What do you think?
Rate this book
Noble Dead Saga: Series 3 #1
Between Their Worlds
"A unique tale of vampires and half-vampire undead hunters set against a dark fantasy world ruled by tyrants." the Noble Dead saga continues to entrance readers with action-packed adventures and an intriguing mythology. Now national bestselling authors Barb and J.C. Hendee present the long-awaited return of dhampir Magiere and half-elf Leesil....
Wynn Hygeort receives unexpected visitors at the guild of Sagecraft. Magiere and Leesil, along with the elven wolf Chap, have come for her, but Wynn can't afford to leave. She needs access to the texts within the guild's archives, which may help her decipher the locations of the last two orbs sought by the Ancient Enemy.
There are five orbs in total. Magiere and Leesil have two of them in safekeeping. Chane Andraso, the vampire who loves Wynn, has hidden the Orb of Earth on her orders. To complete her task - and protect the orbs - Wynn must remain sequestered from her friends.
But she's essentially a prisoner. One of the guild's superiors is just as eager for Wynn to translate the ancient texts, but she knows the others will not permit her to share that knowledge - knowledge Magiere and Leesil desperately need if they're going to stop the Ancient Enemy from unleashing war on the land....
Wynn Hygeort receives unexpected visitors at the guild of Sagecraft. Magiere and Leesil, along with the elven wolf Chap, have come for her, but Wynn can't afford to leave. She needs access to the texts within the guild's archives, which may help her decipher the locations of the last two orbs sought by the Ancient Enemy.
There are five orbs in total. Magiere and Leesil have two of them in safekeeping. Chane Andraso, the vampire who loves Wynn, has hidden the Orb of Earth on her orders. To complete her task - and protect the orbs - Wynn must remain sequestered from her friends.
But she's essentially a prisoner. One of the guild's superiors is just as eager for Wynn to translate the ancient texts, but she knows the others will not permit her to share that knowledge - knowledge Magiere and Leesil desperately need if they're going to stop the Ancient Enemy from unleashing war on the land....
436 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2012
20 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
About the author
Barb Hendee
70 books1,162 followers[See barbhendee.org]
Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.
Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.
We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.
J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.
Recently, I've begun writing romance/suspense novels, beginning with: Alone with a Soldier. I am so glad my books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 14, 2023
Nice to have the original trio back. It'll be interesting to see how the cohesion goes now that there are two teams with a plethora of perspectives.
September 28, 2012
Ugh, I'm SO BORED! The book takes place all in the span of a couple days. And it's this big mess of people and groups all overlapping but not all of them knowing about the other.
Example: Group A and Group B are both simultaneously trying to get to Person C. But neither A or B know they're both doing it the same time. And Group A doesn't know about B at all but B does know about A and doesn't like them.
Meanwhile, Group D is also trying to get to Person C but also Group A. Group B has no idea about Group C but Group A does and is trying to pretend they don't so Group D doesn't know A is onto them.
AND, during all of this Group E is hiding secrets and keeping Person C under guard with Group F is overseeing but doesn't think it's being done legally and is trying to slightly intercede but not really and yet is also trying to ferret out what Group E is truly up to while also being completely unaware of Groups A, B and D.
If that sounds interesting, it's not. It's just annoying jumping between groups in short hops, as they overlap and NOTHING HAPPENS. It's just all so slow because you keep having to jump to each separate group to progress another 2 minutes. As the reader you know SOME of what some of the groups don't know yet but it not enough to tell you diddly squat about what's really going on.
In short, it's annoying and boring as hell. I can't even bring myself to keep reading and I'm only halfway through. Not sure when this series turned from something I really enjoyed to this, but it's sad. I greatly loved the first series of the Noble Dead books but haven't much enjoyed the second series since Wynn took over as main character. Though Leesil and Magiere are back in this book, sadly, it's just a miserable mash of too many character and not enough actual plot.
Example: Group A and Group B are both simultaneously trying to get to Person C. But neither A or B know they're both doing it the same time. And Group A doesn't know about B at all but B does know about A and doesn't like them.
Meanwhile, Group D is also trying to get to Person C but also Group A. Group B has no idea about Group C but Group A does and is trying to pretend they don't so Group D doesn't know A is onto them.
AND, during all of this Group E is hiding secrets and keeping Person C under guard with Group F is overseeing but doesn't think it's being done legally and is trying to slightly intercede but not really and yet is also trying to ferret out what Group E is truly up to while also being completely unaware of Groups A, B and D.
If that sounds interesting, it's not. It's just annoying jumping between groups in short hops, as they overlap and NOTHING HAPPENS. It's just all so slow because you keep having to jump to each separate group to progress another 2 minutes. As the reader you know SOME of what some of the groups don't know yet but it not enough to tell you diddly squat about what's really going on.
In short, it's annoying and boring as hell. I can't even bring myself to keep reading and I'm only halfway through. Not sure when this series turned from something I really enjoyed to this, but it's sad. I greatly loved the first series of the Noble Dead books but haven't much enjoyed the second series since Wynn took over as main character. Though Leesil and Magiere are back in this book, sadly, it's just a miserable mash of too many character and not enough actual plot.
April 29, 2017
I think this series just gets better and better. The plot has become more intricate. The characters more interesting and fleshed out. I liked the many different points of view and the different motives.
I know a lot of people were not crazy about the last three books about Wynn, but I liked them even more than many of the others. Originally I didn't really care for Wynn very much, but she grew on me and is now one of my favorite characters in the series. I think one reason I enjoyed reading about Wynn and Chane for a while was because, for me there was too much bickering between Magiere and Leesil. I'm not saying they were unhappy, but their issues and the way they reacted to each other just grated on my nerves at times. It was just a nice change of pace to read about something else.
I'm not sure how I feel about Osha joining them. There is a love square that has developed now and I'm not too crazy about that idea, but overall Between Their Worlds is a good edition to the series.
I know a lot of people were not crazy about the last three books about Wynn, but I liked them even more than many of the others. Originally I didn't really care for Wynn very much, but she grew on me and is now one of my favorite characters in the series. I think one reason I enjoyed reading about Wynn and Chane for a while was because, for me there was too much bickering between Magiere and Leesil. I'm not saying they were unhappy, but their issues and the way they reacted to each other just grated on my nerves at times. It was just a nice change of pace to read about something else.
I'm not sure how I feel about Osha joining them. There is a love square that has developed now and I'm not too crazy about that idea, but overall Between Their Worlds is a good edition to the series.
December 17, 2012
This first installment to series 3 sees the return of Magiere, Leesil, and Chap as they return to the Guild of Sagecraft for their friend Wynn. However, things are not as they thought at the guild and they soon learn that Wynn has not been idly sitting at the guild waiting, she has been very busy indeed.
The problem most people seem to have with this book is that it doesn't move the plot forward. In a way this is true, and in a way it is not. The traditional sense of plot movement is not found in this book because it serves as a a bridge "between their worlds." Magiere and the other have been away during the time we spent with Wynn in the previous series, and now they are all coming back together. So, this book is the catalyst to the forward progression in the following books and is definitely necessary -- or else people would be whining that the reunion was too simple and boring and things jumped forward too fast.
Now, the book does contribute to forward progression in a way -- again, not int he traditional sense. As I said, it is a book that serves as the meeting point of two story lines and was necessary to have Magiere, Leesil, and Chap learn what Wynn has discovered so that they CAN progress forward. In a more supporting role way, this book does help with the forward momentum of the story.
I will admit, it isn't the most exciting of the Noble Dead books. But, then again, there were books in the original series I thought were weaker than the others -- especially in a long series, they all can't be high intensity all the time...there is the occasional need for "bridge" books like this one. In that regard, this books serves its purpose well.
Lastly, I think the bottom line for a lot of people is that the book didn't take the direction they wanted it to take. Even I have to admit some disappointment on a few matters because they didn't go how I wanted them to.
Overall I think this book is, without a doubt, necessary to the saga. I believe that the ultimate opinion of each reader will be based on how strong his or her preconceived ideas about what the book will entail are. Obviously we will all have things we want to happen based on which characters we like best -- I like Wynn and Chane -- that we will or won't like. Regardless of the things that happened that I hoped wouldn't, this is still a book that deserves a read because it does, in fact, help knit the story lines together.
The problem most people seem to have with this book is that it doesn't move the plot forward. In a way this is true, and in a way it is not. The traditional sense of plot movement is not found in this book because it serves as a a bridge "between their worlds." Magiere and the other have been away during the time we spent with Wynn in the previous series, and now they are all coming back together. So, this book is the catalyst to the forward progression in the following books and is definitely necessary -- or else people would be whining that the reunion was too simple and boring and things jumped forward too fast.
Now, the book does contribute to forward progression in a way -- again, not int he traditional sense. As I said, it is a book that serves as the meeting point of two story lines and was necessary to have Magiere, Leesil, and Chap learn what Wynn has discovered so that they CAN progress forward. In a more supporting role way, this book does help with the forward momentum of the story.
I will admit, it isn't the most exciting of the Noble Dead books. But, then again, there were books in the original series I thought were weaker than the others -- especially in a long series, they all can't be high intensity all the time...there is the occasional need for "bridge" books like this one. In that regard, this books serves its purpose well.
Lastly, I think the bottom line for a lot of people is that the book didn't take the direction they wanted it to take. Even I have to admit some disappointment on a few matters because they didn't go how I wanted them to.
Overall I think this book is, without a doubt, necessary to the saga. I believe that the ultimate opinion of each reader will be based on how strong his or her preconceived ideas about what the book will entail are. Obviously we will all have things we want to happen based on which characters we like best -- I like Wynn and Chane -- that we will or won't like. Regardless of the things that happened that I hoped wouldn't, this is still a book that deserves a read because it does, in fact, help knit the story lines together.
May 8, 2013
This was a fairly nice beginning to the continued exploits of Magiere, Leesil, and Chap as they continue in their quest to thwart The Ancient Enemy. Because they have been separated from Wynn for more than a year this book acts as a bridge to bring them back together and combine their stories before they are separated again.
Wynn is no longer the wide eyed observer she was in the beginning and has grown into a woman of strength, which annoys her previous companions. She has allowed a Nobel Dead, Chane, to protect her and work along beside her. Since Magiere had killed him and hates him as does Chap and Leesil they feel as if she has betrayed them.
The story centers around the guild of sage craft and the fact that they have locked Wynn in her room and the grounds. Things are complicated and scattered because you have multiple factions working for multiple goals throughout the book and sometimes it is hard to figure out what is going on from minute to minute. This is not a place to start this saga if you have not read the previous novels as the characters from many of those novels converge here.
Not a lot of action but the story does move us to the next step and allows us to become reacquainted with fiends who have been absent for so long. If you like this series then it is a must read.
Wynn is no longer the wide eyed observer she was in the beginning and has grown into a woman of strength, which annoys her previous companions. She has allowed a Nobel Dead, Chane, to protect her and work along beside her. Since Magiere had killed him and hates him as does Chap and Leesil they feel as if she has betrayed them.
The story centers around the guild of sage craft and the fact that they have locked Wynn in her room and the grounds. Things are complicated and scattered because you have multiple factions working for multiple goals throughout the book and sometimes it is hard to figure out what is going on from minute to minute. This is not a place to start this saga if you have not read the previous novels as the characters from many of those novels converge here.
Not a lot of action but the story does move us to the next step and allows us to become reacquainted with fiends who have been absent for so long. If you like this series then it is a must read.
January 16, 2012
i really enjoyed all the books in this series and this was no exception.
i loved the fact that magiere and leesil were back and am dieing to know what happen in the waste lands between magiere, leesil and chap.
when wynn was first introduced i really did not warm to her, i found her to be annoying and whinny but in this book she seems to have grown into a strong young women who is now able to take care of her self, i think she may have out grown any use she has for chane who i am now finding pointless to the story line.
has for the story i was expecting another adventure while searching for another orb not an entire book on breaking wynn out of the guild of sage craft.
bringing osha in might finally get rid of chane, failing that magiere should just kill him.
great book and i can't wait for the next one
i loved the fact that magiere and leesil were back and am dieing to know what happen in the waste lands between magiere, leesil and chap.
when wynn was first introduced i really did not warm to her, i found her to be annoying and whinny but in this book she seems to have grown into a strong young women who is now able to take care of her self, i think she may have out grown any use she has for chane who i am now finding pointless to the story line.
has for the story i was expecting another adventure while searching for another orb not an entire book on breaking wynn out of the guild of sage craft.
bringing osha in might finally get rid of chane, failing that magiere should just kill him.
great book and i can't wait for the next one
December 18, 2020
I can't stand Wynn.
May 31, 2022
I can see why some people have an issue with this one, the whole story takes place in about one place. I thought it was a refreshing turn of pace. Because FINALLY, we didn't have to witness someone following, then repeating what happened, another group following and repeating, etc. It more reminded me of the classic doors on Scooby-Doo, where you've got people running in and out of doors constantly, but never catching each other?
That seems to be the theme: Break Wynn out of the guild. Except she's got two different groups of friends wanting to do it each their own way, and it'd be better for her if they didn't run into each other. For reasons. (Chane)
It added a lot of suspense, trying to think about what will happen when the two groups meet again knowing they all want to kill each other; and Wynn's more mature now than she was before the first group left her. But we get to update on Leesil and Magiere, though it's more of a fill them in kind of situation because they won't really tell us what happened while they were away, and it's a nightmare of a mystery.
I can see why it'd bore some people, but I quite enjoyed seeing everyone back again and their personal dynamics with members of the other 'team.' I like learning more about the overall mystery arc, but I enjoy it more when we're about to get back to the adventure.
That seems to be the theme: Break Wynn out of the guild. Except she's got two different groups of friends wanting to do it each their own way, and it'd be better for her if they didn't run into each other. For reasons. (Chane)
It added a lot of suspense, trying to think about what will happen when the two groups meet again knowing they all want to kill each other; and Wynn's more mature now than she was before the first group left her. But we get to update on Leesil and Magiere, though it's more of a fill them in kind of situation because they won't really tell us what happened while they were away, and it's a nightmare of a mystery.
I can see why it'd bore some people, but I quite enjoyed seeing everyone back again and their personal dynamics with members of the other 'team.' I like learning more about the overall mystery arc, but I enjoy it more when we're about to get back to the adventure.
March 7, 2017
This one is a solid four stars.
Between Their Worlds is part of well written and exciting series; titled The Nobel Dead. By Barb and J. C. Hendee. The world it takes place in is well designed with most of what you would expect from a fantasy series yet with twists on the troupes and character types. Vampires do feed on the blood of humans, or any creature, but there are not crosses or holy water to harm them. Wood doesn’t do much either. The best, and perhaps only way, to kill one is to chop off its head. Yet there is a ritual to fix that, so you burn the body. They were created in an ancient war to destroy life: humans, elves, dwarves , etc. There are other forms of the Noble Dead but they all feed on the life source of the living. Dwarves are much the same even though there is a group who learn how to travel through stone and dirt as if they were not there. Their honored dead are placed against stalagmites to allow the process that forms stalagmites to encase them in stone coffins over time. Elves live in cities formed in forests and act like humans at times. There is a lot more details I don’t have time to go into but they all make this a worthy read. The fae here are more spectral and can join up with puppies to form unique beings.
The series is broken up into three sections dealing with different characters and purposes. At this stage they trying to find five unique weapons used in the same ancient war that created vampires and to hide them from the same being who declared war on the living. The Being has decided to try once more to kill everything that is alive and is on the move to find the weapons to gather its “children” who are still alive so it can fight again.
The series is dark yet the writing is excellent; people die, allies have strong negative emotions, the past comes along to bite the characters at the worse times. Actions scenes are described meticulously, the authors get into the psychic of each of the characters so you know what they are thinking and why. The plot flows along in a good order.
At times it is a touch confusing with all of the characters who disappear than come back books later and many of whom are in action at the same moment. Yet they add suspense and substance to the plot. The authors give the readers twists and unique situations so the books do not get boring. I also have a problem with all of the negative emotions on display. Groups who should be joining forces hate each other or are too picky to become true allies. Wynn-one of the main Characters-spends a good portion of her time scared or crying for a number of reasons yet she can be stubborn, in a good way, as well as brave and determined. She gets the job done.
I still recommend this book-it keeps me reading it even with what I feel are negatives. You need to though read the ones before it. You could very well be able to get what is happening and why and who the diverse characters are if you read this one as a stand alone but it would be more enjoyable and easier to read if you start at the beginning.
Between Their Worlds is part of well written and exciting series; titled The Nobel Dead. By Barb and J. C. Hendee. The world it takes place in is well designed with most of what you would expect from a fantasy series yet with twists on the troupes and character types. Vampires do feed on the blood of humans, or any creature, but there are not crosses or holy water to harm them. Wood doesn’t do much either. The best, and perhaps only way, to kill one is to chop off its head. Yet there is a ritual to fix that, so you burn the body. They were created in an ancient war to destroy life: humans, elves, dwarves , etc. There are other forms of the Noble Dead but they all feed on the life source of the living. Dwarves are much the same even though there is a group who learn how to travel through stone and dirt as if they were not there. Their honored dead are placed against stalagmites to allow the process that forms stalagmites to encase them in stone coffins over time. Elves live in cities formed in forests and act like humans at times. There is a lot more details I don’t have time to go into but they all make this a worthy read. The fae here are more spectral and can join up with puppies to form unique beings.
The series is broken up into three sections dealing with different characters and purposes. At this stage they trying to find five unique weapons used in the same ancient war that created vampires and to hide them from the same being who declared war on the living. The Being has decided to try once more to kill everything that is alive and is on the move to find the weapons to gather its “children” who are still alive so it can fight again.
The series is dark yet the writing is excellent; people die, allies have strong negative emotions, the past comes along to bite the characters at the worse times. Actions scenes are described meticulously, the authors get into the psychic of each of the characters so you know what they are thinking and why. The plot flows along in a good order.
At times it is a touch confusing with all of the characters who disappear than come back books later and many of whom are in action at the same moment. Yet they add suspense and substance to the plot. The authors give the readers twists and unique situations so the books do not get boring. I also have a problem with all of the negative emotions on display. Groups who should be joining forces hate each other or are too picky to become true allies. Wynn-one of the main Characters-spends a good portion of her time scared or crying for a number of reasons yet she can be stubborn, in a good way, as well as brave and determined. She gets the job done.
I still recommend this book-it keeps me reading it even with what I feel are negatives. You need to though read the ones before it. You could very well be able to get what is happening and why and who the diverse characters are if you read this one as a stand alone but it would be more enjoyable and easier to read if you start at the beginning.
May 29, 2024
4.5/5
This review is taken from my notes from when I finished the book years ago.
Wynn is being tracked by assassins, sent by Most Aged Father, who are trying to find Leesil and Magiere. Chap, Chane, and Shade are trying to protect her. Brot'an is an assassin in a silent war with Most Aged Father and is trying to protect her. His motivations are unclear. He brought 2 others with him as well.
I love this series. If you enjoy vampires and would like to see them in a medieval, high fantasy setting this is a series you should check out.
This review is taken from my notes from when I finished the book years ago.
Wynn is being tracked by assassins, sent by Most Aged Father, who are trying to find Leesil and Magiere. Chap, Chane, and Shade are trying to protect her. Brot'an is an assassin in a silent war with Most Aged Father and is trying to protect her. His motivations are unclear. He brought 2 others with him as well.
I love this series. If you enjoy vampires and would like to see them in a medieval, high fantasy setting this is a series you should check out.
July 25, 2017
The return of Magiere and Leesil to the center of the story is much appreciated. There are some answers to be found and understanding of where they must go to find the remaining orbs. What Chane will do as Wynn's feelings for Osha intensify and how the relationship between Chap and Shade will evolve. What is Brotan's mission and what impact will it have on the search for the orbs take the heros to a new continent and a heretofore unknown empire.
November 17, 2023
3 stars but closer to 2.
This was way too drawn out and as usual, Wyn starts trouble and never faces consequences for ANYTHING she does.
The character never learns or improves and now because of how wishy washy she is, she managed to close this book with a love triangle.
I do not like any of her chapters in this and what’s sad was I was looking forward to her being with the others and demonstrating some maturity.
I hope the next one is better.
This was way too drawn out and as usual, Wyn starts trouble and never faces consequences for ANYTHING she does.
The character never learns or improves and now because of how wishy washy she is, she managed to close this book with a love triangle.
I do not like any of her chapters in this and what’s sad was I was looking forward to her being with the others and demonstrating some maturity.
I hope the next one is better.
November 8, 2025
I’ve loved this series for years. I’ve done many rereads. I have both read the books and listened to the audiobooks. I prefer the audiobook. The narrator did a good job, and I enjoyed the mix of accents. Though she does mispronounced somethings that didn’t take away from the whole series.
August 29, 2018
😐😐 it was boring. I forced myself to finish.
October 6, 2022
Ooo things are getting even more interesting. I love this series so much. I can't wait to see what the next book holds for our main characters.
September 30, 2024
Rereading this until the next book comes in.
April 26, 2012
“Between Their Worlds” by Barb and J.C. Hendee is the fourth book of the second series of ‘The Noble Dead Saga’. Convergence upon Sage Wynn Hygeorht’s location at the Guild of Sagecraft signals a resurgence in interest in the mysterious orbs that seem to stimulate interest by many opposing factions and it becomes difficult to distinguish between ally and enemy. Leesil, Magiere and Chap (the majay-hi) join forces with Brot’an’duive’ who has also brought unexpected companions. Chane and Shade (the majay-hi daughter of Chap) continue to support Wynn and find themselves unexpectedly in closer proximity than either is particularly comfortable with. Wynn’s confinement to the Guild premises catalyzes multiple forces on her behalf as the different factions seek to free her but their actions are further compromised by the presence of members of the assassin caste of anmaglahk as well as the actions of Captain Sieward Rodian who resents having his Shyldfalches embroiled yet again in something he sees as an internal Guild matter. A premin of metaology with mysterious knowledge of her own, a territorial and curious Noble Undead named Pawl a’Seatt and the continued threat of two unclaimed orbs all add to the chaos that seems to surround Wynn and her unexpected reunion with her former traveling companions is tarnished by the complications which abound. The conflicting goals of the disparate groups may prevent any and all from achieving any degree of success but that will not keep Wynn from her dogged pursuit of enlightenment.
Another complex tale that continues to encompass an intricate world of scholars, vampires, elves, dwarves, dog-like fay creatures and many other wonders. There is an almost farcial quality to the attempts at breaching the security of the Sage’s guild and almost as many new mysteries are presented as prior ones are solved with plenty that are still unresolved. There are a few jarring notes, particularly with respect to Chap and his daughter (odd for him to be so introspective and descriptive of his motives) as well as the relationship between Leesil and Magiere and minimal actual progress is accomplished in this volume. An intriguing look at Wynn’s world but not as mesmerizing as others in the series. Well written but somewhat disappointing to me.
© Night Owl Reviews
Another complex tale that continues to encompass an intricate world of scholars, vampires, elves, dwarves, dog-like fay creatures and many other wonders. There is an almost farcial quality to the attempts at breaching the security of the Sage’s guild and almost as many new mysteries are presented as prior ones are solved with plenty that are still unresolved. There are a few jarring notes, particularly with respect to Chap and his daughter (odd for him to be so introspective and descriptive of his motives) as well as the relationship between Leesil and Magiere and minimal actual progress is accomplished in this volume. An intriguing look at Wynn’s world but not as mesmerizing as others in the series. Well written but somewhat disappointing to me.
© Night Owl Reviews
June 6, 2013
In Between Their Worlds by Barb & J.C. Hendee, Wynn is reunited with Magiere, Leesil, and Chap after a long time--three books, an entire arc--apart, but it doesn't last long. The Guild of Sagecraft quickly discovers and ejects Magiere, Leesil, and Chap while confining Wynn to her room, keeping her imprisoned. Wynn thinks that despite this she has to stay with the sages for the chance to access to the guild's archives to try to figure out the locations of the last two Orbs.
However, both her series one and series two groups of compatriots want to break her out. Magiere, Leesil, and Chap run into unexpected people from their past, many of them with mysteries of their own, while Chane is aware those three are in town, hates them about as much as they hate him, and wants to get Wynn out without running into them. Everyone's plans will start to conflict.... Meanwhile, what is the Guild of Sagecraft up to?
The beginning is rather rocky, as almost everyone has a moment of looking back on who they are and why they're there and Magiere, Leesil, and Chap keep giving what the authors probably think are tantalizing hints about their own trip to find one of the Orbs. You won't get more than some hints of that in Between Their Worlds, which makes the characters' behaviors, after effects of what happened there, mystifying. They're all very short-tempered: Magiere has lost almost all self-control she used to have and seems almost perpetually angry, Lessil is lacking almost all of his charm, and Chap is a judgmental pill. They mostly stomp about obnoxious, childish, and entitled, throwing tantrums when they don't get what they want, which is what keeps happening here. Wynn seems far more mature than they are these days.
At least the story becomes involving once it settles down to dealing with its own plot and generates a lot of tension, especially when everyone's plans take place within the same tight window of time. I'm definitely intrigued enough by new developments to read the next book, The Dog in the Dark, though I'm actually not looking forward to eventually finding out the backstory on Magiere, Leesil, and Chap's quest given the massive negative impression they leave in Between Their Worlds. At least they'll have [spoiler character] with them for the next book.
However, both her series one and series two groups of compatriots want to break her out. Magiere, Leesil, and Chap run into unexpected people from their past, many of them with mysteries of their own, while Chane is aware those three are in town, hates them about as much as they hate him, and wants to get Wynn out without running into them. Everyone's plans will start to conflict.... Meanwhile, what is the Guild of Sagecraft up to?
The beginning is rather rocky, as almost everyone has a moment of looking back on who they are and why they're there and Magiere, Leesil, and Chap keep giving what the authors probably think are tantalizing hints about their own trip to find one of the Orbs. You won't get more than some hints of that in Between Their Worlds, which makes the characters' behaviors, after effects of what happened there, mystifying. They're all very short-tempered: Magiere has lost almost all self-control she used to have and seems almost perpetually angry, Lessil is lacking almost all of his charm, and Chap is a judgmental pill. They mostly stomp about obnoxious, childish, and entitled, throwing tantrums when they don't get what they want, which is what keeps happening here. Wynn seems far more mature than they are these days.
At least the story becomes involving once it settles down to dealing with its own plot and generates a lot of tension, especially when everyone's plans take place within the same tight window of time. I'm definitely intrigued enough by new developments to read the next book, The Dog in the Dark, though I'm actually not looking forward to eventually finding out the backstory on Magiere, Leesil, and Chap's quest given the massive negative impression they leave in Between Their Worlds. At least they'll have [spoiler character] with them for the next book.
December 26, 2016
Full review: http://tinyurl.com/jv5ctzl
__________
Very much an in between novel, slow pacing but still good.
__________
Very much an in between novel, slow pacing but still good.
January 11, 2012
This is the tenth book of the series and I've read and own all of the books. I love, love, love this series I've been reading and rereading the books since 2004. However, the last couple of books starring Wynn as the main protagonist has been a little bit of a let down. I guess I wasn't expecting what the "sister" series involving Wynn was going to be like. The last three books make me nastalgic toward the ones earlier in the series. I loved Dhampir through Child of a Dead God, but the more books where Leesil and Margiere are out of the picture the more I wish they would come back and bring some action into the story. Perhaps, the authors would have just written the book about Leesil, Chap, and Margiere and just do a recap of Wynn's story when they saw her again not the other way around. I've read this book, obviously, and I know they come back into the story line but I feel like this book has been a complete filler book of the series. And I hate that, I wait every year for the next book and this one I have to say has been a let down compared to the others.
First, the book literally happens over the course of a few days, which isn't a bad thing but compared to the other books story line doesn't really make sense. Second, there are so many people perspectives that are represented in the book that it's dizzying. And to recognize who they are and what there part is in the overall series is daunting. Lastly, all they pretty much do is break Wynn out of the keep and in the end she goes back anyways?!? UGH! I was so annoyed when I finished the end of the book. Really?! No orb searching, no demon slaying, nothing.
In this book they barely bring up the orb or the Wastes that they traveled to that change Margiere and where they found the orb. I didn't like this book very much because I felt like there should have been a lot more that happens in the tenth book of the series. I love the authors and the series so I'm going to keep buying the books every January, hoping for more action.
End of Rant.
First, the book literally happens over the course of a few days, which isn't a bad thing but compared to the other books story line doesn't really make sense. Second, there are so many people perspectives that are represented in the book that it's dizzying. And to recognize who they are and what there part is in the overall series is daunting. Lastly, all they pretty much do is break Wynn out of the keep and in the end she goes back anyways?!? UGH! I was so annoyed when I finished the end of the book. Really?! No orb searching, no demon slaying, nothing.
In this book they barely bring up the orb or the Wastes that they traveled to that change Margiere and where they found the orb. I didn't like this book very much because I felt like there should have been a lot more that happens in the tenth book of the series. I love the authors and the series so I'm going to keep buying the books every January, hoping for more action.
End of Rant.
November 10, 2012
*minor spoilers*
"Between Their Worlds" is the first book in a new series in the epic Noble Dead saga and I have been a fan of these stories from the start. Worlds takes place directly after "Of Truth And Beasts" and features the return of Magiere, Leesil and Chap and the beginnings of a quest to find the last two ancient orbs. And while I still liked Worlds, it is one of the weakest chapters in this epic as the book is all set up for the stories to come and as such, not very much happens till the last few chapters. Most of the book concerns the efforts of Wynn's divided allies trying to break her out of her disciplinary confinemet at the Sage Guild, which takes place over about 2/3 of the book. During this time we find Magiere and co. have been followed by two rival factions of Elven assassins, one trying to kill them and the other to protect. And once Wynn is finally free, we now have our beloved characters at odds as the presence of Wynn's vampire friend Chane becomes known to the vampire hunters Magiere, Leesil and Chap, his mortal enemies. The rest of the book finds them trying to form an uneasy alliance as the greater task lies at hand. Again I did enjoy Worlds but,there is a lot of melodrama. Leesil, Magiere and Chap have all changed by what happened to them while they were away, there is drama between the Elves, drama between the City Guard and the Guild, drama between Chap and his daughter Shade, drama between her friends and Chane, and a potential love triangle between Wynn, Chane and the elf Osha. It is starting to resemble a Twilight book instead of a Noble Dead story. But, we do love these characters despite their current differences and Barb and J.C. Hendee do write so well. So, to an extent we go along with the story but, I just hope the coming stories return to the action to offset all the dramatics.
"Between Their Worlds" is the first book in a new series in the epic Noble Dead saga and I have been a fan of these stories from the start. Worlds takes place directly after "Of Truth And Beasts" and features the return of Magiere, Leesil and Chap and the beginnings of a quest to find the last two ancient orbs. And while I still liked Worlds, it is one of the weakest chapters in this epic as the book is all set up for the stories to come and as such, not very much happens till the last few chapters. Most of the book concerns the efforts of Wynn's divided allies trying to break her out of her disciplinary confinemet at the Sage Guild, which takes place over about 2/3 of the book. During this time we find Magiere and co. have been followed by two rival factions of Elven assassins, one trying to kill them and the other to protect. And once Wynn is finally free, we now have our beloved characters at odds as the presence of Wynn's vampire friend Chane becomes known to the vampire hunters Magiere, Leesil and Chap, his mortal enemies. The rest of the book finds them trying to form an uneasy alliance as the greater task lies at hand. Again I did enjoy Worlds but,there is a lot of melodrama. Leesil, Magiere and Chap have all changed by what happened to them while they were away, there is drama between the Elves, drama between the City Guard and the Guild, drama between Chap and his daughter Shade, drama between her friends and Chane, and a potential love triangle between Wynn, Chane and the elf Osha. It is starting to resemble a Twilight book instead of a Noble Dead story. But, we do love these characters despite their current differences and Barb and J.C. Hendee do write so well. So, to an extent we go along with the story but, I just hope the coming stories return to the action to offset all the dramatics.
August 1, 2021
This might be the Noble Dead book I remember the least from the series, if I'm being honest, and the four star rating probably reflects that. After all, I had a habit of giving almost all of these books five stars without even a second thought. Its been five years since I read this, and the final arc is the arc I remember the least from the series, mostly because it was going in a different direction than I expected it to and because it was so rushed. But I'm getting ahead of myself; let's focus on Between Their Worlds.
This marks the return of Leesil, Magiere, and Chap. Like I said in my previous reviews of the series, I didn't hate Wynn, but she wasn't my favorite. I think a lot of people agreed with me there. So returning to my old favorites was a breath of fresh air. I welcomed the return of their banter, of their internal thoughts, of their half of the story. Especially if it gave me a bit of a break from Wynn and Chane. So this book immediately had that going for it.
After reading some of the other reviews, some people found this book to be slow and among the weaker books in the series. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say that, but it's certainly not the strongest either. This arc plays a lot of catch up for Leesil and Magiere, though this book doesn't get entirely into all of that like some of the later books do, so it's not really a complaint for this one. But it does move more slowly, and I think that's okay. I'm going to agree with another reviewer on this: the series is LONG, and not every book can be action-packed. This one didn't need to be. It moved the plot forward in a different way than the books typically did, but it got us somewhat caught up and thrust us right back into the overall plot of finding the orbs, so I can't complain too much. I just wish I remembered more of it.
This marks the return of Leesil, Magiere, and Chap. Like I said in my previous reviews of the series, I didn't hate Wynn, but she wasn't my favorite. I think a lot of people agreed with me there. So returning to my old favorites was a breath of fresh air. I welcomed the return of their banter, of their internal thoughts, of their half of the story. Especially if it gave me a bit of a break from Wynn and Chane. So this book immediately had that going for it.
After reading some of the other reviews, some people found this book to be slow and among the weaker books in the series. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say that, but it's certainly not the strongest either. This arc plays a lot of catch up for Leesil and Magiere, though this book doesn't get entirely into all of that like some of the later books do, so it's not really a complaint for this one. But it does move more slowly, and I think that's okay. I'm going to agree with another reviewer on this: the series is LONG, and not every book can be action-packed. This one didn't need to be. It moved the plot forward in a different way than the books typically did, but it got us somewhat caught up and thrust us right back into the overall plot of finding the orbs, so I can't complain too much. I just wish I remembered more of it.
July 26, 2012
I didn't hate this book, though I kind of wanted to. It really hardly does anything to progress the series, or at least not anything that couldn't have been covered in a couple chapters of a book that then went on to actually progress things.
After drudging through the last series with Wynn as the main character, I was excited for the next series to start and have Magiere, Leesil, and Chap return. Especially to find out what they had been up to. But instead we just get vague and frustrating hints at what they did with no real answers other than that they found another orb. Which really just feels like a cheap way to fast forward what could be a really long series.
And at the end of the book, we are basically in the same place we started at. Wynn is at the guild and the trio take off on another adventure. Really made the whole thing feel pointless. It was only my dedication to the series that got me through this book.
Also there were so many narrators in this book, I have no idea exactly who or what the next book will follow.
After drudging through the last series with Wynn as the main character, I was excited for the next series to start and have Magiere, Leesil, and Chap return. Especially to find out what they had been up to. But instead we just get vague and frustrating hints at what they did with no real answers other than that they found another orb. Which really just feels like a cheap way to fast forward what could be a really long series.
And at the end of the book, we are basically in the same place we started at. Wynn is at the guild and the trio take off on another adventure. Really made the whole thing feel pointless. It was only my dedication to the series that got me through this book.
Also there were so many narrators in this book, I have no idea exactly who or what the next book will follow.
November 19, 2012
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
Between Their Worlds is Book #1 of Series #3 of the NOBLE DEAD SAGA and reunites the characters from the first two series after they had broken off to take care of their respective pieces of the puzzle.
It was so nice to have my favorites back in one place - for better or worse - and now that the baseline has been reestablished for what needs to be done and they've split up yet again, the mystery and action to come promises to be incredible!
Between Their Worlds allows the reader into the minds of Wynn, Chane, Magiere, Leesil, Chap and Shade as they meet up again after their long separation and continue on with some unlikely allies and the reappearance of some old friends.
Not all Noble Dead fans will love this book, and some may feel like it was an unnecessary filler novel. I personally feel that it was necessary for the continuation of the saga, and was a beautifully emotional read. To me, it was like coming home again...
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Between Their Worlds 4 Skulls.
Between Their Worlds is Book #1 of Series #3 of the NOBLE DEAD SAGA and reunites the characters from the first two series after they had broken off to take care of their respective pieces of the puzzle.
It was so nice to have my favorites back in one place - for better or worse - and now that the baseline has been reestablished for what needs to be done and they've split up yet again, the mystery and action to come promises to be incredible!
Between Their Worlds allows the reader into the minds of Wynn, Chane, Magiere, Leesil, Chap and Shade as they meet up again after their long separation and continue on with some unlikely allies and the reappearance of some old friends.
Not all Noble Dead fans will love this book, and some may feel like it was an unnecessary filler novel. I personally feel that it was necessary for the continuation of the saga, and was a beautifully emotional read. To me, it was like coming home again...
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Between Their Worlds 4 Skulls.
January 21, 2012
Not as good as the others in the series, primarily because the story really didn't move forward very far. It was "much sound ad fury, signifying nothing". I felt like the main events and developments in this book could have been covered in about 30 pages. It kind of felt like a soap opera, with lots of 'stuff' going on, but most of it really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things. We really didn't learn much new that we didn't already know. I'm guessing the authors are intending this as a bridge to the next series of books. Here's hoping that things actually happen in these books to truly move the story along! I still think this is a wonderful series, with lots of original ideas. But this definitely wasn't the best book in the series.
March 24, 2012
I still like Leesil and Magerie better than Wynn and Chap, so by default this is picking up a little again. Couldn't help but feel bad for Osha and worried about Brot'an. Good to have the overal flow and voice back in the story, even if it is still largely centered on Wynn and much slower over all. They really accomplished very little in this book beyond establishing how much trouble Wynn can get into on her own and that they now have several unusual and uncommon allies scattered randomly rather than a consolidated group of power like the guild or the royals. No doubt there's more trouble to come in the future from all sides; especially when the enemies or "children" start showing up again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2012
Hmm, I think the Hendee's could have skipped this entire book and proceeded with the series without missing much. It jumps from character viewpoint like an ADHD author (something I heartily dislike), the entire rescue plays like the Three Stooges, a good chunk of the story is dependent on remembering what happened at least 4 books ago, and over all VERY LITTLE HAPPENS. Really could have been handled in flashbacks in a book that had some actual teeth.
Quite disappointing - not sure whether I need to continue reading this series.
Quite disappointing - not sure whether I need to continue reading this series.
January 7, 2012
as usual I blew through this book like all the others in the saga. Now I have to tap my foot until Jan 2013 when the next book comes out. Boo. As always, love the book but it was a little more frustrating than some of the others in that a lot of characters came back together after splitting up at the end of the first series. Just a lot of characters to keep straight and remember who had met who before, their inter-relationships, etc. The needed background/reminders were in the text but it was just a lot.
January 11, 2013
The definition of a transition novel, it works well in not only summing up what has gone before, but setting up what comes next. Dealing with a huge cast of characters, none of which seem to trust one another, isn't easy and there were a few times when too much left us with too little.
It would be easy to dismiss this book with the question, "What really happened here?" But that's the short view, the question you ask of one book and not a part of a much bigger tale. And this tale has become epic in scope and size. Which means it's now time to move along to the next book...
It would be easy to dismiss this book with the question, "What really happened here?" But that's the short view, the question you ask of one book and not a part of a much bigger tale. And this tale has become epic in scope and size. Which means it's now time to move along to the next book...
January 9, 2024
It is good to see everyone meet up, kind of.
You can see there is something serious going on between Leesil and Magiere, watching Chap and Shade meet makes sense.
I kept waiting for Magiere and Chane to face one another, but you can sense it is coming.
It was great to see Ore-Locks. At the heart of it all Wynn, I actually wished she got more page time but that scene between her and Domin Hawes shows that while people have there doubts she knows more about those orbs. Except for Chap.
Onto the next book, but to be fair the book got me through a really bad day.
You can see there is something serious going on between Leesil and Magiere, watching Chap and Shade meet makes sense.
I kept waiting for Magiere and Chane to face one another, but you can sense it is coming.
It was great to see Ore-Locks. At the heart of it all Wynn, I actually wished she got more page time but that scene between her and Domin Hawes shows that while people have there doubts she knows more about those orbs. Except for Chap.
Onto the next book, but to be fair the book got me through a really bad day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews