Another book that I read way back but stayed with me. I never forgot the story of street urchins Abel Lackland and Lilith Lucas and who they grew up to be. I didn't forget Jesse or poor Dorothea, suffering from a terrible case of unrequited love; if only she had looked elsewhere, she might have found a HEA, instead of scheming to get the man she loved, hoping he'd grow to love her in time (so pathetic in its desperation).

Why this novel, and the next one in the series ("The Haymarket") were never made into a movie or miniseries really puzzles me. What actress wouldn't jump at the chance to play Lilith Lucas! She's hardly the typical heroine (a far cry from it) but, despite her selfishness and heartless attitude, there's no doubt she's entertaining to read about, not one dull scene where she's the star. And not one dull page in this book! ( )