"The Other Ones" by Fran Hart is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that blends sci-fi with deep emotional layers. The premise of exploring alternate realities is so cool, and Hart does a great job of making you think about what it means to be human. The characters are relatable and multi-dimensional, and their struggles with identity and choice really hit home. The pacing is mostly great, though some parts feel a bit drawn out. The world-building is strong, and I loved how immersive it was. Overall, it’s a really solid read for fans of speculative fiction with a lot of heart!

Thank you for this cozy, coming of age story! I am grateful for the eARC I received from Net Galley and Scholastic publishing.

This was one of the stories that I saw on the shelves of my local bookstore and was instantly sacked back into the world and hooked by its premise.

I had a few issues with this book. It's written in a very juvenile manner, making it feel more like a middle grade coming of age story. Little to nothing happens either. Authors seem to think that they can write a manic pixie dream character, like Pax, and them having one parent negates this. It doesn't. I finally quit when the main character basically outed another to his friend as that's a hard line for me.

**I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.**

Actual rating: 3.5

Fran Hart presents The Other Ones, a young adult coming-of-age novel with a sprinkling of paranormal elements. Readers follow Salem ("Sal") who lives in a house rumored to be haunted. There have been articles about it. When new boy, Pax, moves in to the neighborhood, Pax's interest in the haunting sparks an unlikely friendship with Sal. Pax is undeniably weird, but somehow Sal is drawn to his self-knitted wardrobe, bright patterns, and big, grey eyes. But Sal is keeping a secret that keeps him distant, and Pax desperately wants to be allowed in.

I will reiterate. This book is primarily a coming-of-age and dealing with grief book. This not, at its core, a paranormal book. I picked this book up seeing the autumnal cover, understanding the fall setting, the rumors of a haunted house, and hoped for a cute paranormal. This was not the case, though Pax and Sal were strong enough characters that I didn't really mind.

This book covers being misfits in high school, figuring out sexuality, figuring out family, dealing with grief as a young person. Overall, the feel is incredibly cozy despite there being conflict and concerns that come up. It really ended up more of a slice-of-life situation where the reader witnesses the fall semester for the ragtag group of friends that don't really seem to fit.

I enjoyed this book and was happy to have the opportunity to read a review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC of The Other Ones by Fran Hart.

The Other Ones by Fran Hart presents a nuanced exploration of grief wrapped in a story about a haunted house. Sal, longing for an ordinary life, finds himself pulled into a deeper reality when Pax—a fellow outcast with a passion for all things spooky—arrives on his doorstep. Their unlikely friendship complicates Sal's world and reveals the layers of haunting that go beyond mere ghosts.

While the book is marketed as a supernatural ghost story, it’s clear that the true heart of the narrative lies in its poignant examination of loss and mourning. Sal’s character development is compelling, as he confronts not only his own grief but also navigates the emotional landscapes of his mother and sister. This multifaceted approach adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles.

Pax emerges as a standout character, bringing a refreshing vibrancy to the story. His unapologetic authenticity and love for the spooky create a strong contrast to Sal's initial desire for normalcy. Their evolving friendship is both heartwarming and profound, serving as a catalyst for Sal’s journey toward healing.

Though the supernatural elements may not be as pronounced as expected, Hart’s focus on emotional truth resonates deeply. The Other Ones ultimately reminds us that the real hauntings often lie within, and the journey toward understanding and acceptance can be found in the connections we forge. A beautifully written and thought-provoking read!

This was a cute, cozy fall story. I can see why the blurb compares it to Heartstopper. It had that kind of vibes at times, sometimes in a fan fic-y kind of way. I didn't find the plot particularly interesting, but it was a sweet story that's great for the fall.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

A new favourite of mine. I will admit I was expecting more spooky vibes than I received but it obviously was still a hit, This reminded me a lot of Halloweentown.

It definitely gives spooky heartstopper vibes and that’s not a bad thing. Lots more family drama than spooky Halloween type things I was expecting but it’s still cute. The main couple is sweet and it’s a fast read so it never feels like a slog. If you like heartstopper and like Halloweentown it’s like a mix of the two. Or Scooby doo? Kids scary vibes.

I thought this book was going to delve into ghosts and a haunted house. I didn’t expect it to go down the path it took and although I found it interesting I was expecting something more spooky and didn’t expect the more inward reflective approach it took. So, if you don’t go in expecting a haunting tale it will probably be a solid read. Otherwise, you may find yourself a bit surprised.

Thank you to Chicken House/NetGalley for a copy of The Other Ones in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good twist, but I don’t love it when it takes roughly 200 pages out of a 300-page book to get there. That said, the twist in Fran Hart’s The Other Ones is so, so, so, so good. It almost makes up for the wait and other issues with the novel. I considered putting the novel down at times, but Pax and his compelling bond with Sal kept me going.

Unfortunately, that bond is sometimes problematic, putting a damper on the whole thing. Sure, we don’t read books to read about perfect people. However, it was unclear whether Hart realized how wrong Sal’s treatment of Pax is. The two boys have more issues with each other than Sal’s secrecy. Sal is often downright mean to Pax.

Books shouldn’t preach, but authors shouldn’t “condone” poor behavior either. There’s a nuance in writing, a difficult balance. I’m not even saying that an author cannot sympathize or must issue comeuppance to the complicated protagonist. Hart comes a little too close to absolving Sal for my comfort.

Look, I get that Sal is severely traumatized, and it’s too much to ask a traumatized teenager to self-regulate. (The kid’s not even in therapy.) However, that doesn’t let him off the hook. I’m OK with Sal’s two best buddies instantly forgiving him—and he does a decent job apologizing to them—because friendships sort of work like that. Romantic relationships require a bit more. That could be how my brain works.


There’s no unease to the “happily ever after” in The Other Ones, and for a multitude of reasons, there really, really ought to be. A “happy for now” would suit the novel much more. Not all young adult novels need to be tied up with a pretty ribbon. Plenty of ghost stories end with a shot or a line that sets up the dread of a sequel. Don’t cock Chekhov’s Gun without setting it off. On the balance, though, The Other Ones is an OK book, but I didn’t know that until I finished it.

(Also, this book takes place in the UK. No need to change the word “chips” to “fries.”)

The Other Ones is out now. I recommend checking it out from your local library.

Grief is a hard thing to move on from. It’s even harder when you are a high school kid getting made fun of, for living in a “haunted house”. ‘The Other Ones’ follows our main character, Salem, who wants nothing more than to be seen as a normal teenager. Instead, he’s living in a “haunted house” in a cookie cutter town which lands him and his family in the newspapers quite often.

Pax, a new neighbor in town finds a particular interest in Salem. Pax tries to debunk the haunted house stories around town by using any means necessary to restore the house and those within it, to its glory. In turn Pax and Salem begin to be more than just neighbors, they become friends and thus a relationship starts to blossom.

While reading this, you find out that each person is dealing with their own set of problems and trauma and are haunted by thing of the past. I think this book was so candid about these vulnerable topics in so many ways that I related to it. I loved that Sal was relatable to how most people are today. He’s seen as tough and sometimes cold on the exterior, often misunderstood but ultimately just somebody who wants to feel loved, valued and not forgotten. I enjoyed how Pax was a person who was authentic and true to himself all the time, never once denying that he was weird or quirky.

“For the first time since your dad died, I felt like I wasn’t haunted. It was a different place. A place that wasn’t filled with memories of ghosts”

Thank you Scholastic, NetGalley and Fran Hart for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic/Chicken House for the chance to review this book, all opinions are my own.

Do you ever read a book and instantly picture it as a movie or TV show? There was just something about Fran Hart’s writing that instantly had me picturing these characters wearing some anachronistic clothing a la Sex Education or Heartstopper, all strolling down a quaint country village lane. The scene was set so well! It also almost felt like television in that the friendships (and romantic relationships) seemed to move very quickly. Suddenly Sal, Dirk, Pax, and Elsie were all BFFs in one montage scene. Honestly that is really my only complaint (and that Dirk and Elsie could have been developed a bit more). But I loved Sal and of course Pax must be protected at all costs.

I felt the emotional depth of the story, of being haunted by grief and the grief of those around you and not being able to move past the trauma. Though don’t go into this expecting a horror story. It is very much a teen drama, exploring first love, friendship, and hard family dynamics. There are some very sweet moments (total Heartstopper vibes) and great humor interspersed in all the serious moments.

I’m giving it a 4.75 (rounded up to a 5) based on how much I enjoyed it and how I felt at the end of the book. It wasn't some amazing epic story but I was still very moved by it and loved spending time with the characters.

♡ Spooky Setting
♡ Friends to Lovers
♡ Found Family Vibes

This book was everything! I knew I’d like it but wow this was seriously so good. It was entertaining and the spooky vibes of it were immaculate. And the formatting was absolutely stunning on the inside. I loved all the illustrations at the top of each chapter.

The characters were honestly so addictive to read about I loved how they interacted and I loved the friendships. Sal and Pax were so cute together and I really enjoyed their vibes.

It was really nice to see the mental health rep too, and how well it was written into to the book.

The Other Ones by Fran Hart is full of hidden depths and secrets as it explores what it means to be haunted. Interestingly enough, I read two books about hauntings and each had a unique vision about what it means and how to move beyond grief. The narrative here is so much more than a relationship between Sal and Pax and it is full of truths about opening up to both life and love.
What makes The Other Ones so richly complex and emotional is the weight of the characters, both Sal and Pax and how they come together. Their relationship changes Sal but the truth of his house and the ghosts must be tackled by both in order for Sal to be able to embrace life and love. I love the complexity of the story and the emotions as Sal struggles with the weight of his secrets and I also love how the story is resolved with love and hope for both.
If you like stories about relationships and how grief can haunt, not only a person but a house, this story is for you. It is richly emotional, full of hidden depths and tackles some very real dilemmas for Sal and his family. The relationship is genuine and realistic with both characters being real and quirky. I love their relationship but I also enjoy Sal’s friendships with the others around him as he slowly opens up. This is a beautiful and loving story.

He lives in a haunted house yet finds himself falling for the strange boy who appears at his doorstep. Salem Amani is a sixteen year old boy who lives in a haunted house with his mother and sister. He is a half-Egyptian boy who lives in a small English village... and then he meets Pax, a strange but endearing guy who is obsessed with the supernatural and wants to dehaunt Salem's house. This was a very autumnal slice of life young adult book that deals with friendship, grief, and a bit of romance. It's got a cozy setting and the book just feels like a nice fall read. The plot was really slow though and the characters just felt a bit meh overall. I think it's an alright read and definitely has cozy vibes, but I would just say it's cute and fine. It's a good read for anyone who wants an easy simple autumn read.

Release Date: August 20,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Scholastic | Chicken House for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Salem Amani has been through a lot. Being half-Egyptian in a small English village with a dead father on top of living in a haunted house, Salem just wants a quiet, ordinary life. Enter in Pax who just moved down the road into the house by the local cemetery. Pax is unabashedly himself and nothing deters him- not even Salem. Pax is obsessed with the supernatural and makes it his mission to dehaunt Salem’s house. Unfortunately, Salem isn’t haunted by ghosts but by the living. Can Pax still dehaunt Salem’s life?

If you are looking for a slice of life, slightly spooky book for the fall season, this is it. Where this book shines is in the atmosphere and its descriptions. The author is brilliant at depicting a quaint small English town with a quintessential fall and winter atmosphere. The cozy vibes just emanate off the page.

As for the characters, the side characters, while important to the plot, fall short. Pax and Salem’s friends are important to the plot, but their personalities and drives change as the plot needs them too. Pax and Salem are cute and very sweet in their relationship. Their relationship gives off first love, puppy love affection which helps to increase the cozy vibes.

The twist at the end was pretty predictable, but it goes to show that ghosts may not be real but everyone has them anyway.

This was the coziest, most delightful read! The descriptions were warm and beautiful and never got out of hand. The whole book left me with such a lovely feeling of nostalgia. The queer relationship had me giggling and kicking my feet, and the found family aspect of the main characters' little group of misfits was lovely. The tensions and heartache were palpable, but the way the story soothes your feelings as the reader as well as the characters feelings was perfect.

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic's Chicken House for giving me the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book!
This book is technically rated 4.5/5 stars!
The Other Ones is a cute YA contemporary novel that is perfect for Heartstopper fans looking for something to read during the fall season!
In this sweet story, we are introduced to Salem "Sal" Amani, the 16 year old resident of a haunted house. Sal just wants an ordinary life as a high schooler capable of flying under the radar, but he starts to find that difficult when the new boy in town, Pax stops by with eager introductions and invitations to help with Sal's ghost problems. What starts off as a spooky concept soon turns into something more complex and riveting. Soon Sal finds himself balancing his ever-growing relationship with Pax and the secrets he has been hiding.
This book has been my favorite ARC that I've had the opportunity to read so far. It was so sweet but also had such an emotional foundation that made the story and its characters more complex. I loved spending everyday life with these characters, watching their relationships grow over time. For some, the slice of life pace may be too slow for them, but I loved it. The story made me feel like I was wrapped up in a nice, warm blanket. I loved the different dynamics that Sal had with every character, particularly with his sister.
I will say that if you're looking for something more Ghostbusters and less Osemanverse, you may be disappointed, but I would still encourage you to give this book a chance! It really is a great, cozy YA novel. I would love to read more from Fran Hart, and you know that I will be going to the bookstore to buy my own physical copy of this when it comes out on Tuesday.

The Other Ones is a YA book with a cute, fluffy romance, but it also addresses how difficult family can be. Sal lives his life in silence, happy to be mostly unnoticed, until the new kid in town shows up at his door with a casserole. Sal doesn't know what to make of Pax, with his boundless enthusiasm and his odd fashion choices, but he slowly finds himself becoming enamored of the strange boy in spite of himself.
Pax is a little lonely and very fond of ghosts. When he moves to town and discovers there's a haunted house nearby, he happily volunteers himself to bring his new neighbors a homemade meal. As he befriends the boy living there, he sees how tired he is and offers what little assistance he can to drive the ghosts away. What he later learns, however, is that some ghosts can't be so easily chased away.
This book does an amazing job of balancing sweet moments with more complicated family dynamics and teenage angst. It's very well-written, and I couldn't put it down; I read it all the way through in one sitting! I loved how the relationship between Pax and Sal developed, as well as the new friends they each picked up along the way.
The family drama was addressed in a very realistic way, and Sal's reactions when everything came to light felt very much like a teenager in over their head. Sometimes, YA books tend to miss the mark on the way teenagers handle problems, as the authors have grown out of that by the time they're writing them. I think this book managed a more accurate portrayal than I've seen in a while.
I loved everything about this book, and I hope more people find the opportunity to pick it up. I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to read this in advance of release day.

Thank you for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review

The book follows Asha and Pax after they've just lost their father. Sal meets Pax who he finds strange at first, but soon a beautiful friendship began to develop and it eventually turned into something more. This book had the perfect fall-esque vibes to it, much like Heartstopper. I also really liked Sal's friendship with Dirk and Elsie who were both loveable and fun characters. The romance between Sal and Pax were precious, both characters being innocent and new to love.

I did expect there to be actual ghosts in the story, but there wasn't. However, I don't think that was an issue because towards the end, I figured out that the 'ghosts' were figurative. It was about the ghosts about the past, about trying to move on from grief and loss.


Since fall is right around the corner, i definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a wholesome queer romance with a pinch of spooky fall vibes!