Interview with Bertie from Eyes Like Stars and Win Perchance to Dream
I am so super excited to have interviewed Bertie from the awesome book Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev. Bertie’s saga is continuing in Perchance to Dream and thanks to Lisa and her Publisher I have an extra advance reading copy to give away. So after you read the interview tell me in the comments what fictional character you would like to interview and what you would want to ask. Random.org will choose the winner. Contest ends at Midnight California time on Sunday the 16th and winner will be announced on Monday the 17th.
Pam: So Bertie, when we left you in the theater with Eyes Like Stars you were pretty hot and heavy with A. What happened to having the hots for N.?
Bertie: *ahem* Nate and I have been best friends for a very long time, and I will do anything to get him back.
As for Ariel, well, being around him is like eating an entire chocolate ganache cake in one go: something you don’t regret until afterward.
Pam: When you found out that you have an awesome power as well and weren’t so removed from the players as you thought. What was the first naughty thing you did with your new power?
Bertie: There was an incident with a hail of blueberry pancakes, but I’d prefer not to talk about the syrup or butter, if that’s all right with you.
Pam: How are your little fairy friends, are they still being disruptive?
Bertie: I’m pretty sure it would be a sign of impending apocalypse if they _weren’t_ being disruptive.
Pam: Do you think there is a chance that N. is still out there somewhere?
Bertie: He is out there… I feel it in my bones.
Pam: How is your new relationship with your Mother?
Bertie: I didn’t really have much time with her at all… I guess I’ll deal with that sometime down the road.
Pam: Now that you have answers about your life and how you came to be are you happier, or do you wish you didn’t push so hard to find out?
Bertie: It’s better to know, but it just seems like a whole new set of troubles have popped up to replace the old ones.
Pam: Have you spoken to the manager of the theater since the end of ELS?
Bertie: I haven’t bothered to send any notes back, and he hasn’t sent a Brute Squad after me yet.
Pam: Have you been on a traditional date with A.?
Bertie: There’s nothing really traditional about traveling alongside someone atop a caravan… and I think dinner and a movie at this juncture would just feel ridiculous.
Pam: Have you used your power to conjure up a kick ass espresso machine?
Bertie: After what happened with the syrup, I’m a little afraid of boiling hot coffee raining down upon me from the sky!
Pam: What do you want us to know about your continued struggles and how do you feel as you are about to set out on another adventure?
Bertie: Mayhem and Chaos seem to be constant companions of mine… I don’t think any of us can guess what’s going to come next!
About the author:
Lisa Mantchev is the author of Eyes Like Stars and the forthcoming Perchance To Dream, the first two novels in the Théâtre Illuminata series. She has also published numerous short stories in venues including Strange Horizons, Fantasy, Clarkesworld, and Weird Tales. She lives on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state with her husband, daughter, and hairy miscreant dogs. You can visit her worlds at Theatre Illuminata.
Review: Eyes Like Stars (Theatre Illuminata, Act I) by Lisa Mantchev
It took me a long time to read this book. I failed at ordering it three times. The UPS man gave it to someone else once. I bought at Barnes and Noble. Have no clue where it ran away to. After seeing the cover art for book two I tracked down a copy at the library and devoured the book.
I had some trouble in the beginning. I felt like I came in at the middle of the book and was racing to catch up. I asked if any other readers had encountered this issue. I got loads of replies telling me it makes sense keep going. Not that I was planning not to finish it. I finish every book. So I did keep going. Everyone was right. It fits perfectly with the ending of the book and because of the fun way it is written the ending will be a complete surprise for you. In a good way.
We follow Bertie through her coming of age. She grew up in a theatre in London and is facing expulsion from the only home she has ever known. She can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Causing an Earthquake or firing a cannon onto the stage and ruining props. The managers have finally had enough of her.
Bertie has one last ditch effort to stay in her home. She takes a stab at directing Hamlet set in Egypt but the characters keep forgetting their lines with the new set and costumes. She was just about to give up when the book of play’s is stolen and her last four days are spent trying to right that wrong instead of practicing for her director debut.
Eyes Like Stars is a breath of unique fresh air that is desperately needed in the stale YA air these days. Bertie learns a lot about herself and others. I love the ending and I cannot wait to see where the next book goes! The fairies that hover around Bertie’s blue tresses are absolutely hilarious. Pastry eating rude little fellows. If you are like me and having picked this up yet it’s not too late! I suggest you reading it. If you have let me know what you think. I always enjoy others opinion and remember you can add your star rating here at the top of the post!
