Customer Reviews

River of Fire

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is, on first appearances, far less a part of the Fallen Angels series than any of the others, except perhaps Angel Rogue. Kenneth's claim to being a part of this series lies in his minor role in Shattered Rainbows (a much less significant role than Robin's in Petals in the Storm). Kenneth, in Rainbows, was an officer promoted from the ranks and a friend of Michael's - though not a close friend. We also learned that, although he hid it, he was the son of a viscount.

In River of Fire, Kenneth has inherited the viscountcy, but with it a mountain of debts and a mortgaged estate. His principal creditor offers him the bargain which other reviews have explained, and out of desperation he accepts.

The relationship between Kenneth and Rebecca is fiery and difficult, but it quickly turns to passion, a passion reflected in their paintings. I have to admit that I found their rationale for not wanting marriage to each other, first raised fairly early in the book, a little far-fetched: while Kenneth was certainly deceiving Rebecca, he was already confident that Sir Anthony was not what his brother suspected, and so it wouldn't have been too difficult to tell at least part of the truth and make it clear that a betrothal wasn't anathema to him.

There are cameo appearances aplenty by other characters in the Fallen Angels series, which was good to see; Rafe in particular plays a highly typical and very funny role, and Michael and Lucien use their talents to good effect.

Incidentally, the book summary displayed above is incorrect. Kenneth was never a spy; he was a reconnaisance officer, which is not the same thing. The 'master spies' in this series were Lucien, Robin and Margot.

Kenneth Wilding, Viscount Kimball, a former reconnaisance officer for Wellington, is hired to infiltrate Sir Anthony Seaton's household and discover if Sir Anthony is responsible for the death of his wife the previous summer. He hates to take a position of spying on people, but his late father and his wife impovishered the family estate, so much so that there is not even a dowry left for Kenneth's sister. Kenneth sees no other way to save his family's estate, so he applies for the job of personal secretary to Sir Anthony, who is a well-known artist. Kenneth was interested in art when he was young, and showed some talent, but his father felt that drawing and painting were not acceptable diversions for gentlemen. Now, however, Kenneth's knowledge helps him get the job.

Sir Anthony's daughter, Rebecca, is a spinster who was ruined by a foolish elopement attempt years ago when she was only seventeen. Since then, she has shunned Society as it has shunned her, and has preferred only to paint in her attic studio. Society is also not ready to accept that a woman can be a gifted artist, but Rebecca tells herself it doesn't matter; her art is only for herself.

Kenneth is intrigued by Rebecca, whose ideas and personality are different from those of any other woman he's ever met. He feels worse and worse about the deceit he is using against her and her father--but there must be justice, and if Sir Anthony killed his wife, justice must be served. If only there could be any other ending than Rebecca hating him once she finds out why he is really in her home...

RIVER OF FIRE is intense and emotional, at time dark, but never depressing. Putney has done wonders at revealing the soul, creative insight, temperament, and world of visual artists. This is only the second novel I've read (THE PORTRAIT by Megan Chance was the first) that so inspired me that I, not a visual artist, was moved to try to put my emotions on paper with color and form via a visual medium--and it was exhilarating. That's how exquisite RIVER OF FIRE is.

Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews

After waiting for two years to collect the Fallen Angels books (so that I could read them all in a row), I've been very dissapointed in the series so far, with the exception of THUNDER AND ROSES. Now, after reading RIVER OF FIRE, my faith in Putney's writing ability is restored.

My main complaints with a lot of the other books in the Fallen Angels series was that the love story would get shoved onto the back burner while the mystery/intrigue took centre stage. This really annoyed me, as I want the romance to be the central theme in the story. That's why I read romance, and not historical fiction, because I want a story that is primarily a love story. RIVER OF FIRE delivers on that front. However, if you want a mystery where the villian is less obvious, then you might be a bit dissapointed. Yet, even though I had a pretty good idea who the villian was, Putney still kept me turning pages. The final showdown with the villian was well-executed. When I reached the last few chapters of the book I just couldn't put it down.

The characters were both well-drawn, and ones that I cared about. I cheered for them to get together. They were both flawed in human ways, but not overly flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance for an author to strike, and I applaud Putney for a job well done. I also liked the peek into the art world. As someone who has studied music, much of what she said about painting (like how the desire to create art is like a fire in the blood) made sense to me. The way Putney used a shared love of art to draw the characters together reminded me a lot of the way she used nature to to do the same thing in THE WILD CHILD.

It should be noted that while this book is part of a series (book six), RIVER OF FIRE also works as a stand-alone. Though characters from previous books do make appearances, the reader won't be left feeling confused at all. And there are no loose threads to be tied up in the next book. I wasn't left with any questions at the end.

Not the best work Putney has ever done, but RIVER OF FIRE is a very enjoyable read, and I do recommend it. Other worthy works by this author include THE WILD CHILD, THE RAKE, and SILK AND SHADOWS.

I wanted to try a Mary Jo Putney novel because of all the wonderful things I've heard of her Regencies. I found River of Fire at the bookstore and the plot seemed interesting. River of Fire, while well written and historically accurate, failed to enthrall me. More on that later. Kenneth Wilding, Lord Kimball, has returned from the Napoleonic wars and finds that he and his sister are about to lose their estate. But luck changes when a gentleman offers to pay for his debts in return for working as Sir Anthony's secretary. Bowden suspects that Sir Anthony, his brother and a famous and praised artist, had killed his own wife and Bowden wants to gather evidence that would find him guilty. Bowden is aware of Kenneth's spy-like abilities when he was at war and has no doubt that he will do the job well. Kenneth has no choice but to accept the assignment. Besides, he too loves art, but has repressed his desire to expose his talent due to his late father's objection to such a thing. In his new job he meets Rebecca Seaton, Sir Anthony's daughter. She lives as a hermit after her reputation was ruined when she almost eloped with a poet. Rebecca and Kenneth share a common passion and talent for painting and an attraction between them is almost immediate. However, Kenneth has a job to do -- to gather incriminating evidence against Rebecca's father. How would she feel if she found out that Lord Kimball is working for her father under false pretenses? There are some twists throughout the novel.

I like the way the author describes the art world and how unconventional they are during this time period. According to the author, Sir Anthony's career gives him license to behave improperly and in scandal, for it makes him all the more eccentric and admired. He and his late wife had engaged in some scandalous behavior, including taking on lovers on the side, and their daughter is well used to their gatherings and colorful ways. The time period is quite well written and I was impressed with the author's ability to create plausible plot devices that would fit with the Regency era. The suspense plot is well done as well. I had an idea who the real killer was long before it was resolved, but I was still impressed with its execution. However, despite all that, I wasn't very engaged with the novel and its characters. I expected a more complex hero in Kenneth. He is a war veteran, a scarred one at that, who had lost the love of his life in Spain, and I expected something more palatable because of those things. Rebecca is all right as a heroine, but the author spends too much time telling the reader that she's an eccentric and a gifted painter instead of showing that she is those things. I also thought that she and Kenneth lacked chemistry and I didn't find their love to be very believable. This is obviously part of a series and the reader gets a lot of back story without much detail. I hate when I pick up a book without knowing that it's part of a series. Ah, well, River of Fire failed to enthrall me, but I have not given up on Mary Jo Putney. I will give her another chance because her historical writing is pretty good. Perhaps a Putney read will have more stars from me next time...

This book is a love story, nevertheless is a great love story and you can also learn something of oil painting and the feeling of the artist.
You get inside the book from the first page and even you could know who is the bad guy of the book before the story reveal it is a great read, it has action, love and suspense, you will get a great time reading this book.

I found 'River of Fire' to be a wonderful book. I loved it from page one until the very end. The suspense packed plot kept me guessing, and I had no idea which character might be the murderer, I was truly surprised. I loved Rebecca and Kenneth, Ms. Putney did an exceptional job with the characterization and sexual tension. I also really enjoyed the details of the London art world during that time period, and the descriptions of the paintings were excellent. This is definitely one of Ms. Putney's best!!!!

I have always enjoyed Ms. Putney's style because her heroines are unique, independent and have a certain modern, 90's flair although her romances are of a historical period. Rebecca Seaton is a focus, talented artist who was hurt by a youthful indescrestion. I related to this story because I think sometimes a woman has to first be hurt by an unworthy suitor before understanding her worth. Through the pain of her first involvement, Rebecca develops into a compassionate and talent artist. Kenneth Wilding, is hired by Rebecca's estranged uncle to investigate the sudden death of her beautiful and vivacious mother. He enters her household as Sir Seaton's Secretary. Living under the artistic Seaton household, he falls in love with Ms. Rebecca and learns to respect and admire her talented father, while brining order and discipline to a tempermental household. Through it all, he holds on to his honor, uncovers the death behind Mrs. Seaton's death and embraces his own formidable artistic talent. Being an

When looking for books with unique characters, Mary Jo Putney is sure to please. "River of Fire" contains a glimpse into the lifestyles of artists in the early 1800's. I could almost envision the paintings described by the amount of details provided by the author. One could also feel the bonds developing and strengthening between Kenneth and Rebecca as they helped each other to overcome personal obstacles. A very enjoyable book that I would definitely recommend!

I can't imagine any negative remarks at all about this intelligent and superbly-written book. It was fascinating from the start. The romance was beautiful, secondary characters were interesting and I found it to be one of the better romances I have enjoyed from many years of reading.

We learn much about an artist's world in history. This was a good enjoyable and good read.

I absolutely loved this book. MJP never takes the easy way out. Another, less skilled writer might make this a usual marriage of convenience story - a hero who needs money marries an heiress and they fall in love. Well, when MJP's hero needs money, he takes a job - and in the course of it, he discovers a perfect woman to love and his dreams. And painting.
Kenneth is another of those perfect, tortured heroes that try to come to terms with their past. And he is also an artist - even though he is afraid to admit it, even to himself. Rebecca was a perfect heroine for him. One of my favorite moments in the book was when she said to him that she gives up - and she simply must paint him. And then, when she suddenly got an inspiration and simply painted and forgot about everything else. It was wonderful. And characters from previous books are brought back to this story so amazingly - we learn what is happening with them without them overwhelming the story.
Well, to make long story short - another winner from MJP! The only problem is that I only have one book from fallen angels series left to read :( So sad...