The Dark of the Void

by Aakash Gupte

Six best friends. One catastrophic secret.

On the brink of adulthood, the friends set out on a vacation meant to be the adventure of a lifetime. But beneath it all, each hides anger that won’t stay contained, guilt that won’t fade, a trauma too heavy to bear, a secret rooted in devastating loss.

When a deadly disaster strikes, their world is thrown into chaos. What seems like a freak accident may not have been natural at all. Now hunted by a shadowy organization, the friends discover strange artifacts tied to an ancient mystery – and to each of them in ways they never expected.

As betrayals fracture their bond and their enemies close in, the group must untangle the dangerous saving the world might mean destroying the only thing holding them together.

This thrilling and emotionally charged adventure blends mystery, friendship, and fantasy, exploring themes of identity, legacy, and the bonds that hold us together in the face of overwhelming odds.

In the Dark of the Void, nothing is ever certain…

About the
Aakash Gupte is a passionate storyteller with a love for crafting imaginative worlds and compelling narratives. Raised on the coast in New Jersey, he currently lives in San Francisco. When not writing, he enjoys reading fantasy books, as well as drawing inspiration from nature, history, and cultures around the world. The Dark of the Void is his debut novel and longest work to date, marking the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of his own creation.

596 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2025

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The summer after high school is supposed to be a time of freedom and exploration, and August and his friends intend to take advantage of their newfound independence with a three week trip to Ireland. Even before arriving, however, strange things begin happening to the six companions, and each new development sends their adventure in a more sinister direction. When fingers are pointed at the Americans for a crime they did not commit, they are forced to flee Dublin to follow the only lead they have that might be able to keep them safe. Every turn they take brings the companions closer to an uncertain future, and they must rely on their friendship with one another in order to survive. This first installment in the Stargazers series introduces readers to six newly graduated American students who are the focus of the narrative. Told in several parts, the novel incorporates multiple points of view, alternating between voices as the momentum of the story presses forward. A diverse cast of characters and a plethora of global locations give this novel a complex and dynamic foundation, and as soon as readers think they know what will happen next, the plot turns in a different direction. Strong language, occasional violence and peril, and discussion of mental health issues make the novel best suited to mature readers. What begins as a book with the feel of a teen horror movie quickly transitions into a story that is much more nuanced, incorporating a touch of the supernatural and archaeological secrets. While the novel is lengthy, the plot moves quickly enough to be engaging, and readers will look forward to the following installment. This is an enjoyable series starter that is well suited to mature new adult readers with an interest in immersive storytelling.