By Starlight
by M James Ryan
Step into a story of wonder, sacrifice, brotherhood, and the journey that changed everything
The Book
Meet Micah
Meet Micah, a young street drummer from ancient Persia whose journey through loss, survival, and unexpected purpose begins with the rise of a mysterious star.
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The Author
Get to know the author and the calling that sparked By Starlight
Click below to read some of my Biblically based poetry
Poetry
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The Book
By Starlight is a sweeping reimagining of the song "The Little Drummer Boy", told through the eyes of Micah, a gifted young street drummer surviving alone in the ancient city of Sippar. Orphaned, cunning, and spiritually adrift, Micah carves out a living with his drum, navigating shifting city districts and dodging the watchful eyes of guards who view him as a vagrant. When he crosses paths with a caravan of Magi following the star, Micah finds himself unexpectedly drawn into something much bigger than himself.As the star rises in the sky, Micah hears a call that stirs something deep within. Wrestling with loyalty to the city he knows and the ache of something greater calling him forward, he must decide if he will join the Magi on their pilgrimage to see the new King. By Starlight blends historical realism with spiritual wonder, inviting readers into a richly imagined ancient world where prophecy, pain, and hope collide beneath the light of a star.If you'd like to read a short passage from the book, press the button below.
Find out how you can be a part of getting this book published by tapping the button below.
The Author
M James Ryan is a multidisciplinary writer whose work explores the intersection of faith, imagination, and storytelling. For many years, he has been captivated by the idea that The Little Drummer Boy, a song he has long loved, held the potential to become a powerful, immersive story. The idea never left him, growing stronger over time and eventually becoming By Starlight, a novel he believes was placed on his heart by God.He is currently developing an ambitious multi-volume series of narrative poems that chronicle the entire biblical story—from Genesis to Revelation. The project seeks to capture the emotional and theological gravity of Scripture through lyrical verse, offering a fresh yet reverent lens on the most foundational stories ever told. Drawing inspiration from classic poetry and sacred texts, the series invites both believers and seekers to engage with the Bible in a new and powerful way.Outside of writing, Ryan has worn many creative hats, including graphic designer, video editor, and web developer. He is also a husband, father, and committed follower of Christ. Whether through story, poetry, or art, his work is united by a single goal: to reflect the beauty of His truth and the truth of His beauty in a world that desperately needs both.Find out how you can be a part of getting this book published by tapping the button below.
How you can help
I believe stories have the power to stir hearts, point people to truth, and remind us of beauty in a world that often forgets it. By Starlight is one of those stories. It's not just a novel, it's a calling I've felt for years. At its heart, it’s about giving what you have, even if you think you have nothing, and also reminder that we were never meant to walk this life alone.That’s why I’m stepping out in faith and asking for help. With your support, I’ll be able to leave full-time work for a season and give this project the time it truly deserves. The funds will go toward covering basic living expenses for my family, as well as editing, printing, cover art and everything needed to release the book with excellence. Self publishing isn't cheap. But you'll get something too. There are rewards for those who give: signed copies of the book, handwritten poems, your name in the donors section, even the chance to name a character. But more than that, you’ll be part of something that, Lord willing, will bless others long after it’s finished.If you feel led, I’d be deeply grateful for your support. You can donate to my GiveSendGo campaign where you can also read more details about the project and the rewards you can get for participating. Use the button below to go to my GiveSendGo campaign.If you can't donate right now, I would also appreciate you sharing the campaign with others. Even more importantly, I would love if you would pray for me and this project.Thank you so much!
Meet Micah
Micah is a twelve-year-old orphan surviving on the streets of ancient Sippar, a city shaped by its divisions of culture, power, and faith. Gifted with a natural rhythm and a battered hand drum, he makes a humble living performing in market squares and festivals, always alert for danger and constantly on the move. Though he has lost nearly everything, including his parents, his home, and even much of his faith, Micah clings to a small daily prayer, a quiet ritual that anchors him in a world that too often overlooks the vulnerable. He is street-smart, brave, and emotionally scarred, having learned to trust no one and to depend only on his own instincts.Everything begins to change when a mysterious star appears in the western sky and a caravan of Magi arrives in Sippar. When Micah meets Navid, a priest unlike any he has encountered, he is offered more than silver. He is offered purpose. As he struggles with the weight of his past and the mystery of the star’s pull, Micah finds himself standing at the edge of something greater than mere survival. A quiet hope begins to stir in his heart, the sense that he may have been made for more than the streets he knows so well.Find out how you can be a part of getting this book published by tapping the button below.
Poetry
Stifling is the day,
But cold comes the wind,
Refreshing, revealing,
The promise ne'er rescind.A gift to all,
For those who ask,
For all who knock,
The promise e’er unmasked.But those who stray where fear abides,
Their eyes in darkness veiled,
They slip away from the light unseen,
Their hearts in darkness nailed,
But piercing is the Word,
That breaks all chains,
And frees those who receive,
The promise e’er sustains.Then stands the one who speaks the Word,
For those who would hear,
Truth burning with holy fire,
The promise e’er is near.And when the Word ignites the soul,
The heart refined in fire,
The conscience laid bare,
The promise e’er empyre.Hear this now.
This breath, this beat of the heart—this is the moment. Right now.
The Word stands at the door, as e’er He has.
I, being the poet, have only these words,
But you, the pilgrim, can open the door.
Will you open it?
The promise e’er for all.
The promise e’er your call.
There is more room in His heart
Than sorrow can overcome.
More space for the broken, the weary,
The lost and the numb.His love lifts the forgotten,
The discarded and the used.
It covers the bitter, the empty,
The ashamed and the accused.His grace restores the angry,
The wounded, and the burned.
It renews the hollow, the restless,
And hearts astray, not yet returned.Arms never crossed in judgment,
Nor condemning shake of head.
But His arms open wide,
And face filled with joy instead.No matter the wrongs we’ve done,
Nor dark cloak we assume.
Beyond imagining’s infinite horizon,
His heart hath more room.
Just Micah
As he was playing, Micah overheard a nearby vendor bartering with a man he’d never seen before, though there were lots of those around lately. Normally, he would have tuned out such a conversation by now, but something caught his ear. The vendor, a man named Bahram, was clearly trying to swindle the man. Having been cheated before, Micah did not appreciate this kind of business and he didn’t like seeing it done to other people. The man appeared to be a traveler from a different city and was unfamiliar with local market prices of certain goods. Sippar was part of the Parthian Empire, and this man was definitely Parthian, and Micah wasn’t sure from what city yet, but he definitely wasn’t local. Maybe Nippur? The prices for goods could easily vary from city to city but not nearly as much as Bahram would have his current customer believe. Micah knew Bahram, but not well. He was never very friendly, but he tolerated Micah because of the crowds he drew sometimes.“Shall we shake on that price? You won’t get a better deal in all Sippar. Maybe even the entire region.” Bahram smiled wide and stuck out his hand.“The price seems quite high, I think I could likely get a better price elsewhere,” the traveler stated.“Here in Sippar, these sorts of goods are a little harder to come by,” Bahram lied. “And there was a recent devastating flood that ruined many crops, which, as you know, drives up prices quickly.”“Very well. I don’t have time to scour the city for better prices,” replied the customer as he reached for Bahram’s hand.Micah quickly interjected before they could shake hands.“You could buy all the food in this region for those prices Bahram,” he said, shooting him a nasty look.“Careful Micah,” Bahram retorted, laughing nervously and glaring at the boy. “Go back to your drum playing, and maybe I’ll throw you a few bronze coins later.”“And you know very well there was no flood,” Micah declared defiantly.
“Micah…” Bahram cautioned, “I let you set up near me, but I can make sure you won’t play anywhere in Sippar ever again.”“And you’ll catch me how? By rolling after me? You’re like a barrel sitting on overfed goose legs.”“I’ll have your head boy!” Bahram bellowed, his face turning an unnatural shade of red as he began moving aggressively toward Micah.“Just a moment,” said the traveler confidently, stepping between them and expertly deflecting Bahram away from Micah. “You will not touch the boy.”“This is no business of yours, sir.”“I beg to differ. If what this boy says about you trying to swindle me is true, I find it very much my business. And besides, I make it my business to protect those in need.”“Now wait a min…” Bahram began, but was interrupted by the traveler ignoring him, turning away, and speaking to Micah instead.“Now, young Micah, what were you saying about this man’s prices? You say there was no flood and I can get better prices elsewhere?”Micah looked up at the man, getting his first detailed look at him. He had a very warm and friendly demeanor, with a wide smile surrounded by a well kept beard. It was the kind of smile that made other people feel good just seeing it, and made you want to do things for him just so he would smile again. His hair was medium in length and slightly tousled, not unlike Micah’s, but far better groomed. His eyebrows were dark and thick, but not unpleasantly so. They added a slight mystery to his kind, expressive eyes. He was dressed in a simple, but high quality, and very clean tunic, a practical cloak, and leather sandals. It was the kind of outfit that, at first glance, made him appear to be moderately successful, but neither important, nor rich. He would appear that way to most, but not to Micah.Living on the streets for as long as he had, Micah learned to spot certain details that others might miss. For instance, the leather sandals, while a little worn, were definitely very high quality, and his belt had subtle but intricate designs on it. He was also better groomed than someone of more modest means would be capable of. His hair and beard were very neat, his teeth were quite clean and bright, his nails were kept short, and his skin was as clean as a palace floor. To Micah’s trained eye, everything about this man said “I’m rich and I don’t want you to know it.” Or if not rich, important. Although, those two usually went together. It was smart to dress down some, otherwise people might take advantage of you, or even just rob you. Maybe Bahram recognized the same traits Micah did and decided to help himself to a little extra profit. Or, in this case, a lot.“Yes sir, I know you can get a better deal. Almost anyone will charge you less than this ramaiya,” Micah gestured toward Bahram dismissively.“You call me a cheat!? You little rat, you’re done in this town!” Bahram screamed.“Sir, please, that is quite enough,” the man said, stepping closer to him and looking him square in the eyes.“We will be going now and will not cause you any further trouble.” He turned toward Micah. “Let us go somewhere we can talk a moment, yes?”Micah nodded and followed the man. He felt friendly toward him, but his guard was still up. He knew the city well and could disappear in a flash if he needed to. As they walked away, Bahram continued yelling threats, but they went ignored. They turned a corner and found a small bench to sit on. Micah looked the man over again.Not from Nippur. Maybe…Ctesiphon?“You are a very bold young man,” he began.“I don’t like seeing people get cheated,” Micah replied, listening intently to the man’s accent.“And honest as well! I wonder, would you be willing to show me to these other vendors you spoke of?”“I can’t, I have to perform,” he responded, glancing toward his drum. “This is one of the best times of year, if I miss out on even one day…”“I will make it worth your while.”
“Well,” Micah started, sensing an opportunity, but remaining guarded, “maybe, how much?”“How about this? Let’s make a deal. I don’t have time to find the best prices for the goods I need and your time is clearly valuable to you. I’ll give you this drachm for saving me from making a bad deal,” he carefully placed the silver coin in Micah’s hand. “That’s yours to keep whether you help me or not. But here’s the deal I propose: whatever amount you are able to save me under what I would have paid Bahram, I will pay you ten percent of the difference. I intend to pay with silver, so if you are able to save me 10 tetradrachms, I will pay you one. If you save me 20, I’ll pay you two. How does that sound?”Micah stared blankly for a few moments. How did that sound? It sounded like more money than he could earn playing his drum for the rest of the year. He loved playing his drum, but it typically only earned him a handful of bronze coins per day, just enough to get by. One time a wealthy foreigner who didn’t really understand Parthian currency dropped a tetradrachm into Micah’s bowl. He ate like a king for weeks! He was surprised by the man’s offer, but didn’t want to show it.No, he’s not from Ctesiphon. Seleucia, perhaps?“Well, sir, Bahram is mostly harmless, but after crossing him like that, I’m going to have to lay low for a few days, and I might have to play in one of the poorer markets, so this is really going to cost me. And the amount I saved you is pretty significant…”The man held up a hand and smiled. “You make valid points Micah, I understand.” He stood and Micah wondered if he was going to leave. “Twenty percent then? Is it a deal?” he said, instead of leaving.Micah stood, surprised again, and stuck out his hand. “Yes, it’s a deal! One thing though.”“What is it?”“Why do you think I need protection?”The man looked confused. “What do you mean?”“Earlier, you told Bahram that you make it your business to protect those in need. I don’t need protection.”He looked at Micah for a moment with a serious look on his face. “My boy, everyone needs protection now and then. However, I believe you need less than most people. You are perhaps the boldest and bravest young man I have ever seen.”Having heard his accent and seen his mannerism enough, Micah finally had it figured out. The man wasn’t from Seleucia either. Babylon!“If I may ask, where are your parents?” the man queried.Micah’s face changed slightly at the question. His features drooped just a little. Squirming and hesitating a bit, he replied, “um, they’re dead, sir. Two years ago.”“You’ve been living on the streets all that time?”Micah, looking at the ground, nodded. He snapped out of his reverie and the hard look of a life on the streets came back to his face.“Yes, since I was 10 years old.”“My goodness, you are brave indeed,” the man said with a tone of true reverence. “You’ve been surviving by playing your drum?”“Yes, though I could probably earn a lot more playing in Babylon near your temple.”The man looked at him wide eyed and with obvious surprise. “I…what? How did you know I am from Babylon? And that I come from a temple there?”“It was a lot of things. The way you dress, your mannerisms…but your accent was difficult to place. I couldn’t figure it out until you offered me such a generous deal for helping you. There aren’t many people who would be as generous as you are, and willing to help a child he doesn’t even know. When I thought of that, your accent made more sense. Babylonian, but very well educated.”“Remarkable,” the man said in wonder. “You divined all that just from watching me and listening to me?”“Yes, sir.”“Simply amazing,” he replied with admiration. “Well,” he continued, “shall we begin?”“Yes, I am ready.”“Good, let’s go. But first, I don’t think I have introduced myself yet. My name is Navid,” He extended a hand, which Micah took. “Salin of the Magi of Babylon, Keeper of the Fire.”“I’m just Micah.”Navid smiled widely at him and spoke with great sincerity. “I believe time will show that you are far more than ‘just Micah’.”It didn’t show on his face, but he was deeply affected by Navid’s kind and genuine words, even if he didn’t believe them. He wasn’t sure if he should follow Navid, or run away and forget he ever existed. It actually scared him a little bit how much he needed to hear a kind word. For now, he would be happy to honor their deal and earn more money than he had ever seen at one time.Navid stood, but then turned back to Micah. “A barrel with overfed goose legs?”“Uh,” Micah hesitated, a smile creeping onto his face. “Yes, I’ve always wanted to say that to him.”Navid suddenly laughed, diffusing the tension. “Oh, my boy, I think you will make for an interesting companion, even if it’s only for a short time!” And with that, they began walking toward the markets.
I hope you enjoyed the small preview of my upcoming novel, By Starlight.If you are interested in helping me make this novel a reality, click the button below to learn how you can do that. You can also enter your name and email address below to get periodic updates on my progress and other behind the scenes info.