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Rock Star Chronicles #1

Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol

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Ever since he was a kid from a troubled home growing up on the gritty backstreets of Cleveland, Ohio, Everett Lester longed to be somebody, to make a name for himself. He was determined to prove to his parents and the people who looked down on him that he would rise above, make it in this world — and make it big.

Everett’s garage band, DeathStroke, played bars, pool halls, schools, Bar mitzvahs, and anyplace they could get a paycheck. Then a record label discovered them and the band experienced a thunderous and meteoric rise to the top of the record charts — and super-stardom.

Despite Everett’s unfathomable popularity and riches, he was spiraling out of control into a dark existence where everyone wanted a piece of him. He could find no privacy, genuine friends, joy, or contentment — even though, in the world’s eyes, he had it all.

When Everett begins to rely on the services of a personal psychic from L.A. for guidance and solace, he gradually finds a sinister form of evil seeping into his fractured life that threatens to end his career — and possibly his life.

Through it all, he receives uplifting notes from a young lady in Kansas who claims she’s not a fan, but a friend — someone who sees his desperation and depravity — and is praying for him.

A murder trial ensues.

The eyes of the world fall on courtroom B-3 in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Grab a front row seat and hold on tight. Dark Star is one of the wildest rides ever encountered in modern inspirational fiction.

400 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2005

224 people are currently reading
360 people want to read

About the author

Creston Mapes

38 books506 followers
Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.

He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.

Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.

Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.

Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.

Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact

For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes

STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody

SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?

THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone

ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt




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5 stars
384 (63%)
4 stars
151 (25%)
3 stars
45 (7%)
2 stars
21 (3%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
5 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2008
This was a different kind of book.. The author wrote it as the main character was telling his story. At first it was strange to get into the story but it didn't take long to get swept away by the plot. It was an eye opener about how Satan can get a hold on you and not let go. I recommend this book and the next in the series.
68 reviews7 followers
July 22, 2009
This was a fantastic read. I felt myself sympathizing with the main character has his testimony was similar to mine only on a grander scale. A must read for anyone interested in courtroom thrillers such as "Primal Fear" and "The Diary of Emelly Rose" . The going back and forth from his memoirs (regular type) to his current condition (bold typing) takes a little getting used to but once you get that under your belt it is a fun book that is hard to put down.
Profile Image for Tom.
43 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2014
I just finished Creston Mapes' Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol and again I must say that I was taken in by the story and its message. I have enjoyed Creston Mapes writing style and detailed character descriptions.
I am now going to read Full Tilt and I am sure that this novel will be as good as, if not better than, Dark Star.
Profile Image for Erin.
5 reviews
April 23, 2009
I have read this book about 10 times!!! It is one of my absolute favorites. It will make you a bolder person.
Profile Image for J.P. Grider.
Author 19 books149 followers
November 19, 2011
I fell in love with Everett Lester. He is vulnerable and broken and I couldn't help but pull for him to find the light.
Profile Image for Pamela Baker.
Author 2 books22 followers
May 3, 2025
What a wild ride! From a troubled youth, rockstar fame and foibles, the occult, to faith in Christ just before being put on trial for murder. Exciting read. The Christian content was more intense than normal for Mapes.
Profile Image for Joni Fisher.
Author 6 books365 followers
December 9, 2022
The front man of the heavy metal band DeathStroke lives for money, fame, and the next high. Everette Lester is a rock star, complete with groupies, living the life he believed would satisfy him.
When this star falls, his fall is epic.
Creston Mapes brings the reader along for the ride, up close through the bloodshot eyes of a rock star who is as tortured as his lyrics.
Wonderfully distinct characters and sharp dialogue pull the reader through this crazy, unexpected journey at breakneck speed.
Profile Image for Janet Sketchley.
Author 12 books81 followers
May 7, 2018
Rock idol Everett Lester has dragged himself and his band from sordid beginnings to the peak of fame—and into as many excesses and vices as he can find. Through it all, two women hold increasing influence in his life: Endora Crystal, his personal psychic, and Karen Bayliss, a young stranger whose letters say she’s praying for him.

The novel is written in two intertwining threads: Everett’s past leading up to his present, and his present, told in the form of an autobiography written from prison while he’s on trial for murder.

It’s a dark tale of redemption, with elements of spiritual warfare and the occult. Some readers may be uncomfortable with scenes of Endora’s tarot cards in use. She does have power, which Christian readers would recognize as not the power of the occult but the power of the devil working through her.

I found the book a good read, although some aspects of the ending didn’t work for me. What I enjoyed was watching Everett discover the Light and then learn how to live it out as his world fell apart.

I love what Karen says to Everett at one point:
What do you think, that God’s looking at you going ‘Oh my! This Lester is a bad one… I better stay away from him, or he’ll rub off on Me?’ You think you scare Him? You think He doesn’t know your problems or can’t overcome your sin? He’s God, for heaven’s sake. [page 172]

Good message for any of us.

Dark Star was Creston Mapes’ first novel, followed by book 2 in the Rock Star Chronicles series, Full Tilt, and a number of Christian suspense novels. For more about the author, visit crestonmapes.com.

[Review copy from my personal library.]
Profile Image for Deb.
591 reviews8 followers
Read
September 4, 2007
plot summary: what happens, when & where, central characters, major conflicts[return]everett lester is on trial for his life, he stands accused of the murder of his personal psychic, endora. everett is the lead singer of the hugely popular rock band deathstroke, and in flashback the reader learns how he evolved from a wild teenager to an ever wilder adult. his musical talent earns him millions of dollars and adoring fans, but despite having all the sex, drugs, and material possessions he could ever want everitt is dissasatisfied. through it all the letters from a girl in topeka, kansas who says she is praying for him eventually seem to be the only source of hope. his seeking her out and becoming interested in her faith in god has unintended consquences, however, as certain people want to keep him the way he is--so that his music can be used to spread their anti-god message.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]style characterisics: pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]the flashback method creates a good amount of suspense as the pieces eventually fall into place. the storyline is somewhat predictable, though the way the murder is explained is interesting. the christian element is strong--this is essentially a redemption story--but plausible. i loved the topeka scenes, and i couldn't detect any glaring errors in his depiction of the town. the romantic element was also pretty predictable. everitt isn't the deepest of characters, but deep enough to be realistic.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]how good is it?[return]a fun read, a pageturner, and of interest to topekans!
Profile Image for Cindy .
704 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2019
This was a very different kind of book for me to read. At first, when the author was introducing the main character and letting the reader get to know him, I wasn't at all sure I liked the book or wanted to keep reading it. But I remembered the reviews on it so kept reading. I'm so glad I did! It really is a great book, and very Christian! Shortly after I'd continued reading, it became very quite interesting and only got more so the more I read. This book shows the spiritual battle that can take place over an unbelievers soul. It also shows what one person (a teenage girl at that!) can accomplish by being obedient to the Lord and praying consistently for their salvation. Makes you wonder what might happen if we each picked one person to pray into the kingdom... I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Blossom Turner.
Author 18 books312 followers
February 17, 2025
What A Thrilling Page Turner…
This book lives up to its genre. You will not be disappointed. A riveting Christian Suspense Thriller awaits.
What an emotional ride…from dark to light, sin to Savior, and spiritual warfare up against the power of redemption, this book does not stop. The world and all it has to offer is dangling from rock star, Everett Lester’s, fingers. And yet as the Rolling Stones song so truthfully rang out… “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” is Everett’s plight. Money, sex, power, even his own personal psychic doesn’t do it.
Creston Mapes so organically weaves a redemption story out of the darkness that you won’t even realize how much you are rooting for Everett until it happens. I highly recommend this gripping read of a Grisham-like court room, and the war that rages for every soul. Warning…once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 5 books7 followers
May 17, 2012
This was actually an awesome story. The reason it got four stars instead of five is because of really bad stereotypical evangelical dialogue. There is alot of preaching to sinners that sounds like the Christians are reading directly from a tract. A very long tract. But this story of how a girl starts praying for a rock star, and does it for years until God draws him to himself, was really touching.
Profile Image for Patrick Cox.
245 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2019
Growing up as teen that loved heavy metal music that was not good for me. I jumped right into this book. it brought back memories as a metal head. This book was really good. A rockstar stuck in a life of drugs and rock and roll. Demons are attacking from every side. One girl starts praying for him for over a decade. The story finishes in a fight between good and evil to save a lost soul. I recommend this book to anyone that likes suspense, action and adventure.
Profile Image for Gophergirl58.
359 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2015
Okay, I've thought it before, but "Dark Star..." is my favorite of Creston Mapes' books. I put it in Number One position because it has realism, a true-to-life story of someone who has it all yet who has nothing since he doesn't know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior! Amazing characters, writing, and story put together to make one amazing book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
360 reviews
August 26, 2015
Great Novel

I really enjoyed this novel. The story is set up as partially in the present and partially in the past which really helps the present sorry develop in an interesting manner. It was interesting to experience a much more involved spiritual presence than a person typically experiences.
Profile Image for Dawn Traylor.
Author 1 book4 followers
January 30, 2018
Great!

I thought I had read my favorite Creston Mapes novel when I read Nobody! As much as I recommend that book, I recommend Dark Star even more! Wow, what a read! The storyline kept you engaged and you HAD to find out how it would end, the interweaving of the gospel throughout but in a real life manner was not in the least bit cheesy or forced but was perfect.
Profile Image for Kimberly Banet.
Author 2 books300 followers
August 8, 2025
This was my second book by Creston Mapes, and like the first it did not disappoint. A gripping story of good versus evil, specifically the dark world of the occult. Loved the scripture references and boldness of the main character's extreme transformation and testimony. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
8 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2019
Dramatic & Intriguing

Though this is a work of fiction I was most encouraged to be faithful on prayer like the character, Karen.

This book has a few layers that keep it interesting and not just a (possible) salvation story.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
December 14, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/14/2019)! 🎁
282 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2022
DARK STAR, rock star chronicles #1-2bk sers

I highly enjoyed this story and it's characters. It is a "was lost & found in Christ". I lived every moment of it and couldn't put it down. It is a Christian thriller in a 2 book series. It tells us how far satan can take us in our lives and how far God can bring us back to Him and His love for us. I highly recommend this book and story to anyone who wants to receive a blessing and loves thrillers. I cried during parts of this story and will never regret reading it.
5 reviews
April 25, 2021
What an amazing author! And book!!!

What an exciting read! Mapes has a was of crafting an intense story that keeps you riveted from beginning to end. His faith is right on the mark. His clarity of what being a Christian is all about is so spot on. He explains the depth of the faith and specifically what believing in our savior is all about. I haven’t read anything as good, and realistically Christian based as his books!! I’m so thrilled to have found his books.
Profile Image for Dana.
555 reviews12 followers
September 26, 2022
I only recently discovered this author and am really enjoying his books. They go deep into dark topics, but they also share the gospel and show how we can rely on God even during the toughest times.
Profile Image for Kia.
Author 5 books37 followers
January 5, 2013
Total page turner! I especially loved this book because I am a metal fan and was in bands and went to plenty of concerts "back in the day." I was lucky enough to outgrow that lifestyle without serious mishap, and many musicians I admired had to change their ways at some point or face tragic fates. The protagonist of "Dark Star," Everett Lester, is an all-out rock star, living the life and selling the libertine message. The story is told in the first person, with the back story interwoven with scenes from the murder trial in which Everett has currently found himself. Because of the author's plain-spoken prose style and excellent story-telling, I was cheering for Everett - a despicable person, by all outward appearances - to open his eyes and wake up before it was too late. The people around him seem typical of show business; they don't care about Everett himself, they just want to fix him up enough to keep the gravy train rolling. Even when it's plain that Everett is self-destructive and sick from drug use, no one is interested in getting him help. Self-abuse is apparently a normal part of the show business lifestyle.

As the book goes on, Everett's handlers' motives are clarified and the story takes a creepy, downright evil turn. It's worth noting that I am not a fan of "Christian" entertainment because it's really dorky. I do consider myself to be a Christian and I love the idea of the Spiritual Thriller genre because, when done right, the battle for souls between Good and Evil can be the most intense suspense there is. (Think "The Exorcist.") "Dark Star" is eminently readable. Yes, there is some Christian-speak in it but it is limited, appropriate, and not jarring or tedious. The superb narrative is hurt not one bit by it. In fact, I found it comforting. I am lucky enough not have the addiction gene but I know plenty of people who do. The ones who beat it have invariably turned to God for help, even if He wasn't their thing before. So this story rang true to me on many levels. Can't recommend it enough! I'm already 90% through the even more intense sequel...
Profile Image for Barbara.
847 reviews
August 12, 2017
This was a very interesting book about a rock star that, thank goodness, was not from my generation. The insights into the dark world of heavy metal was a little disturbing. But it was refreshing to see how the Lord can turn evil into good. The book is written in first person and jumps back and forth between the events leading up to the main character's trial for murder and the trial itself. It's easy to follow and makes you want to hurry and find out how it will all play out. I'm anxious to read the next one in the series. Creston Mapes is a great writer that can convince you to follow Christ while reading fiction.
148 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2022
Evil Satanic Hypnotism

What a satanic fortune-teller deemed for evil God Almighty deemed for good. There is no "other side", there is only heaven or hell. A young girl decides to write and pray 10 to 15 years for a lead singer of a rock band and finally God's message penetrated.
There are many twists and turns and the beginning of this book was difficult to read, as a Christian.
Profile Image for Mareena.
319 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2016
The heavy metal band DeathStroke had it all: adoring fans, money, fame and a high-selling music career. The four members of the band were life-long friends who had already been through so much together. Their lead singer was the one who led them to stardom and he knew it! Everett Lester was a man who had everything: drugs, women and a true God-given talent which he was currently squandering while on a dangerous and destructive path.

Everett ostensibly had everything he had ever wanted in life; and yet he had nothing that he truly wanted - love, acceptance and contentment within himself. Then a young Christian woman begins to write to him. Her letters are bewildering to Everett - she professes to hate everything he stands for but to love him with Christ's pure love.

As Everett continues to spiral down into darkness, he clings to the lifeline Karen's letters to him represent. He is completely unaware of the spiritual battle that is being waged for his very soul. When Everett is charged with the murder of his personal psychic - a murder that he doesn't remember committing - he is thrown in jail and threatened by the powers of darkness.

Can Everett as a newly-saved Christian survive the trial and successfully turn his life over to God or will Satan entice Everett to fall again?

I have to say that I enjoyed this book very much. I started reading this book honestly believing that the plot of rock and roll, drugs, and loose women might not lend itself very well to Christian fiction. I was wrong. It was tough starting it, true, but once I began reading it, I couldn't stop! I give this book an A! and look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Tamara Kraft.
Author 1 book12 followers
August 31, 2016
When I first began this book. I thought it would be your typical good vs evil but no real plot kind of book. Boy was I wrong.

The first thing that you notice is that Everett Lester is a mess, mentally, physically, and spiritually. But he is the frontman for one of the world's most popular rock bands ever, Deathstroke. However, at the behest of his personal psychic and his own personal past, Everett begins to embrace the idea that God is a lie and that he is a god meant to lead his followers to the Other Side. As his life spirals out of control, one girl, sends him letters for years, encouraging him to realize the Truth, that there is a God, a God who loves him.

This book is a very candid look at spiritual warfare with an enthralling plot that makes if really hard to put the book down. It also has a mystery element because a major part of the story is the fact that Everett is blamed for the psychic, Endora's murder, something he remembers nothing about. Satanism, hypnotism, and witchcraft are just some of the evils that Everett has to face during his intense struggle to discover what is good and right.

Also appreciated how the Creston Mapes was able to allow us to realize just how bad Everett's rock n' roll lifestyle is without giving us the graphic details. The violence is actually quite low and there is no cursing.

Overall a good read I would recommend to anyone who likes books with a strong good vs evil message that makes you re-evaluate your own faith and your outlook on others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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