What do you think?
Rate this book
Between Life and Death #2
Forever Between
The last time Veronica checked, the world outside was still dead…and still covered by the sort-of-undead remnants of humanity. That was this morning. Now, she has to run that gauntlet to try and save Emily, just as Emily once saved her.
Four years ago the world was destroyed by medical nanites gone awry, leaving humanity divided into three groups: the living, deaders, and the horrific in-betweeners. Emily’s only hope for a cure lies eighty miles away at a military hospital where nanite treatments were once given, and she’s running out of time. Between Veronica and that hospital is a world of flesh-eating monsters and possibly something even worse…humans. If Veronica fails to get there, Emily will be trapped forever between life and death.
Forever Between is book two in the exciting post-apocalyptic trilogy, Between Life and Death. With mild language and occasional violence, (and some very gross undead), this series is suitable for ages 16 and up.
Four years ago the world was destroyed by medical nanites gone awry, leaving humanity divided into three groups: the living, deaders, and the horrific in-betweeners. Emily’s only hope for a cure lies eighty miles away at a military hospital where nanite treatments were once given, and she’s running out of time. Between Veronica and that hospital is a world of flesh-eating monsters and possibly something even worse…humans. If Veronica fails to get there, Emily will be trapped forever between life and death.
Forever Between is book two in the exciting post-apocalyptic trilogy, Between Life and Death. With mild language and occasional violence, (and some very gross undead), this series is suitable for ages 16 and up.
279 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2015
61 people are currently reading
About the author
Ann Christy
49Ìýbooks323ÌýfollowersAnn lives by the sea under the benevolent rule of her canine overlord and an incredibly foul-mouthed cat. A scientist and Navy officer by profession, the writing bug somehow got inside her during her travels. She's now stuck with it and can't stop writing.
She writes fully immersive works of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction. Ann is also a voracious reader, and adores a well-done audiobook. If she's not writing, then she's reading or listening.
She writes fully immersive works of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction. Ann is also a voracious reader, and adores a well-done audiobook. If she's not writing, then she's reading or listening.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 24, 2015
Continuing her nanite plagued, post-apocalyptic thriller, Christy delivers once again. Taking place just a couple of years after the end of 'The In-Betweener', Forever Between doesn't skip a beat. This story is written through the eyes of Veronica and, like its predecessor, gives us two different stories (the past and the present) that come together at the end. There is more raw emotion in Forever Between as members of the group begin to disappear, the group fears about what is to become of their future and Veronica tries to make it to the hospital before it is too late. There are shades of The Walking Dead throughout the book, some parts are slow in order to give you back story and clear up any potential confusion, but then you have these intense scenarios where you have no idea what is going to happen next.
If you read 'The In-Betweener', it is a no brainer that you will pick up this book (especially after that cliffhanger.) If you haven't read the predecessor, you can still read Forever Between as a stand alone because of how the story unfolds, but I would suggest picking up the 1st one because you won't want to miss the entire series!
If you read 'The In-Betweener', it is a no brainer that you will pick up this book (especially after that cliffhanger.) If you haven't read the predecessor, you can still read Forever Between as a stand alone because of how the story unfolds, but I would suggest picking up the 1st one because you won't want to miss the entire series!
April 14, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.I absolutely loved this book.The story centers around Veronica and her determination to overcome the dangers of this post apocalyptic world to save her friends.The author includes a scientific cause for the zombie outbreak which i appreciated.I found this book engrossing.The author is quite talented at world building and delivering well developed characters.I can't wait to read book three.I highly recommend this book to any fan of the zombie genre.
May 27, 2015
Thank you to Ann Christy for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
So of course you have read book one in this series The In-betweener, wait stop you haven't?! Well I can't let you read any further, get your butt over to Amazon or your book seller of choice and get a copy, once you have done that let's regroup!
Right, back on subject, today I have for you Forever Between by the awesome Ann Christy. Following on from book one, this book is from the POV of Veronica who we last saw narrowly escaping losing her life at the hands of a close friend, thankfully our leading lady from book one Emily came to her rescue.
So why is Emily not the main POV of this book, well she is a little indisposed but all will be revealed. A lot has changed since the end of the last book, Emily's safe haven has a few more residents, the dead in all their different states still roam about outside and life is certainly not getting any rosier but they all are one big family now and they all have each others backs, which is good because they are going to need one another when things start to go wrong.
Emily becomes unwell, it could be possible to save her but that means leaving their safe house and travelling in to an uncertain world with no guarantees they can find anything to help her. Will Emily survive or will she become one of the In-Betweeners?
I'm not giving you any spoilers as to what else happens but I can let you know this, Forever Between rocks, in fact I think the story has really kicked it up a notch. It flits back and forth between past and present giving you an idea of how current events have came to be and the story flows wonderfully.
It really has a sense of terror and urgency in parts which is incredibly important, I have read some other books in this genre that have been incredibly flat, I want to be scared, I want a book that comes alive and this does it perfectly. Now on to book 3!
So of course you have read book one in this series The In-betweener, wait stop you haven't?! Well I can't let you read any further, get your butt over to Amazon or your book seller of choice and get a copy, once you have done that let's regroup!
Right, back on subject, today I have for you Forever Between by the awesome Ann Christy. Following on from book one, this book is from the POV of Veronica who we last saw narrowly escaping losing her life at the hands of a close friend, thankfully our leading lady from book one Emily came to her rescue.
So why is Emily not the main POV of this book, well she is a little indisposed but all will be revealed. A lot has changed since the end of the last book, Emily's safe haven has a few more residents, the dead in all their different states still roam about outside and life is certainly not getting any rosier but they all are one big family now and they all have each others backs, which is good because they are going to need one another when things start to go wrong.
Emily becomes unwell, it could be possible to save her but that means leaving their safe house and travelling in to an uncertain world with no guarantees they can find anything to help her. Will Emily survive or will she become one of the In-Betweeners?
I'm not giving you any spoilers as to what else happens but I can let you know this, Forever Between rocks, in fact I think the story has really kicked it up a notch. It flits back and forth between past and present giving you an idea of how current events have came to be and the story flows wonderfully.
It really has a sense of terror and urgency in parts which is incredibly important, I have read some other books in this genre that have been incredibly flat, I want to be scared, I want a book that comes alive and this does it perfectly. Now on to book 3!
March 30, 2015
Even better than the first. Way to go Ann Christy on another great book. Her writing style is amazing. It is so easy to get lost in her books and lose track of time. I have never been a huge zombie fan, but I find her books to be about more than just typical zombies. You know an author is good when they can get a non fan of zombies to love their books.
The journey takes us two years after The In-Betweener and Emily's life hangs in the balance. There are more people that has joined their little group of survivors. I do love how the characters in this book has substance. It is not one of those stories where a girl and guy gets thrown together and fall into each others arms in the middle of tragedy. It is about survival and loyalty. The question brought to my mind while reading Forever Between is, "What would you do you save the ones you loved? How far would you go?"
Veronica is going to have to go pretty far to try and save Emily. The whole group has to do their part to protect one another, but sometimes disagreements happen and tempers flare. On Veronica's trip she faces danger at ever turn and makes a startling discovery. Will Veronica be able to save Emily?
The journey takes us two years after The In-Betweener and Emily's life hangs in the balance. There are more people that has joined their little group of survivors. I do love how the characters in this book has substance. It is not one of those stories where a girl and guy gets thrown together and fall into each others arms in the middle of tragedy. It is about survival and loyalty. The question brought to my mind while reading Forever Between is, "What would you do you save the ones you loved? How far would you go?"
Veronica is going to have to go pretty far to try and save Emily. The whole group has to do their part to protect one another, but sometimes disagreements happen and tempers flare. On Veronica's trip she faces danger at ever turn and makes a startling discovery. Will Veronica be able to save Emily?
March 13, 2015
Omg, just wow! Completely blown away! The second book in the Between Life and Death series is not told from Emily's pov but rather Veronica's! You'll probably remember her as one of the children Emily rescued in the first book! It also doesn't pick up directly after the end of book one, in fact it fast forwards quite a bit...which is necessary for the events to take place! Anyone who felt the first book needed a little more action, you will not be disappointed! I literally couldn't put it down, it was a definite page turner. I'd love to tell you all the little details, but you'll just have to read it for yourself! I promise you won't be disappointed! Seriously can't wait for the next book!
March 22, 2015
Loving this series from Ann Christy!
The story is quite unique for many reasons, in my opinion. It's less about mad flights of fear from zombi hoards and more about the struggle, pain, fear and attempting to trust those around who have also survived so far.
Can't wait till the third and final book is released!
The story is quite unique for many reasons, in my opinion. It's less about mad flights of fear from zombi hoards and more about the struggle, pain, fear and attempting to trust those around who have also survived so far.
Can't wait till the third and final book is released!
March 17, 2015
I received a prerelease copy of Forever Between for review. I received no compensation for my review. This is a sequel to The In-Betweeners, a story of a world ravaged by science gone bad. I continue to be very impressed by the author, Anne Christy. In the original story, she created a grim landscape, filled with death. The remaining survivors were filled with visceral fear of succumbing to the same terrible fate as the rest of the world. For the second book, the author could have taken an easy path, using the same characters, battling the same “risen-from-the-dead� creatures, and the same emotional level of fear. But Ms. Christy did not. There are familiar characters, but several new ones. And while the world is still very dangerous, the dangers are different, the character conflicts have morphed, and the plot has gone from survival to betterment. There is a small thread of hope and sense of risk taking, not just for personal survival, but to help others around them.
The writing is crisp and error-free. It is exciting and compelling and once I started, I had to finish. There is hard science behind the catastrophe that drives the plot, but the science doesn’t get in the way of the story and the science enables a plot that seems highly plausible. Ms. Christy uses the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring as a metaphor for the story moving on to a new phase of existence. The page has turned and for the remaining survivors, danger comes from survivors from outside the group. These other humans have different motives and some have very dark souls. This darkness brings out unimaginable cruelty and even unbalanced personalities. The author brings in a set of characters that demonstrate the best and absolute worst of humanity. The scope of the novel grows in this book, moving from neighborhood-sized to a city and past it. Oh, and yeah, there are still 2 kinds of zombie-like creatures that must be dealt with and maybe find a cure for.
I really enjoyed this book. I think readers from YA and up will also enjoy it. It is just so well written it would be hard not to like it. I will remain on pins and needles until the third book is released. I’m sure there will be a great conclusion to the story but I can’t imagine what it will be. What I do know is that I really, really hope it will be as sophisticated, articulate, and well imagined as Forever Between.
The writing is crisp and error-free. It is exciting and compelling and once I started, I had to finish. There is hard science behind the catastrophe that drives the plot, but the science doesn’t get in the way of the story and the science enables a plot that seems highly plausible. Ms. Christy uses the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring as a metaphor for the story moving on to a new phase of existence. The page has turned and for the remaining survivors, danger comes from survivors from outside the group. These other humans have different motives and some have very dark souls. This darkness brings out unimaginable cruelty and even unbalanced personalities. The author brings in a set of characters that demonstrate the best and absolute worst of humanity. The scope of the novel grows in this book, moving from neighborhood-sized to a city and past it. Oh, and yeah, there are still 2 kinds of zombie-like creatures that must be dealt with and maybe find a cure for.
I really enjoyed this book. I think readers from YA and up will also enjoy it. It is just so well written it would be hard not to like it. I will remain on pins and needles until the third book is released. I’m sure there will be a great conclusion to the story but I can’t imagine what it will be. What I do know is that I really, really hope it will be as sophisticated, articulate, and well imagined as Forever Between.
March 12, 2015
I was privileged to be on Ann Christy's "read and review" list for book two in her "Between Life and Death Series." Book two, "Forever Between," was just as exciting (if not more so!) than book one. The book is in the viewpoint of Veronica, a girl saved by Emily in the first novel. Veronica is brave, intelligent, but real at the same time. She does what she has to, but is still (understandably) afraid of the horrible circumstances thrust upon them. I like a real character. I want to relate to this person, even if their situation is something I will never find myself in someday. The other characters are also real, yet different. Each has their own personality, allowing them to shine when it's their turn to speak. In some books, I forget about secondary characters because they are bland. Here I remembered who in this post-apoc "family" was speaking without having to backtrack to see where they were introduced. And little Jon...he kills me. I have kids, a 3.5 year old and a 2 year old. This boy speaks to me with such heartbreaking truth about their horrible situation as if my own sons are written into the text. I can't imagine them needing to go so still and quiet and Jon has to in times of need. Yet, he (and the little girl, Maribelle) holds hope and childhood joys for the future. He still plays and laughs (quietly!), not fearing death unless the situation calls for it at the time. Beautiful and sad, Ann. Nicely written. You've killed my motherly heart!
I still haven't figured out a "star" rating system or anything for reviews, but if I had one I would give "Forever Between" a five. I will definitely reread this series at some point because of the characters, story, and entertainment value. I think if it's worth rereading, it needs a high rating. Let's face it, there are a lot of books out there! So if I want to read it again at some point instead of reading a NEW book, that's got to be a good sign!
I still haven't figured out a "star" rating system or anything for reviews, but if I had one I would give "Forever Between" a five. I will definitely reread this series at some point because of the characters, story, and entertainment value. I think if it's worth rereading, it needs a high rating. Let's face it, there are a lot of books out there! So if I want to read it again at some point instead of reading a NEW book, that's got to be a good sign!
May 17, 2015
In book 1, we meet Emily and her story, and Veronica and Jon, and at the end are given some bad news - Emily's cancer has returned.
Now, we have jumped forward a while, and are following Veronica's story along with some new people this small community has banded with. The group must deal with the usual bad guys: deaders, in-betweeners, and humans (the worst).
Told in the same style (current story chapters interspersed with flashback chapters), we find out more about what Emily's mom was working on, how far Emily's condition has worsened, and how this larger group of people survive and handle the problem inherent in a larger group. No spoilers, just what you would expect with the return of cancer in this post-apocalyptic world.
I was able to relate to the characters easily, and the presentation of the day-to-day struggle makes the story come alive. I have to keep forcing myself to read all the words, instead of skipping to the next sentence to see what happens next! Skimming is fine for studying in school, but there are not many wasted words here, so skimming usually just gets me confused (haha).
A great second book, and I'm excited that the third (and final) one comes out soon - I'm ready to find out what happens to "my friends" in the next book -- and if we have any hope of curing this zombie apocalypse.
Now, we have jumped forward a while, and are following Veronica's story along with some new people this small community has banded with. The group must deal with the usual bad guys: deaders, in-betweeners, and humans (the worst).
Told in the same style (current story chapters interspersed with flashback chapters), we find out more about what Emily's mom was working on, how far Emily's condition has worsened, and how this larger group of people survive and handle the problem inherent in a larger group. No spoilers, just what you would expect with the return of cancer in this post-apocalyptic world.
I was able to relate to the characters easily, and the presentation of the day-to-day struggle makes the story come alive. I have to keep forcing myself to read all the words, instead of skipping to the next sentence to see what happens next! Skimming is fine for studying in school, but there are not many wasted words here, so skimming usually just gets me confused (haha).
A great second book, and I'm excited that the third (and final) one comes out soon - I'm ready to find out what happens to "my friends" in the next book -- and if we have any hope of curing this zombie apocalypse.
July 19, 2015
Wooowee....that was just....awesome! This whole series is one I couldn't put down! I had to read the entire series before I could break to write my review. In this book we follow Veronica, but Emily is still there...ish. Just so many emotions and crazy things happens here. We get to meet some new characters and get a glimpse into a new world and way of life. Jeremy is a pretty awesome character I want to give a little shout out to. This is no romance, but he helps put a little love and tummy flutters on a dire situation.
There may be possibility for a cure, but some "bumps in the road" could cause problems. Veronica is dead set on heading to the military hospital 80 miles away to find the nanites that could, maybe possibly hopefully, save Emily, and nothing is going to stop her. But what she finds there is more than she can imagine, and it changes everything, big time. Like book 1, this book is filled with amazing characters and back stories. Filled with shocking realities of what life would be like and the lows people will stoop to. Lots of emotions and plenty of laughs, which is refreshing in a story like this. Ann sure has a knack for making me love Emily even more in this one, she is simply adorable. I keep loving this series more and more!
There may be possibility for a cure, but some "bumps in the road" could cause problems. Veronica is dead set on heading to the military hospital 80 miles away to find the nanites that could, maybe possibly hopefully, save Emily, and nothing is going to stop her. But what she finds there is more than she can imagine, and it changes everything, big time. Like book 1, this book is filled with amazing characters and back stories. Filled with shocking realities of what life would be like and the lows people will stoop to. Lots of emotions and plenty of laughs, which is refreshing in a story like this. Ann sure has a knack for making me love Emily even more in this one, she is simply adorable. I keep loving this series more and more!
March 17, 2015
Though it is part of a series this book stands alone in plot and conclusion. But, Forever Between stands alone for another reason. It's just that good. Christy has added an element to the genre that moves the reader and the genre to another level. This is a well told story of mourning and survival in a world gone mad. I hesitate to call this a book about zombies because it is so much more. Just as "The Walking Dead" is more about normal people surviving in an abnormal world, so too is Forever Between more about mere humans facing inhuman choices than about the calamity which has befallen the world. We follow Veronica who because of loyalty, friendship, love...call it what you will...we follow Veronica who ventures out on a quest into a world divided by the deaders, the inbetweeners and the living. We see the horrible things people have to do everyday to survive -- and how the horrible becomes commonplace. Christy explores this aspect of survival so well it is hard to over emphasize the power of her writing. This is not a Zombie book...this is a book about the vagaries of human nature and what one person will do to keep even a spark of humanity alive. Two Thumbs Up!
May 29, 2015
Even better than the first. Way to go Ann Christy on another great book. Her writing style is amazing. It is so easy to get lost in her books and lose track of time. I have never been a huge zombie fan, but I find her books to be about more than just typical zombies. You know an author is good when they can get a non fan of zombies to love their books.
The journey takes us two years after The In-Betweener and Emily's life hangs in the balance. There are more people that has joined their little group of survivors. I do love how the characters in this book has substance. It is not one of those stories where a girl and guy gets thrown together and fall into each others arms in the middle of tragedy. It is about survival and loyalty. The question brought to my mind while reading Forever Between is, "What would you do you save the ones you loved? How far would you go?"
Veronica is going to have to go pretty far to try and save Emily. The whole group has to do their part to protect one another, but sometimes disagreements happen and tempers flare. On Veronica's trip she faces danger at ever turn and makes a startling discovery. Will Veronica be able to save Emily?
The journey takes us two years after The In-Betweener and Emily's life hangs in the balance. There are more people that has joined their little group of survivors. I do love how the characters in this book has substance. It is not one of those stories where a girl and guy gets thrown together and fall into each others arms in the middle of tragedy. It is about survival and loyalty. The question brought to my mind while reading Forever Between is, "What would you do you save the ones you loved? How far would you go?"
Veronica is going to have to go pretty far to try and save Emily. The whole group has to do their part to protect one another, but sometimes disagreements happen and tempers flare. On Veronica's trip she faces danger at ever turn and makes a startling discovery. Will Veronica be able to save Emily?
July 4, 2015
The second book in a series tends to have a slower and more uneven pace than the first book. Not so with this series, that’s for sure. A lot goes on in this book, with both new characters and an expanding plot. Veronica and Charlie’s trip provides a chilling look at the condition of the area surrounding their home warehouse. As always, Ann Christy’s attention to detail makes her characters real and easy to relate to, and their surroundings and living conditions are vividly described. I loved this book as much as the first, and I’m happy I already have the third one in hand.
September 19, 2015
I liked book 1 enough that I wanted to continue on immediately with the sequels. These are part of the Kindle Unlimited, and I accidentally downloaded book 3 for my monthly borrowed book ... so I went ahead and purchased this one.
The perspective here changes from Emily to Veronica, although Emily is still a key character. Like book 1, there is the jumping in time from the present, to the preceding weeks, but the chapters are clearly marked. Again, a very good, engaging story that left me wanting more. And book 3 is ready and waiting!
The perspective here changes from Emily to Veronica, although Emily is still a key character. Like book 1, there is the jumping in time from the present, to the preceding weeks, but the chapters are clearly marked. Again, a very good, engaging story that left me wanting more. And book 3 is ready and waiting!
May 16, 2015
Great second book!
Ann has done it again. She gets you caring about the people and and what they have to do to survive in a totally non functioning world. Thanks , waiting for book three!
Ann has done it again. She gets you caring about the people and and what they have to do to survive in a totally non functioning world. Thanks , waiting for book three!
August 24, 2018
Friendship and the apocalypse
The survivor story involves so many pieces that would seem unconnected in the pre-apocalyptic world. She put me in the mind of several characters and I found myself comparing their actions to what occurred to me. Conclusion: I would not survive the zombie outbreak. I realized how clueless I was.
The characters are engaging, fully fleshed out and the writing is first rate. Her descriptions are three dimensional and you can see that world as if you are looking through a window. She does that in every other story as well.
This series has a zombie outbreak but no one knows who caused it and if it was deliberate or accidental. There are suspicions. There is a cure, possibly but no military or medical types seem interested in it. The struggle to get to them and return is a dangerous and long trip.
This series is an adventure story with zombies thrown into the mix. If you're in the mood for zombies, this is a very good pick. Of course if you're reading this volume, you already know that. Good reading.
The survivor story involves so many pieces that would seem unconnected in the pre-apocalyptic world. She put me in the mind of several characters and I found myself comparing their actions to what occurred to me. Conclusion: I would not survive the zombie outbreak. I realized how clueless I was.
The characters are engaging, fully fleshed out and the writing is first rate. Her descriptions are three dimensional and you can see that world as if you are looking through a window. She does that in every other story as well.
This series has a zombie outbreak but no one knows who caused it and if it was deliberate or accidental. There are suspicions. There is a cure, possibly but no military or medical types seem interested in it. The struggle to get to them and return is a dangerous and long trip.
This series is an adventure story with zombies thrown into the mix. If you're in the mood for zombies, this is a very good pick. Of course if you're reading this volume, you already know that. Good reading.
June 21, 2020
This should probably go on the 3rd book but whatever. These were good. Not amazing. I liked that there was a somewhat rational explanation for the 'dead'. The pacing is interesting because the book jumps around in time, slowly converging to the conclusion. It's an interesting way to do things.
July 22, 2015
Forever Between is the second book in Ann Christy's Between Life and Death series.
If you thought, book one was edge of your seat exciting..wait til you get your hands on book 2! This book is just as captivating and amazing as the first one!
I love the characters, the drama and action are intense, the descriptions suck you right into the story. Can't wait to read book 3 and see where this all leads!
If you thought, book one was edge of your seat exciting..wait til you get your hands on book 2! This book is just as captivating and amazing as the first one!
I love the characters, the drama and action are intense, the descriptions suck you right into the story. Can't wait to read book 3 and see where this all leads!
August 26, 2015
I`m looking forward to part three.
June 11, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
March 1, 2017
Two years have passed since the events that took place in the first book in this trilogy when Emily rescued Veronica and Jon from the undead and brought them to the warehouse complex where she has holed up.
In that time Veronica has grown up - a lot - and now, at 15, she is a seasoned veteran of the zombie apocalypse, able to defend herself and others from the flesh-eating creatures roaming outside the fenced-in complex.
Also in that two-year period the population of the complex has grown with the addition of six more people that Emily has rescued.
All is not well, however, for Emily's brain tumor has returned and because she was pumped full of nanites to save her life in the past, there is every reason to believe that she will die and then become one of the undead when they kick in once she stops breathing. After all, it was a newer version of nanites that, when they went bad, caused the apocalypse in the first place. Originally designed to keep people healthy and extend their lifespans, the nanites refuse to let people die naturally. Instead, once they do, the nanites re-animate them turning the dead into the undead.
The first stage: The undead become In-Betweeners. They are dangerous because they can still run after their victims and retain enough of their primal instincts to hunt. At some point they become Deaders. They are still dangerous but - because of their deteriorating bodies - they are slow-moving creatures that can no seldom catch enough prey to sustain even a semblance of life. Even the nanites cannot save them at that point and they wither and then finally die for real.
Emily does not want to become an In-Betweener but the signs are there as her cancer begins winning the battle for her life. The fact that could happen leaves Veronica and the other people in the complex with a dilemma: Can they risk letting Emily turn into one of the undead? Or should they smash her head in, thus eliminating the possibility that she can be re-animated?
It's a cruel choice they face, but they now live in a very cruel world.
There is, however, a slim chance that Emily can be saved, but it involves enormous risk and a trip through some very dangerous countryside.
Will anyone be willing to undertake that risk?
That's all of the plot that I'm going to share at this point because author Ann Christy has fashioned a white-knuckle thriller that deserves to be enjoyed without any spoilers to ruin the effect. Using present-tense narrative with flashback chapters - something very few authors can do effectively - Christy spins a tale of courage, betrayal, loyalty, and love inside a heart-pounding adventure laced with just enough horror and mayhem to keep even the most jaded reader intrigued.
Christy has a reputation for developing strong female characters and that is certainly true in this novel. Veronica is brave, smart, and loyal. She can also be vulnerable, frightened, and unsure of herself. Taken together, those traits make her seem very, very human and - as a consequence - very believable despite the fact this novel is all about the zombie apocalypse. Two other female characters also stand out: Emily, even though she is dying, remains a strong woman and Savannah, one of the newer arrivals, is as well. Savannah is an interesting character who does what needs to be done even when she does not agree with the decisions that the group makes. In that respect she demonstrates not only a strong pragmatic sense but also reveals the fact that, against all odds, there may still be room for hope in a world gone mad.
Christy writers economically, a plus in my opinion. She wastes very few words in her narrative yet still manages to put readers "in the moment." Her descriptions of people and places give readers enough information to share the adventure with her characters, but not so much that the pace of the novel slows down to a crawl. In that respect she reminds me of Australian author Mark R. Healy, whose apocalyptic New Earth trilogy is among the finest series of books I've read in a long time. Both Christy and Healy share a love of words but are not so in love with their own prose that they drag their books out to interminable lengths.
That said, let me simply add this: "Between Life and Death: Forever Between" is an excellent read, full of believable characters, and plenty of action. It touches on some important themes and, as a result, not only gives its readers a wonderful adventure story but also something to think about.
And that makes it a 5-star novel, one that I highly recommend.
In that time Veronica has grown up - a lot - and now, at 15, she is a seasoned veteran of the zombie apocalypse, able to defend herself and others from the flesh-eating creatures roaming outside the fenced-in complex.
Also in that two-year period the population of the complex has grown with the addition of six more people that Emily has rescued.
All is not well, however, for Emily's brain tumor has returned and because she was pumped full of nanites to save her life in the past, there is every reason to believe that she will die and then become one of the undead when they kick in once she stops breathing. After all, it was a newer version of nanites that, when they went bad, caused the apocalypse in the first place. Originally designed to keep people healthy and extend their lifespans, the nanites refuse to let people die naturally. Instead, once they do, the nanites re-animate them turning the dead into the undead.
The first stage: The undead become In-Betweeners. They are dangerous because they can still run after their victims and retain enough of their primal instincts to hunt. At some point they become Deaders. They are still dangerous but - because of their deteriorating bodies - they are slow-moving creatures that can no seldom catch enough prey to sustain even a semblance of life. Even the nanites cannot save them at that point and they wither and then finally die for real.
Emily does not want to become an In-Betweener but the signs are there as her cancer begins winning the battle for her life. The fact that could happen leaves Veronica and the other people in the complex with a dilemma: Can they risk letting Emily turn into one of the undead? Or should they smash her head in, thus eliminating the possibility that she can be re-animated?
It's a cruel choice they face, but they now live in a very cruel world.
There is, however, a slim chance that Emily can be saved, but it involves enormous risk and a trip through some very dangerous countryside.
Will anyone be willing to undertake that risk?
That's all of the plot that I'm going to share at this point because author Ann Christy has fashioned a white-knuckle thriller that deserves to be enjoyed without any spoilers to ruin the effect. Using present-tense narrative with flashback chapters - something very few authors can do effectively - Christy spins a tale of courage, betrayal, loyalty, and love inside a heart-pounding adventure laced with just enough horror and mayhem to keep even the most jaded reader intrigued.
Christy has a reputation for developing strong female characters and that is certainly true in this novel. Veronica is brave, smart, and loyal. She can also be vulnerable, frightened, and unsure of herself. Taken together, those traits make her seem very, very human and - as a consequence - very believable despite the fact this novel is all about the zombie apocalypse. Two other female characters also stand out: Emily, even though she is dying, remains a strong woman and Savannah, one of the newer arrivals, is as well. Savannah is an interesting character who does what needs to be done even when she does not agree with the decisions that the group makes. In that respect she demonstrates not only a strong pragmatic sense but also reveals the fact that, against all odds, there may still be room for hope in a world gone mad.
Christy writers economically, a plus in my opinion. She wastes very few words in her narrative yet still manages to put readers "in the moment." Her descriptions of people and places give readers enough information to share the adventure with her characters, but not so much that the pace of the novel slows down to a crawl. In that respect she reminds me of Australian author Mark R. Healy, whose apocalyptic New Earth trilogy is among the finest series of books I've read in a long time. Both Christy and Healy share a love of words but are not so in love with their own prose that they drag their books out to interminable lengths.
That said, let me simply add this: "Between Life and Death: Forever Between" is an excellent read, full of believable characters, and plenty of action. It touches on some important themes and, as a result, not only gives its readers a wonderful adventure story but also something to think about.
And that makes it a 5-star novel, one that I highly recommend.
December 1, 2019
I dived into book 2 straight after book 1 which might have been a mistake. Firstly, it doesn't pick up immediately where book 1 finishes but rather 2 years later. Secondly, this book is now written in Veronica's POV but I had a bit of difficulties sometimes to make that transition.
The story unfolds again in alternating chapters of the past and the present. There is definitely more action and the pace it probably a bit faster too. Helping to drive the story are also the added characters. I don't think it is really necessary to have read book 1 but it certainly helps in understanding the whole post apocalyptic world.
The story is still strong and kept me interested. To get a complete conclusion you'll have to read book 3 and I definitely will.
The story unfolds again in alternating chapters of the past and the present. There is definitely more action and the pace it probably a bit faster too. Helping to drive the story are also the added characters. I don't think it is really necessary to have read book 1 but it certainly helps in understanding the whole post apocalyptic world.
The story is still strong and kept me interested. To get a complete conclusion you'll have to read book 3 and I definitely will.
June 22, 2017
The story of Emily and the kids she saved continues. Emily's tumor has come back and she has little time to live. The nanite that cured her may be available at the hospital by the military base as well as helping find a cure for the in-betweeners that her mother was working on. It is up to Veronica, one of the children Emily saved, to make the trip to save her friend.This installment is another fast paced trip with well developed characters. There are twists and turns at every corner as Veronica and Jeremy fight to not only save Emily but possibly the world they once knew. The story telling in these books is just superb.
October 2, 2019
Ann continued to amaze with the second installment of this wonderfully chilling tale of survival in an apocalyptic universe of the roaming dead. It is thoroughly terrifying and astounding what lengths survivors of such a world will go to in order to sustain their lives and those that they care about. Bring on book three.
December 22, 2018
WHA!?!
What a phenomenal sequel! And I absolutely cannot believe what I read!!! What a way to propel the series forward!
If Ann Christy isn't already an author you read, I definitely feel she should be.
What a phenomenal sequel! And I absolutely cannot believe what I read!!! What a way to propel the series forward!
If Ann Christy isn't already an author you read, I definitely feel she should be.
April 10, 2023
Actually I quite like the way the story is told, going back and forth, but in a way that is not boring, is like two different things are happening at the same time with the same characters... This author books pack a punch be aware of that, you won't be able to forget that easily.
October 19, 2017
I was a bit sad initially at the change of the main character, but after a bit I quite grew to like her also.
September 6, 2019
Good job Christy
Hey Christy, it took me a bit to finish this one as it’s been a bit hectic over here. Enjoyed the book and loo forward to the next.
Chris
Hey Christy, it took me a bit to finish this one as it’s been a bit hectic over here. Enjoyed the book and loo forward to the next.
Chris
August 14, 2020
Another great read
This is the third book in for days in this series that I have read. I am so hooked on this set of books, I can't put down!
This is the third book in for days in this series that I have read. I am so hooked on this set of books, I can't put down!
April 7, 2024
Fun Escapist Read
I am really liking these books. They're quick and easy to read. I like the prose. The characters are fun. Very enjoyable.
I am really liking these books. They're quick and easy to read. I like the prose. The characters are fun. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.