The Otherwhere Post

By Author / Illustrator

Emily J. Taylor

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Pushkin Children's Books

ISBN

9781782694427

Format

Hardback

Published

08-05-2025

Synopsis

Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost everything when her father unleashed a terrible, world-destroying magic. Desperate to escape the stain of his crimes, she lives under a fake name, never staying in one place long enough to risk discovery. That is, until she receives a mysterious letter, containing four impossible words: Your father was innocent.To uncover the truth, she must pose as an apprentice for the illustrious Otherwhere Post. Here, she'll be trained in the art of scriptomancy - the dangerous magic that allows couriers to deliver letters between worlds.

But there are some who would prefer the past to stay buried...A dark presence watches Maeve from the shadows, hindering her investigation at every turn. What's more, her infuriatingly handsome mentor knows she's lying about something and time is running out to win him over. It soon becomes clear that to uncover the past, Maeve may have to forfeit her future - or worse, her heart.

PRAISE FOR THE OTHERWHERE POST 'An epic dark fantasy tale of love, justice, the delicate magic of finding connection, and the complex art of scribing' Kirkus Reviews, starred review. 'This unputdownable adventure is highly recommended for all collections and perfect for fans of V. E. Schwab's 'Shades of Magic' series' School Library Journal, starred review. 'From its brilliant magic to the torturous slow burn romance, The Otherwhere Post mesmerizes from cover to cover' Lyssa Mia Smith, author of Revelle

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Reviews

Linda

If you're looking for a glittering, dark fantasy packed with high stakes, hidden identities, and a dash of danger, The Otherwhere Post definitely belongs at the top of your to be read list, as once again this wonderful, imaginative author has delivered a magical, gripping read…

Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost everything, her father, her name, her entire world. Now she survives by hiding in plain sight, moving from place to place under a false identity. But everything changes for her when a single letter arrives with four impossible words: 'Your father was innocent'! These life-changing words launch Maeve into the spellbinding world of the Otherwhere Post, a magical courier service that uses scriptomancy to deliver enchanted letters across realms.

As Maeve digs deeper into her father’'s past, she's forced to navigate deadly mysteries, cryptic threats, and a mentor who clearly knows she's lying. And the deeper she goes, the more dangerous it becomes. Will Maeve find out who sent the letter before the mysterious presence reveals her secret? Will Tristan her mentor ever forgive her for the secrets she hides from him?

I have enjoyed every word in this astonishing, unique book. The world-building is layered, imaginative, and dripping with atmosphere. Scriptomancy is one of the most original magic systems I've ever come across in a fantasy book, it made the story both fresh and thrilling. Maeve is a great protagonist - sharp, determined and vulnerable. Her fear of being found, her hunger for truth and her fierce loyalty make her feel heartbreakingly real. Tristan, her mentor, is patient, kind, and frustratingly mysterious. Will Maeve finally put her trust in him and her roommate, Nan, to help her discover the truth about her father?

You will have to delve into the pages yourself to find out. This book is so full of twists and turns and, just when you think you've solved the mystery, it shifts, revealing something more dangerous, and often more tragic. All perfectly suitable for the confident 12+ reader. It's a favourite YA fantasy and mystery for 2025 and I highly recommend it.

416 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian