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Between

Book 1 in the series:The Chronicles of Between

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Between by L.L. Starling is a whimsical and humorous fantasy novel set in Old Middleton, Wisconsin, where the mortal realm meets the magical realm of Otherworld. The story follows Sasha Pierce, a substitute teacher who becomes entangled in a magical cascade of events involving Lorn, the Shadow King of Between. The book features an array of fantastical elements such as baseball bat-wielding heroines, fairytale kings, witches protecting ancient gateways, and drunk unicorns, all woven together in a captivating and enchanting narrative style that blends humor, adventure, and romance.

The narrative of Between is characterized by its unique writing style that has been likened to the works of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, where fantasy tropes are playfully twisted and molded into new shapes. The book introduces readers to a diverse cast of lively and endearing characters, engaging plotlines, and rich world-building that seamlessly blends magical realism with fantasy elements. With its blend of humor, suspense, and intricate storytelling, Between promises an immersive reading experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Chronicles of Between series.

Characters:

The characters are varied and charming, with a relatable female lead and a sarcastic sorcerer, along with a rich cast of quirky supporting characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by witty prose that combines humor with engaging character development, and features a dual perspective narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot blends humor and adventure with a unique storyline involving a kindergarten teacher who unwittingly enters a fairy tale kingdom and becomes its queen, incorporating a slow-burn romance.

Setting:

The setting includes a fantastical and whimsical fairy tale kingdom intertwined with a cozy autumnal village atmosphere, enhancing the book's charm.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow but gradually accelerates, with options for a more paced reading experience depending on the reader's preference.

Notes:

The book 'Between' by L.L. Starling has over 800 pages and is a cozy fantasy romance.
It's written from two perspectives: the female main character (FMC) and the male main character (MMC) with each half focusing on one of them.
The FMC is a 30-year-old kindergarten teacher who finds herself in a magical kingdom and accidentally becomes its queen.
The MMC is a sarcastic sorcerer king who is described as wearing tight leather pants.
'Between' features a humorous plot with a significant focus on friendship and character development rather than immediate romance.
The book has illustrations, adding a visual element to the story.
Readers have compared the book to 80s fantasy films like 'Labyrinth' and 'The Princess Bride', citing similar humor and whimsical themes.
It's a slow burn romance, meaning the main characters don't immediately act on their feelings for each other.
The narrative balances light-hearted fantasy with deeper character development and world-building.
The audiobook version is highly praised for its narration, which enhances the comedic elements of the story.

From The Publisher:

A bewitchingly cozy, fiendishly funny cautionary tale about the perils of gatecrashing fairytale kingdoms-particularly ones with drunken unicorns, bored dragons, and sorcerers in tight leather pants.

Sasha Pierce hasn't had a single dream since she was a child...until she accepts a substitute teaching position in the charmingly witchy village of Old Middleton. Her first dream in twenty-five years ought to be enchanting, but her wonder quickly turns to shock when she realizes that it's not a dream at all, but an entirely different sort of magic.

Catapulted through an ancient portal into the fairytale kingdom of Between, Sasha's astonishment is swiftly upgraded to panic when she accidentally performs a supposedly impossible feat and is declared the True Queen of Between...and betrothed to its infuriatingly handsome sorcerer king.

Lorn, Shadow King of Between, is desperate to break free from Between's clutches. Magically tethered to the ramshackle kingdom, he wages a daily battle to save his disreputable subjects from rampaging magical creatures, sinkholes, and catastrophes of the distressingly lethal variety. To avoid an early grave, he needs an escape plan, not a wife...until he learns that this magicless mortal holds the key to his freedom.

Unwilling to leave her world to accept the crown-or the husband-Sasha must race against the clock to disentangle herself from this fairytale. But her empty throne leaves a dangerous rift between their worlds. As dark forces descend upon Old Middleton, the two must make a choice: work together or unleash fairytale chaos upon their realms.

Between is the spellbinding first novel in The Chronicles of Between fantasy series. Filled with feisty, fairytale-savvy heroines, swoon-worthy sorcerers, slow burn romance, morose minotaurs, and bawdy witches, it's a laugh-out-loud fairy tale romp.

Ratings (9)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (49):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (30)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (11)
 
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