REVIEWS

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Theater of Disillusionment: A Dark Chronicle Portraying America’s Fading Dream

Synopsis

     Once Upon a Waning Star: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time is a genre-defying work that blends the gripping narrative of a political thriller with the innovative structure of a play. Following the January 6, 2021, insurrection, this novel presents an ensemble cast of four characters—a narrator and three actors—as they grapple with the turbulent aftermath of a nation in crisis. Presented as both a novel and a theatrical performance, the story unfolds through the eyes of the actors who perform a play within the novel. The tension between drama, comedy, and surrealism creates a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience, challenging readers to confront the complexities of history, society, and the political climate. Laced with reverence for history and literature, Once Upon a Waning Star offers more than just a political story—it’s a journey into the heart of America’s struggle for identity and survival. Through its unique format, the novel invites readers to experience both the turmoil and hope of a country on the brink of transformation.

      Once Upon a Waning Star: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time by R. Luce is a satirical portrayal of American politics, presented as a play inspired by the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol. Four roles—Dave Singh (a bar owner and bartender, played by one actor), James Lathrop and Bill Hagerty (a banker and a thug respectively, both played by a [sic] same, second actor), and Jack Ingram (an aspiring book writer, played by the last actor)—perform the play in an auditorium setting. In the background, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold.

     Dave is hospitable, understanding, and helpful. His bar, Dave’s Place, welcomes all kinds of customers. Jack becomes a close friend, and the two team up to run Dave’s Place efficiently. James Lathrop is a perennial drunkard. He has plenty of cash on his person, which he heedlessly spends on drinking. The powerfully built Bill Hagerty is a thug. He’s domineering, volatile, and abusive. If brushed on the wrong side, he’s quick to anger and revenge, forgetting any kindness shown to him earlier.

     Although I made a sincere attempt, I found interpreting the play rather difficult. Most probably it’s because I couldn’t correctly put names (of the key players in the January 6, 2021, insurrection) to faces in the play. James Lathrop possibly represents the well-to-do population of America, who, however, don't contribute. The Bill Hagerty type represents those who stand in the way of national progress by being violent, unreasonable, and uncooperative on public issues.

That said, one thing is abundantly clear: America, the once great “Star,” is slowly waning. Forces derailed the ideals that once united them. Senators and congressmen, greedy for gain and power, threaten to tear down democracy by putting themselves first. America has relegated kindness to the backseat. And the nation’s glorious legacy, proudly celebrated by patriotic songs like “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” is inching it to death!

     The author's narrative skills are commendable. That, coupled with a well-chosen page style and formatting, makes for excellent readability. The only shortcoming I noticed is that the book isn't error-free. Fortunately, the errors are relatively few, and none are serious.

This book is a clear-eyed opener that seeks to harness the powerful medium of theater to inform Americans about the plight of their nation. While scores of Americans are aware that the country is passing through perilous times, they feel helpless to do anything to save it!

     In summary, I recommend it first for all active American citizens (ages around 15 through 65) as a source of awareness of this burning issue. Secondarily, since America is the world’s leader, which many nations follow, it's read by the political community worldwide, social activists, policymakers, historians, and the like.

--Reviewed by Raju Chacko, an engineer and part-time IT Consultant based in Bangalore, India. Part-time copy editor/reviewer. An IEEE Senior Member. Deep thinker and innovator. Highly analytical, clear, accurate, and thorough. Over 160 book reviews published to date-Reedsy(140), NetGalley(2), and Online BookClub(22). FOR REEDSY DISCOVERY

5.0 out of 5 stars

A Hauntingly Beautiful Literary Reflection on America

Reviewed in Canada on March 9, 2025

     Once Upon a Waning Star is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of America’s shifting cultural and historical landscape. Written with lyrical prose and deep introspection, this book offers a captivating narrative that blends history, social commentary, and personal reflection into an unforgettable literary experience.

     The author masterfully captures the essence of a nation standing at a crossroads, weaving rich storytelling with sharp insights that make the reader pause and reflect. The themes of change, identity, and the passage of time are beautifully explored, making this book a must-read for those who appreciate literary depth and social critique.

     If you love books that challenge your perspective while immersing you in powerful, poetic storytelling, Once Upon a Waning Star is a masterpiece that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended!

--Eva

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A Haunting, Theatrical Reflection on America’s Soul

Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2025

     This book is a deeply introspective and powerfully written blend of literature, theater, and political critique. Through a mix of personal reflection, dramatic storytelling, and philosophical musings, the author dissects modern America—its fractures, its failures, and its fading ideals. The narrative moves fluidly between reality and performance, questioning not just the state of the country but the very nature of truth, art, and human identity.

     What stands out most is the writing itself—poetic, intelligent, and unflinchingly honest. The book doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel like you’re inside a grand, unraveling play where the characters struggle with both personal demons and societal decay. The themes of political disillusionment, loneliness, and the weight of history are particularly poignant.

This is not light reading, nor is it for those looking for a straightforward plot. It demands patience and reflection. But for readers who appreciate literary depth, theatrical storytelling, and an unfiltered look at America’s cracks, this is a must-read.

--Bread

4.0 out of 5 stars 

A Thought-Provoking and Literary Exploration of America’s Present and Future

Reviewed in Germany on 25 February 2025

     Combining literature, politics, and personal thought, R. Luce's Once Upon a Waning Star: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time is a very reflective and provocative work. The book presents a distinctive narrative style, alternately between philosophical reflections, dramatic devices, and a perceptive criticism of the political and cultural scene of modern America.

     The strong, literary approach of the work is among its best features. Luce asks readers to consider the changing values and moral conundrums of modern America by combining historical study, personal debate, and narrative with challenge. Often reflecting on issues of disillusionment, power conflicts, and society degradation, the author's work is lyrical and vivid. The book feels like a play on the page because of the imaginative and immersive touch of theater components including monologues and dramatic staging.

     Though the book is intellectually interesting, its rigorous and abstract approach could not appeal to every reader. The reflective and occasionally fractured character of the story calls both careful reading and patience. Those seeking a simple political or historical study could find the literary approach somewhat difficult.

     For those who appreciate literary political commentary and thorough philosophical inquiry, Once Upon a Waning Star is an ambitious and engaging piece overall. For anyone interested in the junction of art, politics, and the human condition, this book inspires thought and conversation.

--M

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A haunting reflection on America’s soul: literature, politics, and the weight of truth

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025

     The author has crafted a book that is as unsettling as it is beautiful. This work of art doesn’t just tell a story—it interrogates the world around us, demanding that we pay attention. Once Upon a Waning Star is a novel that lingers, haunts, and forces us to question our roles in the grand play of existence. It is highly recommended for readers ready to engage in a literary journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

--OSteph

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Theatrical, thought-provoking, immersive drama

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025

     This is a creative and powerful read that makes you think about where we’ve been and where we’re headed as a country. Ron Luce blends theater and storytelling in a way that feels fresh, almost like you’re sitting in the audience watching it all unfold. The mix of humor, drama, and raw emotion keeps you engaged, making you question history, identity, and the choices we make. That said, the story can get a little tricky to follow at times, especially with its layered structure. But if you’re up for something thought-provoking and different, this book is well worth your time.

--Angel0x

Once Upon a Waning Star was the result of an earlier version published as Star Late Rising which received the following reviews.

BookLife: 

   Plot/Idea: Star Late Rising is a kaleidoscopic mish-mash of drama, comedy and surrealistic literature. Ron Luce's confidently told story boldly raises pertinent questions about who we are as individuals, as a collective and as a society teetering on the brink of collapse. 

   Prose: Luce's text is presented as a theatrical play, with excellent attention to detail in the stage directions that help create an imaginative and provocative atmosphere. In addition, the effect of the narrator talking directly to the reader makes the text feel more personal and resonant. 

   Originality: Star Late Rising is an engaging, genre-bending novel which has a strong focus on drama and theatrical performance. Its interesting and offbeat presentation is its strength, although the format may not be to many readers' tastes. 

   Character/Execution: The narrator and the three professional actors who make up the cast of Star Late Rising are well orchestrated and engaging. And intriguingly, as a result of the book's unique format, it often feels like the characters are directly in conversation with the audience. 

Reedsy:  

   A novel, a play, a poem ... an experience! Bold, genre bending reading and theatrical experience that challenges sophisticated readers on many levels.    

   Three male actors--two of whom are gay--along with a middle-aged alcoholic actor who is trying to make a comeback, assist the narrator in weaving a complex story that honors readers as intelligent meaning-makers. 

   The narrator has written a play—a dramedy that attempts to make sense of life immediately following the insurrection of January 6, 2021. As readers move through this metanarrative, they experience the writer writing, the actors as performers, and the characters within the play they are performing as human beings trying to live their lives. This tour de force uses drama, comedy, reverence for history and literature, and a touch of surrealism to engage and challenge readers to consider basic questions of who we are as individuals, members of communities, and as citizens living within a democracy teetering between recommitment and collapse. 

   Luce brings the readers into essential questions about who we are as a collective, who we are as individuals, and how we are going to handle the colliding forces of our moment in time.    

   January 6, 2021, was a pivotal moment in United States history. Not only did some citizens try to overturn the results of a presidential election, but they did so under the guise of liberty and justice for all. Ron Luce attempts to make sense of the aftermath of such an event in Star Late Rising.   

    In the book, readers are given insight into the lives of three male actors. All three of them are searching for the essence of their lives while building careers as entertainers. Through dialogue, the reader learns how much the occurrence on January 6, 2021, has influenced the men and how the overall climate of the United States has deeply impacted their identities.  

   It is refreshing to come across an author who is unashamed to lean into creativity. Luce keeps the reader wondering exactly what he is crafting with words that sometimes come in prose and other times in the form of poetry. The over-arching theme of the men, who are actors, navigating the main stage of life becomes evident as Luce primarily formats the book as a play. It is pure brilliance to do so as offering the story as a play places the reader in the audience and opens the door for analysis and judgment. 

   The reader is not merely learning about these men. The reader is showing up to work, experiencing the highs and lows, and ultimately figuring life out along with them.    

   In all, Luce has created a deeply meaningful story that deserves to be read by anyone willing to think outside of the box.