Overtwixt (series)

Overtwixt is an ongoing Fantasy / Young Adult series by R.L. Akers, which started with Overtwixt: Welcome to the World of Bridges. Described as a "universe" more than a single series, Overtwixt stories are currently set in two separate timelines spaced 3,000 years apart. In addition to YA-length novels, the universe includes tie-in novellas, a grade school chapter book, and a young children's picture book.

All Overtwixt stories are written in past tense, from close third-person point of view, primarily from the perspective of series protagonists. For example, Overtwixt and Escape from Overtwixt chapters related from 15-year-old Nachton's point of view reflect his maturity, while 5-year-old Ewan's chapters are colored by his unique outlook and vocabulary:

The Vizier smiled and started walking toward Ewan... He waved his sword in the air again, even more fancy this time, like he was trying to be extra special scary. But Ewan wasn’t scared of him. Not anymore... Viziguy couldn’t do anything to hurt him this time, so Ewan gave the bad guy his biggest smile. "I. AM. IM-VIZIBLE!" he bellowed.

Nock cleared his throat. "Invincible, buddy. Not invisible..."

Each Overtwixt novel includes extensive artwork: pages of maps, around 40 sketches within the narrative itself, and a 35+ page illustrated reference book appendix that is expanded and modified with each new book. Early stories in the series were illustrated by Jesse Lewis, transitioning to artist Charlotte Bauman partway through the ancient history Golden Age trilogy. Today, Akers and Bauman are actively working on the next novel in the modern-day era, Overtwixt 3: The Kaiserlands. Overtwixt's many elaborate maps are drawn by the author, who also provides limited additional illustrations.

Audiobook productions of Overtwixt stories are performed by narrators Aaron Waite and Jennifer Senter.

Stories

Overtwixt modern era

1. Overtwixt: Welcome to the World of Bridges (2024)
2. Escape from Overtwixt (2024)

• Scavenger Hunt (2024)
• Perilous Flight (2024)
• The Princess and Her Throne (2024)
• The Knight and His Friends (2024)

3. Overtwixt 3: The Kaiserlands (forthcoming)

Golden Age of Overtwixt

1. The Circus of Dagmør (2024)
2. The Heroes of Centhule (2024)
3. The King of Caymerlot (2024)

Main characters

Overtwixt modern era

• Nachton (pronounced NAWK-tuhn) – 15-year-old human boy, oldest of the Ollivaros children; he takes on the roles of Loremaster and Conjurer, struggling with his support role as he seeks knowledge and wisdom
• Amélie (pronounced AWM-uh-lee) – 12-year-old human girl, second of the Ollivaros children; she accepts the role of Empress and the task of uniting the fractious races of the realm to overthrow the evil Vizier
• Cécilie (pronounced SESS-ill-lee) – 8-year-old human girl, third of the Ollivaros children; she overcomes her insecurities to be crowned Princess of the horses and unicorns
• Ewan (pronounced YOO-wun) – 5-year-old human boy, youngest of the Ollivaros children; he goes on a quest to find the indestructible Armor and the Diamond Sword so he can become Knight of Overtwixt

Golden Age of Overtwixt

• Arthos (pronounced ARR-thohss) or Arth – 15-year-old dagman boy (twin of Morth) who enters ancient Overtwixt seeking adventure and freedom from responsibility, only to be awarded the role of Fool in his daddie's circus
• Morthos (pronounced MOR-thohss) or Morth – 15-year-old dagman boy (twin of Arth) who enters ancient Overtwixt wanting to change the world; instead, he is saddled with the role of Clown in the circus sideshow
• Pyrsyfal (pronounced PUR-sif-uhl) or Pyrsie (PUR-see) – 16-year-old gnoman girl, a former orphan, who enters Overtwixt in search of a place to belong; she is granted the role of Inventor, the most honorable position among her people
• Hembrose – the greatest mortal magicker in history, who first enters Overtwixt as a 19-year-old merman boy in pursuit of power; he goes by many names and faces, but is best known as Wizard of Overtwixt

Reviews

"A huge, colorful cast gives this superb fantasy kickoff a hearty boost." — Kirkus Reviews (full review here)

"OVERTWIXT boasts a well-imagined world rendered by both clever language and evocative illustrations (including maps of the interconnected landmasses and their bridges)... The worldbuilding is rich but never overwhelming. ...these components help the novel punch above its weight as successful didactic literature." — IndieReader (full review here)