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catawumpus's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Second Sight by Amanda Quick
Book #1 in The Arcane Society
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Venetia Milton is a Victorian-era photographer with the uncanny ability to see people's auras. Gabriel Jones is a member of the Arcane Society, which has hired Venetia to photographic their mysterious collection of relics. When these two meet, sparks fly in more ways than one and they must ultimately join forces to catch a killer intent on discovering the secret formula to enhance psychic abilities.
Review:
This is a quick and entertaining read (no pun intended). The prose flows and the characters are well developed. The romantic leads have a sweet relationship and there are some interesting details on early photographic techniques.
Nevertheless, I had some minor issues. First, the mystery outweighs the romance, and second, the discovery of the killer's identity and his demise are quite sudden and anti-climactic.
Book #1 in The Arcane Society
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Venetia Milton is a Victorian-era photographer with the uncanny ability to see people's auras. Gabriel Jones is a member of the Arcane Society, which has hired Venetia to photographic their mysterious collection of relics. When these two meet, sparks fly in more ways than one and they must ultimately join forces to catch a killer intent on discovering the secret formula to enhance psychic abilities.
Review:
This is a quick and entertaining read (no pun intended). The prose flows and the characters are well developed. The romantic leads have a sweet relationship and there are some interesting details on early photographic techniques.
Nevertheless, I had some minor issues. First, the mystery outweighs the romance, and second, the discovery of the killer's identity and his demise are quite sudden and anti-climactic.
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
This reminded me a lot of the Amelia Peabody first book...an older, past traditional marriage-aged woman (which makes me feel hella old, since she's 28 or something) gets caught up in mystery and adventure with a handsome man who falls madly in love with her. There's no Egyptology in this one, and there is actual paranormal activity, but the similarities are still there. The characters are likeable, and the mystery is relatively realistic. All in all, a very satisfying story. Looking forward to more!
sandyfrancesca's review against another edition
4.0
4.5stars.
Its really easy to get lost in this book, its riveting and flows so beautifully. I loved it.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyable romance featuring Venetia and Gabriel. Venetia is a photographer contracted by Gabriel to photograph some artifacts. Venetia seduces him, but they are interrupted by thieves and Gabriel "dies." Venetia establishes herself as a widowed photographer in London, taking Gabriel's last name Jones. When Gabriel reappears, intrigue, adventure, and romance ensue.
I enjoy Quick's characters and the Victorian setting.
I enjoy Quick's characters and the Victorian setting.
hendriana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
spiringvenus's review against another edition
3.0
I read this in the car from Jackson to Tupelo and back to Jackson. It was an interesting read, and it makes me curious to read further in the series.
bxermom's review against another edition
4.0
Great book. I'm not one for romances but this had enough suspense to keep me reading. I will be looking for Book 2 in the series!
thunguyen's review against another edition
3.0
As entertaining as other AQ books. While the mystery is not very compelling, it serves as an interesting back drop for the romance to develop. The paranormal aspect is a nice touch to differentiate this series to other series by AQ. The period is Victorian so a touch more freedom for our heroine, though not much had changed for the lot of women since Regency period half a century prior. I love how AQ gives our hero and heroine a family of different characters, these side characters put a smile on my face every time I read her book. I also love the humour that the hero in this story possessed. He's definitely less brooding than other heroes in most of her books.
waterfairy's review against another edition
2.0
It was an ok read. Very straightforward. The romance I felt was lacking; no buildup or growth in the characters. I went in knowing that but I'm hoping the rest of the books in this series are much better