Bellis's second novel (after Step into Darkness
) is a Georgian romantic adventure that blends historical and magical elements to make a satisfying potion with a strong bite. When Viscount Redfern secretly pledges to restore his family's fortunes by working for Sir Alaric, King George's spymaster, he doesn't realize he may lose the love of his betrothed. Distraught by Redfern's lengthy, unexplained absences, Helen Barrett ends their engagement and, after receiving an extravagant necklace from the odious Lord Waring, acquiesces to his romantic advances. Redfern's determination to win Helen back intensifies when, during his next assignment, he learns that Waring is the leader of the traitorous and sorcerous Hellfire League. Horrified, he watches Waring use occult powers to control Helen and her brother, James, a young but fast-rising politician. Aided by Sir Alaric, Redfern manages to free Helen from the villain's spell, and together they work to thwart Waring's plans for her brother. This lively adventure features vibrant leads and a tight plot, with well-drawn secondary characters and, in Waring, a bad guy readers will love to hate. (Apr.)
