“Again Behold the Stars is thoughtfully crafted, cleverly told, and brimming with originality. With rich world building and vibrant characters, Latimer delivers a tale full of wit and whimsy that will whisk you away on an unforgettable adventure.” –Allie Millington, New York Times bestselling author of Olivetti
“Reading Again Behold the Stars was like returning to many of my oldest, most beloved reads, blending the wit of the Heroes of Olympus series with a fresh, surprising take on heroes and villains. Its sharp-tongued protagonist and surreal, unpredictable plot kept me guessing, laughing out loud, and deeply invested in what came next. I won’t spoil anything for readers, but the ending had me on the very edge of my seat and kept me there until the final page. Latimer knows how to tell a gorgeous, layered adventure—and truly, this story was like coming home.” –Abby Dewsnup, author of Rabbit Heart“

“Again Behold the Stars by Jessie Latimer is a dream come true for every passionate reader who has ever wished to dive into their favorite novel, save the day, and maybe fall in love along the way. Come for the witty, whimsical voice, and stay for the second chance at life (and love)!” –Cathryn Free, author of Something Bright and Beautiful

Again Behold the Stars is such a breath of fresh air! This young adult adventure is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Narnia looking for a new journey through a bookish world woven together with our own and seasoned with rule-bending angels and deadly Vices. Told through the charming perspective of a mysterious narrator with strong themes of friendship and redemption, this read is perfect for anyone looking for a fantasy that spans life and death with a timeless grace.” –Hayley Reese Chow, award-winning author of Odriel's Heirs and Into the Churn

“Ever wish you could have discovered one of the great fantasy writers of yesteryear? To have been there when Tolkien, Lewis, or Baum were bringing their immeasurable creations to life? Behold the debut novel of Jessie Latimer, whose fresh prose, wry wit, and delectable vision in Again Behold the Stars will no doubt ensure her name among the pantheon of fantasy scribes of tomorrow.” --Michael Lucker, Screenwriter, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Home on the Range, Kronk’s New Groove, Mulan 2, Lilo & Stitch 2

“Jessie Latimer brings beautiful storytelling and spiritual allegory together in her debut novel, Again Behold the Stars. This is a story of hope in the midst of heartache and victory in the face of insurmountable odds. The characters' struggles against the Vices parallel the spiritual warfare young readers face on a daily basis, making this story both relevant and inspiring. This is a book that needs to be read.” --Crystal D. Grant, award-winning author of The Gateway Trilogy

“From the main character’s opening declaration, “If you agree to our little bargain, just keep reading”—Again Behold the Stars is a wildly creative YA novel skillfully breaking down the fourth wall when 17-year-old Rigby Rhymes navigates the afterlife. Instead of heaven, at page 44, she enters in a novel, Chance Golden and the Battle of Thronwell. Guided by two guardian angels in the spirit world and armed with only a pocketknife, Rigby rides a train that carries souls from story to story. Again Behold the Stars should be on everyone’s reading list. Stunningly creative with a strong narrative voice, Jessie Latimer is making an impressive debut. She has hit a home run.” --William Walsh, author of Lakewood

“Young Adult goes Meta in Jessie Fanczi Latimer’s Again Behold the Stars, a nail-biter that begins as the young protagonist, Rigby Rhymes, dies and immediately catches a train into the heart of her favorite novel. The reader joins the ride down the rabbit hole, where the stereotypes of the genre can’t withstand the invasion of new blood as Rigby embarks on a high-stakes mission to change the ending of the story. Everyone except for the nightdevils and the horrifically personified Seven Deadly Sins plays against type in this book within a book within a book–even the Narrator, who can’t stop apologizing for the sad ending he doesn’t know he has the power to prevent. Again Behold the Stars reminds us that there are second chances in the stories of our lives (and afterlives) as long as we remember that until we reach the final proof, the text is live. Half moral fable, half roller coaster ride, Again Behold the Stars will keep the reader turning pages until the very last of the many twists is untwisted.” --John M. Williams, 2025 Townsend Prize finalist for End Times

“Again Behold the Stars is an adventure that will grip you from the first page until the end. A unique and exciting debut!” –Ashley Schaller, award-winning author of R.E.M. and Riley + Sam

“Again Behold the Stars is the best kind of story, the kind so immersive that pulls you deep into its heart and releases you gasping for air at the end. With hints of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart and the film classic It’s a Wonderful Life, this exploration of the power books have over us and what it means to face our demons is a masterful debut you will not want to miss!” –L.E. Richmond, author of the Chronicles of the Undersea Realm and Andromache

“A gorgeous piece of storytelling sure to delight, confound, and return to repeatedly! With a fresh take that turns story on its head, Again Behold the Stars is the sort of book that becomes an immediate classic.” —AJ Skelly, author of The Rat King