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The clans, covens, and courts will be unified once the race that was cloven is too.

 

Jess escaped the Triodia Penitentiary and slew her uncle, Lorenzo, the Remus Alpha. Although she is free, she isn't at peace. The death omen, the Sidhe, who called to her in the Between haunts her. 

 

The Enodia Coven, who Jess shelters with, would have her claim the Rem Alphahood. By familial and slayer rights, it belongs to her. Why then does she feel an affinity with the rival Rom Clan?

 

As Jess struggles to work out where she belongs in the para world, the mysteries surrounding her continue to grow. Will the truth, the para officer Matteo holds, set her free? Or is the vamp, Rune, the key to finding where she fits in? 

 

Contrarily, what if the truth doesn't set Jess free? What if, instead, it steals her future?

 

Nox is the second in a four-book series, The Dark Between. Like the Between, the series is liminal and sits between the space of Young and New Adult. Warning, from here on, the themes are darker and definitely of the NA flavor. 

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2021

8 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Rae Else

15 books83 followers
Rae Else is an Urban Fantasy author, most at home in the spaces between reality and the imaginary. When in the real world, she resides with her husband in Plymouth. The Arete Trilogy is her Young Adult, Urban Fantasy debut. Her upcoming series, The Dark Between, is a decadently dark YA Fantasy, featuring a whole cast of paras - shifters, vamps, witches, mages, fae ... and lots of soul magic.

Rae studied Classics at university and a lot of her stories draw on mythology and ancient worlds. In her twenties, Rae worked as a teacher and now writes full time. When not reading or writing, Rae loves to scuba dive and sail. She finds the big blue to be like a good book – a portal to a different world.

The Lost Assassin novella and two companion e-shorts to The Arete Series can be downloaded for FREE, as well as Doors To The Dead, the companion novella to The Dark Between Series. To grab them, go to http://raeelse.co.uk

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,944 reviews757 followers
November 3, 2021
A month after the awesomest penitentiary breakout in supernatural history, Jess is at Castle Nox, staying safe and learning to control her wolf side. All is well...until it's not.

As bits and pieces of the truth are revealed, Jess will have to be careful about who she trusts, because not everyone has her best interests at heart.

I will never get tired of this world or the characters inhabiting it. Everything is perfect, even the pain. And oh, there's a lot of it.

First off, Teddy boy is up to no good (as usual). He's so unapologetically bad and I love him for it. There's literally nothing he could do that would make me hate him. Go get all the power Theo baby, you deserve it.

He's the most featured character from the previous book (not counting Jess), along with Rune. I wanted even more of him, but I'm content with what we got. And a peek into his head is always very welcome.

Rune on the other hand...he started getting on my nerves. This is purely because of his relationship with Jess because I ship her with Matteo. And this is where most of the pain comes from.

Outside of lovesick puppy mode, Rune is still a good friend, but if he and Jess end up together at the end I will never recover.

There were two very special scenes with Jess and Matteo that I hold dear to my heart. And of course, Jess had to ruin the second one. WHY JESS WHY? YOU FEEL SAFE WITH HIM. IF THAT DOESN'T SCREAM "FATED TO BE TOGETHER" THEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT DOES.

Jess and Matteo have so much chemistry that I want to whack her over the head for even noticing Rune's existence. It's not entirely her fault, but still. M A T T E O!!!

There was an overall lack of said para officer, but there was an even bigger lack of Astra. She's only present for a few scenes and I miss her. Hopefully we'll see more of her in book three with the direction the plot is going.

And now Jess. Poor Jess, what did she get herself into...

I love how confident she is now, in herself and her abilities. I trust her to make the right decisions *cough* Matteo *cough* and I can't wait to see how she handles everything that's coming.

Honourable mention: that scene with Giovanni when he was telling the story and that thing he said after...I was ready to die right then and there. He was so right, that's literally what I was thinking and then he said it and I was like YES EXACTLY YES. Definitely one of my favourite scenes.

*Thank you to the lovely author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Sophie's Reading Corner .
890 reviews413 followers
November 21, 2021
This sequel gave us so much information about the world building, the creatures and all things existing in this fictional world that the author created. We get to follow our heroine, Jess in her journey after the ending of the first book, when she escaped from the Triodia and ran away with her friends. Secrets, betrayals, twists that you didn't see coming are all included in this one.

Rune remains my favorite character and he seemed to me to be the most reasonable in this book. In the end there's a cliffhanger that makes you wish there was the third book to read it right away. If I had the opportunity to read them back to back, I would have done it for sure. If you like Paranormal books with shifters, magic, vampires and more creatures, give it a chance 🖤
Profile Image for Aleksandra.
231 reviews64 followers
March 18, 2022
Ermm, this wasn‘t as good as the first part😭

I was reeeally looking forward to getting my hands on this book *couldn’t wait for the plot to get deeper OR more confusing; you pick one lmao* but it surprised me - negatively🥲



Something that I didn‘t had problem with while reading the first book - the writing style got kind of more confusing? Sometimes I couldn’t tell WHERE Jess actually is/what‘s she doing; if she‘s at Castle Nox, Sweden or Italy like-
*gets frustrated*


Okaaay, now you‘ll maybe tell me 'YoUr BrAiN iS sLoW'… but then explain this to me:

Regarding plot - it did indeed develop a lot *which we like✨*, but there were certain revelations that weren’t as clearly described and explained as I was hoping they‘ll be *which, in my opinion, ruined the surprise moment*

I mean imagine there being a rEALLY important scene happening with lots of new and valuable infos that are just being presented and you have to go back a whole-ass page *or couple of them lmao*, 'cause the writing is not that well executed; but you still know what‘s going to happen, since you have already read thAT PART-😤


There were couple of chapters which were back to back *what‘s English?😭* where we were bombarded with new info and it took me lots of patience with re-reading and my ✨deciphering abilities✨ to understand the point that the writer wanted to make, since there were TOO MANY new things being introduced at once sOOOO


The characters didn‘t develop THAT much:

Jess is still Jess; I do not think that her character has developed as much as I had hoped and that makes me s a d *pour me some depresso*
For the majority of time she liked to play ping-pong in her head -> which is relatable lmao *overthinking gang unite✨*

Theo got even more shadier than before *which surprised no one*, and I definitely get the vibes that Jess and him will be on the opposite sides in the upcoming books (if not in the third, then in the fourth part)

Rune is still annoying the living hell out of me aaaand that‘s all I have to say about him lmao *cut the cameras*

Matteo is a ray of sunshine and I can oNLY PRAY that him and Jess will end up together *the other 2 upcoming parts are giving me hope; we shall see*

Aaand our girlie Astra didn‘t had that much of a 'screen-time' but we‘ll definitely be seeing her way more in the third part, that much I‘m sure of - WE MISS OUR QUEEN💓



It seemed to me as if the author wanted to add everything at once, which led to my disappointment AHAHAHAHA

Anywaaays, I do still hold some hope for the third book - may the odds be ever in our favor✨
Profile Image for Rae Else.
Author 15 books83 followers
Read
October 1, 2021
***Not A Review***

Just grabbing this space to say a little about Nox!

Things in this book:

A girl trying to find her place in the world. 🐺
An ancient prophecy enshrined in earthen magic.🌿
And the Sidhe—the death herald—calling from the Between... 💀

Also... I wouldn't want to upset any of you out there with delicate sensibilities. So a
*** WARNING ***

In typical Between style, The Dark Between Series is now straddling the spaces between Young Adult and New Adult. Where Luna, book 1, was slow burn romance, book 2s steam level and romance has shot up!

You can expect the series to continue in the New Adult vein due to Enodian worldbuilding (yep, I’m looking at you, Teddy boy!😈) and plot reveals with Jess ... and a significant other 😏

Also, Trigger and Content Warnings: violence, blood depiction, self-harm to get blood for blood oaths, murder, death.
Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,102 followers
November 24, 2021
What I like in this series is that both books were fast paced . It goes back to this world after one month of where the first book left us. It gives us explanations. Jess struggles with where she belongs in this para world and the mystery around it continues . Jess is a fantastic character from the beginning .
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,961 reviews116 followers
November 6, 2021
This is every bit as good one and that was pretty awesome! Fast paced this exciting and gripping read grabbed me and drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat. Full of mystery and intrigue, it’s suspenseful and has some fantastic characters and there was even some twists I did not see coming! A great read!
Profile Image for Claire Weglowski.
Author 2 books20 followers
October 24, 2021
Omg what a second book this was, loved it, this series is definitely a must read, love the story, love the characters ❤ become attached to them and this series you will not be disappointed with these, im a huge shifter fan and these are such an amazing read
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,173 reviews29 followers
November 21, 2021
Jess has gotten revenge for her mother and killed her murderer, the Rem Alpha. This gives her the right to take his place, but she's not ready yet. Jess is trying to find her place in the paranormal world, while also figuring out her connection to the Sidhe, the heralder of death. In her search for answers the mysteries just seem to grow.

Quite a lot happen in this second book of the series, both expected and unexpected things. It's interesting to follow Jess on her journey of discovery, of who she is and what it actually means that she's of divided heritage. It bugs me a little that she sometimes behaves a bit childish and immature, and in the next moment she acts like a leader who knows exactly what she wants. But that's kind of her charm, too.

In the first book, Luna, I complained about unnecessary repetitions, and I have the same complaint here. It's okay to give the reader reminders once in a while, but I don't know how many times you have to mention that they escaped from the Triodian pen?! It's a minor complaint, but still slightly annoying.

A somewhat unexpected, but fun, detail is the mentioning of the climate crisis. The High Witch can't understand how the humans know the stress they put on the planet, yet choose to do so little about it. I like how the author sneaked in some criticism there!

I'm looking forward to following Jess to Umbra, the world of the fae, in the next book, to see what she discovers there!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa.
747 reviews76 followers
October 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 3.5 stars

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book exchange for an honest review!

Nox is the second book in The Dark Between series, we continue the story after Jess and her friends escaped from Triodia Penitentiary.

Review of Luna

In the first book we found out about Jess and her heritage, powers but not everything was answered and, in this book, we explore this more. In the beginning we get a lot of information on what happened and learn more of the world, but it felt like a bit too much information to really wrap your head around. It might’ve been better if the information was giving over the book and not all at once. Because the information given at the beginning the book started a bit slow, but gradually the pace picked up and I got more invested in the story.

We have more than only Jess’ and Matteo’s POV’s, a few others are also introduced. It only felt like a bit too much shifting between the different characters and it broke the flow a little bit. I understand that the chapters were necessary, but still I wonder if it could’ve been executed a bit differently.

The characters all grow more from the first book, even though some of the characters from the first aren’t really present. Jess grows surer in who she is and her relationship grows as well. I’m also really glad it didn’t really go the love triangle way!

Even though we learn a lot in this book, it felt a bit slower to the first. While I enjoyed the premise of the first book more, I still enjoyed this book. The twists and turns were really a bit unexpected and the ending was really something I didn’t see coming!

Overall, it was a suspense filled book with many ups and downs and the ending made me curious to see where the series will go in future books.
Profile Image for Arista Holmes.
Author 2 books11 followers
October 18, 2021
Book one of the dark between series, Luna, left me enthralled with the world, and enchanted with the rich cast of characters that Rae Else has created. Book two, Nox, has left me on the edge of my seat, waiting urgently to sink my teeth into part three. Just like the first book, Rae Else's engaging writing style, compelling story, and engaging characters sucked me in and I devoured the whole book in one sitting.

Nox launches us straight back into the Para world a month after the ending of Luna, with Jess, Theo, Rune, Astra and Matteo all playing prominent roles as the plot progresses, and some of them earning their first Point-Of-View chapters. The further you read, the greater the feeling becomes that the stakes are being exponentially raised for Jess, both in the matter of her personal life and the para world she's still struggling to make sense of.

But no matter what Jess hopes for, the noose is tightening around her and her friends. There are chess pieces being moved in the shadows that they can't predict, and answers to questions they don't yet know to ask are coming to the surface, all the while Jess is growing in potential and coming into her own. Mastering her shifter abilities, and discovering new powers that may or may not be linked to Rune's past.

Everything is coming to a head, but figuring out who she can trust might be Jess' greatest challenge yet.

I genuinely can't find fault with this book. I rarely leave 5 star reviews on anything, but every part of Jess' story has gripped me and while this book has given me hours of utter delight to read, (I may or may not have read it three times at this point), I can't help but eagerly await the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for tre.wandereads.
459 reviews
October 12, 2021
Let me start by saying I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review. And like all of Rae Else's books in this series, I loved it!

Nox is book 2 of The Dark Between series and it continues on Jess' quest to find out who she is and all the secrets swirling around her life. It was a suspense-filled book that gave me so many ups and downs and made me bite my nails in anticipation.

The story begins with a lot of description as to what is happening and a sort of explanation into the worlds and what each signifies. These first few chapters always prove to be a test of my concentration to retain all the information thrust towards me. There are moments where I feel it is a bit hard to wrap my head around.

But once these few chapters are explained, the story delves into the world we all love to float around in. It speaks of power and desire and hope and fear. There are many twists and turns that give it the intrigue I so love to find myself reading. This world is definitely a dangerous place to be in and it is up to Jess to decide who she can really trust.

While the book ends on a cliffhanger, it's not a "pull your hair out" feeling. There is some sort of finally to this "chapter" of their lives. But I still cannot wait to read the rest of the series! Really good book, all in all!
1,612 reviews32 followers
October 13, 2021
Nox is the second novel in The Dark Between series. It builds on Luna and we learn so much more of the Luna. The Clans, the Covens, the Courts how deeply they are divided but what a strong pull there is to unify it all. We continue on Jess’ quest. The quest to discover who she is and to find the answers to all the secret that swirl around her. As Jess struggles to work out where she belongs in the para world, the mysteries surrounding her continue to grow. Will the truth that the para officer Matteo holds be the answers that will set her free? Or will the opposing group the vamps led by Rune hold the key to the door that will give Jess her place in this world? This novel had a great story line, building upon the characters introduced in the preceding novel. The writing flowed wonderfully with the second novel flowing smoothly from the first. "This is a brilliant read ... well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with visionary world building. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
Profile Image for Anne.
326 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2021
I had high expectations for Nox, and Rae Else just went above *and* beyond them in this second instalment in The Dark Between series!

At the end of Luna, our heroine Jess was making the first step towards unravelling the mysteries around her birth, as well as figuring out the other unusual circumstances that continue to impact her. Within Nox, everybody has their own agenda. Everybody wants something from Jess, and she struggles to know whom she can trust. Her abilities may have increased, but Jess' enemies are both determined and powerful...

The heat level increases in Nox, both in romance and danger. And Rae Else has woven a spell over her readers in this book; I was mesmerised from the first page. If you love paranormal fantasy, this series is *perfect* for you. Honestly, it's one of the best you'll ever read in this genre. *That's* how good it is. In fact I'm still pinching myself that I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beauty.

Read Luna. Preorder Nox. And then wait with bated breath for the next book... It is SO worth it.💜
Profile Image for Jeannie.
74 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2021
"Nox" is a work of pure genius. I thoroughly enjoyed "Luna" but I devoured "Nox". It picks up right where the first book left off. Relationships are strengthened as Jess is still on the run. At the same time, Jess questions some of her friendships on the outside of prison. Jess also learns she has new powers. These powers put her in more danger than she was already in. There is also a prophecy...
Jess finds love also but I'm not saying with who. It is beautiful to watch Jess recieve something she always wanted, love and acceptance. Will she lose that love while trying to save others?
I completely love this series. "Nox" does not disappoint. My favorite aspects of this book are the relationships. The magical aspects are refreshing and unique. I have a feeling that "Nox" will be in my top five reads for the year.
Profile Image for Sarah.
243 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2021
Thank you Rae for this ARC in return for an honest review.

I can not get enough of this series! It is spectacular. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better than Luna it absolutely does! Nox is such a fun read and goes into so much more depth of the para world that you only get a glimpse of in Luna. This world is divided by factions and politics and Jess finds out she’s at the centre of all of it, imagine the pressure!! But thank god for Rune so she has a veryyyyy fun way to release the pressure. Omg Rune, he’s the most dreamy para character I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about. Swoon.

This book is really so good, it is a roller coaster of plot, emotions and anxiety! Definitely read this you’ll love it! And be begging for the next in the series just like I am!
Profile Image for Ana Jackson.
147 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2021
I have enjoyed Nox as much as I did Luna.
Although I have to say, Nox is deeper and has more intricate world building and character development.

Seeing more of Rune and Theo has been amazing, too! I looked forward to those chapters.

The story has some twists that left me feeling wowed. I honestly don't know how Jess is going to manage to fix everything in the next book!

Thank you so much Rae Else for letting me read your amazing books.

P.S. I found the similarities of one of the characters with The Morrigan fascinating as I am one of her worshippers.
Profile Image for Eleanor.
Author 1 book17 followers
November 15, 2021
Nox

Book two in the dark between series

by Rae Else

Fine layers of mistery and unanswerable questions hovers over Jess in the start of book two.
I won't say to much cause I don't want to spoil it, but alot of discovery went down in here and I was on the edge of my set the hole time.
Her feelings grow towards Rune, but he's worried that once she know more about him, she'll hate him, and he believes she should be with someone hole not a vamp with no soul like him.
Jess discovers her roots and what that entails and has to make some life decisions.

BTW I will always ship Jess and Rune no matter what. 😁

I highly recommend this book for lovers of fantasy with a bit of romance and kick but.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,786 reviews71 followers
November 4, 2021

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
November 7, 2021
Nox (The Dark Between Series Book 2) by Rae Else is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read more. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves Sci-Fi.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Anais (atrailofpages).
977 reviews27 followers
November 5, 2021
This book takes place right after the first book. I don't want to spoil anything since this is a sequel. Some things I will say are that Jess is trying to learn more about herself and who she is. There is a lot that happens in this second book. A lot of suspense and action, and wondering what will happen to our favorite people.

Jess is a pretty fantastic character! I love that she makes decisions and choices based on what she thinks is right and never allows others to sway her. Although, I am disappointed in one decision she made, I think she's a very strong character and I'm curious to know how her story continues after that ending.

I will also say that I think Rune deserves better and deserves all the hugs and kisses in the world! And Theo is a delectable, morally grey, heroic antagonist, he is just lovely. I can hardly wait for the next book! Thank you to the author for a free digital copy to read!
Profile Image for Ash  William's .
24 reviews
November 27, 2021
This was an amazing continuation to the first book luna I loved it from the intense getaways to the forbidden epic love it was brilliant and I cant wait to see where the main character ends up next and follow her on her journey to find herself
Profile Image for Rowan Creech.
1,554 reviews14 followers
October 6, 2021
What more can you say? A bad ass, strong female , an age-old prophecy to fulfill, and the Sidhe are involved. We're courting with Harry Dresden here a little and it is super good!
Profile Image for Amanda Gregory.
497 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2021
I was lucky to receive an ARC. I really enjoyed the second book in the series and it has left me with wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book
Profile Image for Cary Morton.
989 reviews41 followers
December 13, 2022
I'm going to be honest. I very nearly DNF'd this book a few times. I'm being very generous by giving it 3 stars. The book itself is written relatively well. The narrative is easy to read, there are few typos, and it has even pacing. I like the characters, and I love the world-building and the setting. The plot is interesting.

The problem is… I was bored. This book doesn't stand on its own - so if you haven't read the first book in the series, you won't understand this book at all. I had read the first book, and I still had trouble getting into it. The story was incredibly slow-placed and filled with lots of the main character learning back lore. It's a lot to soak in. There wasn't much tension or action, and the romance was little more than crumbs for the first half of the story. I got tired of waiting for something to happen. It was disappointing after having loved the first book so much.

Re going to read this book, I recommend you read it directly after the first one. Don't wait a week. Don't read something in between. Otherwise, this isn't going to be a pleasant experience for you.
Profile Image for Alejandra.
60 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2021
4.5 stars rounded to 5

Let me start by saying that I'M SO HAPPY THAT I GOT AN ARC. This second installment is equally good or even better than the first one. The book begins where Luna left off, with Jess taking refuge in Castle Nox. It was fascinating to read more about the Enodians and how the world-building expanded in this book. The story development was good. There were a lot of surprises throughout the story, and we get to see the real nature of several characters, so there was never a dull moment in it.
Regarding the ending/cliffhanger, I have to say that it was unexpected, to say the least. I still can't decide if Jess is saner than ever or if she completely lost her mind. I cannot wait for the next book!



Thanks to the author, I had the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
13 reviews
November 14, 2023
Book 1 first

I am loving the creation story and the myths and traditions woven in. This is a very different story then book one. Jess and her friends are growing both into knowledge and power. Jess is not the only one with world changing secrets. Fast paced with some great twists. Anticipating book three impatiently.
I received this book for free and am happy to leave this reveiw.
119 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
Good book but wow..........

This series requires your full attention ! It is kind of tough to keep all the names and what team they play on.
So this is not a fluff pierce. The authors mind must be twisted to imagine all this !!! Lol. The faint of heart should not read this cause it requires intense concentration but it's worth it.
Profile Image for Donna.
827 reviews13 followers
July 18, 2024
Nox (The Dark Between #2) by Rae Else is one of the books I recommend. After Jess escaped Triodia Penitentiary, where she was falsely imprisoned, she isn't at peace. The death omen, the Sidhe haunts her and she also struggles to work out where she belongs in the para world.
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