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The Stars Forgot Us

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A gripping and emotional tale of suspense perfect for fans of Stephen King’s IT and the TV show Stranger Things.

Fifteen-year-old Jacob Kelly would love to go back to simpler times. Before his parents’ divorce and the onset of his older brother’s schizophrenia. But when he returns to his hometown, things feel off. After a series of strange occurrences in his new house, Jacob fears the house is haunted, or even worse, he is losing his mind.

To his surprise, Jacob discovers a mysterious teenage runaway, Sanctuary Daniels, living in the house. She reveals she has been kept by a figure known only as Mother, in a place where downstairs children are languishing prisoners, and upstairs children do Mother’s bidding.

Both Jacob’s investigation into Sanctuary’s allegations and their budding romance are cut short when she is reclaimed by evil beings. Beings who unleash terror upon Jacob and his family. Now he must journey to a real haunted house to save his first love and fight for his life.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2022

2 people are currently reading
2299 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Garcia

7 books357 followers
R.J. Garcia is a wife, proud mom, and writer. Her first two novels, Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced and Call of Death, were Amazon and Kobo best sellers. She writes dark and twisty tales with heart. If you would like to learn more about R.J.'s novels, go to: https://www.facebook.com/writerr.j.ga...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Candace Robinson.
Author 61 books1,113 followers
December 16, 2021
I loved this one! It had everything I love in a book! Awesome character driven story, mystery, supernatural, and so much more! The writing drew me in from the very first page! The romance between the characters was fresh and the dialogue felt real! Definitely a book I would want to read again and again!
Profile Image for Cozy.
294 reviews17 followers
March 17, 2022
I loved this book! I was pleasantly confused, eagerly turning pages and fully engrossed in the reading experience.

The characters are well written, the imagery is descriptive and really helps paint a mental picture of things you probably don't want to see 🤣.

When an author tackles MH rep it sometimes makes me nervous, this rep seemed well researched and thankfully honest.

I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy feeling "uneasy" when you read.

The Stars forgot us is unsettling, engrossing and highly addictive.


*I recieved a gifted arc from the author which I voluntarily read and chose to review*
Profile Image for Nick.
11 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2022
This is a lovely coming of age story that gets you from page one. The story starts with the simple and everyday, a heartwarming attraction between two lost teenagers, one running from home and the other offering shelter. In the midst of this awkward teenage love story, darker things are brewing. It isn't long before the mysteries begin to pile, and the tension causes your mind to race with a myriad of possibility. What appears at first to be a common journey of adolescent struggle, soon leads you into a world magic, legends, and an ancient struggle between good and evil. A must read!
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
April 7, 2022
Tension builds with a inviting promise of chills and thrills with every turn of the page.

Jacob isn't convinced that his mother's decision to return with him and his brother to the town where they spent their younger, childhood years was a good idea after her divorce from his father. It doesn't help that his older brother has some mental issues, and that the house they move into screams 'haunted'. When him and his brother hear a girl's voice and find writing on their closet walls, the officially begin to freak. That's when Jacob discovers Sanctuary hiding in their house. She'd been a classmate of his during the 4th grade, and now, she claims she's been horribly mistreated by her foster parents. But the more Jacob tries to help her, the more he starts to like her...and the closer the danger comes.

This one is all about spooks and thrills, and it builds with each scene, bringing the darkness up one tiny notch at a time. Jacob comes across as a little prickly, at first, but as the reader gets to know his family situation and dive a little deeper into his personality, this becomes understandable. Actually, I sometimes wondered, why he wasn't more stubborn than he was. There is a lot of creepiness built in, and Jacob, while unsure and frightened, still works with the situations (when I would have run.) His kindness is hard to miss, and his determination to help others also slowly wins over until it's impossible not to root for him and hope he makes it through.

The author has woven an intriguing tale, which hits hard topics like child abuse, divorce, and mental illness, and yet, these glide right along into the suspenseful plot and add to the building tension. Even the romance, while adding a dab of sweetness, has so many unanswered questions in the background that it leaves a little doubt. It slowly becomes clear that something horrific is taking place, but it's not clear as to what's going on. This keeps the reader guessing almost all the way through, and really lets the tension hit full steam as the ending unfolds.

It's an original read, which takes unexpected turns. Paranormal and spook fans are going to enjoy this one quite a bit. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the tension mounting in this one.
Profile Image for Dave Wickenden.
Author 9 books109 followers
March 30, 2022
Things are tense in the Kelly home. And Jacob knows it’s not just because of the divorce, but no one seems to notice, unless you believe the ramblings of his messed-up brother. When he finally discovers a runaway teen living and hiding within the house’s walls, he walks into a nightmare. Unable to go to his mother or the cops, Jacob must rely on himself and his friends to protect this runaway from an ancient terror.

This story is a rollercoaster ride full of suspense and terror. Don’t start this read if you have to work the next day. It’ll leave you sleepless. It really is kick-ass!
Profile Image for Megan.
157 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2024
I'm a sucker for a book cover, so I chose to read this from that alone and never bothered to read the description. And guess what- I really enjoyed it! It gave me Coraline, Carrie and Elfen Lied vibes all tied into one. Definitely had me captivated and hanging on for dear life.
Profile Image for Brooklyn L. Wolves.
444 reviews52 followers
March 9, 2025
R.J. Garcia has crafted a truly captivating and unsettling tale in The Stars Forgot Us. This book grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go until long after I finished. It's a masterful blend of suspense, mystery, romance, and genuine horror that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The story centers around Jacob, a relatable and sympathetic protagonist dealing with the complexities of family turmoil. His return to his hometown is fraught with unease, and Garcia expertly builds the tension as Jacob confronts strange occurrences in his new house. Just when he thinks he's losing his mind, Sanctuary appears, bringing with her a terrifying backstory that unveils a world of chilling cruelty.

Sanctuary is a beautifully written character. Her vulnerability and strength, coupled with the horrors she has endured, make her instantly captivating. The budding romance between her and Jacob feels genuine and provides a much-needed light amidst the darkness. Their connection is a driving force in the narrative and made me root for them every step of the way.

But don't let the romance fool you, The Stars Forgot Us is genuinely scary. Garcia's descriptions of Mother and the world she controls are deeply disturbing, and the terror unleashed upon Jacob and his family is palpable. The journey into the real haunted house is a descent into pure dread, and I found myself holding my breath more than once.

What truly sets this book apart is Garcia's ability to weave together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The themes of family, mental illness, and the power of love are expertly explored against a backdrop of supernatural horror. The writing is evocative and lyrical, drawing you into the story and refusing to let you go.

The Stars Forgot Us is a must-read for fans of suspense, horror, and young adult fiction. It's a haunting and beautiful story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,640 reviews54 followers
April 5, 2022
You know that feeling when you read the last sentence of an incredible book and you immediately want to read the book again because you’re not ready to leave the world? That’s what happened when I finished The Stars Forgot Us by R.J. Garcia. What an incredible read.

Atmospheric is probably the best way to describe this book. I was drawn in by the writing. The first sentence grabbed my attention and the book never let go after that. It was suspenseful but also heartwarming and takes you by surprise all the way through.

Twisty and unpredictable with characters who feel like people you know. I definitely feel like the less you know when you read this, the better, so I’m keeping my details vague but just know, if you decide to read this, I don’t think you’ll put it down until you finish.

It’s books like this where I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Highly recommended!!

Thank you to Xpresso Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Profile Image for Stephanie E. Donohue.
Author 6 books47 followers
March 24, 2022
Freaking amazing!

That was literally my reaction after finishing this book. It’s got everything I love! A creepy, atmospheric house, a great cast of characters and a twisty, unpredictable mystery. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, I was wrong. This book’ll keep you guessing! And will have you racing through the pages to find out what happens next.

And the characters were fantastic! I loved the blossoming, coming-of-age romance between Jacob and Sanctuary. The relationships Jacob had with his family and friends were also beautifully done. Things weren’t always perfect. For instance, there were times he resented his older brother, who suffers with schizophrenia. But you could still feel how much love Jacob had for the people in his life. Especially at the end…

I don’t want to go into too much detail with my review, because this is a book that shouldn’t be spoiled. Go into it with fresh eyes. You’ll thank me!

Also, as a huge Stranger Things fans, I appreciated all the little references to the show that were sprinkled throughout the book.

And if you liked Stranger Things as well, definitely give this book a go! I guarantee you’ll binge-read it like I did.
Profile Image for Marcia - itsabookthing2021 .
802 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2022
Thank you to Book Sirens and publishers for the eARC of The Stars Forgot Us

I was so eager to read this novel, I read the blurb and it sounded so interesting.

When I started reading, I was faced with a story I wasn't expected. Was this a ghost story? , a horror story? I wasnt sure but i was sure that by chapter 2 I was hooked and freaked out a little haha!

Throughout, the story twists and turns and ends up in unexpected places.

The main character Ary, I couldn't guess what she was. In my mind she went from ghost to vampire to ghost to human and back again, though I never got it right.

Her relationship with Jacob was odd, if placed in a different novel it would have fell flat but this completely worked in this novel. The writing just kept my page turning, I needed answers!

I found this book highly enjoyable and fascinating. Though I do have one question - the ending! I did not see that coming and I'm still not entirely sure what it all means. However given the book I'm sure it's done on purpose.

I highly recommend that everyone reads this book - It was fantastic
Profile Image for C. Lewis.
Author 11 books92 followers
March 30, 2022
Oh, now this was a great story!!! I can admit, I was PLEASANTLY surprised by the morphing this story does. Part mystery, part love story, part horror. All of these elements uniquely intertwined to create a very engaging story that left me wanting more!!
Profile Image for Amber R. Duell.
Author 30 books251 followers
April 22, 2022
This book hooked me from page one! The characters are well written and the plot intriguing. Garcia's voice is so easy to read. I loved the eerie vibe and mystery!
Profile Image for Christina.
245 reviews25 followers
March 22, 2022
Another gripping YA story from R.J. Garcia! The characters feel real, and you can feel all of their hopes, dreams, fears, and eventually terror! Vivid descriptions, with part mystery, part horror in this story of good vs. evil.

CW: Some gore and horror
For YA+ readers
Profile Image for Book Me.
1,497 reviews9 followers
April 8, 2022
THIS BOOK!!! HOLY WOW!! A YA HORROR/MYSTERY/ROMANCE? You very rarely see this combo done really well!! I mean AWESOME!!!

Jacob with his mysterious girl, under the stairs, Ary, find romance. But Is it really that easy? The mysterious MOTHER, that she ran from, who everyone in town calls MOTHER…who is she? A foster mother who takes in needy children? Jacob tries to understand and help Ary, but it’s not that easy.

This is truly an engrossing, creepy, mysterious, horror story (with a little romance), that keeps you turning the pages and not wanting to put it down. Garcia has a rare gift for this kind of story. She pulls you in from the first page and keeps you riveted to the very end!! I’m always on the lookout for her next book!!
Profile Image for Huda.
362 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2022
I just got done watching Stranger Things, and I can tell you with first-hand experience, this scratches my itch for content similar to Stranger Things. The author does an amazing job balancing all the mixed genres that are present in this book; she effortlessly pulls off the romance, mystery and horror without a hitch. Fifteen-year-old Jacob Kelly comes from a dysfunctional family, his parents divorced and his older brother suffers from schizophrenia. He returns to his hometown only to find that his house seems to be haunted. Much to his surprised, there's a girl, Ary, who's hiding in his house! She reveals that she was under the care of the "Mother" and that she's in danger.
Profile Image for jlreadstoperpetuity.
524 reviews19 followers
December 17, 2023
I never thought paranormal fantasy would be my thing until I read this one. I binged and loved Stranger Things and to read a book that has the same vibes is just 🤌

Fifteen-year-old Jacob Kelly would love to go back to simpler times. Before his parents’ divorce and the onset of his older brother’s schizophrenia. But when he returns to his hometown, things feel off. After a series of strange occurrences in his new house, Jacob fears the house is haunted, or even worse, he is losing his mind.

To his surprise, Jacob discovers a mysterious teenage runaway, Sanctuary Daniels, living in the house. She reveals she has been kept by a figure known only as Mother, in a place where downstairs children are languishing prisoners, and upstairs children do Mother’s bidding.

The mix of Jacob's investigation and their sweet romance had me invested, only to be left hanging when Sanctuary is taken. The desperation to save his first love and fight against the creepy creatures had me flipping pages faster than ever. It's a wild ride of teenage angst, paranormal suspense, and a love worth battling supernatural forces for. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of emotions and a haunting journey you won't easily forget!
Profile Image for M. Ainihi.
Author 11 books97 followers
December 20, 2021
The Stars Forgot Us captured my attention from the very first line of the prologue and held it all the way to the end. With the help of her believable and relatable cast of characters, Author R.J. Garcia seamlessly blends the real and fantastical together with compelling results. This story is sure to resonate with Paranormal fans everywhere!
Profile Image for H.R. Truelove.
Author 3 books37 followers
January 31, 2022
The Stars Forgot Us is a thrilling and addictive novel. The suspense and creepiness had me looking over my shoulder, paranoid about what might be watching me. I was hooked from the start, totally invested in the MC's relationship, and blown away by the twists and fresh spin on the paranormal. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, I was wrong again, and I loved every second of it.
Profile Image for Telma Rocha.
Author 4 books35 followers
March 30, 2022
Book Summary: Fifteen-year-old Jacob returns to his hometown with his mother and brother to start over. When strange things begin to happen, Jacob questions what is real and what he's simply imagining. After discovering a teenage girl named Ary, secretly living in his house, Jacob takes it upon himself to help her, even if it means going against his mom and the authorities.
After spending some time together, Ary and Jacob form a connection, and Ary comes clean about why she's in hiding and about her past. Jacob enlists the help of his cousin and friend to help him unravel the truth behind Ary's strange predicament and the bond he and her form makes him do the unthinkable! Against his better judgment, he goes to the house where Ary ran from, the house that he knows he should stay away from.
Is Ary suffering from a mental illness, like his brother, or is she really running away from evil? Jacob stops at nothing to find out.

My Thoughts: I loved this book! It captured me from the get-go, and never let go.
This is a young adult/coming-of-age mystery full of eery suspense and creepy vibes, in a good way. It reminded me of Stranger Things, and I LOVED that show! The book is written in first-person perspective and it is mainly in Jacob's POV, but Ary does have a few chapters where we get to dive deep into her memories to learn more about her chilling past. Jacob is sweet, good-natured, and his desire to want to help and protect Ary was endearing, especially for a boy his age. I loved the twist at the end!

I recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal/suspense, with young love intertwined. R.J Garcia has done it again with another spellbinding, twisty treat that you won't want to put down until it's finished, and even then, you'll be wanting more.
Happy Publication Day! This book is now available for sale as of today.
Profile Image for Misty's Book Space.
1,075 reviews52 followers
September 16, 2022
I was sent this book by the author via R&R Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I voluntarily read this, and all opinions are my own.

For some reason going into this I was thinking it was going to be a ghost story and that is definitely not what it was so that was a bit of a letdown but with that being said I still ended up really enjoying this. I was so confused about what was going on for the first half of this book but in a good way. It reeled me in and kept me guessing. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. 

The writing is very descriptive but not overly done. It gives you just enough to be able to visualize everything. I would say it's atmospheric. There's a character in this book that has schizophrenia. I can't really comment on if the rep was well done or not because I don't have any personal experience with this, but I feel like it was handled well. 

It could have used a little more editing and I feel like the romance was a little to insta lovey for me and that's coming from someone who loves all things romance including the insta love trope but overall, this was a very enjoyable read and it's perfect for this time of year.
Profile Image for Guy Ricketts.
5 reviews13 followers
April 25, 2022
My favorite kind of story is one that pulls me in, right out of the gate, and holds me there to the very end. One which then affects me so much that I ponder the events long after I finish reading it.
This is one of those stories.
"The Stars Forgot Us" by R J Grande is a perfect story blend of coming-of-age, mystery and horror, never feeling too heavy in any of the categories.
It involves Jacob Daniels, his brother, and their mother, who move into a house after her divorce. The boys soon believe the house is haunted, as they hear a girl's voice and find writing on their closet walls. Soon after, Jacob meets Sanctuary Daniels, who he knew in the fourth grade, but is now, she tells him, being mistreated by her foster parents.
I don't want to give too much away, as part of the fun of reading this story is each discovery along the way. This book really mixes genres well, and the imagery from the writing is so effortless it just takes you along with each new development.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Fadia.
10 reviews
April 4, 2022
Wow! This was amazing!! The Stars Forgot Us kept me guessing. First, about Ary and her strange family that made the Mason family almost look tame! Then about the door. The story started off with intrigue and ventured into the realm of horror. And the end left me angsty and wanting more of these characters.

I loved Ary and Jacob and their sweet romance. It was so adorable when he brought her Yo-hoo. I think in some ways Lucas was my favorite. He was a good civic-minded kid. He was also such a caring friend to Jacob and Jamie. The storyline between Lucas and Jamie made me want more of them. Poor Micheal. He really was a nice guy. Even Ren wasn't all bad. I think he visited the school because he missed being human. Mother was pure evil!

The beginning was the scariest part. I was really feeling creeped out. The end was more exciting like a Supernatural episode. I was glued to the page throughout the entire thrilling ride!
Profile Image for Märtha Custis.
263 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2022
R. J. Garcia’s The Stars Forgot Us, is an enjoyable young adult fantasy novel.
As Jacob moves back to his old town of Steely Pennsylvania, strange things immediately start to happen. After an encounter with a ghost from the past which leads him on a series of hair-raising adventures, he learns what really matters in relationships and life.
I found the book to be quite enjoyable and to be one that I literally couldn’t put down until I finished reading it. Garcia creates excellent relatable and realistic characters which instantly draw one in. I was also pleasantly surprised that the storyline was strong and didn’t fall apart in any place.
Overall, a brilliant read for readers of all ages, The Stars Forgot Us is a wonderful book that you will be sure to enjoy.
Profile Image for Celeste.
995 reviews26 followers
July 14, 2022
Hallucinations or a haunted house? Both perspectives sound terrible for Jacob Kelly. The teenager has been struggling with his parents’ divorced and his brother’s being diagnosed with a mental disease. Now, supernatural and very weird things are occurring in his new home and he will have to be the one to unveil the mystery. Strange characters, first love, evil and family problems blend in this wonderful novel to entertain young and old.
This book is interesting and very well written. I especially liked how the author created the characters and how she imbued them with particular traits to make them believable and intriguing. This is a great story perfect for teenagers. I highly recommend it.
871 reviews28 followers
July 13, 2022
The Stars Forgot Us by R.J. Garcia is a really good suspenseful supernatural mystery. Its plot is masterfully laced with intrigue and uncertainty. And throughout the chapters the information and reveals trickle in at a maddening pace that will surely keep readers biting their nails along the course of the novel.
I think teenagers and young adults will be delighted with this story, because the author did a great job coming up with unique story lines and plot twists. Also, the characters feel original and each of them is certainly different in its own way.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and will be keen to read any more by this author.
Profile Image for Mia C..
1,095 reviews25 followers
July 22, 2022
Covers such as the one in “Stars Forgot Us” caught my attention at first sight, and once it attracted me I was eager to read it. Although I first thought the story would be light, I found a gripping story with a high dose of suspense that surprised me and attracted me even more. The story is emotional, engaging and suspenseful from beginning to end; there’s not a single moment of boredom in these pages - and this is something I really liked.
The narrative, the plot and the characters are a mix that is completely addictive. Once you start reading it, you don’t want to stop. I would totally recommend this book!
Profile Image for Stacie.
233 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2022
Suspense, Supernatural read

I really enjoyed this book, it had me so confused,in a good way, I mean the question I kept asking myself was Ary alive or dead?
This story has everything suspense, love story and death.
I couldn't guess how it was gonna pan out and the ending caught me by surprise.
I liked all the characters and each one was written really well. Hey I even thought Ary was slightly crazed.

The writing style; I absolutely loved! The descriptiveness really helped paint the picture, even if that picture was sometimes gruesome.
I felt the MH character was fantastically written.

The Stars Forgot Us is a gripping novel that everyone needs to read

Profile Image for GryffindorBookishNerd .
175 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2022

First thank you @booksirens for the gifted copy for review.

I loved this book. The author brought the creepy, mysterious, and paranormal supernatural setting with some thrill moments and even threw in a little bit of a love story too. I loved the characters and the twists and I was on the edge of my seat. Often times a little confused but so worth it.

#paranormal #fantasy #thriller #thestarsforgotus #rjgarcia #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrec #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookthoughts #gryffindor #prettycovers #booksirens
Profile Image for Gerardo Delgadillo.
Author 4 books130 followers
May 24, 2022
Once again, R.J. Garcia delivers another great novel.

THE STARTS FORGOT US is an exciting thriller that makes you wonder about what's real and what's not. It has a Stranger Things tone, mixed with Hereditary. Yikes!

Characters are top-notch and feel very real and very teen, mainly Jacob and Santuary. The latter is quite likeable, unpredictable, and strange to the max, and it's up to Jacob to figure her out.

Five starts of five.
3 reviews
April 4, 2022
This was a suspenseful read with great characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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