Out of Body

By: Nia Davenport

Narrated by: Karen Malina White

A high-stakes, propulsive YA thriller with a body-swap twist thoughtfully exploring themes of friendship and identity, perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson.

Seventeen-year-old Megan Allen has been jumping from friend group to friend group in her high school, trying on identities like outfits. Nothing ever seems to fit—until she meets LC, the adventurous, charismatic girl who appears at her favorite coffee shop one day like magic. Finally, Megan feels like she’s becoming the person she’s meant to be: someone like LC.

On the night of their friendiversary, what was supposed to be a bonding experience ends in a waking nightmare. Suddenly, Megan is no longer herself. Too late, she realizes that LC has secrets—dangerous ones. Betrayed by her best friend, thrust into another girl’s life, and targeted by LC’s enemies, she must claim what makes Megan Megan to get her life back . . . or die trying.

©2024 Nia Davenport (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Awesome Story!

Great author! #TeamNiaDaveport Can’t wait for her next projects. The way she’s leading with the books she write are so relatable and intense. I can’t imagine what she writes next!

wow

Nia Davenport’s Out of Body is a gripping exploration of conspiracy, identity, and survival, with a unique take on the classic “body snatcher” trope. The narrative weaves together science fiction and social commentary in a way that keeps you guessing, questioning, and utterly captivated.

What makes the conspiracy of body snatchers so enjoyable in this story is how intricately it’s tied to the protagonist’s lived experience. Davenport doesn’t just give us a thrilling sci-fi mystery; she layers it with the haunting reality of being overlooked and undervalued in a society that is quick to let people of color slip through the cracks. The story’s slow burn amplifies this tension, as small, unsettling events build into a larger revelation that hits like a thunderclap. Once the plot ignites, it transforms from a simmering unease into a full-blown bonfire that’s impossible to look away from.

One of the most impressive aspects of the book is its narrator. The voice feels authentic and raw, pulling the reader deeper into the emotional weight of the story. Davenport doesn’t shy away from showcasing the humanity of her characters, even when the world around them tries to strip it away. The narrator’s inner conflict and resilience add a deeply personal layer to the high-stakes drama.

Ultimately, Out of Body is more than a story about body snatchers—it’s a story about belonging, self-awareness, and the systems that fail us. Davenport crafts a world that mirrors our own, reminding readers that slipping through the cracks isn’t always a metaphor. For anyone looking for a slow-burn thriller that bursts into flames by the end, this book is an absolute must-read.

Now this is how you try to get your body back!

"We bonded so hard, so fast, I swear best-friends-at-first-sight is a thing."
Picture this: Megan and LC, fast friends who decide to celebrate their three-month "friendsversary" with matching piercings. But things take a wild turn when they wake up after a night of partying... in each other's bodies! Cue the gaslighting from LC, who's acting like nothing's wrong. Talk about a plot twist!
For me, the plot is refreshingly unique and futuristic, full of exciting twists, yet remained remarkably clear and coherent, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. (I read this in 1 day.)
I loved reading about black girls defying stereotypes and embracing their own unique identities. This story highlighted the importance of appreciating our own lives and celebrating the diverse qualities that make us who we are, proudly.
This book is a rollercoaster of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery, with characters you can't help but root for. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.
Five stars all the way!