The Starless Sea

by Erin Morgenstern
The Starless Sea cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1080
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781101971383
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2020-08-04
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a graduate student, stumbles upon a mysterious book in a library that contains a story from his own childhood. Intrigued and bewildered, he follows a series of clues that lead him to a secret masquerade party in New York, and ultimately to a hidden library far below the earth's surface. This library is a realm of lost cities, seas, and stories whispered by the dead, guarded by those who have sacrificed much to protect it. Zachary, along with Mirabel and Dorian, explores this magical world, uncovering his purpose both in the mysterious book and in his own life. The Starless Sea is a timeless love story set in a secret underground world, filled with pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea. The novel is a beautifully crafted tale that blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance, creating a rich and immersive narrative that captivates the reader from start to finish.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-16
captivating 3.50

The writing style is amazing, but the plot feels familiar and somewhat predictable.

The reviewer is immediately drawn to the amazing writing style of this book, which they find truly captivating. However, they feel that the plot, while well-executed, lacks originality and can feel familiar at times. The book's strength lies in its prose and the way it immerses the reader in its world, even if the story itself doesn't break new ground.

Quick quotes

    One thing I found instantly fascinating about The Starless Sea, is that despite a truly amazing writing style, the plot almost feels familiar.

    The descriptions are so rich and immersive that they almost make up for the lack of originality in the plot.

    It's a book that you want to keep reading not for the story, but for the sheer beauty of the writing.

Bluntly Bookish · 2025-02-16
mixed 3.50

The language and scenes are breathtaking, but the plot is overcomplicated and the characters underdeveloped. The intricate world-building is impressive, though it sometimes overshadows the story.

The reviewer was captivated by the stunning prose and vivid imagery in The Starless Sea, finding the descriptions truly breathtaking. They appreciated the intricate world-building and the immersive atmosphere the author created. However, they felt the plot was overly complex and at times confusing, which made it difficult to fully engage with the story. Additionally, the characters were not as developed as they could have been, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledged the book's strengths in its language and creativity.

Quick quotes

    The language and scenes are breath-taking

    The plot was overcomplicated and hampered by the underdeveloped cast of characters

    The intricate world-building is impressive

Chicago Review of Books · 2019-11-22
brilliant 4.50

The book is described as a novelization of a Tumblr aesthetic board, with rich descriptions and a cozy atmosphere. It is praised for its unique and immersive storytelling.

The reviewer sees this book as a unique and immersive experience, comparing it to a novelization of a Tumblr aesthetic board. They appreciate the rich descriptions and the cozy atmosphere that the book creates. The storytelling is seen as unique and engaging, with a sense of mystery and intrigue that keeps the reader hooked. However, they note that the book might not appeal to everyone, as it requires a certain level of engagement and imagination from the reader.

Quick quotes

    A novelization of a Tumblr aesthetic board

    Descriptions of fancy cocktails and cozy reading nooks

    A unique and immersive storytelling experience

Goodreads · 2019-11-05
good 3.80

The writing is lyrical and meandering, but it may not appeal to those seeking a traditional narrative structure.

This reviewer highlighted the lyrical and meandering nature of the writing, which they found to be a unique and enjoyable aspect of the book. They noted that the prose is existential and not formatted in a traditional way, which might not appeal to everyone. They appreciated the beauty of the language and the way the story unfolds, but acknowledged that it might not be suitable for readers looking for a straightforward narrative. They found the book to be a delightful read for those who enjoy immersive and atmospheric storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Her writing is for those who love the story for the sake of the story.

    The lyrical, meandering, and existential prose is not the standard format.

    The book is a delightful read for those who enjoy immersive and atmospheric storytelling.

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