Who Would Like This Book:
Step into a beautifully woven fairy tale that's as witty as it is magical! Neil Gaiman's 'Stardust' is a whimsical, grown-up adventure through the border of Victorian England and the enchanting world of Faerie, featuring falling stars (that talk back), crafty witches, sky pirates, and quests for true love. Gaiman's prose is crisp, clever, and sparkles with a nostalgic, old-school fairy tale vibe, making this novel perfect for fantasy lovers, dreamers, and anyone who likes a touch of darkness and humor with their magic. If you loved 'The Princess Bride', are enchanted by folklore, or just want a fairy tale that's a little more grown-up, this book is for you.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers didn't connect with Stardust's style, finding it either too simplistic or not fleshed out enough in terms of characters and plot depth. The episodic structure and 'storybook' tone may feel predictable or lack the emotional punch some expect from fantasy novels. Those sensitive to occasional mature language, brief adult content, or moments of violence might be jarred by how these mix with the fairy tale setting. Also, if you adored the movie, you might find the book less romantic or adventurous in comparison - many feel the film adds humor, energy, and bolder character arcs.
About:
Stardust by Neil Gaiman is a charming fairy tale that follows the journey of a young man named Tristran Thorn who ventures into the magical land of Faerie to retrieve a fallen star in order to win the heart of his beloved. The story is filled with fantastical elements, whimsical characters, and a blend of adventure and romance that captivates readers. Gaiman's writing style is described as flowery yet not overly ornate, with an ability to portray the extraordinary as commonplace while maintaining a sense of wonder throughout the narrative.
Tristran's quest leads him to unexpected twists and turns in Faerie, encountering witches, magical beings, and a variety of perils that challenge his character and resolve. The book weaves together traditional fairy tale tropes with unique and quirky aspects that set it apart from standard fantasy quests, offering readers a delightful and enchanting story that explores themes of love, bravery, and the importance of keeping promises.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include some mild violence, adult themes, and implied sexual situations.
Has Romance?
The book features a prominent romance as its central theme, detailing the love story between Tristran and Yvaine.
From The Publisher:
Now a major motion picture-this charming fairy tale by the #1 New York Times bestselling author, weaves a magical story set long ago in the tiny English village of Wall, a place where things are not quite what they seem.
Go and catch a falling star . . .
Tristran Thorn promises to bring back a fallen star for his beloved, the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester-and crosses the wall that divides his English country town from another, more dangerous world of lords and witches, all of them in search of the star. Rich with adventure and magic, Stardust is one of master storyteller Neil Gaiman's most beloved tales.
"Eminently readable-a charming piece of work."
-Washington Post Book World
"Beautiful, memorable . . . A book full of marvels."
-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ratings (465)
Incredible (70) | |
Loved It (200) | |
Liked It (130) | |
It Was OK (46) | |
Did Not Like (15) | |
Hated It (4) |
Reader Stats (928):
Read It (490) | |
Currently Reading (6) | |
Want To Read (257) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (170) |
8 comment(s)
I won't say I hated it, but I tried to read it many many moons ago and it didn't sit right, then I forgot it...but then I saw the movie, COR! Amazing! So I ran back to the book with open arms and heart full of hope and joy - only to have it slug me in the face with it being bland! And boring?!? And, oh horror, far inferior to the movie! Oh Mr G... *turns tear filled eyes from the author* I think I need to read other people... *runs from room, sobbing wildly and surreptitiously wiping nose on sleeve*
Narniaesque whimsy with a fairytale feel and satisfyingly warm ending.
I adored this fairy tale with a storytellers vibe. It felt old but also fresh and heartfelt, and a bit melancholy, which I don’t usually like, but I liked in this book.
Magical worlds + Love + Adventure = Neil Gaiman!
Gaiman has certainly created another happy, magical world, detached from real world, just like [b:Neverwhere|14497|Neverwhere|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348747943s/14497.jpg|16534].
Story begins in the Victorian English village of Wall, a place that is detached from the outer world. Every nine years, a market is held where miraculous things are sold and bought. Dunstan Thorn , a village farmer is fallen into the charm of a sales girl at a witch caravan and Tristan Thorn is born. Raised without knowledge of his birth, Tristan falls in love with a local beauty, Victoria Forester.
Tristan vows to do anything for her hand in marriage and Victorian, in a whim of playfulness asks for the fallen star that she saw a few moments ago. Tristan, in love, sets out on the quest, but he is not the only one who is on this quest! Old witch queens , Throne seekers are also his competitors.
A charming love story of magic, moon and charms,adventures, we meet different magical creatures, some mean, some lovely which one can just dive in to.
Absolutely charming and delightful. Read the whole thing with a big smile on my face. Sweet and funny and gooey.
All his writing has misogyny built in, further confirmed by the rl whisper network saying women should never be alone with him - sadly unable to protect everyone.
Read this after watching the movie and expected a great story. It was only half there. There are SO many threads that just got dropped. Like started ideas and characters that just don't go anywhere. The movie was amazing. Truly a good story. The book needed to be finished.
Many years ago, as a teenager, I watched a movie based on this book, and I liked it very much. So, I have been planning to read the book for a long time. Therefore, my expectations were very high. A bit too high, I'm afraid. It is a good book, but either not entirely for me or I wasn't in the right mood.
It is quite possible that the latter is true. Because I found myself quite often not following this story too closely. And it's not because I remembered the plot of the movie particularly well. I don't know why it happened. It's not that this book is boring. I was just losing my focus too often.
Which is why this story didn't enamour me as much as I expected. It was fine. I don't have many things to say about it. It's hard for me to say what I didn't like and what I particularly liked about it. Undoubtedly, it is an interesting story and highly creative.
This is my first book by this author, but his vivid imagination certainly interested me, even if this book was not a hit. I will undoubtedly consider his other books.
What can you read after
Stardust?
About the Author:
Neil Gaiman is the creator of The Sandman comic book series and the bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere (1995), Stardust (1999), the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning American Gods (2001), Coraline (2002), Anansi Boys (2005), The Ocean at the End of the Lane (2013), Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett, 1990) and a retelling of the Norse myths: Norse Mythology (2017). His short story collections include Smoke and Mirrors (1998) and Fragile Things (2006). His screenwriting credits include the original BBC TV series of Neverwhere (1996), Dave McKean's first feature film, Mirrormask (2005), two Doctor Who episodes, and Good Omens (2019).
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