Little Star

by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Little Star cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Horror
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7582
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780857387509
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-09-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the haunting novel 'Little Star,' John Ajvide Lindqvist weaves a tale of a baby girl found abandoned in the forest, her first breath a haunting, musical note. The man who finds her, sensing her otherworldly nature, takes her in to protect her, but as she grows, so do her terrifying powers. The story explores the fine line between nurture and nature, and the consequences of hiding the truth. With a relentless buildup of tension, Lindqvist crafts a blood-chilling conclusion that solidifies his reputation as a master of horror. The novel delves into themes of isolation, fear, and the monstrous potential within us all, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
The Independent · 2011-10-09
eerie 4.00

The book is billed as non-supernatural but still carries an eerie, other-worldly feel. The story is both simple and complex, revolving around an abandoned child and the family who find them.

The reviewer notes that while the book is marketed as non-supernatural, it still maintains an eerie and other-worldly atmosphere. The plot is both beautifully simple and incredibly complex, focusing on the relationship between an abandoned child and the family who take them in. This duality adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the unique premise and the way the story unfolds, creating a rich and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    This fourth novel is billed as his first non-supernatural take on the genre, and while that's strictly true, there's an eerie, other-worldly feel to it.

    The plot of Little Star is both beautifully simple and incredibly complex.

    The tale revolves around an abandoned child and the family who find them.

Book Monkey Scribbles · 2011-09-29
engaging 3.00

The book is well-written but feels too long, with excessive exploration of the characters' childhoods. The story is engaging but could have been more concise.

The reviewer appreciated the well-written nature of the book and found the story engaging. However, they felt that the novel was overly long, with too much focus on the characters' childhoods. This made the pacing feel slow at times, detracting from the overall enjoyment. The reviewer suggests that a more concise narrative could have enhanced the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Sadly, the downside of this is that I felt like the novel was too long.

    I thought each girl's childhood was explored a little too much, and it slowed the story down.

    The story is engaging but could have been more concise.

Goodreads · 2010-01-01
terrifying 4.50

The book is terrifying and creepy, but it is loved for its unique and chilling atmosphere. The writing is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a haunting experience.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, with a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page. The reviewer found it utterly dreadful in the best way possible, loving every terrifying moment. The writing is commended for its ability to create a sense of dread and unease, making it a standout in the horror genre. The story's unique premise and well-crafted characters add to its appeal, making it a must-read for fans of psychological horror.

Quick quotes

    Yes, it was scary, yes it was utterly, dreadfully creepy, but I loved it to pieces.

    At the time, Little Star had already been released in the UK – I had read it and loved it.

    The writing is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a haunting experience.

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