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The Ruin of Starlight
The stunning conclusion to the story that began with a deadly deal...
Searing, lancing pain gripped at her heart. She cried out but the wind stole even that, so she gaped wordlessly like a hooked fish as it pounded against her.
The rot.
Worming branches of something wrong something bad—
She tried to hold back a cough, black spittle against closed lips, until the feeling bubbled up too incessantly. She retched into her cupped palms.
What came out was tar. Sticky, viscous tar that wept into the cracks in her hand. She grimaced, trying to wipe it against her pant leg, but it clung fast. Like the blackened eye of a storm it peered up at her from between her own fingers.
And then it disappeared.
And so did she.
-----------------------------------
Neverland is breaking.
Jolie Hook is dying.
Peter Pan is mortal and magickless.
Thrown through an unstable star portal and into a universe that wants to see Peter pay for his past sins and Jolie pay for her father's crimes, the Lost Boy and Pirate Captain are far from home. Flitting from world to unknown world, they face a desperate and nearly impossible task: attempt to reclaim enough precious star fragments to rebuild the portal and find their way home. But with Damien, Tink, and a Mer spy named Dorryn along for the ride, Jo can't help but rip herself in two trying to do it all. Save her friends. Outwit the bounty hunters on their tail. Return to Neverland.
All while harboring a dangerous truth from everyone she loves.
The stars were always meant to guide her way home, but now they just might be leading her to ruin instead.
Searing, lancing pain gripped at her heart. She cried out but the wind stole even that, so she gaped wordlessly like a hooked fish as it pounded against her.
The rot.
Worming branches of something wrong something bad—
She tried to hold back a cough, black spittle against closed lips, until the feeling bubbled up too incessantly. She retched into her cupped palms.
What came out was tar. Sticky, viscous tar that wept into the cracks in her hand. She grimaced, trying to wipe it against her pant leg, but it clung fast. Like the blackened eye of a storm it peered up at her from between her own fingers.
And then it disappeared.
And so did she.
-----------------------------------
Neverland is breaking.
Jolie Hook is dying.
Peter Pan is mortal and magickless.
Thrown through an unstable star portal and into a universe that wants to see Peter pay for his past sins and Jolie pay for her father's crimes, the Lost Boy and Pirate Captain are far from home. Flitting from world to unknown world, they face a desperate and nearly impossible task: attempt to reclaim enough precious star fragments to rebuild the portal and find their way home. But with Damien, Tink, and a Mer spy named Dorryn along for the ride, Jo can't help but rip herself in two trying to do it all. Save her friends. Outwit the bounty hunters on their tail. Return to Neverland.
All while harboring a dangerous truth from everyone she loves.
The stars were always meant to guide her way home, but now they just might be leading her to ruin instead.
- GenresRetellingsFantasy
557 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2025
6 people are currently reading
2680 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 27, 2024
Oh yes! Now, I read this book so quickly. It was just what I needed.
Jolie, Peter, and Tinks journey into Neverland with a removal of magic is an exciting one, filled with emotion and action that I just couldn't get enough of. I can really recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jolie, Peter, and Tinks journey into Neverland with a removal of magic is an exciting one, filled with emotion and action that I just couldn't get enough of. I can really recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2025
Peter Pan has lost his magic. Julie Hook feels there's something wrong with her. Neverland is breaking. In order to do something about it they have to open a star portal to other worlds - which hasn't been done in 10 years. After several failed attempts Julie inadvertaly manages to open a portal and they're hurled on an adventure where they meet both friends and enemies.
This is a sequal to "The Legacy of Villains" (out 2023) and it continues right where the first book ended. It took me a while to get into and remember what had happened, but I got some reminders now and then. I remember loving the first book, but unfortunatly I don't feel quite the same here. The biggest part having to do with the chemistry between Julie and Peter. They love each other and I see the words that describe that, but I don't FEEL it. It might be because the book is written in third person (from several character's POV), it might be because my brain is too effected by a cold. When reading some other reviews it doesn't seem to be a problem for anyone else, so I guess it's a "me" problem.
The feelings between Julie and Peter aren't the most important part of the book, although a lot of their actions has it as a starting point. The adventures, the characters they meet, and the found family vibes are spot on. I also love the side characters: Tinkerbell, Damian, Dorryn, Ismaeth. Julie and Peter I want to shake once in a while, when I think they act childish and too stubborn, but they both learn and grow before the book is over. The ending makes me very satisfied and almost have me raising my grade, but considering how long the book is I let my initial feeling stand.
* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
This is a sequal to "The Legacy of Villains" (out 2023) and it continues right where the first book ended. It took me a while to get into and remember what had happened, but I got some reminders now and then. I remember loving the first book, but unfortunatly I don't feel quite the same here. The biggest part having to do with the chemistry between Julie and Peter. They love each other and I see the words that describe that, but I don't FEEL it. It might be because the book is written in third person (from several character's POV), it might be because my brain is too effected by a cold. When reading some other reviews it doesn't seem to be a problem for anyone else, so I guess it's a "me" problem.
The feelings between Julie and Peter aren't the most important part of the book, although a lot of their actions has it as a starting point. The adventures, the characters they meet, and the found family vibes are spot on. I also love the side characters: Tinkerbell, Damian, Dorryn, Ismaeth. Julie and Peter I want to shake once in a while, when I think they act childish and too stubborn, but they both learn and grow before the book is over. The ending makes me very satisfied and almost have me raising my grade, but considering how long the book is I let my initial feeling stand.
* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
March 13, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.
I love good fairy tales retelling but I really love it when you find some that have a mash up of other fairy tales intertwined within the book. You will be Peter Pan retelling of course, but you will notice that Wonderland is too. I loved how Lockwood was able to take book 2 and make it the same feelings as book one. You will pick up right from where book one left off, but you will soon find that there is a whole new set of problems that these characters must solve. You will see Jolie, Peter, Tink and Damien but you will be introduced to a few new characters as well and I loved them just as much as the original characters. I found the plot to be interesting, full of drama, hope, adventures, secrets and betrayals.
I found the plot to be just as exciting as the book but with a lot more character development in this book. You will see the characters learning how to communicate and trust that others are there to help you. I liked the fact that we got to go to different worlds, and see the new characters interact with the gang that is on a mission. You will see a lot of action in this book, along with old and new problems that will need to be solved for this group to be able to make Neverland whole again. I loved that we got to see Jolie and Peters relationship progress, yes at times I wanted to shake them, but I loved when they finally got to open up about everything and to see them working together. I loved the banter that you will see from all the characters in the book. I loved that you have Peter, who is a big kid but he is also a male that loves deeply and doesn’t think he would be able to live without Jolie and having Jolie feel the same way. I loved that we got to see other characters too like The White and the Queen…. Will we maybe be getting a story about these characters next??? One can hope.
If you love detailed writing but without the info hangover, Lockwood knows how to do it. You will fall in love with the attention to details, the words just flow, and you will find yourself already done.
I want to thank Juliet Lockwood for the opportunity to review this book.
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.
I love good fairy tales retelling but I really love it when you find some that have a mash up of other fairy tales intertwined within the book. You will be Peter Pan retelling of course, but you will notice that Wonderland is too. I loved how Lockwood was able to take book 2 and make it the same feelings as book one. You will pick up right from where book one left off, but you will soon find that there is a whole new set of problems that these characters must solve. You will see Jolie, Peter, Tink and Damien but you will be introduced to a few new characters as well and I loved them just as much as the original characters. I found the plot to be interesting, full of drama, hope, adventures, secrets and betrayals.
I found the plot to be just as exciting as the book but with a lot more character development in this book. You will see the characters learning how to communicate and trust that others are there to help you. I liked the fact that we got to go to different worlds, and see the new characters interact with the gang that is on a mission. You will see a lot of action in this book, along with old and new problems that will need to be solved for this group to be able to make Neverland whole again. I loved that we got to see Jolie and Peters relationship progress, yes at times I wanted to shake them, but I loved when they finally got to open up about everything and to see them working together. I loved the banter that you will see from all the characters in the book. I loved that you have Peter, who is a big kid but he is also a male that loves deeply and doesn’t think he would be able to live without Jolie and having Jolie feel the same way. I loved that we got to see other characters too like The White and the Queen…. Will we maybe be getting a story about these characters next??? One can hope.
If you love detailed writing but without the info hangover, Lockwood knows how to do it. You will fall in love with the attention to details, the words just flow, and you will find yourself already done.
I want to thank Juliet Lockwood for the opportunity to review this book.
March 10, 2025
The Ruin of Starlight is a delightful fairytale retelling mashup that continues the story began in The Legacy of Villains. It starts up right where the first book left off (definitely be sure to read the series in order!) and launches into a whole new set of problems to solve. Jolie knows something is off with herself, but hides it in truly Jolie/Hook family fashion. Additionally, Jolie, Peter, Tink, and Damien are trying to reopen Neverland’s portals, without success - until they accidentally create one and end up world hopping unintentionally, along with a stowaway/hostage of sorts. What follows is a delightful romp through many familiar fairytale worlds, but with new twists on the lands and the characters that are entirely the creation of Lockwood’s particular world. The themes of trust, interdependence, reparations, and right/wrong/the morally gray are explored throughout. All the violence, romance , and language stays very PG, making this a great book for teens and up.
It is definitely longer than the first book in the series; plan accordingly for your reading time, because the plot is action packed and there are far too many problems to be solved for the book to be easy to set down!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Juliet Lockwood and BookSirens for the opportunity to read an ARC!
It is definitely longer than the first book in the series; plan accordingly for your reading time, because the plot is action packed and there are far too many problems to be solved for the book to be easy to set down!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Juliet Lockwood and BookSirens for the opportunity to read an ARC!
March 11, 2025
4.5 rounded up (same as book one).
- The character dynamics were excellent, maybe my favorite part. The new ones (Dorryn and Ismeath) were great, but I also liked learning more about Tinkerbells backstory.
- Book one felt like Peter’s book but this one is definitely Jolies. She goes through so much, but managed to stay brave and strong even when she didn’t feel it.
- I did want more Peter though? Even though he was there, maybe it’s just because the cast grew so big in this one.
- The fairy tale cameos were interesting. The Cinderella one was my favourite, and the Little Mermaid one was very spooky (in a good way). I think on a reread I’ll probably clue in to even more.
- I wouldn’t describe this as a romance book, but what was there made me swoon. I just loved all the cute little banters. There was some truly devastating lines (from Peter especially), so this book got me in the feels a lot. I liked how book one did the enemies thing, and now we got the lovers thing. No spice, on page kissing though.
- The riddles were on point.
- I liked the resolution to the Hook/Smee point, and Jolie realizing her bias.
I do think the book was overly long, though I’m not sure what exactly I want cut. Maybe this should’ve been two books instead? It read quick, but it just seemed like a lot of pages for the plot lol. I liked the multi POV, but after a full book of just Jolie I did feel a bit strange to do the jump.
- The character dynamics were excellent, maybe my favorite part. The new ones (Dorryn and Ismeath) were great, but I also liked learning more about Tinkerbells backstory.
- Book one felt like Peter’s book but this one is definitely Jolies. She goes through so much, but managed to stay brave and strong even when she didn’t feel it.
- I did want more Peter though? Even though he was there, maybe it’s just because the cast grew so big in this one.
- The fairy tale cameos were interesting. The Cinderella one was my favourite, and the Little Mermaid one was very spooky (in a good way). I think on a reread I’ll probably clue in to even more.
- I wouldn’t describe this as a romance book, but what was there made me swoon. I just loved all the cute little banters. There was some truly devastating lines (from Peter especially), so this book got me in the feels a lot. I liked how book one did the enemies thing, and now we got the lovers thing. No spice, on page kissing though.
- The riddles were on point.
- I liked the resolution to the Hook/Smee point, and Jolie realizing her bias.
I do think the book was overly long, though I’m not sure what exactly I want cut. Maybe this should’ve been two books instead? It read quick, but it just seemed like a lot of pages for the plot lol. I liked the multi POV, but after a full book of just Jolie I did feel a bit strange to do the jump.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
This story was amazing! I love fairy tale retellings, and Peter Pan is one of my absolute favorites. Our favorite boy who never grows up has lost some of his luster due to his missing magic, but along with Jolie Hook, captain of the Jolly Roger, the intrepid Tinkerbell, and Jolie's loyal bosun Damien, he is attempting to open the Star Portals that have isolated Neverland from the rest of the universe. When they unexpectedly do, thanks to an assist from a strange benefactor, Pel, he sends them onto a quest across the multiverse to collect star fragments. Their journey will take them to the island of Atlantis, the kingdom of the glass queen, and the home of the very first Lost Boy. The adventure gets a little dark at times, but the action is amazing and you will be holding your breath to see what happens next! The characters are very likable, and each encounters their own personal battles in addition to the overall quest. The battles are hard fought and the conclusion is satisfying. I would definitely recommend to fans of fairy tale retellings!
January 24, 2025
Peter Pan has lost his magic. Jolie Hook, now Captain of the Jolly Roger, is dying and Neverland is breaking. When they are accidentally flung through a star portal with Tink, Jo’s best friend Damien, and a Mer spy, they must travel from world to world gathering star fragments in order to get home…
The worlds they traveled to were strange and wondrous—each a reimagining of other fairytales or storybook lands—full of old allies and enemies.
Jolie and Peter’s new relationship was a little rocky but rooted in genuine affection. Tink’s a fierce warrior with biting sarcasm. Dorryn brought humor and levity to the tale and I enjoyed his flirtatious banter with Damien.
Amidst the magic, mischief and adventure were serious discussions about sacrifice and vulnerability, forgiveness and making amends.
I loved the found family, full of teasing banter and tenderness, and just like with book one, I swooned every time Peter called Jolie “darling girl.”
ARC received through BookSirens. Opinions are my own.
The worlds they traveled to were strange and wondrous—each a reimagining of other fairytales or storybook lands—full of old allies and enemies.
Jolie and Peter’s new relationship was a little rocky but rooted in genuine affection. Tink’s a fierce warrior with biting sarcasm. Dorryn brought humor and levity to the tale and I enjoyed his flirtatious banter with Damien.
Amidst the magic, mischief and adventure were serious discussions about sacrifice and vulnerability, forgiveness and making amends.
I loved the found family, full of teasing banter and tenderness, and just like with book one, I swooned every time Peter called Jolie “darling girl.”
ARC received through BookSirens. Opinions are my own.
February 22, 2025
This was the perfect cozy read and what I needed to get out of my reading slump. It had been a little while since I read the first book of this series, but I could jump right back in without any issue, almost like no time had passed. I enjoyed reacquainting myself with the original characters and loving the new ones.
The diversity of settings made my heart happy. I am versatile regarding settings - it depends on how well the story is written to determine whether I prefer a singular setting or multiple. And with how Juliet wrote the story, the numerous settings fit perfectly and drew me even more into the story.
I also truly appreciated the multitude of sneak-peek tidbits added here and there from other fairytales. They made for lovely Easter eggs and had me smiling each time I came across one.
This was the perfect continuation to The Legacy of Villains, and if Juliet plans on adding more to the storyline with another book, I will be reading it!
The diversity of settings made my heart happy. I am versatile regarding settings - it depends on how well the story is written to determine whether I prefer a singular setting or multiple. And with how Juliet wrote the story, the numerous settings fit perfectly and drew me even more into the story.
I also truly appreciated the multitude of sneak-peek tidbits added here and there from other fairytales. They made for lovely Easter eggs and had me smiling each time I came across one.
This was the perfect continuation to The Legacy of Villains, and if Juliet plans on adding more to the storyline with another book, I will be reading it!
March 5, 2025
“If this all goes wrong, I want you to know that I’ll fight like crazy for the chance to kiss you again.”
This one was worth the wait! It was really nice to watch Jolie and Peter’s relationship progress, they definitely had my heartstrings tugging a bunch. I have so many highlights of the beautiful things they said to each other. The fact that they were both afraid of losing each other 🥲
The other characters were really well done too, and I loved how they could offer different perspectives or funny quips when the moment called for it. Dorryn and Damien need a story of their own, I would read that in a heartbeat. If anything I wanted more backstory from The White and the Queen, they had an interesting story.
I also thought that this had a perfect ending and twists, and it answered some of the questions left standing at the end of book one.
This one was worth the wait! It was really nice to watch Jolie and Peter’s relationship progress, they definitely had my heartstrings tugging a bunch. I have so many highlights of the beautiful things they said to each other. The fact that they were both afraid of losing each other 🥲
The other characters were really well done too, and I loved how they could offer different perspectives or funny quips when the moment called for it. Dorryn and Damien need a story of their own, I would read that in a heartbeat. If anything I wanted more backstory from The White and the Queen, they had an interesting story.
I also thought that this had a perfect ending and twists, and it answered some of the questions left standing at the end of book one.
February 1, 2025
The Ruin of starlight was a lovely continuation on from the legacy of villains, and has all the adventure, drama and romance that drew me to the series in the first place. I love how the author has taken a popular fairytale - Peter Pan - and put her own twist on it. Yes, we still see all our favourite attributes of Peter Pan - the mischievous boy that won't grow up, the adventures/pranks and witty banter, and our stubborn but warm hearted fairy Tinkerbell - but Juliet has also put her own spin on things; for example with the introduction of star portals.
In this book, the crew transport through star portals to different lands, trying to work out what is wrong with Jolie Hook (our main character) and Peter Pan's lack of magic. These problems for our characters, gives them a chance to grow, and I love reading a book where romance has to fight through difficult times.
I really enjoyed this series, and would recommend it for anyone who likes fairy tale retellings with a bit of a unique twist.
In this book, the crew transport through star portals to different lands, trying to work out what is wrong with Jolie Hook (our main character) and Peter Pan's lack of magic. These problems for our characters, gives them a chance to grow, and I love reading a book where romance has to fight through difficult times.
I really enjoyed this series, and would recommend it for anyone who likes fairy tale retellings with a bit of a unique twist.
February 8, 2025
WOW. What a story.
I got a chance to ARC read book two and I am soooo glad I did. I cannot wait for the paperback to come out so I can place her next to book one.
I absolutely loved this. This characters, the story, all of it. I truly didn't know where this story was heading and that's what made it so fun! Dorryn is probably my new favorite because it is the absolutely best!
Also, the ending? Like that was truly poetic. It took the book from 6/5 to like 10/5 because let's be real, the traveling to different realms was fun and very OUAT coded for me.
I loved trying to find the mentions of other fairytales.
I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read book one, um, go read that right now? You don't wanna miss out on their story! Juliet Lockwood's writing is so beautiful.
I got a chance to ARC read book two and I am soooo glad I did. I cannot wait for the paperback to come out so I can place her next to book one.
I absolutely loved this. This characters, the story, all of it. I truly didn't know where this story was heading and that's what made it so fun! Dorryn is probably my new favorite because it is the absolutely best!
Also, the ending? Like that was truly poetic. It took the book from 6/5 to like 10/5 because let's be real, the traveling to different realms was fun and very OUAT coded for me.
I loved trying to find the mentions of other fairytales.
I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read book one, um, go read that right now? You don't wanna miss out on their story! Juliet Lockwood's writing is so beautiful.
December 20, 2024
This was such a great sequel in the Legacy of Villains series, it had that element that I was looking for from the world and uses the fairy tale retelling element perfectly. I was invested in what was going on and thought the idea of magic dying in Neverland is a scary concept. Juliet Lockwood has a great writing style and was able to create characters that I cared about. It was really well done and hope there is more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2025
tell me why i have 50 annotations in this book?? Juliet is actually my dictionary/thesaurus. i absolutely adore Jolie and Peter. they’re my dream couple and this was my dream adventure. like what do you mean you don’t have a heart and never did?? oh Jolie. she’s gone through so much. and also Dorryn and Damien? cutest couple over. i love the found family trope and this was like. dinner of found family. i was so hooked. and the fairy tale cameos?? love of my life.
thank you Juliet Lockwood for the ARC! all opinions are my own.
thank you Juliet Lockwood for the ARC! all opinions are my own.
December 8, 2024
Since early copies of this book are now out, I just want to take a moment to check in, breathe, and say a big heartfelt thank you to my readers.
I have grown so much as an author while writing “The Ruin of Starlight”, and over the (nearly) two year process I wanted to quit many times. But YOU, dear reader, have always been my “second star to the right.”
I hope you enjoyed this amazing journey as much as I did.
I have grown so much as an author while writing “The Ruin of Starlight”, and over the (nearly) two year process I wanted to quit many times. But YOU, dear reader, have always been my “second star to the right.”
I hope you enjoyed this amazing journey as much as I did.
January 29, 2025
I don't want it to be over! I was so happy with this story, I adored all the characters (DORRYN? IZZZZ <3), and the romance built up really nicely after book one. Jolie + Peter are such goals, I loved that they still kept up the snarky banter even with all the love. I hope we get more some day and can return to Neverland.
(This was my first ever ARC, thank you so much!)
(This was my first ever ARC, thank you so much!)
February 28, 2025
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
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
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