Parents' Guide to

Otherworld, Book 1

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Virtual reality thriller has old theme but fun, twisty plot.

Book Jason Segel , Kirsten Miller Science Fiction 2017
Otherworld, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

cactuscrazy01
cactuscrazy01 Adult
May 16, 2019
age 18+

language alert

This was a required summer reading choice for my 2 high school sons. I decided to read the book prior to gauge appropriateness, and had to stop just into the 3rd chapter. By page 40, there had already been 16 cuss words, references to a girl being called a sl--, who--, and a classmate whose gmail password was blowj--. I stopped at this point, as there are still 310 pages left to go, and I am uncomfortable with my 14 & 16 yr old being subject to reading this. ( I know they are exposed to this lanuage already at school, but enough is enough----they shouldn't have to read it too!)

This title has:

Too much swearing
James M.
James M. Adult
March 27, 2018
age 11+

Touching and interesting book that captured even my attention!!!

My child who is not an avid reader read this book and was very happy with the content. I thought it would be too gruesome and inappropriate for my child but actually it was not. Unlike what I previously thought it was a great read. I was similar to Ender's Game in a sense but also similar to the Odyssey . In my opinion most kids over the age of 11 should be able to read such an inspiring book.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

At the start of OTHERWORLD, Simon can't understand why his best friend, Kat, won't have anything to do with him anymore. She's hanging with a different crowd at school, and her controlling stepfather warns Simon to keep his distance. Kat is gravely injured in a freak accident, and then outfitted with sophisticated virtual reality gear designed to keep her mind engaged while her body is comatose. Simon vows to search the online realm known as Otherworld until he finds Kat and rescues her avatar, reuniting her mind and body. Soon Simon is traveling between realms, trying to stay alive online lest his physical body die from the trauma it experiences.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Cyberthrillers seem to be making a comeback, and this variant of the old "is it a game, or is it reality?" gambit tries to find new juice in the genre. It isn't always successful, relying on standard fantasy tropes and scenes of corporate skullduggery, but Otherworld has lots of appeal with its snarky dialogue and twisty plotting. The book would benefit from a stronger presence from Kat, who seems too much the standard damsel in distress, but Simon is a protagonist worth following through a series of online adventures.

Readers familiar with cyberpunk may wish for a newer wrinkle, but many more will be primed for the next book in the series from Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Otherworld depicts virtual reality technology. What are the positive and negative aspects of ultra-realistic online gaming?

  • How far would you go to rescue your best friend? Would you be willing to put yourself in danger? Who else might be able to help?

  • Do companies always warn consumers about the possible side effects or dangers of their products?

Book Details

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