Review: Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick

Burning Lamp (Book Two in the Dreamlight Trilogy)

Author: Amanda Quick

Publication: Putnam Adult (April 20, 2010)

 

Description: In this second novel of the Dreamlight Trilogy from New York Times-bestselling author Amanda Quick, psychic power and passion collide as a legendary curse comes to a burn...

The Arcane Society was born in turmoil when the friendship of its two founders evolved into a fierce rivalry. Nicholas Winters's efforts led to the creation of a device of unknown powers called the Burning Lamp. Each generation of male descendents who inherits it is destined to develop multiple talents-and the curse of madness.

Plagued by hallucinations and nightmares, notorious crime lord Griffin Winters is convinced he has been struck with the Winters Curse. But even has he arranges a meeting with the mysterious woman Adelaide Pyne, he has no idea how closely their fates are bound, for she holds the missing lamp in her possession.

But their dangerous psychic experiment makes them the target of forces both inside and outside of the Arcane Society. And though desire strengthens their power, their different lives will keep them apart-if death doesn't take them together.

 

My Thoughts: This was another enjoyable historical romance by Amanda Quick. I like that the trilogy is spanning all three and Jayne Ann Krentz's pseudonyms. The first book was the contemporary Fired Up written by Jayne Ann Krentz. The final book will be Midnight Crystal by Jayne Castle and will be the futuristic.

 

This one is the historical. The story begins with Adelaide escaping from the brothel that she has been sold to by putting the man who purchased her to sleep with her talent of manipulating Dreamlight. Mr. Smith wanted to use her talents to control an artifact that he brought with him.

 

The story then continues 15 years later when Adelaide has returned from the United States. While she was away she made a fortune and learned to be very self-sufficient and competent. She meets Griffin Winters who is a local crime boss in London and who is searching for a missing artifact and a woman who can control dreamlight. Without her, he fears that he will go insane. As it happens, Adelaide took the artifact with her when she escaped the brothel and is willing to help Griffin. However, the villain who attempted to use her in the brothel is also searching for the artifact. Griffin and Adelaide must find out who he is and stop him. He is in league with one of Griffin's rival crime bosses too.

 

I liked that we met again some characters from other Amanda Quick books. In an earlier one we had learned about he formation of Jones & Jones Detective Agency. Now we could see how Lucinda and Caleb were getting along. The book is filled with nasty villains and dangerous situations. It is also filled with romance and Adelaide and Griffin learn to trust and love each other. This was a very pleasant read. Fans of the Arcane Society paranormal romances will enjoy this episode.

 

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge