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Stranger Things #7
The Dustin Experiment
Follow Stranger Things fan favorite Dustin Henderson on a journey that takes him beyond Hawkins.
It’s fall 1985, and Dustin Henderson is starting his freshman year at Hawkins High School. After the tragedy at the Starcourt Mall, he’s ready for life to return to normal, but things feel different. Some friends have moved away. Others are still in town but growing distant. Dustin thinks entering a science competition will make everything like it used to be, but will Lucas and Mike join him? Or will he have to rely on a charismatic metalhead named Eddie?
Join Dustin on a road trip filled with inventions, heavy metal, and a new understanding of his place in Hawkins. Sprinkled with references to your favorite Stranger Things characters, this novel chronicles the events between seasons three and four of Netflix’s iconic series.
It’s fall 1985, and Dustin Henderson is starting his freshman year at Hawkins High School. After the tragedy at the Starcourt Mall, he’s ready for life to return to normal, but things feel different. Some friends have moved away. Others are still in town but growing distant. Dustin thinks entering a science competition will make everything like it used to be, but will Lucas and Mike join him? Or will he have to rely on a charismatic metalhead named Eddie?
Join Dustin on a road trip filled with inventions, heavy metal, and a new understanding of his place in Hawkins. Sprinkled with references to your favorite Stranger Things characters, this novel chronicles the events between seasons three and four of Netflix’s iconic series.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2024
44 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 29, 2024
You can absolutely tell that this book was written by someone from the fandom who writes fanfics. And I mean this as the best of compliments.
November 3, 2024
The most unexpected thing about this book is that it made me a Suzie stan 🥺
“But I was actually just reading the next chapter of Neuromancer. If you haven’t read it yet, I could read it aloud?”
And I have read it, of course, because I prioritize our little book club over my homework most of the time. But I love Suzie’s voice, and I’ll take any excuse to listen to it, to hang out with her over the radio waves, like there isn’t so much distance between us.
“That sounds perfect,” I say.
“But I was actually just reading the next chapter of Neuromancer. If you haven’t read it yet, I could read it aloud?”
And I have read it, of course, because I prioritize our little book club over my homework most of the time. But I love Suzie’s voice, and I’ll take any excuse to listen to it, to hang out with her over the radio waves, like there isn’t so much distance between us.
“That sounds perfect,” I say.
October 31, 2024
This is a truly fun read. Having read all the ST books I preordered this one and was excited to jump in. Some people will argue about the books being “cannon” or whatever but I really could care less. These books are great for the ST fan that loves the series, the characters, and has fun.
This is Dustin’s solo quest but you still get some of your favorites in there too. It is also great to see this is written by a fan. Somebody that obviously had fun writing this and brought a new dimension to Dustin.
Most if not all the ST books are YA but they can definitely be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. This ones included.
This is Dustin’s solo quest but you still get some of your favorites in there too. It is also great to see this is written by a fan. Somebody that obviously had fun writing this and brought a new dimension to Dustin.
Most if not all the ST books are YA but they can definitely be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. This ones included.
September 5, 2025
Okay, so out of all the Stranger Things books, I just knew I was gonna love the Dustin-centric one the best, and I was right! This book had me laughing, crying, shouting out at random parts, and just feeling so good by the end. This book takes place between seasons 3 and 4 and chronicles Dustin and the rest of the party starting high school. So yeah, lots of tears, lots of love for all the characters, and I now need a Steve book, please!
February 27, 2025
Truly I was not expecting to cry like a baby at the end
Thank you J.L. D’Amato for such a good ST book and for giving Eddie Munson a prequel he deserved🤧
Thank you J.L. D’Amato for such a good ST book and for giving Eddie Munson a prequel he deserved🤧
May 5, 2025
I think this is my fav stranger things book
August 1, 2025
i love stranger things, i hate that they are fighting but i love how it is written and i love his dynamic with eddie (omg so much eddie in this<3) und steve 😭🫶🏼
November 10, 2024
This was such a fun read! I really loved the original characters. I especially love how well it portrays those fears and insecurities of being left behind. It felt really true to the character, and I especially loved Will’s and Dustin’s letters.
October 9, 2025
This was 100% written by a fanfic writer and I mean that as a compliment.
Read
December 13, 2025i'm having withdrawals between volumes, don't look at me.
this narrator literally ate this up. he nailed everyone's cadences, not just dustin's, so well it was crazy. pretty sure this author used to write fic and is a legit fan of the show and it really showed. so fun.
this narrator literally ate this up. he nailed everyone's cadences, not just dustin's, so well it was crazy. pretty sure this author used to write fic and is a legit fan of the show and it really showed. so fun.
February 2, 2025
I love Dustin with all of my heart, and I love the friendships he’s made. I do think he was ultimately in the wrong about his fights with Mike and Lucas, but I also understand the fear of losing friends and the desperation to keep them. I also just really love the inclusion of Steve and Robin banter, and I also love the fact that Steve and Eddie both got to give Dustin dad speeches. Dustin’s trust in Steve also 100% made me cry and I’m not afraid to admit it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
Aside from the cussing, this book read a little young to me. It was a bit goofier than the other books in the series, but it was still fun. It takes place at the beginning of Season 4. If you love the friendship between Dustin & Eddie, this is a must-read. They interact a lot in this novel.
The book also features Mike, Lucas, Will, as well as a brief appearance by Max. Jason also shows up to play the bully.
The book also features Mike, Lucas, Will, as well as a brief appearance by Max. Jason also shows up to play the bully.
December 14, 2025
This is exactly what you want in a Stranger Things book! Focusing on Dustin and Eddie's developing friendship as Dustin comes to terms with change and growing up.
Meanwhile, we still get the other core characters showing up. Perfect!
Meanwhile, we still get the other core characters showing up. Perfect!
November 8, 2024
A very wholesome and heartwarming story to help tide over until the next season!
November 26, 2025
Disclaimer: Dusty is my favorite ST character, hands-down. I loved this little glimpse into his background, and I loved all the Eddie stuff; it made me love him even more than I already did!!
December 28, 2024
Another great expansion into the Stranger Things extended universe.
This one takes place between season 3 and 4, showing Dustin and co entering high school and finding the places where they belong.
It also features Eddie Munson (I'm unapologetically and enthusiastically an Eddie fan until the day I die - just thought that was important to add).
This story shows us more of Dustin's relationship with his mother, and why his dad isn't around any more. Dustin is a good little mumma's boy. It also shows us more of the relationship between him and Suzie (totally cute).
He writes back and forth with Will - which I really appreciate because in the show it kind of felt like everyone forgot about Will.
The story mainly focuses on how Dustin, Mike and Lucas are drifting apart now that they are in highschool. Lucas tries so hard to fit in with the basketball team, that he starts to become complacent in their bullying of the nerds (Dustin included). Dustin and Mike don't want to know a single thing about Lucas' newfound hobby. They end up fighting and go for weeks without talking.
The divide between the friends leads to Dustin going on a solo quest to a Science Fair in Indianapolis. He learns that he can do things on his own, he doesn't necessarily need his childhood friends by his side in order to be successful. New characters Anika and Danny (and Frodo) help Dustin break the science fair curse.
As I mentioned earlier, this story features Eddie - and it keeps him perfectly in character!
This Eddie keep his promises, shows up and follows along with Dustin's plans. He introduces Dustin to the world of metal, even making him a mixtape all of his own. He unintentionally intimidates the other nerds at the science fair with his general scary looking demeanor, but he also destroys all of that by telling a group of kids a scary story.
In short - a great story!
This one takes place between season 3 and 4, showing Dustin and co entering high school and finding the places where they belong.
It also features Eddie Munson (I'm unapologetically and enthusiastically an Eddie fan until the day I die - just thought that was important to add).
This story shows us more of Dustin's relationship with his mother, and why his dad isn't around any more. Dustin is a good little mumma's boy. It also shows us more of the relationship between him and Suzie (totally cute).
He writes back and forth with Will - which I really appreciate because in the show it kind of felt like everyone forgot about Will.
The story mainly focuses on how Dustin, Mike and Lucas are drifting apart now that they are in highschool. Lucas tries so hard to fit in with the basketball team, that he starts to become complacent in their bullying of the nerds (Dustin included). Dustin and Mike don't want to know a single thing about Lucas' newfound hobby. They end up fighting and go for weeks without talking.
The divide between the friends leads to Dustin going on a solo quest to a Science Fair in Indianapolis. He learns that he can do things on his own, he doesn't necessarily need his childhood friends by his side in order to be successful. New characters Anika and Danny (and Frodo) help Dustin break the science fair curse.
As I mentioned earlier, this story features Eddie - and it keeps him perfectly in character!
This Eddie keep his promises, shows up and follows along with Dustin's plans. He introduces Dustin to the world of metal, even making him a mixtape all of his own. He unintentionally intimidates the other nerds at the science fair with his general scary looking demeanor, but he also destroys all of that by telling a group of kids a scary story.
In short - a great story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
Q: Kto jest Waszą ulubioną postacią ze Stranger Things?
Współpraca recenzencka z @feeria_young @wydawnictwo_feeria
Dzisiaj chciałem opowiedzieć Wam o jednej z nowych powieści ze świata Stranger Things, czyli o "Eksperymencie Dustina" autorstwa J.L D'Amato. Powiem Wam, że jestem pozytywnie zaskoczony. Często powieści ze świata seriali czy filmów nie należą do najlepszych, zwykle to taki trochę skok na kasę, a książki są średnie. Ale nie tym razem. Naprawdę bardzo dobrze bawiłem się przy tej książce.
Idealne przymiotniki opisujące tę powieść to fajna i przyjemna, bo właśnie taka była lektura tego tytułu. A do tego błyskawiczna, ponieważ się przez nią dosłownie płynie. Pierwszego dnia przeczytałem 200 stron z niecałych 350 i odłożyłem książkę jedynie dlatego, że następnego dnia musiałem rano wstać. Oczywiście drugiego dnia dokończyłem, co zacząłem. Myślałem, że całość zajmie mi jakies 3-3.5h, natomiast były to jedynie dwie godzinki. Naprawdę ta książka to takie przyjemne i delikatne płynięcie przez fabułę. A ta może i nie jest oryginalna czy odkrywcza, ale jak dla mnie była po prostu wciągająca. Wiadomo, były słabsze momenty, chociaż nie będę Wam spoilerował, w którym momencie.
Podobało mi się przede wszystkim rozszerzenie wątku przyjaźni Dustina z Eddiem Munsonem. Chociaż niby z opisu wynika, że akcja dzieje się między 3. a 4. sezonem, to dla mnie chyba bardziej zahacza o początek 4. sezonu, pokazując wydarzenia pominięte w serialu. Całość widzimy z perspektywy Dustina, dzięki czemu również poznajemy tę postać lepiej oraz jego motywy i punkt widzenia. W ogóle całość jest bardzo dustinowa, czyli taka humorystyczna, lekka i przyjemna.
Naprawdę polecam Wam tę książkę, jeśli jesteście fanami ST, a już zwłaszcza Dustina lub Eddiego.
Więcej moich recenzji znajdziecie na Instagramie @chomiczkowe.recenzje oraz TikToku o tej samej nazwie, gdzie serdecznie zapraszam.
Współpraca recenzencka z @feeria_young @wydawnictwo_feeria
Dzisiaj chciałem opowiedzieć Wam o jednej z nowych powieści ze świata Stranger Things, czyli o "Eksperymencie Dustina" autorstwa J.L D'Amato. Powiem Wam, że jestem pozytywnie zaskoczony. Często powieści ze świata seriali czy filmów nie należą do najlepszych, zwykle to taki trochę skok na kasę, a książki są średnie. Ale nie tym razem. Naprawdę bardzo dobrze bawiłem się przy tej książce.
Idealne przymiotniki opisujące tę powieść to fajna i przyjemna, bo właśnie taka była lektura tego tytułu. A do tego błyskawiczna, ponieważ się przez nią dosłownie płynie. Pierwszego dnia przeczytałem 200 stron z niecałych 350 i odłożyłem książkę jedynie dlatego, że następnego dnia musiałem rano wstać. Oczywiście drugiego dnia dokończyłem, co zacząłem. Myślałem, że całość zajmie mi jakies 3-3.5h, natomiast były to jedynie dwie godzinki. Naprawdę ta książka to takie przyjemne i delikatne płynięcie przez fabułę. A ta może i nie jest oryginalna czy odkrywcza, ale jak dla mnie była po prostu wciągająca. Wiadomo, były słabsze momenty, chociaż nie będę Wam spoilerował, w którym momencie.
Podobało mi się przede wszystkim rozszerzenie wątku przyjaźni Dustina z Eddiem Munsonem. Chociaż niby z opisu wynika, że akcja dzieje się między 3. a 4. sezonem, to dla mnie chyba bardziej zahacza o początek 4. sezonu, pokazując wydarzenia pominięte w serialu. Całość widzimy z perspektywy Dustina, dzięki czemu również poznajemy tę postać lepiej oraz jego motywy i punkt widzenia. W ogóle całość jest bardzo dustinowa, czyli taka humorystyczna, lekka i przyjemna.
Naprawdę polecam Wam tę książkę, jeśli jesteście fanami ST, a już zwłaszcza Dustina lub Eddiego.
Więcej moich recenzji znajdziecie na Instagramie @chomiczkowe.recenzje oraz TikToku o tej samej nazwie, gdzie serdecznie zapraszam.
December 28, 2024
I was not an OG fan of Stranger Things - I was a couple years late to the party. But I've since fallen in love with the world created, with Hawkins, the Upside Down - everything. So when I found out there was a new book featuring Dustin, I was thrilled! I told my friends and family about it, who gifted me a copy for Christmas (and I read it fairly quickly lol).
The book itself was fantastic. Getting to hear from characters like Steve and Eddie was awesome, and I loved that it built Eddie's character more, keeping the memory of him alive for the fans.
Dustin's conundrum throughout the book is relatable to those in high school, but also to those of us that are adults with 9 to 5 jobs and bills to pay. I found myself relating to Dustin's feelings about change, about how overwhelming they are, how concerning it is to think you're losing your friends. These problems are universal.
The side quests of the science fair, Will's letters, Suzie's calls, and Steve and Robin at Family Video made the story feel whole. Having those small tidbits thrown in made the story progress nicely without making it feel dragged out. Very nicely done.
The only critique I think I'd have is the overuse of italics. They were used a lot, and while they are there to emphasize certain ideas or words, they become less effective the more they're used.
Otherwise, I think this was a charming book for Stranger Things fans! Highly recommend!
The book itself was fantastic. Getting to hear from characters like Steve and Eddie was awesome, and I loved that it built Eddie's character more, keeping the memory of him alive for the fans.
Dustin's conundrum throughout the book is relatable to those in high school, but also to those of us that are adults with 9 to 5 jobs and bills to pay. I found myself relating to Dustin's feelings about change, about how overwhelming they are, how concerning it is to think you're losing your friends. These problems are universal.
The side quests of the science fair, Will's letters, Suzie's calls, and Steve and Robin at Family Video made the story feel whole. Having those small tidbits thrown in made the story progress nicely without making it feel dragged out. Very nicely done.
The only critique I think I'd have is the overuse of italics. They were used a lot, and while they are there to emphasize certain ideas or words, they become less effective the more they're used.
Otherwise, I think this was a charming book for Stranger Things fans! Highly recommend!
July 14, 2025
This was a great book for Stranger Things fans especially as someone who really likes this character. I will say I enjoyed it a lot more than Rebel Robin but I don’t know how it compares to the other books. This book had me in my feels and I was hooked on the story very quickly.
However, I will say that this book does have some plot holes. It first seems redundant because the main conflict between Lucas and Mike and Dustin is kind of the exact same thing that happens in the show? So it seems more like the book doesn’t have any real meaning to the actual story.
I also think the characters are written well in this story but a lot of the characters I can’t picture as the characters from the show because the personalities do not really fit (specifically with Mike). I also was confused on why all the characters were making everything seem like Dustin’s fault and that he was in the wrong when he was not really?
On a plus side tho I will say that I liked how this book delves more into Dustin and Eddie as characters and it gives me a deeper appreciation for their friendship.
Again, if you are a fan of Stranger Things I would 100% recommend as it was a very good read especially for a book based off an existing show.
However, I will say that this book does have some plot holes. It first seems redundant because the main conflict between Lucas and Mike and Dustin is kind of the exact same thing that happens in the show? So it seems more like the book doesn’t have any real meaning to the actual story.
I also think the characters are written well in this story but a lot of the characters I can’t picture as the characters from the show because the personalities do not really fit (specifically with Mike). I also was confused on why all the characters were making everything seem like Dustin’s fault and that he was in the wrong when he was not really?
On a plus side tho I will say that I liked how this book delves more into Dustin and Eddie as characters and it gives me a deeper appreciation for their friendship.
Again, if you are a fan of Stranger Things I would 100% recommend as it was a very good read especially for a book based off an existing show.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
A short as it was, this book made me crave the emotional depth that is Stranger Things biggest weakness. Not that they don't with the characters do focus on but they really did bite themselves in the ass with not being able to give anyone an emotional arc past s2. Dustin is the assigned comedic character will (spoiler alert for season 4) will be facing grief and anger and everything this book gave us as an appetizer and I can't wait even with how messy this cast has been sns. Which makes everything in this book more devastating knowing we loose one of Dustin's core persons he looks up to. This is a 14 year old boy trying his best and he does and he will continue too alone with all the emotional baggage he's gonna have to get through. I'm glad we're gonna get it, but it shouldn't have been this long.
April 12, 2025
4.5 🌟 Finally one that I genuinely liked!!!
While there was a part of me that lowkey wanted this book to be about Dustin’s time at Camp Knowwhere and meeting Suzy, this hit to much harder! Following Dustin during the unshown time at the beginning of freshman year, the development of the friendship with Eddie, the unspoken passing of the torch from Will being the glue of the group to it being Dustin, and Suzyyyyyy!
I especially loved how this author was actually able to capture the essence of beloved characters like Robin and give enough to enhance the general love we have for these characters without taking away from the general ST world.
While there was a part of me that lowkey wanted this book to be about Dustin’s time at Camp Knowwhere and meeting Suzy, this hit to much harder! Following Dustin during the unshown time at the beginning of freshman year, the development of the friendship with Eddie, the unspoken passing of the torch from Will being the glue of the group to it being Dustin, and Suzyyyyyy!
I especially loved how this author was actually able to capture the essence of beloved characters like Robin and give enough to enhance the general love we have for these characters without taking away from the general ST world.
January 21, 2025
A cute little snapshot story of Dustin. I gave it three stars because I enjoyed it, and all the little insights it gave into The Party dynamics and character arcs that are hidden in the gap between season 3 and 4… but I wasn’t a big fan of the science fair characters that were introduced. That part of the novel was a little bit of a struggle for me to get through. It felt cute, but I just wanted to get back to Hawkins. I love Dustin though, and the author did such a brilliant job at getting the personality and characters of Dustin, Mike, Lucas and Steve.
November 15, 2025
The first ST book I’ve read that fills in gaps for characters between seasons rather just be a prequel.
The deep dive into the drama between Dustin, Mike and Lucas when they’re not facing monsters and conspiracy is fantastic!
The other moments, as usual with ST expanded media, feel a bit contrived. But overall v enjoyable
My man grievance is that by reading this simultaneously with Lucas on the Line, you can see that the author really didn’t pay enough attention to keeping continuity with it, which sucks given they’re set at the same time…
The deep dive into the drama between Dustin, Mike and Lucas when they’re not facing monsters and conspiracy is fantastic!
The other moments, as usual with ST expanded media, feel a bit contrived. But overall v enjoyable
My man grievance is that by reading this simultaneously with Lucas on the Line, you can see that the author really didn’t pay enough attention to keeping continuity with it, which sucks given they’re set at the same time…
December 9, 2024
This was a fun Dustin-centric side quest featuring Eddie to help ease the wait until season five! I thought it was going to be about them going on a roadtrip, which they did, but mostly it was about Dustin entering a science fair and adjusting to changes in the friend group. I felt for him and could relate to his fears of getting left behind. If anything, I'm just delighted we got Eddie fearing ducks as canon :')
October 4, 2025
Great stuff, neatly fitting into the time between seasons 3 and 4, carrying through some themes that impact Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and even Eddie into the fourth season. It must be interesting, knowing where something ends and working backwards like this.
The voices for the characters ring true, and they all feel very age appropriate, even for kids who are smarter than they should be at this age.
Also, Eddie's afraid of ducks, that's both hilarious and adorable.
The voices for the characters ring true, and they all feel very age appropriate, even for kids who are smarter than they should be at this age.
Also, Eddie's afraid of ducks, that's both hilarious and adorable.
July 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Out of all the season 4 specific prequel books, this one feels the most tonally correct. This is also my favorite of the middle grade/younger YA novels for the series. It truly encapsulates the feelings of change that happen within high school well and has some fun extra moments with beloved characters.
Out of all the season 4 specific prequel books, this one feels the most tonally correct. This is also my favorite of the middle grade/younger YA novels for the series. It truly encapsulates the feelings of change that happen within high school well and has some fun extra moments with beloved characters.
July 26, 2025
*4.5 stars
This was such a fun read, on the younger side of YA, with some contrived silliness in the middle perhaps (the science fair) but plenty of chuckles. The best thing about the book is that the author nails the characters - this is absolutely Dustin's voice, loved he and Eddie together, and she nails the other characters too. She clearly knows and loves Stranger Things well.
This was such a fun read, on the younger side of YA, with some contrived silliness in the middle perhaps (the science fair) but plenty of chuckles. The best thing about the book is that the author nails the characters - this is absolutely Dustin's voice, loved he and Eddie together, and she nails the other characters too. She clearly knows and loves Stranger Things well.
December 19, 2025
4.70 ⭐️
Genuinely so sweet 😭😭 it made me sad to read bc of how Dustin is in the new season but I hope he comes back to this version of himself in one way or another. It was really nice to see how he felt about things, and how he used the struggles he had to build his own identity and confidence :)) <33
That’s my little brother fr
Also Eddie Munson the man you are ohmygod
Genuinely so sweet 😭😭 it made me sad to read bc of how Dustin is in the new season but I hope he comes back to this version of himself in one way or another. It was really nice to see how he felt about things, and how he used the struggles he had to build his own identity and confidence :)) <33
That’s my little brother fr
Also Eddie Munson the man you are ohmygod
January 26, 2025
4 1/2 stars
A very sweet look into Dustin’s life! I love being able to see all the characters talk to each other off screen - it really gives it a lot of nice insights into who they are! Plus, the duck was a nice touch :)
A very sweet look into Dustin’s life! I love being able to see all the characters talk to each other off screen - it really gives it a lot of nice insights into who they are! Plus, the duck was a nice touch :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews