Het laatste licht

Het laatste licht #1

by Jen Minkman

Als Moira haar zus en broer helpt bij een Wicca-ritueel tijdens Halloween, verwacht ze niet dat hun bezwering ook echt zal werken. Ze komen in een mysterieus landschap terecht dat mijlenver weg lijkt van de steencirkel Meini Hirion in Wales waar ze met hun ritueel zijn begonnen. Natuurlijk moet het wel een illusie zijn… maar de knappe, donkerharige jongen die Moira tijdens haar trance ontmoet kan ze niet zomaar als droom wegwuiven.

Hayko, de geheimzinnige vreemdeling, duikt daarna nacht na nacht weer op in haar dromen. Een vreemde kracht lijkt haar steeds weer terug te trekken naar het dromenland uit haar visioen, en de dingen die ze daar ziet beginnen steeds meer op nachtmerries te lijken. Maar waar Moira zich het meeste zorgen om maakt is niet dat ze in haar dromen met allerlei monsters en engelen moet vechten; het is het besef dat ze verliefd begint te worden op een jongen die helemaal niet bestaat.

Wat als je écht kunt vallen voor de man van je dromen?

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural

260 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2014

About the author

Jen Minkman (1978) writes YA paranormal romance, dystopian fiction and poetry. She is from the Netherlands and self-publishes her work in English. Her works are available in paperback & digital format (ebook and audio).
You can subscribe to her newsletter here > http://eepurl.com/bTXSWv

Jen was born in the Netherlands and lived in Austria, Belgium and the UK during her studies. She learned how to read at the age of three and has never stopped reading since. Her favourite books to read are (YA) paranormal/fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian and romance, and this is reflected in the stories she writes. In her home country, she is a trade-published author of paranormal romance and chicklit. Across the border, she is a self-published author of poetry, paranormal romance and dystopian fiction. Her books are already available in English, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Afrikaans.

She currently resides in The Hague where she works and lives with her husband and two noisy zebra finches.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – The Space In Between
Author – Jen Minkman
Publication Date – September 8, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance, Paranormal
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review

Review
I was pleasantly surprised when Ms. Minkman remembered how much I loved her book “The Boy from the Woods” and contacted me to receive an ARC of this book.  Once I read the synopsis, I knew to expect some new and exciting paranormal instances.  Ms. Minkman has a way of creating images and fantasies, which break out of the “normal” box to keep the reader constantly enamored by the story line.



Honestly though, the beginning was a bit slow and there was a time that I seriously thought of not finishing. Instead, I walked away from the book and in time found myself continuing to wonder what was going to happen next and what was really going on – so I picked it back up and within a chapter or two, I couldn’t put it down.

I fell in love with Moira and Hayko – especially Moira and her transcendence from being ruled into finally thinking for herself.  She is a prime candidate for the heroine who must journey through her emotions and make some hard decisions in order for her to come into her prime.  Not only is she helping herself grow up but in the process by helping Hayko, she is helping herself to see what her life’s “big picture” is.  She learns that instead of doing what others want her to and by being “careful” – she is missing out on life and she isn’t living to her full potential.



There comes a time though as soon as Moira finally understands and knows without a doubt what she wants – that she is met with an obstacle and a choice – she must choose between doing the right thing or doing what her intuition is telling her.  She must make an ultimate sacrifice for the good of another no matter what it means for her own future.

This is not just a nice romance – instead Ms. Minkman tends to write about instances, which bring the reader to a state of philosophical thinking about the greater good and life.  A very emotional book, which sucks the reader into a world of dreams and fantasies full of angels and evil.



Re-Cap
Moira seems to think she is happy with life just the way it is…but she must learn that certain actions can create a domino effect, which can ultimately hurt others.  She is in a humdrum relationship – works part-time and goes to Uni part-time. Diagnosed with ADHD, she is heavily medicated that affects her ability to tap into her creativity level and imagination when it comes to her art.



After a certain Wiccan ritual, Moira and her siblings find themselves part of a dream they all experience or watch together.  Through these dreams, Moira meets Hayko who seems to be stuck in this “between” existence without his memory and Moira must help him either cross over into the light or grant his freedom from what she has no idea.

With the help of her siblings and friends, Moira travels through a journey in her dreams and in her real life.  Are the two connected somehow?  This is what Moira must find out before it’s too late.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allereerst wil ik Jen bedanken voor het recensie exemplaar.
Dan mijn recensie, tja wat moet ik over dit boek zeggen. Ik heb het echt net uit en ik zit nog vol gedachten en kan vooral geen afscheid nemen van de personages. Ik heb van Jen eerder het boek De jongen uit het woud gelezen en dat vond ik ook prachtig. Ik hou van de manier waarop de wereld wordt opgebouwd en beschreven. Ik had echt het gevoel dat ik met de personages mee reisde. Ik had het gevoel dat ik in het boek zat.
Het heeft me echt meegesleept, het verhaal is prachtig en het breekt je hart op sommigen momenten maar op een goede manier. Je wil dat dit verhaal je hart breekt en je hoopt dat het je weer troost met een mooi einde. Ik ga natuurlijk niet verklappen hoe het eindigt daarvoor met je het boek zelf lezen!
Het verhaal speelt zich deels in de werkelijkheid af en deels in een droomwereld. Het is dat de titels van de hoofdstukken het aangeven anders zou je niet meer weten wat de droomwereld is en wat de werkelijke wereld is. Het vloeit zo naadloos in elkaar over dat het heel natuurlijk aanvoelt.
Het verhaal is ook spannend, ik wilde zo graag weten hoe het verder zou gaan, wat zou er nu gebeuren? Ik heb dit boek praktisch in één zitting gelezen.
Ik vind het maar een vervelend idee dat ik deze personages achter moet laten en mag ik ook dromen over Hayko vannacht?

Het verhaal volgt Moira, zij is degene die contact legt met Hayko tijdens een halloween ritueel. Samen met haar broer en zus droomt ze over een vreemde plaats en een vreemde jongen. Ik vond Moira een mooi karakter, ze ontwikkeld zich in dit boek heel sterk van een meisje dat zich snel laat vertellen wat ze moet doen tot een meisje dat voor zichzelf opkomt en juist kiest voor wat zij graag wil.
De band van het gezin vond ik ook erg mooi, het is een gezin dat veel om elkaar geeft en echt veel voor elkaar overheeft. Ze doen de dingen echt samen! Die dynamiek herken ik wel in mijn eigen thuis, de relatie met mijn ouders dus dat was heel herkenbaar.
Hayko, tja wat kan ik over hem zeggen zonder het verhaal te verklappen? Niet zoveel dus, maar wel dat ik hem een prachtig personage vind, hij is duidelijk een nieuwe bookcrush op mijn lijstje. Hij veroverd het verhaal vanaf zijn eerste verschijning.

Ik was natuurlijk al bekend met de shrijfstijl, maar ik was even vergeten hoe ik mooi ik die ook alweer vond. Zoals ik al eerder heb aangegeven hou ik van de beschrijvende manier die je het gevoel geven dat je de hele wereld zo voor je ziet. Ik waande me echt even in Wales en na het lezen van dit boek heb ik enorm de drang om er eens naartoe te gaan.
Ik ben niet iemand die veel van Nederlandstalige auteurs leest, maar ik kan wel zeggen dat ik Jen echt mijn favoriete Nederlandse auteur vind!

Echt een prachtig boek dat je echt niet weg wil leggen, je moet weten hoe het verder gaat! Ik ben er in ieder geval helemaal verliefd op!

[Jen Minkman]

I can't believe I'm done :) One week after visiting the real Penmaenmawr in North Wales, I wrote down the last few words in English about Moira's adventures with the 'man of her dreams'. A few more days to do some heavy editing and this book will be ready to be sent off to reviewers around the globe! :)

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the power of a Wiccan ritual on Halloween cause one young woman to travel through a mystical veil and find the love of her life waiting for her? Or is this Fate’s plan to teach Moira the consequences and rippling effect of one rash decision? Jen Minkman’s The Space In Between took me on a journey of discovery, love and enlightenment along with her characters as her tale came to life like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon.

Why is Hayko trapped between worlds? Why is his memory of events before he arrived hidden from him? Night after night he joins Moira in her dreams and night after night they find a closeness that can only be described as love as they stand together against powerful forces from beyond.
By day Moira battles her own demons. With each battle, Moira loses a little more of herself until Hayko shows her she deserves more. Is he there to help her stand strong in life and believe in herself? Will he then just disappear or is Moira's greatest test yet to come?

Once again Jen Minkman creates a cast of characters in a world that feels real and possible. She has actually built two worlds within her tale, the In Between, with an almost dreamlike quality and the real world with all of its harsh realities. Ms. Minkman has given Moira inner turmoil that seems to hold her back, yet she shows great strength as she moves ahead. Every character is strategic to this tale, no matter how small their part is, they have an impact on the outcome. With the magic of her words, Ms. Minkman raises the question: What if you really can fall in love with the man of your dreams?


I received an ARC edition from Jen Minkman in exchange for my honest review.

[Rowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wat een origineel verhaal! Ik hou van verhalen over dromen dus dit boek viel bij mij zeker in de smaak. En door de originele religie die in dit boek voorkomt werd er nog net een extra laag aan toegevoegd.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always up for a good adventure and when I saw the synopsis for this I just knew that is what I would get.

I have to admit though that I struggled with the story the first little bit. It moved rather slowly and had a little too much unnecessary detail that made it drag just a bit. In fact I almost DNF'd it it was that slow. But I have liked Jen's novels in the past so I stuck with it and it did finally pick up and I was more able to get into the story.

I sadly never did connect with any of the characters but the jumping in between the realms was rather interesting and even though it went back and forth between things it was done well and wasn't confusing or hard to follow.

I loved the romance aspect of the storyline and this really did turn out to be a pretty cute and fun read.

If you are looking for a rather unique story with a little of the strange and lots of the unexpected then this is definitely something you should pick up and try.

[Annemieke / A Dance with Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het Laatste Licht is the third book by author Jen Minkman I have now read. I do quite like her ideas, this time with dreams. I did however miss a bit of world building in places when it came to the world of Hayko and the order. That portion didn't really come alive for me at all. Which was quite the shame. The characters also did not stand out too much for which is why I have settled on 3 stars. It was a good quick read but nothing that truly would stand out for me.

Our MC does have ADHD which I thought was great. It wasn't discovered until recently. It wasn't a negative thing to her at the end but still showed the struggles she had to deal with from some in her vicinity. The only thing that annoyed me was how it felt like medication was bad. I'll say this. Medication works for some. It doesn't work for others. This isn't just for ADHD. For that reason it always important to show that even though it isn't the choice for your main character, medications in itself aren't wrong to give a chance. And it is okay if they do work for you. I didn't entirely get that message from this book and I think that is a shame. There was also mention of different ways than medication but no deepening on that.

[Josien · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Let's just start with that I wasn't sure at first to read this book, I heard it was NA and I don't like NA (because of all the (graphic) sex). Luckily Jen Minkman told me it would be clean NA. :)

Now the book, it was a pretty good book, there were various things that I really liked, however there were also things I didn't like.

First let's start with the good stuff:

The setting, Wales/Dreamland, were really interesting and fun. Jen Minkman tells us with detail how the worlds look, so that it feels like you are standing next to Moira at times. I really like when authors write that way, bringing us closer to the characters.

The characters, well at least for most of the book. Moira was a good character at the beginning, but nearing the end I was just wanting to smack her for various reasons (more to come in the part about the bad stuff). I loved Dai, Tabby and Holly though, they were awesome. I loved how supportive they were of Moira, how they tried their best to help her with her situation, and also her normal life (Patrick and school).
Like I said, Moira was a good character, I found her really interesting and fun. Though at times (not near the part I was) I found her weak.

I am not a big fan of fantasy books, however I did like this one very much. Books about wiccan/witch rituals are always interesting to read.

What happened to Hayko and why Moira has something to do with it was awesome. It was really interesting to see how their things linked and how they clicked together.

The cover. It is gorgeous.

Now sadly, we have gotten to the point were I will rant about the bad stuff.

Patrick, he is a big part of the book, and also a big part of my hate. I really hated how he acted, how he treated Moira. How he tried to coax her into living with him, trying to get her pregnant (at least that is what it seems like), he is trying to control her life, and gets pissed when that fails/doesn't work. I have had a few times that I just wanted to drop the book because of Patrick. Of course Patrick is not the only one, and also not the only guilty party. Moira is just as bad, she is with this guy for 7 years, and she stays with him, regardless of what he does. She is making all kinds of excuses for him. I could clearly see this is one destructive relationship and that it would be better if both just dropped out.

I was all the more happy when these two broke up (the first time) and while the way they did it wasn't good, I was still cheering (softly, since it was around 2.30am and my boyfriend was sleeping already). Sad that at the end of the book we see Patrick again, yeah for time going wrong, and she is once again still in relationship. Luckily that one also ends (More cheers, and once again softly).

Ah Moira, at times I just disliked your guts. Especially when she is just flirting and drooling over another man while still being in relationship with Patrick. Hey Girl! I know you don't have that much of a relationship with Patrick, but come on, one does not flirt and almost kiss other guys until you are done with your relationship.
And then she breaks up a relationship of 7 years (or more), and what does she do after that? Oh just kiss a dream guy like her life depends on it (and multiple times). NO NO NO just no. Was that relationship with Patrick worth nothing? I know he was a prick, but come on, you were with him 7 years and you are over him like that? Within a flash? Not remembering all the good times? Urgh, I truly hate when relationships are broken and the people just go on and kiss with another guy or girl immediately after.

Now, there were a whole lot of references. And while I did like them for most of them, at times it was just too much, too many and I was just skimming a bit through the explanations. Don't get me wrong, I am interested in all the mythology/references and all that, but I thought it was bothering the story a bit.

There were also several times were they spoke Welsh (or another language) and I just got stuck on that. I was trying to figure out what the words meant and how they were pronounced. Which in turn threw me out of the loop with the story.

What happened with that teacher. I just felt like it didn't really belong in the book and I was kind of surprised/shocked(?) seeing it there.

All in all a balanced book of good and bads. I would really recommend this one.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, phenomenal, and brilliant are just a few words I would use to describe this amazing story! It starts out so ordinary and benign, but then it throws you head first into a swirling vortex that will captivatingly enchant you while it sucks the very breath from your lungs. This is not a journey for the faint of heart for you will lose your heart as you walk its harsh yet alluring path. You will be stretched to the breaking point and then lose yourself completely before you realize that you have been recreated into something whose beauty is beyond words. No one can read the powerful yet poignant words on each page and not walk away changed in some way. The depth of emotion is palpable and it will pull you in and hold you prisoner until you are set free by its ultimate truth and beauty.

To anyone who met her, Moira would seem a regular, down-to-earth girl. She attempts to keep a healthy balance among her part time college education, a part-time job, her ADHD, her family, and her boyfriend, but there are days when that balance slips and the only retreat she has is her artistic nature. Like any other girl, she wants to have it all, but she’s not happy and she doesn’t understand why until her dreams begin to invade her life in a way she never would have imagined. Hayko is an artist who just wants his family to accept him for who he is and now what he could be for them. Rather than lose himself to his anger, he chooses to convert his frustrations into a more healthy pursuit of inner peace and exploration. Hayko’s life is about to veer off into some deadly turns and impossibly high mountains that he will have to conquer. Will he discover the life-changing motivation needed to keep going and in the process find what he has been missing all this time, or will he see the road before him and in utter despair take the easy way out? Moira is on a crash course to see what she has been blind to for so long. Life has a way of forcing you to face the impossible sooner rather than later. Will she lose herself to a life that isn’t meant for her, or will she reemerge from this trial like a phoenix from the ashes stronger and more in control of her life then before?

Sometimes in life, we have to let go in order to gain that which we so strongly desire and need. In appearing weak we are actually growing stronger. We are learning that the control we think we have in his life is nothing but an illusion. What matters are our actions and reactions to people and events. It’s our heart that shapes the world around us. While that may seem weak to some, it is only from our heart that we gain our strength and find our inner peace. Some people fear what is inside them and so they allow others to dictate and create their world for them, but if we have the courage to allow who we really are to shine through, we will discover that life can be fuller, happier, and more rewarding then we could have ever imagined. Don’t lose the essence of who are you in order to become what others want you to be. Stand out and stand up for those who need to draw courage from others in order to see that they are more valuable and more precious than they realize.

I was completely blown away by Jen Minkman. Her writing is incredibly mesmerizing and highly original. She writes with a beautiful heart that is so full that it is over-flowing with its compassion and insight into the human soul. Her words will hold you utterly captive and continuously challenge you to view your world in a completely different way – with your whole heart. Don’t fight the new ideas that will tip your world on its axis. Instead give each one your complete attention as you might discover some important revelations about your own life.

[Sabine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars.

I really wanted to love this book, I really did! The author is a really sweet woman and I want to support her and Dutch books in general, but this book just didn't work for me. I did not hate it or anything, but I also didn't love it.

The storyline felt very predictable to me and all the characters just realized or found the important information right before they needed it. They also just had all the usefull skills or interests (a religion student who happens to know about this relevant obscure religion, or our main character having learned swordfighting and remembering that just before there is a battle? A bit too much of a coincedence for my taste). The ending was poor and has been done before. I missed some more sibling dynamics and adventure, it started of great and then the siblings just became unimportant.

There was no real tension in the story, it just kind of continued, untill the last forty pages when a sudden time limit was thrown in. This book was pretty short so I would not have minded to see some more struggling. A lot of times the text or a character literally said something was bad, while to me as a reader everything was pretty underwhelming.

The writing style was not my thing, but I'll just blame my personal taste for that. To me it was just a bit to plain, very simple and to the point, but with barely any descriptions of scenery or appearance or anything. Like I said, might just be my taste, some people will definetely prefer this.

Last but not least I just have two general issues;
1. The only non-straight characters are the alternative witch-y types. I like having inclusion of different sexualities, but this was poorly done and I'd rather have no representation than this stereotypical bs.

2. Quiting any type of medicine is not an easy decision, and the decision should be made with the help of a doctor. Here our MC has no side effects of quitting and barely seems different (except that she now is more creative). In the end the quitting was also combined with a different diet, but I would have loved to see this issue adressed more. Now it was just "You don't need these pills, you are strong enough to live without them", like, no!? Some people aren't and mystery dream man doesn't decide that. You and your doctor do. There is no shame in taking medicine if you need it.

Anyways, it might seem like I hated this book, but I just think it's easier to phrase what I dislike than what I like about a book. I still read it in just three days and definitely enjoyed some parts, I gave it 2.5 stars for a reason, if I would have hated it I would have DNF'ed it or rated it 1-star.

[Slawka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:
When Moira helps out her sister and brother in a Wiccan ritual on Halloween, the last thing she expects is to be swept away to a mystical wilderness. Sitting within the stones of the ancient circle of Penmaenmawr, Wales, she's convinced it's an illusion. But the dark-haired, handsome man with amnesia that Moira meets during her trance cannot be blinked away like a dream.

Hayko, the mysterious stranger, won’t let go. After returning home from her stone circle adventure, Moira is beckoned back night after night to the outlandish dreamland by an invisible force. But the hardest part isn't having to fight the terrifying creatures of these nightmares--it's realizing she’s falling for a guy without a past who isn't real.

What if you really can fall in love with the man of your dreams?


Free copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review

I have to say I usually don't give 5 stars to authors who gave me the book for free, usually not even 4. I even remember some cases when I disliked the book so much that I just couldn't finish it - so I didn't. That, obviously, is not a case with Jen Minkman's "The Space In Between". I just loved everything about this novel!

You think it sounds cliche? You couldn't be more wrong! It's a beautiful paranormal love story that, while using some known topics (dreams, Wiccan ritual), is a story on it's own: original and really well written. I've read one of Jen's novels before (Shadow of Time), so, more or less, I knew what to expect. And I was just swept off my feet by this one! It was much much better than the other book, that I already liked!

The characters are described so well, that you feel like you know them. You learn to feel what troubles them, to worry for their next steps. The beginning is just perfect: the pace is not too fast and not too slow, just ideal to get to know everyone and it fits the scenery where everything happens (picturesque Wales).

I've said before it's a love story, but it's more than this: it has a philosophical air to it, making us question our own choices and wondering about destiny and the higher forces in our lives.
If anyone still doubts if to read it, check out author's blog about the places that appear in the novel (a great bonus for those who have trouble imagining everything) and Moira's song (written by the author herself):

http://jenminkman.blogspot.com.es/201...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_PYk...

[Erin Zarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's about this woman, Moira, who's in college, working, and on ADHD medication. She has a boyfriend who's a douchebag and controlling. She's also an artist who is having trouble creating (due to the ADHD meds). On Halloween, Moira agrees to help her Wiccan sister with a spell, along with their brother. They all end up in a dream together, and Moira meets a mysterious guy who's trapped there and has no memory of who he is or how he got there.

There's an awesome mystery surrounding that -- who he is -- and what, exactly, he's doing in the place he is, the "place in between." He and Moira grow closer as Moira and her siblings unravel the mystery.

It's a bit predictable how he is able to be in that space in between, but the reason why it all happened will blow you away. They have a very real connection to each other.

Hayko -- the mysterious man in the dreams -- helps Moira see what's important in life, and to grow a backbone and dump her boyfriend. However, in order to save Hayko, she must make a very heart-rending decision.

I think the ending it fitting and beautiful, and left me with a sense of wonder.

[Ani's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for my honest review!!

First of all the cover is so beautiful and amazing.

Second of all.....holly hell I loved this book...wow. That's it, just wow. I can't explain with words what this book did to me. The author started off a little misteriously and frankly I didn't know what to expect through all of this book. I didn't know what will happen and that is the best thing that could an author do in a book. If a book is too predictable then there is not much to look forward to, but this was just an amazing read, unpredictable, sweet, totally worth reading.

I started it after lunch today and I had a hard time getting away from the book to take care of my kids. It just sucks you in and holds you there until the end. The amount of research the author did for her to write this amazing. I already forgot the half of the things that were here but that's okay. She did an amazing job and thanks for giving me this book to read. I enjoyed it so, so much!!!!

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

3.5 stars!!

The Space Between was just the read I was looking for.

I’ve never actually ever read a book with witches, or “Wiccans,” but I’ve always loved paranormal and mystical reads so this ran right up my alley.

I thought this book was fresh, creative, and very “spell-binding”, if you will, but did struggle with pacing issues at times.

Jen Minkman does a great job in balancing the realistic with the abnormal, while interweaving consequences of actions, doing things for the greater good even though it may be hard, and of course, adding a romantic element to the plot. *wink wink*

This was a totally out of the box read and one of which I really enjoyed! Great job Jen and I look forward to more wonderful reads from you!!

[Kezia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have never read a book by this author before and I really had no expectations going in. I thought it was amazing. The story is interesting and I especially loved the way she went back an forth between real life and the dreams. I thought the relationships within the story were really great- not just between Heyko and Moira but between Moira and her brother and sister. I liked her family and I thought it was interesting to have a story like this where the family unit is so loving and supportive in every way. I also really enjoyed the setting and the use of language. To me it almost felt like I could go get on a plane to Wales right now and meet these people. Honestly, this was one of the best books I've read this year and I will be reading this author's other books in the very near future.

[Kristi Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and I knew I would because I already have read this author's work before. I love Jen Minkman's imagination. She pulls you in with original storylines, descriptive writing, and alluring characters. I enjoyed the elements of otherworldly realms, Wiccan magic, romance, and the love between family members. I'd recommend this book to anyone!

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klopt het dat de laatste zin;
'Ik denk dat ik weet waar ... vandaan komt.' is?
Heb namelijk een E-book gelezen. En zo ja, wat een frustrerend einde, ik wil antwoord!

[Kwante in Wonderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensie volgt op mijn blog!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Moira studies art and art history part time at Bangor University while working part time at a hotel. Moira loves going to college and getting credits for something she really loves doing. She likes to spend as much time as possible with her mom, dad, her brother Dai and sister Tabby. Dai and Tabby are twins and they go to the same University as Moira. She also likes to spend a lot of time with her best friend and Dai's girlfriend Holly.

Sometimes Moira has a hard time keeping up with her studies and working. She has ADHD and takes Ritalin. Sometimes she can't focus on her art without taking her pills. Holly is a very good for Moira and helps her out a lot when they are at school or wherever they may be. Dai and Tabby is the best brother and sister a person could have. Moira loves spending time with all three of them because they understand her and know how to help her when she gets frustrated with life.

Moira has a boyfriend whom she loves and who loves her very much or at least that is what he says. I am not so sure that he really loved her or cared about her. I guess he did love her in his own way. Patrick was very controlling and always telling her what to do; he treated her like she was his child instead of his girlfriend. He thought he knew what was best for her and what she wanted. He was always trying to change her into the person he wanted her to be, the person that he was in love with. Moira's heart was so big that all she wanted was to please everyone else. She cared about others so much and wanted to make them happy that she lost track of what made her happy. I guess it she became easier for her to do what Patrick told her to do than argue with him and end up hurting him or making him mad.

Tabby asks Dai and Moira if they would help her with a ritual on Halloween night. Tabby wanted to see if she could open up a portal so that she could talk to her grandparents one more time. After Tabby made the circle and cast her spell strange things started happening and the next thing they knew they were in a different place than they were before. At first they were not sure where they were or if it was real or not they thought they were all having the same dream. But they finally realized that the spell had worked and they were in the space in between worlds. While they were in this world they met this guy Hayko who couldn't remember who he was or where he was from. From then on when they went to sleep they would end up in the same dream together dreaming about Hayko.

Hayko helped Moira figure out who she was and what she wanted in life. He also gave her the courage she needed to stand up for what she wanted in life. He taught her how to be independent and to stand on her two feet. Moira didn't understand at first why she was dreaming about Hayko but after visiting and talking with him a few times she finally realized why she was there. Moira started to fall in love with the man of her dreams literally and the more time she spent with him the more she came to care about him.

Moira, Tabby and Dai had wonderful parents who loved them very much and taught their children to love and care for each other. They let them be who they were and trusted them enough to let them make their own choices in life. I love how Moira and her siblings cared for and would take up for the other one. They always had each other's back, they would stand up for each other and always helped each other with whatever it was they needed help with. I loved how they all got along and never argued with each other even if they didn't believe in the same things or the same way. If the world had just a smidge of what Moira, Tabby, Dai, Holly and Hayko had then ever one would be better off and a whole lot richer.

The Space In Between is not the first book I have read by Jen Minkman and it definitely won't be the last either. I have loved every book by her that I have read. Jen knows how to write a story and draw you into their world making you lose all track of time and where you are. If you have not read any of her work yet then go check her out. Trust me if you don't you just might end up regretting it because she is a wonderful writer who knows how to tell a story.

[Jennifer Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author! :D

What does a heroine diagnosed with ADHD, a Wiccan ritual for Samhain, and a mysterious pull into another world have in common? You have to read The Space In Between to fully find out! This novel pulled me in right away, and nothing in this world (or any other!) could have stopped me from turning the pages.

Moira, the main character, and her siblings, fraternal twins Tabby and Dai, find themselves in a place where time seems to stand still when they perform a ritual on Halloween. As a Wiccan, Tabby wants to see if she can lift the veil between the living and the dead to communicate with their grandparents who died a few years ago.

Instead, the trio are in a mostly dark desert, and it's like they're having a collective dream. They see and experience the same things. I had goosebumps imaging myself performing the ritual with them, especially when the wind died down, and then finding myself in a darkened landscape, not knowing where I was or what's out there. Anything could be out there.

There were several aspects about the characters and story that I liked quite a bit. I liked that Tabby is Wiccan and that her family is so supportive of her. There are other lesser known religions talked about in the story, and I knew while reading I would look into them more in depth after finishing the book. All of it ties in with the story and made me want to know more.

I also appreciated the fact that Moira has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and is struggling with how the medication is making her feel. I admit that though I've studied ADHD for my psychology degree, I don't know enough about it, and there are a lot of misconceptions out there. So to see a character with this diagnosis and how she deals with it was refreshing and educational.

The bond between Moira and her siblings was wonderful and strong. They actually have parents. REAL LIVE PARENTS! Parents who are functional, warm, and loving. That's so rare for novels these days! Their dad travels a lot for work, but he's there with them a lot, too. It was easy to see how close knit this family is, and I felt like I was a member, too!

Moira's relationship with Patrick drove me crazy. She switched from going to school full-time to part-time because he didn't approve of her going, so that was her compromise I guess. She couldn't be herself around him, and I wanted to tell her to just kick him to the curb. There were other more disturbing things he said and did that had me scratching my head as to what Moira saw in him.

Hayko is easy to fall in love with. I know he's a virtual stranger to Moira, but I understood how she felt about him and why. She was more inspired by him and how to help him than anything in her "real life", and I think that said a lot about where she was versus where she wanted to be. When things felt so right with Hayko but not with Patrick, I knew that was a sign for sure. I was rooting for Moira to dump Patrick, willing her to figure out something was wrong here. But decisions are always easier when you're looking in from the outside.

The Space In Between will take you on a journey into a place where dreams and reality are mixed together, and you won't be able to tell which is what or who is where. And you'll love every second of it, just like I did.

For more of my reviews, check out my blog, Donnie Darko Girl.

[Holly Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled to review ‘The Boy from the Woods’ by Jen Minkman even though I was completely captivated by it. I ended up crying so hard that I almost threw my Kindle and ended up telling people at work the next day about it and getting upset all over again. I’m sure I looked like a total nut-job telling people at work, "He was the tree". Yeah…I was invested...obviously. When she told me that she was coming out with this book and that I would like the ending better, I was super excited. Then I saw the trailer and was hooked! (In case you haven’t seen it…here’s the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9kyL...). I hyped myself up for this book and could have been really devastated. Luckily, I wasn’t.

Paranormal books are hard to review, because they can just sound super strange depending on how involved you get. This was a bit strange, but not in a bad way. It was captivating and mysterious. It’s a suspenseful read when you have no idea what is going to happen next, but also so hopeful that something amazing is going to happen.

Moira has had a pretty rough year. She was in an accident last year, but can’t really remember the details of the night. Her boyfriend has filled in the gaps. Since the accident, she has reduced her hours at school to part time and is taking ADHD medication. She hasn’t had much time for her real passion, art, because of her job and boyfriend time demands. Plus she has lost her creative spark due to the meds.

On Halloween, she goes with her sister and brother to perform a Wiccan ceremony. Moira is just going along to support her sister and doesn’t expect anything to happen, but it does. They are transported to another place and see a boy being held prisoner. Moira is the only one that can save him. When they are brought back to reality after the ceremony, they don’t know what to make of it. They assume it’s over, but they begin having dreams (the same dream) and the boy is there. He’s not alone, though. A dark woman also seems to be in the dreams. They have to figure out what these dreams mean and what all of this means for the boy. Can they save him? Is he already dead? How will Moira let Hayko (the boy) go when the group figures out what they need to do?

I ended my review for ‘The Boy from the Woods’ saying that I needed to give Jen some Holly-approved alternate endings. Yeah, I really did (I’m shaking my head at myself too). Well Jen, you did good this time… Very good.

I loved Hayko and Moira. The characters were so interesting and you just KNEW something crazy was going to happen. I have seen authors build up stories like then and I have been let down so many times when it all comes together. I imagine a Hail Mary football pass that slips through the Receiver’s hands. This was the Hail Mary with a clean catch to lead to a game winning touchdown. It was beautiful.

Why the football analogy? I dunno. It’s fall what can I say? Don’t judge me.

While the story is centered around Moira and Hayko, the book would not have been successful without the well-developed supporting characters and clear imagery. It’s nice to be able to “see” a place I’ve never been.


Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva Blog. Check out my other reviews at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com. Complimentary copy provided by the author for honest review.

[Monica Haak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeetje. Jen heeft echt een leuke fantasie! Het Laatste Licht is ontzettend origineel en zit goed in elkaar. Het spreekt aan en heeft een heerlijk paranormaal tintje! Jen laat met 'Het Laatste Licht' zien hoe het moet!

Het verhaal is geschreven vanuit Moira, met afwisselend verhalen uit Hayko's perspectief. In het begin weet je nog niet zeker dat de andere verhaallijn die van Hayko is, maar al gauw wordt dat duidelijk. In die verhaallijn maak je kennis met Hayko in de tijd dat hij leefde voor hij in de 'droomwereld' terecht kwam. Wat hij deed, wie hij kende. Hayko is de jongen die in de cirkel zit als Moira met haar broer en zus daar terecht komt door een Wicca-ritueel op Halloween.

Moira is de hoofdpersonage. Ze heeft ADHD en slikt hier ritalin voor. Ook heeft Moira een talent voor tekenen. Als Moira in slaap valt komt ze terecht in de droomwereld, daar is Hayko, maar ook een duistere aanwezigheid. Als Moira wakker wordt ligt er een papiertje op haar bureau die haar nadrukkelijk verbiedt om te stoppen met waar ze mee bezig is. Het is Moira's handschrift, maar ze kan zich niet meer herinneren dat ze het heeft geschreven. Was het de duistere aanwezigheid?

Het hele boek leef je mee met Moira en Hayko. Je wilt dat ze samenkomen, maar tegelijkertijd is dat natuurlijk vreemd, omdat het gaat om een droomwereld en een droomjongen. Dan blijkt de gelegenheid zich voor te doen dat Moira haar droomjongen écht kan ontmoeten, maar om samen met hem te zijn, moet ze een offer brengen.

Het is gewoon allemaal zo goed doordacht. Alles wat gebeurt, gebeurt met een reden. Alles hangt samen, speelt op elkaar in en heeft een toegevoegde waarde. Dat maakt dit boek heel fijn om te lezen en een verrassing om mee te maken. Tegelijkertijd beleef je mooie tochten door Wales, waar het verhaal zich afspeelt.

Het duurde voor mijn gevoel wel even voor het boek op gang kwam. Niet dat het begin saai was, het las prima weg, maar je wilt het liefst zo snel mogelijk dat het ritueel begint en de magie toetreedt. Ook heb je wel een dosis fantasie nodig om het boek te lezen, maar dan is het ook een goed boek! Het is leuk dat naast het hele 'droomjongen-halloween-gedoe' je ook nog leest over Moira's leven thuis, op school en met haar vriend. Dat maakt het wat luchtiger en leuker. En als dan het paranormale en het normale met elkaar verweven worden kan je alleen maar stellen dat dit boek goed in elkaar zit!

Ik ben tevreden over dit boek en heb het met veel plezier gelezen! Ik raad het aan om ook te lezen, zowel voor de cover als voor het verhaal. Be paranormal sometimes! Ik geef het boek 4.5/5 sterren en dank Jen Minkman hartelijk voor haar verzoek om dit boek voor haar te recenseren!

Recensie verscheen het eerst op: http://myperfectbooklife.blogspot.nl/...

[Magda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second day in a week and I'm up with the love theme again :P. Maybe I'll keep this theme till Sunday? I do even have a love-themed tag or two still waiting to be done.

Today I've got for you a book and a short story from Jen Minkman, a great author that deserves much more attention than she gets. I've already read few stories of hers and I intend to read more.

I received both stories from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Both reviews will be short, after yesterday's post I thought I'll give you a break :P.


The Space in Between

Since I've read this book a while ago and even wrote few words about in on Goodreads, I'm going to use that old review, only I'll try to make it better (let's face it it wouldn't be worth copy-pasting here).

Let's start with a summary - I loved this book! The story fantastically built from the very beginning! I loved the setting - a bit paranormal with the who dream-desert. I loved the romance, after all, how often can you literally meet a man from your dreams? I loved the religion elements and the bits of Welsh language.

Actually, Jen Minkman has a gift with these, this time, it's Order of the Peacock (which is actually a real religion that I had no idea existed), last time I read "Shadow of time" and it was about Navajo and their beliefs. The author does a really good job with the research and it shows in her works.

In few moments, the story might've been a bit predictable, but it still read very well, so I didn't mind. There were few unexpected moments throughout the book. And the ending was simply the best :).

If you're a fan of paranormal romances - read this!


The Light at the End

Now, for this little story, you have to be aware of one thing - DO NOT read it before "The space in between". It would pretty much spoil everything. The story shows what happened to Moira and Hayko after the events from the book, but it shows is in a way that gets back to the main story and you'll get a short recall of the earlier events.

This story still has the magic of the book, but the events felt rushed. I liked it as a companion story, or maybe an epilog to the book, but I'm glad I read the full story.


Follow my reviews at https://maginibooks.wordpress.com/

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. And I loved it. I loved the setting of Wales, the almost historical, but mystical feel of the story, and the characters.

Moira, a part-time college student, artist with ADHD, two siblings and very supportive parents lives in Wales, has a steady boyfriend and job. As part of their annual Halloween ritual, the siblings decide to try to contact their ancestors as part of a wiccan ceremony. Not expecting it to work, Moira is surprised when she and her siblings awaken in a landscape that mimics a painting she is working on for a school project. What's more amazing is the guy "sleeping" in a magic circle, one that she somehow knows that she is supposed to free him from. Because somehow, someway Moira and Hayko are linked.

Hayko doesn't know why he was in the circle or much about his past, but is thankful that Moira was able to release. However, unlike Moira and her siblings, he is stuck in the desert plain. While he tries to remember who he is and why he is stuck there, Moira is trying to figure out if he is real and how they can help him get free. As time passes, the connection she feels with Hayko grows into something more and she realizes that she hasn't been completely happy with her life lately.

I loved the slow development of their feelings, and the mystery behind why they were linked. The support of her best friend and family when she begins to question her relationship with Patrick, and the sacrifices she'll have to make for Hayko. The build up and intrigue, along with the spiritual elements made for a very interesting story. And no, this wasn't a religious story. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

While, for categorization's sake, The Space In Between
is categorized as a 'paranormal romance', don't let that assignment fool you: it's much more, and readers anticipating a breezy, light, supernatural love tale might find themselves quite pleasantly challenged by a story line that defies quick and dirty categorization or a fast leisure read.

This is partially due to its setting - Wales - and the fact that in such a wild and woolly world, woods wiccans and mysticism practically oozes from the trees and the long history of a people with close ties to the land.

It's also due to the efforts of Jen Minkman to provide more than the usual one-dimensional protagonist too often seen in 'paranormal romance' stories: for Moira is Welsh through and through and represents many of her people's real personas, from her bilingual ability to speak Welsh at home and English outside of it to harsh language.

While this might put off some readers, it will be a breath of fresh air to those who will immediately perceive that what follows will be anything but predictable and smooth.

The addition of Moira's struggle with ADHD is perhaps one of the strongest pieces of the story, curiously enough. It lends an authenticity and a vulnerability to the main protagonist that's not often seen in your standard paranormal or romance story, and it invites readers to learn more of yet another world: that of the ADHD sufferer and their choices.

For categorization's sake, go ahead and call The Space In Between a 'paranormal romance' - but really, it's so much more. It's about finding amazement and personal power in life, and about making choices that lead to new connections. Add in the Welsh cultural insights and you have a 'paranormal romance' that's a cut above your usual love story.

[Wattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 stars out of 5.

*sigh* I really liked this book. The more books Minkman writes, the better they get! I have reviewed a couple of them in the past, but this one is totally my favourite!

Moira is an interesting main character, but what really struck me about this novel is the relationships within it. The relationship that Moira has with her siblings, her parents, her dream guy - Hayko, even the boyfriend (who totally rubbed me the wrong way).

The plot was really cool too, something a bit unique and I had no idea what was going to happen so was on the edge of my seat the whole time! There’s mythology and angels, Wiccan aspects, shared dreams and fear.

I don’t want to spoil it by going into the plot and revealing details, but I think if you choose to read it you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I was a bit confused on what was going on, but as I moved through the first couple of chapters things started coming together. Even with the confusion in the beginning this book made me want to find out what is going on. This story brings light to those that live with ADHD and learn to cope and make there lives what they want of it. There is no illness that is to small or to big that can't be worked around to make the persons life fulfilling. The main character, Moira, finds this out in a mysterious and magical way. She figures out who she is and what she truly wants in life and then goes for it. I believe the author, Jen Minkman, did an awesome job with ADHD awareness and how it can affect a persons life but also how a person can incorporate it into their life as well, Kudos.

I received this book from the author for an honest and unbiased review.

[Tina tinkerbel Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it
Usually whenever I read a fantasy or paranormal novel I can imagine some kind of outcome for what is happening, with this book I wasn't able to do that. I was totally hooked right until the end, I needed to know what was going to happen. If you're debating whether or not to purchase this book I say go for it, you will not be disappointed

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superboek, dit! Helemaal in mijn straatje met een heerlijk vleugje Welsh, een wat volwassener hoofdpersonage en een interessante obscure mythologie/religie die alles een mystiek tintje geeft waar je heerlijk in kunt weg"dromen". Volledige recensie binnenkort op Mijn B.I.E.B!