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The Extraordinaries #2
Wondering Sight
Sophia Westlake is an Extraordinary Seer, gifted with the ability to see past, present and future in Dreams and Visions. Her talent led to the destruction of the Caribbean pirates plaguing England’s shipping and gained her renown and the accolades of her peers. But when she accuses a prominent politician, Lord Endicott, of embezzling from the Army, her Dream is “proved” false and she is disgraced, her reputation ruined and her career in the Army’s War Office over.
Humiliated, Sophia returns to London, but Lord Endicott follows her, intent on making her life increasingly miserable. Furious and desperate, Sophia takes the only course left to her: she sets out to discover Lord Endicott’s criminal enterprises, to expose him as the fraud he is and bring him to justice.
Sophia’s allies are few, but loyal. Cecy, her best friend, supports Sophia in her quest, while her cousin Lady Daphne, an irrepressible Extraordinary Bounder, is always ready for a challenge that will strike at Lord Endicott’s heart. And always watching her is the mysterious Mr. Rutledge, who claims to be interested in Sophia’s friendship—and possibly more than that—but who has an agenda of his own.
But as Sophia delves deeper into prophetic Dreams, Cecy and Daphne begin to fear for Sophia’s health and sanity. Driven to collapse by her frequent Dreaming, Sophia is forced to reevaluate her motives: does she want Lord Endicott brought to justice, or is it revenge she seeks? As Sophia draws closer to the secret of Lord Endicott’s criminal enterprise, a counterfeiting ring, his torment of Sophia increases, until the two are bound together by their respective obsessions. Though Sophia insists she is in control, her friends fear she is turning into the man she most hates.
Sophia’s Dreams and Visions are leading her to just one place: the destruction of Lord Endicott. But the cost of her vengeance may be too high—and may demand the sacrifice of her own life.
Humiliated, Sophia returns to London, but Lord Endicott follows her, intent on making her life increasingly miserable. Furious and desperate, Sophia takes the only course left to her: she sets out to discover Lord Endicott’s criminal enterprises, to expose him as the fraud he is and bring him to justice.
Sophia’s allies are few, but loyal. Cecy, her best friend, supports Sophia in her quest, while her cousin Lady Daphne, an irrepressible Extraordinary Bounder, is always ready for a challenge that will strike at Lord Endicott’s heart. And always watching her is the mysterious Mr. Rutledge, who claims to be interested in Sophia’s friendship—and possibly more than that—but who has an agenda of his own.
But as Sophia delves deeper into prophetic Dreams, Cecy and Daphne begin to fear for Sophia’s health and sanity. Driven to collapse by her frequent Dreaming, Sophia is forced to reevaluate her motives: does she want Lord Endicott brought to justice, or is it revenge she seeks? As Sophia draws closer to the secret of Lord Endicott’s criminal enterprise, a counterfeiting ring, his torment of Sophia increases, until the two are bound together by their respective obsessions. Though Sophia insists she is in control, her friends fear she is turning into the man she most hates.
Sophia’s Dreams and Visions are leading her to just one place: the destruction of Lord Endicott. But the cost of her vengeance may be too high—and may demand the sacrifice of her own life.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2017
271 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McShane
87 books854 followersMelissa grew up a nomad, following her family all over the United States, and ended up living in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three very needy cats. Her love of reading was always a constant during those uncertain years, and her love of writing grew out of that. She wrote reviews and critical essays for many years before turning to fiction, and was surprised at how much she liked it. She loves the fantasy genre and how it stretches the imagination.
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August 31, 2017
Kindle freebie alert! August 31, 2017.
3.5 stars. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
In Wondering Sight (2017), the second book in Melissa McShane’s THE EXTRAORDINARIES series, we return to a fantasy-touched version of Regency-era England where some people have magical talents ― throwing and extinguishing fire, shaping one’s appearance, flying, teleporting, and more. Sophia is an Extraordinary, one of the very few people who have particularly strong magical abilities. As a Seer, she can cast herself into Dreams, which show her future events as a series of doors in her Dreams that she can open and explore, as well as Visions, where she can see past and current events by holding an object that has a significant history with a particular person.
Before this book begins, Sophia, like Elinor in the first book, Burning Bright, was working for the British military in the Caribbean, where she was instrumental in helping the British fight against pirates. But when she told the War Office that her Dreams also showed a powerful British lord embezzling from the Army, she was dismissed when the evidence didn’t support her accusation against him. Though the War Office didn’t make public the reason for her severance, everyone there believed she had a false Dream or, worse yet, was lying about having a Dream showing Lord Endicott embezzling supplies. Now Lord Endicott has followed her back to England, dividing his time between subtly harassing Sophia and engaging in a new and different criminal enterprise.
Sophia is deeply embittered by her disgrace, even though the War Office kept the reason for her leaving them non-public, especially since she knows her Dream of Lord Endicott was a true one. She turns to her Dreams again (and again and again) to try to catch him in his crimes, expose him as a fraud and criminal, and prove her talent is true and that she was Right. All. Along.
Sophia gathers some allies in her single-minded quest for justice and revenge: her best friend Cecy, with whom Sophia is staying in London; her cousin Lady Daphne, who has the useful talent of Bounding, instantly teleporting from place to place (as long as she’s familiar with the place she is Bounding to); and Mr. Rutledge, whose offer of employment Sophia angrily rejects when she realizes he doesn’t believe that her initial Dreams about Lord Endicott were true. Despite getting off to a bad start, she and Mr. Rutledge gradually develop a friendship tinged with romance, even though they’re both keeping secrets. But Lord Endicott has talents and some unexpected resources of his own in connection with his new criminal enterprise. Sophia discovers some entirely new aspects to the Seer Talent, but she also tips over into obsession, sliding toward ruining her health and her friendships in her efforts to bring down Endicott and have her revenge ― even if it’s the last thing she does.
Wondering Sight focuses on an entirely new set of characters than Burning Bright, though there are a few brief references to the main characters and events in that book. Wondering Sight also takes a different and unexpected path for a Regency-era fantasy, with less time spent on society events and romance, and more time exploring the way Sophia’s visionary talent work and how she is using them to try to entrap a bitter enemy. It’s more of a detective story. There’s no real mystery here ― it’s clear from the outset who the villain is and what he’s up to ― but there is suspense in the cat-and-mouse game that the two of them play, and in seeing how it all plays out.
The heroine is a rather prideful, prickly person, sometimes difficult to empathize with, as she endangers her health by Dreaming too much and repeatedly lies to her concerned friends about what she’s up to, because she knows they won’t approve. She tells herself she wants justice, but it’s clear that it’s revenge she’s really looking for. The love interest for the widowed Sophia, Mr. Rutledge, is an interesting person in his own right, but I never really felt any real spark or heat between them.
So as a romance it’s a little underbaked, but as the tale of a chase to bring down a dangerous criminal using some unusual magical powers (which, though powerful, have their limitations), and as an exploration of obsession and revenge, and examining the personal costs of following that path, Wondering Sight is an intriguing and worthwhile read. One of the more delightful characters was Sophia’s exuberant cousin Daphne, the Extraordinary Bounder, who will be the main character in the next book of this series.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher, Curiosity Quills, in exchange for a review. Thank you!
3.5 stars. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
In Wondering Sight (2017), the second book in Melissa McShane’s THE EXTRAORDINARIES series, we return to a fantasy-touched version of Regency-era England where some people have magical talents ― throwing and extinguishing fire, shaping one’s appearance, flying, teleporting, and more. Sophia is an Extraordinary, one of the very few people who have particularly strong magical abilities. As a Seer, she can cast herself into Dreams, which show her future events as a series of doors in her Dreams that she can open and explore, as well as Visions, where she can see past and current events by holding an object that has a significant history with a particular person.
Before this book begins, Sophia, like Elinor in the first book, Burning Bright, was working for the British military in the Caribbean, where she was instrumental in helping the British fight against pirates. But when she told the War Office that her Dreams also showed a powerful British lord embezzling from the Army, she was dismissed when the evidence didn’t support her accusation against him. Though the War Office didn’t make public the reason for her severance, everyone there believed she had a false Dream or, worse yet, was lying about having a Dream showing Lord Endicott embezzling supplies. Now Lord Endicott has followed her back to England, dividing his time between subtly harassing Sophia and engaging in a new and different criminal enterprise.
Sophia is deeply embittered by her disgrace, even though the War Office kept the reason for her leaving them non-public, especially since she knows her Dream of Lord Endicott was a true one. She turns to her Dreams again (and again and again) to try to catch him in his crimes, expose him as a fraud and criminal, and prove her talent is true and that she was Right. All. Along.
Sophia gathers some allies in her single-minded quest for justice and revenge: her best friend Cecy, with whom Sophia is staying in London; her cousin Lady Daphne, who has the useful talent of Bounding, instantly teleporting from place to place (as long as she’s familiar with the place she is Bounding to); and Mr. Rutledge, whose offer of employment Sophia angrily rejects when she realizes he doesn’t believe that her initial Dreams about Lord Endicott were true. Despite getting off to a bad start, she and Mr. Rutledge gradually develop a friendship tinged with romance, even though they’re both keeping secrets. But Lord Endicott has talents and some unexpected resources of his own in connection with his new criminal enterprise. Sophia discovers some entirely new aspects to the Seer Talent, but she also tips over into obsession, sliding toward ruining her health and her friendships in her efforts to bring down Endicott and have her revenge ― even if it’s the last thing she does.
Wondering Sight focuses on an entirely new set of characters than Burning Bright, though there are a few brief references to the main characters and events in that book. Wondering Sight also takes a different and unexpected path for a Regency-era fantasy, with less time spent on society events and romance, and more time exploring the way Sophia’s visionary talent work and how she is using them to try to entrap a bitter enemy. It’s more of a detective story. There’s no real mystery here ― it’s clear from the outset who the villain is and what he’s up to ― but there is suspense in the cat-and-mouse game that the two of them play, and in seeing how it all plays out.
The heroine is a rather prideful, prickly person, sometimes difficult to empathize with, as she endangers her health by Dreaming too much and repeatedly lies to her concerned friends about what she’s up to, because she knows they won’t approve. She tells herself she wants justice, but it’s clear that it’s revenge she’s really looking for. The love interest for the widowed Sophia, Mr. Rutledge, is an interesting person in his own right, but I never really felt any real spark or heat between them.
So as a romance it’s a little underbaked, but as the tale of a chase to bring down a dangerous criminal using some unusual magical powers (which, though powerful, have their limitations), and as an exploration of obsession and revenge, and examining the personal costs of following that path, Wondering Sight is an intriguing and worthwhile read. One of the more delightful characters was Sophia’s exuberant cousin Daphne, the Extraordinary Bounder, who will be the main character in the next book of this series.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher, Curiosity Quills, in exchange for a review. Thank you!
February 9, 2017
I adored the actiond and adventure in the first book and I'm feeling let down here...
It could be due to the fact that the heroine's Talent is Sight. Sight is much more tame Talent than Fire! It could be, but that was not the only thing that made this book less than the first!
Sophia is not a likeable heroine IMHO. She's to pround of her Talent and her being an Extraordinary that she becomes TSTL. And I don't appreciate that!
She's convinced that because she's an Extraordinary she's inevitably right and treats badly even her best friend Cecy, throws a temper tantrum, leaves the room slamming the door... A bad behaved 13 years old!
The action is all in her head. She Dreams and have Visions where she discovers bits and pieces of the mystery, but compared to the real life action is boring...
The hero, Mr. Rutledge (and she thinks of him like that through the whole book!!!) is a meh hero. He's supposedy a spy who travelled the world, but he's so bland and meak that I couldn't consider him a hero!!!
The villain is bland also. Lord Endicott is a forger and, when Sophia had a Dream of him embezzling during the war in Portugal, he made the War Council doubt her visions and dreams and made her dismissed. So Sophia resents him very stroongly and wants revenge. That's the extent to his perfidy... thwarting her at every turn wherever he meets her... Mah...
The romancing part is non-existant. Only in the last few pages there's somewhat rushed romance. During the rest she tries to push Mr. Rutledge away for her own imagined grievances and not for any real reason. Even in that department she's full of herself even when an intelligent human being would ask for help...
So, I'm deeply sorry to say that this book doen't deserve more than 2 1/2 stars rounded to 3...
It could be due to the fact that the heroine's Talent is Sight. Sight is much more tame Talent than Fire! It could be, but that was not the only thing that made this book less than the first!
Sophia is not a likeable heroine IMHO. She's to pround of her Talent and her being an Extraordinary that she becomes TSTL. And I don't appreciate that!
She's convinced that because she's an Extraordinary she's inevitably right and treats badly even her best friend Cecy, throws a temper tantrum, leaves the room slamming the door... A bad behaved 13 years old!
The action is all in her head. She Dreams and have Visions where she discovers bits and pieces of the mystery, but compared to the real life action is boring...
The hero, Mr. Rutledge (and she thinks of him like that through the whole book!!!) is a meh hero. He's supposedy a spy who travelled the world, but he's so bland and meak that I couldn't consider him a hero!!!
The villain is bland also. Lord Endicott is a forger and, when Sophia had a Dream of him embezzling during the war in Portugal, he made the War Council doubt her visions and dreams and made her dismissed. So Sophia resents him very stroongly and wants revenge. That's the extent to his perfidy... thwarting her at every turn wherever he meets her... Mah...
The romancing part is non-existant. Only in the last few pages there's somewhat rushed romance. During the rest she tries to push Mr. Rutledge away for her own imagined grievances and not for any real reason. Even in that department she's full of herself even when an intelligent human being would ask for help...
So, I'm deeply sorry to say that this book doen't deserve more than 2 1/2 stars rounded to 3...
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March 30, 2017This second book in Melissa McShane's series takes a different tone from the first, Burning Bright, as its heroine is a complicated, prickly person.
Sophia, the heroine, is a widow. She had worked for the War Office until her Extraordinary Seer talent caused her to expose a powerful nobleman, Lord Endicott, who somehow managed to finesse events and escape retribution, casting doubts on Sophia's talent. As a result, Sophia was let go from the War Office, and though the latter kept quiet, somehow word has gotten out about Sophia being unreliable. Humiliated and bitter, she has taken up residence with gentle Cecy, a friend with frail health, and her supportive husband. Sophia re-enters society, without much pleasure, especially when people wish to take advantage of her talents.
Sophia is determined to expose Endicott, her determination fired up the more as Endicott enjoys tormenting her in public at balls and society gatherings, even going to far as to hint that he has an interest in her so that her stand-offish behavior reflects badly on her to the beau monde.
Sophia's determination to get justice is really more of a thirst for revenge, and for the first half of the book, it can be painful reading: she forces herself into Dream after Dream, trying to discover where she failed, lying to, and scaring, Cecy, and then straight-arming the mysterious Mr. Rutledge, who offers her employment and expresses admiration for her. But because he still believes she was wrong about Lord Endicott, she angrily rejects him and his help.
Sophia courts danger, and nearly gets burned. The second half of the book is where the story really picks up as Sophia begins to put the puzzle pieces together, with the help of her exuberant cousin Daphne, an Extraordinary Bounder, Cecy, and the patient, long-suffering Mr. Rutledge.
This book is more of an inward-looking one than the first, with many scenes of dreaming and visions, and concerns over Cecy's health. It's very different from Elinor's tale of ship-to-ship action and firestorms, but satisfying in its own way as we slowly begin to learn more about this alternate world with its special abilities. The romance is quite low key, the magic and mystery taking the forefront of the action, and Sophia's journey the focus of the emotional landscape.
It comes to a satisfying resolution, leaving me eager to explore more in this world.
Sophia, the heroine, is a widow. She had worked for the War Office until her Extraordinary Seer talent caused her to expose a powerful nobleman, Lord Endicott, who somehow managed to finesse events and escape retribution, casting doubts on Sophia's talent. As a result, Sophia was let go from the War Office, and though the latter kept quiet, somehow word has gotten out about Sophia being unreliable. Humiliated and bitter, she has taken up residence with gentle Cecy, a friend with frail health, and her supportive husband. Sophia re-enters society, without much pleasure, especially when people wish to take advantage of her talents.
Sophia is determined to expose Endicott, her determination fired up the more as Endicott enjoys tormenting her in public at balls and society gatherings, even going to far as to hint that he has an interest in her so that her stand-offish behavior reflects badly on her to the beau monde.
Sophia's determination to get justice is really more of a thirst for revenge, and for the first half of the book, it can be painful reading: she forces herself into Dream after Dream, trying to discover where she failed, lying to, and scaring, Cecy, and then straight-arming the mysterious Mr. Rutledge, who offers her employment and expresses admiration for her. But because he still believes she was wrong about Lord Endicott, she angrily rejects him and his help.
Sophia courts danger, and nearly gets burned. The second half of the book is where the story really picks up as Sophia begins to put the puzzle pieces together, with the help of her exuberant cousin Daphne, an Extraordinary Bounder, Cecy, and the patient, long-suffering Mr. Rutledge.
This book is more of an inward-looking one than the first, with many scenes of dreaming and visions, and concerns over Cecy's health. It's very different from Elinor's tale of ship-to-ship action and firestorms, but satisfying in its own way as we slowly begin to learn more about this alternate world with its special abilities. The romance is quite low key, the magic and mystery taking the forefront of the action, and Sophia's journey the focus of the emotional landscape.
It comes to a satisfying resolution, leaving me eager to explore more in this world.
February 7, 2017
This is the second in a series, though almost completely separate from the first. Fans of the first will find the same world, though with a story more set in place (London) and with completely different characters. So you can read this one before the first and not miss anything (and only vaguely spoil the first, really).
As usual, I will bravely protect your right to ignore anything I say in this review by admitting up front that I am closely connected with the author (having married her some 25 years ago). As always I will try to be as clear as possible and that includes admitting that I am very likely biased even as I strive for honesty.
Sophia is a different kind of heroine than is usual in Melissa's books. Oh, she's a strong woman doing her best to discover and achieve the things important to her. And she cares deeply for her friends and loved-ones and the principles she holds dear. But Sophia is also more driven than most and that includes a tendency towards pride and obsession. Since Sophy starts the novel having been greatly wronged, that means she is deeply wounded and looking to heal, yes, but also to bring down the one who manufactured her disgrace. Since he has followed her to London and continues to taunt her, this desire for vengeance only grows as the story progresses. That can be an uncomfortable protagonist, particularly as she has to decide how much she needs to hide her activities from those who care about her and how far she is willing to go to take out the man who brought her career at the War Office to an untimely end.
That's not to say that she is grim or that she doesn't make new friends or take pleasure in her life in London. Indeed, I love her new-found relationship with Daphne and her very strong commitment to Cecilia and Lewis (Cecy's husband). And I just loved seeing her friendship with Rutledge (that starts off so rocky) develop into more. The friendships in this book are strong and deeply relevant and I loved how Melissa showed both the care and the burden friends share with one another and how they work together to be stronger—including the subtle, but important, depiction of how even complicated problems become manageable when shared with those you love.
And oh, was Lewis a revelation. In the first book, you see the superficiality of (some? most?) Shapers (who can manipulate their own bodies and are thus very comely) and I admit to thinking that'd be a kind of useless talent. And then someone threatens Cecy and Lewis goes all Shaper in her defense and man was that a fun surprise!
Anyway, I'll leave others to evaluate plot and pacing. I've read this one enough times (often in fragments) that I can no longer tell how well it works. I didn't have a hard time reading it again in preparation for this review and I always have a hard time putting it down once I hit the 3/4 mark. Also, the ending absolutely rocks.
Which leaves me with five stars for a fun read and a lovely cast of characters. And I can't wait for Daphne's book (which should be next, muses willing).
As usual, I will bravely protect your right to ignore anything I say in this review by admitting up front that I am closely connected with the author (having married her some 25 years ago). As always I will try to be as clear as possible and that includes admitting that I am very likely biased even as I strive for honesty.
Sophia is a different kind of heroine than is usual in Melissa's books. Oh, she's a strong woman doing her best to discover and achieve the things important to her. And she cares deeply for her friends and loved-ones and the principles she holds dear. But Sophia is also more driven than most and that includes a tendency towards pride and obsession. Since Sophy starts the novel having been greatly wronged, that means she is deeply wounded and looking to heal, yes, but also to bring down the one who manufactured her disgrace. Since he has followed her to London and continues to taunt her, this desire for vengeance only grows as the story progresses. That can be an uncomfortable protagonist, particularly as she has to decide how much she needs to hide her activities from those who care about her and how far she is willing to go to take out the man who brought her career at the War Office to an untimely end.
That's not to say that she is grim or that she doesn't make new friends or take pleasure in her life in London. Indeed, I love her new-found relationship with Daphne and her very strong commitment to Cecilia and Lewis (Cecy's husband). And I just loved seeing her friendship with Rutledge (that starts off so rocky) develop into more. The friendships in this book are strong and deeply relevant and I loved how Melissa showed both the care and the burden friends share with one another and how they work together to be stronger—including the subtle, but important, depiction of how even complicated problems become manageable when shared with those you love.
And oh, was Lewis a revelation. In the first book, you see the superficiality of (some? most?) Shapers (who can manipulate their own bodies and are thus very comely) and I admit to thinking that'd be a kind of useless talent. And then someone threatens Cecy and Lewis goes all Shaper in her defense and man was that a fun surprise!
Anyway, I'll leave others to evaluate plot and pacing. I've read this one enough times (often in fragments) that I can no longer tell how well it works. I didn't have a hard time reading it again in preparation for this review and I always have a hard time putting it down once I hit the 3/4 mark. Also, the ending absolutely rocks.
Which leaves me with five stars for a fun read and a lovely cast of characters. And I can't wait for Daphne's book (which should be next, muses willing).
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December 17, 2019Writing this book was hard. Originally it was set in Bath, and there were kidnappings and a secret government organization and Revenge, all of which lasted until I realized it wasn't working (about four chapters). So I ditched everything but the main character and the Revenge and started over. Now there's counterfeiting and Bow Street Runners and some really great secondary characters, and I love how it turned out.
Sophia, though--each of these books has a different Extraordinary woman, and I always intended to tell the story of the woman who discovered how the pirates were tracking the Royal Navy ships in Burning Bright. Sophia is brilliant, with the mind of a research scientist, but she also tends to obsess about her pursuits and has trouble leaning on others. Even falling in love is something she has trouble with. I hope readers will like her, but I hope even more they'll sympathize with her and understand the need that drives her to bring her enemy, Lord Endicott, to justice.
Sophia's cousin Lady Daphne St. Clair, on the other hand, is a lot of fun, and I hope she's popular, as she will be the heroine of the as-yet-untitled book 3 in the series. I loved writing her dialogue in particular. Writing a whole book around her will be a joy, as will exploring the nuances of the Bounder talent.
This book is dedicated to my husband Jacob, who read it in small pieces as I would demand his opinion every other chapter. This is not a pleasant way to read a book, getting into the swing of it just as it comes to an abrupt end, and he deserves great praise for never complaining about it.
Sophia, though--each of these books has a different Extraordinary woman, and I always intended to tell the story of the woman who discovered how the pirates were tracking the Royal Navy ships in Burning Bright. Sophia is brilliant, with the mind of a research scientist, but she also tends to obsess about her pursuits and has trouble leaning on others. Even falling in love is something she has trouble with. I hope readers will like her, but I hope even more they'll sympathize with her and understand the need that drives her to bring her enemy, Lord Endicott, to justice.
Sophia's cousin Lady Daphne St. Clair, on the other hand, is a lot of fun, and I hope she's popular, as she will be the heroine of the as-yet-untitled book 3 in the series. I loved writing her dialogue in particular. Writing a whole book around her will be a joy, as will exploring the nuances of the Bounder talent.
This book is dedicated to my husband Jacob, who read it in small pieces as I would demand his opinion every other chapter. This is not a pleasant way to read a book, getting into the swing of it just as it comes to an abrupt end, and he deserves great praise for never complaining about it.
February 19, 2017
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Last year I read Burning Bright, the first in a new fantasy series, and to say I was excitedly awaiting the second novel, Wondering Sight, would not do it justice.
I was initially disappointed that the characters from the first book didn't show up here, and also the story has moved away from catching pirates in the Caribbean to life in Britain. Sophia has another gift completely, as she as an Extraordinary Seer, can see Dreams and Visions that teach her about past and future. When she, at the start of the novel sets out to get her revenge of the man who disgraced her, it quickly turns into obsession which will not only put herself but her friends as well in danger.
I didn't like it as much as the first book. I just couldn't really get into it, and I felt the rules of the Sight were too easily bended for Sophia's convenience. Plus, I guess I missed the ships and the pirates, since a lot of the book is filled with society gatherings and parties. I guess the focus will change to another Gift in the next book, so I hope it will be something more for me...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Last year I read Burning Bright, the first in a new fantasy series, and to say I was excitedly awaiting the second novel, Wondering Sight, would not do it justice.
I was initially disappointed that the characters from the first book didn't show up here, and also the story has moved away from catching pirates in the Caribbean to life in Britain. Sophia has another gift completely, as she as an Extraordinary Seer, can see Dreams and Visions that teach her about past and future. When she, at the start of the novel sets out to get her revenge of the man who disgraced her, it quickly turns into obsession which will not only put herself but her friends as well in danger.
I didn't like it as much as the first book. I just couldn't really get into it, and I felt the rules of the Sight were too easily bended for Sophia's convenience. Plus, I guess I missed the ships and the pirates, since a lot of the book is filled with society gatherings and parties. I guess the focus will change to another Gift in the next book, so I hope it will be something more for me...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 28, 2024
So 2 stars is probably generous considering I skimmed a lot of this, but it wasn't that it was badly written, it was just kind of boring. And I wouldn't have picked it up based on the synopsis alone, I just loved the first book of this series, so figured I had to give this a try. But I just didn't find the Dreaming ability anywhere near as interesting or exciting as the Scorcher one from the first book. And the entire book is spent in Dream trying to bring this one guy running a counterfeiting scheme to justice. And I was just bored.
February 6, 2017
I was eager to return to The Extraordinaries world of elegant Regency London, an ongoing war with France, and oh yes, people born with magical gifts that made them a bit of something extra. Wondering Sight shifts the spotlight to a new intrepid heroine, Sophia Westlake, who possesses a different magical gift and a new adventure of her own.
Wondering Sight is book two in The Extraordinaries series, but it is written in such a way that it can be read out of order or standalone though I would encourage the reader not to miss the first and exciting book, Burning Bright.
The story opens with Sophia Westlake dismissed from her work for the Army in disgrace. Only a select few know about her disgrace- a dream that did not turn out true implicating one of the army's weapon's suppliers in a crime. Sophia is a Seer and an Extraordinaire at that. Her gift is powerful and never wrong. She can't fathom how Lord Endicott got away with his scheme and made her look bad.
Now back in London and forced to meet Endicott in society, Sophia is determined to prove she was right and take down Endicott. She is convinced that a slippery character like him would have more than one scheme afoot.
Her friends, Cecy and Daphne worry about her entering her Dream state too much and Endicott is aware of her pursuit of him and taking steps. A mysterious and interesting man wants to hire her for Seer work and just happens to be around each time she needs rescuing. Driven harder each time she is thwarted, Sophia is so determined to catch Endicott that her pursuit of justice just might slip into revenge. Only, the hunter might turn into the prey if she isn't careful.
Alright, Wondering Sight was vastly different from the earlier book, Burning Bright. The two stories occupy the same world of Regency times blended with magic, but this one takes place mostly against the backdrop of the London Season and the war that was prevalent before is distant background here. There is some excitement, but this one is more of a mystery than adventure.
Sophia's gift was mentioned in the first book, but now the details about how the Seer magic works is detailed out. Sophia is a powerful Seer and can slip into dreams to gain present or future scenes. She can also touch an object to see visions. Sophia is an impulsive and emotional type who leaps into thought, words, and actions which gets her into trouble more often than not. She is written with deep flaws and much of the story she is oblivious, but slowly she is forced to see them and grow though it is only near the end when she teeters over a real abyss of trouble that she finally listens to her friends and the man she loves.
This one had a cunning plot. The villain and even his scheme is known, but this leads to a cat and mouse game that gets deadly. And the story that was evenly paced really started picking up speed near the end for the exciting finish.
Like the first book, I loved the world of magic users and the camaraderie of friends and a little romance. Sophia is a Seer, but her best friend Cecy has the magical ability to connect with others through mindspeak and her new friend Daphne is a Bounder who can teleport from place to place or 'skip' to longer distances. There are also Movers who use telekinesis, fire magic wielders, shapers who can alter their appearances, and more.
I had a good time with this second outing in the series and can't wait for the next installment hopefully involving the precocious Daphne. Those who enjoy their historicals blended with some magic, some romance, and a cunning adventure should give this book/series a try.
My thanks to Curiosity Quills for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wondering Sight is book two in The Extraordinaries series, but it is written in such a way that it can be read out of order or standalone though I would encourage the reader not to miss the first and exciting book, Burning Bright.
The story opens with Sophia Westlake dismissed from her work for the Army in disgrace. Only a select few know about her disgrace- a dream that did not turn out true implicating one of the army's weapon's suppliers in a crime. Sophia is a Seer and an Extraordinaire at that. Her gift is powerful and never wrong. She can't fathom how Lord Endicott got away with his scheme and made her look bad.
Now back in London and forced to meet Endicott in society, Sophia is determined to prove she was right and take down Endicott. She is convinced that a slippery character like him would have more than one scheme afoot.
Her friends, Cecy and Daphne worry about her entering her Dream state too much and Endicott is aware of her pursuit of him and taking steps. A mysterious and interesting man wants to hire her for Seer work and just happens to be around each time she needs rescuing. Driven harder each time she is thwarted, Sophia is so determined to catch Endicott that her pursuit of justice just might slip into revenge. Only, the hunter might turn into the prey if she isn't careful.
Alright, Wondering Sight was vastly different from the earlier book, Burning Bright. The two stories occupy the same world of Regency times blended with magic, but this one takes place mostly against the backdrop of the London Season and the war that was prevalent before is distant background here. There is some excitement, but this one is more of a mystery than adventure.
Sophia's gift was mentioned in the first book, but now the details about how the Seer magic works is detailed out. Sophia is a powerful Seer and can slip into dreams to gain present or future scenes. She can also touch an object to see visions. Sophia is an impulsive and emotional type who leaps into thought, words, and actions which gets her into trouble more often than not. She is written with deep flaws and much of the story she is oblivious, but slowly she is forced to see them and grow though it is only near the end when she teeters over a real abyss of trouble that she finally listens to her friends and the man she loves.
This one had a cunning plot. The villain and even his scheme is known, but this leads to a cat and mouse game that gets deadly. And the story that was evenly paced really started picking up speed near the end for the exciting finish.
Like the first book, I loved the world of magic users and the camaraderie of friends and a little romance. Sophia is a Seer, but her best friend Cecy has the magical ability to connect with others through mindspeak and her new friend Daphne is a Bounder who can teleport from place to place or 'skip' to longer distances. There are also Movers who use telekinesis, fire magic wielders, shapers who can alter their appearances, and more.
I had a good time with this second outing in the series and can't wait for the next installment hopefully involving the precocious Daphne. Those who enjoy their historicals blended with some magic, some romance, and a cunning adventure should give this book/series a try.
My thanks to Curiosity Quills for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
DNF at 10%. This was a disappointing start to the 2nd book. Just bored. The first one was amazing but I’m just not interested enough to keep going.
September 4, 2019
I got the ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review :) it was my second book ever from this author that I had the pleasure of reading... and the pleasure was definitely all mine ;) I adore her writing style and I'm definitely looking forward to checking out her other work... ;) but maybe for today, let us concentrate on the topic of this particular review, which is the sequel in her new series :) but don't worry, even if you haven't read the first book, this one works perfectly well as a standalone :) you get all the informations and explanations necessary to understand the world and to follow the story, so if this one interests you more, you can start here... although I highly recommend you to start at the beginning, because that first story was amazing as well ;) ok, now that we have this little explanation out of the way, let me tell you a bit more about the world and our main character :)
This is an alternate version of our world... it's set in the past, around the time of war with Napoleon... but it's not your average historical story... oh no... it has some very cool paranormal elements :) how cool? oh I'll tell ya ;) some people have Talents :) and even fewer people have Extraordinary Talents, which means they are even better and more unique :) each book in this series, and there are going to be eight in total, will revolve around a different woman with an Extraordinary Talent :) I don't want to say too much, but I will give you a few glimpses / examples :) you can be a Scorcher, like Elinor, the heroine from the first story, which means you can start, and extinguish if you're an Extraordinary Scorcher like her, fire :) you can be a Seer, like Sophia, which gives you an ability to Dream about the past and the future, or have Visions connected to certain objects :) or you can be a Bounder, which long story short, means you are a teleporter :) these are just a few examples, and trust me, I am simplifying the hell out of every Talent, because I am not qualified to explain it as lovely and thoroughly as the wonderful Melissa does in her books :) so trust me, you'll understand everything while you read the books :) now that you know a bit more about the world, how about I will tell you something about Sophia, our heroine :) and a few other important people in this story :)
Sophia... it's really hard to describe her in just a few sentences, and we don't have a whole day for an in depth analysis ;) she's an Extraordinary Seer and, well... she can be very stubborn ;) she has an analytical mind and the whole book revolves around her wanting justice and revenge for someone who wronged her... I know it's a bit vague, and I know that there's a bit more about this whole situation in the synopsis, but I feel like that's all you need to know about that situation ;) she's a very complex character, and even though I didn't agree with some things she did or said, ultimately I couldn't help but like her... she's flawed and human in the best possible way... I don't know how and when exactly, but I grew to really adore her over the course of the book :) so again, I don't want to say too much about her, because I think it's better if you guys just go with an open mind into the story and make up your own mind about her :)
Before I go into my overall thoughts and feelings about this book, I want to mention to you guys a few people that I adored :) and I will leave my fave person for last ;) we have Cecy and her husband Lewis, Cecy is Sophia'a best friend and I adored how much they care for each other... they forgive the mistakes and support each other in hardships and it was just so nice to see a friendship like that :) there is also a certain gentleman, I won't share his name, but trust me... you'll know him when you see him ;) that warmed my heart... although the romance part of this story was waaaayyy in the background, I adored every little scene between him and Sophia... :) and of course Daphne, my favourite person in this story ;) she's an Extraordinary Bounder and such a fun character ;) you have no idea how happy I am that she will be the heroine of the next story... I cannot wait to learn more about her and see what awaits her in the future :)
I was thinking hard after finishing this book how exactly to rate it, but ultimately I decided on full 5 stars... even though I enjoyed the first book a bit more, I realized this one also deserves 5 stars :) I mean... the world building is absolutely amazing, I loved getting to know more details about different Talents... meeting new people, and absolutely falling in love with them ;) not to mention that Melissa's writing style is... just... *sighs* so beautiful :) people, descriptions and all dialogues... *sighs again because once is not enough* ;) her writing style pulls you in and let's you immerse into the book... and before you know it, you're reading the very last chapter ;) and don't even get me started on the story... don't even try to predict what will happen next, because there were quite a few surprising turns and twists that made me gasp so hard I almost hyperventilated ;) #NoJoke ;) I highly recommend you guys this book, and this whole series in general, because it's a fantastically written world with a unique and interesting premise and complex characters, that will pull you in immediately ;)
XOXO
A
This is an alternate version of our world... it's set in the past, around the time of war with Napoleon... but it's not your average historical story... oh no... it has some very cool paranormal elements :) how cool? oh I'll tell ya ;) some people have Talents :) and even fewer people have Extraordinary Talents, which means they are even better and more unique :) each book in this series, and there are going to be eight in total, will revolve around a different woman with an Extraordinary Talent :) I don't want to say too much, but I will give you a few glimpses / examples :) you can be a Scorcher, like Elinor, the heroine from the first story, which means you can start, and extinguish if you're an Extraordinary Scorcher like her, fire :) you can be a Seer, like Sophia, which gives you an ability to Dream about the past and the future, or have Visions connected to certain objects :) or you can be a Bounder, which long story short, means you are a teleporter :) these are just a few examples, and trust me, I am simplifying the hell out of every Talent, because I am not qualified to explain it as lovely and thoroughly as the wonderful Melissa does in her books :) so trust me, you'll understand everything while you read the books :) now that you know a bit more about the world, how about I will tell you something about Sophia, our heroine :) and a few other important people in this story :)
Sophia... it's really hard to describe her in just a few sentences, and we don't have a whole day for an in depth analysis ;) she's an Extraordinary Seer and, well... she can be very stubborn ;) she has an analytical mind and the whole book revolves around her wanting justice and revenge for someone who wronged her... I know it's a bit vague, and I know that there's a bit more about this whole situation in the synopsis, but I feel like that's all you need to know about that situation ;) she's a very complex character, and even though I didn't agree with some things she did or said, ultimately I couldn't help but like her... she's flawed and human in the best possible way... I don't know how and when exactly, but I grew to really adore her over the course of the book :) so again, I don't want to say too much about her, because I think it's better if you guys just go with an open mind into the story and make up your own mind about her :)
Before I go into my overall thoughts and feelings about this book, I want to mention to you guys a few people that I adored :) and I will leave my fave person for last ;) we have Cecy and her husband Lewis, Cecy is Sophia'a best friend and I adored how much they care for each other... they forgive the mistakes and support each other in hardships and it was just so nice to see a friendship like that :) there is also a certain gentleman, I won't share his name, but trust me... you'll know him when you see him ;) that warmed my heart... although the romance part of this story was waaaayyy in the background, I adored every little scene between him and Sophia... :) and of course Daphne, my favourite person in this story ;) she's an Extraordinary Bounder and such a fun character ;) you have no idea how happy I am that she will be the heroine of the next story... I cannot wait to learn more about her and see what awaits her in the future :)
I was thinking hard after finishing this book how exactly to rate it, but ultimately I decided on full 5 stars... even though I enjoyed the first book a bit more, I realized this one also deserves 5 stars :) I mean... the world building is absolutely amazing, I loved getting to know more details about different Talents... meeting new people, and absolutely falling in love with them ;) not to mention that Melissa's writing style is... just... *sighs* so beautiful :) people, descriptions and all dialogues... *sighs again because once is not enough* ;) her writing style pulls you in and let's you immerse into the book... and before you know it, you're reading the very last chapter ;) and don't even get me started on the story... don't even try to predict what will happen next, because there were quite a few surprising turns and twists that made me gasp so hard I almost hyperventilated ;) #NoJoke ;) I highly recommend you guys this book, and this whole series in general, because it's a fantastically written world with a unique and interesting premise and complex characters, that will pull you in immediately ;)
XOXO
A
May 17, 2017
Another great book from this author and series. She really captures the feeling of the time period and that's why the abilities that some characters have are so interesting. Because in this world the extraordinary abilities are actually ordinary. As with the previous book, I think that the writing and editing are nearly flawless. My only objection to this story over the first is that the heroine´s obsession with revenge got quite tedious at the end. I did really feel outrage about her situation at the beginning, but it got to be too much. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 6, 2019
Kept me awake half the nigh 'til I'd finished!
February 7, 2017
"Wondering Sight" was a fantastic continuation of the Extraordinaries series, which could also be read as a stand-alone. In this book, we follow Sophia, an Extraordinary Seer, who was discharged from the military after one of her Dreams, which she knows to be true, was shown to be false. The man she accused was prominent in the government and so the investigation was not as thorough as it should have been. Lord Endicott made himself a dangerous enemy. Sophia is determined in her pursuit of him and uncovering his illicit activities.
Things become more complicated as he continues to foil her at every turn- but why and how? Sophia is joined by her long-BFF, Cecy, and Daphne, a young and eager Extraordinary Bounder. She also has an ally of sorts in Mr. Rutledge, who becomes a friend and maybe even more. It was a quick and fascinating read, as we delve into Sophia's mind and her abilities, both to Dream of the near future (she can only see something once a decision has been made or would be made in one way) and Visions where she can see the present through objects possessed by an individual.
Sophia has a scientific mind and applies this to her abilities, studying and learning from them, as we do the same. I really loved that she and Cecy were the clear main characters here, and the book is definitely highly powered by strong women. Although this takes place in an era where women are typically oppressed, Extraordinaries have more privileges and abilities than others, able to join the military and make their own living. Sophia is a wonderful example of this.
The story is brilliantly written and keeps you engaged until the end- it will move far too quickly. It's very clean, not much violence and no sexual content. Overall, this one is another big win for me, and I can't wait to see this series continued further!
Please note that I received an ARC from the publishers. All opinions are my own.
Things become more complicated as he continues to foil her at every turn- but why and how? Sophia is joined by her long-BFF, Cecy, and Daphne, a young and eager Extraordinary Bounder. She also has an ally of sorts in Mr. Rutledge, who becomes a friend and maybe even more. It was a quick and fascinating read, as we delve into Sophia's mind and her abilities, both to Dream of the near future (she can only see something once a decision has been made or would be made in one way) and Visions where she can see the present through objects possessed by an individual.
Sophia has a scientific mind and applies this to her abilities, studying and learning from them, as we do the same. I really loved that she and Cecy were the clear main characters here, and the book is definitely highly powered by strong women. Although this takes place in an era where women are typically oppressed, Extraordinaries have more privileges and abilities than others, able to join the military and make their own living. Sophia is a wonderful example of this.
The story is brilliantly written and keeps you engaged until the end- it will move far too quickly. It's very clean, not much violence and no sexual content. Overall, this one is another big win for me, and I can't wait to see this series continued further!
Please note that I received an ARC from the publishers. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2022
I really love the magic system McShane has invented for this series. There are eight Extraordinary Talents, four physical and four mental Talents. In Wondering Sight, our main protagonist is an Extraordinary Seer; one of the Ethereal Talents. Which, to be bloody honest, just isn’t as cool as being able to throw fireballs with your bare hands.
This story was a little hard to stick with in parts, mainly because I got confused with all the Dreaming or Visioning or Dream Visioning that was going on. At one point, there were multiple Extraordinary Seers battling each other in the dream world and I… just got lost once or twice. I did eventually get back on track by the very exciting conclusion.
Regarding our Talented damsel, I really loved how feisty and short tempered she was. I thought she might actually punch someone on those many occasions she was tempted to do so. This was all hilarious as it was set within a Regency Era time period, and that is not a very ladylike thing to do. However, I was also very concerned that Sophia's temper and stubbornness might cost her happiness. I would not have faulted our mysterious Mr. Rutledge if he just decided that Sophia was too much of a firecracker and too unforgiving for him to take a bullet for.
Much of the action in this book was carried by the heroine in the next book, Daphne, who is an Extraordinary Bounder. Again, that is a “Corporeal Talent,” so I expect it will be more of the action/adventure story that Book 1 was.
This story was a little hard to stick with in parts, mainly because I got confused with all the Dreaming or Visioning or Dream Visioning that was going on. At one point, there were multiple Extraordinary Seers battling each other in the dream world and I… just got lost once or twice. I did eventually get back on track by the very exciting conclusion.
Regarding our Talented damsel, I really loved how feisty and short tempered she was. I thought she might actually punch someone on those many occasions she was tempted to do so. This was all hilarious as it was set within a Regency Era time period, and that is not a very ladylike thing to do. However, I was also very concerned that Sophia's temper and stubbornness might cost her happiness. I would not have faulted our mysterious Mr. Rutledge if he just decided that Sophia was too much of a firecracker and too unforgiving for him to take a bullet for.
Much of the action in this book was carried by the heroine in the next book, Daphne, who is an Extraordinary Bounder. Again, that is a “Corporeal Talent,” so I expect it will be more of the action/adventure story that Book 1 was.
February 26, 2018
I wasn't quite as captivated by this companion novel, but I still found it delightful. You've still got the X-Men-like powers -- though this time it's focused on the gift of seeing events in the past, present, or future -- and another headstrong main character, though Sophia is hellbent on revenge and not escape like Elinor. And this book was more of a mystery novel a la Sherlock Holmes, while Burning Bright was a tale set on the high seas in the vein of Pirates of the Caribbean. Still, tons of fun to be had. If my library had the third book, I'd be continuing the series, but alas, it does not. :(
April 4, 2017
Sophia Westlake is an Extraordinary Seer. With her Dreams and Visions, she can see past, present and future. Her talent was vital to England’s destruction of the Caribbean pirates, affirming her reputation for skill and accuracy. But when she accuses Lord Endicott of embezzlement, he “proves” her Dream to be false, ruining her reputation and forcing her from the Army. Back in London and certain in the truth of her Dream, Sophia works to prove Lord Endicott is the criminal she knows him to be.
I love the way this series takes two of my favorite genres – regency and fantasy – and combines them seamlessly. So, we’re starting out really well right there! Now add an incredible heroine, creepy villain, great friends, a rocky acquaintance turned love interest and a compelling mystery and I’m hooked!
The story is told from Sophia’s POV. I loved diving into her thoughts and feelings. I felt like I really got to know her. Yes, she became a bit obsessive, but I understood her motives and sympathized with her. She has such a good understanding of her talent! I admired her desire to continually learn more and push the known boundaries of Seeing. I was fascinated by the way Dreams and Visions worked. It was mystical, yet made sense.
Sophia has wonderful friends! They stand by her, believe in her and care about her. Cecy is so kind and gentle and Lady Daphne is completely full of life. (Lady Daphne is the heroine of the next book in the series. Yay!) I also really liked Lewis and the way he protected Cecy, his wife.
Wondering Sight does standalone, but I would encourage you to read Burning Bright first. The different talents are described in more detail there, including the differences between a regular Talent and an Extraordinary Talent. It also helps you understand what an incredible Seer Sophia is, even though she is never mentioned by name.
I loved this book! I couldn’t stop reading! I had the same experience with Burning Bright, and I predict I’ll have the same issue with the next book in the series. And I’m ok with that!
I was given a complimentary copy of the book. This review contains my honest opinion.
I love the way this series takes two of my favorite genres – regency and fantasy – and combines them seamlessly. So, we’re starting out really well right there! Now add an incredible heroine, creepy villain, great friends, a rocky acquaintance turned love interest and a compelling mystery and I’m hooked!
The story is told from Sophia’s POV. I loved diving into her thoughts and feelings. I felt like I really got to know her. Yes, she became a bit obsessive, but I understood her motives and sympathized with her. She has such a good understanding of her talent! I admired her desire to continually learn more and push the known boundaries of Seeing. I was fascinated by the way Dreams and Visions worked. It was mystical, yet made sense.
Sophia has wonderful friends! They stand by her, believe in her and care about her. Cecy is so kind and gentle and Lady Daphne is completely full of life. (Lady Daphne is the heroine of the next book in the series. Yay!) I also really liked Lewis and the way he protected Cecy, his wife.
Wondering Sight does standalone, but I would encourage you to read Burning Bright first. The different talents are described in more detail there, including the differences between a regular Talent and an Extraordinary Talent. It also helps you understand what an incredible Seer Sophia is, even though she is never mentioned by name.
I loved this book! I couldn’t stop reading! I had the same experience with Burning Bright, and I predict I’ll have the same issue with the next book in the series. And I’m ok with that!
I was given a complimentary copy of the book. This review contains my honest opinion.
October 7, 2024
*Source* Publisher via NetGalley
*Genre* Historical Fiction, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
WONDERING SIGHT is the second installment in author Melissa McShane's The Extraordinaire's. The author returns to Regency London, circa 1812, where there are some extraordinary people living in this era. From seers, to scorchers, to bounders, sharpers & movers they all have some pretty remarkable abilities & skill sets. This time out, Author McShane writes about an entirely new cast of characters outside of Burning Bright.
WONDERING SIGHT features Sophia Westlake, who readers of Burning Bright should be familiar with. She's a powerful seer who discovered how the pirates were tracking Royal Navy ships and therefore saved the day when things looked bleak. Sophia's visions are said to perfect in accuracy. Which is why when her Dreams show Lord Endicott being guilty of embezzling money from the Army, the War Office releases her. Sophia still doesn't know what happened, but she is sure that her dreams somehow changed.
*Full Review @ Talk Supe!
http://www.talksupeblog.com/2017/01/s...
*Genre* Historical Fiction, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
WONDERING SIGHT is the second installment in author Melissa McShane's The Extraordinaire's. The author returns to Regency London, circa 1812, where there are some extraordinary people living in this era. From seers, to scorchers, to bounders, sharpers & movers they all have some pretty remarkable abilities & skill sets. This time out, Author McShane writes about an entirely new cast of characters outside of Burning Bright.
WONDERING SIGHT features Sophia Westlake, who readers of Burning Bright should be familiar with. She's a powerful seer who discovered how the pirates were tracking Royal Navy ships and therefore saved the day when things looked bleak. Sophia's visions are said to perfect in accuracy. Which is why when her Dreams show Lord Endicott being guilty of embezzling money from the Army, the War Office releases her. Sophia still doesn't know what happened, but she is sure that her dreams somehow changed.
*Full Review @ Talk Supe!
http://www.talksupeblog.com/2017/01/s...
December 28, 2021
I didn't love it as much as book 1, but I did still really enjoy this book and it is further solidifying my certainty that Melissa McShane is an author I will continue to love.
This book seems to be one of the less popular in the series, and I can kind of see why - I think some readers might be frustrated by Sophia, the main character, and specifically her self-destructiveness in pursuit of her goals.
There are some kinds of self-sabotage I find it very difficult to read about or that I avoid, but in this case it worked for me - possibly because I related in some ways to Sophia's dangerous single-mindedness: I feel like I would *also* put myself in danger in order to clear my name after someone publicly humiliated me when I KNEW I was right, so it wasn't irritating to me that Sophia would do the same!
I also wonder if some readers might find the plot frustrating or repetitive, but I really enjoyed it. I found the magic of Dream fascinating, and I'm so impressed at the way McShane seamlessly worked that information into the book.
And I LOVED Daphne! so excited that she's the main character of book 3. And just in general, I think the characterization and writing is fantastic, as it was in book 1.
My only gripes were the romance and one aspect of the ending. I think the realization of Sophia's feelings happened way too abruptly, and although I thought her and the love interest had some good scenes together, I wanted more development of their relationship (though I did really appreciate his apology scene.)
And regarding the ending, I liked the decision Sophia made, but I thought we needed to spend more time on it.
Altogether, a really excellent installment!
CW: Grief, infertility, violence, references to murder
This book seems to be one of the less popular in the series, and I can kind of see why - I think some readers might be frustrated by Sophia, the main character, and specifically her self-destructiveness in pursuit of her goals.
There are some kinds of self-sabotage I find it very difficult to read about or that I avoid, but in this case it worked for me - possibly because I related in some ways to Sophia's dangerous single-mindedness: I feel like I would *also* put myself in danger in order to clear my name after someone publicly humiliated me when I KNEW I was right, so it wasn't irritating to me that Sophia would do the same!
I also wonder if some readers might find the plot frustrating or repetitive, but I really enjoyed it. I found the magic of Dream fascinating, and I'm so impressed at the way McShane seamlessly worked that information into the book.
And I LOVED Daphne! so excited that she's the main character of book 3. And just in general, I think the characterization and writing is fantastic, as it was in book 1.
My only gripes were the romance and one aspect of the ending. I think the realization of Sophia's feelings happened way too abruptly, and although I thought her and the love interest had some good scenes together, I wanted more development of their relationship (though I did really appreciate his apology scene.)
And regarding the ending, I liked the decision Sophia made, but I thought we needed to spend more time on it.
Altogether, a really excellent installment!
CW: Grief, infertility, violence, references to murder
November 14, 2021
This one is more of a 3.5 solely because I found Sophia to be much more irritating than Elinor. And stupid; it seemed obvious from the beginning that she had a rival and considering the war work she had been doing it seems incredible that she didn't suspect this from the start. She also continually acts out of pride.
Any how this one is set in London and is more of a detective novel with personal stakes and again a little romance. Whilst not as much to my taste I am still really enjoying the world that McShane has created and am looking forward to more instalments.
Any how this one is set in London and is more of a detective novel with personal stakes and again a little romance. Whilst not as much to my taste I am still really enjoying the world that McShane has created and am looking forward to more instalments.
September 2, 2024
so since i read burning bright four times, i decided to continue on with the series. and i was disappointed. This was one pretty boring imo. a whole lot of it was sophia having visions. romance was mid. sophia was mean to her friends a lot, which I guess was expected since she was spiraling into desperation and insanity with her need for vengeance. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. I will still continue on with the series since i heard they get better again after this one.
June 8, 2023
great story
Love this series and this book. The Dreaming is interesting to contemplate. I enjoyed the characters. I recommend this book and series
Love this series and this book. The Dreaming is interesting to contemplate. I enjoyed the characters. I recommend this book and series
August 2, 2017
Wondering Sight is the second book in The Extraordinaires historical fantasy series, following Burning Bright. These books can be read as standalones if you are so inclined, there was no noticeable character crossover in this installment. The Extraordinaries have special talents above and beyond the rest of society. They can control fire (scorchers), or move large objects via telekinesis (movers), teleport (bounders), heal and shape the human body (shapers), or prognosticate (seers). Not everyone has a talent, and not every talent is extraordinary... but this series seeks to showcase the most extraordinary people of the time.
Our heroine, Sophia Westlake, is an Extraordinary Seer, able to see past, present and future events in dreams and visions. She has returned home from serving her country in disgrace, after the War Office did not believe her visions that showed an embezzling peer of the realm. But Sophia is no dishwater miss, and she is not going to let the criminal get away with his misdeeds. She is headstrong and determined to get her revenge, to the extent that those closest to her believe she is losing her mind. Unfortunately, Sophia's character was not very likable. She was so focused on her revenge that she came off as cold and foolhardy. I was never able to establish the connection to her that I look for with my heroines.
Lord Rutledge was an investigator for the Bank of London, and our hero, but he took a back seat to Sophia. I would have liked to see Rutledge more in the spotlight along with Sophia. Lord Rutledge first approaches Sophia to assist him using her Seer abilities, but the acquaintance started off poorly and remained rocky for most of the book. The romance was definitely not the focus of this story, and our couple did not engage in much (if any) relationship building. I think if the romance were livened up a bit, it would have softened Sophia's edges and made her a more likable character.
Overall, the plot was not bad. I enjoyed Sophia's attempts to uncover Lord Endicott's crimes and vindicate herself. Endicott was a good villain - the charming sly type that no one suspects. In the audio, there was some confusion with names. One of the co-villains was named Baines (sp?), which sounded very much like one of the Bow Street Runners, Bain (sp?). So I had a hard time understanding who was being discussed at times.
I did like the secondary characters in this installment. Cecy was a sympathetic character with her mysterious illness and desire for a baby, and Daphne and her exuberance were endearing. I do hope that Daphne gets her own story - I think her bounding ability will be interesting and unique.
The narrator for this audiobook is Cat Gould, and I am no stranger to her work. I think she does a good job giving each character their own personality and I never hesitate to pick up one of her audiobooks.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Tantor Audio.
March 23, 2017
3.5 stars
Wondering Sight is a good second entry into Melissa McShane’s new series, The Extraordinaries.
Sophia is a respected Dreamer, a person who with psi abilities who can use dreams and visions to do things like see the immediate future and envision the world through another person’s eyes. However, she feels that her abilities as a Dreamer are in doubt when she is dismissed from military service after she accuses Lord Endicott (one of the villains from the first book) of embezzling and the Army does not believe her. Sophia then embarks on an obsessive quest to prove that Endicott is corrupt by using her dreams to show that he is involved in another criminal enterprise—forging money. In doing so, she risks her health, friendships, and the possibility of finding love with the intriguing Mr. Rutledge.
This entire novel is a game of cat and mouse between Sophia and Lord Endicott. Or maybe it might be more accurate to compare the relationship to one cat stalking another, as each of them tries to bring the other down. The interplay between the two kept me interested in what would happen next.
Readers who really like a lot of action might have a bit of trouble getting through this book, though. Much of the novel literally takes place in Sophia’s head as she dreams. She does go out and actually do things when she can, but as a woman in 19th century England, her ability to act is naturally going to be limited. Sophia is frustrated by her inability to do more, at having to sit around and wait for others to act, and it does get somewhat frustrating for the reader at times as well.
However, the frustration I felt at times over the pacing of the book was counteracted by my enjoyment of how the romance between Sophia and Mr. Rutledge was written. Unlike the first book in the series, where the relationship between the two main characters is kept pretty much in the background for most of the book, Sophia recognizes fairly early on that she has fallen in love. However, Mr. Rutledge’s own actions put a barrier between them in a way that seemed fairly realistic to me. If a person doesn’t believe in you or manipulates you for his benefit, as Mr. Rutledge does to Sophia, it’s going to make it harder to trust in him enough to reveal how you feel about that person. When they both finally reveal their feelings for each other, in the final chapter, the resolution of their romance is quite sweet.
I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fantasy flavored with a bit of romance. And I’m really looking forward to the next in the series. It will be about Daphne, an Extraordinary Bounder who is a particularly enjoyable character in this book..
An eARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wondering Sight is a good second entry into Melissa McShane’s new series, The Extraordinaries.
Sophia is a respected Dreamer, a person who with psi abilities who can use dreams and visions to do things like see the immediate future and envision the world through another person’s eyes. However, she feels that her abilities as a Dreamer are in doubt when she is dismissed from military service after she accuses Lord Endicott (one of the villains from the first book) of embezzling and the Army does not believe her. Sophia then embarks on an obsessive quest to prove that Endicott is corrupt by using her dreams to show that he is involved in another criminal enterprise—forging money. In doing so, she risks her health, friendships, and the possibility of finding love with the intriguing Mr. Rutledge.
This entire novel is a game of cat and mouse between Sophia and Lord Endicott. Or maybe it might be more accurate to compare the relationship to one cat stalking another, as each of them tries to bring the other down. The interplay between the two kept me interested in what would happen next.
Readers who really like a lot of action might have a bit of trouble getting through this book, though. Much of the novel literally takes place in Sophia’s head as she dreams. She does go out and actually do things when she can, but as a woman in 19th century England, her ability to act is naturally going to be limited. Sophia is frustrated by her inability to do more, at having to sit around and wait for others to act, and it does get somewhat frustrating for the reader at times as well.
However, the frustration I felt at times over the pacing of the book was counteracted by my enjoyment of how the romance between Sophia and Mr. Rutledge was written. Unlike the first book in the series, where the relationship between the two main characters is kept pretty much in the background for most of the book, Sophia recognizes fairly early on that she has fallen in love. However, Mr. Rutledge’s own actions put a barrier between them in a way that seemed fairly realistic to me. If a person doesn’t believe in you or manipulates you for his benefit, as Mr. Rutledge does to Sophia, it’s going to make it harder to trust in him enough to reveal how you feel about that person. When they both finally reveal their feelings for each other, in the final chapter, the resolution of their romance is quite sweet.
I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fantasy flavored with a bit of romance. And I’m really looking forward to the next in the series. It will be about Daphne, an Extraordinary Bounder who is a particularly enjoyable character in this book..
An eARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2017
Rating: 3.5
This review was originally posted on Spinatale Review.
Wondering Sight begins with Sophia Westlake returning to London after her career with the War Office ends in disgrace. She accused Lord Endicott of various crimes and had her sight discredited when he used his power and influence to cover up the evidence. Bent on revenge, Sophia is consumed by her obsession to prove that her dream was true.
Burning Bright was one of my favorite books of 2016 and I have been eagerly awaiting the sequel. However, Wondering Sight didn’t quite have the same magic for me. The reader doesn’t have a chance to connect with Sophia before the action beginnings. Since she was such a minor (yet important) character in the previous book, I would have preferred a bit more background up front. Sophia originally comes off as a very prideful and somewhat selfish character. While my opinion of her changed vastly over the course of the novel, my original impression meant that I wasn’t able to connect with her until about halfway through the novel.
Lord Endicott was an incredibly interesting villain. He was talented, smart, and powerful. However, I don’t feel as if his supposed madness was handled very well. It made the plot somewhat overly complicated as his character kept shifting. That being said, the secondary characters were my favorite part of the novel. Daphne was an engaging character and I hope to see more of her in the future. While I wish that Cecy hadn’t been so defined by her illness, I love that the author included a chronically ill character and that she played such a pivotal role.
As for Mr. Rutledge, I really liked him as both a character and love interest. The romance developed naturally and was full of wonderful misunderstandings and complications (think Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth). My one complaint about the romance is that I wish there had been more of it. While I’m a fan of slow-burning/developing romances, I would have liked to see a little bit more interaction between the two.
The plot was an intricate game of cat and mouse between Sophia and Lord Endicott. It developed rather slowly. I believe that the second half of the novel was much stronger than the first. While I would recommend reading book one for the initial world-building, this book did a good job of expanding and building upon the previous novel. It can be read as a standalone.
Overall, I think this book was interesting but had some flaws. I did really enjoy being back in this world, even if my favorite characters never appeared. I would recommend this book if you enjoyed Burning Bright and want to see more of the world.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This review was originally posted on Spinatale Review.
Wondering Sight begins with Sophia Westlake returning to London after her career with the War Office ends in disgrace. She accused Lord Endicott of various crimes and had her sight discredited when he used his power and influence to cover up the evidence. Bent on revenge, Sophia is consumed by her obsession to prove that her dream was true.
Burning Bright was one of my favorite books of 2016 and I have been eagerly awaiting the sequel. However, Wondering Sight didn’t quite have the same magic for me. The reader doesn’t have a chance to connect with Sophia before the action beginnings. Since she was such a minor (yet important) character in the previous book, I would have preferred a bit more background up front. Sophia originally comes off as a very prideful and somewhat selfish character. While my opinion of her changed vastly over the course of the novel, my original impression meant that I wasn’t able to connect with her until about halfway through the novel.
Lord Endicott was an incredibly interesting villain. He was talented, smart, and powerful. However, I don’t feel as if his supposed madness was handled very well. It made the plot somewhat overly complicated as his character kept shifting. That being said, the secondary characters were my favorite part of the novel. Daphne was an engaging character and I hope to see more of her in the future. While I wish that Cecy hadn’t been so defined by her illness, I love that the author included a chronically ill character and that she played such a pivotal role.
As for Mr. Rutledge, I really liked him as both a character and love interest. The romance developed naturally and was full of wonderful misunderstandings and complications (think Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth). My one complaint about the romance is that I wish there had been more of it. While I’m a fan of slow-burning/developing romances, I would have liked to see a little bit more interaction between the two.
The plot was an intricate game of cat and mouse between Sophia and Lord Endicott. It developed rather slowly. I believe that the second half of the novel was much stronger than the first. While I would recommend reading book one for the initial world-building, this book did a good job of expanding and building upon the previous novel. It can be read as a standalone.
Overall, I think this book was interesting but had some flaws. I did really enjoy being back in this world, even if my favorite characters never appeared. I would recommend this book if you enjoyed Burning Bright and want to see more of the world.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 24, 2017
If you've read the synopsis then I don't think I need to summarize this book at all, it is a rather long winded summary and essentially it sums the book up perfectly. Long winded summary and all. In a nutshell - Sophia Westlake is a Seer, she has dreams and visions of the past, present, and future. She happens to have a false vision which leads to her accusing a well known Lord and it served to boot her from the Navy because her accusations were not light ones, she is ruined and this is where we meet up with her.
This is a wonderfully written book, if not a little wordy at times, but it puts me in the mindset of a regency novel, there happens to be a lot of internal monologues which allows us to experience the emotions and the world through Sophia Westlake's eyes and mind, but it also serves to distract and detach from the other characters, we're not able to experience them as readily as Sophia. As I mentioned before it does put me in the mindset of a regency novel and I believe those that are keen on them would thoroughly enjoy this as it has that feel with a touch of supernatural aspects to it.
Unfortunately, I simply could not connect to this book, but it doesn't mean that it isn't a wonderful book because it certainly was. It was written well, the premise is interesting, it was simply something that I could not dive into. For that, I'll knock off a star, but it's likely only a personal issue because I cannot stress enough that it actually is a wonderful book.
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This is a wonderfully written book, if not a little wordy at times, but it puts me in the mindset of a regency novel, there happens to be a lot of internal monologues which allows us to experience the emotions and the world through Sophia Westlake's eyes and mind, but it also serves to distract and detach from the other characters, we're not able to experience them as readily as Sophia. As I mentioned before it does put me in the mindset of a regency novel and I believe those that are keen on them would thoroughly enjoy this as it has that feel with a touch of supernatural aspects to it.
Unfortunately, I simply could not connect to this book, but it doesn't mean that it isn't a wonderful book because it certainly was. It was written well, the premise is interesting, it was simply something that I could not dive into. For that, I'll knock off a star, but it's likely only a personal issue because I cannot stress enough that it actually is a wonderful book.
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January 28, 2017
Others have summarized what it's about, so I'll cover other aspects. The details add wonderful color to this story. It's really a cross-genre story, where all the components come together quite well. I'm reviewing this based on an e-ARC, but may need to get a hard copy.
The Regency aspect is done fabulously with lots of little details adding to the feel of the story ranging from clothing to architecture, and oozing with manners. The crime thriller aspect is done well as a cat and mouse game where both sides of the confrontation are aware of each other and interact regularly at social gatherings, each unable to gain the advantage they need. The magic is a continuation of the theme from the first book Burning Bright, but looking at one of the other Extraordinary Talents, allowing the author to delve into a new aspect of her world.
The Regency aspect is done fabulously with lots of little details adding to the feel of the story ranging from clothing to architecture, and oozing with manners. The crime thriller aspect is done well as a cat and mouse game where both sides of the confrontation are aware of each other and interact regularly at social gatherings, each unable to gain the advantage they need. The magic is a continuation of the theme from the first book Burning Bright, but looking at one of the other Extraordinary Talents, allowing the author to delve into a new aspect of her world.
February 10, 2017
I adored this book. While I didn't quite love it as much as the first (I think I'm just attached to Elinor), this sequel still had everything I loved about the first book: strong, female protagonist, unique abilities and a great love interest.
With a better understanding of this world after the first book, it was so easy to dive into Sophia's life as she re-enters society after helping in the war overseas and uses her seer abilities to try to regain her reputation and take down the evil Lord Endicott.
I really hope that there will be more books in this series. I can't wait to read more of McShane's work!
With a better understanding of this world after the first book, it was so easy to dive into Sophia's life as she re-enters society after helping in the war overseas and uses her seer abilities to try to regain her reputation and take down the evil Lord Endicott.
I really hope that there will be more books in this series. I can't wait to read more of McShane's work!
November 15, 2019
I want to start off by saying that overall I loved this book. That being said, like many of the other reviewers I found myself being slightly disappointed with it. Sophie's self destructive tendencies were disconcerting to me, and while I understood her motives throughout the story I think they were why I had a difficult time engaging with this book. That being said, I found the storyline well thought out and interesting, and while this book was certainly less action packed then the first, I think it made up for that in intrigue and suspense. This was a solid addition to the series and will be one I return to in the future.
July 19, 2017
1. Burning Bright: 5 ★
2. Wondering Sight: 4 ★
not as good as the first part (which was perfect to me) but still an excellent novel. I hope there will be a third book and that we will meet some of the characters again
2. Wondering Sight: 4 ★
not as good as the first part (which was perfect to me) but still an excellent novel. I hope there will be a third book and that we will meet some of the characters again
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