Customer Reviews

Second Sight

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Jayne Ann Krentz is nothing but amazing. She turns out riveting bestsellers published under her name and also finds time to pen intriguing Victorian romances writing as Amanda Quick. Now, following on the heels of "Lie By Moonlight" we're treated to another return to the 19th century when men were handsome and mysterious and women submitted to their "ravishment."

Heroine Venetia Milton not only submitted, she planned it. A photographer with paranormal gifts she is pleased to be away from those who know her and at Arcane House where she is employed to photograph a collection of relics. She was retained by Gabriel Jones, a gentleman with many secrets. Fans of Amanda Quick know that it isn't very long before Venetia and Gabriel are in each other's arms.

Venetia is stunned when she reads of her paramours death. Then, for reasons which were not quite clear she pretends to be his widow. As any widow would be, she's shocked to find her supposed late husband living and breathing. Please note that the breathing on both their parts is heavy as their attraction to one another is renewed.

Nonetheless, there are those who would do them both harm in order to discover the secrets that Gabriel possesses.

Romance, mystery, intrigue all set in Victorian England and given voice by stellar actress Anne Flosnik. What more could a listener want? Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

I really love Amanda Quick, but this one just didn't work. We don't even get to see the hero and heroine meet and spend time together; the action starts after they've already spent a week getting to know each other. Very disappointing from a romance novel.

And I don't really expect tightly woven mysteries in my romance novels, but the plot in this one defies belief. It's never explained why the first murder even occurs. The hero's fear that the murderer will focus on Venetia because she's using the last name "Jones" is beyond ludicrous. If that was going to be a major plot point, at least make it an unusual name that would link the hero and heroine together. But JONES?!

All would be forgiven if the romance were compelling, but it wasn't in the slightest. I will probably choose to wait for the next one in paperback or at the library.

After a night of passion with Gabriel Jones (the gentleman who had hired her to photograph his collection), photographer Venetia Milton is saddened to read that Gabriel has lost his life in a fire. Deciding to make use of this opportunity, Venetia poses as Gabriel's widow and moves her family to London, where she opens a new portrait shop. Imagine her surprise then when Gabriel walks into to drawing room many months later, very much alive. Apparently, someone wants access to some papers that they think Gabriel has, and he had pretended to play dead in order to discover who had tried to kill him. But now, with Venetia pretending to be his widow, Gabriel is afraid that the killer will come after Venetia. Venetia is stunned, and a little miffed that her plans have come crashing down around her; after all a live husband was the last thing she expected to have to contend with. But with her life, and potentially that of her loved ones at stake, Venetia will have to put her ire behind her and work with Gabriel. But can she? For Venetia has secrets that she'd rather not share, esp with the man she's so terribly attracted to...

I know that the last few novels by Amanda Quick haven't exactly been stellar ones --esp when one compares them with her earlier work "Seduction," "Scandal, etc. But there's always been something, even in her less than stellar works for one to grab onto -- a good storyline, good chemistry between the hero and heroine, suspense. This time around, however, everything seems very flat and very formulaic. The storyline is a variation of one that has been used a number of times, the chemistry between the hero (Gabriel) and the heroine (Venetia) is almost nonexistent, and the villain of the piece not only sticks out a mile (the villain might as well have carried a sign saying "here I stand, come and get me.") Who would have thought that there would come the day when I would actually give an Amanda Quick novel 2 stars?

The shame of it was that the storyline, although it was much used intrigue/mystery subplot, had quite a bit going for it. However, while one can overlook the fact that an author has much used a very familiar subplot, slightly harder to overlook is the fact that the interaction between the hero and heroine in "Second Sight" lacked sparkle. From the manner in which the first few chapters unfolded, I rather thought that I was going to like Venetia quite a bit -- she seemed intelligent and very capable. But while, thank goodness, Amanda Quick did not allow her heroine to behave in an extremely foolish manner even once, she did make her seem rather obtuse at times. Gabriel, on the other hand, was easy to like and take to, even if his character was under-developed -- and really, one has little choice but to approve of a hero who possesses a sense of humour. All in all, though, this was a disappointing read: the historical aspect was mere wall papering (and although I realize that for many readers this is not a priority. I rather like a little more detail in these historical novels), the suspense was lacking, as was the chemistry between Venetia and Gabriel, and the storyline just lacked energy and vivacity. If you are a fan, by all means read this book, but be forewarned, it is nothing like her earlier works. If you've never picked up an Amanda Quick romance novel, than choose one of her earlier works instead (esp her "S" series), you won't be disappointed

Seducing Gabriel Jones seems like the perfect solution. He's handsome, charming, and Venetia Milton knows she'll never see him again. And Venetia certainly doesn't want to remain a virgin for the rest of her life. When word arrives that Gabriel has died, she decides to become his widow. In Victorian England, widows have so much more freedom than unmarried young women--and Venetia needs all the freedom she can get to make her photography business thrive. A thriving business is all that keeps her and her family from poverty. When Gabriel walks back into her life, however, not dead at all, her calculations go out the window. Has she put herself and her family in danger, as Gabriel suggests?

Venetia and Gabriel investigate the strange occurances that surround an alchemical discovery which Gabriel had made at the beginning of the novel. Someone has already stolen an alchemical notebook and seems intent on stealing the empty case that once held it. But Gabriel's investigation has gotten him nowhere in the months he was presumed dead and Venetia is convinced only she, perhaps using her psychic ability to perceive auras, can help him. Gabriel, in turn, wishes to keep Venetia safe and is frustrated by her willingness to put herself in danger.

Author Amanda Quick (Quick is a pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz) is an excellent writer. Her characters come to life and her dialogue sizzles. It's easy to get hooked in SECOND SIGHT and it's a hard book to put down.

Still, as I read it, I started feeling as if I had read this book before. I hadn't, exactly. Increasingly, for me, Quick's books are starting to fall into the same pattern--a poor but talented and ambitious female is making her own way in the world--but badguys are causing her trouble. Fortunately, there's a hero around who finds her quirky nature compelling, helps her overcome obstacles (while nevertheless making it clear she could have done so on her own). I think I'm ready for something a little different, please Amanda.

Amanda Quick aka(Jayne Ann Krentz) never lets us down. And Second Sight is wonderful, full of zest, wit, and wonder. The first in a series about the Arcane Society, I can hardly wait for the next.

Gabriel Jones hires Miss Venetia Milton to photograph the Arcane Society's collection of metaphysical and pyschic objects. He is the son and heir to the Master of the Society. Gabriel has his own sixth sense in that he can get emotions from objects that have been touched. Somewhat of a recluse he finds himself enchanted by Venetia and she finds him fasinating and seductive. Because of his abilities Gabriel doesn't go about in society very much. He and his brother do the undercover work for the Society. At this time they are trying to find out who stole the notebook they found in an ancient wizards tomb.

Venetia is the sole support of her family, she sees auras, and uses this ability in her photography. Using the money from her job for the Arcane Society she sets up a shop in London. Two weeks after Gabriel has whisked her away from the Abbey because of a break-in she sees his death notice in the paper, shocked and full of grief for the man she briefly felt connected to, she uses his last name as hers when she goes to London, as a widow has more cachet in the sight of the ton. Imagine her surprise to learn he is still alive.

Gabriel returns to protect Venetia, and fully intends to exploit the good fortune that she has used his name as hers. Her picture of the lid of the strongbox is very important to the man who stole the notebook and he will do anything to get that picture. As in any good mystery by Ms Quick they are quickly involved in the muddle of events that unfold. I read it in one sitting, lately I have started to debate on my hardback purchases. So many have not been worth the money. This one is. A very good read.

After deciding to seduce her employer, photographer Venetia Milton gets more than she bargained for when criminals interrupt their night of passion. Gabriel Jones, member of the secretive Arcane Society, is sure to put Venetia far from danger before going after the criminals in his home. The thieves are there in search of an alchemist's formula thought to enhance paranormal abilities. Ensuring Venetia that they will meet again, Gabriel goes off to fight the intruders.

Later, when the papers report the Gabriel died the very night he sent her away from danger, Venetia decides to take his surname with her new venture in business--the Jones Gallery. She decides to go into trade to support herself and her family which is comprised of her two younger siblings and her aunt. Thinking that she will be given more leeway as a widow, Venetia stuns society with her impressive photography and knack for capturing things unseen in her pictures. When her deceased husband, Mr. Jones, returns from the dead her world is thrown into a whirl. She can't help but wonder if Gabriel returned for her, or for something to do with the paranormal-focused Arcane Society.

This book was okay, but just okay. Venetia was likeable, but I never felt that she had a strong sense of identity. Her psychical powers were about all she was good for, and I never really felt any reason to like or dislike her. Gabriel, on the other hand, was an impressive hero and one that I would be interested to read about in future Arcane Society novels. His gift for sensing his prey and protecting what is his were my favorite parts of this otherwise mediocre story.

As some of the other reviewers noted, all of Quick's novels are beginning to sound the same. If you like them, then you won't be disappointed. But I can't help but wonder if she has anything else in store for us.

If this book had been written by any other author, I would have given it 2 stars. I was very disappointed because I have read every book written by Ms. Krentz/Quick and have loved them all. I own them all! This one totally left me cold. I never got into the characters. I thought I would like Venetia at first, but I never really got into her. She was very stiff, formal and had no sense of humor whatsoever. She did warm up some during the love scenes, but even those seemed thrown in because they were necessary in the book. It was like the characters thought, "Oh yeah, we're supposed to be incredibly sexually attracted to each other, so let's have some sex scenes". The character of Gabriel was also like a shadow of all the other male leads in the Quick books. None of the relationships in the book were well developed. Venetia's and Gabriel's relationship didn't really develop either. It didn't seem like they were friends, let alone lovers. Finally, the mystery seemed to limp along. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me throughout. It then comes to an abrupt, unbelievable end. I hope the next Quick book will be up to the standard of her previous books.

I purchased Sizzle and Burn (Arcane Society, Book 3), unaware that is was part of a series. However, once I discovered that it was the third book in the Arcane Society series - I decided to start at the beginning. So I purchased Second Sight - let me just say that I had reservations about the setting `Late Victorian England'. I don't normally read things written in this setting - but it wasn't as unpleasant nor as distracting as I normally find the setting.

Gabriel Jones was a well written character - I would have like to have experienced more of his dark side. Venetia Milton's character was surprising, she was an unusually strong character for the setting of the book - I have to say I was very impressed.

I am now on the 3rd book in the series, and while I am not completely hooked on the series - I have purchased the next 2 - (The Third Circle (Arcane Society Novel) and Running Hot: An Arcane Society Novel).


The series in reading order:
Second Sight (The Arcane Society, Book 1)
White Lies (The Arcane Society, Book 2)
Sizzle and Burn (Arcane Society, Book 3)
The Third Circle (Arcane Society Novel)
Running Hot: An Arcane Society Novel
The Perfect Poison (Arcane Society, Book 6)
Fired Up: Book One of the Dreamlight Trilogy (Arcane Society Dreamlight Trilogy)

I've read almost all of Amanda Quick's romances and most of her work as Krentz. I liked Lie by Moonlight better than Second Sight because it seemed less predictable. Regardless, her writing is a notch above other romance novelists and it is always good for fast easy read with likeable characters and just the right amount of steam. If you are looking for great literature along the lines of something by John Steinbeck this is not it of course, but sometimes you need a little chocolate and a romance.

This is my fourth time to write this review. If it doesn't work this time I will know that the paranormal forces are aligned against me and give up. The first two I erased myself. The third one disappeared into that great black hole in the Amazon computer (but only after two days) and it didn't even have any rants, raves, or rambling. Go figure.

THIS REVIEW HAS WHAT SOME MAY CONSIDER SPOILERS. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM, STOP READING NOW!

1. This is billed as a paranormal romance. Don't believe it. If you expect to learn anything about the Arcane Society from this book you will be disappointed. Why was the society formed? We are told that the society was formed two hundred years previously by the alchemist Sylvester Jones but that is on page 5 and no more information is given. Who were and are the members? How do you join? How have they maintained the strict secrecy concerning the society all this time? WHAT DO THEY DO? None of these questions, which are actually quite basic, are ever answered. Venetia was commissioned to photograph the "artifacts" of the society. Do you know that not one of them is ever described?

2. What was the formula? What was it supposed to do? Again, no information. Just in the very last pages, what happened if you drank it, but what was its purpose?

3. The editorial and artistic decisions made in printing this book just made me MAD! The print is so big I could read it without my reading glasses and I DID NOT buy the large print edition. Each chapter begins on the right hand page and half way down, at that. This results in totally blank pages, half blank pages and enough white space between other chapter endings and new chapter beginnings to form another blank page. I actually added it all up. At a conservative estimate I got over 63 blank pages (or their equivalent) inside this 390 page novel. Padding, padding, padding just to make it into a long enough length for a hardcover book. Hopefully these issues will be addressed in the paperback version. FIX THIS! Also, the print is done in a washed out grey, not crisp black. Why? For atmosphere? Did I mention that the margins were "generous"?

4. The heroine, Venetia Milton, was (according to my way of thinking) cold and calculating. This was supposed to be because she was "modern" in her thinking for the late Victorian era. She chose to seduce Gabriel Jones after finishing her photography job at Arcane House because it was an isolated location so there was not much likelyhood of getting caught, she would never see him again, and she was on the shelf because of her age and family obligations. She wanted to find out what passion between a man and woman was like but never wanted to get married. When she thought he had died she was sad enough to cry, rub his coat (which she had kept with her even though all her clothes and photographic equipment was left behind-but not the camera-during her flight from danger)and then decide that life must go on. She became a "widow" in London to ease her way into business and used Mrs. Jones as a name because he wouldn't be needing it anymore. Cold folks, cold. When he "came back from the dead", she considered him an inconvenience. There was no joy in seeing him, they never even touched! Good heavens, she called him "sir" for well over 2/3 of the book! And please, Ms Quick/Krentz, what in the world were you doing with the Janus Club stuff? Just more "modern" thinking? In order to provide a reason for blackmail? Very, very weak.

5. The paranormal "gifts" these two characters had were piddly. She saw "auras", he "felt evil". Whoop-de-do! I kept waiting for something else to be revealed, but that was it. Sum total of their paranormal abilities. Why was it necessary for this novel to be set in late Victorian England in order to set up the contemporary novel under the Jayne Ann Krentz banner? This one is dull and boring. That is my opinion. Others love it and have praised it to the skies. I love other Amanda Quick books, just not this one. It is totally forgetable for me and I will never want to read it again.

In short, it would have made a passably good 100 page short story. Nothing more.

*****As an update, I saw the paperback version of this book in the bookstore yesterday and I'm happy to say that the publishers did address (to some degree) the problems of blank pages and other editorial decisions mentioned in my review. If you want to read this one, for goodness sakes get it in paperback.*****