Eyes Like Stars (Théâtre Illuminata #1)

Lisa Mantchev takes the warm familiarity of Shakespeare and other classic plays and presents them in a fresh, fantastical way through Théâtre Illuminata. She presents her tale with a quirky irreverence—one that I believe holds the potential to restore the interest of many a high school student who've been, regrettably, force-fed a curricular version of Shakespeare. Those with a theater background are likely to find this book all the more entertaining. For those less accustomed, bare with it. The structure may take a little getting used to.

Bertie makes for a saucy upstart of a heroine, as loyal to her friends as she is prone to haphazard experimentation (of the theatrical variety, of course). Despite her surreal surroundings, she is, at her heart, a strong-willed and relatable young woman. Though she doesn't know who she is or where she came from. Bertie spends much of her time torn between bravely striking out to find herself and clinging to the familiar--and to those she regards as her surrogate family.

The writing is sound, and the style and imagery are charming. Once I picked up the rules and immersed myself in the whimsical drama of the world, it became a most enjoyable ride. I look forward to the sequels!

Reader reviewed by Ruthie

Reader reviewed by Libmaven

With Eyes Like Stars Lisa Mantchev opens the door to the Theatre Illuninata where all the characters of literature live, just waiting to act their parts. Amid the dramatis personae lives Beatrice Shakespere Smith, an orphan who has grown up in the theatre. Prone to getting into mischief with the help of Moth, Peaseblossom, and other Midsummer Night's Dream faeries, Beatrice must prove her worth and find her role in the theatre or face being expelled out into the wider real world. I appreciate authors who create a world that is so appealing I hate to disengage my imagination and put the book aside; I am already craving the sequel. (reviewed from the ARC)

Reader reviewed by Yan

Outstandingthis book will keep its reader on the edge of their seats. Lisa Mantchev has written an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, back-tingling book that I cannot wait until the sequel is released.

At first I was completely bogged down by the onslaught of names, nicknames (somehow Beatrice and Bertie doesnt equal when I first read it), pandemonium. But a few chapters in I felt much more comfortable, basking in the glow of the theatre.

Each character had a vivid personality that every reader will have in some way or form love. I fell in love with almost character with their unique and distinctive way of coming through the book.

The plotline while slow at first breaks through with a touch of sass, drama, and twists! Oh the plot twist! Im zipping my mouth up about that.

Really I seem to have issues gushing about this book.

Overall: It was spectacular!

Reader reviewed by Iryna

All her worlds a stage.

Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.

Shes 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. BERTIES sidekicks.

ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Berties 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 Bookan ancient and magical tome of
scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her familyand 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.

Eyes Like Stars.
The title alone holds so much promise, so much possibility. The
beautiful cover painting of Bertie, our heroine, is absolutely
breathtaking. You open the book to the first page, and the fancy font
brings a smile to your face. The only question that remains is, "What
about the actual content of the book? Was it as enchanting as you
thought it would be?" Well . . . yes. No. Yes and no.

Let
me start with the best part of this book first: the writing. Lisa
Mantchev's writing is just astonishing. It's one of those things that
you simply can not describe because it's so amazing and wow-ifying. It
was an elegant butterfly fluttering in the breeze. It was a heart
shattering in an infinite number of pieces. Mantchev's writing is so
wonderful that I think you should read this book just to witness it's
beauty.

However, even though I loved the writing, Eyes Like Stars also has it's weak points.

For
example, the beginning is quite confusing at first so you have to
re-read a few parts to understand what is happening. This novel is also
a little slow and takes time reading (at least for me). It's one of
those books that you just can't read in one sitting. I also feel that
even though the twists in this story were clever, I'm sure they could
have been delivered a little better.

Even then, the ending of
this book left me feeling very satisfied and paved out a very promising
Book Two in this series. Lisa Mantchev is a flower that will soon
flourish - I'm sure of it. :)

Reprinted here from www.gardenofbooksa.blogspot.com with author's permission.