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fatima_zafar11's review
I really wanted to enjoy the series but couldn't get the idea of what was happening
lexingtonreads's review against another edition
1.5
*sniff* im so sad I wanted to love this book so much because it has such a beautiful cover and the plot was definitely different from what I have ever read in the past . I cant name exactly what it was that made this book a pass for me I just felt like the so called romance was literally out of no where . there was no build up relationship is was like hi nice to meet you I love you now ...the story was just all over the place for me and I wish we got a little bit more backstory on some of the characters . T~T
stephxsu's review against another edition
5.0
At first I thought, wow, Bertie is really immature for a 17-year-old. Then I thought, her four constant fairy companions are annoying. And then, before I knew what had happened, I was sucked into Bertie’s romantic, enthralling, sexy, and fun world and never wanted to leave. Lisa Mantchev displays enormous range with her writing: she manages to capture the ridiculousness of some characters’ behaviors (such as the fairies’ bickering and childlike desires) as well as paint beautiful, romantic passages to give Ariel that dangerously desirable edge. As a result, readers of all age can engage with this story.
Bertie is no ordinary protagonist. She may get into heaps of trouble, but her heart is pure, and that’s why she has so many friends who willingly help her accomplish her goals. She’s not afraid to speak her mind or flash her fists if necessary, and yet she still manages to look at the world with wonder and a bit of vulnerability. If you don’t want to BE Bertie in a book, then I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Who doesn’t want to be a kick-butt female character?
As mentioned earlier, Lisa uses such descriptive language for Ariel that you can’t help but fall in love with him, despite his questionable ethics. It’s not difficult to understand the attraction between him and Bertie, even if the romance is the tiniest bit rushed at the end.
Outstanding characterization doesn’t just stop at the main characters, however. For such tiny creatures, each one of the fairies manages to have his or her own personality, a feat that has me smiling wide. Lisa Mantchev turns Shakespeare on his head and gives important heroic action to often overlooked characters.
Not just Shakespeare fans will appreciate the new theatrical world that sets the stage for EYES LIKE STARS. And at the end of the book you’ll have no choice but to stand up and chant, “Sequel, sequel, sequel!”
Bertie is no ordinary protagonist. She may get into heaps of trouble, but her heart is pure, and that’s why she has so many friends who willingly help her accomplish her goals. She’s not afraid to speak her mind or flash her fists if necessary, and yet she still manages to look at the world with wonder and a bit of vulnerability. If you don’t want to BE Bertie in a book, then I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Who doesn’t want to be a kick-butt female character?
As mentioned earlier, Lisa uses such descriptive language for Ariel that you can’t help but fall in love with him, despite his questionable ethics. It’s not difficult to understand the attraction between him and Bertie, even if the romance is the tiniest bit rushed at the end.
Outstanding characterization doesn’t just stop at the main characters, however. For such tiny creatures, each one of the fairies manages to have his or her own personality, a feat that has me smiling wide. Lisa Mantchev turns Shakespeare on his head and gives important heroic action to often overlooked characters.
Not just Shakespeare fans will appreciate the new theatrical world that sets the stage for EYES LIKE STARS. And at the end of the book you’ll have no choice but to stand up and chant, “Sequel, sequel, sequel!”
aggressive_nostalgia's review against another edition
A fantastic story! The backstory was imaginative; the entire premise of the Theatre was - while perhaps not the absolute most original concept - very well played out and developed. It had me completely hooked from very near the beginning. And the characters! The whole diverse cast of them (no pun intended, my advance apologies if I make any more) really made the story come to life, as did the tension that builds up around Bertie as she tries to balance out: her growing attraction to her friend/protector, the gallant piratical Nate; the whimsical advice of her mischievous partners-in-crime, the fairies; and the advances of Ariel, her childhood playmate turned magnetically-drop-dead-gorgeous faery villain (and may I say I love that name? To finally see it used as a guy's name, outside the actual Shakespeare, made me pretty excited). This quadrangle, as it were, was the most compelling aspect of the story for me. Bertie's struggle to find her place in the Theatre she's always called home versus her need to find out where she came from in the outside world made for an engaging classic-fantasy basic storyline. My one real complaint with the novel is that it was sometimes a little bit hard to tell what was going on, once the story began to get more chaotic, and I felt that some parts of the Theatre's magic weren't explained thoroughly enough to lend understanding of some of the plot twists. Nonetheless, I completely loved this book, and will be on the lookout for the sequel I'm assuming must be coming after that ending!
katiepercha's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars bc this used to be one of my favorite books as a kid. the nostalgia got me.
juliettechihyu's review against another edition
2.0
Eyes Like Stars follows a 17 year old girl, Bertie (short for Beatrice), who lives in a strange, magical theatre where all the characters are actually real. The plot follows Bertie as she tries to find her place in said theatre.
Going into the book, I didn't quite know what to expect. From reading the synopsis, I could already tell that there was going to be a love triangle and if there's one thing that depletes the entertainment value of a story for me, it's love triangles. Well, that and present-tense narratives.
While I still did not enjoy the 'romance' parts of the story, it fortunately wasn't the dominant theme and instead, we follow all the chaos that ensues in the theatre when something goes horribly wrong. I would say that the whole novel reads a bit like a cartoon movie, if that makes sense. A lot of the dialogue and the actions of the characters feel very well like they could have been taken from an animated Disney movie, particularly when it comes to Bertie's sidekick fairies, who offer the most comedic lines.
As a heroine, Bertie is feisty and determined but she can come off as rude and inconsiderate. She frequently gets into trouble and, despite claiming she will amend her ways, she never really tries hard to make things easier for those around her. I feel like authors always write teenage characters as headstrong rebels but, as a 'teen', even I thought Bertie's 'rebellious nature' to be somewhat disrespectful.
Another problem I have with the story is simply the setting. Bertie wears jeans and there's technology and whatnot but there are also carriages and somewhat old-fashioned clothing and language in this world. I can't, for the life of me, figure out what time period or what sort of world this novel is set in.
Overall, this story will pique your curiosity (magical theatres and all) and there are some funny dialogue and a stunning cover, but the lack of specifics about the setting and the strange, unnecessary romance is definitely a downside.
Going into the book, I didn't quite know what to expect. From reading the synopsis, I could already tell that there was going to be a love triangle and if there's one thing that depletes the entertainment value of a story for me, it's love triangles. Well, that and present-tense narratives.
While I still did not enjoy the 'romance' parts of the story, it fortunately wasn't the dominant theme and instead, we follow all the chaos that ensues in the theatre when something goes horribly wrong. I would say that the whole novel reads a bit like a cartoon movie, if that makes sense. A lot of the dialogue and the actions of the characters feel very well like they could have been taken from an animated Disney movie, particularly when it comes to Bertie's sidekick fairies, who offer the most comedic lines.
As a heroine, Bertie is feisty and determined but she can come off as rude and inconsiderate. She frequently gets into trouble and, despite claiming she will amend her ways, she never really tries hard to make things easier for those around her. I feel like authors always write teenage characters as headstrong rebels but, as a 'teen', even I thought Bertie's 'rebellious nature' to be somewhat disrespectful.
Another problem I have with the story is simply the setting. Bertie wears jeans and there's technology and whatnot but there are also carriages and somewhat old-fashioned clothing and language in this world. I can't, for the life of me, figure out what time period or what sort of world this novel is set in.
Overall, this story will pique your curiosity (magical theatres and all) and there are some funny dialogue and a stunning cover, but the lack of specifics about the setting and the strange, unnecessary romance is definitely a downside.
halcyone's review against another edition
This review was originally posted at The Cozy Armchair!
Even though it took me a couple of years to finally read it, I feel like I've had my eye on this book since it was published! It's that gorgeous cover, which definitely fueled my interest in the book and shaped how I pictured the story as I read.
Bertie is a funny, engaging protagonist. At times, she didn't really act her age, but that was something I embraced along with the other oddities of the setting. Her entourage of fairies were very entertaining with their running commentary and childish behavior. I also really liked the cameos made by the characters of many famous plays, some of which I recognized and fangirled over and others whose appearance went right over my head.
The plot felt a bit haphazard in its progression, and I didn't really care for the love triangle between Bertie, Ariel, and Nate. Ariel was intrusive and creepy from the start, so I could accept him as an antagonist, but as a love interest? No. Despite the fairly two dimensional romance, I could root for Nate because he was sort of sweet with Bertie. In general, I just wish the romance hadn't been such a focus in the story and that there'd been more emphasis on Bertie's character development and the history of the Theatre.
Now, for a book that takes place entirely in one building, there are a surprising number of settings, all of which come and go with incredible ease. It's magical, yes, but also confusing. There were moments where I couldn't really follow the action, e.g. they're standing on an ordinary stage one second, and then, suddenly, waves are rolling in! I was never sure whether I was meant to imagine the settings as life-like or as obviously fake, crafted stage scenery.
I am a very visual person. When I read, it's like I'm watching a movie in my head, so I sometimes struggled with pinning down my visual image for Eyes Like Stars. I found it worked best when I pictured the novel as wonderfully drawn animated movie. As I said, the cover influenced this idea, and Bertie's blue hair made it easy to imagine her as a quirky animated heroine drawn by my favorite animator and storyteller, Hayao Miyazaki.
Overall, Eyes Like Stars was an interesting reading experience. The sudden scene changes were breathtaking but ultimately a lot of fun. I was intrigued by the story established in this book, so I know I have to get my hands on the sequel to see where Bertie goes next.
Even though it took me a couple of years to finally read it, I feel like I've had my eye on this book since it was published! It's that gorgeous cover, which definitely fueled my interest in the book and shaped how I pictured the story as I read.
Bertie is a funny, engaging protagonist. At times, she didn't really act her age, but that was something I embraced along with the other oddities of the setting. Her entourage of fairies were very entertaining with their running commentary and childish behavior. I also really liked the cameos made by the characters of many famous plays, some of which I recognized and fangirled over and others whose appearance went right over my head.
The plot felt a bit haphazard in its progression, and I didn't really care for the love triangle between Bertie, Ariel, and Nate. Ariel was intrusive and creepy from the start, so I could accept him as an antagonist, but as a love interest? No. Despite the fairly two dimensional romance, I could root for Nate because he was sort of sweet with Bertie. In general, I just wish the romance hadn't been such a focus in the story and that there'd been more emphasis on Bertie's character development and the history of the Theatre.
Now, for a book that takes place entirely in one building, there are a surprising number of settings, all of which come and go with incredible ease. It's magical, yes, but also confusing. There were moments where I couldn't really follow the action, e.g. they're standing on an ordinary stage one second, and then, suddenly, waves are rolling in! I was never sure whether I was meant to imagine the settings as life-like or as obviously fake, crafted stage scenery.
I am a very visual person. When I read, it's like I'm watching a movie in my head, so I sometimes struggled with pinning down my visual image for Eyes Like Stars. I found it worked best when I pictured the novel as wonderfully drawn animated movie. As I said, the cover influenced this idea, and Bertie's blue hair made it easy to imagine her as a quirky animated heroine drawn by my favorite animator and storyteller, Hayao Miyazaki.
Overall, Eyes Like Stars was an interesting reading experience. The sudden scene changes were breathtaking but ultimately a lot of fun. I was intrigued by the story established in this book, so I know I have to get my hands on the sequel to see where Bertie goes next.
sturmykins's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun book! As an avid reader, English major, and theatre professional, it was a really interesting idea and well executed. I'll definitely read the next one!
I actually listened to the Full Cast Audio book of this which was delightful.
I actually listened to the Full Cast Audio book of this which was delightful.
missbookiverse's review against another edition
4.0
Liebes Eyes Like Stars,
bei unserem ersten Treffen hast du mich ganz schön irritiert. Mit deinem ungewöhnlichen Setting, den kleinen, frechen Feen und deinem blubbernden Gewusel. Ich war verwirrt davon, wer du bist, was du wolltest. Aber dann wurde es besser. Ich musste nur ein bisschen mehr Zeit mit dir verbringen und ein paar Fragen über Bord werfen. Mein größtes Problem war nämlich, ob deine ganzen Figuren jetzt Schauspieler sind oder die fiktiven Figuren aus Theaterstücken. Aber das hast du mir relativ schnell beantwortet und ab da hat’s echt Spaß mit dir gemacht.
Du bist ganz eindeutig anders als die anderen Bücher. Ziemlich bunt, ein wenig schrill, total originell und sehr einzigartig. Ich habe so etwas noch nie erlebt. Du bist wie ein Theaterstück, so sehr, dass du manchmal sogar nur in Dramadialogen mit mir gesprochen hast. Wenn du normal geredet hast, waren deine Worte wunderschön gewählt, sie beschrieben alles mit passenden Theaterrequisiten und Schauspielgesten.
Ich fand es toll, dass du das Theater bzw. die Bühne nicht nur als deinen Schauplatz ausgewählt hast, du hast es auch richtig genutzt. Wenn man schon mal Vorhang, Orchester und Scheinwerfer zur Verfügung hat, muss man schließlich auch was draus machen. Getreu diesem Vorsatz hast du dramatische Situationen mit künstlichem Regen, romantische Momente mit sanften Geigen und Gefühlswallungen mit Szenenwechseln hinterlegt. Manchmal wusste ich zwar nicht recht, wovon du da in deinem Theaterjargon schwafelst, aber am Ende hab ich verstanden, worauf du hinauswolltest.
Dein Ensemble an Spielern war genauso grandios. Bertie ist trotz ihres doofen, abgekürzten (und dadurch viel zu maskulinen) Namens eine tolle Protagonistin mit Herz, Verstand und großer Klappe. Ihre kleinen Feen haben mich mit ihrer Gefräßigkeit und ihren noch größeren Klappen bestens unterhalten. Pirat Nate klang auf jeden ersten Ton interessant, stand aber ziemlich blass da, vor allem neben so einem reizenden Windgeschöpf wie Ariel. Du hast dich zwar auch des allgegenwärtigen Liebesdreiecks bedient, aber es war nicht allzu intensiv und daher gut aushaltbar.
Ich hätte dich sicher noch besser verstanden, wenn ich die Handlung deiner großen Idole (namentlich Hamlet, The Tempest, Macbeth und viele weitere) besser kennen würde, aber es hat auch so gut geklappt und ich freue mich auf einen weiteren farbenfrohen Zeitvertreib mit deinem kleinen Bruder [b:Perchance to Dream|7179686|Perchance to Dream (Théâtre Illuminata, #2)|Lisa Mantchev|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317792140s/7179686.jpg|7652031].
In Liebe,
Infinite Playlist
PS. Ein großes Lob an deinen Stylisten. Bertie färbt sich nämlich zu Anfang der Geschichte die Haare Blau (siehe Cover Band #1) und am Ende werden sie umgefärbt in Schwarz mit etwas Rot (siehe Cover Band #2). Ich liebe solche Detailtreue.
bei unserem ersten Treffen hast du mich ganz schön irritiert. Mit deinem ungewöhnlichen Setting, den kleinen, frechen Feen und deinem blubbernden Gewusel. Ich war verwirrt davon, wer du bist, was du wolltest. Aber dann wurde es besser. Ich musste nur ein bisschen mehr Zeit mit dir verbringen und ein paar Fragen über Bord werfen. Mein größtes Problem war nämlich, ob deine ganzen Figuren jetzt Schauspieler sind oder die fiktiven Figuren aus Theaterstücken. Aber das hast du mir relativ schnell beantwortet und ab da hat’s echt Spaß mit dir gemacht.
Du bist ganz eindeutig anders als die anderen Bücher. Ziemlich bunt, ein wenig schrill, total originell und sehr einzigartig. Ich habe so etwas noch nie erlebt. Du bist wie ein Theaterstück, so sehr, dass du manchmal sogar nur in Dramadialogen mit mir gesprochen hast. Wenn du normal geredet hast, waren deine Worte wunderschön gewählt, sie beschrieben alles mit passenden Theaterrequisiten und Schauspielgesten.
Ich fand es toll, dass du das Theater bzw. die Bühne nicht nur als deinen Schauplatz ausgewählt hast, du hast es auch richtig genutzt. Wenn man schon mal Vorhang, Orchester und Scheinwerfer zur Verfügung hat, muss man schließlich auch was draus machen. Getreu diesem Vorsatz hast du dramatische Situationen mit künstlichem Regen, romantische Momente mit sanften Geigen und Gefühlswallungen mit Szenenwechseln hinterlegt. Manchmal wusste ich zwar nicht recht, wovon du da in deinem Theaterjargon schwafelst, aber am Ende hab ich verstanden, worauf du hinauswolltest.
Dein Ensemble an Spielern war genauso grandios. Bertie ist trotz ihres doofen, abgekürzten (und dadurch viel zu maskulinen) Namens eine tolle Protagonistin mit Herz, Verstand und großer Klappe. Ihre kleinen Feen haben mich mit ihrer Gefräßigkeit und ihren noch größeren Klappen bestens unterhalten. Pirat Nate klang auf jeden ersten Ton interessant, stand aber ziemlich blass da, vor allem neben so einem reizenden Windgeschöpf wie Ariel. Du hast dich zwar auch des allgegenwärtigen Liebesdreiecks bedient, aber es war nicht allzu intensiv und daher gut aushaltbar.
Ich hätte dich sicher noch besser verstanden, wenn ich die Handlung deiner großen Idole (namentlich Hamlet, The Tempest, Macbeth und viele weitere) besser kennen würde, aber es hat auch so gut geklappt und ich freue mich auf einen weiteren farbenfrohen Zeitvertreib mit deinem kleinen Bruder [b:Perchance to Dream|7179686|Perchance to Dream (Théâtre Illuminata, #2)|Lisa Mantchev|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317792140s/7179686.jpg|7652031].
In Liebe,
Infinite Playlist
PS. Ein großes Lob an deinen Stylisten. Bertie färbt sich nämlich zu Anfang der Geschichte die Haare Blau (siehe Cover Band #1) und am Ende werden sie umgefärbt in Schwarz mit etwas Rot (siehe Cover Band #2). Ich liebe solche Detailtreue.