Length: 400 pages (hardcover)
Publication Date: June 17th, 2014
Publisher: Amulet Books
Source: ARC, Goodreads First Reads
Overall rating: 4 / 5 stars
'Otherbound' follows the stories of two main characters, Nolan and Amara, who live in vastly different worlds. Amara is a servant protecting a princess. Nolan lives in Arizona and every time he closes his eyes, he is transported into Amara's world, seeing and feeling all that Amara is going through. Nolan has always been an observer in Amara's world, but one day that changes.
When I first read the synopsis for this book a few months ago, I was really intrigued about how the author would handle and convey such differing perspectives and worlds. I instantly knew that this was a YA fantasy that I wanted to read and I am definitely happy I got the chance to through Goodreads First Reads.
Corinne Duyvis does an amazingly beautiful job of writing both Nolan's and Amara's stories. They have distinct voices and I never got confused about whose story I was reading. I absolutely loved the characters of both Amara and Nolan, as well as the diversity they brought to the story and YA fiction in general. She pulled in a physically disabled main character and queer characters so beautifully but didn't make those elements the focus of the story. I think they easily could have been, but in a fantasy novel I think she included it perfectly. It was just part of the characters, rather than being the story, which I found perfect for a fantasy novel.
I also really enjoyed the magic system in 'Otherbound' although I do wish it was explained earlier on, I was often confused in the first half of the book. I would recommend trying not to figure the magic system out as you go, since it will leave you confused earlier on, but instead just continue to read and get answers later on.
One of my favorite elements was the character plot twist that happens towards the end of the novel. I did not see it coming, but thought it was a great turning point for the book. I was interested to see how this book would stand as a stand alone novel and I believe the plot twist was essential in order for no sequels to 'Otherbound.' There are not a lot of high fantasy stand alone novels in YA right now, but I think Duyvis executed it beautifully.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading 'Otherbound' and would highly recommend to fantasy readers. The dual perspectives, one in a fantasy world and one in Arizona, definitely make this a unique story and one I think would appeal to many YA readers.
[An ARC copy of this book was provided by Goodreads First Reads in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions, and overall review. I received no compensation for this review.]
