In the Name of the Otherworld

Back then, before that miraculous adventure took place, I had not even the slightest inkling that everything about me, from my whimsical dreams to my relationships with others, was never a coincidence.

Regarded as a witch and alienated by the majority of her peers, fourteen-year-old orphan Alexandria Richardson wants to be anybody but herself. However, this all changes one day, when the mysterious fountain in her school transports her and her three classmates to a world of magic- the Otherworld. The four of them are brought to the palace of the Otherworld on the rulers' orders, and the shocking truth of Alexandria's identity and parentage is revealed. As Alexandria then participates in a miraculous adventure with her companions, she explores the depths of courage, kindness, and friendship. But will she make it safely back to the Otherworld? Or will she eventually yield to her biggest enemy, someone no other than herself?

It's not just an adventure. It's a journey of growth and redemption.

In The Name Of The Otherworld follows a lonely young orphaned girl named Alexandria who is desperate to be someone other than herself. Her life completely changes after she is transported through a magical fountain to a mysterious world of magic called the Otherworld where Alexandria's true identity is revealed. Alexandria embarks on an adventure that will pit her against her worst enemy... herself.

Author Hermione Lee has crafted a magical coming of age tale that takes readers on a whirlwind adventure following a girl that is easy to sympathize with. Alexandria comes from an abusive adoptive childhood and the scars she carries are deep and the exploration of these issues throughout the novel was absolutely stirring. She learns that she is so much more important than she ever realized, but with that power comes great responsibility for her and seeing how that circumspect young girl navigates these large emotional obstacles and responsibilities was something that kept me coming back.

Alexandria has fantastic magical abilities that are used in some creative ways and elevates this fantasy story into the realm of epic sword and sorcery adventures I often read as a child.

The Otherworld is crafted so vividly that it really comes to life as its own character. Each backdrop is imbued with a unique sense of imagination that makes the world compelling. Through easy narration and engaging dialogue we're given the backstory to the Underworld and Otherworld and the contrast and lore is something I found to be alluring. While Alexandria remains an interesting protagonist throughout the novel, the other characters seem black and white, you either like them or you don't which coincides with Alexandria's like or dislike for them.

This is an emotionally charged epic fantasy novel. I mourned the loss of her parents and the heartache of an abusive orphan childhood. I understood Alexandria's reluctance at the shocking revelation of who she is, to accept she is a princess and perform her royal duty. I was pleased by Alexandria's decision to which of the two worlds she would pledge her loyalty to. For the world she would forever belong to and defend.

In The Name Of The Otherworld is a fun and impassioned paranormal adventure novel with striking characters on a bold journey that will keep readers up late at night while they struggle to put the book down.

Complete Book Review by 

Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer Aethena Drake

Kittenpillars, aquazombies, and periwinkle colored mushrooms are examples of the fantastical elements of the Otherworld brought to life by an author with a talent for creating vivid imagery. This imaginative adventure is filled with picturesque scenes and a relatable cast of characters. The sweetness of the storytelling is irresistible. Filled with endearing moments of reflection, this book gives the reader a chance to understand difficult situations from different viewpoints.

Alexandria is the main character, but the story is told from the perspective of several different characters. Keeping track of such a large cast could be challenging at times, but each character's perspective added a new element to the epic fantasy adventure. Each character has a perceived flaw that they work to improve while they also fight to complete their quest to protect the Otherworld. The end of the quest brings changes for the real world and Otherworld and creates new relationships that can benefit both worlds.

This young adult book is a wonderful read if you are looking for a sweet, action packed, epic fantasy with a satisfying resolution that hints at a possibility of more.

Complete Book Review by

Amy Powers of Readers' Favorite

In the Name of the Otherworld by Hermione Lee is a young adult fantasy filled with adventure as four teenagers discover their own abilities. Alexandria is an outcast at school, and she's been labeled a witch due to the inexplicable explosions that only happen when she is around. Her foster sister, Daphne, has always hated her and bullied her until a magical occurrence forces them to learn to work together. Alexandria, her two closest friends, and Daphne are transported to another world, the Otherworld, which needs their help to recover a lost gem. Unlocking their powers of fire, water, air, and nature, the four girls must travel into dangerous lands. Failure means risking not only their own survival but the survival of the Otherworld.
As the perspective of the story shifts from one character to another, a variety of skills and talents are brought to life with the diverse personalities of the four girls and their two mentors. In the Name of the Otherworld not only tells a magical adventure, but lessons about friendship, family, teamwork, and finding confidence in one's own self are wonderfully established. The most notable feature is the writing in general. Hermione Lee's flawless writing is worth endless praise, as she paints a wonderful picture of the Otherworld and the setting of the tumultuous journey with beautiful descriptive imagery. I found myself easily lost within the descriptions that read almost like poetry. I look forward to reading more of the beautiful writing that is sure to come from Hermione Lee.