A fantastic sequel (Something Dangerous - Penny Vincenzi)

Member Name: eilidhcatriona

Product:	Something Dangerous - Penny Vincenzi
Date:	21/05/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A gripping story which sucks you in

Disadvantages: Once you've read this there's only one more to go!

This is the middle novel of the Spoils of Time Trilogy, and the follow up to the excellent No Angel. It's 1928 when this opens, and the focus has shifted from Celia Lytton to her children, the stunning and spoiled twins Adele and Venetia, dull Giles and "adopted" Barty.

They are all now adults, and the novel opens with the twins 18th birthday party. As the book progresses, we see them begin to repeat some of their parents mistakes from No Angel. Something Dangerous takes us through World War II, and the pain, loss and suffering that it causes. Celia makes mistakes, and drives some of her children away from her. Her children have difficult and complicated relationships, and struggle to find their way through life.

As ever, Penny Vincenzi's storytelling is superb. She draws us into the lives of all her characters, and I found myself completely caught up in their stories and unable to put the book down - even after having read it several times!

As in all her novels, the historical detail is fantastic, and the atmosphere of World War II is evoked brilliantly. We sit with the characters as they listen to Churchill's iconic speeches on the radio, and suffer with them as they wait for their children and loved ones to survive through D-Day.

Vincenzi's novels are easy to read, but they are not simple. There are lots of story threads running independently which eventually become entangled. The story pulls you in, and you just have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next! There are times the suspense is almost unbearable and will have you curling your toes.

Something Dangerous could potentially be read as a stand alone novel, as it begins several years after No Angel ends. However, having read No Angel first, I found there were so many hints as to what had happened in the past in Something Dangerous that I was able to pick up on, which would have meant nothing had I not read No Angel. I would definately recommend reading this, but I'd advise you read No Angel first and get the best out of the trilogy by reading it in order.

Summary: A brilliant novel, an absolute must read - but read No Angel first!