Dickens & Rumi
Cover of OTHERWORLDLY

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OTHERWORLDLY

F.T. Lukens

A skeptical human and a supernatural being strike a bargain with each other. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to teens because of grief, supernatural peril, emotionally intense relationships, some frightening moments, and mature themes, while sexual content appears limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Grief and loss affect the characters, and the story includes life-or-death stakes, but death is not the central focus and does not appear extensively depicted.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries may be mentioned, but there is no explicit or gratuitous description of gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild occasional language.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

The primary relationship is a same-sex romance between the two leads; LGBTQIA identity is central and normalized.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

A central, sweet, and developing romantic relationship between the two main male leads.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Tense situations involving interdimensional threats and dangerous encounters, but not designed to be horror-scary.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Includes gentle romantic affection and kissing consistent with typical Young Adult fiction.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Not a focus of the story.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes fantasy battles, skirmishes, and magical conflicts, but they are not excessively gory or brutal.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly act with courage in the face of unknown dimensions and threats.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Features imaginative world-building, high-concept magical elements, and creative problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features queer representation; portrays diverse identities with respect and agency.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons in interpersonal communication and problem-solving.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, empathy, and mutual support are key elements of the protagonists' development.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on acceptance, finding one's place, the importance of teamwork, and being true to oneself.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate loyalty, bravery, and self-reflection as they grow and mature throughout the story.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in OTHERWORLDLY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in OTHERWORLDLY, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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