The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay
Series: Charlie Madigan #2
Published by Pocket
Published on: August 31, 2010
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 371
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed
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It takes a strong woman to keep the peace in a city of endless night. . . . Deep beneath Underground, a cunning bid for power and revenge has begun—one that threatens to make Atlanta the new battleground in the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. The powers of hellish Charbydon have the upper hand after plunging the city into primordial night. And under the cover of darkness, a serial killer targets the most powerful Elysians in the city, the angelic Adonai. For Detective Charlie Madigan and her siren partner Hank, tracking deadly predators is all in a day’s work . . . but this case will test the limits of their strength and friendship as it draws them into a deadly world of power plays, ancient myths, explosive secrets, and a race against time that risks all that Charlie holds dear.
The Darkest Edge of Dawn does not have a dull moment. As such it feels much like your favorite anime or if that’s not your cup of tea, whatever your infamous stereotype of anime is, minus the perversion. What I am getting at is the large amount of action, scenery, and fantastical characters.
For a series with such a simple premise – world learns of two other worlds, each respectively bearing a cozy resemblance to Heaven and Hell, and they mingle – Charlie Madigan’s life attracts complication. From the first page, the battle lines are drawn excellently. Not a page is wasted. And, of course, it will be this non-wastage of pages that I will have to take the book to task for.
It just does not let up and, for that reason, the action feels a little thin, a little broad, and fairly tenuous. It is obvious from how crowded everything is, that the moment any of it lets up or Charlie spends an iota of time in contemplation, it will all be found illogical. But before I get carried away by critique, allow me to return to the plus side.
To its advantage are the snappy dialogue (rollercoaster quality) and knee-jerk emotions (car accident quality). The plot also in its shotgun constructions keeps you guessing as to just what subplot is going to come up to bat next. Or would it be better to call it a Russian roulette of plot? One never knows just when one will be receiving a shot of romance, familial duty, or a lead in the case. And that romance…is off the wall.
Certainly as a rampant read (plots-out-the-wazoo, everything-up-in-the-air, fate-of-three-worlds), this book delivers, but if, by chance, one is looking for a more thoughtful or speculative read keep your distance.
| Books in this series: | |||
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  My Review |
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  My Review |
| Recommended: | Subplots, subplots, subplots |
| Like this, like that: | The October Daye series by Seanan McGuire and the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter |
I’ve read the first two books and have really enjoyed them.
I have this series sitting on my bookshelf for me to read.
FYI in your This/That the Jane Yellorock series is by Faith Hunter. ;p
Got it.