Tragically this is the first Neil Gaiman work that I have read in my 25 years of existence. Clearly I have been missing out.

From the first page, "Stardust" has all the indications of an epic fantasy tale. It consistently carries that tone and style throughout the entire book, and is complemented to perfection by Charles Vess' breathtaking art. But make no mistake about it, this work is all a product of the masterful craft of Gaiman's storytelling. The pacing of the story is as good as it gets for a fantasy work. It reads like a tale of old, passed down through generations, that you, the reader, have the privilege to witness.

The character development is also spot on. Gaiman never overburdens you with background and content, but provides just enough fact for the audience to discern each character's motives and arcs. Everything comes together very seamlessly, and I had an extremely easy time following each path of the main players. Tristan Thorn's unquenchable nobility is a refreshing model of the kings and heros I would find in the fairy tales of my youth.

The long and short of it is: Stardust works. The art and the story mesh so well together, that the read is not only enjoyable, but memorable to well beyond its pages. You get to discover Faerie along with Tristan, and you get to witness his maturity as he travels further along on his journey. Gaiman has a created a story that translates profoundly to all readers. I am so happy to have finally experienced an epic work from a true artist. If you haven't yet, I strongly urge you to do the same.

What I liked best about 'Stardust' was simply the fact that it read like all those fairy tales you were familiar with as a kid, only this time the story is longer and more involved and darker at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but the book was a step above, and I sailed through it in just a couple days. You will notice some differences between the movie and book (but really, when does that NOT happen?), but they weren't so bad that it ruined the story. So what are you waiting for? Reach for that star and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

I enjoyed reading this novel.
I liked the plot, and how the story progressed. I enjoyed Gaiman's description of the characters and their actions, and how it wasn't overly detailed, allowing the imagination to wander.
It was enjoyable.

It's not what we're used to from Gaiman. What it is, is a perfectly sweet faerie story. A boy goes off in search of a fallen star so that he might win the love of the most beautiful girl in the town of Wall. To find the star, he must enter the world of faeries that lies beyond the wall of his town by the same name. Unknowingly, Tristran, the main character was conceived and born on the other side of the wall, and his destiny is tied to that place.

Stardust is first and foremost a faerie tale, but it is also an adventure, and a love story. It is perfectly sweet, easy to read, and suitable for children and adults alike. Gaiman might have lost most of his dark edge for this story but he didn't sacrifice his easy reading style, vivid characters, and perfect prose.
The movie does the book no justice (when does it ever?) The plot in the book is brilliantly woven, with loose ends that are gathered up eloquently. This is "on the train" reading that doesn't involve too much thought, but carries you along like a boat on the river, efffortlessly. I found myself at times shouting at the characters "NO, Don't do it!!' or "Watch out!!" I burned through it in just a few days, carrying with me everywhere I went.

It brings out the wonder-loving kid in you.