Well, I was a pet: I used to belong to two fae and a stroppy vampire. Now I'm homeless. I mean, I was always technically homeless, but this time it's different.
I just got used to having some kind of family, and now we're back to everyone wanting to kill each other--and guess who the weak link is?
I'll give you a hint: it's not the vampire, and it's sure as heck not the fae.
W.R. Gingell is a Tasmanian 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.
W.R. spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and slouching in front of the fire to write. Like Peter Pan, she never really grew up, and is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
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Post-finale reread: I do love a story that justifies its tropes, and BETWEEN HOMES does that beautifully. In this book Pet is determined to strike out on her own, refusing to accept the sort of protection that refuses to consult her wishes or conscience but just expects her to obey in silence. It seems a bit reductive to say this, but in a lot of ways this series really does seem to be engaging with what it's like to grow up as a woman in the conservative church, deeply loving the men around you even as you struggle to find an identity and a voice independently of them. Of course, the applicability of the series goes far beyond that - this is firmly in the subtext and the closest we get to an overt reference to religion is the holy water Pet is always threatening to put in the vampire's food - but the particularly powerful thing about the series is how it handles trying to assert your humanity with people you're bound to, people who in conscience you must recognise as brothers, people who you see have the capacity to change. I honestly don't know another series that does this, and it's part of what makes the feels in this book so particularly poignant.
That, and the immortal exchange -
"My body is a weapon." - "So is your flamin' perfume!"
--
There's a scene in this book where two attractively paranormal blokes start fighting each other over our vulnerable female protagonist. One wants to attack her; the other is defending her and it's this massive, explosive moment in the story. I keep thinking of how many times - mostly in trashy vintage swashbucklers by Rafael Sabatini or trashy contemporary YA romances like TWILIGHT - I've seen something like this happen, and how much a part of me always loves it. And yet, there's always a problem with it. It always seems fairly over the top and forced, usually because all the characters have the hots for each other and are just doing this on the basis of some silly, momentary infatuation.
Yeah? Yeah. So in this book...IT WORKS.
It's all catnip, no niggling sense of idiocy.
And there are probably a few reasons for this, but probably the main reason is that in these books, the hots have been surgically removed, leaving deep, genuine, complicated relationships. Pet's relationships with the paranormal blokes in her life are, on her side at least () genuinely platonic, in the sense that she clearly cares for them deeply in a completely non-erotic manner.
Which means that this book is a peculiar thing: it reads like a romance (or rather: like I WISH romances read), just...without any romance. (At least, without OVERT romance. One of my favourite things about this series is HOW MUCH emotion Wendee packs into the TINIEST details - like a button left undone, or the changing shade of someone's eyes. Heck, it takes absolutely rock-solid character work to be able to do that at all).
And that ENDING. HEARTBREAKING. NOOOO.
A year ago when I started reading this series with the first book, I decided it was Wendee's best so far. Now I consider it the weakest in a series that has exploded every expectation. Wonderful stuff.
This is fifth in a UF series that builds character and plot arcs over time so I definitely recommend reading in order.
And yeah, I'm binging on these somewhat. What can I say, it's a long weekend and The Book of Destiny is due out in hours so I need something to distract me!
Anyway, by this time in a series, you know if you're in or not and this one does such a fantastic job with the plot and a spanking pace and I love that Pet is starting to gain confidence and a better feel for her place in the mixed up world she lives in. Also, the worldbuilding comes in with a decent reason why this area of Tasmania has become such a hotbed of Behindkind activity.
There are some excellent character moments in this and I was engaged throughout. I particularly liked the development with Pet and her psychos coming to something like an understanding. I can't wait to see how that develops going forward. So yeah, five stars and I'm still all-in.
A note about Chaste: I'm happy to say that there continues to be no romance, let alone sex. So it's "chaste", but in a way that it doesn't really matter. I'm a bit nervous about the pretty wheelchair boy who is looking like a potential romance interest, but that's very downplayed so far.
I should have made this book last, but I was an absolute GLUTTON and read the whole thing in one sitting. How I am supposed to wait for the next one is beyond me.
“Don’t think I’ve ever been normal,” I said. “Not much use starting now."
A lot is going down in this one!
Pet is out of the house and staying with lycanthrope Daniel, and her new friend Morgana. Now the new house in itself is strange- what with the 'kids' running around and staying out of sight as well as Morgana's seemingly absent parents. But as usual Pet kind of just rolls with the...unusual.
However, leaving the safety of the nest hasn't stopped Behindkind from seeking Pet out. These visits come from the shady Upper management, and a new client by the moniker North (As in the North Wind)
She asks for Pets help in dissolving a contract between Behindkind and a human girl- but shes not the only one one the case. With Zero and Altheas working a different angle it's up to Pet and her friends (plus JinYeong coming over to her side) they have to stay out of harms way while throwing themselves into trouble.
• Daniel is the Concerned and Protective Big Brother and I love it so much. • The Sneaky Mosquito and Pet are actually friends now… • Morgana educating Pet about makeup was hilarious. • JinYeong…oh, good grief. What a peacock. (He nearly made me choke on my dinner a couple times.) But okay, I admit it: he is growing on me. • It’s becoming more and more obvious that Zero actually does care for Pet! Aww! • THE HUGS!
This book has more evident themes of prejudice and not dehumanizing others, and it is brilliant. In Between Jobs, Pet was so starved for interaction that she snapped up the chance to be a pet, to be cared for in the barest way. But now she’s learning to stand on her own and how to cultivate good relationships with others, ones where she is truly valued and not taken advantage of. And none of this occurs too rapidly to be unbelievable.
“Because Athelas and even sometimes Zero, had begun to call me she instead of it.”
As I continue through this series, I’m seeing more and more how no character is extraneous, and I absolutely love that. Things are slowly building on each other and meandering agonizingly until the brilliant, jaw-dropping revelations emerge.
Every aspect of this series is written with care, and my jaw has dropped numerous times at the author’s skill.
I don’t know how I got to loving this series so much, but I most certainly do love it. Well done, W.R. Gingell.
Content: references to a kiss between characters, another kiss between said characters, violence and gore (the gore is again not quite as heavy as in earlier installments)
This series is fantastic. Every time a new one comes out, I read it within two days no matter what else is going on. I love Pet and all of the other characters, particularly the three psychos. While this book was not as enjoyable as the last one, due to two of the three psychos not being in it as much, this point in the story was very important to Pet's character development.
I'm so excited for when the next book is released and can't wait to see which (if any) of my theories pan out. I'm hoping for Pet and JinYeong to get together, but maybe in the end he'll just be too annoying.
I have provided an honest review after having received an ARC copy of the book from the author.
Tbh, I feel like the only fan here who isn't also a fan of the JinYeoung-and-Pet ship. Pet is genuinely awesome, guys, ESPECIALLY in this book (in the earlier ones there were times when I just got annoyed with her... heheh).
JinYeoung just genuinely annoys me. Like, all the time. Okay, so maaayyybeee I'm a bit biased here, but I have this huge thing against guys-- especially Asian guys-- being called pretty boys because in Asia that is an aCTUAL THING (I know it is everywhere else, too, but that's not what I mean, exactly). And he reminds me way too much of a guy who belongs in a K-Drama. (Okay but seriously, even his dialogue is K-Drama. Believe it or not, I can actually read the romanized Korean, and I can understand it, and... I'm definitely not gonna fault the author for this, since her portrayal of a teenaged vampire that never grew up is pretty spot-on accurate. It's in the book, even.)
Plus I just do not like his general personality, but that's just me, so yeah.
EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT THIS BOOK THOUGH. Wowza. I didn't love it but I liked it. I missed the three psychos in this one (... except for a certain vampire, because I couldn't exactly miss a vampire who's there all the time). Zero and Athelas... *shakes head* Especially Zero. *shakes head again*
Also, I loved reading Pet's interactions with Daniel and his crazy pack. Daniel is awesome and Morgana is just sweet and I really hope we see more of them in the future.
(Btw, every time Pet walks into the coffeeshop and exchanges smiles with a certain merman I have to smile too. Idk why. It's contagious and kind of scary.)
this had such a fun 'amateur detective solving the case' vibe to it but also all the weirdness of between and behind and I really enjoyed that about it
my Thoughts: • i so enjoyed seeing Pet get actual friends outside of the psychos, it's very wholesome and makes me very happy • Pet in general made me very happy in this book she's coming into her own and I love to see it • Daniel has such big brother energy, he's so precious • even more ~foreshadowing~ keeping me very intrigued as to the larger plot • every single character matters, every one comes back in some important way later, and it is amazing • i keep going back on forth on "JinYeong i love you" and "JinYeong you're driving me crazy" • the HUGS mean the absolute world to me AHH
4 stars from me, I can't wait to see what happens next! ((content warning for violence and a few gruesome murder scenes))
re-read 2023: the notes I made while listening to this are completely unhinged and I doubt I'll even know what I'm referencing when I look back at them but that's okay 'cause I'm obsessed. this one is so good on the foreshadowing (and just good on its own, tbh) five stars. I love it.
Another amazing book in this series. So. Much. Fun! Love the characters, love the interactions and ongoing drama between Pet and her Troika--and a few new characters and revelations in the mix. I like JinYeong much more after this book. He is really developing as a character, and he and Pet have a delightful dynamic. The occasional glimpses of Athelas and Zero only whetted my appetite for book #6, which will probably leave me hanging even more painfully--but who cares? I love it! One of my favorite things about W.R. Gingell's writing is her use of subtext. It fascinates me! I have my shipping theories, but I trust the author to satisfy me on that account. And there is so much more food for speculation here! So, here I sit speculating, and counting the months, weeks, and days before the next book releases. :-)
“When a person—are you listening to me, Pet?” “Yeah, yeah, I’m listening,” I said, taking a couple of biscuits in one hand and my coffee in the other. “I really don’t think you are.” “Well, if you’d stop pontificating instead of—” “I hesitate to say so, Pet—” “Yeah? Doesn’t look like it.” “—but you have become even more headstrong and impertinent since you were with us.” “You lot threw me out, so you can’t blame me if I’ve gone to the bad,” I told him.
The Fae rarely change their ways, and Pet wants them to help humans who come to them with problems the Betweenkind are causing them. The events of the last book caused her to stand with her principles and that meant she had to move out and leave her three psychos. But while she’s left them, the Between keeps pulling her back in. Pet is investigating a Betweenkind case, and her paths intersect with not only Zero, but Zero’s father.
I loved how Athelas or Zero won’t ask her to come back, but they clearly want her back.
“And even if I was, how am I supposed to come back? I told you: nothing’s changed.” “You can’t expect us to change all at once, Pet,” he said. “I would have said you can’t expect it at all, but it would seem I have been wrong in that. How can you expect a change when you’re not there to bring it about?”
Tuatu, the human detective, remains a favorite side character. I really hope he gets his own novella.
“I’m helping if you are,” said Tuatu, straightening his shoulders. “It’s just—it’s not fair on you. You should be able to rest now. Get some normal into your life.” “Don’t think I’ve ever been normal,” I said. “Not much use starting now.”
I can’t believe we spent most of the book at Morgana’s house and still don’t know what her deal is. Something isn’t right with the “children”.
I love this series - it’s a lot of fun. It’s free on kindle unlimited. I recommend this series if you’re looking for an urban fantasy heavy on investigation and only a hint of romance to come.
I LOVED this book so much! I adore this series and these characters, and if you haven't picked up this series yet, then what are you waiting for????
This book is so pivotal for Pet. She begins to make healthier choices for boundaries and relationships, which is good. I loved her growing friendship thing with JinYeong in this book (even with that twist thing at the end). I ship them SO hard. I didn't in the some of the earlier books, but he proved he can be sweet and adorable when he wants to be. And do I sense a little angst going on beneath the surface?
The plot in this book is somewhat more straightforward than some of the previous books. Probably because Pet is running her own show in this one instead of simply tagging along and only being given scraps of information to work with. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next books!
I really loved Morgana and Daniel in this book! Morgana seemed like something of a side character in the earlier books, but this book begins to tie together a few of the seemingly random threads from earlier books. Things are starting to come together, and it is going to be simply, breath-takingly amazing when it does!
Second read. I continue to understand so much more on the re-read. Plus, the little cockles of my heart were warmed through as I got to see the found family coming more into place. So many advances in relationships in this one.
First read. I loved this one so much! So much of this book is an exploration of Pet’s relationship with JinYeong. A particular quote that made me giggle “his cologne, tonight, was strong enough to have followed someone into an alley and mugged them...”
So much of the book, we see them getting closer and valuing the other. Starting to treat each other with respect. And then, their relationship breaks. And I don’t fully understand why!
Must read more!!!! This series is getting addicting. And I’m afraid because the last book isn’t published yet and I don’t know when it’s planned!!!
-Some new faces! I'm actually related to a Sarah Palmer so seeing a character with the same name was interesting :P There are some... similarities... between her and Pet that I'm curious about. And also, North! 💕
-This one is probably the least violent/gory of the series? There's a detailed description of a long-dead corpse, and a certain vampire gets beaten to a pulp, but that's really about it.
-One of my favorite parts about this series is the different slang (does Australian count as a foreign language?). Some of the expressions are so cute, like "sticky-beak."
-A lot of things I really enjoyed: the glimpses of the house, all the great quotes, Pet and JinYeong, future hints, Daniel and Morgana... I wasn't sure how everything was going to be resolved, but it did wind up satisfactorily. (and less cliffhanger-y than I expected!) Speaking of which...
-I'm going to take a slight break before starting the next book, mostly due to lack of sleep. This series is addictive and I've definitely wandered into "obsessed fangirl" range but at the same time I don't want to burn myself out on it.
Um can my review be just about how much I love Jin yeong? Because I love him!!! I really loved this book in the series. We get to see pet take charge even more and become more then just a pet and like the previous books more gets unraveled adding to my evidence pile. Can't wait to read the next.
I know I say this each time, but this is my favorite book of the Between series. I love how Pet grows and matures and learns to be her own person in this book. I also love the way all of the relationships evolved. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This was the best book in the series so far, at least in my opinion. Mostly because the ending of the last book brought home that it's not all fun and games anymore. Pet made a serious choice and must live with the consequences in this book. I'm glad to see that she is sticking to her guns and decides to do what's right, and to help where she can, even if she doesn't have the looming presence (and protection) of two fae and a vampire at her back. Well, she has the vampire eventually, but that's a different story.
I love that Pet continues to accumulate friends and found family around herself. Now she has Morgana and Daniel, and a whole werewolf pack to book, and mysterious kids on the roof of a mysterious house. I think this ability to empathize and make friends with the underdogs is her real magical power, not the fact that she can pull stuff out of Between into human world. She has a keen sense as to who is fundamentally a good person even if they did something stupid or harmful, and who isn't, and she hasn't been wrong so far.
The two cases that are investigated in this book are also very interesting. One is a killer that attacks fae and that nobody can see it seems, and the other is the case of a child that the Behindkind took a particular interest to. We learn a bit more about heirlings and harbringers and maybe who Pet really is and why she and her parents lived like they did. Hopefully, this will be explored further in consecutive books.
I also liked that Pet managed to get her point across to Zero in the end and explain why helping humans mistreated by Behindkind maters to her. And maters enough that she was willing to live her home and the safety that the Troika offered her because staying would have betrayed her moral principles on that matter.
I swear, these books just keep getting better and better! There's so much growth in Pet's character, as she navigates the world away from the protection of Zero, and the comfort of her house. But her house isn't ready for her to leave. We learn a little more about Pet's strange connection to the house itself, and what that means when she's no longer living there. This peculiar situation raises questions about Pet's origins, and who she really is, in the grand scheme of things. I look forward to seeing more of this explored in future books.
Though I loved Between Homes, I have to say that I missed Zero and Athelas! I definitely understand the way the story went, and how they needed to take on a smaller role in this book, but it remains that I missed them (especially Zero, after that gorgeous scene with him and Pet near the end of Between Floors).
Honestly, the JinYeong and Pet content makes up for the absence of the other two psychos. Their relationship develops into something almost sweet at times. It's wonderful to see how they grow together and collaborate. Pet may not realise it, but there's something going on beneath the surface, the extent of which is yet to be seen (and whether or not it turns out to be tipped more to one side than the other). I love the way their interactions are written.
The case that Pet investigates is compelling and exposes a lot more of whats going on Behind the scenes (see what I did there? :P) We get a glimpse into some serious high-level meddling and hints of how the mystery of Pet's parents and Zero's past might fit together. W.R. Gingell is a master of the build-up and the gradual peeling back of layers, and it really shines in this book.
I'm planning to revisit all five books before the release of the 6th next year, this time in audio format! They're honestly that good! Read them and find out for yourself!
I wasn't sure about this series to start with, but hey, it was on Kindle Unlimited and I needed a book to read. Plus, that cover is pretty eye-catching in a dark and gritty urban fantasy kind-of-way. In spite of the blurb promising that it wasn't weird weird, it sounded weird weird. Was this some sort of BDSM reverse harem? Not that I'm knocking it. If that's your thing, you do you, boo.
This book didn’t disappoint I cannot wait for the next book in the series as we peel back the the onion that is Pets life and history and melt the icebergs that are the three physcos
Update: You know, after thinking about it, if Jin Yeong was going to title this story, it would definitely be -- Between Suits. #justsayin'
What is it about this series?? Addiction and unable to think of or do anything else while a story remains unfinished is putting it lightly. Just glad I’m not the only one, lol.
YES!! This book was amazing! First of all, go Pet....secondly, I'm loving the strong found family vibes from this book, especially, and was very impressed at the resolution. :)
There are multiple reasons this is one of my favorites, but one of the biggest is North Wind and her backstory. I really love it actually. I had feelings and stuff. Save us.
Also more Morgana and Daniel is ALWAYS a good thing. And Pet being clever and cheeky. And Pet and JinYeong bonding! And JinYeong being grouchy because being friends with people is hard!
Me the first time I read this (commenting on the state of JinYeong’s heart): Hang on, what?! That’s so weird. Me now: It’s still weird but…*pulls popcorn close* boy is it ever entertaining
I really dig Athelas in this one too: his complete inability to understand Pet. She’s merely exchanged one form of debt for another, in his view. I love him. I love the way he’s written.
Despite not being at home, the behindkind have no difficulty finding Pet and seeking her help. A new client by the name of North (aka North Wind). North wants Pets help to dissolve a contract between a human girl and a behindkind. It turns out Zero and Altheas are also working the case. Of course both approach the case a different way. The tale that unfolds was well written with delightful interactions ad unexpected aid from someone in the house.
The story has a little romance but its subtle. Pet’s interactions with Jin Yeong have me hoping for more, but what’s up between Pet and Zero. I laughed at how Altheas and Zero clearly want Pet to return home, but neither has the nerve to ask her!
The characters drive the story and each has their own unique personality, even secondary characters like our client and the human detective, Tuatu. He is one of my favorites. Daniel’s home was a curiosity and added to the tale. Gingell has a wonderful imagination and I love the worlds and cases.
This series is best listened to in the order of its release. You can find the ebooks in Kindle Unlimited and upgrade to audio. Zehra Jane Naqvi narrates the series and has brought these characters to life. She captures the tone and mannerism of Pet to perfection.
I love this series. This one is more about character development and advancement of certain overall story arc elements than action but there is still plenty of that as well. Pet grows up a bit in this one. She's a little disillusioned but also learns the importance of compromise, that the real world (behind, between or here) requires you realize you don't live in a perfect or absolute world, and how to stand up for herself.
This provided a glimpse of what a relationship between Pet and the vampire could be like. Interesting indeed. But I'm glad it hasn't been set in stone. She's not ready for an intense relationship with the vampire. Also, the coffee shop hacker is an intriguing character and it would be very interesting to see that develop away from the trio dynamic.
Not my favorite of the series. You don't get much of two of the three psychos but an important book. Still a joy. Plenty of questions still; the house is becoming a character all its own.