Kindling the Moon: An Arcadia Bell Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Jenn Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 28, 2011 | Series: Arcadia Bell

Meet Arcadia Bell: bartender, renegade magician, fugitive from the law. . . .

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn’t easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia “Cady” Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she’s carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can’t clear her family name soon, she’ll be forced to sacrifice her own life . . . and no amount of running will save her this time.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The talent pool for the urban fantasy genre just expanded with Bennett's arrival. This is an impressive debut, which opens the door for a series that promises to be exceedingly entertaining." --Jill Smith, Romantic Times (4 stars)

"A great off-beat debut novel with a likeable heroine and a fun, original storyline." --Karen Chance, NYT bestselling author

“A great off-beat debut novel with a likeable heroine and a fun, original storyline.” (Karen Chance, New York Times bestselling author)

“Kindling the Moon rocks like AC/DC on Saturday night. This book has it all: great writing, action, romance, a strong heroine, a unique hero, and the best teenager ever. I can’t wait for the next one.” (Ann Aguirre, national bestselling author)

“Kindling the Moon engaged me from page one. I loved it! I immediately adored the heroine, Arcadia Bell. This book is packed from cover to cover with unpredictable twists, heart-pounding action, and heated sexual tension." (Anya Bast, New York Times bestselling author)

“Debut author Jenn Bennett takes the familiar ideas of magic, demons, and mythology, and she gives us something sexy, fun, and genuinely unique in Kindling the Moon. Arcadia Bell is a sassy, whip-smart addition to the growing pantheon of urban fantasy heroines, and Bennett an author to watch!”

(Kelly Meding, author of Three Days to Dead)

About the Author

JENN BENNETT is an award-winning visual artist. She believes rebellion is an under-appreciated art form, has conjured up more demons than you've had hot lunches, and likes her fairy tales like she likes her coffee: dark. KINDLING THE MOON, the first in a new series for Pocket Books featuring the irresistible heroine Arcadia Bell, is her debut novel. She lives near Atlanta with her husband and two pugs.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Original edition (June 28, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451620527
• ISBN-13: 978-1451620528
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #230,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

JENN BENNETT writes the Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series for Pocket Books and a new historical paranormal romance series for Berkley Sensation. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two evil pugs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb start to a new series! July 9, 2011

By M. Cowan

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel; Jenn Bennett writes like an urban fantasy veteran! Kindling the Moon is a sparkling gem in a genre that I feel has lately become a bit lackluster and formulaic. Her characters are unique and well-rounded. Arcadia Bell's point of view is a joy to read: she's snarky but still sweet, perhaps even retaining a bit of naivete from her childhood. Lon, the primary male character, also was a pleasant surprise. He's sexy but in an understated way, making him more realistic, and his intelligence and emotions make him a fully developed character. Their relationship develops at the perfect pace--that of a slow burn, ratcheting up a delicious tension between the two.

Bennett's world-building is impressive and well-thought out. She seamlessly blends explanation of magick/abilities/lore into the narrative without disrupting it. And what an interesting world it is! I feel like if Bennett published an Encyclopedia of Arcadia Bell's World, I could happily read it and be fully entertained and engaged.

In terms of mechanics, the writing and plot are excellent. Bennett's writing-style is smooth and easy-to-read, but still complex. It captures Arcadia's personality (as well as her point-of-view) perfectly. The plot starts out as simple, but slowly becomes more complicated, twisting and turning in a way that completely defied my expectations.

Extremely highly recommended. I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for the sequel.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe the best new series of 2011 August 21, 2011

By Jessica Turner

Format:Kindle Edition

When you finish a book and not an hour passes before you start wondering what's going to happen to the characters next, and you begin wondering if it's too soon to re-read the book in question, you know the book was great. Without question Jenn Bennett's Kindling the Moon did this to me. I finished the book, and less than 15 minutes later I'm buggin a friend with questions of "what's next" and "do you think...". Jenn Bennett creates a world that is interesting and all its own, even though demons and magicians are regulars on the fantasy circuit. Her characters are crafted with precision, and the writing is so good that readers wont be able to stop themselves from becoming invested in the story.

I still can't get over how grounded the characters are. Every one of them is a three dimensional slice of perfection. From Arcadia Bell the occult raised magician turned bar owner, who's been on the lamb because of a crime her parents were accused of. To Lon Butler, demon slash artifact collector slash dad slash famous photographer. To Lon's 13 year old son Jupe, who's part motormouth part coolest kid on the planet. Each of their conversations, reactions, and interactions with each other are so realistic you genuinely feel like a fly on the wall of real events.

Additionally, each character breaks the mold of a typical UF character, and the story is better for it. Arcadia is strong willed but not a complete bad ass, just because she's the protagonists. She's awkward at times, and has an underlying tone of sadness to her. She takes charge of her life, but isn't all together self confident, which is exactly right for her in my opinion. Lon may be pretty damn dreamy, but it has more to do with his actions and less to do with his silky hair and storm-colored eyes. He shows up. Every time. And what could be sexier than that.

Speaking of sexy. I'm still surprised by how effected I was by the romance bits in the story. The build is absolutely delicious, but this is not erotica, it's not suppose to be. And actually the few sprinkles of smexy are rather tame. But the actions and reactions are so spot on to real that it felt like I had accidentally stumbled upon someone's home video. In a very non-creepy kind of way. It made me think I could read about the couple forever and never tire of them.

The plot runs fast, and I read the entire book in nearly one sitting. It wouldn't let go of me... even after I finished it. The plot is full of adventure and surprises, even if just a touch predictable at times. The twists on demonology were unique and very interesting, and it'll be hard for me to think of demons any other way now.

Bottom Line: One of the best series openers I've read in 2011. Urban Fantasy fans will love the cast, the world, and the possibility of a new long running series.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good First Effort August 21, 2011

By disgruntled

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book started out strong, started unraveling in the middle, and the end was just a mess. The writing was pretty good but it just felt like the writer wasn't sure how to end the story is all. Other than that I enjoyed it, I will be looking for the next installment. I'm pretty confident that this writer will only get better.