Sarah M. (merciersj) reviewed Between the Spark and the Burn (Between, Bk 2) on + 71 more book reviews
It is no secret that I love, love, loved the first book in this series, "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea". The southern charm and creepy characters immediately won me over. This theme continues in book two, but the southern influence is slightly more understated due to the fact that majority of this book takes place on the road, moving between states as Vi goes hunting for the Redding boys.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the language. Settings are described in a poetic fashion, allowing the reader to feel like they are right there with Vi standing on the sea shore or running through a dark woodland area at night. Little details like the origami animals River gave to Vi before he left, and the way Sunshine and her parents argue in book quotes lend a whimsical feel to the story that you don't often find. The imagery immediately reminded me of "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart, so if you are a fan of that book you will definitely enjoy this series immensely.
While the first book focused on the sheer terror of what the Redding boys are capable of, this second book focuses on developing the characters and the relationships between them. River and Vi are compelling in book one, but the way the author was able to take that relationship, complicate it, and turn it completely on its head was impressive. All of the characters, from the Redding boys to Vi to Sunshine, are given extra depth and really shine.
The twist at the end of the book, while completely unexpected, did not feel like a cop out to me at all. If anything, it showcased yet again the author's ability to take what appears to be a rather one dimensional character and give them many complex facets, forcing the reader to see them through a completely different light whether they want to or not.
I am so very sad to see this series end, but I was excited to see on Goodreads that April Genevieve Tucholke will be releasing a new book in 2015, and another in 2016. Her characters and prose are absolutely addictive, and I am looking forward to see how she evolves as an author with these new stories and what she has in store for us next.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the language. Settings are described in a poetic fashion, allowing the reader to feel like they are right there with Vi standing on the sea shore or running through a dark woodland area at night. Little details like the origami animals River gave to Vi before he left, and the way Sunshine and her parents argue in book quotes lend a whimsical feel to the story that you don't often find. The imagery immediately reminded me of "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart, so if you are a fan of that book you will definitely enjoy this series immensely.
While the first book focused on the sheer terror of what the Redding boys are capable of, this second book focuses on developing the characters and the relationships between them. River and Vi are compelling in book one, but the way the author was able to take that relationship, complicate it, and turn it completely on its head was impressive. All of the characters, from the Redding boys to Vi to Sunshine, are given extra depth and really shine.
The twist at the end of the book, while completely unexpected, did not feel like a cop out to me at all. If anything, it showcased yet again the author's ability to take what appears to be a rather one dimensional character and give them many complex facets, forcing the reader to see them through a completely different light whether they want to or not.
I am so very sad to see this series end, but I was excited to see on Goodreads that April Genevieve Tucholke will be releasing a new book in 2015, and another in 2016. Her characters and prose are absolutely addictive, and I am looking forward to see how she evolves as an author with these new stories and what she has in store for us next.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Between the Spark and the Burn (Between, Bk 2) on + 2527 more book reviews
This book is the final book in the Between duology. It was a beautifully written book that is written in such a unique style. I really enjoyed it.
Violet is determined to find River despite to turmoil he caused in the last book. Her search leads her through sleepy towns, searching out clues on Rivers whereabouts by listening to a late night occult radio show. Some of the towns they journey through are enslaved by Brodie's spark. One of them is rumored to harbor a God of the Sea. The hunt for River and Brodie leads Violet and Neely to a save a young boy named Finch and stay in an old seaside house on an island with a sweet stubborn girl named Canto.
This was a beautifully written sequel to Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. The book is written in a lyrical style that is really unique. The whole thing comes off as a bit dreamy and ambiguous, but the scenes really come alive. You can taste and feel the atmosphere in the book.
Many of the chapters start with an except from Vis late grandmother Freddie. Through this we learn about the events in Freddies past and how they tie in with what Vi is experiencing.
Violet is a very unique heroine. She lives a carefree life that is rich with artistic things, but poor on money and stability. Still in contrast to Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, in this book Violet is surrounded by friends who want to help her find River. Violet knows River and his family are bad news, she even admits this. However she also admits that she likes being part of the beautifully dark danger they represent.
Neely is in this book a ton and we really get to know and love him. He is supposedly the brother without any spark or burn, but in this book he finds his spark. He is steadfast and supportive of Violet in a way that Violet has never had in her life. It makes him an interesting traveling companion for Vi.
River isnt in the book as much as I had hoped, but that makes sense considering they are searching for him. A new character is added that I really enjoyed, her name is Canto and they meet her in one of the small towns they journey through.
The whole journey is a bit surreal with gothic overtones to it and haunting scenes on lonely seashores. The ending is open and a big vague, which normally would bug me, but it totally fits with the tone of this story.
Overall I really loved this book and found it to be a unique and enchanting read. The writing is beautiful and the scenes really come alive. I love the whole beauty in tragedy type of theme to the story and the gothic feel to it. I really enjoy the characters and the somewhat ambiguous ending. I would recommend to those who enjoy gothic dreamy paranormal stories and dont mind some ambiguity in their story.
Violet is determined to find River despite to turmoil he caused in the last book. Her search leads her through sleepy towns, searching out clues on Rivers whereabouts by listening to a late night occult radio show. Some of the towns they journey through are enslaved by Brodie's spark. One of them is rumored to harbor a God of the Sea. The hunt for River and Brodie leads Violet and Neely to a save a young boy named Finch and stay in an old seaside house on an island with a sweet stubborn girl named Canto.
This was a beautifully written sequel to Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. The book is written in a lyrical style that is really unique. The whole thing comes off as a bit dreamy and ambiguous, but the scenes really come alive. You can taste and feel the atmosphere in the book.
Many of the chapters start with an except from Vis late grandmother Freddie. Through this we learn about the events in Freddies past and how they tie in with what Vi is experiencing.
Violet is a very unique heroine. She lives a carefree life that is rich with artistic things, but poor on money and stability. Still in contrast to Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, in this book Violet is surrounded by friends who want to help her find River. Violet knows River and his family are bad news, she even admits this. However she also admits that she likes being part of the beautifully dark danger they represent.
Neely is in this book a ton and we really get to know and love him. He is supposedly the brother without any spark or burn, but in this book he finds his spark. He is steadfast and supportive of Violet in a way that Violet has never had in her life. It makes him an interesting traveling companion for Vi.
River isnt in the book as much as I had hoped, but that makes sense considering they are searching for him. A new character is added that I really enjoyed, her name is Canto and they meet her in one of the small towns they journey through.
The whole journey is a bit surreal with gothic overtones to it and haunting scenes on lonely seashores. The ending is open and a big vague, which normally would bug me, but it totally fits with the tone of this story.
Overall I really loved this book and found it to be a unique and enchanting read. The writing is beautiful and the scenes really come alive. I love the whole beauty in tragedy type of theme to the story and the gothic feel to it. I really enjoy the characters and the somewhat ambiguous ending. I would recommend to those who enjoy gothic dreamy paranormal stories and dont mind some ambiguity in their story.
