So Silver Bright (Théâtre Illuminata, #3)

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So Silver Bright (Théâtre Illuminata #3)

by Lisa Mantchev (Goodreads Author)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 1,080 ratings · 187 reviews

Act Three, Scene One
Betrie thinks her quest is almost done. With the help of Ariel and the rest of her friends, she has managed to find her father and rescue Nate from Sedna, the Sea Goddess. Now, all she has to do is reunite her father, the Scrimshander, with her mother, Ophelia, and she will finally have a true family of her own.

Exit Stage Right
However, things are never...more

Hardcover, 354 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends

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Oct 30, 2011 Jillian -always aspiring- marked it as to-read-someday

Shelves: titles-i-love, covers-i-love

COVER, COVER, COVER, OOOOH, PRETTY COVER!!!! :D (And Silver for Ariel, perhaps? :3)

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Sep 01, 2011 Ashleigh Paige rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-e-arc-via-publisher, the-great-shelf-of-awesome, damn-book-made-me-cry, arc

Also appears on my blog, The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC provided for review by the publisher.

Nate is free from Sedna's clutches, but Beatrice Shakespeare Smith's problems are far from over. She still needs to fulfill Ophelia's promise, but that's kind of hard when getting the Scrimshander to the Theatre Illuminata isn't as easy as it seems. Sedna still lives and pursues Bertie with all her strength, wanting to see the young wordsmith dead. And how is she supposed to make a decision between th...more Also appears on my blog, The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC provided for review by the publisher.

Nate is free from Sedna's clutches, but Beatrice Shakespeare Smith's problems are far from over. She still needs to fulfill Ophelia's promise, but that's kind of hard when getting the Scrimshander to the Theatre Illuminata isn't as easy as it seems. Sedna still lives and pursues Bertie with all her strength, wanting to see the young wordsmith dead. And how is she supposed to make a decision between the two men she loves equally? The journey to the place Bertie calls home is fraught with danger, fire dancers, brigands, and more mischief, and a happy ending seems close at hand--but could it turn out to be out of Bertie's reach? Not all plays end with, "and they lived happily ever after."

This review feels so stiff to me and I wish I could liven it up a little, but every time I tried to, it devolved into something like this: "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE SOOOO GOOOOOOD LIKE OMG HAPPPPYYYYYY BUT SAAAAAAAAAAAD!" So yeah, stiff review it is. As much as I want to unleash the inner fangirl and let her roam free, I've got to try to be intelligent.

The character growth Bertie has gone through during the series is impressive. If I were to read the first two chapters of Eyes Like Stars again and then reread the last two of So Silver Bright, it would seem like they're two different people and not the same young woman. Pretty sure she stole the title of "favorite character" from Ophelia and the fairies and now wears it like a crown. I've never liked Ariel because of some of the things he has done--to pull an instance from this very book, he humiliates her in front of the Queen and a large crowd of nobles--but he was admittedly sympathetic.

Bertie's adventures with her troupe were as fun to read about as ever and the book was just as good at making me laugh and smile as its predecessors (mostly due to the fairies), but the pacing wasn't the best. Until the last seventy pages or so, it was pretty slow going and I just floated with it. Small, forgettable plot points from previous books become incredibly important the best way they can, obvious plot points are confirmed, and it looks like the book made a last-minute trip to Plot Supermarket, the plot point superstore, to pick up another plot point or five. In the end, it all ties together pretty neatly and the sense of closure is complete yet open-ended, giving me plenty of room to imagine where the characters go from there.

The prose was often beautiful and made me wish I could write like that, but there were more than a few scenes where I couldn't figure out what was supposed to be going on. One scene was so bad about it that I had to reread it three times just to figure out what happened and that it made sense. Varvara, a fire dancer coincidentally introduced during that unclear scene, could have made for such a good character with her backstory, but she was only used as a plot device to help Bertie get around obstacles or move the plot along. I hate seeing good characters go to waste like that.

Since 2008, I've read about one hundred books per year and I'm on track to do it again No more than five of those books make me cry. So Silver Bright is one of those books for 2011. I didn't even like one character, but their fate had me bawling like a little baby, and a scene later in the book involving Sedna made me tear up too. Two-thirds of the way through, I thought this would be a solid three-star, but everything that came after that point was good enough to make me kick it up a notch. For all its flaws, So Silver Bright was a good book and a great conclusion to the Theatre Illuminata trilogy.(less)

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Nov 04, 2011 Jerisha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this so much! Lots of Nate just like I hoped. I always a joy to read to a friend. So much happens in such a short span of time! Absolutely love it!

Wonderful ending that I'm happy with & hoping for more.

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Dec 28, 2011 Ghirardelli rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of everything magical

Recommended to Ghirardelli by: The pretty colors

Shelves: how-to-make-a-good-series, fantasy, that-cover-unf, damn-love-traingles, ya, tears-were-shed, precious-things, favorites, how-to-make-memorable-characters, look-something-original, you-have-my-respect, pure-excellence, awesome-leading-lady, awesome-love-interest, illustrated-covers, you-will-sit-next-to-me-on-the-bus

I am upset that the Théâtre Illuminata has come to a close. I’m so upset, I could throw an apple at a Charmeleon.

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...Moving on, finishing this trilogy gave me many emotions. I just wanted to run away and not finish it because then...well, I’d be finished! Finished with Bertie, finished with Ariel, the fairies, the Théâtre Illuminata. I don’t want to leave this magic.

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And IIIIIIIIIIIIII...will always loooove youuuuuu!

For the first time since My Sister’s Keeper, I was violently crying. I teared for...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Robin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-in-11, supernatural

Damn, that was good.

If you haven't read the rest of this series, you need to go pick it up right this minute, and read it without stopping. the world Lisa Mantchev has built with the Theatre Illuminata is intoxicating.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll go to Shakespeare and read the source material. You'll wish the fairies from Midsummer Night's Dream would follow you around. you'll contemplate dying your hair black and blue. you'll quote well more than half the text on your kindle and all the peo...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Miss Clark rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, fairytale-fantasy-sci-fi-mythology, the-bog

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 11, 2012 Daphne Delacroix rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Dreamers

Recommended to Daphne by: Life

4.5 stars.

The first book, to me, was amazing. So interesting! The second book...not so much.

The third book, though, really redeemed itself. I'll admit, one reason I may not like this trilogy at times is because the content gets completely out of wack sometimes, so there are certain things that are slightly confusing. That was the down side of Perchance to Dream. Also the down side in this book. That is why I knocked off a star. However, the wording was so beautifully crafted, the plot so intric...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Jane rated it 2 of 5 stars

The Theatre Illuminata trilogy kind of has this Hunger Games issue going on. The first one, Eyes Like Stars, is super fun. It's about a magical theater where all the characters of every play ever written live and perform. There are tons of Shakespeare references. The obligatory love triangle and the constant descriptions of food are a bit annoying, but never stifling. The sequel, Perchance to Dream, isn't quite as entertaining, perhaps because protagonist Beatrice "Bertie" Shakespeare Smith and...more The Theatre Illuminata trilogy kind of has this Hunger Games issue going on. The first one, Eyes Like Stars, is super fun. It's about a magical theater where all the characters of every play ever written live and perform. There are tons of Shakespeare references. The obligatory love triangle and the constant descriptions of food are a bit annoying, but never stifling. The sequel, Perchance to Dream, isn't quite as entertaining, perhaps because protagonist Beatrice "Bertie" Shakespeare Smith and her entourage leave the theater for the outside world, but it was okay. So Silver Bright just sucks.

Remember in Mockingjay when:
1. The world-building kind of crumbles? It was fine in the first two books when most of the action occurred in the game arena and District 12, but once the scope of the series started to expand, the world felt less and less fleshed-out.

2. The main characters start to be really annoying because they don't really develop or grow or learn from their past mistakes-- they just get more emo.

Yeah. Same problems here, particularly #1.

In addition, the love triangle really comes into the foreground during this book, and I have honestly never really cared about it at all. For one thing, I have always hated that the author made Ariel-from-The Tempest somebody's love interest, period. I do admire that Mantchev managed to write a legitimate love triangle, as opposed to the two-people-like-each-other-but-there's-a-third-person-thrown-in-for-conflict situations that you see more often. But Bertie? It's fine if you're confused and not ready for a serious relationship, but honestly, stop toying around and just choose one the guys. Or neither one. Or work out a menage a trois. I don't care.

Finally, there's also a The Night Circus-type problem where the writing is absolutely gorgeous and lyrical and dreamy, but half the time it seems like stuff happens for no reason other than the fact that it seems cool. Like, I can go through the book and pick out events and only about half of them actually advanced the plot or character development. (less)

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Jun 23, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

The highly unpredictable fantasy trilogy, Theatre Illuminata, by Lisa Mantchev is a story that will have readers laughing, crying, and even fuming with angst. The third and final installment, So Silver Bright, continues the epic fantasy story of Beatrice Shakespeare Smith and her journey to find her father. This book picks up right where Perchance to Dream left off. I suggest diving into the first two books because they contain most of the back stories that are woven into So Silver Bright.

Lisa’s...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Edrillan (vampire junkie) rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 04, 2012 Sarah Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been on again, off again with this series. It was sweet, and perky and whimsical, and my regret is that I'm not sure I was able to enjoy it to its fullest.
The whimsical characters and fairy-tale descriptions in this story are all something to be revered. It's not everyday someone can take characters from literature that are all known and loved and make them perfectly their own, without ruining them or disappointing the audience. I was thoroughly impressed by how true they all stayed through...more

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Oct 24, 2011 K rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library

I wasn’t capital I invested, but I liked this conclusion.

Bertie managed to rescue Nate from the Sea Goddess with Ariel’s help. Now all that’s left to do is get her father, the Scrimshander, back to the Théâtre and her mother, Ophelia. Beatrice Shakespeare Smith and Company (Bertie, Ariel, Nate, the fairies, and the sneak-thief) are waylaid when the Queen extends an invitation to perform at her birthday celebrations and the chance to win a wish-come-true. Bertie’s most sincere wish is for her fam...more

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Oct 09, 2011 Harmony Beaufort rated it 4 of 5 stars

The series finale of Lisa Mantchev's Theatre Illuminata trilogy was everything I expected it to me: fun, beautiful, and enchanting!

You will cry like a baby reading the end of this book guys. Lisa takes us through Beatrice's final journey trying to discover herself, her family, and what she's going to do with her life now that she's discovered so many things about her past (and her increasing complicated relationship with both Nate and Ariel.)

Lisa has a writing style that is so beautiful and has...more The series finale of Lisa Mantchev's Theatre Illuminata trilogy was everything I expected it to me: fun, beautiful, and enchanting!

You will cry like a baby reading the end of this book guys. Lisa takes us through Beatrice's final journey trying to discover herself, her family, and what she's going to do with her life now that she's discovered so many things about her past (and her increasing complicated relationship with both Nate and Ariel.)

Lisa has a writing style that is so beautiful and has an air of magic even about it that blends perfectly with the plot! Each of her characters are lovable, funny, and no one can write a sweet (and bittersweet in some days) ending like she can. The faeries that hang out with Bertie from A Midsummer Night's Dream are all hilarious and obsessed with food and provide comedic relief to any sad or hopeless situation! Bertie is a wonderful heroine: headstrong and stubborn, but not always brave. Sometimes she doesn't know what she's doing with herself, and that subtle vulnerability is always so realistic in a character, especially with a life as complicated as hers. Out of everything in this trilogy, I still find her parent's story to the saddest out of all of it and I loved hearing even more about it in this book than in Perchance to Dream.

And then we have our two love interests, which i'll briefly speak about because I don't want to give away who she chooses, of course! Ariel was lovely and ethereal as always. I've loved him since the beginning, because he is gentle in the way he pushes Bertie to think outside the box and discover more of herself than she would've been able to do alone. And then there's Nate, who is charming but I can never seem to like him. Maybe it's just because Lisa writes his pirate accent phonetically, so when he talks it's like: "Ay, lass, you nee' be careful of what ye do." Or something like that. And it irritated me SO MUCH. Plus, I didn't like how he often portrayed Bertie as someone who was a "damsel in distress" when she was strong!(less)

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Sep 14, 2011 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay, after about TWO years of absence from Goodreads, I am back. (Don't even ask, okay?) "So Silver Bright" is the book I've read most recently and one I want to review. I've been following Bertie's story for all three books and I have to say that her growth as a character is phenomenal. If you read the first chapter of "Eyes like Stars"(book number one in the trilogy) you'll barely recognize the Bertie in this book. As a character mentions at the end, she grows up on her journey after leaving...more Okay, after about TWO years of absence from Goodreads, I am back. (Don't even ask, okay?) "So Silver Bright" is the book I've read most recently and one I want to review. I've been following Bertie's story for all three books and I have to say that her growth as a character is phenomenal. If you read the first chapter of "Eyes like Stars"(book number one in the trilogy) you'll barely recognize the Bertie in this book. As a character mentions at the end, she grows up on her journey after leaving the Theatre Illuminata, her childhood home, to rescue her friend Nate.
SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1&2!
Now that Bertie has defeated Sedna, a particularly malicious sea goddess, and rescued Nate, a very handsome pirate who happens to be in love with her, she has to reunite her family. This isn't exactly a walk in the park, because her mother Ophelia is once more on the brink of madness and her father has gone missing. Again. Nate and Ariel (Bertie's other devastating suitor, the air elemental from Shakespeare's "Tempest") aren't exactly helping as they compete with each other.
Lisa Mantchev makes me wonder if she writes what she dreams. The prose is so lyrical it's almost poetry, but don't worry about it being stuffy- the fairies from "Midsummer Night's Dream" are hilarious with their crazy antics and jokes. "LOL" will take on a whole new meaning for you.
I love how she creates a world that's a combination of the Brothers Grimm, "Arabian Nights" and the Cirque du Soliel. (They were the inspiration for the circus Bertie & Co. stumble upon.) Somehow, it all works. However. Once in a while things can get almost too dreamlike and I had to reread the passage to figure out: "Ummmm. What just happened?" Weaving all that mythology together isn't easy, and Mantchev made a few tangles.
The plot had a lot of interesting angles. The love triangle wasn't boring or repetitive of other books. Bertie was truly torn between Nate and Ariel (I promise you get used to his name.) They were ready to jump off a cliff for her. It was great how Bertie had to juggle all of her troubles and I loved it when everything fell into place at the end, which made me want to have a sobbing fit. But I have to say the ending was perfect. There were absolutely no loose strings.
"So Silver Bright" is a great read, and I definitely recommend it. If you haven't read the first two, well, what's stopping you? (less)

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May 03, 2011 Kate (VerbVixen) rated it 5 of 5 stars

So Silver Bright (Eyes Like Stars Book 3)- Lisa Mantchev

Now I know, you’re all itching for some juicy tidbits as to what happens in this book. I will not give them to you, so stop the begging. You must read them for yourself. They must be experienced; you must revel and rage as I did reading them. I will say this though: it was not until the ending that I realized how I had pinned my hopes on our heroine and a leading man until I found those hopes dashed. At the same time, the end fulfills my de...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Helen Wimble rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fantasy lovers

Recommended to Helen by: Emma

This is the third in the series and as far as i know, its also the last but that didn't stop it from being great!

The beginning of it was a bit hard to follow and i felt that there were many sections throughout which didn't make full sense due to moving too fast or not being described properly. This didn't go against the ending with its amazing twists, dialogue between characters and moving storyline where bertie finally makes the choices which we've all been waiting for but in an unexpected way...more This is the third in the series and as far as i know, its also the last but that didn't stop it from being great!

The beginning of it was a bit hard to follow and i felt that there were many sections throughout which didn't make full sense due to moving too fast or not being described properly. This didn't go against the ending with its amazing twists, dialogue between characters and moving storyline where bertie finally makes the choices which we've all been waiting for but in an unexpected way. the story is characteristicallly interpretted through the overall pace and adventure throughout including different scenes, more quotes from featured plays and the completion of the most important play.

Spoilers coming.... now

There are a few parts which i found annoying personally as a follower ofthe series due to my own reservations about certain characters (Ariel) but there were also moments of annoyance on Berties part but of course, never with Nate ;) He is actually amazing and when she finally rides off into the sunset for another adventure with him, its clear that she's chosen the right guy. It is still very sad that Ariel leaves and follows his 1 in 100 wind after the fire but at least its better than him dying :?

Bertie using her wish on Varvara and it being accepted as worthy was lovely because i think she really deserved it BUT i think that Ariel should have gotten with Varvara they seemed to good together with their powers and character profiles but at the same time, they kinda seemed as though they would be dangerous for each other and this was confirmed when the fire started where Ariels winds helped fuel the fire Varvara made. Oops! But one of the best bits was when Ophelia remembered everything and the family was reunited :)

The biggest shockof the book has to be when Bertie gave the idea of a child to Serefina D: That's her child and it was so annoying that it had white hair like Ariel so it better not have been his child. I think Nate would make a great dad and i wish there would be another novel where they set out against Serefina to get berties child back because that would be such a good storyline except I've personally had enough of Sedna, she's getting boring now.

Overall, It was a great book and one that i know i will read again. I reccommend it to readers who love fantasy most of all but also romance, slight action and historical texts including plays and quotations. Definataly a goodread :) (less)

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Aug 24, 2011 Karissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the final book in the Theatre Illuminata series by Lisa Mantchev. I received am advanced reading copy of this book for review in exchange for participating in the Silver So Bright cover reveal earlier this year. It was a good conclusion to the series. The book is beautifully written and creative, I enjoyed how the series was wrapped up.

Bertie is recovering from her run-in with the sea witch Sedna and meeting her father. Her father takes off leaving her abandoned. Now Bertie is stuck in a...more This is the final book in the Theatre Illuminata series by Lisa Mantchev. I received am advanced reading copy of this book for review in exchange for participating in the Silver So Bright cover reveal earlier this year. It was a good conclusion to the series. The book is beautifully written and creative, I enjoyed how the series was wrapped up.

Bertie is recovering from her run-in with the sea witch Sedna and meeting her father. Her father takes off leaving her abandoned. Now Bertie is stuck in a horrible situation; Sedna is still after her and Bertie still hasn't been able to fulfill her promise to her mother, Ophelia, that she will bring her father back to the Theatre. As if this isn't enough Bertie recieves an inviation to perform in front of the Queen that cannot be refused. Bertie has a lot to do; and through it all she will have to finally make a decision about who she will choose as her companion...will in be the steadfast pirate Nate or will it be the magical and mysterious wind spirit Aeriel.

The writing in this book is beautiful, magical, and glittering. This is a book to be savored slowly, and while that makes it a tough read a points, for the most part it is very beautiful and magical.

There is a lot that happens in this book, a lot of adventure, some action, and some emotional turmoil. Our favorite characters are all here; with the addition of a couple more. In this book we get to meet a beautiful Queen who ages from birth to death each day, a herb witch who wants ideas of children as payment, and we get to spend more time with Bertie's father. We finally learn the history between Bertie's father, Ophelia, and Sedna. We also get to watch Bertie struggle between her love for Aeriel and Nate and see her finally make a decision.

The plot moves along as a wonderfully fast clip, as I said a lot happens here. The world is incredibly creative and we see more of this world in this book than in any of the previous. So many magical and fantastic things happen; you just never knew what would happen next.

I only have a couple small complaints. The first is that, like the other books, you have to read every word and really pay attention to follow what is going on. That's not necessarily bad, but it makes the book a harder and slower read; the language in the book just doesn't flow as naturally as it could. The second complaint is at points I still had some trouble picturing exactly what was happening. I think this is because some of the things that happen are so fantastical and so complicated, that it is just hard for the reader to really picture the world in detail.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was an excellent ending to an incredibly beautiful and creative series. If you love a creative fantasy with adventure and a touch of romance check this series out. I will be keeping an eye open to see what Mantchev writes next. (less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Monica&spikey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Not the ending I expected. Not the ending I wanted.
So, this book actually took me awhile to read. I think it was five days. Being someone who usually reads a book a day, this is nearly unprecedented.
Not that it was boring or slow or hard to read. I think it was mostly because I was distracted. But whatever.
More fairy hijinks in this book.
Okay, so the thing about this book: the title, her hair, everything basically, was pointing to Bertie ending up with Ariel. This was a cause of great happines...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Gmr rated it 5 of 5 stars

We've a love triangle to navigate that is thrown into even greater chaos by the sea witch out to end wreak her revenge on the one that tried to do her in. The stakes are high for one and all...but the true colors of the ever chameleon like Bertie will be on display by books end.
Oh Bertie. Your fellow players act their parts in your play of plays complete with hilarious antics, banter and pie eating episodes...but the true thread of your costume is laid bare when it comes to your happily ever af...more We've a love triangle to navigate that is thrown into even greater chaos by the sea witch out to end wreak her revenge on the one that tried to do her in. The stakes are high for one and all...but the true colors of the ever chameleon like Bertie will be on display by books end.
Oh Bertie. Your fellow players act their parts in your play of plays complete with hilarious antics, banter and pie eating episodes...but the true thread of your costume is laid bare when it comes to your happily ever after. Your heart gets you in more trouble than it seems worth at times and yet you try, try again to set things right. The best part? With each failed attempt, you learn something new about the plot you are trying to interpret as well as yourself. The Mistress of Revels, the Queen of the Forrest, the Teller of Tales...all fancy wrappings for who you truly are....Beatrice Shakespeare Smith; a force to be reckoned with, with or without mask, glitter and bows.
All those prizes worth winning are more often than not hard fought for and whilst your audience may wish you a peaceful journey, the treasure of your triumph is that much sweeter when viewing all you came through along the way. So brava Bertie, cast and crew (and Ms. Mantchev, for without your brilliant mind we would've never met this colorful band of merry makers)!
Would I recommend this book to you fair readers? Well now, that simply depends on you, now doesn't it? Do you like enchanting writing that taps into your imagination and sets free the theater-esque persona hidden within? Do you like adventures of the sword AND the heart? Do you like mischief and mayhem and sweet treats of all varieties? Do you like butterflies in the pit of your stomach and an ever changing array of hair and wardrobe changes, each more magnificent than the last? If you answered yes to any or all, then I suggest you seek thee out a bookstore post haste and begin (or continue, as the case may be) your journey beyond the cover.(less)

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Aug 04, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: authors-i-love, awesome-titles, definitely-unique, islands-and-sea-life, magical-supernatural-paranormal, most-memorable-characters, sequels-and-series, young-adult-reads

I have to say: I feel like we---um, I mean BERTIE--- got cheated in the love department. Although it ended with the love triangle finally coming to an end, and one boy winning over the other, it was never as though Bertie ever said she CHOSE-- she never led us to believe that she loved the boys anything other than equal even to the end, despite the fact that she made her choice.

Not a fan.

Also not a fan of the brigands-- way too serious and evil. Also did not like the killing of the brigands in t...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For more reviews, check out http://vivaladolcevita14.blogspot.com/

Dayum, this book was amazing! Admittedly, I felt like it dragged a bit in the middle, but everything else was completely fantastical! I loved reading about Bertie and her continuing adventures, fulfilling her promise to her mother/Ophelia, learning the final pieces about her past, and coming to terms with her two loves. The last quarter of the book, man I was just on the edge wanting to know what was going on, shocked at the twist...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Allyson rated it 4 of 5 stars

It is as difficult to write a review for this book as it is to describe a sunset over the ocean - it's beautiful to watch, and exhilarating to feel of the salty air against your skin but it's difficult to express that feeling to someone who has never experienced it. And yet if someone has experienced it then the words you use will call to their minds the way they felt when experiencing a similar event. So Silver Bright falls into this category. You can't really describe the events that take plac...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Elevetha Houre rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, confuzzling, fantasy-adventure, fey, magic-and-other-magical-substances, original, twisty, 2012

2.5 stars. It was okay. 14-ish +.

Bertie, Ariel and Nate: The love triangle of doom. Make up your bloody mind, Bertie! It can't be that hard to say, "I love\like this one more than the other." but instead she just acts like, "I want you. Or possibly you. Both? No, that doesn't seem quite right. But no lifelong commitment for either of you. (view spoiler) Sorry."
I thought that Nate seemed like a better fit for Bertie if I...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars

So Silver Bright is the thrilling and heart-breaking ending to the Theatre Illumiata trilogy. It takes all the action, romance, suffering, and adventures that Bertie and Company have gone through in the two previous books, and wraps everything up. I'm in mourning right now, for several reasons, the most prominent being that So Silver Bright is the last foray into Bertie's world that we'll ever get. And, oh, did I love her world. But, I can't be too sad, because this was the perfect ending to the...more So Silver Bright is the thrilling and heart-breaking ending to the Theatre Illumiata trilogy. It takes all the action, romance, suffering, and adventures that Bertie and Company have gone through in the two previous books, and wraps everything up. I'm in mourning right now, for several reasons, the most prominent being that So Silver Bright is the last foray into Bertie's world that we'll ever get. And, oh, did I love her world. But, I can't be too sad, because this was the perfect ending to the series. After some deliberation, I realized that no matter how it pained me, it had to end that way.

There is no lack of action in So Silver Bright, and it will keep you flipping the pages. Bertie is on the run from the Sea Goddess Sedna's wrath, and it seems like she's being pulled in every which way--she loves Nate, she loves Ariel, she must find her father, perform for the Queen, save the Theater and her mother... How's a girl to breathe with all of that pressure weighing her down? But Bertie, the spunky and fiery heroine who won't stop for anything, finds a way. It was almost amazing to read about how she pulled herself out of any sticky situation, and how she used her magic to her advantage.

You know usually, whenever there's a love triangle, it always makes me dislike the main character a bit for being so selfish. I mean, two guys? As if one isn't enough? But I didn't dislike Bertie one bit for it. I feel like she was so equally torn in two for the both of them that it wasn't even a choice of loving either of them. She just did. So I accepted it, even if I was partial to a handsome young air elemental myself. *ahem*

This series as a whole is just positively magical. What I mean by that is not just the story has to do with magic, but everything about it IS magic. The way Lisa Mantchev writes, her words flowing beautifully, waxing Shakespearian at times, and other times, something else entirely--something only Bertie. Every single character has a spirit and life to them, something that makes them completely unique. And even the world itself is a conglomeration between a fantasy land and modern day, a sort of crossroads where they both meet.

Needless to say, I loved So Silver Bright, and the entire Theater Illuminata series. Heartbreaking, but still wonderful. If you're looking for a fantastic, beautiful read, go pick up Eyes Like Stars, and embark on your journey with Bertie. :) 5 out of 5 stars.(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Ramie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya

Adventure on the high seas! Well, not by choice… more the seas are chasing our beloved traveling troupe!

Will the outrun Sedna? Get Bertie's father home to the theatre? Does he want to go? Does Aeriel want to? Does Bertie want Nate or Aeriel? What is the deal with the Queen? The thief? How will he play in all of this? Just how much can the fairies really eat? We're missing fire! Or are we?

Can this series really be concluded in this, the third act?

Yes! It can, it is. Satisfyingly so.

Bertie has...more

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Dec 01, 2012 J.M. Stetson rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I've read this one, but the ending still makes me burn with annoyance.

So while everything gets resolved, there's the fact of the love triangle. However, it's solved by the CHEAPEST WAY YOU CAN GET. She has to default to one guy because the other finds his "destiny" elsewhere.

A bit more on this: Through-out this entire book she's so heavily leaning towards one guy it's not even funny. In fact, its ridiculous. To the point where (even though he wasn't my favorite) I was lik...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Tara Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev is definitely an amazing conclusion to the Théâtre Illuminata series. Somewhat heartbreaking, but absolutely amazing.

Bertie has rescued Nate and is in search of a way to bring her family back together. The Scrimshander has disappeared though so that's a little difficult for Bertie. Not to mention things between her, Ariel, and Nate are as complicated as ever.

Personally, I've always been Team Nate. Sexy, rugged Pirates are kind of my thing. It honestly was neve...more So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev is definitely an amazing conclusion to the Théâtre Illuminata series. Somewhat heartbreaking, but absolutely amazing.

Bertie has rescued Nate and is in search of a way to bring her family back together. The Scrimshander has disappeared though so that's a little difficult for Bertie. Not to mention things between her, Ariel, and Nate are as complicated as ever.

Personally, I've always been Team Nate. Sexy, rugged Pirates are kind of my thing. It honestly was never a question, even through most of book three. I always thought Ariel was cocky and arrogant and just a giant jerk. I hated the fact that he was pulling Bertie away from Nate. Hated it. But by the end of the book I was actually incredibly heartbroken that he was gone. I actually wished he'd come back. Don't get me wrong, I'm still totally team Nate... but it was a sad, sad ending.

Bertie is such a different person by the end of the series. At the beginning she seems a typical mischevious teenage girl up to no good but at the close of book three she's grown leaps and bounds beyond her years and I forgot she wasn't twice her age. From a bother to the Mistress of Revels who can bend and twist and move the earth with mere words, she's become one of my all time favorite characters.

Her silly little faerie companions are wonderful as always. And even seem to have grown up a tad themselves at times. But then they remember how hungry they are and all pretense of maturity is gone as they search for sweets to fill their bellies. I love them and their devotion to Bertie. They truly are wonderful little friends.

I think Nate has come to terms with the fact that Bertie isn't who she was before. She's not someone in constant need of a babysitter, a rescuer. Sure she gets in her fair share of seemingly impossible situations, but instead of fighting her battles for her, Nate has learned to fight along side her instead. He's there for her when she needs him and he knows to leave her be when she doesn't.

The series is, by far, one of my favorites to date. It ranks up there with the likes of Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, The Wolves of Mercy Falls and The Hunger Games, etc. I was incredibly sad with the knowledge that once I turned the final page of the book, there would be no more to follow it. That it was over.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something fantastical and magical to read. And even for those of you looking for the complete opposite. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the slightest. (less)

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Mar 07, 2012 Kayleigh rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, coming-of-age, young-adult-fantasy

I'll admit I'm biased here--it's no secret that love triangles are one of my least favorite plot devices--but I felt this was the weakest of the series.
For starters, Bertie is almost unrecognizable. I don't know what happened to the strong, independent (albeit a little selfish) girl who sought her own way in the world and would be "put upon by no one", but she's gone. In her place is an insipid, passive-aggressive coward who seeks quick fixes to all her problems rather than work to earn the hap...more I'll admit I'm biased here--it's no secret that love triangles are one of my least favorite plot devices--but I felt this was the weakest of the series.
For starters, Bertie is almost unrecognizable. I don't know what happened to the strong, independent (albeit a little selfish) girl who sought her own way in the world and would be "put upon by no one", but she's gone. In her place is an insipid, passive-aggressive coward who seeks quick fixes to all her problems rather than work to earn the happy ending she so desperately wants.
Then there was the so-called romantic conflict. My dislike of most love triangles stems from the fact that in my experience they're usually unnecessary--we know who the hero or heroine is going to end up with; the second love interest exists merely to generate conflict. I don't like to waste my time reading a book if the conflict feels forced and I can predict the outcome, so love triangles of this sort annoy me.
Unfortunately, this is one of those love triangles. I felt like Bertie had already made her decision within the first chapter or two but was too much of a wuss to come out and say it, so instead she decided to torture herself--and me--for over 300 pages by alternately being sad that Ariel kept leaving (and blaming him for "deserting" her, even though she was the one who told him to leave in the first place, then made no effort to find him afterwards) and contemplating ripping Nate's clothes off. After finishing Perchance to Dream, I'd been hoping Mantchev would work outside the box in the final installment of her unusual story, so I was disappointed when she jumped right into said box and padlocked it behind her.

All that aside, I had serious problems with the plotting and pacing of So Silver Bright. The entire book felt jumbled, crowded, and rushed, as if Mantchev suddenly realized she would have to tie up all her loose ends immediately if she wanted to keep this series a trilogy. Both character development and story suffered as a result.(less)

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Jan 03, 2012 Kirsten rated it 3 of 5 stars

To be honest, I was kind of disappointed with this book. I remember feeling so much excitement with the other installments, but not so much with So Silver Bright. I think Mantchev was trying to shove so much into this last installment -- the conflict with Sedna, Bertie's past, the love triangle, the large cast of characters -- that I don't feel as if anything was really flushed out like it should've been. If you're going to set up a love triangle, do something with the damned love triangle besid...more To be honest, I was kind of disappointed with this book. I remember feeling so much excitement with the other installments, but not so much with So Silver Bright. I think Mantchev was trying to shove so much into this last installment -- the conflict with Sedna, Bertie's past, the love triangle, the large cast of characters -- that I don't feel as if anything was really flushed out like it should've been. If you're going to set up a love triangle, do something with the damned love triangle besides having Ariel and Nate growl at each other periodically. (I was really disappointed with the resolution of said love triangle, but as that contains a spoiler I'll hold my tongue).

I kind of wish Mantchev had taken longer to write it so we could actually spend time with all the elements of the story. It moved so quickly, and it was so focused on the action, that I think the story lost a lot of character development that would've been nice. For example, I don't think we learned anything about the "fire-dancer" character-wise. She was pretty and was really only a part of the plot in the ending, but she's in what, like, half the story? Does she even get dialogue? Was she really necessary? So much could've been done with the character and I feel like she was only there to look pretty.

And speaking of elemental characters, it seemed kind of random to me to throw that into the story as well. To me that's part of what makes the story feel like it has too much content for this one installment to handle -- I can't help but feel like the elemental parts of the story are contrived and only there because the plot says so. It could've been so much better had they been there from the beginning, but I only remember it being really elemental-heavy with this novel. I think the story had quite enough going on without that, too. And I feel like it was never really explained, but it could be that it's just been a while since I've read the other books in the trilogy. The story is already so imaginative, and the elemental... well, elements are a bit much in my opinion.

More time should've been spent on this installment. I really felt like it was just jumping from place to place with no insight as to what was going on. I came away with this with the feeling that nothing was really explored and Mantchev just needed to make a deadline.

I also wish it weren't just a "trilogy." I hope despite that label, Mantchev pulls a Scott Westerfeld with his Uglies series and writes another installment anyway (not that it was needed in his case; Extras was really quite "extra"). I believe if Mantchev has another installment in the works, she could redeem herself with some insight on Bertie's life after she has experienced so much. The ending felt very open, and I'd like to see how a more grown-up Bertie sees the world. And despite my dissatisfaction with how the love triangle got resolved, I guess I could be happier with it if were written right.

I came away from this novel with a very "meh" feeling. I do hope there's another in the works.

(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 McKelle Burk rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay, so maybe this is just me, but in love triangles like this I always want the girl to pick the underdog. The guy you just know she isn't going to pick. And I'm always incredibly dissatisfied when that doesn't happen. That being said, I hated the ending. I didn't like Nate even close to as much as Ariel. And I about bawled my eyes out when he said that he thought the child that could have been that Bertie gave to Serefina was his. Seriously, just once I want someone to pick the other guy.
Now...more

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ARIEL!!!!!! (dont enter if you haven't read the ending yet)	23	59	Apr 07, 2013 06:12am
theatre illuminata	2	26	Feb 11, 2013 07:32pm
Spoiler!! Who would choose?	28	15	Jan 24, 2013 11:51am
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About Lisa Mantchev

When not scribbling, Lisa Mantchev can be found on the beach, up a tree, making jam,or repairing things with her trusty glue gun. Her short fiction has appeared in venues like Clarkesworld, Weird Tales, Fantasy Magazine and Strange Horizons. Her YA fantasy trilogy, The Théâtre Illuminata, is being published by Feiwel & Friends. Book One, EYES LIKE STARS, was released in 2009, the sequel PERCHA...more

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Books by Lisa Mantchev

Eyes Like Stars (Théâtre Illuminata, #1)

Perchance to Dream (Théâtre Illuminata, #2)

Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes

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“Our unguarded reactions are the most honest ones.” — 34 people liked it

“Ariel contributed nothing to the speculation, instead crossing his arms one over the other. The action recalled his butterfly familiars from the skies, and they flocked to him with eager wing beats.
"Bats!" Moth flailed at the air. "Vampire bats!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Peaseblossom said with a sniff. "Vampire bats don't sparkle.” — 26 people liked it

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So Silver Bright (Théâtre Illuminata #3)

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