Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I [Paperback]

What a unique book! I'm totally in love with everything about it; characters, setting, story, writing. I was not expecting that at all.
Bertie, our leading lady, grew up in what can only be described as a magical theatre. Every character from every play could potentially be on a days call sheet and have to show up from wherever they are when they're not in the theatre.
Bertie is a witty, smart, personable, trouble maker and I love her. Together with her four fairy best friends (they are the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream); who are hilarious and the best part of the book- roam the theatre getting into mischievous, socializing with the other players and visiting different sets.
Bertie has two love interests; Ariel an air spirit and her first real friend upon coming to the theatre (until a falling out). And Nate, a pirate. I love me a hot pirate, and Nate is no exception. Mmmm....
Bertie soon finds she's being asked to leave the theatre, the only home and family she's even known. But is given one last chance to prove why she should be allowed to stay. Of course nothing goes as planned and Bertie soon finds an even bigger problem standing in her way. One where the whole theatre and players could be lost forever.
Mantchev's writing is refreshing and different. With very witty dialogue and the fascinating Theatre Illuminata as the back drop there is no reason not to love this book!

Bought this book as I thought it was an interesting concept, something different from vampires, fey, etc.

It was so difficult to get through the book, writing did not flow, execution of the concept was poor. There were some interesting parts, but not enough to rescue the book.

What first drew me to this book was the beautiful artwork on the cover. I would walk into Chapters every other week and always pick up this book read the excerpt and book it back. Unfortunately at the time I didn't have any extra money to spend on books so I had to wait. But the wait was worth it. Lisa knows how to take "boring" Shakespeare and make it interesting. I would have preferred to read her versions in high school.
My likes:
- New twists on famous theatre characters
- Bertie is a strong female type who doesn't let any of the boys push her around
- I LOVE the fairies. They had the best dialogue throughout the book. They are always talking about cupcakes and other delicious treats. (I wanted to go buy a cupcake every time they talked about sweets) My favourite scene in the entire book is as follows:

Bertie snatched Moth from midair. "How do you feel? Any more free than usual?"
He paused to Reflect. "Yeah, but only because I'm not wearing underwear today."
Cobweb and Mustardseed backed away from him. "You're going commando?'
Moth nodded. "I forget to five Mrs. Edith my hamper this week."
"Aw, man! I want to go commando, too!" Cobweb said as he reached for his trouser buttons.
Page 191 - 192

I was in tears laughing so hard at this scene it is my favourite
- Nate - I love me some pirate, and perfect for Bertie
- Ariel - Though I think I like him more for his gracefulness and looks. Don't think he is the one for Bertie. He is for me
Dislikes:
- My only complaint is trying to understand how the Theatre work was confusing at first but Lisa explained it near the end.
Overall this is a great book for someone wanting to read something happier than vampires, ghosts and werewolves and loves classical theatre productions.

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