Starstruck
A malaise has taken over Neverland. In the months after Jolie saved Peter’s life, it seems that the land has started to falter. The neverrains are more unpredictable and deadlier than ever, and the climate is changing in ways that if left unchecked will be the end of Neverland as her inhabitants know it. But Neverland is not the only thing dying – Jolie Hook also feels the malaise growing and festering inside her like a cancer threatening to swallow her whole. With the Star Portals becoming more and more important to the survival of Neverland, Jolie must find a way to open them, but it seems that they have been closed tight no matter what they try. When they finally discover the key to opening the portal they are transported to a place where both Peter and Jolie are wanted criminals and only escape wit the help of Pel, a mysterious and slippery trickster. Pel makes a deal with Jolie and offers to help her find and collect the star fragments needed to heal her and transport her team home if he gets his share. With their quest for the star fragments, Tink, Jolie, Peter and Damien accompanied by a captive Mer spy travel to hostile worlds beyond the portals. As they face the consequences of Peter’s past deeds they must also face their own inner demons in the hope that they will be able to make it back home and heal their realm.
The Ruin of Starlight is the follow up 2022’s Legacy of Villains by author Juliet Lockwood. Taking place approximately 8 months after Legacy, many things have changed in Neverland. Both Peter and Tink have lost their magic, and Jolie is harboring a secret that will destroy her beloved Lost Boy if ever discovered. Desperate to find a cure not only for herself, but also her home Jolie does the one thing she should have learned is never good to do… she makes a deal with a trickster. The mysterious Pel is not what he seems and is always in the right place at the right time to up the ante and his share of the star fragments. With this follow up, Lockwood adds many more locales to her lore and while the names are slightly different, they are all quite familiar. The mash up and integrating of several beloved tales into one seamless universe of magical worlds was something I never knew I needed, and it added so much depth to this already intriguing and vibrant reimagining of a classic tale. I have looked forward to The Ruin of Starlight for quite some time and even though several years have passed between book releases Lockwood’s immersive and vivid storytelling drew me immediately back in and left me wanting more. While there is a sense of closure Lockwood has also left the tiniest crack of the door open for a possible future return to Neverland. If she ever chooses to revisit this enchanted realm again, I will surely be up for the adventure.
Full disclosure – I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
The Ruin of Starlight is scheduled for a February,28 2025 release
Jennly Reads 