This was such a fun concept! Completely unlike any other fantasy books I have read, The Otherwhere Post builds a unique world and magic system. The characters are lovable (or hateable) and the romance is swoon-worthy without stealing the plot. I do thing the basics of scriptomancy could have been described a little more in depth, there were a few moments where I found myself confused by the details of it all. There were also a decent amount of typos/unedited sentences that I assume will be revised upon publication.

There is magic in words and this book is stock full of them! Yes, partially because the magic of this world (and other ones) is scriptomancy, but also because it was a vividly made world, so interesting and I think I wouldn't mind reading more set in this world/worlds!

Maeve is searching for the truth about her father in this story. Was he the one that set the alder vine loose or was he framed? It was all nicely twisty, filled with magic letters, learning to travel between worlds, and even a bit of romance with the nicely snarky but super sweet and supporting Tristan! So many cute giggly moments! That was so much fun to read! And their first meeting is gloriously hilarious, soap and all (which kind of sets the tone for a good portion of their relationship!). It is a good balance for the darker parts (death of a world, someone trying to keep the truth hidden and willing to kill for it) so you can laugh and cry and be sucked into the story. There are lots of other interesting, supporting characters too and the story wouldn't be complete without the likes of Nan and Shay.

I loved Hotel Magnifique and I can happily say that this book is just as good and will also be a keeper!

3.75, rounded up to a tentative 4


I was unsure if this is a story I’d vibe with, as the author’s first novel didn’t do much for me, but The Otherwhere Post left me pleasantly surprised.

Starting with the good, this book has an extremely intricate and ambitious worldbuilding. A writing-based magic system, magical letters, and a great spin on alternate worlds felt like the perfect whimsical setting for this story. The characters were intriguing enough as well: we get the story form Maeve’s limited 3rd person POV, and while her character could be frustrating at times, I loved that we actually get to explore her decisions and why she feels she must be that way.
The love story was a big plus, as it was perfectly lovely, and managed to dodge the worst of cliches.

The only minus for me was the writing, as it still feels the author isn’t sure on their footing, and the writing style does take a few blows because of this. Some of the characters' emotions were conveyed too strongly which made them border on unnecessarily dramatic, but it does get better in the second half of the book.

If I were to classify this book, I’d say it is mostly a light academia YA, and if you enjoyed the romance of Divine Rivals and Emily Wilde, or the worldbuilding of A Darker Shade of Magic, you should give this a try.

3.5 stars

A young woman living under the heavy weight of her late father’s crime discovers he may have been innocent. The woman lies to join the organization responsible for the accusations and finds herself in the middle of a much larger challenge. Author Emily J. Taylor follows up her successful debut with a worthy second offering in The Otherwhere Post.

When Maeve Abenthy was 11 years old, her entire world came crashing down. Her father unleased the poisonous Aldervine on the world of Inverly, presumably destroying it and the Written Doors between Inverly, Barrow, and Leyland. Maeve’s father and aunt died in the process, leaving Maeve an orphan known as the daughter of the most hated man in all the worlds.

For the past seven years, Maeve has hidden in plain sight. She’s used a number of aliases, because she’s learned the hard way what will happen if someone knows her real name. Thanks to her father, only couriers with the magic of scriptomancy can go between Barrow and Leyland. No one knows what, if anything, remains of Leyland.

Maeve has been scrimping and saving every penny to leave her latest job and start a new life. On the day she’s ready to walk away from everything, however, Maeve receives an anonymous letter from saying her father was innocent. He didn’t cause the Aldervine to enter Inverly; he wasn’t responsible for the burning of the Written Doors.

As much as she loved her father, Maeve began hating him when she found out what he did. Now she’s confused. Is it possible her father wasn’t the culprit? If so, who was? Why would they frame her father? And what should Maeve do next?

Her questions lead her to the academic institution where scriptomancers learn how to scribe with their natural talents and their learned skills. After using a false name and stolen papers to get in, Maeve knows she has to work fast to find whatever answers she can in this place where her father once studied and walked. Along the way, Maeve is assigned a mentor in the brooding Tristan who doesn’t seem all that interested in teaching her but is certainly curious about Maeve’s secrets.

Between Tristan’s insistence that Maeve trust him, the nosy but cheerful inquiries from her roommate, Nan, and the unsigned notes that start popping up warning her to leave, Maeve knows she needs to keep digging for clues and information. The more she does so, the more dire her circumstances become. There’s always the danger of people finding out who she is and the even greater danger of her discovering the truth behind the catastrophe of the Written Doors.

Author Emily J. Taylor’s well-realized characters populate The Otherwhere Post. Maeve is a three-dimensional protagonist that readers will enjoy rooting for as she goes from handling everything by herself to someone who can, and sometimes must, rely on others. Taylor gives Maeve a plucky cast of supporting characters who feel just as real, although at times the trio of friends Maeve works with seem a touch too trusting.

Taylor doesn’t waste much time in bringing her readers into the action, but her skill with the craft will make Maeve’s story feel like organic. Taylor balances lighthearted moments and more serious ones with ease. Readers may be surprised to know this is only her second novel.

If the book can be faulted anywhere, it’s in two areas. The first is the explanation of the magic system. The characters know exactly what’s happening and absorb the plot twists and big reveals with the appropriate level of shock and apprehension. The narrative doesn’t settle into the magic system, though, choosing instead to throw a lot of information at readers several times over, which will leave some readers confused about exactly how scriptomancy works. Taylor offers many hints and half ideas, but if they’re fully realized it’s hard to say where and when.

The other area is in the protagonist’s ability to get injured multiple times and keep moving. Several times Maeve finds herself in the middle of physical altercations. The narrative is careful to show her in pain and stopping to take care of herself, but a few chapters later Maeve is back to sleuthing without seeming to be slowed down by her previous encounters. Readers may appreciate a protagonist who won’t quit, but eventually Maeve’s ability to do so may defy even the most trusting reader’s suspension of disbelief.

Had the book been a series or even a duology, it would have given the narrative time to build and go deeper into the magic system to explain it with more care. As it is, however, the book is still a fun read with enough romance included to satisfy romantasy fans.

I really enjoyed this romantic fantasy because it had all that I look for in a good book...well-developed and interesting characters, great world-building, and an intriguing plot to tie it all together.

First, and foremost in this instance I think, I loved the unique and detailed world of basically a fictional USPS (the Otherwhere Post) which is based on the art of scriptomancy (the art of magically enchanting mail). This was a location setting that I had never considered for a fantasy, and I found it fascinating fiction.

Our MFC and MMC were both wonderfully humorous, determined and kept me motivated to learn more about each of them as well as their dynamics as a team. Loved Maeve and Tristan!

Lots to love here (the complete package) which is why I look forward to reading more from this author.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / G. P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing the free early arc of The Otherwhere Post for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

The worldbuilding in here is fantastic! It’s so well thought out, truly. I was engaged the entire time.

Maeve hasn’t been able to use her real name in years, thanks to her missing/presumed dead father. When she receives a letter indicating that he might be innocent, Maeve uses her wits to investigate the claim and enrolls in a coveted school to do so. The art of scriptomancy is thoroughly explained, and it’s quite fascinating. There’s a little bit of romance, too, if you like that sort of thing.

In short, I loved the story and highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was drawn into this book so quickly and it was hard to put down when I needed to sleep or go to work. I kept wanting to know more about what was going to happen to Maeve and where events were going to take her.

This was such a richly developed world where the layers of the 3 overlapping worlds seem to be able to be seen, but you can not cross unless you have a doorway to cross the boundaries. It seems as though one of the doorways has been burned, and the world on the other side has been cut off and possibly destroyed.

Maeve is such a great character, but it does get a bit confusing by how many different names she has to go by at times. I love her determinism and her drive to figure out what happened to her father and her future. The first interaction she has with Tristan is a bit hilarious with the bar of soap, but it's a great segue into their slow burn romance. I don't think they start as enemies, but I would say they do start off on a bit of the wrong foot before finding their groove.

The mystery of what happened is masterfully done and will leave the reader questioning everyone and everything. I know I was. This book was incredibly good and I highly recommend anyone who loves dark academia, sassy characters, and a well developed story, to pick this book up and add it to their TBR list as soon as possible.

Congratulations to Emily J. Taylor on the publication of The Otherwhere Post and getting selected as the GMA Book Club YA pick for March!!!

I absolutely loved reading The Otherwhere Post!!! The magic, the dark academia vibes, and the immaculate world(s)-building fully immersed me twirling me into the story! I applaud Emily J. Taylor on how beautifully the atmosphere and settings were described. Each character had a great growth arc and the romance was done just right! I'm in awe at how magically unique both of Emily J. Taylor's books are. I fell in love with her work since Hotel Magnifique and The Otherwhere Post made me an even bigger fan! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group (Penguin Young Readers Group) for this ARC. This is my voluntary and honest review!

I loved this book! It kept my attention from the first page and I really enjoyed the banter. Highly recommend this book if you are looking for a YA Fantasy.

Thank you Emily J. Taylor, Penguin group Penguin Young readers group, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The imagination and creativity to build this world, characters, and details is impressive. I loved Hotel Magnifique and excited to see a new novel by Emily. I do wish some of the scriptomancy types were hard for me to understand and picture while reading but don’t think that deterred me from enjoying the story.

I loved this fantasy book. It had the perfect dark academia and mystery vibes. The dynamic of the main characters is perfect with them both being secretive and alluring. Maeve lost her father, her home and her name, and she must learn the truth. After receiving an unsigned letter stating her father's innocence, she will do everything she can to prove it. This is the perfect mix of an academia setting with a mystery that can change the past and future of Maeves life.

I was excited to read this book because I really enjoyed the author's first book, Hotel Magnifique, and this book had a lot of the same great elements! You have a young girl with a tragic past who sneaks her way into a magical institution, and along the way she uncovers secrets, makes a few rash decisions that get her into a bit of trouble, and falls for a sweet and mysterious boy. Emily J. Taylor's writing style is fun and whimsical, while also having a good dose of the tense and mysterious. She really kept me guessing throughout.

Maeve was lovable, yet infuriating; you knew she was getting herself in trouble and pushing away people who wanted to help her, but you could really feel her emotions and fears as she got swept up in everything. I also really admired her bravery at multiple times in the book as she faced down some very real threats with surety and resolve. And then there's Tristan. He totally stole my heart. This kind-hearted yet troubled academic, trying to cope with his own tragic past. Talk about bravery on his end, over and over in this book. I loved the banter between the two of them from the very beginning, the way he gently cracked Maeve open and peeled back her layers. He was definitely my favorite character.

This is a great YA fantasy standalone with a good dash of romance, a bit of mystery, and a great found family-style cast.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Penguin for sending me an ARC of this book!

I binged this book in almost sitting I was so invested and intrigued from the first page. I loved the world, the characters, the romance, the magic, the mystery, the writing, I guess I just loved all of it!

This is a great story if you love dark academia vibes, magical letters, secrets and mysteries, special friendships and a super cute romance. I know I loved it!

This story brought me out of my reading slump. Fantasy isn’t usually the genra to do that. It’s usually more likely that a fantasy book put me into a slump. Maybe because it’s a story about the magic of words. Everyone who knows me knows I can’t resist a book about books or words or stories.

I loved these characters. Maeve was brave, smart, and capable. She truly trusts no one, and for good reason. She takes on the impossible task of clearing her father’s name and finding the truth.  Maeve was wonderful, but I think Tristan was my favorite. I’m a huge fan of characters that you seem to know right off the bat, but then you find out how complex they really are, and I feel like a lot of the characters did just that. I really enjoyed Maeve and Tristans chemistry, though. It was a lot of fun to read.

The magic system and the world(s) were well thought out and fairly unique! It checked all the boxes without being predictable.

The quick cut: A teen girl poses as a scriptomancy apprentice after receiving a letter that says her father was framed for a crime.

A real review:
Thank you to Penguin Group for providing the arc for an honest review.

Sometimes, our family's decisions, especially criminal ones, can mark our own lives forever. Being associated with them by name or blood alone is enough to change your life forever. So if an opportunity came to clear their name, how far would you go to make it happen? This is the case for Maeve.

Seven years ago, Maeve lost everything when her father was accused of causing a poisonous vine to invade their world and destroy the door used to travel between parallel worlds. It's a crime that has forced her to live under another name and hide who she really is. So when she receives a letter saying that her father was framed, she goes to great lengths to put herself in a position to discover the truth. Will she find out who really caused all those deaths and pain? Or will she instead bring about her own end?

I loved the concept of this book from the get go, but struggled with it's formatting. Some elements were done well like the portaling, but the characters were hard to really root for the entire way through. Pacing at first felt like this was going to be the first in the series, but then around the end changed to be faster and rapidly tie up loose ends. It made the whole story feel rushed.

I can't imagine what it must be like to live in Maeve's shoes. If my parents were accused of a crime against the planet, I would've jumped on the chance to prove them innocent too. In some cases though, she made her own problems worse and ended up making getting to her goal more difficult.

I loved chapter 43 though specifically. The way the story is progresses forward during that chapter is different than the others and I wish would've been used more. It definitely made for a different and appreciated change of pace.

A unique fantasy story with a central puzzle being solved.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

When I heard about The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor, I immediately requested an ARC on Netgalley and was so thrilled to receive it. And believe me, it didn’t disappoint!

For seven years, Maeve Abenthy has been on the run after her father killed an entire known world. Too afraid to stay in one place in case anyone learns her true identity, she is surprised when one day she receives an anonymous letter saying “your father was innocent.” Now, to find answers, Maeve has to infiltrate the Otherwhere Post as an apprentice, learning the art of scriptomancy, a dangerous art that can enchant writing and help carry letters to other worlds. But when she starts receiving threatening notes, Maeve realizes she needs help from her handsome mentor who knows that Maeve is not who she says she is. Together they work to understand what really happened.

I really enjoyed Taylor’s world building. I loved that there were 3 known worlds, all of which were echoes of each other, but with their own distinct character. Understanding the details about scriptomancy did take me a little while, but once I did, I loved seeing how it played a role in the story.

I also really enjoyed how Maeve’s search for answers went hand in hand with her character growth. After teaching herself to hate her father, the note makes her question if he was truly evil, or if he really was the kind father she remembered. Taylor also did a great job setting up why Maeve would be so wary of letting people in, which made it that much more rewarding when she finally accepts help from others.

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor was a fun mystery with great characters that I loved and rooted for. If unique magic, mysteries spanning multiple worlds, sweet friendships, and slow burn romances are up your alley, be sure to check out The Otherwhere Post - it comes out today! Thanks to Penguin Teen, Netgalley, and Emily J. Taylor for the ARC.

This was very different from Hotel Magnifique. Now, I did like this book but there were times the pacing bothered me a bit where it was super slow at the beginning and felt more rushed at the end.

This is a dark academia fantasy, but mystery/thriller novel with a subplot of romance. Seemed very intriguing from the start. A special school that allows its pupils to learn how to essentially do magic by writing it out in special ways? Sign me up.

However, Maeve was infuriating at times. So many of her issues could have been avoided had she actually communicated.. well, anything at all, and not tried to do every last thing possible completely on her own. That said, there was a found-family element to this which I did find enjoyable.

I would have enjoyed a bit more of an extended epilogue but I like things explicitly written out for me.

Anyway.. brief synopsis:
Maeve is an orphan but the daughter of a man who is largely blamed for killing a ton of people (which she whole heartedly believed) and destroying their ability to travel between worlds, until Maeve receives a mysterious letter from “a friend” that states her father may be innocent. Maeve now is set out to do anything possible to uncover this person’s identity. She fakes her way into a school to learn the art of scriptomancy so she can trace this letter’s origin and find the truth… only, who can be trusted along the way? Maeve will do much of anything to keep her true identity a secret but surely, who could bear to be in the presence of a killer’s daughter? This novel is one puzzle after another where Maeve uncovers one clue after another to truly discover who may be behind everything and to try and actually believe and therefore prove, her father was innocent.

“WE ARE THE LOVED ONE WHISPERING IN THE NIGHT. WE ARE PROOF THAT A PERSON IS NEVER ALONE.” - @emilycanwrite

Leyland, is one of the three parallel worlds that were once attached by a set of magical doors. Inverly, Barrow, and Leyland shared resources, education, and magic until one day, a poisonous vine was set loose on Inverly and that world was lost. To stop the spread of the deadly plant, the doors were set on fire. Now, only those gifted in the art of Scriptomancy can pass between the worlds to courier letters from one place to another.

Maeve has been running from her past for the last 9 years. She’s the orphaned daughter of a murderer. Until one day she receives a letter suggesting that her legacy may not be one of destruction after all. To locate where this mystery letter is from she will assume another’s identity and gain access to the university where she will be trained in Scriptomancy- at the very school her father once attended.

Maeve finds friendship and hope behind those gates as well as the heroic legacy she, for so long, tried to outrun.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Divine Rivals meets Shades of Magic. You’ll be enchanted from the beginning, cheering on this heroine through every trial she is put through. I really hope this isn’t the last book with Maeve, Tristan, Nan, and Shea. Their friendship is perfection. There has to be magic left just waiting to be shared!!!

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for this #advancedreaderscopy - pub date is 2/25/25.

#theotherwherepost
#2025bookchallengebook14of100
#penandink
#netgalley

In this dark academia YA novel, Maeve Abenthy is an orphan who has learned the necessity of trusting no one. Both of her parents are deceased and her father is not only considered a murderer, but a murderer of an entire world of people. Travel was permitted through 3 known worlds until her father destroyed one and now that world is gone and all travel is impossible between the two remaining worlds except for those few educated in scriptomancy. If that sounds confusing, it is in the beginning, but it becomes clearer as you make your way through this story. Maeve needs to get into the other world, so she has no choice but to sneak her way into a school of scriptomancy.

Maeve is very enterprising and determined despite the number of people determined to stop her. This book has a very creative premise and a mystery to unwind. I loved the supporting characters, especially Maeve's mentor Tristan and Maeve's roommate Nan. The interaction between the characters is great, and it is heartwarming watching Maeve learn to trust others. And that scene with the bar of soap still makes me laugh.

My thanks to NetGalley and PenguinTeen for an early ecopy. My opinion is my own.

Before I start my review, I’d like to thank Netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read this phenomenal arc!

I loved this book so much! From the complex characters and the immersive storytelling, I was hooked from the first page! This book had an amazing blend of twisty mysteries and a unique magic system. It is perfect for fans of Divine Rivals! It had a perfect balance of slow burn romance, mystery, and fantasy! I felt that all the relationships between the characters were well developed and I just enjoyed reading about them! I especially loved Maeve and Tristan’s relationship! He was so understanding of her and their light banter was amazing! I tend to feel that dark academia books are slow, but this was amazingly fast paced and descriptive that I couldn’t stop reading it! I loved reading about this fascinating world and I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did!

This Book Includes:
Slow Burn
Mystery
Found Family
Unique Magic System
Mentor x Mentee
Plot Twists
and much more!