What magic waits for you just over the wall? That’s what
Tristan Thorn is about to discover as he embarks on a journey to bring back a
fallen star for his beloved.
Tristan Thorn is living a normal life in the town of Wall,
working in a shop and being smitten by the beautiful young Victoria. Victoria
doesn’t return Tristan’s affection, but to let him down easy she promises that
if he brings her a fallen star (which she’s convinced is impossible) that she
will give him a kiss and may even marry him. As luck would have it, Tristan
sees a falling star -- and with help from his father he sets out on his journey
into the Faerie lands, over the guarded wall that surrounds the town, to
retrieve the fallen star for his beloved. Tristan wasn’t the only person to see the star
fall. At the same time Tristan is on his quest to find the star, three sons of
the Lord of Stormhold are seeking the star for their own power as is an ancient
with named Madame Semele who wants to use the heart of the star to restore her
youth. Once he reaches the fallen star, Tristan is surprised to learn that it’s
actually a woman named Yvain who has broken her leg in the fall. He captures
her with a silver chain and is intent on bringing her back to Victoria. But
nothing really goes smoothly in the Faerie realm, does it? The sons of Stormhold and Madame Semele are in
hot pursuit, causing complications for Tristan and Yvain. Who will ultimately
end up with the fallen star? Will Tristan win Victoria’s heart, or will he
follow a different path?
Stardust is a highly enjoyable fantasy story about learning
who you really are and who you really love. Gaiman masterfully blends elements of fantasy and romance into a captivating story with plenty of magical surprises that are sure to delight readers.
Your review of Stardust well-written and very descriptive. It sounds like a great book. How did the movie compare to the novel?
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
DeleteFrom what I remember of the movie, it's more of a nod to the book. They use the same basic plot, they add a whole new character as well as some other changes, like a rigid barrier between human and faerie realm and the wall not opening every 9 years as it does in the book. I found the movie enjoyable even with these changes. Supposedly, Neil Gaiman approved of the film. I prefer the book, personally. :)
Hi Laura! It sounds like you enjoyed this book, and your review of it makes me really want to read it now. Also, I am interested in whether or not you have seen the 2007 movie adaptation of this book, like Suzanne asked. It would be interesting to hear if the movie-makers stayed true to the source material or, as most seem to be want to do, they deviated from the book's plot a bit (or a lot). Anyways, good review!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie! I have seen the movie and I would say that it's more "inspired by" the novel. They add an entirely new character to the film, and don't really focus on the magical realm as much. I think the movie is entertaining, but it feels more like a nod to the book than a great adaptation. Definitely read the book first before watching the movie. :)
DeleteFantastic review, descriptive and eloquent. Full points!
ReplyDelete