I have to start by saying I am a Disney adult but hopefully not one of those annoying ones. That said I have adored the more adult or at least young adult tales we are getting lately from Disney. Wings of Starlight is an enchanting book that will either transport you back to the whimsy of childhood or open your eyes to the magic of the characters. I loved that we get to explore the origins of the Queen of Pixie Hollow and while I do love Tinkerbell it’s great to see some other residents getting the spotlight.

We have a beautifully written story that captures the magic of fairies and mixes it with a bit of heartbreak and a lot of warmth. It’s a lovely read that had me captured from beginning to end and I have to say inspired me to look into Saft’s other work as well. If you are a fan of fairytales, Disney’s Tinkerbell and beautifully written fantasy with a wonderful romance this is for you.

As always thank you to Bonnier Books for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC

A beautifully written novel by Allison saft. I fell in love with the prose and took my time just enjoying the writing style. The romance was sweet and adoringly. I liked the characters and the vibe the book gave. It brought me back to my childhood when all the kids in the class wanted to dress up as cute fairies.

‘Wings of Starlight’ was endlessly charming as it transported right back to my childhood with its enchanting setting and endearing cast of characters. It was a joy to read a prequel to two characters I had loved and admired as a child, and it’s safe to say that Saft’s lyrical writing prose has enchanted with this emotionally compelling tale.

Clarion is the Queen of Pixie Hollow and as such, has always been known for her poise and steadfast leadership that makes her a much beloved and admired figurehead amongst the fairies. I had the best time revisiting Clarion’s origins as a Queen-in-training who is the complete opposite to the character we know from the movies. Her insecurities and lack of belief in herself were a breath of fresh air as this enabled me as a reader to better connect with and emotionally sympathise with her character. I adore that Clarion remains true to character with her commitment to her people who brings warmth and comfort to everybody within her orbit. I loved that her character exhibited a certain naivety of youth that showcased her lack of experience which often led to rash decision making and the consequences of those decisions. Her willingness to challenge the information she was being granted in pursuit of the truth was admirable, and I love that Clarion was open-minded to include the Winter fairies as opposed to simply believing the narrative of those who were responsible for guiding her. I genuinely wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional by the end of Clarion’s journey and I really felt for the personal sacrifices she ultimately deemed as necessary for the greater good. Was I a little frustrated by her sometimes? Yes. But ultimately Clarion’s willingness to prioritise the overall safety of her people above her own happiness was admirable and I respect that her role brings responsibility that no others are forced to bare. At least I have the movies which show yje happy ending to this ultimately tragic tale.

I adored Milori’s character in ‘Wings of Starlight’ as it showcased him to be a younger version of the leader that we meet in the much beloved franchise. The fairies of Winter have long accepted that history has forced them to endure alone without the support and friendship of the warm seasons. Milori is strong and dependable, and often reserved. However his commitment to his people is unmatched and I loved getting to see his character flourish over the duration of the book. It becomes obvious very early on that Milori is lonely and desperately in need of connection. He’s very loved and respected by his community, and I loved that his approach to ruling was more casual. His people addressed him by name and spoke to him with the familiarity of a friend. For me this further strengthened his strength as a leader who prioritised the wellbeing of his people, and this was returned by them tenfold as they equally cared for his wellbeing. I loved watching stoic and professional Milori blossom into an often cheeky and boyish young man who enjoyed teasing his crush. This man *yearned* hard for Clarion and it left me feeling all kinds of emotions. The way he supported her and encouraged her to become the ruler she wanted to be, as opposed to the ruler she was expected to be, was everything I needed. The ending of their journey made me so sad, but I loved that the love that was beautiful crafted between the pair was everlasting and would continue to be cherished in private.

I also need to give credit to the strong cast of side characters that Saft masterfully created with impact and purpose. All of the characters in the story played their part in building Clarion up into the Queen that we know her to be, and it was really fun to see her explore and cultivate personal and professional relationships alike. The sub-plot romance between Petra and Artemis was beyond sweet, and I couldn’t help but laugh at Clarion’s bafflement at the pair for hiding their feelings for so long. Clarion was their biggest supporter (and sometimes meddler) and it was such a sweet addition to the story which helped the community of Pixie Hollow further flourish.

Honestly my only two complains are that this book wasn’t dual-POV and some pacing issues at the beginning. Whilst I appreciated how much more insight was granted to Milori’s character, it was all entirely viewed from Clarion’s POV which was a shame. I would’ve loved to have seen more from Milori within his own POV which would’ve offered even more insight into the world of Winter and its inhabitants. This man yearned and he yearned HARD. It would’ve been beautiful to experience this all from within his own mind, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case. Lastly I personally struggled with the pacing of the story within the first 50%. The beginning of the story was filled with beautiful and atmospheric descriptions of Pixie Hollow and its inhabitants, however I feel like the plot itself progressed as a slower pace which impacted my initial reading experience. This thankfully picked up in the second half which left me unable to put the book down, and there’s no denying the eventful events were well-written and an immersive experience.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Wings of Starlight’ which beautifully pays homage to the childhood of many whilst inviting new readers to discover this enchanting world. I highly recommend this wonderful standalone and I selfishly wish we could be granted an ‘after’ epilogue which shows Clarion and Milori deep into their happily ever after.

after been obsesed with this movie picture since forever i could not read this book
i loved the story and i might love the characters even more than before
so sad
so beautiful
a masterpiece

I am in my early 30’s and I still loved this YA book! If it’s Disney, I’m reading it!
I actually hadn’t delved into anything Pixie Hollow prior to reading this so I hadn’t known anything about these characters beforehand so I loved being naive to the story and let the story take me where it wanted to go.
I hadn’t read from Alison before either and I really enjoyed her writing. Some beautiful language and descriptions.
The ending 😭

Wings of Starlight is beautifully written and totally encapsulates the fairy vibe from my childhood. Unfortunately, the pacing was slower than I'd like and it was surprisingly difficult to stay engaged, despite loving the writing. Although I think overall I wasn't much of a fan, I do think it's a lovely book that would be adored by the right audience.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

It’s tough for me to review this because I dnfed, it just wasn’t right for me but I do appreciate the beautiful writing and the way this book was crafted. When I requested the arc I didn’t realise it was a prequel to another story, I didn’t watch the secret of the wings so this wasn’t nostalgic for me or linked to any world I already knew. It did feel like a fairy dwelling though and it felt like I was reading about Disney fairies specifically so Saft has got the vibe and descriptions so spot on. I wasn’t enjoying it because it felt really young, I do enjoy middle grade books especially fantasy and adventure stories but this felt like I’d put on a children’s show like Barbie or I guess tinkerbell, again the author has done a good job in setting the correct vibe it was just a slight miss for what I enjoy. I also found it a little slow paced and I wanted things to happen quicker. I will definitely try more by saft i do like her writing, I just need to find the right story.

Rated 4 for quality and doing what was expected in a great way even if that wasn’t quite what I like

this is safty's big one. it's the one that's probably gonna pay her bills consistently for the next few years. and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person or a sweeter book. so lovely

While I did have conflicting feelings at times, overall I really did enjoy this! I always seem to like Allison's books, and I was so excited for this one

I was hooked from the very start, it jumps right in and keeps the same steady pace throughout. The pacing is somewhat slower but it was still a quick read, it didn't feel like 400 pages at all. As usual, the writing was absolutely gorgeous. It felt exactly like Pixie Hollow, it was whimsical and atmospheric and I was completely immersed

I would love a sort of sequel that follows up after the movie or maybe even ties in with it in some way, because the ending was pretty bittersweet which I don't mind but here it was dissatisfying. I knew going in that, because of the original Pixie Hollow stories, the story had to end the way it did and the author would be limited but I was really hoping for something that would make me feel a real sense of conviction about it. I wanted to feel like it was really warranted and while still saddening, it would be understandable. But in the end it felt more like it happened just because it had to

At first I wasn't sure about the romance but after sitting on it for a bit and watching the movie again, it was really well done. I think the issue I had is that while I enjoyed the plot and the descriptive writing, they totally eclipsed the romance at times. It felt like you'd get the beginning of a deeper scene between them and then it would get pushed to the side to focus on the plot. I did enjoy the plot but I think most people are here for the romance with this book. But the romance we got, I enjoyed. I loved that it stuck to tidbit we get in the movie, I loved their meetings on the bridge and the way they saw each other more than anyone else. The yearning and the longing was so good and Milori himself was perfection

Now while I didn't love that the romance felt pushed aside in favor of the plot sometimes, I did enjoy the plot itself. It was really interesting to see Clarion, who we know as pretty steadfast and regal, struggling to learn who she is and how she will rule. Her journey to becoming the leader we know her as was really well done. And the storyline about the Nightmares kept me totally hooked and added to the worldbuilding really well

I loved that Clarion and Milori fully match their original characterizations. Clarion absolutely radiates warmth and empathy and Milori is somewhat reserved but unbelievably caring. His devotion shines through. I loved seeing Clarion with a similar inquisitiveness to Tinkerbell because I think you get that in the movies too that she understands that side of her. I really did love following their journey and connected with them deeply as individuals. I would have loved for this to be dual POV!
Pretty much every other character outside of those two is original but they are so well done you wouldn't question they could be from Disney. From their names and descriptions to their personalities, they're so accurate to the fairies of Pixie Hollow and you can't help but feel drawn to them. They all feel well fleshed out and layered too. And the extra sprinkle of yearning between Artemis and Petra? Adorable. I've seen some complaints about the LGBT rep and I'm here to say I love them and I hope they live happily ever after and the religious crazies can get over themselves

I didn't love this quite as much as I wanted to, I was hoping for full obsession, but I did enjoy it quite a lot and I want more Disney fairy books so bad (also if we got this book as a movie I would literally die)

I always wanted a prequel to the Secret of the Wings film about Queen Clarion and Lord Milori. I am so glad we have this: a young adult fantasy with star-crossed forbidden romance, which both healed and broke my inner child. Utterly beautiful! 🧡

I personally think, considering the pressure and expectations, Allison Saft has done a wonderful job and has composed a beautiful albeit tragic (though this was to be expected) story here. From her gorgeous descriptions to the compelling plot itself, this has captured my heart to the extent I can’t not rate this 5 stars. Especially looking at this from the perspective of it being a young adult genre. Pretty much the whole thing was predictable, but that made it a cozy, comforting read. This might not be for everyone, though.

While there is no Tinker Bell, the essence of the stories from Pixie Hollow are all here: there is a good combination of the usual humour and action (the former of which according to Saft was lacking in her initial drafts) and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did turn this into an animated movie.

Indeed, other than Clarion, Miori and the Keeper, all the other characters are original. And the names are so ingenious and fitting too! For example: Elvina means “Elf friend”, Petra means “Rock” (perfect considering she is a Tinker but also petrified of everything), Artemis her guard is named after the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, Yarrow the healer is named after the plant for herbal medicine of the same name. Noctua the owl, from the symbol of the Greek God of Wisdom, Athena. The cleverest is the wolf Fenris, I think. For those who don’t know: this wolf named after the one from Norse mythology who plays a key role in Ragnarok. Now, the start of Ragnarok is marked with Fimbulvetr, a long winter that lasts three years – extremely fitting for a wolf in the Winter Realm to be named this.

Looking at the new material she has given us, I admire her creativity: The thing I love the most that Saft has created is the Pixie Dust Tree being sentient and communicating by blooming flowers. Through the language of flowers, these messages can be interpreted: for example, lady’s mantle (comforting love) and freesia (friendship) means “I am here for you”; forget-me-nots (true love and memories) and white roses (young love) appear when Clarion is glowing from her kiss with Milori which she considers cheeky. Clarion recounts that it sprouted golden butterfly magnolias (positivity and perseverance) when she had a bad day. This is so lovely!

Despite this being fiction, some moments felt relatable. Petra and Clarion’s friendship was one of them. They were inseparable when they were younger but now as they have gotten older, priorities have changed as Clarion focuses on her royal duties and Petra with her role as royal tinker. I think a lot of people can connect with the struggles of maintaining friendships as you both grow apart. What I love here is that Saft shows them both working through this.

This brought back all my fond memories of being a tween watching Secret of the Wings, and being so emotionally invested in their story (remember how sweet they are together in The Pirate Fairy too?). They have been my Roman Empire these past 13 years. In this book, Saft captures their tenderness and how communicative they are, which I adore. I especially love their meeting where Clarion does not realise she is speaking to the Warden of the Winter Woods, and he teases her. Super cute! The way they fight side-by-side is something I was hoping for, and I was pleased to find it here.

Overall, this was everything I hoped for and my inner child thanks Saft profusely for this! I must check out some of her other work now.

I HAVE WAITED 13 YEARS FOR THIS AND BOY OH BOY IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Allison Saft knows how to make me want more and I simply cannot get enough of Clarion and Milori.
The fact that I knew how the book would end because Secret of The Wings is one of my favorite Tinkerbell movies ever, I still needed to know everything that happened between those two characters.

I was so excited to head back in to the world of Pixie Hollow and discover how Clarion became queen. You understand straight away why in the Tinkerbell movies, Queen Clarion is so understanding and believes Tinkerbell, it's because she sees herself in her. We see how Clarion and Milori meet and how this story is actually way more intense than I thought it would be!

But OMG the tension and the yearning, it's the best bits in the whole book. I loved that we also sometimes get some easter eggs to the movie (I was maybe or maybe not watching it at the same time as I was reading it). This book is going to be loved by any Tinkerbell fan (and new fans as well) which will bring back many memories!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy!

This one was for the nostalgics who loved Tinkerbell as a kid, and needed a little trip down memory lane 🥹

It was easy to follow along, and the authors writing style is quite simple. Some parts of it felt a little rushed, but I did enjoy the story overall!

The ending was left a bit open ended, which I’m not a huge fan of.. I would rather for all the i’s to be dotter and t’s to be crossed if there isn’t going to be a sequel..

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

Very sweet romance in keeping with other works part of the same universe (yes I have watvhed the Tinkerbell films)

A very tender story about a young fairy becoming a queen when darkness is on the horizon. Great characters, great plot. I think teens and a very adults will get a kick outta this story.

4.5 stars, I loved the writing and i thought the main two relationships it focused on were well written

DNF around 50%

I had no knowledge of Pixie Hollow when starting this book and I don't have that nostalgic feeling others might have. The beautiful cover is initially what attracted my attention. This is my first Allison Saft novel and unfortunately I didn't gel with the writing style. While it was very lyrical and atmospheric I found it to be overly descriptive at times. I also struggled with the pacing and found it to be extremely slow. This was on the young side of YA which meant character emotional arcs and plot were not very complex. All of this is personal preference and I think people who are familiar with Pixie Hollow will appreciate this, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I have always loves the Tinkerbell movies, and I was so happy to be welcomed back into Pixie Hollow with this story. Queen Clarion and Milori were such beautiful characters and this book was brimming with magic and romance, and yearning. I enjoyed every moment. Learning about Clarion's past was so interesting and the love passing between her and Milori. And the decision between choosing herself over what was best for Pixie Hollow was so complex and I felt we really got to delve deep into her thoughts.
Allison Saft's writing is beautiful, her continued descriptions ensured the images in my head were full of wonder and sparkle, each vision detailed and adding so much to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been centuries since a warm-season fairy in Pixie Hollow has crossed into the Winter Woods, and while most fear the legends of monsters lurking in the frozen lands, Clarion, can’t help being intrigued by Winter’s stoic beauty. But under the watchful eyes of the current monarch and the court's seasonal ministers, Clarion has little time to dwell on daydreams while the days to her coronation dwindle away. That is, until reports of a monster crossing from Winter into Spring make their way to the palace. Clarion sees defeating this threat as an opportunity to prove that she is worthy of her new role. But instead of finding a monster at the edge of Winter, she finds Milori, a young guardian of the Winter Woods. Together, they form an unlikely bond as they race to save their lands. But as their alliance warms to something more, they will discover there is a reason a warm-season fairy and a winter fairy must not be together. And the cost could be just as deadly as the monsters that prowl the Winter Woods.

It was definitely interesting seeing Clarion in this way. Young, untested and unsure, she is a polar opposite to how she is perceived in the Tinkerbell films - but I loved seeing her like this! Her whole life since arriving in Pixie Hollow has been dedicated to training so she can one day take the mantle of Queen. It’s easy to think she’d likely take to it with ease and be as poised and graceful as she is portrayed in the films. But she isn’t and I am so glad that was not the case! I am always up for reading a character who is unsure of their abilities and cares so deeply for everyone. Clarion is someone who puts others first - and that is certainly the case with Milori and all of Winter. Her tenacity to get the job done, to help others is so lovely to read.

Disney is a big part of who I am and when I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew immediately that I would need to read it. I love the Tinkerbell films and getting to see the backstory for the queen of Pixie Hollow? Sign me up! I rather enjoyed the plot. It felt like there were high stakes and that certainly assisted with the flow of the story. It did feel a little rushed in some points though - a bit like detail was lacking a bit. We get a good cast of characters here as well. It definitely felt like I was back in a Tinkerbell film, going from Season to Season and seeing all the different talents at work. I will say that I think we definitely could have dived deeper into some of the characters but I do recognise that this is still very much a Disney book and lines have to be drawn somewhere. The romance here was incredibly sweet. We see the hints of it in the Tinkerbell film - Secret of the Wings if my memory is correct - but getting to really see it unfold and just how much it impacts all involved was so lovely to read. The ending was bittersweet considering the circumstances but I really do feel like it ends at a good point. It’s slightly open ended which allows the imagination to run free. Normally I wouldn’t like an open ending but I feel like with a story such as this, I wouldn’t want anything else.

Overall, Wings of Starlight is an origin story I never knew I needed!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day and is available now on Goodreads

I went in to this not really expecting too much out of it. But boy, did it blow me away. A slow-paced fantastical world seeped with imaginative wonders and endearing qualities, it was such pure bliss to read and entrap myself into such a magical place. The book cover is so beautiful, and so is the writing. Allison Saft really delivers. It skims the younger age of YA I think, with the subject matter feeling potentially juvenile, but this whimsical nature makes it all the more heart-warming. It's just such a very solid read.

Oh, the yearning. The yearning! I simply ate this book up! It has everything I love - an overwhelmed queen in training, a seemingly insurmountable crisis, coming of age, and oh. Pining galore. Simply fantastic!

A superbly nostalgic read full of heart, emotion and so many cosy vibes. A must for all Pixie Hollow fans, as the brilliant Allison Saft does it again.