The Space Between: The Prophecy of Faeries

The Space Between #1

by Susan Rooke

A young woman. A kidnapping. And a journey through another world.

Mellis has been taken by faeries in the hopes that she is the key to an ancient prophecy. But to fulfill this prophecy, she must make a great sacrifice. Will she accept her new life with her captors? Or, will the most ancient of evils destroy their dreams? Luckily, Mellis has friends on her side: her faithful dog, a wise talking cat, and a dragon. The battle against Hell begins in The Space Between.

Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book, Notable

"With a mixture of fantasy and all things Heaven and Earth, this tale combines the stories of several characters into an intricate, twisting plot."
- Tonja Drecker, author and book reviewer

Read a free excerpt:
Read a long excerpt of The Space Between.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/n1znthgmmu

Genres: Fantasy, Fae

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2017

About the author

Susan Rooke is a multiple Pushcart nominee, Best of the Net and Dwarf Stars nominee, and author of the Space Between series. Her poems and short stories have appeared in publications such as The Christian Science Monitor and The Twilight Zone Magazine, among many others. She and her husband live surrounded by cows on a square of green, peaceful country in Central Texas. When she's not writing speculative fiction and poetry, she blogs fortnightly about real life, food and cocktails at SusanRooke.net

Read a long excerpt of my debut novel, The Space Between, no strings attached! https://dl.bookfunnel.com/n1znthgmmu

Reviews

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Space Between
Author: Susan Rooke
Genre: Adult Fantasy | Supernatural | Christian Fiction
Rating: Five Stars!

The definition of the term “plot twist” typically goes along the lines of “a literary technique that introduces a radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot in a work of fiction.” In my experience, plot twists can go in one of two ways. In some instances, foreshadowing can make a plot twist so obvious that it almost isn’t worth mentioning when it finally comes up, or the plot twist can be so cliché and overdone that it turns you off—as a reader, that is. In other cases, though—and when done correctly—a plot twist can be an awesome, amazing device! It keeps the reader engaged, on the edge of his or her prospective seats, if you will, because no one can guess what’s coming next. In the case of The Space Between, the plot twists definitely fall in the latter category, with lots of surprising, twisty moments and instances that make you go ohhh! First though, let’s take a peek at the publisher’s note…

“The Space Between” Book Synopsis

Mellis, a courageous and resourceful young woman, is kidnapped from the human world and taken to the Space Between by a tribe of faeries called the Penitents. Because of guilt over an ancient sin committed by their angel ancestors against the Maker, the Penitents have cursed themselves with grotesque physical disfigurements. Mellis can help them reunite with the Maker and find their way back to redemption, but she would need to give up the life she's always known to remain in the Space Between. As she struggles with this heart-wrenching decision, one of the Penitents, bent on revenge, commits a gruesome attack against the tribe, and they learn he has taken Satan—the Maker's greatest enemy—as his ally. All in the Space Between are facing grave danger. Will a long-awaited act of vengeance save them?

Summer’s Take on “The Space Between”

Let me preface this review by admitting that I have a pile of “to-read” books that are practically to the ceiling. I assure you that I’ve read each book description carefully and that I’ve undoubtedly done some research on the author if I’ve placed it in that pile—here’s the thing though, it may be many, many moons before I finally get to it, and most times, I don’t bother re-reading the book jacket because it’s already been “vetted.” Usually, this works out fine for me—I mean, crime fiction is crime fiction, which is pretty obvious from the start. The funny thing about The Space Between though is that when I finally picked it up, I had no idea where it was going—and once I started it, I refused to re-read the synopsis because I was so intrigued; I didn’t want to ruin the surprise!

At first, I thought, oh, this must be science fiction, because the whole kidnapping scene in the beginning of the book felt very alien abduction-esque, but then Mellis gets to the Space Between and the book veers off in an entirely different direction—in a good way! And the whole book felt that way—just one surprising twist after another—with things that I definitely didn’t see coming, especially after I realized that the book falls into a Christian fiction category. I was pretty blown away. The writing is superb and the storyline is so unique—such an interesting mash-up of genres and spiritual beliefs—that I gobbled it up in no time flat! I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment of the series!

[A.E.M. A.E.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written!

Susan Rooke's The Space Between was a blast to read. I got swept away with the main character to a world of characters I wanted to live with and go to war with. There's mystery with a twist, a play on angels and demons that made me squirm, two love stories with very real consequences, and a secret underground! Her details brought me to the table, and kept me reading like wild fire until I was done. And then I was sad that I was done. And then I wanted to go back and enjoy it all over again.

[Salina Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Rooke masterfully builds her worlds with rich detailed descriptions. The reader feels as if they are there in The Space Between and the surrounding realms. Our protagonist, a young woman named Mellis, experiences sudden and unexpected visits to the realms where she encounters a rich array of talking animals, and unusual characters and situations that bring to mind an adult version of Alice in Wonderland. The Space Between offers fast moving adventure and a fresh portrayal of faeries!

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book from the summary. Instantly, I became confused by the world that is the Space Between as well as the dueling storylines and characters. There was not a lot of explanation regarding the set up of the Space Between or the roles of each character. Yeah, these explanations slowly emerged as the story went on but it made it hard to process everything in the beginning.

Plus, the dueling storylines that were intertwining where hard to keep straight. This is because there were these short chapters mixed in with the longer ones involving Mellis. They would flash back and forth. Which, I found hard to read like a stop and go approach. Yet, from what I do understand about the Space Between, it is an interesting world. I do have to warn you that this is not your rainbow fantasy story. It has a dark edge to it. I would call this book more of a mythical fantasy. If you like your fantasy books with a dark edge and don't mind dueling storylines, you may want to check this book out.

[Suzanne Sotzing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly impressed with this book. It was entertaining and thought provoking at the same time while being an enjoyable read. The author's imagination is so broad and well thought out...that made the subject matter come to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

[Sherrie Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known this author on Twitter for some years and retweeted this book but it wasn't until I heard her read a short extract that my interest sparked. She has a lovely reading voice and chose just the right part to read for me, where Mellis meets Satan.

Satan is a complex character and this story shows his two sides, the softer side with his feelings for a Penitent and the cruel side that tortures and kills those who displease him. I have often wondered what Lucifer did that was so bad that he was cast from heaven and stripped of his beauty but onto this story. Mellis is minding her own business walking her dog in the park when she becomes aware of two men. The next thing she knows is that she is in a strange world with opulent surroundings, she and Orlando her dog, where the people are very kind but all have some kind of deformity. There is a purpose to her kidnap but she isn't aware of it until later in the story. There are lots of twists and surprises and throughout it all Mellis despairs of ever seeing her mother again. My favourite character was Kindle, the ageing talking cat who is so wise he seems to know everything that is going on and that Mellis is drawn to. She is also drawn to Adrian and I wanted those two to get together but that wasn't the purpose that she was brought there for. All the details tie in well at the end but there is a sequel, The Realm Below, Satan's domain and I wanted to find out what went on there and how it affected those in The Space Between so I downloaded it ready to read.

By getting to know fellow authors on Twitter I have read and enjoyed different genres that I possibly wouldn't have read before and can thoroughly recommend this book as an entertaining, well written, well crafted read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Space Between is a fantasy novel about a girl named Mellis who is kidnapped by fae creatures and taken to another world. They claim that she is prophesied to fulfill a destiny in their world. But she doesn’t know what to think.

The Space Between was a very unique fantasy novel. There were weird creatures and a mysterious prophecy. I felt sorry for Mellis, getting kidnapped into a strange world with weird creatures and people expecting her to save the day. But she bore it quite well in the end.

What I thought was most creative was the author’s concept of heaven and hell an show to fit into the story. It was unique; not biblical, but quite interesting to think about.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of fantasy.

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am not obligated to provide a positive review.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a mixture of fantasy and all things Heaven and Earth, this tale combines the stories of several characters into an intricate, twisting plot.

Mellis was enjoying the day in the park with her dog, when two strangers sweep her away to another world. Here, the inhabitants live a luxurious life but carry deformities. They are kind to her, very much so, but are harboring a secret. She must make a choice: she can return to Earth or she can sacrifice herself to save the odd folk. But both choices hold more than they first appear to.

The book opens with a prologue of someone falling through worlds and, what almost appears to be, eternity. It's not mentioned who or why, which sets a lovely mystery before Mellis comes into the picture. But this someone isn't left to for the reader to discover later on. Rather, the book divides between the tale of, at first, two individuals, and later, intertwines the fate of even more characters. While Mellis has a familiar beginning, a everyday woman taken into a mysterious realm, this 'someone' from the prologue is left in a sort of uncertain haze. The chapters flip-flop between the two, letting the two stories develop beside each other with only a hint of possessing an intertwined fate. It's alluring, draws in, and keeps the tale interesting, but, on the other hand, it's confusing too. Especially since it later becomes clear that the two stories are working on completely different timelines.

The story grabs and even when some spots lean toward the slow direction, it's hard to put the book down. I did find myself skimming some areas, while others were so intriguing that I wanted to read them again. There's something about this book that demands to be loved. There are stumbles in logic and pacing at times, but it's hard not to forgive those and keep reading on.

The characters are vivid, and it's impossible not to feel for them. Each one has their burden to bear, and each has qualities which shine through. The author does an amazing job at bringing every single person and creature to life with its own personality and tale, while keeping the plot running along. There are unexpected twists, plenty of them. These aren't thrown in with generic style but sail right in as if they truly belong, while adding layers of complexity. It is impossible to guess where the whole thing is going, even though Mellis is wrapped up in the 'heroine of prophecy' fate.

There is romance, and it packs uncertainty, longing and the question of whether it exists or not. This is well done and demonstrates the weakness of the heart in so many ways—not necessarily through the main characters, but even in the sub-plots.

Summed up, this is a difficult book to review. It is marvelous in so many ways but very confusing at times. Fantasy friends who are looking for a completely new type of tale will enjoy this one, and those who love to get lost in characters should definitely give this one a try. It's an interesting start to a very complex series, and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

Although this book is rated PG-13, there are rather graphic and gruesome moments of violence, which are not suitable for younger readers. These mold into the story well but can be disturbing to sensitive readers.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed getting lost in this world so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.

[Susan Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made a phenomenal discovery a few weeks ago: The Space Between Series by Susan Rooke. I began reading Book One, The Prophecy of Fairies, when winter in Michigan simply wouldn’t budge – despite it being mid-March. Actually, inclement weather has always been my favorite time for reading, as it allows me not only to submerge myself in the story, but to get completely lost (if it’s well written). In this case, it didn’t take long before Rooke’s beautifully written novel had abducted me, and like her main character—Mellis—I was taken to a fantasy realm unlike no other.
World crafting is a given for Fantasy authors. While Susan Rooke soon proves to be a brilliant architect in her sensual descriptions of the realm known as the Space Between, her characterizations are equally as finely depicted. Her many characters quickly become credible in their incredulity! Millis and her dog, Orlando, have been kidnapped from a park on Earth and taken to this realm. At first, I wondered if Mellis was going to be a little too similar to the much beloved Alice or Dorothy, those curious but naïve heroines who live in our collective unconscious. While comparisons can be made, and Mellis, while similarly curious and at times too brave for her own good, is faced with metaphysical complexities the likes of which would have befuddled Alice or Dorothy. In this new realm, where time has slowed down and everyone has a physical deformity, Mellis is pampered like a guest at a luxurious spa, though she is at first unable to explore the enormous house with its maze of rooms. When she is at last free to do so, and hence, able to satisfy her curiosity, she doesn’t seem overly anxious, perhaps because she has experienced something akin to amnesia about her prior life, as well as having been treated well.
Before her new life gets humdrum, Mellis is summoned and forced to make a decision that will have enormous consequences, both for her, as well as the fairies, who, we discover, are really fallen angels. We learn of a prophecy, which if fulfilled, offers hope for the future of the realm. Does Mellis play much of a role in the prophecy? My own curiosity kept me turning the pages.
A parallel plot runs through the book involving another of the fallen angels – the Son of the Morning. We enter the world of myth and learn about the sad fate of the Titans, so deftly and imaginatively described by Rooke. As light descends into darkness, the plots weave together. It is high-stakes drama, both strange and symphonic. Will the many obstacles be surmountable? If our imaginations allow it, we visit this realm—this space between—and leave it feeling more than a little transformed! I can’t wait to read the second of the series, entitled The Realm Below. Something tells me that Mellis and many of the other characters are going to live within me for a long time to come.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Kept my attention and was something different than I usually read. Really loved it!

[Remy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Susan Rooke dedicates this contemporary fantasy novel to Katie, Glen, and especially Denise, the last who read the book first and “believed.” Opening the story is a prologue with a mysterious unidentified narrator who thinks that his fall is going on forever, although he doesn’t fall alone. The main chapters begin with the female protagonist, Mellis, with her dog Orlando in the park. Mellis has three semesters of college under her belt, and has worked the kitchen at Goodwin’s Permanent Care part-time since high school. Mellis quickly finds herself in an otherworld thanks to an old woman named Deidre, who has her companions Fetters and Feldspar.

The mentioned unidentified narrator, later titled the Son of the Morning, gets his own chapters in between the main ones, known as interstices, the first of which describes him as being broken from the fall in the prologue, recovering. The story fuses Christian and Greek mythology, with Satan ultimately mentioned later in the story, and the Titans from the latter towards the end. Another significant piece of backstory is the expulsion of two different sects of angels from Heaven, the first of which are the Evil Fallen, and the second of which are the remorseful Penitent.

Other characters introduced include the talking cat Kindle, not to mention Fellson, who seems to be a person of interest to the Son of the Morning. This story overall will likely please enthusiasts of modern fantasy stories, although it does a tad too much setting up for future installments, particularly regarding the enigmatic interstices, and has several confusing portions, particular regarding the fact that Kindle is actually a talking cat. This reviewer further had difficulty imagining the appearances of the sundry characters, given their general lack of descriptions, although it’s by no means a bad read.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mellis and her dog are kidnapped and when she wakes up it is like she has banged her head and ended up in Wonderland, that is the only way I can describe it! She has no idea where she is or why her kidnappers are so weirdly deformed or for how long she has been taken away from her home. Once she finally comes to and the brain fog clears she is told that she in The Space Between, a place that is between her world and heaven/hell.

Soon she meets a whole host of of unusual looking beings, and talking animals. She learns from a cat named Kindle of the real reason she was taken to this place, the tragic story of the inhabitants - fallen angels who became faeries and in turn cursed themselves after their fall from grace, only to believe that a prophecy will make them whole again and get back in with the maker. A prophecy that involves Mellis. We soon discover more or the reasons why they have chosen to be deformed, how they hope to fulfil the prophecy.

The world building and story were just brilliant and the imagery that Rooke conj-ours up left me feeling I was right there along with Mellis. I loved how between each chapter there were an interstice chapter - "a space between" which focuses on the Son of the Morning who we later learn is Satan.

This was a really good fantasy, but when I first started reading this I am going to 100% honest, I was completely lost! I had no idea what was going on or why and only because I was so intrigued did it make me continue, and for that I am glad that I did, as I can not wait for the next book!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say this book was no where near what I thought it was going to be. It was more Sci-Fi to me and I am not a huge fan of Sci-fi. There are also several stories going on at once in this book. The book was a bit confusing to me I have to admit, It was like it started in the middle of the story, you just have to keep reading to kind of figure out what and where the story is happening. The first several chapters kind of left me lost.

The main story in the book is about Mellis. She and her dog are kidnapped from our earth and taken to "NeverLand" actually its The Space in Between. The space in Between is a land in between Heaven and Hell. Here she meets some of the strangest looking people ever. they are called the Penitents. Everyone in the Space in Between is deformed in some way. Her maid has one hazel eye in the middle of her forehead, one of the men who kidnapped her has lobsterish claws for hands, the Ruler of the Penitents has an extra set of small legs coming out of his hip, things like that. The Penitent have chosen these deformities as a pittance for a wrong their ancestors have done. It is up to Mellis to redeem the people and redeem themselves with their maker. But she must give up her life and family on Earth.

The story is interesting, even with being a bit confusing. There are some really graphic and gross parts in the book. There wasn't strong language or sex but think Michael Myers and other stories like that when it comes to gore. The characters are vivid and well defined. The writing is done very well, and it is a griping tale.

[Sohinee Reads & Reviews (Bookarlo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book was a challenge for me as fantasy is not my genre. But before you go ahead and put a cross mark against it, let me tell you that this book is really good. The story structured within the pages is somewhat fascinating and the way the author has structured the scenes; the descriptions were so vivid that I could actually visualise them. Hey, you in for a talking cat?!

Mellis's struggle was real. Being kidnapped from the human world and then left with the faerie tribe, well that isn't easy. Not when you find a reason to stay there and suddenly you are burdened with responsibilities that can help the tribe reunite with their Maker. Mellis has to face numerous hurdles and some which leaves her at the face of danger. It's for you to find whether or not she makes it. I am not going to disclose much of the story because it's really difficult to sum up the whole story in a review. The plot has many sub-plots stitched to it which helped to progress the story further.

Okay, so there were minor grammatical and punctuation errors here and there but the flow of the words was really good.

If you are a fantasy lover or you want to challenge yourself by trying out the genre, then for starters you can definitely give this a read before you move on to some more complicated stories with demons, angels, flying saucers, talking closets and what not.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mellis and her dog Orlando are at the park when they are abducted and taken to The Space Between Earth, Heaven, and Hell. Here she meets a people that are very nice yet horribly disfigured. Here she learns that these people have been waiting for her to fulfill a prophecy to help them return to their Maker. The problem is that she has to give up her life on Earth to do so.

At the same time we follow a nameless person that is falling for all of eternity. But they are not alone and as their story progress we learn how they fit into this puzzle that Mellis is in.

This was an interesting story that combines a lot of mythology and religion into it. I admit that I was lost when I first started the story but then things started to fall into place. I did like how everything had its place and fit together.

The story does take a dark turn towards the ending and becomes gory. It didn’t bother me but I could see how it could bother others.

This was a good story and a fresh take on angels and demons. It is the start of a series and one that I am curious to see where it is going from here.

I received The Space Between from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

[Deena · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Space Between started out as an intriguing allegory of the Biblical account of Lucifer being cast out of Heaven, the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, and a fanciful take on the origin of faeries.

Yes, it is one busy, busy novel! And it was an enjoyable read until I was two-thirds in. At that point the story leaned so heavily into the dark and macabre, I just couldn't continue.

And for a reader that loves gritty, crime-laden books, that's really saying something.

I felt like I was reading two entirely different novels at one point. The gruesome and grotesque came out of nowhere. While the deformities of the Penitent (the inhabitants of the space between) were disgusting, the creatures themselves were gentle beings longing for redemption.

But the fallen one's entry into the story took a gut wrenching turn that quickly took me to a place I flatly refused to go. In all honesty, at one point I just skipped to the final chapter to see how the story ended, but I won't be reading the sequel.

And that saddens me, because the author has an amazing imagination! I'm just not her audience.

[Leila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no clue how to describe this book or what I read.

There were several stories within the one story that made the entire thing very confusing and difficult to follow.

At the same time, I was too intrigued to put it down. I was sucked into Mellis’ story and was falling in love at the same time she was. I had to finish her story and was determined to push through.

The last quarter of the book was… gross. Each story – repulsive and sickeningly detailed and descriptive. Seriously gross.

But, I had to finish Mellis’ story! Mellis was – oka, Mellis and Adrian – were the only reason I pushed on to finish.

Aside from a couple detours, I really enjoyed Mellis’ story and how things fit together.

I am ot a fan of the other stories and a lot of what occurred throughout. I found most of it confusing and lost on me but I really enjoyed Mellis’ story.

If you enjoy the stories of angels – fallen or not – and the like – this book is right up your alley.

[Denise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing work - so many twists and stories within a story. It may take a bit to get into, but once you do - your hooked and just want more. A story so unique I find it hard to categorize, and I can't think of any book I've read or heard about that has this theme. Really it's something new. The characters are vivid and kick your imagination into over drive, yet they are all very personable and real. Good/Bad, Kind/Evil, Religious/Blasphemous, Spiritual/Temporal, Love/Hate; all of these are true because it is "The Space Between". Congratulations to Susan on a masterful novel. I'll be in line for book 2.

[Carie Juettner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fantasy debut was funny, sweet, surprising, and at times horrific! It made me curious about the space between, desperate to avoid the horrors of hell, and long for a talking cat like Kindle.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed the storyline and read

[Maureen Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: Kindle Edition
I first saw The Space Between on Twitter and after viewing a free sample decided to buy the e book copy. It was a good decision. Ms Rooke is an excellent writer and her novel about how a group of fallen angels desperately try to regain their place in Heaven is indeed intriguing. The novel is actually three stories in one and each chapter flips back and forth until the reader appreciates that they all fit together as one story. Mellis is a young 'normal' woman who is suddenly and inexplicably kidnapped whilst walking her dog in the local park. Both she and her dog now enter a strange world of deformed humanoid creatures who see her as the main character in a long held prophecy. As she learns more about these strange but kindly creatures she accepts that her old life is just a memory and she feels compelled to help them in their quest. Thus begins a tale involving all manner of strangeness including talking animals, faeries, and penitents - fallen angels who want nothing more than to return to their Heavenly abode. There are surprises aplenty as the story unfolds and we learn more about this peculiar world known as the space between. Some readers may balk at the horror and gore inflicted by Satan who knows no bounds in his evil intent to thwart the penitents aim. Although not a lover of horror myself Ms Rooke chooses her words carefully and her descriptions of his depraved deeds comes across clearly. I look forward to reading the sequel when it is published. I have no hesitation in awarding this a worthy FIVE STARS.

[WillowRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit, I got off to a slow start with this book (not that I'm a quick reader to begin with) - partly due to the holidays in November and December, partly due to a bout of cellulitis in January, as well as trying to get a couple of other books completed. The delay in reading this book had NOTHING to do with the enjoyment level of it though. I actually thoroughly and completely enjoyed the book, following along on the adventure with the main character, Melllis duing the time she spent with the faeries in The Space Between. While I will not get in to any particulars of the book - per my personal view of not wanting to give out any spoilers - I will say that this fable was wonderful written, a remarkable journey in the realm of fantasy. Ms. Rooke has a phenomenal talent of using incredible details, so that you can truly feel and imagine that you are part of the saga.

I had received this book in a GoodReads giveaway. The book was signed by Ms. Rooke with the following sentiment: "I hope you enjoy your journey through the pages of The Space Between." I want to assure the readers, and any interested readers, that I did - tremendously. I wish to express my thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity, and enjoyment, of discovering her magical community that resides in The Space Between, and I look forward to reading the next installment.

[Barred Owl Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“With a mixture of fantasy and all things Heaven and Earth, this tale combines the stories of several characters into an intricate, twisting plot.” — Tonja Drecker, author and book reviewer

Mellis, a courageous and resourceful young woman, is kidnapped from the human world and taken to the Space Between by a tribe of faeries called the Penitents. Because of guilt over an ancient sin committed by their angel ancestors against the Maker, the Penitents have cursed themselves with grotesque physical disfigurements. Mellis can help them reunite with the Maker and find their way back to redemption, but she would need to give up the life she's always known to remain in the Space Between. As she struggles with this heart-wrenching decision, one of the Penitents, bent on revenge, commits a gruesome attack against the tribe, and they learn he has taken Satan--the Maker's greatest enemy--as his ally. All in the Space Between are facing grave danger. Will a long-awaited act of vengeance save them?

Weaving together parallel storylines from the Space Between and the Realm Below for a climactic finish, Susan Rooke builds a rich and fantastical world of angels and demons, monsters, faeries and dragons. Abounding with spirituality and humanity, this faery tale for adults has a cast of vivid characters you won't soon forget.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is a difficult book to review. There are stories within this story which made the book confusing, frustrating, and hard to follow. I did like the story of Mellis though. She’s taken from our world to the Space Between to hopefully fulfill a prophecy. Everyone she meets in this new world is good to her. They seem almost normal but each one has a burden to bear and she eventually learns why.

The characters are unique and described so well that I could picture each one as I read. Everyone has their own interesting story.

I like the author’s writing style which includes vivid descriptions. I could picture everything as if I was there. Even when the story gets slow, her writing makes you want to keep reading, at least when I was reading Mellis’s story. I did have some difficulty making it through the other stories.

The Space Between is a fantasy full of fallen angels, faeries, dragons, and monsters. I will probably read the next book in the series with the hope that it is not as confusing.

[H.M. Holten · Rating 5 out of 5]

High-Fantasy with a Biblical Theme

Lucifer falls and the world splits into fractions. Humans still live on the earth, but there is a realm between hell and the earth. Assuredly, there is also a heaven above. This is the premise for Susan Rooke’s fantasy novel, and she takes the reader to dark places where dragons dwell and into the lush world where the faeries live – apparently in safety. Humans too have everything to fear it seems, especially young women of beauty and integrity.
Mellis is such a one. She loves her dog and her mother. That doesn’t stop two humanoid creatures from abducting her to that realm where faeries live. Time slows down for Mellis, who eventually learns to care for her abductors and her new world.

Ms Rooke presents her readers with a complex maze of angels, faeries, and humans. Not only that, but she also weaves in a medieval inferno, the seven deadly sins, as well as the sons of God who desired the daughters of man. This is a satisfying read that makes you think about more than you might expect in a high fantasy novel. This is an experience of staggering dimensions.

[geraldine cullinan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alice goes to hell

I agree that this is a lot like A lice In Woderland,but it is more like Alice went to hell. This book did suck me in , I wanted to stop after reading some of the horrific scenes but that is how evil works isnt it? It sucks you in. I hate chop movies or anything sadistic and wont bother with reading it or watching it if i know that is what is in store. but the author very cleverly begins by telling you a fairy tale then drops you into the pits of hell where you want to scream STOP! Or puke your guts out.



im a Christian and i do be!ieve in hell but i also be!ieve in Jesus Christ and salvation this story gives satan the starring role along with his minions . Of course you just have to know what happens next, so you keep reading, even when your conscience tells you to stop.

[Sydney Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing in this book is beautiful, it has a lyrical quality to it that makes it part of the world building, and sometimes it seems that few authors know how to do that.

Also, this is book one of a series and it tells a rich, satisfying complete story whilst setting the stage for the series.

I'm not entirely sure why it didn't me up to a four star. I think the switching between Mellis and the Bad Place was too rapid fire, esp. in the last third, making it hard for me to feel the stakes as deeply as I wanted to.

Definitely a "me, not the book" issue. I would recommend this book.

[DeantheDream · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I loved the second more macabre half of the book, with a lot of revelations.
The first half was rather boring and struck me as childish in its narrative and portrayal of Mellis and also, for instance, Adrian. She just lets herself be kidnapped and almost instantly accepts her destiny of helping people she hardly knows. I missed an inquisitive nature or some feist in Mellis. She's somewhat dull.
Love Kindle and the narration of Satan and his consort were fascinating.

[Kim Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This religious aspect of this book was surprising. The blending of faeries and Christianity was interesting and new. The story itself was good but I feel like the progression was slow. I gave it 3 stars because while I did enjoy it, I’m not sure if I have enough interest to move on through the series.

[Karen May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purgatory, Hell and some.....

I don't give stars easily. This isn't a book I would normally read ,but so glad I did. Crisp ,sharp and twisted! A little Alice down the rabbit hole with some Dante,well lot's of Dante, ... Couldn't put it down.