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The City Between #3
Between Floors
I’m not supposed to push through the boundaries of reality without supervision. I’m definitely not meant to drag a cop Between with me.
But stuff happens, you know?
Hi. I’m Pet. Well, not Pet, exactly. I am a pet.
Nothing too hard; I just cook and clean for the Behindkind who took over my house. Easy. But now one of my owners has gone missing. He’s fae, so it shouldn’t worry me, but if there’s something out there that can kidnap fae, I don’t wanna meet it.
Good thing I’ve got another two owners and a spare cop up my sleeve…
But stuff happens, you know?
Hi. I’m Pet. Well, not Pet, exactly. I am a pet.
Nothing too hard; I just cook and clean for the Behindkind who took over my house. Easy. But now one of my owners has gone missing. He’s fae, so it shouldn’t worry me, but if there’s something out there that can kidnap fae, I don’t wanna meet it.
Good thing I’ve got another two owners and a spare cop up my sleeve…
242 pages, ebook
First published November 30, 2020
About the author
W.R. Gingell
47 books1,130 followersW.R. Gingell is an Australian author of urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and madcap science fiction who doesn't seem to be able to write a book without a body suddenly turning up. She solemnly swears that all such bodies are strictly fictional in nature.
She lives in a refurbished 1970s Bedford Bus in the south of Tasmania, where she spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and raising spinach, strawberries, and one small, fluffy dog. Like Peter Pan, W.R. never really grew up, and despite the inconveniences of chronically ill life, is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
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She lives in a refurbished 1970s Bedford Bus in the south of Tasmania, where she spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and raising spinach, strawberries, and one small, fluffy dog. Like Peter Pan, W.R. never really grew up, and despite the inconveniences of chronically ill life, is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
You can sign up to the The WR(ite) Newsletter by following the link!
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I don't tend to friend anyone unless they're a personal friend or someone from my close author circle. I have a limited social battery which needs constant care. If you want to keep up with my reading/writing, you can absolutely follow me here or on pretty much any social media site.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
September 4, 2019
Post-finale reread: one never quite knows whether a five star book will live up to a second reading. This one did it handily. It isn't just the breathtaking emotional impact of this deep dive into the psyche of the series' twistiest, most morally dubious character, as seen through the naive and horrified eyes of his young protege; it's also the way the disappearance of Athelas cracks open everyone in the cast as they scramble to find and rescue one of their own before he becomes completely lost in his own torment. Beyond that, it's the way this book introduces the greater myth arc of the series; the way it both foreshadows and misdirects from future plot twists; the way Gingell gives us a final chapter so wonderfully healing and delightful and silly to make up for the darkness of everything that comes before; the way you can pick out the EXACT moment (dazed and bleeding, with a biscuit shoved into his mouth) that a certain character loses his heart. I loved it even more the second time around and suspect it could still be my favourite instalment of the whole fabulous series.
--
"I thought you maybe might like that one," she said.
Why yes, I AM just that predictable. I mean this story has all three of my favourite things in it: murder, torture, and shameless (yet demure!) ship teasing. I don't hand out five star ratings often, but this book was a knockout and my very favourite Gingell book yet.
--
EXPANDED REVIEW
I wanted to write a more indepth review of the CITY BETWEEN series so far, because Book 3 was a solid 5-star for me, and it very rarely happens these days that a book sweeps me off my feet, brings literal tears to my eyes and stays with me for days in a bittersweet ache. Especially on a very first read - since I am one of those people for whom familiarity enhances rather than detracts from an experience.
I'm four books into this series, and there's so much I love about it. The Hobartian setting, the Aussie slang, the off-the-cuff references to things like "The Highwayman", the weird urban fantasy version of Faerie which nevertheless is strongly evocative of the classic Faerie of English folklore that you remember so fondly from Dunsany and Gaiman and Susanna Clarke, and the central conceit of the story which is that if you get the knack of looking at the daylight world in just the right way, you'll suddenly spot something much wilder and more mysterious behind. On top of that, while each story tends to be its own self-contained little adventure, there are bigger revelations along the way - and within four books we see a much larger and more epic plot arc taking shape. The format was strongly reminiscent of serial TV storytelling in the best possible way: come for the weekly adventure, stay for the big mysteries that keep reeling you in.
As an author myself, this series was both challenging and inspiring. It's about a girl being kept as a rather literal pet by two fae and a vampire who have settled in her house to investigate crimes committed by other "Behindkind". Pet refers to them as her owners, and while that may be offputting to some readers, note carefully that Pet has another guardian figure in her life who strongly objects to all this - we're supposed to find it wrong. Personally, one of the things I'm most in awe of in this series is that although Pet's relationship with her "psychos" matures over time and they start coming to appreciate and trust her more, the psychos never stop being psychos. Wendee walks the knife-edge here: she makes you love and barrack for these characters, but she doesn't blunt the edge of their bloodlust, their lack of empathy or their cold sense of superiority to humans. And I love it.
Another thing I love: the way this book absolutely drips with chemistry among the central castmembers. Personally my favourite among all the dynamics is Pet and JinYeong - they really are on the same level when it comes to childishness, and I can't tell you how much I relish the contrast between JinYeong's outrageous attractiveness and Pet's utter immunity to said attractiveness. There's one exchange where she tells him to get out of the way because he's blocking her view, and he responds with "I am the view" and I just about woke everyone in the house cackling. There are also moments with the other psychos, too, and it all goes to show something I've only recently realised: that books without a romance in them are free to ship-tease the heroine with literally anyone. I won't let on any of the hints I've picked up from discussing Pet's romantic prospects with Wendee and just generally being friends, but so far the series has kept Pet pretty heart-whole while exploring and teasing all sorts of other kinds of relationship, and I love it so much.
Wendee often teases me for liking dark stories and characters who are tormented or fallen from grace, and somewhat predictably, Book 3 was my favourite of the whole series so far for basically those very reasons. But while she and I are called to write very different stories, I've always suspected there's a lot more darkness lurking under the bright surfaces of her worlds than she sometimes lets on. CITY BETWEEN isn't just entertainment with intermittent gore. It has a dark core of meaning that repeatedly peaks into incisive commentary, on how people treat each other as inferior, as things, as pets. Pet herself, starved of affection, comes to love her psychos; in one of the books there's a gutwrenching exchange with another girl in a similar position, where they hope together that if their fae protectors can come to love and respect one human, they might ultimately learn to love and respect all humans. The tension here between love as enduring someone's casual contempt uncomplainingly versus love as fighting to open someone's eyes to their own faults is incredibly powerful.
Book 3 is definitely my favourite of the whole series so far, so let me try to say something about that. As I hinted, it's predictably the darkest and most intense of the books as we get a glimpse of just how ruthless the psychos can be and how vulnerable Pet is. It would have been easy to do this in a way that would have been unbearably dark, but instead... I don't know that I can say much that's terribly coherent about this book except that it bodyslammed me in the emotions and now I want to listen to the Waifs' "Lion and Gazelle" on repeat just to relive the complicated feels.
Hugely entertaining and addictive, the CITY BETWEEN series nevertheless conceals unexpected depths. I can't wait for Book 5 to publish.
--
"I thought you maybe might like that one," she said.
Why yes, I AM just that predictable. I mean this story has all three of my favourite things in it: murder, torture, and shameless (yet demure!) ship teasing. I don't hand out five star ratings often, but this book was a knockout and my very favourite Gingell book yet.
--
EXPANDED REVIEW
I wanted to write a more indepth review of the CITY BETWEEN series so far, because Book 3 was a solid 5-star for me, and it very rarely happens these days that a book sweeps me off my feet, brings literal tears to my eyes and stays with me for days in a bittersweet ache. Especially on a very first read - since I am one of those people for whom familiarity enhances rather than detracts from an experience.
I'm four books into this series, and there's so much I love about it. The Hobartian setting, the Aussie slang, the off-the-cuff references to things like "The Highwayman", the weird urban fantasy version of Faerie which nevertheless is strongly evocative of the classic Faerie of English folklore that you remember so fondly from Dunsany and Gaiman and Susanna Clarke, and the central conceit of the story which is that if you get the knack of looking at the daylight world in just the right way, you'll suddenly spot something much wilder and more mysterious behind. On top of that, while each story tends to be its own self-contained little adventure, there are bigger revelations along the way - and within four books we see a much larger and more epic plot arc taking shape. The format was strongly reminiscent of serial TV storytelling in the best possible way: come for the weekly adventure, stay for the big mysteries that keep reeling you in.
As an author myself, this series was both challenging and inspiring. It's about a girl being kept as a rather literal pet by two fae and a vampire who have settled in her house to investigate crimes committed by other "Behindkind". Pet refers to them as her owners, and while that may be offputting to some readers, note carefully that Pet has another guardian figure in her life who strongly objects to all this - we're supposed to find it wrong. Personally, one of the things I'm most in awe of in this series is that although Pet's relationship with her "psychos" matures over time and they start coming to appreciate and trust her more, the psychos never stop being psychos. Wendee walks the knife-edge here: she makes you love and barrack for these characters, but she doesn't blunt the edge of their bloodlust, their lack of empathy or their cold sense of superiority to humans. And I love it.
Another thing I love: the way this book absolutely drips with chemistry among the central castmembers. Personally my favourite among all the dynamics is Pet and JinYeong - they really are on the same level when it comes to childishness, and I can't tell you how much I relish the contrast between JinYeong's outrageous attractiveness and Pet's utter immunity to said attractiveness. There's one exchange where she tells him to get out of the way because he's blocking her view, and he responds with "I am the view" and I just about woke everyone in the house cackling. There are also moments with the other psychos, too, and it all goes to show something I've only recently realised: that books without a romance in them are free to ship-tease the heroine with literally anyone. I won't let on any of the hints I've picked up from discussing Pet's romantic prospects with Wendee and just generally being friends, but so far the series has kept Pet pretty heart-whole while exploring and teasing all sorts of other kinds of relationship, and I love it so much.
Wendee often teases me for liking dark stories and characters who are tormented or fallen from grace, and somewhat predictably, Book 3 was my favourite of the whole series so far for basically those very reasons. But while she and I are called to write very different stories, I've always suspected there's a lot more darkness lurking under the bright surfaces of her worlds than she sometimes lets on. CITY BETWEEN isn't just entertainment with intermittent gore. It has a dark core of meaning that repeatedly peaks into incisive commentary, on how people treat each other as inferior, as things, as pets. Pet herself, starved of affection, comes to love her psychos; in one of the books there's a gutwrenching exchange with another girl in a similar position, where they hope together that if their fae protectors can come to love and respect one human, they might ultimately learn to love and respect all humans. The tension here between love as enduring someone's casual contempt uncomplainingly versus love as fighting to open someone's eyes to their own faults is incredibly powerful.
Book 3 is definitely my favourite of the whole series so far, so let me try to say something about that. As I hinted, it's predictably the darkest and most intense of the books as we get a glimpse of just how ruthless the psychos can be and how vulnerable Pet is. It would have been easy to do this in a way that would have been unbearably dark, but instead... I don't know that I can say much that's terribly coherent about this book except that it bodyslammed me in the emotions and now I want to listen to the Waifs' "Lion and Gazelle" on repeat just to relive the complicated feels.
Hugely entertaining and addictive, the CITY BETWEEN series nevertheless conceals unexpected depths. I can't wait for Book 5 to publish.
September 7, 2020
This is third in an Urban Fantasy-ish series and has plot and character arcs that span novels. So read in order.
You know about what you're getting by this time with Pet and her psychos. This one picks up right where the other left off and that makes for a slower start, frankly. Tuatha and Pet walking the Between got old for me pretty quickly and it felt like it'd never end. And the story didn't pick up very well afterwards, either. I was still engaged, mind. But I put the book down for a couple days in the middle and that's never a good sign.
That said, the last half+ was a fast-paced mystery that gripped me tight and didn't let go. There are some good character developments, some with some heft to them, and that was nice. There are a couple of unexplained phenomenon that I'm sure will come up later, too.
So I'm pretty good with both the book and the series, though this drops to 3½ stars that I'm tentatively rounding to four. A few too many diversions that don't wrap in this story make it seem a bit wandery, even when the pace kicked up.
A note about Chaste: There was a non-romantic kiss in this one, but that doesn't change that there's zero sex, explicit or not, so this is still strongly chaste. And yeah, you'll have to read to find out how you get a non-romantic kiss... 😊
You know about what you're getting by this time with Pet and her psychos. This one picks up right where the other left off and that makes for a slower start, frankly. Tuatha and Pet walking the Between got old for me pretty quickly and it felt like it'd never end. And the story didn't pick up very well afterwards, either. I was still engaged, mind. But I put the book down for a couple days in the middle and that's never a good sign.
That said, the last half+ was a fast-paced mystery that gripped me tight and didn't let go. There are some good character developments, some with some heft to them, and that was nice. There are a couple of unexplained phenomenon that I'm sure will come up later, too.
So I'm pretty good with both the book and the series, though this drops to 3½ stars that I'm tentatively rounding to four. A few too many diversions that don't wrap in this story make it seem a bit wandery, even when the pace kicked up.
A note about Chaste: There was a non-romantic kiss in this one, but that doesn't change that there's zero sex, explicit or not, so this is still strongly chaste. And yeah, you'll have to read to find out how you get a non-romantic kiss... 😊
February 9, 2019
I would have read this in one sitting if possible. Sadly, sleep must be slept, and meals must be cooked. What a delight to return to the bizarre world of life on the edge of the Between through the eyes of a teen girl known as "Pet," or live-in cook and housekeeper, to two powerful fae and a sulky vampire.
In this story, Pet and the police detective narrowly escape from the Between; Athelas, the refined, mysterious, tea-loving fae, has disappeared; and Pet starts having weird dreams. Much violence, mayhem, and humor ensues for Pet and her three "psychos."
If you have not yet read a Gingell book, waste no time. Don't start here, of course--pick up book 1 in the series!
In this story, Pet and the police detective narrowly escape from the Between; Athelas, the refined, mysterious, tea-loving fae, has disappeared; and Pet starts having weird dreams. Much violence, mayhem, and humor ensues for Pet and her three "psychos."
If you have not yet read a Gingell book, waste no time. Don't start here, of course--pick up book 1 in the series!
August 19, 2021
(second reread, September 2025, five stars):
All the foreshadowing, application of lore, forward motion of character arcs, and gradual revelations in this book are incredibly crafted. And every time I reread this series, I love Pet more as the protagonist; she has such a catchy, spirited voice with equal parts cheekiness and compassion.
This series holds up on every reread.
ORIGINAL REVIEW (first read August 2021, five stars):
Well, I guess I’m a fan now.
Highlights of this book:
-Pet snarking at JinYeong in Korean
-Pet crying over Athelas
-Pet hugging JinYeong
-JinYeong comforting Pet
-Pet and JinYeong annoying each other (is it my imagination, or is JinYeong starting to grow on me?)
-Pet giving Zero a hug
-Zero being worried about his friends (yes, you emotionally constipated fae lord, they are your friends!)
“I don’t reckon he knew how defeated he looked with his back to me, shoulders dropped. Just now, he didn’t look like a high and mighty fae who could crush the world of humans with a look. He looked like a human who had lost a friend and didn’t know what to do or where to turn.” (45%)
Before reading this series, I didn’t think urban fantasy could possibly explore themes with any depth. But this book, and this series, dives deep into themes of relationships and even objective truth. I am still thinking about all the layers and eager for a reread.
“If it only depends on your point of view, what’s actually the truth?” (23%)
This book is like a mix of N.D. Wilson (with all the wild creativity and believable character reactions to said weirdness) and Artemis Fowl (with the fae, fae “police,” and the fact that the Behindkind don’t like to protect humans at their own expense).
I’m confused about everything that happened plot-wise (perhaps because I read it so fast), but this is a really excellent book.
Content: Violence, including torture. Two characters of the opposite gender sleep in the same bed and “kiss” later in the book (it’s very hard to explain since it’s not sexual in any way, but it’s still weird, awkward, and not super appropriate).
All the foreshadowing, application of lore, forward motion of character arcs, and gradual revelations in this book are incredibly crafted. And every time I reread this series, I love Pet more as the protagonist; she has such a catchy, spirited voice with equal parts cheekiness and compassion.
This series holds up on every reread.
ORIGINAL REVIEW (first read August 2021, five stars):
Well, I guess I’m a fan now.
Highlights of this book:
-Pet snarking at JinYeong in Korean
-Pet crying over Athelas
-Pet hugging JinYeong
-JinYeong comforting Pet
-Pet and JinYeong annoying each other (is it my imagination, or is JinYeong starting to grow on me?)
-Pet giving Zero a hug
-Zero being worried about his friends (yes, you emotionally constipated fae lord, they are your friends!)
“I don’t reckon he knew how defeated he looked with his back to me, shoulders dropped. Just now, he didn’t look like a high and mighty fae who could crush the world of humans with a look. He looked like a human who had lost a friend and didn’t know what to do or where to turn.” (45%)
Before reading this series, I didn’t think urban fantasy could possibly explore themes with any depth. But this book, and this series, dives deep into themes of relationships and even objective truth. I am still thinking about all the layers and eager for a reread.
“If it only depends on your point of view, what’s actually the truth?” (23%)
This book is like a mix of N.D. Wilson (with all the wild creativity and believable character reactions to said weirdness) and Artemis Fowl (with the fae, fae “police,” and the fact that the Behindkind don’t like to protect humans at their own expense).
I’m confused about everything that happened plot-wise (perhaps because I read it so fast), but this is a really excellent book.
Content: Violence, including torture. Two characters of the opposite gender sleep in the same bed and “kiss” later in the book (it’s very hard to explain since it’s not sexual in any way, but it’s still weird, awkward, and not super appropriate).
February 1, 2019
Due to my rapid progress in learning Korean, thanks to the 3 lessons provided by WR Gingell I plan to do this review of her latest offering in Korean.
****But please note: T&C's do apply (as indicated below)***** !!!No don't look !!!
So sit back, get yourself in the zone, relax and prepare to be amazed my review will begin in 5...4...3...2...1 press spoiler now
No! don't touch until after the review ....You were warned!!
****T&C's****
****But please note: T&C's do apply (as indicated below)***** !!!No don't look !!!
So sit back, get yourself in the zone, relax and prepare to be amazed my review will begin in 5...4...3...2...1 press spoiler now
No! don't touch until after the review ....You were warned!!
****T&C's****
February 3, 2019
Another fantastic installment by Gingell! (But really, who's surprised?) If you haven't tried this series yet, you're missing out. (And with Gingell releasing a book in it every six months or possibly less, there's always the pleasure of a short wait to a new release...)
October 4, 2021
My favorite of this series so far (I say that about all of them) // ACK this one was intense!!! // Pet's relationship growing with all three of her psychos is fun to watch // Jin-Yeong is more complex than I guessed // ATHELAS IS MY FAVORITE // Love Zero, too
April 8, 2024
Stars: 5 out of 5.
I love the interactions between our four not-so-human characters, and I would argue that despite everything that Zero and co tells her, Pet isn't quite human either.
Speaking of Pet, she grows by leaps and bounds both in her ability to manipulate Between and in her maturity. She is eager to learn more about this dangerous world that she didn't even know existed alongside her human everyday world. She also shows and impressive resilience and strong moral compass. I also love that she doesn't give up on friends she made in previous books, like Daniel the werewolf who was hurt at the end of last book.
I think the fact that she knew her trying to rescue Athelas would result in painful death, but that didn't prevent her from trying to do that over and over again says a lot about her character and how loyal she is to the people she cares about. Because no matter what she says, she has come to consider those three psychos as part of her family, or at least a group of weird, but close friends, just like the mad bloke that has followed her around since her childhood.
We also get more inklings about the main theme of the series - the fae and their treatment of humans. I think Pet realizes more and more that she can't simply stand aside and close her eyes on the abuse, that she needs to take a stand, even if it is dangerous and an enormous undertaking.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
I love the interactions between our four not-so-human characters, and I would argue that despite everything that Zero and co tells her, Pet isn't quite human either.
Speaking of Pet, she grows by leaps and bounds both in her ability to manipulate Between and in her maturity. She is eager to learn more about this dangerous world that she didn't even know existed alongside her human everyday world. She also shows and impressive resilience and strong moral compass. I also love that she doesn't give up on friends she made in previous books, like Daniel the werewolf who was hurt at the end of last book.
I think the fact that she knew her trying to rescue Athelas would result in painful death, but that didn't prevent her from trying to do that over and over again says a lot about her character and how loyal she is to the people she cares about. Because no matter what she says, she has come to consider those three psychos as part of her family, or at least a group of weird, but close friends, just like the mad bloke that has followed her around since her childhood.
We also get more inklings about the main theme of the series - the fae and their treatment of humans. I think Pet realizes more and more that she can't simply stand aside and close her eyes on the abuse, that she needs to take a stand, even if it is dangerous and an enormous undertaking.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
October 6, 2021
okay wow does Gingell know how to write an intriguing ending. o-o
my Thoughts:
• Pet is such a fun narrator to follow, I love hearing her sass at everything around her
• Her relationship with her psychos is going to make me so soft before this series is over, isn't it?
• The mystery element was super cool, I liked it a lot.
• Some stuff was set up for later books that has me very intrigued indeed.
• I just had a really good time and I'm hyped about it. I'll definitely be picking the next one up sooner rather than later!
4 stars from me!
re-read 2023:
okay I can't say what because spoilers but WOW does some stuff about this book hurt in hindsight.😭 (also this is such a brilliant set-up for later stuff I can't even. it's a 5 star on re-read. it just is.)
my Thoughts:
• Pet is such a fun narrator to follow, I love hearing her sass at everything around her
• Her relationship with her psychos is going to make me so soft before this series is over, isn't it?
• The mystery element was super cool, I liked it a lot.
• Some stuff was set up for later books that has me very intrigued indeed.
• I just had a really good time and I'm hyped about it. I'll definitely be picking the next one up sooner rather than later!
4 stars from me!
re-read 2023:
okay I can't say what because spoilers but WOW does some stuff about this book hurt in hindsight.😭 (also this is such a brilliant set-up for later stuff I can't even. it's a 5 star on re-read. it just is.)
February 12, 2019
Yes. I totally binge-read both books 2 and 3 in one day. This series is that good.
This series does not lose steam at all as it goes along. If anything, the books just keep getting better and better. I think I loved book 3 even more than book 2, and I loved book 2!
The stakes are higher in this one. Pet's little family is in danger...and she might be in danger too.
There are hints of more explanations of what is going on in this book. But not even answers to figure out exactly what happened to Pet's parents. We still don't even know her name besides Pet. Yet I don't really care?
It is just soooooo good. I really, really, really can't wait for more in this series!
This series does not lose steam at all as it goes along. If anything, the books just keep getting better and better. I think I loved book 3 even more than book 2, and I loved book 2!
The stakes are higher in this one. Pet's little family is in danger...and she might be in danger too.
There are hints of more explanations of what is going on in this book. But not even answers to figure out exactly what happened to Pet's parents. We still don't even know her name besides Pet. Yet I don't really care?
It is just soooooo good. I really, really, really can't wait for more in this series!
February 17, 2019
In the third installment of the in between series, our heroine Pet continues with her two fae and vampire. This is a unique urban fantasy with a funny main character.
Don’t start with book 3, this series should be read in order. If you want a different urban fantasy with fae, I would start with the first book of this series.
Don’t start with book 3, this series should be read in order. If you want a different urban fantasy with fae, I would start with the first book of this series.
January 29, 2020
In this book we find out a bit more about the shady entity enmeshed in the police department that our group discovered in last book--dubbed the Upper Management. But what are they really after?
As suspected--this group might be controlled by Behindkind, and may have several nefarious plots brewing behind the scenes. However, this time around Upper Management is trying to personally mess with Team Psycho- and the detective- through some underhanded means.
After Athelas goes missing Zero tries his best to keep everyone safe while searching for answers. Meanwhile Pet is given some restrictions, Jinyoung is still being a sulky pain, and Tuatu is trying to work his way around the set-up from the previous book.
With all of this chaos going on Pet has to be even more sneaky in order to stay on the case! Also, widdershins!
As suspected--this group might be controlled by Behindkind, and may have several nefarious plots brewing behind the scenes. However, this time around Upper Management is trying to personally mess with Team Psycho- and the detective- through some underhanded means.
After Athelas goes missing Zero tries his best to keep everyone safe while searching for answers. Meanwhile Pet is given some restrictions, Jinyoung is still being a sulky pain, and Tuatu is trying to work his way around the set-up from the previous book.
With all of this chaos going on Pet has to be even more sneaky in order to stay on the case! Also, widdershins!
June 22, 2021
4.75 stars // read June 2021
...This review really isn't that coherent? Be prepared for rambling. :P
Things I liked:
-The way different characters responded to certain... um, emotionally traumatic.. events.
-More backstory!
-Pet and Jinyeong's relationship progresses from "you're an annoying overgrown mosquito" to "you're still an annoying overgrown mosquito but I can empathize with you more."
-Between this book and a few major spoilery hints that I've somehow managed to come across despite attempts to avoid them, things are clicking together! Still slowly, but they're a-clickin'.
-All of the moments! Pet giving Zero a hug; Pet firing back at Jinyeong in Korean; Detective Tuatu killing the "bugs"-as in, listening devices - with insect spray; Pet and Athelas- actually, let's not talk about Pet and Athelas.
-Pet relies on coffee in order to function. #relatable
-Introduction of a certain character who isn't really developed here but 110% sure that they are going to factor in some way, maybe significantly, in upcoming books. One thing about the City Between series- nobody is extraneous. Everything weaves back into the plot quite nicely and it's fun to see. Like how the dryad pops up again.
-Also the question of, "how do you know what truth is if reality is dependent on your perspective?" It's just briefly mentioned, but a really good philosophical question that arises naturally from the dual nature of stuff in Behind/Between/the human world.
-The whole concept of widdershins. I think it was first brought up when I was partially asleep listening to the audio book and so I kind of missed the explanation. But I somewhat understand the concept and it's pretty interesting.
-The narrator did a fantastic job! I particularly liked how she did Jinyeong speaking English - well, technically, he wasn't speaking English, but the meaning was in English- anyway, I liked that.
-Seriously, these books are so addictive. I may or may not have listened to four hours of this in one day... part of the time when I was supposed to be listening to my church's livestream... eep. I've already started the next book, but it's the last one available on Hoopla... :O
Content:
Violence: Less gory than the last book. Someone is killed multiple times; someone basically kills themself; mentions of torture. Someone is bitten by a vampire while they're awake and it's kind of awkward.
Sensuality: this one is tricky, because there's zero romantic attraction, but there's also a kiss and two characters of the opposite gender sleep in the same bed, but it's completely nonromantic and nothing inappropriate happens? Still kind of awkward.
Language: Nope!
...This review really isn't that coherent? Be prepared for rambling. :P
Things I liked:
-The way different characters responded to certain... um, emotionally traumatic.. events.
-More backstory!
-Pet and Jinyeong's relationship progresses from "you're an annoying overgrown mosquito" to "you're still an annoying overgrown mosquito but I can empathize with you more."
-Between this book and a few major spoilery hints that I've somehow managed to come across despite attempts to avoid them, things are clicking together! Still slowly, but they're a-clickin'.
-All of the moments! Pet giving Zero a hug; Pet firing back at Jinyeong in Korean; Detective Tuatu killing the "bugs"-as in, listening devices - with insect spray; Pet and Athelas- actually, let's not talk about Pet and Athelas.
-Pet relies on coffee in order to function. #relatable
-Introduction of a certain character who isn't really developed here but 110% sure that they are going to factor in some way, maybe significantly, in upcoming books. One thing about the City Between series- nobody is extraneous. Everything weaves back into the plot quite nicely and it's fun to see. Like how the dryad pops up again.
-Also the question of, "how do you know what truth is if reality is dependent on your perspective?" It's just briefly mentioned, but a really good philosophical question that arises naturally from the dual nature of stuff in Behind/Between/the human world.
-The whole concept of widdershins. I think it was first brought up when I was partially asleep listening to the audio book and so I kind of missed the explanation. But I somewhat understand the concept and it's pretty interesting.
-The narrator did a fantastic job! I particularly liked how she did Jinyeong speaking English - well, technically, he wasn't speaking English, but the meaning was in English- anyway, I liked that.
-Seriously, these books are so addictive. I may or may not have listened to four hours of this in one day... part of the time when I was supposed to be listening to my church's livestream... eep. I've already started the next book, but it's the last one available on Hoopla... :O
Content:
Violence: Less gory than the last book. Someone is killed multiple times; someone basically kills themself; mentions of torture. Someone is bitten by a vampire while they're awake and it's kind of awkward.
Sensuality: this one is tricky, because there's zero romantic attraction, but there's also a kiss and two characters of the opposite gender sleep in the same bed, but it's completely nonromantic and nothing inappropriate happens? Still kind of awkward.
Language: Nope!
January 3, 2025
I’ll admit even though I liked book two I DID feel it dragged in parts BUT not so with this one! This one felt close to how I felt about book one with all the weirdness, layered characters, and Pet’s all around awesomeness but also beyond and more then what I’ve seen previously and I super enjoyed it!
The twists and turns, new characters, old characters gaining even more of a personality plus my affection (I’m surprisingly looking at you, JinYeong), and what I’m smelling to be important plot points later on; it’s all so good! JinYeong especially grew on me and the way he was there for Pet (that hug!) was so sweet even though he would undoubtedly rip out my throat for saying that, ha!
I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book as soon as my fickle mood allows!
‼️Content‼️
Language: heck; what the heck; flaming heck; flaming/flamin’
Violence: a fae kills a character in a dream over and over again in a variety of ways (not detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); fighting with weapons, magical powers, and hand to hand (not to semi detailed); a character is kidnapped and tortured by being suspended in the air by a magical substance that makes them bleed (not detailed); creatures want to kill and eat humans (nothing happens)
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed); characters sleep together (not sexually)
Other: fae/vampires/supernatural creatures/beings; magic; magical places/objects/powers; a vampire bites and drinks blood from blood bags and people (not detailed)
The twists and turns, new characters, old characters gaining even more of a personality plus my affection (I’m surprisingly looking at you, JinYeong), and what I’m smelling to be important plot points later on; it’s all so good! JinYeong especially grew on me and the way he was there for Pet (that hug!) was so sweet even though he would undoubtedly rip out my throat for saying that, ha!
I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book as soon as my fickle mood allows!
‼️Content‼️
Language: heck; what the heck; flaming heck; flaming/flamin’
Violence: a fae kills a character in a dream over and over again in a variety of ways (not detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); fighting with weapons, magical powers, and hand to hand (not to semi detailed); a character is kidnapped and tortured by being suspended in the air by a magical substance that makes them bleed (not detailed); creatures want to kill and eat humans (nothing happens)
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed); characters sleep together (not sexually)
Other: fae/vampires/supernatural creatures/beings; magic; magical places/objects/powers; a vampire bites and drinks blood from blood bags and people (not detailed)
August 31, 2019
This series just gets more and more intriguing. I'm binging them all this week because I have no self-control, and I am enjoying every minute.
February 9, 2025
Had some emotional/SCARY moments and hilarious momengs as usual. Poor, wonderful Pet.
October 20, 2023
Re-Re-Read Review: Still my favorite of the series, even now that I know how this series ends. Knowing what happens in books 8-10 just makes this book hit harder. And, wow, this series makes SO much more sense on a re-read once you know what is actually going on, lol.
Also, anyone else catch the parallels between the ending Athelas rampaging down a hallway scene in this book and the similar scene in the end of book 2 of the Athelas sequel series?
Also, anyone else catch the parallels between the ending Athelas rampaging down a hallway scene in this book and the similar scene in the end of book 2 of the Athelas sequel series?
June 29, 2025
My fav so far!
January 13, 2019
Fantastic as always. Character relationship growth to the max. Many moments worthy of melting. Intensity, vulnerability, and you will NEED the next one after the hilarious closing line.
October 27, 2019
This is such a fun series and one that I recommend you listen to in the order of its release, if nothing more than to understand how this young woman came to live with two fae and a vampire as their pet. Well, not their actual pet and hey, not in a kinky way either! Just grab your earbuds and listen you won’t regret it!
I was dying to dive into Between Floors after the ending of Between Shifts and we dive right into and we find the Detective and Pet in the between.
Upon their return, Athelas has gone missing and Pet begins having bizarre dreams. Addictive, dark and twisted I was pulled in as I tried to determine what was real, what was behind and between over and under…ahhhh! Of course no one listens to Pet!
I love Pet and her interaction with JinYeong a Korean speaking vampire. Pet has been learning Korean, but also has begun understanding him more and more. She can’t decide whether he is letting her or something is happening. These two are a hoot together from the teasing to sibling type pranks. The narrator Zehra Jane Naqvi simply nails the snark, tension and affection between these two.
Gingell has created such a fresh, original series. I absolutely adore these characters and the way in which they play off each other. From meaningful conversations to frustrations it all feels genuine.
The Australian setting, slang and narration provided by Zehra Jane Naqvi brings another unique twist to the story for this American. She gives a unique voice to each character and even speaks Korean for JinYeong. Her voice for Pet rings true, although I increase the speed to 1.3x. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I was dying to dive into Between Floors after the ending of Between Shifts and we dive right into and we find the Detective and Pet in the between.
Upon their return, Athelas has gone missing and Pet begins having bizarre dreams. Addictive, dark and twisted I was pulled in as I tried to determine what was real, what was behind and between over and under…ahhhh! Of course no one listens to Pet!
I love Pet and her interaction with JinYeong a Korean speaking vampire. Pet has been learning Korean, but also has begun understanding him more and more. She can’t decide whether he is letting her or something is happening. These two are a hoot together from the teasing to sibling type pranks. The narrator Zehra Jane Naqvi simply nails the snark, tension and affection between these two.
Gingell has created such a fresh, original series. I absolutely adore these characters and the way in which they play off each other. From meaningful conversations to frustrations it all feels genuine.
The Australian setting, slang and narration provided by Zehra Jane Naqvi brings another unique twist to the story for this American. She gives a unique voice to each character and even speaks Korean for JinYeong. Her voice for Pet rings true, although I increase the speed to 1.3x. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
June 24, 2022
What absolute fun! This might be my favorite of the series so far—thanks in part to the deepening characters, the widdershins hallway, and JinYeong’s maddening (but ever entertaining) antics.
(Also, I have a ship, and yes there’s a weirdly huge age gap, but I will stand with it unless future books prove me wrong.)
(Also, I have a ship, and yes there’s a weirdly huge age gap, but I will stand with it unless future books prove me wrong.)
August 26, 2019
4.75 Stars rounded up
January 2, 2023
Another fun installment. This series moves at a fast clip, and I'm really enjoying them so far. On to the next one...
February 1, 2019
Hahaha yes!
Fabulous, clean, interesting, great characters, hilarious, and all around fun! I seriously love these books. The dialogue is great with lovely subcontext meaning which is so enjoyable. Pet is her fabulous self, and her psychos are their unique and fun selves.
If you are looking for a series that is fun, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable I would highly recommend this one - and most other series by this author. Unique stories with great characters.
Fabulous, clean, interesting, great characters, hilarious, and all around fun! I seriously love these books. The dialogue is great with lovely subcontext meaning which is so enjoyable. Pet is her fabulous self, and her psychos are their unique and fun selves.
If you are looking for a series that is fun, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable I would highly recommend this one - and most other series by this author. Unique stories with great characters.
February 2, 2019
Ok so first I have to say I love this author. Second, I love Pet. Now my only major problem with this series is I WANT IT ALL NOW!!!!! So I’m not so patiently waiting for the next one, the one after that, the one after that etc..etc..so on and so on. Read this series, love it.
September 20, 2019
My favourite so far. One of the fae has been kidnapped, now it’s up to Pet and the other two to track him down. I liked how all characters were included and no one was forgotten. The texts from the detective were funny. I liked the dreams. Not too sure on Pet’s treatment of the vampire.
December 12, 2020
Definitely getting more fond of the books...wonder if it's the torture. :))
Content: torture... D: And a....kiss ;(
Content: torture... D: And a....kiss ;(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
Here’s the cool thing about Athelas, kids. You didn’t trust him. Pet didn’t trust him. No one /should/ have trusted him. And after this book you know more than ever not to trust him, and about a certain side of him, and it’s like being shown the worst of someone early on so if you fall in love it’s ALL YOUR OWN FAULT.
I think what makes Athelas so awful is part of why I like him so much. /I/ don’t know how it works.
This book is kind of perfect structure-wise. It’s by far my favorite of the City Between books, and honestly what a character Pet is??? She’s not just highly amusing and highly pitiable, she’s stubborn and loving and BRAVE. And not a whiner. I love characters who aren’t whiners so much, lol.
Sandman is one of my favorite monsters! Also JinYeong and Pet annoying each other never gets old! I love this book too much for words! This is the book where the series Had Me. And there are /so many/ double meanings when you have hindsight and know what they mean. So much significance and...foreshadowing and not foreshadowing but mirroring of future events? A book that demands to be read twice to be fully enjoyed is my personal favorite kind of book.
I waffled on giving it five stars because I don’t really see how it could be any better, but eh. Four for now. I’ll reread some day.
I think what makes Athelas so awful is part of why I like him so much. /I/ don’t know how it works.
This book is kind of perfect structure-wise. It’s by far my favorite of the City Between books, and honestly what a character Pet is??? She’s not just highly amusing and highly pitiable, she’s stubborn and loving and BRAVE. And not a whiner. I love characters who aren’t whiners so much, lol.
Sandman is one of my favorite monsters! Also JinYeong and Pet annoying each other never gets old! I love this book too much for words! This is the book where the series Had Me. And there are /so many/ double meanings when you have hindsight and know what they mean. So much significance and...foreshadowing and not foreshadowing but mirroring of future events? A book that demands to be read twice to be fully enjoyed is my personal favorite kind of book.
I waffled on giving it five stars because I don’t really see how it could be any better, but eh. Four for now. I’ll reread some day.
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