Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus novel tells the story of Eddie Munson

The novel Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus will give us a look at the life of Eddie Munson two years before Stranger Things season 4

Fans of the Netflix series Stranger Things really fell for the Eddie Munson character over the course of the show’s fourth season, and when he started playing Metallica on his guitar while in the Upside Down, it instantly ranked up there as one of the most iconic moments in the entire series. Unfortunately, Eddie didn’t make it out of the season alive… but we don’t know his whole story. Entertainment Weekly got the exclusive first look at the cover for an upcoming novel called Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus, which tells an Eddie Munson story that takes place two years before the events of season 4. You can take a look at the cover at the bottom of this article.

Penguin Random House will be publishing Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus on Halloween, October 31st. The novel was written by Caitlin Schneiderhan, who served as an assistant to Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers during seasons 2 and 3 of the show, then joined the writing staff for season 4.

Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus has the following description:

Hawkins, Indiana — for most, it’s simply another idyllic, manicured all-American town. But for Eddie Munson it’s like living in a perpetual Tomb of Horrors. Luckily, he only has a few more months to survive at Hawkins High. And what is senior year, really, but just killing time between Dungeons & Dragons sessions with the Hellfire Club and gigs with his band?

It’s at the worst dive bar in town that Eddie meets Paige, someone who has pulled off a freaking miracle. She escaped Hawkins and built a wickedly cool life for herself working for a record producer out in Los Angeles. Not only is she the definition of a badass — with a killer taste in music — she might be the only person that actually appreciates him as the bard he is instead of the devil incarnate. But the best thing? She’s offering a chance for him to make something of himself, and all he needs is to get her a demo tape of Corroded Coffin’s best songs.

Just one problem: Recording costs money. Money Eddie doesn’t have. But he’s willing to do whatever it takes: even if that means relying on his old man, Al Munson. His dad just stumbled back into his life, with another dubious scheme up his sleeve, and yet Eddie knows this is his only option to make enough dough in enough time. It’s a risk, but if it pays off he will finally have a one-way ticket out of Hawkins.

Eddie can feel it: 1984 is going to be his year.

Schneiderhan had this to say about the novel: “The Eddie Munson we meet at the beginning of Stranger Things 4 is the protective shepherd to the nerdy lost sheep of Hawkins High. But taking on that mantle wasn’t such a cut-and-dry decision. I’m so excited for fans to go with him on his journey towards becoming a hero, to experience the messy and uncomfortable decisions that led him to become the brave misfit we all know and love. Eddie is a person who is unfailingly, unapologetically himself, which is irresistible enough on its own. But add on the fact that he encourages the people around him to be the same? Who wouldn’t want to be friends with that guy? Meeting the characters from Eddie’s past who — for better or worse — had a part in shaping who he is was one of the most rewarding parts of exploring this story, and I can’t wait for the fans to meet them, too! Eddie, this is for you!“

Does Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus sound like a novel you would like to read? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below. For me, some of the appeal of Eddie Munson will be lost in this book, as it will be different than watching Joseph Quinn‘s performance as the character. But it could be interesting to hear (read) his story.