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Arcadia Bell #2
Summoning the Night
MAGICAL TRICKS. DEMONIC TREATS.
After narrowly escaping her fate as a sacrificial scapegoat, Arcadia Bell is back to normal. Or at least as ordinary as life can be for a renegade magician and owner of a tiki bar that caters to Earthbound demons. She's gearing up for the busiest day of the year—Halloween—when a vengeful kidnapper paralyzes the community. The influential head of the local Hellfire Club taps Cady to track down the fiendish bogeyman, and now that she's dating red-hot Lon Butler, the Club's wayward son, she can hardly say no.
Cady and Lon untangle a gruesome thirty-year trail of clues that points to danger for the club members' children. But locating the person behind the terror will require some metaphysical help from Cady's loyal bar patrons as well as her potent new Moonchild powers—and she'd better figure it out before the final victim disappears and her own darkest secret becomes her biggest enemy.
After narrowly escaping her fate as a sacrificial scapegoat, Arcadia Bell is back to normal. Or at least as ordinary as life can be for a renegade magician and owner of a tiki bar that caters to Earthbound demons. She's gearing up for the busiest day of the year—Halloween—when a vengeful kidnapper paralyzes the community. The influential head of the local Hellfire Club taps Cady to track down the fiendish bogeyman, and now that she's dating red-hot Lon Butler, the Club's wayward son, she can hardly say no.
Cady and Lon untangle a gruesome thirty-year trail of clues that points to danger for the club members' children. But locating the person behind the terror will require some metaphysical help from Cady's loyal bar patrons as well as her potent new Moonchild powers—and she'd better figure it out before the final victim disappears and her own darkest secret becomes her biggest enemy.
324 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2012
About the author
Jenn Bennett
23 books4,844 followersJenn Bennett is the author of over a dozen books for children and teens, including: ALEX, APPROXIMATELY; STARRY EYES; and GRUMBONES. She also writes romance and fantasy for adults. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, been Goodreads Choice Award nominees, and have been included on annual Best Book lists for both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. She lives in a haunted house near Birmingham with one husband and two dogs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
May 3, 2012
Guess what, folks! It is entirely possible to write good urban fantasy without relationship drama or love triangle drama. Who knew?! Well, I did, and I guess Jenn Bennett did too because that’s what she delivered. After the sweet beginning of Cady and Lon’s relationship in Kindling the Moon, I thought they would surely start having second thoughts, realize that their age difference and Lon’s teenage son are too much to handle, or at least that one of them would be attracted to another person as well. I mean, that’s how these things go, right? Wrong! I never in my wildest dreams expected them to communicate, to be supportive and ready to commit to each other, but most of all, I didn’t think they’d end up solving paranormal mysteries together, like a family. Shows what I know.
Now that Arcadia Bell finally knows the truth about her parents, she’s free to live her life with Lon and his son Jupe, work in her tiki bar and learn about her Moonchild abilities. Or at least she should be. When Earthbound teens start disappearing and the connection is made between current kidnappings and a 30-year-old unsolved case, Cady and Lon are asked to investigate. Normally they would refuse such an assignment, but all the kidnapped teens are connected to Hellfire, a club of Earthbounds Lon belongs to, which means that Jupe might be next. With Lon’s son in danger, there’s really no way they could refuse.
As if that isn’t enough, Jupe is developing his knack earlier than most part-demons. His knack is very dangerous, especially in the hands of a fourteen-year-old boy: it turns out that he can compel people to do anything he wants just by talking to them. The parental struggles that ensue are both heartwarming and at times hilarious.
Everyone who has a soft spot for Kate Daniels’ kid Julie like I do, will fall in love with Jupiter in a second. Most of the humor in both books comes from him, but he also made me tear up once or twice. He is sweet, intelligent and very realistic.
I think I’ve already made it clear how much I love Cady and Lon together. I’d continue the series just for that, even if the rest wasn’t that good. I got a little angry with Cady in the second half when she didn’t stand up to Mr. Dare, but I understand her fear and the need to hide her identity. Again, what makes it better is that Lon knows all her secrets so she doesn’t have to worry about him abandoning her in the future.
If you’re like me and you’re always on the lookout for a good urban fantasy series, Arcadia Bell is an excellent choice. I don’t know when book three is coming out, but I know I’ll pre-order it.
For more of my reviews, please visit The Nocturnal Library
Now that Arcadia Bell finally knows the truth about her parents, she’s free to live her life with Lon and his son Jupe, work in her tiki bar and learn about her Moonchild abilities. Or at least she should be. When Earthbound teens start disappearing and the connection is made between current kidnappings and a 30-year-old unsolved case, Cady and Lon are asked to investigate. Normally they would refuse such an assignment, but all the kidnapped teens are connected to Hellfire, a club of Earthbounds Lon belongs to, which means that Jupe might be next. With Lon’s son in danger, there’s really no way they could refuse.
As if that isn’t enough, Jupe is developing his knack earlier than most part-demons. His knack is very dangerous, especially in the hands of a fourteen-year-old boy: it turns out that he can compel people to do anything he wants just by talking to them. The parental struggles that ensue are both heartwarming and at times hilarious.
Everyone who has a soft spot for Kate Daniels’ kid Julie like I do, will fall in love with Jupiter in a second. Most of the humor in both books comes from him, but he also made me tear up once or twice. He is sweet, intelligent and very realistic.
I think I’ve already made it clear how much I love Cady and Lon together. I’d continue the series just for that, even if the rest wasn’t that good. I got a little angry with Cady in the second half when she didn’t stand up to Mr. Dare, but I understand her fear and the need to hide her identity. Again, what makes it better is that Lon knows all her secrets so she doesn’t have to worry about him abandoning her in the future.
If you’re like me and you’re always on the lookout for a good urban fantasy series, Arcadia Bell is an excellent choice. I don’t know when book three is coming out, but I know I’ll pre-order it.
For more of my reviews, please visit The Nocturnal Library
April 24, 2012
Read my review here and enter our badass giveaway....
http://badassbookreviews.com/arc-revi...
or you can read the review below!
It’s about damn time. An urban fantasy novel that has…
…A solid, stable couple as the main characters. Lon and Cady are a couple. A real, honest couple.
Hold on there is more…
…The main characters communicate to each other rather than act on assumptions. Lon and Cady don’t make life altering decisions based on assumptions about their partners. If they are confused, suspicious, hurt, angry, they ask their partner.
But wait, there is even more…
…There is no triangle. It’s not for lack of a third party. In Summoning the Night, we are introduced to Hajo, a death dowser (an Earthbound demon who’s knack is finding bodies). Hajo is described as…
Cady easily could fall prey to the mysterious, good looking Hajo. But NO, what does Cady do? Hold on to your keyboard, you might fall over…
An urban fantasy book that has absolutely no love triangle AND the two main characters communicate with each other AND when faced with difficult situations, they work it out TOGETHER! What was Jenn Bennett thinking????? I mean, Ms. Bennett could have easily taken the easy route and made couple's conflict an easy 50 to 60 pages of filler but boy am I happy she didn't!!!
As you can tell, I love the uniqueness of this book and the series. I haven't even started on the plot in this book and that should tell you how well written the characters are. And speaking of characters…
JUPE!!!
Absolutely, without a shadow of doubt, the ultimate scene-stealer goes to Jupe. Lon's teenage son is not only adorable, but he is VERY heartbreakingly real. The scenes Cady has with Jupe made me smile one minute and tear up the next. Jupe loves so unconditionally that you cannot help but fall for him. It is also clear that Cady is learning how to love and be loved with the help of Jupe's pure goodness. Don't get me wrong, he's no angel. He continues to get in trouble, and is full of non-stop mischief! One word- TATTOO (read the book, that's all I'm say on that).
Now, I know what you are thinking... character this, character that, where is the story? Oh don't worry. There is a great twist, a mystery, really icky bad guys, suspense, and a few "oh shit" scary moments that kept me reading straight through the book.
Summoning the Night would be a great urban fantasy book even without the superbly written characters. The characters are just a beautiful bonus!!
http://badassbookreviews.com/arc-revi...
or you can read the review below!
It’s about damn time. An urban fantasy novel that has…
…A solid, stable couple as the main characters. Lon and Cady are a couple. A real, honest couple.
Hold on there is more…
…The main characters communicate to each other rather than act on assumptions. Lon and Cady don’t make life altering decisions based on assumptions about their partners. If they are confused, suspicious, hurt, angry, they ask their partner.
But wait, there is even more…
…There is no triangle. It’s not for lack of a third party. In Summoning the Night, we are introduced to Hajo, a death dowser (an Earthbound demon who’s knack is finding bodies). Hajo is described as…
“…unfolding a frame well over six feet. He was dressed in jeans and a slim, black leather racing jacket with a mandarin collar and three silver stripes on one sleeve, zipped all the way up to his throat. He was about my age, I guessed, mid- to late twenties. Short dark hair and darker eyes. Long, thin sideburns styled into diagonal points. Smoldering good looks.”
Cady easily could fall prey to the mysterious, good looking Hajo. But NO, what does Cady do? Hold on to your keyboard, you might fall over…
“What’s wrong?” Lon said, startling me. “Hajo came on to me, “ I blurted. “he wanted me to sleep with him as payment for the job. The potion was a compromise.” Lon’s eyes tightened, searching my face. “Nothing happened, of course. He tried to kiss me, but I stopped him. I just wanted you to know.”
An urban fantasy book that has absolutely no love triangle AND the two main characters communicate with each other AND when faced with difficult situations, they work it out TOGETHER! What was Jenn Bennett thinking????? I mean, Ms. Bennett could have easily taken the easy route and made couple's conflict an easy 50 to 60 pages of filler but boy am I happy she didn't!!!
As you can tell, I love the uniqueness of this book and the series. I haven't even started on the plot in this book and that should tell you how well written the characters are. And speaking of characters…
JUPE!!!
Absolutely, without a shadow of doubt, the ultimate scene-stealer goes to Jupe. Lon's teenage son is not only adorable, but he is VERY heartbreakingly real. The scenes Cady has with Jupe made me smile one minute and tear up the next. Jupe loves so unconditionally that you cannot help but fall for him. It is also clear that Cady is learning how to love and be loved with the help of Jupe's pure goodness. Don't get me wrong, he's no angel. He continues to get in trouble, and is full of non-stop mischief! One word- TATTOO (read the book, that's all I'm say on that).
Now, I know what you are thinking... character this, character that, where is the story? Oh don't worry. There is a great twist, a mystery, really icky bad guys, suspense, and a few "oh shit" scary moments that kept me reading straight through the book.
Summoning the Night would be a great urban fantasy book even without the superbly written characters. The characters are just a beautiful bonus!!
December 11, 2017
I am really torn about how to approach this review. On the one hand, the story is pretty good and the plot is solid. The characters all well-written and the pacing is spot-on. On the other hand, the author seems to have some moral blind-spots that are deeply troubling.
As with the first book, I really like the romance between Cady and Lon. They're in a more solid relationship, now, and Bennett does a good job handling a mature relationship without resorting to the typical slew of miscommunications and screw ups that less talented writers often indulge to “keep things fresh”. Cady's relationship with Jupe is a big part of the charm of Cady's relationship with Lon and it's good to see that grow as Jupe explores having, if not an outright mother figure, then at least a strong female authority figure who cares deeply about him. Jupe is deeply involved in the story, this time, and being there doesn't feel forced, strained, or manipulative at all. That's quite a feat and kudos to Bennett for pulling it off.
Unfortunately, where Bennett fails, she fails spectacularly. I've noticed a tendency with some authors to make moral choices be about outcomes rather than about choices. That's a natural tendency because moral choices are often put in terms of the expected outcomes of the choice made (pointing guns at people and pulling the trigger is bad because doing so will kill people.). While natural, it's also a peril-fraught, and ultimately lazy, way to view morality. After all, the decision to point a gun at someone and pull the trigger is immoral whether the person is killed or merely wounded or missed entirely. The choice to pull the trigger while the gun is aimed at somebody means you have made the choice to kill and that choice is evil regardless of outcome.*
The problem with authors who fall into the trap of thinking in terms of outcome rather than choice is that the author knows what the outcome will be (or, at the very least, what it won't be) and that can make them feel like a given act doesn't actually make their character evil. Cady, and this happens in the first third of the book, so I'm not going to bother flagging this as a spoiler, makes the decision to give a truly despicable man, Hajo, a half-ounce of her vassal potion. A single drop of this potion enables the administrator of it to command somebody, absolutely, for up to an hour. Frankly, the fact that Cady has a half-ounce already brewed and ready to go is a bit evil in the first place. A half-ounce is a heckuva lot of drops. These commands are completely unlimited and can include self-destruction. Hajo, bear in mind, is a drug addicted womanizer who, we are led to believe, only failed to rape Cady because she prevented him from doing so. Giving him the potion is a profoundly evil act and that evil attaches at the point the potion is given regardless of what Hajo eventually does with it. She accepts moral responsibility for all the things a person like him can do with it, not the things he eventually actually does. That Cady didn't agonize over this more seems like the author intruding because the author knows things Cady can't—namely what Hajo eventually will and won't do with the potion.
Cady giving Hajo the potion compromised my ability to identify with or have sympathy for her, at all. I'm sorry, but the situation just wasn't so dire that this choice was in any way justified. And she certainly didn't agonize over it as much as such a deeply evil action deserved. I have even less patience because I can think of at least three things she could easily have done to avoid it altogether (starting with giving Hajo a fake potion and having his test subject, Cady's devoted friend, pretend to be affected, and ending with having Cady and Lon kill Hajo once he'd done what they asked him to do—believe me, he needed killing, but even if they didn't want to go that far, she and Lon together were strong enough to simply take the potion away before they parted ways). Frankly, going the story route that required Hajo's knack of finding dead bodies in their investigation was a stretch to start with. That whole plotline was sketchy and having Cady commit such evil in its course was the capstone of a craptastic, unnecessary whole.
Add this to the whole Dare sub-plot (involving the hellfire club) and I get the impression that Bennett wants to put Cady in compromising moral situations where she'll have to make tough choices between right and wrong. Unfortunately, given how poorly Cady failed navigating those waters in this book, I have no confidence in Bennett's handling of moral dilemmas in future stories and find it unlikely that I'll be willing to continue reading them.
I'm sad to find such an overwhelming flaw in a series I was otherwise coming to appreciate quite a bit.
* Okay, so I don't actually believe that killing someone is always wrong. Some people need killing. If you don't think so, then UF as a genre isn't going to be your thing anyway and you might as well move along. We can argue about it if you like, however.
As with the first book, I really like the romance between Cady and Lon. They're in a more solid relationship, now, and Bennett does a good job handling a mature relationship without resorting to the typical slew of miscommunications and screw ups that less talented writers often indulge to “keep things fresh”. Cady's relationship with Jupe is a big part of the charm of Cady's relationship with Lon and it's good to see that grow as Jupe explores having, if not an outright mother figure, then at least a strong female authority figure who cares deeply about him. Jupe is deeply involved in the story, this time, and being there doesn't feel forced, strained, or manipulative at all. That's quite a feat and kudos to Bennett for pulling it off.
Unfortunately, where Bennett fails, she fails spectacularly. I've noticed a tendency with some authors to make moral choices be about outcomes rather than about choices. That's a natural tendency because moral choices are often put in terms of the expected outcomes of the choice made (pointing guns at people and pulling the trigger is bad because doing so will kill people.). While natural, it's also a peril-fraught, and ultimately lazy, way to view morality. After all, the decision to point a gun at someone and pull the trigger is immoral whether the person is killed or merely wounded or missed entirely. The choice to pull the trigger while the gun is aimed at somebody means you have made the choice to kill and that choice is evil regardless of outcome.*
The problem with authors who fall into the trap of thinking in terms of outcome rather than choice is that the author knows what the outcome will be (or, at the very least, what it won't be) and that can make them feel like a given act doesn't actually make their character evil. Cady, and this happens in the first third of the book, so I'm not going to bother flagging this as a spoiler, makes the decision to give a truly despicable man, Hajo, a half-ounce of her vassal potion. A single drop of this potion enables the administrator of it to command somebody, absolutely, for up to an hour. Frankly, the fact that Cady has a half-ounce already brewed and ready to go is a bit evil in the first place. A half-ounce is a heckuva lot of drops. These commands are completely unlimited and can include self-destruction. Hajo, bear in mind, is a drug addicted womanizer who, we are led to believe, only failed to rape Cady because she prevented him from doing so. Giving him the potion is a profoundly evil act and that evil attaches at the point the potion is given regardless of what Hajo eventually does with it. She accepts moral responsibility for all the things a person like him can do with it, not the things he eventually actually does. That Cady didn't agonize over this more seems like the author intruding because the author knows things Cady can't—namely what Hajo eventually will and won't do with the potion.
Cady giving Hajo the potion compromised my ability to identify with or have sympathy for her, at all. I'm sorry, but the situation just wasn't so dire that this choice was in any way justified. And she certainly didn't agonize over it as much as such a deeply evil action deserved. I have even less patience because I can think of at least three things she could easily have done to avoid it altogether (starting with giving Hajo a fake potion and having his test subject, Cady's devoted friend, pretend to be affected, and ending with having Cady and Lon kill Hajo once he'd done what they asked him to do—believe me, he needed killing, but even if they didn't want to go that far, she and Lon together were strong enough to simply take the potion away before they parted ways). Frankly, going the story route that required Hajo's knack of finding dead bodies in their investigation was a stretch to start with. That whole plotline was sketchy and having Cady commit such evil in its course was the capstone of a craptastic, unnecessary whole.
Add this to the whole Dare sub-plot (involving the hellfire club) and I get the impression that Bennett wants to put Cady in compromising moral situations where she'll have to make tough choices between right and wrong. Unfortunately, given how poorly Cady failed navigating those waters in this book, I have no confidence in Bennett's handling of moral dilemmas in future stories and find it unlikely that I'll be willing to continue reading them.
I'm sad to find such an overwhelming flaw in a series I was otherwise coming to appreciate quite a bit.
* Okay, so I don't actually believe that killing someone is always wrong. Some people need killing. If you don't think so, then UF as a genre isn't going to be your thing anyway and you might as well move along. We can argue about it if you like, however.
April 23, 2017
I wanted a bit more
I enjoyed the first book and frankly, I expected a bigger BOOM from this one. Yeah, it was a good read and all that, but I just wanted more.
I liked that it was fast-paced and really easy&fast to read but it's still just a good book, not a great one.
I enjoyed the first book and frankly, I expected a bigger BOOM from this one. Yeah, it was a good read and all that, but I just wanted more.
I liked that it was fast-paced and really easy&fast to read but it's still just a good book, not a great one.
September 28, 2014
4.25 - 4.5 stars...Impressive Mystery!
After reading Kindling the Moon I was ready to dive into Arcadia's next adventure with Lon and Jupe, but I wanted all the books before starting Summoning the Night. It was definitely worth the expense and wait. (Good luck finding Binding the Shadows(book 3)! Amazon has the remaining mass paperbacks at $19. BtS is out-of-print, and Amazon is selling the like it's a precious shovel during the Gold Rush!) Anyway, I have all four books on my keeper shelf - read and unread - and dived into book 2 eager for a great story. I was not disappointed!
Thirty years ago, seven children disappeared and the kidnappings have started again. The pressure is on for Arcadia to find the Snatcher before Halloween, when an unknown ritual will be performed and the children are presumed to perish. Cady's instincts to remain hidden conflict with her attachment to her lover, Lon, and precocious son Jupe.
The mystery kept me guessing. Each string Cady pulled led in another direction. I loved not knowing if Cady would save the children in time or whether Jupe would become a victim. Anything could have happened! It kept me on the edge of my seat! "Weeeeeee," squealed this happy little reader!
It seems urban fantasies can't decide whether to focus on the romantic aspects or the characters; and, subsequently, the actual mystery/suspense aspect become predictable. (i.e. Stacia Kane's The Downside Ghost series, which I love, but the mystery is mere fluff, imo. Plus, the reading about a realistically depicted drug addict can be depressing.)
The characters develop with the plot. They express themselves through their actions and dialogue. Bennett can get overly description with the setting, but this is only my opinion. The Arcadia Bell series is very entertaining! The characters feel like ordinary people (with enhanced gifts) placed in extraordinary situations. Their humanity and moral fiber are tested. Each are reaching out to others within their community to help or hinder. They make mistakes. Cady and company are my new addiction!
Next up: Leashing the Tempest (novella, 2.5)
Grade: A
(A book with a permanent place on my Keeper shelf.)
Please excuse the spelling/grammatical errors. I just wanted to write this and move on to the next book. Will correct later. (Not pandering for 'likes.' Swear!)
After reading Kindling the Moon I was ready to dive into Arcadia's next adventure with Lon and Jupe, but I wanted all the books before starting Summoning the Night. It was definitely worth the expense and wait. (Good luck finding Binding the Shadows(book 3)! Amazon has the remaining mass paperbacks at $19. BtS is out-of-print, and Amazon is selling the like it's a precious shovel during the Gold Rush!) Anyway, I have all four books on my keeper shelf - read and unread - and dived into book 2 eager for a great story. I was not disappointed!
Thirty years ago, seven children disappeared and the kidnappings have started again. The pressure is on for Arcadia to find the Snatcher before Halloween, when an unknown ritual will be performed and the children are presumed to perish. Cady's instincts to remain hidden conflict with her attachment to her lover, Lon, and precocious son Jupe.
The mystery kept me guessing. Each string Cady pulled led in another direction. I loved not knowing if Cady would save the children in time or whether Jupe would become a victim. Anything could have happened! It kept me on the edge of my seat! "Weeeeeee," squealed this happy little reader!
It seems urban fantasies can't decide whether to focus on the romantic aspects or the characters; and, subsequently, the actual mystery/suspense aspect become predictable. (i.e. Stacia Kane's The Downside Ghost series, which I love, but the mystery is mere fluff, imo. Plus, the reading about a realistically depicted drug addict can be depressing.)
The characters develop with the plot. They express themselves through their actions and dialogue. Bennett can get overly description with the setting, but this is only my opinion. The Arcadia Bell series is very entertaining! The characters feel like ordinary people (with enhanced gifts) placed in extraordinary situations. Their humanity and moral fiber are tested. Each are reaching out to others within their community to help or hinder. They make mistakes. Cady and company are my new addiction!
Next up: Leashing the Tempest (novella, 2.5)
Grade: A
(A book with a permanent place on my Keeper shelf.)
Please excuse the spelling/grammatical errors. I just wanted to write this and move on to the next book. Will correct later. (Not pandering for 'likes.' Swear!)
November 24, 2017
Great series! Love the world of Earthbounds, savages, demons and of course magicians. Hints as to Cady’s providence and genetic makeup still to come, as she gets to grip with her Moon child abilities. I like the way Jupe has as big a part in the stories and how Cady fits so well into Lon and Jupe’s lives. Looking forward to the next one!
April 23, 2012
“Oh, really? Is that why he’s hot and bothered for Arcadia here?” Kar Yee tossed an accusatory glance my way. She was well aware that honesty wasn’t one of my strong suits. “Probably,” Jupe confirmed. “My dad says he likes her so much that if she kicked him in the balls, he’d just thank her.”
Jenn Bennett has done it again, she's managed to suck me into another one if her Intoxicatingly Magical Arcadia Bell Books. Last year I was blown away with Kindling The Moon, and so it came as no shock to me that Summoning The Night would be equally as awesome and sexy as the first.
"Sometimes I think I might die if can't touch you." He said this with great seriousness, his voice suddenly much lower.
Summoning The Night begins in October with children of The Hellfire organization being kidnapped by someone referred to as "The Snatcher". Several years ago The Snatcher began kidnapping children during the month of October never to be seen again, and now that appears to be happening once again, Dare the leader of The Hellfire Club has asked for Lon and Arcadia's assistance in solving the mystery behindThe Snatcher ultimately stopping him from kidnapping any more children.
"I've talked to you a couple of times, when I've called here for Caddy." Jupe pointed out." You were kinda mean. But I didn't mind. I don't like weak women. I like warriors."
This book was exciting and non stop fun from page one, Bennett left me guessing and just when I thought I had the identity of The Snatcher figured out, she went ahead and threw me a curve ball. That's my kind of Urban Fantasy the kind that keep you guessing and wanting more. What I adore most about Arcadia Bell is that she's a sassy powerful Magician and when it comes to battling the bad guys she's not a sit on the side lines kind of heroine, she's more of a Kick-Ass and ask questions later heroine. Her boyfriend Lon Butler is one of the most Bad-Ass Demon-Licious characters I have had the pleasure to read about. Who knew I would find a pirate mustache wearing, debonair yet powerful demon so incredibly sexy? But I find him and his pirate mustache so unbelievably HOT! Although as much as I adore Arcadia and Lon, I find myself captivated by Lon's fourteen year old son named Jupe. This charming, funny, and exasperating young teenager steals just about every scene he's in with his adorable witty comments, his attempt to impress older women despite his youth and his love for Arcadia leaves me with a soft spot in my heart for his character. I find that The scenes with Arcadia and Jupe are so endearing, and I look forward to watching these three in the next novel get closer as a family unit, because it's obvious Jupe craves it as much and maybe even more than Arcadia and Lon.
Lastly can Arcadia Bell just use her magician skills to banish Ambrose Dare?? No?? Okay well it was worth a shot!;)
“I don’t want secrets between us,” I said. “Not ones that matter, anyway. I keep secrets from everyone all day long. But not you. Okay?” He tugged me toward the bar stool, closing the remaining distance between us. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that for weeks,” he whispered.
Sometimes I wonder with Jenn Bennett's fascinating writing skills if she possess a few of Arcadia Bells talent for magic herself. For fans of unique, sexy, magical, Urban Fantasy, look no further because Jenn Bennett delivers.
Arc provided for review by Jenn Bennett
Jenn Bennett has done it again, she's managed to suck me into another one if her Intoxicatingly Magical Arcadia Bell Books. Last year I was blown away with Kindling The Moon, and so it came as no shock to me that Summoning The Night would be equally as awesome and sexy as the first.
"Sometimes I think I might die if can't touch you." He said this with great seriousness, his voice suddenly much lower.
Summoning The Night begins in October with children of The Hellfire organization being kidnapped by someone referred to as "The Snatcher". Several years ago The Snatcher began kidnapping children during the month of October never to be seen again, and now that appears to be happening once again, Dare the leader of The Hellfire Club has asked for Lon and Arcadia's assistance in solving the mystery behindThe Snatcher ultimately stopping him from kidnapping any more children.
"I've talked to you a couple of times, when I've called here for Caddy." Jupe pointed out." You were kinda mean. But I didn't mind. I don't like weak women. I like warriors."
This book was exciting and non stop fun from page one, Bennett left me guessing and just when I thought I had the identity of The Snatcher figured out, she went ahead and threw me a curve ball. That's my kind of Urban Fantasy the kind that keep you guessing and wanting more. What I adore most about Arcadia Bell is that she's a sassy powerful Magician and when it comes to battling the bad guys she's not a sit on the side lines kind of heroine, she's more of a Kick-Ass and ask questions later heroine. Her boyfriend Lon Butler is one of the most Bad-Ass Demon-Licious characters I have had the pleasure to read about. Who knew I would find a pirate mustache wearing, debonair yet powerful demon so incredibly sexy? But I find him and his pirate mustache so unbelievably HOT! Although as much as I adore Arcadia and Lon, I find myself captivated by Lon's fourteen year old son named Jupe. This charming, funny, and exasperating young teenager steals just about every scene he's in with his adorable witty comments, his attempt to impress older women despite his youth and his love for Arcadia leaves me with a soft spot in my heart for his character. I find that The scenes with Arcadia and Jupe are so endearing, and I look forward to watching these three in the next novel get closer as a family unit, because it's obvious Jupe craves it as much and maybe even more than Arcadia and Lon.
Lastly can Arcadia Bell just use her magician skills to banish Ambrose Dare?? No?? Okay well it was worth a shot!;)
“I don’t want secrets between us,” I said. “Not ones that matter, anyway. I keep secrets from everyone all day long. But not you. Okay?” He tugged me toward the bar stool, closing the remaining distance between us. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that for weeks,” he whispered.
Sometimes I wonder with Jenn Bennett's fascinating writing skills if she possess a few of Arcadia Bells talent for magic herself. For fans of unique, sexy, magical, Urban Fantasy, look no further because Jenn Bennett delivers.
Arc provided for review by Jenn Bennett
May 14, 2012
Summoning the Night is the second book in Jenn Bennett’s Arcadia Bell series. It follows Kindling the Moon and is just as good as its predecessor; with this book Bennett has cemented this series’ place on my “snap up on sight” list.
The main plot this time around is that Cady is manipulated into doing an investigation for the Hellfire Club. The teenage children of Hellfire members are vanishing, and the club’s leader, Ambrose Dare, believes the culprit may be the same man who was behind a similar series of disappearances thirty years ago. At first glance, this case isn’t as personal to Cady as the one involving her parents, but it quickly becomes personal. Cady is forced to make several choices and bargains that go against her sense of ethics or common sense or both, with repercussions that will ripple into future books. And then it turns out that Jupe, the son of Cady’s boyfriend Lon, is in danger from the kidnapper too…
Jupe. Where do I start? I love this kid. He’s one of the best secondary characters in urban fantasy right now, and steals every scene he’s in with his blend of ebullience and vulnerability. Summoning the Night starts out with a big dose of Jupe goodness, and this hooks the reader from the very beginning.
The relationship between Cady and Lon, and the one between Cady and Jupe, continue to grow and deepen. They really feel like a family now; Cady and Lon are becoming more serious and Cady and Jupe have a bond that isn’t quite mother-son — more like “cool aunt” and nephew — but it’s warm and sweet and it works. I just love it anytime these three characters, or any two of them, are on stage together.
These character relationships, which both tug at the heartstrings and provide some infectious moments of lightness, are probably the number one reason that Arcadia Bell stands out in the field. This is well on its way to becoming one of my favorite urban fantasy series, right along with Kate Daniels. It’s certainly the most *fun* I’ve had with an urban fantasy in a long time.
The main plot this time around is that Cady is manipulated into doing an investigation for the Hellfire Club. The teenage children of Hellfire members are vanishing, and the club’s leader, Ambrose Dare, believes the culprit may be the same man who was behind a similar series of disappearances thirty years ago. At first glance, this case isn’t as personal to Cady as the one involving her parents, but it quickly becomes personal. Cady is forced to make several choices and bargains that go against her sense of ethics or common sense or both, with repercussions that will ripple into future books. And then it turns out that Jupe, the son of Cady’s boyfriend Lon, is in danger from the kidnapper too…
Jupe. Where do I start? I love this kid. He’s one of the best secondary characters in urban fantasy right now, and steals every scene he’s in with his blend of ebullience and vulnerability. Summoning the Night starts out with a big dose of Jupe goodness, and this hooks the reader from the very beginning.
The relationship between Cady and Lon, and the one between Cady and Jupe, continue to grow and deepen. They really feel like a family now; Cady and Lon are becoming more serious and Cady and Jupe have a bond that isn’t quite mother-son — more like “cool aunt” and nephew — but it’s warm and sweet and it works. I just love it anytime these three characters, or any two of them, are on stage together.
These character relationships, which both tug at the heartstrings and provide some infectious moments of lightness, are probably the number one reason that Arcadia Bell stands out in the field. This is well on its way to becoming one of my favorite urban fantasy series, right along with Kate Daniels. It’s certainly the most *fun* I’ve had with an urban fantasy in a long time.
July 23, 2012
Summoning the Night by Jenn Bennett was an awesome read. I literally read the book in one day; I could not put it down. Excitement, edge of your seat action, and a few Indiana Jones-type moments made this book one of my favorite urban fantasy reads of this year.
This is a cool world. Earthbound demons (as opposed to summoned demons) live in plain sight. The humans (savages) are not aware of their demon neighbors. Earthbound demons have a “knack” or special talent. These knacks vary from healing to locating the dead to compulsion and more. Most of these Earthbound demons live around the La Sirena area and they frequent the Tambuku Tiki Bar, a Tiki lounge owned by Arcadia Bell and her business partner Kar-Yee.
One of the reasons why I enjoy this series is the lead couple: Lon Butler and Arcadia Bell. Lon and Cady are so perfect together. There is little angst between them and they make an excellent sleuthing team. Lon is an Earthbound demon with a knack as an empath. Lon makes a living as a photographer, photographing people and places all over the world. Cady is a magician who was specially bred by her crazy and now deceased parents. Cady’s powers are not fully developed yet, but she is a powerful magician, mostly self-taught. She is also learning how to use her new Moonchild powers as well.
Jupe is another reason why I love this series. Jupe is Lon’s precocious 13 year old son. Jupe is as cute as a puppy dog, intense, affectionate, adorable, and smart. Jupe is a walking encyclopedia of all movie related things. In this book, Jupe is coming into his knack and is able to manipulate people to do his bidding.
The story line was engaging. Someone was kidnapping the kids of transmuted Hellfire Club members. The crime was similar to a crime 30 years earlier. Lon and Cady investigate with the assistance of Bob and Hajo, a drug addicted locator of the dead. There's lots of neat booby-trapped magicks in this book, a memorable scene with lots and lots of poisonous bugs.
Oh, and Lon has the most amazing hilltop home ever! In this book we find out he also owns a cute Victorian home as well. Some guys have all the luck.
Urban fantasy lovers will enjoy Jenn Bennett's Arcadia Bell series. I can’t wait for the next installment. More! I want more!
June 29, 2017
Loving this series more and more! Full review to come (hopefully soon).
April 18, 2012
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett was my second most favorite read of 2011. Seriously people, it is amazing. It is a debut book by a new author and it’s written so well you can’t believe you are reading a first book. (And if you haven’t read it yet, then I haven’t been loud enough about how incredible the book is!). Seeing how much I loved LOVED book one, you can only imagine how high my hopes were for book two. Remember, book one was my number two favorite read last year so ideally book two would, if not surpass it, at least meet book one’s awesomness. No pressure there. Well guys let me tell you, Summoning the Night is tremendous phenomenal fantastic! I read it in one day and followers of my blog will know that that is unheard of for me and urban fantasy books. Yes, I did basically ignore my family, my kids, my everything just to read this book. And when I finished, I was equal parts giddy and shaking. And yes, I hugged it too. It left me even more in awe of this author and I now feel as though it is my job, the reason I started book blogging, to tell everyone to read this book and to read this series.
Am I being a bit dramatic here? Oh yes, probably. But it’s only because I want you to read this book! If just taking my word for it doesn’t work, then let me tell you a bit about what to expect in this installment.
Actually, I won’t do that because the Goodreads blurb is quite thorough. So I’ll just talk about what I liked about the book.
Arcadia (Cady) is our main heroine and the story is told from her perspective. She is an incredibly well written character. Her life has been pretty crappy up until recently but you never really hear her complain. Does her past haunt her? Absolutely. But she doesn’t dwell on it and goes with the flow. She is also awfully quick and incredibly smart. She is a very compassionate and loyal character too and I find those are very important traits in an urban fantasy lead. Her snark is pretty awesome too. She is a witch and the witches in the world that Jenn has built are very different from any witches I’ve read before. I love how witchcraft is described – how visual it is. One of my favorite things about Cady in this installment is how she grows as a character. You see quite a difference from the first book to now and she grows even more in this book. She is more sure of herself and more comfortable in her skin. I wanted to make a sign that said “Go Cady, Go” and put it out on my front lawn, but the neighbors then might think I was a little odd…so I decided to silently chant that mantra over and over while reading.
Lon is part demon but just as with the witches, the demons are very different in this series. They have halos and some have knacks that are pretty cool. I’m not talking Jesus halos here so don’t go ‘huh?’ – it’s like a colored glow around their head that most can’t see. It’s neat. Lon is in his early forties, self assured and just absolutely yummy. I totally used to picture him looking like Johnny Depp but now that I’ve seen the image that Jenn painted and posted on her site, I see him as Jenn sees him. And even though the idea of Johnny Depp’s image being gone from my mind may not seem like a good thing, it really is because I think this ‘new’ Lon is even yummier. I love that he’s mature and, you know, a grown up. He is perfect with Cady. He loves her and she him and they are a perfect match and really need to live happily-ever-after *glares at Jenn*. I love how real he is too. He is a father and is not written with infinite patience like the dads in old tv sitcoms – he’s a great dad but he’s realistic. As with Cady, he’s loving and kind but not over the top. In case I’m not making myself clear here, he’s a fantastic character.
Teenagers in books can often be annoying. Yes, I said it. Cocky or full of snot, they just aren’t pleasant to read. Jupe (Lon’s son) is 13, almost 14, and yes he is cocky but he is also something many teens in literature aren’t: he is endearing. It is impossible not to love this character. Jenn writes him so well, he doesn’t take away from the story, he adds to it. In fact, in this installment, he pretty much steals the show. He is growing quite attached to Cady and I love to see this tender side to Jupe. And he makes Cady’s tender side come out too which is charming to watch. He is so innocent yet wise. I can’t wait to watch his character grow.
Hajo is an intriguing character that we meet in this book and I would not mind seeing again. Really, I wouldn’t want his ‘gift’…ever…but I can see big things in this series for him. And now that I’ve said that just watch Jenn cackle at her computer and make that this is the only time we will ever see him.
And Dare is an a** hole, pardon my French. That is all.
As with the first book, there is a bit of creepy in Summoning the Night. There is an almost film-noir feel to these books and Jenn brings that feeling into her mystery plot-lines. And since she is a very visual writer, the creepy level is cranked in this series. It fits the characters perfectly. The mystery itself this time around was great. In book one, we didn’t see the twists and turns coming. Well, Jenn does the exact same thing in this installment. The twists, the turns… And when you’re finally sure you know who is behind it all and what will happen next, you realize that you are wrong. And I mean really wrong. Basically you get a ride from beginning to end and when you reach the end you are delighted with the turn out. Creeped out by it all, but delighted.
Jenn Bennett proved that she can write with Kindling the Moon and with Summoning the Night, she proved that she has staying power. This newest installment is an Amazing follow up.
Now, even if after all that, I still haven’t convinced you to give this book and this series a try, just don’t pay any attention to what I am doing here…
*takes old pocket watch out of pocket* *starts slowly swinging it in front of your eyes* Now look at the screen. You want to read Jenn Bennett’s Arcadia Bell series. You need to read Jenn Bennett’s Arcadia Bell series…
Is it working? Good. ;)
5plus stars
Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett was my second most favorite read of 2011. Seriously people, it is amazing. It is a debut book by a new author and it’s written so well you can’t believe you are reading a first book. (And if you haven’t read it yet, then I haven’t been loud enough about how incredible the book is!). Seeing how much I loved LOVED book one, you can only imagine how high my hopes were for book two. Remember, book one was my number two favorite read last year so ideally book two would, if not surpass it, at least meet book one’s awesomness. No pressure there. Well guys let me tell you, Summoning the Night is tremendous phenomenal fantastic! I read it in one day and followers of my blog will know that that is unheard of for me and urban fantasy books. Yes, I did basically ignore my family, my kids, my everything just to read this book. And when I finished, I was equal parts giddy and shaking. And yes, I hugged it too. It left me even more in awe of this author and I now feel as though it is my job, the reason I started book blogging, to tell everyone to read this book and to read this series.
Am I being a bit dramatic here? Oh yes, probably. But it’s only because I want you to read this book! If just taking my word for it doesn’t work, then let me tell you a bit about what to expect in this installment.
Actually, I won’t do that because the Goodreads blurb is quite thorough. So I’ll just talk about what I liked about the book.
Arcadia (Cady) is our main heroine and the story is told from her perspective. She is an incredibly well written character. Her life has been pretty crappy up until recently but you never really hear her complain. Does her past haunt her? Absolutely. But she doesn’t dwell on it and goes with the flow. She is also awfully quick and incredibly smart. She is a very compassionate and loyal character too and I find those are very important traits in an urban fantasy lead. Her snark is pretty awesome too. She is a witch and the witches in the world that Jenn has built are very different from any witches I’ve read before. I love how witchcraft is described – how visual it is. One of my favorite things about Cady in this installment is how she grows as a character. You see quite a difference from the first book to now and she grows even more in this book. She is more sure of herself and more comfortable in her skin. I wanted to make a sign that said “Go Cady, Go” and put it out on my front lawn, but the neighbors then might think I was a little odd…so I decided to silently chant that mantra over and over while reading.
Lon is part demon but just as with the witches, the demons are very different in this series. They have halos and some have knacks that are pretty cool. I’m not talking Jesus halos here so don’t go ‘huh?’ – it’s like a colored glow around their head that most can’t see. It’s neat. Lon is in his early forties, self assured and just absolutely yummy. I totally used to picture him looking like Johnny Depp but now that I’ve seen the image that Jenn painted and posted on her site, I see him as Jenn sees him. And even though the idea of Johnny Depp’s image being gone from my mind may not seem like a good thing, it really is because I think this ‘new’ Lon is even yummier. I love that he’s mature and, you know, a grown up. He is perfect with Cady. He loves her and she him and they are a perfect match and really need to live happily-ever-after *glares at Jenn*. I love how real he is too. He is a father and is not written with infinite patience like the dads in old tv sitcoms – he’s a great dad but he’s realistic. As with Cady, he’s loving and kind but not over the top. In case I’m not making myself clear here, he’s a fantastic character.
Teenagers in books can often be annoying. Yes, I said it. Cocky or full of snot, they just aren’t pleasant to read. Jupe (Lon’s son) is 13, almost 14, and yes he is cocky but he is also something many teens in literature aren’t: he is endearing. It is impossible not to love this character. Jenn writes him so well, he doesn’t take away from the story, he adds to it. In fact, in this installment, he pretty much steals the show. He is growing quite attached to Cady and I love to see this tender side to Jupe. And he makes Cady’s tender side come out too which is charming to watch. He is so innocent yet wise. I can’t wait to watch his character grow.
Hajo is an intriguing character that we meet in this book and I would not mind seeing again. Really, I wouldn’t want his ‘gift’…ever…but I can see big things in this series for him. And now that I’ve said that just watch Jenn cackle at her computer and make that this is the only time we will ever see him.
And Dare is an a** hole, pardon my French. That is all.
As with the first book, there is a bit of creepy in Summoning the Night. There is an almost film-noir feel to these books and Jenn brings that feeling into her mystery plot-lines. And since she is a very visual writer, the creepy level is cranked in this series. It fits the characters perfectly. The mystery itself this time around was great. In book one, we didn’t see the twists and turns coming. Well, Jenn does the exact same thing in this installment. The twists, the turns… And when you’re finally sure you know who is behind it all and what will happen next, you realize that you are wrong. And I mean really wrong. Basically you get a ride from beginning to end and when you reach the end you are delighted with the turn out. Creeped out by it all, but delighted.
Jenn Bennett proved that she can write with Kindling the Moon and with Summoning the Night, she proved that she has staying power. This newest installment is an Amazing follow up.
Now, even if after all that, I still haven’t convinced you to give this book and this series a try, just don’t pay any attention to what I am doing here…
*takes old pocket watch out of pocket* *starts slowly swinging it in front of your eyes* Now look at the screen. You want to read Jenn Bennett’s Arcadia Bell series. You need to read Jenn Bennett’s Arcadia Bell series…
Is it working? Good. ;)
5plus stars
October 11, 2016
Review after first read-through, October 12-15, 2013:
4.5 stars - Great!
I really enjoyed this book. It was/is an excellent sequel to Kindling the Moon. :) This entry in the Arcadia Bell series saw Cady and Lon working to solve the disappearances of local children. Jupe is at risk, so they need to work fast to save him and the other kids.
This mystery relates to disappearances 30 years prior, when Lon was a kid. This development added richness to the storyline, which was already a suspenseful one. I loved it!
Summoning the Night was rather creepy in the way that good books can be creepy. It was definitely a thriller of a read for me. The ending was great and solidified my feelings of love for this series. I will definitely be adding Cady and company's adventures to my collection. :)
4.5 stars - Great!
I really enjoyed this book. It was/is an excellent sequel to Kindling the Moon. :) This entry in the Arcadia Bell series saw Cady and Lon working to solve the disappearances of local children. Jupe is at risk, so they need to work fast to save him and the other kids.
This mystery relates to disappearances 30 years prior, when Lon was a kid. This development added richness to the storyline, which was already a suspenseful one. I loved it!
Summoning the Night was rather creepy in the way that good books can be creepy. It was definitely a thriller of a read for me. The ending was great and solidified my feelings of love for this series. I will definitely be adding Cady and company's adventures to my collection. :)
April 16, 2012
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Look out Mercy, Rachel, and Sookie, the urban fantasy genre has a fierce new heroine in Arcadia Bell! Bartender and magician Cady made her mark on the genre with 2011’s KINDLING THE MOON and with SUMMONING THE NIGHT she is rightly taking her place alongside some of the big names. The worldbuilding full of magic and Earthbound demons is refreshing and exciting, the pace relentless, the romance subdued and sizzling in turn, and the characters engaging and oh so likeable.
Speaking of likeable, yes, Cady is an amazing protagonist who is smart and brave but not at the expense of common sense, and yes, her love interest Lon is a stone cold fox who looks like a rakish pirate and can transform into full on Hellboy mode when the need arises (and happily it does plenty of times in SUMMONING THE NIGHT), but the character who most completely stole my heart is the one I expected to like the least: Lon’s fourteen year old son Jupe.
I’m generally not a fan of kids (especially teenagers) in urban fantasy, mostly because in my experience they tend to be little more than annoying, wannabe comedy relief characters who cause more problems then they solve. Adam’s daughter in the Mercy Thompson series and Charlie’s daughter in the Charlie Madigan series are two exceptions, and I’m thrilled to add Jupe to the top of that list. The kid is funny and smart and a little bit of a punk in a truly endearing way. Far from hindering the scenes he was in, he made them better.
My love for Jupe carried over the debut, and my only tiny criticism is that once again I thought the identity of the villain was a tad too obvious as soon as they were introduced. I do wish there had been a few less hints until later on so that the revelation could have had more impact. But unlike the debut, I was genuinely afraid while reading this time. The stakes were sky high and suitably dire. I’ve become so invested in the main character trio that I was completely invested in their fate. There was some groundwork set up for the next Arcadia Bell book (BINDING THE SHADOWS due out in Spring 2013) that I’m equal parts apprehensive and excited to find out what happens next.
Sexual Content:
One sex scene
Look out Mercy, Rachel, and Sookie, the urban fantasy genre has a fierce new heroine in Arcadia Bell! Bartender and magician Cady made her mark on the genre with 2011’s KINDLING THE MOON and with SUMMONING THE NIGHT she is rightly taking her place alongside some of the big names. The worldbuilding full of magic and Earthbound demons is refreshing and exciting, the pace relentless, the romance subdued and sizzling in turn, and the characters engaging and oh so likeable.
Speaking of likeable, yes, Cady is an amazing protagonist who is smart and brave but not at the expense of common sense, and yes, her love interest Lon is a stone cold fox who looks like a rakish pirate and can transform into full on Hellboy mode when the need arises (and happily it does plenty of times in SUMMONING THE NIGHT), but the character who most completely stole my heart is the one I expected to like the least: Lon’s fourteen year old son Jupe.
I’m generally not a fan of kids (especially teenagers) in urban fantasy, mostly because in my experience they tend to be little more than annoying, wannabe comedy relief characters who cause more problems then they solve. Adam’s daughter in the Mercy Thompson series and Charlie’s daughter in the Charlie Madigan series are two exceptions, and I’m thrilled to add Jupe to the top of that list. The kid is funny and smart and a little bit of a punk in a truly endearing way. Far from hindering the scenes he was in, he made them better.
My love for Jupe carried over the debut, and my only tiny criticism is that once again I thought the identity of the villain was a tad too obvious as soon as they were introduced. I do wish there had been a few less hints until later on so that the revelation could have had more impact. But unlike the debut, I was genuinely afraid while reading this time. The stakes were sky high and suitably dire. I’ve become so invested in the main character trio that I was completely invested in their fate. There was some groundwork set up for the next Arcadia Bell book (BINDING THE SHADOWS due out in Spring 2013) that I’m equal parts apprehensive and excited to find out what happens next.
Sexual Content:
One sex scene
March 8, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in the Arcadia Bell series. Much more than I thought I would. So I was really excited to finally get to the second book - Summoning the Night. While I enjoyed it, it didn't have the same magic the first one had for me. I fell it was a bit slow and I wasn't super interested in the mystery they followed. The highlights for me were Cady, Lon and his son Jupe. They have great chemistry as a group. While not a total hit for me I am definitely continuing with the series.
This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
August 27, 2015
An awesome installment in the series, I seriously love these characters!
April 17, 2012
{This review was originally published on Clear Eyes, Full Shelves.}
Jenn Bennett's debut, Kindling the Moon, was one of my favorite urban fantasy releases of 2011. Her protagonist Arcadia Bell's world of magic, good humor, family and community are what I've dubbed, "Urban fantasy with heart."
Whenever I love the first entrant into a series as much as I did Kindling the Moon, reading the sequel is rather stress-inducing. What if it doesn't live up to the first in the series? What if it's a one-hit wonder?
I'm thrilled to say all my worries were needless--Summoning the Night exceeded all of my expectations and firmly cemented the Arcadia Bell series as one of my favorites.
(Note: the rest of this review contains mild, but inevitable, spoilers for the previous book in this series, Kindling the Moon. Read my review of Kindling here.)
With this second installment, the Arcadia Bell series joins Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series as my favorite in the urban fantasy sub-genre.
It's funny, because the two series have a number of similarities, despite the details of the worlds being quite different. They both have smart, capable protagonists teamed complex, somewhat frustrating--yet endearing--love interests and a community full of intriguing secondary characters. The romance isn't too intense, yet it feels more fully developed than in many other series. But most of all, both series have heart (and I know I keep using that term) that makes them standout amidst a slew of urban fantasy offerings on the shelves these days--I care about and root for these characters. I'll be tapping my fingers doubly waiting for Lon, Cady and Jupe's next adventure.***
*A rare and perfect combination.
**Jenn Bennett's recent comparison of Lon to Deadwood-era Timothy Olyphant over on Pinterest certainly helped matters. *ahem*
***My original text for this review was, "This series and book are awesome and you really should read it. But, that seemed a bit too succinct.
I received a copy of Summoning the Night from the author. No "goodies" or other compensation were received in exchange for this honest review.
4.5 stars; I'm loving this series even more... fun urban fantasy with loads of heart. (I'll review it next week)
Jenn Bennett's debut, Kindling the Moon, was one of my favorite urban fantasy releases of 2011. Her protagonist Arcadia Bell's world of magic, good humor, family and community are what I've dubbed, "Urban fantasy with heart."
Whenever I love the first entrant into a series as much as I did Kindling the Moon, reading the sequel is rather stress-inducing. What if it doesn't live up to the first in the series? What if it's a one-hit wonder?
I'm thrilled to say all my worries were needless--Summoning the Night exceeded all of my expectations and firmly cemented the Arcadia Bell series as one of my favorites.
(Note: the rest of this review contains mild, but inevitable, spoilers for the previous book in this series, Kindling the Moon. Read my review of Kindling here.)
With this second installment, the Arcadia Bell series joins Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series as my favorite in the urban fantasy sub-genre.
It's funny, because the two series have a number of similarities, despite the details of the worlds being quite different. They both have smart, capable protagonists teamed complex, somewhat frustrating--yet endearing--love interests and a community full of intriguing secondary characters. The romance isn't too intense, yet it feels more fully developed than in many other series. But most of all, both series have heart (and I know I keep using that term) that makes them standout amidst a slew of urban fantasy offerings on the shelves these days--I care about and root for these characters. I'll be tapping my fingers doubly waiting for Lon, Cady and Jupe's next adventure.***
*A rare and perfect combination.
**Jenn Bennett's recent comparison of Lon to Deadwood-era Timothy Olyphant over on Pinterest certainly helped matters. *ahem*
***My original text for this review was, "This series and book are awesome and you really should read it. But, that seemed a bit too succinct.
I received a copy of Summoning the Night from the author. No "goodies" or other compensation were received in exchange for this honest review.
September 28, 2013
“That’s right.” Jupe arched his back and stretched like a cat, then smugly pretended to crack his knuckles. “Step aside and watch the master go to work, people.”
SUMMONING THE NIGHT was even more amazing than I thought it would be. I think I seriously forgot how much I just loved the first book in the Arcadia Bell Series, Kindling the Moon. Yeah. That totally must be it! I couldn't put down SUMMONING THE NIGHT since I started and I read half the book in a night which I never do! That how much I was so into this amazing sequel!
I was so very much into the storyline for SUMMONING THE NIGHT. Basically, during the month of October, the month of Halloween kids of the Hellfire Club are being kidnapped by the Snatcher. There was an incident with the Snatcher many years ago where this same thing has happened and all of the kids were never found. Dare, the leader of the Hellfire Club now wants Cady and Lon to find the Snatcher and prevent any more kids from being kidnapped!
“I don’t want secrets between us,” I said. “Not ones that matter, anyway. I keep secrets from everyone all day long. But not you. Okay?” He tugged me toward the bar stool, closing the remaining distance between us. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that for weeks,” he whispered.
Cady is even more amazing in this book! Cady is now dating the irresistible, Lon Butler and things have gotten pretty serious between the two. We are talking about keys being given and space for clothes being shared. I still am loving the relationship between Cady and Lon and I can't wait for more of them in the next book for sure. I hope in the future Cady tells everyone close to her, her true identity, because I have a feeling this is really going to all blow up in her face one day!
It's Jupe's turn for the spotlight! I loved Jupe even more in SUMMONING THE NIGHT. I just love his character. He is really fun and everytime we get a scene with him, I have this huge smile on my face. He is most definitely a joy and one of the best things that could've happened in the Arcadia Bell Series. There has been some really sweet scenes with him and Cady that you just can't help but tear up at and be a little emotional.
“Oh, really? Is that why he’s hot and bothered for Arcadia here?” Kar Yee tossed an accusatory glance my way. She was well aware that honesty wasn’t one of my strong suits. “Probably,” Jupe confirmed. “My dad says he likes her so much that if she kicked him in the balls, he’d just thank her.”
I had a lot of favorite moments in the book and I had not so favorite moments and that included a new character that I didn't particularly like, Dare, the Hellfire Leader. You think you finally meet a nice guy, when he turns out to be an ass as well. It's in the middle of the book where I can't stand him and hopefully we will see what happens with him in the nest Arcadia Bell book.
As you know I absolutely devoured SUMMONING THE NIGHT and I have a lot of questions about what the hell is going to happen next? I am excited and I want more Jupe! I mean more Cady and Jupe and Lon! I know the next book is going to be just an amazing as this one and I can't wait to see what is in store for Cady Bell!
SUMMONING THE NIGHT was even more amazing than I thought it would be. I think I seriously forgot how much I just loved the first book in the Arcadia Bell Series, Kindling the Moon. Yeah. That totally must be it! I couldn't put down SUMMONING THE NIGHT since I started and I read half the book in a night which I never do! That how much I was so into this amazing sequel!
I was so very much into the storyline for SUMMONING THE NIGHT. Basically, during the month of October, the month of Halloween kids of the Hellfire Club are being kidnapped by the Snatcher. There was an incident with the Snatcher many years ago where this same thing has happened and all of the kids were never found. Dare, the leader of the Hellfire Club now wants Cady and Lon to find the Snatcher and prevent any more kids from being kidnapped!
“I don’t want secrets between us,” I said. “Not ones that matter, anyway. I keep secrets from everyone all day long. But not you. Okay?” He tugged me toward the bar stool, closing the remaining distance between us. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that for weeks,” he whispered.
Cady is even more amazing in this book! Cady is now dating the irresistible, Lon Butler and things have gotten pretty serious between the two. We are talking about keys being given and space for clothes being shared. I still am loving the relationship between Cady and Lon and I can't wait for more of them in the next book for sure. I hope in the future Cady tells everyone close to her, her true identity, because I have a feeling this is really going to all blow up in her face one day!
It's Jupe's turn for the spotlight! I loved Jupe even more in SUMMONING THE NIGHT. I just love his character. He is really fun and everytime we get a scene with him, I have this huge smile on my face. He is most definitely a joy and one of the best things that could've happened in the Arcadia Bell Series. There has been some really sweet scenes with him and Cady that you just can't help but tear up at and be a little emotional.
“Oh, really? Is that why he’s hot and bothered for Arcadia here?” Kar Yee tossed an accusatory glance my way. She was well aware that honesty wasn’t one of my strong suits. “Probably,” Jupe confirmed. “My dad says he likes her so much that if she kicked him in the balls, he’d just thank her.”
I had a lot of favorite moments in the book and I had not so favorite moments and that included a new character that I didn't particularly like, Dare, the Hellfire Leader. You think you finally meet a nice guy, when he turns out to be an ass as well. It's in the middle of the book where I can't stand him and hopefully we will see what happens with him in the nest Arcadia Bell book.
As you know I absolutely devoured SUMMONING THE NIGHT and I have a lot of questions about what the hell is going to happen next? I am excited and I want more Jupe! I mean more Cady and Jupe and Lon! I know the next book is going to be just an amazing as this one and I can't wait to see what is in store for Cady Bell!
March 28, 2012
Jenn Bennett has done it again. She wrapped me up in Cady's world and made me love it even more than I thought I could. I was madly in love with book 1, you know. Seriously. Madly in love. I wanted a Lon of my very own. I wanted to be a fly in the wall when Jupe walked into any room. I was cheering as Cady came into her own. And book 2? Oh, it's made me fall in love with all those guys even harder. I'm just tickled pink to be back in their world - eating their food, playing with their hedgehog, and watching the mayhem and magic fly!
One of the things I adore is Cady and Lon's relationship. They seem so damn right together. Now if I'm being honest, Lon is just fantastic all on his own. He's hot, he's a great dad, and he has that strong, silent vibe going for him. Plus, he can do that whole transmutation thing and grow horns and stuff. That might not be everyone's idea of a good time, but I just find the whole Lon package to be incredibly sexy. Like I said, I'd totally take a Lon of my own. No questions asked.
Meanwhile, Cady is still dealing with the emotional fallout of having her parents try to sacrifice her for their own twisted needs. She has a few trust issues and she's vaguely worried about the age difference between her and Lon but I still got the feeling that she's in it for the long haul. I think one of her biggest obstacles has been the idea that she has someone to rely on. She can lean on Lon. Jupe expects her to be there if he needs her. With the way her parents abandoned her in her teens, this isn't something she's used to.
The mystery was well plotted, the bad guy was a first class jerk, and Jupe was just downright awesome. I found myself sympathizing with the demons who were summoned more than I thought I would (I mean, what a drag to be yanked out of your realm whenever some yahoo with the summoning mojo gets the urge) and I am incredibly curious where Cady's Moonchild powers will take her.
Cady, Lon, and Jupe are my new favorite crime fighting, magic wielding, Earthbound family unit. More, please.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
One of the things I adore is Cady and Lon's relationship. They seem so damn right together. Now if I'm being honest, Lon is just fantastic all on his own. He's hot, he's a great dad, and he has that strong, silent vibe going for him. Plus, he can do that whole transmutation thing and grow horns and stuff. That might not be everyone's idea of a good time, but I just find the whole Lon package to be incredibly sexy. Like I said, I'd totally take a Lon of my own. No questions asked.
Meanwhile, Cady is still dealing with the emotional fallout of having her parents try to sacrifice her for their own twisted needs. She has a few trust issues and she's vaguely worried about the age difference between her and Lon but I still got the feeling that she's in it for the long haul. I think one of her biggest obstacles has been the idea that she has someone to rely on. She can lean on Lon. Jupe expects her to be there if he needs her. With the way her parents abandoned her in her teens, this isn't something she's used to.
The mystery was well plotted, the bad guy was a first class jerk, and Jupe was just downright awesome. I found myself sympathizing with the demons who were summoned more than I thought I would (I mean, what a drag to be yanked out of your realm whenever some yahoo with the summoning mojo gets the urge) and I am incredibly curious where Cady's Moonchild powers will take her.
Cady, Lon, and Jupe are my new favorite crime fighting, magic wielding, Earthbound family unit. More, please.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 14, 2012
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Full Review to come*
There are a bunch of positives. Jupiter (Jupe) Butler gets a huge chunk of story time, and his relationship with Cady is growing by the book. Another is the fact that Cady is actually realizing that being with Lon and Jupe is pretty much like having her own little family unit, and she really doesn't seem to mind it after being alone and on the run for so many years.
I really, really don't much care for Ambrose Dare (Head of the Hellfire Club) who calls on Cady and Lon to find missing kids after they are spirited away by the so called Snatcher. I don't much care for the way he goes out of his way to get enough blackmail material on Cady to force her to work for him. In my honest opinion, he's a total asshat and needs to be taught a valuable lesson not to mess with our girl Cady.
Favorite quote:
"But there was only so much worrying you could do before you just had to accept what life throws at you and move on. Because some things were going to be out of your control, and others can't be fixed or changed."
Jenn has stated that there are two more books in this series. More Cady is always a good thing!
Jenn Bennett
Arcadia Bell
3. Binding the Shadows (June 2013)
4. Crossing the Aethyr (2014)
releases April 24th 2012
*Rating* 4.0
*Full Review to come*
There are a bunch of positives. Jupiter (Jupe) Butler gets a huge chunk of story time, and his relationship with Cady is growing by the book. Another is the fact that Cady is actually realizing that being with Lon and Jupe is pretty much like having her own little family unit, and she really doesn't seem to mind it after being alone and on the run for so many years.
I really, really don't much care for Ambrose Dare (Head of the Hellfire Club) who calls on Cady and Lon to find missing kids after they are spirited away by the so called Snatcher. I don't much care for the way he goes out of his way to get enough blackmail material on Cady to force her to work for him. In my honest opinion, he's a total asshat and needs to be taught a valuable lesson not to mess with our girl Cady.
Favorite quote:
"But there was only so much worrying you could do before you just had to accept what life throws at you and move on. Because some things were going to be out of your control, and others can't be fixed or changed."
Jenn has stated that there are two more books in this series. More Cady is always a good thing!
Jenn Bennett
Arcadia Bell
3. Binding the Shadows (June 2013)
4. Crossing the Aethyr (2014)
releases April 24th 2012
June 25, 2014
Another fantastic book by Jenn Bennett...
Cady and Lon are a whole lot closer in this book and Jupe is just bloody gawwjuss!!!
Someone is snatching the children, a repeat of a mystery that happened 30 years ago. Back then, the children were taken and just disappeared, this time, they seem to be the children of The Hellfire Club's decedents, that means Jupe is in danger...
The adventure takes off from early on in the book and fires up towards the end... What I didn't like is Dare, the head guy at the Hellfire Club, having a hold over Cady, he knows her secrets and this is very worrying. What is even more scary, is that same history will become a 'lie' between Cady and Lon, I can see it coming...
I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Cady and Lon are a whole lot closer in this book and Jupe is just bloody gawwjuss!!!
Someone is snatching the children, a repeat of a mystery that happened 30 years ago. Back then, the children were taken and just disappeared, this time, they seem to be the children of The Hellfire Club's decedents, that means Jupe is in danger...
The adventure takes off from early on in the book and fires up towards the end... What I didn't like is Dare, the head guy at the Hellfire Club, having a hold over Cady, he knows her secrets and this is very worrying. What is even more scary, is that same history will become a 'lie' between Cady and Lon, I can see it coming...
I'm looking forward to the next installment!
July 3, 2021
I won the first book in the series on Firstreads and liked it enough to keep reading.
This one was even better. I laughed out loud at parts. I fell in love with Jupe's character from the first page he appeared on and it was only increased with more reading. Seriously, these are worth reading just for Jupe!
This one was even better. I laughed out loud at parts. I fell in love with Jupe's character from the first page he appeared on and it was only increased with more reading. Seriously, these are worth reading just for Jupe!
January 3, 2016
Another great installment. Review to come.
April 26, 2012
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Kicking Butt with Cady and Co.
If Arcadia Bell thought surviving her parents' Machiavellian plot was going to allow her to get back to the life she was living before they tried to sacrifice her to a ritual slaying...well, she was right. Mostly. She's settled back into her job at her tiki bar, and her relationship with Earthbound demon Lon Butler is progressing nicely. So is the one between her and Lon's son, Jupe. They're almost like a family.
Thing is, just because Cady is able to relax into a relatively normal day-to-day life doesn't mean that peace is going to last long. Before she gets too comfortable, a dark cloud of evil intention cloaks the city in tension and fear, one that directly threatens Earthbound young. A madman is kidnapping the children of the members of the Hellfire Club. The powerful head of that club, Ambrose Dare, wants it stopped before a heinous tragedy thirty years in the past is repeated in brutal, vicious fashion.
Lon may vouch for the Earthbound demon Dare, but Cady doesn't trust anyone or anything connected to the thrice damned Hellfire Club. Not to mention, tracking down a couple of missing teenagers isn't exactly in her skill set. Dare's request is compelling, though, and her power and magical skill may be all that stands between a power-hungry psychopath and the slaughtered bodies of seven children. With Lon at her side and an irrepressible Jupe winding around her heart, Cady agrees to stop the killer.
She's got to find him first, though, and the search itself may expose more than a trail to a madman. It may strip her bare and leave her helpless against someone who wants to use her power for their own ruthless games.
~*~
It can't be overstated just how much I enjoy the characters in this book. I like Cady quite a lot, have a huge soft spot for the taciturn Lon, and absolutely adore the irrepressible Jupe. The three of them together, hashing out an odd and quirky little family, are a joy and a delight, even in these early stages. I sincerely hope that continues and both strengthens and deepens as the series progresses, because I can't imagine losing either male from Cady's life. Not when the boys are so darn good for her - Lon as a partner, friend, and lover who grounds Cady and touches her heart, and Jupe as a glittering, vibrant connection to youthful normalcy (relatively speaking) that Cady missed out on while she was growing up.
All three characters are vital to this series for me.
On her own merits, Cady is a solid heroine. She's strong and competent, and her command over her magic has always seemed nicely representative of her history and her experiences. She is also a bit emotionally damaged and inherently wounded from a past that would have left many broken. Sometimes she makes mistakes, and she certainly doesn't open herself or trust easily. I can't say I blame her for that, even when I get a little frustrated by it. It's definitely in line with who she is, and I commend Bennett for creating such a layered and realistic character and maintaining her well through the growing pains we see her encounter in the series.
The plot of this second book was less intense and compelling to me than that of the first, but that's hardly surprising. In the first book, Cady's life is on the line and the entire foundation of that life, as well as every memory and belief she had of her parents and her family, was brought under fire and burned away by a truth both harsh and criminally brutal. Maybe it's me, but the kidnapping of unknown teenagers, children of parents who are members of a club I hold in great contempt, just didn't have the same emotional impact. That's not a fault of Bennett's writing, it just is what it is.
I do wish the timeline of the plot had been tightened up a bit. I was already struggling to connect to it because of the nature of the conflict, and that was made harder by the meandering trail Cady and Lon were following to get to the truth. Nothing about their investigation really struck me as vitally time sensitive or having any sense of urgency, including the actions of the main characters, until late in the book when the job became far more personal.
My attention was more riveted by the secondary and ancillary plot threads surrounding Lon and Cady's evolving relationship, Jupe's developing knack, and the growing cohesion of their little family-shaped unit. They provided me the brightest and most entertaining parts of the story. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters, both those familiar from the first book and new to the series. There were scenes related to the investigation that do stand out, though, and I have to admit, I kind of totally liked Hajo...maybe even more than I should, considering he was a dangerous thug and a drug-dealing junkie.
There are also things about the story that bothered me or that I just didn't like at all. While I applauded Cady's personal growth and subsequent admission to Lon that she didn't want secrets between them, I was furious when Dare started stirring things up and she didn't tell Lon about it. Not only did Dare reveal himself as the repugnant filth that he is, which as far as I'm concerned stamped an end date on his forehead, but Cady compounded my disgust by keeping it all a secret.
Best case given the timeline, she may not have done so purposely, but she definitely did so passively by not immediately disclosing the information to Lon. I don't know which it is, but regardless, she holds onto her secrets and seems to have no inclination to share them. Maybe that'll be addressed in the next book, but that sort of crap just frustrates the hell out of me. Sort of decries all that personal growth that so pleased me earlier in the book.
On a brighter note, I was pleased to realize that I no longer have any issue with the age difference between Lon and Cady. I was very disappointed in myself about my feelings about that in the first book, but in this one, something about the way the two of them fit together absolutely resolved all of my qualms. Maybe a part of it was having their relationship disparaged and criticized by outsiders, too. I know I'm prone to rally around my heroes and heroines when they are threatened. Whatever it is, I'm happy to be free of my reservations about the difference in their ages and wish nothing but a long and happy relationship for them.
Unfortunately I've been burned a lot in urban fantasy series I follow, too often getting dismayed and horrified by series that totally muck up the relationships between main characters, or pile on the emotional angst until I'm choking in it. I so wish that won't be the case here. I'd love to read a series that doesn't equate relationship and personal growth with agonizing emotional pain or betrayal. That truly would be a unique and heartening reading experience.
Hope springs eternal, doesn't it? And given how much I love the characters in this book, and how invested I am in their lives and their story, all of which is a huge credit to Bennett's writing, I can't help but continue with the series to see just what they get themselves messed up in next. I just hope it comes soon.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by the author. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Kicking Butt with Cady and Co.
If Arcadia Bell thought surviving her parents' Machiavellian plot was going to allow her to get back to the life she was living before they tried to sacrifice her to a ritual slaying...well, she was right. Mostly. She's settled back into her job at her tiki bar, and her relationship with Earthbound demon Lon Butler is progressing nicely. So is the one between her and Lon's son, Jupe. They're almost like a family.
Thing is, just because Cady is able to relax into a relatively normal day-to-day life doesn't mean that peace is going to last long. Before she gets too comfortable, a dark cloud of evil intention cloaks the city in tension and fear, one that directly threatens Earthbound young. A madman is kidnapping the children of the members of the Hellfire Club. The powerful head of that club, Ambrose Dare, wants it stopped before a heinous tragedy thirty years in the past is repeated in brutal, vicious fashion.
Lon may vouch for the Earthbound demon Dare, but Cady doesn't trust anyone or anything connected to the thrice damned Hellfire Club. Not to mention, tracking down a couple of missing teenagers isn't exactly in her skill set. Dare's request is compelling, though, and her power and magical skill may be all that stands between a power-hungry psychopath and the slaughtered bodies of seven children. With Lon at her side and an irrepressible Jupe winding around her heart, Cady agrees to stop the killer.
She's got to find him first, though, and the search itself may expose more than a trail to a madman. It may strip her bare and leave her helpless against someone who wants to use her power for their own ruthless games.
~*~
It can't be overstated just how much I enjoy the characters in this book. I like Cady quite a lot, have a huge soft spot for the taciturn Lon, and absolutely adore the irrepressible Jupe. The three of them together, hashing out an odd and quirky little family, are a joy and a delight, even in these early stages. I sincerely hope that continues and both strengthens and deepens as the series progresses, because I can't imagine losing either male from Cady's life. Not when the boys are so darn good for her - Lon as a partner, friend, and lover who grounds Cady and touches her heart, and Jupe as a glittering, vibrant connection to youthful normalcy (relatively speaking) that Cady missed out on while she was growing up.
All three characters are vital to this series for me.
On her own merits, Cady is a solid heroine. She's strong and competent, and her command over her magic has always seemed nicely representative of her history and her experiences. She is also a bit emotionally damaged and inherently wounded from a past that would have left many broken. Sometimes she makes mistakes, and she certainly doesn't open herself or trust easily. I can't say I blame her for that, even when I get a little frustrated by it. It's definitely in line with who she is, and I commend Bennett for creating such a layered and realistic character and maintaining her well through the growing pains we see her encounter in the series.
The plot of this second book was less intense and compelling to me than that of the first, but that's hardly surprising. In the first book, Cady's life is on the line and the entire foundation of that life, as well as every memory and belief she had of her parents and her family, was brought under fire and burned away by a truth both harsh and criminally brutal. Maybe it's me, but the kidnapping of unknown teenagers, children of parents who are members of a club I hold in great contempt, just didn't have the same emotional impact. That's not a fault of Bennett's writing, it just is what it is.
I do wish the timeline of the plot had been tightened up a bit. I was already struggling to connect to it because of the nature of the conflict, and that was made harder by the meandering trail Cady and Lon were following to get to the truth. Nothing about their investigation really struck me as vitally time sensitive or having any sense of urgency, including the actions of the main characters, until late in the book when the job became far more personal.
My attention was more riveted by the secondary and ancillary plot threads surrounding Lon and Cady's evolving relationship, Jupe's developing knack, and the growing cohesion of their little family-shaped unit. They provided me the brightest and most entertaining parts of the story. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters, both those familiar from the first book and new to the series. There were scenes related to the investigation that do stand out, though, and I have to admit, I kind of totally liked Hajo...maybe even more than I should, considering he was a dangerous thug and a drug-dealing junkie.
There are also things about the story that bothered me or that I just didn't like at all. While I applauded Cady's personal growth and subsequent admission to Lon that she didn't want secrets between them, I was furious when Dare started stirring things up and she didn't tell Lon about it. Not only did Dare reveal himself as the repugnant filth that he is, which as far as I'm concerned stamped an end date on his forehead, but Cady compounded my disgust by keeping it all a secret.
Best case given the timeline, she may not have done so purposely, but she definitely did so passively by not immediately disclosing the information to Lon. I don't know which it is, but regardless, she holds onto her secrets and seems to have no inclination to share them. Maybe that'll be addressed in the next book, but that sort of crap just frustrates the hell out of me. Sort of decries all that personal growth that so pleased me earlier in the book.
On a brighter note, I was pleased to realize that I no longer have any issue with the age difference between Lon and Cady. I was very disappointed in myself about my feelings about that in the first book, but in this one, something about the way the two of them fit together absolutely resolved all of my qualms. Maybe a part of it was having their relationship disparaged and criticized by outsiders, too. I know I'm prone to rally around my heroes and heroines when they are threatened. Whatever it is, I'm happy to be free of my reservations about the difference in their ages and wish nothing but a long and happy relationship for them.
Unfortunately I've been burned a lot in urban fantasy series I follow, too often getting dismayed and horrified by series that totally muck up the relationships between main characters, or pile on the emotional angst until I'm choking in it. I so wish that won't be the case here. I'd love to read a series that doesn't equate relationship and personal growth with agonizing emotional pain or betrayal. That truly would be a unique and heartening reading experience.
Hope springs eternal, doesn't it? And given how much I love the characters in this book, and how invested I am in their lives and their story, all of which is a huge credit to Bennett's writing, I can't help but continue with the series to see just what they get themselves messed up in next. I just hope it comes soon.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by the author. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
July 29, 2022
4.5 ⭐
J'avais tout bonnement adoré le premier tome, et la question était de savoir si cette suite allait pouvoir se hisser à la hauteur ... Eh bien la réponse est oui !
Ce deuxième tome est largement aussi bon que le premier, le cheminement de Cady est très bien rendu, on la sent dans une espèce d'entre deux depuis les évènements de la fin du tome 1. Là, elle se retrouve parfois confrontée à des choix cornéliens, et on se demande si elle va basculer du côté obscur ou non, et si elle le fait, quel sera le prix à payer.
L'intrigue principale est bien menée, avec juste ce qu'il faut d'action, de suspense et de flip (my God cette scène avec les bestioles, brrrr j'avais la pétoche, mi flippée mi écœurée 😅), vraiment c'est très prenant et bien écrit, les pages se dévorent toutes seules, et on veut avoir le fin mot de cette histoire.
Maintenant côté romance, j'avoue être restée un peu sur ma faim tant j'adore ce couple. C'est tellement chouette de voir une relation amoureuse être dépeinte ainsi, avec réalisme, et chaleur, vraiment, je suis fan, et j'en aurais voulu encore plus !
J'ai également été conquise par l'ampleur que prend la relation Jupe/Cady, tous deux ont un lien tellement fort, tellement complice et attendrissant ! ♥ Cet ado est vraiment top, il se la joue pré adulte costaud un moment, et juste après il vient quémander un câlin à Cady, ça le rend encore plus attachant.
Tous les personnages principaux et les liens d'amour et d'amitié qui se tissent sont dépeints avec beaucoup d'humanit�� et de réalisme, c'est pour moi l'atout numéro un de cette série, probablement la meilleure que j'ai lu ces derniers mois. J'ai maintenant hâte de découvrir la suite et de faire encore un bout de chemin en compagnie de ces héros si attachants ! ♥
J'avais tout bonnement adoré le premier tome, et la question était de savoir si cette suite allait pouvoir se hisser à la hauteur ... Eh bien la réponse est oui !
Ce deuxième tome est largement aussi bon que le premier, le cheminement de Cady est très bien rendu, on la sent dans une espèce d'entre deux depuis les évènements de la fin du tome 1. Là, elle se retrouve parfois confrontée à des choix cornéliens, et on se demande si elle va basculer du côté obscur ou non, et si elle le fait, quel sera le prix à payer.
L'intrigue principale est bien menée, avec juste ce qu'il faut d'action, de suspense et de flip (my God cette scène avec les bestioles, brrrr j'avais la pétoche, mi flippée mi écœurée 😅), vraiment c'est très prenant et bien écrit, les pages se dévorent toutes seules, et on veut avoir le fin mot de cette histoire.
Maintenant côté romance, j'avoue être restée un peu sur ma faim tant j'adore ce couple. C'est tellement chouette de voir une relation amoureuse être dépeinte ainsi, avec réalisme, et chaleur, vraiment, je suis fan, et j'en aurais voulu encore plus !
J'ai également été conquise par l'ampleur que prend la relation Jupe/Cady, tous deux ont un lien tellement fort, tellement complice et attendrissant ! ♥ Cet ado est vraiment top, il se la joue pré adulte costaud un moment, et juste après il vient quémander un câlin à Cady, ça le rend encore plus attachant.
Tous les personnages principaux et les liens d'amour et d'amitié qui se tissent sont dépeints avec beaucoup d'humanit�� et de réalisme, c'est pour moi l'atout numéro un de cette série, probablement la meilleure que j'ai lu ces derniers mois. J'ai maintenant hâte de découvrir la suite et de faire encore un bout de chemin en compagnie de ces héros si attachants ! ♥
July 2, 2023
J'avais découvert le premier tome avec un blog tour, celui de Between Dreams and Reality et j'avais eu un coup de coeur pour ce premier titre. Je me suis mise en quête de la suite et me voila avec mon avis qui n'est pas un coup de coeur, mais pas loin. En fait, j'ai un coup de coeur pour la couverture en comparaison de celle du premier, mais pour le récit, j'ai senti quelques longueurs, sans gravité bien entendu. Après autant de révélations dans le premier, il est clair qu'il faut tenir le rythme et pour débuter, nous avons dès le départ des doutes sur Jupe, le fils de Lon avec un hypothétique don qui serait réveillé plus tôt que prévu et un type qui veut piquer l'argent de cet ado et Cady. Rien de tel pour notre magicienne plus qu'en herbe de chercher à le protéger ce rejeton. Un début assez mouvementé qui ralentit une fois entrés dans le bar de notre héroïne. Des dons réveillés pour elle et ce jeune homme, des difficultés à les contrôler ou à comprendre comment cela fonctionne. Ajoutez à cela un personnage qui s'amuse à enlever des enfants durant la période d'Halloween et voila une affaire qui sera tout sauf rondement mené. Surtout si nous comprenons bien que ces enlèvements auraient apparemment un rapport avec d'autres survenus bien des années auparavant.
Cady et Lon, c'est un peu (beaucoup) devenu de la routine. Quant à Jupe, il défonce les barrières de Cady sans qu'elle ne 'en apercoive, enfin un peu. Elle qui avait du mal avec les contacts, elle le retrouve souvent sur ses genoux ou à faire un câlin. C'est encore un enfant qui a besoin de contact et qui adore cette femme, même s'il n'a pas oublié sa mère, enfin si peu. Tout cela pour dire que le côté "intime" est plus prononcé chez Cady et ses sentiments augmentent par la même occasion. La peur de perdre ce jeune homme n'est pas juste parce qu'il est le fils de Lon, c'est aussi parce qu'elle s'y est attachée énormément et cela peut se comprendre. Il a beau être bavard comme une pie, il est adorable et s'amuse à pousser dans ses retranchements tous ceux qui l'approchent. Entre nos deux adultes, j'ai ressenti la différence d'âge dans le sens où Cady ne se sent pas à la hauteur et comprend que Lon a eu une vie avant. Avant d'avoir Jupe, avant d'être celui qu'il montre. Les secrets peuvent faire du mal et si lui lui a déjà tout montré, elle a encore de petites choses qui risquent d'être mal pris, surtout si cela tombe entre de mauvaises mains. Le fait qu'elle se soit cachée durant des années sur Terre (c'est dans le premier tome et sans spoiler vu que cela fait partie du résumé du 1), elle pensait avoir une vie relativement calme. Mais c'est sans compter sur ceux qi veulent profiter d'elle et dans ce tome, nous en aurons quelques uns qui ne le montrent pas de suite, mais qui vont appuyer là où cela fait mal.
Entre un kidnappeur dont nous ne connaissons pas le visage, ne savons pas d'où il vient ni s'il va continuer longtemps comme cela, sans oublier qu'il n'a apparemment pas été arrêté il y a trente ans et que le but est toujours incertain... Que demander de mieux, pas vrai ? Si nous rajoutons à cela un Jupe qui semble avoir des capacités effrayantes à termes et une Arcadia qui s'est découvert un nouveau pouvoir sans vraiment savoir comment cela fonctionne... Vous avez de quoi vous torturer les méninges. Le plus que j'ai adoré ? Le fait de "voir" Lon dans ses mauvais jours, de comprendre son don et qu'il soit en action, véritablement. Rien de mieux que de comprendre qu'il a beau être gentil en apparence, son âme cache de sombres intentions pour ceux qui tenteraient d'embarquer son fils, de faire mal à quelqu'un de son entourage et surtout s'il n'a pas de magie à proprement parler, il sait se défendre. Et puis quand le chef du Helfire demande de l'aide, c'est plus ressenti comme un ordre et forcément Lon et Cady vont devoir être gentils, pour retrouver ces enfants. Des points en commun, ils n'en manquent pas, des secrets pour Dare qu'il adore décrypter, des investissements qu'il ne veut pas perdre, les moyens qu'il a pour forcer les gens à se soumettre... Cet homme n'a pas oublié ce que Cady a pu lui faire perdre un soir dans le premier tome et va appuyer dessus. Une forme de chantage qui risque de ne plaire à personne.
L'enquête est menée tambours battants. Avec des demandes particulières pour trouver des gens particuliers, qui seraient capables de trouver des restes humains, en quelque sorte. Des échanges, tractations, chantages, besoins de services qui seront payés d'une manière ou d'une autre... Chaque personnage se voit obtenir un certain statut et cela risque de déplaire à Lon par la même occasion. La scène dans sa voiture est risible et je n'ose imaginer la tête de notre bonhomme qui va les voir débarquer chez eux à la fin de l'histoire. Chaque échange effectué auprès de notre magicienne ne sera pas gratuit. Elle va devoir donner de sa personne et sa magie fonctionnant avec une partie de son corps ou un ingrédient la composant, cela risque de poser des problèmes plus tard. J'ai adoré la voir aux prises avec ce qu'elle doit contrôler, cette forme de magie puissante qu'elle a découvert à la fin du tome 1 et qui ne va pas être de tout repos. Et puis nous découvrons des lieux, comme le mini-golf, les entrepôts insalubres, le "carnaval" avec ses chars et puis la manière dont la protection des enfants qui sont hypothétiquement en danger s'effectue. Rien ne prédestinait Cady à être une super-héroïne et elle ne l'est pas ! Elle veut juste sauver ce qui peuvent l'être et garder en vie Jupe. Il y a juste (oui oui, juste) cette pression de ne pas réussir à tout faire. Ô bien entendu, nous allons avoir le fin mot de l'histoire, mais à quel prix ? Parce que je dois vous avouer que même avec l'imagination débordante que j'ai, je n'ai aps vu venir qui était vraiment derrière tout cela.
Entre un vieil homme qui se prend pour un Dieu dans sa fausse ou vraie secte, un chef d'établissement plus puissant que n'importe qui, des démons, des enfants, des amis et faux-amis... C'est particulier et j'ai adoré l'atmosphère par moment. Seuls quelques passages ont été longs par endroits, comme la recherche du premier lieu avec ce personnage de Hajo qui a plus qu'un grain. L'enquête aura bien entendu des bâtons dans les roues, des personnages qui traversent la rroute où il ne faut pas, des quêtes personnelles qui vont se mettre également dans la partie. Vivre normalement ? Impossible pour Arcadia. Elle qui rêvait d'une vie tranquille après tous les événements passés dans le premier tome, elle comprend au final que rien ne lui sera épargné et ce n'est que le début. La fin de ce tome nous présente les choses autrement et sa nouvelle fonction en plus de celle du bar et de celle dans la vie de Lon et Jupe risque d'être encore plus dangereuse que jamais. Lon a beau être protecteur, il n'est pas capable de tout réussir. C'est à la fois un homme et un démon, un être qui a beaucoup de forces, mais pas mal de faiblesses. La mort peut faucher n'importe qui et l'évolution de ce tome des personnages nous le prouvent. Une évolution pour Jupe que nous voyons et craignons à la fois, car s'il voulait vraiment, il serait capable de beaucoup de choses au final et pas forcément catholiques pour un sou. La suite risque d'être prometteuse et je compte bien la découvrir !
En conclusion, même si ce n'est pas un coup de cœur, j'ai adoré continuer les aventures de Cady, Lon et Jupe et de les voir dans d'autres éléments. Tout n'est pas résolu, tout n'a pas encore été éclairci. Les pouvoirs de chacun augmentent, se développent et nous montrent que chacun d'entre eux est capable du meilleur comme du pire. L'univers crée me plaît beaucoup, j'ai hâte de savoir ce qui va se passer, maintenant que notre magicienne va devoir accomplir des choses contre son gré, une fois n'est pas coutume, pas vrai ? Un tome qui n'hésite pas à mettre en avant le fait que tout ne peut pas être contrôlé et que parfois, les choix du passé ne sont pas les meilleurs, mais il faut faire avec.
http://chroniqueslivresques.eklablog....
Cady et Lon, c'est un peu (beaucoup) devenu de la routine. Quant à Jupe, il défonce les barrières de Cady sans qu'elle ne 'en apercoive, enfin un peu. Elle qui avait du mal avec les contacts, elle le retrouve souvent sur ses genoux ou à faire un câlin. C'est encore un enfant qui a besoin de contact et qui adore cette femme, même s'il n'a pas oublié sa mère, enfin si peu. Tout cela pour dire que le côté "intime" est plus prononcé chez Cady et ses sentiments augmentent par la même occasion. La peur de perdre ce jeune homme n'est pas juste parce qu'il est le fils de Lon, c'est aussi parce qu'elle s'y est attachée énormément et cela peut se comprendre. Il a beau être bavard comme une pie, il est adorable et s'amuse à pousser dans ses retranchements tous ceux qui l'approchent. Entre nos deux adultes, j'ai ressenti la différence d'âge dans le sens où Cady ne se sent pas à la hauteur et comprend que Lon a eu une vie avant. Avant d'avoir Jupe, avant d'être celui qu'il montre. Les secrets peuvent faire du mal et si lui lui a déjà tout montré, elle a encore de petites choses qui risquent d'être mal pris, surtout si cela tombe entre de mauvaises mains. Le fait qu'elle se soit cachée durant des années sur Terre (c'est dans le premier tome et sans spoiler vu que cela fait partie du résumé du 1), elle pensait avoir une vie relativement calme. Mais c'est sans compter sur ceux qi veulent profiter d'elle et dans ce tome, nous en aurons quelques uns qui ne le montrent pas de suite, mais qui vont appuyer là où cela fait mal.
Entre un kidnappeur dont nous ne connaissons pas le visage, ne savons pas d'où il vient ni s'il va continuer longtemps comme cela, sans oublier qu'il n'a apparemment pas été arrêté il y a trente ans et que le but est toujours incertain... Que demander de mieux, pas vrai ? Si nous rajoutons à cela un Jupe qui semble avoir des capacités effrayantes à termes et une Arcadia qui s'est découvert un nouveau pouvoir sans vraiment savoir comment cela fonctionne... Vous avez de quoi vous torturer les méninges. Le plus que j'ai adoré ? Le fait de "voir" Lon dans ses mauvais jours, de comprendre son don et qu'il soit en action, véritablement. Rien de mieux que de comprendre qu'il a beau être gentil en apparence, son âme cache de sombres intentions pour ceux qui tenteraient d'embarquer son fils, de faire mal à quelqu'un de son entourage et surtout s'il n'a pas de magie à proprement parler, il sait se défendre. Et puis quand le chef du Helfire demande de l'aide, c'est plus ressenti comme un ordre et forcément Lon et Cady vont devoir être gentils, pour retrouver ces enfants. Des points en commun, ils n'en manquent pas, des secrets pour Dare qu'il adore décrypter, des investissements qu'il ne veut pas perdre, les moyens qu'il a pour forcer les gens à se soumettre... Cet homme n'a pas oublié ce que Cady a pu lui faire perdre un soir dans le premier tome et va appuyer dessus. Une forme de chantage qui risque de ne plaire à personne.
L'enquête est menée tambours battants. Avec des demandes particulières pour trouver des gens particuliers, qui seraient capables de trouver des restes humains, en quelque sorte. Des échanges, tractations, chantages, besoins de services qui seront payés d'une manière ou d'une autre... Chaque personnage se voit obtenir un certain statut et cela risque de déplaire à Lon par la même occasion. La scène dans sa voiture est risible et je n'ose imaginer la tête de notre bonhomme qui va les voir débarquer chez eux à la fin de l'histoire. Chaque échange effectué auprès de notre magicienne ne sera pas gratuit. Elle va devoir donner de sa personne et sa magie fonctionnant avec une partie de son corps ou un ingrédient la composant, cela risque de poser des problèmes plus tard. J'ai adoré la voir aux prises avec ce qu'elle doit contrôler, cette forme de magie puissante qu'elle a découvert à la fin du tome 1 et qui ne va pas être de tout repos. Et puis nous découvrons des lieux, comme le mini-golf, les entrepôts insalubres, le "carnaval" avec ses chars et puis la manière dont la protection des enfants qui sont hypothétiquement en danger s'effectue. Rien ne prédestinait Cady à être une super-héroïne et elle ne l'est pas ! Elle veut juste sauver ce qui peuvent l'être et garder en vie Jupe. Il y a juste (oui oui, juste) cette pression de ne pas réussir à tout faire. Ô bien entendu, nous allons avoir le fin mot de l'histoire, mais à quel prix ? Parce que je dois vous avouer que même avec l'imagination débordante que j'ai, je n'ai aps vu venir qui était vraiment derrière tout cela.
Entre un vieil homme qui se prend pour un Dieu dans sa fausse ou vraie secte, un chef d'établissement plus puissant que n'importe qui, des démons, des enfants, des amis et faux-amis... C'est particulier et j'ai adoré l'atmosphère par moment. Seuls quelques passages ont été longs par endroits, comme la recherche du premier lieu avec ce personnage de Hajo qui a plus qu'un grain. L'enquête aura bien entendu des bâtons dans les roues, des personnages qui traversent la rroute où il ne faut pas, des quêtes personnelles qui vont se mettre également dans la partie. Vivre normalement ? Impossible pour Arcadia. Elle qui rêvait d'une vie tranquille après tous les événements passés dans le premier tome, elle comprend au final que rien ne lui sera épargné et ce n'est que le début. La fin de ce tome nous présente les choses autrement et sa nouvelle fonction en plus de celle du bar et de celle dans la vie de Lon et Jupe risque d'être encore plus dangereuse que jamais. Lon a beau être protecteur, il n'est pas capable de tout réussir. C'est à la fois un homme et un démon, un être qui a beaucoup de forces, mais pas mal de faiblesses. La mort peut faucher n'importe qui et l'évolution de ce tome des personnages nous le prouvent. Une évolution pour Jupe que nous voyons et craignons à la fois, car s'il voulait vraiment, il serait capable de beaucoup de choses au final et pas forcément catholiques pour un sou. La suite risque d'être prometteuse et je compte bien la découvrir !
En conclusion, même si ce n'est pas un coup de cœur, j'ai adoré continuer les aventures de Cady, Lon et Jupe et de les voir dans d'autres éléments. Tout n'est pas résolu, tout n'a pas encore été éclairci. Les pouvoirs de chacun augmentent, se développent et nous montrent que chacun d'entre eux est capable du meilleur comme du pire. L'univers crée me plaît beaucoup, j'ai hâte de savoir ce qui va se passer, maintenant que notre magicienne va devoir accomplir des choses contre son gré, une fois n'est pas coutume, pas vrai ? Un tome qui n'hésite pas à mettre en avant le fait que tout ne peut pas être contrôlé et que parfois, les choix du passé ne sont pas les meilleurs, mais il faut faire avec.
http://chroniqueslivresques.eklablog....
October 14, 2021
SUMMONING THE NIGHT brings us more of Cady and Lon's relationship and I loved seeing them together again. I was also really happy that their relationship was never in question and all the drama and angst comes from external sources as these two work together. And of course Jupe, Lon's son, plays a large role in this one and it was really sweet to see the bond between Cady and Jupe continue to grow. The mystery of the missing teenagers made for a fun read and enjoyed trying to figure out who the villain was and how it all connected. I love a good mystery so it really worked for me to have that combined with the paranormal elements. I will say though that Lon and Cady are not very good investigators, lol, and they did stumble through a lot of the book, making mistakes and incorrect assumptions. But that fits since their day jobs are photographer and bar owner so I wouldn't expect them to be really great at solving mysteries.
We also get to see more of Cady's Moonchild powers and I'm curious to see how that grows through the series since she still doesn't have much control over them. At the core, what I love about this series is Cady and Lon and seeing their relationship and SUMMONING THE NIGHT doesn't let me down there. They're so sweet together but also really sexy and flirty. They're both a little sarcastic and cynical but they understand each other so well and support each other. It's also been fun watching Lon try to express his more serious feelings as he's more of an actions over words kind of guy. Overall, a really fun read with characters that I enjoy so much!
We also get to see more of Cady's Moonchild powers and I'm curious to see how that grows through the series since she still doesn't have much control over them. At the core, what I love about this series is Cady and Lon and seeing their relationship and SUMMONING THE NIGHT doesn't let me down there. They're so sweet together but also really sexy and flirty. They're both a little sarcastic and cynical but they understand each other so well and support each other. It's also been fun watching Lon try to express his more serious feelings as he's more of an actions over words kind of guy. Overall, a really fun read with characters that I enjoy so much!
September 12, 2013
What makes me like this series?
Well for starters, the characters...
I can't remember another UF series who has a "family" as it's main characters: Cady (Arcadia Bell), Lon Butler and Jupe (short for Jupiter), Lon's son. They may not be a conventional one, but that's what they are.
In fact i don't think i would enjoy this series as much as i do, if there wasn't a Jupe on board. The almost fourteen old kid is just insanely adorable, with his big mouth and his frizzy curls ;)
The dynamics between him and Cady are just adorable, and then it's always nice reading about a happy/strong relationship between father and son...
Then there's Cady and Lon relationship, which i just love reading about. I also like the occasional information "slip" that reminds us of Lon's age (42 to Cady's 25). It makes the story more realistic.
Well i don't know what it says about my detective skills (probably that i suck at them!) but the unfolding of the mystery (a vast number of teens that had gone missing) and its resolution...i mean WHO DID IT, caught me completely unaware!!
Bonus points!!
Bottom line: I really enjoyed this book (s story that didn't in any single way suffer from second book syndrome!) and as soon as i can, i will start with the next one. :)
April 30, 2012
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Cady, Lon & Jupe!
This second installment well and truly sealed my love for these characters. The dialogue and interactions between our main heroine Arcadia and her guys, Lon and Jupe, are still refreshingly realistic and full of humor and heart.
Now having said that the plot, for me, had a couple of small inexplicable holes in it that pulled me out of the story momentarily...but not enough that I didn't enjoy the book. I'm hoping some of my head scratching questions will be addressed in the next book. This is only the second book and I have high hopes that Jenn Bennett will continue to improve and expand this intriguing world and Arcadia's personal journey.
This second installment well and truly sealed my love for these characters. The dialogue and interactions between our main heroine Arcadia and her guys, Lon and Jupe, are still refreshingly realistic and full of humor and heart.
Now having said that the plot, for me, had a couple of small inexplicable holes in it that pulled me out of the story momentarily...but not enough that I didn't enjoy the book. I'm hoping some of my head scratching questions will be addressed in the next book. This is only the second book and I have high hopes that Jenn Bennett will continue to improve and expand this intriguing world and Arcadia's personal journey.
February 17, 2022
Okay, so my review of book 2 in the series is less glowing (3.5 stars). The main mystery -- someone is stealing the children of demons just as they did 30 (?) years ago -- didn't do much for me. Other plot points also don't make a lot of sense: I don't understand the leverage that Dare thinks he has over Cady/why she doesn't just tell Lon about it. But I continued to enjoy these characters and romance and so I'd recommend this to fans of the genre.
November 16, 2016
Summoning the Night is a good second novel in the Arcadia Bell series. Once again the thing I liked best about it is the growing relationships between the characters, especially the growing bond between Cady and Jupe. I will say that this one felt slightly repetitive with but the rest of the story was completely different. I'm looking forward to reading more.
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