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Phantom Knights #1
Phantoms In Philadelphia
When you live a life of secrets, you trust no one and question everything
Nineteen-year-old Bess Martin has many secrets. She can outride, outshoot, and outsmart most people, but her greatest secret...she is the leader of the Phantoms, a spy organization.
After spending three years fighting in a war, eighteen-year-old Jack Martin returns home to Philadelphia with his sister Bess, ready to live a life of ease, but what is waiting for them is a task more difficult than any other battle they have fought.
When people start disappearing and the weather turns unusually cold, the city is in a panic. They believe the war angered a deity and that the disappearances are the sacrifices, but who will be next? When presidential hopeful James Monroe is targeted, all clues lead to the mysterious secret society known as Levitas. It is up to Bess, Jack, and their team of Phantoms to uncover a dark and winding plot that reaches further than they could have ever imagined. As their journey draws them deep into secrets of the past, Bess and Jack may come to find that a normal life is not possible when you are a spy.
Nineteen-year-old Bess Martin has many secrets. She can outride, outshoot, and outsmart most people, but her greatest secret...she is the leader of the Phantoms, a spy organization.
After spending three years fighting in a war, eighteen-year-old Jack Martin returns home to Philadelphia with his sister Bess, ready to live a life of ease, but what is waiting for them is a task more difficult than any other battle they have fought.
When people start disappearing and the weather turns unusually cold, the city is in a panic. They believe the war angered a deity and that the disappearances are the sacrifices, but who will be next? When presidential hopeful James Monroe is targeted, all clues lead to the mysterious secret society known as Levitas. It is up to Bess, Jack, and their team of Phantoms to uncover a dark and winding plot that reaches further than they could have ever imagined. As their journey draws them deep into secrets of the past, Bess and Jack may come to find that a normal life is not possible when you are a spy.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
37 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 4, 2013
I was skeptical at first, but the story quickly won me over. I was riveted, the story sucked me in from the first page. I felt like I was in the book and when I found out who the White Phantom was I flipped out. I loved the t.v. show Lost and the twists and turns in this book reminded me of that.
I really enjoyed the fact that they kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Most books now days are extremely predictable and it was refreshing to read something that makes you think.
Another thing I like was that Jack and Bess both had constant struggles and they had to overcome them. I loved when they were fighting that giant guy, I was freaking out, it was great.
This is one of those books that I am sure I will read again and again. I also liked how the author followed both lead characters, that was really interesting and it let me see things from a totally different angle. Over all I loved it. The feelings, the characters and the situations, they all felt real. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I really enjoyed the fact that they kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Most books now days are extremely predictable and it was refreshing to read something that makes you think.
Another thing I like was that Jack and Bess both had constant struggles and they had to overcome them. I loved when they were fighting that giant guy, I was freaking out, it was great.
This is one of those books that I am sure I will read again and again. I also liked how the author followed both lead characters, that was really interesting and it let me see things from a totally different angle. Over all I loved it. The feelings, the characters and the situations, they all felt real. I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 21, 2014
This was my first read of Amalie's books and it won't be my last! This book is packed with excitement, adventure, action and yes, even love. It is an engaging storyline, cleverly written from the point of view of both a brother and sister so it flip-flops back and forth between them. I am already on the next in the series (Charleston Chase) and find it is hard to put either of them down! Amalie does a good job of describing the times and characters and keeps the story moving right along, leaving you breathless at times. I highly recommend this book!
May 9, 2014
I so enjoyed this book! It took me longer to read only because it was in ebook format and I have issues with my eyes and computers. I guarantee if I had a print copy I would have finished it in one day!
Nothing like any book I've read. Great plot and characters...keeps you interested and definitely a story you don't want to end. I cannot wait to read another book by Amelie! Cannot say enough great things...you must run and grab yourself a copy...you won't be disappointed!
Nothing like any book I've read. Great plot and characters...keeps you interested and definitely a story you don't want to end. I cannot wait to read another book by Amelie! Cannot say enough great things...you must run and grab yourself a copy...you won't be disappointed!
July 25, 2016
Although I read this book a year ago, I will still write a review. My review is this: IT. WAS. EPIC!!! Okay, maybe a bit too strong? I'll try to water the excitement down a bit... first off, the plot was amazing. The mystery was epic, the adventure undeniable. And the best part... Spies! Plus the love wasn't unrealistic. It was different, and I enjoy different. The reader in me is still drooling for the next book. Definitely a must read!
July 17, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and loved how well the author described her characters. The plot was amazing, the love seemed real, the adventures thrilling! I also loved the mystery that was placed in it. Plus, spies? Who would've thought? I am thoroughly looking forward to reading Amalie Vantana's next book!
July 20, 2014
Historical fiction-ish. A group of spies set in the early days of America, working to uncover secrets about another organization. LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! The characters were great and it had a good mix of suspense and just plain awesome action.
June 24, 2017
DNF'd at 65%
I just. I just couldn't.
At first, I really loved this book. It was interesting, and the spy ring seemed well put together. Then they actually started "spying".
Here's the thing: Bess and Jack aren't very good spies. Especially since people know their spy ring exists. They're not government-sanctioned, at yet half the city knows about them. How?? Are they really that sloppy? Bess especially isn't that great, she constantly gets caught and has to be rescued. And Jack... Jack is selfish. He doesn't think about the good of the group, and rushes into things. And he likes kissing strange women who he's supposed to be FIGHTING.
Honestly, the use of kissing as weapon to distract your opponent (but only when they're the opposite gender) really bothered me. That's...that's not okay. Especially since every time it happened, it wasn't really the main love interest. From what I know.
It does seem like the author did a fair bit of research, and that helps. But she also has a problem of not stating facts outright. Such as this: "We were led into the long room that was aptly named, for cases that, by what Mr. Peale said, were filled with over one thousand birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors and ran almost the length of the room." I read this six times, and then read further down before I realized the name of the room was the Long Room. Like, that sentence is so unnecessarily confusing!
The romances were well-written, though they moved too fast for me. Oh well.
Really, there's not much good about this book. The plot is decent, but there's too much non-spy work going on to hold my interest, coupled with all that I've mentioned above. I would not recommend this to anyone.
I just. I just couldn't.
At first, I really loved this book. It was interesting, and the spy ring seemed well put together. Then they actually started "spying".
Here's the thing: Bess and Jack aren't very good spies. Especially since people know their spy ring exists. They're not government-sanctioned, at yet half the city knows about them. How?? Are they really that sloppy? Bess especially isn't that great, she constantly gets caught and has to be rescued. And Jack... Jack is selfish. He doesn't think about the good of the group, and rushes into things. And he likes kissing strange women who he's supposed to be FIGHTING.
Honestly, the use of kissing as weapon to distract your opponent (but only when they're the opposite gender) really bothered me. That's...that's not okay. Especially since every time it happened, it wasn't really the main love interest. From what I know.
It does seem like the author did a fair bit of research, and that helps. But she also has a problem of not stating facts outright. Such as this: "We were led into the long room that was aptly named, for cases that, by what Mr. Peale said, were filled with over one thousand birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors and ran almost the length of the room." I read this six times, and then read further down before I realized the name of the room was the Long Room. Like, that sentence is so unnecessarily confusing!
The romances were well-written, though they moved too fast for me. Oh well.
Really, there's not much good about this book. The plot is decent, but there's too much non-spy work going on to hold my interest, coupled with all that I've mentioned above. I would not recommend this to anyone.
August 15, 2021
Spies espionage and so much more
Well written story of romance, spies and espionage at the founding years of America s beginning . Characters that are well developed and heart wrenching as the day is long. Well done!
Well written story of romance, spies and espionage at the founding years of America s beginning . Characters that are well developed and heart wrenching as the day is long. Well done!
July 7, 2017
The story is set in the early 1800s and it's the first novel of a series. The story only is written from the POV of two siblings and can get slightly confusing. The world building along with the character building is fantastic. Very interesting read and would recommend it to anyone who likes spy fiction!
October 27, 2014
What an amazing story debuting a new series. Centered around two siblings, this story is full of espionage, intrigue, with a good dose of secret societies. Both will deal with being spies in a post-war world, and they still wonder who can they trust and would that trust cause their own fall?
The characters are so personable, even as spies. I couldn't help but feel for both Bess and Jack, willing them to win, even against the odds they face. With the clever ploy of masks, Amalie Vantana brings their world to life in a fun way. I was so enthralled that I could not put the book down, and cannot wait to read more.
The characters are so personable, even as spies. I couldn't help but feel for both Bess and Jack, willing them to win, even against the odds they face. With the clever ploy of masks, Amalie Vantana brings their world to life in a fun way. I was so enthralled that I could not put the book down, and cannot wait to read more.
July 2, 2015
I don't read a lot of books that are described as Historical anything. But with 'Phantoms in Philadelphia', I was thoroughly intrigued. The language used in the early 1800's usually confuses me, but I actually understood the dialog. The storyline was unique and it pulled me in from the beginning. The action, secrecy, suspense, mystery and thrills were awesome. I loved the twists. I was quite surprised. Well written. The characters were great. Bess and Jack were great. With the cliffhanger ending, I have to read the next book. A great read.
August 7, 2014
Phantoms in Philadelphia by Amalie Vantana is the first book in the Phantom Knights series. It takes place in 1816 and tells the story of Bess and her brother Jack, both spies, who are in search of the organization Levitas. Through many secrets and social formalities their world is not what it seems.
Phantoms in Philadelphia is an excellent read. It is fast paced and full of action and intrigue. It is a good escape from reality and draws you in from the first page.
Phantoms in Philadelphia is an excellent read. It is fast paced and full of action and intrigue. It is a good escape from reality and draws you in from the first page.
May 6, 2014
This book jumps over so many events and viewpoints I struggle to keep track of where you are in what event. The usage of Jack synonymously with John, confuses the living daylights out of me. The book dragged, and then everything happens in short descriptions in a few pages. Not an easy read at all. Good plot, however, more character development would have resulted in a better story.
February 18, 2014
Love the book, I have read it twice. This is one of those stories that grabbed me from the beginning. I thought it was interesting how the author followed two leads in first person. I liked the romance of Jack and Guinevere. The thing I loved the most was how real the characters seemed. The price was perfect (free) and I loved it so much that I have already bought the second book.
unfinished
January 26, 2016DNF'd:
I really wanted to get into this one but I just couldn't. I found it was really slow and it just wasn't what I was looking for at the time. I might pick it up later but at this point, I don't think so.
I really wanted to get into this one but I just couldn't. I found it was really slow and it just wasn't what I was looking for at the time. I might pick it up later but at this point, I don't think so.
February 9, 2014
Great spy book! Many twists and I liked the characters.
April 23, 2014
So
it seemed kind of dull. I felt like it just dragged on. I liked the writing but not the story
it seemed kind of dull. I felt like it just dragged on. I liked the writing but not the story
August 12, 2014
Don't want to put it down
Loved the story of the phantoms and the twists and turns that Bess and Jack make....can't wait to see what will happen to them next
Loved the story of the phantoms and the twists and turns that Bess and Jack make....can't wait to see what will happen to them next
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews