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Eyes Like Stars

Welcome to the Théâtre 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 Théâtre by The Book--an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Beatrice Shakespeare Smith 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.

In Stores Now!

Available in hardcover and paperback at these and other fine retailers:

US

University BookStore
Signed copies available on request!!
IndieBound
Powell's Books
Barnes & Noble

Canada

Chapters/Indigo

Also available as an audiobook by Full Cast Audio, from their site and from other retailers:

Full Cast Audio

Every time you buy a copy,
a fairy gets its wings

Perchance to Dream

Beatrice Shakespeare Smith's search for her stolen companion has brought her travelling company far from the stage of the Théâtre Illuminata. With the power of her words, Bertie can reshape reality, but the magic is wild and defies her attempts to control it. The Pirate's time is running out and Sea Goddess will not give up her prize willingly.

In Stores Now!

In hardcover at these and other fine retailers:

US

University BookStore
IndieBound
Powell's Books
Barnes & N oble

Canada

Chapters/Indigo

Every time you buy a copy,
a fairy gets its wings

So Silver Bright

Things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Something's happened to the Théâtre Illuminata, putting the only home she's ever known in limbo. Her mother's sanity is fraying under the strain, her father has vanished and an angry goddess is out for revenge. Bertie is caught between her duties and her dreams, just as her heart is torn between Ariel and Nate. But hope glimmers in a Distant Castle, and if Bertie can put on the performance of her life, maybe she can win the magical boon that may save them all.

In Stores Now!

In hardcover at these and other fine retailers:

US

University BookStore
IndieBound
The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Every time you buy a copy,
a fairy gets its wings

This sequel to Eyes like Stars (2009) returns to the fantastical Théâtre Illuminata, where 17-year-old Bertie Shakespeare Smith continues her wild, swashbuckling, genre-twisting adventures through magical, theatrical worlds. As in the previous volume, romance (more steamy suggestion than actual bodice-ripping) drives the girl-power plot, but the humorous allusions to famous literature, the breakneck banter among the magical cast, and, most of all, Bertie's astonishing ability to influence the course of actions with her written words will captivate readers. Fans of the first title will be equally enchanted and will hope for a third act from Bertie. Grades 9-12. — Gillian Engberg, Booklist Review
This is another rousing adventure of literary and theatrical whimsy, filled with sly twists and humorous moments. Bertie’s continuing story deserves multiple encores and a standing ovationRealms of Fantasy, Aug 2010
By turns perilous and comedic, the tale rolls along at breakneck speed as the troupe encounters danger and delight, negotiating predicaments with magic and wit. The fairies’ constant clamor for pie adds hilarity as Bertie explores the extent of her magical powers, untangles her origins, and meets her father... Mantchev’s highly imaginative prose bursts with lush imagery and literary riffs, and the party’s encounter with the Innamorati, a traveling circus inspired by Cirque du Soleil, enhances the book’s surrealism... fans of the first book will cry “Encore!” as the ending sets up the third in the series. School Library Journal
In this exhilarating sequel to Eyes Like Stars (2009), 17-year-old Bertie Shakespeare Smith plunges from the cloistered Théâtre Illuminata into the colder, crueler outside world to rescue her pirate boyfriend Nate from the dreadful Sea Goddess. The pace is fast and furious, and the secrets to Bertie's intriguing heritage unfold satisfyingly, but it's Mantchev's fresh, intelligent style that delights most. This fantastical romp-an absolute must for theater buffs-might stand alone, but it'd be a pity not to start with the first. Kirkus Reviews, 5/1/10 issue
Electric… delicious… fascinating… vivid… smart and sassy… bawdy and hilarious… Brava! Encore!” Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"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, author of The Hunger Games
"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, author of The Song of the Lioness series
"From the scenes of Bertie unleashing a barrage of bullets eliminating an army of zombies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland; to her declaring whom she truly loves while creating an enormous mess concocting a myriad of sweets for the fairies, Mantchev really bakes up a sweet conclusion to her series that will keep readers turning the pages." Stephen Rodge, Blurb Contest Winner
"Mantchev's tale of theatrics and magic plunges the reader further into her enchanting world as we see the culmination of all the adventures had, loves lost and pies eaten in this third and final volume. Peaseblossom's conflicted love triangle with her marzipan suitor and a torte she happened by one day brings the reader face to face with their own demons, while Mustardseed's hopeless search to find his long lost brother strips away the conventions of the nuclear family. Moth and Cobweb put their differences aside to team up once more (to what will undoubtedly be great fan rejoicing) and finally solve the ongoing mystery of the Stage Manager's brutal murder by stuffed shirt. Also, Bertie does stuff." Amanda Rush, Blurb Contest Winner
"Facing such frightening obstacles as vegan cupcakes, a local band of bloodsucking predators with a penchant for glitter, and the mystery-shrouded persona TinyDoom!, Bertie and her friends embark on a journey that will leave readers with a sense of satisfaction and a longing for delicious baked goods. History enthusiasts will appreciate Mantchev's nod to the Boston Tea Party in a terrifying scene entailing everyone's favorite fearsome foursome of fairies and a torrent of caffeinated beverages, but it is her ingenious, tragic conclusion featuring traditional Alpine yodeling that is the crowning glory of the novel." Chloe Palka, Blurb Contest Winner
"Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has come a long way from her life as a foundling in a magical theatre. She has learned the terrible secrets that destroyed her parents. She has rescued her stolen friends.

She's angry. She needs to go home. And she's got a book full of magic and a caravan full of weapons and she's not going to let anybody get in her way." Sunil Sebastian, Ninja Editing This Page

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