Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “When Stars Come Out” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

When Stars Come Out

(When Stars Come Out #1)

Scarlett St. Clair (Goodreads Author)

4.03 · Rating details · 65 ratings · 27 reviews

Anora Silby can see the dead and turn spirits into gold coins, two things she would prefer to keep secret as she tries to lead a normal life at her new school. After all, she didn’t change her identity for nothing.

As it turns out, hiding her weirdness is just one of many challenges. By the end of her first day, she’s claimed the soul of a dead girl on campus and lost the ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 328 pages

Published October 31st 2018

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about When Stars Come Out, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-58

Average rating 4.03 ·

Rating details

· 65 ratings · 27 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of When Stars Come Out

Oct 08, 2018 Giselle marked it as to-read

ARCs can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here] ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 17, 2018 Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon rated it it was amazing

5 Cranky Stars

When I started this book, I immediately though of the movie “Sixth Sense”. The heroine sees dead people but as she puts it, Souls. She can interact with these Souls and even capture them. It is definitely not like that movie. There are many similarities to other novels I’ve read lately (secret non humans) but the storyline is still captivating.

Anora sees Souls and her mother thinks she is crazy. This all started when her grandfather died and she saw his soul escape. Her mother move ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 26, 2019 Crystal rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I had read the kindle version of this book previously to reading the paperback. I always try to read the paperback version because I like paperback versions much better. They read better for some reason in my opinion. Anyhow, after reading the paperback version I not only liked this book but understood ebook better.
Even though I read the ebook, when I read this paperback version of the book I found myself wanting to keep reading because I wanted to know what happened next. When I read a book for ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2018 Erhi Divina rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I really like this book! This book proved two of my prejudices wrong:

That paranormal stories are not as fun as high-fantasy stories –WRONG!
That the romance are gonna be ordinary and cliché –WRONG!
OKay, first of all the story was enticing. So many mysteries imbued right from the first page, which will make readers want to read the next page and the next page and the next page. I’m DEAD SERIOUS, tomorrow I have an anatomy exam but I cannot stop until I see the last page! And the mysteries are buil I really like this book! This book proved two of my prejudices wrong:

That paranormal stories are not as fun as high-fantasy stories –WRONG!
That the romance are gonna be ordinary and cliché –WRONG!
OKay, first of all the story was enticing. So many mysteries imbued right from the first page, which will make readers want to read the next page and the next page and the next page. I’m DEAD SERIOUS, tomorrow I have an anatomy exam but I cannot stop until I see the last page! And the mysteries are built –which is why i love this story. The author gave out the mysteries slowly, one thread at a time so readers have enough time to figure out what is truly going on. This kind of mystery telling intrigued readers the most!

Second, the flow of the story was fast but not too fast that I felt some parts were skipped. No, the story had a really smooth flow from beginning to end. Props to the author.

Third, I have seen better characterization. But Anora was described wonderfully The same goes with Shy and Lily and others.

Although I had hoped for more diversity in the story.

All in all, I really really enjoyed the story and the new world it had given me. So I believe it deserves a 4 stars.

Noww, I thought this book was an ordinary paranormal story, but it’s not. In one of the first pages, the author put a hotline number and words “don’t be afraid to get help.” As I recall to the plot and characterization of this story, I realized that the author was reaching out to readers for an important message through her stories. Anora embodied all people who are afraid to get help. Sometimes people are reluctant to get help because they were ashamed, they did not want anybody else to know, or because they were afraid on how others would treat them. Anora tried to keep all her problems on her own until she could no longer kept it a secret. Fortunately, she discovered people that she could trust and help her. This is what the author wanted to encourage us. There are people, whether you realize them or not, that could help you, that it is okay to trust and open yourself up. And because of this, I am really glad I have read this book.

...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 24, 2019 Natalie Westgate rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, book-club

3.5 stars (rounded to 4 because GR doesn't do halves).

I can honestly say when I started When Stars Come Out I didn't think I'd like it. The reason was because the writing was really adjective heavy - in particular colours being told like a list to be checked off. But, after the initial descriptions of places and people, the writing style flowed more and pulled me in.

But the plot is what kept me reading. I actually didn't want to put the book down because the story (and world building) really hoo ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 23, 2018 Charity Rowell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: onmykindlebr

I received a free copy of this book and opted to share a review.

When I read the blurb, I thought this book had a "grim reaper-in-training" vibe. I was so wrong, and it's definitely not what I expected! Elements of the plot are inspired by Greek mythology; some adhere to the well-known interpretations of Greek myths while others are imaginative elaborations of their mythological counterparts. This is not a critique of the differences between the academic perspectives and St. Clair's perspective o ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 22, 2019 Cate rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 18, 2018 Stephanie - Books Less Travelled rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-for-review

*I received a digital review copy from the author through Xpresso Book Tours. This does not affect my review.*

I loved reading this! The cover and blurb intrigued me, but there's always a risk in reading books from authors who are new and/or unknown. I've found many amazing books by reading from authors that are just starting out, or who have reached out to me in some way, but as with anything else, it's hard to know when you've found something special until you've really looked at it.

I love the ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 04, 2018 Scarlett Clair rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

Update 7/4/18:

The cover reveal for When Stars Come Out will be on Friday, September 21, 2018. You can sign up here: http://xpressobooktours.com/2018/06/1...

For more information and exclusive content, please signup for my newsletter: http://authorscarlettstclair.tumblr.c... ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 25, 2021 Favour Olanrewaju rated it it was amazing

Hmmm
Jkj

flag Like · see review

Jan 25, 2021 Angelique C rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I am not typically someone who is interested in paranormal romances but this book altered that opinion a bit. The plot was amazing. St Clair drew me in from the first page and I just couldn’t wait to find out what happened. She also did a good job of not revealing who was responsible for the missing coin and ensuing chaos and keeping the reader in suspense until the end. I also thought that world building was pretty good. I loved learning ab ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 25, 2021 Nina added it

I really enjoyed the book. great mc and romance + fantasy. Unfortulately there's no second book of the series. ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 20, 2018 Katherine Paschal rated it really liked it

Shelves: ghosts, read-to-review, supernatural, teen

Anora has been given a chance to start fresh after what happened at her last school, and she better not blow it. And that means keeping quiet about the fact she sees ghosts and can take people's souls- you know, the usual. Things are changing in the running of the Valryn, and Shy is not sure it is for the better. When he is given an unexpected assignment to guard the future leader of his people, Shy knows there is something more going on that what he was told.

The first thing that app Anora has been given a chance to start fresh after what happened at her last school, and she better not blow it. And that means keeping quiet about the fact she sees ghosts and can take people's souls- you know, the usual. Things are changing in the running of the Valryn, and Shy is not sure it is for the better. When he is given an unexpected assignment to guard the future leader of his people, Shy knows there is something more going on that what he was told.

The first thing that appealed to me about this book was the cover- it is so gorgeous, and eye catching and slightly creepy and ominous I just had to learn more about the book.I have never experienced a supernatural creature like the Valryn before, a raven shifter who hunts ghosts and other dark shadows of the night. Ooh, and the mythology with Charon and his position of gate keeper was really interesting take on the classic Greek Mythology. They were a really cool concept that I think helps this book stand out from the rest of the YA paranormal romances floating out there.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer taught me resurrection is a bad idea. People always come back wrong.

And yes, I did say Paranormal Romance- because that is what this is. Sure, there are other things going on in the plot, like a mystery, danger and some super freaky scary imagery, but the heart (sorry, could not resist!) of this story was a sweet love. For the most part, the ending wrapped up everything important but I am glad that this is just book 1 in a series because I have so many predictions and hopes for what is to come for Anora and Shy.

The one thing that I struggled with in the book was that I felt like I was missing something, like a prequel or another book, because there was a LOT of backstory and world-building that was hinted at like I should know, but it was never explained until like 60% into the book. I definitely struggled to keep up and I did not enjoy that feeling. Once I finally felt like I knew what was happening I was completely into the book and did not put it down until I finished.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 10, 2018 Tonja Drecker rated it it was amazing

This tale dives into the world of spirits, demons and the afterlife with chills, thrills, and a bit of mystery along the way.

Anora and her mother have moved to a small town. Anora attends a new school with the hopes of leaving the past behind. But even the first day doesn't go as smoothly as she hopes. Despite her attempts to stay off everyone's radar, she, as the new girl, not only draws attention but runs across a unsettled spirit, which won't leave her alone. In panic, Anora accidentally rele This tale dives into the world of spirits, demons and the afterlife with chills, thrills, and a bit of mystery along the way.

Anora and her mother have moved to a small town. Anora attends a new school with the hopes of leaving the past behind. But even the first day doesn't go as smoothly as she hopes. Despite her attempts to stay off everyone's radar, she, as the new girl, not only draws attention but runs across a unsettled spirit, which won't leave her alone. In panic, Anora accidentally releases a power she doesn't understand, but one that has gotten her in trouble before and turns the spirit into a coin. Soon, it becomes clear that the school and the people in the town are not what they seem. Caught up in the middle of a battle between spirits, demons and hunters, she must not only discover the truth about the others and herself, but find a way to stay alive.

From the first page on, this book grabs. The tension starts the second Anora steps into school. It's clear right away that something isn't right, but the author shrouds the details and information into a nicely layered, paranormal mystery which isn't easy to predict. Every predicament leads to a new revelation and sets Anora against more impossible obstacles. It's hard to guess who she can trust and where many of the characters' true loyalties lie.

Magic mixes with paranormal creatures and spirits, creating a rich and dark fantasy world. While the school is set in reality, the mystical world reaches in more and more as the chapters go on. There's high school drama, teenage romance and the usual teacher troubles too, but most of the concentration flips over to Anora's unexpected powers and a threatening war in a fantastical, paranormal world. It's well balanced and smoothly slides the two realities together.

This is not a tale for sensitive readers. The topic of suicide is hit upon, and there are a few violent, bloody scenes. Since especially the first of these topics can be difficult to address, the author takes special care to offer a few personal words of support and offers some information as to where help can be found for those who might find themselves facing this theme.

Fans of spirits, teen romance, strong woman characters all mixed with action, fight scenes and dark intrigue will enjoy this book. It definitely sets a wonderful basis for the series still to come.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts. ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 08, 2018 Nicol added it · review of another edition

Shelves: abandonado

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spoilers~~~~
Como el 70% de los libros que leo, When the stars come out me llamo la atención por su portada.. teniendo una de las más hermosas que he visto, junto con un género que hace mucho no leo.... Y una buena puntuación (aunque sólo sea de 9 personas), me motivó a leerlo.

Bueno, a por lo que vine: Cuando leí sobre los Valryn, la Eurydise, the influence, Hellhounds, Charon, Adamantine Gates.... siento que debe haber un línea de la mitología que los conecte... del mismo modo en que Percy Jack Spoilers~~~~
Como el 70% de los libros que leo, When the stars come out me llamo la atención por su portada.. teniendo una de las más hermosas que he visto, junto con un género que hace mucho no leo.... Y una buena puntuación (aunque sólo sea de 9 personas), me motivó a leerlo.

Bueno, a por lo que vine: Cuando leí sobre los Valryn, la Eurydise, the influence, Hellhounds, Charon, Adamantine Gates.... siento que debe haber un línea de la mitología que los conecte... del mismo modo en que Percy Jackson es sobre la mitologia griega... peeero realmente no logro enlazarlos.. (bueno, sólo los perros infernales con Caronte y las puertas) así que todo está en la originidad e invención de Scarlett.

Puedo entender la lógica de la trama: Los espíritus de las personas quedan atrapados en la tierra tras su muerte, cuyo cúmulo alimenta las energías oscuras y a los... xxx (insertar nombre, porque no lo recuerdo xD), es decir: a la Influence.... que es lo ocasiona todas la tragedias en el mundo, lo que su vez ocasiona más muertes... siendo un ciclo. Estas almas no pueden trascender al Espíritu por si mismos, necesitando la ayuda de la (o puede ser un él?) Eurydise, quien con los hilos del.. destino... transforma estas almas en monedas, abre las puertas de Adamantine (?) y convoca a Caronte quien llevará las almas al Espíritu para que puedan reencarnar. Hasta aquí bien.

Peeero... todas las almas del mundo mundial para un único Eurydise? ...que? la orden le regala los boletos de avión? xD. Tenía que decirlo.

Anora, como el personaje principal, me gustó. Acaba de perder a su abuelo, su madre desconfía de ella... Y por sobre todo... está en un triángulo amoroso, entre Shy y Thane (que no viva solo en mi imaginación, please). Para el cual apoyo -obviamente el Thanora <3. Además, no se deja mangonear por Natalie y muestra una actitud desafiante ante casi todo, pero teniendo estos momentos en que se ablanda y entra en pánico, recordando que ella no es de piedra.
Shy... bueno, Shy... es tierno.
Y Thane... oh directo, melancólico y guapo Thane. Me pareció una excelente decisión que su primer contacto con el lado feo de lo sobrenatural fuera con él. Él la guía y la apoya. Una relación perfecta.

Pero no. En los triángulos amorosos casi nunca se queda con el segundo tipo. So.... ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 07, 2020 Hannah rated it really liked it

When Stars Come Out

This story dives into the world of spirits, death and the afterlife with chills, thrills, and mystery through the journey.

Anora and her mother have moved to a small town. Anora attends a new school with the hopes of starting a fresh with no tales of the past to haunt her. However, this doesn't appear to last long as on the first day the day doesn't go as smoothly as she planed. Despite her attempts to stay off everyone's radar, being the new girl only brings attention to her. ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 14, 2018 Nicole rated it it was amazing

WHEN STARS COME OUT, the latest YA fantasy from Scarlett St. Clair, brings the supernatural into the halls of high school with a humor and heart that reminded me of my Buffy the Vampire days.
Anora Silby arrives at Nacoma Knight Academy with a dangerous secret—she can see the dead. And at Nacoma Knight, the dead seem to be everywhere, including hanging off a campus hall on Anora’s first day.

Determined to blend in and leave her supernatural past behind, Anora’s attempts at homecoming prep are co ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 10, 2021 alicia rated it it was amazing

Fab

I read previous reviews about this book and didn't really believe the hype. With that in mind I started it and finished it in two sittings. I loved it. Quirky characters, mystery, thrills twists and turns this book delivers it all. A fabulous not to be missed book. ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 25, 2018 Anie rated it it was amazing

Received from Xpresso Book Tours

I didn't expect to like When Stars Come Out as much as I did. My favorite thing about it was the mythology, it was very thought out and I haven't read anything like it. I loved slowly discovering the magical system with the characters.

Anora and her mom move to another town to get away from horrible rumors. Anora is determined to start anew, to forget all that happened before and live her life in peace. but all that goes to shit when she sees the dead girl hanging ...more

flag Like · see review

May 27, 2020 Kat rated it really liked it

This book was amazing! Full rating 4.5
The writing was rich and the author was able to communicate the setting, thoughts and feelings of the characters and the creatures in this story amazingly.
I found myself invested all the way through.
This book has a unique and interesting plot. I love the Parallels with Greek mythology.
Anora is a complex and dynamic character. She is a young girl that has been thrown into the deep end. She is trying to navigate a world that she doesn’t know and it was lov ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 15, 2020 Berenice Linaldi rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag Like · see review

Jan 19, 2020 Cicilia rated it it was amazing

Fascinating!

This book was new and fresh and unexpected. While there was clear foreshadowing as to a couple of the characters who turned out to be villains, the reasonings and paths they took to get there were unexpected. I appreciate that there was no gratuitous death, only passings that were integral to the plot in a meaningful way. If you want a very different take on the afterlife, this is a fun and fascinating read.

flag Like · see review

Dec 12, 2020 Holly Webb rated it it was amazing

I read this book as an adult, even though the story is about the teenagers and the story itself is catered towards teenagers, but I still loved it. If you're a person who loves forbidden romance, the dark, the odd, and the strange, this book is for you. It's Gossip Girl meets Maximum Ride and it works so well! ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 23, 2018 gillion rated it really liked it

Shelves: sent-from-publishing-co

*SENT TO ME BY PUBLISHING CO
4.5/5
HOLY SHIT THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! I loooooved this world. It is like if Cassandra Clare met Raven Boys. That's how good it is. I loved the way the story went and the pacing was amazing. I cannot wait to get my hands on this sequel. Anora and Shy are my new favorite couple. ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 11, 2020 Yelena rated it it was amazing

I love this book can't wait for the second one ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 26, 2019 Ariane Pringley rated it it was amazing

Great read with plot twists and an exceptional ending!

flag Like · see review

Allyson Szramek rated it liked it
Jul 04, 2020

Rachel rated it really liked it
Oct 20, 2019

Crystal Loy rated it it was amazing
Feb 02, 2020

Caro marked it as to-read
Jun 22, 2018

SB added it
Jun 22, 2018

Paula Phillips marked it as to-read
Jun 26, 2018

Faida orrie added it
Jun 26, 2018

Diamond Keeling marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Miranda marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Jodi Hassel marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Géraldine marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Kim hansen marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Eric marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Angelica Dimeo marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Vanessa ♛Queen Alchemy ϟ Novel Nerd Faction♛ marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Ritika Chhabra marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Erin (Bookish in a Box) marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Rajeeva Jayaratne marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Edna Moore-burke marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Janet marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Lisa Richards marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Mikhail Rapoport Jr. marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Nayari García marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Traci marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Judy Thomas marked it as to-read
Sep 21, 2018

Mark marked it as to-read
Sep 22, 2018

Abn10009 marked it as to-read
Sep 22, 2018

Sam marked it as to-read
Sep 22, 2018

Tiffany Riach marked it as to-read
Sep 22, 2018

Esperanza marked it as to-read
Sep 22, 2018

Theresa marked it as to-read
Sep 23, 2018

« previous 1 2 3 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Goodreads Librari...: My Book Listed Under Different Author	2	13	Oct 27, 2018 09:13AM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Fantasy

5 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

4 users

Young Adult

3 users

See top shelves…

About Scarlett St. Clair

Scarlett St. Clair

1,130 followers

Scarlett St. Clair lives in Oklahoma with her husband. She has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Studies. She is obsessed with Greek Mythology, murder mysteries, love, and the afterlife. If you are obsessed with these things, then you’ll like her books.

Sign up for my newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/6e2593363f04/rayon... ...more