Otherworldly
Ratings16
Average rating3.4
Grumpy dishwasher Ellery doesn't believe in the supernatural, despite the fact that their region has endured endless winter for the past five years with no scientific explanation. They have a crush on the frequent restaurant customer known as “hot weird guy,” but never speak to him.
Knox, the magical familiar FKA hot weird guy, is currently on the run from creepy shades who want to take him back to his queen, the Goddess of Death. He's amazed that Ellery comes to his rescue when the bad guys have him cornered, and even more surprised to be invited by Ellery's cousin to take refuge with them. Knox knows he will eventually be caught, but meanwhile he wants to experience the human world as he best knows it - from watching 90s teen movies and TV shows - and maybe kiss his protector, even if they resemble a porcupine most of the time.
The novel's worldbuilding is fine if not remarkably distinct, the characters are easy to root for, and the final 75 pages are unputdownable as Ellery and Knox battle for their love in several realms (warning: long third act separation). Lots of queer representation (Ellery's cousin has a girlfriend and Ellery uses they/them pronouns) and no homophobia. Lukens' recent books have been very YA appropriate but predictable and lacking in complexity. They're probably not the best fit anymore for someone who was a teenager more than 40 years ago, but they're a fun break from reality.