Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some ...
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Nov 18, 2011
Vinaya
rated it: 
You know how many urban fantasy series I've read over the last few years? Thirteen. Yeah, that's right, THIRTEEN. And that's only the stuff I remember at least vaguely. There's a whole bunch more that I can't even retain, cause they were so boring or generic. And after a while, with that many books rattling around in my brain, they sort of start to merge together. And because I'm a geek, I've even made a table about it.
Now which one of these boxes will The Better Part of More...
Now which one of these boxes will The Better Part of More...
12 comments
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(27 people liked it)
Aug 30, 2011
Maja
rated it: 
4.5 stars
Charlene Elizabeth Madigan, you and I are going to become best friends!
For all of you who still haven’t read The Better Part of Darkness, I have but a single question: What the hell are you waiting for?!
Charlie Madigan is a detective and a single mom, doing her best to balance the two and make her pre-teen daughter happy in a world that’s beyond crazy. So let’s talk about that for a little while: Surely every single parent (or any parent in general) tries More...
Charlene Elizabeth Madigan, you and I are going to become best friends!
For all of you who still haven’t read The Better Part of Darkness, I have but a single question: What the hell are you waiting for?!
Charlie Madigan is a detective and a single mom, doing her best to balance the two and make her pre-teen daughter happy in a world that’s beyond crazy. So let’s talk about that for a little while: Surely every single parent (or any parent in general) tries More...
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(8 people liked it)
Dec 02, 2011
Mariya
rated it: 
THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS was a weird book because I liked it and didn't like it. There were times where it was slow and I didn't really get what was going on and part where I was completely into what was going on. The characters were great and I really enjoyed them, but the plot bored me to a point where I was skimming through parts of the book.
Charlie has the personality of a lot of my favorite Urban Fantasy Heroines. She's very stubborn sometimes and she has a temper on her, but More...
Charlie has the personality of a lot of my favorite Urban Fantasy Heroines. She's very stubborn sometimes and she has a temper on her, but More...
19 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Feb 14, 2010
Simply put - this book kicks a**! I devoured it. I read it in two days. I read it when I should have been eating, sleeping and bathing. I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to put it down! And when it ended - I was sad. I wanted more, more, more! More Charlie and all her bada**ness. More Hank with his heavenly beauty. More Emma. More Bryn. More Will. And not just the characters. I want more background, more history, more of the fantasy![return][return]I have to be honest. I'm a fantasy/sci fi j
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 05, 2011
Marcia
rated it:
1.5 stars, because I did finish it (albeit with a LOT of skimming through the second half). This is one of those books that makes me wonder why I even bother to read UF anymore. So few of them are actually any FUN these days. While this book might have had a few interesting characters and world-building ideas, and the plot was solid enough, nothing felt truly original, and I didn't want to spend 390 pages with the heroine. I've said it before and I fear I will say it again: if, when describing a
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Oct 03, 2011
Kylie
rated it: 
There I am, at my first RWA® conference in Orlando, Florida, a total stranger in the line gathering for breakfast at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort Pikabu restaurant. Ahead of me is a lady wearing a conference lanyard and nametag. So, what do I do? I say g'day and strike up a conversation.
This is how I first met Kelly Gay, urban fantasy author, and double finalist for a 2010 RITA® Award. We sat together and shared a very pleasant hour or so talking about writing, publishing, the More...
This is how I first met Kelly Gay, urban fantasy author, and double finalist for a 2010 RITA® Award. We sat together and shared a very pleasant hour or so talking about writing, publishing, the More...
Oct 01, 2011
Mlle.
rated it:
I read THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS and its two currently-released sequels, THE DARKEST EDGE OF DAWN and THE HOUR OF DUST AND ASHES back to back, and my comments in this review will be spoiler-free but cover all three.
I'm used to books where the scrappy hero/heroine saves the day against incredible odds - Charlie Madigan limps away from most confrontations having lost more than she's gained. When the going gets rough, Charlie caves. When the big baddie attacks, her first comment is, " More...
I'm used to books where the scrappy hero/heroine saves the day against incredible odds - Charlie Madigan limps away from most confrontations having lost more than she's gained. When the going gets rough, Charlie caves. When the big baddie attacks, her first comment is, " More...
Sep 25, 2011
Sofija
rated it:
Lately I left a lot of books unfinished. So when I start reading “The Better Part of Darkness” I promised myself that no matter what, I will end it. And I did. But I suffered through every page.
I picked up this book for two reasons:
1)Charlie Madigan is a detective.
And I love to read procedural crime solving books.
2)Charlie Madigan has a eleven-years-old daughter.
So I expected there to be some parental issues, some upbringing problems, and some funny situati More...
I picked up this book for two reasons:
1)Charlie Madigan is a detective.
And I love to read procedural crime solving books.
2)Charlie Madigan has a eleven-years-old daughter.
So I expected there to be some parental issues, some upbringing problems, and some funny situati More...
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(4 people liked it)
Sep 19, 2011
Mihir
rated it:
While I have been reading a lot in the fantasy and thriller genres, in urban fantasy I often find myself looking to a couple of reader buddies to be my guiding lights. One such series was the Charlie Madigan “Darkness” series; Bastard has always praised it for its action, world building, and the authorial ruthlessness with characters. So while Bastard reviews the third book The Hour of Dust and Ashes. I’ll be reviewing the first two books here.
The first book The Better Part of Darkness More...
The first book The Better Part of Darkness More...
Jul 24, 2011
Ria
rated it:
The Better Part of Darkness is a great example of the urban fantasy genre, featuring a tough-as-nails heroine in a complex and unique world. The paranormal element was very cleverly realised and the characters were all interesting and well drawn.
The book ticks quite a few of the boxes one comes to expect from good urban fantasy these days - feisty heroine who pisses off a lot of people, but has a core group of allies who will walk to hell and back for her; a unique ability that makes More...
The book ticks quite a few of the boxes one comes to expect from good urban fantasy these days - feisty heroine who pisses off a lot of people, but has a core group of allies who will walk to hell and back for her; a unique ability that makes More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 15, 2011
Sara
rated it:
Plot: 4.5 Stars
I loved the idea of the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. It was a very fresh take on the genre. There were many paranormal creatures that are often forgotten about: jinn, sirens, mages, gargoyles. I enjoyed how the nobles from Elysia and Charbydon tried to integrate themselves into the politics of Earth. I hope we see more of these alternate dimensions in future books.
Pace: 5 Stars
There was never a time when I wanted to pu More...
I loved the idea of the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. It was a very fresh take on the genre. There were many paranormal creatures that are often forgotten about: jinn, sirens, mages, gargoyles. I enjoyed how the nobles from Elysia and Charbydon tried to integrate themselves into the politics of Earth. I hope we see more of these alternate dimensions in future books.
Pace: 5 Stars
There was never a time when I wanted to pu More...
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(1 person liked it)
Mar 21, 2011
Tricia
rated it:
Summarize the book without giving away the ending.
Ugh... a hard one. Well so, Charlie is a detective/cop, she's a mom who is divorced (with due cause). Her sister is a magical user and other humans in this day and age are. There also are ghouls, demon like creatures and angelic creatures that walk around on earth. They both came from two other dimensions discovered by some brilliant scientist. Anyways, at a school (Charlie's daughter is enrolled there) a student, (whom Charlie knows) is fo More...
Ugh... a hard one. Well so, Charlie is a detective/cop, she's a mom who is divorced (with due cause). Her sister is a magical user and other humans in this day and age are. There also are ghouls, demon like creatures and angelic creatures that walk around on earth. They both came from two other dimensions discovered by some brilliant scientist. Anyways, at a school (Charlie's daughter is enrolled there) a student, (whom Charlie knows) is fo More...
Jan 30, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
I give credit to Kelly Gay for an original world and a definite uniqueness to this debut urban fantasy series. Just about everything about the idea of underground Atlanta and the denizens of both dimensions were fascinating. And the concept for the story was also a winner. Integration Task Force detective Charlie Madigan has lived for thirteen years in a world that has acknowledged the existence of the inhabitants of two diametrically opposed worlds - Elysia, the "good" world full of h
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 11, 2011
Ithlilian
rated it:
A few things push this book from good to great. First, the main character is one I can empathize with. She is not super tough. She has flaws but she is not whiny or overly sensitive. Unlike most urban fantasy heroines she has a child and is a very loyal and devoted mother. Her history is interesting and really drives the novel. I wanted to know what happened when she died and came back to life and I planned to keep reading until I found out. Everything was very well presented. The mystery was pr
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Dec 11, 2010
Blodeuedd
rated it:
Plot:
It has been over 10 years since the big revelation, that there are two other dimensions, what we used to call heaven and hell. But things are not that easy and not everything is black and white. Charlie Madigan is a cop, and single mum. She works on a special task force together with her partner trying to keep the city clean because the off-worlders do not always play nice. She also died 8 months ago and something is wrong with her, but what? Someone is selling a bad drug to the p More...
It has been over 10 years since the big revelation, that there are two other dimensions, what we used to call heaven and hell. But things are not that easy and not everything is black and white. Charlie Madigan is a cop, and single mum. She works on a special task force together with her partner trying to keep the city clean because the off-worlders do not always play nice. She also died 8 months ago and something is wrong with her, but what? Someone is selling a bad drug to the p More...
Aug 16, 2010
MissyC323
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 05, 2010
Michelle
rated it:
After divorcing her childhood sweetheart and trying to raise a somewhat precocious daughter about to enter that feared stage known as “teenager” Charlie Madigan has had a rough year. At work, she’s the tough Atlanta cop, ready to service Justice no matter who (or what) stands in her way. Especially after she technically died a year ago. After she was brought back, Charlie has been experiencing strange symptoms – headaches, nightmares, and a smattering magical powers that keep popping up that Cha
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(1 person liked it)
Feb 06, 2010
Lexie
rated it:
Better Part of Darkness worked for me and didn't work for me. It worked for me in that our protagonist, Charlie, makes a lot of mistakes and she pays dearly for most of them. She's not naive, or even particularly idealist honestly, and she knows that the world is in a horrible place, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't keep trying. She also makes choices that aren't usually seen of the 'hero'. All that was very refreshing and interesting for me. Apparently even I have limits on how many her
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(4 people liked it)
Jan 11, 2010
Tori Benson
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 07, 2010
K.
rated it:
Charlie Madigan, ITF Officer, divorced mother of a preteen daughter, and recently resurrected strong female, is a a great character.
I loved that the author found a way to have her be a real mother, and still make sure her daughter wasn't around for all the violence and bad stuff. I love that the divorce and her relationship with her daughter was central to Charlie Madigan's development.
The alternate world of Atlanta in this story, with Elysian and Charybdinian otherworlde More...
I loved that the author found a way to have her be a real mother, and still make sure her daughter wasn't around for all the violence and bad stuff. I love that the divorce and her relationship with her daughter was central to Charlie Madigan's development.
The alternate world of Atlanta in this story, with Elysian and Charybdinian otherworlde More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 03, 2010
Lady
rated it:
Review courtesy of: http://escapebetweenthepages.blogspot......
The cover is appealing, as it definately has the urban fantasy look to it, giving the impression of a confident and strong woman in a dark and grungy world.
The story starts off strong. Charlie Madigan arrives at her daughter's school, after she overhears a call for paramedics being needed. (As a mother myself, I can relate to the urgency, to make sure that her daughter was alright and safe.) Once there, she di More...
The cover is appealing, as it definately has the urban fantasy look to it, giving the impression of a confident and strong woman in a dark and grungy world.
The story starts off strong. Charlie Madigan arrives at her daughter's school, after she overhears a call for paramedics being needed. (As a mother myself, I can relate to the urgency, to make sure that her daughter was alright and safe.) Once there, she di More...
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(2 people liked it)
Dec 25, 2009
Ellz
rated it:
My thoughts...This debut novel by Kelly Gay takes the reader into to an incredibly complex, fascinating, and scary world where humans are not the only creatures that walk the streets. But these are not your average beings, I'm not talking about Vampires and Werewolves, I am speaking of beings from other worlds that have come to our world to live. The incredibly strong heroine Charlie deals with being a single mom, a paranormal police officer and a set of personal problems that would make anyon
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Dec 08, 2009
William
rated it:
The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay
A female cop still takes heat in our so called enlightened society. Gay shows how hot it can get in a future that has put Charlie Madigan on the front line with an alien partner and a refusal to admit who she truly is. Plenty of action in a good mystery with scifi and urban fantasy co-mingled.
If you read my reviews at all, you know I like butt kicking females. It has been suggested that my family contains some delicate flower More...
A female cop still takes heat in our so called enlightened society. Gay shows how hot it can get in a future that has put Charlie Madigan on the front line with an alien partner and a refusal to admit who she truly is. Plenty of action in a good mystery with scifi and urban fantasy co-mingled.
If you read my reviews at all, you know I like butt kicking females. It has been suggested that my family contains some delicate flower More...
Feb 21, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
This a 4 1/2 star book for me, and I almost gave it 5, because I really enjoyed it that much, and on so many different levels.
Our heroine, Charlie, is a police detective, in Atlanta, on a special task force that deals with the interaction between earth and 2 off-world species Elysians and Charbydons (I kept wondering if that should have been Charybdon, but anyway...) A mysterious drug makes its appearance, putting its users in a coma. As some other reviewers have pointed out, this w More...
Our heroine, Charlie, is a police detective, in Atlanta, on a special task force that deals with the interaction between earth and 2 off-world species Elysians and Charbydons (I kept wondering if that should have been Charybdon, but anyway...) A mysterious drug makes its appearance, putting its users in a coma. As some other reviewers have pointed out, this w More...
Jan 09, 2011
Kindle-aholic
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Dec 15, 2011
I'm still wavering between 3 and a 4 star. I can't make up my mind :(
This is a pure urban fantasy book. The book starts off by dropping you in a midst of action. Charlie Madigan was dead for 2 hours eight months back when she was somehow bought back to life by an (almost) mad scientist. This incident seemed to have untold effects and will turn to be a pivotal point in her life.
Gay's new urban fantasy series seems to have aliens in the book. I as unaware while going in the More...
This is a pure urban fantasy book. The book starts off by dropping you in a midst of action. Charlie Madigan was dead for 2 hours eight months back when she was somehow bought back to life by an (almost) mad scientist. This incident seemed to have untold effects and will turn to be a pivotal point in her life.
Gay's new urban fantasy series seems to have aliens in the book. I as unaware while going in the More...
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Sep 06, 2010
Barbara
rated it:
Kelly Gay has come up with a fantastic world, where heaven and hell are real places and earth is teaming with races from both worlds. Dr. Titus Mott has discovered two worlds that exist on another plane - Charbydon is dark, hot and humid with no sun and only a moon for light, and Elysia is light, basically a paradise. Their people have been coming to earth for eons, thus our stories of angels, devils, nymphs, sirens, warlocks, etc. Charie Madigan is a single mom and a cop for Atlanta PD's ITF
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Sep 19, 2010
Ami
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 23, 2011
C
rated it:
I like it and I didn't like it - I guess I'm mostly neutral on this book. I liked the pace and the writing style was entertaining to read. I liked a lot of the characters, and there was a little humor throughout. And I liked the ideas in the book. But I thought it was a little too tidy in tying things up. I thought Charlie was okay, not the greatest protagonist, but not the worst. I think it'll be nice to see Charlie in full power, though I'm getting the deus ex machina vibe from her. There's a
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Jan 18, 2010
Natalie (Mindful Musings)
rated it:
I’d been reading a lot of good reviews about this one, but I wasn’t planning on reading it ASAP because I’d just told my inner bookaholic that I was cutting it off for a while. Lucky for me, Mish generously offered to send me a copy!
I really enjoyed reading The Better Part of Darkness. Since I spend a lot of my time reading YA, it was refreshing to read a more adult book that was told through the eyes of a divorced woman with a kid. It made the main character, Charlie, seem a lot mo More...
I really enjoyed reading The Better Part of Darkness. Since I spend a lot of my time reading YA, it was refreshing to read a more adult book that was told through the eyes of a divorced woman with a kid. It made the main character, Charlie, seem a lot mo More...
