What do you think?
Rate this book
The Voices In Between
Adoni is a teenaged girl who lives in a downtown apartment with her mother, an emotionally and physically abusive woman who drinks too much. One evening, Adoni finds herself drawn to the enchanting voice of a man singing in the alley beneath her bedroom window. The man, Ritter, brings Adoni to the Welcome, a northern colony of the In-Between world, where young people who have been rescued from harm are kept safe by their sworn immortal protectors, the pipers. But when the Welcome is attacked by changelings—led by the vicious and charismatic Sylvester—and a centuries-old grudge spills over the edge and threatens to destroy the colony and everyone who lives there, Adoni must find the strength and courage within to stop the oncoming war.
This stirring coming-of-age novel presents issues such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, as well as cultural and sexual identity.
This stirring coming-of-age novel presents issues such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, as well as cultural and sexual identity.
- GenresFantasyLGBTYoung Adult
250 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2014
211 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Challenger
5 books27 followersCharlene Challenger is a Canadian writer and graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Acting Program. Her first novel, the young adult fantasy The Voices in Between, published by Tightrope Books, was nominated for the 2015 Aurora Award for Best Young Adult Novel and long-listed for the 2015 Sunburst Award Young Adult Novel category. Her most recent work, Keeper by Blood, was published in 2025. She lives in Cambridge, Ontario with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 13, 2014
Rating:4.5
This review was first published on Maple Books , my Canadian Sci-Fi and Fantasy books blog.
The Voices in Between snatched my attention straight away with its unusual, atypical heroine: fourteen years-old Adoni could have been drawn out from a bleak social documentary. She is a school failure and outcast. Her “bulging flesh” and her “brown skin and black eyes” doesn't fit the all-too-common fantasy stereotypes. She was raised - or rather neglected - by a single mum who let herself sink into alcoholism, absolute poverty, and child abuse. On top of that, Adoni drinks, smokes and swears.
Nonetheless, I felt sympathy for Adoni right away: I felt like she was stolen the happy childhood that any child deserves. Her pain and misery is so evident behind her facade of rude and offensive behaviour: it felt like her situation determined who she was and it hurts. The first pages of the book moved me, depicting the daily life of a neglected child who is hungry, wary of other student's mockery, and scared of being hit by her mother.
Then, the fantasy takes hold of the story. A mysterious man appears in Adoni's street at night, sings and lures her neighbour's 3-years-old into a magical portal. In a whim, hoping to escape her life, Adoni jumps through the gate. She ends up in a meadow surrounded by small cottages and a deep forest covered in thick snow: a perfect Canadian-country winter postcard. She soon learns that she invited herself in “The Welcome” colony, hidden in a world called the “In-Between”, where neglected kids are brought and sheltered till they reach their 18th year. A few adults, called the “Pipers”, take care of the camp. They are not allowed to talk to the residents they brought in but, since Adoni came by her own mean, she gets to know both sides of the community: other children living at The Welcome and the team of Pipers.
I loved how The Voices in Between makes you slowly learn to know each character of this small society. They all have their struggles and their secrets. They all show a facade - just like Adoni - depending on the circumstances or the audience. And more importantly, they all have been abandoned, one day, by somebody they trusted and they all try to cope with this. The Voices in Between's character developments are particularly appealing, showing that although pain affects us, we can still influence how it changes us by making the right choices. I also really love how the different characters' lives are intricately interweaved and how you only get to fully understand their actions when you learn about their relationship with each other.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed was the subtlety of the magic. First, the In-Between's world is somewhat overlapped with Adoni's. When Adoni focuses her eyes on a particular place, she can see the silhouette of the same location in her home town, as if sketched on some transparent paper. It succeeds in connecting the two worlds rather than making the In-Between a totally alien dimension. Second, magic is discreet and natural, it's not in your face or excessively dramatized: for instance, each resident has a magic chest that can provide whatever they wish and it just becomes a habit. Actually, most kids use it to get food and toys. Nothing really over the top. Also, objects branded with the name of the In-Between's God is magically enhanced. For instance, a pan branded “Ansgar” won't ever, ever burn food. This magic system leads to some interesting thoughts in the book: does it make you really happy to get whatever you want with no effort? Is it satisfying to craft something using a fail-proof tool?
Finally, I found Charlene Challenger's writing style truly charming. There is already something poetic and enchanting in the In-Between with its snowy landscape and its Christmas air. But the way music is depicted in this world is really what makes The Voices in Between's magic so unique. The Pipers have exceptional singing abilities: they absorb sounds, any sounds (including Death's) and use them to craft songs portraying - almost impersonating - the children they bring in to The Welcome. The music becomes a tangible entity: it takes shape, multiple shapes, moves around, touches characters... It's simply beautiful and I really, really loved this.
However, a few details prevented me from giving the book 5 stars: one of them was the abrupt transitions. Things happen too suddenly in The Voices in Between. An obvious example is Adoni's love story. It's so fast, it doesn't feel natural: you don't have time to see Adoni fall in love. It just happens.
Another one was Adoni's seemingly inconsistent behaviour. For instance, she would sometimes reason like an adult, then behave like a child; or the inverse.
Nonetheless, I sincerely enjoyed The Voices in Between and I highly recommend it. I liked the snowy world, the subtle magic, the special role of music, and the reflection on child abuse and abandonment. I grew fond of every single character. I found the book beautifully written and smart. The In-Between world did fascinate me and I can't wait to find out more about it in the next book!
This review was first published on Maple Books , my Canadian Sci-Fi and Fantasy books blog.
The Voices in Between snatched my attention straight away with its unusual, atypical heroine: fourteen years-old Adoni could have been drawn out from a bleak social documentary. She is a school failure and outcast. Her “bulging flesh” and her “brown skin and black eyes” doesn't fit the all-too-common fantasy stereotypes. She was raised - or rather neglected - by a single mum who let herself sink into alcoholism, absolute poverty, and child abuse. On top of that, Adoni drinks, smokes and swears.
Nonetheless, I felt sympathy for Adoni right away: I felt like she was stolen the happy childhood that any child deserves. Her pain and misery is so evident behind her facade of rude and offensive behaviour: it felt like her situation determined who she was and it hurts. The first pages of the book moved me, depicting the daily life of a neglected child who is hungry, wary of other student's mockery, and scared of being hit by her mother.
Then, the fantasy takes hold of the story. A mysterious man appears in Adoni's street at night, sings and lures her neighbour's 3-years-old into a magical portal. In a whim, hoping to escape her life, Adoni jumps through the gate. She ends up in a meadow surrounded by small cottages and a deep forest covered in thick snow: a perfect Canadian-country winter postcard. She soon learns that she invited herself in “The Welcome” colony, hidden in a world called the “In-Between”, where neglected kids are brought and sheltered till they reach their 18th year. A few adults, called the “Pipers”, take care of the camp. They are not allowed to talk to the residents they brought in but, since Adoni came by her own mean, she gets to know both sides of the community: other children living at The Welcome and the team of Pipers.
I loved how The Voices in Between makes you slowly learn to know each character of this small society. They all have their struggles and their secrets. They all show a facade - just like Adoni - depending on the circumstances or the audience. And more importantly, they all have been abandoned, one day, by somebody they trusted and they all try to cope with this. The Voices in Between's character developments are particularly appealing, showing that although pain affects us, we can still influence how it changes us by making the right choices. I also really love how the different characters' lives are intricately interweaved and how you only get to fully understand their actions when you learn about their relationship with each other.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed was the subtlety of the magic. First, the In-Between's world is somewhat overlapped with Adoni's. When Adoni focuses her eyes on a particular place, she can see the silhouette of the same location in her home town, as if sketched on some transparent paper. It succeeds in connecting the two worlds rather than making the In-Between a totally alien dimension. Second, magic is discreet and natural, it's not in your face or excessively dramatized: for instance, each resident has a magic chest that can provide whatever they wish and it just becomes a habit. Actually, most kids use it to get food and toys. Nothing really over the top. Also, objects branded with the name of the In-Between's God is magically enhanced. For instance, a pan branded “Ansgar” won't ever, ever burn food. This magic system leads to some interesting thoughts in the book: does it make you really happy to get whatever you want with no effort? Is it satisfying to craft something using a fail-proof tool?
Finally, I found Charlene Challenger's writing style truly charming. There is already something poetic and enchanting in the In-Between with its snowy landscape and its Christmas air. But the way music is depicted in this world is really what makes The Voices in Between's magic so unique. The Pipers have exceptional singing abilities: they absorb sounds, any sounds (including Death's) and use them to craft songs portraying - almost impersonating - the children they bring in to The Welcome. The music becomes a tangible entity: it takes shape, multiple shapes, moves around, touches characters... It's simply beautiful and I really, really loved this.
The voices split into millions of shards that hung in the air like bits of broken glass.
However, a few details prevented me from giving the book 5 stars: one of them was the abrupt transitions. Things happen too suddenly in The Voices in Between. An obvious example is Adoni's love story. It's so fast, it doesn't feel natural: you don't have time to see Adoni fall in love. It just happens.
Another one was Adoni's seemingly inconsistent behaviour. For instance, she would sometimes reason like an adult, then behave like a child; or the inverse.
Nonetheless, I sincerely enjoyed The Voices in Between and I highly recommend it. I liked the snowy world, the subtle magic, the special role of music, and the reflection on child abuse and abandonment. I grew fond of every single character. I found the book beautifully written and smart. The In-Between world did fascinate me and I can't wait to find out more about it in the next book!
May 17, 2015
I loved this book. I won't recap a summary -- just read the other reviews -- but I will say that I'm envious of Charlene's literary, lyrical chops. Amazing. Beautiful turns of phrases - so jealous! Echoes of the main character (Adoni) still linger in my mind long after I finished the story. I can't wait to read what Charlene writes next. Big fan.
August 8, 2014
Full disclosure: Charlene is a friend of mine. But I'm a writer and a voracious reader so I very often read work by friends and my critical faculties stay in place. I don't often feel the need to rave from the rooftops about how wonderful a book is, but the Voices In Between is delightful and satisfying on every level.
As the #WeNeedDiverseBoooks campaign has been pointing out, there is a marked lack of fiction for youth that reflects their diversity back at them. I would argue the same is true of books marketed to adults! The Voices In Between stars a protagonist who is a lower class, queer person of colour and that in itself is an important thing.
Adoni is also not thin and nobody in the book ever needs to explain to her that she is beautiful. I find this very refreshing and empowering: so often in YA a female protagonist has to be gorgeous (but she just doesn't realise it, of course) which just further entrenches this notion that a woman's value is directly tied to her attractiveness. Adoni is smart, sensitive and musical. Those are good values to endorse to young women.
Apart from my social justice take on it, the Toronto depicted is realistically gritty and the In Between is a vivid Canadian fantasyland. The characters are well-developed - even the minor ones - and intriguing. The plotting is seriously excellent: I did not see everything that was coming, yet when it came it all made perfect sense. The way Challenger plays with the Pied Piper myth and problematizes concepts of utopia are philosophically interesting as well.
The Voices In Between is a great novel, and it may be YA but in the words of Stephen Colbert "A young adult novel is a regular novel that people actually read."
As the #WeNeedDiverseBoooks campaign has been pointing out, there is a marked lack of fiction for youth that reflects their diversity back at them. I would argue the same is true of books marketed to adults! The Voices In Between stars a protagonist who is a lower class, queer person of colour and that in itself is an important thing.
Adoni is also not thin and nobody in the book ever needs to explain to her that she is beautiful. I find this very refreshing and empowering: so often in YA a female protagonist has to be gorgeous (but she just doesn't realise it, of course) which just further entrenches this notion that a woman's value is directly tied to her attractiveness. Adoni is smart, sensitive and musical. Those are good values to endorse to young women.
Apart from my social justice take on it, the Toronto depicted is realistically gritty and the In Between is a vivid Canadian fantasyland. The characters are well-developed - even the minor ones - and intriguing. The plotting is seriously excellent: I did not see everything that was coming, yet when it came it all made perfect sense. The way Challenger plays with the Pied Piper myth and problematizes concepts of utopia are philosophically interesting as well.
The Voices In Between is a great novel, and it may be YA but in the words of Stephen Colbert "A young adult novel is a regular novel that people actually read."
August 23, 2015
**Actual Rating 3.5 stars**
*I won a copy of this book on Goodreads first reads*
The most amazing thing about this book was the musicality of the writing, so much of the story depends of these beautiful songs that of course as a reader you can not hear, but through her writing the author makes it almost possible to hear the song and certainly gives you the ability to fell the emotion the song contains. I also really enjoyed the originality of this story it was very different from other things I have read and for that reason and the writing I think I will continue the series but at this time I am a little unsure as well.
I also had a few issues with this book, I felt like the dialog was a bit off I can't explain it but it felt weird to me also as much as I liked the characters there was something missing that kept me from really connecting with them.
this was a pretty cool book and although I'm not super committed to the series I may continue on depending on time and availability.
*I won a copy of this book on Goodreads first reads*
The most amazing thing about this book was the musicality of the writing, so much of the story depends of these beautiful songs that of course as a reader you can not hear, but through her writing the author makes it almost possible to hear the song and certainly gives you the ability to fell the emotion the song contains. I also really enjoyed the originality of this story it was very different from other things I have read and for that reason and the writing I think I will continue the series but at this time I am a little unsure as well.
I also had a few issues with this book, I felt like the dialog was a bit off I can't explain it but it felt weird to me also as much as I liked the characters there was something missing that kept me from really connecting with them.
this was a pretty cool book and although I'm not super committed to the series I may continue on depending on time and availability.
November 2, 2014
I've spent literally hours mentally composing this review, and it is decidedly impossible to do three hundred perfect pages justice in just a few paragraphs. Especially when you're still mulling their complex layers, like humming a song rooted in your head days after you hear it.
The Voices in Between is a powerfully lyrical and soulful story where Utopia and Dystopia live side-by-side, composed of heartbreaking songs of abuse and neglect one moment, and powerful ballads of optimism and empowerment the next.
Charlene Challenger's debut novel shows remarkable wisdom, with fluid prose and masterful plotting that hit all the right notes at just the right times. A multi-tiered accomplishment in YA fiction, the heroine and heroes are anything but typical, with remarkable diversity representative of the city in which it's based.
The Voices in Between is a powerfully lyrical and soulful story where Utopia and Dystopia live side-by-side, composed of heartbreaking songs of abuse and neglect one moment, and powerful ballads of optimism and empowerment the next.
Charlene Challenger's debut novel shows remarkable wisdom, with fluid prose and masterful plotting that hit all the right notes at just the right times. A multi-tiered accomplishment in YA fiction, the heroine and heroes are anything but typical, with remarkable diversity representative of the city in which it's based.
October 26, 2021
This book caught my attention back in middle school because of some relatable topics. Abuse, dependence on substances, being physically "flawed" by societal standards, and struggling with money and things like small clothing because of that.
Later in the book, I found even more to relate to and love in Adoni. She was who I wished I could be as a person, and who I would have loved as a friend. Still love this book and its sequel with a passion. A definite and clear 5 star rating.
Later in the book, I found even more to relate to and love in Adoni. She was who I wished I could be as a person, and who I would have loved as a friend. Still love this book and its sequel with a passion. A definite and clear 5 star rating.
December 14, 2015
I’m kicking myself for not picking up The Voices In Between sooner from my TBR pile.
As a reader you will venture to the In-Between with Adoni and meet a cast of characters, each with their own baggage that will be unpacked at just the right time. The beauty and magic of the In-Between isn’t what it seems to be and Adoni discovers just how cruel this world can be. There are choices to be made and battles to be fought.
The realm is so thoughtfully crafted. The hope chests, the clothing and dwellings… Oh, and I mustn’t forget to mention that music plays such an important part in this novel. I’m still not sure how to wrap my head around all the ways Charlene Challenger has described it to us. I’ve never really sat down and even attempted to describe music, yet she has done it in such vivid, lyrical fashion.
The book is about so many things….making choices, finding your identity, fitting in, anger, manipulation, dealing with abuse (bullying). It is a great journey that brings forward many social issues that our young generation faces on a daily basis.
The back stories of the characters were very compelling and gut wrenchingly sad and cruel. This urban fantasy novel really blew me away. I enjoyed the way this book played out. I was able to get close to the characters, understand where they were coming from and in the end…I’m left wanting more. That’s always a good sign from a book. I’m eagerly awaiting book two !!
As a reader you will venture to the In-Between with Adoni and meet a cast of characters, each with their own baggage that will be unpacked at just the right time. The beauty and magic of the In-Between isn’t what it seems to be and Adoni discovers just how cruel this world can be. There are choices to be made and battles to be fought.
The realm is so thoughtfully crafted. The hope chests, the clothing and dwellings… Oh, and I mustn’t forget to mention that music plays such an important part in this novel. I’m still not sure how to wrap my head around all the ways Charlene Challenger has described it to us. I’ve never really sat down and even attempted to describe music, yet she has done it in such vivid, lyrical fashion.
The book is about so many things….making choices, finding your identity, fitting in, anger, manipulation, dealing with abuse (bullying). It is a great journey that brings forward many social issues that our young generation faces on a daily basis.
The back stories of the characters were very compelling and gut wrenchingly sad and cruel. This urban fantasy novel really blew me away. I enjoyed the way this book played out. I was able to get close to the characters, understand where they were coming from and in the end…I’m left wanting more. That’s always a good sign from a book. I’m eagerly awaiting book two !!
April 29, 2019
This absolutely blew me away! I was hesitant at first to read this as I realize I'm not the target demographic, but this was honestly the book of the year for me. I just wish I had picked this up when I was a young teenager and needed the reassurance that the text provides. It is incredibly important that victims of abuse be reminded that they are not alone, especially for impressionable young people. I cannot say enough good thing about this book! Everyone go out and buy it, give it to every preteen you know! Gah, I love it so much!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews