FT Lukens has become one of those automatic buy authors for me. I know the stories are going to be lighthearted, well-written, funny, and at the end make me go awwww 🥹❤️.

Otherworldly was no different. This book is such a grumpy/sunshine, which I love. Ellery is focused on working and sending money to their family whose farm has been a suffering from a five year winter. Knox is a familiar with so much warmth and positive energy. They strike a bargain and hijinks ensue.

I loved ALL the characters in this story. Ellery’s cousin and her girlfriend are funny and adorable. They create this little found family the four of them.

The story was fast paced and heartwarming, and SPOILER, there’s a lil Hadestown reference near the end that had me screaming 😂. My one critique of this novel is I felt like it went a little long. There was a certain part where I was thinking it was getting close to wrapping up, but then I realized there was still a lot of book left. Not a bad thing, while the ending was good, it felt a little disjointed from the section where I thought it was ending.

Overall though, I enjoyed this one as always with this author. And of course as usual the cover is STUNNING. I highly recommend FT Lukens novels, they’re super cute YA rom-com fantasy that you’ll fall in love with.

Thank you @netgalley and @simonteen for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.

F.T. Lukens continues to be one of my favorite YA authors. Otherworldly was full of beautiful imagery, sweet, passionate characters, and an obstacle they all must work together to overcome.

Things I like most about their books is that there is always so much character growth. Found Family is present in every story, with amazing supportive side characters. The MC is not always the "chosen one" and other characters often contribute just as much to the end result.

Otherworldly was no different. Loved it throughly.

While I didn't like this title as much as the other Lukens books that I've read, it still had the same about of magic that the other books had. If you're looking for something that's a fantasy, but is still rooted in realism, I recommend this title!

Happy Reading!!

This was such a cute, cozy, and inclusive read! I fell in love with the characters in this one, and have no doubt that many of my students will enjoy this novel.

I've tried and DNFed F.T. Lukens books before, even though I always think the concepts are really intriguing. This is the first one that grabbed me in the first couple of chapters, and I enjoyed the exploration of this world a lot. Not a very summery read though.

I was so excited for this! Imagine a queer Supernatural episode, very unique and fresh premise. However, I DNF'd because despite the great start, it dragged and got too repetitive.

Another book packed with cinnamon roll vibes that left a smile on my face. Themes about friendship, belief, family and sacrifice are sprinkled with kisses on sidewalks, teen drama shows and grumpy bird gods.

Filled with characters that tug on your heart and make you root for them. Ellery and Knox are sweetly charming, watching their relationship bloom along with their own personal journeys is the highlight of the book for me. The side characters both human and supernatural were just as interesting and fun to read.

Set in a town stuck in winter, the story flows from corn fields, to sleepovers and magical crossroads keeping the pace moving forward in unexpected ways. I was enchanted by this book and am so glad to have discovered this author this year. Do yourself a favor and pick up an FT Lukens book whenever your soul needs to feel a little lighter.

Myths and magic meet everyday humans just trying to survive in Otherworldly. F.T. Lukens has delivered a story of an ordinary teenager struggling in a city that has been trapped in an eternal winter for the past five years and a liminal being desperate to experience life.

Ellery and Knox are easy protagonists to like. Ellery works hard and stands out by being ordinary in a story of so many large personalities. Ellery is a skeptic when it comes to the supernatural, but a whole new world opens up in front of them when they meet Knox. Knox is a familiar who can only stay in the human realm when bound to a bargain. A bargain is struck between the two and Ellery will help Knox experience the world while they search for answers as to why the goddess has abandoned their part of the world. The love story that develops is sweet and charming.

Ellery and Knox’s journey takes the two of them all over and puts them in the path of multiple magical beings. I really liked the world Lukens built in Otherworldly. The magic is well thought-out and the supernatural beings are interesting. There’s a lot to like about this story but for me, the trouble was the incredibly slow pace of the book. Otherworldly is missing some of the humor I’ve enjoyed so much in Lukens’s other works and it’s logical why it isn’t in here. That being said, even without the humor I expected some kind of spark or energy to pull me into the story. This book was very easy to put down, which was a pity. There’s nothing wrong with it, per se, but the pace kept me from liking this book as much as I wanted to. However, the story does pick up in the last quarter of the book and finished strong.

Otherworldly has a lot to recommend it – likeable protagonists, a strong supporting cast, themes of love in many forms, choice, found family, and standing up for what is right. I liked the book overall, but the slow pace did detract from my enjoyment.

3.5 stars rounded up - This has a LOT to love- queer romance, non-binary representation, light, cozy, and easy to understand fantasy and magic, grumpy/sunshine trope, and found family. This was really cute, and a quick read. Once the romance started to pick up (aka, they started catching feelings) the plot was playing second fiddle. I found myself more invested in the characters than the outcome of the plot, and did think that the plot conflicts resolved very quickly and without much drama. Overall this is a great YA Fantasy Romance, with wonderful queer rep, and lovely healthy dynamics between the main cast of characters. YA just isn't my bread and butter, unfortunately. :)

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours for letting me be a part of this tour!

This is my second F.T. Lukens book, and it's safe to say I will read everything she publishes. I know of two other novels and the goal is to read them both this year. I had a feeling they will be a new favourite author when I got the chance to read Spellbound for a blog tour, and I was right.

I had a great time reading about Ellery's beliefs; about Knox and the nature of his existence. Another thing I enjoyed reading was Charley and her determination to make sure Ellery knows that they are loved and important.

These two characters, Ellery and Knox, are easy to love regardless of their flaws, which makes their growing connection (including Knox's with Ellery's cousin) so wonderful to witness. I swear YA romances, when done properly, hits different.

Give this book a go if you're in the mood for some grumpy / sunshine, found family, and queer representation.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, yes.

Ellery grew up on their parents’ farm, but after five years of unrelenting winter, their parents were struggling financially, so Ellery moved to the city to work. They now live with their cousin, Charley, and her girlfriend, Zada, and work as a dishwasher at a local diner, sending money back home. Ellery is frustrated that their parents still believe in the supernatural, still pray to the gods and goddesses for an end to this strange period of winter, instead of finding practical solutions to their problems. Ellery is sure that if there actually are supernatural beings looking out for them, they wouldn’t let people starve and lose their homes by locking their local region in endless winter.

Knox is a familiar who works for the queen of the Otherworld, a space between the living world and the life beyond. Knox gets called in when people negotiate deals for their souls and need the assistance of his magic. Knox’s has been on his latest assignment for five years and, in all that time, he has not heard from his queen and she has not responded to any of his many letters. He can’t understand why she is ignoring him, or ignoring the people of the region by not changing the seasons. When his assignment ends, Knox is due to be brought back to the Otherworld, but he is not ready and still confused about what is going on with his queen, and so he runs instead.

Knox finds himself heading right for Ellery’s diner, and Ellery comes to Knox’s rescue before he can be taken back home. With Knox having nowhere safe to go, Ellery, Charley, and Zada invite him to stay with them while he gets sorted out. However, Knox knows he will not be safe from the shades who seek to bring him back to the Otherworld unless he has another bargain with a human to tether him to this world. And as Knox and Ellery get to know one another and grow closer, Knox begins to hope that Ellery might be able to help. But as Knox learns more about what is causing the mysterious winter, he also realizes that his dream of staying in the human world might be impossible. Knox and Ellery have fallen for each other, but finding a way they can have a future together is going to take bravery and sacrifice from both of them.

Otherworldly is a clever and sweet young adult fantasy from author F.T. Lukens. The story opens as we see a human making a bargain for her soul at the crossroads between realms, and Knox being assigned to help as her familiar. It brings us right into the action and gives a sense of the world building from the start. The set up with the mysterious five-year winter adds a really interesting dynamic, causing this conflict for Ellery between their parents’ belief in the supernatural and Ellery’s own doubts. They are frustrated with their parents’ blind faith and the fact they are wasting money on offerings to the gods and wishful thinking, rather than finding more practical ways to deal with the situation. And then, of course, Ellery meets Knox and learns that the supernatural is real and suddenly must realign their thinking. It is a nice set up and I enjoyed some of the paranormal elements as the group encounters not only Knox, but a siren, shades, various minor gods and goddesses, and other supernatural beings.

I did find the first portion of the story a little on the slow end, however. A lot of the time is Knox and Ellery getting to know one another and sort of day-to-day activities. Some of it is because Knox is eager for everyday experiences, but this is a long book and things dragged a little bit for me in the first half. After that, the action picks up as we learn more about the cause of the endless winter and Ellery and Knox both must face some significant trials. The story definitely has some nice exciting moments throughout (including some situations that may be intense for the youngest readers) and I found it a fun adventure.

I enjoyed the developing relationship between Knox and Ellery. There is a grumpy/sunshine vibe between them, plus a fun dynamic in that Knox is not human and is just getting a chance to explore the human world free of the bonds he normally has as a familiar. The romantic side is kept to the sweet (versus sexy) side of things and the book is pretty G-rated, with a few passionate kisses, but no more. The pair are cute as they are both crushing on each other, and there are heroic moments for both Knox and Ellery as they make sacrifices for the other. I also really enjoyed the dynamic with Charley and Zada, who are sort of the big sisters to Knox and Ellery. It is such a lovely relationship among the four of them and the older girls are a big source of love and support for the two teens.

Overall, I found this one an engaging YA fantasy. I really enjoy Lukens writing and think this is another great story.

I truly love magical worlds. This was a cozy read. If you’re looking for that cozy/YA story, this is the one. I love that the main character is nonbinary. The familial and platonic love bonds in this story are quite healing. The character growth was so pleasing to read. A very cute book; memorable “awee” moments. I really enjoyed the ebb and flow of this story - (action packed scenes, and then light moments in between).

Thank you McElderry for the early review copy, my opinions are my own. This book is absolutely gorgeous, so I had to have a physical copy for my trophy shelf.

Ellery doesn't believe in the supernatural, they very much hate the idea of the supernatural, but it's hard to not believe when you've been stuck in a 5 year long winter. They are in the city trying to make money to save the family farm, living with their cousin and her girlfriend. Then the supernatural finds them and they can no longer deny that the supernatural is real, especially since Knox is not of this world.

FT Lukens did a fantastic job with the non-binary Ellery, and the very unique Knox, developing their friendship and interactions. I loved how the story progresses, the twists, turns, teen age tropes (manifested due to a love of tv and movies), the lessons that are learned, and the bargains that are struck at the crossroads. This books dedication caught my attention "For those ready to heal and those still in pain, may you find comfort and love." This book dives into acceptance, and also standing up for one's beliefs (whether they lie in the supernatural or just in the belief of feelings.)

"A crossroads was not meant to be a final destination but a place between one point and the next. A liminal space where the barrier between worlds was thinnest. A perfect location from which to beseech the gods." A place to make a bargain, just be wary what you are bargaining for and with whom you make the bargain.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thrust into a world of the supernatural, we are introduced to Knox who can’t seem to get the one human they’d like to get help from believe he’s a familiar. Ellery, said disbelieving human, eventually cracks down under the pressure when attacked by three crazy weirdos called the Shades who walk around in dark cloaks and finish each other’s sentences. Between the humor, witty banter, unforgettable cast including a nonbinary lead, and the Other World drenched in magic and goddesses, this novel is so much fun! It’s difficult to put down once you begin because you are dropped in an unimaginable situation of a five year winter causing Ellery’s current city of residence to slowly become a ghost town. And the only way to break the constant chill of ice costs more than anyone would bargain for. Absolutely stunning, it is a must read for 2024.

What a sweet cozy fantasy! This has a cute, low spice romance, found family and acceptance, plus some magic and other realms. Because the main focus of this is the characters, the pacing is a little slower but not boring. I would totally be up for more books set in this universe, maybe exploring other characters and seeing what else the magic can do.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books and NetGalley for the copy.

This was a sweet, light read. The characters were cute together and their found family was even cuter. Watching the love they all had for each other was my favorite part of this book.

I did find the sentence structure simplistic and redundant, so that made it harder for me to immerse myself in the story. I'm also not a fan of the miscommunication trope, especially when it feels contrived, and it happened three times.

The characters sometimes made choices that didn't make sense, like taking a time out from being chased by dangerous beings to go have a cry about something.

So overall this was cute, but not to the level I was hoping.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC.

This book was very original compared to many others that I have read, and I genuinely enjoyed it! I do not typically read teenage/YA books, but this was one that I would definitely recommend to my friends and followers.
The story was go-go-go until the end which I appreciated, and it really helped hold my attention.
The queer representation was extremely natural, and this is an area that I find other books really struggle with. It was not really mentioned explicitly, and it was just kind of "there" while not fading into the background.
This was my first F.T. Lukens book and I will definitely be checking more out!

I don't typically read YA. However, Otherworldly is a beautiful story and I loved every second of it. I loved all the characters and their various personalities (I feel so much kinship with Charley it's not funny). The sweet kind-of-slow-burn of the romance was great, the soft innocence of new love. And the story itself was intriguing and gave plenty of unexpected turns. This is not one to miss!

Chaotic Crossroads

3/5 gnomes

I liked this book but didn't love it. The cover is beautiful and draws you in.

There are besides the first chapter, two points of view in the book Ellery and Knox. I definitely liked Knox's point of view more.

The crossroads magic is intriguing and the mystery of what's going on is interesting.

I almost DNF (did not finish) this book more than once. The writing feels kind of scattered at times but the action scenes were really well done.

This is the kind of book where even more points of view might have been beneficial or more entertaining.

I did adore the found family they had going on. It was great how they all supported each other through all this weirdness

Overall a magic book with a lot of potential.

IN A WORLD (okay, just a town/area) that has been in the depths of winter for five whole years now, Ellery Evans has moved from their family's farm to The City to try and make some money to keep said farm afloat due to aforementioned winter. One day they run into Weird Hot Guy Knox, a gossiped about presence in their diner-of-work and thusly sets forth a tale of crossroads bargains, shady shades, and all sorts of things that lurk just outside of human comprehension, both good (or at least normal) and bad. And while the two try to protect Knox from having to be dragged back through the crossroads, maybe there's some love-falling while we're at it.

I'm not sure if I wasn't super in the mood when I read this but I thought it was fine! Nothing particularly grabbed me, or maybe more accurately the things that did grab me were kind of settled pretty easily (in a way that would involved talking about spoilers). Some parts felt longer than the book actually was, but I enjoyed this grumpy/shiny sort of pair and I like characters like Knox who are cheerful and learning and having a nice time being cute! Also, Charley and her girlfriend Zada were great, they really helped these foolish teens ...be less foolish? I don't know; they were great! I think any issues I really had really had to do with my own expectations of an outcome when something would happen that didn't, so that's definitely on me. But it's cute, the cover is GORGEOUS, and I think FT Lukens fans will really like this one so I'm gonna round up to 4 stars.

Another thing was everyone automatically gendering Ellery as 'they' which sort of stressed me out at first (being a non-binary person who reads femme even when I had my hair shorter and tried to present more androgynously) but I learned to accept it as "yes this urban fantasy everyone just knows best for some reason and that's good and fine."

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Margaret K. McElderry Books for the eARC in exchange for review!