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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Review: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pub. Date: July 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
368pp
Series: Theatre Illuminata Series
Bertie’s life consists of the Theatre Illuminata and all of its players whom are from every written play. This is her family for she knows no other. After Bertie’s constant debacles begin to interfere with the theatre’s harmony, she is forced to prove her worth as a valuable contributor to the theatre or risk losing the only home she’s ever known. When Bertie finds out about The Book, a magical tome which bounds the characters at the theatre, she takes it upon herself to protect the book and in the process Bertie starts to discover secrets from her past.

Will she finally discover who her parents are…..?

Mantchev’s debut novel is an attention grabbing extravaganza!

I found myself thoroughly entertained by the magical setting of the Theatre Illuminata. The writing is superb and I love how aspects of a play’s script were used in conjunction with the story. The writing has a great flow and is creatively delivered in a way that captured my attention throughout the book.

The characters in ELS are wonderful and Bertie’s sidekicks Moth, Cobweb, Peaseblossom and Mustardseed are my FAB 4. These fairies are hilarious and had me laughing every time they opened their mouths. I can’t leave out my favorite men in the book, Ariel and Nate. I love Bertie’s interactions with Ariel and Nate which provides plenty of tension and mouth watering drama. Both of these guys are special in their own way.

The plot is impeccable and kept me guessing throughout as I found myself glued to the pages. I enjoyed so many things about the story line and I’m ecstatic to say by the time I finished reading ELS, I started flipping back through the book to some of my favorite scenes.

Now that I’m finished with ACT I, I’m geared up for ACT II, Now Open The Darn Curtains!

Brava Lisa!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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52 comments:

  1. Michelle B.July 8, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    I've been hearing so many great things about this book! I'm so excited to read it. Great review, it's only made me want to read it even more. :D

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  2. Mishel (P.S. I Love Books)July 8, 2009 at 11:17 PM

    Excellent review! I can't wait to get a copy and read this. I just looove the cover.

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  3. LlehnJuly 9, 2009 at 8:18 AM

    I've been hearing great things about this book. I can't wait to read it!

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  4. Sab H.July 9, 2009 at 10:27 AM

    Another five stars! Wow. I love this cover. And everybody is liking it! I love being "glued to the pages". Loved your review.

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  5. AnonymousJuly 9, 2009 at 1:19 PM

    5 out 5 huh? then I'm definitely putting this on my wishlist. Good review. Makes me want to really read this book.

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  6. Alexia561July 10, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    Hadn't heard about this one before, but it sounds good! Will definitely put it on my wishlist. Thanks for a great review!

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  7. The Library LurkerJuly 10, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    Wow, that looks so so good. It's going on my TBR list.

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  8. UnknownJuly 10, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    I just love everything about this book. The cover, the storyline, and how the author's voice sounds. I love it all and can't wait to get it a try.

    Thanks for the great review.

    Dottie :)

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  9. LinnaJuly 10, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    You just make me want to read this book. I'm fascinated by books that would make people read over and over again. :D

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  10. MeganDreamerJuly 10, 2009 at 10:46 AM

    I can't wait to read it! All I've seen are excellent reviews for it!

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  11. Ella PreussJuly 10, 2009 at 11:28 AM

    I've read many wonderful reviews about this book.
    This is another one of them.

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  12. JanicuJuly 10, 2009 at 11:32 AM

    I have a feeling I'll like this one.

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  13. I ♥ Book GossipJuly 10, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    I love the cover so much. Can't wait to read it.

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  14. RagDollVampGirlJuly 10, 2009 at 1:05 PM

    OMG!!
    Now I Want To Read THis Book Even More!!
    Great Review!!
    I Actually Love All Your Reviews.. You're So Honest

    xoxo
    RagDollVampGirl

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  15. CeceliaJuly 10, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    This is the book that everyone's hyped for, isn't it? I love the cover...it's gorgeous. And the whole concept of the setting: behind-the-scenes, magical theater, and a threat to the 'plot' of the whole story...I'm sure it will be interesting and entertaining. Thanks for your review!

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  16. Jessica @ a GREAT readJuly 10, 2009 at 7:44 PM

    Wow! Sounds like a good book to read!! Sounds very intriguing! I love intriguing books that are far from the norm of not normal worlds! Of course a lot of urban fantasy fiction can do that for you. And a few other genres! You're in the normal world yet not!! It's great! This sounds like a book I might want to get my hands on! Oh and I am already a follower!

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  17. KaitlynJuly 10, 2009 at 7:51 PM

    OOOOH! I want to read this sooo badly!

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  18. Lee PJuly 10, 2009 at 8:23 PM

    Well after reading that great review I just HAVE to read it too!

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  19. Kimberly B.July 10, 2009 at 11:37 PM

    This just sounds like such an awesome book! Thanks for the great review!

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  20. CeeCeeJuly 11, 2009 at 4:17 AM

    I would read this just because of the names Bertie, mustardseed etc.) but it won't be the only reason because with 5 stars here and good reviews everywhere I look- I can't wait to read ELS.

    Seahn

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  21. PamkJuly 11, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    sounds like a great read. You've piqued my interest and made me want to read it.

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  22. chocowaferJuly 11, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    I've heard lots of good things about this book! Wah. I can't wait to read it!

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  23. DonnaJuly 11, 2009 at 11:46 PM

    I went to buy this book today but my local Borders did not have it. Very bummed, my main purpose of getting this book was to give it as a birthday present to my stepdaughter. Will order it later. Thanks for the review.

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  24. SaraJuly 12, 2009 at 5:36 AM

    Sounds like a good book! I'll definitely want to read it! I like this part of your review:
    "I’m ecstatic to say by the time I finished reading ELS, I started flipping back through the book to some of my favorite scenes."
    That's exactly what I do after I read a great book!! That just made me want to read this book even more !

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  25. AndreaJuly 12, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    This is the first time I've seen names of the other characters...they are so funny!

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  26. NevJuly 12, 2009 at 6:06 PM

    I've heard a lot about this book. It sounds good!

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  27. AnonymousJuly 12, 2009 at 9:15 PM

    Very well-written review! Makes me want to run out and get it tonight!

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  28. CaffeyJuly 12, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    I lost my post! Trying again!
    I was saying that I love the teases in this review. Leaving us questions like about the parents and more! Again, love your reviews!

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  29. BiancaJuly 12, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    I'm so glad to hear so many wonderful things about this book! I usually don't read a lot of fantasy but I have to read this one!

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  30. kalea_kaneJuly 13, 2009 at 12:50 AM

    Wow! Five out of five stars! THAT is saying something. It does sound absolutely fabulous. I love the mystery of it all too. I am VERY jealous. :) Definitely looking forward to this one.

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  31. donnasJuly 13, 2009 at 1:04 AM

    I have read so many great things about this book. Im always glad to read more and this just made me move it futher to the top of my wishlist.

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  32. Jen D.July 14, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    I've heard great things about this book. Definitely looking forward to adding it to my TBR pile.

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  33. Michelle GreathouseJuly 14, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    My daughter is excited to read this book. :) Thanks for the review.

    M

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  34. deltayJuly 14, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    Hehe, I really like the fun & quirky tone of your review! Sounds like Eyes Like Stars is a must-read, definitely on my list =)

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  35. MarieJuly 14, 2009 at 6:22 PM

    It must have been really good if you were going back to reread passages!

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  36. melissa @ 1lbrJuly 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM

    This book has been itching for me to read it - probably because it has a very different premise...and it's Shakespearean.

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  37. -July 15, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    The cover and title originally intrigued me, but your review really has me wanting to read this, now!

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  38. AnonymousJuly 15, 2009 at 11:48 AM

    I really want to read this book,I've heard greta things about it
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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  39. Bunny BJuly 16, 2009 at 6:28 AM

    This sounds like a book I would enjoy!!
    bunnybx at gmail . com

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  40. Libby's LibraryJuly 16, 2009 at 6:06 PM

    I'm so glad that I read your review. I had noticed this book going around and loved the cover, but wasn't sure if I wanted to read it or not. Now I'm sure that I do!

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

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  41. CherylS22July 17, 2009 at 10:03 PM

    Thanks for the review - this book sounds so magical. I love the names of the fairies - Moth, Cobweb, Peaseblossom and Mustardseed.

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  42. LainaJuly 19, 2009 at 3:29 AM

    I love that Bertie has blue hair. It's not common in YA books, and usually crazy colours of hair = rebel, troublemaker, which isn't always true. *speaks from experience*

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  43. MeganJuly 20, 2009 at 5:39 PM

    This looks so good I can't wait to read it.

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  44. UnknownJuly 21, 2009 at 11:51 AM

    This is going on my TBR list.

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  45. UnknownJuly 21, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    thanks so much for the review. i am really looking forward to reading this.

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  46. ValorieJuly 21, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    A five star book! Right on. I love it when books have a lot of funny stuff. Even if the novel is serious, having a funny character or characters really helps me get into it.

    Valorie
    morbidromantic@gmail.com

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  47. MariahJuly 22, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    After reading this review it makes me want to read this book even more!

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  48. CinemaSistaJuly 22, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    Awesome review! Sounds so good! =)

    MovieMomma@gmail.com

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  49. EmilyJuly 22, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    oooh - a new author :)
    Adding this one to my wishlist - thanks!

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  50. ~The Book PixieJuly 22, 2009 at 9:37 PM

    I can't wait to read this. I feel like the only person who hasn't yet. Thanks for posting your review and I'm glad you enjoyed the book.

    ~Briana

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  51. Lesley (aka Upper West Side Writer)July 23, 2009 at 6:07 PM

    Wonderful review--isn't it great when you read a book, finish it, and just have to go back to reread your favorite scenes? I'll definitely have to read this one; thank you for reviewing it!

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  52. Jess JJuly 23, 2009 at 10:57 PM

    I'm really excited about this book, it sounds so great!

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