Arcadia Bell, Book 4
Synopsis: 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.
Review: When I discovered that this was the last volume of the series I did not believe it. No, because I did not see it coming and at the same time I was sad to say that we would leave behind us some wonderful characters. I am always anxious when it comes to final volumes, yes, because I am often disappointed by how the story ends, but it is far from the case here. Oh no, we really have a very good conclusion and I can truly say that I can count these books as one of my favorite series!
Cady slowly wakes up in hospital to realize that she is now more than ever in danger and her mother will do anything to retrieve her body. To avoid this, she has to sleep during the days to live at night, waiting to find a solution… quickly. But to stop all this, Priya, her guardian, says that she must find the spell used during her birth to reverse it… and fast! Yet tracks are blurred and when Cady asks Lon to cast a spell on her so she forgets a certain fact, the young woman finds herself forgetting at the same time the relationship she had with him. But while they go on a quest together, tracing the history of the young woman and her parents, they may encounter more dangers than what they thought. But through it all, we also follow some chapters from Jupe POV, who, encouraged by Priya, launches himself in a survey to help and save Cady. An investigation, in which, he will manage to meet a girl that we enjoy discovering.
I had a great time with this novel and it is true that I was really curious to see what was exactly going on with the spell of the birth of our heroine. I can tell you that I did not expect such a complex history and it was a treat to discover parts gradually with the characters. It was also interesting to see the Cady’s feelings over Lon, when she was persuaded to have no relationship with him, although at the same time it hurts my heart to see them like that. But the young woman asks questions and even if it takes a little time before she really understands what’s going on, it was interesting to see how Lon was reacting to all this. We discover with them a lot of information about Cady, her actual powers, her childhood she does not remember about, her parents, the spell of her birth and I confess that we discover increasingly the perversity of her parents. But of course, we always follow with great pleasure Jupe, the Lon’s son is just fantastic! He is so cool, funny and full of energy. It was therefore nice to have a chapter about him from time to time and see a piece of his adventures.
You probably understand, this is a very good final. The answers to all our questions are found here and we have a very good plot as well. Jenn Bennett presents a good story full of action, surprises and moments that affect us. A new very good volume and I loved the last chapters, showing the fate of the characters. I can only advise you to try the series.
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
Oh, how I love a series finale that leaves no answered questions. I’m sad to see the last of Cady and friends, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how it out turns out. Great review, Melliane!
Melliane
Me too! It was a wonderful series and an amazing last book.
Jennifer Bielman
Okay, okay, you convinced me. I have to read this siries. I love when a series ends well.
Melliane
oh yes it’s a wonderful UF series, I think you could like it!
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..I am already on board and cannot wait to read all of the books in this series!
Melliane
you’ll love them!
kindlemom1
Alright, I have read nothing but glowing reviews on this series, I so need to start it!
Wonderful review!!
Melliane
oh yes it’s a great one!
blodeuedd
I never did go farther than book 1
Melliane
oh really? wasn’t for you?
Mogsy
I hadn’t heard of this book or series until I saw positive reviews pop up for it all over the place, but I have to say out of them all yours is the most glowing and made me pay attention. I’m on board with the urban fantasy and renegade mage thing, but its the “demons that love her” part that gives me pause. I like romance in my UF, but not too heavy – do you think this will be a good series for me?
Melliane
I really like it. I think it helps as I’m always really anxious by last books. But it was so good! The romance isn’t the big part of it so I think you could. It’s a fun UF series. It’s not a PNR book.
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings
I absolutely agree that this is one of the best series conclusions–LOVED it–and though I was skeptical to see how her relationship with Lon would be handled in these circumstances, it all wound up working for me. Lovely review!:)
Melliane
me too!!! Didn’t expect all that! I agree with you, it was perfect!
Stephanie Faris
It is always disappointing to reach the end of a series, especially if it’s one you really liked.
Melliane
yes but well one day or another we have to be at this point, right?
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Woot! Love when an author really knocks it out and finishes a series in a great way. I’ve not read her yet but sounds like I need to!
Melliane
Me too, I know it’s something quite difficult to do. It’s a really nice one.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read)
I haven’t heard of this one but I love the sound of this review of the last book and only 4 books in the series – that is almost unheard of in urban fantasy – It IS urban Fantasy and not PNR right? I really don’t enjoy PNR. I remember hearing the two explained that you could have the story and if you take away the romance it would fall apart (that being PNR) and in UF if you don’t have the romance it would still carry on pretty much the same. I wouldn’t say that is completely accurate but pretty much enough so that I haven’t ever gravitated towards PNR after the few I’ve read.
Do tell me!!
Melliane
Yes it’s a UF series, not a PNR one. So don’t worry about that. But she has a PNR series too. I’m not that much into PNR either I confess, I prefer a big story in my books.