Ugly Stars

Eight years ago, Maxwell Voltaire's brother was murdered by a man no one could identify-except for one detail. A strange, ugly mark. A star.

Now a student at the prestigious Greenwood Academy, Max has spent years trying to forget the face he can barely remember and the hatred that never faded. But on the anniversary of his brother's death, the past resurfaces in the worst way possible.

Because in this world, stars aren't just distant lights-they leave their mark.

Hidden among ordinary people are those born under rare celestial conditions, individuals branded with star marks and granted abilities that evolve over time. They move through society unseen, shaping gangs, governments, and the balance of power itself.

And Max... might be one of them.

Now, forces he doesn't understand are starting to close in-people who would rather erase him than risk what he could become. With no one to trust and nowhere to run, Max is forced to fight back.

Because surviving isn't enough anymore.

He'll have to build something of his own.