Lisa Mantchev

Penny Farthing is not having an easy time of it. The doctor responsible for implanting her prototype clockwork heart is on trial for multiple murders he committed while working on an improved heart for her. While heading to the trial there's an explosion at her family's warehouse and shortly thereafter Penny discovers her parents have been kidnapped. And then all hell really breaks loose. Working with her twin brother, Nic, and their two best friends Sebastian and Violet, Penny must find her show more parents and thwart the doctor's plans that threaten the entire empire of Industria.

A rollicking good read. Mantchev creates a wonderful steampunk world in which to let her characters loose. While the first half of the novel feels a bit breakneck in its pace as one calamity after another arises, the book is never dull. Penny and her crew of friends are a delightful bunch and while the plot moves along so quickly that character development becomes a secondary concern, they aren't just stick figures on which to hang fantastic Victorian costumes and impressive steampunk weapons. I also enjoyed that the minor paranormal element that's included in the novel is in line with the Victorian era's obsession with seances and mesmerism. A completely fun read that I highly recommend whether you're a steampunk fan or have never encountered the genre before. show less

I love so many things about Lisa Mantchev's novels. The settings and characters are imaginative, colorful, and undeniably fun. Both EYES LIKE STARS and PERCHANCE TO DREAM are gorgeous novels, inside and out.

I am definitely Team Nate, so the parts of the novel where Bertie's relationship and love for Ariel deepens was complete torture. I don't think I've ever been so unsure of a character as I am with Bertie; I really have no clue who she'll choose. And I can't help but hope, that if she show more doesn't pick Nate, that she'll decide to choose neither. I don't know what it is about Ariel, but I just loathe the thought of her being with him. I think Ariel is a bit too pretty for my tastes. I feel like Nate genuinely loves Bertie, while her relationship with Ariel is based more on lust. I'll never understand you, Team Ariel.

Bertie learns more about her role as Mistress of Revels and Teller of Tales and her magical word-related abilities in PTD. The mishaps that occur due to sloppy word choice were entertaining and redefined the importance of choosing your words wisely.

The fairies provided many hilarious lines and situations... as well as a growling stomach with all their talk of scrumptious treats.

The ending of PTD left me a bit disappointed and anxious for the next installment. I can't say too much without spoiling it for those who haven't read it yet, but it simply didn't satify me. I'm confident that Mantchev will resolve the issues in the next novel, but I'm too impatient to wait! show less

The Good: There are so many amazing traits about this book that if I can't even tell you about them without sounding too fangirly. And that'll make me look stupid and you'll probably not read the book. Which is an a freaking crime against nature!

Let's start with the plot. I can honestly say that I have never read anything like it before. So right off the bat, it's creative and unique! Sure, Eyes Like Stars is not the only book dealing with the theatre or Shakespeare or even characters from show more books coming to life, but it's how the author (Lisa Mantchev) made it her own that really captivated me.

On to the characters! Bertie is such a strong character, she just lept off the pages and commanded the reader's attention. She's not perfect, but you can't help but want to be her. Confident, quick on her feet, quirky, witty... Bertie is just a fantastic character! Although it's told in third-person, I really felt for Bertie. Whenever she triumphs, you can't help but grin. Whenever she fails, you can't help but worry and hope that everything will work out for her. And, whenever she makes up a new scheme, you can't help but root for her. No matter how flabbergasting it is.

And last but certainly not least, Ariel. Oh, Ariel, Ariel... WHY ARE YOU NOT REAL?? I-he, Oh my freakin' goodness... *drools* The reason why I love him so much is because he IS SO FREAKIN' COMPLEX! The moment you think you got him figured out, BAM! He does something that makes you reevaluate his whole character.

And the faeries, oh how I love them! They are just full of interesting quirks and the take the book to a whole new level. The book isn't always happy, but these clever characters make it so much more enjoyable with their wacky antics.

I could go on and on about how I loved Nate and his way of talking (another layer aded to this book!), how much I loved Lisa Mantchev's adaption of the Shakspearean characters, and how much I loved the rest of the characters (who are so distinct from each other!)... but I won't. If I talk about them anymore, you'll probably grow sick of hearing about them and might not read the book. So, I'll stop because this book is not to be missed!

The Bad: This is so weird, I cannot think of anything bad with this book! Nothing comes to mind, whether because it's really late and my brain is not functioning or the book is really that good.

Hopefully, you'll agree that it's the second opinion because that's how I feel.

Overall: Let's review, shall we?: Eyes Like Stars has an amazingly well-written, original, and enchanting storyline; is has hilarious, memorable, and vibrant characters; and a MUST READ anyone looking for the time of their lives.

Like I said before, I suggest you run- no, hijack a really fast vehicle of transportation and speed all the way to your nearest bookstore. You will not regret it, even if you do get arrested!

Grade: A show less

Book Review Act One

Haha. For some reason I thought it would be good to get into character before beginning the review for Eyes Like Stars. I will admit, I picked up the sequel in pure shallowness. I saw the cover and immediately took it home from the library. It wasn't until I got home that I realized it was Book 2. I have a policy against reading sequels before beginning installments. So I came up here, found the title of the first book...I admit I was still rather shallow. I went and show more found it at the library and brought it home to read...because it had a beautiful cover. I DID read the excerpt and all that good stuff, but I just had to give it a shot.

I was in awe the whole way through. The timing of this book is IMPECCABLE. I had read Hamlet prior to this, but we had actually just finished it in my English class. I thought that was a rather nice coincidence since the story was fresh in my mind, even though it is not necessary to know Shakespeare to appreciate this book. It just adds a little fun getting to see a different side of the characters people have been familiar with for centuries.

I loved the layout of the book. The extra fonts were gorgeous. The characters were so lovable. Bertie was such a delightful protagonist. She has so much spirit & spunk, Bertie is a really hard character to dislike. Sure, she loses her head in times when she shouldn't, but she's only human. I find her screw-ups to be quite amiable.

Lisa Mantchev has managed to create a cast of such wonderful characters. I honestly don't know whether I prefer Nate to Ariel or vice versa. I cannot wait to get started on [b:Perchance To Dream|7179686|Perchance to Dream (Théâtre Illuminata, #2)|Lisa Mantchev|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317792140s/7179686.jpg|7652031]. I love the fact that Mrs. Mantchev decided to use book 1 as a sort of background story and continue with adventure as the series continues while still leaving bits of mystery to Bertie's past. This book was a pure delight. It left a sparkle in my eyes and a laugh in my heart. =) show less