“This book left me breathless” — OTHERBOUND by Corinne Duyvis reviewed
Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis
Review by Geraldynn, age 18
What would you do if you suddenly had the ability to be someone else in another world for a while, without being able to get hurt or die? A world where magic was real and there was no school or work to stress over? It is a wonderful concept.
For Nolan, this fantasy is his reality, and it is anything but wonderful.
When he closes his eyes, Nolan experiences Amara’s life whether he wants to or not. While he feels her pain, anger, and desperation, all Nolan can do is watch, until the moment he accidentally controls her.
For Amara, Nolan’s ability can save her life; it can just as easily get her killed.
While the premise is fantastical, two minds connected across two unconnected worlds, Corinne Duyvis portrays a grimly realistic version of the fantasy. Both characters blame the other for making their lives difficult, even as they realize that they have to cooperate with each other to understand their situation. Layers of lies and secrets are slowly peeled back as Nolan and Amara work out the truth behind their unique connection, as well as the political intrigue of Amara’s world.
The story alternates between the two main characters’ perspectives. Duyvis delivers a stark contrast between Nolan’s small town life—a struggle to connect with his own family, focus on school, and hide the true nature of his blackouts whenever he slips for too long into the world behind his eyelids, and Amara’s—the life of a mute servant who is charged with protecting a runaway princess in a world where magic in the hands of the powerful and corrupt is a terrifying thing. Constantly under the threat of death, Amara’s experience is full of violence, desperation, and desire, making Nolan’s problems seem mundane in comparison.
This book left me breathless. The plot kept me guessing until the very end. I honestly was not sure which characters would survive. I have to admit, the idea of a male character controlling a female character seemed unappealing at first. And yet, in the way the story plays out, the moment that Nolan is able to control Amara for the first time is thrilling, like being able to control the main character in a horror movie who is otherwise doomed.
It is to be noted that the violence in this book does not hold back. The amount of body-crushing pain that Amara alone goes through is worthy of a Game of Thrones episode, which makes the “ages 14 and up” rating questionable.
What I liked most about this book was that the story quietly knocks down stereotypes, whether it is about the colour of a person’s skin in relation to their social status, bisexuality, homosexuality, or disability. These details make this book more than just a fantastical tale of magic and mind control. Otherbound is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre that will resonate with readers because of its gritty realism while still being entertaining and unpredictable. Overall, it is a shocking but worthwhile read.
25 thoughts on ““This book left me breathless” — OTHERBOUND by Corinne Duyvis reviewed”
Wow this book sounds like it has an interesting plot. I agree with your point about a male controlling a female character – that does seem a bit odd but I guess it further emphasizes the stark contrast between the two experiences of the two characters. This book seems like it would be a great summer read!
Reading over the review the story has taken another turn of Mind control. But also both characters seems to show they have their sense of self. Also they are aware of the other even when they are both from different worlds. What I find interesting that is focus on both character’s perspectives and not focusing just one character. As the review mention that both characters have their own problems. Also the fact that one is getting mind controlled and is aware of it.
Now, where can I find this book?
This book sounds intriguing. The idea of mind control sounds interesting, because it adds a twist to the plot. Certainly a must-read for the summer!
This book had me wanting to read even though I’m not much of a fan for fiction books (or whatever genre this is) but the author did a good job summarizing the book in a way others will relate too. when I read “two minds connected across two unconnected worlds” I couldn’t stop reading, not only she describe the fantasy but what I like most is that the author mention that this book “knocks out stereo types” which I think is appropriate for books at this generation. Most entertainments have many stereo types, knowing that the book change that idea could really catch many people’s attention (such as myself) and the culture of entertainments.
I have made a mistake when I said author. I meant Geraldynn the one who did the review not the author of this book.
This books seems quite interesting, and it also reminds me of another book I have read, although it isn’t as fantasy driven as this one is, there is still a sense of mind control. It’s good to see that it breaks down stereotypes, which does seem to be a common trend amongst newer books which makes my soul feel good. It’s good to see that there isn’t just a male protagonist that has to do everything, that Amara is also a protagonist in this as well, while most fantasy driven books solely have a male protagonist and that’s it. I will definitely give this book a read, as it does interest me, and I feel like it’s something I’d probably enjoy, given the review.
This book sounds like it’s right up my alley. The contrast between the 2 worlds is what won me over; small town life vs. land of magic and kingdoms. I’m sure I’ll be able to relate to Nolan’s “regular boy” problems with his family and school. What I’m interested in is whether his upbringing will help Amara by approaching her corrupt world with a modernistic solution in the end. However a boy controlling a girl’s mind? Sounds a tad anti-feminist to me? Oh well. I’m sure that the author doesn’t delve into sexual stereotypes, especially since the reviewer mentions that other stereotypes in the story are knocked down. That, I’m thankful for.
If this book really does have violence akin to Game of Thrones, then sign me up! I’m going to get this book for this summer for sure!
Hi Selam! Yes I was wondering about that. I wrote the review, not the author! As for the genre of this book, it is mainly fantastical with a unique blend of science fiction and mystery. I agree that books which challenge stereotypes are important. It’s great that you want to read the book even though you aren’t usually a fan of fiction! Thanks for commenting.
Hello Maine! I was worried about the boy-controls-girl premise as well, but I think the author handled it very realistically. It is mentioned in the review that both characters are unhappy about the situation at first. It is the way they learn to work together that I found impressive. I can assure you, the portrayal of female characters in the book is definitely not anti-feminist. Thank you for reviewing!
Ah! I meant, thank you for commenting. Or “reviewing” my review, if that makes sense. Whatever fits your alley.
Hi Alli! The book is not available yet. It will be released on the 17th of June, so it should be available in bookstores soon. I hope that helps. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
This book sounds really great! I hope the TPL gets lots of copies in! I’m a huge fan for sci-fi and fantasy, and I certainly love realistic stories so this sounds like my kind of thing. Thanks for recommending it Geraldynn. I particularly appreciate you comparing it to GoT. I’m always trying to convince my brother to read and having a TV show to mention helps me get his attention. Otherbound looks great.
You can reserve it at the library right now,just go to this link http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM3112075&R=3112075
As soon as it become available, it will be held for you at whatever library you want it to be sent to!
An interesting premise to say the least. I’m glad to hear that they did not hold back on the violence for the sake of teen reading . . . I’m not a psychopath, let me explain. Too often are complex principles like identity and human connection hindered from being fully fleshed out, and most of the time it’s due to resistance. In order to please the paren’ts or curb controversy (blech), writers will hold back and refuse to truly explore the grim aspects of reality and ourselves, leaving out violence, swearing, etc. So, yeah – I’m ranting a bit here, but I think that goes to show how interested I’ve become in this book. Thanks for the shout out to us GoT fans, I’ll be sure to give it a try!
Hey Mary Ann, send us a review of a book that you think successfully explores reality without leaving out violence, swearing, etc. and we’ll post it here… see the post at the bottom of the “Teen Review” link for details…
“It’s gritty realism while still being.,. unpredictable.”
A fight between what is expected and what is not expected is a common struggle each being faces in a daily basis.. Books holds this power of connection. Like Nolan and Amara, they connect in a way that there is this want for “escape” in their current situation and by achieving this escape, they need each other.
This constant switch and a want for escape hoping to find something better reminds me of the film, “Becoming John Malkovich.”
We, readers, need this connection. We need a form of escape. Possibly an escape to a “hoped” fantasy.
Certainly sounds like a good read. I appreciate the recommendation!
This sounds like a very interesting plot. I’m fascinated by the idea of mind control in a fictional setting, and how the story takes place between two of (what seem to be) antithetical worlds. Also, I appreciate the narrative conflict of man against man, it peaks my interest. Definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy reading!
This review had me very intrigued! It definitely has me wanting to read the book. This review, I guess, basically summarizes the plot in an exciting way telling about the troubles both Nolan and Amara have without giving away too much. It adds a bit of mystery as to what may happen! Definitely going to get this book!!
Otherbound seems like an amazing book to read, considering the plot of the book. The use of mind control and the change of perspective of both leads, Nolan and Amara, allows the reader to continue to read by having the reader to guess, wonder, and want more information. This novel review, has attracted me to want to know what happens in the book since the reviewer, Geraldynn, has provided information that gives the future reader to want to read the book and get to experience what the characters are experiencing in the novel. The sense of being there while Nolan is controlling the mind of Amara to finding out why they have this connection. I look forward to get a hold of this book!
Thank you, that information is really helpful.
You’re welcome and thank you for the information. I can’t wait to check it out.
I love this story’s concept; anything involving multiple worlds and political intrigue counts as a must read for me. I like that your review covers not only the book’s plot, but also social issues that are relevant among the intended audience. Also nice Game of Thrones reference!
The plot is really refreshing! Finally a biracial, bisexual woman who has a disability and may I add, ISN’T HELPLESS AT ALL!!!!! (Finally!!!!) That in itself isn’t something you don’t really come across in teen novels sadly…( Its always the typical caucasian character or/and helpless, dying character. I mean come on!) This book just has so much diversity; it touches topics that is overlooked by society.
Honestly, all the teen novels I’ve read so far such as The Hunger Games Trilogy, and The Fault in our Start, feels as though its just so predictable and isn’t enticing but this book DEFINITELY is just so imaginative! This book is a page turner and just sucks you into this world that actually reflects society!
Personally, I am not much of an avid reader, especially when it comes to the genre of fantasy, but this book caught my attention from the first sentence of this review. Otherbound sounds like it has a lot of different components and situations going on yet they are able to connect and merge into a unique and interesting plot. This book definitely sounds like something I’d like to read and hopefully will do in the future and just from this review alone I feel like it’ll leave readers with a lesson regarding society and strength.
I’ve been looking for a good fantasy book to read. This sounds interesting and I’ll definitely check it out!