Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Stardust by Neil Gaiman is about Tristran Thorn of the village of Wall. Wall is adjacent to the land of faerie, separated by a wall with only one opening. The opening is always guarded by villagers who prevent people from traveling through, except on Market Day every nine years when all of the magical vendors from the land of faerie set up their wares just outside the wall. One night, Tristran and the girl he loves, Victoria, see a falling star. Victoria makes a promise to Tristran that she will "give him what he desires" (marriage), if he finds the fallen star and brings it back to her. The very next day Tristran sets out on his journey. He has some help along the way and eventually stumbles upon the star - who turns out to be a young and beautiful woman! She doesn't want to travel with Tristran, but she broke her leg in the fall and needs help. Things take a turn for the worse as several other magical (and evil) beings are closing in on the star, wanting her for themselves. An evil witch wants the star's heart so she and her sisters can use it to regain their youth, a monsterous family of brothers wants her because she holds the key to their kingdom and each will do anything to anyone to claim it. Tristran's only goal is to make it back to Wall, to Victoria with his prize. Will he make it alive and with the Star?

This book was great! I have never been a fan of fairy tales, but this one was awesome. I absolutely loved the way everything came together at the end - all of my questions were answered... no loose ends! I read this book with my online book club of 8th grade girls. We plan to watch the movie version later this month.