Between

The Chronicles of Between #1

by L.L. Starling

A bewitching, fiendishly funny cautionary tale about the perils of gatecrashing fairy tale kingdoms—particularly ones with drunken unicorns, bored dragons, and sorcerers in tight, leather pants.
Sasha Pierce hasn’t had a single dream since she was a child…

... until she accepts a substitute teaching position in the charmingly witchy village of Old Middleton. Her first dream in twenty-five years ought to be enchanting, but her wonder quickly turns to shock when she realizes that it’s not a dream at all, but an entirely different sort of magic. Catapulted into the fairy tale kingdom of Between through an ancient portal, Sasha’s astonishment is swiftly upgraded to panic when she accidentally performs a supposedly impossible feat and is declared the True Queen of Between … and betrothed to its infuriatingly handsome sorcerer-king.

Lorn, Shadow King of Between, is desperate to break free from Between’s clutches. Magically tethered to the ramshackle kingdom, he wages a daily battle to save his disreputable subjects from rampaging magical creatures, sinkholes, and catastrophes of the distressingly lethal variety. To avoid an early grave, he needs an escape plan, not a wife...until he learns that this magicless mortal holds the key to his freedom.

Unwilling to leave her world to accept the crown—or the husband—Sasha must race against the clock to disentangle herself from this fairy tale. But her empty throne leaves a dangerous rift between their worlds. As dark forces descend upon Old Middleton, the two must make a choice: work together or unleash fairytale chaos upon their realms.

Between is the spellbinding first novel in The Chronicles of Between fantasy series. Filled with feisty, fairytale-savvy heroines, swoon-worthy sorcerers, slow burn romance, morose minotaurs, and bawdy witches it’s a laugh-out-loud fairy tale romp.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy, Romantasy, Fiction, Witches

Audible Audio

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[L.L. Starling]

***CHRONOLOGICAL [ALTERNATING POV] READING ORDER***

Hi all! Thank you SO much for braving this chonktastic book! As a brand new indie author, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your ratings and reviews! I owe you all a chesty sorcerer and a bag of radishes.

BETWEEN takes place in the ten days before Halloween and is essentially two books in one: PART 1 is the events from Sasha's perspective, and PART 2 is the same events (and a whole lot more) from Lorn's perspective.

Why did I put them together in the same book?
I know, I know--it would have been so much easier to read, not to mention kinder on your wrists, if I had split it into two books, like TWILIGHT and MIDNIGHT SUN. But I tried to save you money by whacking both POVs into one chonky megabook. That way, you can use the cash you saved on Lorn's POV to buy a much better book with a cohesive plot and fewer squirrel candelabras or something pretty with stenciled edges.

Why didn't I write alternating POV chapters, I hear you ask?
As it turns out, introducing Lorn and his shenanigans too early spoiled several big plot points ('Are Sasha's dreams more than they seem?', 'Who is that strangely attractive man in the fancy pjs?' etc.) almost immediately.

However, if you prefer to read the book chronologically--where the events unfold from both Sasha and Lorn's perspectives day-by-day--and don't mind a bit of mild spoiler-y action, two fantastic readers (Isamar and Jade) came up with the Chronological Reading Order, which works even better during a reread. I've created Chronological graphics that you can download or print off from my website to have on hand while reading (see https://www.llstarling.com/post/an-al...). They also appear below (though they are a little blurry here. They're clearer on the website):



Or, if you'd prefer it as a list:

PART 1 (Sasha): Prologue (p. 3)
Sasha: Chapter 1 (p.7)
PART 2 (Lorn) : Prologue (p. 417)
Lorn: Chapter 1 (p. 419)
Lorn: Chapter 2 (p. 432)
Sasha: Chapter 2 (p.26)
Sasha: Chapter 3 (p. 37)
Sasha: Chapter 4 (p.58)
Lorn: Chapter 3 (p. 449)
Lorn: Chapter 4 (p. 465)
Sasha: Chapter 5 (p.88)
Sasha: Chapter 6 (p. 103)
Lorn: Chapter 5 (p. 487)
Lorn: Chapter 6 (p. 508)
Sasha: Chapter 7 (p. 118)
Sasha: Chapter 8 (p. 144)
Lorn: Chapter 7 (p. 522)
Sasha: Chapter 9 (p. 155)
Lorn: Chapter 8 (p. 543)
Sasha: Chapter 10 (p. 170)
Lorn: Chapter 9 (p. 552)
Lorn: Chapter 10 (p. 588)
Sasha: Chapter 11 (p. 196)
Lorn: Chapter 11 (p. 604)
Sasha: Chapter 12 (p. 235)
Sasha: Chapter 13 (p. 249)
Sasha: Chapter 14 (p. 261)
Sasha: Chapter 15 (p. 278)
Sasha: Chapter 16 (p. 295)
Lorn: Chapter 12 (p. 630)
Sasha: Chapter 17 (p. 322)
Lorn: Chapter 13 (p. 656)
Lorn: Chapter 14 (p. 681)
Sasha: Chapter 18 (p. 348)
Lorn: Chapter 15 (p. 694)
Sasha: Chapter 19 (p. 365)
Lorn: Chapter 16 (p. 713)
Lorn: Chapter 17 (p. 729)
Sasha: Chapter 20 (p. 381)
Sasha: Epilogue (p. 407)
Lorn: Epilogue (p. 734)

After reading both versions, I'd say:
If you like cozy, slower-paced, character-forward stories, then read BETWEEN as it is written.

If you prefer faster-paced, plot-forward stories, then read BETWEEN chronologically.

Now, someone asked if they HAVE to read Lorn's POV (Part 2) to read the next book. And the answer is, 'I am so sorry, but yes, you do.' Part 2 isn't a straight rehash; in fact, there is little overlap with Part 1. You learn all about Between (and what Sasha is in for as the True Queen) in his section, and it contains political intrigue, lots and lots of extra plot, so much sad sorcerer pining, and at least 78% more drunk unicorn action. Honestly, I think Part 2 is far funnier than Part 1, and I would hate for you to miss out on meeting the Lower Kingdom monarchs, who are my favorite characters. It's also possible to read Part 2 first (though again, it will be spoiler-y, but you'll get more sad sorcerer angst and pining right off the bat).

Please let me know if you have any questions--I love questions.

Happy reading! And thank you again for all your support!

UPDATE 9th November
The first chapter of OTHERWORLD (BETWEEN's sequel) has been posted to my website: https://www.llstarling.com/post/a-sne... Come on down and read about Sasha's first night in Between.

[Natasha Parore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains tight pants.

It contains brooding.

It contains magic.

It contains a brooding, magical man in tight pants.

This was, hands down, the best thing thing I read in 2020. It is precious to me. A book of romance, magic and tight pants. Could I ask for more?

It's funny, uplifting and spellbinding. I lost a lot of sleep trying to read it as fast as I could. But also I savoured it. So I read each page twice. It's just that good.

You get so much book for your money. And tight pants.

[Kat]

Impressively terrible! Endearingly terrible?

This is an eight hundred page slab of a book where the author has made a decision so shockingly ill-advised, I have literally never seen it before, and couldn't quite believe it was really happening when I got to it: rather than write multiple points of view with either an omniscient narrator or by switching back and forth, instead, a little over halfway through, she STARTED OVER and recounted THE ENTIRE BOOK from the other POV character. I'm absolutely floored by this. Yes, the same scenes, the same dialogue, everything TWICE plus tons and tons and tons of filler that we know largely doesn't matter because... we already know where this is going to end up, from the other POV. This did not make for a fun reading experience, and I heavily skimmed the last 40% of this absolute tome, but I have to admit I found the attempt awe-inspiring in both how ill-advised it was and the Herculean amount of work involved.

There are a myriad of other major problems present as well. There are easily over a dozen interchangeable quirky side characters with funny names and identical senses of humor. There are pages upon pages upon pages of pointless, rambling fluff and filler that should definitely be removed. There are grammatical issues. The author seems to think that alcoholism, and the consumption of alcohol in general, is inherently hilarious. There is weirdly childish language which is used over and over by different characters who should certainly have different voices; by the end of this book, I was ready to claw my eyes out if I had to read the words "pelvis," "crotch," "chest," or "dash it" again.

Altogether, this was awful! And yet I will probably read book two. The romance and banter were fun (the first time around) and it's refreshing to read a fantasy romance about an adult woman rather than an 18 or 19 year old. The cozy Halloween vibes were also immaculate in the first half of the book, and I loved the strong female friendship.

[toastie ʚ:ɞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 ☆’s.

“Do not be afraid of me. Not you. Never you.”

I just finished this novel mere moments ago, and am struggling to find the correct words to encompass the amount of love that I have for this tale.

In the words of my beloved Mr. Darcy, this book has bewitched me body and soul.

I want to start off by saying that I absolutely adored the writing style of this novel!! There were no moments where I felt confused (or lost within the plot), and there were times where I found myself questioning whether or not I had unknowingly stepped through a Portal and been transported into the enchanting world that L.L. Starling created (because I felt so immersed in the happenings of Old Middleton + the Otherworld)!!

I also thoroughly enjoyed the way that the dialogue in this novel was written (I believe that it’s some of the best that I’ve ever read). The humor and wit that these characters possess managed to jump through the page (and caused me to have quite a few giggling fits).

There is so much that I wish to say about Sasha and Lorn (my loves 🥹), I am at a loss of where to even begin…

To be frank, I would endure the hellish conditions of Between’s diseased swamps for them…that’s how much I absolutely adore those two.

I’m not sure if individuals are able to browse my “reading activity” for this title (sometimes Goodreads deletes all of my updates for some reason 😩), but if you are able to browse through my updates, then you can see that I most frequently uttered three phrases while reading this novel:

• “I’m in pain”

• “I’m sobbing”

• “I’m sobbing no one speak to me for the next ten years” / “No one contact me for the next ten years I am deceased”

I realize that the last phrase of mine is rather dramatic, but I would like to believe that the individuals that’ve read this novel will understand the emotions that I felt that pushed me to that point…

The love that I have for Lorn — my erinaceous (because he seems prickly from the outside) husband — is everlasting, and I cannot wait to see more of what he and his leather pants get up to in the sequel…😉

(I squealed like a dolphin when I realized that the latter half of this novel was in Lorn’s POV — I adore him so very much.)

I am beyond excited to see what becomes of Sasha + Lorn’s budding relationship in the next novel (I’m hoping that they will have an incredible month together…IYKYK 🥲), and I’m also curious to see what happens with Lyla + Ash as well!

I would also like to mention that the ending of this novel was exquisite *chef’s kiss*. The information that we obtained in those last few chapters made me beyond excited for what’s to come!!

The sequel to this novel — “Otherworld” — has easily become one of my most anticipated reads, and I am eagerly awaiting the day that I have a copy in my hands so that I can continue this incredible journey set in this sentient kingdom…🥲❤️

(I will be one of the first individuals in line to purchase “Otherworld” once it’s released — that is a vow.)

I would also like to note that I will be shoving this title down my friend’s throats (figuratively — not literally of course…the book would be ruined if it was actually shoved in a throat-esque area, and we don’t want that…) every chance that I get. I will be recommending this title to all of the individuals in my wonderful book club (Steph if you’re reading this review of mine then I promise you that this book is right up your alley 😉), and will also be posting about it on social media every chance that I receive…(basically I will be pestering everyone in existence until they read this phenomenal novel).

TLDR; “Between” is a strong contender for my favorite read of the year — I cannot find the correct words that fully encompass the intense emotions that I have for this novel, so I will just speak plainly and say that I love it very, very much…I will be recommending this tale to everyone in my general vicinity, and am eagerly awaiting the sequel! :)

[Stephanie]

I tried. I swear.

I was excited for this one because I’m always on board when authors put art in their books. But… this book was 752 pages. It does not need to be 752 pages.

The first 25% is set up… before the plot is even introduced. It’s all about Sasha moving to a town with her friend and just… learning about the town. We as the audience knows it’s a magical town, but Sasha doesn’t know, no one in the town tells her. We’re literally just… reading about Sasha starting work as a kindergarten teacher and having little dreams. But almost every chapter ends with some ominous foreshadowing like, “And if she had looked back, she would have seen the gold dust lingering. Such a shame she didn’t look back.” (not a real quote) We also meet the hero ONE TIME in the first 25% for a very brief moment in a dream, zero actual conversation / personality / building.

Maybe the romance is great later. But if you can’t make me care about either character or the story or the plot or the stakes in the first 25% … there’s something wrong. The first 25% needed major editing.

[Laila · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at page 422. I'll write a review tomorrow hopefully

Okay its been 2 days lets get into it. Never in my life. NEVER IN MY LIFE did I think I would read a book that is 750 pages of BACKSTORY. This is what I get for ordering it at Barnes & Nobles after watching a tiktok about it. I was so excited to read this book, it has magic, and shadow kings, and small towns, and was a FAT DISAPPOINTMENT. It took 100 pages to even meet the damn male lead. I had hope that maybe it would get better, maybe we would actually progress in the plot. But we didn't. I read four hundred and fifty pages only for the second half of the book to be the exact same story from another POV. The conversations in this book would go in circles. So much of whatever the hell these people were saying was just a reiteration of something they had said in the previous page. The humor in this book is not even good, the jokes were bland and I'm genuinely confused reading the other reviews on this book. When people say this book could easily be 400 pages shorter, THEY AREN'T LYING.

[Quirine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delight! An hilarious, magical, absurd, cozy fairytale with romance, found family, stubborn magical creatures and a dramatic king of a sentient kingdom. It reminded me of Howl’s Moving Castle in all the best ways. Could it have been 300-400 pages shorter? Probably. Was I still sad it was over? Yes.

[Anna Kimbro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying I loved this book, so all my complaints were minor to me - however, I think it’s not a book for everyone. And here’s why…

The best way I can describe this book is 85% cozy fantasy vibes with a strong dose of comedy and 15% actual plot. Despite being well over 700 pages, Between doesn’t get very far into the story. In fact, I distinctly remember thinking to myself “okay, great, we’re finally getting to the action” at the end of a chapter only to turn the page and find the EPILOGUE. In the MIDDLE of the book, no less! I genuinely had a moment where I thought it was a misprint, then frantically skipped ahead to discover Part 2 is the same story written from a different character’s perspective (but you essentially start the story over with some repeats when scenes overlap with Sasha, the MC in part 1).

So. Yeah. Be prepared for absolutely zero resolution, tons of fluff scenes and extraneous dialogue. Also, be WARNED: halfway through (or roughly 56% according to my Kindle), Sasha’s pov ends and Lorn’s pov starts. Honestly, I’m not sure why we don’t get alternating pov throughout instead, which probably would have flowed better for me.

BUT - and it’s a BIG BUT - I still loved this book. Sure, it barely got anywhere and could have been half as long. But I still enjoyed every page, despite the fluff. It was very fun fluff, filled with wonderful comedic timing and witty banter and quirky characters that just encapsulated a “good time.” I genuinely laughed out loud so many times. And not the “oh haha” kind of laugh, but the “oh this makes my soul happy” kind of laugh.

So for me, it was well worth the time, and I didn’t mind the rambling, slow pace. I am just upset there’s no publish date for the next book. That said, I completely understand why some people would absolutely not enjoy this one and give up after the first 100 pages don’t get us very far. Like I said, mostly vibes with a very light dash of plot. But it truly is a fantastic fun read!

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever find a book that felt like it was written just for you? This was that book for me. It was everything I didn't even know I wanted in a book. This book convinced me that my favorite genre is fantasy rom-com and I am about to spend the next year chasing the high this book brought me. It took a lot of self-control to not write every other sentence of this review in all caps because I feel so strongly about it.

Let me list the things that I love in books that Between delivers (and goes above and beyond on):
- Personified settings
- Whimsy
- Great, well-developed, platonic relationships
- A love interest that I picture as a disgruntled Tom Hiddleston
- Cozy lighthearted romance
- ILLUSTRATIONS

This entire book was a trap to give me impossibly high standards and put me in a reading slump that I may never recover from.

The main complaint I see about this book is that it is a behemoth, but I wouldn't want to kill any of it. Every fun little interaction brought me so much joy. As I was nearing the 400-page mark I was at 50% of the book and suddenly hit the epilogue and I was majorly confused. But I kept going and then THE BOOK STARTED OVER FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE. (some people aren't a fan of this setup, but I wish every dual POV book was written this way) It was like getting a whole bonus book which was the best surprise I could have asked for.

And his side wasn't just all pining and boring thoughts about the female MC- he had THINGS going on. I liked Sasha's perspective maybe just a smidge more but I truly adored getting the whole book from Lorn's perspective.

The world is also delightful, but if I were to write every delightful thing I love about this book we would be here for hours.

I truly cannot wait for the next book and am tempted to go take some physics courses so I can attempt to build my own time machine to get there faster.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll start with my public service announcement which is that this ends in a cliffhanger, twice. While I love the characters and the story, this was incredibly frustrating. The first half of the book is narrated by the female main character and ends on a cliffhanger. The second half of the book is the exact same story narrated by the male main character.

The next book is not available yet.

I feel like this book had so much extra information in it and I wish that more attention had been made towards advancing the story and not just telling me every single detail of every single scene and conversation.

This book is way too long! It could have used a lot of editing and did not need to have two parts that repeated the exact same story from a different perspective.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This seemed to drag on and on with nothing interesting actually happening. It got to the point I was just skimming through the book. The mc seemed to lack common sense and was too eager to please everyone she came in to contact with. The love interest was a bore and this book needed to be about 400 pages shorter.

In saying that, the actual idea of the book was interesting and i did find some of the interactions between the characters funny but overall I feel the story was just poorly executed. The plot was far too slow moving and it got to the point that I just didn’t care.

This book wasn’t for me but I can see why some might really enjoy this.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve rarely managed to read something that has true comedic timing. Timing is hard to hit in written format, yet somehow the movie playing in my head while reading hit the beats PERFECTLY with much of the physical and verbal comedy in the book.

I won’t lie, a 30yo main character was a large draw for me. (I’d love to think we don’t lose relevance between ingenue and matriarch.)

I enjoyed the ride, even if startled when the word “epilogue” showed up halfway through - but the second half from the magic realm’s point of view was delightful.

For the record - it could use more erinaceous qualities, but there were plenty of chickens, so my pet population felt at least mostly represented. I’m not positive, but I may own a relative of Eudora’s. The similarities are stunning, really.

[Darian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gah! This started so strong, I had such high hopes based on the intro/first couple of pages and then it just dropped the ball and fell flat. This book had a lot of potential and a lot of heart, but it missed the mark, mainly because it needs a hard edit.

The book wasn't all bad, the writing is decent quality, there's a lot of fun and Labyrinth-esq magic throughout (which, makes sense given I've been told the author's written some Labyrinth fan-fics in the past), and the characters were fun (albeit a bit cookie cutter). But, there's absolutely no reason this book should be over 700 pages.

There is far too much filler content and inconsequential witty exchanges between side characters that add nothing beneficial to the story progression and plot. The first 200-300 pages alone could've easily been condensed to less than half of what it was and the story would've lost nothing of consequence. Then once the story finally starts getting somewhere and there's actual action taking place we switch character perspectives and get tossed back to the beginning again for once again, loads and loads of filler.

This easily could've been a dual perspective book the whole time, alternating every few chapters between the two main characters and omitting some repetitious sections. Or, Lorn's perspective should've been published separately as its own stand-alone. This would've significantly helped with some of the pacing issues and subsequently save readers from the last half of the book dragging as you already know what is going to happen and you've already seen half of the character interactions
happening through another perspective.

This book is fairly predictable and ends on a cliffhanger, which I typically wouldn't mind but when a book is 700+ pages I expect some things to actually happen within it and for the book to not just feel like exposition for its impending sequel.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely adored this book. The sense of humour was just wonderful, the adventure and magic in the story were just brilliant, and the characters were immediately loveable. I was so excited to keep reading and sad when it was over because I just wanted more of this story and the characters, even though the book was already over 700 pages. Between was just fantastic and I smiled the whole time I was reading it.

I enjoyed both of the two perspectives. The first half is from Sasha's perspective and the second half is from the Shadow King's perspective, and since Sasha is from the human world and her perspective is first, it makes it easier to learn about the world and to understand what is happening because you as the reader are learning along with Sasha. That means that by the time you reach the king's perspective you already have a basic understanding of the events so reading what happens from his viewpoint is not overwhelming or confusing.

The illustrations were magnificent, drawn in such a unique style, and were a brilliant addition to the story. They really brought the scenes to life and made each moment they illustrated even more delightful.

I really loved each moment between Sasha and the Shadow King. They had such a fun dynamic and the two of them beginning to grow to care for each other was so compelling to read about. I am really looking forward to reading about the development of their relationship and their continuing journey together in the next book.

This was just a truly brilliant book that just made me so happy. If you liked the movie Labyrinth or Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, then I think you will really love this too. It has humour, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion and I think it has easily become a favourite of mine.

[Catattack194 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So f***ing good.

[🌸 Tana 🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

31/12/2022

2022 reads book 53

“Power always involves a sacrifice. Yours was perhaps a little more literal than most."

It's been a loooong time since i read an almost 1000 page book in 4 days, and enjoyed every single second of it. I am normally not for cozy comedy mysteries: a lot of the time I think the book tries to hard to be funny without actually being funny. However, Between was actually hilarious. Now the dreadful wait for the next book begins. Let's just hope it's just as chonky as this one!

What a great book to end my reading year on!

[Bowie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- Seemed a little too wine mom humor to me, not that theres anything wrong with that its just not my kind of book.

[Rachel Betancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between is a Masterpiece! Utterly brilliant!

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️


I wish I could give it more than 5 stars ❤️

Phenomenal world building

Laugh out loud dialogue full of sarcasm and wit

Slow burn romantic comedy

Older MCs (early 30s); a brooding mysterious, leather pants wearing, great chested king, and a traveling substitute teacher who doesn't dream

Loveable, hilarious characters.

This is a fun detailed spin on fairytale creatures, witches and sorcerers, and a "magical" sentient land. Oh, did I mention there's also an inebriated unicorn?

This book has it all! At 750 pages, it can seem intimidating but it's 100% worth it!
I promise you this book will not disappoint. Easily my favorite read of 2022 so far and in my top 5 ever. It's going to extremely hard to top this one.

[alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW.

please everyone read this it was immeasurably good, i think fans of stardust, labyrinth, or the ella enchanted film will adore it. i loved both sasha and lorn, especially loved the fact that we got both their perspectives on the same events. the supporting characters were all grand too, humorous and endearing (especially the coven, and even tractor.) i really can’t wait for the next book, especially as this one ends right before sasha and lorn are about to spend a month constantly in each other’s presence, please i need them back immediately!!!

[Raja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably my favourite read of the year! I couldn’t stop laughing and now I can‘t wait for the next book. Between had everything I ever wanted in a fantasy novel and more (especially an appropriate amount of ball punching!).

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally did it! Phew! 2.5 stars

750 pages of exposition and vibes... Not what I was expecting.

I did enjoy aspects of it, I liked the idea, liked the cosy vibes and the whimsical and entertaining world of Between. I knew, going into it, that the book is split into two parts - Sasha's pov, and Lorn's pov of the same timeline. Other than a few occasions when the same exact dialogue was present in both povs, I didn't mind this. What I didn't know (and this is sort of spoilery, but not really?) was that the book only goes as far as Sasha finally going to Between, so, yeah... 750 of exposition.

It was excessively long for the amount of story we got, especially in Sacha's pov. The conversations would go on and on and on, and a lot of them were just pointless, completely unnecessary.

The humour was very slapstick at times, quite a lot of cringey scenes and childish jokes, imo - especially around all the witches perving over Lorn. Oh, and Lyla - I always dislike that type of exuberant, in-your-face and loud character, just found her so annoying!

Lorn's story and personality lean very heavily into the tragic, sad boy trope, but I did like him. Unsure about Sasha; it seemed to me that normal traits were made out to be something extraordinary (like being friendly and caring).

I do want to find out what happens next, I want to see the romance unfold (without the words 'adult-type touching' or 'pelvic', please!), but I don't know if I'll be able to cope with the same wordy, drawn-out style.

[Rachel H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Torn over the rating

I laughed so hard at numerous scenes in this book. It is very very funny, One of the funniest books I've read in a long time. I enjoyed the plot line and most of the characters.
The reason this book is not a five star rating, is because of the horrible editing. 50% of the book is told from the female main character's perspective. You reach the end of the book at 50%. So what is the other 50%? It's the same story but from the male lead character's perspective. There is way more world building of what his kingdom is like and how he views what happened in the first half of the book. I absolutely hate the style of writing. It made it so confusing and it should have been edited so you would read things from the female and then immediately switch to the male's perspective. I will read the next book in the story, but only if the writing and editing flows better.

[Lynsey Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut novel featuring baseball bat wielding heroines, fairytale kings wearing tight, leather trousers and a coven of witches who have been charged with protecting an ancient gateway and preventing supernatural entities from escaping into the mortal world at all costs.

Starling weaves a spellbinding tale set in Old Middleton, Wisconsin, a sleepy little village that straddles the mortal realm and the magical realm of Otherworld. When Sasha Pierce accepts a substitute teaching position in Old Middleton, she experiences her first dream in twenty-five years, bringing about a subsequent magical cascade of events which captures the attention of Lorn, the Shadow King of Between.

Woven with a humour reminiscent of the late Terry Pratchett, Between will delight its readers with unforgettable characters, captivating plot and enchanting story-telling.

[Julianne Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Story has good potential, but would have benifited from a traditional publishing route. An editor would have been able to correct the dragging pacing, assist in some more natural dialogue, and push characters into the third-dimension.

I have serious issues with the amount of sexual harassment (and use of a fantasy date-rape equivalent) that is supposed to serve as comedy. (Doesn’t matter if the harasser is a woman and the object is a man. Still gross.) If everyone in the story were gender-swapped, there would be a me too riot.

I was ready to DNF this halfway before the POV changed to Lorn, and then the book was actually exciting and halfway decent. Honestly, the first half could have just been tossed; only minimal details from Sasha’s story are entertaining enough to be necessary.

That being said, the author has an elegant and whimsical writing style that I adore—and since Book 2 is supposed to take place in the Otherworld, I’m still interested in reading the sequel.

[Mary Putrasahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so unfair that I discovered this gem of a book via instagram. I should have discovered it plastered on billboards and bestseller lists. It’s absolutely enchanting adult fantasy for the kid in all of us. I love Sasha and Lorn and Lyla and Ash and Tractor- I love Old Middleton and I love Between. You can tell this book is a labor of love and that this world is fully fleshed out. I’m so excited for book 2!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fantasy story with lots of laughs

This book is full of fun and hilarity and tons of fantasy - even the most tense moments on the edge of your seat will shock you with a line or who that puts a smile on your face.
Multiple laugh out loud moments, and a unicorn named Tractor! What could be better?

[Kate Perdue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all this was absolutely stunning. The dialog was funny and effortless and it’s such a fun read. Sasha is hilarious and so relatable and someone please give Lorn a hug. I’m dying to get my hands on the next one soon!!!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behold: my new obsession. This book was everything I ever wanted.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly absurd and somehow also incredibly endearing. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year by far.

[rayhanah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in an enchanting series about an unorthodox almost queen, her black cat sorcerer almost husband, a couple of witches, a cozy town full of mystery and intrigue and an otherworld full of debauchery and wretchedness.

I loooved the first half of this book. I was completely enamored by the cozy setting, with perfect fall vibes, the dry, sarcastic, laugh out loud writing style was funny and so random. Lyla & Sasha have such a good friendship, they are each others' person. The coven of witches that took them both in as their own was so wholesome to read about. The kids at the school were so adorable albeit..odd haha and of course Lorn, the shadow king himself made me so excited to read more of this book. I didn't even care that it was over a thousand pages but that quickly changed as I read on.

Now for what I disliked: the formatting. This chonker is split into two parts. Part 1 is where our story began and finished, with an epilogue at the end! (in the middle of a book!!) Part 2, (since our mcs live in different realms as this is a portal fantasy) was the mmc's pov of Part 1. Since we already knew what happened in part 1, part 2 felt unnecessary, drawn out, tedious and frankly boring to get through. There was a couple things hinting at a bigger plot near the end which did make me excited but if the book was organized in dual pov format throughout, it would've been so much more digestible and it did NOT need to be over a thousand pages 😭

I still really enjoyed it despite how much i suffered in part 2 lol and looking forward to book 2!!