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The Outworlder
Some battles can’t be won by swords.
Aldeaith’s parents escaped the oppression of their native Tarviss to settle within the Dahlsian Empire. Growing between cultures, Aldeaith always felt like an outcast. His awkwardness around people and propensity to daydreaming didn’t help.
Joining the Dahlsian army was supposed to be a fresh start. A new hope of finding people like him in the vast, multicultural empire. Here, a web of portals keep people close and advanced magic makes everyone equal.
But his hopes are shattered when Tarvissian colonists rebel against Dahls.
His commander’s trust protects him from the immediate backlash, but that is just the beginning. The rebels will stop at nothing to restore the traditional order, one that kept people like Aldeaith subjugated. And Dahlsian army is woefully unprepared and far from unified.
Accused of treason, with the chain of command falling apart around him, he’d have to use all of his wits and accept responsibilities he never wanted, or watch everyone he cares about perish.
Aldeaith’s parents escaped the oppression of their native Tarviss to settle within the Dahlsian Empire. Growing between cultures, Aldeaith always felt like an outcast. His awkwardness around people and propensity to daydreaming didn’t help.
Joining the Dahlsian army was supposed to be a fresh start. A new hope of finding people like him in the vast, multicultural empire. Here, a web of portals keep people close and advanced magic makes everyone equal.
But his hopes are shattered when Tarvissian colonists rebel against Dahls.
His commander’s trust protects him from the immediate backlash, but that is just the beginning. The rebels will stop at nothing to restore the traditional order, one that kept people like Aldeaith subjugated. And Dahlsian army is woefully unprepared and far from unified.
Accused of treason, with the chain of command falling apart around him, he’d have to use all of his wits and accept responsibilities he never wanted, or watch everyone he cares about perish.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2021
1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Natalie J. Holden
6 books20 followersA cat at heart and a hopeless herbal tea addict. Prefers imaginary worlds to the real one, but shamelessly uses fiction to tackle real-life issues. Takes not being good with people to the next level.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
spfbo7
September 27, 2021Read this as a guest judge (With FanFiAddict) for SPFBO 7.
April 3, 2022
7/10 -- First posted at FFA - The Outworlder was a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy. I greatly enjoyed the authors attention to the world building. The many different worlds are connected by “mergers” and travel between worlds can only occur when aligned. All of the different type of worlds were interesting and left me wanting more stories set within them. To name a few: a strange and colorless world, a world of perpetual heat, and a swamp colored world. I loved how character details were tightly connected to the worlds.
The magic was really well done as well. There were sorcerers, telepathic abilities, spheres that release spells upon release, and a system used to measure ones magical potential. Holden has put an immense amount of detail into the story and has given us details that most stories often gloss over, such as world specific measuring systems. I was impressed with how seamlessly written it was as well.
Those who love reluctant main characters will enjoy Aldeaith’s character development. The tagline “Where does your loyalty lie” captures the heart of the story and was central to many of the characters arcs. The anxiety and asexual representation were well portrayed. I wish more stories had asexual rep and I’m so glad Holden gave us it. I think my favorite character ended up being Tayrel Kan. I believe I saw that Holden has previously written a short story featuring the sorcerer called Octopus Song and you better believe that it will be read soon. I hope this is the beginning to a series because I would love to see more stories taking place on different worlds using the merger. I think the only thing that held me back was that although I really enjoyed the story, I wish some scenes were fleshed out a bit more. I was missing that full immersion inside the atmosphere during particular moments.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Shown on page: Violence, Swearing, Character death, Drug use, Mental health issues
Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for allowing me to join in on the book tour for The Outworlder. I received a reading copy and this did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
The magic was really well done as well. There were sorcerers, telepathic abilities, spheres that release spells upon release, and a system used to measure ones magical potential. Holden has put an immense amount of detail into the story and has given us details that most stories often gloss over, such as world specific measuring systems. I was impressed with how seamlessly written it was as well.
“Names are important, Aldait Han,” he stated with sudden gravity. “They tell us who we are and where we came from.”
Those who love reluctant main characters will enjoy Aldeaith’s character development. The tagline “Where does your loyalty lie” captures the heart of the story and was central to many of the characters arcs. The anxiety and asexual representation were well portrayed. I wish more stories had asexual rep and I’m so glad Holden gave us it. I think my favorite character ended up being Tayrel Kan. I believe I saw that Holden has previously written a short story featuring the sorcerer called Octopus Song and you better believe that it will be read soon. I hope this is the beginning to a series because I would love to see more stories taking place on different worlds using the merger. I think the only thing that held me back was that although I really enjoyed the story, I wish some scenes were fleshed out a bit more. I was missing that full immersion inside the atmosphere during particular moments.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Shown on page: Violence, Swearing, Character death, Drug use, Mental health issues
Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for allowing me to join in on the book tour for The Outworlder. I received a reading copy and this did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
March 30, 2022
I was granted complimentary access to The Outworlder by Natalie J. Holden as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with Escapist Book Tours. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Science Fantasy can be a difficult genre to write and a gamble to pick up as a reader, but The Outworlder is a prime example of what happens when an author does the genre justice! Magic and science, fantasy and reality, are blended effortlessly in this world in a way that lets you forget that you're reading a fictional story in a fictional world and jump right into the adventure alongside the characters. The world is rich, well-informed, and clearly much more vast than we know in just this book. I hope this is only book one in the world and that we get more chances to explore! My only "comment" in terms of world-building is that "Mespanians" frequently made me want to say Mesopotamians, and during the stretches that I let my screenreader read it to me that's what it sounded like Alexa was trying to say.
This book is written entirely in one POV, first-person from Aldait's experience, and so our view of the world is his. He's a newcomer here, originally from a world at war, with a very different way of thinking than the people he's now spending all of his time with. That internal conflicts and newness to everything permeates through the book and colours the experience. I loved it! I must say, though, I frequently forgot Aldait is male. Granted he's not human so gender identity is already going to be very different but he quite often felt more like a female voice to me. I'm not sure if that was intentional, as this book is very LGBTQIA+ positive, but I wanted to comment on it.
Give me more! More from Holden! More in this universe!
Science Fantasy can be a difficult genre to write and a gamble to pick up as a reader, but The Outworlder is a prime example of what happens when an author does the genre justice! Magic and science, fantasy and reality, are blended effortlessly in this world in a way that lets you forget that you're reading a fictional story in a fictional world and jump right into the adventure alongside the characters. The world is rich, well-informed, and clearly much more vast than we know in just this book. I hope this is only book one in the world and that we get more chances to explore! My only "comment" in terms of world-building is that "Mespanians" frequently made me want to say Mesopotamians, and during the stretches that I let my screenreader read it to me that's what it sounded like Alexa was trying to say.
This book is written entirely in one POV, first-person from Aldait's experience, and so our view of the world is his. He's a newcomer here, originally from a world at war, with a very different way of thinking than the people he's now spending all of his time with. That internal conflicts and newness to everything permeates through the book and colours the experience. I loved it! I must say, though, I frequently forgot Aldait is male. Granted he's not human so gender identity is already going to be very different but he quite often felt more like a female voice to me. I'm not sure if that was intentional, as this book is very LGBTQIA+ positive, but I wanted to comment on it.
Give me more! More from Holden! More in this universe!
September 24, 2021
I read this book because I kept seeing the author's questions and comments in a Facebook writing group. It was obvious from everything she wrote in the group that her worldbuilding was intense and VERY detailed.
It made me feel a little bad. I thought I did a lot of worldbuilding but obviously I was not doing enough.
Then I thought that maybe all she does is worldbuilding. Maybe her writing would be bogged down with details and forget things like characters and stories. That would make me feel better.
Sadly, for me, she did not forget anything. The characters are unique and amazingly well drawn. The story was gripping - I went out and immediately read her collection of short stories set in her same scifi/fantasy world.
And the worldbuilding? Amazing!
I would hate her if I wasn't a complete and total fan of her work now.
Please write many more things!
It made me feel a little bad. I thought I did a lot of worldbuilding but obviously I was not doing enough.
Then I thought that maybe all she does is worldbuilding. Maybe her writing would be bogged down with details and forget things like characters and stories. That would make me feel better.
Sadly, for me, she did not forget anything. The characters are unique and amazingly well drawn. The story was gripping - I went out and immediately read her collection of short stories set in her same scifi/fantasy world.
And the worldbuilding? Amazing!
I would hate her if I wasn't a complete and total fan of her work now.
Please write many more things!
November 9, 2021
Read it
I'm really bad at writing reviews... But I'll give it a try because this book is worth it. Read this book. It was good.
Go do it now.
I'm really bad at writing reviews... But I'll give it a try because this book is worth it. Read this book. It was good.
Go do it now.
September 14, 2021
The Outworlder is a fantasy story unlike any I’ve ever come across. Dipping into sci-fi only in that it takes place in a far flung future where one race of humans have evolved to survive space travel, there’s still plenty of magic. Everyday people use spells to do chores, and magic fades into the fabric of life.
The Dahlsian Empire offers a lot of benefits to the citizens and worlds that it “acquires”, such as modern medicine and the ability to find new customers for your trade goods. It does need an outfit to keep order though, and those are the Mespanians. One such recruit is Aldait Han, or Aldeäith to give him his birth name. His caste-restricted world erupted into bloody revolution within his lifetime, and Mespana offers the chance to see news worlds, travel, clothes on his back and food in his belly.
Aldait comes across as aloof, uncaring and sometimes harsh to the people around him, even though he has no intention of doing so. He’s had to learn a new language and fit in as best as he can to this culture. The best thing Mespana offers for him is structure, routine, clear expectations AND he doesn’t have to talk to people! Win win win.
Everyone is happy – until war breaks out with Aldait’s home world. Now suddenly his behaviours are under a microscope. NJ Holden’s writing is so visceral and you can feel the palpable tension as every single one of his anxiety-driven actions is examined and turned over, searching for traces of treason, because even bringing his own food along is dangerous to people who evolved rubbish immune systems. Meanwhile, his home world don’t want him back; he’s a peon, less than human. Aldait has to choose a side: his homeland and ancestral people, or the outfit he works for. Both regard him as a traitor or liability to one extent or another.
It’s such a great premise and engagingly written. There’s no info-dumps, so you have to pay attention. It’s told in male 1st person, and getting inside Aldait’s head and the unique way he thinks is so interesting. It’s not afraid to tackle some big issues; I love indie authors for this reason. There isn’t a single trope in here to be found, but there are unique, struggling characters. So I say, give it a try if you want something completely new and to experience a different way of thinking.
AND, it has probably my favourite character to date. Tayrel Kan, a telepathic and extremely powerful sorcerer, tortured, twisted and a fascinating guy.
The Dahlsian Empire offers a lot of benefits to the citizens and worlds that it “acquires”, such as modern medicine and the ability to find new customers for your trade goods. It does need an outfit to keep order though, and those are the Mespanians. One such recruit is Aldait Han, or Aldeäith to give him his birth name. His caste-restricted world erupted into bloody revolution within his lifetime, and Mespana offers the chance to see news worlds, travel, clothes on his back and food in his belly.
Aldait comes across as aloof, uncaring and sometimes harsh to the people around him, even though he has no intention of doing so. He’s had to learn a new language and fit in as best as he can to this culture. The best thing Mespana offers for him is structure, routine, clear expectations AND he doesn’t have to talk to people! Win win win.
Everyone is happy – until war breaks out with Aldait’s home world. Now suddenly his behaviours are under a microscope. NJ Holden’s writing is so visceral and you can feel the palpable tension as every single one of his anxiety-driven actions is examined and turned over, searching for traces of treason, because even bringing his own food along is dangerous to people who evolved rubbish immune systems. Meanwhile, his home world don’t want him back; he’s a peon, less than human. Aldait has to choose a side: his homeland and ancestral people, or the outfit he works for. Both regard him as a traitor or liability to one extent or another.
It’s such a great premise and engagingly written. There’s no info-dumps, so you have to pay attention. It’s told in male 1st person, and getting inside Aldait’s head and the unique way he thinks is so interesting. It’s not afraid to tackle some big issues; I love indie authors for this reason. There isn’t a single trope in here to be found, but there are unique, struggling characters. So I say, give it a try if you want something completely new and to experience a different way of thinking.
AND, it has probably my favourite character to date. Tayrel Kan, a telepathic and extremely powerful sorcerer, tortured, twisted and a fascinating guy.
May 11, 2021
Aldeaith is a man born of one people but raised in another culture, and The Outworlder is all about what happens when those two peoples arrive at an impasse. We ride around with Aldeaith, who even has to change how his birth name is pronounced to help him fit in more. He seems to enjoy his work because it involves very little interaction with people, and people make him anxious.
But when his two homes go to the brink of war, all his little quirks and personality traits come under the microscope of suspicion, and his anxiety around people has a darker interpretation in the minds of his superiors. He questions what he should do, what the right choices are, and even what to feel, in a way that's very well done and had me gripped to the end.
I loved this story. The writing is compelling and weaves around you as you read. The worldbuilding is superb, harnessing technology and magic together effortlessly. Spells and steel mingle with chems and what passes for food in a culture that has given up living on only one planet to explore all of them.
My favourite characters are without a doubt, Aldeaith and TK. :)
If you like fantastical space elements, a military fantasy that's more about inner character battles than big bloody battles, and your sorcerors sarcastic, then you will love this book.
I received an early copy, and this is my honest review.
But when his two homes go to the brink of war, all his little quirks and personality traits come under the microscope of suspicion, and his anxiety around people has a darker interpretation in the minds of his superiors. He questions what he should do, what the right choices are, and even what to feel, in a way that's very well done and had me gripped to the end.
I loved this story. The writing is compelling and weaves around you as you read. The worldbuilding is superb, harnessing technology and magic together effortlessly. Spells and steel mingle with chems and what passes for food in a culture that has given up living on only one planet to explore all of them.
My favourite characters are without a doubt, Aldeaith and TK. :)
If you like fantastical space elements, a military fantasy that's more about inner character battles than big bloody battles, and your sorcerors sarcastic, then you will love this book.
I received an early copy, and this is my honest review.
March 29, 2022
The Outworlder by Natalie J. Holden is an immersive scifi fantasy read with terrific plot and unique, well-written characters.
The story followed Aldeaith, a recruit of Dahlsian army, who was of different race but grown to the multicultural Dahlsian Empire. Because of this, he still felt like an outcast. His aloof and seemed to be uncaring personality didn't help him either. However, when a rebellion broke out, he had to choose side. What could he do when both his ancestral people, Tarvissian, and the Dahls regard him as a traitor?
This novel had a solid and interesting plot. It had political intrigue, action scenes, and did not shy away from discussing important topics such as racism, mental health issues, and social issues. The way the author wrote Aldeaith's anxiety and internal battles was raw and compelling. I could feel the tension in every page. On the other hand, the world building was amazing as well. It was set up in a futuristic way where technology and and magic seamlessly worked together. Also, even when there were a variety of culture and races, each was distinguished and did not cause any confusion.
Like I said, the characters were well-written. Aldeaith was easy to like and connect to. Aside from the external battles he had to face, he also had to deal with his anxiety struggles. I also found Tayrel Kan, a powerful and sarcastic sorcerer, an enthralling character.
Overall, The Outworlder is an irresistible page-turner novel you wouldn't want to miss. I highly recommend this one.
4.5/5 stars!
cw: violence, swearing, death, drug use, and mental health issues
A big thanks to Escapist Tours for the review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The story followed Aldeaith, a recruit of Dahlsian army, who was of different race but grown to the multicultural Dahlsian Empire. Because of this, he still felt like an outcast. His aloof and seemed to be uncaring personality didn't help him either. However, when a rebellion broke out, he had to choose side. What could he do when both his ancestral people, Tarvissian, and the Dahls regard him as a traitor?
This novel had a solid and interesting plot. It had political intrigue, action scenes, and did not shy away from discussing important topics such as racism, mental health issues, and social issues. The way the author wrote Aldeaith's anxiety and internal battles was raw and compelling. I could feel the tension in every page. On the other hand, the world building was amazing as well. It was set up in a futuristic way where technology and and magic seamlessly worked together. Also, even when there were a variety of culture and races, each was distinguished and did not cause any confusion.
Like I said, the characters were well-written. Aldeaith was easy to like and connect to. Aside from the external battles he had to face, he also had to deal with his anxiety struggles. I also found Tayrel Kan, a powerful and sarcastic sorcerer, an enthralling character.
Overall, The Outworlder is an irresistible page-turner novel you wouldn't want to miss. I highly recommend this one.
4.5/5 stars!
cw: violence, swearing, death, drug use, and mental health issues
A big thanks to Escapist Tours for the review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 23, 2021
--Spoiler-Free Review--
Aldeaith is a man caught in the crossfire between worlds, both of which hold claim over him (one by blood, one by choice), and neither of which feel "right".
The Outworlder is one of those special books that will make you think, in addition to being an amazing fantasy story.
When Aldeaith's people (refugees) are all deported from the world he's sworn to protect (in the military), Aldeaith must decide whether to remain in the military of a people who may bring death and destruction upon his race with a war looming on the horizon, or to leave and hope for mercy from the rulers his people fled from in the first place.
Natalie J. Holden does a masterful job of representing personal identity, social, and PTSD and anxiety struggles in a clear light. She also challenges the racism and LGBTQ+ rights issues so many in our world are fighting for in a mirrored but refreshingly thought-provoking way.
Reading The Outworlder has dfinitely left me ready to read more from Natalie, and I highly recommend this read.
--Trigger Warnings: War, death, gruesome violence (death/dismemberment), abuse/assault discussed and shown, substance use--
Aldeaith is a man caught in the crossfire between worlds, both of which hold claim over him (one by blood, one by choice), and neither of which feel "right".
The Outworlder is one of those special books that will make you think, in addition to being an amazing fantasy story.
When Aldeaith's people (refugees) are all deported from the world he's sworn to protect (in the military), Aldeaith must decide whether to remain in the military of a people who may bring death and destruction upon his race with a war looming on the horizon, or to leave and hope for mercy from the rulers his people fled from in the first place.
Natalie J. Holden does a masterful job of representing personal identity, social, and PTSD and anxiety struggles in a clear light. She also challenges the racism and LGBTQ+ rights issues so many in our world are fighting for in a mirrored but refreshingly thought-provoking way.
Reading The Outworlder has dfinitely left me ready to read more from Natalie, and I highly recommend this read.
--Trigger Warnings: War, death, gruesome violence (death/dismemberment), abuse/assault discussed and shown, substance use--
May 26, 2021
This book made me think. Its all about Aldeaith and the line he needs to walk between two worlds. It has technology, magic and all sorts of combination that made me pause. The story kept me interested, wondering what was going to come out of the woodwork next. The author does a fantastic job at showing the inside of someone with anxiety, who was also struggling with who they are.
It was a good read. I don’t want to spoil anything - take a chance and read it.
Would I read it again? No.
Would I read the next one? Yes.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes, it makes you think. If you are looking for a quick read this is not it.
June 10, 2022
I loved this book! It was a perfect blend of fantasy and sci-fi, combining magic and low-level tech. Most of the characters are human and hugely relatable, especially the MC. Aldait Han belongs to one people by birth but another by choice, which leads to a great deal of internal conflict. Especially when members of his race mount a rebellion against his adopted home, and as a member of the Dahlsian military he's obliged to fight them. Magical battles ensue, with Aldait Han thrust into a position of responsibility he's not really prepared for. Seeing him rise to the occasion and overcome, or at least come to terms with his doubts, is a major focus of the book.
However, my favourite character was Tyrel Kan, whose tragic backstory (hinted at but never fully revealed) drew me in and made me want to know more. Myar Mal also intrigued me, and I hope to see more of him in the future.
So, I now have to go download OctopusSong to read more about Tayrel Kan.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
However, my favourite character was Tyrel Kan, whose tragic backstory (hinted at but never fully revealed) drew me in and made me want to know more. Myar Mal also intrigued me, and I hope to see more of him in the future.
So, I now have to go download OctopusSong to read more about Tayrel Kan.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
July 27, 2022
The Outworlder by Natalie J Holden is a sci-fi Fantasy novel that brings you to a new world with magic and intrigue. Aldeaith is a native of Tarviss but finds a home on Dahl when his parents fled their home world to make a new life for themselves. He later joins the Dahlsian army hoping to explore new worlds. However, a group of rebel Tarvissians set out agaisnt The Dahl’s wanting to restore their old ways.
While the main character is an interesting fellow the most intriguing character of the story, I thought, was Tyrel Kan. A complex character who is a powerful sorcerer and makes Aldeaith uncomfortable yet fascinates him at the same time.
This was a well told story with action, drama, and has many twists and turns to keep you guessing where the story is going next.
4 1/2 stars
While the main character is an interesting fellow the most intriguing character of the story, I thought, was Tyrel Kan. A complex character who is a powerful sorcerer and makes Aldeaith uncomfortable yet fascinates him at the same time.
This was a well told story with action, drama, and has many twists and turns to keep you guessing where the story is going next.
4 1/2 stars
February 8, 2023
Read it
I'm really bad at writing reviews... But I'll give it a try because this book is worth it. Read this book. It was good.
Go do it now.
I'm really bad at writing reviews... But I'll give it a try because this book is worth it. Read this book. It was good.
Go do it now.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews