What if there was a character who wanted to escape the pages of his book? How far would he go to live among readers?
Between the Lines tells the story of Prince Oliver, who wants to do just that. He’s lived in a book for as long as he can remember, and doesn’t see magic in it anymore. He wants something new and exciting, because his life has been programmed to always follow the words of the book.
Oliver has several reasons for his restlessness, including:
- Boredom—he is tired of finding himself on Page 1 each time a Reader opens the book.
- He does not care for the love interest, Seraphima, but has to pretend in scenes where they kiss.
- It irritates him, seeing how content his friends have become. They don’t wonder about the outside world.
But he never actually thought it possible to leave the book. It seemed pointless to even try. Then a new Reader becomes hooked on Oliver’s story.
When Delilah finds the book in her school library, the story becomes a refuge from the complications in her life. Oliver falls for Delilah so deeply, he gets her to notice him! Then he begs for help escaping the book, and they start experimenting.
Is it possible to change a story once it’s put in ink? Can a character’s will be strong enough to outsmart the book?
This is a charming story because of the questions it makes you ask. How many times have you wished a character could hang out with you? How many times have you wanted to live among the pages with them?
Between the Lines captures the wonder of good story, the pull which keeps us turning pages.
It may be impossible for characters to leap off the page, but this story gives us a comforting thought: If they had the choice to join us, some would without thinking it twice. Some would fight to live with us, just as we long to be near them.
Between the Lines pulls us into a realm where ink isn’t a barrier. In this realm, there is hope that one day readers and characters could meet.
I recommend this book to fans of faery tales and romance—but really, it’s great for any reader who’s fallen in love with fictional characters. Oliver’s story will give you much to think about, and it will make you smile.
Mariella Hunt 