The Other Valley Scott: A Novel By Alexander Howard

In "The Other Valley," sixteen-year-old Odile competes for a seat on the Conseil, which controls border crossings in her isolated town. The town exists in a unique temporal loop, with one side twenty years ahead and the other twenty years behind. When Odile spots two visitors from the future—grieving parents of her friend Edme—she realizes they've come to see their son while he's still alive. Edme, who is destined to die soon, is the only person who truly understands Odile. Despite the need for secrecy to preserve the timeline, Odile is drawn closer to Edme, jeopardizing her future and her candidacy for the Conseil.

This literary speculative novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of choice. The intricate world-building, with its dual timelines and isolated town, creates a captivating backdrop for the story. As Odile grapples with her growing feelings for Edme and the ethical dilemmas posed by her knowledge of his fate, readers are taken on a journey that is both elegant and exhilarating.

Praised as a "unique take on the intersection of fate and free will," "The Other Valley" is a stellar debut filled with heartbreak and hope. The prose is described as gorgeous, drawing readers into the emotional depth of the characters and the complexity of their relationships. With its compelling premise and compelling characters, "The Other Valley" is sure to captivate fans of literary speculative fiction.