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The Space Between You and Me
How far would you go for a friend?
What rules would you break?
What monsters would you face?
Broody musician Apollo is used to not fitting in. His dad isn’t magikalis. His mom believes in Tarot for god’s sake. And since kissing his best friend and setting fire to their friendship, he’s been slumming it with the outliers of his magical community, known as the Wolves.
Booksmart jock Jonah helps out with his siblings, helps his girlfriend with her homework, and maybe squeezes in a good book between baseball and maintaining his grades. He has a lot to preoccupy him without obsessing over the kiss he shared with his ex-best friend and the resulting fallout.
Turns out, it’s impossible to forget your ex-best friend when he is also your Kindred. Though their magic only stirs to life when they touch, Jonah and Apollo would be separated for the safety of the community if anyone found out they were Kindred.
When Apollo shows up in the middle of the night, asking for Jonah’s help, they forge a reluctant truce fraught with yearning. After uncovering a plot targeting the orphans of their clan for experimentation, they must decide: Keep their secret and stay together or sacrifice their bond to save their clan?
What rules would you break?
What monsters would you face?
Broody musician Apollo is used to not fitting in. His dad isn’t magikalis. His mom believes in Tarot for god’s sake. And since kissing his best friend and setting fire to their friendship, he’s been slumming it with the outliers of his magical community, known as the Wolves.
Booksmart jock Jonah helps out with his siblings, helps his girlfriend with her homework, and maybe squeezes in a good book between baseball and maintaining his grades. He has a lot to preoccupy him without obsessing over the kiss he shared with his ex-best friend and the resulting fallout.
Turns out, it’s impossible to forget your ex-best friend when he is also your Kindred. Though their magic only stirs to life when they touch, Jonah and Apollo would be separated for the safety of the community if anyone found out they were Kindred.
When Apollo shows up in the middle of the night, asking for Jonah’s help, they forge a reluctant truce fraught with yearning. After uncovering a plot targeting the orphans of their clan for experimentation, they must decide: Keep their secret and stay together or sacrifice their bond to save their clan?
- GenresLGBT
262 pages, ebook
Published November 14, 2022
4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Ashley B. Davis
4 books17 followersAshley B. Davis writes the ordinary and extraordinary. Her debut The Space Between You and Me, a YA fantasy, released in 2022. She is currently working on her adult debut, Run of Mill, a rom-com. Her work appears in Rainbow Crate's summer anthology, A Queer, Queer Summer, Trembling with Fear, The Grey Rooms Podcast, Eunoia Review, and Liquid Imagination. An avid reader and sometimes artist, she uses her English degree to discuss the books she's reading, writing, and the creative process in her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 24, 2023
thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
ashley, i know you tend to lurk in reviewer spaces so either a. look away for your own well-being or b. take this as constructive criticism and not as hate. because it’s not hate. i want you to know that this review i’m writing is because i see that you can write a unique concept. i just think there’s improvement to be had. and i want to see that improvement happen.
let’s start from the beginning. of when i first attempted to read this book, way back in february (or possibly march) of this year. i was so lost. the intro to this book, the lack of world building made it so confusing for me. it took me two chapters before my brain was absolutely swimming. i couldn’t keep going without completely losing all chance of understanding the plot. it’s really unfortunate to know that i’m not the only one who was so lost during the first 10-15% of the story. the concept of magikalis and wolves and kindred were barely explained before we are exposed to the vampiria, the inciting event. i had to soft dnf the book until i was in a better space to try again.
upon my second reading, i was still confused by everything but i was determined to stick it out. and while yes, i think most of it is explained in enough detail during the next quarter or so of the book, it definitely makes it hard to be invested in this world at the start. is there still a ton of questions i have at the end of the story now about their clan? yeah, absolutely. i do wish we had a bit more insight into their governing structure, the bureau and whatnot. but, let’s put that aside for now.
let’s talk about the vampiria. about how it drew the line far too close to blood libel. now i personally believe that davis did not do this intentionally. but i think it shows the absolute importance of having sensitivity readers, especially in vampire stories. for those unfamiliar, blood libel is an anti-semetic and false belief held in the past that jewish people killed christians for blood magic and rituals. the issue with stories that use vampires or blood-related magic is that it can fall into this category when certain characteristics are seen. the main things being, a sense of other-ism or dehumanization and an isolation of this group of people. as a jewish reader, it’s the first thing i look for in these kind of stories. and unfortunately it stood out to me like a bright light. we almost never saw vampiria spoken about in a positive (or even neutral) manor, only ever in relation to killing and lusting over magikalis blood. also, there are literally treaties and laws enforced to keep the group separated.
i know most readers will not pick up on this. and i know most authors barely even know about blood libel and the dangers of it. but, as i said, i’m fine-tuned to pick this up. and it would be remiss of me not to mention that i was highly on alert the whole story for this. for any aspiring authors, i beg of you to get a jewish reader to review your story when including vampires and/or blood magic. unfortunately, it makes it really difficult for me to review the bulk of the story, when that’s what it all revolves around.
i really do have a ton more i want to say about everything i read, but i want to spare us all the time. for now, i just want to add the fact that there were two harry potter references. i will always note this, especially in recently written books. it’s far beyond time that we stop.
ashley, i know you tend to lurk in reviewer spaces so either a. look away for your own well-being or b. take this as constructive criticism and not as hate. because it’s not hate. i want you to know that this review i’m writing is because i see that you can write a unique concept. i just think there’s improvement to be had. and i want to see that improvement happen.
let’s start from the beginning. of when i first attempted to read this book, way back in february (or possibly march) of this year. i was so lost. the intro to this book, the lack of world building made it so confusing for me. it took me two chapters before my brain was absolutely swimming. i couldn’t keep going without completely losing all chance of understanding the plot. it’s really unfortunate to know that i’m not the only one who was so lost during the first 10-15% of the story. the concept of magikalis and wolves and kindred were barely explained before we are exposed to the vampiria, the inciting event. i had to soft dnf the book until i was in a better space to try again.
upon my second reading, i was still confused by everything but i was determined to stick it out. and while yes, i think most of it is explained in enough detail during the next quarter or so of the book, it definitely makes it hard to be invested in this world at the start. is there still a ton of questions i have at the end of the story now about their clan? yeah, absolutely. i do wish we had a bit more insight into their governing structure, the bureau and whatnot. but, let’s put that aside for now.
let’s talk about the vampiria. about how it drew the line far too close to blood libel. now i personally believe that davis did not do this intentionally. but i think it shows the absolute importance of having sensitivity readers, especially in vampire stories. for those unfamiliar, blood libel is an anti-semetic and false belief held in the past that jewish people killed christians for blood magic and rituals. the issue with stories that use vampires or blood-related magic is that it can fall into this category when certain characteristics are seen. the main things being, a sense of other-ism or dehumanization and an isolation of this group of people. as a jewish reader, it’s the first thing i look for in these kind of stories. and unfortunately it stood out to me like a bright light. we almost never saw vampiria spoken about in a positive (or even neutral) manor, only ever in relation to killing and lusting over magikalis blood. also, there are literally treaties and laws enforced to keep the group separated.
i know most readers will not pick up on this. and i know most authors barely even know about blood libel and the dangers of it. but, as i said, i’m fine-tuned to pick this up. and it would be remiss of me not to mention that i was highly on alert the whole story for this. for any aspiring authors, i beg of you to get a jewish reader to review your story when including vampires and/or blood magic. unfortunately, it makes it really difficult for me to review the bulk of the story, when that’s what it all revolves around.
i really do have a ton more i want to say about everything i read, but i want to spare us all the time. for now, i just want to add the fact that there were two harry potter references. i will always note this, especially in recently written books. it’s far beyond time that we stop.
August 30, 2024
Weirdly, I fell in love with the middle of this book, where for other books this is where I get let down. It felt like here there was a steady amount of tension still, yet we got to see the characters really coming to life.
Apollo and Jonas will always be special characters to me and the side characters also didn’t let me down!
I will admit that at first I had a little trouble getting into the story and every now and again I would have a moment where I was brought back to the present just be very American sayings that I didn’t initially understand. The editing could have been improved but overall it was readable (just a word left out every now and then mostly).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and when I had time to sit down and read it, I was quickly taken into the story!
Apollo and Jonas will always be special characters to me and the side characters also didn’t let me down!
I will admit that at first I had a little trouble getting into the story and every now and again I would have a moment where I was brought back to the present just be very American sayings that I didn’t initially understand. The editing could have been improved but overall it was readable (just a word left out every now and then mostly).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and when I had time to sit down and read it, I was quickly taken into the story!
July 31, 2022
Inventive, angsty while maintaining charm. A great contribution to the world of magic and boy love.
Read
July 19, 2023Dnf @ 19%
It was kind of confusing initially and just didn't hook me. I really tried but my eyes kept glazing over
It was kind of confusing initially and just didn't hook me. I really tried but my eyes kept glazing over
November 27, 2022
Rep: m/m, queer/questioning cis MC, gay MC
CW: addiction, blood & gore depiction, drug use, fear of the dark, internalized hemophilia, kidnapping, profanity, murder, sexual situations, torture
CW: addiction, blood & gore depiction, drug use, fear of the dark, internalized hemophilia, kidnapping, profanity, murder, sexual situations, torture
November 26, 2022
This book is a lovely addition to my collection. I love the paranormal/fantasy genre combined with a heart wrenching romance. It hits me in my hopeless romantic heart.
February 2, 2024
This is a cute one! Interesting fantasy story with real world issues and experiences many of us have in our early years. I love it.
December 19, 2022
Between You and Me, a novel by Ashley B. Davis, alternates point of view between former best friends Apollo and Jonah who still have an unbreakable bond: their magic only works when they are together.
As magikalis who are not of age, Apollo and Jonah are not supposed to use their powers without permission, but what happens when it’s those very powers that are needed to save their loved ones from the unstoppable vampiris?
A gripping tale that underscores the angst of being a teenager no matter your life situation, we are rooting for these friends with obvious chemistry to get together almost as much as we root for them to defeat the enemy.
As magikalis who are not of age, Apollo and Jonah are not supposed to use their powers without permission, but what happens when it’s those very powers that are needed to save their loved ones from the unstoppable vampiris?
A gripping tale that underscores the angst of being a teenager no matter your life situation, we are rooting for these friends with obvious chemistry to get together almost as much as we root for them to defeat the enemy.
July 12, 2025
I mean...I might be biased. But I'm kind of in love with this book. And you can too!
If you're into dark YA contemporary fantasy with Stranger Things vibes and an urban edge, then look no further.
Some other tropes to look forward to...
Best friends to enemies to reluctant friends to lovers? Check.
Magic? Absolutely.
Angsty slow burn? You betcha.
Forced proximity? Uh, yeah!
Content Warning for: addiction, death, drug use, kidnapping, depression, and internalized homophobia.
Need more evidence that this may be the book for you?
Check out my story board on Pinterest
Check out the Spotify playlist here
Order The Space Between You and Me!
Interested in receiving an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review? You can sign up here!
Sig up for my newsletter for exclusive art, giveaways, and future ARC opportunities
If you're into dark YA contemporary fantasy with Stranger Things vibes and an urban edge, then look no further.
Some other tropes to look forward to...
Best friends to enemies to reluctant friends to lovers? Check.
Magic? Absolutely.
Angsty slow burn? You betcha.
Forced proximity? Uh, yeah!
Content Warning for: addiction, death, drug use, kidnapping, depression, and internalized homophobia.
Need more evidence that this may be the book for you?
Check out my story board on Pinterest
Check out the Spotify playlist here
Order The Space Between You and Me!
Interested in receiving an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review? You can sign up here!
Sig up for my newsletter for exclusive art, giveaways, and future ARC opportunities
January 21, 2025
Solid 4.5! I honestly, seriously loved it. I’ve read so many friends-to-lovers books but Apollo and Jonah stand out. A slow-burn, worth-the-wait that had me swoony. They weren’t the couple you read that you were like, please not that guy! I was rooting for them from the start.
The mood/atmosphere of the book reminded me of Maggie Steifvater’s The Raven Boys. At least in my head’s visualization. I’d def read more.
Can I just say, the wit and banter at the end was the very best. Like, if that was happening throughout the book? Dead. Like Next Level shi+. Right up there with Alexis Hall, making me smile at a book.
HOWEVER, I’m going to be the meanie and say this book desperately needed a hard edit. Desperately. If it was edited, it would freaking SOAR. I read a digital library edition, so if these things were fixed and I didn’t get that edition, sorry! But there were soooo many extra words, tons of missing words, missing page breaks that let you know the setting/time switched (I had to do a couple of re-reads to realize it had gone back to the present), and several places where the writing was just awkward (like unwieldily tossing in SAT words).
Overall, enjoyed tho.
The mood/atmosphere of the book reminded me of Maggie Steifvater’s The Raven Boys. At least in my head’s visualization. I’d def read more.
Can I just say, the wit and banter at the end was the very best. Like, if that was happening throughout the book? Dead. Like Next Level shi+. Right up there with Alexis Hall, making me smile at a book.
HOWEVER, I’m going to be the meanie and say this book desperately needed a hard edit. Desperately. If it was edited, it would freaking SOAR. I read a digital library edition, so if these things were fixed and I didn’t get that edition, sorry! But there were soooo many extra words, tons of missing words, missing page breaks that let you know the setting/time switched (I had to do a couple of re-reads to realize it had gone back to the present), and several places where the writing was just awkward (like unwieldily tossing in SAT words).
Overall, enjoyed tho.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews