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Where the Stars Hide
Puberty can be a scary time for the youth in Eradeem. Breasts are developing, hair is showing up in strange places, voices are deepening, and unsightly, gray vine-like markings called Abnormal manifest over the body. Yet for 14-year-old Mae, Abnormal hasn’t happened. Could it be from the stress of last year? First, her grandfather’s controversial research on the existence of stars landed him in prison; then she witnessed her mom’s Abnormal getting out of control - changing her into something not human.
Mae seeks answers as she ventures to where her grandfather conducted his research, as strange floating lanterns lead her to a shepherd named Lev, revealing the unfathomable truth about Eradeem and the Abnormal. After Mae mysteriously awakens in her bedroom, she wonders if it was all a dream. But how could it be if she’s been missing for hours?
Her disappearance garners the attention of higher authorities, and she is taken to an institution with other misfit children to be re-educated. Alone on an emotional battlefield, should she accept that her grandpa’s insanity isn’t too far from her own and submit to rehabilitation? Or will she embrace the overwhelming evidence confirming everything she’s ever believed, risking it all?
Mae seeks answers as she ventures to where her grandfather conducted his research, as strange floating lanterns lead her to a shepherd named Lev, revealing the unfathomable truth about Eradeem and the Abnormal. After Mae mysteriously awakens in her bedroom, she wonders if it was all a dream. But how could it be if she’s been missing for hours?
Her disappearance garners the attention of higher authorities, and she is taken to an institution with other misfit children to be re-educated. Alone on an emotional battlefield, should she accept that her grandpa’s insanity isn’t too far from her own and submit to rehabilitation? Or will she embrace the overwhelming evidence confirming everything she’s ever believed, risking it all?
246 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2023
4 people are currently reading
1083 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Gulzar
1 book12 followersPatricia Gulzar is a born storyteller who uses her imagination as a tool to escape depression, create new worlds, and explain complex ideas. She is an analytical, dyslexic, no-nonsense dreamer who surrounds herself with amazing friends and family, whom she loves to add to her stories.
When she isn’t creating new worlds, she is hosting her YouTube channel, cooking for her Pakistani husband, and seeking the next anime romance to binge.
Patricia Gulzar lives in Columbus, Ohio, where she runs Write the Truth Productions, LLC, and is the CEO of Gulzar Properties, LLC, a nonprofit real estate organization that provides affordable housing for all demographics stuck in the wealth gap.
When she isn’t creating new worlds, she is hosting her YouTube channel, cooking for her Pakistani husband, and seeking the next anime romance to binge.
Patricia Gulzar lives in Columbus, Ohio, where she runs Write the Truth Productions, LLC, and is the CEO of Gulzar Properties, LLC, a nonprofit real estate organization that provides affordable housing for all demographics stuck in the wealth gap.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 13, 2024
Where The Stars Hide was a great story that grabbed my attention with the first chapter and kept hanging on until the end. Once I picked up Where The Stars Hide I couldn’t lay it down until I had read the whole thing. I said before that Where The Stars Hide grabbed me with the first chapter well, that is not totally true as I was actually pulled in by that title. I wanted to know where the stars were. That cover grabbed my attention as well it is so beautiful. I love it.
I was not disappointed by what I found inside as I raced to the end to see where Mae’s journey was going to end up. The descriptions were so well written I had no problem picturing it all in my head as I read. I could see Mae as just watched the lanterns floating by overhead. I could see the lanterns floating by myself as if I was seeing it through Mae’s eyes. I could just see her face when she saw the bugs flashing in and out.
Mae and her family live behind a wall and all their lives they had been lied to as to what lay on the other side of that wall. In Mae’s world, there were no stars, and if anyone was caught discussing the stars they were taken away immediately. Mae has no idea where people are taken either.
Mae’s grandfather is taken away and her parents will not tell her where he is. But Mae is very determined to find out where they took her grandfather. Mae waits until after curfew to go to her grandfather’s secret place they call his base. She thinks she may find the answers she is looking for there. If she is caught then she will be in serious trouble.
Mae’s trip to her grandfather’s base reveals more than she ever thought and leads her down a path that she never dreamed it would. Mae learns more about the stars and more about her grandfather’s world not to mention her investigation reveals a lot about her mother and father as well.
Where The Stars Hide is very unique and quiet, unlike anything I have read before. I would sorely love to read more about Mae and where she is going next in future books. I would love to know more about the world that was created for Where The Stars Hide.
Grab a copy of Where The Stars Hide today and join Mae on her adventure!
I was not disappointed by what I found inside as I raced to the end to see where Mae’s journey was going to end up. The descriptions were so well written I had no problem picturing it all in my head as I read. I could see Mae as just watched the lanterns floating by overhead. I could see the lanterns floating by myself as if I was seeing it through Mae’s eyes. I could just see her face when she saw the bugs flashing in and out.
Mae and her family live behind a wall and all their lives they had been lied to as to what lay on the other side of that wall. In Mae’s world, there were no stars, and if anyone was caught discussing the stars they were taken away immediately. Mae has no idea where people are taken either.
Mae’s grandfather is taken away and her parents will not tell her where he is. But Mae is very determined to find out where they took her grandfather. Mae waits until after curfew to go to her grandfather’s secret place they call his base. She thinks she may find the answers she is looking for there. If she is caught then she will be in serious trouble.
Mae’s trip to her grandfather’s base reveals more than she ever thought and leads her down a path that she never dreamed it would. Mae learns more about the stars and more about her grandfather’s world not to mention her investigation reveals a lot about her mother and father as well.
Where The Stars Hide is very unique and quiet, unlike anything I have read before. I would sorely love to read more about Mae and where she is going next in future books. I would love to know more about the world that was created for Where The Stars Hide.
Grab a copy of Where The Stars Hide today and join Mae on her adventure!
February 20, 2024
The genre of this book is usually not my cup of tea. However, I bought this book for my teenage daughter and decided to read it myself before I gave it to her. Glad I did!
I enjoyed the book. Took a minute for me to get into it and figure out what was going on. Once I did, I was hooked on the story of Mae and her strange world. I read it cover to cover within a day or so.
My only complaint? The end felt rushed with a very abrupt ending (in my opinion) which left me wanting more with so many unanswered questions. However, maybe it was purposeful to pave the way for a series. If that’s the case then, I’m in 😍 Worth the read!
I enjoyed the book. Took a minute for me to get into it and figure out what was going on. Once I did, I was hooked on the story of Mae and her strange world. I read it cover to cover within a day or so.
My only complaint? The end felt rushed with a very abrupt ending (in my opinion) which left me wanting more with so many unanswered questions. However, maybe it was purposeful to pave the way for a series. If that’s the case then, I’m in 😍 Worth the read!
February 21, 2024
This started as an interesting book, but it was hard to follow. I didn't really understand the world or what an "Abnormal" was. Mae went back and forth on whether she believed her grandfather's stories or not. The pacing was also a bit off. I assume there's going to be more to the story but it just kind of ended. I would love to see more of the story and what happens to Mae.
February 23, 2024
Where The Stars Hide is an easy and interesting read with a decent storyline. I found myself caught up in the mystery of the stars, not knowing what is real and what is an illusion. I was a little surprised how abruptly the book ended. The ending felt a bit rushed and there are some loose ends for sure. Hoping there will be more to come - I would be interested to see Mae's story continue.
February 11, 2024
MUST READ! Will keep you turning pages long past your bedtime!
It’s been a few years since I’ve actually sat down and read a book, I started to read again at the end of 2023 and Where the Stars Hide has been one of the books that’s kept me going. This book was so good! Once you start reading it you’re not going to want to put it down! Im hoping there will be a second book because I need to know what’s in store for Mae next.
It’s been a few years since I’ve actually sat down and read a book, I started to read again at the end of 2023 and Where the Stars Hide has been one of the books that’s kept me going. This book was so good! Once you start reading it you’re not going to want to put it down! Im hoping there will be a second book because I need to know what’s in store for Mae next.
February 8, 2024
I struggled with this book. There felt like a lot of telling, not showing. The main character felt frustrating to me. She was hard to connect with as she kept changing her mind about what was true. I hate to say it, but this book felt a bit boring. There felt like a lot of potential that wasn't developed for me.
December 13, 2024
Where the Stars Hide is a novel that perfectly blends elements of mystery, family drama, and fantasy, while carrying emotional themes and deep reflections on life. The story portrays a young girl’s struggle against uncertainty and social pressure, as well as the courage to challenge existing norms. The author cleverly ties Mae's personal experiences to fantastical elements, such as the Abnormal marks and her encounters with mysterious supernatural beings.
Mae’s struggle against uncertainty and social pressure in the world of Eradeem feels very authentic. Eradeem itself is a world full of mystery, with rules and phenomena that differ from the real world. The existence of the Abnormal marks—strange gray vines that appear on people’s bodies—adds another layer of complexity to the story, symbolizing the uncertainty Mae faces. This book not only presents an engaging story but also conveys an important message, such as the need to question authority and existing norms, as well as embracing one’s flaws and uniqueness.
The writing style in this book is rich with imagery and metaphors, creating an immersive reading experience. One prominent symbol is the cardinal bird, with its red feathers, representing the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life. The detailed description of this bird and its connection to Mae’s emotional journey leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
However, despite the captivating nature of the story, there are some noticeable weaknesses. The author seems to lack in providing a deep explanation regarding the origins of the Abnormal phenomenon, the history of Eradeem’s society, and the role of authority in shaping this world’s order. These details could have strengthened the depth of the fictional world that was created.
Despite these shortcomings, Where the Stars Hide still succeeds in delivering a satisfying reading experience. Mae’s multi-dimensional character, with both her strength and vulnerability, makes it easy for readers to connect with her. Her relationships with other characters, especially her grandfather, provide strong emotional depth. Ultimately, the novel is able to evoke deep emotions in the reader while sparking reflections on identity, courage, and life values. With its blend of mystery, fantasy, and drama, this book is highly enjoyable for those who appreciate stories with meaning.
Mae’s struggle against uncertainty and social pressure in the world of Eradeem feels very authentic. Eradeem itself is a world full of mystery, with rules and phenomena that differ from the real world. The existence of the Abnormal marks—strange gray vines that appear on people’s bodies—adds another layer of complexity to the story, symbolizing the uncertainty Mae faces. This book not only presents an engaging story but also conveys an important message, such as the need to question authority and existing norms, as well as embracing one’s flaws and uniqueness.
The writing style in this book is rich with imagery and metaphors, creating an immersive reading experience. One prominent symbol is the cardinal bird, with its red feathers, representing the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life. The detailed description of this bird and its connection to Mae’s emotional journey leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
However, despite the captivating nature of the story, there are some noticeable weaknesses. The author seems to lack in providing a deep explanation regarding the origins of the Abnormal phenomenon, the history of Eradeem’s society, and the role of authority in shaping this world’s order. These details could have strengthened the depth of the fictional world that was created.
Despite these shortcomings, Where the Stars Hide still succeeds in delivering a satisfying reading experience. Mae’s multi-dimensional character, with both her strength and vulnerability, makes it easy for readers to connect with her. Her relationships with other characters, especially her grandfather, provide strong emotional depth. Ultimately, the novel is able to evoke deep emotions in the reader while sparking reflections on identity, courage, and life values. With its blend of mystery, fantasy, and drama, this book is highly enjoyable for those who appreciate stories with meaning.
May 14, 2025
Incredible storytelling! The way the author tackles identity, transformation, and the pressure to conform is powerful and thought-provoking. The twist with the lanterns and Lev added a magical touch that felt fresh and mysterious.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews