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A review by aphelia88
Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay
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!