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Friday, February 10, 2017

Kirkus Style Review - Stardust by Neil Gaiman

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. 

5 comments:

  1. Your review of Stardust well-written and very descriptive. It sounds like a great book. How did the movie compare to the novel?

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      From 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. :)

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  2. 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!

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    1. Hi 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. :)

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  3. Fantastic review, descriptive and eloquent. Full points!

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