laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Copper Beach
3 Stars
Series note:Although set in the same world as the Arcane novels, this series involves a completely new set of characters, and aside from the psychic powers, there is no mention of the Arcane Society or any of its members.
This first book in the Dark Legacy trilogy follows the same formula as most of Krentz's other works whether historical, contemporary, or futuristic. In fact, the tone and style of writing, as well as the inclusion of crystals and a Dust Bunny-like canine, are more in line with the Ghost Hunters series written under her Jayne Castle pseudonym. Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable read as the characters are likable and the mystery is intriguing.
Sam and Abby are sweet together and Sam's parents, especially his eccentric father, are very entertaining. The mystery is comprised of various different threads that are skillfully developed throughout the story and ultimately converge into a cohesive whole. That said, some readers may become confused with the confusing amount of information and detail. Moreover, the resolution to one particular plot point is rather anti-climactic -.
The next book in the trilogy focuses on Sam's brother, Judson. Unfortunately, it appears that Krentz discontinued the series before Emma's book. Perhaps she will return to it in the future.
3 Stars
Series note:Although set in the same world as the Arcane novels, this series involves a completely new set of characters, and aside from the psychic powers, there is no mention of the Arcane Society or any of its members.
This first book in the Dark Legacy trilogy follows the same formula as most of Krentz's other works whether historical, contemporary, or futuristic. In fact, the tone and style of writing, as well as the inclusion of crystals and a Dust Bunny-like canine, are more in line with the Ghost Hunters series written under her Jayne Castle pseudonym. Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable read as the characters are likable and the mystery is intriguing.
Sam and Abby are sweet together and Sam's parents, especially his eccentric father, are very entertaining. The mystery is comprised of various different threads that are skillfully developed throughout the story and ultimately converge into a cohesive whole. That said, some readers may become confused with the confusing amount of information and detail. Moreover, the resolution to one particular plot point is rather anti-climactic -
Spoiler
I was expecting more action and suspense from the Knox thread due to the exposition in the prologueThe next book in the trilogy focuses on Sam's brother, Judson. Unfortunately, it appears that Krentz discontinued the series before Emma's book. Perhaps she will return to it in the future.
axkerti's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
keeks84's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
masquerader888's review against another edition
3.0
Copper Beach—Dark Legacy book one by Jayne Ann Krentz
I always enjoy Ms. Krentz’s books, and this was no exception. She writes with style and panache, creating delectable candy books that I love to devour.
Copper Beach was a good opening effort to a new series; however I do feel that much of the creative force in this book was spent on set-up for future installments and not particularly on the story within it. The characterization in a lot of places seemed a bit rushed, and some of the secondary characters felt a little like space-holders, awaiting future books to actually mean anything. The plot also felt the pinch of a new series start-up, spending lots of time cementing elements for future use and wrapping up this story with a hat-trick. I feel that this series has lots of room to grow, and I will enjoy taking the journey with these characters and exploring the world that is being created, but there is still a ways to go before we get to that complete world or fleshed-out series.
This is the first book from Ms. Krentz in quite some time that has not been a part of her Arcane Society series. While I happened to thoroughly enjoy the Arcane series I do understand the need to do different things and that all of Ms. Krentz’s fans might not want to only read in that universe. That said, as far as I can see the biggest difference so far in her Dark Legacy series vs. the Arcane is the history and known secondary characters. We are still immersed in the world of the paranormal, but this time we’re working without a net.
Abby Radwell was an interesting character, and I happen to adore the concept of her being able to “unlock” psychic code in books. Her history was richly woven even if she bore a lot of the brunt of working without a net when it came to dealing with the peculiarly of her paranormal gifts. With that in mind I found it a bit difficult to embrace her easy acceptance of our hero Sam Coppersmith. With Sam we have a different story. The rare earths and ability to psychically interact with crystals I had zero problem with, I also dig his near-genius talents in designing and creating mechanical mechanisms based on that crystal ability. Sam turned out to be the well-rounded character in this book for me, even if much of his past and endeavors remain hidden.
I give this book a high three stars ★★★ with hopes that the series will improve from here.
http://masquerader.harshmage.com/category/book-reviews/
I always enjoy Ms. Krentz’s books, and this was no exception. She writes with style and panache, creating delectable candy books that I love to devour.
Copper Beach was a good opening effort to a new series; however I do feel that much of the creative force in this book was spent on set-up for future installments and not particularly on the story within it. The characterization in a lot of places seemed a bit rushed, and some of the secondary characters felt a little like space-holders, awaiting future books to actually mean anything. The plot also felt the pinch of a new series start-up, spending lots of time cementing elements for future use and wrapping up this story with a hat-trick. I feel that this series has lots of room to grow, and I will enjoy taking the journey with these characters and exploring the world that is being created, but there is still a ways to go before we get to that complete world or fleshed-out series.
This is the first book from Ms. Krentz in quite some time that has not been a part of her Arcane Society series. While I happened to thoroughly enjoy the Arcane series I do understand the need to do different things and that all of Ms. Krentz’s fans might not want to only read in that universe. That said, as far as I can see the biggest difference so far in her Dark Legacy series vs. the Arcane is the history and known secondary characters. We are still immersed in the world of the paranormal, but this time we’re working without a net.
Abby Radwell was an interesting character, and I happen to adore the concept of her being able to “unlock” psychic code in books. Her history was richly woven even if she bore a lot of the brunt of working without a net when it came to dealing with the peculiarly of her paranormal gifts. With that in mind I found it a bit difficult to embrace her easy acceptance of our hero Sam Coppersmith. With Sam we have a different story. The rare earths and ability to psychically interact with crystals I had zero problem with, I also dig his near-genius talents in designing and creating mechanical mechanisms based on that crystal ability. Sam turned out to be the well-rounded character in this book for me, even if much of his past and endeavors remain hidden.
I give this book a high three stars ★★★ with hopes that the series will improve from here.
http://masquerader.harshmage.com/category/book-reviews/
asalters's review against another edition
4.0
Another GREAT read by Jayne Ann Krentz! I love the way she writes her paranormal stories! I can't wait to read the next book that comes out!!
cristina0194's review against another edition
4.0
The mystery around this book was ok, but I don’t believe in supernatural powers, so this was a downfall for me. 4 stars for the love story and for family ties... oh, and for Newton! He was a brave dog and made the story funny sometimes.
rclz's review against another edition
4.0
Jayne Krentz's are always quick enjoyable reads for me. This was no exception. The characters are always likeable and the plot is just complicated enough to keep my interest. I'm sure I'll read the next one.
kspoonerfish's review against another edition
4.0
Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Quick, Castle) is one of my favorite comfort read authors. In this one Abbey is a book dealer and has a psychic talent involving old books. Sam, also has some psychic talent and he hires Abbey to help find an old book in order to protect crystals from his family's secret Phoenix Mine. I liked Abby's dog, Newton. This wasn't my favorite of her books but it was a pleasant read.
ccgwalt's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars for the story (C)
3.5 stars for the narration by Tanya Eby (B-)
Not terrible, but nothing to make it memorable. The writing felt wooden, and the story felt recycled. There were no surprises, and the JAK failed to build any tension or suspense. The love story lacked pretty much any development and, again, no tension or excitement.
Tanya Eby does a serviceable job with the narration. She has decent male voices and keeps an even pace that matches the story events. She didn't wow me,but she wasn't distracting,either. I would probably listen to her again f she were narrating a better book.
3.5 stars for the narration by Tanya Eby (B-)
Not terrible, but nothing to make it memorable. The writing felt wooden, and the story felt recycled. There were no surprises, and the JAK failed to build any tension or suspense. The love story lacked pretty much any development and, again, no tension or excitement.
Tanya Eby does a serviceable job with the narration. She has decent male voices and keeps an even pace that matches the story events. She didn't wow me,but she wasn't distracting,either. I would probably listen to her again f she were narrating a better book.
khristy's review against another edition
3.0
Not her best. Not her worst. Pleasant way to pass a few hours though.