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Second Sight (The Arcane Society #1)
by
Amanda Quick (Goodreads Author)
"Financially straitened and on the path to spinsterhood, Venetia Milton thought her stay at the remote, ramshackle Arcane House would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engineer her own ravishment. She was there to photograph the artifacts collected by a highly secretive organization, founded two centuries earlier by an alchemist. And the alchemist's descendant her emp...more
Kindle Edition, 268 pages
Published
(first published January 1st 2006)
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This was an entertaining book, but I think it could have been more enthralling. I felt a connection between Venetia and Gabriel, but I felt that it should have been more intense physically. The love scenes were way too abbreviated considering that Gabriel was a man of strong passions, although he was trying to keep those under control. I think too much focus was placed on the mystery and not enough on the romance. Had this been marketed as a mystery novel, I would have no complaints. But since i...more
Really 3 ½ stars. Well narrated by Anne Flosnik. I could swear I’ve read this book b/f, but I know that is not possible. I think AQ just recycled some of her plotlines on this one. The romance happened too fast and the reasoning for her taking his name was kind of “Huh?” (IMHO). I said this again over his reasons for returning from the dead. Not one of my favorites by this author. Still, it was good enough that I'll continue with the series.
4 likes · like · see review
It didn't take me long to read this historic romantic suspense novel. Amanda Quick has a way with prose that draws the reader into each chapter alongside the characters.
In "Second Sight", photographer Venetia Milton has a romantic encounter with Gabriel Jones, heir to the Arcane Society, immediately after which she is whisked away to safety while he stays to try and capture intruders before they can steal any valuable artifacts. After reading that Gabriel has supposedly been killed, she moves w...more
In "Second Sight", photographer Venetia Milton has a romantic encounter with Gabriel Jones, heir to the Arcane Society, immediately after which she is whisked away to safety while he stays to try and capture intruders before they can steal any valuable artifacts. After reading that Gabriel has supposedly been killed, she moves w...more
The characters were boring and the story was lacking in every way that counts. I am still amazed by how bad it was. I really did not want to give up that one star.
1 like · like · see review
I've long been a fan of anything by Amanda Quick/J.A.Krentz/Jayne Castle, but I am fairly new to the Society books that she's been doing. I don't know of many authors who can balance out the intrigue, romance and the psychical storylines as well as she does. Her chapters are richly textured and nothing is put to waste. You read her books and find yourself totally engrossed in the story. For a fellow writer, sometimes the ability to lose yourself in any book is a hard thing to do. Venetia's abili...more
Feb 22, 2013
Lizabeth S. Tucker
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
paranormal,
romance
Amanda Quick is one of many pseudonyms used by author Jayne Ann Krentz. Currently Ms. Krentz uses three: Jayne Ann Krentz for contemporary romances, Amanda Quick for historical romances, and Jayne Castle for futuristic romances. All her romances have common threads such as mystery and strong characters. Many, particularly lately, also have paranormal elements, including this novel.
The basic storyline has spinster Venetia Milton traveling to the secret and secluded Arcane House to make a photogra...more
The basic storyline has spinster Venetia Milton traveling to the secret and secluded Arcane House to make a photogra...more
Set in the Victorian era, Amanda Quick, (aka: Jayne Krentz)opens her new series with a story about photographer Venetia Milton, her family's sole support and the handsome and mysterious Gabriel Jones, a client who has hired her to take photographs of valuable relics.
Venetia has decided to lose her 'innocence' to Gabriel, because as things stand, she will die a spinster! Unfortunately, immediately after, Gabriel is thought to have been killed in a fire that consumed his home. Not one to miss out...more
Venetia has decided to lose her 'innocence' to Gabriel, because as things stand, she will die a spinster! Unfortunately, immediately after, Gabriel is thought to have been killed in a fire that consumed his home. Not one to miss out...more
I'm giving this one four stars even though it's maybe not the very best of this series, but it was the first one I read and it hooked me. [And indeed, certain elements that can become a trifle repetitive in later books are fresh and new in this one.] Also, there's early photography! And a plucky, resourceful heroine who's doing just fine with her assorted eccentric relatives and friends and doesn't NEED the hero, but.
Plus, it's always a relief to find a historical romance which is not all about...more
Plus, it's always a relief to find a historical romance which is not all about...more
Dec 12, 2011
Karen L
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance-paranormal,
romance-suspense
I finished this book, Second Sight by Amanda Quick (Arcane Society-#1) today. This is a great start to a new series. I love the characters in it. It's a little bit of romance, and mystery all thrown into one book. The stories in this series belong to one author(Jayne Castle) who uses two pen names for this along with her own. The series follows this order (thank you fictfact.com and cozy-mystery.com):
1.) Second Sight by Amanda Quick(for her novels of historical romantic-suspense)
2.) White Lies...more
1.) Second Sight by Amanda Quick(for her novels of historical romantic-suspense)
2.) White Lies...more
Nov 24, 2011
Babs
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance,
romantic-suspense
This is a good romance, as far as romances go. My best friend would say this is damning praise – obviously, from the beginning statement, the reader conveys that they do not like and respect the genre at all. She has a valid point, which I think I understand and I certainly respect. However, as far as I feel and am concerned, I think this is a valid start to my review for a romance.
I loved and immensely enjoyed romances in my youth. Then, I grew older, fell in love, married, and I ultimately fou...more
I loved and immensely enjoyed romances in my youth. Then, I grew older, fell in love, married, and I ultimately fou...more
Veneta Milton is doing something unusual in Victorian society, she's working as a photographer. As she's over the typical age of women looking for a husband. She's also responsible for her younger siblings and for her aunt. Any man that she might want to marry would also have the responsibility for them as well. As she doesn't see a husband in her future, she's decided that she doesn't want to die a virgin, she will take a night where she might know the "sins of the flesh". Veneta gives herself...more
Amanda Quick is a name renowned mostly for naughty London-set historical romance novels. These are not entries to the genre of which creator and doyenne of the tradition, my beloved Georgette Heyer, would approve. (Nor of which, quite frankly, do I.) There is sex. Lots of sex, and a good deal of it pre-marital. There is anachronism (though not nearly as much as some other attempts at the setting inflict upon the discerning reader) and a good deal of odd character motivation.
Crossing over to the...more
Crossing over to the...more
This is the first book in the Arcane Society series. Having stumbled across the sixth book earlier I had to seek out the first and read this series from the beginning.
Just like the author's name, this is a quick read [g], and an enjoyable one. Set in the London of late Victorian England, Second Sight features Gabriel Jones, heir apparent to the title of Master of the Arcane Society and possessor of psychical hunting powers.
When the Arcane Society decides to have their arcane relics photographed...more
Just like the author's name, this is a quick read [g], and an enjoyable one. Set in the London of late Victorian England, Second Sight features Gabriel Jones, heir apparent to the title of Master of the Arcane Society and possessor of psychical hunting powers.
When the Arcane Society decides to have their arcane relics photographed...more
Aug 07, 2010
Jasmin
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Amanda Quick devouts
I positively adore Amanda Quick and I absolutely love her historical romances. Except this one.
This book disappointed me. I was expecting something hilarious and something that would cause my heart to flutter in my chest. But it definitely wasn't this.
Apparently, Amanda Quick wants to try writing paranormal romance since the genre sells like hotcakes, but this attempt is utter failure. She doesn't use any vampires in the book, but she might as well thrown in a little vampire action in the mix, s...more
This book disappointed me. I was expecting something hilarious and something that would cause my heart to flutter in my chest. But it definitely wasn't this.
Apparently, Amanda Quick wants to try writing paranormal romance since the genre sells like hotcakes, but this attempt is utter failure. She doesn't use any vampires in the book, but she might as well thrown in a little vampire action in the mix, s...more
4 likes · like · see review
I got confused by the fact that this author writes under both Amanda Quick and Jayne Ann Krentz, so even though this is the first book in the Arcane Society series, I read it 2nd. For those who are unaware, Amanda Quick is the pseudonym for her historical romance novels, including those novels in the Arcane Society series that take place in 19th century England. Jayne Ann Krentz is the pseudonym she uses for modern novels, including the Arcane Society novels that take place in modern-day America...more
1 like · like · see review
Recently I came across a book in The Arcane Society series, which I thought sounded very interesting. Not knowing whether it is imperative to start with the first book, I decided to simply start at the beginning. Second Sight is an entertaining paranormal romance/ mystery with fun characters and an intriguing secret society. It is quite easy to get caught up in the mystery offered in Second Sight. In fact, I am inclined to say that the mystery takes precedence over the romance of it all. Persona...more
The first in the historical novels of the Arcane Society, Second Sight introduces us to Venetia, a photographer who can read auras, and Gideon, the man slated to be the next head of the Society. Venetia is a spinster whose aunt, sister, and brother rely on her talents as a photographer to bring in money. She's at Arcane House photographing some rare objects and decides that Gideon looks like a good bet for her first lover. See, her family has too many secrets so she's never going to get married...more
This is the first book in the Arcane Society series by Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. Venetia Milton is a photographer. She has been supporting and running her family since the death of her parents. Family secrets came out and she was forced to support her younger siblings and aunt. She is commissioned to photograph the Arcane Society’s collection of artifacts. She knows this the only time that she doesn’t have to think about her reputation. Gabriel Jones is a hunter with all the senses that com...more
I keep reading positive reviews of later entries of the Arcane Society society. And I do enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz (et al.) books. I also love the idea of this kind of series, one that crosses over traditional romance boundaries -- historical/contemporary/futuristic/paranormal. So I started with this, the first in the series. I was a little surprised at the setting, Victorian England, as that is not one I usually associate with Quick, but it was fine. I enjoyed learning a little about early photogr...more
This is the first of three in the series that I got from the local library to read. Started it yesterday and I finished it earlier today. All the reviews are right on target, it is a sweet light tale. Amanda has a way of waving the characters around your heart. There is always additional family and a spinster Aunt. The story is a suspense/ mystery / romance novel all rolled up in one. Great book to take to the beach or pool. You can pick up where you left off and not skip a beat, I gave it a 3 b...more
May 16, 2011
Becky Moe
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
historical
Really, I'd have to say this is more of a 3 1/2 star book, not quite four stars...about a page and a half into the first chapter, I experienced major deja-vu. I'm positive I started reading this book before, but don't remember finishing it. I have no idea why...it's pretty good, if a little overdone in parts. Gabriel and Venetia are interesting characters, with witty and fun dialogue. The supernatural elements are subtle but interesting. It was a page turner, or would have been if I'd been readi...more
I enjoyed this book. I love stories set in Victorian times. I like being transported to those times and imagining what it would be like to live in those times.
Venetia Milton is a woman in her late twenties, over proper marrying age. She has already accepted the fact that she will never have a husband but does not see why she can't enjoy a little passion in her life.
She is sent to photograph certain artifacts for a very secret society, the Arcane Society, when she meets Gabriel Jones.
Gabriel s...more
Venetia Milton is a woman in her late twenties, over proper marrying age. She has already accepted the fact that she will never have a husband but does not see why she can't enjoy a little passion in her life.
She is sent to photograph certain artifacts for a very secret society, the Arcane Society, when she meets Gabriel Jones.
Gabriel s...more
May 10, 2011
Juliana
marked it as did-not-finish
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance
I'm normally a huge Amanda Quick fan, so am used to - and enjoy - her style and characters. For some reason, I couldn't get into this book. We start 5 days into the hero and heroine's meeting and at that point they've both somewhat fallen for one another and want to have an "illicit affair." We're not privy to how any of that went down though, because we skipped it all!
They start their affair, Venetia has be rushed away because thieves are breaking in, a week later she reads in the paper that Ga...more
They start their affair, Venetia has be rushed away because thieves are breaking in, a week later she reads in the paper that Ga...more
I had heard a lot of good things about the Arcane Society series, and wanted to give it a try. I really wanted to like this story, because it is a historical, and a mystery, with some paranormal thrown in. I don't mind that there were both romance and mystery elements to the story, but this story was hard to get into at first, and to follow. The dialogue, especially, had me thinking, what the heck are they talking about? several times. This was my first time reading an Amanda Quick title, though...more
I've read a few books from the Arcane and Harmony Series, but had never read them in order, so I was looking forward to reading the book that started it all. I was a little disappointed with "Second Sight". It didn't seem like it was quite up to Ms. Krentz's usual riveting standard. The writing seemed almost a little sloppy at times, not as well constructed as later novels in this series.
That being said, though, I did enjoy the book and was happy to start at the beginning of the Arcane novels. I...more
That being said, though, I did enjoy the book and was happy to start at the beginning of the Arcane novels. I...more
A "must read" as it's the first in the Arcane Society series but the mystery outweighed the romance. I like a more balanced treatment.
Although Amanda Quick's heroines are always strong-willed and feisty very few actually say "NO" when the hero commands them to do something so I was surprised when Venetia refused to leave London. Gabriel was also content to let Venetia have her say in the alley scene with the other photographer (can't remember his name). She expresses indignation that anyone shou...more
Although Amanda Quick's heroines are always strong-willed and feisty very few actually say "NO" when the hero commands them to do something so I was surprised when Venetia refused to leave London. Gabriel was also content to let Venetia have her say in the alley scene with the other photographer (can't remember his name). She expresses indignation that anyone shou...more
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This is the first book I have read from this author and while I was not enamored of her style I will give her another shot through her contemporary and future books.
As for this book, there was little to hold my interest and I found myself sweeping my eyes along the lines so as to finish sooner. Each of the mysteries presented were rather painfully obvious from "papa's secret" to the identity of the villain. Also, I was not convinced at all of the growing romance of Venetia and Gabriel. Their was...more
As for this book, there was little to hold my interest and I found myself sweeping my eyes along the lines so as to finish sooner. Each of the mysteries presented were rather painfully obvious from "papa's secret" to the identity of the villain. Also, I was not convinced at all of the growing romance of Venetia and Gabriel. Their was...more
Venetia, talented photographer in the Victorian years of the first cameras, is setting up as a Society portraitist, but she needs a cover that will bring her the respect due a businesswoman. Gabriel Jones, with whom she had a one night stand, has been reported dead, so she claims to be his widow. Then he shows up -- eager to see his bride. Under the cover story of their marriage, they fight their way through a Society jungle to recover a dangerous formula that has been stolen from the Jones fami...more
I stumbled across this series purely by accident. I'm not normally a fan on historical who done it suspense novels. I actually got one of the later books in this series without knowing there were others before it (the multiple names of the author threw me off) and I can't read books out of order, so I quickly went out and got this book. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this book. The suspense drew me in and it wasn't one of those books that you can guess at the beginning who is behind...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayne Ann Krentz ...: Second Sight (2006) Arcane 1 | 1 | 1 | 27. September, 10:33 Uhr |
Pseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the Uni...more
More about Amanda Quick...
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the Uni...more
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“There was nothing like having a dead husband return from the grave to ruin a fine spring morning.”
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34 people liked it
“I am crushed by your poor opinion
But will endeavor to carry on.”
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But will endeavor to carry on.”
01. August, 06:09 Uhr