Sadie Criswel is a teenage vampire misfit who can’t do anything right. After flunking out of University, where she couldn’t keep up with her vampire peers, she’s persuaded her parents to let her try human high school, where she hopes to better fit in.
Now attending Jefferson High, Sadie makes new friends… and foes. To thwart a new set of mean girls, she accidentally ends up running for Homecoming queen. And though she’s still dating Kade, from University, Jefferson’s resident bad boy catches her eye. But her new school adventure raises more questions about her existence. Why does her science teacher look so much like her vampire boyfriend? Why does her previous vampire teacher follow her to Jefferson High? And why does Harper, her new close friend, seem so familiar yet have so many secrets of her own?
After Pen, a member of the Firsts, reveals important clues about why Sadie is different from other vampires, pieces of the puzzle fall into place. But it’s not until real danger confronts Sadie and Harper that they realize their past and present are tied together, raising the biggest question of all: Who can Sadie trust?
Alison L. Perry is a part-time library clerk and full-time writer who lives in Mansfield, Texas and is the author of the young adult series, The In-Betweens. She's a two-time graduate of the West Texas A&M Writers' Academy, where she was mentored by USA Today Bestselling Author, Bethany Claire, New York Times Bestselling Author, Jodi Thomas, and renowned editor, Margie Lawson. Alison's first book, Caught in Between (published 2017) was named one of the best YA books of 2017 by Ippy Magazine. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Being a mother of two vivacious and adventurous daughters, along with her own hilarious life experiences, has made her an expert on the dramatic and quirky world of the everyday teenager just trying to survive.
I was SO excited when I saw Alison was releasing the sequel. I fell in love with book one, Caught In Between. My hands were ITCHING to get ahold of a copy.
My husband laughed at me, I looked like I had just won the Olympic Trials.
If you haven't read Caught In Between, then stop reading this NOW and go get a copy here: AMAZON (CAUGHT IN BETWEEN) and then come back.
Now that housekeeping is done, let's get into the fun stuff. Book two starts off with Sadie's first day in human school. It is tough enough to start a new school, but having to deal with unruly fangs... oh, the joy. Then, the "it" girls go after her... in a "good" way at first, then they turn on her very quickly. For those in school, and those of us who survived it, we ALL know THOSE girls. Everything you do, say or imply gets twisted and turned on you.
Sadie's troubles from her old school prepared her well for dealing with these pests. Her reaction to take them down off their high horses had me waving hands yelling, "preach it, girl!"
Alison did a wonderful job of weaving the story lines and integrating new twists into the plot. Pen makes a return and drops some serious cliffhanger clues that left Sadie (and me) frustrated and nervous. She was so cryptic.... granted she is a thousands-year-old vampire... but still. Give the girl a break.
I don't want to spoil it, but the information and events that followed left me wondering why Sadie wasn't rocking back and forth in a corner. I would have been. Holy cow.
Sadie showed that she was resilient and thoughtful through those trials. She showed growth, which you all KNOW is a major point in my book. She did meet some new allies that I thought really stole the show. Its really important to have strong secondary characters and I loved Maddie and Harper. Molly was still a major player, even though she wasn't at the same school. Alison showered us with a wide range of characters that was refreshing. Some writers make an ensemble cast sound all alike. Perry let each character shine in their own right.
Cam was a new character that I thought was very intriguing. And let's face it, he sounded yummy. Alison kept us on our toes with him, unveiling new layers and surprises. Kade was another surprise. I didn't know what to make of him by the end of the book, and at several points I wanted to seriously give him a piece of my mind.
Having a novel with so many variables could make for a sloppy mess, but Alison wove it together so well. I really felt Sadie's emotions, the nervousness and shyness that was new, even to her.
All I will say about the ending is, "noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!" It was a MAJOR cliffhanger that had me up the rest of the night thinking about all the ramifications and outcomes. Let's just say I will be in a state of torture until book three comes out.
This was a faster pace than the first book. Alison took us on a journey through regular adolescent trials, mysterious characters, suspenseful turns and it ended up a fantastic ride.
I can't wait for book three, and I know if you enjoy contemporary fiction, vampires, or mysteries that you will love this series. Well done, Alison!
Perry delivers another jewel with Between Lies. I love how she masterfully weaves an intricate plot with the quirky clumsiness of Sadie, who must acclimate to human high school. Sadie’s struggle between Kade and Cam is intensely and beautifully captured. Perry’s ability to make you feel, taste, and experience new characters is pure pleasure. The strong theme of valued friends and team spirit penetrates this sequel. And the steady mounting of questions and intrigue about Sadie’s past and present draws the reader deeper into the storyline, yearning for more. This is a must read. Thank you Alison L. Perry for this imaginatively fresh series. I can’t wait for Book 3!
I haven't been YA in many many years, but I can tell you that this story will hold anyone's attention. The story is unexpected and unique. This particular volume spends quite a bit of time on high school life, but the backstory is constantly churning in the background. I'm so taken with it and with the cliffhanger at the end, that I'm unhappy at having to wait for book three. Exceptional job Ms. Perry!
I liked it but found the MC irritating. She ignores the danger surrounding her and cries at the drop of a hat. Definitely annoying and it does end on a major cliffhanger....which is also annoying.
I liked this book slightly better than the first book. I felt a better connection to Sadie, the main character, and I felt her relationships were deeper which made me enjoy the book better. Also I felt the storyline was more dynamic and it made me excited to read the next book.
Wow...What an ending...I so need book three Right Now.....A must read series...Alison L. Perry....Please Hurry....Anticipation is killing me...Seriously Love Your Talent!!!
I absolutely loved this one. Danger, romance, mystery, all of this wrapped up in this book. Now I have to continue on to find out if Harper, Molly, and Maddie are okay.. I recommend all of these books to YA Paranormal fans.
What the what?! That ending, gah! I am hanging by my fingernails on the edge of a cliff and I'm about to launch my kindle into space... ugh, I mean, I have no words... completely captivated and blindsided. This author has my full attention and she may not like me all up in her inbox but I need answers and relief like right the heck now. Omg, it was so good!