About the author

Tell us about your book.

It began, as big events often do, with small things – a little girl, a little dog, a microscopic virus that leads to a tragedy no one should ever have to face. Having lost his daughter to rabies, Dr. Aaron Pickman tries to derive some meaning from her death. In his search for a cure, he unleashes a virus that will bring the world to its knees. However, just as great tragedies often have small beginnings, great individuals can have humble origins…

Tammany, an injured woman running with a baby in her arms, has one slim, heart-stopping chance to save him.

Fletch, a writer recording the last gasp of human civilization, fights to protect his oldest friend.

And Louella, an old woman on her Pennsylvanian farm, offers shelter to survivors and becomes the unlikely leader of Camp North Star – one of the last outposts of uninfected humanity.

They are all frail, flawed, ordinary people who rise to meet the challenge of this deadly new threat. Yes, it is a time of plague; but in that darkness, they are the starlight.

Why did you want to write a book?

Leslie Marmon Silko once said that “You don’t have anything if you don’t have the stories” – the narrative that adds flesh to the bare bone of fact. For me, this is an instinctive response. Any event or fact seems anemic unless it is embedded in the story of the people involved. And I think this started with my love of reading when I was quite young. My mammoth collection of books enabled me to go anywhere and experience anything without leaving the small Pennsylvania town where I was born. I gravitated toward story-telling through acting and touring with a dramatic troop when I was younger and reading stories to my children later on. And I started writing – an activity I have never been able to stop. I can’t imagine my life without it.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

The details of my daily schedule would probably sound pretty boring to you. The morning shift, lunch, a dog walk, the afternoon shift, etc. The bigger picture – the over-arcing schedule of months and years – is more interesting. I spend roughly eighteen months to two years researching the various aspects of the book, developing and refining my ideas, and planning its structure. The goal of this time is to become an expert in the world that I’m creating within the novel. This is incredibly useful. By the time I’ve reached this stage, so much of the writing just flows. I know instinctively what each character would say and do.

The actual writing takes nine months to a year while I write and rewrite and edit and obsess over the work. During this time, it becomes a real balancing act between using all of the glorious detail that I mined during my research and keeping up a good sense of pace so that the reader will be swept along by the momentum of the action.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Badly. Initially, I’m usually fairly optimistic. I convince myself that it’s not writer’s block, really. I’m just tired. And so I goof off. I rewrite the lyrics to pop songs so that they are all about my dog.

But then the writer’s block settles in for a good, long stay. It is so frustrating and depressing that I start to question my own abilities. Inevitably I come to the conclusion that I am a no-talent hack and should just throw in the towel. This phase of writer’s block is usually accompanied by the need to binge-watch something on Netflix while working my way through a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food Ice Cream.

There is, however, only so much wallowing in self-pity I can do. And I move swiftly on to stage three – cleaning and decluttering the house like a rabid Marie Kondo. That actually works because it gets me moving and while I’m cleaning, my mind relaxes. I begin to see how to resolve the issues with the book that brought me to a standstill in the first place. The ideas start to flow again.

There is one more tip that I can suggest to other writers: the use of props. So much of what we do is ethereal. Whole worlds are created and populated with rich characters, but all of that happens in our heads. Sometimes it is helpful to have something tangible that you can actually hold in your hand to help root you in the scene you’re describing. A cigarette lighter, an old watch, a bottle of tequila – any sensory object that allows you to see or feel or taste what your characters are experiencing – can be helpful. As a result, my office is decorated with an eclectic mix of artifacts “belonging” to my characters.

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

Why have I chosen to write sci-fi, horror, and fantasy fiction? It’s a reasonable question. I spent most of my life studying the classics … Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Milton. And I love them. But I also grew up reading Stephen King. And what I have learned from him is that it is possible to write deep, rich horror fiction without descending to the level of pulp.

I write horror because I enjoy the range of topics available to me. I have no real desire to write a novel that is set solely in the ordinary. I don’t know about you, but personally I am up to my eyeballs in ordinary life: the concerns for my children’s future, the dishes that need washing, the house that needs cleaning, the illnesses, the health scares, the financial worries, the insecurities over my job. If I had to write about those things – and only about those things – I might well crack and walk around with my underpants on my head and two pencils shoved up my nose, saying “Wibble.” (Yes, I’m a Black Adder fan).

Horror, sci-fi and fantasy offer us not only a little escapism, but also the same opportunities to confront the same issues addressed in the literary canon. My fiction includes zombie viruses, voodoo spirits, prophetic dreams and figures from folklore coming to life. And all of these uncanny experiences provide us with a jumping-off point to delve into the questions that are really relevant to us as human beings. What is the nature of morality and how fluid is it as a concept? How do we derive meaning from tragedy? What is the relationship between mind and soul? How does the human mind contend with depression, addiction or abuse? How should mankind navigate the differences that cause so much division in our world? The philosophical possibilities are endless. And, when considered by people hiding out from the zombie hordes, actually pretty fun to write.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

Stephen King, M.R. James, H.P. Lovecraft, Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, Mark Tufo, Carrie Ryan, Anne Rice. I reference and allude to their works in my fiction. I do this because I want to situate my work within its wider context. These authors have been so influential not only in my development as a writer, but also in the development of the genre that I’m trying to find a place for my own work within the tradition they’ve created.

For instance, in “Of Starlight and Plague” something created in a lab gets out into the world and wreaks havoc. That particular trope has been used a lot. And so I grounded my mad scientist in the traditions established by Frankenstein, The Island of Dr. Moreau and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. That formed the foundation. I then sought to make everything that I built on top of that fresh and new. My mad scientist, Dr. Aaron Pickman, might well remind you of Dr. Moreau, but he is a wholly unique character with complex motivations. He is at times a truly sympathetic character, but also a despicable one – a fact that leaves the reader feeling conflicted, but also hooked by the drama unfolding in his life.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

My friends have listened to me endlessly prattle on about my work. There was one point when I was writing the section of the novel on New Orleans voodoo that I was ordering voodoo paraphernalia from the internet. I would sit my friends down in front of bottles of concoctions and say, “All right, I have to describe this. What does that smell like to you?” God bless them, they were really patient with all that.

And my family is the absolute best. My husband and children have encouraged and enabled me to write Of Starlight and Plague as well as my first novel, Good Neighbours. And crucially, they have acted as my sounding boards. I bounce ideas off of them and discuss problems I’m having with the narrative. Their advice and fresh perspective have been invaluable. Case in point: I had trouble coming up with a title for the novel. I had eight different possibilities and changed my mind every other day. In the end, I went with none of them. It was my daughter who suggested, “Of Starlight and Plague.”

Why did you write about this particular subject?

I love zombie fiction – I’ve always been a big Romero fan, but it is a path that has seen a lot of traffic over the years. The temptation with any long-established genre is to rely on formulas that have worked well in the past. After all, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But I’m always interested in exploring how old ideas can be recast in new and unique shapes. And so I set out to write a zombie novel with a difference. I wanted it to be deeply personal for the characters – and not just the survivors who are struggling to stay alive. I wanted to focus on the perspective of the infected. The nature of a zombie virus is that it is the great leveler. It robs the characters of their voices and individuality and makes them part of a faceless horde.

But what is the experience of someone succumbing to the virus? What are they thinking and feeling? And does that experience vary from one individual to the next? That is just one way in which I experimented with new perspectives. Another was in my choice of protagonist. I was actually doing the research for another novel when I caught a glimpse of Louella Bernhard. She was an old, asthmatic woman with arthritis and the most unlikely of dramatic heroes. And yet she was so real that I couldn’t set her aside. I was fascinated not only by her strength and intelligence, but also by her frailties and mistakes. I found her so compelling that I had to write her story.

What’s next for you as an author?

There is a pattern that I follow when I write. I research and plan, I write the novel, and then I print it out, shove it in a box and don’t look at it for six months. The reason is simple: by that point, I’ve worked on it for so long, I’m incapable of judging it with any degree of objectivity. So I leave it alone, start research on the next book, and go back to it when I can look at it with fresh eyes and critically examine what I’ve done.

While Of Starlight and Plague was in the box, I started research for my next novel – which currently doesn’t have a title. This research continued all the while I was going through the publishing process and it was on track to become my next project. However, I’ve had another idea – a book of short stories – that is tugging me in a different direction. I like the idea of writing shorter fiction that would allow me to explore many different storylines and I think that that will be my next book. In comparison to the big (400-page) novels I’ve been writing, a collection of short stories really appeals because it would give me the opportunity to play with a greater variety of themes.

Enjoyed this book that explained the origin of the virus first then shifted to a group wanting to survive. The characters and plot were well written and it was easy to become very involved in this book. There is loss but also a story of true love and survival. Enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.  -- Reader Review

A truly inspiring book.  The narrative is meticulously researched and well planned out, resulting in a gripping page turner that I struggled to put down. I’m normally a slow reader but I flew through this book. The characters are fantastically portrayed and people that I wish I knew. Their real and raw stories are an inspiration and while it’s a fascinating thriller, the message of hope is truly heart warming.  -- Reader Review

Your book is very well written indeed and also very well researched.   I love the character detail and the way in which you make it possible for the reader to identify with their thoughts and feelings.   The way you describe the unfolding tragedy and people’s responses to it is fantastic.
It is an excellent example of a novel in the horror genre with the right sense of hope at the end.   --Reader Review

The book is brilliantly written, with so many factual details, it makes a very realistic and hauntingly apocalyptic world, not least in the aftermath of our current scenario. I especially liked the way the story starts, how we get to know and feel emphathy with Aaron initially, then follow his path to self-destruction. A thought-provoking page turner with many interesting characters and intertwining storylines through the main narrative.  Relieved to see hope shine through at the end!  Although it's not a genre I'd usually chose, it was compelling and visually haunting. Very impressive Beth!  -- Reader Review

Among the several strengths I'd like to commend in this book—not the least of which are the relatable characterizations and the well-researched, eclectic medical and cultural references (the author did her homework)—I found pacing to be the most significant. The characters are diverse and balanced, without the egregiously horrible or heroic standouts that so often feel deliberately scripted. The voice sometimes varies to complement the plot, with passages reminiscent (to me) of Oliver Sacks, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Margaret Atwood, Jules Verne, Stephen King, and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, among others. These stylistic mannerisms sometimes break the 4th wall, as it were, revealing the author's extra-narrative presence in self-conscious teaching moments… but these breaks are appropriate to the protagonists' developments, and they do not intrude on the story. References (and a few Easter eggs) are thoughtful or insightful or clever, in turns, and serve to educate and pique while advancing the plot. Above all, for me, the pacing of this novel carries the day. As the plot expands from personal to pandemic, the author engages us, then compels us to keep step, and ultimately provides space to land on our feet with a new perspective… led through an apocalypse with hard-nosed compassion and hope. PS: I also have read Good Neighbors in paperback, and I recommend it highly as a good read with a compelling retake on conventional notions of history. -- Reader Review

Realistic and Well-written "Zombie" Novel -- This is an outstanding book in the genre. The writing is excellent and the characters are fully fleshed real life people. The story follows the inception of the "zombie" virus - a genetically altered form of rabies" to the outbreaks and how survivors handle the infection. This books was a breath of fresh air into a genre that has grown stale.  

--Reader Review

What a beautiful ride♥️   Saw this book by chance and downloaded it. Boy am I glad I did! Beautifully written! Will be on my favorites list!!  --Reader Review

I enjoyed this book, finding the characters well -drawn and consistently credible, despite the extraordinary events overtaking their lives, carrying forward the story with integrity.  As the story progressed I found it hard to put the book down.  I do hope there is a sequel, in which I find out what happens to all the protagonists.  Thank you Beth for creating such a powerful and fundamentally optimistic story.  -- Reader Review  

Pleasantly Surprised

I'm always looking for the next apocalypse/zombie novel and this by far was one of the best! Definitely shows how the road to hell can be paved with good intentions. I love the origin story in the beginning and how relatable the characters were. I hope Beth continues to write phenomenal books like this! I literally couldn't put this book down. -- Reader Review

"A stunning cautionary tale, and an engrossing dystopian thriller. Given the events of the past two years, watching the speed with which a deadly virus can explode through a population makes this novel difficult to put down. The matter-of-fact narration of this apocalyptic crisis will send shivers up the spine during the author’s finest moments of prose, in this patient, sinister, and carefully crafted work of apocalyptic fiction. This rapturous novel is a creative take on the zombie genre that readers should rabidly devour."  -- Amazon Review, Independent Review of Books ★★★★½

Please pass on to Beth how much I enjoyed the book.  It made me laugh and cry & in all the right places it surprised & sometimes shocked me too!  -- Martin Carroll, audiobook narrator

A catastrophic spiral of human folly and unflinching perseverance, Of Starlight and Plague by Beth Hersant is a stunning cautionary tale, and an engrossing dystopian thriller. Whether you’re a lover of zombie fiction or a sucker for stories about genetic engineering, this novel is a slow-burning but riveting ride.

     After an impossible-to-predict tragedy robs him of his daughter, shortly after losing his wife, Dr. Aaron Pickman turns a corner in his life. Fueled by grief, he dedicates his life to finding a cure for rabies, the rare culprit in his daughter’s case, while also possibly revolutionizing drug-delivery techniques to the broader benefit of the world.

     Unfortunately, Pickman’s passion unwittingly unleashes a virus onto the world that rivals the Black Plague. The New Rabies is a twisted take on other infections from this disturbing genre, and readers are given an intimate peek as it spreads around the world, long after its creator has succumbed to its maddening symptoms.

     One story branches into many, and while these plotlines receive less attention than the original thread of the narrative, they make the reading deeply relatable. The book has a familiar focus – normal people experiencing fear in the face of societal collapse, the demonstration of resilience for those around you, and perseverance when the odds are impossibly stacked – but they are integral to the emotional impact of the novel. Ultimately, as is the case with most dystopian stories, this character-driven work is compelling because readers are made to care about the people and their plight.

     Over the course of just a few chapters, readers are led from dramatic memoir to apocalyptic fiction, and the hooks of this story are quickly and firmly set in place. After the science-heavy first half of the novel is complete, the pace of the story hits hyperdrive, much like the aggression and unpredictability of the countless infected. Some of the scenes are intensely graphic, such as the familial feast at the start of Part Three, but these scenes aren’t gratuitous without reason; they set a stomach-twisting mood that is oddly addictive. Given the events of the past two years, watching the speed with which a deadly virus can explode through a population may be triggering, but it also makes this novel difficult to put down.

     The writing style, in general, stands out as a reflective piece of personal journalism, offering an almost detached voice above the fray. The matter-of-fact narration of this apocalyptic crisis will send shivers up the spine during the author’s finest moments of prose. In this way, the book is reminiscent of The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara, boasting a clinical style of documentation that blends seamlessly with vivid descriptions, vaguely unbelievable events, and poetic turns of phrase. However, in the case of Hersant’s novel, the horrific fruit of Dr. Pickman’s labor is depicted with the sterility of lab notes, making for a truly jarring and chilling reading experience.

     On the technical side of things, the editing is remarkably clean, and there hardly seems to be a word that wasn’t intentionally chosen. Some of the dialogue falls a bit flat or becomes repetitive, e.g. many conversations revolve around someone being bitten – but these are very minor critiques in this patient, sinister, and carefully crafted work of apocalyptic fiction.

Overall, this rapturous novel is a creative take on the zombie genre that readers should rabidly devour.  --Independent Review of Books

Meticulously researched, the story is set in the present day and traces the spread of a pandemic that exhibits rabies-liken symptoms. Hersant writes with authority and has a keen eye for detail.  The rich narrative thrusts readers right into the heart of the action where we follow several characters, all flawed in their own way, but who rise to the challenge to do what they can in the face of adversity and with the threat of a deadly virus in their sights. The  story is fast paced, but the characters are full of depth and readers have the chance to fall in love with them as their journeys develop.  We aren't just reading about a deadly pandemic; we're exploring the interpersonal relationships of each character to discover real, heart-breaking stories of love, hope and compassion.  It is the positioning of each character's story that drives the narrative and keeps readers hooked until the last page.  What unites them all?  Their willingness to go above and beyond in exceptional circumstances -- no matter what!  Ultimately, this will appeal to fans of zombie, apocalyptic and survival fiction, as well as anyone who enjoys a gritty horror story. 

-- Highlights Magazine, Editor's Pick

In the twilight of savoring the last taste of this novel, I would like to give you my thoughts:

[The ratings mean as follow- 1= bad   5= excellent]

The overall story 4/5- the story whilst niche and not the first genre I would pick was a very entertaining read it held life like characters in its pages. Its plot whilst simple was executed to its full effect and whilst there were some things I personally would’ve done differently, I fully respect and appreciate the work, effort, and dedication put in to make everything work.

Grammar 5/5- I had no issues with grammar nor punctuations nothing tripped me up whilst reading. I would have to comb the pages to find something to complain about.

Setting 4.5/5- The setting was a lot like the plot simple on paper, but I felt like it was greatly used for the effect of the story. Especially to make the reader feel closer to the characters quicker -- even those who didn’t have as many chapters dedicated to them.

Characters 4/5- as mentioned before I loved the characters in the book, Aaron Pickman being my absolute favorite out of the collective cast. What I really liked about Aaron was the realistic downward spiral that the reader witnessed. I must admit I’ve always had a soft spot for tragic heroes. Whilst Travis was instrumental in witnessing that and was a great character in his own right, my runner up and favorite character for the latter parts of the book was Louella.

Louella was an explosion of life on the pages.  She had her flaws and a no-nonsense attitude to go with it, but her chemistry with the other characters in the latter parts of the book was what really hooked me. My personal favorite being hers and Fletchers -- their conversations together often were eerily familiar but comforting.

Style 5/5- I really enjoyed the style; it's fast and direct when needed but can also slow down, it also felt like it changed with each character. The style may not be the most eloquent in the art of literature, but in my opinion, it held the spirit of each character.

In conclusion this is a very solid book and I eagerly await your next work as a reader and a fan. 

-- Reader Review

I cant believe how good. 

Beautifully written apocalyptic book. I’m no writer so I can’t explain exactly why this book was so good. I can only say it was well written. Full of characters you learn to really care for. Such a good book. Thank you. -- Reader Review

A fast paced, well-researched thriller

Of Starlight and Plague is a refreshing take on the apocalyptic, end-of-the-world zombie genre, although the ghouls prevalent in the story are technically undead. It begins like most of these stories do - as a small incident in an isolated corner of the world - but the havoc that ensues soon engulfs the entire globe. Although I'm sure most books such as this are now read with the current pandemic in mind, I thought this tale was refreshing in it's perspective. The story winds its way from the Caribbean to New Orleans and ultimately to rural Pennsylvania. The pace is fast, mimicking the erratic spread of the infected themselves. The characters development is wonderful and clearly shows the author's done her research in medicine, infectious disease and in different cultures. I especially liked the exploration of the voodoo customs. The situations the people find themselves in really made me think "what would I do in that situation?" and I usually came up blank, a testament to the harrowing nature of the writing. At times bordering on hopelessness, the story ultimately demonstrates the triumph of the human spirit's will to survive. I recommend it to anyone who likes "zombie" fiction or to anyone who likes a good thriller in general. - - Reader Review

Totally gripping from start to finish

Make sure you have plenty of time when you start reading this book because you won't want to put it down once you start it. Each character grips you and is so skillfully sculpted that you become them and feel everything they do. The scientific background of the book has obviously been painstakingly researched for accuracy which makes the story so incredibly plausible. All through the book is a voice in your head telling this could happen because the author has made it so realistic. By the end you are breathless from the amazing journey through the pages - absolutely wonderful!  -- Reader Review

Was a great quick story.  Which I'm honestly surprised I enjoyed this book alot more than I originally thought.  I really enjoyed the pacing and the slow-tidbits of reveals.  It was wild and exciting and above all fascinating.  This was a one sitting read and honestly I didn't want it to end so soon.  I really got into it.  The descriptive sense was also quite brilliant, the subtle unnerving tones building the fear, some of it visceral and sudden, other parts quietly disturbing. This novel shows us another side of what "could" happen. Maybe not this exact plot, but between natural disasters, unpredictable disease, and social unrest we could be teetering on the edge. And that's what I love about these books!  Overall, A fantastic story. And I hope to see more of Beth.  

-- Reader Review

Perfect read during a pandemic

I was excited to read the newest installment by this tremendous author. What a lesson about unintended consequences. I thoroughly enjoyed this survival story and can't wait to read what she writes next. I also enjoyed the thoughtful quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  -- Reader Review

A fast entertaining read. A man made plague runs amok and the desperate run for survival. Read it in one night of creepy immersion. So good.  -- Reader Review

I enjoyed this apocalyptic tale about a rampant super rabies virus. It starts with how the virus was created and then how it became a deadly pandemic.  I especially liked the stories of the survivor groups. In this era of pandemics, this story hits close to home and is well written. -- Reader Review

A good read which is very relatable to what is going on now. Fully believable on how things could go wrong if the very worse type of virus were to take hold . Great characters , and plot line. Would read other titles by this author. -- Reader Review

The story's a good one, a variation on the apocalyptic plague/pandemic, so timely at the minute obviously, and the individual pieces - the setup, the Caribbean island, the New Orleans bit, and the rural Pennsylvania chunk - are all very engaging and well done.  The author wasn't afraid to make the tough choices with characters in order to move the individual pieces on and keep them as real as possible.  Even though it was obviously a portrait of a society disintegrating, it wasn't completely without hope for the future. Although the author didn't set it up for a sequel I could see this being the basis for a series along the lines of James Howard Kunstler's 'World Made by Hand' novels.  There are all sorts of possibilities. -- Reader Review

This is a real journey of a book. It starts when a doctors daughter dies having contracted rabies. The doctor, in his grief, is frustrated by having to watch his daughter die from a preventable illness - but its only preventable prior to it infecting the brain. He decides to find a way of curing rabies once it has crossed the blood brain barrier. The consequence of this is that he develops New Rabies - vaccine resistant and deadly to animals and humans. New Rabies is released into the community and the world beyond. The story ends up at Camp North Star where a small group of survivors are trying to survive and await the development of a vaccine.  Given what is going on in the world with COVID, I was really intrigued by this and just how many billions of people can die when viruses are very serious - like ebola or New Rabies could be. I liked all the references from other books that explore this issue through all ages from Shakespeare to World War Z. I was intrigued throughout and the book held my attention.  It's quite a tale that moves at a pretty rapid pace.  I enjoyed this even though it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Its a bit of a cross over between Outbreak and the Walking Dead. In the current COVID climate, it definitely makes you think about the risks of dealing with deadly viruses in laboratory settings. -- Reader Review

Incredibly Realistic Epidemic Fiction

We begin with a father losing his daughter to rabies, spurring him to use his medical expertise to search for a cure - no other parent should have to go through this. His valiant attempts have him working nearly alone in an obscure location. When his attempts begin to get to the border of unethical, suddenly chaos ensues! His lab monkeys have escaped and who knows what havoc they can wreak. Throughout the spread of a vicious and unknowable disease, we follow the stories of a courageous few. From a voodoo healer to an old lady protecting her family and friends, these heroes are fighting for their lives.  The epidemic rages in an almost too realistic manner! Hersant does a phenomenal job at explaining the origin of a virus and depicting its hasty spread across the world. The depth of the characters, both healthy and infected, drew me in - the true love, the heartache, the fear - all of it was horribly relatable in the midst of our own pandemic (thanks Covid...).  I generally enjoy reading nonfiction epidemic chronicles, and this fictional version grabbed my attention from the start. Highly highly recommend this book! 

--Reader Review

Really good book to end this year 

Ummm what can I say about this book without giving spoilers but letting people know how good it is.  It was like a sonata:  the book was told in 3 parts, the first told us what happened to the daughter of doctor Pickman, Rachel.  She was bitten by a rabid dog, and since she didn’t know better and didn’t want for her dad to be upset with her, she treated herself, and later on this became doctor Pickman's greatest regret… Regrets became desires to change outcomes, and with that bigger regrets come into play… yes, this part took me back to the book the White Plague, but for different reasons, doctor Pickman wasn’t trying to get revenge, he really wanted to do a good thing, but he unleashed a greater evil upon the land… and that takes us the last part, how people survive this, or how people become even a bigger threat to other fellow survivors… For me it was a great book, one that I am glad I can finish this year reading, I loved the book/movies quotes that gave start to each chapter, because to me it gave an idea of what the chapter would talk about or what the author wanted us to think about.  Actually, more than the White Plague, this book reminded me of Newsflesh series, because of the going back with the stories and then diving deeply into the present and sad endings for some characters and in the end, that little flash of hope keeps us going.  I really recommend this book to anyone that likes hearing the people side of things during an apocalypse… these are real people's thoughts and feelings, for me it was perfect. -- Reader Review

This book is really in two halves - in the first part we learn how a man, a doctor, loses his daughter to rabies and is determined to find a cure that would save others. Very altruistic, but no reputable medical institutions will support his research, which is rooted in some serious animal experiments. So he goes alone with a derelict building on a little Caribbean island, trying to find the cure. What he creates is a new virus which quickly spreads across the world and hits civilisation hard.  In the second part we see the new world as the virus takes hold, with packs of infected people trying to feed their hunger. We meet Louella, an old farmer who sees the way things are going and sets out to save as many of her friends and family as she can, offering refuge in her farm.  The book explores humanity, the lengths we will go to survive, and how ordinary humans will step up when circumstances bring them low. It is very reminiscent of Stephen King's 'The Stand', and certainly kept my attention, even through all the 'sciency bits'. An interesting dystopia, well described and pacy.  -- Reader Review

Dr. Pickman loses his wife and then loses his daughter to rabies. He decides that he will find.a cure for rabies and instead he creates a new strain that affects animals and humans. With no cure and resistant to the current rabies vaccine, it spreads all over the world. Louella, a woman I’m Pennsylvania invites survivors to her well stocked farm and becomes the leader of this group.
I just couldn’t put this book down. I love apocalyptic stories and I’ve read so many zombie type books and they are mostly the same (but still enjoyable). I don’t consider the monsters in this book to be zombies because they are infected with rabies but they are violent and scary just the same. I hope the author writes more books in this genre. She did a marvelous job! -- Reader Review 

Great apocalyptic book

Received an arc from netgalley. Glad I took a chance because this apocalyptic novel is really good! Liked how it came about and how people are surviving. Definitely recommend it.  --Reader Review

Beth Hersant wrote a very interesting dystopian novel that's rooted in reality during the current pandemic and shows us how events could lead to a new supervirus being created, how such a virus can spread, as first locally, and how impossible it is to contain once it reaches the human population.
    While reading this book you get this eerie feeling of insignificance, as smart as we think we are, nature will always best us. Either through a virus or climate. Of Starlight and Plague also shows us the resilience of mankind though and their ability to adapt which is why there is always hope. We have an elder woman who turns out to be a natural born leader, a daughter who will follow in her footsteps, "normal" people doing heroic things and it makes the reader wonder: could I adapt? How far am I willing to go to protect those around me?
    I was speeding through this book, it's well written, the interest stays because there are a lot of new developments,  the characters are not good or bad, but interestingly in between like all of us and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
    Some parts are gruesome due to their vivid bloodiness, while others are gruesome on a more subtle level, definitely a book to pick up if you like dystopian novels without the need to go into the future.  -- Reader Review

The book is one of the better books of 2021, a time of many substandard books.  The book starts out with great details on the start of the pandemic and moves on to realistic compound living for the survivors.  This book, to me, was almost like old books by a very well-known author who used to write very good horror novels.  If you, or someone you buy gifts for, enjoys post apocalyptic novels with an engaging storyline that won't get skimmed, give this book a read.  --Reader Review

A rollercoaster ride through the zombie apocalypse!

Beginning with its accidental (and truly tragic) inception, we pass through the chaos of transition and finish up with a community trying to survive the "new normal". The story is told from the point of view of a handful of different characters, many of whom I got quite attached to and I don't think it's giving too much away to say not all of them made it.
   Based on my experiences of the last couple of years, I found it as plausible as the genre can be. The pacing of events in particular really struck a chord. While some ideas may be familiar to fans of apocalyptic fiction, the author also leaves their own mark. This is particularly true when describing the origins of the plague which was extremely well done.  

     I would highly recommend this book to both existing fans and newcomers to the genre.--Reader Review

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Without a doubt this is the very best apocalyptic thriller I have ever read. Sadly, since the coming of the pandemic in 2019 and the dreadful state the world is now in, this genre might soon be renamed as current affairs.
    The author has a vast knowledge of the genre both in print and on screen, and pays homage here. She has also researched a great number of other things which all add authenticity to a fast moving plot that is chillingly believable.
    An absolute must read for anyone into sci-fi and horror. - - Reader Review

This tale begins with a man’s doomed obsession. It develops around two women who are determined to save as many as they can. The characters are likable and we care about what happens to them. The details as they prep for survival can drag a bit. That is my one negative. In the end this story is full of kindness written in an almost British villagers style. The narrator adds to it. I liked the sprinkled in referenced quotes. Good story. --  Reader Review

Realistic apocalypse 

I found the story to be believable and kept me on the edge of my seat. - - Reader Review

An Enjoyable Read.  At first, I thought I wouldn't like this book but I really did. An interesting, relatable scenario for a zombie type apocalyptic event. The author provides a nice backstory that works up to the main group.  -- Reader Review

Not Your typical Zombie Book. I really enjoyed the story, and the reader was great. I’ve certainly listen to quite a few books in this genre. This one stood out.  -- Reader Review

A realistic depiction of how a zombie apocalypse might begin. --  Reader Review

Listen, I loved this story. It is told in 2 parts. Initially, I was for sure and for shooting that I wasn't going along with that.
     Well, I was proven wrong. The first half of the story is told from the Island that the New Rabies originates, and from New Orleans. This was the most ghastly part!
   But, don't quit, "as I nearly did." What comes after in part 2 is fantastic .  This book is filled with death and destruction. But, it's filled with a kind of hope too.
    I honestly hate to say too much. All hope is not lost. --  Reader Review

Such an intriguing and captivating book.  I flew through this book in one sitting. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. The characters are written so well.
    I love a post apocalyptic novel. And this did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the way it is separated into three parts and has three stories.  I also really liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  

     This book deals with love and loss. Family and found family. And most of all survival. It gave me Walking Dead vibes which is a huge compliment from me.  -- Reader Review

If you're looking for a new zombie apocalypse/pandemic book that delivers a detailed and well researched story that rivals some of the iconic books available, then Of Starlight and Plague needs to be your next read, I promise you will not be disappointed.
    The story is broken up into three parts, giving the reader a view into how "New Rabies" takes over the world, providing a lot of well researched and detailed medical information that really gives the story a realistic feel. Each character is well written and enjoyable, I found myself emotionally connected to them throughout their survival journey. 

     Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am intrigued about what this author has in store for their career. -- Reader Review

This was a harrowing story of survival against a disease taking over the population. It includes a great mix of science fiction and horror. The creation and spread of the disease is covered with great detail and was heart pumping and exciting. There was a lot of heart in the story as well with what the characters must face. I would have liked some more time spent on character development. The experimentation on animals was really hard to read. However, it had such a great premise and the plot was really well crafted. Overall, this was a great disease outbreak story that is worth checking out. -- Reader Review 

Ms. Hersant has written a disturbing, creepy and scary love letter to Max Brooks, George Romero and all lovers, writers, directors and watchers/readers of zombie movies. She clearly has done her research! Like Max Brooks, she has created a zombie virus out of a rabies variant. As the world has come to realize in the last 2+ years, those virus variants are killers. The variant was accidentally created by a half-mad scientist in search of a vaccine. The virus is nearly sentient, in that, like the virus in both versions of The Crazies, it has no other purpose that to survive and reproduce. This makes it deadlier, because the victims are mobile for longer than the average rabies victim. The virus is also zoontic, so everything from bats in the caves to the sleeping dog at your feet could be dangerous.
    The zombies she creates are interesting, as are the non-infected characters. Ms. Hersant has taken the time to populate her world with a large variety of people, allowing multiple reactions and actions to guide the read.
    As I previously mentioned, Ms. Hersant clearly spent a great deal of time researching doomsday prepping, basic fortress strategy and rebuilding society. She has poured most of that knowledge into one wonderful character, the farm mother, Lou. Lou is the heart of the story, bearing the burden of moving the story and the other characters forward.
    The fear level is there and it appropriately grows as the book goes on. I'm not generally a big zombie reader, but I'd make an exception for this book. --  Reader Review

Beautifully crafted and perfectly paced. This book is a delight.
    A slightly different and very realistic take on the Zombie plague story line. It’s variety of settings, rich characters and the pace of narrative keeps you immersed in the story from start to finish.
    Other reviewers have done a great job explaining the arc of this novel so I will not repeat it here, rather I will say that for me personally, there is a realism to the storyline and a feeling of the building disaster that keeps you hooked throughout.
    There are clearly layers to this book. It is a great read for those that want just that. However it’s subtle richness runs right through to the “book club classic” for people who enjoy delving deeper behind the themes presented and into the Author’s insights on human nature during adversity as depicted here.
    In all, an excellent novel which is well worth the time to read. I can’t wait to see what the Author does next.
    PS. For the true addict of this genre I also spotted some clever little nods to other classic Zombie fiction and I’m sure I didn’t spot them all. --  Reader Review

Well that was horrifyingly good.... nightmares for days and all that. Took me a bit to get into it- the beginning seemed just a little dry- but it ramped up for sure and was definitely worth the read. --  Reader Review

This is a story about the end of it all.  It somehow read like nonfiction.  Really interesting, narrative non fic- but still, dense non fiction.   It was by no means a bad book & the non fic vibes gave it an unsettling air of realism, which made elements of it more frightening.  -- Reader Review

Phenomenal.  I couldn't put it. down. -- Reader Review

This was a very good dystopian/apocalyptic novel about a rabies type virus. These are the books that scare me, and yes this one did. Very much so. So read, but be prepared for nightmares. --  Reader Review

Couldn’t put it down once I started. I am a big fan of the apocalypse genre either with books or TV so was a bit apprehensive. All a bit raw too following the pandemic of 2020!! Really well written characters and an interesting take. Really enjoyed it! -- Reader Review

I have never read a book such as this. The amount of research to put this together must have been extensive. Mrs. Hersant weaves a wonderful tale of the evolution of a people and how myths and religion can influence the generations. It is one of those books that the more you read the less you want to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed it.  -- Reader Review

The most unique take on the complete history of the British Isles ever written.  -- Reader Review

Extraordinary!  Truly the most amazing book that I have ever read! Beth incorporates fact and fiction into an epic tale that you'll never want to put down. The sheer detail in this novel makes for a gripping and enthralling read and demonstrates the amount of work that Beth has put into its writing. The characters are engaging, realistic and relatable and the action: so thought-provoking that you won't be able to get it out of your mind. This book made me laugh and completely captivated my imagination beyond what any other book has managed. So whether you are a scholar or just looking for a fascinating tale, I could not recommend this book more highly.  -- Reader Review

Excellent reading!!  I was recommended this book, bought it and loved it. Totally unlike the normal genre of book I buy but I'm so glad I did. The book shows that Beth has done a lot of background work historically and I cannot wait for the next one. Well done Beth. Very rarely does a book hold my attention from beginning to end but your one does.  -- Dr J S Reid

The best historical thriller I have read -- out-classing many on the market!  -- Reader Review

Great book ... Artfully written ... Fabulous read!  -- Reader Review

Just finished your book, loved it. You are such a talent.  -- Reader Review

Good Neighbours is an excellent book, well written, full of characters from fantasy, dragons and demons and clever explanations of so many of our folk tales.  -- Richard Tearle, Historical Novel Society

I enjoyed your book and I loved the notes added with history, legends and myths. A great read...

-- Reader Review

Artfully written work that blends history, folktale, myth, and tales of the ancients and the mythical all into one believable, continuous narrative. Fabulous!!!! A thinker's tale that any literary student could easily dive into, much like diving into the deep end of the ocean.   -- Reader Review, NetGalley

Loved your book and can't wait for more .... couldn't put it down until I finished it.   --Reader Review

Fantasy, fiction, research, fairies, history, dragons, adventure, murder, mayhem, war, demons, religion, legend, fairy tales, Romans, knights, and damsels in distress. This may be the best book I have ever read. I once had a horoscope that said, "Life is short, only read the good books." After reading this one, I doubt there are any books that qualify as good. What a journey!   -- Reader Review, NetGalley

An enthralling book with impeccable historical research coupled with a storyline to keep a fiction reader interested. This is fascinating reading and well worth it. Recommended. -- Reader Review

"Good Neighbours", by Beth Hersant, is an epic tale of myth, magic, history and more. Much more... Using the wonderful storytelling abilities of Beth Hersant, it tells our story, but in a way that is simply breathtaking in its intent and its scope. It takes its readers on an incredible and truly epical journey telling the story of how we, as a people, began to be. It deftly intertwines myth, religious thought, history and folklore to tell a story that spans an astonishingly vast range of time, from the Stone Age of 7,000 B.C. right through to our modern times. It is like no other novel I have ever read. It's a fantasy novel, yet it is so much more than that. Even though it is a novel it will help you to understand the how and why things have happened throughout the turbulent history of our island races, reflected in the myths of our island peoples. I can heartily recommend this book.   --That's Books and Entertainment

Exceptionally well written, organised, researched and presented, Beth Hersant's "Good Neighbours" is an inherently fascinating and entertaining read from beginning to end. Very highly recommended.  -- Midwest Book Review

I enjoyed this book right from the very beginning until the very end. It is epic in scope and scale. The attention to detail is amazing. It is clear that Beth Hersant has put a huge amount of work into this and it really pays off. I was enthralled by the life and inner workings of the tribe right from the start and the main characters have wonderful depth to them. The intertwining of myths, legends and historical fact is breathtaking and left me wanting to hear more every time. The story stretches across pre-Celtic Britain all the way to the modern day. I was engrossed by every facet and especially enjoyed the War with the Celts,the alliance with King Arthur and the story of St. George. Morality also plays a key role throughout the story and the raw emotion within it at times really jumps off the page. I have no idea how Beth Hersant can follow this up, but I wait with baited breath to find out. This book is truly excellent.  -- David Brinson, author of "Dead South"

This is an enjoyable novel that cleverly weaves a fictional narrative with historical fact... It is a very well researched book, interesting and very different... I heartily recommend it.   -- Reader Review

I am truly amazed by Mrs. Hersant's imaginative writing skills and the tremendous amount of historical research she has done. Once started I just couldn't put the book down. Found it most unusual and will look forward to reading her next masterpiece.   -- Reader Review

I find that so much of the fantasy (and sci-fi) writing of the past 20 years is almost formulaic in its approach to plot, character development and storytelling. Worlds are created of nothing (some well, some not-so-well). Characters are introduced and strut their hour, (or hours, as the sequels drone on...) And the stories begin to run together, their tone and timbre so much alike. "Good Neighbours" is not like that. Mrs. Hersant is a scholar and teacher as much as a storyteller. She has set out not just to retell the major stories of the island that has become England, but to explore the themes and lessons that make the place. Stylistically, I can imagine this book being written alongside "The Hobbit". And I liked that a lot. As I settle in to my next book, it seems pale in comparison. As a counterpoint to the scholarly approach, Mrs. Hersant's vehicle is a compelling, intertwining story. Her band of characters, both core and itinerant, are well rounded and complicated. Their actions and motivations help make simple myths into round stories and banal allegories into drama. There are no straw men or women, and she explores her characters' motivations deeply. Their deliberations and decisions become the true drama of the stories. Only one character is truly evil, and he is well worth the read. This book is not like all the others, and that's a good thing. Not only did I enjoy it, but I think it will return to me many times in the years to come.   -- Reader Review

Absorbing and a fascinating read! If you enjoy historical fiction and aim to broaden your horizons this is the book for you. Her attention to detail is phenomenal and whilst delving into the everyday lives of the tribe members and the many historical facts which surround the story, she also forges a bond between the main characters and the reader, absorbing you into their world. It is clear that a great amount of research and attention to detail has gone into her work for which she should be congratulated. This book combines education and historical facts within a wonderful tale. Well done, Beth. --Patricia Dixon, author of Trois Mères: Three Mothers, À bientôt: See you Soon, and #MeToo

Congratulations to Beth Hersant on the launch of her new book... We have a great talent among us.  -- Steve Ramsey, Paranormal World

Brilliantly clever fictional history of England. Wonderfully spun story filled with historical facts, legend and fantasy. Loved it!  -- Reader Review

"Good Neighbours" was featured in "The Book Seller" in association with Nook Press on the 26 June 2015 under the Editor's Choice. The editor, Caroline Sanderson, would later write: "Take a bow!"

Beth is clearly an author with real flare and passion. -- Thorpe St. Andrew Mayor John Ward, Norwich Evening News, 5 June 2015

Shortly after the publication of Good Neighbours, I made readers an offer:  take a picture of yourself with the book wherever you are in the world and I'll post it on my website.  The response was amazing!  Check it out below...