Kate Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 Synopsis: Stardust is an utterly charming fairy tale in the tradition of The Princess Bride and The Neverending Story. Neil Gaiman, creator of the darkly elegant Sandman comics and author of The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, tells the story of young Tristran Thorn and his adventures in the land of Faerie. One fateful night, Tristran promises his beloved that he will retrieve a fallen star for her from beyond the Wall that stands between their rural English town (called, appropriately, Wall) and the Faerie realm. No one ever ventures beyond the Wall except to attend an enchanted flea market that is held every nine years (and during which, unbeknownst to him, Tristran was conceived). But Tristran bravely sets out to fetch the fallen star and thus win the hand of his love. His adventures in the magical land will keep you turning pages as fast as you can--he and the star escape evil old witches, deadly clutching trees, goblin press-gangs, and the scheming sons of the dead Lord of Stormhold. The story is by turns thrillingly scary and very funny. You'll love goofy, earnest Tristran and the talking animals, gnomes, magic trees, and other irresistible denizens of Faerie that he encounters in his travels. Stardust is a perfect read-aloud book, a brand-new fairy tale you'll want to share with a kid, or maybe hoard for yourself. (If you read it to kids, watch out for a couple of spicy sex bits and one epithet.) --Therese Littleton This is the first Gaiman novel I have read, and I enjoyed it. It wasn't a long read but it was full of imagination and fun. The story follows Tristran as he goes through The Wall to catch the fallen star, to bring her back to his "true love". Except, the Star is not overly happy to be joined to Tristran, especially when he saves her and she is in debt to him. They encounter all sorts of fantastical creatures, including trees that gave out advice, and witches who changed people into animals. This was a great book. There is so much imagination and life in this book - and I liked the Star most. I thought it was great that she was so stubborn - not what you would expect. Tristran was a great read too. I liked how his character changed and matured. There were so many different characters in this book which all added to the story, I loved it! There were other stories that ran through book, including the witches who wanted to be young again and the brother's fighting to rule the kingdom - but they were all linked by the star. I liked that there were sub-plots throughout the book, made for a more interesting read. And I found the ghosts of the brothers hilarious! Gaiman reminds me of Terry Pratchett - and I know they have worked together. Both have amazing imaginations and write thoroughly entertaining books. Some of the creatures they both create I would never have dreamed of, but now I have encountered them and love them! I will be reading more Gaiman I think, because this was a fun, exciting, gripping book. Gaiman's descriptions are very good and his characters are so much fun! If you like fantasy and humour, this is for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 Great review Kate, I enjoyed 'Stardust' immensely, its such a great read, full of imagination, just lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 This was my first Gaiman also and I reckon it's the pretties thing he ever wrote, his others tend to be a bit darker but the quality is consistent, I'm pleased to report Neverwhere is particularly amazing, IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 This is on my TBR list so am looking forward to it after all the comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 Absolutely loved this book .....good review Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookie Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 This is on my TBR shelf but I haven't got around to reading it yet, but after your great review I will def have to bump it up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopeanha Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 (edited) I just bought this book (because I looove the movie) and I can't wait to get started. Need to finish The Tree of Seasons first though. Edited June 29, 2010 by lopeanha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I just bought this book (because I looove the movie) and I can't wait to get started.There are a couple of major differences between the book and the film, but since the changes were all made by Gaiman himself because of 'x works better on the page but y would work better on screen' kinda considerations, if you loved one you should love the other - I saw the film first and love both, f'rinstance . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandMan Posted July 4, 2010 Share Posted July 4, 2010 Good review, looking forward to reading the book, its on my pile. I really enjoyed American Gods by the same author, anyone else read it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted July 4, 2010 Share Posted July 4, 2010 Sandman, there's a thread here for American Gods. If you use the search facility, you'll often find threads for popular books/authors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandMan Posted July 4, 2010 Share Posted July 4, 2010 (edited) Sandman, there's a thread here for American Gods. If you use the search facility, you'll often find threads for popular books/authors. Ta muchly! P.S. Heads up, theres an interview with Neil Gaiman on bbc news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10502324.stm Edited July 4, 2010 by SandMan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo Posted July 4, 2010 Share Posted July 4, 2010 I loved this book, too. It's not my favorite of Gaiman's (American Gods and Neverwhere are tied for first), but it's a great read! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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