Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Banishing the Dark (Arcadia Bell #4) by Jenn Bennett

Series: Arcadia Bell #4 (final)
384p.
Published: 5/27/14
Publisher: Pocket Books
Source: From publisher for review
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.
My thoughts:
I didn't realize this was the final book until I got to the end and there was an epilogue. There was no question that this is the final book to the series. This knowledge totally bummed me out since I just love these characters so much. As I have said before, you rarely get parental involvement in this genre, but you have it here with Lon and even Cady who loves Jupe as much as the rest of the readers. So nice to see a good family unit.

In this final book, she is still seeking knowledge of what her parents did to conceive her. Trying to find out not who she is, but what. I don't want to give more away than that since some of you aren't quite up to this book. Oh and why not? Seriously, those that haven't read this series really need to get on it. You only have 4 books and all are filled with adventure and people to care about. /side note... ;) Anyhoo... back to this story... The book is adventure to the end and everything is wrapped up. You aren't left wondering what happened, but are fulfilled in the questions you were seeking with Cady. The only feeling you are left with that could be considered bad is not wanting to let them go knowing that with Jupe there HAS to be more adventure awaiting them. :) Still, it is satisfying and you do get a peek into the future with that epilogue.

I  give this final book 4 1/2 stars. This is a wonderful series and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. I still need to read the Roaring 20s series and I do think I will have to get on that to get my Jenn Bennett writing fix. :)

22 comments:

  1. Its always a shame when a series you have enjoyed comes to an end and especially when it still has some life in it as seems the case here. Still what's that saying about it being better to go out on a bang than a whimper? I hope the other series you mention is just as good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true. I am sad to see it go. I have no doubt the other series rocks. :)

      Delete
  2. I was shocked this was the end too, Melissa, but I've loved this series so very much, so I truly can't complain that it's over (or not toooo much, at least)! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've got to read the whole thing, I think. I've read a couple of them but, now that the series is over (sounds like it was a surprise for a lot of people, based on the reviews), it's a good time to do a little binge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes! I can totally seeing binging on this series. So good!

      Delete
  4. I didn't know this was the last book in the series! Well, now it gives me a good push to get this series started. I've heard nothing but great things about it as far as series ending go, a 4.5 stars is pretty darn good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you so need to start this series! I think you will enjoy!

      Delete
  5. I loved how it ended. It's so sad to see it go though. I can't think of any other series with a family unit (that works so well) like this.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! It just rocked for the family unit. Oh I liked the Charlie Madigan series for the family feel.

      Delete
  6. I've been having trouble with series ending lately. I don't want them to end. Looks like everything is wrap up nicely. Maybe there will be a spin-off series for the other characters. You never know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually have a problem with series enders, but no problem (other than it DID end... LOL) here! :D

      Delete
  7. Sweet, I am so glad you loved this as much as Maja. I love her Roaring Twenties series and have added this series to my wishlist!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Everyone seems to love this one

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really need to give these a try. Love that the parents are solid! I get a little bummed seeing either entirely absent parents or ones that might as well be over and over.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think it was Maja that said the same thing, she didn't know it was the end of the series. I haven't read this series yet but I've been hearing that it's amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You may be bummed there are only 4 books, but I'm not. Now I know I don't have that many to catch up. lol. Though, I might change my tune once I reach the end.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I finished it yesterday... I'm so sad it's the last book but it was so good! I'm glad you had a great time with it as well. And I just love Jupe!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh no, I hate when a beloved series ends! I I am one of those slackers who hasn't read this series, but I'm so glad to hear you recommend it. One upside to it being wrapped up is no waiting for me! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I only learned recently that this was the last book in the series too. And I just found the series like 6 months ago, so I was HUGELY disappointed. I'm going to have to go an devour her other books, and hope her new series is longer lived ;)

    ReplyDelete
  15. It is always great when the last book in the series gives you a satisfying ending. It is so rare that every question is answered. I am so glad you enjoyed the series!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great review Melissa, I did know that this was the final book before reading it, and I am sad about that. Loved these characters and world.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!