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Goldnight of Starfall
“Helge, my angel, my downfall….
You’ve promised me the world I so dearly wish for…
You claim I am your past lover incarnate—I can only hope you speak true.”
In a countryside still ravaged by magical war, Eris—a closeted trans man—names himself in secret after a fairytale Prince, only to summon the Prince’s fallen angel lover in return.
The angel, Helge, is convinced he has just found his star-crossed lover in Eris, reincarnated.
Regardless of the truth, Eris takes Helge as his lover, to get away from the repression of his mundane life. The two soon find themselves in a kindred symbiotic relationship. As their deepest desires merge then blend, they turn into a single wish of escaping from this world that would never accept them—to carve a place for themselves, to find meaning in the meaningless, and love at the end of a rising dawn.
From award nominated and best-selling author Beau Van Dalen, Goldnight of Starfall is a dark fantastical erotic tale, featuring a trans man protagonist, weaved with dark fabulism, themes of existentialism and hope hidden within despair.
You’ve promised me the world I so dearly wish for…
You claim I am your past lover incarnate—I can only hope you speak true.”
In a countryside still ravaged by magical war, Eris—a closeted trans man—names himself in secret after a fairytale Prince, only to summon the Prince’s fallen angel lover in return.
The angel, Helge, is convinced he has just found his star-crossed lover in Eris, reincarnated.
Regardless of the truth, Eris takes Helge as his lover, to get away from the repression of his mundane life. The two soon find themselves in a kindred symbiotic relationship. As their deepest desires merge then blend, they turn into a single wish of escaping from this world that would never accept them—to carve a place for themselves, to find meaning in the meaningless, and love at the end of a rising dawn.
From award nominated and best-selling author Beau Van Dalen, Goldnight of Starfall is a dark fantastical erotic tale, featuring a trans man protagonist, weaved with dark fabulism, themes of existentialism and hope hidden within despair.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
8 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Beau Van Dalen
35 books350 followersBeau Van Dalen is a best-selling author of adult speculative fiction. Wattpad Stars Alumnus and Winner of Tapas Media’s 2018 Summer Writing Competition—Beau’s stories have amassed over two million reads online. Whether it be through books, poetry, comics or games, Beau is always enchanting words and creating worlds; he is currently on a journey to write one-hundred novels.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 9, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy from the author.
A bittersweet novella this short story follows the trans man Eris, in a very unaccepting world finding hope in the fairytale he found his name through, when he meets the angel from the fairytale. The angel Helge believes Eris is his past lover reincarnated. Soon they are falling in love, but the short stolen moments of peace and acceptance cannot blot out the immense amounts of hatred and repression Eris faces in his day-to-day life. And worse Helge keeps disappearing for long stretches of time.
The prose in this novella was utterly gorgeous, making for a very enjoyable reading experience without ever veering even close to purple prose territories. I also loved that we were able to dive deep into Eris’ head, experiencing his joy and grief and rage intimately.
I also found the worldbuilding really interesting, especially Eris’ job of bottling people’s grief and sorrows and the burden that places on him, but that is something that I wish had been extended on a bit more. We only know very little of how the world functions (beside the fact that it is a very sexist, transphobic and homophobic place) and characters besides Eris and Helge remain only sketched out. A bit additional interaction with others would have made this story a lot more interesting (I did really enjoy the talk Eris had with his sister, even though it was very sad, because of that reason. I felt it added a lot more to the world).
The relationship between Eris and Helge was sweet and erotic and I liked that both magic gender-affirmation was possible as well as gender-affirming language during erotic scenes allowing Eris to experience both forms of euphoria. Personally, I would have enjoyed a bit more romance build up (they do spend quite a lot of the time they spend together having sex), but their relationship was still developed well and I enjoyed reading it.
All in all, if you are looking for a short story exploring trans love and survival in a very prejudiced world, following a very traumatized main character as he grows into his identity and become secure in himself despite it all, then you will certainly have a fun time reading this story!
TW: assault (physical), domestic abuse, gender dysphoria, grief, gore, hate crimes, homophobia, misgendering, pregnancy mention, PTSD, risky sexual behavior, transphobia, unhealthy coping mechanisms, violence
A bittersweet novella this short story follows the trans man Eris, in a very unaccepting world finding hope in the fairytale he found his name through, when he meets the angel from the fairytale. The angel Helge believes Eris is his past lover reincarnated. Soon they are falling in love, but the short stolen moments of peace and acceptance cannot blot out the immense amounts of hatred and repression Eris faces in his day-to-day life. And worse Helge keeps disappearing for long stretches of time.
The prose in this novella was utterly gorgeous, making for a very enjoyable reading experience without ever veering even close to purple prose territories. I also loved that we were able to dive deep into Eris’ head, experiencing his joy and grief and rage intimately.
I also found the worldbuilding really interesting, especially Eris’ job of bottling people’s grief and sorrows and the burden that places on him, but that is something that I wish had been extended on a bit more. We only know very little of how the world functions (beside the fact that it is a very sexist, transphobic and homophobic place) and characters besides Eris and Helge remain only sketched out. A bit additional interaction with others would have made this story a lot more interesting (I did really enjoy the talk Eris had with his sister, even though it was very sad, because of that reason. I felt it added a lot more to the world).
The relationship between Eris and Helge was sweet and erotic and I liked that both magic gender-affirmation was possible as well as gender-affirming language during erotic scenes allowing Eris to experience both forms of euphoria. Personally, I would have enjoyed a bit more romance build up (they do spend quite a lot of the time they spend together having sex), but their relationship was still developed well and I enjoyed reading it.
All in all, if you are looking for a short story exploring trans love and survival in a very prejudiced world, following a very traumatized main character as he grows into his identity and become secure in himself despite it all, then you will certainly have a fun time reading this story!
TW: assault (physical), domestic abuse, gender dysphoria, grief, gore, hate crimes, homophobia, misgendering, pregnancy mention, PTSD, risky sexual behavior, transphobia, unhealthy coping mechanisms, violence
April 8, 2025
I received a review copy of this from the author yesterday and finished it this morning! The world crafted in this feels isolated. The moments between Eris and Helge are so intimate and private that I felt as though I was intruding. The visuals are captivating, and the writing is beautiful. The most impactful part of the book for me was the ending, it somehow manages to be both tragic and hopeful.
One of my favorite scenes in the entire novella is Eris’s conversation with his sister. When he asks why she’d hate him, and she says, “for survival,” there are so many layers to that. Part of me wishes Eris’s family were more incorporated into the story. One thing this novella suffers from is that everything outside of Eris and Helge is not as fleshed out as I’d like it to be. It left me wanting more, to be further immersed in this world and learn its secrets.
I also had an issue with the pacing. The story becomes stagnant and repetitive in the middle. Eris and Helge meet and make love, and meet and make love, and nothing moves forward for quite a while. Then, when it finally does, it feels a bit rushed. However, the ending is so bittersweet that it was all I could think about once it was over.
Overall, this was delightful, and I’ll be checking out the author’s other works. I already have The Prince's Dearest Guards downloaded from an Itchio bundle, so that will be my next read from this author.
One of my favorite scenes in the entire novella is Eris’s conversation with his sister. When he asks why she’d hate him, and she says, “for survival,” there are so many layers to that. Part of me wishes Eris’s family were more incorporated into the story. One thing this novella suffers from is that everything outside of Eris and Helge is not as fleshed out as I’d like it to be. It left me wanting more, to be further immersed in this world and learn its secrets.
I also had an issue with the pacing. The story becomes stagnant and repetitive in the middle. Eris and Helge meet and make love, and meet and make love, and nothing moves forward for quite a while. Then, when it finally does, it feels a bit rushed. However, the ending is so bittersweet that it was all I could think about once it was over.
Overall, this was delightful, and I’ll be checking out the author’s other works. I already have The Prince's Dearest Guards downloaded from an Itchio bundle, so that will be my next read from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
Μου άρεσαν αρκετά κάποια κομμάτια που αφορούσαν τον χαρακτήρα του Eris, αλλά κατά τα άλλα ήταν ένα χάλι....και όσο αναφορά την πλοκή και τoν κόσμο αλλά και τα κίνητρα των χαρακτήρων...είχαν όλα ενδιαφέρον σαν ιδέες αλλά στην πράξη δεν ήταν καθόλου καλά ανεπτυγμένα. Κι ένα στοιχείο τρόμου που υπήρχε και ήθελα πολύ να δω, πήγε κι αυτό άπατο γιατί δεν ασχολήθηκε καθόλου μαζί του παρα μόνο στις τελευταίες λίγες σελίδες. Πιστεύω πως θα μου άρεσε περισσότερο αν ήταν κανονικό βιβλίο και όχι νουβέλα καθώς θα είχε χώρο να αναπτύξει περισσότερο τα πάντα.
Τέλος πάντων, ανφρέντλι ριμάιντερ για μένα πως αφού επιμένω να διαλέγω βιβλία λόγω εξωφύλλου να κρατάω τουλάχιστον χαμηλά τις προσδοκίες μου :/
Τέλος πάντων, ανφρέντλι ριμάιντερ για μένα πως αφού επιμένω να διαλέγω βιβλία λόγω εξωφύλλου να κρατάω τουλάχιστον χαμηλά τις προσδοκίες μου :/
January 2, 2026
this was so insanely repetitive and the prose was pointlessly vague. there was no worldbuilding, hardly any character development, it was just... such a nothingburger. i could be more articulate if i cared enough but. bad!
April 3, 2025
A Haunting and Enchanting Read!
"We kiss. And kiss. And kiss. And I fall in love, with the idea of us."
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
An achingly beautiful story that captivated me from the first line to the last. The writing in this was absolutely gorgeous. Despite being a novella, it didn't feel too short or incomplete at all. This is because the author expertly wove in just enough detail to immerse you in the world and help you understand the characters. Speaking of world building, the magic and the fantasy beings in this story were so unique! I would love a full length novel set in the same universe if Van Dalen ever chooses to write one.
Goldnight of Starfall's universal themes of loneliness, not belonging, self discovery, and finding your true home in someone you love resonated with me deeply. Books rarely move me to tears, but this one did. And that ending? Bittersweet perfection.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
"We kiss. And kiss. And kiss. And I fall in love, with the idea of us."
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
An achingly beautiful story that captivated me from the first line to the last. The writing in this was absolutely gorgeous. Despite being a novella, it didn't feel too short or incomplete at all. This is because the author expertly wove in just enough detail to immerse you in the world and help you understand the characters. Speaking of world building, the magic and the fantasy beings in this story were so unique! I would love a full length novel set in the same universe if Van Dalen ever chooses to write one.
Goldnight of Starfall's universal themes of loneliness, not belonging, self discovery, and finding your true home in someone you love resonated with me deeply. Books rarely move me to tears, but this one did. And that ending? Bittersweet perfection.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
April 29, 2025
I was given the wonderful opportunity to read Goldnight of Starfall as an arc copy for a review.
My true rating hovers between 3 and 4 stars.
It took me a moment to get used to this writing style, which I'm not privy to, but I wanted to expand my reading horizons. Whimsical and fairytale-esque is how I'd describe the style, while the narrative is very emotion-driven. Despite what drove the narrative, I couldn't help but feel as though Eris's emotions all hit the same note. There was a lack of change in prose, in the structure of how these emotions were shown, so none had the impact I think the author was aiming for. Similarly, these emotions were best explored during the physically intimate scenes. I have no problem with a story rich in intimacy, as Goldnight of Starfall was. However, I expected there to be a balance between non-sexual intimacy and everything else that comprises a relationship. Or, at least, more of these delved into emotions and thoughts outside sex. With these two things combined, the story's overall tone became bland by the end.
I noticed the seemingly random italicization of sentences and larger portions of paragraphs. It just didn't quite seem to fit and often threw me off, as, to me, when you italicize, it's to emphasize, change the tone, and/or to shift perspective (switching from 3rd person to 1st person to show the character's thoughts). That's neither here nor there since I was able to ignore it.
I can't say I'll read Goldnight of Starfall again, but I don't regret having read it.
I appreciate how the author went about writing a trans mc, more so, how Eris came to accept who he was despite his body. He came to understand and even love who he was on the inside, which affected how he saw himself on the outside. I think it's very important to represent those who can't or don't want to transition in their journey. That's what this story does, and it's done well.
I'm glad to have read Goldnight of Starfall and I recommend it to those who want to see more acceptance in trans individuals who haven't transitioned (physically) represented in books, who want to see two characters utterly obsessed and devoted to one another, and who want all the worshipping spice that accompanies said obession.
Thank you, Beau, for giving me the chance to read your story <3
My true rating hovers between 3 and 4 stars.
It took me a moment to get used to this writing style, which I'm not privy to, but I wanted to expand my reading horizons. Whimsical and fairytale-esque is how I'd describe the style, while the narrative is very emotion-driven. Despite what drove the narrative, I couldn't help but feel as though Eris's emotions all hit the same note. There was a lack of change in prose, in the structure of how these emotions were shown, so none had the impact I think the author was aiming for. Similarly, these emotions were best explored during the physically intimate scenes. I have no problem with a story rich in intimacy, as Goldnight of Starfall was. However, I expected there to be a balance between non-sexual intimacy and everything else that comprises a relationship. Or, at least, more of these delved into emotions and thoughts outside sex. With these two things combined, the story's overall tone became bland by the end.
I noticed the seemingly random italicization of sentences and larger portions of paragraphs. It just didn't quite seem to fit and often threw me off, as, to me, when you italicize, it's to emphasize, change the tone, and/or to shift perspective (switching from 3rd person to 1st person to show the character's thoughts). That's neither here nor there since I was able to ignore it.
I can't say I'll read Goldnight of Starfall again, but I don't regret having read it.
I appreciate how the author went about writing a trans mc, more so, how Eris came to accept who he was despite his body. He came to understand and even love who he was on the inside, which affected how he saw himself on the outside. I think it's very important to represent those who can't or don't want to transition in their journey. That's what this story does, and it's done well.
I'm glad to have read Goldnight of Starfall and I recommend it to those who want to see more acceptance in trans individuals who haven't transitioned (physically) represented in books, who want to see two characters utterly obsessed and devoted to one another, and who want all the worshipping spice that accompanies said obession.
Thank you, Beau, for giving me the chance to read your story <3
April 11, 2025
I was given a copy of this book for free from the author, and I am reviewing it voluntarily. Everything stated below is my personal opinion.
Goldnight of Starfall is an enthralling exploration of gender and identity wrapped up in a dark fantasy themed package. The heavy subject matter is a deep-dive into the feeling of ‘otherness’ told from a first-person perspective, making it an incredibly absorbing story from the very first line. There are no distinct chapters, so much as there are breaks in the page; like a thought coming to an end.
The writing of this novella is exceptional – not many people can string together first-person so imaginatively, and that composition makes this work really stand out from the rest. Aside from a couple repeated paragraphs, there are no inconsistencies in the perspective.
Overall, I adored this novel. It made me reflect on a time in my life that was transformative in an inspiring way, and gave me a reminder that other people in the world experience feeling displaced from it, just as I have. Most importantly, this work encourages us to never forget that there is always a light in the darkness.
Goldnight of Starfall is an enthralling exploration of gender and identity wrapped up in a dark fantasy themed package. The heavy subject matter is a deep-dive into the feeling of ‘otherness’ told from a first-person perspective, making it an incredibly absorbing story from the very first line. There are no distinct chapters, so much as there are breaks in the page; like a thought coming to an end.
The writing of this novella is exceptional – not many people can string together first-person so imaginatively, and that composition makes this work really stand out from the rest. Aside from a couple repeated paragraphs, there are no inconsistencies in the perspective.
Overall, I adored this novel. It made me reflect on a time in my life that was transformative in an inspiring way, and gave me a reminder that other people in the world experience feeling displaced from it, just as I have. Most importantly, this work encourages us to never forget that there is always a light in the darkness.
January 20, 2026
It's porn. I can understand the appeal to some, maybe it was just not for me?
But it's only sex between a trans man and a cis man over and over. The plot is totally forgotten, it had so much potential (the protagonist's job??? the night shifters killing monsters??? the resurrection soulmates story??? the multiple Erises??? the village lore???)
I was excited when something finally happen (at the end (95% of the story) when the sister discovers everything and that a war between Villagers and Heretics was supposed to take place.... and it lasted 2 pages before getting back to being rushed... Nothing makes sense in the story, it was only carrying the main character's need for cocks, not gonna lie. I was disappointed, that's my very first book with a trans character, I won't read more from this author personally as I don't relate to their view on transidentity for men.
The writing is ok. Not my thing either. The shifts between direct and indirect speech and thoughts and narration are too often, it makes a mess. :(
But it's only sex between a trans man and a cis man over and over. The plot is totally forgotten, it had so much potential (the protagonist's job??? the night shifters killing monsters??? the resurrection soulmates story??? the multiple Erises??? the village lore???)
I was excited when something finally happen (at the end (95% of the story) when the sister discovers everything and that a war between Villagers and Heretics was supposed to take place.... and it lasted 2 pages before getting back to being rushed... Nothing makes sense in the story, it was only carrying the main character's need for cocks, not gonna lie. I was disappointed, that's my very first book with a trans character, I won't read more from this author personally as I don't relate to their view on transidentity for men.
The writing is ok. Not my thing either. The shifts between direct and indirect speech and thoughts and narration are too often, it makes a mess. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
I received a review copy of this from the author, and it took me longer than I thought it would to read. Mostly because I have been in a bit of a reading slump. I liked this book but it definitely is not my favorite from this author that said, this is only the second book from this author that I have read. I was afraid that I wouldn't find myself attached to the characters because of the books short length but I could not have been more wrong. The ending had me tearing up and crying. I probably won't read this again but I did enjoy my time reading it, if you like more romance driven plot you will probably really enjoy this. I loved that I didn't feel like I was dragging my feet through this read it felt very flowy and I like the writing style in this book. I found it at times to be poetic and even highlighted a couple of my favorite quotes one being, "I was never meant for the cage that this life had become. I was meant to fly free."
May 8, 2025
I have received a free copy of this book on exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed this story, it has such a deep sense of longing and love that feels so tangible. The way identity is presented and the potential consequences of it crafts such a compelling story. We get to follow two souls who may be destined for one another but are trapped in the wrong place and wrong time. Society in this story feels like enemy as it forces conformity and uniformity upon those within. With each chapter I find myself wishing for the best but preparing for a great tragedy as I learn more about the world the characters are forced to try and survive in. The way tragedy hangs in the horizon makes the tender moments all the more impactful.
I very much enjoyed this story, it has such a deep sense of longing and love that feels so tangible. The way identity is presented and the potential consequences of it crafts such a compelling story. We get to follow two souls who may be destined for one another but are trapped in the wrong place and wrong time. Society in this story feels like enemy as it forces conformity and uniformity upon those within. With each chapter I find myself wishing for the best but preparing for a great tragedy as I learn more about the world the characters are forced to try and survive in. The way tragedy hangs in the horizon makes the tender moments all the more impactful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
A romance novella that flirts with the eerie and ethereal plane of the paranormal. Someone described it as haunting and beautiful and I can't agree more. So many suspenseful moments that kept you reading with your breath held to find out what happens next. Darker than some of the other stories and no less beautiful.
The thing I like the most is how relatable the main character is. Beau has a wonderful ability of not dramatizing or glamouring the feelings of the characters we are reading. It makes you feel seen especially as a queer/nonbinary/trans person, seeing how realistic the feelings and the struggles are.
The thing I like the most is how relatable the main character is. Beau has a wonderful ability of not dramatizing or glamouring the feelings of the characters we are reading. It makes you feel seen especially as a queer/nonbinary/trans person, seeing how realistic the feelings and the struggles are.
April 20, 2025
I enjoyed reading Goodnight of Starfall.
Beau changed their writing style for this one. It reads very poetically and wasn't something I anticipated. I'm not the biggest fan of this style however I did still enjoy it. Eris was dealt a hard hand and I couldnt imagine being trans in that time period.
Beau is often critiqued about the way they write about transness however as a transperson they can pull from their own feelings/experiences. There were some lines in this book that felt off to me as a trans person but it isnt my place to critique them for their writing and experiences.
Beau changed their writing style for this one. It reads very poetically and wasn't something I anticipated. I'm not the biggest fan of this style however I did still enjoy it. Eris was dealt a hard hand and I couldnt imagine being trans in that time period.
Beau is often critiqued about the way they write about transness however as a transperson they can pull from their own feelings/experiences. There were some lines in this book that felt off to me as a trans person but it isnt my place to critique them for their writing and experiences.
August 28, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up
I liked this but there were a few grammatical mistakes in my copy at least and the same paragraph twice, but other than that I enjoyed this novella even though I wish there was more to it or more could have happened and not felt as rushed as it did. I do like Dalen’s writing so that was nice, and the I liked the characters and how they acted and were. A good story in between longer ones.
I liked this but there were a few grammatical mistakes in my copy at least and the same paragraph twice, but other than that I enjoyed this novella even though I wish there was more to it or more could have happened and not felt as rushed as it did. I do like Dalen’s writing so that was nice, and the I liked the characters and how they acted and were. A good story in between longer ones.
July 4, 2025
This little book was not about the romance for me, but about existence in a world that doesn't want you. It was only 100 pages, but the story touched on my personal gender identity and sexuality in such a deep way and through such beautiful prose.
April 11, 2025
Yearning 100% beautiful, tragic, delicious yearning.
April 14, 2025
What an amazing , and emotional read !! Once again , beautifully written ❤️ a great work from the author ( also , that cover ?! 👏 😍)
April 19, 2025
I'm so thankful for the earc I received
I am a big big fan of Beau's works. This novel was truly beautifully written . I loved the characters and the spicy was delicate and tasteful. I also loved the general vibe of the story and the hopeful ending !
I am a big big fan of Beau's works. This novel was truly beautifully written . I loved the characters and the spicy was delicate and tasteful. I also loved the general vibe of the story and the hopeful ending !
April 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨ Review to come
June 24, 2025
It's just me and my toxic codependent angel boyfriend against the world, I suppose
May 2, 2025
3.5, rounding up. This was the first book I’ve read by Beau Van Dalen, and I was impressed by his lush, lyrical prose and the way he really digs into his characters’ emotions. Eris’s struggles with dysphoria and deep dissatisfaction with his life were haunting, contrasted beautifully with the joy he felt in his moments with Helge. On the surface, this is a beautiful story; I wish it had been longer, honestly.
My one hangup with this book is that it got quite surreal at times, which made it hard to follow and a little tricky to know what was literal and what was a dream or a hypothetical. I also found the ending quite abrupt, and I was left a little unsure what exactly had happened.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this novella and I’ll be interested to read more of Van Dalen’s work in the future.
My one hangup with this book is that it got quite surreal at times, which made it hard to follow and a little tricky to know what was literal and what was a dream or a hypothetical. I also found the ending quite abrupt, and I was left a little unsure what exactly had happened.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this novella and I’ll be interested to read more of Van Dalen’s work in the future.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews