The fourth and final installment of a "riveting" (RT Book reviews) urban fantasy series about a renegade mage and the demons who love her.Complicated does not begin to describe Arcadia Bell's life right now: unnatural magical power, another brush with death, and a murderous mother who's not only overbearing but determined to take permanent possession of Cady's body. Forced to delve deep into the mystery surrounding her own birth, Cady must uncover which evil spell her parents cast during her conception…and how to reverse it. Fast. As she and her lover Lon embark on a dangerous journey through her magical past, Lon's teenage son Jupe sneaks off for his own investigation. Each family secret they uncover is darker than the last, and Cady, who has worn many identities—Moonchild, mage, fugitive—is about to add one more to the list.
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Source: e-arc provided by Pocket via Netgalley for an honest review
Review:
I'm going to miss this series like crazy. I don't think any author has done a better job of writing a family dynamic in urban fantasy that has felt so real and touching as Jen Bennett has done with the Arcadia Bell series.
Banishing the Dark brings Cady full circle to confront her past, her mother and her powers, something she needs to do before she finally move on and and build a future.
I don't want to spoil anything - but Bennett really kicks it up on the action and romance for long time fans of this series. There were some twists that I was unsure of at first but Bennett made it work.
Jupe has a few chapters of his own and I couldn't even contain my excitement or laughter while reading them. He is seriously the best kid ever! And I hate reading about kids.
**Minor spoiler ahead if you haven’t read the previous books in this series:**
Because this is the end of the series (sobs), the focus was on Cady, Lon, Jupe and the showdown with her mother. That means there wasn't a lot of time for old favorites and I missed them terribly, although you're not left wondering what happens to them.
Cady and Lon's relationship was so damn sweet and funny. There was a lightness to Lon that he didn't have in the previous books, despite the drama going on around them. Knowing that I wasn't going to be able to spend time with them again made each of their scenes more special and even made me a little teary eyed.
I'm not a fan of long epilogues but this one was perfect. I needed it for closure.
The Arcadia bell series is one of my favorite UF series and I'm sad to see it end but also thrilled with it going out on such a high note.
At least it ends well and not go on and on and get worse
ReplyDeleteIt's rare - so I'm happy!
DeleteThis is one of my fav UF series too, and I am SO sad that it's over, but boy what an ending! At least we still have her Roaring Twenties books to keep us entertained. Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it could have went longer but she ended it so well that I can't help but be happy.
DeleteI just started this series last year, and I can't believe it's already ending! I'm glad it ended well for you, and I can't wait to read it myself. Great review, Karen!
ReplyDeleteJessica @ Rabid Reads
I hope you love it too!
DeleteOkay, even though I haven't read this one, I'm feeling the need to reread the entire series, since this is the last one. SADNESS!
ReplyDeleteI think you would really like this series. The relationships are just amazing! AMAZING!
DeleteEeeeeppp! I did not read your review but eeppp haha. Aaahh can't wait to read this, thank you, thank youuuu for recommeding it to me. I don't want it to end but at the same I'm happy that is not dragging...so many feels!
ReplyDeleteOne of my fave. series. Cady & Lon *happy sigh*
I hope you like it. I'm a little nervous for you lol
DeleteThis family dynamic has certainly grabbed my attention.
ReplyDeleteIt's a rare thing in UF to have solid relationships - I loved it.
DeleteI'm starting this series today, another series binge for me. Loved it so far & though I still have ways to go, I'm happy to see that my time won't be wasted reading this series. I hate goodbyes but as long as it's done well I think I can send the characters off on a happy note.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good series to binge!
DeleteI didn't read the whole review because I think I want to read this series. I'm going to go look it up on Amazon right now. I love books about secrets!
ReplyDeleteI think you might like it Pam - it's low on angst and sex.
DeleteIt is sad when a good series ends, and it's rare to see an UF series end after 4 books, I feel like they always go on and on and on! Also good to hear that family dynamics are covered so well
ReplyDeleteMands @ The Bookish Manicurist
It ended on a high note so I'm really happy that it didn't drag out and disappoint me.
DeleteGreat review and this book to end the series was amazing . It was sad not to see everyone. .
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to pick this series up since your earlier reviews! Bad Andrea! I'm so glad you enjoyed how the series finished, that's such a great feeling!
ReplyDeleteI think its a good thing when a series has you wanting more come the last book instead of the author stretching the story out long after its natural ending.
ReplyDeleteHow sad for a fav series to be over but how wonderful for it to have ended so well! I should check this series out!
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