New York Timesbestselling author Amanda Quicks new Arcane Society novel reveals the passionate and paranormalsecrets of proper Victor...
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reviews
Jun 14, 2011
Maria
rated it: 
May 13, 2009: It is hard for me to be objective about Jayne Ann Krentz, so I generally give any book of hers five stars on a first reading, mainly because I'm so happy to be reading something new by her. I wasn't halfway through the book before I came to the realization that it was going to be too short. I know nothing about psychic phenomena and generally don't like it as part of the plot, so I don't know how much of this is pure fiction and how much is research. If I keep reading these Arc
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Jul 27, 2011
LibraryLass
rated it:
4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the Arcane society series. It does give more background to the society and adds flavour to the other books. I don't think it is necessary to read these books in order but it would help :)
The chemistry (!) between Leona and Thaddeus was not exactly hot, but it was still good. There were some missing elements for me in this one. Not many minor characters to play a role, or the ones that were there weren't fleshed out much.
I More...
The chemistry (!) between Leona and Thaddeus was not exactly hot, but it was still good. There were some missing elements for me in this one. Not many minor characters to play a role, or the ones that were there weren't fleshed out much.
I More...
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Nov 20, 2008
JBradford
rated it: 
My daughter bought this for me; someday maybe I’ll figure out why.
The plot, taking place near the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, features a poor crystal worker who attempts to steal back a crystal that was stolen from her mother when she was eleven, only to find herself involved in a hideous murder, committed by a “parahunter” who has been hired by a British Lord, who happens to be a member of the Arcane Society, which is a group of people mostly possessing some paranormal power, b More...
The plot, taking place near the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, features a poor crystal worker who attempts to steal back a crystal that was stolen from her mother when she was eleven, only to find herself involved in a hideous murder, committed by a “parahunter” who has been hired by a British Lord, who happens to be a member of the Arcane Society, which is a group of people mostly possessing some paranormal power, b More...
Sep 15, 2011
Our Intrepid Heroine
rated it:
Warning: I studied comparative literature in college, and this review... well, I don't know if it's the standard romance novel review. Maybe it's a review for people who don't like romances, or for those who find them funny, or for me, because I love to hear the sound of my own voice.
You know, it's really funny to read romance novels as a former lit major. Sometimes they make me crazy, so I'll toss them aside and pick up something interesting. Sometimes I start thinking that Ms. K More...
You know, it's really funny to read romance novels as a former lit major. Sometimes they make me crazy, so I'll toss them aside and pick up something interesting. Sometimes I start thinking that Ms. K More...
Apr 20, 2011
Jessi
rated it:
Leona Hewitt is a crystal worker, someone who can use crystals to help people solve their dreams. She has snuck into the house of a high-ranking peer to steal back the Aurora Crystal, an item that has belonged in her family since the 1600s. However, when she finally gets to the room with the crystal, she stumbles over not only a dead body but also Thaddeus Ware, a para-hypnotist who can use his powers to temporarily control other people.
They manage to get out of the house, but not before Th More...
They manage to get out of the house, but not before Th More...
Sep 22, 2011
Brandy
rated it: 
Aún me estoy haciendo cruces de como una de las autoras románticas con las que disfrutaba hace años puede publicar novelas tan sosas con semejante trama. Y es que la trama llama poderosamente la atención. a saber: Una sociedad de hombres y mujeres con poderes paranormales (de todas las clases, colores y sabores) que se dedica a recopilar, guardar y ocultar objetos con poderes extraordinarios.
Asi escrito queda de cine, el problema es cuando la autora lo desarrolla y se queda en una novela q More...
Asi escrito queda de cine, el problema es cuando la autora lo desarrolla y se queda en una novela q More...
Nov 14, 2010
Melissa
rated it:
I'm enjoying the Arcane Society series. Since the books go back and forth between the 17th century and now and the main characters seem to rotate with each book, although characters from previous books seem to make cameos here and there, I don't find that the books are feeling too formuliac(is that a word?) at the moment. Each story seems fresh and new, new characters, new paranormal senses to deal with.
I liked Thaddeus and Leona's relationship and that she was not in any way a whim More...
I liked Thaddeus and Leona's relationship and that she was not in any way a whim More...
Jan 19, 2009
Cam
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 29, 2008
Deirdre
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This is the second of the historical end of the Arcane Society novels and the fourth written about this interesting group who both promote and hide paranormal talents. Looking into the past allows a certain amount of the present series to be understandable. The "present" is about operatives within Jones & Jones, this is about the founding and the reasoning behind the founding.
Yes, the characters fall in love (or is it lust) at first sight (over a corpse!) and there are ti More...
Yes, the characters fall in love (or is it lust) at first sight (over a corpse!) and there are ti More...
May 31, 2010
Stacie
rated it:
This is one of Amanda Quick’s Arcane Society books. Leona Hewitt is a crystal reader that has heard about a crystal that has been in her family for years. When she steals into a private museum to steal it back, she is surprised to find a man standing over a body of a young woman. Thaddeus Ware couldn’t be more surprised to see the person in the gallery with him. They escape and avoid detection, but Thaddeus is hit with a gas that he knows will make him crazy. He fights to get the woman that
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Aug 23, 2009
Donna
rated it:
Leona Hewitt has made her living somewhat precariously as a crystal worker for a decade. She is convinced someone murdered her mother to steal the aurora stone which disappeared from the accident site. Word has come to her that a collector has acquired the Aurora stone. She breaks in to his mansion, intending to steal the crystal, but finds herself held captive over a dead body. Since her captor, Thaddeus Ware offered her no violence, she correctly deduces that he cannot be the killer.
L More...
L More...
Oct 27, 2011
Jaime
rated it:
Definitely not one of my favorites out of the Arcane Society series. I never felt connected or invested in Leona and Thaddeus' story. I don't know if it is because I have been reading them fairly back to back and now that there is kind of an established pattern to the stories I may be bored with them. Also, I have followed the order that has been listed on the Goodreads site, but this one seems like it should have been the second instead of the fourth. The books under Amanda Quick's name are def
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Jul 06, 2009
Erika
rated it:
I checked this book out because I wanted a mindless comfortable summer read and I was not disappointed in those respects.
Honestly, this book wasn't very good, even by romance novel standards. The main relationship was conveniently explained without any real development by a psychic bond that existed between the two main characters. Frankly, the only reason why I read romance novels is because I enjoy the relationship development. I do not believe the Arcane Society premise is do More...
Honestly, this book wasn't very good, even by romance novel standards. The main relationship was conveniently explained without any real development by a psychic bond that existed between the two main characters. Frankly, the only reason why I read romance novels is because I enjoy the relationship development. I do not believe the Arcane Society premise is do More...
Dec 02, 2011
Babs
rated it:
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed this book, but basically, it's a retread/repeat of the previous two books I've read in this series. I really am enjoying the paranormal aspects of this series and the mysteries. I Think the romance plot line is what is starting to get to me. They are basically interchangeable from book to book. Actually, the mysteries are basically interchangeable, too; however, I love mysteries so much, I guess I tolerate the similarity better. It might be time to take a break from th
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Oct 26, 2010
Debbie
rated it:
We're back in Victorian England for this installment of the Arcane Society series and I think I enjoy these historical stories the most, probably because I've always been a big fan of historical fiction.
A shadowy group known as the Third Circle is after a powerful crystal which they need to gain access to the founder's formula. The crystal can only be worked by a very powerful crystal worker. Leona Hewitt is that person, but she is also after the crystal herself, and while attempting More...
A shadowy group known as the Third Circle is after a powerful crystal which they need to gain access to the founder's formula. The crystal can only be worked by a very powerful crystal worker. Leona Hewitt is that person, but she is also after the crystal herself, and while attempting More...
Dec 11, 2010
Joy
rated it:
The Amanda Quick pseudonym means the setting is the Victorian Age. Two different people take advantage of a decadent Society party to burglarize Lord Delbridge's collection of arcane relics. Leona wants to reacquire the aurora crystal because the women of her family are talented crystal workers, the only ones who can work this strong crystal. Thaddeus represents the Arcane Society's current attempt to stash the dangerous crystal in their guarded collection. To Delbridge, the aurora crystal is hi
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Nov 21, 2010
Kara
rated it:
I have enjoyed this series and the premise for it: ordinary ish people with one super ordinary skill. Not strength, or flying or weird like that , but seeing patterns in chaos, painting the future, finding lost children, esp, hypnotism, etc. Anyway, I have listened to some on audio and they have been fine, this one was horrible! The reader was a drama queen. Everytime an "evil" character was talking the reader used a villanous voice that you would hear in a melodrama. It got on th
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Jun 29, 2009
Cheryl
rated it:
I originally learned of this author and series because I was told it was a mystery series with just a touch of paranormal. Well, I'm beginning to think that it is science fiction/fantasy with a mystery slant. Regardless, I enjoy the genre and this author.
Every one of Quick's books can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, every book fills in more of the framework of those who a secret life, as seen in old England. In this book, two very strong characters meet, sparks fly, ange More...
Every one of Quick's books can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, every book fills in more of the framework of those who a secret life, as seen in old England. In this book, two very strong characters meet, sparks fly, ange More...
Jun 12, 2009
Miriam
rated it:
Hmm, I think Second Sight led me to the misconception that I actually liked Amanda Quick despite disliking the books she writes under her many, many noms de plume. But this, like my earlier attempts, seemed articial, contrived. Also par for the course seem to be bossy heroes with minimal introspection and heroines who let themselves be pushed around despite proclamations of independence. But really, many writers embody these flaws to a far greater degree, so I'm not knocking Quick/Krentz/Castle
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Oct 24, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
I have read and enjoyed some of the contemporary books in this series, written under one of Amanda Quick’s many Nom de Plums Jayne Ann Krentz. This book although not the 1st in the historical "portion" of the Arcane Society series could still be read without having any knowledge of the previous books. I toughly enjoyed it- It ticked all my criteria for a good light enjoyable read. 1) Romance 2) Paranaramal 3) Historical 4) Murder Mystery
This book is kind of like if a slightly les More...
This book is kind of like if a slightly les More...
Jul 14, 2011
Kindle-aholic
rated it:
I ususally enjoy reading the Amanda Quick books, although to be honest, while I have fun reading them at the time, they tend to mash together in my head to the point that I can't tell which character belongs in which book (I can only remember so many plain yet spunky heroines and serious, broody heros). This one, though, felt different from the start and I really enjoyed it. Yes, there is still a spunky heroine and a brooding hero, but there is enough distinctive about it to stand out from the o
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Nov 01, 2011
Lauren
rated it:
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 bo More...
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 bo More...
Jan 18, 2012
Leona Hewitt is a crystal worker who is trying to get a very rair stone called the Aurora Stone. But Thadeus is right there in her way when she sneaks into Delbridge's home to steal it back. Little did she know that what was about to happen put her life at risk along with Thadeus's life to. They both escape with the stone in hand. Unfortunatelly Thadeus was poisoned while trying to get the stone out of a drawer. Thadeus is suffering now from hallucinations but Leona immediatly takes action. Leon
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Apr 07, 2010
Mojca
rated it: 
A private investigator, hypnotist, member of Arcane Society and a crystal worker meet under strange circumstances. Over a woman’s dead body. Establishing that neither of them is the killer, they resume their plans, which turn out to be the same as well. They have to take possession of a certain crystal. He claims it belongs to the Arcane Society, she claims it belongs to her. And it is protected by a strange nightmare-inducing concoction that plunges him into the depths of hell. Aided by the cry
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Sep 10, 2008
Linda
rated it:
Leona Hewitt and Thaddeus Ware meet while both are in the process of breaking into a nobleman's home to find the mysterious aurora crystal. Leona, a crystal worker, claims the crystal belongs to her family and Thaddeus asserts that the crystal was stolen from the Arcane Society. When they discover a dead body along with the crystal, they hurry to escape, but Thaddeus is overcome with a poisonous vapor and it requires all of Leona's skill to keep him sane and alive, In the process, they lose t
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Jul 18, 2008
Erin
rated it:
Another installment in the Arcane Society series--this one set later in the reign of Queen Victoria. It was pretty standard Amanda Quick for the most part. A little better on plot than some (there were actually a couple of minor plot twists I didn't see coming), a little weaker on romance than others (seemed rushed & almost forced--not as believable as is her usual style). Not her best work, by any means, but an interesting addition to the series--made me want to go back and brush up on the d
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Oct 07, 2010
Jackie
rated it:
I haven’t read any of the previous books, so I was coming into this mid-series cold turkey. Overall, it worked as a standalone book since it focused primarily on the romance of Leona and Thaddeus although I think it would have helped if I had read the others before it. There were references to previous characters and plot points that I didn’t know too much about but it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the story too much.
I have read other Amanda Quick novels so I’m familiar with her wri More...
I have read other Amanda Quick novels so I’m familiar with her wri More...
Feb 11, 2010
Shay
rated it:
I knew nothing about this book, it was a present. It took me a while to work out where I was - dead body, historical setting, psychic powers. And my Mum had chosen it for me because it was described as like Georgette Heyer. I can see why they say that - the heroine is outspoken and not in the first flush of youth, and there is an obvious hero for her - but it includes the aforementioned elements, and - er - actual sex, which I don't think ever appeared in any Georgette Heyer I've read. But o
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Apr 25, 2008
Julie (jjmachshev)
rated it:
Really 4.5 stars. I truly enjoyed this latest historical addition to the Arcane Society novels by Quick/Krentz. If you've been reading this series, you won't want to miss this one as you get more background on how the society started and how Jones Investigations began. I can't wait for Caleb's story!!
She's the latest inheritor of the ability to work the dream crystal. She's also determined to get the dream stone back into the possession of her family.
He's a dangerous More...
She's the latest inheritor of the ability to work the dream crystal. She's also determined to get the dream stone back into the possession of her family.
He's a dangerous More...
May 11, 2011
Robin
rated it:
I liked the story very much, and the narrator did very well creating a dark and mysterious mood throughout the book. I listened to this book while running errands and waiting in the pick-up line in front of my children's school, so this book kept me very entertained while doing mundane tasks. Romance, sex, mystery, suspense, murder, and paranormal talents set during the Victorian London Era makes this historical novel a wonderful read.
This is my third Amanda Quick novel.
This is my third Amanda Quick novel.
