Between Life and Death

Between Life and Death Series, Book 1

By: Jaclyn Kot

Narrated by: Nikki Grey, Connor Brannigan

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

"His eyes returned to mine, that invisible tether between us strung too tight. That magnetic pull, it was unbreakable, unyielding. Eternal. And it demanded that we collide."

On the secluded continent of Edenvale, possessing magic is a death sentence. Those who have it are labeled Cursed, and by order of the king, they are Cleansed—a horrific event utilizing a hot, hungry pyre and an iron collar. Enemy to the king, a group known as the Cursed rebels defend their lands from his reach, creating an ongoing bloodthirsty war.

When Sage's brother is conscripted for the war, she is forced to trade in her cozy, peaceful cottage life and join the Cursed rebels to get him back. Her mission seems straightforward, but Von, the leader of the Cursed rebels, comes riddled with dark secrets. With his otherworldly eyes, black as a starless night, and a taste for juicy thigh—ahem—red apples, Sage knows better than to get involved with a guy like him. But knowing and doing are two very different things.

Together with the Cursed rebels and Von, the king of inky deals and sexy, stolen moments, Sage embarks on the quest of a lifetime. Little does she know that fate is at work and the gods are watching her every move.

Between Life and Death is for ACOTAR fans looking to scratch that insatiable itch.

©2023 Jaclyn Kot (P)2023 Podium Audio

Well hello Von

Well hello Von.

Once I started this book, I was pulled into it and couldn't put it down. I love the take on how their unique gifts were considered curses- something to be feared.

Sage has such a big heart. She has so much determination. The chemistry between her and Von. *chef's kiss*. Their banter.

Von- yes! everything that Von is. His descriptions and the words that he said. yes. Do yourself a favor a meet him. Because his words, his shoulders and his arms... iykyk.

I listened to the audiobook. I love when book are recorded with duet narrations! Nikki and Connor both did an amazing job. And man, Connor voicing Von. I'm melting.

Excellent!!!

Tropes:
⭐ Morally Black Shadow Daddy
⭐ Stabby Hero FMC
⭐ Gods with Vampire Tendencies
⭐ Enemies to Lovers
⭐ Touch her and 💀
⭐ Fated Mates
⭐ Found Family
⭐ Hidden Identity
⭐ "Kitten" pet name

"Between Life and Death" by Jaclyn Kot is a captivating fantasy romance set in a world where being born with magic (or 'cursed') is a crime punishable by death. The vicious king's decree mandates the cleansing of those with magical abilities, subjecting them to a gruesome fate via pyres and iron collars to block said magic. In the face of this tyrannical rule, a group of rebels known as the Cursed stands defiant. Sage, one of the cursed, finds the rebellion when her brother is conscripted for the war. She is compelled to abandon her peaceful life and join the Cursed rebels to rescue him. The mission, seemingly straightforward, takes an unexpected turn as Sage encounters Von, the enigmatic leader of the rebels, whose dark secrets and otherworldly presence make him both intriguing and dangerous. There is a pull between them that just won't leave her alone.

This is the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure. I have to admit that the romance is the best part. Sage and Von's chemistry is palpable, adding a layer of tension and passion to every scene they're in together. The secondary characters are also easy to like and I eagerly anticipate the potential development of them in the next book.

Kot's world-building is commendable, revealing a rich tapestry of history and intrigue lurking in the background. The information about these mysterious rebels and Von slowly trickles out as Sage learns more. The plot's twists and turns kept me engaged and eager for more. The seamless blend of romance and fantasy elements, coupled with well-drawn characters, makes "Between Life and Death" a delightful and immersive read. I cried, and that's the highest recommendation that I can make because it means that I care deeply about these characters.

I am quite eagerly anticipating the next installment to delve deeper into the captivating world Kot has crafted. I am sure that I will devour the next as quickly as I did this one. I do want to note that I also purchased the audiobook and DEEPLY enjoyed the dual narration. Highly recommend the audio; the narrators are top-notch.

Amazingggg

Tropes:
-New Adult Fantasy
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity
-Fated Mates
-Morally Grey MMC
-Gods & Goddesses

"So you best pray to the creator, Little Goddess, because the next time we have a moment like this, I will collect what is mine. When I do, there will be no redemption for either of us."

Amazing book! I read it back March of 2023 and I was instantly obsessed. I picked up the audiobook to do a reread and wow!!! Conner and Nikki knocked it out of the park.

Enjoyable Fantasy Romance

Overall, I liked this story and listened to it in less than a day. There were some things that pulled me out of the story, like the reference to a body count. I also felt like the romance was sort of rushed, if that makes sense. It felt to me like it somehow developed without any meaningful communication / relationship building between the main characters. That being said, I quickly devoured this book and I’m looking forward to the next one.

The narrators slayed this audio. One of my most favorites ever!

I loved this book when I read a physical copy. The narrators brought this book to life, and made it that much better. I will scream to the heavens how good this book is for the rest of my life. Not only is Jaclyn Kot, an outstanding writer, but she brought this world to life with her words. The narrators then brought this world to another level, one of my most favorite Audiobooks ever.

Intriguing

This is the first book in a series that embodies all of the fantasy elements we love: forbidden magic, political conflict, hidden identity, bargains, gods, fated mates, found family, spice, and more! This story follows Sage who joins a rebel group after her brother is conscripted to the war for the king. Her plan is to get him out. Von, the leader of the rebels, was an unexpected distraction for Sage as he helps her find her brother. This story is fairly predictable but in a good way. If you read a lot of fantasy, you come to expect certain things, and this book has it. I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what happens next.

😍😍😍

I absolutely couldn’t stop listening to this! The author’s amazing words being brought to life by amazing narrators!!!!

Okay Jaclyn, I see you…

First of all, I don’t want to see anyone say anything about “character development” in this book! It was made very clear throughout the book that there was more to be revealed, and I fully appreciate an author that keeps her cards close! This gave me Hades/Persephone vibes, but a whole new twist and I’M HERE FOR IT! I can’t wait for the next installment cause holy cliffhanger! 5/5 for performance! The duet narration was *chefs kiss* - I always need more of this in my life and I wish the powers that be would fork over the money for more duet narrations! Brava!

Gobbled this right up

Phenomenal performance, epic debut and foundation for an amazing world. Need book two as soon as possible!

Wow, holy cow

Connor Brannigan your voice for Von 😍😍 could listen to it ALL day. This book was a surprise. Was on a bit of a book slump and now I have to wait for book 2. Story is amazing. The heat between to characters, WOW 😍 Anxiously awaiting the next book