4.0 (15 ratings)

The Starlight Menagerie

Name: The Starlight Menagerie
Rating: 4 (15 reviews)
Author: Elaine DeBohun
ISBN: B0G1HNWLDM

by Elaine DeBohun

ghosts

About this book

Set against the mist-shrouded peaks of the Salzkammergut mountains, this atmospheric ghost story follows Troilo Visconti, a poetic physician who arrives at the opulent Austrian springs of Bad Ischl. Tasked with treating a Habsburg archduchess for hysteria, Troilo finds his clinical detachment shattered when he encounters Philippa, a woman who possesses the exact face of his long-deceased wife. As they navigate the ruby-hued halls of the imperial tea house, the boundary between the living and the spectral begins to dissolve into a fever dream of longing and dread.

The Starlight Menagerie masterfully blends historical elegance with the haunting chill of the supernatural. Beyond the shimmering surface of the pond and the serpent-infested grounds lies a profound exploration of fated love and the heavy price of memory. Troilo is not merely a doctor; he is a man burdened by an ancient secret, having spent five centuries searching for the soul he lost to time.

Perfect for readers who crave lyrical prose and dark, ethereal romance, this tale breathes new life into the trope of star-crossed lovers reunited across lifetimes. It is a breathtaking, whimsical journey into the heart of a connection that defies death, leaving readers questioning the true nature of obsession.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0G1HNWLDM

Reader Reviews

A breathtaking story!

January 12, 2026

Some stories affect me so profoundly that it's hard to express words for a review, but I will try. The Starlight Menagerie was a cross between a fever dream and a dreamy sigh. I was absolutely fascinated by Troilo's story, the lore, and all the characters in between. It's one of those books that stay with you long after the final page. )

An enchanting tale, written in the lyrical quality of the classics

January 24, 2026

The lore states they were brought together by fate, but their love was doomed from the start. An enchanting tale, written in the lyrical quality of the classics, that is whimsical while quietly drawing the reader into its spell. It’s the perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance. )

An enchanting read ✨

February 20, 2026

I absolutely loved the folklore and imagery detailed throughout The Starlight Menagerie. The author weaves mystery and magic in each chapter. The theme of connection between souls across lifetimes was truly enchanting. )

If a book were a painting

November 19, 2025

If a book were a painting. Reading The Starlight Menagerie was like stepping into a waking dream, feet bare in the soft grass and hem of a delicate white cotton nightdress flecked with early-morning dew. The imagery of this book is truly beautiful, and I could see it in my mind's eye like scenes in a film, making it a transportive experience. This story is such a unique weaving of threads, involving Balkan dragon lore, which I had never heard of until now, and which was fascinating to learn...

AMAZING!

December 26, 2025

Historical Fantasy perfectly blended with Romantasy, 'The Starlight Menagerie; is simply a work of art. DeBohun, the author, surely took her time with this story, the characters and the world they live in. These loveable characters had me awake late at night, drawing me further into the story one word at a time, with an internal struggle of not wanting the story to end. I am so happy to have been considered for an advanced copy and this is my honest review. I would love to revisit this story in...