What do you think?
Rate this book
Stranger Things #5
Lucas on the Line
Dive into this revealing portrait of Stranger Things fan favorite Lucas Sinclair and get to know Lucas like never before.
The thrilling adventure of Stranger Things continues where season three left off, with fan favorite Lucas Sinclair finally telling his own story in his own words.
The thrilling adventure of Stranger Things continues where season three left off, with fan favorite Lucas Sinclair finally telling his own story in his own words.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2022
77 people are currently reading
2687 people want to read
About the author
Suyi Davies
5 books20 followersAlso known as Suyi Davies Okungbowa (for adult novels)
Suyi Davies is a Nigerian author of fantasy and science fiction. He has written a number of works for younger readers, most recently Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line and Minecraft: The Haven Trials. He was a contributor to the instant #1 New York Times Bestselling middle-grade anthology, Black Boy Joy. He lives in Ontario, where he is a professor of creative writing at the University of Ottawa. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @suyidavies, or learn more at suyidavies.com.
Suyi Davies is a Nigerian author of fantasy and science fiction. He has written a number of works for younger readers, most recently Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line and Minecraft: The Haven Trials. He was a contributor to the instant #1 New York Times Bestselling middle-grade anthology, Black Boy Joy. He lives in Ontario, where he is a professor of creative writing at the University of Ottawa. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @suyidavies, or learn more at suyidavies.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
August 2, 2022
“despite everything, i never even saw him get mad. he could’ve run, he could’ve saved himself but he fought. he fought and lost everything to protect this town, a town that hated him. he’s a hero.” ik this quote was said abt eddie but after reading this i realized it acc applies more to lucas than to anyone else.
this book is a direct call out to the duffer brothers for making lucas nothing but the token black side-character when he’s sm more than that. GIVE HIM A BETTER STORYLINE U COWARDS
this book is a direct call out to the duffer brothers for making lucas nothing but the token black side-character when he’s sm more than that. GIVE HIM A BETTER STORYLINE U COWARDS
August 4, 2022
i really liked this book but it shouldn't exist bc the duffers should have put all this shit IN THE SHOW!!!!! this explains so much of how lucas was acting at the beginning of season 4 and it's so lazy and cowardly of them not to explore the racism lucas is facing on the screen, and instead putting it in a book 60% of the fans will not read.
August 10, 2022
This is definitely my favorite out of the Stranger Things tie-in books. So much that is included here should really have been part of the actual show. Lucas’ feelings about being Black in the mostly white Hawkins, wanting to branch out and join the basketball team, and his relationship with Max were all explored in really interesting ways.
The first three quarters of the book take place between seasons 3 & 4, mostly showing what was happening as Lucas enters high school, befriends Jay (another Black student at Hawkins High), and deals with bullies and racism at school. The last quarter of the book overlaps with the beginning of season 4. There were some parts of the end that I enjoyed, especially getting to see more of Lucas’ perspective as he’s with the jocks. But sometimes it felt a bit too much like it was recapping scenes from the show.
I think if you enjoy Stranger Things then this is definitely a worthwhile read. It goes in-depth with aspects of Lucas’ experiences that really should be on screen.
The first three quarters of the book take place between seasons 3 & 4, mostly showing what was happening as Lucas enters high school, befriends Jay (another Black student at Hawkins High), and deals with bullies and racism at school. The last quarter of the book overlaps with the beginning of season 4. There were some parts of the end that I enjoyed, especially getting to see more of Lucas’ perspective as he’s with the jocks. But sometimes it felt a bit too much like it was recapping scenes from the show.
I think if you enjoy Stranger Things then this is definitely a worthwhile read. It goes in-depth with aspects of Lucas’ experiences that really should be on screen.
August 2, 2022
lucas sinclair you deserve the world
May 11, 2025
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This book is about a character from the television series. In this one we explore what Lucas was up to between season 3 and season 4. It does go into season 4 at the end so there are spoilers for the show.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. There are parts that I absolutely loved while I did have some minor issues with parts of this novel. Basically this novel is about discovering one's self during high school. I think we can relate to that aspect. Lucas is trying to expand his experiences but also discovers the hatred of being a minority in rural Indiana during the 80's. The message is really strong for this book and I thought the author did a excellent job with this aspect even though I cannot really relate to this. I am a white male in my fifties so I really never dealt with the situation that the main character has to go through. We also see how friends drift apart during high school. Once again handled well by the author. My favorite is the handling of Lucas and Max and her depression. I loved this and this I had no problem identifying with. That alone was worth a rating of five stars. What were my issues then? I believe the author spent a little too much time with Lucas and basketball. It is a key component but dragged a little. My second issue is probably on me. I was expecting a book more like the television series. Some sci-fi and some horror mixed in. This did not have that. This book is purely a character study book.
I really think the story is excellent. It shows how high schoolers have so much pressure coming for all different directions. The reason I could not give a higher rating is that this story came across like the author had the idea for this story. Then it was placed in this universe. Instead I was hoping for a story that grew from this universe. It is a small distinction but enough for me not to give it a higher rating. That being said it was still a great read and makes me appreciate the character more.
This book is about a character from the television series. In this one we explore what Lucas was up to between season 3 and season 4. It does go into season 4 at the end so there are spoilers for the show.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. There are parts that I absolutely loved while I did have some minor issues with parts of this novel. Basically this novel is about discovering one's self during high school. I think we can relate to that aspect. Lucas is trying to expand his experiences but also discovers the hatred of being a minority in rural Indiana during the 80's. The message is really strong for this book and I thought the author did a excellent job with this aspect even though I cannot really relate to this. I am a white male in my fifties so I really never dealt with the situation that the main character has to go through. We also see how friends drift apart during high school. Once again handled well by the author. My favorite is the handling of Lucas and Max and her depression. I loved this and this I had no problem identifying with. That alone was worth a rating of five stars. What were my issues then? I believe the author spent a little too much time with Lucas and basketball. It is a key component but dragged a little. My second issue is probably on me. I was expecting a book more like the television series. Some sci-fi and some horror mixed in. This did not have that. This book is purely a character study book.
I really think the story is excellent. It shows how high schoolers have so much pressure coming for all different directions. The reason I could not give a higher rating is that this story came across like the author had the idea for this story. Then it was placed in this universe. Instead I was hoping for a story that grew from this universe. It is a small distinction but enough for me not to give it a higher rating. That being said it was still a great read and makes me appreciate the character more.
August 27, 2023
five out of five stars for being the only book in the world that explores lucas sinclair’s experience as one of only a few black kids in his town AND his relationship with max as they both handle life after the mall fire!!! like, this book was genuinely made for me, and it did not disappoint. now if only i could read my summer assignment as fast as i read this…
August 1, 2022
screaming crying throwing up etc lucas i loev you more than anything
February 18, 2024
Lucas Sinclair you will always be famous
July 16, 2023
Loved being able to gain more perspective into Lucas as a character. They should have explored this more in the actual show though. This book provides much more perspective into Lucas’ sudden shift in priorities in the fourth season of the show.
I really liked seeing his relationship with Jay develop and how the way he views himself and what “being himself” means changes throughout the novel. His exploration of identity, being one of the only black people in Hawkins, being a “nerd” and being a “jock” are all explored.
The only reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because the last ~80 pages of the books suddenly turn to a summarized version the beginning of the show as opposed to a story that focuses on Lucas. In my opinion there isn’t enough that specifically shares how Lucas viewed these situations to make it worth adding into the book. This wasn’t done with Max’s and Robin’s book, so I’m disappointed it was done with Lucas’
I really liked seeing his relationship with Jay develop and how the way he views himself and what “being himself” means changes throughout the novel. His exploration of identity, being one of the only black people in Hawkins, being a “nerd” and being a “jock” are all explored.
The only reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because the last ~80 pages of the books suddenly turn to a summarized version the beginning of the show as opposed to a story that focuses on Lucas. In my opinion there isn’t enough that specifically shares how Lucas viewed these situations to make it worth adding into the book. This wasn’t done with Max’s and Robin’s book, so I’m disappointed it was done with Lucas’
August 4, 2022
This was quite enjoyable. It was nice to get some insight into Lucas and what happened between the 3rd and 4th season. And his struggle as a person of colour in a small ass town in Indiana in the 80s. It did read a bit like fanfiction at times but I feel like that is inevitable when you are writing a companion novel to a franchise. Man, I am now heartbroken over Max and Lucas again.
It was quite a fast read as well, I'm pretty sure I devoured it in like a day. I really wish they would also do one of these for Eddie. I did enjoy the one for Robin as well. Honestly, there should be one for Steve as well.
It was quite a fast read as well, I'm pretty sure I devoured it in like a day. I really wish they would also do one of these for Eddie. I did enjoy the one for Robin as well. Honestly, there should be one for Steve as well.
January 31, 2023
Obsessed these are such great additions to the show
January 16, 2024
We shake hands. It’s not intimate, but it’s not sad either. It’s two dudes knowing the world will always ask them to prove themselves, so they’re saying to each other, Here’s some strength and spirit to help you take that on.
Ugh, it's frustrating reading this - Lucas certainly isn't the only ST character who deserves more depth, but he's one of the main ones!
This book delves into Lucas's mind before and during season 4, giving so much more insight and impact to his actions. While it's loosely implied in season 4 that Lucas wants to be popular to avoid racist bullies, Lucas on the Line explicitly shows what Lucas and other black kids in Hawkins face. The lack of communication between Lucas and his friends is annoying, but you can tell how much the Party is splintering. Will and El have moved away, Mike is gloomy, Max is distant, Lucas is trying to do more, and Dustin isn't able to keep everyone together on his own.
I liked the focus on Lucas's relationship with Max in here. This book starts before season 5 and then continues about halfway through the episodes, which worked out quite well. I actually didn't find myself craving a continuation of Lucas's POV for the rest of the season, which goes to show just how well Davies captured his mindset.
The one thing I wish this book had was more detail on Lucas's relationship with the basketball team. Those sections get glossed over. It feels like his dynamics there would be important, but I completely get the focus on other areas of Lucas's life instead.
4/5 stars.
Ugh, it's frustrating reading this - Lucas certainly isn't the only ST character who deserves more depth, but he's one of the main ones!
This book delves into Lucas's mind before and during season 4, giving so much more insight and impact to his actions. While it's loosely implied in season 4 that Lucas wants to be popular to avoid racist bullies, Lucas on the Line explicitly shows what Lucas and other black kids in Hawkins face. The lack of communication between Lucas and his friends is annoying, but you can tell how much the Party is splintering. Will and El have moved away, Mike is gloomy, Max is distant, Lucas is trying to do more, and Dustin isn't able to keep everyone together on his own.
I liked the focus on Lucas's relationship with Max in here. This book starts before season 5 and then continues about halfway through the episodes, which worked out quite well. I actually didn't find myself craving a continuation of Lucas's POV for the rest of the season, which goes to show just how well Davies captured his mindset.
The one thing I wish this book had was more detail on Lucas's relationship with the basketball team. Those sections get glossed over. It feels like his dynamics there would be important, but I completely get the focus on other areas of Lucas's life instead.
4/5 stars.
August 27, 2025
I've always thought Lucas was one of the most underrated characters, and this book proves it even more. I'm glad we gained insight into why Lucas decided to join the basketball team in Season 4 and that we got a closer look at his inner monologue and his struggle being one of the only black students at Hawkins High. I'm glad Lucas got to know Jay and stepped outside his comfort zone to explore new things. I wish it could have lasted longer and not been destroyed by the a-hole basketball team, but I do think Jay's influence had a positive impact on Lucas and helped him transition from the confused middle school kid he was to a more confident high schooler. I feel like the characterization was spot on, and I actually got a bit miffed at the end when it stopped after the Dear Billy episode because I really wanted more! I love that the book explored Lucas's relationship with Max and dealing with her depression, and never really giving up on her, but realizing that giving her space was needed. LuMax are one of my favorite ST couples, and I'm really hoping season 5 brings us a miracle because they both deserve happiness. I'm really enjoying the ST novelizations in this dry spell before season 5! I'm off to read Runaway Max now!
November 14, 2022
Thank you to PRH Audio for providing me with a complimentary audiobook of Lucas on the Line!
If you are a Stranger Things fan, please do not sleep on these books! Especially this one that follows Lucas during season 4 -- you know, the season where we start off not really vibing with this kid anymore. This book really dives deep into why Lucas is behaving the way that he does & how he's dealing with racism & just being a Black boy in a town mostly filled with white kids. We also get to see more of his feelings for Max and what she's going through during this season. Also, Lucas and Robin is a friendship I didn't know I needed until now.
This book has me really appreciating Lucas's character. ♥
If you are a Stranger Things fan, please do not sleep on these books! Especially this one that follows Lucas during season 4 -- you know, the season where we start off not really vibing with this kid anymore. This book really dives deep into why Lucas is behaving the way that he does & how he's dealing with racism & just being a Black boy in a town mostly filled with white kids. We also get to see more of his feelings for Max and what she's going through during this season. Also, Lucas and Robin is a friendship I didn't know I needed until now.
This book has me really appreciating Lucas's character. ♥
September 23, 2022
Lucas on the Line (Stranger Things #5) by Suyi Davies is easily my favorite of the Stranger Things books (although I haven't read Rebel Robin yet). Lucas is my favorite original member of the Party of Mike, Dustin, and Lucas, and Will. I'm glad we got to see more of his story here beginning with the the start of the school year right up through helping to save Max with Running Up That Hill at the cemetery. Lucas really only deserves the best. I'll need to read more from Suyi Davis in the future.
February 8, 2023
“In this moment, everything feels complete, like we have come full circle. Kate Bush was there when we fell apart, and now Kate Bush has brought her back to me.”
I love the way this book explored Max and Lucas’ relationship, I just can’t stop thinking about Jay and Lucas. I find myself wishing that Jay was included in the season 4 storyline because it is clear how much of a profound influence he had on Lucas. With everything that went on in season 4, it seems that they both got the short end of the stick because their struggles with racism were not put on screen.
“Throughout the time Jay's been helping me, he's had to deal with all this major stuff as well. Despite that, it never showed in his behavior. He was never mean to me because the world was against him. Maybe it's time I start to learn to paddle my own boat in the same way.”
In season 4, Dustin says the following about Eddie:
"Despite everything, I never even saw him get mad. He could've run, he could've saved himself but he fought. He fought and died to protect this town. This town that… hated him. Mr. Munson, he's a hero."
We see themes of oppression and marginalization explored with Eddie’s character and I wish Lucas was included in that. Instead, he is reduced to a side character when he has so much depth.
“It surprises me that Jay lives in one of these apartments, He's never given me the impression that his family lacked money, and from the way he dressed—always neat, always put together—I'd never know. I realize now that maybe the problem is not Jay, but me—us— and how I've interpreted his family's status just because of where he lives. I smack myself mentally for jumping the gun. Maybe this is a good lesson for me to remember: that if I expect others to refrain from passing value judgment on me, I have to first learn to stop passing it on others so quickly.”
Basically, I think viewers could learn a lot from the way Lucas carries himself and how he treats others.
I love the way this book explored Max and Lucas’ relationship, I just can’t stop thinking about Jay and Lucas. I find myself wishing that Jay was included in the season 4 storyline because it is clear how much of a profound influence he had on Lucas. With everything that went on in season 4, it seems that they both got the short end of the stick because their struggles with racism were not put on screen.
“Throughout the time Jay's been helping me, he's had to deal with all this major stuff as well. Despite that, it never showed in his behavior. He was never mean to me because the world was against him. Maybe it's time I start to learn to paddle my own boat in the same way.”
In season 4, Dustin says the following about Eddie:
"Despite everything, I never even saw him get mad. He could've run, he could've saved himself but he fought. He fought and died to protect this town. This town that… hated him. Mr. Munson, he's a hero."
We see themes of oppression and marginalization explored with Eddie’s character and I wish Lucas was included in that. Instead, he is reduced to a side character when he has so much depth.
“It surprises me that Jay lives in one of these apartments, He's never given me the impression that his family lacked money, and from the way he dressed—always neat, always put together—I'd never know. I realize now that maybe the problem is not Jay, but me—us— and how I've interpreted his family's status just because of where he lives. I smack myself mentally for jumping the gun. Maybe this is a good lesson for me to remember: that if I expect others to refrain from passing value judgment on me, I have to first learn to stop passing it on others so quickly.”
Basically, I think viewers could learn a lot from the way Lucas carries himself and how he treats others.
July 27, 2022
I’ve always loved Lucas and he has been one of my favorite characters since season 1! I’ve been looking forward to this book ever since it was announced and it exceeded my expectations! The writing was amazing and we finally get to know what Lucas is thinking, how he feels and what he has been going through. He wants high school to be different and doesn’t want to have to go through getting bullied anymore and he wants to make new friends.
When he meets Jay his mentor for high school they instantly connect and Lucas wants to be friends with him. Jay suggests to Lucas that he should join the basketball team and he wasn’t sure at first but then he decides to signs up for try outs! Lucas is also struggling because his friends, Mike and Dustin don’t want him to do basketball because it takes him away from them and they spend less time together. They blame him for the party falling apart.
Max is also avoiding him and not opening up about how she’s feeling. They all changed since what happened on Fourth of July it’s like as Lucas said, a part of all of them died that day. Lucas and Max’s break up in this book hurt as well! It was so well written and gives you more of an understanding of why they broke up that we didn’t get to see in the show. They still care about each other but both hurting and going through a lot at the moment.
Lucas is figuring himself out in this book. How he wants to live his life in high school. He’s going through a lot but one thing for sure is he will always be there for his friends. I didn’t even know it was possible because I love Lucas so much but this book made me love him even more! I definitely recommend this book to everyone who is a Stranger Things fan and wants to learn more about Lucas!
When he meets Jay his mentor for high school they instantly connect and Lucas wants to be friends with him. Jay suggests to Lucas that he should join the basketball team and he wasn’t sure at first but then he decides to signs up for try outs! Lucas is also struggling because his friends, Mike and Dustin don’t want him to do basketball because it takes him away from them and they spend less time together. They blame him for the party falling apart.
Max is also avoiding him and not opening up about how she’s feeling. They all changed since what happened on Fourth of July it’s like as Lucas said, a part of all of them died that day. Lucas and Max’s break up in this book hurt as well! It was so well written and gives you more of an understanding of why they broke up that we didn’t get to see in the show. They still care about each other but both hurting and going through a lot at the moment.
Lucas is figuring himself out in this book. How he wants to live his life in high school. He’s going through a lot but one thing for sure is he will always be there for his friends. I didn’t even know it was possible because I love Lucas so much but this book made me love him even more! I definitely recommend this book to everyone who is a Stranger Things fan and wants to learn more about Lucas!
July 26, 2022
My favourite of the three books in this series! The story was so well written, I truly got the same feeling while reading as I get when watching the show. Lucas’ story was sad and heartwarming all at once. I’ve always loved Lucas on the show and this was a great extension of the character we all know and love.
August 5, 2022
lucas i love you so bad
April 18, 2023
I love these novels, but this one is probably my favorite of the bunch. I feel like in the earlier seasons, Lucas was the voice of reason. Mike and Dustin were always quick to do some crazy stuff, but Lucas was the one that wanted to hit the brakes and tell the adults. This book gives some more insights to what Lucas is going through, especially at the start of high school and trying to find out who he is outside of the group. Mike is sulky over El, Dustin spends most of his free time on the ham radio with Suzy, Will has moved, and Max is blowing him off and he doesn't know how to reach her. He's always been aware of his status as one of the few black kids in Hawkins, but high school proves to subject him to more overt racism- especially after he joins the basketball team.
This book starts on the first day of high school and ends before too much of season 4 happens- although it does take the reader through Chrissy's death and Lucas finding out about Max being a target for Vecna. I loved Lucas's pov, because it really fleshes his character out and explains what's going on when he's not actively fighting monsters from the upside down, but rather the monsters that roam the streets of high school. I think it's fitting that his book is set in the immediate follow up to season 4, because Caleb McLaughlin was a stand out on the show this past year.
Also we get to see more Erica! I love her- and she has her own graphic novel, Erica the Great, which I highly recommend.
This book starts on the first day of high school and ends before too much of season 4 happens- although it does take the reader through Chrissy's death and Lucas finding out about Max being a target for Vecna. I loved Lucas's pov, because it really fleshes his character out and explains what's going on when he's not actively fighting monsters from the upside down, but rather the monsters that roam the streets of high school. I think it's fitting that his book is set in the immediate follow up to season 4, because Caleb McLaughlin was a stand out on the show this past year.
Also we get to see more Erica! I love her- and she has her own graphic novel, Erica the Great, which I highly recommend.
August 7, 2022
The characters did not have the same chemistry or connection that they had in the show and that was the only downside here. They were very angsty but what else can you expect from a friend group of fourteen-year-old teenagers as the characters. I always love the settings in 'Stranger Things' books as it expands the world so much more from the show and makes Hawkins, Indiana really come to life. The writing was basic. Another thing is that these books add so much more to the plot of the show as we see the show from a different perspective and even months and days that were not shown in the series. The readers get that in-between time that just show watchers won't get. I enjoyed this book a lot and it was a fun and realistic installment in the 'Stranger Things' universe.
March 22, 2023
These Stranger Thing companion novels have been really hit or miss with me but I really enjoyed this one. I loved getting to spend more time with Lucas and seeing him leading up to and during season 4. I loved getting to see his thoughts and feelings during certain scenes and I wish some of this book was included in the show itself because I think it would have added onto Lucas character. One of my only real complaints with this book is that some of the characters just seemed off and not written the same but I don't hold that against the author because some of the characters we barely knew when this book was published and it is hard to write a character you don't know yet.
November 4, 2022
Ver esta historia desde le punto de vista de Lucas me gustó mucho y leer sobre lo que le pasa en el instituto me dio rabia ya que lo vemos desde su posición sabiendo que en la época en la que pasa no se puede hacer nada para evitar el acoso que sufre
February 23, 2023
~4.5 rounded up. Bringing much needed nuance to a beloved character. Also, Lucas is great representation for young black boys... I would hope this novel reaches that audience. This is a very biased rating 😅😆
May 13, 2025
Lucas finally gets to take centre stage in his very own novel. It’s cute, I like that it has Lucas realising that the other boys aren’t actually worthy of being his friend a lot of the time. It had a great message of self-worth and not settling. Go Lucas!!
May 21, 2025
it devastates me that we got none of this in the series. so good. i love lucas. i love lumax.
"max has always been my guiding light, my north star. finding my way back to her was really finding my way back to me."
cinema
"max has always been my guiding light, my north star. finding my way back to her was really finding my way back to me."
cinema
July 18, 2022
The story was good but I’m just not a big fan of Lucas🤷
July 31, 2022
i love you lucas sinclair
August 19, 2022
Great book, it covers Lucas' experiences as one of the only black people in Hawkins High and the racism he endures. I wish they would have covered it more in the actual series. it really changes your perspective on how you see the characters
September 27, 2022
Okay this was so good! Maybe my favorite of the three YA books I've read so far.
Lucas is the best ST character and this just proves it. I love this kid.
Lucas is the best ST character and this just proves it. I love this kid.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews