I really enjoyed this book! It was really fun and interesting read, the story was very well done and I really liked the characters. It was just a fun easy enjoyable read! Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

Maeve Abenthy lost everything seven years ago, when her father unleashed a horrific evil on a world. But then she receives a mysterious letter that changes everything: “Your father was innocent.” Her search for the mysterious letter writer takes her to the Otherwhere Post, where she poses as an apprentice under a fake name and learns the art of scriptomancy. But when she starts receiving mysterious and threatening letters, can she unravel the mystery of her father before she has to forfeit her life?

The world is creative and unique, centered around the idea that hand-written writing can be infused with arcane magic to do awesome or horrific things. The world building was excellent; I always felt like I was right in the middle of the story with Maeve. I can’t say that I connected with Maeve as a character much, but that was personal preference. There is some slow pacing in the middle, but the ending is satisfying. I would definitely read another story set in this world.

Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was so fun a great read. It’s a great dark academia read and the slow-burn romance was *chefs kiss.* Maeve had a good character arc and overcomes a lot. It was fun seeing her grow as a person. And oooh, Tristan. I love him. I loved the twist at the end.

I can't say enough good things about this book!!! I already marked this on my to read list, even though it hasn't come out yet, and was so excited to get an advanced copy from NetGalley. I am leaving a review voluntarily.

Sometimes, you will come across a book, thinking it sounds amazing, but then it just falls flat. You are left disappointed, knowing the idea was so good, wondering how did the author go so wrong. That is not the case here at all. I was hooked from the first page. Would have finished it in one sitting, but work. So, instead, finished it in two. Just couldn't put it down.

I really hope this becomes a series, although there is no indication given that there is a second book.
Definitely a must-read!

I really loved this book. I felt totally sunken into the story and I LOVE that feeling. It’s parts dark academia, mystery, fantasy, magic, and romance. It was the perfect blend. Flawed but loveable characters, lots of secrets, and it was just perfect and lovely. I feel like this is a great December read for some reason. I can’t wait to get a physical copy and reread it during cozy times every year.

Spice: 0/5
Romance: 4/5
Friends(ish) to lovers
Single third person POV
One love interest

RATING: 5 out of 5

This book gave me Harry Potter meets Divine Rivals vibes and the combination worked together perfectly. This book had me enchanted from the very beginning and kept me that way the entire time. There is such a unique magic system in this world and thankfully it was written very easy to understand so you don’t have to circle back multiple times or feel like you are lost. Don’t let this book fool you just because it’s YA, it has so much depth and meaning behind it. I think the only thing holding it back is that it didn’t have a little bit of spice like I typically enjoy but that was expected so I wasn’t let down. There was one section where it had a brief start to spice and it was so delicious that it made me so sad we wouldn't get a whole scene for it.

Meave was perfect in every single way- she made mistakes, she was hilariously sarcastic, and my favorite part is that she took her time to open up to people. I love that she is distant and cold on the outside but you see so much warmth and feelings internally. It makes waiting to see her get close to people so exciting and rewarding. I will say the only thing I did NOT like about her is that she is 18, while she definitely does not act like an 18 year it still felt really weird to read from someone so young. So of course in my mind I made her in her 20’s to make it less weird lol.

I did not like Tristan at first simply because he felt too nerdy and whimpy, in the beginning I started to envision him as Milo Thatch from Atlantis and that definitely helped me fall in love with him. But around the 40% mark I started to see him as Sebastian from Hogwarts Legacy and I was hooked from there (obviously). He has so much depth to him and I really wish we could have gotten a few scenes from his POV because he had a lot of mystery around him sometimes, while mystery is definitely sexy I do enjoy to hear how much the FMC rattles the MMC.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. This is the kind of book where you actually have to tell yourself to slow down so you don’t finish it all in a day and you catch yourself at work getting excited about reading it later. I will 100% be buying this hardcover for my trophy case (hoping to wait out for a special edition from owlcrate or somewhere)

A giant thank you to Emily J. Taylor, Penguin Teen (Penguin Group) and NetGalley for letting me read this enchanting book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A strong protagonist, a magical yet original story, and twists and turns- I was in. This would be the kind of book I think all my kids could find some way to connect with. It was a pleasure to read, and hopefully I will find a way to work at least a few copies into my plans next year.

4 ⭐️

Thank you to Penguin Group Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC of The Otherwhere Post!

I was so happy to receive this book, and I loved reading Hotel Magnifique two years ago. After enjoying this book as well, I’m excited to read all future works from this author.

This book had a dark, gloomy, yet kinda cozy vibe to it, and I think it would be a great book to enjoy during winter. It had a beautiful setting, and the magic system was unique and so fun to read about. I couldn’t truly get a full understanding of the magic system or world building, but I didn’t terribly mind seeing as it is a standalone book.

The main character, Maeve, is an untrusting and talented girl who had to see and endure terrible things at a young age. Sometimes it was hard to like her with certain decisions she made, but I understood why did made them and thought she was a great main character. I also thought her ability to lie so effortlessly was pretty fun.

I loved the other characters in this story, especially Nan and Tristan, who shoved their way into Maeve’s life and refused to let her push them away. Tristan was incredible, his backstory and relationship with Maeve were probably my favorite things to read about.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars

I don't think this book was bad by any means. I just think it wasn't for me. The world and magic system could have been explained a little more as it felt like it lacked detail. There are other worlds involved, but we have little idea on if these other worlds mirror the current one that Maeve lives in. In terms of the plot of Maeve trying to find out what really happened to her father, I felt like everything was too easy for Maeve. She easily tricks people into accepting her into the apprenticeship for the Otherwhere Post (the school where you learn scriptomancy); she tricks a girl into giving up her spot to this school; the guy who eventually becomes her mentor learns that she's a fraud but doesn't care much about it, etc. Everything was either convenient or easy to get out of or had no real repercussions.

Overall, I thought this was an average book, but it was not for me.

Like, seriously, this book totally had me hooked from the very first page! The mix of mystery, magic, and dark academia vibes was absolutely chef’s kiss. I mean, a magic system where letters are enchanted and delivered across different worlds? So unique and fun! Maeve is such a strong lead, and watching her deal with the weight of her past while unraveling this huge mystery was just so satisfying. Plus, the tension between her and Tristan? Ugh, the slow-burn romance was EVERYTHING. Their dynamic had me swooning, and let’s just say I was flipping pages like crazy to see how it would all unfold.

The world-building was on another level too—so intricate and full of rich details, it honestly felt like I was living in this magical, mysterious universe. And those twists? I did not see them coming, which just made me love it even more. Totally a 5-star read for me, and I can't wait for everyone else to get their hands on it!

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This Otherwhere Post was such a unique fantasy book dripping in magic and dark academia vibes. The world building was well rounded and the writing style was enjoyable. The plot was well thought out and not overly complicated, still managing to sunrise me with quite a few unexpected plot twists. Overall this was a good read perfect for fall!

The Otherwhere Post is amazing if you love twists, fantasy and mystery. The magic system was so unique. Scriptomancy is a form of magic revolving around writing. This definitely gives the dark academia aesthetic.

This story is about Maeve who is on a journey to prove her father’s innocence using scriptomancy. There is a dash of a slow burn romance as well.. which is absolutely loved. The world building was phenomenal.

Thank you Penguin Group | G.P. Putnam Sons Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is not the kind of book I would normally read. However, I have been trying to expand my collection, searching for more "dark" books. Emily Taylor's Otherwhere Post fits this description perfectly. With excellent character building, Maeve, Tristan, Nan and Shea are finely drawn, the pages fly by after you get into the story. The pacing does seem a little off at the beginning of the narrative. Magical and mysterious, The Othyerwhere Post will delight readers!

If you’re a fan of magic, mystery, and high-stakes adventure, you NEED to read this book! Emily J. Taylor weaves a brilliant story about Maeve Abenthy, who lost everything seven years ago — her home, her father, even her name. She’s been running ever since, but a mysterious letter changes everything with four impossible words: Your father was innocent.

Maeve’s journey to uncover the truth takes her to the Otherwhere Post, where she learns scriptomancy — magic done with enchanted ink and quills to deliver letters across worlds. The concept alone is so unique and captivating, but the stakes grow higher when her secret mentor realizes she’s hiding something, and dangerous letters threaten her every move. Can she prove her father’s innocence before it’s too late?

The world-building is phenomenal, the magic system is fresh, and Maeve’s growth as a character kept me turning pages late into the night. Not to mention the chemistry between her and her mentor 👀🔥!

This book is an absolute must-read! If you love fantasy with twists, high tension, and a dash of romance, The Otherwhere Post will sweep you away to another world!

This was a creative and interesting story. I like the idea of parallel worlds that appear identical at a glance but are quite different in reality. I also like the idea of a postal/courier service between the parallel worlds. At one time anyone could travel between the three known worlds using the Written Doors, special doors infused with arcane magic through highly advanced scriptomancy. However, after an aggressive and deadly vine (Aldervine) was let loose in the world of Inverly, the Written Doors were burned to keep aldervine from entering Leyland and Barrow. Now only couriers using scriptomancy can cross into the other world, the only means of communicating between family and friends living in different worlds.

That tragic event had a profound impact on many people, especially Maeve Abenthy, for her father, Jonathan, a talented and curious scriptomancer, was blamed for unleashing the aldervine. The events of seven years earlier resulted in Maeve becoming an orphan, and quickly learning to keep her true identity hidden. Everything changes when an otherwhere courier delivers her a letter, seven years late, stating her father was innocent. However, the letter is unsigned, and to determine the identity of the sender she has to impersonate a scriptomancer apprentice, placing her in an environment that is very dangerous if anyone discovers her identity. Making things more difficult is that her assigned mentor, Tristan, knows she is not who she claims to be. Tristan is also the son of the Postmaster; the last person Maeve would ever want to know her true identity. Tristan has his own secrets and struggles, also tied to the fateful events of seven years ago. As Maeve tries to find the answers she seeks, she faces another obstacle as someone at the school knows her identity and does not want her to find her answers.

What a lovely story!!
This is a delightful story about a young girl , Maeve, who must hide her identity as her father is said to be a murderer. She attempts to get into a school where she can learn about Scriptomancy and become an Otherworld courier. In doing so , she hopes to find out the truth about her father. The story is filled with adventure, intrigue and a bit of romance. I enjoyed the development of Maeve’s character and the friendships that she developed. I really enjoyed the magic of this world and very much hope that there will be another book in this world with the same characters! Happy reading!

As a fan of Emily’s previous book I was so excited for this. I really love the way her writing captures mystery and wonder. The magic in this book is so fun and unique. And the overall plot was just really fun and interesting!

The premise and even the characters are quite nice, but the action was disjointed and a bit strange. It kind of felt like a book lover running around going "hold my quill" before engaging in needlessly endangering behavior.

“I think trust is built in small increments, like the words of a scribing, piece by piece, until you know someone fully.”*

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the e-ARC of The Otherwhere Post!

CWs for the book: death on both a personal and large scale

Like in the Shades of Magic trilogy, we have the same place mapped across three worlds, and there was a catastrophe that broke off casual contact between them and completely ruined one in particular. I only make the comparison because the worlds weren’t explained as well in The Otherwhere Post, and I mostly understood them because of reading a similar concept in Shades of Magic. That did not actually significantly detract from my understanding or enjoyment of the book, however. Still, for people interested in reading - Gloam is a place across all three “known’ worlds. It is not clear if other locations are mirrored across them as well.

I liked the protagonist (Maeve) and our main secondary character, who I will not discuss to avoid spoilers. They did have one sensual (but cut off from being sexual) interaction when under accidental outside influence, which I thought was a… risky and unpleasant choice, but at least it was brief.

The Otherwhere Post is a dark academia novel with a unique magic system based on writing that I would have loved to read even more about; this setting is easily suited for more stories in the same universe, and I enjoyed the wordbuilding in general. Plot wise, mysteries pile up on Maeve’s shoulders throughout the novel during her fight to find answers - about her father’s innocence and legacy and about anonymous letters new and old. At no point did I find myself bored by the characters, plot, or pacing, and it was an enjoyable read overall.

4/5 stars

*Quote is from an uncorrected proof and may be changed or removed by publication.

I read and loved "Hotel Magnifique" by this author, so I had great expectations for this one. Let me tell you, "The Otherwhere Post" by Emily J. Taylor is even better than the former. This dark fantasy is a riveting tale of one woman’s quest for the truth.

The story follows 19-year-old Maeve Abenthy, whose father was condemned as a traitor and murderer seven years ago. Maeve believes those charges and keeps a low profile by assuming a fake name and constantly moving. But when a mysterious letter arrives, claiming her father is innocent, it shakes her world. To uncover the truth, she poses as a courier apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, where she’ll be trained in the art of scriptomancy.

Scriptomancy is the magic that allows couriers to travel between worlds and deliver enchanted letters. Once, people could move freely between the three known worlds via the Written Doors, but after one world was destroyed and the doors burned, there’s no other access between the two remaining worlds. Tristan, the son of Postmaster Bryne, is appointed as her mentor. Between him, her friends Nan and Shea, and threatening letters warning her to back off, Maeve’s got her work cut out for her. Time is running out, and her life is on the line.

I loved this book! Emily J. Taylor has woven a dark fantasy that held me spellbound till the end. The world-building is impeccable, with its vivid portrayal of a divided multiverse and a magical postal system that feels wholly unique. The concept of Written Doors, once used for travel between worlds, adds a mysterious layer to the setting.

The magic system is intricate, and the idea of scriptomancy—where magic is tied to writing—feels fresh and fascinating. The detail in how the magic works, along with the sense of isolation between worlds, makes the world itself feel complex. The plot is original and compelling. I loved the different types of scribing, such as form, sense, and travel magic. I wish we had seen more of the magic system and the teaching at the school - there were fewer lessons than I expected (I would enjoy reading more about it).

The story is well-written, with engaging characters, though it could use another round of editing to iron out a few typos. The pacing was a bit off in the middle, but not enough to lose my interest. The author does a great job of making Maeve someone you want to root for. I loved her spirit, guts, and determination in the face of danger. She did irritate me at times by keeping things too close to her chest, but that just made her feel more real. She cares deeply for others, and I admired that quality in her and that she never gave up (even though she was on the verge several times).

I also enjoyed the character interactions, and the dark atmosphere was wonderfully sketched. The book has everything I love about dark academia: complex characters, an original premise, intrigue, and even a slow-burn romance. Additionally, it explores themes of friendship, loyalty, honor, love, and empathy. This is a perfect read for fans of dark fantasy, especially those who love dark academia vibes and an intricate plot full of twists. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.