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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Third in the Charlie Madigan urban fantasy series revolving around Charlie and her friends and family in Atlanta in an alternate world.
My Take
They just keep hammering the poor girl with one disaster after another. One of the few bright spots is the change in her relationship with Hank, well, if she can just get past her own feelings of inadequacy. And all the messes she needs his help in cleaning up, LOL.
I keep thinking I've figured out who/what is Charbydon, and I keep finding out that I'm clueless.
I dunno about this one. Yeah, there's lots of action and I like most of the characters. Charlie, though, she keeps irritating me. She's an intelligent woman who is starting to get all high-schooly-girly. It is not attractive. It could be all the stress she's under...we'll see.
The Story
The danger has increased with those suicides and Charlie is frantic to find a way to save Bryn. To exorcise whatever is inside her, and there's only one way to do it.
One that will require Charlie to die four times.
The Characters
Charlie Madigan, probably evolving into one of the First Ones, has settled into her new job along with her siren partner, Hank Williams. With a certain amount of glee, I might add. He's considered a traitor in his homeland, Fiallan. Lidi was the young girl who kept Hank sane when he was functioning as a guardian. Edan was the sidhé fae Elder who took Hank in. Emma is Charlie's twelve-year-old daughter with newly revealed powers as well as a new, HUGE pet: Brim, a hellhound.
Bryn Madigan is her earth mage sister who is addicted to ash after events in Darkest Edge of Dawn, 2. She owns Hodgepodge, a magic shop, in Underground Atlanta. Aaron is a Magnus warrior mage and Bryn's boyfriend. Well, he was before she tried to kill him.
Rex is a Revenant, a result of his jinn warrior soul being detached at the time of his death. He's currently possessing Charlie's ex-husband's body and fitting in very well at the Madigan household. Hey, that was the deal Will Garrity made back in The Better Part of Darkness, 1.
Charlie has pretty much forgiven her boss, Chief Abernathy, for the choice he made when she was dying in The Better Part of Darkness. He's assigned to the same unit as Hank and Charlie along with Sian, a Jinn-human hybrid and Grigori's daughter.
Detective Ashton Perry hates and despises Charlie. He'd like to be in her spot. Liz is the medical examiner with a lot of experience in supernatural bodies thanks to her necromancy. Officer Finley Holbrook mans the gate into Charbydon.
Other ash addicts include Casey Lewis, Mike Everton, Amanda Mott (Emma's best friend; Marti is her mom; Titus is her uncle), Kyle, and Grace, the belligerent one. Dr. Titus Mott is the one who opened the gates and now he spends all his time trying to help cope with the influx.
Alessandra is an Oracle who has been around for 2,000 years and she is fitting into the materialistic world of Atlanta much too well. She owns a theater and the club next door in Underground Atlanta. Tuni, a rogue jinn warrior, is her guard.
Pendaran is the Druid King, a dragon shifter, based in Piedmont Park. He's, um, storing the body of a First One, Ahkneri, keeping it from the rebels. There are four sylph who aren't too happy with humans: water; earth is Emain, air, and Melki is fire.
Carreg is a noble, the Lord Lieutenant from the House of Astarot on Charbydon. Matsul is a noble on Charbydon. Grigori Tennin is a Jinn tribal boss who runs Atlanta's crime scene. Malek Murr was the jinn High Chief in biblical times; he fathered King Solomon with Bathsheba.
Pig-Pens are black mages, dirty with their power. Elysians who gave in to the Charbydon magic.
The Sons of Dawn are a long-lived organization created by King Solomon whose intention is war. The First Ones are divine beings said to have created the three noble races: the Elysian Adonai, the Charbydon nobles, and humans. Elysians think they are gods and are the ruling elite, the House of Astarot. They and the Charbydon (the House of Abaddon, think demons) exist on a parallel plane and share the ruling of their planet. Warlocks are a warrior sect of Elysian mage. The League of Mages is based at Mordecai House where a number of mages live. Underground Atlanta is where most of the aliens congregate. The Kinfolk are part of Celtic mythology---the Druids, nymphs, sidhé fae, darkling fae, and shapeshifters---who have purchased a chunk of Piedmont Park for their realm.
The Cover
The cover is golds and browns with a fierce Charlie and a determined Hank firing their guns against a fiery backdrop.
I think the title refers to two different things: the temple through which Charlie, Hank, Rex, and Bryn escape and the drug. It's more than The Hour of Dust and Ashes.
My Take
They just keep hammering the poor girl with one disaster after another. One of the few bright spots is the change in her relationship with Hank, well, if she can just get past her own feelings of inadequacy. And all the messes she needs his help in cleaning up, LOL.
I keep thinking I've figured out who/what is Charbydon, and I keep finding out that I'm clueless.
I dunno about this one. Yeah, there's lots of action and I like most of the characters. Charlie, though, she keeps irritating me. She's an intelligent woman who is starting to get all high-schooly-girly. It is not attractive. It could be all the stress she's under...we'll see.
The Story
The danger has increased with those suicides and Charlie is frantic to find a way to save Bryn. To exorcise whatever is inside her, and there's only one way to do it.
One that will require Charlie to die four times.
The Characters
Charlie Madigan, probably evolving into one of the First Ones, has settled into her new job along with her siren partner, Hank Williams. With a certain amount of glee, I might add. He's considered a traitor in his homeland, Fiallan. Lidi was the young girl who kept Hank sane when he was functioning as a guardian. Edan was the sidhé fae Elder who took Hank in. Emma is Charlie's twelve-year-old daughter with newly revealed powers as well as a new, HUGE pet: Brim, a hellhound.
Bryn Madigan is her earth mage sister who is addicted to ash after events in Darkest Edge of Dawn, 2. She owns Hodgepodge, a magic shop, in Underground Atlanta. Aaron is a Magnus warrior mage and Bryn's boyfriend. Well, he was before she tried to kill him.
Rex is a Revenant, a result of his jinn warrior soul being detached at the time of his death. He's currently possessing Charlie's ex-husband's body and fitting in very well at the Madigan household. Hey, that was the deal Will Garrity made back in The Better Part of Darkness, 1.
Charlie has pretty much forgiven her boss, Chief Abernathy, for the choice he made when she was dying in The Better Part of Darkness. He's assigned to the same unit as Hank and Charlie along with Sian, a Jinn-human hybrid and Grigori's daughter.
Detective Ashton Perry hates and despises Charlie. He'd like to be in her spot. Liz is the medical examiner with a lot of experience in supernatural bodies thanks to her necromancy. Officer Finley Holbrook mans the gate into Charbydon.
Other ash addicts include Casey Lewis, Mike Everton, Amanda Mott (Emma's best friend; Marti is her mom; Titus is her uncle), Kyle, and Grace, the belligerent one. Dr. Titus Mott is the one who opened the gates and now he spends all his time trying to help cope with the influx.
Alessandra is an Oracle who has been around for 2,000 years and she is fitting into the materialistic world of Atlanta much too well. She owns a theater and the club next door in Underground Atlanta. Tuni, a rogue jinn warrior, is her guard.
Pendaran is the Druid King, a dragon shifter, based in Piedmont Park. He's, um, storing the body of a First One, Ahkneri, keeping it from the rebels. There are four sylph who aren't too happy with humans: water; earth is Emain, air, and Melki is fire.
Carreg is a noble, the Lord Lieutenant from the House of Astarot on Charbydon. Matsul is a noble on Charbydon. Grigori Tennin is a Jinn tribal boss who runs Atlanta's crime scene. Malek Murr was the jinn High Chief in biblical times; he fathered King Solomon with Bathsheba.
Pig-Pens are black mages, dirty with their power. Elysians who gave in to the Charbydon magic.
The Sons of Dawn are a long-lived organization created by King Solomon whose intention is war. The First Ones are divine beings said to have created the three noble races: the Elysian Adonai, the Charbydon nobles, and humans. Elysians think they are gods and are the ruling elite, the House of Astarot. They and the Charbydon (the House of Abaddon, think demons) exist on a parallel plane and share the ruling of their planet. Warlocks are a warrior sect of Elysian mage. The League of Mages is based at Mordecai House where a number of mages live. Underground Atlanta is where most of the aliens congregate. The Kinfolk are part of Celtic mythology---the Druids, nymphs, sidhé fae, darkling fae, and shapeshifters---who have purchased a chunk of Piedmont Park for their realm.
The Cover
The cover is golds and browns with a fierce Charlie and a determined Hank firing their guns against a fiery backdrop.
I think the title refers to two different things: the temple through which Charlie, Hank, Rex, and Bryn escape and the drug. It's more than The Hour of Dust and Ashes.
mellhay's review against another edition
5.0
One week after the huge battle on the roof top in The Darkest Edge of Dawn we pick up with Charlie trying to find out if her sister is possessed with the let down that all the exorcists have suddenly vanished from the city. The breakdown of self-will that ash has done to it's victims makes it possible for the Sons of Dawn cult to suppress human will and place spirits of their dead jinn priests in their bodies to do their bidding. Who Charlie is and what she does makes Bryn, Charlies sister, the one person who could help the cult recover, if she is possessed...which Charlie has no proof of. Compounding the want is now fear as the ash victims are committing suicide. Charlie finds there is one way to find out, but it is a dangerous journey for her to undertake and if not completed by all four visitors with in a time block, she will die. While Charlie is meeting these visitors she finds herself taken to the hellish world of Charbydon which could mean death if she doesn't get back home. And the reason for going to Charbydon could be huge trouble for her and her family as well. Then there are jinn and others after Charlie for her knowledge of the First One.
Fast start, right back into Charlie's world where she is always being chased by someone and knocked around. She is a fighter! By now you know whats happened so we pick up a week later. You don't need the rehashing, you want to get to the action which Charlie is known for finding, or finding her. Along with the thickening plot with ash, Bryn, Hank, and all others.
I was worried we wouldn't get much of Hank in this book. He was nearly comatose since his "singing" or use of his siren powers to help with the war at the end of book two. But we do get more Hank, lots more. And now, I can't wait for the next book! Charlie learns more of the tattoo her and Hank share and the warmth that comes with it.
We get more Rex! Lots more Rex. It is really neat to see this man in action. He is a kick arse fighter of old jinn. But he has a softness that has come from the years of living with humans. He is a wonderful addition to the series, and really makes the choice of Will or Rex even harder.
Charlie has to face some difficult decisions with her loved ones. Ones that are very difficult, but needed to be made in the moment. This is the area Charlie doesn't want to have to make chooses. She is a family geared person, and one that wants to defend them all.
Not only is Charlie trying to save her sister, she has many mages after her from Tennin not believing the sarcophagus of the First One is gone. Then we have a new dark presence that has us curious about it and wanting to know more. And they keep falling down the dark hole of troubles, which keeps the action full.
I think this book became my favorite of the three thus far. Each book has gotten better for me but this one digs deeper into the worlds of the off-worlders. And I like learning more there. And seeing Charlie fight her way out of everything and the wake of destruction she leaves behind. Yet the sensitive side of Charlie for her family.
Fast start, right back into Charlie's world where she is always being chased by someone and knocked around. She is a fighter! By now you know whats happened so we pick up a week later. You don't need the rehashing, you want to get to the action which Charlie is known for finding, or finding her. Along with the thickening plot with ash, Bryn, Hank, and all others.
I was worried we wouldn't get much of Hank in this book. He was nearly comatose since his "singing" or use of his siren powers to help with the war at the end of book two. But we do get more Hank, lots more. And now, I can't wait for the next book! Charlie learns more of the tattoo her and Hank share and the warmth that comes with it.
We get more Rex! Lots more Rex. It is really neat to see this man in action. He is a kick arse fighter of old jinn. But he has a softness that has come from the years of living with humans. He is a wonderful addition to the series, and really makes the choice of Will or Rex even harder.
Charlie has to face some difficult decisions with her loved ones. Ones that are very difficult, but needed to be made in the moment. This is the area Charlie doesn't want to have to make chooses. She is a family geared person, and one that wants to defend them all.
Not only is Charlie trying to save her sister, she has many mages after her from Tennin not believing the sarcophagus of the First One is gone. Then we have a new dark presence that has us curious about it and wanting to know more. And they keep falling down the dark hole of troubles, which keeps the action full.
I think this book became my favorite of the three thus far. Each book has gotten better for me but this one digs deeper into the worlds of the off-worlders. And I like learning more there. And seeing Charlie fight her way out of everything and the wake of destruction she leaves behind. Yet the sensitive side of Charlie for her family.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
Omg, yes I have to start with a omg. This book has a nice little ending where the problems of the book are solved, but, the but is a big one. Then there is that one lose thread, that cliffhanger that makes me say that Kelly Gay is one evil woman, and please can I have book 4 now.
Atlanta is now covered in darkness after the events in book 2. Charlie is back and doing her job. Kick-ass as always,a fiercely protective mother, and just nice. I like how she handled Rex, oh by the way, I am totally falling for Rex. I hope he stays just like that. A sweet guy. And now many would handle it like she did, when a spirit tookover her dead ex-husbands body.
Ok to the action, non stop, they are dealing with suicides (ash users), and since Bryn, Charlie's sister is on ash then she has to be guarded. Someone is pulling strings but who? She will also do something big to save her sister, and even go to hell. I must say I liked Charbydon, it sounds so scary and cool. But then that is "hell" should be like. So a lot of dangerous situations, monsters and that hint of romance. Yes I did not forget about that. Hank, her partner and Charlie has been sniffing around each other for a while now, and they still are. But the tensions are there and I just wish they do it already ;) But then he is just too good looking and can make a woman melt with the sound of his siren voice. I do get why she takes it slow. Oh Hank, damn, I am falling.
Then I am back at the end. I can't say anything but I want book 4 now because, because...well I can just say you would want it too. That book is going to be hell of a ride and I am pretty scared now what Kelly Gay will think of.
Conclusion:
A good book that had me reading and yes we all know what I thought about the end. I will need to buy that book at once when it comes out.
Atlanta is now covered in darkness after the events in book 2. Charlie is back and doing her job. Kick-ass as always,a fiercely protective mother, and just nice. I like how she handled Rex, oh by the way, I am totally falling for Rex. I hope he stays just like that. A sweet guy. And now many would handle it like she did, when a spirit tookover her dead ex-husbands body.
Ok to the action, non stop, they are dealing with suicides (ash users), and since Bryn, Charlie's sister is on ash then she has to be guarded. Someone is pulling strings but who? She will also do something big to save her sister, and even go to hell. I must say I liked Charbydon, it sounds so scary and cool. But then that is "hell" should be like. So a lot of dangerous situations, monsters and that hint of romance. Yes I did not forget about that. Hank, her partner and Charlie has been sniffing around each other for a while now, and they still are. But the tensions are there and I just wish they do it already ;) But then he is just too good looking and can make a woman melt with the sound of his siren voice. I do get why she takes it slow. Oh Hank, damn, I am falling.
Then I am back at the end. I can't say anything but I want book 4 now because, because...well I can just say you would want it too. That book is going to be hell of a ride and I am pretty scared now what Kelly Gay will think of.
Conclusion:
A good book that had me reading and yes we all know what I thought about the end. I will need to buy that book at once when it comes out.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite UF series. It has grit, action, chemistry between the characters, fae world, Hell and Heaven creatures, just about everything for the perfect story.
THE HOUR OF DUST AND ASHES had me claustrophobic, tense, happy, sad, a super mix of emotions that had me turning the pages in the need to find out what was going to happen next with Kelly Gay's excellent pacing.
I know the story was mostly about Bryn's addiciton to 'ash', the off-world drug, and Charlie trying to get her off of the drug and keeping her safe, but the fascinating aspect of the book for me was learning more about Hank, Charlie's partner. He's always been easy-going, hottie, funny and action-oriented in the first two books and the reader gets more of Hank's background and it is fascinating. And now I can't wait to read book four in the series, whenever it comes out.
Visit Kelly at http://www.kellygay.com/
Five c'mon Kelly write faster please beans....
THE HOUR OF DUST AND ASHES had me claustrophobic, tense, happy, sad, a super mix of emotions that had me turning the pages in the need to find out what was going to happen next with Kelly Gay's excellent pacing.
I know the story was mostly about Bryn's addiciton to 'ash', the off-world drug, and Charlie trying to get her off of the drug and keeping her safe, but the fascinating aspect of the book for me was learning more about Hank, Charlie's partner. He's always been easy-going, hottie, funny and action-oriented in the first two books and the reader gets more of Hank's background and it is fascinating. And now I can't wait to read book four in the series, whenever it comes out.
Visit Kelly at http://www.kellygay.com/
Five c'mon Kelly write faster please beans....
veronica87's review
4.0
I'm still really enjoying this series. Charlie continues to be a likeable heroine who doesn't walk around acting like she's some total badass all the time. She's smart enough and mature enough to know when she should be scared out of her mind and, despite her growing powers, she never just assumes that she can overpower anyone. Hank continues to be deliciously sexy. What a flirt! We learn more about him as the consequences of his past come home to roost and it looks like the next book will expand on that even more. Rex, everyone's favorite Jinn-turned-Revenant, continues to be outrageously hilarious. Ever since he charmed me in book one I've been afraid of how Charlie would resolve things. Rex's special situation does get resolved in this book and I was pleased with how it turned out. My only complaint about it was how the related outcome of a character that we haven't seen since midway through book one ended up overshadowing what happened to Hank. Lastly, while romance is not a huge focal point in this series it is in there and the Hank/Charlie dynamic remains fresh and fun. I almost can't believe that this is the third book in the series and there is no, I repeat NO, love triangle drama. Seriously. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
aknas22's review against another edition
3.0
I'm wavering between giving this 3 stars or 4. As usual I like the world and I'm glad a couple of characters were mentioned again. However I didn't like the way some of Charlie's relationships seem to be going.
andimontgomery's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This series just keeps getting better. I love Charlie, her budding relationship with Hank, and what she's willing to do for Bryn, Emma, Will, and Rex. Brim is also probably my favorite series pet - who wouldn't want a hellhound, anyway?
chllybrd's review
4.0
reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/
There is a lot of things happening in THE HOUR OF DUST AND ASHES. Charlie has to figure out a way to protect her sister and the other ash addicts so that they can not be controlled into committing suicide by things that are possessing them. Charlie, Hank and Rex have to step out of there world to try and stop an assassination attempt on another and Charlie has to undergo some life ending "gifts" to help save her sister from her possession before it is to late. There is a great deal of heart pumping scenes, a ton of romantic frustration, as well as some heartbreaking conclusions. Hank and Charlie continue there little dance around each other. Can we say stubborn much?? It is 100% clear that Charlie wants to be with Hank yet she is too stubborn to take the necessary steps and boy is it frustrating.Charlie has to come to a decision concerning her daughter Emma and if she will support her pursuing and studying magic. We finally learn about Hanks past and I think you will be just as shocked as I am. You really cant go wrong with the books in the Charlie Madigan series, I would recommend them to any Urban Fantasy fan.
There is a lot of things happening in THE HOUR OF DUST AND ASHES. Charlie has to figure out a way to protect her sister and the other ash addicts so that they can not be controlled into committing suicide by things that are possessing them. Charlie, Hank and Rex have to step out of there world to try and stop an assassination attempt on another and Charlie has to undergo some life ending "gifts" to help save her sister from her possession before it is to late. There is a great deal of heart pumping scenes, a ton of romantic frustration, as well as some heartbreaking conclusions. Hank and Charlie continue there little dance around each other. Can we say stubborn much?? It is 100% clear that Charlie wants to be with Hank yet she is too stubborn to take the necessary steps and boy is it frustrating.Charlie has to come to a decision concerning her daughter Emma and if she will support her pursuing and studying magic. We finally learn about Hanks past and I think you will be just as shocked as I am. You really cant go wrong with the books in the Charlie Madigan series, I would recommend them to any Urban Fantasy fan.
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
5.0
There was SO MUCH to love in this book, I'm struggling to gather my thoughts. First and most prominent thought is this: the Charlie Madigan series has now officially joined the ranks of my auto-buy favourite series.
The characters: Charlie ticks so many of the cliched urban fantasy heroine boxes, but not once did her behaviour or attitude make me roll my eyes. She is a living, breathing ball of energy who bursts off the page. Flawed, courageous, funny and loving, Charlie would make for an awesome drinking buddy - I doubt I would be able to keep up. And the relationship with Hank - well, let's just say I have loved watching the romance blossom between these two and book 3 offered enough progress to keep me happy. Revelations about Hank are shocking and heart breaking and help offer context to elements of his character that have been hinted at in previous books. Charlie's recollection of their first meeting was a moment of genius and actually made me laugh out loud in public as I read, earning me a few strange looks.
I could happily gush about the supporting characters (Rex! Emma! Bryn! Brim! Aaron! Love them all) but I'll talk about the world building next. It's a clever concept - heaven and hell-like beings living on earth and clarifying hundreds of myths and creation stories. Charlie's own growing abilities continue to provide seeds for future instalments.
The pacing was fast, despite all the carefully laid out character development and backstory spilling, and the action was exhilerating.
So much to love - hopefully my enthusiastic rambling has conveyed how pleased I was by The Hour of Dust and Ashes. The ending provoked a very strong reaction from me, as I suspect it would anyone with a pulse, and it is with baited breath that I await book 4. Awesome stuff.
The characters: Charlie ticks so many of the cliched urban fantasy heroine boxes, but not once did her behaviour or attitude make me roll my eyes. She is a living, breathing ball of energy who bursts off the page. Flawed, courageous, funny and loving, Charlie would make for an awesome drinking buddy - I doubt I would be able to keep up. And the relationship with Hank - well, let's just say I have loved watching the romance blossom between these two and book 3 offered enough progress to keep me happy. Revelations about Hank are shocking and heart breaking and help offer context to elements of his character that have been hinted at in previous books. Charlie's recollection of their first meeting was a moment of genius and actually made me laugh out loud in public as I read, earning me a few strange looks.
I could happily gush about the supporting characters (Rex! Emma! Bryn! Brim! Aaron! Love them all) but I'll talk about the world building next. It's a clever concept - heaven and hell-like beings living on earth and clarifying hundreds of myths and creation stories. Charlie's own growing abilities continue to provide seeds for future instalments.
The pacing was fast, despite all the carefully laid out character development and backstory spilling, and the action was exhilerating.
So much to love - hopefully my enthusiastic rambling has conveyed how pleased I was by The Hour of Dust and Ashes. The ending provoked a very strong reaction from me, as I suspect it would anyone with a pulse, and it is with baited breath that I await book 4. Awesome stuff.
aphelia88's review against another edition
5.0
This excellent third entry in what has become one of my favourite Urban Fantasy series brings together the ongoing plot threads of the first two books in an explosive way!
As the book opens, Charlie is visiting the cryptic Oracle, trying to track down an exorcist for her sister Bryn. Ash, the offworld drug Bryn was exposed to during the battle to shut down it's manufacturing, opens humans up to possession, and events in the last book make it clear that something or someone else is taking Bryn - a powerful mage in her own right - for a ride.
All the exorcists in the city have fled, scared of what the Darkness portends. But the Oracle, Alessandra, tells Charlie that there is another way to save her sister - and Charlie being Charlie, she jumps in head first without getting all the details. She can petition the Sylph, a shy Fae elemental race for help, and she does. Four of them give her a gift each - of water, air, earth and fire; a piece of their own power as a sort of temporary magical loan. When Charlie has received all of the gifts, they will combine to make a fifth rare element, and she will be able to look inside Bryn and see what is hiding within her.
Of course, being tricksy Fae, they neglect to tell Charlie that in order to receive each gift, Charlie will have to be willing to die to prove herself worthy. The four tests that she goes through - especially the earth one - are hellish, and leave her shaken. But she never waivers from the path, no matter how difficult it gets, which is the thing I most admire about Charlie: her steadfast determination to do the right thing, no matter the cost, and her loyalty to those she loves.
Meanwhile, Charlie is also being stalked by a strange shadow creature, having visions from the Star, and trying to up with her new super-charged metabolism, which demands constant feeding. And then there's her newly romantic feelings for her Siren partner Hank - which seem to be mutual.
A trip to hellish Charbydon reveals some very interesting information about Hank's past - which changes everything. My favourite part:
Bottom Line: This is a solid series with interesting, unusual world building, and Charlie is a heroine you can really root for! Looking forward to the next book, which I've ordered specially because I'm so curious to see how the series ends
As the book opens, Charlie is visiting the cryptic Oracle, trying to track down an exorcist for her sister Bryn. Ash, the offworld drug Bryn was exposed to during the battle to shut down it's manufacturing, opens humans up to possession, and events in the last book make it clear that something or someone else is taking Bryn - a powerful mage in her own right - for a ride.
All the exorcists in the city have fled, scared of what the Darkness portends. But the Oracle, Alessandra, tells Charlie that there is another way to save her sister - and Charlie being Charlie, she jumps in head first without getting all the details. She can petition the Sylph, a shy Fae elemental race for help, and she does. Four of them give her a gift each - of water, air, earth and fire; a piece of their own power as a sort of temporary magical loan. When Charlie has received all of the gifts, they will combine to make a fifth rare element, and she will be able to look inside Bryn and see what is hiding within her.
Of course, being tricksy Fae, they neglect to tell Charlie that in order to receive each gift, Charlie will have to be willing to die to prove herself worthy. The four tests that she goes through - especially the earth one - are hellish, and leave her shaken. But she never waivers from the path, no matter how difficult it gets, which is the thing I most admire about Charlie: her steadfast determination to do the right thing, no matter the cost, and her loyalty to those she loves.
Meanwhile, Charlie is also being stalked by a strange shadow creature, having visions from the Star, and trying to up with her new super-charged metabolism, which demands constant feeding. And then there's her newly romantic feelings for her Siren partner Hank - which seem to be mutual.
A trip to hellish Charbydon reveals some very interesting information about Hank's past - which changes everything. My favourite part:
Spoiler
I really like how Gay used Charlie's gifted powers to see inside Rex to her ex-husband's spirit, and how Will stood up for once and apologized, and asked to be let go. It was very well-written and affecting. I like Rex the Revenant (who was possessing Will, on contract), and I am so glad that Charlie and Emma consider him family now, even without the possibility of restoring Will's spirit to his body. I also liked Emma's new found ability to communicate with her hellhound Brimstone, and that her admittance to the League's magical training school suggests that she will have magic of her own to learn!Bottom Line: This is a solid series with interesting, unusual world building, and Charlie is a heroine you can really root for! Looking forward to the next book, which I've ordered specially because I'm so curious to see how the series ends