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The Space Between #2
The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis
His powers diminished and his form greatly changed, Satan bides his time until he can return to his terrible strength and his kingdom of followers. Cautiously hopeful of Satan's defeat, the Penitents have resumed their lives in the Space Between, while contending with new additions and the tragic loss of one at the Keep.
In the Realm Below, chaos reigns among the leaderless demons. The monster Tanipestis, no longer under Satan's thumb, sees an opportunity to disturb the balance of power among the Fallen.
When Satan discovers his disciples can be easily led astray, he decides to reinvent himself. And what he does next will set off a desperate search across three worlds.
Download a free sample. Over 100 pages of free reading!
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In the Realm Below, chaos reigns among the leaderless demons. The monster Tanipestis, no longer under Satan's thumb, sees an opportunity to disturb the balance of power among the Fallen.
When Satan discovers his disciples can be easily led astray, he decides to reinvent himself. And what he does next will set off a desperate search across three worlds.
Download a free sample. Over 100 pages of free reading!
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ska0kxrtaj
- GenresFantasy
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2019
18 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Susan Rooke
9 books31 followersSusan 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
Read a long excerpt of my debut novel, The Space Between, no strings attached! https://dl.bookfunnel.com/n1znthgmmu
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 24, 2019
The Realm Below is the follow on book to The Space Between by Susan Rooke. Gosh, What a ride it was too. Separated from his followers and now hiding in The Space Between Satan plots his return to The Realm Below. Meanwhile his monsters left behind now bow to Tanipestis, Satan's pet who rules not so much by fear but by tempting allegience using hallucinating drugs. Life for the Penitents living in the space between muddles on. There is a new baby to dote on and they seem unaware of the presence of Satan in his new guise. There are new characters introduced in this second book and all are wonderously portrayed by Ms Rooke. Her descriptive flair is second to none and I particularly found Satan's former body servants a joy to behold. No names, just numbers. What a master Satan is, not even allowing them proper titles. One can only hope that he never regains his full power enabling him to return to his former home but I doubt that will happen. I am sure Ms Rooke has more up her sleeve in another follow up novel. The Realm Below has earned a most worthy FIVE STARS.
March 17, 2019
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for an honest review. While I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Space Between, I had a much harder time getting into The Realm Below. It may have been because there was not as much of a focus on Mellis, who was definitely a favorite character from the first book. I also found it hard to keep track of all the different characters as the story progressed. While I would still read the next book in the series I did not like this one as much as the first.
February 6, 2019
This is one of those reads which draws into a world so rich that it soon becomes familiar and the characters loved.
The Keep has survived evil’s attack and is trying to settle back into a normal routine, but not without its scars. The dragon is dying, a baby is underway, and the residents have each been deeply changed by the experience in their own ways. Life has gained more depth and reason, making concerns from before petty in comparison. At the same time, the Realm Below is undergoing huge changes—ones whose results are uncertain and strange. But the most shadowed change is found in Satan himself as he switches his goals in unexpected ways. The residents of the Keep are attempting to keep their guard up, but they have no idea what exactly they need to watch out for next.
This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend reading the first book before diving into this one since the characters and plot steadily build from one book to the next.
In many ways, I enjoyed this book more than the first. The idea of the fairies, the Fallen and their place in existence has now gained solid footing, allowing the story and characters to unfold. And what for characters they are! This is not a usual tale about fairies, but rather surrounds the ultimate struggle of Heaven, earth, good and evil. These fairies have depth—tons of it. It’s hard not to feel bound to every single one as their hopes, desires, concerns, and problems lay open in an honest way. Not every character is good, and some are simply to hate. But every single one has their reasons and is written in such a way, that the reader gains a connection to them.
The author weaves the chapters through various characters’ points of view, allowing the various plot directions to dribble through smoothly and with perfect timing. While the characters of the Keep try to digest their own changed views, figure out how to handle and rearrange their own insights on life, the evil side also undergoes meaningful and intriguing changes. This depth on both sides and touch upon very human and understandable emotions from each, is what pulls into this read and makes in hard to put down. Neither side is perfect, and each have their own battles.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters even better and found myself unable to put the book down thanks to the knowledge that something was going to happen but uncertain exactly what it would be. It’s a lovely, subtle tension, which adds to an already wonderful read.
The Keep has survived evil’s attack and is trying to settle back into a normal routine, but not without its scars. The dragon is dying, a baby is underway, and the residents have each been deeply changed by the experience in their own ways. Life has gained more depth and reason, making concerns from before petty in comparison. At the same time, the Realm Below is undergoing huge changes—ones whose results are uncertain and strange. But the most shadowed change is found in Satan himself as he switches his goals in unexpected ways. The residents of the Keep are attempting to keep their guard up, but they have no idea what exactly they need to watch out for next.
This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend reading the first book before diving into this one since the characters and plot steadily build from one book to the next.
In many ways, I enjoyed this book more than the first. The idea of the fairies, the Fallen and their place in existence has now gained solid footing, allowing the story and characters to unfold. And what for characters they are! This is not a usual tale about fairies, but rather surrounds the ultimate struggle of Heaven, earth, good and evil. These fairies have depth—tons of it. It’s hard not to feel bound to every single one as their hopes, desires, concerns, and problems lay open in an honest way. Not every character is good, and some are simply to hate. But every single one has their reasons and is written in such a way, that the reader gains a connection to them.
The author weaves the chapters through various characters’ points of view, allowing the various plot directions to dribble through smoothly and with perfect timing. While the characters of the Keep try to digest their own changed views, figure out how to handle and rearrange their own insights on life, the evil side also undergoes meaningful and intriguing changes. This depth on both sides and touch upon very human and understandable emotions from each, is what pulls into this read and makes in hard to put down. Neither side is perfect, and each have their own battles.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters even better and found myself unable to put the book down thanks to the knowledge that something was going to happen but uncertain exactly what it would be. It’s a lovely, subtle tension, which adds to an already wonderful read.
February 19, 2019
The second novel in Rooke's series enriches the world she built in The Space Between. New characters, new mythologies, new connections to old stories--all fascinate and draw you in. Meanwhile, old characters show new depths as they navigate Rooke's complex, vividly drawn worlds. This novel kept me reading well into the night, and I can't wait to see what the third novel brings!
February 20, 2019
Interesting. Not my usual genre, but thought I'd try reading it. Not bad, but a decent read.
January 28, 2019
In Susan Rooke’s first book, The Space Between: The Prophecy of Faeries, no time is lost in whisking Mellis to a new land of misshaped creatures. Mellis discovers exactly why she is being kept in a mysterious house, unlocks the history of the inhabitants, and discovers part of her own past. Throughout the book, we are given glimpses, detailed and grisly, of the Realm Below.
In the The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis, the order is reversed, and we get to find out what has happened in both realms after the end of the first book. There are fallen angels, dragons, characters in disguise, a fight for supremacy, and the natural happenings of life in the lands Susan has expertly designed.
One of my favorite things about The Realm Below is the chance to go deeper with the characters. In the first book I met them, and began to get to know them. In the second, I got the chance to dive in deeper with multiple characters and understand them better. We also get to know the house better, and the lands surrounding. There are even hints about further lands and people. It’s just enough to give a taste and make you hope the third book takes us on a further adventure!
The second book jumps right into the adventure and intrigue, and continues the well-crafted weaving of beauty and grotesque. A creature has awakened after its master’s disappearance, and life will not be able to go on as before.
Susan Rooke has taken the theme of angels and demons and done a fantastic job of producing a world that has just enough nod to the familiar while telling a story that is distinctive and remarkable. It’s a strong middle book that satisfies the wondering left over from the first book, and launches you into the space after, where I will be ready and waiting until the next book is released!
In the The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis, the order is reversed, and we get to find out what has happened in both realms after the end of the first book. There are fallen angels, dragons, characters in disguise, a fight for supremacy, and the natural happenings of life in the lands Susan has expertly designed.
One of my favorite things about The Realm Below is the chance to go deeper with the characters. In the first book I met them, and began to get to know them. In the second, I got the chance to dive in deeper with multiple characters and understand them better. We also get to know the house better, and the lands surrounding. There are even hints about further lands and people. It’s just enough to give a taste and make you hope the third book takes us on a further adventure!
The second book jumps right into the adventure and intrigue, and continues the well-crafted weaving of beauty and grotesque. A creature has awakened after its master’s disappearance, and life will not be able to go on as before.
Susan Rooke has taken the theme of angels and demons and done a fantastic job of producing a world that has just enough nod to the familiar while telling a story that is distinctive and remarkable. It’s a strong middle book that satisfies the wondering left over from the first book, and launches you into the space after, where I will be ready and waiting until the next book is released!
May 17, 2019
Title: The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis
Author: Susan Rooke
Genre: YA Christian Fantasy Fiction
Rating: Five Stars!
When I love a book, I’m always leery about picking up its sequel. I know, that may sound crazy, but I’ve read a few series where the subsequent books have turned me off to the entire universe. Hopefully, you don’t know what I mean (because you’ve always struck literary gold every time you’ve picked up a book series!). If, however, you’re all too familiar with my plight, then you’ve undoubtedly shared some of my reticence as you’ve reached for the second book of a series. Will it be as good? Will the storyline progress in a way that keeps me engaged? Will I be able to continue to love and hate the same characters with an equal amount of passion? As an avid reader, we tend to build intimate, passionate relationships with our books, so committing to a series is serious business!
This month, I happily volunteered to read the second book of Susan Rooke’s The Space Between Series and while I was slightly nervous as I first dove in, I quickly discovered that book two of the series is just as awesome as book one. Before I go into my review though, here’s a quick recap of the synopsis…
“The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis” Book Synopsis
His powers diminished and his form greatly changed, Satan bides his time until he can return to his terrible strength and his kingdom of followers. Cautiously hopeful of Satan’s defeat, the Penitents have resumed their lives in the Space Between, while contending with new additions and the tragic loss of one at the Keep.
In the Realm Below, chaos reigns among the leaderless demons. The monster Tanipestis, no longer under Satan’s thumb, sees an opportunity to disturb the balance of power among the Fallen.
When Satan discovers his disciples can be easily led astray, he decides to reinvent himself. And what he does next will set off a desperate search across three worlds.
Summer’s Take on “The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis”
“The Realm Below” is a beautifully written and hugely entertaining sequel to “The Space Between.” The story picks up right where we left off; with the same elegant narrative and wonderful imagery we grew to love in the first book. The characters who we embraced continue to face many challenging trials and tribulations that make us love or hate them all the more, and we get to know a lot more about each of them—and the lengths they’ll go—as we continue through the series. I especially love the way the author continues to adapt many of the traditional Christian mythologies and fables into unique storylines that leave you wanting more. So while I tend to worry about sequels, I had absolutely nothing to fear with “The Realm Below!” In fact, I highly recommend it and I’m very curious and excited to see how the series continues in book three!
Author: Susan Rooke
Genre: YA Christian Fantasy Fiction
Rating: Five Stars!
When I love a book, I’m always leery about picking up its sequel. I know, that may sound crazy, but I’ve read a few series where the subsequent books have turned me off to the entire universe. Hopefully, you don’t know what I mean (because you’ve always struck literary gold every time you’ve picked up a book series!). If, however, you’re all too familiar with my plight, then you’ve undoubtedly shared some of my reticence as you’ve reached for the second book of a series. Will it be as good? Will the storyline progress in a way that keeps me engaged? Will I be able to continue to love and hate the same characters with an equal amount of passion? As an avid reader, we tend to build intimate, passionate relationships with our books, so committing to a series is serious business!
This month, I happily volunteered to read the second book of Susan Rooke’s The Space Between Series and while I was slightly nervous as I first dove in, I quickly discovered that book two of the series is just as awesome as book one. Before I go into my review though, here’s a quick recap of the synopsis…
“The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis” Book Synopsis
His powers diminished and his form greatly changed, Satan bides his time until he can return to his terrible strength and his kingdom of followers. Cautiously hopeful of Satan’s defeat, the Penitents have resumed their lives in the Space Between, while contending with new additions and the tragic loss of one at the Keep.
In the Realm Below, chaos reigns among the leaderless demons. The monster Tanipestis, no longer under Satan’s thumb, sees an opportunity to disturb the balance of power among the Fallen.
When Satan discovers his disciples can be easily led astray, he decides to reinvent himself. And what he does next will set off a desperate search across three worlds.
Summer’s Take on “The Realm Below: The Rise of Tanipestis”
“The Realm Below” is a beautifully written and hugely entertaining sequel to “The Space Between.” The story picks up right where we left off; with the same elegant narrative and wonderful imagery we grew to love in the first book. The characters who we embraced continue to face many challenging trials and tribulations that make us love or hate them all the more, and we get to know a lot more about each of them—and the lengths they’ll go—as we continue through the series. I especially love the way the author continues to adapt many of the traditional Christian mythologies and fables into unique storylines that leave you wanting more. So while I tend to worry about sequels, I had absolutely nothing to fear with “The Realm Below!” In fact, I highly recommend it and I’m very curious and excited to see how the series continues in book three!
December 20, 2022
To call this novel an example of “imagination at its finest” doesn’t do this book justice, but it’s as close as I can come to defining how I felt while reading it. This second book of Rooke’s trilogy is as outstanding as the first. Here she vividly renders the hellish landscape of the ‘realm below.’ It’s dim and bleak, but not exactly empty. When Satan leaves his realm, his pet monster—Tanipestis—takes over and has an entirely different way of running things. He becomes “the god of its own religion” and loves nothing more than the devotion of his subjects.
Rooke’s world-building doesn’t end with setting, but in her portrayals and interactions of a variety of beings, including: fairies, dwarves, dragons, demons, and Satan morphs into a reptile before turning into an attractive woman. Inhabiting The Keep are the Penitents who have various afflictions. And then there’s Pollector—the human wanderer—who has the ability to “see things that had happened both recently and long before…” He travels to three worlds, but is able to call none his home. I was more than a little surprised by his true identity!
I found myself fascinated by the quicksilver pool, the mysterious ‘mystomeres,’ and the new life that Tanipestis creates for himself and those in his realm. Due to vividly described gory details and gruesome situations, it was a relief to travel from the lower realm to the familiar (and relatively more tranquil) ‘space between,’ where the Penitents reside. It’s there we are reintroduced to the many characters we met in the first book, The Space Between. I loved the in-depth characterizations.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Susan was inspired by the Surrealist artists, Hieronymus Bosch and Salvidor Dali. Two favorites of mine, so little wonder then, that I found this novel so intriguing! Here’s an example of one of her great visuals: “Scattered here and there on its enormous black body, high and low, front and back, were numerous eyes, each one a polished diamond. These eyes provided Tanipestis with the information of a multitude of simultaneous views…”
The pathos and subtle humor kept me turning the pages, scratching my head in wonder at its sheer brilliance. I can see this wondrous work being turned into a major motion picture. The only issue would be that no director could render the nuances in film the way Susan Rooke has in her splendid writing. I can’t wait to read her recently released Book Three!
Rooke’s world-building doesn’t end with setting, but in her portrayals and interactions of a variety of beings, including: fairies, dwarves, dragons, demons, and Satan morphs into a reptile before turning into an attractive woman. Inhabiting The Keep are the Penitents who have various afflictions. And then there’s Pollector—the human wanderer—who has the ability to “see things that had happened both recently and long before…” He travels to three worlds, but is able to call none his home. I was more than a little surprised by his true identity!
I found myself fascinated by the quicksilver pool, the mysterious ‘mystomeres,’ and the new life that Tanipestis creates for himself and those in his realm. Due to vividly described gory details and gruesome situations, it was a relief to travel from the lower realm to the familiar (and relatively more tranquil) ‘space between,’ where the Penitents reside. It’s there we are reintroduced to the many characters we met in the first book, The Space Between. I loved the in-depth characterizations.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Susan was inspired by the Surrealist artists, Hieronymus Bosch and Salvidor Dali. Two favorites of mine, so little wonder then, that I found this novel so intriguing! Here’s an example of one of her great visuals: “Scattered here and there on its enormous black body, high and low, front and back, were numerous eyes, each one a polished diamond. These eyes provided Tanipestis with the information of a multitude of simultaneous views…”
The pathos and subtle humor kept me turning the pages, scratching my head in wonder at its sheer brilliance. I can see this wondrous work being turned into a major motion picture. The only issue would be that no director could render the nuances in film the way Susan Rooke has in her splendid writing. I can’t wait to read her recently released Book Three!
May 25, 2021
The Space Between and The Realm Below are stories of two mystical worlds created by the wonderful imagination of author Susan Rooke. I read The Space Between after hearing her read a short excerpt and I was intrigued. After reading that I just had to read Book 2, The Realm Below.
I knew these characters by then and it was great to follow them onto their next levels, and what fabulous characters they were. Again it was the animals I liked best: Kindle the aged cat, Orlando Mellis' dog and even Bale the cantankerous vulture with his aroma of rotting flesh, he often made me chuckle, always on the lookout for his next meal. All characters whether animal or mystical beings are so well drawn, the author has a way of creating unique people with their own idiosyncracies whose personalities leap right off the page. Tanipestis, Satan's pet is a monster driven by flame and has a kind of beauty, each time I read of him he seemed to become more real; he reminded me of a Transformer but maybe that's just me. Another chuckle was at Lugo's response to his new pet, it was both funny and heartwarming. When The Wanderer appeared at the door of The Keep I laughed out loud to discover who his companion was; I'd thought it was his wife!
At the beginning of the story Satan has been missing for a year and no-one knows of his whereabouts. There's a state of anarchy in The Realm Below until Tanipestis steps into the breach. He soon has the demons under his spell with a little secret of his own and they follow him like sheep. Certain beings can move between the two worlds but not all of them so we follow the story in each but in the dramatic climax the two worlds collide. I can't wait for Book 3 to see where they go next.
Susan Rooke is a superb writer with an amazing imagination and beautiful use of language. Her descriptions are very visual painting her magical worlds. I liked the interstices in the books, a brief insight into the character's thoughts. A brilliant series that I thoroughly enjoyed and can wholeheartedly recommend.
I knew these characters by then and it was great to follow them onto their next levels, and what fabulous characters they were. Again it was the animals I liked best: Kindle the aged cat, Orlando Mellis' dog and even Bale the cantankerous vulture with his aroma of rotting flesh, he often made me chuckle, always on the lookout for his next meal. All characters whether animal or mystical beings are so well drawn, the author has a way of creating unique people with their own idiosyncracies whose personalities leap right off the page. Tanipestis, Satan's pet is a monster driven by flame and has a kind of beauty, each time I read of him he seemed to become more real; he reminded me of a Transformer but maybe that's just me. Another chuckle was at Lugo's response to his new pet, it was both funny and heartwarming. When The Wanderer appeared at the door of The Keep I laughed out loud to discover who his companion was; I'd thought it was his wife!
At the beginning of the story Satan has been missing for a year and no-one knows of his whereabouts. There's a state of anarchy in The Realm Below until Tanipestis steps into the breach. He soon has the demons under his spell with a little secret of his own and they follow him like sheep. Certain beings can move between the two worlds but not all of them so we follow the story in each but in the dramatic climax the two worlds collide. I can't wait for Book 3 to see where they go next.
Susan Rooke is a superb writer with an amazing imagination and beautiful use of language. Her descriptions are very visual painting her magical worlds. I liked the interstices in the books, a brief insight into the character's thoughts. A brilliant series that I thoroughly enjoyed and can wholeheartedly recommend.
February 3, 2023
Humans, Faeries, Demons, and Fabulous Animals
When did Satan become a victim? Was it when he fell from grace? It seems he had further to go. Humiliated and weak (?) he must reinvent his existence.
His pet Tanipestis finds that he can invoke and hold followers and lay off being a pet.
That is the situation in the realm below.
In the realms between and above things happen in new and, sometimes, disturbing ways. Friendships change, people change. Lost loves may get rejected. Others may find themselves loved or in love. Characters get maimed or die. Expect the unexpected.
Susan Rooke offers a vast panorama and captivates her reader without seeming effort. Her knowledge of the Bible and of angels and demons is immaculate and she uses it to create brilliant and even grotesque impressions.
The Realm Below is a dazzling but profound sequence to The Space Between.
When did Satan become a victim? Was it when he fell from grace? It seems he had further to go. Humiliated and weak (?) he must reinvent his existence.
His pet Tanipestis finds that he can invoke and hold followers and lay off being a pet.
That is the situation in the realm below.
In the realms between and above things happen in new and, sometimes, disturbing ways. Friendships change, people change. Lost loves may get rejected. Others may find themselves loved or in love. Characters get maimed or die. Expect the unexpected.
Susan Rooke offers a vast panorama and captivates her reader without seeming effort. Her knowledge of the Bible and of angels and demons is immaculate and she uses it to create brilliant and even grotesque impressions.
The Realm Below is a dazzling but profound sequence to The Space Between.
February 7, 2019
Since I wrote the book, I'll simply say that I had a wonderful time in the process. I love it when characters make decisions and plot their actions without considering what the author thinks is going to happen. My characters surprised me several times while I was writing The Realm Below, and I'm certain they'll do the same in the third book in the series. And I can't wait to see what happens!
September 15, 2025
Still a fascining series. Very unique.
I like most of the characters, one way or another. I like the world-building. I wish there there was more emotion involved. The characters often fall flat when it comes to emotions.
I like most of the characters, one way or another. I like the world-building. I wish there there was more emotion involved. The characters often fall flat when it comes to emotions.
November 18, 2019
Wonderful
The story continues with Satan having an existential crisis. I'm really enjoying this series. I can't wait for the next.
The story continues with Satan having an existential crisis. I'm really enjoying this series. I can't wait for the next.
February 24, 2024
This is the second book in the The Space Between series. It wasn't as fast paced as the first book but it was so well written and the details were amazing.
This one you get a few more points of views added on.
You follow Tanipestis as he wants to no longer be hidden and Satan doesn't show back up in the Realm Below for a year.
There are some gory points but not horrible. This author has such an imagination to come up with another amazing book.
It is really hard to sum up this book. The fallen angels 'penants' are trying to reclaim their worth. Satan on the other hand has other plans and in the first book, it was Fallen a Penant who cause so much pain.
The ending with Satan had me in shock. And I cannot wait to find out what happens in the third book.
I definitely would recommend this series.
This one you get a few more points of views added on.
You follow Tanipestis as he wants to no longer be hidden and Satan doesn't show back up in the Realm Below for a year.
There are some gory points but not horrible. This author has such an imagination to come up with another amazing book.
It is really hard to sum up this book. The fallen angels 'penants' are trying to reclaim their worth. Satan on the other hand has other plans and in the first book, it was Fallen a Penant who cause so much pain.
The ending with Satan had me in shock. And I cannot wait to find out what happens in the third book.
I definitely would recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews