Other

Confessing I’m a shapeshifter could get me killed.

I crave the forbidden rush of leaping from my bedroom window at night and transforming into an owl, but I could lose it all if anyone catches me. Shapeshifting can be a beautiful and deadly secret.

I’m Other. A half-pooka shapeshifter, to be exact. In the small town of Klikamuks, Washington, coming out as a paranormal person means staring down the barrel of a shotgun. I haven’t even told my boyfriend, Zack, who I really am. And I’m hoping he will be the boy to take my virginity.

Worse, a pack of werewolves claims the national forest behind my house as their territory. Tensions in Klikamuks escalate into murder. 

A serial killer is targeting Others like me.

On the hunt for clues, I meet Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who challenges me to embrace my shapeshifting. He rivals Zack and makes me question everything.

Can I find the killer before he finds me, or will my secrets be the death of me?

Book #1 in the A Beautiful and Deadly Secret series.

Romance heat level: 🌶️🌶️ (2 out of 5)


Excerpt:

I can’t last much longer. It’s been one week, three days, and I forget how many hours. 

My belly cramps, and I curl on my bed, staring out at the stars. A delicious breeze glides through my window and cools my sweaty forehead. The air smells of summer—mowed grass, recent rain, lingering barbecue—and tempts me more than I want to admit. Shards of moonlight and shadow shift on the wall. I clench my teeth and toes and try to ride out the pain. My bedroom drifts counterclockwise, and I shut my eyes. 

It can’t be good for me, not shapeshifting. 


2011 YALSA Top Ten Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

Other has it all: love, shifters, pookas, and nail-biting action. What’s even better, Kincy’s characters are vibrant, real and lovable. This is a debut that leaves you aching for more.” – Carrie JonesNew York Times bestselling author of Need and Captivate

“This who-done-it is an unusual blend of mystery and fantasy, starring original characters not often featured in modern urban fantasy for teens. I really enjoyed it.” – Annette Curtis Klause, author of Blood and Chocolate

“Gwen is extremely likable as the impulsive, conflicted heroine, and although Tavian is a bit perfect, their romance is a dynamic counterpoint to the suspenseful mystery.” – Booklist

“The emotional turmoil of the characters is evident and will appeal to readers who have felt misunderstood or as if they don’t belong.” – School Library Journal


What readers are saying…

“What a fantastic debut novel! I absolutely loved this world that Kincy created….. Where ‘Others’ live among humans. It’s ‘normal’ to see a centaur beside you shopping in the produce section at the grocery store. I mean wouldn’t that be a riot! It was interesting to have a novel that included an array of mythological and magical creatures.” – The Story Siren

Other was a fantastic and enthralling debut that had me glued to the pages from the start…. With an engaging and exciting plot, romance, and terrific characters, Other is a debut I’d recommend to just about anyone.” – The Book Scout

“Outstanding debut! Karen Kincy does a fantastic job weaving our world with a mythological one, a place were all beings can coexist. Can you imagine seeing a centaur in the produce aisle – it would definitely make grocery shopping a lot more interesting. Karen takes a current problem in our world and develops this amazing story around it. The story itself is great, but it is the underlying lesson it teaches that makes me love it” – Page Turners

Other is a remarkable debut novel featuring an amazing mystery who-done-it style. Add in a wide variety of paranormal creatures, and I was hooked.” – The Neverending Shelf

“Overall the book is really very sweet, and has an addictive and captivating storyline.  I found it to be a fast read – and every page is convincing.  It’s very sad in places, and the characters shine through with their emotions.  Most of the way through the book I was smiling, it’s a deliciously delightful read with some fantastic twists…” – Clover Hill Book Reviews

“Gwen’s snark is realistic, without being overshadowing the rest of her personality.  She isn’t just a random font of witty one-liners and banter.  She struggles between her human and Other selves, and explores some of her own self-hate throughout the course of the novel.  If Gwen had been gay, or of a mixed race, many of the themes of the book would still have held true.” – The Bookanistas

Other has a strong storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You have mystery, paranormal, suspense, love. All things we want in our YA novels.” – Courtney Reads

“Karen Kincy has an absolutely awesome writing style. It’s descriptive and at sometimes, almost poetic.” – Mindful Musings

“The writing was fantastic. It really made you feel as if you were right next to Gwen. Gwen goes through a lot, and Kincy portrays this very well and really makes you feel for Gwen. There’s a perfect balance between describing everything and dialogue.” – The Book Cellar

“There is almost a love triangle, but not quite. I will say, keep your eyes peeled for Tavian. He is awesome. Plus he’s Asian. YAY PoC love interest!!”- Good Books & Good Wine

“The plot is original and creative. Honestly, it was one of few books that I could not guess what was going to happen or who the enemy was. No part of this book bored me and it ran in a smooth pace. I dare you to go and pick this book up right now!” – Lost in Believing

“There are dryads, and water sprites, and leprechauns, oh my!… They are all so unique and fascinating in their own way, I loved reading about them and I was sorry to see the story end because it meant my journey with them was coming to an end for now.” – A Bookworms Haven

8 thoughts on “Other”

  1. Pingback: Welcome! | Karen Kincy

  2. Pingback: Debut Author Challenge 2010 » The Nightowl

  3. Pingback: Other « Book Reviews of a Teenage Readaholic

  4. I LOVE this book! It makes me feel so happy and magical. It's also something I can connect to, seeing as my name is Gwen and I feel as if I can relate to the character. I think I'm going to buy this book to put in my favourite books shelf 🙂

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