Book Review: Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett

Kindling the Moon
Author: Jenn Bennett
Series: Arcadia Bell (Book 1)
Publication: Pocket Books (June 28, 2011)

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: Arcadia Bell has been in hiding for seven years since her parents were accused of murdering three occultists and attempting to murder the head of a rival occult organization. They said it would be safer if Arcadia was separated from them. Now Arcadia, nearly 25, is a half owner of a bar that serve primarily demons. She has taught herself all sorts of magic and kept herself in hiding.

But Arcadia's parents have been spotted returning to the United States and the Luxe organization has given her two weeks to prove their innocence or turn herself in to face their punishment. She has to find the demon who was present when the killings were done to prove her parents' innocence. She turns to demon expert and photographer Lon Butler for help. He is an Earthbound demon himself who gift is empathy. He can read emotions if he's within five feet of his subject. He also has a charming 13-year-old son named Jupe who quickly wins Cady's heart.

The two of the spend time together trying to find the demon, avoid being found by the Luxe order, and solve the mystery surrounding her parents' past and her own heritage.

I liked this story which was filled with interesting characters. Cady is not the typical kickass urban heroine. She's a young woman trying to make a life for herself and learn about her powers. She has a pet pygmy hedgehog and many friends among the Earthbound despite the fact that she is a human magician.

This is the first book in a series and I'm eager to read more about Cady and Lon.


Favorite Quote:

I sighed and pushed myself out of my chair with a groan, carefully scanning Lon's face for clues to his feelings. Funny that after all my years living in hiding, I was struck by the realization that someone else's secrets might be just as interesting as mine.

I bought this one on March 23, 2012. You can buy your copy here.