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Feverwake #2.5
The Stars and Everything in Between: A Feverwake novella
Lehrer is in prison, and Noam and Dara are finally free. They have a house in Lakewood, they have a dog and jobs that don’t involve killing people and maybe, just maybe, a chance at a happy endingBut Lehrer’s trial is fast-approaching, and with it comes all the dark memories Noam and Dara have tried so hard to bury. Can their relationship survive the truth about what happened to both of them in Level IV?
60 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2021
4 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Lee
12 books1,798 followersVictoria Lee grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where she spent her childhood writing ghost stories and fantasizing about attending boarding school. She has a Ph.D. in psychology, which she uses to overanalyze fictional characters and also herself. Lee is the author of A Lesson in Vengeance as well as The Fever King and its sequel, The Electric Heir. She lives in New York City with her partner, cat, and malevolent dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 6, 2021
“everything failed, and everything died, and there was nothing in this world that was for certain.”
you can’t imagine my excitement when i randomly found out that there were two novellas for the feverwake series that i adore so much, so i immediately downloaded them and got to read this one during a readathon since it’s a super quick read.
i am, however, a bit disappointed because i feel like that if you decide to publish novellas, they should have a purpose and not be super bland ─ like this one unfortunately was. i love love lOve noam and dara and was happy to read about them again, but at what cost? so i am sad to say that this felt super useless to me, despite (or maybe exactly because of that) me being keen on reading more feverwake content.
→ 2 stars
you can’t imagine my excitement when i randomly found out that there were two novellas for the feverwake series that i adore so much, so i immediately downloaded them and got to read this one during a readathon since it’s a super quick read.
i am, however, a bit disappointed because i feel like that if you decide to publish novellas, they should have a purpose and not be super bland ─ like this one unfortunately was. i love love lOve noam and dara and was happy to read about them again, but at what cost? so i am sad to say that this felt super useless to me, despite (or maybe exactly because of that) me being keen on reading more feverwake content.
→ 2 stars
August 2, 2021
That was too short 😭 but a great wrap up to some lose ends of the series. Honestly it should’ve been an extra chapter at the end of TEH but at least we got it eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
”Dara was like a meteorite—bright and quick as a falling star, luminous in the night with moonlight on his face... And like a meteorite, Noam couldn’t escape the sense that one day—sooner or later— Dara would burn too hot and too long, burn himself into dust."
So here we are for another instalment in the Victoria Lee continues to wreck my entire life Chronicles! Stay tuned for novella number 2!
I would read entire novels of Noam and Dara just... living out their lives. Domestic drama is all I need and crave. Thanks.
August 1, 2021
"God, Noam loved him so much sometimes it felt like his love was a live thing eating him up from the inside."
"It felt something in his chest cracking open, warmth spilling into his veins.
They were going to be all right.
They had each other- they loved each other- and that was all they needed to make it through."
I think I've read this novella so many times I've memorized! I would read anything about Dara and Noam, their domestic life, their love, their new home. I love them so much my heart hurt.
I found The stars and everything in between beautiful and heartbreaking, because it shows how isn't so simple to heal, to get better, because time is needed, therapy and love, but they are strong and they have one other.
Told by Dara's and Noam's POVs, the novella follows them living together, struggling with Lehrer on trial and the aftermath, their traumas and bad memories. I love how much they fighting for, support, understand and love one other.
Their love and relationship is beautiful, intense and I love them so much.
"It felt something in his chest cracking open, warmth spilling into his veins.
They were going to be all right.
They had each other- they loved each other- and that was all they needed to make it through."
I think I've read this novella so many times I've memorized! I would read anything about Dara and Noam, their domestic life, their love, their new home. I love them so much my heart hurt.
I found The stars and everything in between beautiful and heartbreaking, because it shows how isn't so simple to heal, to get better, because time is needed, therapy and love, but they are strong and they have one other.
Told by Dara's and Noam's POVs, the novella follows them living together, struggling with Lehrer on trial and the aftermath, their traumas and bad memories. I love how much they fighting for, support, understand and love one other.
Their love and relationship is beautiful, intense and I love them so much.
September 29, 2020
3.5 stars
I may be the only one who was a little disappointed with this story after the series. I remember Victoria saying on her Instagram that she felt pressured to finish it and that she wasn't feeling like writing it anymore and I think it shows on the final result.
It was good, but it felt rushed. I invested so much of my time and love for Noam and Dara that I expected to read something more conclusive. I know they are going to be ok and happy with each other and that they are still recovering and struggling but that's why I wanted to read more about them healing.
Instead I got left with more questions and unresolved issues in their relationship, like Noam thinking about the fact Dara didn't notice how much the media attention affects Noam, what did Lehrer want by asking to see Noam again? I wished Noam had told Lehrer more of how he felt and what the older man had done to him and others instead of just thinking them in his head. While Dara was getting help from a therapist, Noam seemed to just go on without proper help, exposed to the media and society and he obviously had many issues that required some counseling help at least.
I don't know, I felt like Victoria wanted to tell us a lot of things but without elaborating properly on the issues, probably because she lost her ispiration along the way.
And it's ok, I understand she was in no obligation to write this for us and it's even free for us to read but it's just that I was left with a bittersweet taste at the end, is all.
I may be the only one who was a little disappointed with this story after the series. I remember Victoria saying on her Instagram that she felt pressured to finish it and that she wasn't feeling like writing it anymore and I think it shows on the final result.
It was good, but it felt rushed. I invested so much of my time and love for Noam and Dara that I expected to read something more conclusive. I know they are going to be ok and happy with each other and that they are still recovering and struggling but that's why I wanted to read more about them healing.
Instead I got left with more questions and unresolved issues in their relationship, like Noam thinking about the fact Dara didn't notice how much the media attention affects Noam, what did Lehrer want by asking to see Noam again? I wished Noam had told Lehrer more of how he felt and what the older man had done to him and others instead of just thinking them in his head. While Dara was getting help from a therapist, Noam seemed to just go on without proper help, exposed to the media and society and he obviously had many issues that required some counseling help at least.
I don't know, I felt like Victoria wanted to tell us a lot of things but without elaborating properly on the issues, probably because she lost her ispiration along the way.
And it's ok, I understand she was in no obligation to write this for us and it's even free for us to read but it's just that I was left with a bittersweet taste at the end, is all.
August 10, 2021
4 Stars
Review:
This is a short story series extra that takes place after the Feverwake duology.
I enjoyed getting to see a little snippet of Noam and Dara's life after the events of the series. I appreciated that, while their lives were better, they still weren't perfect, because life doesn't happen like that. Trauma and struggles don't just disappear overnight. I also appreciated that they were happy together but still had to work at their relationship. It was a grounded but sweet and hopeful peek into their near future.
I don't know how to rate it though, since it's just an extra, and I got it free for preordering Book 2. It was enjoyable for what it was, but not particularly special all on its own. I gave it 4 stars, but I'm kind of undecided between either 3.5 or 4. For free, I'd say definitely read it. But I think whether it's worth money might depend on just how much you love these characters and how badly you want more time with them.
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Fans of Victoria Lee's Feverwake series who want more time with Noam and Dara.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This is a short story series extra that takes place after the Feverwake duology.
I enjoyed getting to see a little snippet of Noam and Dara's life after the events of the series. I appreciated that, while their lives were better, they still weren't perfect, because life doesn't happen like that. Trauma and struggles don't just disappear overnight. I also appreciated that they were happy together but still had to work at their relationship. It was a grounded but sweet and hopeful peek into their near future.
I don't know how to rate it though, since it's just an extra, and I got it free for preordering Book 2. It was enjoyable for what it was, but not particularly special all on its own. I gave it 4 stars, but I'm kind of undecided between either 3.5 or 4. For free, I'd say definitely read it. But I think whether it's worth money might depend on just how much you love these characters and how badly you want more time with them.
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Fans of Victoria Lee's Feverwake series who want more time with Noam and Dara.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
July 9, 2021
”he wanted them to stay young and in love forever. he wanted this, day after day, for the rest of their lives. and nights like these, he knew forever was possible.”
September 29, 2020
but where's their goat
Rep: bi Jewish mc, gay mc with substance abuse disorder, MDD, & unspecified eating disorder
CWs: references to past rape and child sexual abuse, past eating disorder, alcohol abuse relapse
Rep: bi Jewish mc, gay mc with substance abuse disorder, MDD, & unspecified eating disorder
CWs: references to past rape and child sexual abuse, past eating disorder, alcohol abuse relapse
February 1, 2021
so what if i’m crying
Read
November 4, 2020This was an excellent novella for one of my favorite duologies. I loved learning more about the aftermath of TEH and seeing my faves interact more. I think it handled the heavy topics very well and I'm glad Victoria Lee made these available to the general public. The fates truly did bless me.
December 20, 2020
just got done reading this for the 4th time and i know that i’ll continue to revisit it over and over and over again... this novella means the world to me and gives such brilliant closure to what has now become my favourite series. the development it offers the two of them (especially dara) and their relationship is so extremely important and i couldn’t have possibly asked for a better way to wrap everything up.
so much love to the amazing victoria lee - i’m so thankful they released this outside of preorders because GOD did i need the healing...
so much love to the amazing victoria lee - i’m so thankful they released this outside of preorders because GOD did i need the healing...
September 28, 2020
The way this little short novella was a rollercoaster? It was so cute, but also so devastatingly heartbreaking. It really shows how not everything is always so black and white, especially when it comes to dealing with abuse.
January 15, 2024
Is Dara’s judgment clouded by his own trauma? Yes. Did I still feel terrible for Noam the entirety of this? Also yes.
How this series has dealt with sexual abuse and psychological manipulation/grooming has been gut wrenching because it’s realistic.
Because the bad guy is in jail, sure, but he’s got a huge cell that feels more like a hotel room with candles and books and rugs and multiple sofas. Because he’s fine. Because his reputation might have taken a hit, but it’s the victims fighting for their lives even after the fact.
“People can feel different things at once”. — Noam. Baby. Come here. Let me give you a hug and make you tea and brush your hair
All in all the Novella was a tad bland (and I still fucking hate that both Dara AND Noam lost their magic, (even if the metaphor is there) but that’s another conversation).
I won’t give it less than 3 stars because I loved the series too much for that and any book that has Noam Álvaro in it can’t be a bad one
How this series has dealt with sexual abuse and psychological manipulation/grooming has been gut wrenching because it’s realistic.
Because the bad guy is in jail, sure, but he’s got a huge cell that feels more like a hotel room with candles and books and rugs and multiple sofas. Because he’s fine. Because his reputation might have taken a hit, but it’s the victims fighting for their lives even after the fact.
“People can feel different things at once”. — Noam. Baby. Come here. Let me give you a hug and make you tea and brush your hair
All in all the Novella was a tad bland (and I still fucking hate that both Dara AND Noam lost their magic, (even if the metaphor is there) but that’s another conversation).
I won’t give it less than 3 stars because I loved the series too much for that and any book that has Noam Álvaro in it can’t be a bad one
November 15, 2023
i don't know how i missed this the first time i read the feverwake duology, but this was great! i think the dynamic of noam and dara is so interesting - two young people in love who were both sexually and physically abused by the same predator. that dynamic was displayed very well here, i loved to see more of how they were coping with everything after the bad guy was defeated, and i think it was really well done. and obviously dara and noam are sweethearts as always. ❤️
June 11, 2022
I don’t even know what to think about it like ?? We’re being left with more issues than solutions so hm
Tf did Lehrer want from Noam?? and how the hell will Dara and Noam’s relationship work if they don’t tell each other everything and aaah idk idk
Tf did Lehrer want from Noam?? and how the hell will Dara and Noam’s relationship work if they don’t tell each other everything and aaah idk idk
December 31, 2022
RTC, read in june/22.
February 13, 2023
fighting the urge to cry
April 16, 2020
Such a nice addition to the Feverwake series! I loved seeing the boys struggling through their individual issues and talking things out.
June 30, 2020
I will miss them 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
October 3, 2020
they’re so in love
July 30, 2023
(reread) i must always support you dara Thanks for existing. i wish u all the happiness in the world
November 8, 2020
There is nothing I love more than getting to see two characters who have suffered so much be in love and heal and work through their trauma together. (It’s totally because of Andrew and Neil from All for the Game.) I just love so much the idea of getting to move on, for two characters who have gone through unspeakable things to still be able to love each other and to lean on that love and to help each other in their healing. This was that, and I loved how Victoria Lee acknowledges that trauma is complicated, and the healing is equally as complicated. People cope and people view their experiences in different ways, and that’s okay. So I just loved this, I loved the look into Noam and Dara’s little domestic life after the books, and I love the intricacies of their relationship. This was beautiful.
May 22, 2021
My heart breaks to see that pain that both of them are going through, and all the trauma they are dealing with. But what makes it so awesome is that they have each other to rely on and be there for each other.
This book lacked plot, it was about feeling, emotions, connection, relationship, trauma, character development, which probably cause people to give it less stars. But it was so beautiful, and I am so happy to have been able to have more Noam+Dara content to read. There are so many amazing quotes that make me want to cry reading them.
side note - How do I suggest Goodreads that they're is another edition of this book. They only have the kindle version, but their is a physical 58- page copy of the book.
This book lacked plot, it was about feeling, emotions, connection, relationship, trauma, character development, which probably cause people to give it less stars. But it was so beautiful, and I am so happy to have been able to have more Noam+Dara content to read. There are so many amazing quotes that make me want to cry reading them.
side note - How do I suggest Goodreads that they're is another edition of this book. They only have the kindle version, but their is a physical 58- page copy of the book.
April 11, 2022
Watered my crops & healed my soul
At last, something more to feed my bottomless craving for Noam and Dara content. At last, I get to see my gorgeous bois heal from their horrific trauma. They've both grown so much. Noam is still pure of heart and dumb of ass, never change my beloved. Dara is still working so hard and conquering all his demons, my precious bean. I'm so proud of them both *wipes away tear*
I'm astounded at how many wise and touching reflections are contained in such a short novella, but Victoria is just shit hot at writing complex relationships like that. Heartwarming and beautiful.
PS. I've written shorter reviews for goddamn 500 pages novels so if you're a Feverwake fan just fricking buy this OK
At last, something more to feed my bottomless craving for Noam and Dara content. At last, I get to see my gorgeous bois heal from their horrific trauma. They've both grown so much. Noam is still pure of heart and dumb of ass, never change my beloved. Dara is still working so hard and conquering all his demons, my precious bean. I'm so proud of them both *wipes away tear*
I'm astounded at how many wise and touching reflections are contained in such a short novella, but Victoria is just shit hot at writing complex relationships like that. Heartwarming and beautiful.
PS. I've written shorter reviews for goddamn 500 pages novels so if you're a Feverwake fan just fricking buy this OK
January 3, 2022
Exactly what my soul wanted right after finishing the duology: an epilogue of sorts that gave me a little bit of an insight of Noam’s and Dara’s life after everything that happened.
Its an intense novella. Emotionally charged. At least, much more charged than I thought it would be. But isn’t that life? And isn’t it what makes sense after everything they’ve gone through?
Also, have to say, I love the realistic portrayal of feeling complex and incongruent emotions towards someone who has hurt you, but also at times, made you feel cared for.
Its an intense novella. Emotionally charged. At least, much more charged than I thought it would be. But isn’t that life? And isn’t it what makes sense after everything they’ve gone through?
Also, have to say, I love the realistic portrayal of feeling complex and incongruent emotions towards someone who has hurt you, but also at times, made you feel cared for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
5/5
The Stars and Everything in Between by Victoria Lee was such a super cute and adorable read! I had so much pleasure reading it from start to finish. The story had a lovely warmth to it, with just the right mix of charm and sweetness.
Victoria Lee’s writing really shines here - it flows so naturally that I found myself smiling through whole chapters.
It’s the kind of book that makes you feel light, happy, and just a little starry-eyed when you close it. A truly delightful read.
The Stars and Everything in Between by Victoria Lee was such a super cute and adorable read! I had so much pleasure reading it from start to finish. The story had a lovely warmth to it, with just the right mix of charm and sweetness.
Victoria Lee’s writing really shines here - it flows so naturally that I found myself smiling through whole chapters.
It’s the kind of book that makes you feel light, happy, and just a little starry-eyed when you close it. A truly delightful read.
February 23, 2021
this is such a great representation of two people processing trauma differently and growing together. i loved it. please let more people with psychology phds write books about trauma - it's just so much better (if that makes sense? just better handled?) anyways now i need a 600 pages book just about dara and noam hiking and baking and stargazing happily together
November 21, 2020
Stunning
Every time I think Victoria’s books can’t get better, they always do. What a beautiful look into Dara and Noam’s after. It’s not perfect, it’s not easy, but it’s real and full of the love they have for one another.
Every time I think Victoria’s books can’t get better, they always do. What a beautiful look into Dara and Noam’s after. It’s not perfect, it’s not easy, but it’s real and full of the love they have for one another.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews