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rdawnd's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
thesecretfawn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wideeyedcat's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
aksmith92's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A cute little adult fairy tale!
The Setup: Most of the novel follows Tristran Thorn, a mere 16 or 17-year-old boy who inevitably falls in absolute love with some random neighborhood gal. While walking with Victoria Forrester, said random neighborhood gal, he desperately wants to kiss her, or marry her, or something. He'll take anything! She declines any and all of those things, though, of course, because she's a propah lady! However, after they both see a shooting star seemingly fall in the distance, Victoria states if Tristran goes to find the star and brings it back to her, he can have what he wishes. Tristran sets on a quest to find this star to get the gal!
We watch as Tristran ventures beyond the wall of Wall (yes, the literal town he lives!) to fairie land, somewhere with loads of mythical and exciting creatures and beings. He meets a small hairy fellow, a couple of witches, an entertaining captain of the skies, a unicorn, and thelovely witty fallen star Yvaine. Along the way, he learns a lot about himself, meets some interesting (and sometimes deadly) beings, and even learns a little bit about his own past. It's quite an adventure!
What I Liked: Neil Gaiman has a way of writing. It's a little bit like Yoda-speak but more tolerable and enjoyable. I've read some of Gaiman's graphic novel works, and he has a beautiful way with words. I loved the prose and PLOT! The plot was just lovely. Gaiman has a very profound talent for turning myths and legends into complex and intriguing fantasy plotlines, and this was no different. I fell along for the ride with Tristran and Yvaine and thoroughly enjoyed all their obstacles and encounters. Additionally, it was sometimes quite funny, and I laughed out loud in some parts. Overall, this was a fun book. It was reminiscent of a cozy fantasy, except there was some violence and death, and the stake was relatively high. So, in reality, it was not. However, it did have many of those vibes throughout the novel. I found Tristran to be a ding dong, but he was supposed to be, which made the story believable.
What Didn't Work: As much as I enjoyed the premise, even if it was based on a silly little love story, I felt the character development was pretty lacking. I know this book wasn't necessarily about the characters. It was so clear that Gaiman's strength was in his storytelling and retelling of the myth(s). I appreciated that! However, I had a very challenging time connecting with the characters, leading me to not care about their own character stories. The love story (not the one you're probably thinking!) was just alright to me, even if, at times, the banter was semi-funny. Additionally, I felt the 85-90% mark was a little bit rushed, and the characters didn't have time to express feelings, but the end was fitting and pretty interesting.
Overall, I took this book at face value. Gaiman did an excellent job retelling myths and conjuring up a well-rounded story. I enjoyed myself and plan to read more of his work.
The Setup: Most of the novel follows Tristran Thorn, a mere 16 or 17-year-old boy who inevitably falls in absolute love with some random neighborhood gal. While walking with Victoria Forrester, said random neighborhood gal, he desperately wants to kiss her, or marry her, or something. He'll take anything! She declines any and all of those things, though, of course, because she's a propah lady! However, after they both see a shooting star seemingly fall in the distance, Victoria states if Tristran goes to find the star and brings it back to her, he can have what he wishes. Tristran sets on a quest to find this star to get the gal!
We watch as Tristran ventures beyond the wall of Wall (yes, the literal town he lives!) to fairie land, somewhere with loads of mythical and exciting creatures and beings. He meets a small hairy fellow, a couple of witches, an entertaining captain of the skies, a unicorn, and the
What I Liked: Neil Gaiman has a way of writing. It's a little bit like Yoda-speak but more tolerable and enjoyable. I've read some of Gaiman's graphic novel works, and he has a beautiful way with words. I loved the prose and PLOT! The plot was just lovely. Gaiman has a very profound talent for turning myths and legends into complex and intriguing fantasy plotlines, and this was no different. I fell along for the ride with Tristran and Yvaine and thoroughly enjoyed all their obstacles and encounters. Additionally, it was sometimes quite funny, and I laughed out loud in some parts. Overall, this was a fun book. It was reminiscent of a cozy fantasy, except there was some violence and death, and the stake was relatively high. So, in reality, it was not. However, it did have many of those vibes throughout the novel. I found Tristran to be a ding dong, but he was supposed to be, which made the story believable.
What Didn't Work: As much as I enjoyed the premise, even if it was based on a silly little love story, I felt the character development was pretty lacking. I know this book wasn't necessarily about the characters. It was so clear that Gaiman's strength was in his storytelling and retelling of the myth(s). I appreciated that! However, I had a very challenging time connecting with the characters, leading me to not care about their own character stories. The love story (not the one you're probably thinking!) was just alright to me, even if, at times, the banter was semi-funny. Additionally, I felt the 85-90% mark was a little bit rushed, and the characters didn't have time to express feelings, but the end was fitting and pretty interesting.
Overall, I took this book at face value. Gaiman did an excellent job retelling myths and conjuring up a well-rounded story. I enjoyed myself and plan to read more of his work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Animal death, Death, Slavery, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment
broken_shady's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ayetreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a wonderful story. Feels like a fairy tale for children.
mvanserra's review against another edition
4.0
Having seen the movie first,that too at a very early age, the magic present didn't really capture me as much. It was during the quarantine that I found myself recalling this beautiful movie and wanted to read the book. And boy was that a good decision. A book filled with warmth, magic and the rose lined romance, it is beautiful. Stardust is a wholesome package of what quintessential fairytales aspire to be.
nicolesbookcase's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
An enjoyable read by Gaiman! I love the world and the dark fairy tale theme and tone, and it was a quick read with a fantastic ending! Although I did enjoy this, I do think this is one of the few books where I think the movie is better.
xpressionless's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5