Reviews – The Flight of The Starling

The Flight of the Starling is a delightful read that transported me back to my childhood of reading British classics like The Hobbit or Narnia. Adults will feel nostalgic while still having something new. Children will have a more modern, accessible book that will get them hooked on older titles. It’s the perfect kind of book to read before bed, melting away anxiety and replacing it with wonder. It’s a scary world out there, sometimes you just need a gentle, humorous fairy story to get you through.

–Rebecca C. Youtz

A superb first book from author Ella Arrow. Lily, a fiery princess, arrives at the dreaded door of arranged marriages. With the help of a pair of cheeky fairies, a wonderous artifact or three and a willingness to believe, she makes good her escape. Sinister princes! Dragons! Sugar gliders! A great book about knowing yourself, learning to trust and re-evaluate first impressions and of course, happy endings.

–djhauli

The Flight of the Starling is a fairy tale for modern times!
Imagine wanting to read a fairy tale to your children. You find all sorts of wonderful stories from your own childhood, but your children don’t seem to enjoy them like you did when you were young. In fact, it seems like your children aren’t interested in fairy tales at all! Are they too old for them? Are fairy tales actually boring? Oh no! Is their childhood doomed forever to Pokemon and video games?

Then you find it: a book about a wonderful princess with modern sensibilities, a princess with a will and a way, a princess who learns and grows… a princess named Lily! Your children are delighted, not just by Lily and all of the colorful characters she meets, but with language that is approachable and fun, and with an adventure that captivates them. In fact, you find yourself to be as delighted as the kids are, and you thoroughly enjoy finding out about Lily’s adventure yourself!

The Flight of the Starling is ALL of these things, wrapped up in one neat package! Hooray! Childlike-wonder is saved for both young and old! This is a delightful book, and well-worth picking up, whether you have children in your life or not. If you’ve ever enjoyed stories about magic, adventure, friendships, or clever girls who know what’s right, then THIS is the book for you!

–Leah

There is plenty of fun to be had in this imaginative work: magical creatures, delightful wordplay, an original heroine, and lots of adventure. More than that, it addresses issues important at every age, including becoming and standing up for your true self, learning to recognize danger, and discovering who is trustworthy.

Many well-written books end poorly. The ending of this one is creative, avoids pat solutions, and provides both justice and happiness. This is the way a good read should end, making it well-worth your time.

Besides, where else can you learn the proper word to halt an attack troll?

–Lou Boyle

If you like fairy tales and fantasy, especially when it’s funny and smart, give this book a try.

–Justin Barba

Starling is the tale of the young, naive princess of the Kingdom of Starling, Lily Rose Violet, and her journey of self discovery through a magical, whimsical, and strange lands throughout her world. We are introduced to her love, or obsession, with fairies. Lily is determined to meet a fairy. And when she does, adventure, laughter, and maybe some romance are definitely in store. The book is full of humor and is enjoyable for all ages. The fourth wall breaks were delightful and reminiscent of Ella Enchanted and Discworld. Lily’s ladies maid, Martha was a breath of fresh sensibility to the Princess’ fanciful ways. I could clearly hear the voice of Ella Arrow weaving a beautiful tapestry in this tale. I had trouble putting the book down and was immersed in the journey and with Princess Lily and her friends all the way. I cannot recommend this book enough and I truly hope to hear more from this author in the future.

–Maiamama

A fun take on the princess needs to be rescued trope. Princess Lily decided to save herself and her new friends. Lots of twists and great characters. A fun read with plenty of interesting characters. My son and I read it together and he is loved guessing what was coming next.

I love fresh takes on fairy tales and this does not disappoint. I can’t wait to read more from Ella.

–Josephine Wright

I was taken on a thoroughly fun ride with Princess Lily and her wee mischievous companions, in which Lily stands up for fairy folk and for herself, and gains important wisdom along the way. The book reminded me of some of my early favorites, with witty motifs and threads added in, that made me laugh and marvel. I can’t wait to share this book with my daughter!

–Sara Klein

I love this book! Such a fun, clever tale!

— Sarah Berndt

A sweet, new take on the old fairy tales, this time with an independent princess and a couple of mischievous fairies. A perfect bedtime read while snuggling up with your kiddos.

–Montanagirl