Between Fire and Pines

The Code #1

by Kathleen Sawisky

Fifteen-year-old Natalia Artison knows something she shouldn’t -- a secret her mother was murdered for – The Code. Natalia’s father claims the Code is the only thing left to protect her before abandoning her on the side of the road. With nowhere left to turn, Natalia is taken in by the shadowy organization that employed her parents and becomes the ward of reluctant agent Steven Delarno. For his part, Steven would rather be exploring the bottom of a bottle than babysitting a snarky teenager, but the promise of redemption for past sins is too great to ignore. Natalia and Steven can’t waste time sparring however. The same man who butchered Natalia’s mother is closing in, and is determined to massacre every person standing between him and the Code. But Natalia is not content to play the victim. After all, she is her parents’ daughter. From New York to Alcatraz, Natalia and Steven navigate a violent tangle of lies and betrayal in a desperate attempt to reunite, find redemption, and protect the Code.

420 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2016

About the author

Currently residing in Calgary, Alberta with her husband and two cats, Kathleen spends her free time working at a book store, playing video games, and sometimes writing novels. Her debut novel, Between Fire and Pines, is the first in a nine book series following the trials of Natalia Artison as she tries to navigate the dangerous underworld of the Agency.

Reviews

[Katya Kasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was written by a local author and several times I had to ask myself if I thought the book was good because I wanted to be supportive or if it was actually good. I can definitely say, it was a good book, regardless of where the author came from. I thought the story was interesting and engaging and well written. There were a couple very clever points that I really enjoyed - the hospital scene when a character says he has more IVs than a British castle made me laugh out loud. I also loved the casual reference to Firefly. I definitely can't wait to read more of the series!

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Revenge in Blood

A teenager becomes the focus in a diabolical revenge plot between black ops agents. After finding her mother murdered, Natalia becomes the bearer of a secret people will kill for. Abandoned by their agent father she and her sister are traumatized and on the run. Provided a reluctant guardian Natalia will have to face terrors she never dreamed of.

This is an okay book. It picked up in the second and third parts but was, at times, confusing, and too long. Natalia seems much younger than fifteen. There are some good moments but overall it is just okay.

[Miss Jennifer Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal

A warning: This book was violent from beginning to end with little let up. Whilst the characters and places are well described, and the premise kept me reading, I had hoped there would have been a more uplifting outcome for one or two of the main characters! I doubt I will read any further books by this author.

This book would have benefited from better editing as missed words etc. are very frustrating.

[Rebekah Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so much world building packed into it, it was a very entertaining read. It follows the story of many people as they navigate the life and death world of an underground government spy agency.

It has a lot of gore, but beyond that, it's a good read.

[Kathleen Sawisky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it in bad taste to rate your own book? Probably, but then Goodreads never should have given me the option. It's really their own fault. You'll notice I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I could have done better but you know, there is only so much a person can do. Writing is an evolution; as I grow, so does my writing. Plus I think maybe I put a few too many gory scenes in there so that was at least worth half a star in my opinion. It's a learning process. I enjoyed the character development though. Sick of it, but enjoyed it.

Can't wait to be done book 2.
I wonder if Goodreads will delete this?

[Deb Dahbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Between Fire and Pines, great story line, rich characters!

Can't wait for book #2 to see what happens next!!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great! I was immediately pulled into the story and was wondering what would happen next. Can't wait for the story to continue in book 2.