Review: Fun Adventure in the Genere of Secret Occult Good Guys Save the Day
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 23, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book which I got for free, enough to buy the next one in the series and take time to review the book.While not the best book I have ever read, it was fun and entertaining; I enjoyed the plot presentation and the rather delightful presentation of early 19th century antiquarians (mostly noble gentlemen of course) as heroes for good in a secret, occult society.  I also laughed out loud at what I hope was an intentional in joke about a member who was "busy in the North" and had the same last name of rather well known, similar "warrior of light" who is supposed to be descended from a family of such "hidden ones" (fans of "The Adept" Series will love this! LOL)I felt I could not give the book five stars because while it is worth a good and entertaining read, it lacks depth and is fairly predictable in a lot of ways.  Which does not detract from a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon feeling one is racing about 19th century Glastonbury (and if you have been there you will recognize places making it even more fun); but I think it could have had a bit more "umph" and still have been just as entertaining.  There is also only the most sketchy of backgrounds about the daily life and goings on in the manors houses, tavern and even the grand ball; I think I would have enjoyed a bit more detail.What I do like is that everyone stays in proper "persona" for the time period, there is no "modern angst" on the part of the gentlemen for being "treasure hunters" because that is what they are, they are not Archaeologists, but good old fashioned 19th century antiquarians with a love of history and all things Arthurian.I especially like the "family from Cornwall" with many "society" members because again if you visit modern Tintagel Castle and take a wrong turn looking for a pub, you will run into the most amazing Arthurian "Chapel" built by some 19th (or early 20th can't remember) "guild/society" with stained glass portraits of all the major Arthurian cast members and complete with a round table!  I can easily see the members of the "Avalon Society" building such a thing and having drinks around the table - as I sure the author had in mind when she wrote it.I do have to confess I found the bedroom scenes a bit over-done and got bored after while because I wanted to get back the main story and out of the private details of the hero and heroine's love life.  That could just be me, I enjoy a certain amount of "adult" descriptions in a romance but after a bit I'm just as happy to "get on with things" and see what actually happens next.But all and all worth a read, especially if you enjoy that "hidden occult society" genre set in a "period" setting..Melodi Grundy