Burning LampAmanda Quick
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   6/19/2010 |
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One of the most notorious crime lords in London, Griffin Winters, has an unusual problem. He believes the only person who can save him is Mrs. Adelaide Pyne, a social reformer. He has inherited the family curse from his alchemist ancestor, Nicholas Winters. His psychic power is starting to twist. He needs a dreamlight reader and the Burning Lamp that Nicholas crafted in the 17th century. Adelaide had been orphaned at 15. She came into possession of the Burning Lamp through a string of terrifying events. She went to America and earned her fortune while in the American West. Now she has been compelled for some unknown reason to return to London. Here she has taken up a cause. She has started closing brothels operated by another crime lord, Luttrell, and rescuing the young girls who work there. She has no quarrel with Griffin. He doesn't run brothels - her specific cause. When he approaches a mutual acquaintance and requests a meeting, she agrees. As soon as Adelaide meets the shadowy figure she knows that he is the true owner of the Burning Lamp. After listening to his story, she agrees to use her dreamlight talent to help him, putting him in her debt. They'll start the next morning. That night she attends the theater. As she returns to her coach, she is suddenly knocked down by Griffin on the road. At the same time he is struck in the shoulder by a bullet. They go back to his home to care for him. It's also a good place for her to hide away as well since it appears someone is after her. Once he wakes up after a few days of healing, they start examining Nicholas Winters' journals. She's the key to his being able to work the lamp to mend his psychic problem. Burning Lamp is another Victorian installment of Jayne Ann Krentz' Arcane Society series. It's the second of the Dreamlight trilogy. It's interesting starting off with a crime lord as the hero. But hey, Griffin Winters is an ethical crime lord who was driven to it when his parents were murdered, the Burning Lamp was stolen, and was driven out on the streets when he was 16. Adelaide is one of Amanda Quick's typical Victorian heroines - modern, strong willed, knowledgeable, and able to stand on her own. Her story starts off with her 15, trapped in a brothel, and about to be taken by her first male "visitor". The man has the Burning Lamp. She is able to escape and take the Lamp. That leads her to her adventures with Griffin many years later. Burning Lamp is a enjoyable escape. It builds on earlier books in Quick's Arcane series, but can stand on its own as well. It moves quickly and keeps the reader's attention. Nicholas is a mysterious, attractive character that will appeal to any romantic. Notice: Strong sexual content |
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The Arcane Society:
White Lies (Jayne Ann Krentz) |
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