Between Worlds

by Ashley MacKinnon

Pulled through a rift of light, Liora awakens in a new magical world ruled by elemental magic.

Caught between warring factions and forces older than memory, she must learn to trust the pulse of a world that feels her every heartbeat. As danger closes in, Liora discovers that her bond to the world runs deeper than she ever imagined and the key to saving it may lie within herself.

For fans of lush worldbuilding, found family, and slow-burn tension, Between Worlds is the first book in The Mistwood Duology, where destiny begins and the veil starts to break.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2026

Reviews

[A.M. Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, this novel immediately reminded me of the poem “The Egg,” and I also kept catching Bridge to Terabithia vibes along the way. Maybe that is just me, but there was something about the emotional imagination, the sense of wonder, and the way the story blends deeper meaning with character-driven moments that created a similar feeling. The author does a great job of throwing the reader directly into the world from the very beginning, allowing the pacing to feel fast, immersive, and engaging without a long buildup.

I especially enjoyed how the story balanced action-packed movement with moments of almost psychedelic, thought-provoking reflection that encouraged the reader to think a little more deeply about what was happening beneath the surface. Those philosophical undertones gave the novel a unique tone that stood out from other books in the genre while still keeping the momentum strong. Overall, this was an engaging and imaginative read that I am glad I picked up and one that left a lasting impression.

[Sarena Kae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the physical depth of the world and how Ashley was able to capture the response of the world!!

[Autumns Cosy Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ARC read of the year and wow! The world building in this book is incredible and it's written beautifully. Loved the characters too. My one critique is it dragged on a little in my personal opinion. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I absolutely recommend it.

[Aimee Nerdy Auntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being pulled into another world, Liora must fight to protect a place that slowly begins to feel like home. Between Worlds delivers adventure, immersive world-building, and a cast of compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. The writing is vivid and descriptive—I truly felt transported right alongside Liora. And while the fantasy elements shine, the developing bond between Liora and Kaelen adds a powerful emotional layer to the story. Now, it is a long book and does get a little bogged down in the middle. But, overall this was a solid and engaging fantasy read that I enjoyed!

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Worlds was a vivid and compelling read. I loved reading about Liora's story and how she managed to adapt and protect the world she was thrown into. She was a super likeable character, and I enjoyed learning about her. I also liked reading about her and Kaelen's bond and the depth it had. The book also started super quickly which I appreciated. Thank you so much Ashley for the ARC!