Wings of Fire (novel series)
 The Wings of Fire text-based logo as used on the covers of the novels | |
| |
| Author | Tui T. Sutherland |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Joy Ang (novel covers and guides) Mike Holmes (Graphic Novels) Mike Schley (maps and borders) Brianna C. Walsh (companion titles) |
| Cover artist | Joy Ang |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy, Young adult fiction, fiction |
| Publisher | Scholastic |
| Published | July 1, 2012 – present |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) Audiobook & E-book |
| No. of books | 29: 21 novels, 8 graphic novels (as of 2025) |
| Website | kids |
Wings of Fire is a series of high fantasy novels about dragons, written by Tui T. Sutherland and published by Scholastic Inc.[1] The series has been translated into over ten languages,[2] has sold over 27 million copies,[3] and has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 200 weeks.[4]
Setting and universe
[edit]Wings of Fire is set on a magical planet[a] orbited by three moons which features two known major continents, Pyrrhia and Pantala. The two continents are predominantly inhabited by intelligent dragons that are grouped into ten tribes, seven of which inhabit Pyrrhia (MudWings, SeaWings, RainWings[b], SandWings, SkyWings, IceWings, NightWings) and three that inhabit Pantala (SilkWings, HiveWings, LeafWings[c]). Dragons tend to live in their tribe's suited habitat (ex. RainWings reside in the Rainforest Kingdom; IceWings prefer the Ice Kingdom; etc.) and most regularly live among their own kind. Also, rare intertribal relationships allow hybrids[d] to exist.
Each tribe lives in a habitat suited to its biological needs and abilities; most tribes have unique adaptations fitting for their respective habitats such as resistance to cold, the ability to breathe underwater, or camouflage scales. Each tribe is ruled by a dynasty[e] of queens. The crown can be passed by either the queen naming a successor or a princess challenging the queen for the throne to a fight to the death. However, for the SandWings, if needed, the Eye of Onyx can intervene if needed. Both continents are also sparsely inhabited by humans (sometimes referred to as "scavengers" or "reading monkeys" by dragons, mostly the former term), who are (or previously were) viewed by most dragons as an inferior species or simply just another prey animal.[6] However, human-dragon interactions are explored several times throughout the course of the series.[7]
Over 5,000 years prior to the main series, humans were the dominant species of Pyrrhia. Dragons back then were solitary creatures, with no civilizations.[8] As the human empires started having territorial disputes, they sought out new weapons to fight each other. This resulted in Cottonmouth, one of the emperor's advisors, leading a group of people to steal a dragon's egg. Other empires followed suite and soon every emperor had dragons at their disposal. Eventually, the first dragon that the humans stole from formed a group of other dragons and hunted and burnt the humans and their towns, driving most of the survivors into hiding and Cottonmouth's group across the ocean.[9]
Some dragons are capable of wielding animus magic, a rare ability to cast enchantments with almost limitless capabilities. It is passed genetically from parent to child, though it is not guaranteed that one might inherit it. Animus magic is thought to loosely come at the cost of a dragon's soul, however, in reality when enchantments are of an evil nature.[10][11]
Synopsis
[edit]The series currently consists of three arcs (soon to be four) of five books apiece, which focus on young dragons including Clay, Glory, Starflight, Sunny, and Tsunami, fulfilling or subverting prophecies to save their world. Each arc consists of five books, and each book centers on its own protagonist, whose story is told through a third person limited perspective. Fifteen books in the main series have been released, as well as four novellas (known as Winglets), two extended-length standalone novels (known as Legends), multiple companion books and a presently-releasing series of graphic novel adaptations of titles from the main series.[12] The series has been edited by Amanda Maciel[13][14] and features covers drawn by Joy Ang;[15][16] many of the titles have been recorded as audiobooks by Shannon McManus.
Each Wings of Fire novel has been released in hardcover and paperback format (in addition to ongoing graphic novel adaptations).[17] A fourth arc has been confirmed by Sutherland to be in the works,[18] and the title of the sixteenth book has been revealed to be "The Hybrid Prince".[19]
The Dragonet Prophecy
[edit]The first arc consists of five books: The Dragonet Prophecy (2012), The Lost Heir (2013), The Hidden Kingdom (2013), The Dark Secret (2013), and The Brightest Night (2014), respectively starring Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight and Sunny as the protagonists. It takes place roughly twenty years into the War of SandWing Succession, a continent-wide war across most of Pyrrhia which originated when the three daughters of Queen Oasis of the SandWings - Blaze, Blister, and Burn - each sought the throne for herself after Oasis was killed by three treasure hunting humans, which the dragons call scavengers, without a specified heir. Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny (collectively referred to as the Dragonets of Destiny) are tasked by a prophecy ("The Dragonet Prophecy") to choose who should ascend to the throne and bring an end to the twenty-year war. The prophecy is as follows:[11]
When the war has lasted twenty years ...
the dragonets will come.
When the land is soaked in blood and tears ...
the dragonets will come.
Find the SeaWing egg of deepest blue.
Wings of night shall come to you
The largest egg in mountain high
will give to you the wings of sky.
For wings of earth, search through the mud
for an egg the color of dragon blood.
And hidden alone from the rival queens,
the SandWing egg awaits unseen.
Of three queens who blister and blaze and burn,
two shall die and one shall learn
if she bows to a fate which is stronger and higher,
she'll have the power of wings of fire.
Five eggs to hatch on brightest night,
five dragons born to end the fight.
Darkness will rise to bring the night.
The dragonets are coming ...
The Jade Mountain Prophecy
[edit]The second arc consists of five books: Moon Rising (2014), Winter Turning (2015), Escaping Peril (2015), Talons of Power (2016), and Darkness of Dragons (2017), respectively starring Moonwatcher, Winter, Peril, Turtle and Qibli as the protagonists. It takes place six months after the Dragonets of Destiny successfully end the War of SandWing Succession, beginning at the newly-founded intertribal school, Jade Mountain Academy, and eventually expanding elsewhere within Pyrrhia. The books follow the aforementioned five students as they face off against threats both old and new and try to prevent the catastrophic destruction foretold in the "Jade Mountain Prophecy" from coming true.[11]
Beware the darkness of dragons,
Beware the stalker of dreams,
Beware the talons of power and fire,
Beware one who is not what she seems.
Something is coming to shake the earth,
Something is coming to scorch the ground.
Jade Mountain will fall beneath thunder and ice
Unless the lost city of night can be found.
The Lost Continent Prophecy
[edit]The third arc consists of five books: The Lost Continent (2018), The Hive Queen (2018), The Poison Jungle (2019), The Dangerous Gift (2021), and The Flames of Hope (2022), respectively starring Blue, Cricket, Sundew, Snowfall, and Luna as the protagonists. It introduces a second continent, Pantala (the "Lost Continent"), located far west of Pyrrhia, ruled by the tyrannical and dictatorial HiveWing Queen Wasp. Neither continent is fully aware of the other's existence, aside from some ancient legends. The books focus on five dragons and their efforts to discover the truth behind the lies told by Queen Wasp, as well as stop the existential threat of a mind-controlling entity with the potential to destroy all of the dragon tribes.[11]
Turn your eyes, your wings, your fire
To the land across the sea
Where dragons are poisoned and dragons are dying
And no one can ever be free.
A secret lurks inside their eggs.
A secret hides within their book.
A secret buried far below
May save those brave enough to look.
Open your hearts, your minds, your wings
To the dragons who flee from the Hive.
Face a great evil with talons united
Or none of the tribes will survive.
A fourth arc was announced to be in the works and the first book in the arc (Book 16: The Hybrid Prince) will be released on March 3, 2026, Starring Umber as the protagonist.
Supplementary works
[edit]Legends
[edit]Two standalone "special edition" titles separate from the main arcs, subtitled Legends, have been published: Darkstalker (2016) and Dragonslayer (2020). Each book seeks to add additional context and/or provide a new perspective on major events referred to in the series, and, in contrast to main entries in the Wings of Fire series, Legends books follow several characters' perspectives in alternating chapters. Darkstalker alternates between the perspectives of Fathom, Clearsight, and the titular Darkstalker, providing an unobscured-by-legend trio of accounts of the origin story of Darkstalker within the larger context of the dragon world. [11][20] Dragonslayer alternates between the perspectives of three humans - Leaf, Ivy, and Wren - and features retellings of major events from the first arc from their perspectives.
Winglets
[edit]Four short stories called "Winglets" have been published. They seek to add additional context to events that were mentioned offhandedly in the main series or Legends, and are told from the perspectives of secondary characters from the main series. Originally published exclusively as e-book titles, the four stories - Prisoner (2015), Assassin (2015), Deserter (2016), and Runaway (2016)[21] - have since appeared several times in print. They respectively star Fierceteeth, Deathbringer, Six-Claws, and Runaway alternates between Foeslayer, Arctic and Snowflake. Three titles appeared in the limited edition A Winglets Collection: The First Three Stories (2016), two in the also-limited Winglets Flip Book (2019), and all four in The Winglets Quartet: The First Four Stories (2020).[22]
Graphic novel adaptation
[edit]Collectively adapted by both Barry Deutsch and Tui T. Sutherland, and respectively drawn and colored by Mike Holmes and Maarta Laiho,[23][24] the Wings of Fire series has undergone an adaptation into graphic novel form since 2018.[25]
Other titles
[edit]Five companion books and one limited edition re-release have been released. Forge Your Dragon World (2022) is an interactive activity book with advice on worldbuilding and developing characters in the style of Wings of Fire, and is aimed at fans who want to write their own stories. The Official Coloring Book (2022), created in collaboration with artist Brianna C. Walsh, is a coloring book featuring blank lineart of many characters from the series.[26] A Guide to the Dragon World (2023) is a collection of stories and art intended to add some additional context and history to the ten tribes and the world they live in. How to Draw (2023) is a drawing tutorial book and reference book illustrated by Walsh.[26] The Official Wings of Fire Stained Glass Art Book (2024), created in collaboration with Klutz Press, features crafts in the form of vellum paper to look like stained glass. Additionally, The Dragonet Prophecy: Limited Edition (2024), a re-release of the full first book with unique cover art, an interview with the author, and an early omitted chapter, was released for a limited time.[17]
Themes and reception
[edit]Wings of Fire has been noted for its thematic undertakings. It was written as an anti-war series, and series protagonists often try to put an end to major conflicts by pacifistic means while trying to prevent as many dragons from dying as possible. Despite generally being targeted toward younger audiences, the books are also noted for dealing with heavy and dark subject matter, though the series also continually works toward the idea of hope. Sutherland intentionally revolves each arc individually around its characters and sets of leading questions, such as free will versus destiny/fate, nature versus nurture, the implications of different styles of parenting, the various aspects of expectations (both that which one projects outwards and which one receives from others), what it means to be gifted (not only referring to intellectual giftedness but to supernatural abilities as well), and the many rules of duty and responsibility.[11]
The phrase "wings of fire" was chosen to both immediately invoke the imagery of dragons to readers, and to represent an individual's ability to overcome destiny and uncover one's full potential. Sutherland additionally explores the philosophical and moral implications of mind-reading, prophecy, and extrasensory perception through moon-bestowed NightWing powers. Darkstalker and the second arc, in particular, expand upon the role of magic in fantasy literature through the concept of "animus magic", a rare form of all-powerful magic that comes at the cost of affecting one's soul (both psychologically and literally). Additionally, Sutherland's personal philosophy and upbringing have been cited as an important influence, as have her unusual religious and multicultural upbringing.[11]
A large influence (or influences) on Sutherland's process of developing the setting of the world of Wings of Fire were nature documentaries (such as Planet Earth and Life in the Undergrowth).[11][7]
When pitching the series to Scholastic, she noted that one of the series' primary selling points and draws was that it featured dragons as the heroes of the stories, contrasted with the supporting or antagonistic roles typically allotted to dragons.[13]
Wings of Fire has generally received positive reviews and sold over 27 million copies to date.[3] It has developed a substantial following over the years, and Sutherland has hosted numerous public events where she interacts with fans and answers questions.
Television series adaptation
[edit]In March 2020, an animated television series was announced to be in development with ARRAY and Warner Bros. Animation for Netflix,[27] with production commencing in April 2021. Ava DuVernay was to helm the project, which would initially include ten 40-minute episodes.[28] In May 2022, Netflix scrapped the series for unspecified reasons.[29][30]
In February 2024, it was announced that the books were picked up for production by Amazon Prime Video, and the animated series will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios with an entirely different creative team attached to the production. Although "[n]o writer is currently attached" to the project, the announcement revealed that Jack Tar Productions, under executive producer Marc Resteghini, was assigned to the adaptation.[3] In May 2025, it was announced that Aaron Waltke will be attached as showrunner, co-writer and executive producer, with Tui T. Sutherland as co-writer and executive producer.[31]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The planet's proper name has not been revealed in-series, though it was referred to as "the dragon planet" in Darkstalker.[5]
- ^ As in "Rainforest", not the weather condition
- ^ There is also a now-extinct Pantalan tribe known as the BeetleWings; they are the ancestors of the SilkWings and HiveWings, bred to extinction when Clearsight arrived.
- ^ Hybrid dragons, meaning "coming from multiple species", or in this case, tribes
- ^ Tribes use a hybrid government form referred to as "Kingdoms" in-series
References
[edit]- ^ "Wings of Fire". Scholastic Kids. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (October 1, 2024). The Dragonet Prophecy: Limited Edition (Limited ed.). Scholastic Inc. ISBN 978-1-5461-3877-8.
- ^ a b c Otterson, Joe (February 22, 2024). "'Wings of Fire' Animated Series in Development at Amazon After Previous Version Scrapped at Netflix (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Children's Series Books - Best Sellers". The New York Times. October 28, 2023. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (June 28, 2016). Wings of Fire: Legends: Darkstalker. Scholastic Inc. p. 366. ISBN 9781338053616.
- ^ Smith, Stephanie (October 7, 2014). "Q&A with New York Times bestselling author Tui T. Sutherland". Scholastic OOM - On Our Minds. Archived from the original on June 27, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ a b "Dreaming of Dragons". Society of Young Inklings. September 1, 2015. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (2023). Wings of Fire: A Guide to the Dragon World. Scholastic Inc. p. 2. ISBN 9781338634822.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (2022). The Flames of Hope. Scholastic Inc. pp. 171–188.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (June 28, 2016). Wings of Fire: Legends: Darkstalker. Scholastic Inc. p. 349. ISBN 9781338053616.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Sieben, Cole S. (July 1, 2022). "Mastery of Morality and Wings of Fire". Substack. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Cadden, Mary. "Colin Kaepernick scores first best seller on this week's USA TODAY book list". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ a b Maughan, Shannon (July 19, 2016). "'Wings of Fire' Flying High". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ Green, Alex (February 28, 2017). "Kristin Cashore and Tui Sutherland Discuss Fantasy Writing as Escape". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (October 30, 2013). "Questions By You! Answers By Me!". TuiBooks. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (December 3, 2014). "Countdown to Book 6: Moon Rising..." TuiBooks. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Sutherland, Tui T. (June 28, 2024). "This page needs a dragon!". Substack. Archived from the original on August 28, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
This is, in fact, the shiny new cover for a fancy new paperback edition of Book One coming out October 1, which will also have beautiful art on the back and extra stuff inside.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (June 27, 2024). "Hi everyone!". Substack. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (May 3, 2025). "Hi lovely readers! I have been authorized to tell you a secret: the title of Wings of Fire Book 16!". Instagram. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ Sutherland, Tui T. (June 28, 2016). "A Seer, An Animus, and the Most Powerful Dragon in Pyrrhia Walk Into a Book..." TuiBooks. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
- ^ McGaw, Graeme (October 22, 2016). "Wings of Fire Books in Order". Book Series in Order. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "The Winglets Quartet (The First Four Stories) | Scholastic Canada". www.scholastic.ca. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ Frost, A. J. (June 21, 2018). "Interview: Conjuring Up Prophecies and Dragon Adventures with Wings of Fire author Tui T. Sutherland". The Beat. Archived from the original on January 7, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Laiho, Maarta (August 13, 2017). "About". Pencilcat: The Art of Maarta Laiho. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ "All the Wings of Fire Graphic Novels Books in Order | Toppsta". toppsta.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
- ^ a b Walsh, Brianna C. (March 22, 2023). "Clients". Art of Brianna C. Walsh. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ Patten, Dominic (March 6, 2020). "Ava DuVernay & Warner Bros Animation Adapting 'Wings of Fire' Books For TV Series". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (April 20, 2021). "Ava DuVernay Adapting 'Wings of Fire' as Animated Series for Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 14, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
- ^ Weston, Christopher (May 20, 2022). "Wings of Fire plans cancelled at Netflix and fans of the novels are fiery with rage". HITC. Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ McCullough, Hayley (May 18, 2022). "Netflix Pulls the Plug on Ava DuVernay's Animated Wings of Fire Series". CBR. Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (May 6, 2025). "'Wings of Fire' Animated Series at Amazon Sets Aaron Waltke as Showrunner (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 6, 2025.