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The Ravaging In Between
Sometimes death is only the beginning...
Selene Vanream died—for two minutes. After being revived, she spends over a month in a coma before she awakes, free from the Rot and the reanimation power that caused her so much trouble. No one can explain how Selene survived killing Renton while he possessed her reanimation power, and her reunion with Micah is marred by the choices they each made to save her and stop Renton
But even though she’s Rot free, she isn’t problem free. First, she no longer has a job at Affairs of the Dead. And Ethan is missing and she can’t track him down. Not only that, ghosts that were sent to the Afterlife with unfinished business have somehow crossed back and are trying to settle the score in violent ways. If that wasn’t enough, Selene discovers that dying briefly has more consequences than she realized, because when she was revived, not all of her came back. Now she’s straddling both the living world and the dead, and she will find out what it means to come back to life but leave part of her soul behind.
Selene Vanream died—for two minutes. After being revived, she spends over a month in a coma before she awakes, free from the Rot and the reanimation power that caused her so much trouble. No one can explain how Selene survived killing Renton while he possessed her reanimation power, and her reunion with Micah is marred by the choices they each made to save her and stop Renton
But even though she’s Rot free, she isn’t problem free. First, she no longer has a job at Affairs of the Dead. And Ethan is missing and she can’t track him down. Not only that, ghosts that were sent to the Afterlife with unfinished business have somehow crossed back and are trying to settle the score in violent ways. If that wasn’t enough, Selene discovers that dying briefly has more consequences than she realized, because when she was revived, not all of her came back. Now she’s straddling both the living world and the dead, and she will find out what it means to come back to life but leave part of her soul behind.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2015
2 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Locke
14 books213 followersI'm your typical over-caffeinated writer with too many ideas and not enough time to do all of them. I write poetry and urban fantasy novels, and spend my days reading, writing and doing art all day. Not really, but a girl can dream. I'm an island girl at heart, originally from Trinidad & Tobago, but now make my home in NYC with my daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 19, 2016
The Ravaging In Between picks up immediately after the huge cliffhanger of the last novel and while the outcome of that particular situation was as dreadful as I imagined, things are looking a bit brighter. Not that bright, mind you, because while Selene managed to overcome the battle with Renton, it certainly doesn't appear that she emerged the victor. After visiting the Afterlife, Selene is decidedly...different. Now being hailed as the new hero of NYC, she's still fighting the after-affects of being dead for two minutes. Being dead changes a person, mentally yes, but Selene is discovering that there are also physical and internal changes -- ones that have major implications in her life. In this installment, not only is Selene trying to navigate the world with the "new" her, she also realizes that she no longer has a job, Ethan has once again disappeared, Micah is keeping major secrets, and Andrew's brother hates her. While that last bit is understandable, it also adds a bit of tension to Selene's plight. She doesn't need more enemies and unfortunately, having Jacob as one is pretty serious.
After the huge showdown with Renton, some favored characters were lost, and even those that survived certainly didn't come out unscathed. New partnerships are formed, previous alliances are tested and Selene once again finds herself lost as to who she can actually trust. Add to this, something hinky is happening with ghosts sent to the Afterlife with unfinished business and the ghosts are returning. Mean, angry, and with some very interesting and strong powers, Selene has her hands full trying to solve the mystery.
In this third installment, author AJ Locke continues to deliver an exciting storyline with ghosts, necromancers, magic, action, and murder aplenty. With each new installment, Locke manages to allow her characters to evolve and change and I really love that nothing is stagnant with this series. Each storyline is different, each new book introduces different elements, and the characters grow and change along with the world around them. There's nothing worse than lack of character growth in a series, and Locke completely avoids that pitfall by allowing her characters to be shaped by the events surrounding them. My only grievance, and it's a small one, is the lack of contractions in the dialogue. Having characters continually say "I will not...", "I did not...", "I was not...", not only makes them seem incredibly prim and proper, but it really hampers the pace of the novel, especially since there is quite a bit of dialogue between the characters. Other than that little hiccup, the pacing for this novel was quite fast, with seemingly unrelenting action. Which I loved.
Bottom line -- Locke continues to delight me with this super interesting, dark and dirty urban fantasy series centering around ghosts and necromancy and a young woman with a whole lot of power. I recommend this for UF lovers who like their books on the darker side because Locke's version of NYC certainly doesn't have any rainbows, kittens, or butterflies. It's dark and dirty and awesome, and I can't wait to see what she brings next.
**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
**2016 Cliterary Genius A to Z book challenge, letter B.
After the huge showdown with Renton, some favored characters were lost, and even those that survived certainly didn't come out unscathed. New partnerships are formed, previous alliances are tested and Selene once again finds herself lost as to who she can actually trust. Add to this, something hinky is happening with ghosts sent to the Afterlife with unfinished business and the ghosts are returning. Mean, angry, and with some very interesting and strong powers, Selene has her hands full trying to solve the mystery.
In this third installment, author AJ Locke continues to deliver an exciting storyline with ghosts, necromancers, magic, action, and murder aplenty. With each new installment, Locke manages to allow her characters to evolve and change and I really love that nothing is stagnant with this series. Each storyline is different, each new book introduces different elements, and the characters grow and change along with the world around them. There's nothing worse than lack of character growth in a series, and Locke completely avoids that pitfall by allowing her characters to be shaped by the events surrounding them. My only grievance, and it's a small one, is the lack of contractions in the dialogue. Having characters continually say "I will not...", "I did not...", "I was not...", not only makes them seem incredibly prim and proper, but it really hampers the pace of the novel, especially since there is quite a bit of dialogue between the characters. Other than that little hiccup, the pacing for this novel was quite fast, with seemingly unrelenting action. Which I loved.
Bottom line -- Locke continues to delight me with this super interesting, dark and dirty urban fantasy series centering around ghosts and necromancy and a young woman with a whole lot of power. I recommend this for UF lovers who like their books on the darker side because Locke's version of NYC certainly doesn't have any rainbows, kittens, or butterflies. It's dark and dirty and awesome, and I can't wait to see what she brings next.
**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
**2016 Cliterary Genius A to Z book challenge, letter B.
April 16, 2016
Another great read about Selene and co !
I loved the new book. It had me hooked from beginning to end. A lot of old characters are back like Micah ,Larry,Luna, Ethan, and of course my girl,Selene. But we're introduced to new characters like Andrew's brother and my personal favorite, my new fictional bf, Kyo. The minute he appeared I fell in love.
And the minute Micah appeared, he was back to keeping secrets from Selene and lying again. Each book I'm reminded of my dislike for Micah and I always will. In my head Selene is having a happily ever after with Luna,Ethan,and newbie cutie hero,Kyo...no matter if they are alive,in the afterlife,or the in between.
But the surprises for Selene keep coming. Everything she learned and knew wasn't totally everything or even the truth. That darkness is what she thought,just like the light isn't everything she learned about in books. Selene thought that sacrificing her self was the end, but she's learned that her life is taking a whole new path. And nothing will ever be the same. Thank you, Ms. Locke for writing an excellent interracial paranormal series with a great,beautiful, powerful, kick-ass,but flawed black heroine. You don't find too many books that do. I can't wait book four!
I loved the new book. It had me hooked from beginning to end. A lot of old characters are back like Micah ,Larry,Luna, Ethan, and of course my girl,Selene. But we're introduced to new characters like Andrew's brother and my personal favorite, my new fictional bf, Kyo. The minute he appeared I fell in love.
And the minute Micah appeared, he was back to keeping secrets from Selene and lying again. Each book I'm reminded of my dislike for Micah and I always will. In my head Selene is having a happily ever after with Luna,Ethan,and newbie cutie hero,Kyo...no matter if they are alive,in the afterlife,or the in between.
But the surprises for Selene keep coming. Everything she learned and knew wasn't totally everything or even the truth. That darkness is what she thought,just like the light isn't everything she learned about in books. Selene thought that sacrificing her self was the end, but she's learned that her life is taking a whole new path. And nothing will ever be the same. Thank you, Ms. Locke for writing an excellent interracial paranormal series with a great,beautiful, powerful, kick-ass,but flawed black heroine. You don't find too many books that do. I can't wait book four!
December 6, 2018
3 1/2 Stars. I enjoyed it. Good reads indeed..
February 1, 2016
I am not as in like with Selene as I was in the other books in the series. She is still strong and crazy. Her life is still a mess and she still takes on the world. But she is more judgmental and really people who live in glass houses. She sits and accuses Micah of secrets and making decisions that affect her and yet in the end she is still the one doing that. I do wonder though what is going to happen next and want to find out. Like Ethan what is next for him? Kyo will he find peace? What happens when Micah learns all that Selene is keeping from him? Especially after her whole speech and treatment towards him about his secrets and decisions. We are exposed to her selfish side when it came to not seeing Ethan and his pain in the other books. She felt that being anchored to her was enough. Never saw beyond because she was dealing with her life. Didn’t see how being a ghost for Ethan affected his core and how this in turn affected her.
Micah was flawed sure but all he did was done from love. He wanted to help Selene and love her. Always trying to protect her and keep her safe but also give her love. He made mistakes like Ethan and not telling her but he made them from the heart. He truly only did things out of love. His decision to work with runes was to show others that he wasn’t like his uncle but also that runes do good work as well.
Tielle I don’t trust. I wonder about the male dead witches and if she is doing what Kyo told us in the story. I think there is more to her than meets the eye. Andrews brother is one to look out for as well. All he sees is revenge and has anger in his heart. Kyo was a great ghost. He was fun and spunky. A friend and protector to Selene.
In this story we have ghosts crossing over from the afterlife wanting revenge. They are absorbing other ghosts energy to gain strength and kill those that they feel wronged them.Selene is back from death and up to her crazy life again. she can’t die and is having problems adjusting. Her and Micah are apart and they continue to keep each other at arm’s length. She because she feels he is keeping things and when confronted Micah admits it and explains. She is mad about this and yet she is doing the same. He doesn’t get upset when he learns only worried. He accepts her for who she is flaws and all. He worries and tries to protect. this is why I am not in like with Selene she is throwing stones from her glass house. She is indignant towards Micah about his secrets but it is okay for her to keep them and in the end when they are starting to work on things she still hides things.
the story is fast paced and full of danger, craziness and new revelations. We get closure in some respects like for Ethan and Isabelle but also new mysteriousness. We get a new wrinkle and danger but also a different Micah and Selene. Micah is still loving and determined to protect Selene. Selene is still crazy and making rash decisions but wanting to protect people. Her time in the underground gives us more mystery and intrigue. there is never a dull moment as Selene fights ghosts, saves people from dying from ghost souls and learns about her new life. The writing keeps you in the moment and the plot draws you in as you get caught up in the craziness that is Selene as she battles herself, tries to come to terms with her new reality and fights for love and keeping people safe while trying not to be killed by a mystery person and a ghost set out for revenge.
Micah was flawed sure but all he did was done from love. He wanted to help Selene and love her. Always trying to protect her and keep her safe but also give her love. He made mistakes like Ethan and not telling her but he made them from the heart. He truly only did things out of love. His decision to work with runes was to show others that he wasn’t like his uncle but also that runes do good work as well.
Tielle I don’t trust. I wonder about the male dead witches and if she is doing what Kyo told us in the story. I think there is more to her than meets the eye. Andrews brother is one to look out for as well. All he sees is revenge and has anger in his heart. Kyo was a great ghost. He was fun and spunky. A friend and protector to Selene.
In this story we have ghosts crossing over from the afterlife wanting revenge. They are absorbing other ghosts energy to gain strength and kill those that they feel wronged them.Selene is back from death and up to her crazy life again. she can’t die and is having problems adjusting. Her and Micah are apart and they continue to keep each other at arm’s length. She because she feels he is keeping things and when confronted Micah admits it and explains. She is mad about this and yet she is doing the same. He doesn’t get upset when he learns only worried. He accepts her for who she is flaws and all. He worries and tries to protect. this is why I am not in like with Selene she is throwing stones from her glass house. She is indignant towards Micah about his secrets but it is okay for her to keep them and in the end when they are starting to work on things she still hides things.
the story is fast paced and full of danger, craziness and new revelations. We get closure in some respects like for Ethan and Isabelle but also new mysteriousness. We get a new wrinkle and danger but also a different Micah and Selene. Micah is still loving and determined to protect Selene. Selene is still crazy and making rash decisions but wanting to protect people. Her time in the underground gives us more mystery and intrigue. there is never a dull moment as Selene fights ghosts, saves people from dying from ghost souls and learns about her new life. The writing keeps you in the moment and the plot draws you in as you get caught up in the craziness that is Selene as she battles herself, tries to come to terms with her new reality and fights for love and keeping people safe while trying not to be killed by a mystery person and a ghost set out for revenge.
January 29, 2016
With one foot in this life and the other in the next life, Selene is back for a third time. Fighting the bad ghosts that rampage through New York, the young necromancer sacrificed herself to save the rest of the population only to return to life. Some things have changed during the month she spent in a coma, but others have not: her flatmate, Ethan the ghost, has disappeared without a trace but her relationship with Micah seems to stay the same. In other words, complicated. The need to stop the bad guys from wreaking havoc is another thing that has not changed. The question is whether Micah has changed? He is trying his best to convince Selene that he has seen the light...
I was a convinced fan of Selene after the first novel, but was slightly disappointed by the sequel. I believe the author has redeemed herself with this novel. Locke has managed to twist the plot in a way that moves the story on in interesting but also surprising turns. It is easy to lose the credibility of a plot or its characters, but both Selene and her fellow characters, old and new, make for a great read.
With this novel Locke is definitely among the long line of authors that create a heroine who makes her way through either crimes, vampires or, as in this case, more or less dangerous ghosts.
I was given the book to read and review.
I was a convinced fan of Selene after the first novel, but was slightly disappointed by the sequel. I believe the author has redeemed herself with this novel. Locke has managed to twist the plot in a way that moves the story on in interesting but also surprising turns. It is easy to lose the credibility of a plot or its characters, but both Selene and her fellow characters, old and new, make for a great read.
With this novel Locke is definitely among the long line of authors that create a heroine who makes her way through either crimes, vampires or, as in this case, more or less dangerous ghosts.
I was given the book to read and review.
February 15, 2016
Selene Vanream (25, narrator) was in a coma, had died, & then was revived.
What advice did Selene get from Magda (deceased witch)?
What had Ethan Lance done?
What happened to everyone 300 yrs. Ago?
How does the necromancer’s job help the ghosts?
What is the In-between?
What was Dr. Lane’s news to Selene?
Witches, ghosts, warlocks, & necromancer’s all your favorites.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written YA paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great YA paranormal movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. To be continued. Not my normal read but I liked it. Sure would have liked to seen some colored pictures of the characters. That said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Etopia Press; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
What advice did Selene get from Magda (deceased witch)?
What had Ethan Lance done?
What happened to everyone 300 yrs. Ago?
How does the necromancer’s job help the ghosts?
What is the In-between?
What was Dr. Lane’s news to Selene?
Witches, ghosts, warlocks, & necromancer’s all your favorites.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written YA paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great YA paranormal movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. To be continued. Not my normal read but I liked it. Sure would have liked to seen some colored pictures of the characters. That said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Etopia Press; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 19, 2016
I was a little behind my fellow blog tours buddies in reading the first 2 books in this series. The Reanimation Files is awesome. It is just like it sounds. The main character , Selene Vanream, is a necromancer with the gift of reanimation. I read the first 2 books (links below) so I could review the third and fully recommend the series.
You could read each one of these as a stand alone book but it is much better to read all them consecutively. This newest book is true to the author's style. It has sex, ghosts, and tons of sarcasm and humor. Selene is back from the dead and a month long coma to everyone's surprise. This is when the fun really begins. She has discovered the " In Between" which is not quite Hell but it is also not the Afterlife. It is filled wih danger around every corner but it also comes with a very interesting man named Kyo. The story is faced paced and well written. I just couldn't put it down. I love the dynamic between Selene and her boyfriend Micah and her "nerdy ghost friend Ethan".
I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of urban fantasy or the paranormal. I am so happy I got to review this book and I can't wait to read more from the author.
You could read each one of these as a stand alone book but it is much better to read all them consecutively. This newest book is true to the author's style. It has sex, ghosts, and tons of sarcasm and humor. Selene is back from the dead and a month long coma to everyone's surprise. This is when the fun really begins. She has discovered the " In Between" which is not quite Hell but it is also not the Afterlife. It is filled wih danger around every corner but it also comes with a very interesting man named Kyo. The story is faced paced and well written. I just couldn't put it down. I love the dynamic between Selene and her boyfriend Micah and her "nerdy ghost friend Ethan".
I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of urban fantasy or the paranormal. I am so happy I got to review this book and I can't wait to read more from the author.
June 18, 2016
This book is the third book in the Reanimation Files. I have read the first two books in this series, and I was not disappointed in this book. You can read this a standalone but I recommend you read the series in order. This book picks up where the second book ends in a huge cliffhanger, so it will make a lot more sense if you have read that book. While the ending doesn't lead you into a traditional cliffhanger at the end, the story isn't over and you know it will be continued in the next book. There is violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here in the review. The author packed a lot of emotion and makes you think about what choices I would make if this was me. There are plenty of twists and turns in the book. I really enjoyed this book and storyline. My dislike of Micah continues. But I love the new character, Kyo, and that this book is much lighter than Requiem for the Living which made it better and hard to put down. One line that leaped out and stuck with me is "believe it and make it so."
I look forward to reading more of A. J. Locke's books, including the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review though I would have purchased this if I had not.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here in the review. The author packed a lot of emotion and makes you think about what choices I would make if this was me. There are plenty of twists and turns in the book. I really enjoyed this book and storyline. My dislike of Micah continues. But I love the new character, Kyo, and that this book is much lighter than Requiem for the Living which made it better and hard to put down. One line that leaped out and stuck with me is "believe it and make it so."
I look forward to reading more of A. J. Locke's books, including the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review though I would have purchased this if I had not.
February 27, 2016
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.*
I really enjoyed how the author integrated a thought provoking storyline with the action and mystery involved in this plot. What would you do to save the life of someone you loved? Would you jeopardize other people's lives and/or souls if it meant saving the one you love the most? That is a question that gets raised multiple times in this series, but it's really highlighted in this book. It definitely made me start to think and I love when books do that.
There is also the times when Selene has to fight for her life (again) and the mystery of what unknown entity is trying to kill her. There is also the mystery of Selene's past that comes as a very frustrating but well placed cliffhanger, which of course makes me count down the days until I can read the next in the series. It makes for a great fast-paced book that I couldn't put down.
In case you couldn't figure it out, I would highly recommend this book, series, and author to everyone. Just go read this already! :-)
I really enjoyed how the author integrated a thought provoking storyline with the action and mystery involved in this plot. What would you do to save the life of someone you loved? Would you jeopardize other people's lives and/or souls if it meant saving the one you love the most? That is a question that gets raised multiple times in this series, but it's really highlighted in this book. It definitely made me start to think and I love when books do that.
There is also the times when Selene has to fight for her life (again) and the mystery of what unknown entity is trying to kill her. There is also the mystery of Selene's past that comes as a very frustrating but well placed cliffhanger, which of course makes me count down the days until I can read the next in the series. It makes for a great fast-paced book that I couldn't put down.
In case you couldn't figure it out, I would highly recommend this book, series, and author to everyone. Just go read this already! :-)
January 29, 2016
As a whole, I really enjoyed this series, but I struggled to get back into the story in this one. The beginning of the story is fairly melancholy (I mean she did just die), but I felt Selene’s actions were described more than in other books. That being said, once I got into the book I was sucked into the story like the others. I really found the increasing complications in Selene’s life humorous even if they are a bit cruel to have everything happening to her!
Kyo is an awesome character and he grew on me quickly. I also thought it was refreshing to see Selene working with Tielle rather than holding previous events against her. I’m still digesting this one a little, may add a few additional comments later!
Warning: Contains violence.
Who should read it? Folks invested in the series.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Red Moon Book Tours.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
Kyo is an awesome character and he grew on me quickly. I also thought it was refreshing to see Selene working with Tielle rather than holding previous events against her. I’m still digesting this one a little, may add a few additional comments later!
Warning: Contains violence.
Who should read it? Folks invested in the series.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Red Moon Book Tours.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
June 9, 2016
Alright, so you have made it this far to book three The Ravaging In Between, and like me you were having a moment of how could you leave us hanging like that at the end of book 2. Usually I give a heads up, for cliffy's but didn't last time. Selene is back from the dead, where she died for all of two minutes. Well lets just say two minutes our time is nothing compared to the trouble making ghosts that were able to cross over with unfinished business only to come back and reek havoc back on this side of things. We Selene in a bit of a different light and I'm not sure if that's how it's supposed to be as her new half in this world a part left in the other world. At this point, I will say, it's not my favorite out of the series. But, I am wondering if there will be a book four, and how the sarcastic sassy necromancer will be. I guess it's a wait and see 4/5
January 27, 2016
l received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Here it is.
I love the paranormal and this series is especially good. It is really different than most paranormal stories.
I highly recommend them but I do feel it is best to start with the first one. I don't think you'll be sorry.
Here it is.
I love the paranormal and this series is especially good. It is really different than most paranormal stories.
I highly recommend them but I do feel it is best to start with the first one. I don't think you'll be sorry.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews