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The Other Ones
Sal lives in a haunted house.
He longs to be ordinary, but when the strangest of strangers arrives on his doorstep – a fellow outcast called Pax – his life grows even more complicated.
Sal goes on to develop an unlikely friendship with Pax, whose love for all things spooky drew him to the house and its inhabitants. But as the two grow closer, the true nature of the hauntings is gradually revealed.
Will Sal find the courage to conquer his ghosts, or will he risk losing Pax for good?
A cosy, contemporary romance and ghost story with spooky Gilmore Girls vibes
Winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman’s Choice Prize, 2020
An LGBTQ+ romance between two very different boys, who readers will quickly root for and grow to love
For fans of Heartstopper – with a spooky twist
He longs to be ordinary, but when the strangest of strangers arrives on his doorstep – a fellow outcast called Pax – his life grows even more complicated.
Sal goes on to develop an unlikely friendship with Pax, whose love for all things spooky drew him to the house and its inhabitants. But as the two grow closer, the true nature of the hauntings is gradually revealed.
Will Sal find the courage to conquer his ghosts, or will he risk losing Pax for good?
A cosy, contemporary romance and ghost story with spooky Gilmore Girls vibes
Winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman’s Choice Prize, 2020
An LGBTQ+ romance between two very different boys, who readers will quickly root for and grow to love
For fans of Heartstopper – with a spooky twist
298 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
November 2, 2022
How to write about this book without spoiling any of it? Let's just say this book wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. Which is not bad at all. It's a good Halloween read, just not quite as spooky as I hoped, and a little too much family drama. But with a really cute romance. "Perfect for fans of Alice Oseman" is not an empty promise. Actually, it feels a little bit like an AU fanfic with the serial numbers filed off. Again, not a bad thing.
I'm already not a big fan of plot driven drama. But one of my biggest pet peeves are certain tragic events that only happen to fix things up. First of all, I don't like the tragic event as such. But then, what would have happened without it? It all would have ended in complete misery.
Well, apart from that certain pet peeve, I really enjoyed reading this book. It's well written and hard to stop reading once you picked it up.
I'm already not a big fan of plot driven drama. But one of my biggest pet peeves are certain tragic events that only happen to fix things up. First of all, I don't like the tragic event as such. But then, what would have happened without it? It all would have ended in complete misery.
Well, apart from that certain pet peeve, I really enjoyed reading this book. It's well written and hard to stop reading once you picked it up.
October 21, 2022
This was cute as shit and I'm in love with the characters! A fantastic, autumnal read!
October 31, 2022
*Thanks to Chicken House for sending me a copy of this to review!*
I thought this was a very cute and sweet little contemporary story, but I do think the marketing for it was very misleading. I was expecting a really spooky, Halloween read considering all of the orange and pumpkins on the cover. This book doesn’t have a single pumpkin in it, and the spooky vibes are not very spooky at all. We talk about ghosts for like two chapters and then that plotline feels like it just falls off the face of the Earth. I feel like this could have done so much better if it was more focused, and the marketing reflected that. The eventual ‘plot twist’ to this story could have been revealed in a much more powerful way if the aspect of the haunted house had been built on a bit more. It turned out by then that I didn’t really care much about the mystery aspect of the book because it was so weak.
I can’t really tell you what this book was about because, to be honest, it didn’t feel like it had much of a plot at all, just vibes. Everything felt very surface-level, there were several opportunities to delve deeper into a variety of themes and topics brought up by the characters that were wasted. Nothing really felt like it was explored here, just mentioned and sort of swept under the rug so we could move on. It wasn’t a very long book, so being at the 40% mark and still not having a single viable plot point in sight for me was a bit disappointing.
I love character-focused books so a lack of plot wouldn’t have been an issue, except this was quite a dry friendship group. It aimed to find a family but didn't really succeed. I understand the Heartstopper comparisons and while it did give us a little cute queer romance, it didn’t do half of the things HS did to make it such a nuanced piece of work. A lot of characters are introduced into this story that never really have the opportunity to have a real purpose. Elsie and Dirk, especially within the friendship group, just felt so pointless, I feel like if they would have disappeared halfway through the book I wouldn't have noticed.
It was fast-paced and mostly light, so if you’re looking for a cosy little romance read this is a good choice. It’s fairly short too and I devoured it in just a couple of hours. Sal and Pax together were the grumpy/sunshine duo everybody needs and they were very lovely together. I liked it well enough, I just wish the plot was clear-cut and more obvious to the reader and that the whole thing had more depth. Adorable though.
I thought this was a very cute and sweet little contemporary story, but I do think the marketing for it was very misleading. I was expecting a really spooky, Halloween read considering all of the orange and pumpkins on the cover. This book doesn’t have a single pumpkin in it, and the spooky vibes are not very spooky at all. We talk about ghosts for like two chapters and then that plotline feels like it just falls off the face of the Earth. I feel like this could have done so much better if it was more focused, and the marketing reflected that. The eventual ‘plot twist’ to this story could have been revealed in a much more powerful way if the aspect of the haunted house had been built on a bit more. It turned out by then that I didn’t really care much about the mystery aspect of the book because it was so weak.
I can’t really tell you what this book was about because, to be honest, it didn’t feel like it had much of a plot at all, just vibes. Everything felt very surface-level, there were several opportunities to delve deeper into a variety of themes and topics brought up by the characters that were wasted. Nothing really felt like it was explored here, just mentioned and sort of swept under the rug so we could move on. It wasn’t a very long book, so being at the 40% mark and still not having a single viable plot point in sight for me was a bit disappointing.
I love character-focused books so a lack of plot wouldn’t have been an issue, except this was quite a dry friendship group. It aimed to find a family but didn't really succeed. I understand the Heartstopper comparisons and while it did give us a little cute queer romance, it didn’t do half of the things HS did to make it such a nuanced piece of work. A lot of characters are introduced into this story that never really have the opportunity to have a real purpose. Elsie and Dirk, especially within the friendship group, just felt so pointless, I feel like if they would have disappeared halfway through the book I wouldn't have noticed.
It was fast-paced and mostly light, so if you’re looking for a cosy little romance read this is a good choice. It’s fairly short too and I devoured it in just a couple of hours. Sal and Pax together were the grumpy/sunshine duo everybody needs and they were very lovely together. I liked it well enough, I just wish the plot was clear-cut and more obvious to the reader and that the whole thing had more depth. Adorable though.
October 26, 2022
Oh man did I want to love this.
I will say a HUGE caveat that this review may be revised after publishing, because I read an early proof and I imagine it will be significantly edited to iron out some of the mistakes/problems in the writing, so I'm reviewing under that assumption. If it's not I will likely be more scathing. Also seriously hoping the cover gets changed or redrawn because it may be the worst cover I have ever seen.
This is billed as a gay romance/haunted house, which is a tall order that it doesn't quite live up to. As is often the case with this kind of description, there's really 2 stories here, and unfortunately the one I ended up really wanting to read was definitely secondary. The two parts also weren't woven in well at all - I almost felt like the haunted house section should have been told from the perspective of an entirely different character or dropped altogether, despite the fact that was by far the thread I was most interested in. At the least it either needs fleshing out or removed from any promotional materials.
The romance I had problems with. It was cute, and people who read a lot of teen gay romance will love it! However, it reads like fan fiction - in fact, most of the book does. This isn't necessarily bad - people love fan fiction - but the point of fan fiction is to flesh out stuff from characters you like that you don't see in the original media representations, due to queer baiting, exploration of characters/plot points/fan theories/in-world logic, or just wanting some warm fuzzies (or hot and heavies) for characters. It inherently fits around already created media. This felt like 3/4 of a book, and specifically not all of a romance. The plot points between the two leads were incredibly artificially contrived, from the first meetings to the inevitable rift (which felt ridiculously contrived even by the standards of actual fanfic). It felt like we were missing the actual plot. If you're used to reading fanfic or romance or similar media I actually think this will be fine - once you know you have to take the development of the relationships with a pinch of salt and create them in your head, you can, and then it's all dandy. The problem is that books aren't traditionally a collaborative media in this way (in fact most media isn't.) Even with nuanced, subtle storytelling - which to be clear, this is not - the actual story is normally laid out on the page in such a way that it leads you through instead of showing you quick snapshots of cute!-pain!-cute! This fails to do that and it would take pretty much a rewrite of the entire book to build that narrative. If you are familiar with those tropes, again, you can build it in your head, but you have to want to. It's a book where you already need to have decided to be invested going in, because you aren't going to get that from the text itself, which is all shallow tropes skipping around - again, this may be perfect for a specific type of reader.
The other problem I have with this is less a problem than a taste clash. This is yet another teen book about a romance between teenage boys written by an adult woman (from what I can tell). The book world seems to have decided not to question this particular trope, or to consider #ownvoices important for gay men, which is a broader issue not related to this book; but what is related is how the romance is written. There is a specific feel to this book that is the same as most other teen m/m romances written by women, one which I didn't really clock until reading more m/m romances written by men attracted to men. If you know, you know is the case with this - either it bothers you and you know or it doesn't and you'll enjoy this. For me, it felt a little fake, a little saccharine, a little like puppets, and a little like it needed someone who's queer to marry up a couple of the threads that rang a little hollow.
Otherwise, it's fine. It's not a deep or meaningful book but it isn't supposed to be. If I'd picked it up off the shelf I probably would have DNFed it pretty early but by the time I'd got to the middle I'd accepted it was a bit of a build-your-own book and by the end I was genuinely enjoying myself, so it definitely earned its 2* - it's just a shame I felt myself have to actively slip back into my teenage fanfic reading headspace to do so.
I will say a HUGE caveat that this review may be revised after publishing, because I read an early proof and I imagine it will be significantly edited to iron out some of the mistakes/problems in the writing, so I'm reviewing under that assumption. If it's not I will likely be more scathing. Also seriously hoping the cover gets changed or redrawn because it may be the worst cover I have ever seen.
This is billed as a gay romance/haunted house, which is a tall order that it doesn't quite live up to. As is often the case with this kind of description, there's really 2 stories here, and unfortunately the one I ended up really wanting to read was definitely secondary. The two parts also weren't woven in well at all - I almost felt like the haunted house section should have been told from the perspective of an entirely different character or dropped altogether, despite the fact that was by far the thread I was most interested in. At the least it either needs fleshing out or removed from any promotional materials.
The romance I had problems with. It was cute, and people who read a lot of teen gay romance will love it! However, it reads like fan fiction - in fact, most of the book does. This isn't necessarily bad - people love fan fiction - but the point of fan fiction is to flesh out stuff from characters you like that you don't see in the original media representations, due to queer baiting, exploration of characters/plot points/fan theories/in-world logic, or just wanting some warm fuzzies (or hot and heavies) for characters. It inherently fits around already created media. This felt like 3/4 of a book, and specifically not all of a romance. The plot points between the two leads were incredibly artificially contrived, from the first meetings to the inevitable rift (which felt ridiculously contrived even by the standards of actual fanfic). It felt like we were missing the actual plot. If you're used to reading fanfic or romance or similar media I actually think this will be fine - once you know you have to take the development of the relationships with a pinch of salt and create them in your head, you can, and then it's all dandy. The problem is that books aren't traditionally a collaborative media in this way (in fact most media isn't.) Even with nuanced, subtle storytelling - which to be clear, this is not - the actual story is normally laid out on the page in such a way that it leads you through instead of showing you quick snapshots of cute!-pain!-cute! This fails to do that and it would take pretty much a rewrite of the entire book to build that narrative. If you are familiar with those tropes, again, you can build it in your head, but you have to want to. It's a book where you already need to have decided to be invested going in, because you aren't going to get that from the text itself, which is all shallow tropes skipping around - again, this may be perfect for a specific type of reader.
The other problem I have with this is less a problem than a taste clash. This is yet another teen book about a romance between teenage boys written by an adult woman (from what I can tell). The book world seems to have decided not to question this particular trope, or to consider #ownvoices important for gay men, which is a broader issue not related to this book; but what is related is how the romance is written. There is a specific feel to this book that is the same as most other teen m/m romances written by women, one which I didn't really clock until reading more m/m romances written by men attracted to men. If you know, you know is the case with this - either it bothers you and you know or it doesn't and you'll enjoy this. For me, it felt a little fake, a little saccharine, a little like puppets, and a little like it needed someone who's queer to marry up a couple of the threads that rang a little hollow.
Otherwise, it's fine. It's not a deep or meaningful book but it isn't supposed to be. If I'd picked it up off the shelf I probably would have DNFed it pretty early but by the time I'd got to the middle I'd accepted it was a bit of a build-your-own book and by the end I was genuinely enjoying myself, so it definitely earned its 2* - it's just a shame I felt myself have to actively slip back into my teenage fanfic reading headspace to do so.
December 2, 2023
4.5 🌟
Spooky Gilmore Girls but make it gay is a new favorite trope
Spooky Gilmore Girls but make it gay is a new favorite trope
July 26, 2024
Sad I didn't write a proper review when I finished it, because I absolutely loved. Really cute and has so much heart!
November 14, 2024
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.
July 7, 2022
I am OBSESSED. WITH. THIS. I can actually so picture this as a Heartstopper-esque graphic novel, because it was absolutely adorable! Pax and Sal are EVERYTHING, and I'd happily read 500 more books about them and the entire friendship group (who are just goals, btw). It read like the cutest slow-burn fanfiction, and I devoured it in one sitting. Ugh, I need MORE!
January 7, 2024
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Salem “Sal” Amani ha diciassette anni e vive al numero 17 di Yew Tree Lane nella cittadina di Holden. La sua non è un’abitazione come le altre ma, anzi, è la famosa “Casa Infestata” del paese, fonte di leggende e dicerie perpetue tra gli abitanti. Vive lì insieme a sua sorella maggiore Asha e a sua madre. Il padre è venuto a mancare cinque anni prima e da allora la famiglia Amani ha passato il tempo più a sopravvivere che a vivere per davvero. Questo ha fatto sì che Sal diventasse chiuso e un po’ musone e che non si inserisse molto a scuola. Il suo unico amico è Dirk, ma a volte Sal non è sicuro che il ragazzo (molto popolare, al contrario suo) non gli sia amico solo perché ha una cotta per sua sorella.
Così, quando l’eccentrico Pax Delaney bussa alla sua porta con i suoi maglioni sferruzzati a mano e il sorriso contagioso, Sal non è preparato ai sentimenti che il ragazzo gli scatena dentro.
Inoltre, Sal non ha tempo da perdere con le stupidaggini sui fantasmi che abitano la sua casa e che sembrano affascinare tanto Pax; ha problemi ben più grandi di quelli, tipo capire come fare per uscire da quella bolla in cui si è ritrovato a sopravvivere dopo la morte del padre e tornare a vivere…
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Salem “Sal” Amani ha diciassette anni e vive al numero 17 di Yew Tree Lane nella cittadina di Holden. La sua non è un’abitazione come le altre ma, anzi, è la famosa “Casa Infestata” del paese, fonte di leggende e dicerie perpetue tra gli abitanti. Vive lì insieme a sua sorella maggiore Asha e a sua madre. Il padre è venuto a mancare cinque anni prima e da allora la famiglia Amani ha passato il tempo più a sopravvivere che a vivere per davvero. Questo ha fatto sì che Sal diventasse chiuso e un po’ musone e che non si inserisse molto a scuola. Il suo unico amico è Dirk, ma a volte Sal non è sicuro che il ragazzo (molto popolare, al contrario suo) non gli sia amico solo perché ha una cotta per sua sorella.
Così, quando l’eccentrico Pax Delaney bussa alla sua porta con i suoi maglioni sferruzzati a mano e il sorriso contagioso, Sal non è preparato ai sentimenti che il ragazzo gli scatena dentro.
Inoltre, Sal non ha tempo da perdere con le stupidaggini sui fantasmi che abitano la sua casa e che sembrano affascinare tanto Pax; ha problemi ben più grandi di quelli, tipo capire come fare per uscire da quella bolla in cui si è ritrovato a sopravvivere dopo la morte del padre e tornare a vivere…
Continua sul nostro blog!
September 13, 2023
To me this book didn’t feel like it had much of a plot at all, just vibes. Everything felt very surface-level. It also isn’t a very long book, so being at the 40% mark and still not having a single viable plot point in sight for me was a bit disappointing.
Pros of the story: Pax, Dirk, a semi-realistic high school experience, Asha being a strong female who values art and herself more than romance, and Pax's relationship with his mum.
I was hoping to like this story more than I did, but I struggled through it. It had some good moments but it also had a lot of very boring moments.
Pros of the story: Pax, Dirk, a semi-realistic high school experience, Asha being a strong female who values art and herself more than romance, and Pax's relationship with his mum.
I was hoping to like this story more than I did, but I struggled through it. It had some good moments but it also had a lot of very boring moments.
June 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book and review it. This wasn’t what I expected it to be but almost in the best way. I love Pax so much and would kill for him. Sal is such an interesting character and I feel for him.
Cozy cute read. Good for fall.
Cozy cute read. Good for fall.
October 14, 2023
This was so cute, and the perfect book to read in one sitting
May 6, 2023
“Here, restless days turn into restless nights, until sleep becomes just a memory and blue shadows appear like bruises beneath your eyes.”
This book in three words: cosy, queer, beautiful.
_____________________
Gosh I loved this book.
I don’t usually like character driven books but The Other Ones spoke to me in such a way I can only compare it to I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (which is one of my all time faves and is definitely a compliment). The writing is beautiful🥹
I won’t go too much into it as I don’t want to spoil anything but the way Hart worked up to the ending was so thought provoking and the allegory was so well done. At least, the way I interpreted it? But that’s the best thing about books isn’t it, everyone can take things for their own.
I adored the cast of characters, like a lil ragtag bunch of people who find each other right when they all needed to most. In particular, Pax. Hands down, he’s now one of my all time favourite characters🥹
I’d love nothing more than to get cosy with him and talk about witchy things, he’d deffo be down to read vampire books and if we get peckish we’d bake with his mum. Speaking of, his mum is freaking adorable and their lil house is complete goals. Also, if they made a movie of this, I see Miles Heizer playing Pax so clearly!!
I don’t see this book on here often so I hope that changes as it’s really beautiful. I also have two copies cause as soon as I finished it I went and found the Waterstones exclusive on vinted cause it has spredges😮💨🤣
You know the way some books make you long for summer? This made me long for autumn, I know I’ll re-read this every year. Hopefully whilst it’s raining with a big blanket and snacks. Cosy!!!
I can’t wait to see what Hart writes next!
🕯️🍂🧡
This book in three words: cosy, queer, beautiful.
_____________________
Gosh I loved this book.
I don’t usually like character driven books but The Other Ones spoke to me in such a way I can only compare it to I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (which is one of my all time faves and is definitely a compliment). The writing is beautiful🥹
I won’t go too much into it as I don’t want to spoil anything but the way Hart worked up to the ending was so thought provoking and the allegory was so well done. At least, the way I interpreted it? But that’s the best thing about books isn’t it, everyone can take things for their own.
I adored the cast of characters, like a lil ragtag bunch of people who find each other right when they all needed to most. In particular, Pax. Hands down, he’s now one of my all time favourite characters🥹
I’d love nothing more than to get cosy with him and talk about witchy things, he’d deffo be down to read vampire books and if we get peckish we’d bake with his mum. Speaking of, his mum is freaking adorable and their lil house is complete goals. Also, if they made a movie of this, I see Miles Heizer playing Pax so clearly!!
I don’t see this book on here often so I hope that changes as it’s really beautiful. I also have two copies cause as soon as I finished it I went and found the Waterstones exclusive on vinted cause it has spredges😮💨🤣
You know the way some books make you long for summer? This made me long for autumn, I know I’ll re-read this every year. Hopefully whilst it’s raining with a big blanket and snacks. Cosy!!!
I can’t wait to see what Hart writes next!
🕯️🍂🧡
March 9, 2024
I picked this for the premise of a haunted house. With ghosts. I was looking forward to it. I felt like there were some missing important chapters. Let’s just say there was nothing spooky about this book. I liked Sal and Pax slow romance . And it was an easy reading. Just not what I expected from a haunting book. The ending left everything hopeful which I appreciated. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
October 21, 2024
3.5⭐️
November 6, 2022
In this story we follow Sal who lives in a haunted house.
He longs to be ordinary, but when the strangest of strangers arrives on his doorstep – a fellow outcast called Pax – his life grows even more complicated.
Even though this book was not spooky or real horror, I still loved it. It was such a nice cozy fall read with all the elements of a good story.
Pax was such an amazing character and I loved to see how he was throughout the whole book, unapologetically himself. It was refreshing to see a teenage character like that.
It is a story about love, identity, grief and some of the struggles that Sad has to go through each day.
Perfect for: Fans of Heartsopper looking for a Fall cozy story and a bit of Halloween vibes.
He longs to be ordinary, but when the strangest of strangers arrives on his doorstep – a fellow outcast called Pax – his life grows even more complicated.
Even though this book was not spooky or real horror, I still loved it. It was such a nice cozy fall read with all the elements of a good story.
Pax was such an amazing character and I loved to see how he was throughout the whole book, unapologetically himself. It was refreshing to see a teenage character like that.
It is a story about love, identity, grief and some of the struggles that Sad has to go through each day.
Perfect for: Fans of Heartsopper looking for a Fall cozy story and a bit of Halloween vibes.
August 19, 2024
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.
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.
November 27, 2023
cute but pretty forgettable imo 🫤
August 21, 2023
Sal and his sister live in a haunted house. A house that the entire village stays away from, that creaks and groans, and seems to trap the spirits of anyone who has lived there... At least that's what Sal's mum says. But when Pax, the new kid in town, is drawn to the house by his love of the occult and supernatural, it's the friendship and affection of Sal that keeps him going back. Together with the rest of his group of "Others" Sal works to find the courage to truly banish his ghosts.
This book is deliciously cosy, heartwarming, and intriguing. I went into it expecting a certain story and theme, and had that totally flipped around on me. Meeting grumpy, but with a heart of gold, Sal, the literal sunshine weird boy Pax, and the rest was delightful. Queerness without associated phobia as a struggle is always refreshing, and to see Sal develop himself and learn about his sexuality was lovely. The theme of ghosts and unspoken hauntings was wonderful, and the development of a really good core group of friends for the outcasts, the weird, and the wonderful was fantastic to see.
A pumpkin spice candle, hot chocolate, and a blanket in a book. So much love for this!
This book is deliciously cosy, heartwarming, and intriguing. I went into it expecting a certain story and theme, and had that totally flipped around on me. Meeting grumpy, but with a heart of gold, Sal, the literal sunshine weird boy Pax, and the rest was delightful. Queerness without associated phobia as a struggle is always refreshing, and to see Sal develop himself and learn about his sexuality was lovely. The theme of ghosts and unspoken hauntings was wonderful, and the development of a really good core group of friends for the outcasts, the weird, and the wonderful was fantastic to see.
A pumpkin spice candle, hot chocolate, and a blanket in a book. So much love for this!
August 6, 2024
Sorry to say this one was a miss for me. The writing felt so simplistic and at times clumsy, to the point that the book felt confusing at times and at other times had me longing to just skim and get it over with. Pax is cute, but I wish he was less of a manic pixie dream boy, and wish all the characters had felt a little more real. I did like the friend group, and there were some fun moments, but I was disappointed in the "spooky" aspects and really did not vibe with the writing. I would have DNF'd if it wasn't an ARC. Not one I'll be recommending, unfortunately.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
*ARC provided by NetGalley
November 2, 2022
OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO GOOD!
salem was written so well and he was definitely my favourite character
i saw a few mixed reviews about this book so i was a bit nervous to read it after i was looking forward to the release, i would 100% recommend!
salem was written so well and he was definitely my favourite character
i saw a few mixed reviews about this book so i was a bit nervous to read it after i was looking forward to the release, i would 100% recommend!
October 19, 2023
How dare these fictional boys have the high school love story I always wanted!
April 11, 2024
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Other Ones by Fran Hart is a precious Queer YA contemporary romance between opposites, one of whom lives in a house believed to be haunted.
"Haven’t they heard we’re haunted yet?” “They heard,” Sal said. “That’s why he came.” “Oh dear.”
I loved our entire cast of characters. Salem is a loner and Pax has golden retriever energy. Salem ends up in a friendship group of four that includes him, Pax the "eccentric " new kid, the jock, and the once popular girl. The four of them shouldn't work on the surface but they do and its wonderful. Then you have Salem's sister and Pax's mom who were great addition's to the story.
Sal pulled him closer. “I don’t want you to be normal. And I don’t want you to be anything for me. I want you to be who you want to be.” “But you have enough weird stuff in your life.” “Maybe weird is my normal,” Sal said. Pax’s mouth twitched into a smile, his nose wrinkling. “I think it’s mine too.”
Salem and Pax become unlikely friends that turn in to a sweet and innocent relationship between the two. They were utterly adorable 🥰 Besides the growth of their relationship and the day to day that goes along with surviving high school, Salem battles with grief and the ghosts of his past.
Overall, I adored The Other Ones by Fran Hart. A sweet Queer YA with crushes, first kisses, misfit friends, graveyard picnics, pumpkin carving, grief, healing, and a happy ending. With spooky vibes, this makes a perfect light read for the Halloween season!
The Other Ones by Fran Hart is a precious Queer YA contemporary romance between opposites, one of whom lives in a house believed to be haunted.
"Haven’t they heard we’re haunted yet?” “They heard,” Sal said. “That’s why he came.” “Oh dear.”
I loved our entire cast of characters. Salem is a loner and Pax has golden retriever energy. Salem ends up in a friendship group of four that includes him, Pax the "eccentric " new kid, the jock, and the once popular girl. The four of them shouldn't work on the surface but they do and its wonderful. Then you have Salem's sister and Pax's mom who were great addition's to the story.
Sal pulled him closer. “I don’t want you to be normal. And I don’t want you to be anything for me. I want you to be who you want to be.” “But you have enough weird stuff in your life.” “Maybe weird is my normal,” Sal said. Pax’s mouth twitched into a smile, his nose wrinkling. “I think it’s mine too.”
Salem and Pax become unlikely friends that turn in to a sweet and innocent relationship between the two. They were utterly adorable 🥰 Besides the growth of their relationship and the day to day that goes along with surviving high school, Salem battles with grief and the ghosts of his past.
Overall, I adored The Other Ones by Fran Hart. A sweet Queer YA with crushes, first kisses, misfit friends, graveyard picnics, pumpkin carving, grief, healing, and a happy ending. With spooky vibes, this makes a perfect light read for the Halloween season!
May 24, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this eARC
The Other Ones turned out to be a very easy read. I felt that all the characters were well written, and had distinct, realistic personalities and reactions; they helped make the story feel like a real high school experience. Sal’s narrative was increasingly interesting to follow, and I had a hard time putting the book down once I'd started. There was subtle comedy that the author cleverly placed throughout the book, which created a distinct and engaging narration.
My issues with the book would be that by the end of the story I felt like something was missing, or more so left out. It seemed as though we hadn't learned much about the other characters, and that some piece of the story was left unresolved, yet I can't pinpoint exactly what. A lot of these characters aspects could’ve been utilized more, and at some points it felt like the story wasn’t getting anywhere. Pax in particular should have been expanded upon more, he was a wonderfully written character and played a huge role in the narrative, and yet I feel like he didn't get nearly enough attention as he should have. I was expecting to learn about him more deeply as I read on, but not much was expressed, and by the end his character didn't feel resolved or complete. There were minor grammatical errors that stuck out that should be looked over by editors. Otherwise, this was a well crafted piece that accurately portrayed what it is like for a family to grieve, and what the experience would be like in the mind of a teenager.
The Other Ones turned out to be a very easy read. I felt that all the characters were well written, and had distinct, realistic personalities and reactions; they helped make the story feel like a real high school experience. Sal’s narrative was increasingly interesting to follow, and I had a hard time putting the book down once I'd started. There was subtle comedy that the author cleverly placed throughout the book, which created a distinct and engaging narration.
My issues with the book would be that by the end of the story I felt like something was missing, or more so left out. It seemed as though we hadn't learned much about the other characters, and that some piece of the story was left unresolved, yet I can't pinpoint exactly what. A lot of these characters aspects could’ve been utilized more, and at some points it felt like the story wasn’t getting anywhere. Pax in particular should have been expanded upon more, he was a wonderfully written character and played a huge role in the narrative, and yet I feel like he didn't get nearly enough attention as he should have. I was expecting to learn about him more deeply as I read on, but not much was expressed, and by the end his character didn't feel resolved or complete. There were minor grammatical errors that stuck out that should be looked over by editors. Otherwise, this was a well crafted piece that accurately portrayed what it is like for a family to grieve, and what the experience would be like in the mind of a teenager.
October 25, 2023
Well, here's an adorable book I didn't know I needed. Emotional moments, friendship, and the occasional pumpkin! I admit if you're looking for a more Halloween element, no spoilers, you may be surprised by this. It's more of a cozy read either way, hauntings aside. Also though I loved the friendships they may have more of a romantic angle than friendship; and I was totally okay with this since it was so adorable.
4/5 cups of coffee, it's so cute I can barely handle it.
4/5 cups of coffee, it's so cute I can barely handle it.
June 8, 2024
This was a cute little edgy teen romance.
The mum situation was written so accurately that I could remember my own awkwardness and pain.. It takes a solid writer to do that, I think.
Pax is beautiful but why was Annie so cagey?
The mum situation was written so accurately that I could remember my own awkwardness and pain.. It takes a solid writer to do that, I think.
Pax is beautiful but why was Annie so cagey?
July 19, 2023
Neither a good or bad book.
I kinda feel disappointed.
I kinda feel disappointed.
November 14, 2023
I loved it so much. It was the best fall/cozy halloween book to read on the bus while going home. I love the characters so much. Pax is my babyboy my little sweetheart😭
It was a really nice story too and even the family drama was interesting
It was a really nice story too and even the family drama was interesting
October 13, 2023
Leave me and my cosy YA romance alone
(I liked it. Sort of nothing happened. It was cute! Maybe I'll write a real review one day.)
(I liked it. Sort of nothing happened. It was cute! Maybe I'll write a real review one day.)
June 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
If there’s one thing you should take away from this book, it is ABSOLUTELY the themes and message surrounding death and grief.
The Other Ones is a great tale for teens who are struggling with the complexities that come along with a loss of any kind. Salem and Asha’s characters portray the anger, emptiness, confusion, self-sufficiency, and joy that come with processing and dealing with loss magnificently. There was a delicate balance of being stuck within yourself and letting the passage of time take you throughout The Other Ones that I felt drove the overall theme home.
After reading a few reviews, this seems to come up as a point of contention with the book, but I for one enjoyed the guise of the paranormal, feeling it to be an apt cover up for what was really going on beneath the surface. It didn’t feel like I was being “lead on” by this book and what story it wanted to tell, mainly because it’s kinda obvious this isn’t a genuine “haunting” and more so the aftermath of a family who has gone through an unresolved death. (Also employing the use of the paranormal as a means of telling this story was an excellent choice, as it can truly feel like you’re “haunted” after a loss.)
I do wish we got a little more with the side characters and their developments as friends, Sal’s discovering his sexuality, and generally a bit more “meat” at the end of the book. The ending felt conclusitory enough, it just left me wanting a little bit more.
Despite that, let me gush about Sal and Pax and the coziness of this book for just a moment. This was such a pleasant, casually queer read! I absolutely adored every minute of Sal and Pax’s relationship and how it developed. (Pax had the coziest room I’ve ever read and I am JEALOUS!) They were so so cute!!!
I’m so excited to see where Fran Hart goes with her writing career because DAMN was this a great debut book.
All in all, loved The Other Ones and I will be picking up a physical copy upon release.
(Can’t believe I read this in less than 48 hours…)
4/5
If there’s one thing you should take away from this book, it is ABSOLUTELY the themes and message surrounding death and grief.
The Other Ones is a great tale for teens who are struggling with the complexities that come along with a loss of any kind. Salem and Asha’s characters portray the anger, emptiness, confusion, self-sufficiency, and joy that come with processing and dealing with loss magnificently. There was a delicate balance of being stuck within yourself and letting the passage of time take you throughout The Other Ones that I felt drove the overall theme home.
After reading a few reviews, this seems to come up as a point of contention with the book, but I for one enjoyed the guise of the paranormal, feeling it to be an apt cover up for what was really going on beneath the surface. It didn’t feel like I was being “lead on” by this book and what story it wanted to tell, mainly because it’s kinda obvious this isn’t a genuine “haunting” and more so the aftermath of a family who has gone through an unresolved death. (Also employing the use of the paranormal as a means of telling this story was an excellent choice, as it can truly feel like you’re “haunted” after a loss.)
I do wish we got a little more with the side characters and their developments as friends, Sal’s discovering his sexuality, and generally a bit more “meat” at the end of the book. The ending felt conclusitory enough, it just left me wanting a little bit more.
Despite that, let me gush about Sal and Pax and the coziness of this book for just a moment. This was such a pleasant, casually queer read! I absolutely adored every minute of Sal and Pax’s relationship and how it developed. (Pax had the coziest room I’ve ever read and I am JEALOUS!) They were so so cute!!!
I’m so excited to see where Fran Hart goes with her writing career because DAMN was this a great debut book.
All in all, loved The Other Ones and I will be picking up a physical copy upon release.
(Can’t believe I read this in less than 48 hours…)
4/5
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