Brighter Than the Sun

Charley Davidson #8.5

by Darynda Jones, Lorelei King (Narrator)

All his life, Reyes Alexander Farrow has suffered the torments of the damned. Only one thing has given him hope: the woman who radiates a light that no mortals can see; a light that only the departed can see...

Told from his point of view, BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN chronicles the first time Reyes ever encountered Charley, and how their relationship has been the one thing that can either save him or doom him.

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook, Novella

4 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 6, 2015

About the author

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...

She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com

Reviews

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Sigh~ Reyes, Reyes, Reyes...do you need more of a reason to read this book than that? To be in his head and hear what he is thinking? Nothing better.

Scratch that...it could have been better. Yes, I went there but let me explain...

It starts at the beginning, back when Reyes feels the pull of Dutch but doesn't really understand things and goes all the way to when he is in prison and in a "coma". It.Stops.There. Seriously? Seriously.

WHAT ABOUT THE WALL? Exactly.



I didn't really feel like there wasn't much we didn't already know. Yes, it was expanded on and there were a few little things like how he came up with Dutch that we didn't know but I was wanting some juicy stuff!

Don't worry....D.J. doesn't leave us hanging. We do get a scene or two but WHAT ABOUT THE WALL? Sadly, we don't get that.

But it was wonderful. I had read (somewhere) that his POV was pretty dark, blah, blah, blah...and yes, we do get some lovely moments with Evil Earl but nothing he couldn't handle.

I did like getting to know more about his relationship with Kim and especially with Amador. And we get to find out how he got all his money!

Overall, if you're a fan, I would definitely recommend it. It does help with the wait for the next book, The Dirt on Ninth Grave, that doesn't come out until January 5th, 2016. (Remember that amazing cliffhanger?) ;)



Favorite quote:

♥ "I look back at the T-shirt. It reads REMOVE PACKAGE BEFORE CONSUMING."

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating to hear about Reyes' life from his POV.
This takes you through his life basically from birth till he enters the series in book 1.

[Nikita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope couldn't do it..

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeh, it's like that

4.5 Audiobook
Reyes, the tortured son of_________, tells his story from birth to when he falls for Charlie. His POV was not what I expected, he had more softness than we see from the other side of the story. I feel for him just a little bit more. I have no complaints other than I finished it in one day. It was too short but great reads always are. I look forward to more from his POV

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reyes has always awakened strong feelings in me. Given his bakground, it's no wonder the seven deadly sins rank among them: Greed: you bet! Envy: I desperately covet Charley's man, so yeah... Lust; Oooh la la aaaaaaaah!

This time, curiously, the ex-general of Hell also awakened feelings you normally associate with "the other side." I felt tremendous compassion for Reyes. (And I do believe that one ranks among the 7 virtues.)

Ironic that the commander of Hell had to leave the burning fires of his home to experience true anguish and suffering at the hands of his abusive step-father - and come out a better man because of it. His only source of hope and solace: a little girl who shines brighter than the sun; who draws him to her each time he seizures. A girl he believes is the product of his own imagination, until he meets her in person and everything changes...

I loved Reyes's POV - as I knew I would.

Despite his paternal background I think it's safe to say that the son of Satan is a godsend!
Thank you, Darynda. From the bottom of my fangirl heart.

[Shardallinee · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now.... what was on HIS mind?... Reyes POV!!! *jumps up and down in excitement*

The trouble with Charley is she stole my heart the first time I saw her centuries ago. Her smile glimmered like a bright star against the black silk of eternity. The universe shifted in her direction, as though all the planets and all the stars and all the moons wanted nothing more than to be nearer her. I knew exactly how they felt. I understood the depths of her attraction long before she was born on this earth. To this world. A world that deserves her almost as little as I do. ((THE TROUBLE WITH CHARLEY by Darynda Jones))


The beautiful writing of one of my favoritest writers around, Darynda Jones, clutched my heart and squeezed it tight again. Seriously, the beauty starts in the very first chapter as we start to follow Reyes and his enchanting 'dreams' of a little girl being born. Of a light, drawing him in and mesmerising him completely. My goodness, I wanted to hug little Reyes, young Reyes and an adult Reyes throughout this novelette so much...


I actually dismissed all of the other books I was reading prior to this one, just because it was the one I was waiting for (what it seems like) forever now.

I usualy don't anticipate any 'his point of view' books, but this one was highly anticipated and on my most wanted list! Why? Because I knew what kind of writing I love and this author never disappointed me before.

Reyes felt innocent and dangerous at the same time. Addicting combination, right? We get to find out a bit more about his life, the parts that were not detailed from Charley's point of view. I won't go into too much detail, since the book is too short (even if it had 600 pages it would be too short). I'll say just this: Read it and you won't be sorry... in fact, I plan on reading it a few more times myself.

Thank you, Darynda J. for publishing this sweet and spicy piece of art (that is Reyes). <3

[★Tinja★✮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this ♡ It was great to see inside of Reyes' mind and to revisit the scenes between him and Charley from his POV. Damn, that man is sexy ;) Must read if you love Reyes Farrows !

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

May I please have the entire series retold from Reyes's perspective? This was amazing.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection. Makes me want to start the series all over again. This could totally be read as a prequel. Please hurry January, I need the next book like now :)

[Carmel (Rabid Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook shed some light on the mystery that is Alexander Reyes Farrow by giving listeners a brief overview of his childhood, and the evolution of his relationships with the various characters that make up this series. The tone of the story was miles apart from that of the full length installments; it was much darker, told from a male POV, and with limited snark. I really enjoyed the protagonist's interactions with his sister and his BFF, and seeing Charley through Reyes' eyes was a great opportunity to gain extra insight into one of my favourite heroines. I was also glad that they stuck with Lorelei King as the narrator; she's the main reason why I splurged on the audio instead of the much cheaper eBook.

[Ferdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was kind of a depressing read, what with all the details of the abuse Reyes suffered growing up. It didn't make me like him or root for him though. Also, he was totally right when he said he was just like Earl what with his abusive, threatening, and intimidating ways.

I did find Reyes's relationship with Kim and Amador quite interesting, it was never all that clear in the main series why they meant so much to him, but the insight into their history made their dynamics make much more sense, and I actually ended up being really invested in their characters, far more so than tiresome Reyes.

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I was too tired to appreciate this book. Damn it. Anyways... God, I love Reyes. Oh and I wonder: it was never said, nor clarified: did Earl rape Reyes?
Rate: 3.5 stars.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a must read for the series. You learn so much about Reyes, what he’s thinking, why he did some things that he did and you learn some things were not as they seemed in Charlie’s POV. You even learn more about her step mom.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio]

4.5 very awesome stars! I am so glad I read this! Reyes' POV was fascinating...fans of the series must read this, imho!

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally don't like to read change of POV books because they are typically a regurgitation of the original book with little insight to the new character POV. This book however is not like that at all. Although we know theoretically how Reyes's life was, this is an up close and personal dive in without the specifics for certain atrocities. But I thoroughly enjoyed it A Lot!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at The Book Nympho

Brighter Than the Sun has renewed my interest in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Don't go into it thinking there will be fun times and snark. Reyes had a dark, dark childhood and even Charley had some dark times and we get to see them. Some in great detail.

We've learned along with Charley about Reyes' past and the crappy childhood he had. But now we get to see it all from his POV. From the moment he first saw Charley being born up to the present. And it's more heart breaking than Charley ever knew.

If you didn't already swoon over Reyes Alexander Farrow, you will after reading/listening to Brighter Than the Sun. And if you didn't hate Charley's step mom before you most definitely will now!

I highly recommend listening to this novella. As usual, Lorelei King does a great job with the narration.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brighter than the Sun
4 Stars

This book chronicles the life and times of Alexander Reyes Farrow, the sexy son of Satan, and his undying love for Charley Davidson, the woman whose light and laughter kept him sane during the most torturous moments of his past.

Series note:While this is a prequel, it should be read after book #8 as knowledge of the characters and events leading up to book #1 are crucial to truly appreciating the extent of Reyes's perceptions and feelings for Charley.

Told from Reyes's point of view, this novella provides the information and insights into his character that are only hinted at in the full length novels. Thankfully, Jones spares us much of the horrific details of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his abductor, Earl Walker, and focuses instead on his encounters with Charley throughout her lifetime.

While the specifics of Reyes and Charley's romance will be familiar to anyone who has read the series, this novella highlights the depth and breadth of Reyes's feelings for her and demonstrates the extent to which she not only saved his life, but also made him into the man he is - one with the empathy and sympathy as well as the ferocity needed to be her partner in all things.

All in all, an amazing read and a must for all lovers of anything Reyes.

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entire book from Reyes POV! YES!!!

While it's listed as number 8.5 in the series it actually takes place before and during First Grave on the Right and it can be read at any time. Still I would recommend waiting until book 3 or 4 (I don't remember when Amador and his family are properly introduced). We get to learn a lot about young Reyes and how he'd suffered as well as about some of his abilities that have never been mentioned before. Like the fact that he knows when a soul is marked for hell even if the person is yet to do what they'll be sentenced for. He even knows what will be the crime they commit! Isn't that cool? Unfortunately when he meets Ubie, Reyes sees that he's destined for hell :( What could Ubie possibly do to warrant that? Would he betray Charley? Uh so many questions! Reyes exploits in jail were hilarious :D And even though he's the son of Satan, here he really shows that he's one of the good guys. In his own twisted way.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Dark backstory of Reyes, most is information we already know from the series but it is told from the POV of Reyes, hence the darkness. Without Charley to bring light to the story it's just not as enjoyable a read.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But what if she’s not a dream?”
“Dutch? She has to be. People like that don’t really exist. No one is made of light.”
“I think you’re wrong. I think she’s real. I think she will be beautiful and strong and she will kill bad guys with her superpowers.”
“If she does, she’ll have to kill me, too.”
“Nuh-uh.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You’re wrong. You’re not bad. You gave me noodles.”
“Well, that settles it, then.”

La verdad es que retrasé leer esta novela porque nunca quise meterme en la piel de Reyes Farrow y vivir en primera persona su terrible pasado. Le adoro demasiado y con leer pequeñas pinceladas de esa vida durante ocho libros tenía suficiente. No necesitaba esto, no. Y sin embargo hasta que no llegas a este punto con él no puedes comprender cómo esas experiencias marcaron y moldearon su personalidad.

Earl Warker es un monstruo que abusó física y psicológicamente de él. Si ya fue duro leer en su momento cuando atacó a Charley esto es dolor al infinito porque Reyes lo sufrió siendo niño y en repetidas ocasiones. Nunca he querido tanto salir de unas páginas y poder volver a respirar.

Every time I’m almost healed, he breaks something else.
Breaks are fine. I can endure the breaks. It’s the other things he does, the things that crush me on the inside, that make me want to die.

Nunca te imaginas leer algo así. Creo que es lo que más admiro de Darynda; no es solo que escriba de una forma en la que te quieres morir un poco al leerlo, es que no tiene miedo a hacerlo, pero está ahí por algo. Porque si no supiéramos todo el infierno por el que pasó Reyes no seríamos capaces de entender porqué sobreprotege a las personas que quiere o porqué está dispuesto a sacrificarse una y otra vez por ellas.

Gracias a esta novela entiendo el papel tan importante que ocupan en su vida su hermana Kim y su mejor amigo Amador. Los libros no ahondan en esa relación y casi sientes que Reyes les antepone a Charley, y todo lo contrario. Esas dos personas estuvieron ahí en su época más oscura, cuando aún pensaba que Charley era un sueño. Son familia, la única que tiene y los únicos que no le han traicionado. Kim limpiaba sus heridas y secaba sus lágrimas y Amador le tendió una mano cuando todo lo que había recibido hasta entonces eran puñetazos. Y Reyes a cambio se sacrificó por ellos, les ofreció una vida mejor, porque así es él, por mucho que se intente convencer de lo poco que vale para Charley y que ella jamás le aceptaría. No puede estar más equivocado...

Charley es la única constante que ha tenido en su vida. El único rayo de luz cuando no tenía nada.
Me parece tan epic que Darynda haya construido su relación haciéndonos creer que él lo dejo todo para estar con ella en la tierra cuando es al revés. Ella le vio primero y renunció a su anterior vida antes que él. Me muero porque se entere y se crea de una vez lo valorado que es. Si algo tengo claro después de leer Brighter Than the Sun es que no acepto otra cosa que no sea un final feliz para Reyes Farrow y Charley Davidson.
Charley se pasó toda su existencia pensando que era él quien salvaba su vida cuando estaba en apuros sin saber que ella llevaba haciendo lo mismo por él desde que era un niño. Si han sido capaces de sanarse mutuamente a lo largo de los años tienen que hacerlo una vez más cuando llegue el noveno libro y les toque afrontar el tiempo en el que lo tuvieron todo y lo perdieron.

I begin with the first time I see her. A shimmering light in the vast blackness of the universe. How many centuries ago was that? How long have I been waiting for her? She turns and smiles at me and I am lost.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read in-between books, but this was in Reye's POV. It's basically his re-telling of the main events leading up to now. It's a bit gritty to get through because of his abusive past and man you just feel for the guy.

He's a complex character, but I love his love for Dutch. Okay back to the series after a long break. It was a good recap.

[Angela Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it....This author just never disappoints. Cliche, but true IMO.



Brighter than the Sun is in Reyes’ POV from the very beginning focusing on certain highlights of his life. His narrative story goes right along with the first few books of this series. I’ll have to warn you now, this is not a typical Charley Davidson book that is full of sarcasm, LOL moments, and mystery. BTTS is quite the opposite. It’s very dark and heartbreaking.

This novella tells us Reyes’ Story. It’s been known that Reyes is a tortured hero. Here we see it all down to the ugliest, saddest and tortured detail. It was all so heartbreaking; his experience with Earl Walker and how he broke Reyes physically and emotionally. The story touches on his love for his sister, his only friend and how they all survived the hardships together. Most importantly, he tells his story on how his relationship with Charley Davidson came to be and how her bright light saved him time and time again. Included is a very intimate sexy scene sure to make Reyes’ fans want more.

BTTS is my top pick novella for the year. Despite its short length, it had everything I expected and more. Reyes’ tortured past floored me. I cried for him and relieved he had Charley’s light to help him survive it all. Darynda gave her fans the pleasure of getting to know Reyes on a deeper level. She has outdone herself with this novella. If you haven’t read this series, then you’re missing out. =)

[Jeanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah-maze-balls! But then it is Rayes Alexander Farrow **sigh**

[Sophie (lambsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

While I really enjoyed this, seeing everything from Reyes perspective, it was also super depressing since he's abused for most of it and then thrown in jail 😅

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series!!!
I listened to it non-stop, start to finish, in a single month back in 2021 and I was desperate to find out where the journey would take Charley and Reyes so I skipped this novella from Reyes' POV.
So now that I have 2 sequel novellas to read, I thought it a fine time to remember a bit of their story and listen to this. And, to tell you the truth, I'm tempted to a re-read. Such an amazing series...

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brighter than the Sun is in Reyes’ POV from the very beginning focusing on certain highlights of his life. His narrative story goes right along with the first few books of this series. I’ll have to warn you now, this is not a typical Charley Davidson book that is full of sarcasm, LOL moments, and mystery. BTTS is quite the opposite. It’s very dark and heartbreaking.

This novella tells us Reyes’ Story. It's been known that Reyes is a tortured hero. Here we see it all down to the ugliest, saddest and tortured detail. It was all so heartbreaking; his experience with Earl Walker and how he broke Reyes physically and emotionally. The story touches on his love for his sister, his only friend and how they all survived the hardships together. Most importantly, he tells his story on how his relationship with Charley Davidson came to be and how her bright light saved him time and time again. Included is a very intimate sexy scene sure to make Reyes’ fans want more.

BTTS is my top pick novella for the year. Despite its short length, it had everything I expected and more. Reyes' tortured past floored me. I cried for him and relieved he had Charley's light to help him survive it all. Darynda gave her fans the pleasure of getting to know Reyes on a deeper level. She has outdone herself with this novella. If you haven’t read this series, then you’re missing out. =)

*ARC provided by publisher

Reviewed by Angela

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[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest critique of this book is that it is too short. However, unless Darynda Jones plans on re-writing the whole series from Reyes' POV, this can't be helped. Still, I'm a fan of the alternate perspectives because it gives us insight into the motivation behind people's actions and this one is a doozy. More review to come.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)]

Is there anything better than a book told all in Reyes POV? I think not!
Full review to come!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.

Brighter Than the Sun is completely different from any Charley Davidson book you’ve ever read/listened to. For one, it is told from the point of view of one, Alexander Reyes Farrow. Two, it doesn’t have all the snark and laugh out loud moments we have come to associate with the Charley Davidson series. This story is a prequel of sorts of Reyes as a child going through his time in prison.

It was interesting seeing his side of things as he grows up. How he sees Charley and everything he does to protect Kim. You also see how he becomes such close friends with Amadore. From the time he is little, he can tell if a person is going to hell or not from just one look and what is the first action that causes them to take that path. I can’t imagine what that could do to a kid. Add on to that what Earl Walker was doing, and you can see how Reyes ends up the way he does. It is actually really amazing that he is as good as he is.

Listening to this story, told entirely from Reyes’ POV, really adds to the Charley Davidson series and I feel is a must read/listen to any person in the series. If you are new to this series, this is not a place to start. It will not give you a good feel of series at all. The actions that take place go through First Grave on the Right, so you could read it anywhere after that book and not be lost.

Narration
I’m really glad that they decided to stay with Lorelei King for this narration. I know some people might have decided to get a male narration, since it is told entirely from a male POV. King’s voice of Reyes is so engrained in my head, it would’ve been really weird to have someone else do the narration. She did a great job as usual, but then I think she is one of my favorite narrators. I mean, she pulls off this book with ease, and it is a mostly male cast. I started out listening to this series, actually because she was the narrator. I will always go straight to audio. I can’t recommend it enough.

I’d like to thank MACMILLAN AUDIO for the advanced copy of BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN in exchange for an honest review.