Reviews

Of Fates And Phantoms by C.J. Archer

kitkatlaughattack's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

boneist's review against another edition

4.0

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading these books. They're engaging, the characters are likeable and the stories are entertaining.

zenreadergirl's review against another edition

4.0

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.

ibereadingbooks's review against another edition

5.0

Its easy to read, easy to follow. It's BEAUTIFUL

dtchantel's review against another edition

5.0

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.

rlhuffman's review against another edition

4.0

Aside from the Alice in Wonderland parts, this was enjoyable.

nicklein's review against another edition

5.0

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.

Spoiler

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.

ramones's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.0

eve_ward's review against another edition

3.0

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.

laura_c_loves2read's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense

5.0