Sister to a Star

by Eloise Smith

Evie is forever crossing swords with her twin. While she practices her after-school fencing, Tallulah is winning movie auditions.

Neither of them could have imagined how their worlds would collide, but when Tallulah goes to Hollywood Evie goes too – as her sister’s identical stand-in.

But that changes, when the film needs some all-action sword-play. Soon Evie’s the one enjoying the limelight – that is, until Tallulah goes missing …

Genres: Mystery

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2022

About the author

In my former lives I’ve been an Olympian, triple Commonwealth fencing gold medallist, Oxford English graduate and award-winning executive creative director in advertising. Now I’m a children’s author, following my wildest dream of all . . .

My first book draws on my experiences in fencing and film sets: Sister To A Star is a thrilling mystery about warring twins in a swash-buckling Hollywood movie. My second book uses my understanding of high-level sport: Winner Takes Gold is a gripping adventure about sabotage on an elite gymnastics camp.

In my spare time I relax by skiing, climbing, running and yoga. All while raising two boys who bring me more joy than all my dreams put together.

Reviews

[ellah (elyse) ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

19 Oct: page 1-200
20 Oct: page 200-DONE

Cat was such a beautiful anchor in this book. I loved her and every choice she made, and yet she didn't feel like a flawless character. Just a character who has went through development already, which doesn't stop her from achieving more on-page! She was loyal to the last <3

The scene of Junior untying the rope made me gasp. Damn. The themes and parallels run strong, and I definitely stayed for those when the fencing scenes stopped for a while.

Gotta say, the mystery felt like it unraveled all too fast at the end, but in a good way. When the bubbling pot suddenly spills over, and yes, there were signs.

PLEASE Paul losing a limb, even if it wasn't described was kind of cathartic to me. Man really left a bunch of kids and animals in a burning tower. Made multiple moves along to way to ensure they would die. All to cause and maintain more harm. Jealousy really is a beast, and while I never liked some moves, I understood them all. Fueled by something so, so human. Even Paul's decisions.

The favourite child thing hit me hard. The complex dynamics were gorgeous. All the family members, stunt kids, all of them. I need more. More found family and more found-again-bio-family. Gosh I'm so weak for that trope. Cat, Spider and Benchpress are the new group I can't get enough or more of.

I have to say though, the action sequences were a bit confusing. (Not the fencing, the fencing was clear!). Often times, someone would jump or hang or lean, yes, but from where? It would be good if the environment was explained a bit more, especially in scenes where it's crucial to understanding, ie: the fight on the lower (???) tower, journey to the bell tower, etc.

Monsieur got me. I have a soft spot for hardened, not-so-"wise" old characters. (This is not to say they are dumb, but simply morally questionable. Like you wouldn't take their advice first haha). But the whole French stereotype thing took me out of it. It was so funny. Who says "like a hyper-specific-French-cheese" or "as the Eiffel Tower" lmao. I think Lady's Knight, which i also read recently, did this to a similar degree, with Madame Dupont: the old and obviously French-fencer.

I did love his character outside of it though. The twisted stories? Hom lending aid and knowing when to give up himself? Still staying back for support? Having the strength to go on after all of his history with Jack? Beautiful.

And I loved how the book would teeter on the edge of an introduction to gorn, but...wouldn't lol. Keeps the book PG enough to be chill but still serious and horrifying.

Evie really had a unique voice I think. I loved her so much. And OH Rice pudding will never be the same to me.

I despised Mum so much for being one of those parents. You know. The ones who live vicariously through their kids. But I got it. And it really seemed she's on the path to change after so long.

The plot beat when they switched? Chef's kiss. Nice tension, fun fight. Damn I hated Junior in that moment so badly. Amd you know what? If he was a real guy my heart would go out to him. But he's a fictional character. A damn good one at that, who I felt sympathy towards. But care? Lol no. Not at all. He had background, motivations. He's easy to love, impossible to like. Still, I found him endlessly annoying. I care more about the fact he's annoying than the fact he's a manipulated near-murderer. Sorry, bro. Not a critique on the story or book, btw. I love characters I just can't stand.

One other complaint was the grounding of the story, settings etc (and not in the layout related way I've commented on). It was decent and worked, but could've been better imo. Still, very well done and fun!

...And genius. I might have to read "Z for Zoe" now.

[Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished this book recently and I have found it amazing! It is a story about two twins. One of them is really good at acting (Tallulah) and the other one is really good at fencing (Evie). When Tallulah gets invited to be cast as a role in a movie called Z for Zoe, Evie becomes the stunt fencing double. Suddenly one day Tallulah becomes missing….

I recommend this book for 9+ and I am probably going to re-read it in the future!!!!

[Roland Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this with my 9 and 12 year olds/
Rollicking action layered over ever-so-relatable sibling rivalry and emotion.
Big recommend!

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ☆☆☆☆☆
Tosi hyvä kirja, hyvän pituset luvut ja hyvii hahmoja :)

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of twin sisters Evie and Tallulah, who are very much at odds given Tallulah’s acting career and Evie subsequently feeling like she is the lesser sister, and not as important to their parents. Things change when Talllulah gets cast in Hollywood movie Z for Zoe, which involves Evie’s passion of swordfighting, and she becomes Tallulah’s stunt double and tensions rise further between the two. Then Tallulah goes missing, and Evie has to put her feelings aside in order to save her sister.

I loved that this has a mystery element to it, because we all know I’m a sucker for a mystery, and there were some twists I didn’t see coming which I also always appreciate. I also really liked getting to learn more about fencing, as it’s something I know very little about and one of my favourite things about books is that they offer the chance to broaden your knowledge and learn things you otherwise wouldn’t.

In terms of characters, I loved Evie so much and it was so great getting to see her become more self-confident and less Tallulah’s shadow, and I also adored her brilliantly supportive new friend Cat and Monsieur, whose history links with Evie’s family and I really enjoyed the way that subplot unfolded as well as the main story of Evie searching for Tallulah. The eccentric Hollywood personalities are used to great effect with several characters here, which was also very enjoyable.

Overall, this book was just so much FUN, and it really reminded me of reading Nancy Drew books and their many spinoffs when I was younger, for some reason- perhaps because one of my favourites took place on a movie set. I’m definitely excited to see what Eloise does next as well; I’m particularly hopeful she gets to release Z for Zoe, given it was originally going to be her debut! I’m glad it still got to appear in her actual debut in some form though.

[Kate Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely entertaining and original - my daughter and son both loved it. Great characters (and female role models!), loads of drama and fun, and a brilliantly glitzy Hollywood backdrop. Both kids are now desperate to learn fencing and are hoping there's a sequel in the works! Highly recommended.