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Death Among the Stars
“This is not what I had in mind when we agreed ‘til death do us part’.”
Kyra Johnson is married to an alien.
At least, she was until he was murdered.
Left with only his ship and a gaping hole in her life where her husband used to be, she takes to the stars with his crew as their unwilling captain. But grief isn’t a thing so easily discarded, and she’ll have to confront his memory — and the man who killed him — before she can face a future without him.
And the best thing for heartbreak is revenge.
Kyra Johnson is married to an alien.
At least, she was until he was murdered.
Left with only his ship and a gaping hole in her life where her husband used to be, she takes to the stars with his crew as their unwilling captain. But grief isn’t a thing so easily discarded, and she’ll have to confront his memory — and the man who killed him — before she can face a future without him.
And the best thing for heartbreak is revenge.
- GenresScience Fiction
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
5 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Lockhart
9 books138 followersC. M. Lockhart (also known as Chelsea) is a Black writer of fantasy because she loves creating worlds, exploring relationships, and writing stories about Black girls who aren't all that nice. She is the founder of Written in Melanin LLC — which encompasses a weekly podcast and YouTube channel of the same name — and the Melanin Library, an online database of books written by Black authors.
She is also a lover of video games and anime, so whenever she isn't reading and writing — or talking about reading and writing — she's watching anime, playing her Switch, and dreaming about the day her books get animated.
She is also a lover of video games and anime, so whenever she isn't reading and writing — or talking about reading and writing — she's watching anime, playing her Switch, and dreaming about the day her books get animated.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 13, 2025
This book is wonderful, and I'm ready for book 2 already. I love a woman on a revenge tour, and im here for it.
February 19, 2025
If Glupin isn't your favorite character, I don't trust you
Read
January 23, 2025Let’s get this straight, the writing is beautiful. There’s so much depth and thought that went into how Kyra’s grieving process is described. Maybe because I’m still navigating my own grief, the words really packed a punch (in a good way).
I do wonder if the fact that this is book 1 in a series contributed to the pacing. Most of the story is Kyra grieving her husband. But maybe that’s the point because grief can have people down and out for a long time. I was expecting more on page revenge related activities—more action, more drama. The ending does set up the sequel to possibly dive into the pursuit of vengeance sooner (fingers crossed). I’d be curious to see what’s next for Kyra.
I do wonder if the fact that this is book 1 in a series contributed to the pacing. Most of the story is Kyra grieving her husband. But maybe that’s the point because grief can have people down and out for a long time. I was expecting more on page revenge related activities—more action, more drama. The ending does set up the sequel to possibly dive into the pursuit of vengeance sooner (fingers crossed). I’d be curious to see what’s next for Kyra.
May 30, 2025
I’m always in the mood for a grief-turned-revenge story - and when it’s set in space? That’s just another bonus.
In Death Among the Stars, we’re following Kyra. Her husband, the alien captain of a galactic crew and an impressive spaceship, was murdered.
Kyra feels broken and empty, but her husband left the entire ship to her. Feeling numb, she shrugs and leaves Earth for good with her new crew. Slowly they start to help her heal … and get revenge on the killers so that she can head towards the future.
This really feels like the pilot episode of a TV series. It’s a little over 100 pages long and perfectly sets up the story, but there’s a large and vulnerable focus on Kyra’s grief and how she feels unable to move on and live without a partner. We do get a first (very fun) chunk of action towards the end, and I’m definitely excited to consume more of this story and these characters, but I just want to prepare anyone who picks this one up to anticipate slower pacing.
Kyra’s journey through grief is heart-wrenchingly relatable, and she’s sitting in a place of detachment from reality. She can’t process this sudden shift in her world and imagine a future without her husband in it. She’s sometimes a bit cold to those surrounding her, but bit by bit she opens back up.
I’m confident that there’s so much going on behind the scenes that we as readers don’t yet know, and I’m excited to find out.
CW: murder, death, grief, violence, drug abuse, vomit
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
In Death Among the Stars, we’re following Kyra. Her husband, the alien captain of a galactic crew and an impressive spaceship, was murdered.
Kyra feels broken and empty, but her husband left the entire ship to her. Feeling numb, she shrugs and leaves Earth for good with her new crew. Slowly they start to help her heal … and get revenge on the killers so that she can head towards the future.
This really feels like the pilot episode of a TV series. It’s a little over 100 pages long and perfectly sets up the story, but there’s a large and vulnerable focus on Kyra’s grief and how she feels unable to move on and live without a partner. We do get a first (very fun) chunk of action towards the end, and I’m definitely excited to consume more of this story and these characters, but I just want to prepare anyone who picks this one up to anticipate slower pacing.
Kyra’s journey through grief is heart-wrenchingly relatable, and she’s sitting in a place of detachment from reality. She can’t process this sudden shift in her world and imagine a future without her husband in it. She’s sometimes a bit cold to those surrounding her, but bit by bit she opens back up.
I’m confident that there’s so much going on behind the scenes that we as readers don’t yet know, and I’m excited to find out.
CW: murder, death, grief, violence, drug abuse, vomit
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
February 24, 2025
This is an utterly compelling novella that manages to pack a ton of emotion and character growth into limited pages. Having read two of Lockhart’s books - featuring Black characters who are unapologetically themselves and NOT nice - I can confidently say this one holds a special place in my heart—perhaps because it features an adult lead who isn’t afraid to confront grief head-on with a little revenge.
Kyra is now a widow after her husband’s murder and is thrust into the cold expanse of space, taking command of his ship and crew as her way of facing the past. The story wastes no time diving into the depths of Kyra’s grief, making it clear that heartbreak is not something that can be ignored or easily mended. Instead, it is presented with a raw honesty that is both poignant and cathartic.
Lockhart’s exploration of vengeance as a path to healing is brilliantly intertwined with the theme of loss. As Kyra navigates the stars with her late husband’s memory haunting her and she gets to know his crew - who also loved him, every moment is charged with the determination to find justice—and, ultimately, closure.
This left me yearning for more. Its brevity only deepened my desire to explore this universe further. and it is my absolute favorite of Lockhart’s work. Death Among the Stars is a testament to Lockhart’s ability to tell a powerful story in a compact form, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this amazing space saga.
Kyra is now a widow after her husband’s murder and is thrust into the cold expanse of space, taking command of his ship and crew as her way of facing the past. The story wastes no time diving into the depths of Kyra’s grief, making it clear that heartbreak is not something that can be ignored or easily mended. Instead, it is presented with a raw honesty that is both poignant and cathartic.
Lockhart’s exploration of vengeance as a path to healing is brilliantly intertwined with the theme of loss. As Kyra navigates the stars with her late husband’s memory haunting her and she gets to know his crew - who also loved him, every moment is charged with the determination to find justice—and, ultimately, closure.
This left me yearning for more. Its brevity only deepened my desire to explore this universe further. and it is my absolute favorite of Lockhart’s work. Death Among the Stars is a testament to Lockhart’s ability to tell a powerful story in a compact form, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this amazing space saga.
January 3, 2025
Anything C.M. Lockhart writes I want to read. I find her characters to be multidimensional and well thought out, causing a reader to be entangled in her stories almost effortlessly.
This story is no different. Imagine learning the person you love the most has been killed and now you’re left with the pain of that reality everyday. This rings unfortunately true for Kyra. She will learn to live on with her grief but at what cost ….and to whom.
Know that when you read this story you will go on this journey with Kyra. You will see just how everyone’s steps of grief aren’t the same. I definitely went on a ride with this story and I will happily say I wasn’t expecting what takes place. There is grief, violence, vengeance, and action taking place in space. There was even a moment in the story where my heart was racing as I imagined Kyra’s was in that same moment.
If you enjoy stories set in space with characters that will have you wanting to know more….. READ THIS.
This story is no different. Imagine learning the person you love the most has been killed and now you’re left with the pain of that reality everyday. This rings unfortunately true for Kyra. She will learn to live on with her grief but at what cost ….and to whom.
Know that when you read this story you will go on this journey with Kyra. You will see just how everyone’s steps of grief aren’t the same. I definitely went on a ride with this story and I will happily say I wasn’t expecting what takes place. There is grief, violence, vengeance, and action taking place in space. There was even a moment in the story where my heart was racing as I imagined Kyra’s was in that same moment.
If you enjoy stories set in space with characters that will have you wanting to know more….. READ THIS.
January 16, 2025
A beautifully written story of loss, healing, and self-rediscovery, this sci-fi novella is cathartic, raw, and empowering. If you’re looking for a dreamy escape in deep space, a complex, lovable found family and a satisfying adventure with highly quotable dialogue and prose, pick up this gem.
Reading Death Among the Stars by C.M. Lockhart makes you count your blessings, hold your loved ones close, and dare to—not just dream— but be brave enough to live the dream and make each day count. But don’t let gorgeous writing fool you. Not only is this a story of heartbreak and healing, but in true Lockhart fashion, it’s also a story of vengeance.
C.M. Lockhart never does anything halfway and this story is proof of her talent and range in storytelling. Beautiful, bold, and powerful, I highly recommend you get this book.
*Thank you to C.M. Lockhart for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.
Reading Death Among the Stars by C.M. Lockhart makes you count your blessings, hold your loved ones close, and dare to—not just dream— but be brave enough to live the dream and make each day count. But don’t let gorgeous writing fool you. Not only is this a story of heartbreak and healing, but in true Lockhart fashion, it’s also a story of vengeance.
C.M. Lockhart never does anything halfway and this story is proof of her talent and range in storytelling. Beautiful, bold, and powerful, I highly recommend you get this book.
*Thank you to C.M. Lockhart for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.
January 19, 2025
“Xavier had built an incredible home for so many and still had chosen to stay with me. It was a subtle reminder that we were all nothing more than insignificant dots, just floating through the universe in the same direction until someone chooses to notice us.”
This book had me hooked from the very first page. Ky’s grief was always so real and palpable. I hadn’t connected to a book’s character in a while. Every emotion she felt, it felt real. The author did a great job of making the MC a real person. She beautifully captured the story of Kyra’s journey through loss & a rediscovery of herself. I can’t wait to see “The Lady Widows” journey continue.
This book releases on January 28th & I HIGHLY recommend it!
This book had me hooked from the very first page. Ky’s grief was always so real and palpable. I hadn’t connected to a book’s character in a while. Every emotion she felt, it felt real. The author did a great job of making the MC a real person. She beautifully captured the story of Kyra’s journey through loss & a rediscovery of herself. I can’t wait to see “The Lady Widows” journey continue.
This book releases on January 28th & I HIGHLY recommend it!
January 21, 2025
I am grateful to have been chosen to read this book ahead of its release date!
The Lady Widow: Death Among the Stars is a captivating introduction to the story of Kyra, the human widow of an alien space captain.
This story was shorter than I expected it to be, but hooked me in nonetheless. Arranged like diary entries, we see Kyra go through the different stages of grief after deciding to leave Earth behind and travel the stars on her late husband’s ship.
Shortly after she reaches the acceptance stage, she enters a new stage. Kyra and the crew of The Reveler head to a planet to take the first steps to avenge her husband’s death. And that’s all I’ll leave you with. Def worth a read if you want something quick that will hold your attention!
The Lady Widow: Death Among the Stars is a captivating introduction to the story of Kyra, the human widow of an alien space captain.
This story was shorter than I expected it to be, but hooked me in nonetheless. Arranged like diary entries, we see Kyra go through the different stages of grief after deciding to leave Earth behind and travel the stars on her late husband’s ship.
Shortly after she reaches the acceptance stage, she enters a new stage. Kyra and the crew of The Reveler head to a planet to take the first steps to avenge her husband’s death. And that’s all I’ll leave you with. Def worth a read if you want something quick that will hold your attention!
January 28, 2025
This book proved to be much more than just another sci-fi story. Now, don’t get me wrong, science fiction has always been my first love when it comes to book genres, but when it can deliver beyond imagination and help you process your own feelings, it’s amazing. The FMC in this book is in the throes of grief when we are introduced to her, and that grief is bottomless. We are able to see her in the depths while also getting some perspective from the outside and how it looks and feels completely different through different eyes. This also isn’t just some sob story, we are still in space and someone has to pay! I gave this book a 4.5, only because I’d love to see a little more background on our dearly departed and what happens next! But I assume we will have to wait for book two.
February 2, 2025
This is a great intro to The Lady Widow Series. In this we are meeting our main character, Kyra, who is grieving her husband, who was an alien, and inherits his ship and crew becoming their new captain. We spend a lot of time with her grieving but during that time we also get to see what it’s like living “among the stars”.
Grief is a hard emotion to process and Lockhart captures that perfectly. Grief with a lifestyle change. Grief with new responsibilities. Grief with meeting new people who share the same grief. BUT! Once the grief gets a little easier to process, it's time for revenge. By the end of this book you will be ready for book 2. I CANNOT WAIT to see where this goes.
I recommend checking this out! This is a series to look out for.
Grief is a hard emotion to process and Lockhart captures that perfectly. Grief with a lifestyle change. Grief with new responsibilities. Grief with meeting new people who share the same grief. BUT! Once the grief gets a little easier to process, it's time for revenge. By the end of this book you will be ready for book 2. I CANNOT WAIT to see where this goes.
I recommend checking this out! This is a series to look out for.
January 12, 2025
Such a quick and easy read! I had a good time with this and I think it set up the series perfectly. I did struggle in the beginning because I felt like I kept reading about her missing her husband over and over, and not really moving forward with the story. BUT, once I got to the end, I appreciated those moments because it supports her rage and her revenge. I can’t wait to Ky get her revenge for her husband and to also learn more about Pia, the world, the ship, everything! Overall a great start and introduction to this world!
Thank you to the author for the ARC <3
Thank you to the author for the ARC <3
December 5, 2025
The book is a quick read from dealing with a widow's grief to her seeking revenge in the universe. Her grief is so real along with the natural realization that she must kill her husbands murderer. But I was a bit surprised to find out he was murdered, even though it made sense from the story perspective.
This is definitely an enjoyable read and can't wait for a part two. CM Lockhart makes you feel and her language is truly beautiful from a writing standpoint.
This is definitely an enjoyable read and can't wait for a part two. CM Lockhart makes you feel and her language is truly beautiful from a writing standpoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
This deep dive into grief really hit hard. Kyra faces the love of her life's death while traveling the stars. It stung and hurt until she started to let people and aliens in. A good introduction to her new galaxy and path to revenge. I'm excited to jump into the next installment!
April 5, 2025
I can’t wait for the rest of this series!!! It's incredible how such a short intro-novella went so deep into grief, loss, world building, found family and watching the FMC become a total badass. It teased at so many adventures to come and I cannot wait to see where the story takes Kyra and her crew.
February 2, 2025
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this story. The emphasis on me being lucky to read this one.
Let me tell you, this is an emotional journey. One that starts in death and ends with MURDER!!!
Tee hee!
We meet Our Lady Widow at the funeral of her beloved husband, who was an alien. Yup! As she is dealing with this, she is offered the chance of a lifetime...to explore the stars above. I mean who could say no?
The FMC in this one is not 'good' but nor is she 'bad', she was above all else REAL. A quality shared by all of the main characters, and the reason why I so quickly got into this one.
When diving into this prepare for a journey with people who have issues but who work and talk through them...with weapons...eventually, they deal in other ways first lol!
My favorite kind of people ;)
Overall an introspective read, but one with an arc that leads into action and choices, which make it a really good time that speeds by all too quickly.
Can recommend this book and I am definitely looking forward to reading more about The Lady Widow and her adventures in the stars!
Let me tell you, this is an emotional journey. One that starts in death and ends with MURDER!!!
Tee hee!
We meet Our Lady Widow at the funeral of her beloved husband, who was an alien. Yup! As she is dealing with this, she is offered the chance of a lifetime...to explore the stars above. I mean who could say no?
The FMC in this one is not 'good' but nor is she 'bad', she was above all else REAL. A quality shared by all of the main characters, and the reason why I so quickly got into this one.
When diving into this prepare for a journey with people who have issues but who work and talk through them...with weapons...eventually, they deal in other ways first lol!
My favorite kind of people ;)
Overall an introspective read, but one with an arc that leads into action and choices, which make it a really good time that speeds by all too quickly.
Can recommend this book and I am definitely looking forward to reading more about The Lady Widow and her adventures in the stars!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews