Scan barcode
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Third Circle
3.5 Stars
Synopsis:
After stumbling across a corpse, Leona Hewitt and Thaddeus Ware discover that they are both seeking the same paranormal artifact – the Aurora Crystal. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones and must soon work together in order to thwart the machinations of a crazed scientist, a monstrous serial killer and a power hungry aristocrat.
Review:
In general, the premise behind the Arcane Society series is intriguing and the books are light and entertaining. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying the contemporary installments more than the historical.
Leona is a spirited and independent heroine and Thaddeus is a lonely and semi-tortured hero. Unfortunately, their romance is subdued and had very little development beyond the fact that they meet and feel they share a profound connection. Moreover, Amanda Quick’s signature wit and banter is also missing from their relationship.
The suspense plot is unremarkable and even mundane. There are a few tense moments, such as Thaddeus’s encounter with the serial killer and Leona’s abduction, but these ultimately fizzle out. The only interesting aspects revolve around the additional information provided on the Jones family history and the establishment of organizations that appear in the contemporary books in the series.
Overall, The Third Circle is a relatively satisfying read especially for those who are working their way through the series. Hopefully, the next installment will be more substantial.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis:
After stumbling across a corpse, Leona Hewitt and Thaddeus Ware discover that they are both seeking the same paranormal artifact – the Aurora Crystal. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones and must soon work together in order to thwart the machinations of a crazed scientist, a monstrous serial killer and a power hungry aristocrat.
Review:
In general, the premise behind the Arcane Society series is intriguing and the books are light and entertaining. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying the contemporary installments more than the historical.
Leona is a spirited and independent heroine and Thaddeus is a lonely and semi-tortured hero. Unfortunately, their romance is subdued and had very little development beyond the fact that they meet and feel they share a profound connection. Moreover, Amanda Quick’s signature wit and banter is also missing from their relationship.
The suspense plot is unremarkable and even mundane. There are a few tense moments, such as Thaddeus’s encounter with the serial killer and Leona’s abduction, but these ultimately fizzle out. The only interesting aspects revolve around the additional information provided on the Jones family history and the establishment of organizations that appear in the contemporary books in the series.
Overall, The Third Circle is a relatively satisfying read especially for those who are working their way through the series. Hopefully, the next installment will be more substantial.
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
This is a quick, fun addition to the Arcane Society series.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Leona is a crystal reader. While dressed in mens clothing, she runs into (literally) Thaddeus while both are trying to steal a powerful crystal from Lord Delbridge. I quite enjoyed this Victorian era Arcane Society novel. The characters were well developed and the adventure quite good.
spiringvenus's review against another edition
4.0
The historical fiction titles in this series are the best written! Great story!
thunguyen's review against another edition
3.0
As I only read this author's historical novels and have no plan to read her contemporary ones, glad to say I don't feel missing out on any information omitting book 2 & 3 in the series. This book has more of a thriller feel compared to Second Sight, it has a proper serial killer subplot. Of course the romance was all happy and cozy at the end, sad to say I don't feel much chemistry in this couple as in Second Sight.
mrssoule's review against another edition
2.0
Leona is an intensely annoying heroine who asks the most asinine questions at the worst times. The hero kept having thoughts of strangling her and I kept yelling "Go for it!" It annoyed me enough to keep me from even trying the rest of the Arcane Society series.
greenldydragon's review against another edition
4.0
Amanda Quick is master of witty dialogue and paranormal historical romance mixed with mystery. Needless to say, I read this book in two days O:)
cronchbonch's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Its an alright book. Didn't know it was #4 of a series when i started reading. not tempted to go back and read the others.
The transphobia was a heavy hit while reading it on Trans Day of Visibility.
Every time the trans characters was brought up, it was accompanied with Oh You Can Tell. They would never make it if people knew what to look for. At least one question of you are an accomplished woman why are you doing this (being a man). The misgendering really wears on me. I had to put the book down a number of times and considered not finishing it. I kept reading in the hopes that the MCs would die and the trans people would solve the problems. The MCs rather disappointedly go unscathed and live happy without mentioning their trans friends after their use despite claiming good friends in the beginning of the book.
The transphobia was a heavy hit while reading it on Trans Day of Visibility.
Every time the trans characters was brought up, it was accompanied with Oh You Can Tell. They would never make it if people knew what to look for. At least one question of you are an accomplished woman why are you doing this (being a man). The misgendering really wears on me. I had to put the book down a number of times and considered not finishing it. I kept reading in the hopes that the MCs would die and the trans people would solve the problems. The MCs rather disappointedly go unscathed and live happy without mentioning their trans friends after their use despite claiming good friends in the beginning of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
There is a character and a group of chracters that are "women who live like men". They use he/him pronouns. They say they are men. The MCs use he/him pronouns in front of them but she/her when not around them. I categorize it as transphobia. i listed it as moderate since you can skip any mention of Adam and Mr.Pierce and not miss any important details.rclz's review against another edition
4.0
This is the fourth book in Jayne Krentz's Arcane Society series. This one was in audible form from the library and while these are all good fun reads, I was a little worried about how I would like it in this form but the story held up as well as the ones I actually read. The historical ones by Quick are my least favorites but this was fine. I'll keep going that's for sure. The library has the next one also in audible form and it's in the present day. I'm looking forward to seeing how I like that one.