Stardust (Neil Gaiman)

[****] ISBN: 9780061142024

I should have guessed that a 'fairy tale for adults' was going to wind up being a love story, but I really didn't know what to expect (other than a good story) when I picked up this book. All I knew was the generally positive vibe about the author from the comic book world and the jaw-dropping world creation, storytelling and characterizations in the movie MirrorMask. I wanted to see what else he could do.

The magic in this book isn't just in the story. It is also in the storytelling. Somehow, Mr. Gaiman weaves the tale in such a way that the magic seems perfectly plain and natural and the reader simultaneously feels they are aware of all the facts, but knows there is another level, another turn coming. And the reader is correct, there is always another turn. And when the end comes, there is an extra twist. Yet even this feels completely natural and fitting.

The hero is well formed, likable and easy to identify with. He definitely grows up and grows on you. A few characters sort of show up and then disappear. But even they are well drawn.

I'd recommend this to anyone that wants a few hours of completely charming reading.