Scan barcode
xephtastic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Between Shifts is a fantastic sequel, and effectively builds upon the previous book. I love seeing the subtle shifts in character dynamics, and how the overarching plot slowly unravels with little hints here and there. Lots of fun to listen to, as Zehra Jane Naqui brings the colourful cast of characters to life!
rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
I have stayed up late the past three nights reading these books (I'll also be posting my review for the third book here in a minute). The stories are just so addicting and had me "turning" the pages on my ereader long after my body was telling me to go to sleep. The introduction of the don't-call-them-werewolves added a great mystery that was fully separate from the first. However, after reading all three of these back to back, I feel like the second and third books are interwoven in a way that sets them apart from the first. Kind of like watching a pilot episode of a series (if that pilot was actually good) and then finding that the format of the rest of the series is a bit different. And based on the end of book three, it seems as though book four is linked in with these two as well.
And since this review has turned into a review of both book 2 and 3, I guess I will continue with that format. The stories are great, with the characters remaining true to the first, but the structure is a little different in that there are scenes and actions taken by the characters which have nothing to do with the story of the book you are currently reading and will only come to fruition in the next installment of the series. Which holds true for book three, as there are scenes that I know will have to be addressed in book 4.
This change did affect my enjoyment of the story in that I did not like either book as much as the first. I didn't really feel that any of the characters had truly grown from one book to the next. They just exist as they are, with some glimmer of hope that one day they will be better. And I am holding out for that. Because as I mentioned, even with my complaints, I couldn't put these books down. I just hope that I will soon be able to find out what is going to happen with the strange cast of characters Pet appears to now be collecting.
And since this review has turned into a review of both book 2 and 3, I guess I will continue with that format. The stories are great, with the characters remaining true to the first, but the structure is a little different in that there are scenes and actions taken by the characters which have nothing to do with the story of the book you are currently reading and will only come to fruition in the next installment of the series. Which holds true for book three, as there are scenes that I know will have to be addressed in book 4.
This change did affect my enjoyment of the story in that I did not like either book as much as the first. I didn't really feel that any of the characters had truly grown from one book to the next. They just exist as they are, with some glimmer of hope that one day they will be better. And I am holding out for that. Because as I mentioned, even with my complaints, I couldn't put these books down. I just hope that I will soon be able to find out what is going to happen with the strange cast of characters Pet appears to now be collecting.
greystory's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Wasn't as enthralled with this one as the first one but it was still a fun, light, quick read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, and Murder
kiira_lorestan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ameenah_94's review against another edition
3.0
So, now that the novelty of the first book isn’t here, this is a solid three stars. This book felt a bit like a filler; it felt like a work up to something bigger. So I’m intrigued and ready for bigger things yet to come. If the series carries on like this,I think it could be a five star series.
gypsydawn's review against another edition
4.0
Fun
This is a snark filled series that made me laugh as much as it confused me. Some of the descriptions required a second read to grasp the imagery, but I suppose when are dealing with the Behind and the Between, then that is just way out goes. First person, single POV, UF
This is a snark filled series that made me laugh as much as it confused me. Some of the descriptions required a second read to grasp the imagery, but I suppose when are dealing with the Behind and the Between, then that is just way out goes. First person, single POV, UF
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
4.0
Between Shifts was so much fun! It's the second book in The City Between series and was another wonderfully weird tale. I can't get enough of this crazy world and quirky characters.
Pet and her affectionately named “three psychos” are back and trying to solve a string of murders that have happened near the supermarket they frequent. The mystery was really well done. I had my suspicions, but wasn't certain until just before the reveal.
One of the things I've really loved about this series is that it's a clean read. There's no bad language or steamy scenes which is often hard to find in this favorite genre of mine. It's something I'd happily recommend to everyone who enjoys this type of story. Definitely start with book one though!
Pet and her affectionately named “three psychos” are back and trying to solve a string of murders that have happened near the supermarket they frequent. The mystery was really well done. I had my suspicions, but wasn't certain until just before the reveal.
One of the things I've really loved about this series is that it's a clean read. There's no bad language or steamy scenes which is often hard to find in this favorite genre of mine. It's something I'd happily recommend to everyone who enjoys this type of story. Definitely start with book one though!
curls's review against another edition
4.0
That’s one good thing about the fae—they think of all humans as sort of slightly more intelligent pets, and that means they underestimate us a lot.
The second installment of the city between series follows Pet as she goes undercover to investigate murders that have been happening near her supermarket. There’s more fae and vampires, but this time adds werewolves to the mix.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and it’s taking its time to reveal what. I like her attitude, she feisty and independent, but also loyal to her “psychos” as she refers to them. JinYeoung is still hilarious and not speaking English, Athelas is still benevolent and slightly creepy, and Zero is still a mystery. There’s no romance in this story, and I’m glad. I think it would slow down the plot. This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery. I’ll be continuing reading.
“It is always wise to care what other people think of you,” Athelas said. “One doesn’t need to do anything about it, of course, but it’s always useful to know.”
The second installment of the city between series follows Pet as she goes undercover to investigate murders that have been happening near her supermarket. There’s more fae and vampires, but this time adds werewolves to the mix.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and it’s taking its time to reveal what. I like her attitude, she feisty and independent, but also loyal to her “psychos” as she refers to them. JinYeoung is still hilarious and not speaking English, Athelas is still benevolent and slightly creepy, and Zero is still a mystery. There’s no romance in this story, and I’m glad. I think it would slow down the plot. This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery. I’ll be continuing reading.
“It is always wise to care what other people think of you,” Athelas said. “One doesn’t need to do anything about it, of course, but it’s always useful to know.”
angels_gp17's review against another edition
3.0
Between Shifts is book two in The City Between series by W.R. Gingell.
When we left book one Pet was on her own and the three psychos, as she calls them, left to take care of some things. She didn’t know if they would be back, but they have returned.
Pet is continuing to learn and question everything about her housemates, their rules and the supernatural world. You may wonder why she’s named Pet, well that’s because the Fae and vampire living in her home don’t name their pets. Maybe one day we will learn her name, but for now she is Pet.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and the author is taking time on revealing what. I like her attitude and feisty independence, but she’s also loyal to her psychos. JinYeoung is hilarious. He’s the vampire who doesn’t speak English, which just adds to the story. Athens is slightly creepy and Zero well he’s still a mystery.
In this installment Pet discovers a dead body behind the supermarket and we soon learn we have Lycanthropes on the loose. The detective also pops in wanting help on similar murder cares. This was an interesting case as both Pet and JinYeong go undercover. I will say it was obvious to me who the villain was in this installment. Even though I figured it out early it didn’t deter me from the rest of the story.
I like the concept of the world and the characters. I find Pet and JinYeoung’s interactions to be a lot of fun. As for the world The Between and Behind can be a bit confusing, but they are also interesting. The Between is sort of a mirror of our world which Pet can see, but has been warned not to enter alone.
This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery and no romance. The mystery was intriguing and our ending is a cliffhanger. I was like noooo, but at least the next book is out, so I can pick it up and find out what’s going to happen next.
Narration: Zehra Jane Naqvi is a fanatic narrator. She nails the characters personalities and tone. I like her accents and her Korean sounds authentic though I don’t know if it’s correct. I’d recommend the audio.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
When we left book one Pet was on her own and the three psychos, as she calls them, left to take care of some things. She didn’t know if they would be back, but they have returned.
Pet is continuing to learn and question everything about her housemates, their rules and the supernatural world. You may wonder why she’s named Pet, well that’s because the Fae and vampire living in her home don’t name their pets. Maybe one day we will learn her name, but for now she is Pet.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and the author is taking time on revealing what. I like her attitude and feisty independence, but she’s also loyal to her psychos. JinYeoung is hilarious. He’s the vampire who doesn’t speak English, which just adds to the story. Athens is slightly creepy and Zero well he’s still a mystery.
In this installment Pet discovers a dead body behind the supermarket and we soon learn we have Lycanthropes on the loose. The detective also pops in wanting help on similar murder cares. This was an interesting case as both Pet and JinYeong go undercover. I will say it was obvious to me who the villain was in this installment. Even though I figured it out early it didn’t deter me from the rest of the story.
I like the concept of the world and the characters. I find Pet and JinYeoung’s interactions to be a lot of fun. As for the world The Between and Behind can be a bit confusing, but they are also interesting. The Between is sort of a mirror of our world which Pet can see, but has been warned not to enter alone.
This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery and no romance. The mystery was intriguing and our ending is a cliffhanger. I was like noooo, but at least the next book is out, so I can pick it up and find out what’s going to happen next.
Narration: Zehra Jane Naqvi is a fanatic narrator. She nails the characters personalities and tone. I like her accents and her Korean sounds authentic though I don’t know if it’s correct. I’d recommend the audio.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
rayonx's review against another edition
4.0
This book in one sentence: When a series of humans are murdered at their local supermarket, Pet convinces her resident Fae and Vampire to help the local police force solve the murders.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Steaminess: n/a
My recommendation: Book two definitely maintained the mysterious/weird/creepy/horror vibe of the first book. This series is entirely unlike other paranormal books out there. I wish that there had been a little more character development in this book, or that we learned more about the three Psychos... but most of the narrative is centered on the murders at the supermarket. This being said, it was a highly enjoyable and engrossing read and I can't wait to see what's next in the series!
Content warnings: murder, gore (a lot less than book one, but still).
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Steaminess: n/a
My recommendation: Book two definitely maintained the mysterious/weird/creepy/horror vibe of the first book. This series is entirely unlike other paranormal books out there. I wish that there had been a little more character development in this book, or that we learned more about the three Psychos... but most of the narrative is centered on the murders at the supermarket. This being said, it was a highly enjoyable and engrossing read and I can't wait to see what's next in the series!
Content warnings: murder, gore (a lot less than book one, but still).