Beacon: Inclusive, mystical, and interstellar — a sci-fi with heart

by Rachel V. Knox

Her power spans lifetimes, but Death follows her—now it’s time to remember why.

Death has shadowed Mei since childhood, and she's convinced that she's the cause—that her mysterious powers are taking away the people she loves. With no one left, Mei retreats into isolation, living quietly among plants, books, and crystals, the only things that don’t need to fear her.

She’s tried nearly every kind of therapy. Her last therapist’s fatal fall down the stairs, just after a Zoom session with Mei, only reinforced her belief that she’s cursed. Still, Mei clings to the hope that she can uncover the truth behind her deadly affliction, even if it means turning to something as far-fetched as past life regression.

Enter Dr. Lumi Zang, a quantum hypnotherapist with a mysterious presence and unconventional methods. After just one session, Mei is intrigued, but strange things begin to stir. Reality begins to fray. Shadows whisper, memories warp, and something old stirs beneath the surface.

What she uncovers about her identity—and the true nature of her powers—is more startling and extraordinary than she ever imagined. And it becomes clear that the thing she fears might not be a curse… but a calling.

176 pages, ebook

First published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Autumn Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beacon is a journey of one woman's life from childhood to adulthood that is filled with loneliness, isolation, sadness and pain. She believes that anyone who interacts with her will eventually die a sudden death.

The story is incredibly engrossing and captivating. It really is mystical and very much interstellary though you wouldn't have known it at the beginning of the book. There's also some references to nblw and hints of wlw. Lumi imo was an interesting character. Would it have been egotistical and narcissistic to love her?

A truly beautiful heartfelt and heartful story of love without limits and self discovery. If you like sci-fi stories with a heart then I'd recommend this.

I leave a voluntary review for this free ARC I received.

[Liesbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mei is a person who stays away from others; especially those close to her keep dying around her. She believes she’s cursed. She has tried every therapist, but they also suffer unfortunate accidents—until she meets Dr. Lumi Zhang. From that point on, life is never the same for Mei. Slowly, it’s as if the curtains or veil over her forgetfulness as a human being are being lifted. She begins to realize that she has orchestrated everything she’s been dealt in life. From there, she embarks on a path of self-discovery, understanding that everything she’s going through is a kind of test. When she has to face situations that go against her nature, she fiercely resists the very hand that gives her insight.

It’s a journey of awakening and remembering that we are not alone in this world. I truly recognize the path Mei goes through—the way we become so caught up in human games that we forget the bigger picture. I gave it four stars because it made me measure myself against what she is going through. She also discovers that she once loved someone she doesn’t even remember. This is one of those stories that goes into unimaginable depths about who you are and why you are here on Earth.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets off to a gripping start. The perspective voice is that of someone who refers to themselves as a monster. There were enough hints at the perspective characters past and viewpoints to grab my attention and immerse me in the storyline. The perspective character is Mei. I love how the author used a therapy session to show the reader a little more about who or what Mei is. It was really the mystery of Mei that kept me going at this point. I was impressed by the author’s portrayal of the hypnotic sessions. This is something author’s often screw up, but this author managed to make it feel real and keep me immersed. The sci fi aspect of this book was good. So were the mystic aspects. But the strongest parts were mysterious and psychological. The book felt very character given, in a good way. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction with that sort of edge.

[Lyndi Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beacon by Rachel V. Knox was a fascinating read. I could hardly put it down. What starts out as a young woman’s healing journey through hypnotherapy turns out to have cosmic implications. Mei, the main character is convinced that the people around her die because of her anger and as she seeks therapy, many mysteries unfold that keep her returning for more appointments.

The story covers childhood abuse, bullying, love, and loss and the main character shows lots of character development. I felt a lot of compassion for Mei as she seeks help and attempts find her place in a world that feels strange and not her own. Through the character’s hypnotherapy, the author takes the reader to various planets, timeframes and lifetimes. This author delivers on her promise to deliver an emotional, metaphysical sci-fi with a mystical edge story. A highly recommended read for those who enjoy a thoughtful exploration of the metaphysical.

[Cassia Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mei has killed many times. At least, the people around her keep dying, and that can’t be a coincidence, can it? It’s why she keeps to herself, despite the loneliness. In her sessions with a new hypnotherapist, Mei uncovers details of childhood trauma and, inexplicably, some intricately detailed memories of alien life that defy her own imagination. Has her subconscious made them up? They can’t be real, can they?

Beacon is an unusual novella that delves into our place in the universe (multiverse?) beyond Planet Earth. Even though parts read like science fiction, with extra-terrestrial beings and spaceships ((the description of which I really enjoyed), Beacon is grounded in Mei and her experience as she struggles to heal from trauma and grief after losing loved ones.

Genre-crossing (genre-bending?) or not, Beacon is an intriguing read that’s both engaging and unpredictable. Perfect for fans of speculative fiction with a spiritual bent.

[Curious Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beacon is an intriguing book that's hard to summarize without revealing too much of the plot and mystery.

A good deal of the strong appeal lies in the unfolding revelations in the novel. Initially it appears to be about a troubled woman and her attempt to find help. But (and I'm not giving anything away since the description says sci-fi) far more is going on. Mei's personal journey is complex and the story reflects issues about the world today, sometimes uncomfortably so. I wouldn't necessarily call the novel uplifting, instead I found it involving, emotionally layered and thought provoking.

The writing style is a mix of first person and third person. The style switches aren't linked to point of view. The book ends with "To be continued..."

Around chapter 13 the novel lost some of its pace. I was still interested, but found the later chapters a little less compelling. This was partly due to what seemed like story continuity issues. Some were relatively minor (for example, regarding Mei's birthmark), another was bigger. It's possible the bigger inconsistency was intended for ambiguity since there appeared to be a section trying to bring them together.

Though a few things about Beacon didn't completely work for me, I recommend the book to sci-fi fans who enjoy a satisfying emotional, psychological journey and unexpected twists as part of the story.

[J.C. Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, Luminous, and Thought-Provoking — Sci-Fi for the Soul

Rachel V. Knox’s Beacon is a stunning blend of science fiction, metaphysical mystery, and emotional introspection — a story that asks cosmic questions while staying deeply human. It follows Mei, a woman haunted by loss and drawn into the care of Dr. Lumi Zang, a quantum hypnotherapist whose sessions blur the line between therapy and revelation. As Mei’s visions grow stranger and more otherworldly, Knox crafts a tale that is both a psychological descent and a spiritual awakening.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its tone — dreamlike yet precise, moving effortlessly between science and mysticism. Knox writes with emotional intelligence, exploring grief, identity, and the boundaries of consciousness without ever losing narrative drive. Each revelation feels earned, and the sense of scale — spanning lifetimes and star systems — is breathtaking without being alienating.

Fans of Becky Chambers, Matt Haig, or Octavia E. Butler will find familiar warmth and wonder here. Beacon isn’t just about first contact with something beyond humanity — it’s about first contact with the self.

A haunting, hopeful sci-fi experience — part cosmic mystery, part emotional healing, and wholly unforgettable.

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel V. Knox has crafted something truly special with Beacon. This novella blends science fiction with emotional healing in ways I haven't encountered before. Mei's journey from self-isolation to self-discovery kept me completely absorbed from the first page.
What makes this story remarkable is how Knox balances the intimate and the cosmic. The hypnotherapy sessions between Mei and Dr. Lumi provide a unique framework for exploring both childhood trauma and something far more otherworldly. As the layers unfold, the story expands into questions about identity, belonging, and what it means to be human.
The pacing feels intentional, giving space for both character development and the increasingly strange revelations about Mei's true nature. Knox writes with genuine emotional intelligence, never shying away from the weight of grief while maintaining an underlying current of hope. The LGBTQ+ representation feels natural and integrated into the story.
If you enjoy thoughtful, character-focused science fiction that values emotional truth alongside speculative concepts, Beacon deserves your attention. It's a story that lingers.

[Sylvi Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beacon is a haunting debut that blends metaphysical science fiction with an intimate exploration of grief, identity, and self-worth. Mei is a compelling protagonist—lonely, cursed, and burdened by powers she doesn’t understand. As the story unfolds, Knox leans into both psychological depth and genre weirdness, unafraid to explore the edges of reality.

The pacing is deliberate but absorbing, and the writing carries emotional weight without slipping into melodrama. Themes of reincarnation, death, and self-discovery are approached with sincerity and a touch of the surreal. The inclusion of a quantum hypnotherapist adds a fresh spin, pushing the story into stranger, more speculative territory.

Some early exposition feels slightly heavy-handed, but as the novel progresses, the layers peel back in satisfying ways. This book will resonate deeply with readers who enjoy introspective science fiction with spiritual or emotional overtones.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natalie Blank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beacon by Rachel V. Knox is a very character-driven novel that has a lot to say about the world we live in, what motivates us, and how all beings (alien/human) can come together for a common goal. I was hooked immediately. Mei’s character really stood out to me, and I loved how much time the author spent on her backstory. Her childhood felt fully developed, and the relationship between Mei and Jett was both touching and incredibly tragic. The wedding scene, in particular, was very well done.

The parts of the story I connected with the most were the very human moments, such as Mei feeling like she doesn’t belong, carrying guilt, and trying to make sense of things beyond her control. That’s where I think the book truly shines—showing how very human Mei is, even though there’s something not human about her.

While the space elements were interesting, they didn’t grab me in the same way. The stakes felt higher earlier in the story than toward the end. Overall, the emotional depth Mei brought made Beacon memorable for me.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Beacon” by Rachel V. Knox is a thoughtful Sci/Fi story with a metaphysical spin. (Trigger warnings for suicide/abuse.) In 2012, Mei Hing, a loner and non-human who considers herself a monster, is a university student who assists a fellow schoolmate who has with a broken arm, and a connection forms between them. We next meet Mei in 2025, a time of war, as she meets with a doctor to discuss an horrifying problem: people who get close to her always seem to die; even her last therapist, with whom she only met on Zoom, perished from a fall down a flight of stairs. Mei admits that she has tried to do away with herself to no avail. Under hypnosis, Mei remembers childhood trauma she had endured, punishment from her parents who declared the blue mark on her face to be a sign of evil and accused her of killing her grandfather with dark powers. This is an unusual, engaging, and poignant Sci/Fi story!

[Tellen Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep, complex and mysterious sci-fi

I did not know what to expect when I picked up Beacon: Inclusive, mystical, and interstellar — a sci-fi with heart. On Kindle. I admit what first drew me to it was the beautiful cover. I know you should never trust a book by its cover, but it 100% gets your foot in the door. There is a lot to this book, it covers a range of emotions from sadness, loss to anger and fear. It gets deeper and more mysterious the more you read.

It has been the first time in years where I have had no idea what is going to happen next. That means it is truly unique and creative, which is a massive compliment. I do not like to go into spoilers in my reviews as I feel finding out on your own what the book is about is the best part. I urge you to give it a try as the characters are likeable, complex and very believable. I am glad I looked into it and recommend you try it too!

[Angie Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into reading this book with reasonable expectations, I think. After all, the words ‘mystical, inclusive and interstellar’ are in the title. Still, I was surprised by what a great and complex read this turned out to be.

The way heavy topics such as childhood trauma and suicide are handled is very well done. The author is unflinching in their approach, yet still respectful. I found myself very drawn to Mei and felt a powerful connection with her struggles and feeling of ‘otherness.’ It is wonderful to find a piece of genre fiction that can be relatable on topics that are so personal, while also being entertained.

And, honestly, I was entertained as hell. The story really took me to unexpected places. With beautiful descriptions, engaging characters and a thrilling plot added to the mix, I can definitely recommend this.

At 218 pages on KU it is a quick read. But one that is definitely worth it.

[Freya Kissane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting when I picked this up but it certainly surprised me and captured my interest. The story begins with Mei a lonely thirty-something with not a lot going on in her life because she believes she kills people that she comes into contact with. Enter the other significant character healing her deal with this belief Dr Lumi. Initially I wasn’t sure how the writer was going to sustain my interest with a plot centred around Mei’s therapy session but I’m glad I stuck with it because as the novel incorporates the scifi elements it becomes a stranger, wilder mediation on the experience of being human and our place in the cosmos. The world building of the scifi elements is particularly strong and paired with Mei’s storyline this is an engaging little read easily consumed in one sitting. I’d recommend it to those looking for scifi with a different approach to storytelling.

[Gemma Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beacon surprised me in the best way. I picked it up for the premise and stayed for Mei—prickly, hurting, quietly brave. The therapy-room scenes with Dr. Lumi have texture—awkward pauses, raw slips of truth—and then the story opens into something stranger and wider without losing its heartbeat. It’s soft sci-fi, not gadgetry: memory threads, moral weight, a whisper of the mystical. The middle sags a touch, but the later revelations pulled me right back. I loved the effortless inclusivity and the way Knox treats grief with respect, not spectacle. One small continuity hiccup made me flip back a page, yet it didn’t blunt the emotional arc. I finished in one evening, closed my Kindle, and sat with that final hopeful note while making tea. If you want character-led science fiction that feels human, curious, and luminous, Beacon belongs on your list. I’m ready to follow Mei wherever she goes next.

[James Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book called ‘Beacon’ that was written by Rachel V. Knox. It’s a science fiction story that mixes mystery, healing and hope. The main character, Mei, feels like a monster because people close to her always seem to die. She goes to a doctor who uses hypnosis to help her remember her past. Through these sessions, Mei learns about her childhood pain, strange powers and even memories that reach beyond this world. The story moves between real life and other dimensions, showing how Mei faces fear and tries to find peace with who she is. The book can be sad at times, but it’s also full of heart and light. I liked how it showed that even people who feel broken can grow and heal. The story is strange, emotional and hard to put down. It made me think about life, love and forgiveness. I think some people will enjoy reading it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beacon by Rachel V. Knox offers a creative and interesting perspective on a higher plane of existence, allowing us to view our own world through that lens.
It isn't what I expected. It grabbed my attention immediately, but it lost momentum as the blanks in the mystery were filled in. It isn't really the type of story I prefer.
That being said, it is well-written, imaginative, and self-reflective. It is a valid attitude to take toward our current state of affairs, and there is wisdom to be gleaned here. Beacon is a sci-fi story with real-world applications.
The ending is satisfying but includes a “to be continued” note. I am not sure I feel compelled to read more; as I mentioned, this is not really my favorite kind of science fiction.
I received a free ARC from Booksprout. This is my honest opinion.

[Iain Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Knox has woven a story that segues in an unexpected direction. It begins with Mei. Mei’s aura kills people. Or so she thinks. She seeks therapy having lost parents, friends, lovers, and previous therapists. But the therapy uncovers an unexpected past life, and this is where the story takes a surprising direction. No spoilers, but I didn’t expect it and personally found it meandering in places. It’s a good book, well written with engaging characters. As the book progresses, logical leaps re-explain Mei’s life through different lenses, adding layers, some of which oppose the earlier reasons. The sci-fi elements introduced a third of the way in revolve around a dying species of greys, dying because they’ve been at war – making their distaste of human warring factions a little hypocritical. How these two disparate elements relate forms the crux of the book. It didn’t land for me. I loved the Death Note aura, and I would have enjoyed a space opera of species attempting to ascend more primitive races. Mixed? No, but I appreciate the well-crafted nature of the book and characters, and the thought Rachel put into it, so tips into four stars..