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betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Bryn Reyes is a real life sleeping beauty. Afflicted with Klein-Levin Syndrome, she suffers episodes of prolonged sleep that steal weeks, and sometimes even months, from her life. But unlike most KLS patients, she doesn’t spend each episode in a catatonic state or wake up with no recollection of the time she’s missed. Instead, Bryn spends half her life in an alternate reality made up of her memories. For Bryn, the past is a place, until one day a boy she’s never met before washes up on the illusory beach of her dreams with no memory of who he is.
But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.
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Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: unique look into a mysterious chronic illness; intriguing story, complex characters; an inventive exploration of what MIGHT happen to a person's brain when comatose; creative story-telling with an air of tension
So, not that it matters much, but how interesting is this cover?! It's so unique, I've never seen anything like it! You know what makes it better? The fact that that statement covers the READ, too.
First off: the main female character, Bryn? Suffers from Klein-Levin Syndrome. Also known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome. I mean...the girl sleeps for like... WEEKS?! At a time?! And still, somehow, manages to hook a reader's interest, keep them enthralled and engaged...and come off more realistic and human than other characters I can think of off the top of my head. The rest of the characters fall nowhere NEAR flat. They all hold their own, and make the story leap to life—which is saying something, considering Bryn spends a good portion of the book in comatose land.
The focus on such an intriguing and mysterious chronic illness/condition also made for an out-of-the-box, unique read. While I'd heard of Sleeping Beauty Syndrome before embarking on this journey, I hadn't done much research or really looked into it beyond the surface. Having the illness described in such easy-to-follow, uncomplicated language really helped drive home the point—and the utter uncertainty that Bryn lives with day to day.
There is a hint of romance...but it's subtle, and the characters are so endearing you'll be rooting for them anyway. The fact that things in Bryn's world begin changing once Roman shows up... Well, it's a bit of a cliched idea, I'll grant you that. But it's effectively done and helps to push the plot forward when things might otherwise have started to drag.
The exploration of what happens (or...MIGHT happen) to the brain while comatose or unconscious for long periods of time brought a new level of contemplation and mystery to the world being created here. Laekan Zea Kemp went to a lot of trouble to make this a cohesive, realistic journey—and she succeeded.
Overall, this was an inventive and intriguing read, and I'll be sure to snap up the rest of the books in this series as soon as I can! I need to know what happens next—that cliffhanger ending must be resolved! (it's like my favorite television shows...except I don't have to wait for a whole new season!) I'd definitely recommend to lovers of unique fantasy and inventive world-building.
But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.
- - - - -
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: unique look into a mysterious chronic illness; intriguing story, complex characters; an inventive exploration of what MIGHT happen to a person's brain when comatose; creative story-telling with an air of tension
So, not that it matters much, but how interesting is this cover?! It's so unique, I've never seen anything like it! You know what makes it better? The fact that that statement covers the READ, too.
People don’t exist in just the light or the dark. They exist in the contrast. In the shadows where the two overlap.
First off: the main female character, Bryn? Suffers from Klein-Levin Syndrome. Also known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome. I mean...the girl sleeps for like... WEEKS?! At a time?! And still, somehow, manages to hook a reader's interest, keep them enthralled and engaged...and come off more realistic and human than other characters I can think of off the top of my head. The rest of the characters fall nowhere NEAR flat. They all hold their own, and make the story leap to life—which is saying something, considering Bryn spends a good portion of the book in comatose land.
The focus on such an intriguing and mysterious chronic illness/condition also made for an out-of-the-box, unique read. While I'd heard of Sleeping Beauty Syndrome before embarking on this journey, I hadn't done much research or really looked into it beyond the surface. Having the illness described in such easy-to-follow, uncomplicated language really helped drive home the point—and the utter uncertainty that Bryn lives with day to day.
“Who’d want a lifetime of waiting?”
I stared at the soft lines of her lips. “Someone who knows what it is they’re waiting for.”
There is a hint of romance...but it's subtle, and the characters are so endearing you'll be rooting for them anyway. The fact that things in Bryn's world begin changing once Roman shows up... Well, it's a bit of a cliched idea, I'll grant you that. But it's effectively done and helps to push the plot forward when things might otherwise have started to drag.
The exploration of what happens (or...MIGHT happen) to the brain while comatose or unconscious for long periods of time brought a new level of contemplation and mystery to the world being created here. Laekan Zea Kemp went to a lot of trouble to make this a cohesive, realistic journey—and she succeeded.
Dream with your heart and the universe will bend at your will.
Overall, this was an inventive and intriguing read, and I'll be sure to snap up the rest of the books in this series as soon as I can! I need to know what happens next—that cliffhanger ending must be resolved! (it's like my favorite television shows...except I don't have to wait for a whole new season!) I'd definitely recommend to lovers of unique fantasy and inventive world-building.
tash_93's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
The nice thing about getting a bookbub, is the daily updates with e-book deals. Because that's how I discovered this book. I just had to have it. The idea sounded intriguing and interesting and I really wanted to see for myself how the execution would be. So, as soon as I could I started reading and I didn't regret it for one second.
The main reason? Because Kemp really managed to capture what it is to live with a chronic illness. Of course, Bryn deals with a total different illness, but there are some universal things, things we all recognize, things happening to all of us. When I read about Bryn trying to live a normal life, even though her life is far from normal, and when I read about her friendships and relationships I recognized a piece of my life.
I also like how the medical part was handled. In a lot of books you see that the hospitals and doctors are totally absent and although I only see mine once a year I think cutting them out of a story completely is not always realistic. In this case Bryn meets with her doctors frequently, they show true interest in her situation and try to help her as best as they can. They're present and there. And although Bryn doesn't like them, she knows she has to deal with them.
And then, last but not least, there's the plot. Although it's not that unpredictable, it's still fascinating and really well done and executed. I love how the relationship between Bryn and Roman grows and develops and I love how they slowly start to piece all the pieces of the puzzle together. It's teamwork and it's easy to see what they see in each other and why they like each other and want to give whatever they have a try.
I really can't wait to see what's gonna happen in the next book. I already bought the omnibus and will read the other three books as soon as I can!
The main reason? Because Kemp really managed to capture what it is to live with a chronic illness. Of course, Bryn deals with a total different illness, but there are some universal things, things we all recognize, things happening to all of us. When I read about Bryn trying to live a normal life, even though her life is far from normal, and when I read about her friendships and relationships I recognized a piece of my life.
I also like how the medical part was handled. In a lot of books you see that the hospitals and doctors are totally absent and although I only see mine once a year I think cutting them out of a story completely is not always realistic. In this case Bryn meets with her doctors frequently, they show true interest in her situation and try to help her as best as they can. They're present and there. And although Bryn doesn't like them, she knows she has to deal with them.
And then, last but not least, there's the plot. Although it's not that unpredictable, it's still fascinating and really well done and executed. I love how the relationship between Bryn and Roman grows and develops and I love how they slowly start to piece all the pieces of the puzzle together. It's teamwork and it's easy to see what they see in each other and why they like each other and want to give whatever they have a try.
I really can't wait to see what's gonna happen in the next book. I already bought the omnibus and will read the other three books as soon as I can!
doritobabe's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/5 Stars
This book was a kindle freebie and has been sitting on my "shelf" for the better part of a year; I figured I had better get around to reading it.
The Girl In Between is a fantasy-ish story about Bryn who suffers from a rare sleeping sickness called "Klein Levin Syndrome" (I heard that in the book it is spelled incorrectly?). KLS sends Bryn in to weeks-long sleeping spells where she is still ambulatory and has some kind of level of consciousness to "interact" with her caretakers, but doesn't remember it all. Due to KLS, her life has been chunked out and she misses a lot of the teenage rites-of-passage events, school, and just "life" in general. During her KLS spells, Bryn has a safe place to go in her imagination. One day, someone else shows up... but how? It's all in her head? Bryn has to figure out where this person comes from and grapple teenage-hood AND figure out what her disease might REALLY be!
Sounds like a fun YA... until you meet Bryn. Bryn is probably one of the meanest, most unexciting because she is so miserable characters. Honestly, my favorite character to read about was her grandmother and she barely got screen time (get it? because it's a kindle?). I feel like the writing was weak and the plot longed for something a bit more, but hey -- it was definitely NOT the worse Kindle freebie, and I a lot of people like it; it's just not my style.
Be warned, however: like most kindle freebies, this book ended with a "cliffhanger" (it just wasn't finished, in my opinion) to get people to purchase the next.
This book was a kindle freebie and has been sitting on my "shelf" for the better part of a year; I figured I had better get around to reading it.
The Girl In Between is a fantasy-ish story about Bryn who suffers from a rare sleeping sickness called "Klein Levin Syndrome" (I heard that in the book it is spelled incorrectly?). KLS sends Bryn in to weeks-long sleeping spells where she is still ambulatory and has some kind of level of consciousness to "interact" with her caretakers, but doesn't remember it all. Due to KLS, her life has been chunked out and she misses a lot of the teenage rites-of-passage events, school, and just "life" in general. During her KLS spells, Bryn has a safe place to go in her imagination. One day, someone else shows up... but how? It's all in her head? Bryn has to figure out where this person comes from and grapple teenage-hood AND figure out what her disease might REALLY be!
Sounds like a fun YA... until you meet Bryn. Bryn is probably one of the meanest, most unexciting because she is so miserable characters. Honestly, my favorite character to read about was her grandmother and she barely got screen time (get it? because it's a kindle?). I feel like the writing was weak and the plot longed for something a bit more, but hey -- it was definitely NOT the worse Kindle freebie, and I a lot of people like it; it's just not my style.
Be warned, however: like most kindle freebies, this book ended with a "cliffhanger" (it just wasn't finished, in my opinion) to get people to purchase the next.
maridla's review against another edition
4.0
It's a super interesting premise and the book kept me hooked until the end. However, I expected a bit more of a resolution and didn't quite get it. I still recommend it, though.
jenlynnhill's review against another edition
3.0
I think I liked this book...it was hard sometimes because it was confusing with the switching back and forth between perspectives. I feel like it's an interesting story, but could probably be written a little clearer. But I am intrigued, so I will keep reading the series to find out where it leads.
sabrinaj's review against another edition
1.0
DNF 60%
I'd rate 0 stars if I could. I count even force myself through it and it's only 300 some pages. Would not recommend this to anyone.
I'd rate 0 stars if I could. I count even force myself through it and it's only 300 some pages. Would not recommend this to anyone.
chloenreads97's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sardinetin's review against another edition
4.0
Downloaded this for free for holiday reading, got hooked and am now planning to pay for the second one!
annaisjoyful's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting concept and a fairly enjoyable read. The swearing is completely unnecessary and the story is not in any way finished which is hugely frustrating. Most books with a sequel are stand alone but this one is not.