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Between The Lines is an interesting and page turning novel that intrigued me by its complex plot and heart-breaking ideas. Honestly I didn't know what to expect when I started this, but I was pleasantly surprised by how I enjoyed it. As always my main points are here:

1) Between The Lives really reminded me of a mix of two other novels, all based on the idea of living two lives, or living a separate/ detached life that others are unaware of. Pivot Point by Kasie West was the first to leap to mind. Based around a girl, who like Sabine in this novel, lives in two different lives, and in both the people around her are unaware of the other. The other is Forgotten by Cat Patrick. The protagonist (just like Sabine), has a life altering moment every night at a particular time. I adore both books and although the idea didn't seem as fresh when I approached Between The Lives, I still really did enjoy it.

2) One thing that I noticed while reading was that Sabine's character changed a lot between her life 'Shifts', and one I quite strongly dislike. It was not just her family, friends and surroundings that change each night, she also seems to change her personality to suit her new life. This really bothers me as I feel like even though I am reading through the eyes of the same person, that they are different in a way. More like I am reading through the first person of two twins rather than the same person.

3) I found the finish rather unbelievable unfortunately. I won't say any more because of spoilers, but I was quite disappointed of the ending yet part of me was also satisfied with it which probably sounds like I am unsure of it, and truth be told I am. It causes a lot of mixed feelings about being relieved yet incredulous. Pretty disorientating.

4) I grew quite an attachment to Sabine, she to me seemed to be a rather forward and strong minded character. I am really happy that the female protagonists I've been reading about seem to be that recently, and this woman was certainly no exception. What Sabine did to survive, to protect those she loved, and to prove of her double life to those around her was truly astonishing and definitely the strength of this novel.

Between the Lives certainly had its strengths. And although parts were fairly predictable or basic, I found myself been drawn to many of the characters, turning every page wanting to know what happened on the next. ( )

Despite the fact that this book was released six years ago and I’ve just now finally read it, Jessica Shirvington is one of my favorite authors of all time. The Violet Eden Chapters is my favorite series of books ever written, and if you combined the 5 books into one, they would rank in my top favorite books of all-time.

One Past Midnight - released as Between the Lives in Shirvington’s native Australia - is the author’s only one-off novel. Although the story does lend itself to a sequel or two, I am happy this didn’t happen. Anchoring Sabine’s story in this one novel is all we really need, and the using the beginning of her chosen life as a finale was deeply satisfying (though admittedly a little predictable).

My favorite thing about Shirvington - apart from her casual-yet-sharp writing style - is her almost effortless ability to craft deeply complicated, complex, emotional female characters. Even the background female characters - in this case, Sabine’s two mothers - hint at elaborate character pieces. Forgiving one emotional tangent that Sabine suffers for about 40 pages in this book - clearly misunderstanding something that Ethan has said to her and somehow believing it meant he doesn’t care about her - Sabine’s emotional intelligence and connectivity to herself and the people around her are awesome.

I would love to see One Past Midnight adapted into a film (and I was reminded of 2018′s Every Day, though I have yet to see it, and it sounds like the premise is different enough), placed in the hands of a capable female screenwriter and director who can properly support the care that Shirvington puts into her characters. ( )

I love this book had me crying which is rare. ( )

Between the Lives, es una historia definitivamente diferente. Tuve que leerlo de una sentada porque no podía parar. Y aunque el final es bastante obvio desde el primer momento en el que Ryan mencionó que iría a casa con un amigo, como en el 20% del libro, supe que iba a ser Ethan. Y lo de la enfermedad y su vida en el hospital no podía ser más previsible. y quedan varias interrogantes sin respuestas (sobretodo: ¿Por qué se inicia el glitch?), me encantó. ( )

3.5 stars
This was quite a good story and I enjoyed following the two parallel lives of Sabine who was a feisty, strong protagonist. However, I listened to it on audio book and the heavy American accent grated on my nerves, especially when trying to attempt German and fluent French. I will be looking for other books by this author, but I will read them rather than listen to them. ( )