Book Review: The Space Between

The Space Between
The Space Between
Published by Razorbill
Release Date: November 14, 2011
Genre: YA paranormal
365 pages 
Buy it on Amazon, IndieBound
 or Barnes and Noble
Source: purchased by reviewer




My thoughts: 
This is a book that I've had on my to-read list for about a year. I had the pleasure of meeting the author last summer, and promised myself then that I would read her work- because she's great in person, and inspires people to want to read what she's written. My first impression upon finishing the book: W.O.W. Brenna is even better on the written page.


The lyrical, ethereal quality of the writing, as well as the gorgeous allegory of what it is to love another person, made the English major in me GEEK OUT. This is a fun YA story, but it also genuinely good literature. I have rarely seen both in the same piece of writing, and when I do, I am compelled to sing its praises to the heavens. For this book, however, that would be fruitless, since the characters spend so little time there. 


I love this book in the way that I love Chris Wooding's Poison. Every high school kid should read it, and have the opportunity to discuss and compare interpretation with others. This is a book that makes me wish I was back in the classroom, so I could order a set and teach it. Kids will love the plot, and it would make for such fun lessons!


Readers, if you choose to read this, know that the pacing is different from what you're accustomed to in YA; the main character has lived the majority of her life outside of the construct of time, so her sense of urgency is not the same as it is for a human. (I am still amazed at how Yovanoff so successfully pulls this off.)


Also know that you'll need to be willing to challenge what you may believe about demons and angels. The beauty about this is that, in portraying the reversal of traditional good and evil roles, Yovanoff is able to make her inhuman characters closer to human, and therefore easier for the reader to make a connection with. 


This is no light, fluffy YA; it's got depth and breadth, yet is approachable and inviting. Simply delicious brain candy. And I loved every single bite.


Summary from GoodReads:
Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped—and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible.


Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie’s whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way.



Comments

  1. Oh, I loved this book. It's nice that it's not part of the series.

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  2. An interesting thoughts. I hope The Space Between is as interesting as your charming words here. Will definitely go get a copy of this book on Amazon. Thanks for this great introduction. :D

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  3. This book has been on my TBR for far too long! I loved Brennan's first book, The Replacement, and eagerly awaited this one's release, then let it languish on my shelf... Thanks for the great review to remind me that it's there!

    Karis @ YA Litwit

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    1. Move it up to the top of the pile, Karis! Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. You've made it almost irresistible. Nice review. LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover. Can't wait to see if I'll like it as much too. Thanks for sharing!!

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    1. Excellent! I encourage anyone who is at all interested to get it in hand ASAP! And I agree, the cover is gorgeous, and perfectly represents the book.

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  5. Great review, Paula! I don't know how I've missed this one!!

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  6. You are good at making me want it Paula!! Great review!! :D

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  7. OMG!!! What an amazing review!!! I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, seriously, I do love you for loving this book just as much as I did!!! :) It was absolutely mind-blowing, the writing was incredibly beautiful and the storyline just perfect amount of dark! Thank you for such a glowing review, sweetie!! :)

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  8. Oh, I've been wanting to read this book for some time. So it's good? I'm glad. I'm going to start it as soon as I finish Angels' Blood. :)

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  9. I remember picking this book up, reading the first chapter and putting it back. I don't know what happened but something distracted me. I have The Replacement but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Now I'll definitely have to put some effort into it. Great review! Thanks. :)

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  10. I'm glad you enjoyed this so much! It's been on my "to-read" list for quite so time. I really need to read it because it sounds great and creepy! And the cover is absolutely haunting! :o)

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  11. I just love this author's writing style. It's so unique!! I cannot wait to read Paper Valentine. I hope it's even better.

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  12. I'm kind of surprised I haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds very intriguing and will definitely be going on my list. I love YA books with some depth.

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  13. You got to meet Brenna Yovanoff? I am sooo jealous. This book was wonderful, but that's hardly surprising, considering who wrote it.

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  14. Can't wait to read this one. It sounds awesome and that cover?! I need this book. Thanks for the review!

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