Star Students

When the popular kids at Westfield High School begin getting matching star-shaped tattoos, Chelsie doesn't think much of it. She's never been one to follow a fad. Besides, her circle of geeks have little hope of ever being popular. Before long, though, it's not just the cool kids showing up to school baring the cerulean blue stars.

Encouraged by a popular boy to get inked, Chelsie's best friend Jayla can resist the rage no longer. One day, the girls are planning which Ivy League school to apply to; the next, Jayla won't even look in Chelsie's direction, and her biggest concern becomes matching accessories with those of her starred friends.

Something is very wrong with those tattoos. Someone, or something, is using them to control her classmates. At first the "star students" seem weirdly docile. Then their behavior turns in a most horrifying manner. The closer Chelsie gets to the truth, the more likely it seems she'll find herself either under the needle or under six feet of dirt. If that happens, there will be no one left to stop the growing evil from taking over not only her school, but the entire town.

Cover photo by Mick Amatto. Cover design by Drew Kunz.