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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Wing Haven by Naomi Shibles follows Almond Nettlesworth, a fairy who rejects life under her sister Pepper’s authoritarian rule at the Fairy Nook. After witnessing Pepper seize power and punish other fairies like Sage Thornsmith, Almond escapes into the forest, where she befriends Nutsie, a young chipmunk, and allies, including Blunderman the caterpillar and fireflies Aksel and Bo. Together, they establish the Dollhouse Inn as a safe refuge. Almond undertakes quests, like retrieving royal jelly from the Queen Bee, to support their survival and fortify the inn. When Queen Pepper attacks to assert control and capture Nutsie, Almond and her companions, including Beechnut, formerly loyal to the Nook, prepare for a battle to strategically defend the inn, rescue their friends, and protect their community from her sister’s tyranny.
Wing Haven by Naomi Shibles is a fantastic story, and not at all what I expected going in. This is not a run-of-the-mill tale of Fae; it is a brilliant lean into the issues that arise from authoritarianism, lack of agency, and the fairies and creatures who work together to keep themselves and other refugees of Fairy Nook sheltered, fed, and safe. Almond is a powerhouse of courage, but is made exponentially stronger by her fellow refugees in risky escapes, inventive defenses, and negotiations. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for those also willing to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves is really, really beautiful. The settings are cinematically depicted, the Dollhouse Inn is a center of activity, and it is heartwarming to see how they spruce it up. With surprises, strategic turns, and a timely message on taking care of the most vulnerable, this is a story I could easily read again and again.
