Book Review: “Otherworldly” by F.T. Lukens

“Otherworldly” by F.T. Lukens (2024)

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, YA, LGBTQ

Page Length: 352 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Ellery is a non-believer in a region where people swear the supernatural is real. Sure, they’ve been stuck in a five-year winter, but there’s got to be a scientific explanation. If goddesses were real, they wouldn’t abandon their charges like this, leaving farmers like Ellery’s family to scrape by.

Knox is a familiar from the Other World, a magical assistant sent to help humans who have made crossroads bargains. But it’s been years since he heard from his queen, and Knox is getting nervous about what he might find once he returns home. When the crossroads demons come to collect Knox, he panics and runs. A chance encounter down an alley finds Ellery coming to Knox’s rescue, successfully fending off his would-be abductors.

Ellery can’t quite believe what they’ve seen. And they definitely don’t believe the nonsense this unnervingly attractive guy spews about his paranormal origins. But Knox needs to make a deal with a human who can tether him to this realm, and Ellery needs to figure out how to stop this winter to help their family. Once their bargain is struck, there’s no backing out, and the growing connection between the two might just change everything.

Review:

From the breathtaking cover art to the synopsis, I knew I was in for an entertaining read with Otherworldy. This fantasy novel takes readers on an exciting adventure and quest for truth that ultimately blends the our world with the supernatural. The threat of a never-ending winter (speaking from someone who hates being cold) is terrifying finding a way to stop this takeover involves some dangerous moves.

This novel was ultimately a satisfyingly read from beginning to end. It’s exciting and has many action-packed scenes that will keep readers on their toes. I enjoyed the concept of the story being set in a mundane world such as ours and then having all the hidden in plain sight supernatural elements being revealed as the story progressed. It makes our characters as well as the reader an amateur sleuth of sorts as they seek answers to the truth. The cast of characters is lively and fun, especially when it comes to Ellery’s cousin Charley and her girlfriend Zada. That duo alone were my favorite characters in the novel that provided so much comic relief and acted as a support system for Ellery (and as a home away from home of sorts).

The budding romance between two unlikely leads was very cute and led to many swoon worthy moments that put a smile on my face. I appreciated that the novel emphasized the importance of platonic and familial love as well as romantic love. It was a cozy read and I think if you’re looking for a fantasy novel that is on the lighter side of things I would recommend this novel. It’s got some great fantasy elements and characters that made the book such a joy to read. I’m looking forward to reading more from Lukens in the future.

Final Verdict: