Ghosts Aboard Starlight

by Gume Laurel III

200 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 16, 2026

About the author

Gume Laurel III is a Texan, native to the Rio Grande Valley on the southernmost border. For the past decade, he has dedicated himself to crafting literary works that promote inclusion and showcase diverse characters with intersectional identities. The bulk of Gume’s writings are focused on underrepresented groups, especially those from the communities he is a part of: Latine and queer.

When he isn’t writing, Gume can be found getting lost on a hiking trail with his dogs Blu and Mouse. For more info on what he’s up to, check out GumeLaurel.com and @TX.Author on Instagram.

Reviews

[Steff Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always found novels in verse rather fascinating, a fun way to explore a story. In the case of Gume Laurel III's Ghosts Aboard Starlight, this was the first time I've happened upon one that wasn't in a contemporary setting. I have to say, I rather enjoyed the plot of this, though it certainly moved a bit too quickly for my liking given the format everything was in. I'm not sure that I ever felt truly connected to any of the characters and there were definitely times when I felt myself getting lost from what was happening, needing to backtrack in order to reaffirm that I'd caught everything necessary to leave the story with a full understanding of the events.

I'm fairly certain that this was a standalone story, the ending to it feeling very Jumanji-like in nature, which was kind of cool in its own way. But I think it also opens up for the possibility of something more in the future, which I liked as well. Though this probably isn't a story that I'll revisit, I definitely enjoyed the reading experience. The Sci-Fi aspect of everything was super intriguing.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you West 44 Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Once again blow away by how much depth Gume Laurel III is able to pack into his in verse novels! Ome Olin’s people managed to escape years of imprisonment from The Gemini, a race of AI, back on their homeland Lunar Machina. Now what’s left are aboard the ship Pluto in a cryo-sleep called Starlight, while they search for a new home. Starlight allows them to enter a kind of virtual dreamworld while their actual bodies remain frozen and preserved. In Starlight they can create anything. Ome lives peacefully tending to his flock of triceratops. That is until some mysterious orbs appear and make symbols in the wheat near his home. Symbols that appear to be the symbols of The Gemini. Is it possibly that they have found them and entered Starlight? In order to find out Ome may have to leave Starlight, but once you exit you can’t return. In order to save the remainder for his people he may just have to sacrifice himself. Can he succeed or will The Gemini once again rule them? A fast paced story that is exciting, thrilling, and emotional! Highly engaging with a twist ending! I absolutely adore Gume’s stories and have found each one to be better than the last! Absolutely recommend checking this out!

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I like to thank the folks at Netgally, West 44 Books & Gume Laurel The Third himself for allowing me the honor of continuing to follow his writing journey. I am forever thankful and my review is a honest reflection of my feeling towards this book.
I am always pleasantly surprised with each book Gume comes out with. He takes you on a journey from places here on earth to the flights across the stars. And now we step into virtual reality, where humanity has taken refuge while they look for a new home away from a world where a AI force, called The Gemini, has enslaved them.
We follow a young character, Ome Olin; as he awakens in this world. Suffering the loss of his family and adapting to his the virtual world. But the Gemini isn’t too keen on letting their work force escape and their shadow follows our main character into the virtual.
I loved this book. Plain and simple and to the point. Gume has blown past my expectations with each novel he has released. And this one is another knock out of the park.
A quick and engaging read that will stick with you long after you turn the last page. This writer deserves more of a spotlight on him.
5 stars