The The Awakening of Renee Caldwell Book One of The Between Series By Jeni Tholmer
She thought she was ordinary. The dead knew better.
Renee Caldwell just wants a normal life—steady job, quiet home, and a safe place for her daughter. But when chilling visions invade her days and whispers from the shadows claw at her sanity, Renee is forced to face the she can see the dead... and something far more sinister sees her.
Drawn into the secret world of the Luminaria—a clandestine order sworn to protect the veil between life and death—Renee must master a gift she never wanted. As ancient demons stir and the boundary between worlds grows thin, she’s thrust into a battle for her soul and the fate of countless others.
To survive, Renee must embrace her power, confront the darkness hunting her, and risk everything for those she loves.
A gripping supernatural thriller blending urban gothic atmosphere, spiritual warfare, and a heroine’s journey of awakening, The Between is perfect for fans of paranormal suspense, dark fantasy, and strong women discovering their true strength.
Jeni Tholmer is a supernatural suspense author inspired by a lifetime of vivid dreams and a fascination with the unknown. Born and raised in Los Angeles and now living in Las Vegas, Jeni blends atmospheric storytelling with emotional depth, drawing readers into worlds where the veil between life and death is thin. Her debut novel, The Between: The Awakening of Renee Caldwell, invites readers to step into the shadows and discover what waits beyond. When she’s not writing, Jeni enjoys exploring new places, connecting with fellow book lovers, and sharing stories that challenge the boundaries between dreams and reality.
This book grabbed me from page one. Renee is such a relatable, grounded character, and watching her transform from an ordinary woman into someone brave enough to face the paranormal was both thrilling and emotional. The world of the Luminaria is so vivid and intriguing, I loved every eerie twist and haunting whisper. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Renee’s journey is both chilling and empowering. There were moments I genuinely got goosebumps, especially when the dead started communicating, and other times I found myself cheering her on as she embraced her power. The writing is atmospheric and smooth, with just the right mix of mystery and action. Fans of The Dead Files or The Sixth Sense will LOVE this.
I really enjoyed this story. It didn't waste any time jumping right into the main story which I honestly love. I loved Renee's relationship with her daughter. It was really nice to see how supportive and loving they are to each other. It really seemed like they have a good bond.
My only critique is that the battle scenes were too short. Renee definitely took a beating in those final ones, but I felt like they should have been longer, I wanted them to be longer.
The ending was great. It leaves on a perfect cliff hanger for Book 2.