An infestation of evil ghosts is too much for spirit medium Cara to handle alone. She summons Quin, and together they attempt to discover where the ghosts came from, and why they refuse to leave this realm. To protect the residents, Cara and Quin must work closely together, leading to old feelings resurfacing between them. But as Cara learns about Quin's mysterious past, she has more answers than questions.
C.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
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It will be a very sad moment when the series concludes.
So much love for this series.
In this 2nd last instalment of this trilogy, we’re still following Cara and Quin who are fighting off evil ghosts and searching for the book of spells. We discover more about Quin’s world, Hannah and Jack have returned, and things are heating up between Sylvia and Tommy, about time too.
Eager to see how it all ends in the final instalment.
The continuing saga of Cara and Quin in the second book of the 3rd Freak House trilogy, “Banished,“ continues the excellent story begun in the first. With only a very brief period of time elapsing between the first and second books, Quin is once again drawn into Cara’s world to combat a very real threat. Although Cara was hoping that Quin would be brought back to her in some way, the evil that they must confront is more than she can handle, posing a danger to everyone, and not something she would wish on anyone.
This time around you find out a little more about Quin’s world, as well as the explanation for the actions and reactions of some of the secondary characters. Each of these revelations give you more of an idea of the overall picture as well as insight into other worlds beyond this one.
Overall, the feel of this book was much darker than the first, but that didn’t detract in any way from Cara and Quin’s bantering. Their thoughts and feelings for each other seem to become less humorous as they fall deeper in love and the fact that they can’t stay together hits them harder each time.
One final note is on the secondary romance of Sylvia and Tommy. Things start to heat up with them and there’s definitely a bit more action between the two. I’m definitely hoping for a satisfying conclusion to their story, as well as Cara and Quin’s, in the last book of this trilogy.
**I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the 2nd book of the 3rd trilogy of the Freak House set, and it continues the story of Cara and her troubles encountering ghosts while at Frakingham. Quin makes another appearance when ghosts are found to be making mischief in the village, and again we're left with a few answers but more questions about their relationship or lack thereof. If you are a fan of YA safe historical fiction that involves ghosts, mediums and beings sent from purgatory, this book should hold your interest. I'm looking forward to continuing on with the final book in this series asap. I can't wait to see how things end!
Cara's misery is my own. You can't help but feel the same loss and melancholy that she feels in light of Quin's recent absence. So having an excuse to bring him back, even if the excuse is rather alarming and very dangerous, brings the reader some hope. And Quin and Cara come right back to it with their adventuring and flirting. They really are perfectly suited to one another and it's very enjoyable to have the two of them go on exploits together. Throwing in the story line of Sylvia and Tommy is an extra fun addition to the series.
I liked the teamwork between Quinn and Cara as they took on this particular challenge. Anything that forces a macho man to shut up and accept that a woman is along for the right no matter how much he wants to lock her in a tower is a fun point of pride for me. But the conflict felt forced and the romance kept stumbling from one dumb trope to another.
The forbidden love is back at it again. Thankfully in this one we get more Tommy and Sylvia, which I have been waiting for throughout the entire series!
I really do enjoy Quin and Cara's relationship. Sometimes I wish that the hero and heroine could get together earlier in the series and then solve the problem. We will have to see what happens in the last one.
Another adventure with the paranormal except its more mundane. A bit of mystery still lingers and a twist that makes you go hmmmmm. I was glad to see Quin return if only for the moment. I am also anxious to see how the relationship between him and Cara is resolved.
I wonder who Quin killed that there is no forgiveness for....or is there? Cara is convinced he is a great worrier plus kind why cannot he stay in this Relm? I will have to read the last book in the series to find out.
I like all of C. J. Archer's books that I've read. They are entertaining, quick reads. No, the characters (women especially) do not act like typical Victorians. However, magic wasn't really around then either, so I think a little artistic license should be allowed.
I love Cara and Quin. I’m glad that Hannah and Jack have returned. I love that Sylvia and Tommy are finally being honest. I can’t wait to read the next one and find out how the Freak House story ends. You should read this!
Loved it! Couldn’t put the book down. Really like these characters, Quin especially. Also liked the plot twists along the way. Looking forward to starting the final book and finding out who that villain is in the end!
I so enjoy CJ Archer’s books. The question remain. Will Quin ever be able to stay. Will the portal be permanently closed. Where is Myer? Will Tommy and Sylvia be able to be together?
Freak House leaves me hanging on for more. CJ Archer’s slow burn with all the twists and turns has me clawing for the next book as soon as I reach the final punctuation. Can’t wait for what’s next for Cara and Quin
Banished by C.J. Archer is an enjoyable fantasy novel with an intriguing premise and engaging characters. The story follows a compelling protagonist, plenty of magic, and an adventurous plot that keeps the pages turning. Archer’s writing style is easy to read, making it a great choice for fans of light fantasy with a bit of mystery and romance.
However, the pacing can feel uneven at times, with some parts dragging while others move too quickly. Certain plot elements and character motivations could have been explored in more depth to enhance the emotional impact. Additionally, while the world-building is interesting, it sometimes lacks the richness needed to make it feel fully immersive.
Overall, Banished is a fun and entertaining read, especially for fans of YA fantasy, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. A solid 3.5-star book that’s worth picking up if you enjoy magical adventures and don’t mind a few rough edges.
O.K let me say this I m in love with Quin. Who needs Twilight when you have this book! I can't wait for the next one. Wish I had it in my hands right now. I love the history and romance and paranormal. The characters seem like your everyday people. Someone that you could be friends with. There is so much surprise that you can't guess what is going to go on. Keep it coming.
C. J. Archer has consistently kept my interest in this story. However, I would have loved to get more of the story in this book than we did. It felt a little stretched out to make a page quota rather than giving a little more emphasis on Quinn and Cara's debacle. However, this never took away from the story as a whole. Great pace. Thanks for putting your heart out for us to see Mrs. Archer.
If you like the show Once Upon A Time you will enjoy this book. Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale so that is what got me to buy the book. Overall I really enjoyed the book. There were a few parts that became repetitive but I know the writers are setting up for the sequels.
This book showed a better connection between the romantic couple than the first one did. I like how the author has taken her own ideas on the supernatural. I'm excited to read the 3rd book, but sad to know it will be over . . . for now.
This is a fairly interesting book. I will continue to read this series. I do enjoy the references of what was considered indecent during the time period.