The Other Inheritance

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Author(s)

Rebecca Jaycox

Publisher

Rocking Horse Publishing

Genre(s)

Age Range

14+

Release Date

November 06, 2014

ISBN

978-0990829539

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Seventeen-year-old Reggie has been having a tougher time than usual. As if dealing with her alcoholic mother and fighting school bullies isn't enough, this biker dude shows up in her dreams, babbling about magic and a world called the Other. Then, in biology class, her finger brushes a dead frog set out for dissection and it leaps off the table, scaring everyone, including her. Reggie's life is changing, and she has no idea why. Or whether she should believe the man in her dreams, who claims she's in danger and that someone is coming to take her to a safer reality. But if there's one thing she's learned, nowhere is safe.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

A highly enjoyable story of an ordinary girl thrown into extraordinary circumstances.

November 06, 2016

Overall rating

4.7

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The Other Inheritance by Rebecca Jaycox

The Story:
When seventeen-year-old Reggie brings a dead frog back to life and is visited by a mysterious man in a series of very realistic dreams, she is on the precipice of learning about a whole other magical world, a whole other side to herself, and about an entirely new destiny mapped out for her.

The Characters:
One of the great things about The Other Inheritance is Reggie’s intelligence and confidence. She questions why things are happening to her and the reasons behind them. She is not content to be led around with blinders on. In saying that, I found myself wishing she was more selfish. There are a couple of instances where Reggie immediately forgave people who had betrayed and misled her, and I found myself questioning the believability of her response—regardless of the fact forgiveness is a great quality.
The complexities and revelations surrounding the antagonist were intriguing. Other notable characters are a loyal best friend, John, and of course the ‘at moral war with himself’ Asher.

The World:
The concept of a parallel world in which magic exists is clearly and simply explained. Upon entering into the Other, the differences between the Other and the Real (Earth) are well depicted. The cultures and intricacies of this fresh fantasy world are a pleasure to discover and hold the readers’ attention from the moment Reggie crosses through the barrier. The Author has done a wonderful job in bringing the Other to life.

The Readability
Medium-to-fast pace throughout. Professionally edited with an easy-to-read and vivid writing style. Rebecca Jaycox has put a lot of effort into the plausibility of this story. If Reggie is being misled, there is a perfectly good reason why she has believed the deception. Too often, authors rely on the age and naivety in their young adult characters, however the Other Inheritance has a water-tight structure, allowing the author to present us with an intelligent and strong young woman, and an unpredictable plot - so refreshing!

Final Verdict:
A highly enjoyable story of an ordinary girl thrown into extraordinary circumstances. I made the mistake of judging this book by its cover before reading—a big mistake it turns out, as I was pleasantly surprised with the professional quality of the story inside.

Favorite Quote:
“A dull throb began as she reached out toward it. The closer she came, the sharper the throbbing. Energy surged within her pushing to get out, her skin a poor casing for her power. She sensed the drowning emptiness of the beetle, the essential spark of life gone.”

Kelly St. Clare, Staff Reviewer Top 500 Reviewer 37 reviews

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User reviews

3 reviews

Overall rating

4.8

Plot

4.7(3)

Characters

5.0(3)

Writing Style

4.7(3)

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Awesome Debut!

October 27, 2016

Overall rating

4.7

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Fantastic debut novel from an up and coming author.

Reggie is a teen with a lot on her plate, already dealing with her depressed and alcoholic mother, so how can she just pack up and leave for the Other, a place where magic rules and yet that's what she has to do, else she risks putting herself, he mother and her best friend in danger.

I fell in love with Jaycox's characters and world almost immediately. I particularly loved her changeling character Brwyn.

Anxiously awaiting part 2 in the trilogy.

Debbie Manber Kupfer 1 reviews

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Gripping!

August 25, 2015

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5.0

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I was hooked from the first chapter until the very end!
Reggie is just another teenage girl who has had a tough upbringing. Between a dead father and alcoholic mother, she has had all she can deal with. So throw in a power to raise the dead (and do many other things) and a magical other world and she can deal, right? Well, when you had in the fact that some people in the other world wanted her dead while the others want her to lead a revolution, she has no choice but to deal.
Then there’s a cute boy. What teenage girl can resist a charming boy with a good smile? The only problem is that this boy may not be who he seems when Reggie decides to embark on the ultimate journey with him. Is she going towards the safety of those who would use her to combat evil? Or is she walking to her own execution? You’ll have to read the book yourself to answer these questions. Any don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed.
I can just see the other world in my mind. The excitement and the danger at every turn. It doesn’t let up. I love these kinds of stories- full of magic and adventure. Miss Jaycox does a brilliant job of including the mystical element without making the book too fantastical and unreal. The characters are very real and well developed. You don’t feel like they are that different from you and me.
The only issue I had was the beginning of their relationship. It seemed rushed. Like- “we’re both here and alone so I must jump your bones”. That could be chalked up to them being so young and the rushed feeling does go away very quickly. I eventually ended up rooting for them and getting upset every time they were separated.
I can’t wait to dive into book two when it is released. This is a story that keeps you wanting more!

Michelle Lynn, Assistant Indie Manager Top 50 Reviewer 204 reviews

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Great YA fantasy read!

August 25, 2015 (Updated: August 25, 2015)

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4.7

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In this fast-paced debut from Rebecca Jaycox, we meet 17-year-old Reggie Lang, a teenage girl with an alcoholic mother and an unusual ability: the power to bring dead creatures back to life. Visited in her dreams by a mysterious character named Rhys, Reggie soon finds her life turned upside-down, as she is swept into another world, a world where the true limits of her power are tested to their fullest.

Alongside an unusual ally in Asher, a rebellious slave to the wicked mage Andrius, Reggie must figure out her origins while remaining safe from Andrius's clutches.

This was a fantastic story. Rebecca's world-building skills are terrific, and we experience the otherworldly realm Reggie is drawn into first-hand. The characters are well-developed, and the plot moves along at a brisk pace.

If I have one criticism, it is that the story has a little bit too much graphic violence, sexual situations and harsh language for young kids.

I will await Rebecca's next book with great anticipation!