THE LAMPLIGHTER

This novel is a story about the leader of a rock and roll group, who while enjoying fame, money, and parties, falls into heavy alcohol and drug use that we so often hear about. During the telling of the life of Everett Lester, the leader of the band, we learn that someone whom he doesn't know is praying that he will give up his life and turn to Jesus. The story take you through the turmoil of Lester's life, problems with his upbringing, not really knowing his family, and looking for peace of mind in all the wrong places. He turns to a personal psychic. Then after a young girl in the audience of one of his concerts is seriously hurt, Lester goes into deeper despair. The story seems to be a battle between good and evil. Lester eventually meets Karen and the things that happen in their lives grab your attention and keep you in suspense. At times I found this book difficult to put down. While the book seems to be more suited for teenagers, I think adults will also enjoy reading it. There are 15 questions in the Reader's Guide at the end of the book. For a youth group or Bible study class I think this will be a good book for them to read and use the questions for review and discussion. Issues found in this story confront our youth and we need more ways to reach out to them, help them deal with these issues, and be strong in their faith. This book would be a good choice for the church library.

HOLLYWOODJESUS.COM

Not in a very, very long time, have I had as much joy and pleasure with reading a book as I just had with Dark Star Confessions of a Rock Idol by Creston Mapes. This book, the first of a three part series is in one word, G-R-E-A-T!

Mapes recently sent me Dark Star along with the second in the series book Full Tilt. I had had the book for a month or so and finally decided to give it a read. Well, to say the least, I couldn't put the book down. Not only is Dark Star responsible for giving my mind a good work out, while working out at the gym, doing my cardio, it gave my body a work out. I didn't miss a day at the gym until the book was completed and the read extended my workouts on the exercise bike for the longest time frame in about 3 years. I was so enthralled with the story in Dark Star, that my body literally forgot it was working out.

I love Rock N Roll as is evident from my past experiences. Unfortunately, in most "Christian" circles you see the genera knocked down and ridiculed, the truth is that what has been written in the past, from a Christian perspective, including the novels has been largely trash. Not worth the trees it took to make the books. Dark Star is as far on the opposite end of that spectrum as one could imagine. It is a breath of fresh air, that not only Christians will read and enjoy, but so will those who simply love a good story, whether Christian or not.

Mapes does as good a job of story development as anyone I have read since Ted Dekker, Rene Gutteridge, Dean Koontz, and Tim Downs. He understands the importance of characters the reader can relate to. It is why all kinds of people, no matter what their religious persuasions will enjoy these books. They will find someone in the story that they can relate to, thus drawing them deeper into the story.

Dark Star revolves around Everett Lester a young man growing up in a troubled family. His father doesn't understand the concept of love. As a result Everett turns at an early age to Rock N Roll. What transpires is every boys or girls dream who has ever dreamt of being in a Rock N Roll Band. He along with several friends forms the group Dark Star and the rest is legend. All of the stories about Sex, Drugs, and Rock N Roll are found to be true and Everett indulges in all of them as much as is humanly possible.

Everett Lester is an individual we see as searching though despite his own indulgences. He is searching for meaning and truth in life, he realizes his escape mode and just don't know how to get out of it. It is through his association with Endora Crystal, a popular psychic to the stars that the story unfolds. Creston mixing in murder, mystery, the occult, hypnotism, a trial, and Rock N Roll has written one of the great stories of the last year. What we have is a page turner that will have you laughing, crying, angry, sad, and every other imaginable emotion that you can think of.

Dark Star is not just a book that is a fun read; it is a book that will cause you to reflect on your own life, and your own journey. What role have others played in the development of your personality? How much are you willing to compromise truth for your own self gratification? What is the reality of consequences for your actions? And on and on questions are asked and the reader provoked into thought. One of the beautiful things about this book is that not only does it ask the questions; it dares to give the answers to those questions. It gives the answer in such a way that some will appreciate and have life changing experiences, and others will scoff at and go on in their own way, experiencing their own reality of never experiencing joy of fulfillment.

I can't think of any author right now that I would rather read than Creston Mapes. He has earned a spot right up there with Ted Dekker, Rene Gutteridge, Tim Downs, Dean Koontz and I could name numerous others.

The book was so good, that it wasn't 5 minutes after finishing it that I picked up and started reading the next book in the journey Full Tilt. I appreciated them both so much that I listed them in my Virtual Pew Store for sale. I became not only a reviewer of this work, but a fan, and that is saying something. I can't think of any book I can recommend more than Dark Star. If you are wanting a good read, while at the same time getting some valuable nourishment you could do yourself well by visiting the Virtual Pew and ordering a copy.

On a scale of 1 to 10, for one of the most enjoyable reads of my life, I give an energetic and exciting, very rare 10.

IN THE LIBRARY REVIEW

Dark Star, Creston Mapes first novel, is probably the best book I have read so far this year. I don't offer praise like that lightly; Dark Star earned it. This gripping murder mystery, full of tension, suspense and page-turning courtroom drama was nearly impossible to put down. And when I was able to set it down, I spent my time away from the novel thinking about the characters, wondering what in the world was going to happen next.

Everett Lester is the main man in the popular rock band known as DeathStroke. His rebellious lyrics and evil antics inspire a huge following, making him and the rest of the band extremely wealthy. Anything Lester wants, Lester can have, from personal planes, to women, drugs, and booze, to his very own psychic that travels around with him and the band.

Having everything he wants, and doing anything he wants does not make Lester a happy rock idol. Instead he is in constant search for that magic something that will make him feel whole and complete. His fan mail is littered with the typical rock fan mail stuff: we love you, we love your music, we own all your CDs, blah, blah, blah. Until Lester receives the most ironic letter from a woman who absolutely hates his music, but loves him. She's not in love with him, but loves him because Jesus loves him, and promises to pray for his salvation. Little does Lester know that over the next ten years this young woman will continually write encouraging letters and send along little gifts, keeping her promise to keep him in her constant prayers. And little does he know that these letters will become more and more important to him as he finds himself losing touch with reality.

Lester's uncaring and blatant disrespect for life around him explodes worse than usual during a concert. His recklessness sends a teenage girl to the hospital, leaving her in an inescapable coma. From having it all, to risking it all, life gets worse when Lester is next brought up on first degree murder charges and all the evidence screams of his apparent guilt.

Being on trial for his freedom isn't the only battle raging on in Lester's life. There is also a battle going on over possession of his very soul. As Lester learns the truth about Jesus it becomes more obvious that forces are at work to keep him away from the true Light and instead trapped in the limelight as a rock idol where he can continue to lead the millions of DeathStroke fans toward eternal damnation.

How else can I say it? This book was gripping, intense and just overwhelmingly engaging. The next in the series is out - Full Tilt. I have it. I cannot wait to begin reading it. Mapes is truly talented. I am thrilled to have been blessed by reading his novel of love and forgiveness. Though fiction, it still contains powerful testimony!

CCM MAGAZINE

Talented writer Creston Mapes makes his first appearance on shelves with this rock & roll thriller that is sure to keep readers in suspense as he details the journey of the lead singer of fictional band DeathStroke. Readers will marvel as the singer spirals into a life of fame, alcohol and drugs and, through one girl's prayers, experiences the transforming power of forgiveness.

FOCUS ON FICTION

Imagine if you will, a heavily tattooed rock star with long hair and a metal ring in his nose. Intoxicated on drugs and alcohol, he leads a frenzied crowd as heavy metal grinds and screams in waves around them. He also refutes the existence of God, and tells the multitudes there is no heaven or hell, simply the Other Side.

You've just pictured Everett Lester, lead singer of DeathStroke, and the main character of Dark Star.

Would you spend your life praying for this man? Would you regularly take the time to send him gifts and write to him about God's love and Christ's redeeming grace?

Karen Bayliss does. Karen realizes the danger Everett places himself and thousands of his devoted fans in.

But Karen isn't the only one trying to influence Everett's life. Endora Crystal is also battling for his soul. As Everett's personal psychic, Endora leads him deeper into the occult and tells him everything he longs to hear: his fans love him; he is their leader, their savior. It is his destiny to lead them to the Other Side.

The spiritual battle over Everett's soul comes to a climax when Endora is found dead and Everett is charged with first-degree murder.

Written memoir style, Creston Mapes's debut novel pulls readers into a two-fold story. The first leads us through a present day courtroom battle - worthy of any John Grisham novel - while the second takes us back in time, providing glimpses of Everett's life leading up to his trial.

. . . This book was a riveting read from start to finish.

Dark Star continued to invade my thoughts long after I turned the last page. Its characters remained in my mind, challenging me to reflect on the power of intercessory prayer and the spiritual battle continually fought over each of our souls. Included at the back of the book is a set of discussion questions that deepen your understanding of the book's themes of sin and redemption, and God's unconditional love.

It's not often you come across such a powerful book by a first-time novelist. Creston Mapes is a rare find, an author to keep your eye on.

INFUZE MAGAZINE

Celebrities fascinate people. For as often as we hear about political struggles and world issues like hunger and oppression, we likely come across even more stories of cantankerous movie stars or athletes who can't play their game honestly. There's something intriguing about watching these people achieve greater notoriety with each misstep they make. Whether these misfortunes make us somehow feel better about ourselves, or if it's nothing more than sheer morbid curiosity, we as a society make these people into something extraordinary by focusing so much energy and attention on them.

We turn them into idols.

Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol examines the turbulent life and times of Everett Lester, lead singer and master of mayhem of the popular rock group DeathStroke. Though fictional, the story is told as a memoir of sorts from Lester's perspective, chronicling his childhood in an abusive family to his band's rise to the top of the rock 'n' roll world, to his bottoming out in his thirties while on tour with the band. In this tale, we are reminded of just how human our so-called "idols" and "superstars" are.

Lester is a man of the world, consumed by all the things fame and popularity bring him. He loves making it with women, scoring drugs in every city they tour in, drinking himself into a stupor and otherwise forgetting half of what he says or does on stage. And while the other members of the band indulge in similar activities and are lifelong friends of his, he feels alone and searches for validation in his life. Happiness eludes him no matter what he does.

Enter Endora Crystal, renowned Los Angeles-based psychic to the stars. On a whim he decides to have a reading with her and is blown away by what she knows about his past. He subsequently pays to take her on the road with DeathStroke and to be his personal psychic. As the years pass, she becomes his confidant: closer than his family or band mates.

But then a woman from Kansas who is not even a fan of DeathStroke begins sending him letters telling him that she is praying for him, that God loves him and that he is worth more than he can imagine. The letters come occasionally but consistently over the years, and while it is nearly a decade before he first meets her, he gradually becomes intrigued with this woman despite his anti-God philosophy and lyrics. Why on Earth would someone like her take an interest in his life rather than condemn him, as he would expect her to?

Dark Star alternates between recounting Lester's rock 'n' roll days and updating us on his present situation: residing in a prison cell as he stands trial for the murder of Endora Crystal. The classic "trial-of-the-century" motif helps explain the events of each day in court, and we learn about the friends and enemies he has made on the inside as a result of his fame. Karen, her family and some prison guards pray for his acquittal, while a fellow inmate promises that Lester will suffer - as well as others who are close to him - if he is found innocent.

In this debut novel, author Creston Mapes writes in a conversational tone that makes the book feel interactive, rather than like a stuffy lecture or a bloated autobiography, so this is another major plus. The story-within-a-story feel creates an interesting framework for the novel, and some of the names he drops make you stop and wonder for a moment if this is real or not.

Mapes does a good job of demonstrating how Lester's life has spun completely out of control by the time Endora is murdered. He has let her become so important in his life that she controls his actions, his thoughts, even the lyrics he writes. He is miserable and tries to believe there is a purpose to his life, but he doesn't have the will to change, being too entrenched in the destructive life he is living.

One of the primary themes in this novel is the fight for redemption, to believe that a person's life has value, and this novel, while exciting, also begs questions of us: would we reach out to a stranger as blindly and confidently as Karen does for so many years? Would we be able to forgive him for the life-threatening injuries he gives a girl at a concert? If we were in his position and careening towards an early death, would we have anyone to turn to - and if so, who would they be and why would we choose them?

Dark Star is a gripping page-turner of a debut. It's one of those books you find yourself trying to make time for and lamenting when you are not able to, as much for the quick pacing as for the lessons we can learn from the events that take place. This is a great first novel that is well worth your time.

CHRISTIAN FICTION REVIEW
Recommended!

Between MTV and VH1, Rolling Stone magazine, and other sources, we hear much more today about the lives of music "idols" than ever before. And it's pretty much about how we imagined it to be. Drugs, sex, and emptiness. Every so often, though, we hear the story of one who got out, who turned his life around, who found Christ. DARK STAR is a story like that, but much more.

It would be easy to write a story for the Christian market about a hardcore rock star who hits rock bottom, gets saved and starts preaching the Gospel. There's probably one or two novels with that exact plot out there right now. Rather than do that, however, Creston Mapes decided to tell a good story wrapped around the basics of that kind of plot.

Dark Star tells the story of Everett Lester, the lead singer of a major band called DeathStroke. It details his fall into all the degradation you would expect... except that's just the first page. From then on, it's not exactly what you would expect.

The story is told in two overlapping stages, the present and the past leading up to the present. It segues back and forth through the use of a different font style. It's fairly clear early on that Everett becomes a Christian before the end, but something else is going on: Everett Lester is on trial for the murder of his personal psychic.

The story flashes back and forth from the ongoing trial to Everett's story leading up to the trial. The choice to tell the story in this way is the second great thing that Mapes did here, making this far more interesting than it would be otherwise. The tension builds nicely, leading up to the final moments of the trial and what follows thereafter.

The characters of Everett, his psychic Endora Crystal, and the young woman who never stops praying for him are all interesting and strong enough to keep the story moving...

You might be surprised at how it turns out. Recommended.

ROMANTIC TIMES
4 Stars - Top Pick! - "Compelling!"

A wild child from an abusive home, Everett Lester dreams of becoming someone that matters. Mega fame as lead singer for the rock band DeathStroke thrusts Everett into a life of drugs, parties, money and groupies. But getting everything he's ever wanted is a nightmare, not a dream. Then he meets Endora Crystal, a psychic who insists he's been called to spread the message of unrestrained pleasures for all. But is that really his message or her agenda?

Confusion and turmoil reign in Everett's private life. His only hope is a woman who has written him for years to say that she prays he will find peace in the love of God. Then Endora is shot dead, and Everett goes on trial.

Mapes forges a powerful tale of redemption in the crucible of sin and deception. This is the kind of book you go back to to read parts again, just to make sure you didn't miss anything good.

HM - THE HARD MUSIC MAGAZINE

A book with a slow beginning, but a fast end. A story about a drug-addicted alcoholic rock star gone genuine Christian. A literal picture of Satan's power in this dark world. Dark Star is a crazy, crazy, crazy story: some parts predictable and cliché, but others shocking and outrageous. Written as a memoir by a famous rock musician, Dark Star tells of Everett Lester's rise from drugs and alcohol to the peace and love of Jesus. A few letters from, not a fan, but a woman praying for Everett to experience the grace of God turn into a battle for his soul. Everett is charged with the first-degree murder of his psychic and turmoil ensues. Dark Star takes the prevalent work of Satan and brings it into a very real context.

ARMCHAIR INTERVIEWS

Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol by Creston Mapes is a book I didn't think I'd like when I first picked it up. Once I began, it was difficult to put down.

The novel switches between the story about the rise of Everett Lester and his rock band DeathStroke; letters from a young woman who feels called to help the band's leader receive salvation; and real time where the leader, who is accused of murder, is living the story he's been asked to write by a New York publishing house.

Everett, an abused kid, used music to escape his troubled home life. Then he and his garage band hit the 'big time' where everything worldly (good and bad) is within his reach. There is alcohol, drugs and a life that is void of purpose and generally empty. People prey on Everett and a young woman in Kansas who prays for Everett as he fights his own spiritual battle, one that is literally being waged for his soul as he is on trial for the murder of Endora, his personal psychic.

Dark Star is a wonderful book. It may not be for everyone but I'd suggest giving it a chance. The writing style is compelling, the characters real and complex. But what hit me is the message of faith, hope and love; the love of everyone, even the lost. Especially the lost. It is the battle between God and Satan for the soul of a man. Armchair Interviews agrees: give this one a chance.

ROAD TO ROMANCE

DARK STAR has the potential to be a fictionalized journey of just another rock star's struggle toward sobriety, but what makes this story compelling is the narrative structure. Mapes moves back a forth in time from biographical events to the memoirs Everett pens in prison while on trial for his personal psychic's (Endora Crystal) murder. The author sets up a high level of suspense as he slowly reveals the details that have brought Everett's life to this point of being on trial for murder. Mapes does a good job of creating reader sympathy for the rock star by showing scenes from Everett's less than Leave it Beaver childhood. The use of first person works well to help us understand and identify with Lester.

The book has strong message about redemption and the power of prayer. Lester's motive are understandable. Even though Mapes makes it clear as to the level of depravity in the rock star's life, he never becomes overly graphic. The level of conflict and suspense kept me turning pages. I honestly didn't know how this one was going to end. As a reader, I really liked Everett and wanted good things for his life.

BLETHER - THE BOOK REVIEW SITE
9 out of 10!

Everett Lester and DeathStroke are musical superstars; however fame and fortune are not as fulfilling as he thought that would be. He turns to drugs and alcohol to fill his emptiness and to Madam Endora Crystal, his personal psychic for spiritual guidance. Through Endora's guidance, Everett turns his back on Christianity and encourages his impressionable young fans to do likewise.

However, Everett soon finds himself on trial for the murder of Endora. He is depressed with no hope for the future. As he contemplates suicide his only regret is badly injuring a teen fan. The letter from Karen of Topeka, Kansas makes it clear she dislikes his music but prays for his soul. No one has ever cared what happened to him except when the music sold. More letters arrive and soon Everett begins to wonder why he crossed to the Other Side instead of turning to Jesus. Though he still faces the possibility of capital punishment, Everett is beginning to find solace with Jesus, but he wonders if it remains too late for him to give his lost soul to God.

This is an interesting character study that showcases a lost soul who has fame and fortune yet feels empty. The beguiling story line shifts between Everett's present woes and his memories while she knows he needs Jesus to save his soul. Strong but clean language and implied drug abuse add depth to the characterizations of Everett and the band, and the Jesus is where it's at message can feel heavy handed at times but fans of insightful modern day Christian fiction will want to read Creston Mapes' strong, realistic tale of salvation.

CHRISTIAN FICTION BLOGSPOT

Creston Mapes weaves this tale from past to present without making the reader gag from all the flashbacks. In fact, the flashback is more than just back-story, it is the story, our story, a redemption story. How does a God-hating unbeliever, find and adore God? How does someone full of excess find that he is just as destitute as his poorest fan? And how does one person, Karen Bayliss, save a man's life.

This novel is more than a mystery/court room novel. Mapes threw in a kidnapping, demonization, a suicide attempt, a romance and two Rolling Stone interviews to keep it interesting. I've talked about this book before, in regards to how Mapes uses nonfiction techniques to connect with his readers. Everett's thoughts about how God could exist, and why many don't believe in God anymore, add realism and insight. Moreover, this book is a testament to the power of intercessory prayer. Every Saturday my friend, Dr. Vanessa Battle, holds a prayer meeting at our galpal, BJ's church. I have told myself that I was too busy to go; until I read DARK STAR.

AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Rock Star Finds Faith

Revere High School alumnus Creston Mapes' new book Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol is a credible addition to the field of religious fiction. The story of Ohio boy Everett Lester, whose garage band DeathStroke explodes into worldwide popularity, is a real page-turner that puts more than Everett's soul in the balance.

As Everett grows in notoriety, addicted to drugs and his own hedonistic lifestyle, he exhorts his followers to reject religion in favor of the "Other Side" he's been persuaded of by Madam Endora Crystal. his personal psychic.

Though he rants against authority, Everett is a bit of a poseur, looking for solace in a life that began with abuse and may end with execution - he's been accused of murdering Endora, and has critically injured a young concertgoer.

The narrative is a deft back-and-forth between Everett's memoirs and his current predicament, meeting up nicely for the big finish. As Multnomah is a Christian publishing house, nothing will be spoiled by revealing here that Everett finds his way to God, but there is genuine tension in the murder trial.

Everett's moment of conversion is affecting, and his concern for his teenage fan is heart-rending. Almost as convincing is his romance with a young woman who's been writing to Everett for years to offer him the serenity of faith.

There is no explicit sex, and the drug use is mostly alluded to. Dark Star (softcover, 400 pages) costs $12.99 from www.mpbooks.com. Mapes now lives in Georgia and is working on a sequel.