If you love books that delve into questioning our preconceived notions, about religious trauma, this is for you. The Sacred Space Within is a sweeping emotional story about betrayal and choice. Keep reading this book review of The Sacred Space Within for my full thoughts.
Summary
The Abbey has controlled the minds of its patrons for a millennium through memory magic, stolen from exiled saints. At fifteen, Jude was exiled from the Abbey to the bleak moors in the countryside, to maintain their control over his bourgeoning magic. Almost a decade later, he wants to live a normal life free from the Abbey’s oppressive gaze. When they send Maeve, a stubbornly devout iconographer, to paint an updated icon of him, Jude makes it his mission to get rid of her as soon as possible. That is until he discovers she holds the same tainted magic of the saints as he does, and that the icons she paints may be the key to destroying the Abbey’s power.
As Jude and Maeve draw closer, the two of them face a choice—they can take on the full power of the Abbey and risk their lives for freedom or escape back to exile and make the most of their fading memories. But this institution has eyes everywhere, and the only thing the Abbey loves more than a saint is a martyr.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Sacred Space Between is about when gratitude is shoved down our throat. If our world view doesn’t hold up to questions, can we really trust what we see? It’s a culture of obedience without questions. A system that only stands as long as we don’t poke holes. The Sacred Space Within explores these systems of devotion while being scared of the fall out. I loved the concept of the world of The Sacred Space Between. If you liked The Knight and the Moth you have to check this one out. Disillusionment, silence with pointed glares, and what we would do for the status quo are huge themes in The Sacred Space Between.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
The Sacred Space Between is a book that quietly increases with intensity. Is it devotion if you don’t have a choice? This debut is a story about rebellion, survival, and belief. A personal journey or discovery and power is within The Sacred Space Between. It’s a debut that snuck up on me, but it’s one that is going to stick with me for a while. What would we do to fight for our freedom, not just a snippet, not just the illusion, but true choice? Find The Sacred Space Between on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.