Kindling the Moon (Arcadia Bell, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jul 02, 2018 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it · review of another edition

The Arcadia Bell series is another urban fantasy series that languished on my TBR list for far too long. I read the four books, Kindling the Moon, Summoning the Night, Binding the Shadows and Banishing the Dark, over a period of about a week.

Kindling the Moon introduces part owner of the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge., and magician, Arcadia ‘Cady’ Bell. For the last seven years Cady has kept a low profile, avoiding the notoriety of her parents, two runaway renegade occultists accused of hei The Arcadia Bell series is another urban fantasy series that languished on my TBR list for far too long. I read the four books, Kindling the Moon, Summoning the Night, Binding the Shadows and Banishing the Dark, over a period of about a week.

Kindling the Moon introduces part owner of the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge., and magician, Arcadia ‘Cady’ Bell. For the last seven years Cady has kept a low profile, avoiding the notoriety of her parents, two runaway renegade occultists accused of heinous crimes, but when they resurface her peaceful life is shot to hell. Ordered to prove her family’s innocence, or suffer punishment in their place, Cady has a near impossible task in front of her, one that may cost her everything.

The plot in Kindling the Moon is fast paced and offers plenty of action. Cady is not only challenged by the need to track down an elusive Æthyric demon, but also navigate complicated politics within the occult society, evade a ruthless bounty hunter, and master newly emerging abilities, all with a time frame of just two weeks. The main storyline is resolved with Kindling the Moon, though there are threads loosened which are picked up in later books. I did think the ending was somewhat anticlimactic but it was satisfying nevertheless.

Cady is an appealing heroine, with strengths and flaws which are well balanced. She is unique within her world, for her ability to kindle Heka from the moon, and her ability to see halo’s which identify Earthbounds. I enjoyed her wit, and her talent for kicking butt. She is strong and independent, but willing to accept help when she needs it. As her power develops, she also finds new reserves of fortitude and potency.

In Kindling the Moon, Cady reaches out for help to demonologist, Earthbound, photographer and single father, Lon Butler. It’s no surprise that Lon plays a role of ongoing significance in the series. He and Cady develop a mutual respect that soon turns into a romantic affection. I liked the relationship between the two of them, it’s a little different than the usual trope, particularly in that it involves Lon’s preteen son, Jupe, a fantastic character in his own right.

As a whole I thought the world Bennett created for her series to be imaginative and interesting. Set on the northern coast of California in a mid sized city, the population includes non magical humans, magicians and Earthbounds, Magicians, like Cady, use Heka (found in fluids such as saliva and blood) to power spells, and limited access to the Æthyric plane, while Earthbounds have knacks - a special skill or talent of varying strength.

In all, Kindling the Moon, and the rest of the series featuring Arcadia Bell, was an enjoyable read, that urban fantasy readers should enjoy.
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Jul 04, 2012 Thenia rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic, reviewed, series, paranormal, 2014

A very enjoyable story with a likable heroine, an interesting magical system and an intriguing plot.

Arcadia has been in hiding for years, after her parents were accused of a series of murders and faked their deaths to avoid being captured. She makes it on her own, and even owns a bar now, but she's still keeping everyone at arms length in fear that they might find out the truth about who she is.

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Jan 09, 2012 Christal rated it really liked it

Shelves: demons, female-lead, urban-fantasy, magic, witches-warlocks-and-mages

This was a great introduction book that makes me look forward to others in the series. The background was unique and intriguing. Demon halos, who woulda thought? Cady herself was a strong character. I liked her personality and her magical abilities and background were very interesting. I kind of saw the ending with her parents coming, but it was still a surprise on how everything actually played out. I love Lon and his son Jupe too. They felt very fleshed out and not just like one-dimensional ba ...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Arlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy, magic-spells-mage-witchcraft, demons, elemental-magic-powers, series

LOve it! The characters are very believable and story has kept me up through the night and I wasn't able to go to work partly because I wanted to finish reading it! It was that consuming!
Another hit Urban Fantasy series and I will definitely be watching out for the 2nd book! ...more

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