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xlynt's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sandygx260's review against another edition
3.0
Light and quick reading. The sex scenes were sooooo hilariously out there that I had to knock off a star.
kaydombrowski's review against another edition
Couldn't finish the book, did not like it.
carobcbg's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this book up for my bookshelf Bingo challenge. This was a great excuse for me to finally start the Arcane Society series from this author that I've been putting off. I must admit that while I liked this story, I didn't love it.
The plot and surrounding mystery was very well set up, with twists and turns and snakes - oh my! The suspects were presented to keep the reader guessing and their motives very plausible. My disappointment stems from the vagueness in the romance. While I liked Venetia's and Gabriel's characters, I didn't get a real sense of WHY they have fallen for each other. They interact well, but though we are told they are each other's "the one" I don't see evidence of anything other than sexual chemistry in the narrative.
Great mystery, dry romance, good read. I'll continue with the series.
The plot and surrounding mystery was very well set up, with twists and turns and snakes - oh my! The suspects were presented to keep the reader guessing and their motives very plausible. My disappointment stems from the vagueness in the romance. While I liked Venetia's and Gabriel's characters, I didn't get a real sense of WHY they have fallen for each other. They interact well, but though we are told they are each other's "the one" I don't see evidence of anything other than sexual chemistry in the narrative.
Great mystery, dry romance, good read. I'll continue with the series.
littlemascara's review against another edition
4.0
This isn't the type of book I normally read and I was pleasantly surprised! I appreciated its subversiveness and sense of humor. I wish the series continued following Gabe and Venetia, as a Victorian paranormal version of MR. AND MRS. SMITH would be great fun, but alas.
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.