Special Report: 'Arcana'

Welcome to Book City
Date: November 11, 2014

Special Report

Spoilers Ahead

Headline
Arcana
Jessica Leake

A romantic, suspenseful, genre-bending debut set in Edwardian London.

Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome—or dangerous. To help ease her entrance into society, Katherine’s family has elicited the assistance of the Earl of Thornewood, a friend and London’s most eligible bachelor, to be her constant companion at the endless fetes and balls. But upon her arrival in London, Katherine realizes there will be more to this season than just white gowns and husband hunting.

Through her late mother’s enchanted diary, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. Any misstep could mean ruin—and not just for her family name. The Order of the Eternal Sun is everywhere—hunting for those like her, able to feed on arcana with only a touch of the hand.

But society intrigue can be just as perilous as the Order. The machinations of the fashionable elite are a constant threat, and those who covet Katherine’s arcana, seeking the power of her birthright, could be hiding behind the façade of every suitor—even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood.

With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?

City Calendar:
This is what happened during the week.
The story is mostly a period romance. It seems to be a stiff upper class society. But we have the little tidbit of Katherine our main girl being a bit magical.
We have action. But mostly romances. Suitors and lovers and happenings.
Not much.
And that's what happened this week.

Personal Ads:
Katherine.
Oh dearest readers. I am well. And you? I'm married to the lovely Lord-Colin. He is simply divine. We are looking for a sitter for our soon-to-be-born child. (Because we 'do it' often enough.)
A bit stiff. A bit flirty. Odd and quirky. Magical. Looking for love in all the wrong, and right, places. Sister to Lucy and Robert. A bit tomboyish. Horseback rider. (Not side saddle.)

Opinions:
I really don't know what to make of this book.
The speech is quite fantastic. It seems right for the time period. It's proper and a bit verbose. Exactly how I imagine London all those years ago.
I also like the magic. It was nice. A bit confusing on what arcana was exactly. But still pretty fascinating.
Sadly, the plot is a bit dull. Too much romance. I like the ending. It's fast-paced and pushing dearest 'Wren' to her limits. There seems to be only shameless flirting and rivalries. Of the Society sort.
I dislike Katherine. God. She's insufferable! She's a tomboy one moment and a drooling flirt in another. What's up with you? Goodness. And she's whiny. Very whiny.
The sexy, heated scenes? Please. Stop. No. I don't need that. Oh god. Just stop. Right now. Right there. We don't need to know he's groping her!
I could go on. And on.

Weather:
Sunny with a chance of 50% rain
3/5