Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1)

Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1)
Second Sight - Arcane Society, Bk 1
Author: Amanda Quick
PBS Market Price: $8.09 or $4.19+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780515142808
ISBN-10: 0515142808
Publication Date: 3/27/2007
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 478

3.8 stars, based on 478 ratings
Publisher: Jove
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

67 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This book was a great deal of fun to read. Venetia is a professional photographer; Gabriel is a member of the Arcane Society. They both have psychic abilities, although they don't let each other know that until well into the book. The Society hires Venetia to photograph their artifacts, and she and Gabriel have a short-lived affair. Afterwards, she reads in the newspaper that he died, and she, thinking he is dead, takes his last name and pretends to be a widow for professional reasons. Then he shows up...

These are wonderful characters, vivid and well-drawn with a sense of humor. An excellent read!
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful, sexy, and it was an easy read. Even though the story takes place in the 1700's the women are strong characters. Both families have lots of secrets in their past that make for page turning fun.

There was not a lot of romance but what is there is wonderfully written. The scenes are romantic and very private, almost like a throw back to when people were more modest.

I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
An excellent book I could not put it down. I went to work with no sleep.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The plot flow was all off. The story had no build-up of character development, just plopped you down in the middle of what felt like walking into a joke where you only catch the punch line. Then the author seems to try and write a secondary story after what should have been the main story, but was succinctly said in 2 paragraphs. No real character development after that first chapter really, nothing to gain my like for the characters. The love scenes stunk, and the main man was lame and had no depth; conversationally or otherwise. It just felt unfinished, disjointed, and boring. On a good note, there was little if any grammatical errors, so at least the editor did their job. Very poor book indeed. I love Amanda Quick, and was expecting something a lot different then this book delivered. It felt like someone else was writing under her name. ~Kirst
lsmcnellis avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I chose to read this book because I thought I had seen a recommendation and even if the recommendation turns out to be a figment of my imagination, I am glad I got the book. I enjoy romance novels the best when they are more adventure/mystery than romance. The psychical abilities was an interesting twist - I wished she had explained Gabriel's unique powers more clearly. I will be reading the rest in this series - The Arcane Society.
Purplelady avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
First book I read by Amanda Quick, I'm adding her books to my favorite list. A refreshing combination of historial, romance and paranormal. Several times I found myself laughing.... Looking forward to reading more of Amanda Quick books...
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book; loved it from beginning to end. Very interesting new series also; can't wait to read them all.
TSarien avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Venetia thought that Gabriel Jones was good for a one-night-stand... hahaha, famous last words.
So started a chain of events that made this book a nice one, but not one I'd like to keep.
It has become a habit of Amanda Quick (a.k.a. Jayne Krentz) to plot her novels like this: feisty heroine meets alpha male --dusting of paranormal on both-- sparks ignite, romance ensues --heavy dose of mystery-- more romance while solving mystery, happy ending.
Make no mistake, this takes skill; but by now (after reading 90% of her books) it's becoming repetitive. Unfortunately, this book is one more of the same.
solarawynn avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed reading this book. Found it interesting
shopgirl1 avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
very good read as usual. a read you will enjoy. gert
deedeexxoo avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book. I read it all in 3 days... couldn't put it down. This was my first Amanda Quick book and now I have read everything she has written.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on
Couldnt put it down!
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Venetia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones-an alchemist's descendent-are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects makes her photographs highly prized.
But Venetia's romantic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into her life. And someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient, extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries-someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr Jones, Venetia is the key...
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I'm not usually an Amanda Quick reader but this was the best of hers, in my opinion. I can't wait to find others in the series. It was witty and a quick read. It's not for someone with a bit of imagination because it does address mesmerists, etc. in the characterazation.
Leanan avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Good read.... great plot twists.... a bit shy on the paranormal... but nice read.
catnip38 avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 156 more book reviews
Venetia Milton's memoriees of a romatic night with Gabriel Jones - an alchemist's descendant - are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects makes her photographs highly prized. But Venetia's romatic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into her life, and someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries, someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr. Jonese, Venetia is the key.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
This was a great read. I couldn't put it down.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 199 more book reviews
A Victorian romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal. A real page-turner.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Venetia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones -- an alchemist's descendant -- are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death...He returns and her new career as a photographer is jeopardized. A good fun read.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
this is a sweet romance, with a few "steamy" passages. It is an easy entertaining read. I am glad I read it.
justreadingabook avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 1728 more book reviews
Really enjoy the Arcane Society stories. A fun read.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
i really enjoyed this book. Great mix of romance, danger and stubornness! I would highly recommend.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Ms. Quick delivers her usual twisty plot, interesting characters and believable romance. A fun read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 1266 more book reviews
the beginning of the arcane society dynasty....I loved this book, I couldnt wait for Caleb's story.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Writing as Amanda Quick (Lie by Moonlight, etc.), Jayne Ann Krentz offers another spirited Victorian romance, light on Victorian, heavy on romance. Photographer Venetia Milton supports her brother, sister and maiden aunt while keeping secrets: her late father's bigamy, her paranormal gift for seeing people's auras ("like looking at a negative image of the world") and her more-than-willing ravishment by client Gabriel Jones. Heir to a generations-old clandestine association of alchemists, scientists and dabblers in psychic phenomena, Gabriel has a few secrets of his own. After his servants report his death to authorities to confound his enemies, grieving Venetia begins posing as his widow, with Gabriel soon showing up on her doorstep very much alive. Miffed, she consigns him to the attic, but their chemistry quickly reignites; while tracking down one murderous, blackmailing thief after another, they steal opportunities for fervent encounters in the garden, in the carriage, in the society's mansion and at home. But the evildoers still want Gabriel's family secretsand now they want Venetia as well. Women masquerade as men and criminals masquerade as aristocrats in a society so full of disguise that not even second sight provides much protection. But with Quick's stylish dialogue, compelling secondary characters and near-operatic denouement, fans won't need or want it
castlesofcandy avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on
This was the first Arcane Society book I read and I really liked it. The main character is a little stuffy but likable. And the hero is just tortured enough to make him irresistable.
doggylover avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Venetia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones, an alchemist's descendant, are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects (auras) makes her photographs highly prized.

But Venetia's romantic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into her life. And someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries - someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr. Jones, Venetia is the key . . .
NonExistence avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 239 more book reviews
All her books are very good.
You can't miss with one of her boooks to read.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
This was a fun read. The sexual tension between the 2 main characters made it worthwhile.
CollegeKid0010 avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Jayne Ann Krentz, or Amada Quick in this case, is indeed a pillar of todays romance genre. Though I havent read too many of her books, Ive quickly fallen in love with the characters from the Arcane Society, and each book has delighted me just as much, if not more, than the last. As one who unintentionally makes a habit of reading the first book in a series last, Second Sight was no less powerful for its being out of order.

Id found Gabriel Jones fascinating from the start of Calebs book, The Perfect Poison. I freely admit to being a sucker for the dark, tormented souls. Not to mention if the author throws in the hunter aspect as well. I was not disappointed with Gabriel; every time he spoke I could hear his voice and every time he moved, I could see his grace and his strength. The most amazing part of that though, is that I wasnt aware of being told about him; it was a seamless introduction that carried me right into the story. And Venetia! Rarely have I read a heroine who is that self-sufficient and sure of herself within this time period. The world of the Victorian Era is less than favorable for women who want to be independent, but Venetia manages without completely flaunting her world. Her background story is rather original too, as well as having her family be both dependent on her and very vital help in her career. Her being a photographer is another stroke of brilliance (has Ms. Quick run out of original ideas yet? It seems every novel there are so many that surely she couldnt top them!) They say the mark of a good heroine is that you would want to be best friends with her, and if that is the going standard, then Venetia is a success.

I love the beginning, and especially getting to see Caleb again (erfor the first time, I mean.) The setting and the conversation between the cousins really set the mood for the rest of the novel. The pace and timing are also very well done. I was kept on my toes, but the events fold nicely into one and another so I wasnt being jerked around. The climaxs start is obvious, but I wasnt aware of having been led up to it, the story itself was so entertaining.

There were a number of memorable moments throughout, such as Gabriels stark refusal to be photographed. That was amusing to no end! And him having to sleep in the attic for the duration of the story. *giggles*

Another trademark of Quicks books is how she gives you a recap of what the whole novel has been about, usually in a story circle format. This is helpful to those of us who dont necessarily have an eye for mystery and might have missed a piece here or there. Not to mention that it makes for a good reason to bring the whole cast together for comparison. Im not spilling details on the ending, but I will say that it was interesting to have two villains that were so intertwined and independent of each other at the same time.

Overall, a very entertaining read!

www.whitneycarter.wordpress.com
Entilzah avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
I found this book at the used book store and liked the cover. True she started it out and bam off on another plot. I do like the book just worried all of hers are like this. I also don't like the fact she writes under 3 different names talk about hard to remember... great read if you need easy on a plane but don't expect anything that will addict you to keep buying sequels
dtchs avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
Great!!
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Another great story from Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Krentz). Good mixture... even though you are almost assured of the ending the way you get there is intriguing. Hard to put down
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
I would like more, please
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Amanda Quick at her very best. An Arcane Society Novel. The hero is dark and dangerous, his lady intelligent and brave. Both have unseen talents, and after trial and tribulations, love and goodness prevail and all ends well. A great light read! (includes a preview of her next book).
Calliope13 avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 98 more book reviews
Venetia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones - an alchemist's descendant - are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects makes her photographs highly prized.
But Venetia's romantic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into her life. And someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient, extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries - someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr. Jones, Venetia is the key...
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on
Cute, quick read. Venetia goes to London to open a photography business and poses as a widow. Unfortunately, her "husband" shows up.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 73 more book reviews
Easily, one of my favorite books.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
excellent reading , I am looking forward to her next Arcene Society book
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Nice entertaining read!
ASJ avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 341 more book reviews
I am pleasantly surprised with this book. I have never read Amanda Quick before and thought this may be another romance novel. A little mystery and a little paranormal. The story moves along at a very good clip. Characters are engaging. If it didn't say in the begining the time period I am not sure I would have figured it out. I will definately read another of her books.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Venetia memories of a romantic night with Gabriel - an alchemist's descendant - are shattered soon there after by the news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to 'see' beyond her subjects makes her photographs hightly prized...
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 264 more book reviews
Another intriguing outing by Amanda Quick.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Venetia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones - an alchemist's descendant - are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects makes her photographs highly prized.

But Venetia's romantic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into her life. And someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient, extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries - someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr. Jones, Venetia is the key...
FriscoOBX avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 601 more book reviews
quick easy read by quick with likable characters and interesting plotline.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 242 more book reviews
Good story
punkinbean avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Not that great of a romance or a mystery story, but an okay read.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
I like most Amanda Quick books, but this one did nothing for me. I didn't like the characters and how they related to each other.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 65 more book reviews
I am not sure where this book fits within the series, but I love the richness of the characters and setting. Victorian England comes alive in this book.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 265 more book reviews
LOVED this book...I look forward to more in this vein from Quick!
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 68 more book reviews
There was nothing like having a dead husband return from the grave to ruin a find spring morning...
MELNELYNN avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 669 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 285 more book reviews
Delightful Victorian romatic suspense with a touch of paranormal...a quick-paced, fun thriller." -Midwest Book Review

The New York Times bestselling author of Lie by Moonlight and The Paid Companion takes you on a thrilling adventure filled with the simmering passions of the Victorian age-and the lure of ancient secrets...

Venetia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones-an alchemist's descendant-are shattered soon there after by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects makes her photographs highly prized.

But Venetia's romantic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stide, living and breathing, back into her life. And someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient, extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries-someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr. Jones, Venetia is the key...

"Clever dialogue, well-handled paranormal elements, and an intriguing plot merge with Quick's lively wit in this thoroughly entertaining romance. A new psychic thriller series." -Library Journal (starred review)

"It doesn't take 'psychical abilites' to see this one's a winner...Second Sight is the opening book in the Arcane Society series, and if it's any indication of what's to come, the series may be one of Quick's best." -The (Columbia, SC) State
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
great read
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
Interesting story with a paranormal twist... Fun read.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 461 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this fantasy and am looking forward to reading the next one.
gray9cat avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 89 more book reviews
A good mystery romance.
lionjill avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 57 more book reviews
innteresting mix of mystery and mystical - set in Victorian times. At times it reads like a romance novel, at times it is more like a mystery, but it didn't distract too much. Nice period details.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
"Venitia Milton's memories of a romantic night with Gabriel Jones--an alchemist's descendant--are shattered soon thereafter by news of his death. Adopting the guise of his respectable widow, she embarks on a new career as a fashionable photographer in London, where her unique ability to "see" beyond her subjects makes her photographs highly prized. But Venetia's romantic whim causes unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about the stride, living and breathing, back into her life. And someone he is tracking will go to any length, even murder, to possess an ancient, extraordinary secret that has been lost for centuries--someone who believes that, as the "wife" of Mr. Jones, Venetia is the key...". A good read.
obiwankenobi avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
These books offer a mixture of gothic mystery and romance. I recommend reading them in order.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 1568 more book reviews
A Victorian woman on the way to spinsterhood takes a once in a lifetime chance to have a romantic adventure. Later, learning that her tryst partner has died, she adopts his surname as her own in her photography business, little suspecting that the name will make her the target of murderous villains. She gets caught up in the doings of a mysterious Arcane Society, and learns that her supposedly dead 'husband' is very much alive.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 3389 more book reviews
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
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Loved this book as I have all other of AQ's.
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Great read
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 106 more book reviews
Loved it!
swampmolly avatar reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 150 more book reviews
light paranormal romance - quick read
reviewed Second Sight (Arcane Society, Bk 1) on + 256 more book reviews
this is the book club edition of this book.