Review – The Better Part of Darkness

The Better Part of Darkness

by Kelly Gay

Paperbackswap.com – it took a LONG time to get

Gritty paranormal/cop urban fantasy.  This world has multiple worlds and creatures from those worlds living on earth, magic, science, horrors and guns.  Charlie Madigan is a single mother, a cop, a twin and she died and was brought back to life 8 months ago.  She is dealing with nightmares from the ordeal and random powers along with trying to keep the city, her family and herself safe.

This story is nuts.  Not only is this a tough, dark and at times bleak world, Charlie wants to do it all to keep everyone else safe.  There is a drug called “ash” on the street which causes its users to fall into a euphoric coma and Charlie is going to find out who is supplying it, especially after her daughter’s good friend falls victim to it and they need to find out how to revive her.

But there are tons of players in this drama.  Years before two new universes were found, a sort of light and dark (heaven and hell) worlds and the people from those worlds live openly on earth.  So Charlie deals with Jinn, Underworld elders, angel types, succubi and others.  The politics are nuts!  The agendas are convoluted, the world is in danger and Charlie is there to help stop it.

Charlie’s relationships are great, with her daughter Emma, her ex-husband, her partner, the chief or her sister, you know there is a lot of caring, hurt feelings and attempts at redemption.  One of Charlie’s main problems is communication, but she tries.  And her relationships become majorly strained when the communication is lacking.  Hopefully she learns from this for the future as crazy events happen to shake up their lives.  I am excited to see where things go from here.  4 white stars with glowing red streaks leading your eye to the center, don’t stare too long, they will hypnotize you.