Review: The Sacred Space Between by Kalie Reid

*I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

The Sacred Space Between

by Kalie Reid

November 4, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

An enchanting enemies-to-lovers fantasy about an exiled saint and the devout iconographer sent to paint him, for fans of Divine Rivals and A Study in Drowning.

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

Poignant and powerful, The Sacred Space Between is the type of story that stays with you long after you’ve finished. It features thoughtful quotes like these: “Is it really devotion when the fear of refusal is woven into every verse?” (p. 72)

Religion was a double-edged sword used by the Abbey to control and to comfort in The Sacred Space Between. The way they twisted things to their advantage was so despicable. “Adoration and violence – two sides of the same rusted coin.” (p. 337) I found it extremely hard to swallow the countless indignations the Abbey put Maeve and Jude (and others) through. All were kind and gentle souls that deserved so much better.

Despite a sour first meeting, Jude and Maeve developed a tentative alliance which turned into a tender friendship that made them stronger. As the truth of their belief came to light neither Maeve nor Jude broke beyond repair. In fact, because they had each other, they fought back. “…revolution wasn’t down to planning or timing or every facet lining up into the perfect moment; it was about perseverance. Determination to see it through no matter how strongly the odds were stacked against them.” (p. 342)

I’m a total sucker for how Maeve and Jude’s romance slowly blossomed. They were so careful, so sweet and so hopeful! Their heated moments surprised me, but victory should definitely taste that good ;) If anyone should get a happily ever after, it was Maeve and Jude. Together.

I’ll not soon forget the transformation the characters underwent in The Sacred Space Between. It was a difficult experience but an unforgettable journey.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.