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Star Darlings
Good Wish Gone Bad
After defeating Rancora, the Star Darlings are looking for clues about her origin. They soon discover the wish-troubled history between Lady Stella and the evil Lady Rancora that dates back to when the two women were teens at Starling Academy. They also learn new secrets about the women's friendship and how it relates to the negative energy crisis that almost destroyed Starland... and the danger that still threatens their way of life. Includes a full-color double-sided poster!
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
315 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2016
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231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 4, 2016
The Star Darlings get some flashbacks and insight into the past of their headmaster "Stella" and the evil "Rancora". This is a world of fairy-esque ladies who live in the stars (on Starland) and power their world and their abilities with the "Wish energy" from "Wishworld" (aka: Earth) where "Wishers" (aka: Girls) live and make Good Wishes (or Bad Wishes) which turn into Wish Orbs that fly off to Starland. It's very fanciful and very hopeful about the Power of Positive Thinking, with just a dash of overly optimistic "Just Walk it Off" attitude about a lot of things and a bit more "Those people on Wishworld are so SILLY with their qualms about diversity and the way they think girls can't do everything that boys can do" yet there is little diversity in the main cast of characters as described.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It's a mixed bag of good (empowering for girls!) and mediocre (heavy-handed and far too many made-up words for stuff that already exists like "glameras" and "galliope" (aka "horse"). It will likely to be a great little "So THAT'S how it all happened!" story if you're already entrenched in the series but will be baffling if you haven't read any of the previous books. It is a bit "Glenda and Elphaba" from Wicked in the storyline though so it is still interesting to read even if you haven't read anything else in the series of Star Darlings.
To whom would you recommend this book? Die-hard fans of the series (which could be a good recommendation to those who enjoyed the younger similarly girl-focused series "Goddess Girls" but are looking for something more middle-grade)
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It's a mixed bag of good (empowering for girls!) and mediocre (heavy-handed and far too many made-up words for stuff that already exists like "glameras" and "galliope" (aka "horse"). It will likely to be a great little "So THAT'S how it all happened!" story if you're already entrenched in the series but will be baffling if you haven't read any of the previous books. It is a bit "Glenda and Elphaba" from Wicked in the storyline though so it is still interesting to read even if you haven't read anything else in the series of Star Darlings.
To whom would you recommend this book? Die-hard fans of the series (which could be a good recommendation to those who enjoyed the younger similarly girl-focused series "Goddess Girls" but are looking for something more middle-grade)
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 13, 2016
I’ve been struggling to sum up my feelings on this book and I think it’s just a matter of how different this book is compared to the previous books.
It’s a good book and it gives us a lot of info on both Lady Stella and Rancora, as well as some Starland history too. Also, thanks to some flashbacks to Lady Stella’s youth, we get some feminist and progressive themes that are, sadly, still relevant today.
I think my trouble with the book is how it’s divided up, not just between past and present, but the Star Darlings divide into two groups in the book as well: one investigating Rancora and the other looking into Lady Stella’s past.
Overall, it’s a fascinating look into what happened before that built up to the events that occurred in the main Star Darlings series. But that shift from focusing on just one character to having all the characters around delving into Lady Stella and Rancora’s past gives the book a different feel.
It’s a good book and it gives us a lot of info on both Lady Stella and Rancora, as well as some Starland history too. Also, thanks to some flashbacks to Lady Stella’s youth, we get some feminist and progressive themes that are, sadly, still relevant today.
I think my trouble with the book is how it’s divided up, not just between past and present, but the Star Darlings divide into two groups in the book as well: one investigating Rancora and the other looking into Lady Stella’s past.
Overall, it’s a fascinating look into what happened before that built up to the events that occurred in the main Star Darlings series. But that shift from focusing on just one character to having all the characters around delving into Lady Stella and Rancora’s past gives the book a different feel.
February 21, 2017
Zappa, Shana Muldoon and Ahmet Good Wish Gone Bad 314 pgs. Disney, 2016. $13.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G
The world of the Star Darlings is up against a force of evil. This book flips between the past and the present of the Star Darlings Series. Readers discover Lady Stella’s childhood friendship with gone wrong, and how that led to the rise of evil Rancora. Its interesting for the girls to learn so much about thier headmaster and the dangers of the job they have been given. Then the star darlings must face her with their new knowledge.
I tried to sum this read up as best I could but this was a complex and long book, basically book #13 of this series. This book is for sure upper elementary in complexity but the rest of series is being read by 2nd graders almost exclusively. I probably wouldn’t add this to my library, as most students aren’t making it all the way through the first 8 books that I do have. Older students have shown zero interest, thought they seem to like books like Monster high and Ever After high. That being said, I really like this series, its just in a weird place demographically.
EL– OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
The world of the Star Darlings is up against a force of evil. This book flips between the past and the present of the Star Darlings Series. Readers discover Lady Stella’s childhood friendship with gone wrong, and how that led to the rise of evil Rancora. Its interesting for the girls to learn so much about thier headmaster and the dangers of the job they have been given. Then the star darlings must face her with their new knowledge.
I tried to sum this read up as best I could but this was a complex and long book, basically book #13 of this series. This book is for sure upper elementary in complexity but the rest of series is being read by 2nd graders almost exclusively. I probably wouldn’t add this to my library, as most students aren’t making it all the way through the first 8 books that I do have. Older students have shown zero interest, thought they seem to like books like Monster high and Ever After high. That being said, I really like this series, its just in a weird place demographically.
EL– OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
October 14, 2025
three and a half stars.
September 23, 2016
I really wanna read this!!! I gave it a 5 stars cos i already know it will be a amazing story because i have read 7 other books so i cant wait to go to singapore coz my city doesnt has a bookstore so i need to wait till my holiday begin again
August 20, 2020
If you are going to write a series you have to keep your facts consistent throughout the series
Starlings do not have last names and all of a sudden Stella has a last name.
Starlings do not have last names and all of a sudden Stella has a last name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
A good look into the past of the Star Darlings and how they came to be. It also filled quite a few plot holes from the main series, which I immensely appreciated.
November 24, 2025
To start off, I haven't read the previous books. I am familiar with the Star Darlings franchise. I remember watching it when it came out and seeing some of the shorts. I'd also like to point out that I'm not the targeted age. I picked this up out of curiosity and an affordable price.
I'll start with my non favorable thoughts:
1. The first wish that is made within the book and thet never checked on the person who made that wish again. The positive wishes get more attention, and I was surprised that they never revisited the wishling that made the negative wish in the first place to try to help encourage a less negative wish. This was surprising. I thought that would get wrapped up. instead, it seems to be what creates our main villain. it does seem as though they only see the wishlings as a means to create energy rather than checking on the people themselves.
2. I wasn't a fan of stella. I felt that she suffered from a heavy hand of Goody Two shoes. She uses mind control at one point to help make a wish come true, which felt out of left field. I just read through the scene and felt like it didn't fit. I just thought that there would be more authenticity than manipulation for wish granting
3. The book is fast-paced but almost in a way where you don't really get to take a break or reflect on the scenes that you've read. It just glosses over them, and then you're on to the next scene, and there's rarely reflection.
Here is what I actually liked:
1. They touched on some real-world disadvantages, especially for girls and people with darker skin. it definitely felt relevant considering the times, and even though it was more of a shallow representation, it was a nice surprise to see them address this.
2. You don't have to have read or seen the series to know or understand what's going on. they seem to really make sure to cover their bases, and it's a good introductory book if you haven't heard of the series. They go over pretty much everything.
If you liked the star darling franchise on disney, this is a quick and fun book to read. It is definitely geared towards a specific age. It's a bit fluffy. It has a fantastical touched with the smallest bit of sci-fi aspect. This can be a fun read for many who are believers and who like positive thinking!
I'll start with my non favorable thoughts:
1. The first wish that is made within the book and thet never checked on the person who made that wish again. The positive wishes get more attention, and I was surprised that they never revisited the wishling that made the negative wish in the first place to try to help encourage a less negative wish. This was surprising. I thought that would get wrapped up. instead, it seems to be what creates our main villain. it does seem as though they only see the wishlings as a means to create energy rather than checking on the people themselves.
2. I wasn't a fan of stella. I felt that she suffered from a heavy hand of Goody Two shoes. She uses mind control at one point to help make a wish come true, which felt out of left field. I just read through the scene and felt like it didn't fit. I just thought that there would be more authenticity than manipulation for wish granting
3. The book is fast-paced but almost in a way where you don't really get to take a break or reflect on the scenes that you've read. It just glosses over them, and then you're on to the next scene, and there's rarely reflection.
Here is what I actually liked:
1. They touched on some real-world disadvantages, especially for girls and people with darker skin. it definitely felt relevant considering the times, and even though it was more of a shallow representation, it was a nice surprise to see them address this.
2. You don't have to have read or seen the series to know or understand what's going on. they seem to really make sure to cover their bases, and it's a good introductory book if you haven't heard of the series. They go over pretty much everything.
If you liked the star darling franchise on disney, this is a quick and fun book to read. It is definitely geared towards a specific age. It's a bit fluffy. It has a fantastical touched with the smallest bit of sci-fi aspect. This can be a fun read for many who are believers and who like positive thinking!
February 17, 2019
In order to learn about the connection between Lady Stella and the evil Rancora, Sage and the other Star Darlings decide to investigate the past of these two powerful women, and soon find their search for answers drawing them into the past - and beginning to cause a rift in their future! The Zappa's continue this entertaining series with informative and emotional lore that will definitely fill in most of the blanks young fans have been begging for. Nothing can go wrong when the Star Darlings decide to split for a bit...can it?
January 7, 2020
My friend gave me this book for Christmas, and I adore the cover. I forgot this franchise even existed. I'm not really a major fantasy person, but I was so excited to start this. I love disney, so I knew I'd love it. So far, it's pretty good, though sometimes it feels like Shana is talking to little kids. I love the world, but I don't know if I really can connect with any of the characters. For example, Stella. I don't know what she's into besides wishing and "Wishology".
January 22, 2021
It was such a great book!
March 19, 2021
Well that ending was foreshadowing for sure. What a story.
July 10, 2024
4.4/5; points for the nostalgia, points off for what in the heck did they do to lady stella asdfghjkl i don’t remember her being this weird
Read
July 16, 2024It's really good
October 14, 2024
This was fine. I just wasn't interested enough to finish it. Moving on.
April 10, 2017
Interesting but not what I was expecting.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews