Like most indie authors, Katie Roberson has brought a truly unique story into the world. I was honored when she hired me to proofread, because she and I had been friends for a while, and I wanted to help her make Between the Birches the best it could be. As I read, I realized what an original story this book is, and how many people would enjoy it. Keep reading for my review, and let me know in the comments below if Between the Birches is a book that will find a place on your TBR.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission through your purchase, and I’m so grateful!
Between The Birches, a magical dark fantasy, brings Beth to the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. Her husband, Tom, promised she could tag along on his yearly trip with his 3 best friends. Little did she know, she was slated to be the yearly sacrifice to an ancient evil that lived in the woods. Tom and Grady, his best friend, tried to avoid the yearly sacrifice, and had scheduled the trip so that they could keep Beth safe.
But of course, nothing ever goes according to plan.
Paul and Jeff, the two other friends, show up at the hiking trip, and Beth discovers her role in this year’s trip. One night, when they’re camping, she tries to run with Tom, and end up lost. When Grady finds them, and shows them a magical glade where they could hide, Beth learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.
Can her newfound abilities save those she loves? Or will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save everyone else?
Little did I know, when Katie had asked me to proofread, that she was going to receive feedback later from her beta readers. That feedback would change the story’s trajectory. The basis of the story didn’t change, but she added to the story, which made it so much better in the end. I loved both versions, but the new one will always carry a special place in my heart.
Beth is such a fun character. She’s totally, head-over-heels in love with Tom, her husband. When he tells her she gets to tag along on his yearly hiking trip with his best friend Grady, she’s so excited. The catalyst into all the action: the arrival of Tom’s other friends Paul and Jeff, is done so well that even as a proofreader, I’m happy to say I had no clue what was going to happen.
I would like to tell you I knew how the story would turn out, especially since I had read the earlier version.
But no. I can’t tell you that.
Katie upgraded from the earlier version. Hardcore upgrade.
At one point, I DM’d Katie, and told her I actually forgot I was proofreading, and had to back up about 5 pages, because I had gotten so caught up in the story. I adored the dynamic between Beth and Tom, and between Beth and Grady. Some secrets come to light about Beth’s relationship with Grady, that catapults the story even further into “I can’t put this book down, I MUST know what’s going to happen” territory.
Katie struggled a bit to figure out the genre it fit into, because it is so different from other books even remotely similar. She decided on Dark Urban Fantasy, because while the book is contemporary, Between The Birches is not happiness and rainbows. Good things happen, but they are the exception, not the rule. I even teared up a couple times, because of Katie’s awesome writing style. She’s amazing at eliciting emotional responses from her readers, and this debut book is an example of the amazing storytelling we can expect from the rest of the series.
—————————————————
Save This Post to Pinterest
No matter how hard you plan something, nothing ever happens according to that plan. If you’re like me, you have learned how to adjust and course correct, because you know nothing is going to happen right. Beth, Tom and Grady are absolutely in the middle of that course correction. This debut book builds a world that I absolutely want to visit, despite the horrible evil demanding sacrifices. The magical glade, despite the lack of internet, sounds amazing, and I want to visit so bad!
This dark urban fantasy is the first in a series, and I absolutely cannot wait to get to the rest of the books! Katie Roberson, the author, is amazing at eliciting emotions that I didn’t even know I had. Not many books make me cry, but Between the Birches had me tearing up a couple times. Prepare to grab your tissues.
—————————————————————-
Purchase Between The Birches
—————————————————————-
Did you enjoy this review? Share with your friends! Leave me a comment below with your favorite dark urban fantasy book or author. If you have a question about Between the Birches, check out my discussion forum, and join the conversation!
Until Next Time, Friends!
One thought on “Between The Birches: Awakening by K.P. Roberson [Book Review]”