Once upon a time in 2012… audiences were teased with an unforgettable forbidden romance within Disney’s Tinker Bell franchise. Over a decade later, the heartbreaking backstory was finally revealed with a standalone novel.
Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft was an instant #1 New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Indie Bestseller when it was released on Feb. 4. Circulating on platforms such as Instagram and Booktok–the TikTok community for book lovers–, the novel captured the hearts of Disney fans and readers alike.
I was introduced to this book a week after its publishing and saw it being praised on Instagram multiple times. I had to see what the hype was about. The beautiful cover art also reeled me in.
Taking place long before the first Tinker Bell film, the book follows a young, uncrowned Queen Clarion facing doubts of her role and her lack of control over her governing fairy power. As her coronation approaches, Pixie Hollow is attacked by a dark force emerging from the Winter Woods.
Investigating in secret about the monsters, she meets the Warden of the Winter Woods, a young Lord Milori, who is also seeking solutions. They form a bond like no other to save their home from certain destruction.
I initially had some doubts about enjoying this story. However, as it was advertised as a young-adult romance fantasy novel, I maintained hope.
As mentioned in “Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings,” Clarion and Milori’s bond grows stronger, from royal duty, to friendship, and eventually love. However, their love is forbidden, as depicted in the aforementioned children’s film.
When I wasn’t reading the novel, I was daydreaming about it. The suspense of what was to come regarding the fate of Pixie Hollow and the fairy romance plagued me.
The sheer fact that they want but cannot have love despite how utterly understanding, fiercely protective, passionately loyal they are for the other left me overwhelmed. I was so happy for them, but aching from their heartbreak.
Also established in the novel is Clarion’s predecessor, Queen Elvina. It’s through her that the novel depicts the struggle of governance and historical revisionism. I found this part most interesting, and appreciated that it made the novel more serious than just a fairy tale.
All characters are built up to be complex and full of depth, showing us more about their true struggle with duty I only had a glimpse of from previous films.
Allison Saft upheld the legacy of the Disney Fairy series with a standalone novel, which I cannot help but recommend to fans and non-fans alike. The magic, the mystery, and the charm of both the world-building and romance between characters is something I enjoyed throughout the book and has urged me to rewatch all the fairy films.
