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Arcane Society #7
Fired Up
More than three centuries ago, Nicholas Winters irrevocably altered his genetic makeup in an obsession-fueled competition with alchemist and Arcane Society founder Sylvester Jones. Driven to control their psychic abilities, each man's decision has reverberated throughout the family line, rewarding some with powers beyond their wildest dreams, and cursing others to a life filled with madness and hallucinations.
Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas, has been experiencing nightmares and blackouts - just the beginning, he believes - of the manifestation of the Winters family curse. The legend says that he must find the Burning Lamp or risk turning into a monster. But he can't do it alone; he needs the help of a woman with the gift to read the lamp's dreamlight.
Jack is convinced that private investigator Chloe Harper is that woman. It doesn't take long for Chloe to pick up the trail of the missing lamp. And as they draw closer to the lamp, the raw power that dwells within it threatens to sweep them into a hurricane of psychic force.
Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas, has been experiencing nightmares and blackouts - just the beginning, he believes - of the manifestation of the Winters family curse. The legend says that he must find the Burning Lamp or risk turning into a monster. But he can't do it alone; he needs the help of a woman with the gift to read the lamp's dreamlight.
Jack is convinced that private investigator Chloe Harper is that woman. It doesn't take long for Chloe to pick up the trail of the missing lamp. And as they draw closer to the lamp, the raw power that dwells within it threatens to sweep them into a hurricane of psychic force.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2009
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
361 books6,909 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
August 5, 2013
Okay, I'll admit up front that I really don't like the whole dreamlight thing. It feels kind of tacked on and hokey, frankly. Fortunately (or not, depending on your view, I suppose), the characters of this introduction to the Dreamlight trilogy are interesting in their own right and overcame, at least partially, my complete and utter disinterest in the Winters or Harper family dysfunctions. In other words, Jack and Chloe overcame the deadweight of their backgrounds enough that I ended up not hating the book outright.
Indeed, their relationship developed so satisfactorily that I ended up rewriting their powers in my head as something more akin to some of the aura reading we had in recent Arcane House novels (of which this trilogy is definitely a part). Yes, this is a talent I have and yes, you should be jealous.
A note about Steamy: Very much a Krentz standard with pretty much exactly 2.5 explicit sex scenes (the one in the middle was the half) of a bit over a page in length each. This is a good thing.
Indeed, their relationship developed so satisfactorily that I ended up rewriting their powers in my head as something more akin to some of the aura reading we had in recent Arcane House novels (of which this trilogy is definitely a part). Yes, this is a talent I have and yes, you should be jealous.
A note about Steamy: Very much a Krentz standard with pretty much exactly 2.5 explicit sex scenes (the one in the middle was the half) of a bit over a page in length each. This is a good thing.
August 14, 2021
Typical Arcane/Dreamlight story. Thb it started off so well, I basically swallowed the first 200ish pages and then it got super boring. Could have been shorter, some descriptions were utterly useless, the plot twist was non-existent, just predictable. Giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because I'll always be biased towards Krentz. 😬
December 31, 2009
(Kindle Book)
What can I say? It's classic Krentz :) As a fan of the Arcane Society novels, I pretty much knew what to expect, and was not disappointed.
I really liked the direction the Dreamlight concept appears to be taking the series -- previous novels in the series (such as The Third Circle I believe) eluded to unlocking dream energy, and this book takes that and runs with it.
One thing that saddened me was that Fallon Jones didn't get a romance.. If you've followed the micro-novel on Twitter, JAK set him up perfectly for a spot o' romance, but that just didn't pan out (at least not completely). And now, we have a minimum of two more novels (one each by Krentz's alter egos Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle) before anything can come of it.
Even so, I enjoyed this story. It's been a while since I've read the Arcane Society novels, so there were a few character references that I didn't immediately "get".. Because of this I would suggest at a bare minimum reading her modern stories in the series (White Lies, Sizzle and Burn, and Running Hot), though your greatest benefit will come from reading the series in its entirety.
In the end, I couldn't quite settle on five stars. It would have been five, were it not for the fact that I must admit that the most interesting part of the novel was actually the snippet from the next book in the series (Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick) lol I must admit I'm a bigger fan of the Amanda Quick novels than I am of Jayne Ann Krentz, but that's only because I adore regency romances.
Final judgement? A solid 4 1/2 Stars.
What can I say? It's classic Krentz :) As a fan of the Arcane Society novels, I pretty much knew what to expect, and was not disappointed.
I really liked the direction the Dreamlight concept appears to be taking the series -- previous novels in the series (such as The Third Circle I believe) eluded to unlocking dream energy, and this book takes that and runs with it.
One thing that saddened me was that Fallon Jones didn't get a romance.. If you've followed the micro-novel on Twitter, JAK set him up perfectly for a spot o' romance, but that just didn't pan out (at least not completely). And now, we have a minimum of two more novels (one each by Krentz's alter egos Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle) before anything can come of it.
Even so, I enjoyed this story. It's been a while since I've read the Arcane Society novels, so there were a few character references that I didn't immediately "get".. Because of this I would suggest at a bare minimum reading her modern stories in the series (White Lies, Sizzle and Burn, and Running Hot), though your greatest benefit will come from reading the series in its entirety.
In the end, I couldn't quite settle on five stars. It would have been five, were it not for the fact that I must admit that the most interesting part of the novel was actually the snippet from the next book in the series (Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick) lol I must admit I'm a bigger fan of the Amanda Quick novels than I am of Jayne Ann Krentz, but that's only because I adore regency romances.
Final judgement? A solid 4 1/2 Stars.
September 28, 2010
Not good enough to interest me in the sequels. Nothing special about this story. I don’t recommend it.
PLOT PREMISE:
In the 1600s Nicholas Winters had a psychic talent. He altered his DNA and created a vase with crystals (called a lamp). Women who had psychic talent involving dreams would be the only ones able to activate the lamp’s power. Through the lamp, these women would be able to increase and/or change a man’s psychic powers. Only men with Nicholas’s “special DNA” would be affected. Also, only some (not all) of Nicholas’s descendants would have the “special DNA”. This DNA would give them one psychic talent at birth and two other talents later in life. One of the talents would be a compulsion to kill anyone with the name Jones.
This premise was a little hard to accept. I’ll accept almost anything for a good story, and in the world of paranormal romance there are a lot of things I go along with. But this had me shaking my head. DNA that urges you to kill anyone named “Jones?” What about “Joans?”
STORY BRIEF:
Jack Winters is the second descendant to inherit the “special DNA.” He was born with a talent for strategizing and reading people. But recently he began having psychic changes. He fears he will become a murderer and believes the lamp can prevent that. He searches for and finds Chloe, a woman with the appropriate psychic ability to operate the lamp. She also is a private investigator, specializing in finding and authenticating antique objects. He hires her to find the lamp. This is the first book in The Dreamlight Trilogy.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The author has a good writing style. I enjoy most of her books for that reason. But this was weak for me. The two main characters weren’t as interesting as I usually expect. The plot, events and dialogue were ok, but nothing surprised or delighted me.
DATA:
Story length: 346 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2 short ones. Setting: current day Seattle, Wash, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Scargill Cove, Calif. Copyright: 2009. Genre: paranormal romance.
PLOT PREMISE:
In the 1600s Nicholas Winters had a psychic talent. He altered his DNA and created a vase with crystals (called a lamp). Women who had psychic talent involving dreams would be the only ones able to activate the lamp’s power. Through the lamp, these women would be able to increase and/or change a man’s psychic powers. Only men with Nicholas’s “special DNA” would be affected. Also, only some (not all) of Nicholas’s descendants would have the “special DNA”. This DNA would give them one psychic talent at birth and two other talents later in life. One of the talents would be a compulsion to kill anyone with the name Jones.
This premise was a little hard to accept. I’ll accept almost anything for a good story, and in the world of paranormal romance there are a lot of things I go along with. But this had me shaking my head. DNA that urges you to kill anyone named “Jones?” What about “Joans?”
STORY BRIEF:
Jack Winters is the second descendant to inherit the “special DNA.” He was born with a talent for strategizing and reading people. But recently he began having psychic changes. He fears he will become a murderer and believes the lamp can prevent that. He searches for and finds Chloe, a woman with the appropriate psychic ability to operate the lamp. She also is a private investigator, specializing in finding and authenticating antique objects. He hires her to find the lamp. This is the first book in The Dreamlight Trilogy.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The author has a good writing style. I enjoy most of her books for that reason. But this was weak for me. The two main characters weren’t as interesting as I usually expect. The plot, events and dialogue were ok, but nothing surprised or delighted me.
DATA:
Story length: 346 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2 short ones. Setting: current day Seattle, Wash, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Scargill Cove, Calif. Copyright: 2009. Genre: paranormal romance.
July 16, 2016
3.5
I'm really intrigued that the first book in the trilogy is present time, but the second book takes place in the Victorian era. And I'm really excited to read the Harmony book, which is the third. The whole concept of this trilogy, and the crossing series is really cool. The Arcane Society, Harmony, the Ghost Hunters, all of them combine in this Dreamlight Trilogy.
Although this book was bogged down with unnecessary parts, and longer than it needed to be, I liked it, and I like where it's taking the series.
Chloe is a dream light reader who uses her talent in her work as a PI. She finds antiques, and helps identify the fakes from the originals.
Jack Winters needs her to find a relic that went missing a little over 30 years ago. She can find it, but will she be able to help Jack work it? And will she be able to keep it safe?
The two of them set off for an adventure in Vegas that they never signed on for. The people who want the relic more than Jack does, may not let Chloe and Jack live. The hunt for an old family heirloom becomes a race to save their lives, and the lives of others.
The relic, a lamp forged in the 1600s by an alchemist ancestor of Jack's, is a dreamlight magnifier, and not just anyone can work it. But the big mystery is what exactly does it do? And who exactly can work it?
I'm diving into book 2 Burning Lamp right now, and although this is one author who tends to recycle plots, I don't mind. I haven't read her whole backlist so many are still fresh for me.
And as a final thought, with Krentz/Quick/Castle's latest book Illusion Town releasing soon, this book really sets up the whole dream light and antiquities plot well.
I'm really intrigued that the first book in the trilogy is present time, but the second book takes place in the Victorian era. And I'm really excited to read the Harmony book, which is the third. The whole concept of this trilogy, and the crossing series is really cool. The Arcane Society, Harmony, the Ghost Hunters, all of them combine in this Dreamlight Trilogy.
Although this book was bogged down with unnecessary parts, and longer than it needed to be, I liked it, and I like where it's taking the series.
Chloe is a dream light reader who uses her talent in her work as a PI. She finds antiques, and helps identify the fakes from the originals.
Jack Winters needs her to find a relic that went missing a little over 30 years ago. She can find it, but will she be able to help Jack work it? And will she be able to keep it safe?
The two of them set off for an adventure in Vegas that they never signed on for. The people who want the relic more than Jack does, may not let Chloe and Jack live. The hunt for an old family heirloom becomes a race to save their lives, and the lives of others.
The relic, a lamp forged in the 1600s by an alchemist ancestor of Jack's, is a dreamlight magnifier, and not just anyone can work it. But the big mystery is what exactly does it do? And who exactly can work it?
I'm diving into book 2 Burning Lamp right now, and although this is one author who tends to recycle plots, I don't mind. I haven't read her whole backlist so many are still fresh for me.
And as a final thought, with Krentz/Quick/Castle's latest book Illusion Town releasing soon, this book really sets up the whole dream light and antiquities plot well.
January 9, 2010
Wow! JAK has fired off another awesome Arcane Novel! Fired Up is an incredibly well-paced, fascinating paranormal romantic suspense. Even though the romance is the least well-developed part of this book, and the characters are not fleshed out as well as I usually like, I was completely, happily absorbed by this story. JAK is fabulous at weaving together separate story lines and building the tension. I love how she is jumping around in history, and connecting the stories of her historical paranormal romances and now the modern descendants of these characters. Her paranormal descriptions are among the best you will find anywhere in romance...she really knows how to paint an eerie, powerful and mysterious paranormal setting. Fired Up is very well-written, has excellent dialogue, masterful description of setting, and a fast-paced romance (which I personally like, although some people might be irritated with this). After reading several books recently that really struggled with the pacing, this book was a breath of fresh air. The pacing was perfection. The hero and heroine were interesting characters, but Fallon Jones is the one I am "jonesing" for...sorry, couldn't help myself. I cannot wait for his book, and JAK did a fantastic job setting up the next story. I am a sucker for a mathematical genius. There's something really hot about a pumped-up....brain. For any JAK fans, this story is a must-read. Grade: A
Penelope
P.S. I read this on my kindle, and it was soooooo great. And the addiction continues....
Penelope
P.S. I read this on my kindle, and it was soooooo great. And the addiction continues....
February 4, 2011
Book 1 of the Dreamlight Trilogy. I do love the psychic books that Krentz comes up with, and this reminded me of her earlier books Gift of Gold and Gift of Fire. This book was a little bit of a let down however. Right away I found some typo's (one character is referred to as "Sharon" one one page and "Susan" ten pages later) and some jarring repetition in conversations (the hero's age is mentioned three times in two pages- almost like Krentz forgot she already established it a page before and a page before that! Also, I felt the explanation and description of the psychic skill/bond that the two characters shared was not presented very well, but I was willing to go with it.
The part that really annoyed me was one that might not bother most other readers. I have had about enough of the Arcane Society. I've read all of Krentz' books, and I still have a hard time remembering all the characters from other books that she throws around. Who has had their own book, and who is just being mentioned in case they wind up in a book later on? For those who were mentioned, what happened to them before? What have I forgotten, what am I missing? That sort of thing drives me crazy.
That being said, the teaser for book 2 did make me want to read more, so I guess the weaknesses of the book didn't drive me crazy enough to give up on the trilogy.
The part that really annoyed me was one that might not bother most other readers. I have had about enough of the Arcane Society. I've read all of Krentz' books, and I still have a hard time remembering all the characters from other books that she throws around. Who has had their own book, and who is just being mentioned in case they wind up in a book later on? For those who were mentioned, what happened to them before? What have I forgotten, what am I missing? That sort of thing drives me crazy.
That being said, the teaser for book 2 did make me want to read more, so I guess the weaknesses of the book didn't drive me crazy enough to give up on the trilogy.
August 11, 2013
You know, a lot of people would give a book that reads like a lot of the other books the authors writes a lower score. But I find reading Krentz's book comforting, whether she is writing as Krentz, Quick or Castle. I know what I'm gonna find inside the covers. In fact, I want exactly that. It's the reason I chose one of her books. Fired up is no different. It's part of her Arcane series. Quirky heroines, take charge heroes and a bad guy or bad guys to thwart. So it your looking for different, you won't find it here. but if you are looking for same with a twist, this book is for you. And as an aside, I like all of her stories with or without paranormal aspects in them. It's romance. The subcategory doesn't matter so much to me. It might for you.
July 2, 2021
Jack and Chloe’s story is one of my favorites so far. I have so been looking forward to Fallon Jones’ story, so I particularly loved the sneak-peak of him and Isabella! But next, we’re back to the Victorian past for Griffin, Jack’s ancestor, and Adelaide.
February 6, 2019
Jack has a psychic power, but he also has the winter's curse. His ancestor changed his DNA through experimentation and has passed this on to further generations. This manifests as horrible dreams and blackouts. What he needs in the Burning Lamp because this and another psychic are the only things that can help him. He finds the detective Chloe to help him find the lamp that has gone missing from his family during a recent move.
But there is a faction of psychic people that want powers they were not born with. They want to know if they take the special formula that enhances their powers but has bad side effects, will the lamp be able to cure that side effect, but only if Chloe is there to use it.
I do like these Arcane Society stories. The characters all have different abilities and they tie into the story very well. If looking for something a bit different - try these out.
But there is a faction of psychic people that want powers they were not born with. They want to know if they take the special formula that enhances their powers but has bad side effects, will the lamp be able to cure that side effect, but only if Chloe is there to use it.
I do like these Arcane Society stories. The characters all have different abilities and they tie into the story very well. If looking for something a bit different - try these out.
July 29, 2022
Aged Well
Reviewed: 07-25-22
I began reading Jayne Ann Krentz and her alter egos Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle back in the 1990's and always enjoy her writing style, comedic timing and her heroines portrayals .
I specially enjoyed the Arcane Society Series and revisiting it now in audio books , nothing has changed .
Her books still entertained me and amused me. Also, to me , they have aged well after 20 years plus of having first read them.
I wish the entire Arcane book Series and/or her entire back list will be released on audio.
Joyce Bean narration was awesome.
Reviewed: 07-25-22
I began reading Jayne Ann Krentz and her alter egos Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle back in the 1990's and always enjoy her writing style, comedic timing and her heroines portrayals .
I specially enjoyed the Arcane Society Series and revisiting it now in audio books , nothing has changed .
Her books still entertained me and amused me. Also, to me , they have aged well after 20 years plus of having first read them.
I wish the entire Arcane book Series and/or her entire back list will be released on audio.
Joyce Bean narration was awesome.
June 18, 2015
Amazing! Thanks god for Amanda Quick! I have never known an author that is good at writing Historical Romance and Contemporary Romance. I love how this series flows between past, present and future, all great stories as their own and a greater narrative together.
The characters feel so real, almost like reading about yourself and those around you that you know and love, as if these people that are in these stories would make wonderful friends in real life.
The characters feel so real, almost like reading about yourself and those around you that you know and love, as if these people that are in these stories would make wonderful friends in real life.
August 17, 2021
Great entry in the series. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the baddies, I enjoyed the side stories. Just all around enjoyable. I'm pretty sure I've read these out of order though, which is not unusual for me, because I'm pretty sure I remember Fallon's story. But yeah, definitely would recommend and this is one that you don't necessarily have to read the other books in the series for, if you're good at connecting the dots.
September 12, 2018
May have binge-read a bunch of these. Oops.
I've decided the present-day ones are definitely my favourite. I was super into the whole dreamlight thing in this one. I don't know why, even if it feels a bit convenient.
I just liked the dynamics between the couple in this one. That is essentially all. Also, Fallon Jones is my favourite.
I've decided the present-day ones are definitely my favourite. I was super into the whole dreamlight thing in this one. I don't know why, even if it feels a bit convenient.
I just liked the dynamics between the couple in this one. That is essentially all. Also, Fallon Jones is my favourite.
January 26, 2013
Great edition to the Arcane Society series, as well as book 1 in the Dreamlight series. Yes, it is a paranormal book, but it is definitely less violent than many out there. The romance is also understated, less traumatic. Good light read!
December 17, 2013
I love this series and am enjoying reading it again.
February 7, 2019
4.50 / 4 ☆s
This series is a re-read for me. I enjoyed it and still give the book 4 Stars!
This series is a re-read for me. I enjoyed it and still give the book 4 Stars!
July 13, 2017
I'm starting to think I'm unable to dislike anything written by Jayne Ann Krentz. It's probably safe to say I've had pretty high praise for all of her contemporary books I've read so far, even if I have little else to say.
True to form, a JAK book is exciting, lots of fun, steamy hot, and constantly forward moving. And although her historical and futuristic counterparts (Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle), always seem to reuse the same romantic themes, the contemporary sets always feel different, despite the still quite formulaic set up.
Fired Up is a great start to the sub-trilogy that officially interconnects the three worlds JAK has built between Arcane Society and Harmony. Set during the contemporary times, it also manages to build up the stage for the next book, Burning Lamp, that takes place in the Victorian era. Krentz is always giving us more, and new, and constantly evolving aspects of her Arcane Society world, as well as her Harmony world, and I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
In previous books of both series, the concept of dream psi had been brought up, even if briefly, and so now it is explained in a center-stage sort of way. While I hardly understand half the psychic explanations and discussions going on, the book moves forward so quickly that I just find myself enjoying the story as it progresses.
Meanwhile, Chloe and Jack are great characters, with a great sense of partnership that mirrors almost every other JAK couple I've read since I first discovered her books last year. Nothing outstanding, really, but fun and sexy nonetheless. Add onto that, the little author's note at the beginning of the book, and a few suggestive lines of dialogue as our main couple try to solve their conflict, and it almost sounds as if the book is advocating hot, passionate, steamy sex as the means to save lives... well, at least to save the life of Jack Winters.
Sure, there's the concept of the Burning Lamp, and the whole dream psi spectrum, and all that. But what better reason to get our main couple all hot and bothered than implying that an intimate, passionate bond is also part of the whole ordeal.
And interesting concept...
Anyway, I also like the small foray into Fallon Jones, and love that we get to see more of him and his strange, paranoid quirks than just reading him as a background character who's ruthless and kind of a jackass. I especially love that we make Fallon and Jack a sort of best friends relationship, because it DOES give use more of an insight into Fallon, which brilliantly sets us up for the next contemporary Arcane Society book in which out elusive J&J Investigations leader gets to set himself front and center.
Once again, as per normal Jayne Ann Krentz standards, I very much enjoyed this book!
***
Booklikes-opoly
Roll #27:
This book is tagged 'suspense' on GR.
Page Count: 403
Cash Award: +$10.00
Updated Bank Balance: $175.00
True to form, a JAK book is exciting, lots of fun, steamy hot, and constantly forward moving. And although her historical and futuristic counterparts (Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle), always seem to reuse the same romantic themes, the contemporary sets always feel different, despite the still quite formulaic set up.
Fired Up is a great start to the sub-trilogy that officially interconnects the three worlds JAK has built between Arcane Society and Harmony. Set during the contemporary times, it also manages to build up the stage for the next book, Burning Lamp, that takes place in the Victorian era. Krentz is always giving us more, and new, and constantly evolving aspects of her Arcane Society world, as well as her Harmony world, and I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
In previous books of both series, the concept of dream psi had been brought up, even if briefly, and so now it is explained in a center-stage sort of way. While I hardly understand half the psychic explanations and discussions going on, the book moves forward so quickly that I just find myself enjoying the story as it progresses.
Meanwhile, Chloe and Jack are great characters, with a great sense of partnership that mirrors almost every other JAK couple I've read since I first discovered her books last year. Nothing outstanding, really, but fun and sexy nonetheless. Add onto that, the little author's note at the beginning of the book, and a few suggestive lines of dialogue as our main couple try to solve their conflict, and it almost sounds as if the book is advocating hot, passionate, steamy sex as the means to save lives... well, at least to save the life of Jack Winters.
Sure, there's the concept of the Burning Lamp, and the whole dream psi spectrum, and all that. But what better reason to get our main couple all hot and bothered than implying that an intimate, passionate bond is also part of the whole ordeal.
And interesting concept...
Anyway, I also like the small foray into Fallon Jones, and love that we get to see more of him and his strange, paranoid quirks than just reading him as a background character who's ruthless and kind of a jackass. I especially love that we make Fallon and Jack a sort of best friends relationship, because it DOES give use more of an insight into Fallon, which brilliantly sets us up for the next contemporary Arcane Society book in which out elusive J&J Investigations leader gets to set himself front and center.
Once again, as per normal Jayne Ann Krentz standards, I very much enjoyed this book!
***
Booklikes-opoly
Roll #27:
This book is tagged 'suspense' on GR.
Page Count: 403
Cash Award: +$10.00
Updated Bank Balance: $175.00
July 16, 2020
Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas Winters, has come into his second talent and is experiencing the nightmares and hallucinations that go with the instability of it. If he doesn't find a way to reverse the process, he risks becoming a rogue psychic and a potentially lethal, 3-talent, "cerberus" monster. He seeks out private investigator Chloe Harper, a powerful dreamlight reader, to help him find the missing Burning Lamp with the hopes that she'll be the one who can help him power the thing in order to reverse the process. They manage to track down the Burning Lamp with little trouble and manage to use it...except Chloe doesn't reverse the process, she simply stabilizes it. And of course the "fired up" energy they produce together has them giving into their insane attraction (and Chloe, who could never sleep with a man because of the dreamlight energy people produce, is able to sleep next to Jack). But after they've lit the thing up, they realize that someone is after them. Once they eliminate the Arcane Society and Jones and Jones they realize it must be Nightshade, so they work with Fallon to get the Burning Lamp and Chloe out of dangers way. But that's not as easily said as done.
Yeah, still going with the Dreamlight series as not being so much my favorite. This is still a really fun, fluffy suspense romance with just a little bit of the edge/grit, that the author was seeking in the last book, to be found in this one. This is very much like the historical version, where the Winters hero is on the edge of society, trying to keep away from Arcane and not really sticking to the Jones/Winters rivalry. Chloe is from a family of forgers and con-artist talents, but she's gone legit and uses her dreamlight powers for good. She's quite experienced in the world and the nature of her talent (and being unable to sleep in the same bed as a man) has made her a serial monogamist...except lately she's gone with celibacy. She and Jack succumb to psi-energy burnout bouts of lust and realize that they're pretty much perfect for each other, though Chloe does throw out some token resistance. Mostly their relationship is angst free and they focus on the suspense plot. I was surprised to see that Nightshade is still up and running given that Fallon Jones had done a pretty good job of taking them out in the last book. But new faces (and one old) have sprung to the forefront and are up to their dastardly deeds. Plenty of action and suspense to keep a reader engaged here.
Yeah, still going with the Dreamlight series as not being so much my favorite. This is still a really fun, fluffy suspense romance with just a little bit of the edge/grit, that the author was seeking in the last book, to be found in this one. This is very much like the historical version, where the Winters hero is on the edge of society, trying to keep away from Arcane and not really sticking to the Jones/Winters rivalry. Chloe is from a family of forgers and con-artist talents, but she's gone legit and uses her dreamlight powers for good. She's quite experienced in the world and the nature of her talent (and being unable to sleep in the same bed as a man) has made her a serial monogamist...except lately she's gone with celibacy. She and Jack succumb to psi-energy burnout bouts of lust and realize that they're pretty much perfect for each other, though Chloe does throw out some token resistance. Mostly their relationship is angst free and they focus on the suspense plot. I was surprised to see that Nightshade is still up and running given that Fallon Jones had done a pretty good job of taking them out in the last book. But new faces (and one old) have sprung to the forefront and are up to their dastardly deeds. Plenty of action and suspense to keep a reader engaged here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2020
This is the weakest Jayne Ann Krentz I’ve read in some time. The characters are never fully fleshed-out and there are so many threads to the story that, even when the story is finished, it took another three chapters to tie off loose ends. That’s just too many loose ends, especially since they added nothing to the story at all. Plus, beginning at about the halfway point, Jack and Fallon begin to have marathon telephone conversations. It’s as though they are high school girls on their parents’ phone plans. Just a big disappointment from this talented author.
February 24, 2015
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 2009
Length: 344 pages
Setting: Seattle and Las Vegas. Contemporary.
Sex: Reasonably frequent but mostly fade to black. Not a big deal for the story.
Hero: Descendant of Nicholas Winters. Believes himself to be becoming a "multi talent" or Cerberus. Divorced. Rich.
Heroine: Can read dream prints (residue) and manipulate dreams.
Includes: Excerpt from Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick (book 2 of The Dreamlight Trilogy sub-series).
I really enjoyed this one. A well-paced mystery/suspense with engaging characters and an interesting plot.
It helps to know the rest of the series, to be a bit of a fan, since they each add to the World and develop the ongoing Nightshade plot. In fact, without other knowledge, secondary characters will read as caricatures or one-dimensional and plot leaps will appear as holes or oddly intuitive leaps.
But, as I am reading the books almost in order (I read the Quick historicals first and am now tackling the contemporaries), I am happy with the journey Krentz/Quick/Castle is taking me.
It's a fun read.
Arcane Society:
The Arcance Society novels are published under 3 pen-names, each name highlighting setting and/or subgenre. As a rule-of-thumb, Jayne Ann Krentz is for contemporary romantic-suspense, Amanda Quick historical romantic-suspense and Jayne Castle publishes futuristic/paranormal romantic-suspense.
Book 1 Second Sight (Amanda Quick) - Venetia Milton and Gabriel Jones
Book 2 White Lies (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Clare Lancaster and Jake Salter
Book 3 Sizzle and Burn (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Raine Tallentyre and Zack Jones
Book 4 The Third Circle (Amanda Quick) - Leona Hewitt and Thaddeus Ware
Book 5 Running Hot (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Luther Malone and Grace Renquist
Book 6 The Perfect Poison (Amanda Quick) - Lucinda Bromley and Caleb Jones
Book 7 Fired Up (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Jack Winters and Chloe Harper; Book 1 of the Dreamlight Series.
Book 8 Burning Lamp (Amanda Quick) - Griffin Winters and Adelaide Pyne; Book 2 of the Dreamlight Series.
Book 9 Midnight Crystal (Jayne Castle) - Adam Winters and Marlowe Jones; Book 3 of the Dreamlight Series.
Book 9.5 The Scargill Cove Case Files (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Fallon Jones; Book .5 of the Looking Glass Series.
Book 10 In Too Deep (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Fallon Jones and Isabella Valdez; Book 1 of the Looking Glass Series.
Book 11 Quicksilver (Amanda Quick) - Virginia Dean and Owen Sweetwater; Book 2 of the Looking Glass Series.
Book 12 Canyons of Night (Jayne Castle) - Charlotte Enright and Slade Attridge; Book 3 of the Looking Glass Series.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/tag/arcane-...
(ISBN 978-0-399-15596-3)
-CR-
First published: 2009
Length: 344 pages
Setting: Seattle and Las Vegas. Contemporary.
Sex: Reasonably frequent but mostly fade to black. Not a big deal for the story.
Hero: Descendant of Nicholas Winters. Believes himself to be becoming a "multi talent" or Cerberus. Divorced. Rich.
Heroine: Can read dream prints (residue) and manipulate dreams.
Includes: Excerpt from Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick (book 2 of The Dreamlight Trilogy sub-series).
I really enjoyed this one. A well-paced mystery/suspense with engaging characters and an interesting plot.
It helps to know the rest of the series, to be a bit of a fan, since they each add to the World and develop the ongoing Nightshade plot. In fact, without other knowledge, secondary characters will read as caricatures or one-dimensional and plot leaps will appear as holes or oddly intuitive leaps.
But, as I am reading the books almost in order (I read the Quick historicals first and am now tackling the contemporaries), I am happy with the journey Krentz/Quick/Castle is taking me.
It's a fun read.
Arcane Society:
The Arcance Society novels are published under 3 pen-names, each name highlighting setting and/or subgenre. As a rule-of-thumb, Jayne Ann Krentz is for contemporary romantic-suspense, Amanda Quick historical romantic-suspense and Jayne Castle publishes futuristic/paranormal romantic-suspense.
Book 1 Second Sight (Amanda Quick) - Venetia Milton and Gabriel Jones
Book 2 White Lies (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Clare Lancaster and Jake Salter
Book 3 Sizzle and Burn (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Raine Tallentyre and Zack Jones
Book 4 The Third Circle (Amanda Quick) - Leona Hewitt and Thaddeus Ware
Book 5 Running Hot (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Luther Malone and Grace Renquist
Book 6 The Perfect Poison (Amanda Quick) - Lucinda Bromley and Caleb Jones
Book 7 Fired Up (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Jack Winters and Chloe Harper; Book 1 of the Dreamlight Series.
Book 8 Burning Lamp (Amanda Quick) - Griffin Winters and Adelaide Pyne; Book 2 of the Dreamlight Series.
Book 9 Midnight Crystal (Jayne Castle) - Adam Winters and Marlowe Jones; Book 3 of the Dreamlight Series.
Book 9.5 The Scargill Cove Case Files (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Fallon Jones; Book .5 of the Looking Glass Series.
Book 10 In Too Deep (Jayne Ann Krentz) - Fallon Jones and Isabella Valdez; Book 1 of the Looking Glass Series.
Book 11 Quicksilver (Amanda Quick) - Virginia Dean and Owen Sweetwater; Book 2 of the Looking Glass Series.
Book 12 Canyons of Night (Jayne Castle) - Charlotte Enright and Slade Attridge; Book 3 of the Looking Glass Series.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/tag/arcane-...
(ISBN 978-0-399-15596-3)
-CR-
July 22, 2020
2.5 The usual stuff from this author. Not much to recommend it.
August 8, 2014
Great Story of Outsiders
FIRED UP Is the first book in the Dreamlight Trilogy and also the seventh book in the Arcane Society series. The Arcane series is about those with paranormal talents who have secret society. That society is in danger for an internal foe who are using a formula to enhance talents for criminal purposes. The series spans three time periods: historicals (Amanda Quick), contemporaries (Jayne Ann Krentz) and futuristics (Jayne Castle). The Dreamlight Trilogy is part of the series and can be read independent of the other books (although the books are better in context of the entire series). The Dreamlight Trilogy focuses on the descendants of Nicholas Winters who altered his DNA in pursuit of enhanced paranormal abilities. Some of his male descendants are in danger of insanity if they don't find the Burning Lamp and the woman who can help work the lamp in order to control the Winter talent.
FIRED UP is a contemporary story about Jack Winters, who has begun to have nightmares and blackouts. He hires Chloe Harper, a private detective, to find the Burning Lamp. Jack also knows that Chloe has the power to work the lamp. Chloe's talent has left her alone because she cannot bear to sleep in the same room with anyone. That has made her romantic relationships difficult. She knows that something is different about Jack and the two find themselves in danger from those who want to kill Jack and take the Burning Lamp.
This is a great romantic suspense book. The story is exciting and moves very quickly. The romance is satisfying and emotional. Jack and Chloe are clearly meant for one another.
For readers of the Arcane series, this book adds a new layer of story. Most of the books have focused on the Jones family and the society. This book is about those on the outside and yet have a connection with society.
One of my favorite parts of this book is getting to see Fallon Jones. He has a great book which is the next contemporary book in the Arcane series. This book introduces his romance story.
FIRED UP Is the first book in the Dreamlight Trilogy and also the seventh book in the Arcane Society series. The Arcane series is about those with paranormal talents who have secret society. That society is in danger for an internal foe who are using a formula to enhance talents for criminal purposes. The series spans three time periods: historicals (Amanda Quick), contemporaries (Jayne Ann Krentz) and futuristics (Jayne Castle). The Dreamlight Trilogy is part of the series and can be read independent of the other books (although the books are better in context of the entire series). The Dreamlight Trilogy focuses on the descendants of Nicholas Winters who altered his DNA in pursuit of enhanced paranormal abilities. Some of his male descendants are in danger of insanity if they don't find the Burning Lamp and the woman who can help work the lamp in order to control the Winter talent.
FIRED UP is a contemporary story about Jack Winters, who has begun to have nightmares and blackouts. He hires Chloe Harper, a private detective, to find the Burning Lamp. Jack also knows that Chloe has the power to work the lamp. Chloe's talent has left her alone because she cannot bear to sleep in the same room with anyone. That has made her romantic relationships difficult. She knows that something is different about Jack and the two find themselves in danger from those who want to kill Jack and take the Burning Lamp.
This is a great romantic suspense book. The story is exciting and moves very quickly. The romance is satisfying and emotional. Jack and Chloe are clearly meant for one another.
For readers of the Arcane series, this book adds a new layer of story. Most of the books have focused on the Jones family and the society. This book is about those on the outside and yet have a connection with society.
One of my favorite parts of this book is getting to see Fallon Jones. He has a great book which is the next contemporary book in the Arcane series. This book introduces his romance story.
January 27, 2016
Centuries ago, two psychically gifted best friends went their separate ways to enhance their talents, and became bitter enemies. Nicholas Winters went the alchemical route with the creation of the Burning Lamp and the alteration of his DNA. Sylvester Jones went the chemical route with the creation of a drug, now known as the Founder's Formula, as Jones went on to found the Arcane Society.
Jack Winters has inherited the family curse, the first time it has appeared since Griffin Winters in the Victorian Era. If he doesn't find the Burning Lamp and a dreamlight reader to work it, he will become a Cerberus, a multi-paratalent, and go insane. He hires Chloe Harper to find the lamp, which went missing in a cross-country move.
Meanwhile, Fallon Jones is investigating both Jack and Nightshade, a rogue organization dedicated to the use of the Founder's Formula, the alchemical solution to increasing paratalents. Jack knows that if he becomes a Cerberus, Jones will take him out, but Jack and Chloe discover some interference while they're in Vegas. Jack puts in a call to Jones, only to discover that it's a third party, probably Nightshade, that is after Chloe and him.
With the help of Chloe's family, traditionally involved in slightly-less-than-legitimate professions, Jack and Chloe buy themselves enough time to stabilize Jack's talents with the Burning Lamp. They also discover that Nightshade captured Jack to run some experiments on him (as he has Nicholas Winters' altered DNA) Unfortunately, Nightshade is still after them and the Lamp, and Chloe is kidnapped when they return to Seattle.
Jack, now working for Jones and Jones to discover Nightshade's base of operations, rescues Chloe and shuts down the Nightshade lab where she is held.
John Stilwell Nash, in charge of the operation, is killed, but Humphrey Hulsey and other members of Nightshade escape unscathed...and ready to start again.
Jack Winters has inherited the family curse, the first time it has appeared since Griffin Winters in the Victorian Era. If he doesn't find the Burning Lamp and a dreamlight reader to work it, he will become a Cerberus, a multi-paratalent, and go insane. He hires Chloe Harper to find the lamp, which went missing in a cross-country move.
Meanwhile, Fallon Jones is investigating both Jack and Nightshade, a rogue organization dedicated to the use of the Founder's Formula, the alchemical solution to increasing paratalents. Jack knows that if he becomes a Cerberus, Jones will take him out, but Jack and Chloe discover some interference while they're in Vegas. Jack puts in a call to Jones, only to discover that it's a third party, probably Nightshade, that is after Chloe and him.
With the help of Chloe's family, traditionally involved in slightly-less-than-legitimate professions, Jack and Chloe buy themselves enough time to stabilize Jack's talents with the Burning Lamp. They also discover that Nightshade captured Jack to run some experiments on him (as he has Nicholas Winters' altered DNA) Unfortunately, Nightshade is still after them and the Lamp, and Chloe is kidnapped when they return to Seattle.
Jack, now working for Jones and Jones to discover Nightshade's base of operations, rescues Chloe and shuts down the Nightshade lab where she is held.
John Stilwell Nash, in charge of the operation, is killed, but Humphrey Hulsey and other members of Nightshade escape unscathed...and ready to start again.
March 28, 2012
Hmmm, as a whole the "Dreamlight Trilogy" section of the Arcane Society series is not my favorite, largely because the plots--especially the romance plotlines--of each of these three are almost exactly the same. In each case, we have a female Dreamlight reader who believes herself incapable of longterm romantic relationships due to her discomfort being in the presence of others while they sleep. Yet low and behold! Here comes the hero, in desperate need of her assistance (okay, like that aspect of it) to find a particular family heirloom and help him use it to ward off an old family curse. And of course, various nefarious others are trying to steal the artifact and/or our heroine.
Now, in ALL of Quick/Krenz/Castle's Arcane Society books the h/h form a psychic bond that cements their love forever and conveniently alerts them when the other is in danger. Despite the repetition of this as a plot device, I can deal with it usually when it feels like there are actual personality traits that make the couple compatible and sometimes it even seems like there might be some level of (unconscious) choice involved, but in the Dreamlight books, it feels too much like "fated to be mated" love-at-first-sight balderdash.
But all that said, there were things I liked about this one: Chloe's chosen career as a private eye; her hero-complex leading her rescue a mangy dog with abandonment issues, an intuitive and highly tattooed orphaned young woman (who becomes her assistant), and of course, our hero; the fact that both of the main characters in this one were people with strong psychic ability operating outside of the Arcane Society; oh yes, and Chloe's surprisingly loveable bunch of relatives engaged in more and less lawful careers in forgery, psychic-to-the-stars and the like.
Now, in ALL of Quick/Krenz/Castle's Arcane Society books the h/h form a psychic bond that cements their love forever and conveniently alerts them when the other is in danger. Despite the repetition of this as a plot device, I can deal with it usually when it feels like there are actual personality traits that make the couple compatible and sometimes it even seems like there might be some level of (unconscious) choice involved, but in the Dreamlight books, it feels too much like "fated to be mated" love-at-first-sight balderdash.
But all that said, there were things I liked about this one: Chloe's chosen career as a private eye; her hero-complex leading her rescue a mangy dog with abandonment issues, an intuitive and highly tattooed orphaned young woman (who becomes her assistant), and of course, our hero; the fact that both of the main characters in this one were people with strong psychic ability operating outside of the Arcane Society; oh yes, and Chloe's surprisingly loveable bunch of relatives engaged in more and less lawful careers in forgery, psychic-to-the-stars and the like.
September 30, 2013
Writing and editing my first novel had a major side-effect: my tolerance for bad writing has fallen to danger levels and I've abandoned the last three novels I tried to read.
No such problem with Jayne Ann Krentz's Fired Up, the first volume of a trilogy which seems to fall somewhere within an extended mythology.
Good, professional writing. Not once did my fingers itch for a blue pencil. A few repetitions suggested writing-in-a-hurry, but otherwise very well done.
The quality of the writing wasn't matched by the originality or development of the narrative. Most of the characters in the book have psychic talents of one kind or another, but these talents aren't explained in enough detail to sustain their constant role in the narrative. Page after page after page of 'adjusting channels' or 'sensing dream-psi footprints'. The author may have known what she was writing about, but pity the poor reader. There's a limit to how much you can leave to a reader's imagination.
The author put more effort into plotting intricate group dynamics and conspiracies, perhaps a left-over from previous books or a prologue to future, than into the lukewarm sex and romance. Two psychics are attracted to each other but keep their distance until the psi-power (or whatever) kicks in and they start rutting like animals in heat. Neither romantic nor erotic.
The teaser at the end of the book indicates a prequel, the narrative jumping back to focus on long-dead characters in the first volume. I didn't find these characters interesting the first time around. Can't be bothered to find out more about them in a second volume.
No such problem with Jayne Ann Krentz's Fired Up, the first volume of a trilogy which seems to fall somewhere within an extended mythology.
Good, professional writing. Not once did my fingers itch for a blue pencil. A few repetitions suggested writing-in-a-hurry, but otherwise very well done.
The quality of the writing wasn't matched by the originality or development of the narrative. Most of the characters in the book have psychic talents of one kind or another, but these talents aren't explained in enough detail to sustain their constant role in the narrative. Page after page after page of 'adjusting channels' or 'sensing dream-psi footprints'. The author may have known what she was writing about, but pity the poor reader. There's a limit to how much you can leave to a reader's imagination.
The author put more effort into plotting intricate group dynamics and conspiracies, perhaps a left-over from previous books or a prologue to future, than into the lukewarm sex and romance. Two psychics are attracted to each other but keep their distance until the psi-power (or whatever) kicks in and they start rutting like animals in heat. Neither romantic nor erotic.
The teaser at the end of the book indicates a prequel, the narrative jumping back to focus on long-dead characters in the first volume. I didn't find these characters interesting the first time around. Can't be bothered to find out more about them in a second volume.
September 8, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5-4 Stars (except for the repeated story plot, I really liked this). I enjoy Krentz’s writing in each of her genres - Historical, Contemporary or Future. Her characters are intelligent, resilient and capable. The MCs work together toward a common goal. The books are dialogue driven, move quickly, contain a fun sense of humor and are low in angst. This was a reread for me.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Seattle, WA ~
Jack Winters is a Strategy talent an ability which has allowed him to begin and operate a very successful venture capital business. Yet Winters became concerned something was seriously wrong after his 36th birthday. At that time, he suddenly began experiencing nightmares, blackouts and sleep walking episodes with no memory afterward. Jack was losing blocks of time and had no idea of what he done during the lost periods of time.
Since the 1600’s, the Winters family has had a history in the Arcane Society (a group of people with something a little bit “extra” in their dna). Certain male descendants in the Winters’ line are rumored to become dangerous, possibly murderous and/or insane after they hit their mid-30’s unless they can locate both a powerful Dreamlight reader and the Griffin Burning lamp. Together, the right Dreamlight reader and the Griffin lamp have been known historically to rescue the Winters men from going insane. With the recent onset of the “time lapses” Jack fears he may have become the latest victim of his family’s curse.
Chloe Harper is a powerful Dreamlight talent which in her Private Detective agency she uses to verify the authenticity of certain para-artifacts and art objects for her clients. As a descendant in a family of art forgers tracking back to the 1800’s, Chloe is only too aware that many private and public art collections are filled with items believed to be valuable originals, but in reality are truly copies. When Jack approaches Chloe requesting her help in locating the misplaced Griffin lamp, she is immediately aware that Jack and his search for the lamp could be dangerous. But she agrees to help him anyway.
Comments ~
1) FIRED UP follows a very similar story arc as the historical book in this trilogy - THE BURNING LAMP. The settings are different, as are the characters and their professions. But certain details, the conflict and plot line are nearly the same (which is also true of other books in the 12 bk Arcane series). Because I like Krentz’s writing - her characters, her use of dialogue, her humor and light tone, the low angst, and the overall flow of her stories - I simply set myself to be entertained and go for the ride. Readers unable or unwilling to simply disengage and enjoy, may become frustrated by the similarities. :D
2) FIRED UP is the Contemporary bk in Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle’s MIXED genre (Historical, Contemporary, Future fiction) DREAMLIGHT TRILOGY comprised by 3 books, each featuring certain descendants of Nicholas Winters (who was born in the 1600’s). Each book can be read as a Standalone novel but I enjoy reading them together, in order.
3) Author Krentz (Quick/Castle) numbers the books in her Arcane series differently than I read them. I prefer reading books in chronological order (Historical, Contemporary and then Future). Krentz has the DREAMLIGHT trilogy numbered FIRED UP, as bk1 in this trilogy (Contemporary fiction); BURNING LAMP, as bk2 in this trilogy (Historical fiction); and MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL, as bk3 in this trilogy (Future fiction). Certain events in BURNING LAMP are mentioned later in both FIRED UP AND MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL, as certain events in FIRED UP are mentioned in MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL. IMO, it makes the most sense to read these books chronologically, as I do. (Perhaps the publisher had an influence in the publishing order, because otherwise???) MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL (Future period) is the last book in this trilogy (yet can also be read as a Standalone book).
4) Krentz’s Arcane series is a group of 12 books comprised of 4 different trilogies (or 4 sets of 3). Certain secondary characters from the same time period overlap (whether the Historicals, Contemporary or the Future fiction) and characters from the Historical books are (sometimes) mentioned in the Contemporary or the Future books. I read the 12 books as trilogies, beginning with the Historical book first in each trilogy - if the trilogy consists of more than 1 time period (some of the trilogies are all Historical or all Contemporary - which is less complicated). Quick/Krentz/Castle is a favorite author and this was a reread for me as I am reading/listening my way through the 12 book Arcane series again and reviewing each book separately. As mentioned above, my reading order differs from Krentz’s (available on her website or booksellers list) but makes more sense to me. I’ve listed it below:
The 12 book ARCANE SERIES books
> The SYLVESTER JONES Family - a Historical trilogy
1) SECOND SIGHT
2) THIRD CIRCLE
3)PERFECT POISON
> The JONES families+ - a Contemporary trilogy
4) WHITE LIES
5) SIZZLE AND BURN
6) RUNNING HOT
> The DREAMLIGHT trilogy/features the WINTERS family - a Mixed Period trilogy
7) BURNING LAMP - Historical
8) FIRED UP - Contemporary
9) MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL - Future period
> The LOOKING GLASS trilogy - a Mixed Period trilogy
10) QUICKSILVER - Historical
10.5) SCARGILL COVE FILES - a Contemporary Short Story prequel
11) IN TOO DEEP - Contemporary
12) CANYONS OF THE NIGHT - Future period (Introduction to the Rainshadow Island 5 bk series - CANYONS OF THE NIGHT, LOST NIGHT, DECEPTION COVE, HOT ZONE & SIREN’S CALL).
I recommend Quick/Krentz/Castle novels to readers who enjoy:
> Fast action/adventures with occasionally a touch of the paranormal (not always).
> Strong, capable, intelligent characters who generally work as a team toward a common goal.
> Dialogue driven novels.
> Underlying humor/a light tone with Justice prevailing in the end.
> Low drama/angst and few tstl scenes/characters.
> Mature/Seasoned characters (who have survived life’s various difficulties, becoming wiser from it).
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to readers who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open door intimacy scenes occur several times which could be skipped over if desired.
OTHER - Paranormal talents feature in the Arcane series. These are natural gifts rather like strong intuition, not to be confused with witchcraft, the occult, demons or the like.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Seattle, WA ~
Jack Winters is a Strategy talent an ability which has allowed him to begin and operate a very successful venture capital business. Yet Winters became concerned something was seriously wrong after his 36th birthday. At that time, he suddenly began experiencing nightmares, blackouts and sleep walking episodes with no memory afterward. Jack was losing blocks of time and had no idea of what he done during the lost periods of time.
Since the 1600’s, the Winters family has had a history in the Arcane Society (a group of people with something a little bit “extra” in their dna). Certain male descendants in the Winters’ line are rumored to become dangerous, possibly murderous and/or insane after they hit their mid-30’s unless they can locate both a powerful Dreamlight reader and the Griffin Burning lamp. Together, the right Dreamlight reader and the Griffin lamp have been known historically to rescue the Winters men from going insane. With the recent onset of the “time lapses” Jack fears he may have become the latest victim of his family’s curse.
Chloe Harper is a powerful Dreamlight talent which in her Private Detective agency she uses to verify the authenticity of certain para-artifacts and art objects for her clients. As a descendant in a family of art forgers tracking back to the 1800’s, Chloe is only too aware that many private and public art collections are filled with items believed to be valuable originals, but in reality are truly copies. When Jack approaches Chloe requesting her help in locating the misplaced Griffin lamp, she is immediately aware that Jack and his search for the lamp could be dangerous. But she agrees to help him anyway.
Comments ~
1) FIRED UP follows a very similar story arc as the historical book in this trilogy - THE BURNING LAMP. The settings are different, as are the characters and their professions. But certain details, the conflict and plot line are nearly the same (which is also true of other books in the 12 bk Arcane series). Because I like Krentz’s writing - her characters, her use of dialogue, her humor and light tone, the low angst, and the overall flow of her stories - I simply set myself to be entertained and go for the ride. Readers unable or unwilling to simply disengage and enjoy, may become frustrated by the similarities. :D
2) FIRED UP is the Contemporary bk in Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle’s MIXED genre (Historical, Contemporary, Future fiction) DREAMLIGHT TRILOGY comprised by 3 books, each featuring certain descendants of Nicholas Winters (who was born in the 1600’s). Each book can be read as a Standalone novel but I enjoy reading them together, in order.
3) Author Krentz (Quick/Castle) numbers the books in her Arcane series differently than I read them. I prefer reading books in chronological order (Historical, Contemporary and then Future). Krentz has the DREAMLIGHT trilogy numbered FIRED UP, as bk1 in this trilogy (Contemporary fiction); BURNING LAMP, as bk2 in this trilogy (Historical fiction); and MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL, as bk3 in this trilogy (Future fiction). Certain events in BURNING LAMP are mentioned later in both FIRED UP AND MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL, as certain events in FIRED UP are mentioned in MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL. IMO, it makes the most sense to read these books chronologically, as I do. (Perhaps the publisher had an influence in the publishing order, because otherwise???) MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL (Future period) is the last book in this trilogy (yet can also be read as a Standalone book).
4) Krentz’s Arcane series is a group of 12 books comprised of 4 different trilogies (or 4 sets of 3). Certain secondary characters from the same time period overlap (whether the Historicals, Contemporary or the Future fiction) and characters from the Historical books are (sometimes) mentioned in the Contemporary or the Future books. I read the 12 books as trilogies, beginning with the Historical book first in each trilogy - if the trilogy consists of more than 1 time period (some of the trilogies are all Historical or all Contemporary - which is less complicated). Quick/Krentz/Castle is a favorite author and this was a reread for me as I am reading/listening my way through the 12 book Arcane series again and reviewing each book separately. As mentioned above, my reading order differs from Krentz’s (available on her website or booksellers list) but makes more sense to me. I’ve listed it below:
The 12 book ARCANE SERIES books
> The SYLVESTER JONES Family - a Historical trilogy
1) SECOND SIGHT
2) THIRD CIRCLE
3)PERFECT POISON
> The JONES families+ - a Contemporary trilogy
4) WHITE LIES
5) SIZZLE AND BURN
6) RUNNING HOT
> The DREAMLIGHT trilogy/features the WINTERS family - a Mixed Period trilogy
7) BURNING LAMP - Historical
8) FIRED UP - Contemporary
9) MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL - Future period
> The LOOKING GLASS trilogy - a Mixed Period trilogy
10) QUICKSILVER - Historical
10.5) SCARGILL COVE FILES - a Contemporary Short Story prequel
11) IN TOO DEEP - Contemporary
12) CANYONS OF THE NIGHT - Future period (Introduction to the Rainshadow Island 5 bk series - CANYONS OF THE NIGHT, LOST NIGHT, DECEPTION COVE, HOT ZONE & SIREN’S CALL).
I recommend Quick/Krentz/Castle novels to readers who enjoy:
> Fast action/adventures with occasionally a touch of the paranormal (not always).
> Strong, capable, intelligent characters who generally work as a team toward a common goal.
> Dialogue driven novels.
> Underlying humor/a light tone with Justice prevailing in the end.
> Low drama/angst and few tstl scenes/characters.
> Mature/Seasoned characters (who have survived life’s various difficulties, becoming wiser from it).
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to readers who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open door intimacy scenes occur several times which could be skipped over if desired.
OTHER - Paranormal talents feature in the Arcane series. These are natural gifts rather like strong intuition, not to be confused with witchcraft, the occult, demons or the like.
January 26, 2016
Chole Harper Head of Harper Investigations, is able to date objects very accurately. She is descended from a long line of art and antiquities experts. Her family is known for fakes, forgeries and assorted art frauds, also a talent for deception, illusion and sleight-of-hand. However, Chloe uses her talent for reading dreamlight to read people as well as objects. Needless to say neither she nor any of her family are members of The Arcane Society.
Jack Winters a descendent of Nicholas Winters, former friend of Sylvester Jones, founder of The Arcane Societ believes he is beginning to experience the family curse. If he does not find The Burning Lamp and a woman to control it, he will descend into a monster. Jack believes that Chloe Harper, a descendent of one of the women who was able to control the lamp, will be able to help him find the lamp and control it to keep him from descending into madness. The Winters family are not members of The Arcane Society, as well.
Nightshade, the shadow opponent of The Arcane Society is also looking for the lamp. Their experiments with the 1Cfounders formula 1D developed by Sylvester Jones supposed to enhance psychic powers, is not going well and they want the lamp to see if it will help to stabilize those on the formula.
Jack and Chloe begin their search for the lamp and are immediately plunged into a maelstrom of danger and terror.
This is the first story in The Dreamlight Trilogy by the Author. A very good read by the author, Jayne Ann Krentz.
Jack Winters a descendent of Nicholas Winters, former friend of Sylvester Jones, founder of The Arcane Societ believes he is beginning to experience the family curse. If he does not find The Burning Lamp and a woman to control it, he will descend into a monster. Jack believes that Chloe Harper, a descendent of one of the women who was able to control the lamp, will be able to help him find the lamp and control it to keep him from descending into madness. The Winters family are not members of The Arcane Society, as well.
Nightshade, the shadow opponent of The Arcane Society is also looking for the lamp. Their experiments with the 1Cfounders formula 1D developed by Sylvester Jones supposed to enhance psychic powers, is not going well and they want the lamp to see if it will help to stabilize those on the formula.
Jack and Chloe begin their search for the lamp and are immediately plunged into a maelstrom of danger and terror.
This is the first story in The Dreamlight Trilogy by the Author. A very good read by the author, Jayne Ann Krentz.
January 7, 2015
Total guilty pleasure. I'm a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz and her ability to mix romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, and mystery in her novels.
This novel begins a new series, but uses the characters from other series, so you may want to start with her Arcane series first.
Someone else figured out the best order to read the books. I am including this here:
The order is complicated - really, really complicated.
Here's the order for the Harmony books:
Harmony World series
1. Bridal Jitters (2005)
2. After Dark (2000)
3. After Glow (2004)
4. Ghost Hunter (2006)
5. Silver Master (2007)
6. Dark Light (2008)
7. Obsidian Prey (2009)
Harmony (omnibus) (2002)
8. Midnight Crystal (2010) (with Jayne Ann Krentz)
But it is also part of the Dreamlight Trilogy which [in chronological order: is
BURNING LAMP written as Amanda Quick
FIRED UP written as Jayne Ann Krentz
MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL written as Jayne Castle
Which, of course, is part of the Arcane Society series...
As Quick: Arcane Society Historical
1. Second Sight (2006)
4. The Third Circle (2008)
6. The Perfect Poison (2009)
8. Burning Lamp (2010)
As Krentz: Arcane Society Contemporary
2. White Lies (2007)
3. Sizzle and Burn (2007)
5. Running Hot (2008)
7. Fired Up (2009)
10.In Too Deep (2011)
As Castle: Dreamlight Trilogy
9. Midnight Crystal (2010) (less)(less)
This novel begins a new series, but uses the characters from other series, so you may want to start with her Arcane series first.
Someone else figured out the best order to read the books. I am including this here:
The order is complicated - really, really complicated.
Here's the order for the Harmony books:
Harmony World series
1. Bridal Jitters (2005)
2. After Dark (2000)
3. After Glow (2004)
4. Ghost Hunter (2006)
5. Silver Master (2007)
6. Dark Light (2008)
7. Obsidian Prey (2009)
Harmony (omnibus) (2002)
8. Midnight Crystal (2010) (with Jayne Ann Krentz)
But it is also part of the Dreamlight Trilogy which [in chronological order: is
BURNING LAMP written as Amanda Quick
FIRED UP written as Jayne Ann Krentz
MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL written as Jayne Castle
Which, of course, is part of the Arcane Society series...
As Quick: Arcane Society Historical
1. Second Sight (2006)
4. The Third Circle (2008)
6. The Perfect Poison (2009)
8. Burning Lamp (2010)
As Krentz: Arcane Society Contemporary
2. White Lies (2007)
3. Sizzle and Burn (2007)
5. Running Hot (2008)
7. Fired Up (2009)
10.In Too Deep (2011)
As Castle: Dreamlight Trilogy
9. Midnight Crystal (2010) (less)(less)
August 29, 2016
Another interesting addition to the Arcane Society series, this time starring a descendant of Nicholas Winters, the alchemist with the obsession to increase his powers.
Jack Winters is the unlucky recipient of what's known as the Winters' family curse, starting with nightmares and blackouts and possibly ending with him insane. He has been looking everywhere for a way to break the curse, and his search leads him to Chloe Harper, a private investigator whom he tasks with finding the Burning Lamp, an artifact that can supposedly cure him.
Chloe's talent includes the ability to estimate the date of objects, and she uses it to find the missing lamp. Her role, however, is more involved than simply finding the lamp, and proximity with Jack, aided by their shared attraction, leads to an affair between them.
Things get complicated for the couple when Nightshade .
Fast paced, engaging story.
Next comes the origin of the Winters' curse in Burning Lamp.
Jack Winters is the unlucky recipient of what's known as the Winters' family curse, starting with nightmares and blackouts and possibly ending with him insane. He has been looking everywhere for a way to break the curse, and his search leads him to Chloe Harper, a private investigator whom he tasks with finding the Burning Lamp, an artifact that can supposedly cure him.
Chloe's talent includes the ability to estimate the date of objects, and she uses it to find the missing lamp. Her role, however, is more involved than simply finding the lamp, and proximity with Jack, aided by their shared attraction, leads to an affair between them.
Things get complicated for the couple when Nightshade .
Fast paced, engaging story.
Next comes the origin of the Winters' curse in Burning Lamp.
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