This week's book review from the TBRP (to be read pile) is "Eyes Like Stars" by Lisa Mantchev, a fellow 'Word Ninja'. The Back Cover of 'Eyes Like Stars' goes as follows:
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
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.
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.
Here is what the editorial reviews say about Mantchev's debut novel 'Eyes Like Stars" posted on Amazon.com. 
“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
“All the world's truly a stage in Lisa Mantchev’s innovative tale, Eyes Like Stars. Magical stagecraft, unmanageable fairies, and a humorous cast of classical characters form the backdrop for this imaginative coming-of age.”—Suzanne Collins
Not only are the editorial reviews pouring in like fountains of awesomeness, but the customer reviews are also electric!
Mantchev has created a completely different world that very few have dared to try and describe. Her story has a lustrous shine, a newness that is immediately appealing from page one. As a reader, I was sucked in by the strength of the main character, the undeniable passion in the voice, and most importantly, the great quality of the writing. Not many authors can carry all three compliments, but Mantchev is decorated with them.
I strongly suggest you pick up this great read and enjoy! I personally can't wait for the rest of the books in the series.
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