Review in One Act: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Title: Eyes Like Stars (Théâtre Illuminata #1)
Author: Lisa Mantchev
Pages: 352
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: Fantasy
Release: July 7th 2009
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Amazon

All her world’s a stage.
Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater. She’s not an orphan, but she has no parents. She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own. That is, until now.
Enter Stage Right
NATE. Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie.
COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARD SEED, and PEASEBLOSSOM. Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. BERTIE’S sidekicks.
ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Bertie’s weakness. The symbol of impending doom.
BERTIE. Our heroine.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book — an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family — and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.
Open Curtain

A review in one act

Open Curtain

Natalia (The blogger)

(sitting in her bed and moping some tears from her cheeks with a kleenex) Beautiful!! So lovely!! (through the kleenex away) My dear readers and fellow bloggers, I just finished reading Eyes Likes Stars by Lisa Mantchev! The ending of this book wasn't sad at all, but It was written in such a beautiful way that I feel overwhelmed! *sniff, sniff* Oh my! Specially he last few lines! They have such a strong feeling of adventure, freedom and the promise of a whole new world to discover that it moved me to tears. Can't help it. *sniff* *sigh* (stands up from her bed and take a few steps towards the audience) But I don't want to talk about the ending of the book or what the plot is about. I want to tell you how I feel about this book and why I want you to read it. (rising one arm and smiling) Yey! (looking up into the light and gently rubbing her fingers on her chin) Oh Lisa Mantchev... You did surprise me! (looking to front into the audience's eyes and putting her hands on her hips) Eyes Like Stars was a very peculiar fantasy. Honestly, I think this book is one of a kind. Very unique and magical. It is so different that, to be honest, it took me many pages to get familiar with the World Matchev created. It wasn't until page hundred-twenty-something that I really got used to the very singular place of the Théâtre Illuminata. I enjoyed all the hundred-twenty-something previous pages, but it did feel foreign to what I usually read. And I know that hundred-twenty-something is a lot but not that much compared to everything this book has to offers. Seriously, after I got familiar with this world, I was blown away with every single act that the wondrous Théâtre Illuminata, cast and crew offered me. I loved the story! (taking a few more steps and sitting at the edge of the stage) You know? I would really love to live in the Théâtre Illuminata. This theatre is filled with magic and it seems to have life by itself. This theatre magically changes from one setting to another bringing the entire world in this one place. Seriously, so many things happened in this one place that morphs into whatever you want it to be that it was...(looking beyond the audience with a lost gaze) it was... it was... marvelous and fascinating and...and.... Yeah! I am kinda lost of words but you know what I mean! It was such a delightful experience! *sighs* *smile* (looking back to the audience, crossing a leg over the other and supporting her chin on her hand) I really love the feeling that this book gave me. Seriously, I really felt like sitting on the front row of the theater! It was like watching a play even though this story is not written in play form. It is incredibly well done! And Oh my dear friends! I love the cast. There are hilarious, alluring, cute and mysterious characters that can easily steal your heart. I love Bertie! she is a very brave and smart the heroine! Nate is the cutest pirate ever and Ariel...Whoaaaa! Now I think that I definitely have a thing for airy spirits! There are many other wonderful characters but it would be so much better if you meet them by yourself. I also loved this innovative collision of classical and contemporary environment in this place. Sometimes you see jeans and blue hair or corsets and long dresses and other things here and there. I really like the visual variety I saw in the story. I have never read something like this before and I loved it! (standing up) I am really happy I read Eyes Like Stars. Such a magical story with such unique lovable characters is worth having on the shelf of every fantasy lover. Although this book might not be for everyone, I highly recommend to step out of the shell and pick up this book! Seriously, once you get entangled with this world, there is no way you want it to end! (Taking a few steps back stopping right in front of her bed) Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev will certainly be a wonderful experience of self discovery, adventure, friendship, love and so much more! This is the kind of story that always takes a special place in readers' heart. Bertie, Nate, Ariel, four mischievous faeries and many other fascinating characters are waiting for you to sit in the front row and enjoy their play! I certainly did! (getting back into bed covering herself and ready to sleep) And that, my dear friends, is all I wanted to say. Good night!

Closing Curtain

Acknowledgment

I'd like to thank to my dear Wendy from a Cupcake and a Latte who motivated me to read this book! and to Lisa Mantchev for writing such marvelous book!

Visit the author's website at http://lisamantchev.livejournal.com/

Visit the books' website at http://theatre-illuminata.com/