Scan barcode
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Fourth in the Charlie Madigan urban fantasy series revolving around a detective who is no longer human. Most of the action takes place in Fiallan, the city of the sirens.
My Take
Oh, wow. This was so intense with some incredibly, godawful torture. Oh. I just can't… How people can be that power-hungry, I'll never know. So awful that I almost got too caught up in these events, but then towards the end, all the new possibilities popped into view. There's Leander with the "promise" of what he fears. What Tuni will be able to accomplish.
It's bullies again. And people allowing them to get away with it.
Interesting backstory on those words of power, the Source Words, and that of the families from which the Malakim are drawn. Even more interesting story about Ahkneri, First Ones, and Disciples.
I'm still lost as to why Charlie is so incredibly body-shy. It just seems so juvenile. Although, she seems to have gotten over it at the end, ooh, mama! Oh, crack me up! You'll be laughing when you read Alessandra's letter at the end. True to the end, LOL.
I don't think I read this series for Charlie. She's too same-same as other protagonists in other stories. But I do like the twist Gay has put on our concept of demons and angels, fae and jinn, and I keep wanting to know where she'll take it. It doesn't hurt that I enjoy the other characters as well. Sure, Charlie's got that bit of a twist going on, but so do all the other "heroines". It's her situation and the cast of supporting characters that make this series intriguing.
The Story
Captured, imprisoned, tortured. The Circe have taken Hank. They claim he's dead. At least, that's what they've told the Earth reps---that he was executed, but Charlie refuses to believe it.
While wandering Fiallan, Charlie encounters Leander, a supremely powerful being who will make a deal with her to save those dear to her.
The Characters
Charlie Madigan, a blend of the Elysians, Charbydons, and humans who is becoming a deity, is anxious to recover her partner, Hank Williams. Hank, a.k.a., Niérian of the House of Elekti-Kairos, is a siren accused of betraying his homeland, Fiallan. He was captured in Hour of Dust and Ashes, 3.
Sachâath, a.k.a., Death, attacks Charlie every time she uses her powers as he was designed to do, to track down rebellious Archons. Leander is extremely powerful, and I'm not sure who or what he is.
Emma is Charlie's twelve-year-old daughter with newly revealed powers and protected by Brim, her hellhound. Rex is a Revenant, possessing, owning Charlie's ex-husband's body now that Will Garrity will never return to it. That assurance is allowing sparks of jinn to surface within him.
Chief Abernathy, Hank, Charlie, and Sian, a Jinn-human hybrid and Grigori's daughter, make up a federal unit in Atlanta. Detective Ashton Perry hates and despises Charlie. Liz is the medical examiner with a lot of experience in supernatural bodies; Elliot is her very young-looking assistant.
Dr. Titus Mott is a genius scientist who discovered Elysia and Charbydon.
Charlie is amazingly lucky that Alessandra, a 2,000-year-old Oracle, is coming with her. Tuni, a rogue jinn warrior, is her guard. Edainnué Lightwater is an Elysian Elder willing to help. For a price. Pendaran is the Druid King, a dragon shifter, ruler over the nymphs, a.k.a., the Kinfolk, based in a huge park purchased by the fey. He's, um, storing the body of a First One, Ahkneri, keeping it from the rebels. Killian was a guard.
The Sirens in Fiallan
King Aersis of the Royal House of Akleion rules in Fiallan. Arethusa, Calliadne, and Ephyra are the Circe, who have been betraying the sirens and their goddess for centuries. Panopé, the Witch of the Sea, the mother to the siren race, has her vengeance.
The First Ones, a.k.a., Archons, are divine beings said to have created the three noble races: the Elysian Adonai, the Charbydon nobles, and humans. Disciples are guardians to the Archons. Elysians think they are gods and are the ruling elite, the House of Astarot. Sirens are a race of gloriously beautiful beings whom no human can resist. They use gifted sirens to "man" the grids that protect the city, Malakim. Nymphs are also from Elysia as are Warlocks, a warrior sect of Elysian mage. So somehow Elysians are a different species from nymphs and mages?? They and the Charbydon (the House of Abaddon, think demons) exist on a parallel plane and share the ruling of their planet. The Jinn are also from Charbydon.
``
The Cover
The cover is rough and scary...eek! Greenish-grays make up the collapsing background of pillars and mosaic floors while the long-haired Charlie, the tattoo on her arm flashing, as she slashes her way through with her pink arcing blade.
I think the title is a metaphor for the horrors Charlie---and Atlanta---must undergo before they can emerge into the sun, for there are Shadows Before the Sun in Atlanta and in Charlie's life.
My Take
Oh, wow. This was so intense with some incredibly, godawful torture. Oh. I just can't… How people can be that power-hungry, I'll never know. So awful that I almost got too caught up in these events, but then towards the end, all the new possibilities popped into view. There's Leander with the "promise" of what he fears. What Tuni will be able to accomplish.
It's bullies again. And people allowing them to get away with it.
Interesting backstory on those words of power, the Source Words, and that of the families from which the Malakim are drawn. Even more interesting story about Ahkneri, First Ones, and Disciples.
I'm still lost as to why Charlie is so incredibly body-shy. It just seems so juvenile. Although, she seems to have gotten over it at the end, ooh, mama! Oh, crack me up! You'll be laughing when you read Alessandra's letter at the end. True to the end, LOL.
I don't think I read this series for Charlie. She's too same-same as other protagonists in other stories. But I do like the twist Gay has put on our concept of demons and angels, fae and jinn, and I keep wanting to know where she'll take it. It doesn't hurt that I enjoy the other characters as well. Sure, Charlie's got that bit of a twist going on, but so do all the other "heroines". It's her situation and the cast of supporting characters that make this series intriguing.
The Story
Captured, imprisoned, tortured. The Circe have taken Hank. They claim he's dead. At least, that's what they've told the Earth reps---that he was executed, but Charlie refuses to believe it.
While wandering Fiallan, Charlie encounters Leander, a supremely powerful being who will make a deal with her to save those dear to her.
The Characters
Charlie Madigan, a blend of the Elysians, Charbydons, and humans who is becoming a deity, is anxious to recover her partner, Hank Williams. Hank, a.k.a., Niérian of the House of Elekti-Kairos, is a siren accused of betraying his homeland, Fiallan. He was captured in Hour of Dust and Ashes, 3.
Sachâath, a.k.a., Death, attacks Charlie every time she uses her powers as he was designed to do, to track down rebellious Archons. Leander is extremely powerful, and I'm not sure who or what he is.
Emma is Charlie's twelve-year-old daughter with newly revealed powers and protected by Brim, her hellhound. Rex is a Revenant, possessing, owning Charlie's ex-husband's body now that Will Garrity will never return to it. That assurance is allowing sparks of jinn to surface within him.
Chief Abernathy, Hank, Charlie, and Sian, a Jinn-human hybrid and Grigori's daughter, make up a federal unit in Atlanta. Detective Ashton Perry hates and despises Charlie. Liz is the medical examiner with a lot of experience in supernatural bodies; Elliot is her very young-looking assistant.
Dr. Titus Mott is a genius scientist who discovered Elysia and Charbydon.
Charlie is amazingly lucky that Alessandra, a 2,000-year-old Oracle, is coming with her. Tuni, a rogue jinn warrior, is her guard. Edainnué Lightwater is an Elysian Elder willing to help. For a price. Pendaran is the Druid King, a dragon shifter, ruler over the nymphs, a.k.a., the Kinfolk, based in a huge park purchased by the fey. He's, um, storing the body of a First One, Ahkneri, keeping it from the rebels. Killian was a guard.
The Sirens in Fiallan
King Aersis of the Royal House of Akleion rules in Fiallan. Arethusa, Calliadne, and Ephyra are the Circe, who have been betraying the sirens and their goddess for centuries. Panopé, the Witch of the Sea, the mother to the siren race, has her vengeance.
The First Ones, a.k.a., Archons, are divine beings said to have created the three noble races: the Elysian Adonai, the Charbydon nobles, and humans. Disciples are guardians to the Archons. Elysians think they are gods and are the ruling elite, the House of Astarot. Sirens are a race of gloriously beautiful beings whom no human can resist. They use gifted sirens to "man" the grids that protect the city, Malakim. Nymphs are also from Elysia as are Warlocks, a warrior sect of Elysian mage. So somehow Elysians are a different species from nymphs and mages?? They and the Charbydon (the House of Abaddon, think demons) exist on a parallel plane and share the ruling of their planet. The Jinn are also from Charbydon.
``
The Cover
The cover is rough and scary...eek! Greenish-grays make up the collapsing background of pillars and mosaic floors while the long-haired Charlie, the tattoo on her arm flashing, as she slashes her way through with her pink arcing blade.
I think the title is a metaphor for the horrors Charlie---and Atlanta---must undergo before they can emerge into the sun, for there are Shadows Before the Sun in Atlanta and in Charlie's life.
mellhay's review against another edition
5.0
We start with a Prologue where Hank is being whipped with a special barbed whip for escaping the Circe witches years ago, and learns he is the last of his family line.
Rex and Charlie are on their way to look at a dead body in the Nymph territory. Rex, being of a special decent, will help identify if a jinn was present at the scene as the Druid King says he saw. The First One, Ahkneri, may not be as safe as Charlie had thought. This case that could cause a deadly war between two enemies, all the day before she heads to Fiallan in Elysia to rescue Hank, her siren partner. Charlie finds The Federation Representatives sent to find and start Hanks release have returned when she comes back to the office, and not with pleasant news. Hanks not in any of the towers and the Circe claim to have executed him as the traitor they saw him as. Charlie doesn't believe it and is still given the time off with approved passes, to go to Fiallan to see for herself and get closure. Along the way Charlie finds Sandra, the Oracle, waiting for her and her fate is to join Charlie, to help her. Charlie and Sandra enter the heaven of Elysia knowing what torment lays hidden in the beauty of which is only skin deep.
Dark comes to mind first. Kelley has taken us on a dark path through the beautiful world. I LOVE it! The treatment in this one is pure torturous to the characters. I love seeing Elysia and the Sirens. Elysia looks like heaven on the outside, but to charlie, the inside is anything but.
The beginning takes us right into the current story, the murder case of a nymph with Jinn involved (and maybe Sidhe warriors too) and the issues with Hank. But there are brief mentions of important pieces to help refresh what sparks my memories. I know this all will tie together, but left curious about the nymph murder.
The family element is still present. Although not as much, as Charlie is in Elysia hunting for Hank, but when she is home, it is there and strong. Charlies daughter with Brim the hellhound and Rex make me smile with the fun craziness between them. Such family love.
I feel I get more of different races here, once again with visiting another world this expands easily for us the cultures. Slowly we learn more about the Djinn and Sirens, and even of those in Elysia more so with being there. Their weaknesses and in depth with djinn as well as with Rex now. I really like this in the books. Kelley has thoroughly thought out her worlds.
With each book I enjoy this series more and more. Kelley has left a few things open in the end that makes me curious to see what she will bring to us next. There is something else to come, and I want to know who or what it is. What fight will Charlie fight with her friends at her side? What is Leander and what does he know of what's to come? Who is the mysterious being after the First One?
Yes, this is a series I truly will keep an eye on.
Rex and Charlie are on their way to look at a dead body in the Nymph territory. Rex, being of a special decent, will help identify if a jinn was present at the scene as the Druid King says he saw. The First One, Ahkneri, may not be as safe as Charlie had thought. This case that could cause a deadly war between two enemies, all the day before she heads to Fiallan in Elysia to rescue Hank, her siren partner. Charlie finds The Federation Representatives sent to find and start Hanks release have returned when she comes back to the office, and not with pleasant news. Hanks not in any of the towers and the Circe claim to have executed him as the traitor they saw him as. Charlie doesn't believe it and is still given the time off with approved passes, to go to Fiallan to see for herself and get closure. Along the way Charlie finds Sandra, the Oracle, waiting for her and her fate is to join Charlie, to help her. Charlie and Sandra enter the heaven of Elysia knowing what torment lays hidden in the beauty of which is only skin deep.
Dark comes to mind first. Kelley has taken us on a dark path through the beautiful world. I LOVE it! The treatment in this one is pure torturous to the characters. I love seeing Elysia and the Sirens. Elysia looks like heaven on the outside, but to charlie, the inside is anything but.
The beginning takes us right into the current story, the murder case of a nymph with Jinn involved (and maybe Sidhe warriors too) and the issues with Hank. But there are brief mentions of important pieces to help refresh what sparks my memories. I know this all will tie together, but left curious about the nymph murder.
The family element is still present. Although not as much, as Charlie is in Elysia hunting for Hank, but when she is home, it is there and strong. Charlies daughter with Brim the hellhound and Rex make me smile with the fun craziness between them. Such family love.
I feel I get more of different races here, once again with visiting another world this expands easily for us the cultures. Slowly we learn more about the Djinn and Sirens, and even of those in Elysia more so with being there. Their weaknesses and in depth with djinn as well as with Rex now. I really like this in the books. Kelley has thoroughly thought out her worlds.
With each book I enjoy this series more and more. Kelley has left a few things open in the end that makes me curious to see what she will bring to us next. There is something else to come, and I want to know who or what it is. What fight will Charlie fight with her friends at her side? What is Leander and what does he know of what's to come? Who is the mysterious being after the First One?
Yes, this is a series I truly will keep an eye on.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
4.0
I have waited and waited for this book. For those who read the previous book you know what I mean. The way it ended broke me and made me crave this one badly, and madly.
I finished the book in a day because I could not put it down. Charlie was going to Elysia to find Hank and those evil bitches who put him back in a hellish jail. Elysia is what heaven is supposed to be but in the Siren city heaven is not what I think of. But Charlie will get an ally, I can't say who, but someone comes.
Through out the whole book the only thing I could think of was Hank, Hank Hank! Sure I liked him before, but now, now I felt it. They need to be together, they must be together. But will they?
Most of the book takes place in Elysia and I liked that. It did give the book another tone and it was nice for a change. Just like we visited the hell world in the last book.
Where was I? Am I rambling again? I think so. There is just so much to say. I like the world. A world where humans found ways to visit "Hell" and "Heaven" and found out that monsters and Gods were really those beings from the other worlds visiting. A city in eternal darkness, and a main character who has been experimented upon. And therefore she has cool weird powers. And those powers come out to play again as she meets Death. And Death is not nice.
Another great book in the series and I want more. I love Charlie and Hank. Rex! And everyone else.
Start this series now!
I finished the book in a day because I could not put it down. Charlie was going to Elysia to find Hank and those evil bitches who put him back in a hellish jail. Elysia is what heaven is supposed to be but in the Siren city heaven is not what I think of. But Charlie will get an ally, I can't say who, but someone comes.
Through out the whole book the only thing I could think of was Hank, Hank Hank! Sure I liked him before, but now, now I felt it. They need to be together, they must be together. But will they?
Most of the book takes place in Elysia and I liked that. It did give the book another tone and it was nice for a change. Just like we visited the hell world in the last book.
Where was I? Am I rambling again? I think so. There is just so much to say. I like the world. A world where humans found ways to visit "Hell" and "Heaven" and found out that monsters and Gods were really those beings from the other worlds visiting. A city in eternal darkness, and a main character who has been experimented upon. And therefore she has cool weird powers. And those powers come out to play again as she meets Death. And Death is not nice.
Another great book in the series and I want more. I love Charlie and Hank. Rex! And everyone else.
Start this series now!
libbila's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic end to a fantastic series. It seems like the author isn’t going to write any more of this series, despite initial indications that that may be the case. In light of this, I appreciate that, although there were hints of what another book could be about, the book still ended without a cliffhanger. This series was a surprising and pleasant find, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Well done Ms. Gay!
loishojmark's review against another edition
4.0
3.5****
Honestly I can't say why I'm not a wholehearted fan of this series. It just sort of bores me.
Honestly I can't say why I'm not a wholehearted fan of this series. It just sort of bores me.
andimontgomery's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this action-packed installment. Charlie sets out to free Hank, who is being held in Fiallan after being captured for abandoning his post long ago guarding the towers.
This book is about so much more than this one task, though. It's hard to say anything without providing a spoiler. Not everything is rosy in this book, but let's just say this was a very satisfying read. I really like the direction this series is taking, and I can't wait for the next one!
This book is about so much more than this one task, though. It's hard to say anything without providing a spoiler. Not everything is rosy in this book, but let's just say this was a very satisfying read. I really like the direction this series is taking, and I can't wait for the next one!
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
5.0
The Hour of Dust and Ashes ended in such a traumatising way, I was very concerned that Shadows Before the Sun would leave me in a sobbing heap in a darkened corner somewhere. Fortunately, five bright shiny stars were on the horizon...
Charlie Madigan's world is just so cleverly realised. Creatures of heaven and hell are grounded in realism and with such rich cultures that each book continues to explore in vivid detail. We spend most of our time with the Sirens in this book and the society is carefully described, ensuring that though we may not like everything we encounter, it makes an odd sort of sense.
And then there's Charlie herself. Flawed and feisty and fantastic, she sets a high bar for urban fantasy heroines and is definitely someone you would want fighting in your corner when the chips are down. The dynamics with Rex, Emma, Bryn and the surprising friendship with Sandra all help to reinforce the kind of woman Charlie is and the challenges she faces. And then there's Hank. I'll say no more.
And now I face the problem I have with countless other series. When I read the entries as they release, I then must endure the waiting game for the next book. Sigh. First world problems.
Charlie Madigan's world is just so cleverly realised. Creatures of heaven and hell are grounded in realism and with such rich cultures that each book continues to explore in vivid detail. We spend most of our time with the Sirens in this book and the society is carefully described, ensuring that though we may not like everything we encounter, it makes an odd sort of sense.
And then there's Charlie herself. Flawed and feisty and fantastic, she sets a high bar for urban fantasy heroines and is definitely someone you would want fighting in your corner when the chips are down. The dynamics with Rex, Emma, Bryn and the surprising friendship with Sandra all help to reinforce the kind of woman Charlie is and the challenges she faces. And then there's Hank. I'll say no more.
And now I face the problem I have with countless other series. When I read the entries as they release, I then must endure the waiting game for the next book. Sigh. First world problems.
aphelia88's review against another edition
4.0
Having greatly enjoyed the first three books in the Charlie Madigan series, I ordered this one specially online (which is something I've never done) because it's out of print. I'm glad I did, but the ending is a little lackluster. Although this book wraps up two major plot threads - rescuing Siren Hank from Elysia and Charlie using her new Divine powers to full potential - there are several left for the next scheduled release, [b:The Cold Light of Day|24970198|The Cold Light of Day (Charlie Madigan, #5)|Kelly Gay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1424339212l/24970198._SX50_.jpg|44635084], which - to my frustration and disappointment is on permanent hold.
As the effective series end, I wanted more. I'm not sure if Gay knew that this would be the last book when she wrote it (probably not, since she had cover art for the next book), but even if she didn't, there are problems with the characterization and pacing in this story. I really expected Charlie to go all out, use her powers to full effect (finally) and bust down the walls of Fiallan to destroy the Circe who enslaved her partner Hank as a child and are holding him captive again now in punishment for escaping in the past.
One of Charlie's strengths is her complete loyalty to those she loves and her chosen family, of which Hank is a major part. As her work partner and friend, who has turned into her love interest, Hank is incredibly important to Charlie. Which may be why she tried to do the right thing this time and formulate a proper plan for his rescue. The Chief sent in a delegation to negotiate for Hank's release, but when they return early having given him up for dead, Charlie goes herself.
To her surprise, the oracle Alessandra insists on coming along to help her. The two are prickly frenemies, but Sandra's exalted position earns them a place in the palace where Charlie pretends to be her bodyguard, giving them time to search for Hank. With only the mark on her shoulder to connect her to Hank, the search is long until Sandra gets them invited into the inner sanctum of the Circe. I wasn't sure about Alessandra at first, but her actions and bravery earned my respect.
Hank's torture is worse than Charlie ever imagined. The three witches known as the Circe draw their power from an ancient spell encircling the city. Once used for defense to repel invaders, for centuries the grid spell - anchored by four Sirens of warrior blood, from childhood to death - serves only to bolster the witches' own powers and grant them the seeming of immortality.
They have worked a vile black magic on Hank, tethering his soul to his naturally regenerating body, bringing him to the brink of death time and again only to deny him peace and begin the torture anew. It takes time for Charlie to wait on the delegation and get the paperwork for her visit to Elysia in order; time that must have seemed an eternity to Hank. It is no wonder he is half-mad by the time Charlie arrives.
Having had false memories implanted in his mind by the Circe, who seek to turn him against Charlie and use him to capture her (so they can figure out how to steal her power, recognizable from the ancient runes on Charlie's arm), Hank's reunion with Charlie is nothing like she'd hoped.
Major quibble:
They had all the time and space to fully explore whatever it is between them (neither really seems to know, and they could have finally taken the time to figure it out!!!) but instead they have sex once and book it back to the real world, emerging shortly after they had left it (when months passed for both of them in paradise in a healing coma).
DISAPPOINTING. Waste of a magical goddess gift - never mind that they both obviously need time to process what's happened, and Hank could have used some relaxation and recuperation!
Although this book wasn't as good as I'd hoped, I still love the series and very much hope that Gay finishes it someday. Charlie is a great character, and this is solid Urban Fantasy series with unusual, gritty world building that really works. Recommended!
As the effective series end, I wanted more. I'm not sure if Gay knew that this would be the last book when she wrote it (probably not, since she had cover art for the next book), but even if she didn't, there are problems with the characterization and pacing in this story. I really expected Charlie to go all out, use her powers to full effect (finally) and bust down the walls of Fiallan to destroy the Circe who enslaved her partner Hank as a child and are holding him captive again now in punishment for escaping in the past.
One of Charlie's strengths is her complete loyalty to those she loves and her chosen family, of which Hank is a major part. As her work partner and friend, who has turned into her love interest, Hank is incredibly important to Charlie. Which may be why she tried to do the right thing this time and formulate a proper plan for his rescue. The Chief sent in a delegation to negotiate for Hank's release, but when they return early having given him up for dead, Charlie goes herself.
To her surprise, the oracle Alessandra insists on coming along to help her. The two are prickly frenemies, but Sandra's exalted position earns them a place in the palace where Charlie pretends to be her bodyguard, giving them time to search for Hank. With only the mark on her shoulder to connect her to Hank, the search is long until Sandra gets them invited into the inner sanctum of the Circe. I wasn't sure about Alessandra at first, but her actions and bravery earned my respect.
Hank's torture is worse than Charlie ever imagined. The three witches known as the Circe draw their power from an ancient spell encircling the city. Once used for defense to repel invaders, for centuries the grid spell - anchored by four Sirens of warrior blood, from childhood to death - serves only to bolster the witches' own powers and grant them the seeming of immortality.
They have worked a vile black magic on Hank, tethering his soul to his naturally regenerating body, bringing him to the brink of death time and again only to deny him peace and begin the torture anew. It takes time for Charlie to wait on the delegation and get the paperwork for her visit to Elysia in order; time that must have seemed an eternity to Hank. It is no wonder he is half-mad by the time Charlie arrives.
Having had false memories implanted in his mind by the Circe, who seek to turn him against Charlie and use him to capture her (so they can figure out how to steal her power, recognizable from the ancient runes on Charlie's arm), Hank's reunion with Charlie is nothing like she'd hoped.
Major quibble:
Spoiler
Hank and Charlie's relationship has slowly shifted into romance, and the sexual tension had been running high. But when they finally admit and act on their feelings, it's awkward - a quickie in a pool, where Charlie is uncharacteristically shy and Hank seems aloof. They are in a divine paradise outside of time, given to them as a refuge to heal by the thankful sea goddess of the Sirens - and this is what they do with it?They had all the time and space to fully explore whatever it is between them (neither really seems to know, and they could have finally taken the time to figure it out!!!) but instead they have sex once and book it back to the real world, emerging shortly after they had left it (when months passed for both of them in paradise in a healing coma).
DISAPPOINTING. Waste of a magical goddess gift - never mind that they both obviously need time to process what's happened, and Hank could have used some relaxation and recuperation!
Although this book wasn't as good as I'd hoped, I still love the series and very much hope that Gay finishes it someday. Charlie is a great character, and this is solid Urban Fantasy series with unusual, gritty world building that really works. Recommended!
alexiachantel's review against another edition
4.0
Gay has done it, with Shadows Before the Sun she manages to surpass the the action and emotional connection the previous books had. Who would have thought it was possible!
The end of book three leaves you hanging just a little. Death is stalking Charlie, her sister is safe but still addicted to ash, and Hank has been taken back to his home to face the wrath of three powerful beings. You can breathe a sigh of relief, well not once you start since there are plenty of bombs dropped on Charlie right away...but once you reach the end you will have some relief.
Charlie is determined to find Hank, no matter how grim the outlook. She travels to Elysia with, surprise surprise, the Oracle! Not exactly friends, but not enemies either they do provide some comic relief to the dark and serious happenings. Finally able to face the three Circe Charlie gives into her power. The repercussions from her choice will be felt far and wide, even more so after she returns home and still has to face Death.
Shadows Before the Sun has a perfect ending. You even get to see Charlie through someone else’s eyes. As perfect as it was, you will still be itching for another Charlie Madigan book. Please, please, please keep writing them Kelly!
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines blog:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-shadows-before-sun-by-kelly-gay.html
(copy courtesy of publisher)
audiobookmel's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally posted at RabidReads.com.
Shadows Before the Sun starts off where The Hour of Dust and Ashes ends. Hank has been taken by his people. He was wanted for treason. Everyone keeps telling Charlie that he is already dead and that she should mourn him and move on. In this world that Ms. Gay has built, there are three worlds. Earth, and the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. In the previous book, Charlie, Hank and Rex visited Charbydon. In this one, Charlie goes to Elysia to get Hank back.
While at the airport to take a portal to Elysia, Charlie runs into Alessandra. She is the oracle in Atlanta and has been alive for over 2,000 years. Charlie and Sandra don’t have a good history. They’ve never gotten along. Charlie thinks Sandra is a know-it-all. Sandra sorta is a know-it-all and acts like it. So Sandra knows that she is supposed to accompany Charlie on this journey, but because she is involved, can’t see more than that.
The first part of the book does drag a little bit, while Charlie is trying to get to Fiallan, the city that the Sirens call home. It is pretty secluded and it takes magic to get there. Then once, they arrive, they have to try to get to see Circe, the priestess. During this time, Charlie and Sandra do become closer friends. Charlie learns that Sandra isn’t all bad.
Throughout all of this, we do get some glimpses into Hank’s experiences. So, we do learn before Charlie that Hank is alive. But what Hank is experiencing is way worse than death. He has no idea that Charlie is coming for him.
There is some new revelations as to why a dark shadow is following Charlie around everytime she uses her powers. Also, the introduction of a new character of Leander. He is very mysterious. I’m sure he has a part to play later in the series, but I’m not sure where yet.
I’m in love with this series. If you haven’t started it yet, I highly recommend it. It is a wonderful urban fantasy with amazing world-building. The characters are amazing and funny. There is a ton of action and suspense. There has been quite a break between this book and next book, but it has a name and a cover (if not a blurb, yet). I’m hoping that it will in fact be released next year. I hope this series isn’t ended here.
Shadows Before the Sun starts off where The Hour of Dust and Ashes ends. Hank has been taken by his people. He was wanted for treason. Everyone keeps telling Charlie that he is already dead and that she should mourn him and move on. In this world that Ms. Gay has built, there are three worlds. Earth, and the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. In the previous book, Charlie, Hank and Rex visited Charbydon. In this one, Charlie goes to Elysia to get Hank back.
While at the airport to take a portal to Elysia, Charlie runs into Alessandra. She is the oracle in Atlanta and has been alive for over 2,000 years. Charlie and Sandra don’t have a good history. They’ve never gotten along. Charlie thinks Sandra is a know-it-all. Sandra sorta is a know-it-all and acts like it. So Sandra knows that she is supposed to accompany Charlie on this journey, but because she is involved, can’t see more than that.
The first part of the book does drag a little bit, while Charlie is trying to get to Fiallan, the city that the Sirens call home. It is pretty secluded and it takes magic to get there. Then once, they arrive, they have to try to get to see Circe, the priestess. During this time, Charlie and Sandra do become closer friends. Charlie learns that Sandra isn’t all bad.
Throughout all of this, we do get some glimpses into Hank’s experiences. So, we do learn before Charlie that Hank is alive. But what Hank is experiencing is way worse than death. He has no idea that Charlie is coming for him.
There is some new revelations as to why a dark shadow is following Charlie around everytime she uses her powers. Also, the introduction of a new character of Leander. He is very mysterious. I’m sure he has a part to play later in the series, but I’m not sure where yet.
I’m in love with this series. If you haven’t started it yet, I highly recommend it. It is a wonderful urban fantasy with amazing world-building. The characters are amazing and funny. There is a ton of action and suspense. There has been quite a break between this book and next book, but it has a name and a cover (if not a blurb, yet). I’m hoping that it will in fact be released next year. I hope this series isn’t ended here.