Elsewhere

Elsewhere #1

by Shelby Matheson

At the outbreak of World War I, eleven-year-old Elsie Clarke is sent to a mysterious school in the woods for only the most talented children. But fewer still, the Gifted, are invited to the other side – a sentient forest called Elsewhere with a magical secret.

Elsie’s world is transformed by the knowledge of Gifts – special talents born from their traits, desires and fears. Talents they will need when the formidable headmistress reveals that she’ll do whatever it takes to win the war, robbing the students of their childhood.

The Gifted must bring down her awful regime and win a battle of their own. But is Elsewhere recruiting them too, training them for something even bigger?

Genres: Middle Grade

400 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Shelby Matheson is a born-and-raised Australian with a Bachelor in journalism and creative writing, as well as a graduate diploma in editing and publishing from USQ. She has been writing full-length novels since she was fourteen and has always known that being an author was the only career for her. In her spare time, she enjoys video games, drawing, crochet, collecting books (and even reading them), but her greatest passion will always be writing and escaping to the worlds in her head.

You can find her on Instagram and Threads as @shelbymathesonbooks

Reviews

[Shayla Morgansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful middle grade debut! A combination of Nevermoor and Harry Potter in a WWI-era setting, Elsewhere follows Elsie Clarke's discovery of her own magical gifts after starting at an elite boarding school where nothing seems quite right. Children no one else can see, another who is forgotten as soon as she's out of sight, and secrets on all sides - whatever Elsie expected at Miss Coleridge's Academy, her understanding of what it means to be "gifted" is about to be challenged. Highly recommended!

[Kath Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely incredible. It has a captivating storyline with well-written characters, and I always wanted to turn the page and read more. I loved how you got to know the characters with their intricate backstories and personalities. The cover art is also so beautiful, and really matches with the storyline. It is definitely one of my favourite books, and if you are a fan of really good fantasy books that make you feel a sense of mystery and magic, that you just can’t put down because it is so interesting and amazing, this is book is definitely the one for you. (E, 12 years)

[Sasha Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. I had to get the digital copy tho for work as it would get ruined and the copy I have is very special to me.
I loved how emotional it was yet child like and how you should never give up or grow up. Instead grow taller.
Ahhhh I'm so proud of you!! I shall cherish the physical copy forever
(And hopefully the second one very soon)

[Frances Bolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
Elsewhere is a beautiful fantasy novel perfect for middle grade readers. In parts, it reminds me of traditional “school stories” like Drina Dances or What Katy Did Next. It champions traditional, virtue-based morality, with the protagonist always striving for courage, honesty, humility and kindness even when it isn’t easy.
While it is absolutely Fantasty, alla Narnia or Harry Potter, its setting in 1914 England and Wales may also make it a good gateway into historical fiction for young readers who have not tried that yet.
The hard copy book was a page turner and the audio book was clear and easy to follow. A wonderful story overall, with many interesting fantasy elements and a magical world that young readers will love to explore.

[Brenton Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsewhere is a captivating, gripping, fantastical debut by Shelby Matheson - I loved it from just a few pages in. Elsie is such a relatable and personable protagonist to carry us through her story (which takes place near World War I - I love a historical-set fantasy!) It is fresh but with a very cosy, familiar feel of those wonderful fantasy stories I loved as a child. Matheson's writing style is engaging and her worldbuilding is uber-fascinating. There will be two sequels and I cannot wait to see what happens next! Elsewhere is an awesome fantasy/historical read for anyone who loves a really great story.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this novel, crafted narrative had excellent world building and well-developed characters. I found it especially interesting and easy to understand the concepts of the magical realm and school environment. I was genuinely invested in the children and the way they developed their magical abilities. The backdrop setting of World War one led to a great setting for the need of the children's isolation helping them to shape their ideals of the world they were growing up in. Great novel for young adults and children alike.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read books in this genre but I loved this one. Great story, fun characters, exciting magic and a mystery that draws you in. I felt like I was walking alongside the characters, experiencing the story with them as they discovered their powers. Prose is elegant but easy to understand. Reads like a classic Enid Blyton book but with more modern ideas. The WWI element adds some great historical context to what is otherwise a fantasy story. Highly recommend for both kids and older readers!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by my 8 year old son:

This book reminded me of some of my favourite series - the themes of magic, bad guys, plot twists, action and adventure. And even… the lying!

I was constantly on a cliffhanger so it was a thrilling read, especially at the end of each chapter.

Jonas was the best character because he was so competitive and always had to beat his friends. Like me in a way! He even saved Elsie too.

I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of a magical series—looking forward to reading book 2!

[Kylie Mutsaers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. Good for pre or early teens.
It has historical elements along with fantasy.
Quite a magical experience overall.

[Benita Al-Samarrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 I adored the audiobook Elsewhere by Shelby Matheson 💛. It’s beautifully written, imaginative, and perfect for middle primary readers (and audiobook lovers of all ages!). The prose is so captivating that it will transport you to the magical world of Elsewhere.

[Frances Prentice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply thought out fantasy novel for upper middle-grade or lower YA readers. Instead of presenting surface level characters like the well-worn Enid Blyton books, it looks into the motivations and backgrounds of all the characters, seeking to help us understand both the 'good' and 'evil' characters. This did add interest, but also meant that there was some unsettling content for younger readers (eg.childhood experiences of an 'evil' principal). It is rated for 10-14 year olds, but possibly is more suited to 12-14, given the nature of some of the content, depending on the child and how widely they read.

I read it aloud to my nine year old. She loved the world building but found some of the later chapters confronting.