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When Romulus killed Remus, the wolf clans swore enmity to one another ever after.
Seventeen-year-old Jess has survived an upbringing in care. Diagnosed with rage blackouts, people look at her with pity and fear. The solution? Brutal workouts, Art—oh—and staying the hell away from others. Easily done in backwater Maine.
Yet one night, she wakes to find herself by a lake, her clothes covered in blood, with no memory of what happened. Soon the water is aflame and a portal opens. Transported to the Triodia Penitentiary, she discovers she’s a shifter, a type of para. She’s also accused of murder and locked up.Desperate to find a way out, she turns to her fellow inmates for help. Yet as they mount an escape, the enemies circling her increase. Will Jess survive unlocking the dangerous Heights and Depths of the para world and those within herself?
Luna is the first in a four-book series, The Dark Between. A decadently dark YA Fantasy full of Heights and Depths that will leave you craving more. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas.
Seventeen-year-old Jess has survived an upbringing in care. Diagnosed with rage blackouts, people look at her with pity and fear. The solution? Brutal workouts, Art—oh—and staying the hell away from others. Easily done in backwater Maine.
Yet one night, she wakes to find herself by a lake, her clothes covered in blood, with no memory of what happened. Soon the water is aflame and a portal opens. Transported to the Triodia Penitentiary, she discovers she’s a shifter, a type of para. She’s also accused of murder and locked up.Desperate to find a way out, she turns to her fellow inmates for help. Yet as they mount an escape, the enemies circling her increase. Will Jess survive unlocking the dangerous Heights and Depths of the para world and those within herself?
Luna is the first in a four-book series, The Dark Between. A decadently dark YA Fantasy full of Heights and Depths that will leave you craving more. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas.
280 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2021
62 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Rae Else
16 books84 followersRae 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
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 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 7, 2021
When I saw the cover and description for Luna I knew it was my type of book. But I was not prepared for all it would put me through.
This is one of those rare few books that convinced me I need to get a physical copy after reading only a few pages. So far, only The Poppy War has managed it at that speed. That tells you all you need to know.
Every part of this world speaks to my soul. It's unique and I don't think the comps do it justice.
There's an array of supernatural creatures, like wolf shifters, vampires, sorcerers, fae and things like the Sluagh. I love love love how developed they all are. And the lore.
The story is told mostly through the eyes of Jess, our main character who's accused of murder, but occasionally there's another PoV that sneaks in (and brings me huge delight).
That second PoV, is Matteo. He's basically an assigned officer to ready Jess for her sentencing. As the story progresses he becomes a lot more than that.
I LOVE MATTEO SO MUCH. That can totally be blamed on Lea and her potato game. Although I'd like to think Matteo is purely amazing on his own too, so my love of him was inevitable.
All the main characters stole my heart. I immediately started loving each and every one of them from their first introductions. I can't even pick a favourite.
If I had a group of friends like Theo, Rune and Astra (no Lea, I'm a Lea anti) the sky would be my limit.
You know what else is good in this book? The revenge. BUT I WON'T SPOIL IT, SO IF YOU WANT ONE OF THE BEST REVENGE TROPES YOU'LL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK.
The storyline must be sprinkled with magic too, because it sank its claws into me and didn't let go. I was so scared I'd finish this too fast so I stretched it out as much as I could and now I want to cry because I miss everyone already.
I AM NOT OKAY.
If book two doesn't come out soon I'll just melt into The Between never to be seen again.
TO SUM UP, this is the best supernatural penitentiary book in existence. This is it, everyone else can go home.
And it's now one of my ultimate favourite books that I'll keep recommending to people like a broken record.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is one of those rare few books that convinced me I need to get a physical copy after reading only a few pages. So far, only The Poppy War has managed it at that speed. That tells you all you need to know.
Every part of this world speaks to my soul. It's unique and I don't think the comps do it justice.
There's an array of supernatural creatures, like wolf shifters, vampires, sorcerers, fae and things like the Sluagh. I love love love how developed they all are. And the lore.
The story is told mostly through the eyes of Jess, our main character who's accused of murder, but occasionally there's another PoV that sneaks in (and brings me huge delight).
That second PoV, is Matteo. He's basically an assigned officer to ready Jess for her sentencing. As the story progresses he becomes a lot more than that.
I LOVE MATTEO SO MUCH. That can totally be blamed on Lea and her potato game. Although I'd like to think Matteo is purely amazing on his own too, so my love of him was inevitable.
All the main characters stole my heart. I immediately started loving each and every one of them from their first introductions. I can't even pick a favourite.
If I had a group of friends like Theo, Rune and Astra (no Lea, I'm a Lea anti) the sky would be my limit.
You know what else is good in this book? The revenge. BUT I WON'T SPOIL IT, SO IF YOU WANT ONE OF THE BEST REVENGE TROPES YOU'LL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK.
The storyline must be sprinkled with magic too, because it sank its claws into me and didn't let go. I was so scared I'd finish this too fast so I stretched it out as much as I could and now I want to cry because I miss everyone already.
I AM NOT OKAY.
If book two doesn't come out soon I'll just melt into The Between never to be seen again.
TO SUM UP, this is the best supernatural penitentiary book in existence. This is it, everyone else can go home.
And it's now one of my ultimate favourite books that I'll keep recommending to people like a broken record.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 26, 2021
This was quiet refreshing! It’s the first book in a new series and I really enjoyed it! The heroine is strong and interesting. I felt it was dragging a little bit in the beginning but as it continues it was getting better and better ! Luna has a little bit of everything , vampires, fae , werwolf, a little bit of romance and a little bit of mystery!
November 29, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since I got Luna, I was really excited to dive into its pages. The synopsis made this book sound amazing and I just wanted everything to match the hype I was putting myself through. Luckily, this was very easy to devour within one sitting. Seriously, I loved getting to meet the characters and see what they were supernaturally.
Besides getting to know everyone, there's danger lurking around every corner basically. Heck! Our main girl finds herself being a suspect for a murder. It was hands down chaotic but in all the best ways possible. Each twist and turn kept me on my toes. Then the slices of romance kept my fingers tapping the screen on my kindle. I just need to know what was going to happen next and I think my finger is still sore from all the pushing I did.
In the end, I'm very excited to jump into the sequel whenever that becomes available. I have questions that demand answers and I will not rest until I find them. Or until the book gets published. Whichever comes first.
Ever since I got Luna, I was really excited to dive into its pages. The synopsis made this book sound amazing and I just wanted everything to match the hype I was putting myself through. Luckily, this was very easy to devour within one sitting. Seriously, I loved getting to meet the characters and see what they were supernaturally.
Besides getting to know everyone, there's danger lurking around every corner basically. Heck! Our main girl finds herself being a suspect for a murder. It was hands down chaotic but in all the best ways possible. Each twist and turn kept me on my toes. Then the slices of romance kept my fingers tapping the screen on my kindle. I just need to know what was going to happen next and I think my finger is still sore from all the pushing I did.
In the end, I'm very excited to jump into the sequel whenever that becomes available. I have questions that demand answers and I will not rest until I find them. Or until the book gets published. Whichever comes first.
July 14, 2021
Three and a half
The cover and the synopsis caught my interest. The fact that it's apparently aimed at fans of Sarah J Maas and Laini Taylor definitely had me very keen to read this book. It's YA fantasy about Jess a young girl desperate to find her own place in the world having been shunted around in the foster system. One night whilst going for a run she sees someone she cares about brutally murdered and Jess herself is knocked out. Coming to Jess finds that not only is she in Italy awaiting trial for murder but that the paranormal world is real and she is most definitely part of it !
I thought the beginning of this was very imaginative and actually made the world feel real. I hasten to add though that as much as I felt sympathy for the situations Jess has found herself in throughout her life I didn't particularly warm to her. In fact the few characters we are introduced to were all pretty much unlikable with possibly the exception of Matteo the advocate sent to advise Jess prior to her court appearance.
It just all seemed too convenient that everyone in detention in the part of the penitentiary were Jess was would work together to escape. I did like that we get different species and their antecedents and magic was very different to similar books. Unfortunately it was hard to know who to trust as it felt like the paranorms locked up with Jess all seemed very suspect. Plus the pace felt off as the middle dragged and then bam the last twenty percent or so had dramatic revelations and unexpected turns that just were not really explained that well.
This is the first of apparently four books so obviously the author has time to elaborate her story and hopefully flesh out and explain her characters motivation. I think she wants to bring romance into it but it sure felt as if she hasn't quite decided who to eventually pair with Jess so perhaps an atypical triangle is around the corner ? I personally do not feel it compares yet to the world building of the two previously mentioned authors but only time will tell.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
The cover and the synopsis caught my interest. The fact that it's apparently aimed at fans of Sarah J Maas and Laini Taylor definitely had me very keen to read this book. It's YA fantasy about Jess a young girl desperate to find her own place in the world having been shunted around in the foster system. One night whilst going for a run she sees someone she cares about brutally murdered and Jess herself is knocked out. Coming to Jess finds that not only is she in Italy awaiting trial for murder but that the paranormal world is real and she is most definitely part of it !
I thought the beginning of this was very imaginative and actually made the world feel real. I hasten to add though that as much as I felt sympathy for the situations Jess has found herself in throughout her life I didn't particularly warm to her. In fact the few characters we are introduced to were all pretty much unlikable with possibly the exception of Matteo the advocate sent to advise Jess prior to her court appearance.
It just all seemed too convenient that everyone in detention in the part of the penitentiary were Jess was would work together to escape. I did like that we get different species and their antecedents and magic was very different to similar books. Unfortunately it was hard to know who to trust as it felt like the paranorms locked up with Jess all seemed very suspect. Plus the pace felt off as the middle dragged and then bam the last twenty percent or so had dramatic revelations and unexpected turns that just were not really explained that well.
This is the first of apparently four books so obviously the author has time to elaborate her story and hopefully flesh out and explain her characters motivation. I think she wants to bring romance into it but it sure felt as if she hasn't quite decided who to eventually pair with Jess so perhaps an atypical triangle is around the corner ? I personally do not feel it compares yet to the world building of the two previously mentioned authors but only time will tell.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
September 5, 2021
(4,5 ☆)
Jessica Bradley has been in the foster care system all her life. She was found abandoned in the woods of Maine, only a couple of days old. Normally Jess would have been adopted long ago, but her rage blackouts keeps her being kicked out by her foster parents. With her 18th birthday coming up she will finally be free and on her own. Then, suddenly, she finds herself in an Italian penitentiary, accused of murder. As if that weren't enough, they say she's a shifter and transformed to her wolf form before killing her foster sister...
This is the first book (of four) in a slightly dark YA fantasy, with shifters, vampires, fae and mages. We follow Jess most of the time and we learn the details of the paranormal world when she does. In the pen she shares a cell with Lea, who's also a wolf shifter. We also meet Astra (fae), Rune (vampire) and Theo (mage), who can speak with the dead. They help Jess to understand this new world, with its rivaling clans and courts, among other things.
When we're not following Jess we get the story from Matteo. He's a shifter from the rivaling clan, and he's gonna prepare Jess for her trial. At the beginning he thinks she's guilty. He believes Jess shifted for the first time and then killed her sister. That she doesn't remember lines up with her previous blackouts. But the more Matteo learns about her case, the more he realises that things don't add up.
There's a hint of a love triangle, which I rarely enjoy, and there's some tiresome repetitions. Other than that I really like the world building and the characters. There's quite a few twists and turns I didn't expect and I appriciate being surprised. I'm looking forward to reading more about Jess and the others!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Jessica Bradley has been in the foster care system all her life. She was found abandoned in the woods of Maine, only a couple of days old. Normally Jess would have been adopted long ago, but her rage blackouts keeps her being kicked out by her foster parents. With her 18th birthday coming up she will finally be free and on her own. Then, suddenly, she finds herself in an Italian penitentiary, accused of murder. As if that weren't enough, they say she's a shifter and transformed to her wolf form before killing her foster sister...
This is the first book (of four) in a slightly dark YA fantasy, with shifters, vampires, fae and mages. We follow Jess most of the time and we learn the details of the paranormal world when she does. In the pen she shares a cell with Lea, who's also a wolf shifter. We also meet Astra (fae), Rune (vampire) and Theo (mage), who can speak with the dead. They help Jess to understand this new world, with its rivaling clans and courts, among other things.
When we're not following Jess we get the story from Matteo. He's a shifter from the rivaling clan, and he's gonna prepare Jess for her trial. At the beginning he thinks she's guilty. He believes Jess shifted for the first time and then killed her sister. That she doesn't remember lines up with her previous blackouts. But the more Matteo learns about her case, the more he realises that things don't add up.
There's a hint of a love triangle, which I rarely enjoy, and there's some tiresome repetitions. Other than that I really like the world building and the characters. There's quite a few twists and turns I didn't expect and I appriciate being surprised. I'm looking forward to reading more about Jess and the others!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
June 30, 2021
It was a great book and I enjoyed reading it. The characters and storyline were great.
February 1, 2022
What a positive surprise this read was-😳
This is a series in which I see a looot of potential - can‘t wait to get my hands on the second part✨
I did enjoy reading the book, but when I compared it to other books that I have read that are in the same genre, it felt as if something was missing soooo, I really couldn‘t give it a higher rating (hopefully that will change with the next part)🥺
In my opinion, there are a couple things that could have been better executed - the first one being the world-building (which I found to be lacking)😅 Also, in certain chapters I felt as if the scenes were dragging for ages - and on the other hand, there have been some that I felt liked I had read in 2 minutes. What added to this feeling is that in certain chapters too much info has been given about the magical world our characters live in or their specific supernatural 'race' (a.k.a fae, wolf shifters, mages/sorcerers and vampires) all at once, so it took me some time to get all the explanations and details straight. I‘d prefer it if it were more balanced out, but as I said this is just my opinion so don‘t @ me; maybe I‘m just stupid lmaooo
On the other hand, I liked the characters and their development/growth through the book. Theo‘s sass, Astra‘s witty remarks and loyalty, Rune‘s mysteriousness (but only in the beginning, 'cause he started to annoy the hell out of me later on🥲), Jess' endurance and bravery, Matteo's determination and adorableness beCAUSE THAT MAN-
WHERE CAN I SIGN UP FOR ONE???
I see that we’re (most likely) going to get a love triangle *Twilight who?* but I swear to God if Matteo and Jess don‘t end up together I‘ll be throwing hands-🤧
Regarding Lea *forgot about her existence* - no. Just no. The ✨award of disappointment✨ (as a shifter, person and lastly, friend) goes tooooo - well you guessed it by now -> her✨ *don‘t even want to comment anything else about her or I‘ll just get annoyed all over again*
Speaking of the plot - I liked it. The revenge trope is a refreshment to me and I think all the important events were wonderfully executed - nothing felt rushed and took just the right amount of time🤧
Overall, I‘d say go for it -> check this first part of 'The Dark Between' series out *it’s worth a try* and see if you end up sharing my opinion or liking it even more (which I hope is going to be the case)☺️
This is a series in which I see a looot of potential - can‘t wait to get my hands on the second part✨
I did enjoy reading the book, but when I compared it to other books that I have read that are in the same genre, it felt as if something was missing soooo, I really couldn‘t give it a higher rating (hopefully that will change with the next part)🥺
In my opinion, there are a couple things that could have been better executed - the first one being the world-building (which I found to be lacking)😅 Also, in certain chapters I felt as if the scenes were dragging for ages - and on the other hand, there have been some that I felt liked I had read in 2 minutes. What added to this feeling is that in certain chapters too much info has been given about the magical world our characters live in or their specific supernatural 'race' (a.k.a fae, wolf shifters, mages/sorcerers and vampires) all at once, so it took me some time to get all the explanations and details straight. I‘d prefer it if it were more balanced out, but as I said this is just my opinion so don‘t @ me; maybe I‘m just stupid lmaooo
On the other hand, I liked the characters and their development/growth through the book. Theo‘s sass, Astra‘s witty remarks and loyalty, Rune‘s mysteriousness (but only in the beginning, 'cause he started to annoy the hell out of me later on🥲), Jess' endurance and bravery, Matteo's determination and adorableness beCAUSE THAT MAN-
WHERE CAN I SIGN UP FOR ONE???
I see that we’re (most likely) going to get a love triangle *Twilight who?* but I swear to God if Matteo and Jess don‘t end up together I‘ll be throwing hands-🤧
Regarding Lea *forgot about her existence* - no. Just no. The ✨award of disappointment✨ (as a shifter, person and lastly, friend) goes tooooo - well you guessed it by now -> her✨ *don‘t even want to comment anything else about her or I‘ll just get annoyed all over again*
Speaking of the plot - I liked it. The revenge trope is a refreshment to me and I think all the important events were wonderfully executed - nothing felt rushed and took just the right amount of time🤧
Overall, I‘d say go for it -> check this first part of 'The Dark Between' series out *it’s worth a try* and see if you end up sharing my opinion or liking it even more (which I hope is going to be the case)☺️
July 7, 2021
**3.5 **
Just look at the gorgeous cover on this book! This is a YA, pnr, slightly dark fantasy about seventeen-year-old Jess. She’s been passed through foster home after foster since she was a baby. Jess believes she is human, loves creating huge works of art, and jogging 20 plus miles at a time…in the woods. Her entire life she’s had “rage blackouts,” where she becomes incredibly angry, people get hurt but she blacks out and doesn’t remember what happened.
The majority of this story takes place in a sort of paranormal juvenile hall facility. It was Breakfast Club but with paranormal creatures. The reader learns about this new world along with Jess. There are huge info dumps, but they don’t feel too cumbersome as the author sprinkles in relationships with the other “guests”. This is where we meet other faes, witches, vamps, and shifters. There are quite a few mysteries going around. Jess needs to not only survive her fellow inmates, but solve some of those mysteries. What is she? Why is she in jail when she knows she didn’t commit the crime she’s accused of? Who can she really trust?
Growing up in foster care helps her to navigate the myriad of political intrigues that have put her in jail. There are a couple of love interests (super tame, no romance) and a few enemies to figure out. For the most part, everyone is a suspect.
As the synopsis states this story is “Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas.” This story has an ending, but it still leaves a ton of questions on the table for the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rae Else for this ARC to review.
Just look at the gorgeous cover on this book! This is a YA, pnr, slightly dark fantasy about seventeen-year-old Jess. She’s been passed through foster home after foster since she was a baby. Jess believes she is human, loves creating huge works of art, and jogging 20 plus miles at a time…in the woods. Her entire life she’s had “rage blackouts,” where she becomes incredibly angry, people get hurt but she blacks out and doesn’t remember what happened.
The majority of this story takes place in a sort of paranormal juvenile hall facility. It was Breakfast Club but with paranormal creatures. The reader learns about this new world along with Jess. There are huge info dumps, but they don’t feel too cumbersome as the author sprinkles in relationships with the other “guests”. This is where we meet other faes, witches, vamps, and shifters. There are quite a few mysteries going around. Jess needs to not only survive her fellow inmates, but solve some of those mysteries. What is she? Why is she in jail when she knows she didn’t commit the crime she’s accused of? Who can she really trust?
Growing up in foster care helps her to navigate the myriad of political intrigues that have put her in jail. There are a couple of love interests (super tame, no romance) and a few enemies to figure out. For the most part, everyone is a suspect.
As the synopsis states this story is “Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas.” This story has an ending, but it still leaves a ton of questions on the table for the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rae Else for this ARC to review.
September 26, 2021
I was not ready for how hooked I was going to be after the first two chapters. Luna by Rae Else is the first book of the Dark Between series. Featuring all sorts of supernatural beings (i.e. vampires, wolf shifters, fae, a Slaugh, and sorcerers), it's everything you could possibly want! There's plenty of danger as our main female, Jess, finds herself quickly accused of murder early in and an oh-so sexy slow romance.... Plus, out of all the other books featuring themes of revenge, I thought this one was well written out and easily became a favorite!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2021
This is a dark YA paranormal/fantasy book that has everything! Shifters, fae, vampires! I loved all the secondary characters, Rune, Theo, Matteo, they were such a blast to meet!! 🥰
The plot was also very interesting as we have our protagonist from the first pages of the book living a weird experience and the end result of this is her foster sister getting killed and she's getting accused as her murderer. She's being thrown in a jail with other paranormal beings and from living clueless in a human world, she realizes that everything she knew as folklore is real and she's a part of them.
The book had action, plot twists, many interesting facts as it speaks about clans that were inspired by Roman history (Remus-Romulus), romance and I generally enjoyed a lot the world building!
The plot was also very interesting as we have our protagonist from the first pages of the book living a weird experience and the end result of this is her foster sister getting killed and she's getting accused as her murderer. She's being thrown in a jail with other paranormal beings and from living clueless in a human world, she realizes that everything she knew as folklore is real and she's a part of them.
The book had action, plot twists, many interesting facts as it speaks about clans that were inspired by Roman history (Remus-Romulus), romance and I generally enjoyed a lot the world building!
September 5, 2021
ARC from NetGalley
2.5 stars
This book does not deserve that cover.
I couldn't get into this book. I didn't care about any of the characters. I almost DNF'd at 93% but forced myself to skim the rest. I have no interest in the next one. It isn't well-written, and it isn't terribly gripping or interesting. I don't mean to come across as harsh and hating, but as I reflect, I just don't have anything nice to say about it at all. It brought nothing to my table. It wasn't an awful book, but it was utterly forgettable.
2.5 stars
This book does not deserve that cover.
I couldn't get into this book. I didn't care about any of the characters. I almost DNF'd at 93% but forced myself to skim the rest. I have no interest in the next one. It isn't well-written, and it isn't terribly gripping or interesting. I don't mean to come across as harsh and hating, but as I reflect, I just don't have anything nice to say about it at all. It brought nothing to my table. It wasn't an awful book, but it was utterly forgettable.
July 29, 2021
I received an ARC of this book for free from BookSirens.
A big thank you to them and the author.
Marketed as a "decadently dark YA fantasy perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas", two of my favorite authors, I really hoped to love Luna. Unfortunately, I found it to be a very generic YA fantasy, not "decadently dark". The heroine discovering that paranormal is real after a brutal event wasn't that interesting for me. I didn't not feel for her, but I didn't care enough either, which might be because I'm feeling tired of some genres and tropes lately. But even without this, there's a lot of info-dumping that made this first novel in a new series felt longer than it actually is. Apart from Jess and another character we're introduced to later, the others are all very unlikable and there's not enough characterization to make them interesting.
There are different possibilities for the future romance, which might lead to a love triangle? I'm not sure, but once again, I'm just not invested enough to truly care. Basically, I felt the world-building could have used more work to avoid the info-dumping and more characterization in general. I know it's only the first book in a series, but I wouldn't have minded a longer novel to make it work. As it is, I'm just not excited to continue this series - which is a lost opportunity as the plot and some ideas aren't without interest.
Luna will be released on September 5th, 2021.
A big thank you to them and the author.
Marketed as a "decadently dark YA fantasy perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas", two of my favorite authors, I really hoped to love Luna. Unfortunately, I found it to be a very generic YA fantasy, not "decadently dark". The heroine discovering that paranormal is real after a brutal event wasn't that interesting for me. I didn't not feel for her, but I didn't care enough either, which might be because I'm feeling tired of some genres and tropes lately. But even without this, there's a lot of info-dumping that made this first novel in a new series felt longer than it actually is. Apart from Jess and another character we're introduced to later, the others are all very unlikable and there's not enough characterization to make them interesting.
There are different possibilities for the future romance, which might lead to a love triangle? I'm not sure, but once again, I'm just not invested enough to truly care. Basically, I felt the world-building could have used more work to avoid the info-dumping and more characterization in general. I know it's only the first book in a series, but I wouldn't have minded a longer novel to make it work. As it is, I'm just not excited to continue this series - which is a lost opportunity as the plot and some ideas aren't without interest.
Luna will be released on September 5th, 2021.
Read
August 10, 2021Hey lovely Readers!
*** Not a review***
First, I wanted to say thank you for reading about Jess.
The girl with anger as hot as soulfire.🔥
And bravery great enough to face herself. 🐺
And for journeying into the world of The Dark Between.
Where magic is in the Earth🌿 ... in the Heights⛰️ ... and in the Depths.🌊
And where the restless dead—sluagh—drift through souls, spinning fear into flesh...💀🩸
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you’re hungering for the next instalment, it should be out as an ARC in late October and published in late November. Feel free to email me or contact me on social media if you’d like an ARC copy of Nox to read and review.
Now, if I could ask a little favour? I’ve released the paperback version of Luna on Amazon and reviews can be left over this month before the book officially launches. If you could pop up your review there too that would be so appreciated. Thanks for your support in helping me launch The Dark Between Series! 🖤🖤🖤
*** Not a review***
First, I wanted to say thank you for reading about Jess.
The girl with anger as hot as soulfire.🔥
And bravery great enough to face herself. 🐺
And for journeying into the world of The Dark Between.
Where magic is in the Earth🌿 ... in the Heights⛰️ ... and in the Depths.🌊
And where the restless dead—sluagh—drift through souls, spinning fear into flesh...💀🩸
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you’re hungering for the next instalment, it should be out as an ARC in late October and published in late November. Feel free to email me or contact me on social media if you’d like an ARC copy of Nox to read and review.
Now, if I could ask a little favour? I’ve released the paperback version of Luna on Amazon and reviews can be left over this month before the book officially launches. If you could pop up your review there too that would be so appreciated. Thanks for your support in helping me launch The Dark Between Series! 🖤🖤🖤
September 4, 2021
Jess gets arrested and taken to the Dark Between which is basically an alternate world from ours where the paras live. She’s put into prison falsely accused for murder. She teams up with other incarcerated paras there to break out and escape. While there, she develops relationships with these others who are stuck in prison, and she learns more about herself, who she is and what she is, and is determined to find out who framed her and bring vengeance upon them.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s unique and has a unique world where paras live in an alternate world from ours that they teleport to. Each paranormal has a different world they live in, such as for the Fae, and then the Wolf shifters have two rival clans, the Remus and the Romulus.
Jess is a tough girl and even after everything she went through from childhood up to the present time, she’s a very nice person and cares a lot. Rather than let her situation her down, she’s determined to get out and with the help of others, get them all out and help her exact vengeance. She learns about being a Wolf shifter and that she is from one of the rival clans. She’s only half Wolf shift and thinks she’s half human, but is she? 🤔😁
I also LOVE the side characters. I love when a book has side characters that get involved and are truly a part of the story. Each were a different paranormal. There’s a Wolf shifter(Lea), a vampire(Rune 😍), a Fae(Astra), and a mage(Theo). And each were very different from each other and added a nice element to the story. And then there’s the Wolf shifter guard/investigator Matteo who doesn’t believe Jess at first, but once he realizes she’s telling the truth, he sets out to find who framed her and help her get out, even though she’s a rival from the Rem clan and he’s from the Rom clan.
I always love a good breakout from prison story, there’s quite a bit of suspense! You wonder when they’ll get out or how, especially when their plan seems to get messed up a couple times. There’s also some eeriness in this book, and a lovely hint of romance. And I will say the potential romance going on in the story I’m all for and hope it continues because it’s different and I approve!
It was a fantastic mix of different tropes and I’m excited to see how the story continues! I received a free digital copy from @rbntours and the author to read. All thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s unique and has a unique world where paras live in an alternate world from ours that they teleport to. Each paranormal has a different world they live in, such as for the Fae, and then the Wolf shifters have two rival clans, the Remus and the Romulus.
Jess is a tough girl and even after everything she went through from childhood up to the present time, she’s a very nice person and cares a lot. Rather than let her situation her down, she’s determined to get out and with the help of others, get them all out and help her exact vengeance. She learns about being a Wolf shifter and that she is from one of the rival clans. She’s only half Wolf shift and thinks she’s half human, but is she? 🤔😁
I also LOVE the side characters. I love when a book has side characters that get involved and are truly a part of the story. Each were a different paranormal. There’s a Wolf shifter(Lea), a vampire(Rune 😍), a Fae(Astra), and a mage(Theo). And each were very different from each other and added a nice element to the story. And then there’s the Wolf shifter guard/investigator Matteo who doesn’t believe Jess at first, but once he realizes she’s telling the truth, he sets out to find who framed her and help her get out, even though she’s a rival from the Rem clan and he’s from the Rom clan.
I always love a good breakout from prison story, there’s quite a bit of suspense! You wonder when they’ll get out or how, especially when their plan seems to get messed up a couple times. There’s also some eeriness in this book, and a lovely hint of romance. And I will say the potential romance going on in the story I’m all for and hope it continues because it’s different and I approve!
It was a fantastic mix of different tropes and I’m excited to see how the story continues! I received a free digital copy from @rbntours and the author to read. All thoughts are my own.
August 1, 2021
I loved everything about this book. Vampires, werewolves, fae.. that's my cup of tea! I loved how complicated and well written Jess' character is. Despite what people think of her there a soft person underneath that is only prominent to the reader at times which makes you sympathise with her.
The descriptions of feelings and surroundings are very vivid and make you "paint" the imagine in your mind which is always good in a written story. I can't wait to see how the story continues and find out more about the characters, including Jess. I think the theme of children in care is a really nice touch to the story and definitely a matter that is not discussed as much as it should so congratulations to the author for bringing it up.
All in all, Luna is a very promising start to a series and I'm definitely interested to see what Else (get it? hehe ☺️) Rae has to bring to this series and in general!
The descriptions of feelings and surroundings are very vivid and make you "paint" the imagine in your mind which is always good in a written story. I can't wait to see how the story continues and find out more about the characters, including Jess. I think the theme of children in care is a really nice touch to the story and definitely a matter that is not discussed as much as it should so congratulations to the author for bringing it up.
All in all, Luna is a very promising start to a series and I'm definitely interested to see what Else (get it? hehe ☺️) Rae has to bring to this series and in general!
August 6, 2021
At first, I would like to thank @rbn_tours and the author Rae Else for the e-copy of "Luna" in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was quite interesting, unique in a way that you don't see often these days. Especially when it comes to books that involve werewolves in a young adult universe. The world-building was good and the variety of different paranormal beings was something I liked as well. Also let's not forget to mention how beautiful is the cover and how well used is the language.
Although there was a good potential with the story, I feel like the pace of it was a bit slow. There was some sort of dragging from the beginning to the middle part and then towards the end felt a bit rushed.
Still is something that I would recommend to someone who is a fan of YA paranormal fiction.
The plot was quite interesting, unique in a way that you don't see often these days. Especially when it comes to books that involve werewolves in a young adult universe. The world-building was good and the variety of different paranormal beings was something I liked as well. Also let's not forget to mention how beautiful is the cover and how well used is the language.
Although there was a good potential with the story, I feel like the pace of it was a bit slow. There was some sort of dragging from the beginning to the middle part and then towards the end felt a bit rushed.
Still is something that I would recommend to someone who is a fan of YA paranormal fiction.
August 5, 2021
The characters are amazing, I fell in love with Matteo from the start and Jess has been the annoying that I love and hate at the same time. The forbidden love got me involved so much.
The characters are amazing having a werewolf , far, a mage and vamp all together the dynamics between them is explained so well.
The bit of history and backdrop that teb author shares time and again throughout the book actually helps in connecting the dots and gets the reader completely immersed in the story.
The twists and turns are great and some were actually unexpected, it was pleasantly surprising ones.
I would definitely recommend this book to all the fantasy readers out there, give it a try and it might just be worth it.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next part in the series.
The characters are amazing having a werewolf , far, a mage and vamp all together the dynamics between them is explained so well.
The bit of history and backdrop that teb author shares time and again throughout the book actually helps in connecting the dots and gets the reader completely immersed in the story.
The twists and turns are great and some were actually unexpected, it was pleasantly surprising ones.
I would definitely recommend this book to all the fantasy readers out there, give it a try and it might just be worth it.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next part in the series.
July 11, 2021
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the sense of mystery throughout the book. I wish the potential romances were a little more fleshed out, and I felt like the ending was very rushed. I wanted more details about Jess’ history, Lorenzo’s story, what might happen with Matteo, who Rune really is, etc. It just felt a little abrupt. I thought the world building could have used a little more detail, although overall this was well thought out. Overall this is a good read, I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend this to others looking for a good fae/vamp/mage/shifter story with a little bit of romance too.
January 14, 2024
Where do I start with this book? This book makes you feel just as lost as the main character, Jess, learning about new creatures and the para world. I feel like the execution of the world building was just thrown at you so that way you have to keep reading in order for the characters to understand what we do as readers. We spent more time going through the world and what powers everyone has, then actually telling a story. Until towards the end when things started to get to the plot, did we get a lot of excitement and twists. But I do still feel that we know more about Jess then she knows about herself and it's frustrating cuz either you have to continue reading the series to see how she reacts to it or just leave it.
September 6, 2021
This was a really nice fantasy read, with unexpected plot twists and interesting characters. I really liked the writing style, I found it easy to read and that type of writing that makes you want to read more and more.
July 23, 2021
I was lucky enough to get this as a ARC, I was not disappointed at all loved every page, it was gripping through out, story plot was brilliant and I love Jess ❤ this is a must read
December 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was super awesome. The characters had great chemistry. I loved the paranormal world and the world building.
April 28, 2023
I admit the cover of this pulled me in and I was expecting to love it, I know don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but I do and most the time I’m spot on. Sadly this didn’t reach anywhere near my expectations , the MC started off great but eventually her behaviour annoyed me, ultimately it couldn’t hold my attention enough and it just wasn’t for me
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2024
"Luna (The Dark Between Series)" left me rather unimpressed, earning a 2-star rating from my perspective. The book proved to be a dull and uninspiring read that failed to gain momentum or head in any discernible direction. The plot felt stagnant, lacking the dynamic elements to keep me engaged and interested. Despite initial hopes for an intriguing narrative, the story seemed to meander without a clear purpose, making it difficult to invest in the characters or their journey. The lack of substantial development left me feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from the plot. Regrettably, "Luna" fell short of my expectations, and the absence of a compelling storyline makes it doubtful that I will continue the series. The lack of excitement and direction in this installment doesn't leave me eager to explore further into "The Dark Between Series."
October 1, 2021
First I want to thank @raeelse & @netgalley for this ARC copy! I was so excited to receive it and here's my honest review:
I loved it! I found myself connecting with Jess right away through her love of creating things and inner peace found in nature. Jess is 17, going on 18, hopping through the foster care system. She yearns for freedom and is determined to reach it. Her record is well documented, but after a sudden change of events she is left questioning her own history.
This story was quick paced, full of magic and intrigue, and the ever present fear of betrayal. I did feel as if a little of the beginning of the book was rushed but that feeling dissipated as I dove in further. I'm excited to read the novella and the rest of the books in the series as they come out.
I loved it! I found myself connecting with Jess right away through her love of creating things and inner peace found in nature. Jess is 17, going on 18, hopping through the foster care system. She yearns for freedom and is determined to reach it. Her record is well documented, but after a sudden change of events she is left questioning her own history.
This story was quick paced, full of magic and intrigue, and the ever present fear of betrayal. I did feel as if a little of the beginning of the book was rushed but that feeling dissipated as I dove in further. I'm excited to read the novella and the rest of the books in the series as they come out.
March 15, 2022
Thank you to @rbn_tours & author Rae Else for providing me with a copy of the book for the purposes of a tour
Jess is only months away from the safe haven of Portland, its art school a dream about to come true. Her entire life has been a series of unfortunate events, from her rage blackouts to the misdiagnoses of her mental health issues and the dozens of foster homes she's been to over the years. That safe haven is her only hope to get life into her own hands. All would go as planned, if not for her latest blackout, her blood-covered clothes and the men dragging her into the depths of a lake.
Jess is thrown into a world of shifters, faes, witches and vampires, where she is accused of a crime she swears she didn't commit. The penitentiary she's locked in is governed by a witch, who is far from willing to read more into her case. The walls seem to be closing in, as a devasting penalty is held over her head. Her only option is to escape. But to do that, she must get help from her fellow inmates.
The world of the paras unravels as the story proceeds. We discover each race along with Jess, as represented by one of her fellow inmates; their legends and myths, the ways of their people, and the reasons behind their imprisonment. The first half of the book might be considered an info dump by some but I enjoyed getting to know this world so early on. The plot drags a little, as it gives way for the worldbuilding but it did not hinder my reading experience one bit.
It took only 6 chapters for the author to lay out the basis upon which she build her world. In the span of 69 pages, we get to really know the mentality and life of our Main Character, Jess, up to the point of her imprisonment, as well as the secondary characters, the lore of their races and how the cogs turn in their heads. It is evident that there is more than meets the eye in those creatures but we have enough material in our hands to decide if we rule for them or not.
In those same chapters, we unravel the lore of the paras little by little, while witnessing the challenges Jess faces in the penitentiary. The descriptions are well placed within the story, emphasizing the plot or character and adding another dimension to the subject of interest.
Throughout the book, I became very interested in 2 characters from the cast, a fae named Astra and a witch named Theo. Astra is not taking much of the spotlight in this book, but I love how the questions left unanswered about her promise to give her more time in the next one. I love how straightforward she is and the way she seems to pick a side, while in truth, she has her own agenda (that's mere speculation on my part and I do hope it plays out in the next book!). As for Theo, I am simply in love with that power-hungry witch. He is laid back and extremely confident of his powers. At the end of the book, we get a sneak peek of the second installment in The Dark Between series, as the author graces us with the 1st chapter of Nox. And that chapter only cemented Theo into my ever-growing list of favourite fictional characters.
There is, however, one thing I didn't really fancy. While our MC is confronting the Big Bad of this book, it is clear to us readers where the scales tip. She is an inexperienced fighter, who marched into the battle without a plan or a way to see the fight through. She is driven by pure rage and, in a way, it is beneficial for her. Given the entire situation and the backstory of the two opposing sides, the fight was way too short and the outcome quite unrealistic. I would have liked to see our MC struggle more or make a very calculated move to defeat the Big Bad. Or, even better, I'd love a longer scene where we can dive a little deeper into the Big Bad's head they allowed their arrogance and narcissism to spell their doom.
Yet by no means does that mean the book is not worth your time! I am really looking forward to revisiting this amazing world in Nox and I hope that you guys will give this beautifully written book a chance!
July 29, 2021
Luna is the first book in the Dark Between Series. A series featuring a rivalry embedded in wolf clans descended from Romulus and Remus.
A quick rundown: Jess has been through more than any 17-year-old should. From being brought up in foster care to rage blackouts with unforeseen consequences, Jess decides the best way to live is by avoiding people as much as possible. Fairly easy, considering she's in a more rural area in Maine.
One night, after coming out of a blackout, she wakes up to find herself covered in blood. It shouldn't come as a surprise (but it does) that soon after a portal opens up with guards to escort Jess to Triodia Penitentiary. While there, she learns her true identity (a shifter -- or type of para) and is accused of murder, basically in the same breath.
Jess is convinced of her innocence, despite the blackout, and comes to the decision that she has to escape. Relying on her fellow inmates might not be the safest option, but it's the only one she has. As the crew works to get Jess out, her enemies press in closer and closer. Audiences are left wondering if Jess will be able to survive the escape and learning about her identity as a para.
My thoughts: I was immediately drawn to this cover and the fact that the book is YA Fantasy. I found Luna to be a fairly strong start to a new series. The questions left by the ending provide an excellent opening for the rest of the series, and you're left wanting just a bit more. The various fantastic and supernatural elements add complexity to the plot and don't feel overused. Unfortunately for me, none of the characters felt particularly lovable, let alone likable. Jess's interactions with her fellow prisoners feel off or stilted occasionally, but the action in the story tends to help that. The plot's pacing is just a tad wonky, with some parts dragging and other, important parts, feeling rushed. The prison scenes, in particular, really took concentration. However, the exploration into the myth of Rome's founding is unexpected but very appreciated. Else creates a new perspective into a story that a lot of us probably grew up learning. Providing multiple POVs was a little disorienting for me, just because I got so used to Jess's thoughts and perspective. I wasn't really ready for anyone else to narrate. I think this series has immense potential, and I'm so excited to see where it goes from here.
Overall rating: 3.5/5 (rounded to 4)
Luna will be available on September 5th. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf and see where it's sold. Also, be sure to check out Rae Else's website!
I received this book for free from Rae Else and Anchorite Publishing in exchange for an honest review and feedback. Thank you!
A quick rundown: Jess has been through more than any 17-year-old should. From being brought up in foster care to rage blackouts with unforeseen consequences, Jess decides the best way to live is by avoiding people as much as possible. Fairly easy, considering she's in a more rural area in Maine.
One night, after coming out of a blackout, she wakes up to find herself covered in blood. It shouldn't come as a surprise (but it does) that soon after a portal opens up with guards to escort Jess to Triodia Penitentiary. While there, she learns her true identity (a shifter -- or type of para) and is accused of murder, basically in the same breath.
Jess is convinced of her innocence, despite the blackout, and comes to the decision that she has to escape. Relying on her fellow inmates might not be the safest option, but it's the only one she has. As the crew works to get Jess out, her enemies press in closer and closer. Audiences are left wondering if Jess will be able to survive the escape and learning about her identity as a para.
My thoughts: I was immediately drawn to this cover and the fact that the book is YA Fantasy. I found Luna to be a fairly strong start to a new series. The questions left by the ending provide an excellent opening for the rest of the series, and you're left wanting just a bit more. The various fantastic and supernatural elements add complexity to the plot and don't feel overused. Unfortunately for me, none of the characters felt particularly lovable, let alone likable. Jess's interactions with her fellow prisoners feel off or stilted occasionally, but the action in the story tends to help that. The plot's pacing is just a tad wonky, with some parts dragging and other, important parts, feeling rushed. The prison scenes, in particular, really took concentration. However, the exploration into the myth of Rome's founding is unexpected but very appreciated. Else creates a new perspective into a story that a lot of us probably grew up learning. Providing multiple POVs was a little disorienting for me, just because I got so used to Jess's thoughts and perspective. I wasn't really ready for anyone else to narrate. I think this series has immense potential, and I'm so excited to see where it goes from here.
Overall rating: 3.5/5 (rounded to 4)
Luna will be available on September 5th. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf and see where it's sold. Also, be sure to check out Rae Else's website!
I received this book for free from Rae Else and Anchorite Publishing in exchange for an honest review and feedback. Thank you!
August 29, 2021
As it is an arc, I will try to write the review without spoilers at all. Specific story details will be hidden.
One should really stop and consider before adding a phrase like "This book is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas" to the book's description. I received an arc of Luna and had my expectations skyrocketing while simultaneously being extremely wary of a huge comparison being used so lightly.
Overall - it's lovely. The writing is light, the story is interesting enough, the cover artwork is beautiful, the magical creatures are really original and it's creepy at times - but the general picture is extremely mediocre.
I had a hard time concentrating on it, had to read something else parallelly and reading it took a while, as some parts were really dragging and didn't interest me.
Other parts of the story were huge leaps that felt like parts were missing, there were a few times I had to stop and go back cause I thought I jumped forward a chunk. Characters just disappear and appear when it's convenient, and the plot at times feels forced. Some of the relationships feel really illogical, like sudden enmity or insta-love, and the romance department is extremely lacking.
Minor spoilers ahead - specific examples to above.
Overall - It's a nice read. I wouldn't call it a shifter book necessarily, at least not at this stage, but a regular high fantasy. Waiting to see what Rae will do with the story in the books to come.
One should really stop and consider before adding a phrase like "This book is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas" to the book's description. I received an arc of Luna and had my expectations skyrocketing while simultaneously being extremely wary of a huge comparison being used so lightly.
Overall - it's lovely. The writing is light, the story is interesting enough, the cover artwork is beautiful, the magical creatures are really original and it's creepy at times - but the general picture is extremely mediocre.
I had a hard time concentrating on it, had to read something else parallelly and reading it took a while, as some parts were really dragging and didn't interest me.
Other parts of the story were huge leaps that felt like parts were missing, there were a few times I had to stop and go back cause I thought I jumped forward a chunk. Characters just disappear and appear when it's convenient, and the plot at times feels forced. Some of the relationships feel really illogical, like sudden enmity or insta-love, and the romance department is extremely lacking.
Minor spoilers ahead - specific examples to above.
Overall - It's a nice read. I wouldn't call it a shifter book necessarily, at least not at this stage, but a regular high fantasy. Waiting to see what Rae will do with the story in the books to come.
September 15, 2021
Golly, I feel so bummed out - this could have been so good! Alas, my disappointment will show in this review, but only because I had been rooting for this book from the start.
Opening:
I thought it had such a great beginning. The mystery and wonder really captivated me and I was eager to continue reading and to find out more about this new world and its beings. Unfortunately, we never get it see it.
Setting:
About 90% of the book takes place in the prison, which sounds good in theory, but with little to do but relive each day over and over, and listen to the ramblings inside Jess' head - you can imagine how claustrophobic it becomes. I was urging Jess to escape just so I could see this magical world and experience it for myself, but sadly all we get are the secondhand accounts from the supporting characters.
Jess is as new to this world as the reader, but instead of being shown, she is told everything by the conveniently placed other beings in the prison. They answer all your questions, telling you exactly what you need to know exactly when you need to know it.
Characters:
Speaking of which, I did like all the different races and breeds. But as mentioned, their main purpose is to info dump for Jess and the reader - so there's no development. I struggled to bond with them, unfortunately.
I can't really say much about Jess. She is the typical snarky, strong female character that you would expect from YA.
Romance:
Needs to be developed.
Ending:
The ending and big reveal were disappointing as well, I'm afraid. We do not know these characters, so I was unable to care or feel anything as they mean nothing to us.
All this could have been avoided completely if we were gifted a second POV, someone else other than Matteo. Someone who we could live through on the outside, who could show us the world and its history and lore. Also giving us a much needed break from Jess and the prison.
On that last note, I did love how this book made me crave reconnecting with nature and the trees. Definitely made me want to run!
This book shows huge potential for a new fantasy series. Most of my grievances revolve around the 'no show, all tell' and lack of development. So, the building-blocks are there - it's the execution. It has such an interesting lore, it would have been so nice to see it! With some character development and world-building, it could be fantastic.
*Thank you to the author, Anchorite Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Opening:
I thought it had such a great beginning. The mystery and wonder really captivated me and I was eager to continue reading and to find out more about this new world and its beings. Unfortunately, we never get it see it.
Setting:
About 90% of the book takes place in the prison, which sounds good in theory, but with little to do but relive each day over and over, and listen to the ramblings inside Jess' head - you can imagine how claustrophobic it becomes. I was urging Jess to escape just so I could see this magical world and experience it for myself, but sadly all we get are the secondhand accounts from the supporting characters.
Jess is as new to this world as the reader, but instead of being shown, she is told everything by the conveniently placed other beings in the prison. They answer all your questions, telling you exactly what you need to know exactly when you need to know it.
Characters:
Speaking of which, I did like all the different races and breeds. But as mentioned, their main purpose is to info dump for Jess and the reader - so there's no development. I struggled to bond with them, unfortunately.
I can't really say much about Jess. She is the typical snarky, strong female character that you would expect from YA.
Romance:
Needs to be developed.
Ending:
The ending and big reveal were disappointing as well, I'm afraid. We do not know these characters, so I was unable to care or feel anything as they mean nothing to us.
All this could have been avoided completely if we were gifted a second POV, someone else other than Matteo. Someone who we could live through on the outside, who could show us the world and its history and lore. Also giving us a much needed break from Jess and the prison.
On that last note, I did love how this book made me crave reconnecting with nature and the trees. Definitely made me want to run!
This book shows huge potential for a new fantasy series. Most of my grievances revolve around the 'no show, all tell' and lack of development. So, the building-blocks are there - it's the execution. It has such an interesting lore, it would have been so nice to see it! With some character development and world-building, it could be fantastic.
*Thank you to the author, Anchorite Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2021
Quote: "Jess shouldn’t have said that; she’d meant to find the lay of the land before divulging that she was a psycho... or an accused one. The troubled look Astra was giving her was all too familiar. A shadow of the one that had plagued her at every school and home she’d ever been to. Echoes of Emma’s taunting voice rang in her head: psycho..."
Summary/Description: Seventeen-year-old Jess wakes up by a lake covered in blood with no memory of what happened. Transported to the Triodia Penitentiary, she discovers she's a shifter, a type of para. She's accused of murder and locked up. Desperate to find a way out, she turns to her fellow inmates for help. Yet as they mount an escape, the enemies circling her increase. Will Jess survive unlocking the dangerous Heights and Depths of the para world and those within herself?
Pros: The main character's foster parents are both women, which is decent representation for the LGBTQ+ community. I loved seeing all different "paras" in the prison work together to escape, such as shifters, the fae, vampires, ect. This book and series has a lot of potential, with interesting plotlines, lore, and likeable characters.
Cons: It's hard to imagine Jess, a blonde white girl, being bullied for being "too blonde." She's literally the beauty standard in Western white supremacist society. If she was described as being bullied for other characteristics, traits, sure. A lot of people, unfortunately, are bullied. But to see part of her character arc is her being bullied for being "too blonde" just feels a bit out of touch. The world building could do some work and there's a lot of info-dumping without much explanation. Also Jess is I sort of a love triangle and both the guys are a bit older than her and she's still a teenager so that felt pretty gross even though nothing happened between anyone (yet). I know she turns eighteen soon, but that still gives off slight grooming vibes and I'm just really not a fan of that whole aspect.
Content Warnings: General violence and very mild gore. Nothing outside the realms of YA fantasy/supernatural novels.
Overall Rating: 3 out if 5 stars.
P.S. I received an arc copy to read and review before the official publishing of ths book. That being said this is an honest review with honest opinions.
Summary/Description: Seventeen-year-old Jess wakes up by a lake covered in blood with no memory of what happened. Transported to the Triodia Penitentiary, she discovers she's a shifter, a type of para. She's accused of murder and locked up. Desperate to find a way out, she turns to her fellow inmates for help. Yet as they mount an escape, the enemies circling her increase. Will Jess survive unlocking the dangerous Heights and Depths of the para world and those within herself?
Pros: The main character's foster parents are both women, which is decent representation for the LGBTQ+ community. I loved seeing all different "paras" in the prison work together to escape, such as shifters, the fae, vampires, ect. This book and series has a lot of potential, with interesting plotlines, lore, and likeable characters.
Cons: It's hard to imagine Jess, a blonde white girl, being bullied for being "too blonde." She's literally the beauty standard in Western white supremacist society. If she was described as being bullied for other characteristics, traits, sure. A lot of people, unfortunately, are bullied. But to see part of her character arc is her being bullied for being "too blonde" just feels a bit out of touch. The world building could do some work and there's a lot of info-dumping without much explanation. Also Jess is I sort of a love triangle and both the guys are a bit older than her and she's still a teenager so that felt pretty gross even though nothing happened between anyone (yet). I know she turns eighteen soon, but that still gives off slight grooming vibes and I'm just really not a fan of that whole aspect.
Content Warnings: General violence and very mild gore. Nothing outside the realms of YA fantasy/supernatural novels.
Overall Rating: 3 out if 5 stars.
P.S. I received an arc copy to read and review before the official publishing of ths book. That being said this is an honest review with honest opinions.
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