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Release-Day Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson #5)

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Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones // VBC ReviewFifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson #5)
Darynda Jones
Published: July 9, 2013 (St. Martin’s Press)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: Provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Jo

Rating (out of 5): 5 stars

Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it may contain spoilers for previous books in the series. If you haven’t started it yet, here’s our review of the first book, First Grave on the Right.

Favorite. Book. Yet. Hands down. Seriously, this series just gets stronger with every installment, and Fifth Grave Past the Light was no exception. In true Charley fashion she has a lot on her plate, stuffing this read to the brim with mystery, action, answers that raise more questions and a whole lot (A WHOLE LOT) more Reyes than we’ve seen before.

As in previous books there are a variety of plot points, with a P.I. case involving a cheating husband, a ghostly mystery, the elusive arsonist from the book before still on the loose, and, of course, the son of Satan has moved in next door. They all weave together to create an unstoppable pace. Charlie’s apartment being invaded by a horde of deeply traumatized murder victims had me jumping out of my skin at times, providing some of the creepiest moments to date. As the various threads came together, the plot barrels towards a shocking climax that is up there with some of the more brutal times in Charley’s life as the Reaper.

Up until this point the relationship between Charley and Reyes has been rife with tension, built around dangerous situations and stolen moments. Here we get to see a new side to their dynamic that borders on domestic (I say borders as we’re still taking about the Grim Reaper and an assassin from Hell). It’s hysterical at times, heartwarming in others, but that in no way diminishes the heat between theses two (prepare for steamy galore). There are still moments of contention between them, obstacles and clashing of wills, but I adored seeing them begin to explore the playful side of each other. I especially loved seeing a lighter hearted Reyes joke around with other beloved characters.

It’s not all happy times though. Garett finally opens up about exactly what happened during his trip to Hell. With Reyes being (slightly) happier, Garrett seems to have assumed a more dark and broody role, going renegade in some jaw dropping ways. With his tale comes a boatload of information that has some serious ramifications. And as I said, while I was thrilled to be getting some answers, I now have a hundred more questions. I loved how the worldbuilding continues to grow through out this series as new characters and abilities are introduced. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, I still feel like we have so much more to learn about this world.

Engrossing worldbuilding, larger than life characters and humor have made the Charley Davidson series one of my absolutely favorites (Reyes may have something to do with that, although Uncle Bob nearly stole my heart in this one!). Mixing that with the sheer amount of romance, mystery and action in this installment made Fifth Grave Past the Light my favorite book so far. I’m so excited to see what the future has in store for Charley and the gang.

Sexual Content: Sex (tons, including a rather… creative (but non-violent) use of kitchen utensils!), references to rape and child abuse

24 Responses to “Release-Day Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson #5)”

  1. Leif says:

    Great review! I am so stoked for this book! 🙂

  2. Angela says:

    I am about to dive into this book and I love that you seem to be so happy with this one. Now excuse me for a while… 😉

  3. Julie F says:

    Great review! Can’t wait, today is going to be a long day, till I can give me full attention to 5th grave!

  4. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! Love this so much!

    • Susan H. says:

      Listened to the audio version today- now I’ll be biting my nails until #6. Thanks for a great book- best yet! BTW, was I imagining that the red Pinto car (w/ chicken wire?) was mentioned several times? Since I was listening rather than reading, I thought you mentioned it 2-3 times and wondered if it was something for the future. Anyway, thanks again for a fantastic tale!

  5. tracy kilgore says:

    Great review! Cant wait to get my copy

  6. Christina G. says:

    Awesome review <3

  7. Marie Brown says:

    AWESOMELICOUS review! I LOOOOVE the Charley Davidson Series! I have never seen a ghost but I have seen an angel. I won’t rehash the story again but if you check out a couple other blogs on this fabulous tour, I DID tell my whole story.

  8. Breana Gonzalez-Garcia says:

    Amazing Read all 4 books in less than a month… Yes I tend to live vicariously thru books. 🙂 Yea for me!

  9. Mel Scifi says:

    Great review! I love all of Darynda Jones’s books and would highly recommend them to anyone who loves paranormal. 🙂

  10. Amber says:

    I’m diving into this book tonight. I stumbled across this series last month and read books 1-4 in a week & I am SOOOO EXCITED about this book!!!

  11. Candace says:

    Jo, you’re keeling me with this review. I only have my print Darynda’s and won’t make it to the book store until this weekend. This review makes me want to go…NOW!

  12. Tam says:

    Great review!!!

  13. Tina says:

    awesome review!

  14. dr susan says:

    I read Fourth Grave again last night in 5 hours, and am on my way to the library to get Fifth! I checked the reserve list at least 3 times a day to sign up early so that I would have a copy on release day. Thanks for a great review without spoilers!

  15. JB DarkScythe says:

    Love Charley Davidson series! Cannot wait to sink into the world of Charley & Reyes & the rest!

  16. Anne says:

    My copy was waiting for me last night in the mail – YEAH!

  17. Cherelyn says:

    I hope all you lucky people who can run out and buy it today spare a thought for us fans in Australia. The booksellers here won’t get it in till paperback next year sometime. I also have my sister with her Kindle gloating while I wait till my post arrives all the way from the Book Depository UK. Please hurry.

  18. Amber Hughes says:

    Wonderful review Jo! LOVE this series!! <3

  19. Susan H. says:

    Great review- spot on! And I also now have questions about the mysterious red Pinto car- was it mentioned several times or am I imagining things? I listened to the audiobook- Lorelei King was fanatastic as always. Ready for #6, Miss Darynda!!!!

  20. I agree with you, my fave so far!

  21. Amy M says:

    Just finished. I, too, am so impressed by how each book tops the one before. I like that Darynda Jones can continually throw me for a loop. I’ll think I have something figured out, but then she throws something else is there. Loved all the Reyes and Charley time!

  22. Raine Stevens says:

    I have listened and read some of the most fantastic books so far this year but Fifth Grave Past the Light wins my vote…not because there was anything wrong with the others I have read but because Darynda Jones’ books make me laugh, cry and pulls me into Charlie’s life like no other. I wish I thought like Charlie but my greatest comments and thoughts come when the person is walking away…..Too darn late! I look forward to reading more and more of Charlie and I certainly hope she and Reyes are always together!

  23. Sheena T says:

    Okay I am currently reading this particular book in the series. But can someone help me? Was it ever explained how Charley got out of not being arrested when she was in the hospital?
    Did I miss it?
    Please let me know. Please and thank you.

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