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Binding the Shadows (Arcadia Bell, #3)

Jenn Bennett

Start date: July 1, 2013

Finish date: July 31, 2013

Discussion: Book of the Month

Why we're reading this: Voted as our "Most Popular Books Published in May 2013" July BOM…more
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By Steph , Serious series addict · 38 posts · 229 views

last updated Mar 15, 2012 06:15PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 09, 2012 Steph rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: series-completed, author-웃, series-i-love, series-ended, cliffhangers-suck, year-read-2013, sos-games-bsb-r7, sos-bom

I love the part of the blurb that says, Renegade mage and bartender Cady Bell has had a rough year, but now the door to her already unstable world is coming completely unhinged, because it's so damned fitting.

In Binding the Shadows, Cady faces many different challenges in all areas of her life. Professionally, her bar gets robbed by some Earthbounds with tricked out abilities and she's had it with Dare's (the head of the Hellfire Club) demands. Personally, she's about to face the in-laws (Lon's I love the part of the blurb that says, Renegade mage and bartender Cady Bell has had a rough year, but now the door to her already unstable world is coming completely unhinged, because it's so damned fitting.

In Binding the Shadows, Cady faces many different challenges in all areas of her life. Professionally, her bar gets robbed by some Earthbounds with tricked out abilities and she's had it with Dare's (the head of the Hellfire Club) demands. Personally, she's about to face the in-laws (Lon's former mother-in-law and sister-in-law), her Moonchild abilities are strengthening (which excites and scares her), and her relationship with Lon and Jupe is closer than ever.

"Show me what's wrong and we will fix it."

This series gets better and better with each book. The family unit Jenn has created between Cady, Lon and Jupe is one to be envied. The action throughout each book is interesting (without a doubt), but it's the relationships that keep me coming back and wanting more.

"Sometimes you do stupid things for people you love."

Everything changes in Binding the Shadows. There's a major cliffhanger ending, but it fit. It didn't feel forced or intentionally cruel. That doesn't make it any less painful though, especially when we have another 11 months to wait before book 4, Crossing the Æthyr is due out.

Things to remember before starting Book #4: (Warning: BIG spoilers!) (view spoiler) ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 05, 2014 Thenia rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, 2014, series, romance, paranormal, magic

Is that a way to end a book?! I would be unbelievably annoyed if I had to wait a year before I could read the last book in the series! Thankfully I don't have to and I'll be jumping straight into Banishing the Dark.

Things are getting seriously bad for Cady, who just can't catch a break. Let's see how her story ends... ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Christal rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, favorites, lesser-known-creatures, demons, magic, female-lead, witches-warlocks-and-mages, urban-fantasy, 2013-favorites

See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews.com!

The Arcadia Bell series has always been excellent and tightly paced, but Binding the Shadows takes things to a whole new level. The story, the mystery, the characters, the revelations... everything is amped up to 11 here and coupled with a killer ending. Jenn Bennett has definitely cemented her status as one of the most talented writers in the Urban Fantasy genre. If you are a fan of Cady and Lon, you must pick up this book immediatel See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews.com!

The Arcadia Bell series has always been excellent and tightly paced, but Binding the Shadows takes things to a whole new level. The story, the mystery, the characters, the revelations... everything is amped up to 11 here and coupled with a killer ending. Jenn Bennett has definitely cemented her status as one of the most talented writers in the Urban Fantasy genre. If you are a fan of Cady and Lon, you must pick up this book immediately. If you haven't read any of this series, what are you waiting for?!?

Cady is put through the ringer in this book; she goes through so much and grows exponentially. She has to face issues with Dare and the Hellfire Club, a burgarly at Tambuku, uncertainity with her parantage and her Moonchild powers, and a deepening familial connection with Lon and Jupe. Poor girl never gets a down moment. She does her best to keep her head above water and tries to do the right thing, but she is constantly weighed down by her secrets and keeping those she cares about out of harm's way. Long-time readers will have been waiting for a confrontation between Cady and Lon's ex-wife and, trust me, you won't be disappointed. Though I love all the characters in this series, it's really Cady that makes them pop and I love seeing her interact with everyone. She is such a complex character and I can't wait to see how her fate plays out in the next book.

Lon and Jupe were wonderful in this book. Lon is always there to support Cady and they have true respect and love for one another. Every girl deserves a Lon Butler in their life! I've never been a fan of facial hair, but the devilish Mr. Butler makes me re-think that. Jupe is absolutely hilarious and I think his role gets better in every book. He has grown so much from the debut and is becoming an integral and needed part of Cady's life. I love the quiet moments between the three of them; they feel so real.

The minor characters were also completely "on" in this novel. Hajo makes another intriguing appearance and I would love to know more about him. Bob and Kar Yee are very funny together, and we finally meet Jupe's grandmother and aunt as well as Lon's good friend Dr. Mick. This world is populated with wonderful characters and I'm looking forward to seeing who pops up in the next book.

Binding the Shadows has a doozy of an ending. The pace is quick and you're at the end before you know it, but holy moly, that ending! Ms. Bennett has some of the best writing and characters out there today and Binding the Shadows was a five-star read through and through. I highly encourage everyone to give this series a try today! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment through I think I will have plucked my hair bald by the time it comes out next year. I can't stand the uncertainty! Why Jenn, why?!? But seriously, do yourself a favor and pick up this book, well, today.

Thank you to Pocket Books for providing an ARC copy of this book! Check out our interview with Jenn Bennett and enter the giveaway here. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 16, 2023 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: what-suspense-thriller-action, what-modern-fantasy, what-adventure, what-paranormal-romance, where-grr-mine, what-demons, how-series, what-peril, what-magic, what-hospital-scene-bedside-vigil

Lots of action and adventure, danger and peril, and a hospital scene. Be still my heart!

I really love her boyfriend. He doesn’t try to control her or take over or save her. If she’s in over her head with her magic, he just says her name to alert her, doesn’t scream, doesn’t grab her. He’s mellow and supportive and lets her be strong. He’s super strong and helps when needed but she’s stronger and they’re equals.

“Show me what’s wrong and we’ll fix it.”

He also has a kid. A male love interest with ...more

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