Stardust

★ 7.54 / 73

Illustrated by Charles Vess.

Mythopoeic Fantasy Award 1999.

In the sleepy English countryside at the dawn of the Victorian Era, life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall – a secluded hamlet so named for an imposing stone barrier that surrounds a fertile grassland. Armed sentries guard the sole gap in the bulwark to keep the inquisitive from wandering through, relaxing their vigil only once every nine years, when a market fair unlike any other in the world of men comes to the meadow.

Here in Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to beautiful Victoria Forester. But Victoria is cold and distant – as distant, in fact, as the star she and Tristran see fall from the sky on a crisp October evening. For the coveted prize of Victoria's hand, Tristran vows to retrieve the fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the ancient wall, and propels him into a world that is strange beyond imagining.

But Tristran is not the only one seeking the heavenly jewel. There are those for whom it promises youth and beauty, the key to a kingdom, and the rejuvenation of dark, dormant magics. And a lad compelled by love will have to keep his wits about him to succeed and survive in this secret place where fallen stars come in many guises – and where quests have a way of branching off in unexpected directions, even turning back upon themselves in space and in time.

Neil Gaiman works his unique literary magic in new and dazzling ways in Stardust, a novel that will shine in the heart and memory far beyond the turning of its final page.

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Updated 04/07/2025

Category: Fantasy, Mythopoeic Awards

Release date: 1998

Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is a storyteller whose work effortlessly bridges the realms of mythology, fantasy, and reality. Known for his uniquely poetic prose and his ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, Gaiman’s books have captivated readers of all ages. With a career spanning novels, short stories, graphic novels, and even television, his writing is celebrated for its dark yet whimsical tone, its profound insight into human nature, and its masterful weaving of mythological and fantastical elements.

Born in Portchester, England, in 1960, Gaiman grew up with a voracious appetite for books, with a particular fondness for fantasy, horror, and the classics. His early exposure to mythology, fairy tales, and comic books would later influence much of his writing, where ancient gods, creatures of lore, and the magic of storytelling find their way into modern-day worlds. His professional journey began in journalism before he transitioned into writing fiction.

His breakthrough came with Neverwhere, a novel that transports readers to a hidden, darkly enchanting underworld beneath London. From there, he continued to craft stories that blended the surreal with the everyday, from the haunting beauty of American Gods to the thought-provoking Good Omens (co-written with Terry Pratchett). His work explores the intersections of myth, identity, and the thin lines between the seen and unseen, always with a deft touch of wit and wisdom.

What makes Gaiman’s writing stand out is his ability to create worlds that feel both timeless and startlingly immediate. His characters—whether gods, ghosts, or ordinary people—are deeply human in their struggles, desires, and fears. The atmosphere in his books lingers long after the final page, a testament to his rare gift of writing stories that are both sweeping and intimate, fantastical and grounded. Whether it’s the young boy facing impossible odds in The Graveyard Book or the complex tapestry of deities in American Gods, Gaiman’s worlds feel like places readers can almost touch, places where myth and reality blend seamlessly.

Gaiman’s influence stretches far beyond the pages of his books. His work has been adapted into graphic novels, films, and TV shows, with American Gods and Good Omens among the most notable. His distinct voice has earned him numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards, and his contribution to literature and pop culture continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

One of Gaiman's most cherished quotes captures the essence of his approach to storytelling: “I believe that it is important to tell stories, especially in difficult times.” This belief runs through every page of his writing, where the act of storytelling itself is both an escape and a revelation, offering readers not only new worlds but new ways of seeing their own.

From the whimsical to the profound, Neil Gaiman’s writing invites readers into imaginative spaces where the rules of reality bend and twist, and where the unexpected always lurks just around the corner. His stories continue to inspire generations, confirming his place as one of today’s most influential and beloved authors.