unresolved. Understandable, perhaps, since the authors still seem to have plans for other spin-off stories in their universe, but not that satisfying for the reader.

AND, goodness me, the text of the book needs a damn good copy edit! Littered with mildly garbled sentences that should have been picked up on a proof-read. Spoils the overall experience, and really showed the value of having a book professionally edited and published, versus the self-publishing approach taken here. (And while I'm being picky, it irks me when authors blatantly insert their friends into the text, although that is a ship that sailed long ago in this particular series.)

So, some mixed feelings here. I've been following the series for quite a while now, but I feel like it's run its course, without ever quite achieving its full potential. (Or maybe Steampunk's just not really my thing?)

[Sheldon Wiebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an incredible disappointment.

After five previous, enchanting novels, Ballantine & Morris end the adventures of our Dashing Archivist and Colonial Pepperpot with plodding tale that brings us to an anticlimactic climax through the deus-ist of ex machinas.

Not only does the plot rely on a situation never even hinted at - or properly set-up - to bring their adventures to an end, but the most interesting character in the novel is a brand new character that virtually leaps off the page as Books & Braun and Campbell and Hill come to feel like supporting characters in their own stories.

Then there's the abysmal copy editing that took me out of the story on almost every page (tense disagreement; grammatical errors that Books and Braun would never make, and much, much more).

It took me six weeks to get through this slog.

I have yet to read the teaser chapter for The Curse of the Silver Pharoah (a Verity Fox and the Ministry novel) because I'm not sure I want to know.

[Benjamin Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second go at a review. My first was pretty scathing because, despite the title, there was nothing remotely resembling a proper ending here. No closure. Not even really a final tidying up of events. Rather, it abruptly ceases on a series of question marks. Your basic cliff hanger. As it's been 7 years in real time since its writing and apparently no further volume is in the offing, I got a bit frustrated.

If this is it, all I can do is echo other commenters. The series can be a bit uneven in quality, and the editing in this story in particular is simply non-existent. But still, a flawed story with Eliza and Wellington in it is vastly preferable to no story at all. So I'll shut up and just hope that in the future, we get to meet them again.

[Pammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always awful to come to the end of a truly great book series!
Here are my negative first - which actually have nothing to do with the story.
I listened to all of this series. I didn't like how the narrators kept changing.
As a sound technician, I hated the buzz on this audiobook.
The accents; in particular, the Canadian accent.
As a Canadian who never says "Aboot" as opposed to "About" and don't know any other fellow Canadians that say it that way.... if this is the only way you can find to create a Canadian accent either try harder or don't bother.

I loved this series. I am truly sad it is over. I will try the Verity Series.

[L.E. Doggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting plot. Well developed and the characters stayed in character. Actions scenes were good the whole book was good reading. Even though I must say that something happened at almost the end when after the events were pretty much done, for which I didn't see the purpose. Which of the two wrote that scene was not as clear as they could have been. But still I enjoyed it and I do recommend the whole series. You do need to start at the beginning to get an idea of what was happening and why.

[mike scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Please continue writing adventures for Wellington and Eliza. I have read all six adventures of the two agents from the ministry of peculiar occurrences each book just gets better. I read other stories from the ministry but none are as exciting as the six book series.
Anybody who enjoys steam punk fantasy really much read the adventures that Pip and her husband write. I can't write enough about how good their stories are.

[Francesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vote: 3,75
Class: L-B3 (FP)

(sixth and last book of the Series)

A good urban steampunk fantasy, beautifully set in Victorian London (mostly) with a good set of characters and an entertaining story.
It started with a good setting and some adventurous stories and it has grown in something more epic, interesting and fast pacing. The characters were and remain fascinating.
A really good Series.
Enjoyable.

[Justen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine enough ending but the Kindle edition was filled with dozens of errors and typos. Nothing a spellcheck would catch as it was all incorrect word endings, bad grammar, and even a mixed-up name once. Incredibly distracting, it was in desperate need of a better editor to catch these mistakes.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think part of me wanted to see the ending happen slightly differently, but I was satisfied. I've loved Wellington's transformation over the course of the series and I'm tempted to see how what remains of the Ministry Seven fair in the next series.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if I have waited too long between reading the 5th and 6th book, but this one didn't grab me like the others had. I felt that the story didn't build up to a grand finale as the title made me believe. I loved this series when I first discovered it, but this ending was a let down.

[Renee Novak-Arze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resolution, and open ending

I thoroughly enjoy Books & Braun.
I eagerly await their next adventure.
Hopefully, the wait will not be too long.

[Jolie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying ending to a proper set of adventures!

[Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice conclusion to the adventures of Eliza Braun and Wellington Books.

[P.C. Haring · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to an amazing adventure. Well laid out with twists and turns. Wish there was more from Wellington and Eliza, but as the man says... all good things must come to an end. Bravo!

[G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice. Action, fun and a great conclusion to the story. Hope to see another tale from this universe..

[M.J. Blehart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a worthy conclusion to a most fun and excellent series. Well done, Tee and Pip!

[Timelord Iain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda tempted to try the sequel series about the 7 orphaned kids...

[Kymnesha Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

the loved the sires and was sad to see it end very open ending.

[Eric Desmarais · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice conclusion which leaves a lot open for spin-offs