Binding the Shadows by Jenn Bennett
Series: Arcadia Bell #3
Published by Pocket
Published on: May 28, 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Source: Author
Amazon | Book Depo | GoodReads
In the third book in this beloved and “riveting” (Romantic Times) urban fantasy series, demon-friendly tiki bar owner Arcadia Bell discovers more about her own evolving, and possibly destructive, magical abilities when her bar is the target of a demonic crime wave.
Renegade mage and bartender Arcadia Bell has had a rough year, but now the door to her already unstable world is unhinging. When a citywide crime wave erupts, Cady's demon-friendly tiki bar is robbed by Earthbounds wielding surreal demonic abilities that just flat-out shouldn't exist. With the help of her devilishly delicious boyfriend, Lon Butler, Cady sets out to find the people who wronged her—but her targets aren't the only ones experiencing unnatural metamorphoses. Can Cady track down the monsters responsible before the monster inside her destroys everything—and everyone—she loves? If she survives this adventure, one thing is certain: it's last call for life as she knows it.
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Every time I pick up a new installment in a series I automatically expect it to be better than the last; and even though there have already been plenty of books this year that have fit that description, Binding the Shadows is their Queen. This novel is larger-than-life, full-to-the-brim, jump-off-the-page, made-of-awesome good. I loved this series before but I am infatuated with it now! If you haven’t discovered Jenn Bennett yet well, you should get on that but, if you have and haven’t pre-ordered Binding the Shadows yet… what the heck is WRONG with you!?
The characters in these books are absolutely stellar; every time I come back to visit them, I feel like I’m returning home. They are just such a great bunch of people! On top of Cady, Lon, Jupe and Kar Yee; we also get to spend some quality time with the Giovanni’s and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed them. I guess maybe we bonded over out mutual hatred of Yvonne? Yes, the ex wife and the “new” girlfriend finally meet in this installment and things go exactly as you’d expect them to… absolutely terrible! In spite of all the chaos that happens in this book, and I do mean chaos, I loved that Cady and Lon’s relationship actually grew stronger. And Jupe, I mean, how can anyone not love this kid?
The main plot is relatively simple; it’s what’s happening on the sidelines that makes this book so interesting. In a lot of ways this story felt like a stepping stone, or a point of no return. Cady’s been working so hard to carve out a normal life for herself but unfortunately, her old one is finally catching up with her and no matter what she does, she can’t outrun her past this time. Arcadia is either going to have to embrace the changes that are upon her or get buried by them because she’s in too deep to be able to turn back now. I loved the sense of urgency and all the build-up in this book; it made for one heck of an intense read. The wait for the next installment is going to be pure agony. So many questions, and so few answers! Gawd!
I’m going to keep this review short because nearly everything I want to say about this novel is a spoiler is some way, shape or form. I guess that’s what happens when you weave a killer story the way that Jenn Bennett does! Arcadia Bell is one of my all time favourite Urban Fantasy heroines and she does not disappoint in Binding the Shadows. Magic, mayhem and romance collide! But watch out for the cliffhanger because it’s a doozy.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
After such a great recommendation I just picked up Book 1 and can’t wait to get started!
Love the new background too!!!
You are going to LOVE this series!!
Thanks! I guess it’s a keeper then. I was undecided. 🙂
As usual, I have some catching up to do. Still have to read Summoning the Night, but I’m glad to hear that this one was awesome.
Take your time! These books should be savored.
yay! I really loved this one as well, I so can’t wait for more!
Me too! Let the wait for the next installment begin. *sigh*
OMG the cliffhanger! I absolutely ADORED this book. Your review is spot on 🙂
Jenn Bennett never disappoints! Thanks Julie. 🙂
Awesome review, this is another series I’d like to clear shelf space for, I am working on freeing up more time for personal reads, so hopefully I can start this one soon
It’s important to make time for your picks. I’ve been doing pretty good in that department lately.
I still cannot believe that ENDING!! AHHHHH! I’m still processing it. So much happened! Man, oh man! I’m gonna go crazy waiting for Cady Bell #4! Now I gotta get my review up! 🙂
I love this series. My only complaint is that Jenn Bennett doesn’t write fast enough!
I loved this book so much! And the time to wait for the next one is way too long, even if it should be just a week. I add my recommendation to yours Carmel.
I know what you mean. These books are easy to devour. Thanks Aurian!