The latest Stalking Horse press publication is DW Ardern’s debut novella Master of Starlight.
Master of Starlight is a darkly comic novella unfolding in the remote outposts of the Sahara, a tale of cosmic mystery, jealousy, romance, and the cool proximity of the night.There was once a time when Olivier – astronomer, adventurer, stoner – believed he had a destiny mapped out in the stars. After decades of working on telescopes around the world, the hippie scientist has exiled himself to the dunes of Morocco with only the marvelous starlight and a tabby cat named Tiku for company. When his academic rival Fritz disrupts his solitude, he agrees reluctantly to journey deep into the Sahara on an excursion with a caravan of famous astronomers. Among them is Vera, a brilliant astrophysicist and fellow traveller. Is this Olivier’s chance at redemption? Or simply the perfect opportunity to revenge himself upon Fritz for stealing the love of his life…?
Advance praise comes from Elissa Schappell and Ashley Warlick:
“I fell in love with this book and happily under its spell on page one. Ardern is so clever, hilarious, and wise about how we survive the messes we make of our star-crossed lives in the name of love.” – Elissa Schappell, co-founder of Tin House & author of Use Me
“Master of Starlight is a lush and consequential wonder, expanding and contracting with the energy of a universe twice its size. I loved it when I read it, and I carry it with me still, long after turning the last page.” – Ashley Warlick, author of The Arrangement
