The Starless Sea

by Erin Morgenstern
The Starless Sea cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Fantasy
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1080
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780385686228
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2019-11-05
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

The Starless Sea is a captivating love story set in a secret underground world filled with pirates, painters, lovers, and liars. Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a graduate student, stumbles upon a mysterious book that contains a story from his own childhood, leading him to a hidden library beneath the earth. This ancient archive is a place of lost cities, seas, and stories whispered by the dead, guarded by those who have sacrificed much to protect it. Alongside Mirabel, a fierce protector, and Dorian, a man with shifting allegiances, Zachary navigates the magical world of the Starless Sea, uncovering his purpose and the secrets of his own life. The book is praised for its enchanting prose and intricate world-building, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure. It has been named one of the best books of 2019 by various publications, including Time and The Guardian.

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

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.

NPR · 2019-11-03
enthusiastic 4.50

The book is a pleasure to dwell in, offering a delightful experience to dip in and out of. It is perfect for bedtime reading.

NPR's review emphasizes the sheer enjoyment of reading The Starless Sea, describing it as a pleasure to immerse oneself in. They found the book's narrative to be rich and engaging, making it an ideal choice for bedtime reading. The reviewer appreciated the way the story unfolds, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue that keeps the reader hooked. They also noted the book's beautiful prose and the way it weaves together multiple stories seamlessly. Overall, they found it to be a delightful and enchanting read.

Quick quotes

    It's a book that's a pleasure to dwell in

    A delicious experience to dip in and out of

    I took to only reading it before bed, because it felt like a cozy escape

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