Synopsis
Dr. Amal Robardin, a Lebanese immigrant and a therapist in training, finds herself out of her depth when her first client, Yasmin, a schizophrenic, is visited by a nightly malevolent presence that seems all too real.
Yasmin becomes obsessed with Robert Chambers’ classic horror story collection The King in Yellow. Messages she finds in the book lead Yasmin to disappear, seeking answers she can’t find in therapy.
Amal attempts to retrace her patient’s last steps—and accidentally slips through dimensions, ending up in Carcosa, realm of the King in Yellow. Determined to find her way out, Amal enlists the help of a mysterious guide.
Can Amal save Yasmin? Or are they both trapped forever?
From: Macmillan Publishers
Notes on This Title
The main character of this title is a queer Lebanese woman who is in a relationship with a Black woman. Another focal character is schizophrenic and Iranian.
Some ableist attitudes are expressed by characters within the narrative.
Awards
None.
Reviews
Starred Review: “Fans of confessional surrealism owe it to themselves to check this out.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
“It’s a compelling read that demonstrates once more that decolonizing texts can be a portal to unique and moving stories—and it’s one that pushes the boundaries of comic art to boot.” (Source: Strange Horizons)
Interviews
St. Louis Public Radio: “‘Where Black Stars Rise’ turns Eldritch horror on its head“