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The Between Times
Like George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984 Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, The Between Times is a social cautionary tale. Beautifully written, it’s a short book about a small girl trying to understand what she’s not allowed to know. For fifteen years, the prophecy spread by word of mouth. From mother to daughter, father to son, it spread. In the dark days of the United States of America, a girl will be born. She will have the power to make people fade from sight. Sound will disappear with a wave of her hand. She will have the power to control the between times, and during that time, the girl child will call to her all the spirits of the past, present, and future. They will come and join hands with her. Together they will become one power, one body, and that body shall control the magic of the between times. From that day forward, the darkness and despair will disappear from our country. The world will be made new, and all people will once again be equal under the eyes of the law. Kindness will return to our world. Men and women will no longer be the property of the rich.
- GenresFantasy
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 3, 2013
When the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that corporations are now to be considered as ‘people,’ the author foresaw the possibility of a time in which the US takes a social, economic and cultural step backwards. She wove an intricate, insightfully rich story that depicts such a future.
On the surface, THE BETWEEN TIMES could be taken as merely a dark and dreary story with a surprising ending. The psychological layers woven into the story, however, are thought-provoking and profoundly moving.
Men and women have become the property of the elite, their lives controlled by laws that benefit only corporations and the rich who run them. Food is scarce; housing and jobs are tightly controlled – an almost unbearable situation for the majority. Except that there is a prophecy – one that scares the elite: a girl child will be the conduit to unite spirits of the past, present and future; people will once again be equal. As a result of their fear, restrictions controlled by the elite are tightened regarding any activity during the predawn hours of each day, a time when magical things can happen…the between time.
Throughout my read, I wondered if the author had scripted this during the predawn hours for the story has such a magical undertone that flows throughout. Her descriptions of the various characters and locales are vivid and rich in detail, which kept me riveted and more importantly, enlivened by my read of the story.
The girl child in the story, Jewell, is a weaver of beautiful tapestries imbued with magic; she weaves during the predawn hours in a dank, dark room in the midst of a slum. Like her character, Jewell, Ms. Maron is a master weaver…though the threads she imbues with magic are words.
THE BETWEEN TIMES is a social commentary relevant to our times, wrapped in an intricate, poignant tale. Will there be a sequel? I hope so.
On the surface, THE BETWEEN TIMES could be taken as merely a dark and dreary story with a surprising ending. The psychological layers woven into the story, however, are thought-provoking and profoundly moving.
Men and women have become the property of the elite, their lives controlled by laws that benefit only corporations and the rich who run them. Food is scarce; housing and jobs are tightly controlled – an almost unbearable situation for the majority. Except that there is a prophecy – one that scares the elite: a girl child will be the conduit to unite spirits of the past, present and future; people will once again be equal. As a result of their fear, restrictions controlled by the elite are tightened regarding any activity during the predawn hours of each day, a time when magical things can happen…the between time.
Throughout my read, I wondered if the author had scripted this during the predawn hours for the story has such a magical undertone that flows throughout. Her descriptions of the various characters and locales are vivid and rich in detail, which kept me riveted and more importantly, enlivened by my read of the story.
The girl child in the story, Jewell, is a weaver of beautiful tapestries imbued with magic; she weaves during the predawn hours in a dank, dark room in the midst of a slum. Like her character, Jewell, Ms. Maron is a master weaver…though the threads she imbues with magic are words.
THE BETWEEN TIMES is a social commentary relevant to our times, wrapped in an intricate, poignant tale. Will there be a sequel? I hope so.
October 7, 2012
YEAH! What a wonderful book to have as my 100th Goodread Review!
What if…for the first time in the history of the United States we took a social and economic nose dive into oblivion? THE BETWEEN TIMES is just such a scenario. A story that reads like a folk tale from the past, but in reality is a fantastic possibility based on the choices available to us today.
The premise is nothing short of an incredible imagination as modern day Chicago fades into an evil darkness separated by a wall. A separateness ruled by the upper society that isolates and mistreats the poor. These less fortunate people, in a short amount of time find themselves forced to live in the lower communities suffering from mistreatment comparable only to the concentration camps during WWII. Women are no longer human beings, but are nothing more than breeding animals kept only to prevent extinction of the race. The conditions are bleak and seemingly hopeless.
It is the belief in a Legend that becomes the driving force behind the survival. A young girl named Jewel, living in the captivity of this devastating socioeconomic environment, is the dream. She manifests hope and magic from within this beautiful tale.
Fantastical, Magical, & Mystical in a story that will make you believe it is about a long forgotten past, but in reality is a possible future! I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable highly imaginative novel!
What if…for the first time in the history of the United States we took a social and economic nose dive into oblivion? THE BETWEEN TIMES is just such a scenario. A story that reads like a folk tale from the past, but in reality is a fantastic possibility based on the choices available to us today.
The premise is nothing short of an incredible imagination as modern day Chicago fades into an evil darkness separated by a wall. A separateness ruled by the upper society that isolates and mistreats the poor. These less fortunate people, in a short amount of time find themselves forced to live in the lower communities suffering from mistreatment comparable only to the concentration camps during WWII. Women are no longer human beings, but are nothing more than breeding animals kept only to prevent extinction of the race. The conditions are bleak and seemingly hopeless.
It is the belief in a Legend that becomes the driving force behind the survival. A young girl named Jewel, living in the captivity of this devastating socioeconomic environment, is the dream. She manifests hope and magic from within this beautiful tale.
Fantastical, Magical, & Mystical in a story that will make you believe it is about a long forgotten past, but in reality is a possible future! I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable highly imaginative novel!
October 8, 2012
There is magic in The Between Times when Jewell weaves its light into tapestries. A beautifully written page turner, this is social commentary for our times comparable to Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and Orwell's Animal Farm and 1984. The author excels in metaphor. I highly recommend it.
December 16, 2012
The Between Times - that brief space between day and night, when shadows linger and the world seems awash with magic. It is foretold that a girl will be born who can control this time, using it to help heal the world.
Jewell and her father, Ben, live in poverty. Their lot is no worse than many and better than some. At least they have a home and Ben has a job. But Jewell must hide for fear that she will be taken and given as a wife to one of the important men in the community.
Life is very different in this futuristic novel. The lines between the classes -- rich and poor, have been emphasized by a wall. The upper city is cut off from the lower, clearly dividing society. There is no such thing as upper mobility or making a better life for your family. Women have no rights and are treated as merely commodities to be bought, sold and traded.
Marta Moran Bishop paints a very disturbing picture of a future America where no one has any rights, save the rich. What the characters see as their past, we see as our present -- politicians wanting to control the rights of women, financial ruin, the devastation of the national debt on the country, unemployment....
The Between Times is an amazing look at one family's fight against the system, leaving the reader with hope that they will win. For us, the future isn't so bright.
Marta Moran Bishop's descriptions are colorful and vivid, drawing from her skill as a poet. She has woven a story resplendent with imagery so that the reader can see and feel what the characters do.
The characters in The Between Times, are simple folk. The older people remember better times growing up, but the children know nothing but how things are. No matter what their lot, the live in hope that one day, the girl will save them.
I highly recommend The Between Times. It's haunting tale will delight all ages. Written with easy enough vocabulary for younger readers, it is also a wonderful story for adults.
Five Golden Acorns
© Dellani Oakes 2012
Jewell and her father, Ben, live in poverty. Their lot is no worse than many and better than some. At least they have a home and Ben has a job. But Jewell must hide for fear that she will be taken and given as a wife to one of the important men in the community.
Life is very different in this futuristic novel. The lines between the classes -- rich and poor, have been emphasized by a wall. The upper city is cut off from the lower, clearly dividing society. There is no such thing as upper mobility or making a better life for your family. Women have no rights and are treated as merely commodities to be bought, sold and traded.
Marta Moran Bishop paints a very disturbing picture of a future America where no one has any rights, save the rich. What the characters see as their past, we see as our present -- politicians wanting to control the rights of women, financial ruin, the devastation of the national debt on the country, unemployment....
The Between Times is an amazing look at one family's fight against the system, leaving the reader with hope that they will win. For us, the future isn't so bright.
Marta Moran Bishop's descriptions are colorful and vivid, drawing from her skill as a poet. She has woven a story resplendent with imagery so that the reader can see and feel what the characters do.
The characters in The Between Times, are simple folk. The older people remember better times growing up, but the children know nothing but how things are. No matter what their lot, the live in hope that one day, the girl will save them.
I highly recommend The Between Times. It's haunting tale will delight all ages. Written with easy enough vocabulary for younger readers, it is also a wonderful story for adults.
Five Golden Acorns
© Dellani Oakes 2012
January 12, 2013
Wow. This book was very well written, though there were bits of time that were skimmed over that I think would have added to the story. The scary part is that what the author mentions is true, it could happen! The idea of corporations taking over and separating people based on class and of a movement to try and crush them and return the world to what it once was. This seems to be a similar premise to the hunger games, except this book is more in depth and realistic and has an element of the supernatural. The Between Times is a really unique piece of writing and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
October 20, 2012
The Between Times is a thought-provoking cautionary tale set in America’s future. The author's humane understandings of today’s political differences are highlighted as the rich take over, leaving no middle-class society, and the poor masses are forced to live in squalor.
A beautifully written magical story where a young girl named Jewel, protected from the cruel world around her, holds hope to bring contentment and balance back to society.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which made me think, what if, many times over. A highly imaginative tale which I strongly recommend to all.
A beautifully written magical story where a young girl named Jewel, protected from the cruel world around her, holds hope to bring contentment and balance back to society.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which made me think, what if, many times over. A highly imaginative tale which I strongly recommend to all.
March 2, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Very, very interesting. This is what the world is headed for if we don't take a stand for our freedoms. I like the story, and all the characters. But there is still so much unsaid. What will happen after the between times at the end of the book? I want to know the end...will Jewell help everyone? Will everyone get their freedom back? Is there a continuation of this story...please say so!
February 2, 2013
An interesting read. A book which not only entertains, but strives for a larger purpose a cause. Contextualised in the current events, the book narrates a thought provoking story of a gifted girl, Jewell in an imaginary hell, designed by human beings.
February 21, 2015
The Between Times by Marta Moran Bishop describes a futuristic American society where the corporations dictate people's life.
People are poor, women have no rights and considered only as breeding animals. The society is strictly divided between poor and rich people. The only hope for a better future is a prophecy which says that a girl will be able to unite the spirits of past, present and future and change America for better.
The Between Times is masterfully written, giving a warning for how things must not be. The political deliberations made by author in the book, must be considered as a signal for something is going wrong at the moment and to the consequences it can lead. The Between Times by Marta Moran Bishop is a perfect reading which will make you think about the present American social system and possible consequences of such a policy. I loved this novel, it put me in a deep thinking about a present and future of the American society.
Leyla Atke, author of
Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat
People are poor, women have no rights and considered only as breeding animals. The society is strictly divided between poor and rich people. The only hope for a better future is a prophecy which says that a girl will be able to unite the spirits of past, present and future and change America for better.
The Between Times is masterfully written, giving a warning for how things must not be. The political deliberations made by author in the book, must be considered as a signal for something is going wrong at the moment and to the consequences it can lead. The Between Times by Marta Moran Bishop is a perfect reading which will make you think about the present American social system and possible consequences of such a policy. I loved this novel, it put me in a deep thinking about a present and future of the American society.
Leyla Atke, author of
Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat
October 24, 2018
THE BETWEEN TIMES MARTA MORAN BISHOP
THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO DARKNESS DESCENDS AND TAKES UP AFTER REBECCAS DEMISE. JEWELL AND BEN ARE NOW LIVING IN THE LOWER CITY IN SQUALID CONDITIONS, BEN REMEMBERS THE GOOD OLD DAYS BEFORE THE DIVIDE OCCURRED AND DOES HIS BEST TO PROTECT HIS TEENAGED DAUGHTER FROM THE NEW ORDER. THIS STARTS OFF AS A DARK TALE OF DESPAIR BUT AS A READER, YOU WILL FIND HOPE AS JEWELL EMERGES AS THE ONE IN THE PROPHECY TO UNITE THE WORLD. I SAW HOPE IN THIS STORY AS I READ ALONG. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BETWEEN TIMES AND LOVED THE CHARACTERS OF BEN AND JEWELL ALONG WITH THE OTHERS. I PATIENTLY AWAIT THE NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE STORY. 5 STARS FOR EXCELLENT STORYTELLING.
THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO DARKNESS DESCENDS AND TAKES UP AFTER REBECCAS DEMISE. JEWELL AND BEN ARE NOW LIVING IN THE LOWER CITY IN SQUALID CONDITIONS, BEN REMEMBERS THE GOOD OLD DAYS BEFORE THE DIVIDE OCCURRED AND DOES HIS BEST TO PROTECT HIS TEENAGED DAUGHTER FROM THE NEW ORDER. THIS STARTS OFF AS A DARK TALE OF DESPAIR BUT AS A READER, YOU WILL FIND HOPE AS JEWELL EMERGES AS THE ONE IN THE PROPHECY TO UNITE THE WORLD. I SAW HOPE IN THIS STORY AS I READ ALONG. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BETWEEN TIMES AND LOVED THE CHARACTERS OF BEN AND JEWELL ALONG WITH THE OTHERS. I PATIENTLY AWAIT THE NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE STORY. 5 STARS FOR EXCELLENT STORYTELLING.
October 10, 2018
THE BETWEEN TIMES MARTA MORAN BISHOP
THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO DARKNESS DESCENDS AND TAKES UP AFTER REBECCAS DEMISE. JEWELL AND BEN ARE NOW LIVING IN THE LOWER CITY IN SQUALID CONDITIONS, BEN REMEMBERS THE GOOD OLD DAYS BEFORE THE DIVIDE OCCURRED AND DOES HIS BEST TO PROTECT HIS TEENAGED DAUGHTER FROM THE NEW ORDER. THIS STARTS OFF AS A DARK TALE OF DESPAIR BUT AS A READER, YOU WILL FIND HOPE AS JEWELL EMERGES AS THE ONE IN THE PROPHECY TO UNITE THE WORLD. I SAW HOPE IN THIS STORY AS I READ ALONG. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BETWEEN TIMES AND LOVED THE CHARACTERS OF BEN AND JEWELL ALONG WITH THE OTHERS. I PATIENTLY AWAIT THE NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE STORY. 5 STARS FOR EXCELLENT STORYTELLING.
THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO DARKNESS DESCENDS AND TAKES UP AFTER REBECCAS DEMISE. JEWELL AND BEN ARE NOW LIVING IN THE LOWER CITY IN SQUALID CONDITIONS, BEN REMEMBERS THE GOOD OLD DAYS BEFORE THE DIVIDE OCCURRED AND DOES HIS BEST TO PROTECT HIS TEENAGED DAUGHTER FROM THE NEW ORDER. THIS STARTS OFF AS A DARK TALE OF DESPAIR BUT AS A READER, YOU WILL FIND HOPE AS JEWELL EMERGES AS THE ONE IN THE PROPHECY TO UNITE THE WORLD. I SAW HOPE IN THIS STORY AS I READ ALONG. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BETWEEN TIMES AND LOVED THE CHARACTERS OF BEN AND JEWELL ALONG WITH THE OTHERS. I PATIENTLY AWAIT THE NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE STORY. 5 STARS FOR EXCELLENT STORYTELLING.
February 17, 2023
The Between Times: Book Two of The Divide
There is a prophecy that a girl child will have the power to control the Between Times, that time between night and full morning when the world is not yet awake. There is magic in that time and this girl child will be able to pull together people from the past present and future to help save humanity by using that magic. Marta Moran Bishop writes an emotional story that reminds us that if we don’t speak up and help maintain the rights and humanity we have that we could end up fighting for basic survival.Jewell is the child born to prophecy that has to learn to overcome her fears to use the magics of the in between times in order to provide a way for a group of downtrodden and virtually caged people to escape from the horrible conditions they live in in order to create a new world free of corruption and control. I felt like I was living through the character’s experiences with them while I was reading the book. And I could not wait to read the third book in the series.
There is a prophecy that a girl child will have the power to control the Between Times, that time between night and full morning when the world is not yet awake. There is magic in that time and this girl child will be able to pull together people from the past present and future to help save humanity by using that magic. Marta Moran Bishop writes an emotional story that reminds us that if we don’t speak up and help maintain the rights and humanity we have that we could end up fighting for basic survival.Jewell is the child born to prophecy that has to learn to overcome her fears to use the magics of the in between times in order to provide a way for a group of downtrodden and virtually caged people to escape from the horrible conditions they live in in order to create a new world free of corruption and control. I felt like I was living through the character’s experiences with them while I was reading the book. And I could not wait to read the third book in the series.
February 19, 2023
If I could I'd give this book more than 5 stars. It is beautifully written, with a story that resonates with our times as well as being a cautionary tale that is a mix of 1984, Farenheit 451, and The Handmaiden's Tale, but using both our history and today's happenings.
I also love the connection between the paranormal element and the possibility of people of like mind changing the world together.
I also love the connection between the paranormal element and the possibility of people of like mind changing the world together.
February 28, 2023
What an amazing and haunting tale that I got myself suck into. A world filled with corruption, power, and despair, but also a world where there is hope and magic. So well written, thought provoking, and emotional. A definite page turner.
March 13, 2023
New to me author that did not disappoint. Well written story that keeps your attention even after it ends. It gives hope and magic thru the despair that is not fair from where the world is now. Makes you think...a page turner for sure.
February 19, 2023
This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. The characters drew me in and I felt as if I was living their lives.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
March 10, 2023
Thought provoking
To divide and conquer-The Between Times is a cautionary tale of a divided society controlled by powerful, greedy corporations and politicians. A society where workers and women have no rights, where young boys are taken from their parents. A society where the rich and poor are divide by walls. It reads as a dystopian fable however it has a ring of familiarity with our current state of affairs. This thought provoking novel leaves us with a glimmer of hope as the between times is a magical one with a foretold prophecy of a girl that can call on the power to renew the world. This page turner should be everyone's next read!
To divide and conquer-The Between Times is a cautionary tale of a divided society controlled by powerful, greedy corporations and politicians. A society where workers and women have no rights, where young boys are taken from their parents. A society where the rich and poor are divide by walls. It reads as a dystopian fable however it has a ring of familiarity with our current state of affairs. This thought provoking novel leaves us with a glimmer of hope as the between times is a magical one with a foretold prophecy of a girl that can call on the power to renew the world. This page turner should be everyone's next read!
March 13, 2023
The between times by author Marta Moran Bishop was indeed a really good book. Being this is book two in the series it was a little lost but I was able to kind of figure out what I was missing. It is about a girl named Jewell who is born with the prophecy to bring people from the past, present, and future. The other main characters in this book are Ben and Roxane. This book really hits you hard because you can see how things really can go down the wrong path in our society it's actually really eye opening, I would definitely recommend to a friend
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews