The Between by David Hofmeyr - HIGH

The Between by David Hofmeyr, 376 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House LLC, New York), 2020. $18

Language: R (80 Swears, 1 ‘F’ word); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Ana Moon is a 17yo girl dealing with the difficulties in her life -- her parents are separated, she has to go to therapy, and she just got in a fight. Through it all, her best friend Bea has been by her side. One day, as Ana and Bea are heading home in the London tube, an impossible event happens. The train slams to a stop and a nightmarish creature takes Bea away while Ana floats in the air helplessly. Ana comes crashing to the floor again, and it soon becomes apparent that she is no longer in her own version of London, but has instead entered an alternate universe version of London. Not only that, but her best friend, Bea, has been taken and Ana has no idea where, or even to which universe, she has been taken. Ana now must journey through multiple universes, finding new friends and new enemies, and discovering her own unique powers, in order to save her friend.

I really liked this book! I feel like this book has all the makings of the next YA fantasy sensation. It is exciting, fast-paced, easy to read, with well written characters and lots of fun twists and turns. The story feels like a combination of “A Wrinkle In Time” and “The Matrix” but is also unique enough in its own way to feel original. I only have small complaints. It struck me as odd that the author decided to use exactly one ‘F’ word. The rest of the swearing is very tame, though there is enough of it that I had to give it an ‘R’ rating for language. Additionally, the title is bland and has almost nothing to do with the plot of the story. I also had some minor complaints about the universe-hopping rules that the novel introduces, but to say much more would get into spoiler territory. However, none of my minor complaints are enough to ruin my enjoyment of the story, which is an absolute blast!

John Rollins – Junior High English Teacher