By the Light of Dead Stars

Beyond the Lost Coast, Book 1

By: Andrew Van Wey

Narrated by: Tom Jordan

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

On the Lost Coast, some things should never be found....

When tragedy shatters 13-year-old Zelda Ruiz’s adolescence, she retreats with her uncle Mark to the bucolic town of Greywood Bay. It’s a chance to heal and build a new life together.

But nothing can prepare them for the malignant terror that has long coveted these lands.

It looms over redwood groves and lurks in the foundations of homes. It festers in the dark hearts of the wounded. And now, this cosmic horror has found a new weapon: a means to worm its way into our world.

To save their community—and each other—Zelda and Mark will need to confront their darkest demons, both inside and out. For what stalks Greywood Bay hungers for suffering above all else.

And soon, it will feast…By the Light of Dead Stars.

©2022 Andrew Van Wey (P)2023 Andrew Van Wey

Coming of age cosmic horror

Fantastic writing by Van Wey and excellent narration by Tom Jordan!

I love love loved these characters - Mark’s uncertainty as he moved his life for his niece (not to mention he’s a teacher trying to do well by his kids), Maura, who’s an amazing badass, and how she keeps her friends in line, Ali’s nerdy wordy jokey self, and of course, Zelda, finding her way through adolescence and her grief for her parents.

Van Wey draws in his readers quickly and dazzles them with the light of these dark stars; this is a tale of cosmic danger and how we often misread those on the fringes of society.

As I understand it, there are more titles coming; I’m not one for reading series, but damn, I’m definitely ready for more here. Please release book two soon!!

Definitely check this one out if you love cosmic horror and coming-of-age tales!

Outstanding realism in a fantasy horror novel

This book had me on the edge of my seat multiple times with scary, monstrous scenes and situations. What set it apart from a standard genre book for me, however, was the very realistic writing of the humans, their choices, and the consequences they faced for each of their decisions. Really looking forward to the next installment.

Troubled town torn apart by its secrets

Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. By the Light of Dead Stars is an intricate dance of childhood moving into the awkward embrace of becoming a teenager with all the pitfalls and celebrations; it is also for the adults in this story facing not just their problems but a darkness that will tear the vibrant town of Greywood Bay apart... its secrets no one was suppose speak of. Another wickedly smart and poignant masterpiece by Andrew Van Wey... highly recommended.

The audiobook absolutely shines as narrator Tom Jordan continues to demonstrate why he's the best choice to give life to these eloquent, harrowing stories.

Great book

I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend. It is easy to follow and keeps your attention especially if you’re a multitasker like me.

Such a fun book, a modern version of HP Lovecraft

Andrew Van Wey is becoming one of my favorite new authors very quickly.
His style of writing is so unique, the way he describes things and when it gets to the heart it dark parts of the story he’s so good at making a picture that you can see in your head.
This book definitely didn’t drag like Head Like a Hole sometimes did. It was pretty exciting throughout, and I loved how at the end it came full circle, it surprised me! I didn’t expect what was going to happen in the slightest. Highly, highly recommend checking this book out, it’s one of two, and the second isn’t on audio but I’ve already got a copy on the way from Amazon.

Juicy cosmic horror in a backyard setting.

A great tale with believable characters. That is key to a good fantastical horror story.

Very Very Good Hidden Gem

Damn near perfect, the writing, just word to word, metaphors/similies/allusions is amazing, powerful, and not purple at all. Great character development, not just for the leads but the side characters as well--very strong. The story/pacing/development is great and maybe a centimeter away from perfect. Thanks Mr. Van Wey.

Gripping storyline

More than an interesting story that keeps you turning the page (or keep your earbuds in), this adventure has twists you won’t see coming and will have you sleeping with the lights on!
Loved the development and characters. I cannot wait for the next one!!!

more please

A cliffhanger, really?
By the Light of Dead Stars was a fast-paced character-driven book. Andrew has a way with creating a story that you don't want to stop reading (or listening to).
It's a good thing that I know there will be a book 2! I need to know what's going on with Zelda!

I was enjoying this so much that I purchased the audible so I could listen when I couldn't read. Even after I finished the physical book, I decided to finish listening to the audiobook.

Mostly solid horror story

I enjoyed this quite a bit, it has a good mixture of horror and coming-of-age drama amidst tragedy. My main criticism is that (like many horror novels) the denouement doesn't land as well for me as the preceding material. But that's hardly a new thing for the genre, and my drop in enjoyment wasn't nearly large enough to ruin the experience. So, it's a solid recommend overall, with the additional praise that I'll happily check out the next book in the series whenever it is published.