The Third Son by T.L. Vance

Click here; 2005; Trade Paperback; ISBN 0-595-34604-9; 457 pages

Genre: Contemporary, Women's Fiction

Kellson Berkley isn’t a covetous man by nature. Handsome, successful and worth a bloody fortune (if you believe what you read in the tabloids; and his family certainly does), he’s had no cause to feel pangs of envy or jealousy…until now. The only thing worse than his flat mate’s taste in women, after all, is the acute, biting tension between Kells and his father when they’re in the same room together.

He hadn't expected to like Bryant’s fiancée -- a “pampered” beauty queen from the States. Of course, Bryant left out a lot of details in his phone call to Kells prior to leaving on a business trip. Hell, he just called to let Kells know Cydney Nash would be living in their flat (so he wouldn’t be surprised to find her there when Kells got back from his vacation). Never mind the fact that Bryant had all but abandoned his fiancée -- another short-term arrangement, no doubt -- in a strange, new city. The inconsiderate bugger!

Byrant’s stupidity outranks his callousness, however, because Cydney Nash is breath-taking; the perfect woman, in fact: smart, sassy, sexy, drop-dead gorgeous…and engaged -- to Bryant, the perfect ass. Cydney’s career aspirations are what really brought her to London, though. Bryant’s defection is a disappointing development, therefore, but not a devastating blow. Her instantaneous attraction to her fiancé’s friend and flat mate is of greater concern. Focus on your architecture career, Cyd, she sternly counsels herself.

Feel free to develop a friendship with Kells, but for pity’s sake, don’t turn into a simpering Southern belle all of a freakin’ sudden. (Hah, as if she would! Her best-friend Sara is probably choking on her spit at the thought). There are ugly undercurrents preparing to wreak havoc on Cydney and Kells’ lives, however; unexpected and deadly undercurrents -- fueled by greed, jealousy and a sense of entitlement -- that will eventually come to shocking light. For better and for worse.

The Third Son is T.L. Vance’s self-published debut novel (available now from iUniverse.com), and is a dense, character and dialogue-driven drama that delves beyond appearances and exposes devastating truths for what they are: half-hidden agendas. Other genre labels, of course, apply to it: romance, mystery, chick lit, women’s fiction. While there’s intrigue afoot in the plot, friendship is also celebrated (and tested), you see, and family -- well, let’s just say it’s not the most stable of foundations in Ms. Vance’s born-to-wealth-and-privilege hero’s life, shall we?

Relationships are complicated in this novel, in fact, and are downright messy from time to time; and the dialogue is edgy, cutting, frank, teasing and witty by turn. Of all the plot elements, though, the developing romance between Kells and Cydney is the strongest facet, the most absorbing and abstracting. It can be slow-going at times, though, because certain developments are drawn-out. (Initially, I thought some judicious editing would have tightened things up a bit. Surprisingly, the typos are kept to a minimum -- considering this is a self-published work of fiction -- and the author’s phrasing and transitions are pretty smooth).

But this willy-nilly, gumdrops-from-the-sky departing of details -- pertaining to Kells’ past and present, for example -- also provokes one’s curiosity (while testing one’s patience). Some of the plot twists are predictable, and I wished one in particular had never taken place. The Third Son is an impressive debut, however, from an author I’d like to see more of: more romance releases, that is (containing epilogues, perhaps, for a reader’s peace of mind). An author of obvious strengths and talents, Ms. Vance has won this reviewer over on the first try.

This may be a weighty read for some -- a little ponderous and pedantic to those looking for a quick, fluffy reading fix -- but the romance is gripping, and the characterizations are unusually layered (i.e. they possess very distinct personalities). A second or third reading may even be in order. All in all, Ms. Vance has spun a fine tale about the wealthy, privileged (and let’s not forget beautiful) few -- and all without prodding the demons of jealousy to life in this reviewer. Congratulations should go out to the author, then, for a job well-done. What's next on the agenda?

Reviewed by Cheryl Jeffries
Date posted: August 28, 2005