The Between

by David Hofmeyr

In this rip-roaring, world-bending adventure across the grand multiverse, one girl will stop at nothing to bring her best friend home.

Seventeen-year-old Ana Moon is having a rough week. It starts with a fight after school, then suspension, followed by mandatory psych visits. Still, Ana hopes therapy will help her with another problem--the disturbing feeling that someone, or something, is following her.

Then, during a shocking train crash, life goes from bad to bizarre. In the space of mere seconds, Ana's best friend is gone—taken right in front of her eyes by an incredible, terrifying beast.

Seeking answers, Ana joins forces with the mysterious Malik and his covert clan to find her friend and return home. But there's a larger war under way, and unimaginable evil lurks in the shadows. If they hope to make it home, Ana and her friends must gather the strength to fight—or face the collapse of the universe as they know it.

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Dystopia

377 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2020

About the author

David Hofmeyr is the award-winning author of The Between and Stone Rider, which has been sold in 17 territories. He was born in South Africa in 1972 and lives in London.

In 2013, David graduated from Bath Spa University with an MA in Writing for Young People. His first book, Stone Rider, was published in 2015.

His books are published by Penguin in the UK, Australia and the Commonwealth, Random House (Delacorte Press) in the US and Canada, Gallimard Jeunesse in France, and DTV in Germany.

In 2016, he won the prestigious Prix Pepites as well as the Grand Prix de l'imaginaire in France. He was also shortlisted for the Branford Boase award.

Reviews

[A.V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. That was tiresome. Tl;dnr: Generic YA in multiverses with all the YA shortcuts. Look no further.

Tiresome and basic. Simple. Unimaginative. See? I can repeat myself using different synonyms just like the MC. Also, I'm sorry, but -- why does the private school privileged girl with a stick up her bum get to be The One™ a la Neo? And all the supporting characters have tragic lower class back stories to teach her a lesson or sommat? Miss me. Throw the insta-romance away too. Your peril means nothing to me. 🙄

[Kara Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fabulous and you should read it. Multiverses. Friendship. Weird creatures. Sword fights. Just get it. You’ll love it.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I've read it like a million times and its so good. I'd rate it for people aged 12+

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Between by David Hofmeyr, 376 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House LLC, New York), 2020. $18

Language: R (80 Swears, 1 ‘F’ word); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Ana Moon is a 17yo girl dealing with the difficulties in her life -- her parents are separated, she has to go to therapy, and she just got in a fight. Through it all, her best friend Bea has been by her side. One day, as Ana and Bea are heading home in the London tube, an impossible event happens. The train slams to a stop and a nightmarish creature takes Bea away while Ana floats in the air helplessly. Ana comes crashing to the floor again, and it soon becomes apparent that she is no longer in her own version of London, but has instead entered an alternate universe version of London. Not only that, but her best friend, Bea, has been taken and Ana has no idea where, or even to which universe, she has been taken. Ana now must journey through multiple universes, finding new friends and new enemies, and discovering her own unique powers, in order to save her friend.

I really liked this book! I feel like this book has all the makings of the next YA fantasy sensation. It is exciting, fast-paced, easy to read, with well written characters and lots of fun twists and turns. The story feels like a combination of “A Wrinkle In Time” and “The Matrix” but is also unique enough in its own way to feel original. I only have small complaints. It struck me as odd that the author decided to use exactly one ‘F’ word. The rest of the swearing is very tame, though there is enough of it that I had to give it an ‘R’ rating for language. Additionally, the title is bland and has almost nothing to do with the plot of the story. I also had some minor complaints about the universe-hopping rules that the novel introduces, but to say much more would get into spoiler territory. However, none of my minor complaints are enough to ruin my enjoyment of the story, which is an absolute blast!

John Rollins – Junior High English Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I surprisingly enjoyed this book. At the beginning I wasn't really getting into it, but I stuck with the story because I really liked Ana. I am glad I did because the scifi/fantasy element worked out in the end!

[Rory · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is so bad man. It was generic and used many tropes that I have seen a thousand times before. At the start of the book I was intrigued as the worldbuilding was interesting enough, but the book is so obvious in the fact a 40yr old white man is writing about a teenage girl. don't read it.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

* 4.5 *
Love love loved it! Fast paced, witty and mind bending. A perfect read to get out of a reading slump! Read it in two days and couldn't put it down.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Thank you Penguin for this book in exchange for an honest review

The Between is one of the best YA Sci-fi books that I have read in a long time! You get to join Ana Moon, a 17 year old girl who lives a relatively normal life until she is attacked and catapulted into another world! Ana has to come to terms with what it is to be a pathfinder and acquire the skills that comes with that responsibility, otherwise she won’t be able to save her kidnapped friend.
Hofmeyr has created an engaging, fast paced, extraordinary adventure that plunges you through the parallel universes as you join Ana in finding her friend. I’m not lying when this book will have you on the edge of your seat mouthing, ‘what the fu*k.’ This book in incredible, well written with intriguing details and one of the best books that I have read and will be putting it back on the tbr shelf to reread again!!!
Can we chat about the world building in this book??!! I mean, it was fricken insane!
I love complex stories that have multiple worlds, realms or realities but I generally find that most authors can write this complexity convincingly but Hofmeyr pulled it off with a bang. There was enough information that you could follow the story with ease, the detail supplied wasn’t overbearing at all but was enough that this sci-fi was easy to grasp and yet still highly entertaining.
Over all the twists and the turns that is The Between was brilliant. I loved all the characters, the plot and the fricken world building was epic! This is one of those sci-fi’s that should be compared to Illuminae. I adored this book, and not to mention the cover is very easy on the eyes and adorable.

[Cicily Issa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books I have read in a very very long time. Dying to find out if there will be a sequel, if not I just might have to write it myself. I want more of this world and Ana’s story. Thank you for this wonderful book David!

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pacing enthralling novel: ☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆ 5 stars for world building and arc building
☆☆☆☆ 4 stars for imagery
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 stars for natural fast pacing
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 stars for character goals
☆☆☆▪︎ 3.5 stars for immediate character development

I totally enjoyed rushing through the pages of this novel.

At some parts I felt that there could have been more to fill in with characters backgrounds. I prefer stories that balance out story building and character affiliation. This one had reasonable relatedness with characters along some dialogues, but not enough shared between all of them. The switching roles of Akuji didn't really affect me though i did see she was meant to follow a "shocking" one. And though she portrayed the silent type, there wasn't much narrative from her which did not shock me *spoiler alert* when later she betrayed everyone. There wasn't enough rapport for her part.

As for Malik, i felt the best and worst thing about him is the sudden intruder approach which later delved into something more like i knew you my whole life kind of thing. I can't deny, *spoiler alert* the protag was more of in conflict with realities and imagination that time was bewildered. The introduction of him was a confusing transition. But later throughout, his development turned more natural and impressive relative to the group, which was appropriate.

Vilhan was more of a bystander in almost full half of the story. His character didn't phase me until the end, where he said some things worthy of strickening the plot.

Ana and Bea. They are the dynamics of the story.

Best thing about the story is that it keeps you tuned to the full you don't feel like stopping to critic it. Great to read around this time of year, days are already moving quick so the novel is really a delight to season the days!

[Cali Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how she ends up with her love and I seriously think that they need to make a movie because I'm in love with the book!

[Arianna Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I needed a good standalone and it delivered. In a fascinating take on the multiverse theory, we see a girl who finds a purpose in her life as she seeks to save her best friend from a person who threatens to destroy all order. It was fast-paced and heartfelt and I very much enjoyed it.

[Vanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoek je nog een leuk, spannend en typische Young Adult met een heldin die doet denken aan Bella Swan en Katniss Everdeen? En heb je geen problemen met Engels? Lees dan verder :

Engelstalig spannend en typisch Young Adult fantasy verhaal over de 17-jarige Ana Moon die zich onbegrepen voelt en zichzelf ziet als een buitenbeentje. Gelukkig heeft ze haar beste vriendin Bea, die ook een buitenbeentje is net als zij. Wanneer ze samen in de metro zijn zien ze een knappe jongen. Vlak daarna lijkt de tijd stil te staan en zweeft Ana door de lucht terwijl ze toekijkt hoe Bea wordt ontvoerd door een eng wezen. Wanneer de tijd verder gaat en ze met een klap op de grond is terechtgekomen, begeeft ze zich in een andere wereld. Een alternatieve versie van haar eigen wereld.

Hier leert Ana dat ze een 'pathfinder' is. Iemand die tussen de werelden van de 7 dimensies kan reizen. Ze wil alles op alles zetten om haar vriendin te redden, want Bea is alles voor haar. Ook als dat betekent dat ze naar de 7de wereld moet reizen; een plek waar niemand ooit van is teruggekeerd.

In essentie is het een vermakelijk verhaal, met een typische YA tiener heldin die zich onbegrepen en eenzaam voelt en zich afzet tegen haar gescheiden ouders. Ze moet haar krachten leren kennen en leert daarbij zichzelf kennen, wordt verliefd en accepteert haar thuissituatie. Het is daarmee een spannend avontuur vol strijd, met een dieper liggende laag over familie en het accepteren van haar eigen thuissituatie en haar ouders (bij Ana gescheiden, bij Bea alleen haar moeder na de dood van haar vader).

Het verhaal is speels ingedeeld in hoofdstukken per wereld die vooraf worden gegaan door een beschrijving van die wereld zoals die staat in het boekje dat Ana krijgt zodra ze voor de eerste keer van een wereld naar de andere gevallen is. Dat is een leuk detail.

Waarom ik dit een typisch YA verhaal noem heeft vooral te maken met Ana. Zij is de standaard jonge, knappe maar klunzige protagoniste die te horen krijgt dat ze niet alleen de wereld, maar het hele multiversum moet gaan redden! Dat er vervolgens links en rechts mensen voor haar sterven omdat ze in haar geloven, terwijl ze ontzettend klunzig is, zijn we wel gewend van de meeste YA in de laatste jaren en daar is niets mis mee. Maar misschien voor de wat meer YA doorgewinterde lezers iets wat de rating wat omlaag haalt. Ik bedoel, als je een superwapen toegewezen krijgt (het wapen kiest de eigenaar.... Harry Potter vibes), en je raakt in gevecht, en het lukt je niet om dat wapen uit de holster te halen tot twee keer toe, en je flikkert voor de zoveelste keer op de grond, en je moet wéér gered worden.... En dan tegen het einde heeft Ana uiteraard ineens alle skills waar de anderen jaren op geoefend hebben onder de knie, en ze kan nog meer ook. Je moet ervan houden, zeg maar. (Ohja, en Bea die alles voor haar is, is aan het eind niet zo heel belangrijk meer? Natuurlijk mag die alles vergeten! Ze is maar 'normaal'. Heb ik toch wat medelijden met haar). Net als dat uiteraard iedereen kan sterven behalve de knappe jongen, waar diepgang in de relatie nogal op de oppervlakte wordt gehouden. Moet je ook van houden ;)

Anderzijds veel bekende YA en jeugdboeken vibes. Denk aan the Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Tomb Raider, Alice in Wonderland, maar ook wat Neil Gaiman (ik bedoel, die ouders aan het eind... als je het leest snap je waarom ik denk aan Coraline). Ik houd daar wel van :)

In de acknowledgements staat dat de schrijver dit geschreven heeft met neefjes en nichtjes in gedachten die tussen twee huizen leven, en dat hij een Alice in Wonderland gevoel eraan wou geven. Dat is zeker gelukt.

3 sterren - vermakelijk, lekkere vibes, een goede standaard YA. Ik ben alleen dit standaard type heldin een beetje zat dus vandaar dat ik wat lager ga zitten, en er zitten wat meer puntjes in (karakters die van accent en spraakmanier veranderen tijdens een hoofdstuk, schrijfmanieren waaraan je merkt dat de auteur een man is zoals wanneer de heldin die aangesproken wordt alsof ze een vent is terwijl ze zo vrouwelijk wordt neergezet). Veelal kleinere dingen. Echt wel vermakelijk, maar ik ben verwend. Ik heb teveel al mogen lezen :)

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably not something I would normally pick up! My husband chose it, we were on a long car trip so he read it aloud and I ended up enjoying it. Although there were a few things I didn't like about it, I was invested enough to want to know what happened, so when we got home halfway through I read the rest. We're stuck home on lockdown and I have lots of work I'm procrastinating, so it was a good way to pass the time.

There were so many (SO MANY) young adult dystopian sci-fi/fantasy tropes that we laughed about starting a bingo sheet. Tom says he doesn't mind that - cliches are familiar! Comforting, in a way! They're used often because they're fun! We noticed influences from lots of popular fiction, particularly The Matrix, but I quite liked the world building and found the idea of the multiverse and the seven linked worlds engaging enough, even if it's a bit derivative. The plot moved along at a breakneck speed with constant action sequences at the expense of much character development (one of my pet peeves), but on the plus side it seemed fairly well-planned and and logical, no obvious gaping holes, and it finished at a good point without a big annoying cliffhanger.

I liked Ana and Bea's friendship and how important it was to both of them, unusual and refreshing in a book like this which usually focuses on romantic relationships. But their conversations felt a bit forced and unrealistic, full of carefully-phrased banter, not a terribly deep or authentic portrayal of a female friendship. Ana in particular was a bit of a stuffed shirt protagonist who didn't have to work hard or in fact do anything to become the effortlessly awesome Chosen One, blah blah. Her internal journey focused a lot on descriptions of her various uncomfortable physical sensations rather than any emotional development. My final gripe is that there were too many long and detailed descriptions of weapons and fight scenes, which I found DULL. But I think male readers would probably enjoy them, and this book generally.

However! Don't let my nitpicking put you off. As I said before, I enjoyed it overall and would probably recommend it to teen readers. Can think of many other books along similar lines with FAR worse writing and plotting.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a big fan of David Hofmeyr’s environmental futuristic adventure novel Stone Rider (2015) and was delighted to hear that, at last, he had a new novel. The Between did not disappoint and is probably aimed at a slightly older age group than its predecessor and is an enticing blend of fantasy, science fiction with a dash of horror. The main characters are two teenage girls Ana and Bea who are best friends and do everything together. After a fight, which was connected to bullying, Ana is suspended from school after another girl ends up in hospital and as the story develops we realise that Ana has a complex family history and their dynamics have resulted in her being seen as slightly odd and introverted. In the early stages there is a train crash where Bea disappears, and Ana believes she was snatched by a monstrous creature which she glimpses in the wreckage. When Ana approaches Bea’s parents they tell her Bea has been dead for a year. What on earth is going on?
Good question! Now things get VERY complex and I am not going to bother going into much detail as I will probably get something get something wrong and it takes time for everything to fall into place. When Ana begins to investigate the disappearance of her best friend, she meets a guy called Malik who explains that we live in one of seven different realities and that Bea has been snatched and taken to one of the others. Certain people ‘Pathfinders’ have the ability to move between the seven worlds and explains that Bea is has the Pathfinder gift but does not know how to harness it. Once the reader gets their head around what is going on this is a very exciting and well written trippy science fiction fantasy novel, with Bea an excellent leading character. Highly recommended. AGE

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sought out this title to review because of the awesome book cover, which perfectly evokes this rollicking adventure in the multiverse. Sixteen year old Ana Moon witnesses her best friend being abducted by a gruesome beast. Then a mysterious young man, Malik, approaches her and informs her that she is a Pathfinder – one of an ancient order of super humans tasked with uniting the seven worlds of the multiverse. The beast that took her friend Bea is a reaper and is controlled by an alternate group that wants to destroy all worlds. Bea begins a grueling and dangerous epic mission, joined by Malik and several other young Pathfinders, from one world to the next, with the goal of finding Bea in the last, most frightening world, Kronos. The villains are really evil, but Bea discovers that with her team and newly discovered fighting skills, she has become a battling supernatural ninja of the highest degree. Her journey through space/time has elements of horror, fantasy and science fiction, with themes of friendship and romance interwoven with the epic quest. Hofmeyr gives us a believable character in the face of unimagined worlds.

[Lu Hersey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following one girl's journey to find her lost friend, The Between is a terrifying, extraordinary journey that plunges the reader through time and parallel universes in the hunt to find her. Seriously one of the best YA sci-fi books I've read in ages. Fast-paced, well written, great characters, amazing concepts (think Dan Brown on an exceptionally good day, but by an incredible author who can actually write) - to say much more would involve plot spoilers, so just read it! And Netflix, if you read this review, pick this book up now. It would make the best series EVER...

[Lise Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I cannot say enough good things about this book!!! AMAZING! I loved the world and the characters, but especially the messages! The Between is a tribute to the soul-deep friendships we are occasionally lucky enough to find, and a message about the power inside us even when we don't know it's there...all wrapped up in an awesome scifi package!

The only thing I don't "get" is why this book hasn't been more popular?!

[idreamofallthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be perfectly honest – I’m not the biggest science fiction fan, so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story. I adored the structure and the overall layout of the story. Hofmeyr ensured that the reader was given just enough information without spoiling the action and the climax of the story. I was pleased with the ending and thought the author did a great job of resolving the problems created in the earlier parts of the story.

Thank you @penguinbooksaus and @penguinteenaus for gifting me this book to read!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didnt have the time to finish it quicker but as soon as i got myself to read i couldnt stop!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nearly gave up about 5 chapters in, but I'm glad I kept on. The story got a lot more interesting, and I'm glad I finished it.

[cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

did enjoy this but found it a little bit fast, felt like there could've been a little more exploration into each universe but i definitely liked the concepts and the emphasis on friendship above all else - could definitely read more from this multiverse happily!

[Delilah Hendrikx · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGG ITS SO GOOD

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true tale of friendship and the multiverse.

[Adam Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Between by David Hofmeyr is the greatest novel about parallel universes since Philip Pullman His Dark Materials! I adore the multiverse breadcrumb path that our characters go through & the overall detail of each universe wasn’t overbearing as compared to usual multiverse tropes.

Some settings refer to not just one other dimension, one other universe, or one other timeline but to a whole set of other dimensions, universes, planes of existence, realities, timelines, and the like. A collection of distinct universes exists, said universes often being interconnected in a way that allows characters to travel to and from them. It might be as a tourist who just goes to look and tries not to change anything, or as a participant who goes in and interacts with the people in the other universe.

Morality becomes a question of what timelines and time periods that a multiverse voyager allows themselves to experience and be aware of because the worst atrocities imaginable already exist in every possible form and can not be prevented. One can only choose to experience the kinder, gentler timelines while recognising the others exist and actively choosing to not experience them.

Mr Hofmeyr certainly captured these elements & interwovenly created a multiverse that everyone (especially every young adult) would want to read. This book is just as action-packed as his previous novel, Stone Rider! I sure hope there’s a sequel on the way or at least a film/TV adaptation on the way!

[Miriam Oldenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a little confusing to get into, but ended up getting really into it. I got bored at some parts, felt some parts were repetitive, but overall rlly enjoyed the plot and story. There were some real shocking moments that had me at the edge of my seat!
The writing style and use of words was a little above my level of english (im not native english) so it was sometimes hard to understand.
Overall a very good book and i loved the world!! Really would love a sequel :)

[Elaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped to. The premise and worldbuilding are well done, but I just couldn't relate to any of the characters. The MC is whiny and annoying. The supporting characters are okay, but kind of two dimensional and forgettable. When things went south for some characters, I felt nothing, and I am an emotional reader most of the time. The ending was a little anti-climatic in my opinion and didn't offer enough closure. I didn't think the trope of "the one" was done well and the delivery fell way short of expectations.

[Nadia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely wish i could live Ana Moon’s life. I loved her name especially the last name. So epic. I’m biased because I love the moon. But seriously this was a good story.. i loved the concept of pathfinder. The different worlds. It always makes me wonder if that is us. Just a puddle in the huge ocean of worlds. I’d recommend this book. I’d love another journey through this books world. The characters and the story. Wow. It was an easy quick read that literally made me finish it within 24 hours. Read. Fall into another world. *wink*

[Keefa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn’t know if it wanted to be about plot or character and as a result both fell flat. I didn’t engage with any one the characters and they had no chemistry with each other. The concept was good and could have been great if the execution was better.

[Nashya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the world building, and liked the characters. I like insta love I have not problem with it , but in the book wish the relationship was more developed. I liked the book just wish things other then the world building had more depth. 3.5 starssss ;))