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Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I Hardcover – July 7, 2009

by Lisa Mantchev (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 211 ratings
See all formats and editions
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All her world's a stage.

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

She's 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. BERTIE'S sidekicks.

ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Bertie's 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 Book--an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family--and 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.


Open Curtain

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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 3
    Theatre Illuminata
  3. Print length
    368 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    7 - 9
  6. Lexile measure
    HL740L
  7. Dimensions
    5.92 x 1.21 x 8.58 inches
  8. Publisher
    Feiwel & Friends
  9. Publication date
    July 7, 2009
  10. ISBN-10
    0312380968
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0312380960
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up—Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, a sarcastic, likable 17-year-old, must find a way to make herself invaluable to the Théâtre Illuminata or she will be forced to leave the only home she has ever known. How she arrived at the theater as a baby is somewhat of a mystery, and through the years she has been allowed to run free and cause mayhem of one kind or another. Beatrice proposes to restage Hamlet set in ancient Egypt and promises it will be the sell-out performance that will restore the Théâtre to its former glory. If that were all, the story line would be fairly straightforward. However, the Théâtre Illuminata is no ordinary theater. Characters from the world's major plays live inside, summoned forth by pinning a note on the Call Board. They are bound to the physical confines of the theater by the pages in The Complete Works of the Stage, an enchanted book. Scene changes happen magically by command, though human Properties and Scenic Managers argue over which pieces belong to whom. The fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream provide the comic relief, and Ariel and Ophelia provide some of the action. Readers who have some knowledge of or interest in theatrical productions will have the easiest time following the twists and turns of the plot, which is especially confusing in the beginning. However, wondering what crazy thing will happen next will keep them going. The ending is a little unsatisfying, and it is clear that a sequel is coming. Nonetheless, the story is clever, if a bit melodramatic at times, and Beatrice is a fun character.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Lisa Mantchev's theatrical fantasy 'Eyes Like Stars' pits a plucky orphan, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, and her fairy attendants against the wiles of Ariel and a stuffy stage manager. (New York Times Book Review)

All the world's truly a stage in Lisa Mantchev's innovative tale, Eyes Like Stars. Magical stagecraft, unmanageable fairies, and a humourous cast of classical characters form the backdrop for this imaginative coming-of age. (Suzanne Collins)

With an iron-willed girl hero whose magic is with words, and a universe that is also the ultimate theater, Eyes Like Stars is the most unusual fantasy I've read this year! I recommend it to anyone who loves drama, strong girls, and rowdy faery folk! (Tamora Pierce)

Electric…delicious…fascinating…vivid…smart and sassy…bawdy and hilarious…Brava! Encore! (Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review)

Bertie's determined efforts to become invaluable form the basic plot in this wildly imagined adventure…Mantchev clearly knows theater from all angles, and she uses inventive play-within-play formats to create a tumble of multiple, even metaphysical narratives filled with delicious banter and familiar characters from the dramatic canon. Many teens, particularly those with some theatrical background, will look forward to the sequel suggested at the end of this bravely flamboyant and wholly original romp. (Booklist)

Mantchev's first novel feels dreamlike…underneath is a solid story about the search for happiness and identity. Inside jokes will delight drama club devotees…but this passionate debut should attract a broader readership as well. (Publishers Weekly)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Feiwel & Friends; First Edition (July 7, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312380968
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312380960
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ HL740L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.92 x 1.21 x 8.58 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 211 ratings

About the author

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Lisa Mantchev

Lisa Mantchev

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Lisa Mantchev writes award-winning picture books for kids (STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS has been translated into eleven languages and turned into a musical!) speculative fiction for teens, and urban fantasy for grown-ups.

Stay updated with all the fun and glitter at her author website: www.lisamantchev.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
211 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the storyline intriguing and enchanted. They describe the characters as rich, likable, and mischievous. The writing quality is praised for its beautiful descriptions and understated prose. The comedy and refreshing style are also appreciated.

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StorylineCharacter developmentWriting qualityComedyBreathability
22 customers mention "Storyline"20 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the unique storyline and premise of the book. They find it intriguing, with its magical book of plays, eccentric characters, and refreshing fusion of stage and narrative. The writing is described as clever and entertaining, with the main character's external conflict being decently entertaining.

"...of mine, but because she is an amazing writer who has told an amazing story filled with rich characters." Read more

"...This is just a phenomonal book! It is so unique, so well written and so wonderfully visual...." Read more

"...The Theatre Illuminata with its magical book of plays, eccentric characters, and all the friends she's ever known is Bertie Shakespeare Smith's home..." Read more

"...Hmmm.... I think I shall make out with him now". The world itself is intriguing and you are thrown right into it with little explanation of how..." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"9 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the rich and likable characters in the book. They find the story engaging and praise the author's writing style.

"...is an amazing writer who has told an amazing story filled with rich characters." Read more

"...The Theatre Illuminata with its magical book of plays, eccentric characters, and all the friends she's ever known is Bertie Shakespeare Smith's home..." Read more

"...I did find the main character a bit immature but then again... Maybe everyone that age seems immature to me now that I'm in my thirties haha!..." Read more

"...Bertie herself is rather mischievous and usually likable. I was a bit smitten with her tendency to dye her hair...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the words and descriptions beautiful, with the story appearing effortlessly. The understated prose keeps the focus on the characters.

"...is a book that is about the magic of the stage, this is a book about the power of writing, this is a book about a young girl finding her way and her..." Read more

"...With great writing the story simply "appears" with little effort as I'm reading. Oh that's just heaven for me the reader!..." Read more

"...somewhat lost and therefore their reaction was predictable but not believable...." Read more

"...To the book's benefit, the understated prose keeps the focus on what's going on with the characters rather than on the words...." Read more

7 customers mention "Comedy"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it witty, with a standout character and perfect comedic timing. The book is described as a fun theatre novel about the magic of the stage.

"...This is a book that is about the magic of the stage, this is a book about the power of writing, this is a book about a young girl finding her way..." Read more

"...The four fairy sidekicks from A Midsummer Night's Dream provide plenty of comic relief and the narration itself isn't afraid of a witty quip or two...." Read more

"...Bertie herself is rather mischievous and usually likable. I was a bit smitten with her tendency to dye her hair...." Read more

"...I also love how the Theatre is almost alive and another character in this story...." Read more

3 customers mention "Breathability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book refreshing and engaging. They appreciate the unique writing style that blends narrative and dialogue.

"...The best way to describe it is that it was a fresh air to my mind...." Read more

"...Lisa Mantchev's writing is unique and refreshing, a fusion of stage and narrative...." Read more

"...them and they moved so well in and out of the dialog and they really breathed life. Unfortunately I did not favor the double plots...." Read more

Disappointed with condition
1 out of 5 stars
Disappointed with condition
I am disappointed with the condition of the cover. There are invdentions and scratches all over! I purposely selected "new" instead of "used" to avoid this. Would not have paid that much for the book, had I known it would be like this, not worth 30$ that's for sure... returning
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Everett Robert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rediscover the magic of the theater
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Few books move me the way that this book did.

    First off, fair warning, Lisa Mantchev is an old friend of mine from the mid 90s. However time and space and life being what it is, I fell away from many friends from that time in my life. Then Facebook came and a couple of months ago, I reconnected with this old friend, found out she was a published author and her book was about a magical theater.

    Well, I'm an actor, a director, and a playwright and this seemed like the sort that would be right up my alley. But I resisted. I wasn't sure why but I did. Perhaps the gods of the theater weren't smiling on me? Perhaps Puck or Thespis or Ariel were conspiring against me. I'm not sur. I kept suggesting the book to everyone I met but not reading it myself.

    I then bought it one day on Amazon. I had some credit left on a gift card and decided to use part of it on this.

    I'm glad I did.

    Few books move me the way this book did.

    I repeat that for dramatic reasons but also because it's true.

    This is a book that is about the magic of the stage, this is a book about the power of writing, this is a book about a young girl finding her way and her place, and this is also a book about a girl finding her mother.

    I love the theater and found my "home" on the stage, just as Beatrice Shakespeare Smith did. I am a playwright and director, just like Bertie. And I'm adopted.

    This isn't a typical review that gives an overview of the story. This is emotional gut feelings coming out.

    This isn't Twilight transposed to the theater, this is wholly unique. This is...well it's magic. It made this writer of theater believe in the power of theater again. It made me long to see the stars in the eyes of young actors as they discover the power of theater too.

    Also Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed are awesome!

    Read this book! Not because Lisa is a friend of mine, but because she is an amazing writer who has told an amazing story filled with rich characters.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Darcy Wishard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eyes Like Stars...Gimme more please!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    Enter Stage Right
    All her world's a stage...Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater. She's not an orphan, but she has no parents. She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own. Until now. Welcome to the Theatre Illuminata, where the characters of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Theatre by The Book- an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, buth they are her family - she is about to loose them all and the only home she has ever known.

    This is just a phenomonal book! It is so unique, so well written and so wonderfully visual. By my account, one of the first signs of a great book is when I barely have to try and visualize the story. With great writing the story simply "appears" with little effort as I'm reading. Oh that's just heaven for me the reader!

    I also simply adored all the central characters in this story! Even the "bad" guys have their own appeal! Bertie (Beatrice) our heroine, is an eaisly likeable lead and lets just say her ever-present sidekicks, the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream, will keep you rolling. I was laughing so much even my non-reader of a husband kept asking me what was so funny!

    I don't want to give you too much info but...we follow Bertie as she desperatly seeks a way not to loose her beloved theatre (it would seem some people do not apprectiate her oft lively shenanigans.) Along the way Bertie finds herself in a love triangle (oh that always makes things so much more spicier!) and clues to her mysterious past. Maybe Bertie will finally find out exactly how she found her way to the Theatre Illuminata.

    This book will do great in middle school on up. Even kids who aren't familiar with the multiple play characters will still enjoy the story, but having the prior knowledge just makes it that much better.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lauras_Book_Addiction
    2.0 out of 5 stars eyes like stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    i really wanted to love this book but i only ended up liking it which was sad for me but i did love betie and thought that her story of how she came to the to be there really good all though i didnt love it i will be buying perchance to dream the 2nd book because i want to find out what happens next to betie and if shes gets to find out all the bits that the first book didnt tell and who she ends up with
    Report