The Space Between

by Erik Tomblin

Two years after the sudden death of his fiancé, up-and-coming musician Isaac Owens is still grieving, haunted by memories of his tragic loss. Fresh off a world-tour, Isaac decides to seek solitude in the woods of South Georgia where he has recently inherited a house. It soon becomes apparent he isn't alone there after all. As he delves deeper into the mystery surrounding his inheritance, Isaac is drawn into its secrets whose only key to unlocking them lies behind a door that shouldn't be.Weaving the past with the present, he finds himself falling in love with a woman trapped in a time long before his own. When he realizes his new love is in danger, Isaac must decide whether to leave history alone or succumb to a fate he might not survive.

Genres: Fiction, Time Travel

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Amazon Author Profile

Though Tomblin enjoyed writing stories at an early age, he spent a good deal of the 90s earning a B.A in Psychology and a Master's in Information Technology. His creative outlet came in the form of penning song lyrics instead of prose. After finally having a bit of life under his belt, he turned his attention back to fiction, writing several short stories that can be found both online and in print. The release of his novella, Riverside Blues, by award-winning publisher Earthling Publications was met with glowing reviews. While he also enjoys photography, reading, and playing guitar, he gets the most joy from being a father.

Reviews

[Nikki Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfred Hitchcock was called the ‘undisputed king of movie mystery’. He was the Master of Suspense on the big screen and for good reason - I will never forget the thrill I got when I saw ‘Psycho’ for the first time. It occurred to me while reading ‘The Space Between’, that I’m looking for that same experience every time I pick up a mystery. Erik Tomblin has yet to disappoint and I would even go as far as to call him the Master of Suspense in the literary world.

Isaac Owens is blindly walking through the fame of his musical career, still mourning the loss of the love of his life. His good friend and attorney comes to his dressing room one night and urges him to take a break. To find himself again. He tells Isaac about several acres and a home that have been left to him in Logan County, Georgia. The mystery begins here - the land is coming out of a trust set up over ten years ago and the small firm in charge will not disclose any information as to who it is coming from. Isaac goes into the woods of South Georgia and the mystery involving a room that shouldn’t be, a love from another time, and his posterity begins to unravel. Tomblin's writing has a descriptive and easy-conversational flow that is easy to read and hard to put down. I'm excited to see what he will dream up next!!

[Barbara Hirschfeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately not worth the time

Although the puzzle pieces neatly fit together at the end, the story is overly contrived and unsatisfying. The one person we are rooting for is eliminated in grisly fashion so that lesser people can go in on living with that knowledge.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, another book from another small press publisher Blue Fairy Books. At this point The Space Between by Erik Tomblin is their only book. The site has a really neat flash trailer that really captures the atmosphere of the novel; you should definitely check it out. The Space Between is, in a sense, a haunted house story. Then again it isn’t really a haunted house story. It is, perhaps more accurately, a haunted person story. Musician Isaac Owens arrives to the house already haunted by the memories of his recently deceased girlfriend and the house, and some of the other characters in the novel, are themselves haunted by their own pasts. It is also a novel that, in the end, that left this reader a bit haunted himself.


I should point out here that given the southern setting I was expecting a novel with a languid narrative drenched in Southern Gothic overtones and a slightly more poetic vocabulary. While Tomblin certainly employs certain elements of the Southern Gothic in terms of setting he employs a more workman-like tone and vocabulary. This isn’t really a bad thing but I did have to readjust my own expectations as a result. There is a great degree of clarity to the prose, a specificity of place and setting that I’ve never really seen in other novels. Tomblin has a very specific vision of setting, of the house and grounds in particular, that he convey’s with a laudable ease. I don’t know whether or not the house in the book is based on a house in real life but in either case Tomblin displays an almost uncanny ability in crafting the locations in the book; so much so that even after having set the book down several days ago I can still easily conjure up the various places that Isaac visits.

As brilliant as that sense of setting is there are some aspects of the novel that didn’t sit as well with. One of which was Isaac’s sudden, love-at-first-sight connection with Elizabeth. Perhaps I’ve grown a bit cynical but there seems little foundation for their sudden romance is a bit shaky and, time displacement aside, as a couple they seem rather ill-matched. Isaac comments on Elizabeth’s similarity to his deceased lover Emily, his escape to Southern Georgia as means to exorcise her memory and presence in his life, and in-part his physical reaction to Elizabeth’s presence leads me to believe that his attraction to Elizabeth, his drive to “save” her, is more based on his feelings towards Emily then any actual love for Elizabeth.

In truth the reader’s experiences with Isaac resemble a somewhat twisted run-through of the stages of grieving. It’s not perfect but they’re there in Isaac’s initial inability to divorce himself from the expectations and opinions of Emily (denial), his use of music at the end of his tour that he had previously played only for her as well as his reminiscing about the night of her death (bargaining) and his inability to compose new music or rather his ability to compose only really dark music (depression). Where things kind of twist off path is with the introduction of Elizabeth and culminating in scene where, as Isaac falls asleep, we learn it is the first night he doesn’t turn to the space next to him looking for Emily. Is this really the road towards acceptance though? This move “forward” seems to come only as a result of his attraction to Elizabeth and the belief that he can save her when he couldn’t save Emily. I would posit that this is not “true love” at all and more an act of transference. (Note: I am particularly fond of the wikipedia article’s use of the phrase “emotional time warp,” apropos I think). As I sad, when it comes to love maybe I’m a bit of a cynic but I just didn’t buy Isaac’s attraction to Elizabeth as love. It is a conceit that, in the heat of the moment, I had to force myself to buy into.

That being said I still enjoyed the novel. I think that someone who can actually buy into love at first sight might find Isaac/Elizabeth an easier pill to swallow but I also think that the novel works extraordinarily well as a metaphor for grieving. It is a novel that certainly stuck with me all weekend. There are some elements I found predictable especially when once we get certain details about a specific character it becomes fairly obvious what exactly that character is and I found it a bit odd that Isaac was so slow to grasp that fact. I was also slightly nonplussed by some of the attention given to Isaac’s physical well being early in the novel, but maybe I missed something there. The Space Between is an impressive novel that is well worth a look by fans of supernatural fiction and is a novel that I think will haunt you long after you’ve closed its cover. The Space Between is available from Amazon (both trade and Kindle), direct from the publisher, and from MobiPocket.

[Christine C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book. The concept is different than I was expecting. Isaac is a famous singer/songwriter whose fiancee was killed in a car accident a year previously. He is still grieving deeply. As he finishes the last performance of his current tour, his lawyer brings him interesting information - ten years ago he had inherited property in a small Georgia town and it had been put into a trust to be turned over to him at this time, but the benefactor is a secret. Since he has no business commitments for the next two months, he decides to go check out the house and try to figure out who left it to him.

The first night while exploring the house, a door appears out of a mirage. He opens it, and is greeted by a horrific scene. He comes out, fainting and hitting his head, convinced the house has dangerous fumes. Emergency services come, and the house is cleared. During this time, he meets his neighbor Walt, an older man who came to see what all the commotion was about. The two men strike up a friendship, while at the same time another man in town has an intense dislike for Isaac for seemingly no reason.

The mystery progresses, with more trips through the door and more discoveries, although each new discovery brings more questions. Finally, at the end, all is revealed and Isaac must make a life-changing choice.

This book captivated me. When I wasn't reading it I found myself thinking about it, pondering the mystery and coming up with my own theories. I was correct about some and wrong about others. The scene with Walt at the very end of the book was so touching, and really gave the story closure when it could have easily been left up in the air. It was a fitting ending.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this one two and a half stars if I could, but decided to round up this time to 3. I don't read a ton of novels of this genre (supernatural-ish ones, that is), but i don't mind them when I do. This book is definitely entertaining and was a nice, light read, but there were things about it that were a little off. Any book about time travel requires a hefty suspension of disbelief, but if I think too hard about this specific time travel story, I don't quite grasp the logistics, for one thing. Other minor complaints: at one point, Isaac drinks from a styrofoam cup of coffee, but hasn't yet had a chance to buy provisions in town. Where did the coffee come from? And why so much talk about his aching muscles all the time? I also wondered why bother making the loss of his girlfriend a mystery? The acquisition of the Georgia property and the crazy door and time travel were enough. I would also have liked a bit more character development - the book is very plot-driven, which is totally fine, but I tend to favor more character-driven novels. I think thats just a personal preference, though.

Oh, also - the book is set in the South Georgia mountains. Are there really mountains in South Georgia?? I'm not 100% sure, but I've driven through a lot of South Georgia and don't remember mountains.

Despite these criticisms, I liked the book well enough and have found myself thinking about the characters several days after finishing the book. I'd like to read more from this author, for sure.

[Narota · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed by this book. The premise had a lot of promise, and the opening of the book caught me easily. The first third of the book, I felt like it was setting up for a very good story. Then, in the second third, the action set in. It suddenly felt like the author lost his patience, and just wanted to get things moving. Our main character meets this girl, and within a day he is madly in love with her. He even admits that this is out of character, as his last 'love of his life' took him months to fall for. This is all culminated in a final third, in which we are left with more questions than are answered. Why did the girl know Isaac's name? What was causing her to hear his music before she ever met him? Why was the bedroom wall taken down? Why would the protagonist follow the exact things he was told happened, even knowing the outcome? We are left with an abrupt ending, in which we are told that there will be complications as a result of what occurred, but then it is the end, and the reader never gets to find out what will happen. This whole story could have been much better if it were told from the ending forward. We could find out the rest of the story through flashbacks, and it could all be a murder mystery with one of the side characters as the main point of view. The rest of the story was fairly unnecessary.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you look at my rating history, you'll find I'm actually quite easily pleased. I adore books that can entertain me, but don't require my undivided attention to enjoy. I'm also infatuated with books that can make me laugh, maybe cry a little, and then give me the happily-ever-after ending I so want. But my biggest affection, my deepest love, is held for those books that grant me space in the author's world and offer transcendence.

I read Erik Tomblin's latest and was completely entranced. Like street lights that seem to grow closer until they soon begin to appear as stars that were made just for you, strung out along the streets like hushed party lights, The Space Between shakes free and transforms the world around you.

Now while I could go on and break the story down for you, I think the synopsis pretty much covers it. And sure, I could describe the intoxicating atmosphere, the fluid pace, the three-dimensional characters or even Tomblin's powerful, yet subtle style of writing, but seriously...how fun would that be to read? My point exactly. No, much like trying to describe to someone the utter deliciousness of funnel cake or getting a Prada bag at bargain price, some things just have to be experienced.

I promise, you won't be let down.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Isaac is a musician mourning his girlfriend/fiance/wife (who the hell knows?) and has suddenly been gifted a house and land in a town he's never been to. So off he goes to see his new house, which has apparently been empty for 40 years and boom! there's a mystery and a girl he falls in love with. I'm not going to spoil the story since it won't take you long to read it and even less time to figure out the "twist" that is signposted as clear as day.

It's a good idea and competently written but there was so much more that could have been done. The whole story has been rushed through as if Erik Tomblin drafted an outline and then went "yep, that's it" and forgot to flesh it out. There's very little time taken to set the scene or characters before the action hits in some ways. I think Mr Tomblin could have used a decent editor and a bit more time to craft his story instead of getting it out there quickly.

That said, it only cost $3 on Kindle and took me 2 hours to read in total so not much lost there. Could have been a better book in the hands of a better writer.

[Lolly K Dandeneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually keen on mystery novels, so I was pleasantly surprised by the pleasure The Space Between gave me. Tomblin wrote creatively of the places Isaac visited, so much so that I could envision it as if I was there with Isaac. While this is a story of people being haunted, a favorite quote of mine from Anais Nin related well to this novel.
"Many couples, many people, are not living with real human beings, but with their ghosts. Who has not followed for years the spell of a particular tone of voice, from voice to voice, as the fetishist follows a beautiful foot, scarcely seeing the woman herself? A voice, a mouth, an eye, all stemming from the original fountain of our first desire, directing it, enslaving us, until we choose to unravel the fatal web and free ourselves."
For those of us who are haunted, and all of you who will be, this novel hits a spot in your heart. Lovely.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Erik Tomblin, and like the first one, Riverside Blues, I ended up reading it in one sitting. I'm not going to summarize the plot here, because others have already done it so well. Each clue to the mystery is unveiled at just the right moment and the writing is so smooth you don't notice it, and so it isn't distracting. The twist at the end was a little confusing for me, but that could just be because I was so anxious to see how it all played out and didn't pay attention to details. Overall a solid, well-written, and entertaining novel about grief and the sacrifices one is willing to make to recover lost love. I hope the author gets the attention he so deserves.

[Rachel Lynn Sterling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very well written book and I enjoyed the writing style of the author. It was the storyline that didn’t quite do it for me. I tend to stay away from time travel books, because I drive myself crazy over-thinking about what’s happening/going to happen/never should have happened etc. This book was listed under romance, but it is much more of a mystery/time travel book and had very little romance in it. I also found myself growing incredible frustrated with the main character. Finally, just so you’re prepared, don’t expect a HEA.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Space Between is the kind of novel that makes you think about possibilities, fate, time, and most importantly the role of choice as it relates to one's character. Mr. Tomblin has crafted a gripping story that explores all of the afore mentioned ideas in a unique way. It is also a love story, although a love story unlike any I have ever read. Love is the motivation, the reason, and the action for this story's success.

[Susan E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was the recipient of an advance reader's copy of this book, which sounded appealing from the description provided here on GoodReads.

And I felt the story was an interesting premise, but my final analysis is that the novel was not well executed. The hardest part for me to read: the author used/made up the word "bitterer" to refer to a beer his main character was drinking. Bitterer? How about more bitter?

So, an intriguing story that could benefit from some thoughtful, thorough editing.

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

So frustrating!! I really wanted to like this book. I was intrigued by the premise, and thought it had legs. But in the end, I think this novel needed a stronger editor. The writing is good, but the pace is off. There's so much attention paid to description, but the plot line has chunks of logic missing. (note, I don't have issues with time travel in novels. I do have trouble when the logic isn't clear.) I'd like to read something else by this writer if/when he is better edited.

[Sheri Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love supernatural stories and from what I read on this site, I was interested. I won an advanced copy of this book and found it intriguing. I liked the writing style...straight forward. There was a part with strange wording like another reviewer mentioned that caught me off guard, but all in all I kept reading wanting to know how this would end. The twist in the end was interesting--I was hoping it would end a little differently, but in all, I enjoyed the story.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story story about an up and coming artist that delves into a mystery surrounding an unexpected inheritance. The story weaves past with present and finally Isaac need to make a decide between the past or present.

[Alison]

kindle 230

[Lindsay]

Amazon Freebie 10/20/2012