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dozylocal's review against another edition
3.0
Another "book in six parts". Seems to be the way it is done these days.
I feel this one ended just as we were starting to realise that things really aren't as they seem, having been introduced to Gwen, Rosemary, Pan and the world and inhabitants of Neverland. I thankfully do have the first three instalments of the series, so can read a little further before making a judgement, but so far a solid start to a tale of conflict between magical childhood and realistic adulthood.
I feel this one ended just as we were starting to realise that things really aren't as they seem, having been introduced to Gwen, Rosemary, Pan and the world and inhabitants of Neverland. I thankfully do have the first three instalments of the series, so can read a little further before making a judgement, but so far a solid start to a tale of conflict between magical childhood and realistic adulthood.
carolinevaught's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted on: acrossthebookiverse.blogspot.com
4.5 rounded up to 5!
Gwen's stories are captivating and amazing. At least, that's what her sister Rose would say. As much as she loves telling her little sister stories, Gwen has accepted that that's all they are. Stories. Having already given into the inevitability of growing-up, her life gets turned upside down when Peter Pan steals her sister away during the night. It isn't long until Peter and Rose come back to take Gwen with them to be a storyteller to the lost children. Unwilling to let her sister out of her sight, Gwen leaves with them without a second thought, when she's sucked into the magical world of Neverland. A beautifully freeing place with mermaids and fairies seems all fun in games, but Neverland is being threatened. Is Gwen stuck in a doomed Neverland? Or can she team up with Peter and the lost children to fix everything?
I can honestly say that I've never actually read the original Peter Pan and what I remember is based solely on what I can remember from the Disney movie adaptation. This book is interesting instantly, because Gwen's description of growing up and high school life is one of the most accurate that I've ever read. I loved how aware Gwen was with the world and accepting about how things play out. Peter was not what I expected. Again, basing my assumptions on the Disney movie, I expected a completely flighty (no pun intended) child that just wants to have fun, but Greathouse gives Peter's character so much depth that it's not hard to see what emotional traumas Peter's been put through. The reader can obviously tell he's struggling with keeping everyone safe, including Neverland. I was thrilled to see the controversy around the redskins. Before picking this up, I myself actually thought about that. As a child, it never occurred to me that that could be offensive, but society now has molded my mind to know that calling someone a redskin could be and most likely is entirely offensive, so I love how that was pinpointed! Gwen's time with the mermaids was one of my favourite parts and something I would like to learn more about, I found them very interesting and they added greatly to the plot. The only thing that kept this from a solid 5 stars is the ending. In a way I like how open it was, because it leave room for perhaps (I hope) another book in the future, but if there isn't a next book, I'm left unsatisfied. It's a toss-up, really, but overall I certainly recommend this book for lovers of Peter Pan and fairy tale retellings!
4.5 rounded up to 5!
Gwen's stories are captivating and amazing. At least, that's what her sister Rose would say. As much as she loves telling her little sister stories, Gwen has accepted that that's all they are. Stories. Having already given into the inevitability of growing-up, her life gets turned upside down when Peter Pan steals her sister away during the night. It isn't long until Peter and Rose come back to take Gwen with them to be a storyteller to the lost children. Unwilling to let her sister out of her sight, Gwen leaves with them without a second thought, when she's sucked into the magical world of Neverland. A beautifully freeing place with mermaids and fairies seems all fun in games, but Neverland is being threatened. Is Gwen stuck in a doomed Neverland? Or can she team up with Peter and the lost children to fix everything?
I can honestly say that I've never actually read the original Peter Pan and what I remember is based solely on what I can remember from the Disney movie adaptation. This book is interesting instantly, because Gwen's description of growing up and high school life is one of the most accurate that I've ever read. I loved how aware Gwen was with the world and accepting about how things play out. Peter was not what I expected. Again, basing my assumptions on the Disney movie, I expected a completely flighty (no pun intended) child that just wants to have fun, but Greathouse gives Peter's character so much depth that it's not hard to see what emotional traumas Peter's been put through. The reader can obviously tell he's struggling with keeping everyone safe, including Neverland. I was thrilled to see the controversy around the redskins. Before picking this up, I myself actually thought about that. As a child, it never occurred to me that that could be offensive, but society now has molded my mind to know that calling someone a redskin could be and most likely is entirely offensive, so I love how that was pinpointed! Gwen's time with the mermaids was one of my favourite parts and something I would like to learn more about, I found them very interesting and they added greatly to the plot. The only thing that kept this from a solid 5 stars is the ending. In a way I like how open it was, because it leave room for perhaps (I hope) another book in the future, but if there isn't a next book, I'm left unsatisfied. It's a toss-up, really, but overall I certainly recommend this book for lovers of Peter Pan and fairy tale retellings!
khcarson's review against another edition
3.0
I received a review copy of The Neverland Wars from the author, Audrey Greathouse, in exchange for an honest review.
The Neverland Wars is a whimsical tale that takes us to the forests of Neverland in a familiar and yet entirely new way. 16-year-old Gwen chases after her younger sister when Peter Pan shows up at their bedroom window and offers to whisk them away. Gwen insists she's going to protect her sister, in order to bring her home, but soon finds herself swept up in the magic and wonder of Neverland. And who can blame her? The author creates such a peaceful and serene place that it felt like escape just reading about it. It brought back all that I loved about Peter Pan as a child. Through this world, the author explores the themes of what it means to grow up. I really liked the contrast between reality and 'Neverland,' though by the end it hints there might be more fictional characters brought to life, turning the Neverland Wars into the war between reality and story. There are so many exciting possibilities there, and definitely a strong point for the series. But only future books will tell how those ideas will be explored.
Gwen is at a transitional period in her life as a teenager, and the author does a great job illustrating her discomfort, both back in 'reality' and in Neverland. She isn't really a lost child, nor is she an adult, and she feels torn between both worlds, which was a nice conflict. All in all, Gwen's character was great. Right off the bat I felt connected to Gwen because of how she looked at the world. Sure, arguably she has a very mature way of looking at things for a teenager, but as I was exactly the same way at 16, it's hard to cite that as a fault. Rather that endeared me to Gwen's character and made me want to see more of her perspective. I wished I could've gotten a bit more of Gwen's inner monologue, since her character gets a bit eclipsed by the events going on. It would be nice to see more of her thoughts and personality mixed in with the action.
Gwen's maturity aside, I found the writing style in this book rather verbose. The narration itself was a bit mature and didn't have the same tone as a lot of other YA books out there, though this isn't a bad thing. I'm vehemently against 'dumbing' down books for kids, and it's nice to see a YA novel that sells it straight to the audience.
The only things that took away from the story was the shifting POV and a lack of stakes. It seems like an 'omniscient' POV was used for this book, and while I'll admit there are books out there who manage it, it is an extremely difficult POV to do well. It takes away from my experience as a reader, as I never know when we're going to shift into someone else's head and see what's going on with them. Though I wasn't lost by shifting heads, it still took me out of the story and kept distance between me and the characters. I wanted to be all in Gwen's head, not partly in everyone's, because this is Gwen's story. Plus, it takes away the mystery when the narrator informs me what certain characters are thinking or what's motivating them, while our main character never has the opportunity (or it isn't shown) to learn that information. It creates distance when the reader and the main character are on different pages.
As well, I had a problem with the lack of stakes, which contributed to an overall lack of tension. Though there were heavily implied stakes of what would happen if Gwen couldn't bring her sister home, of what would happen to Neverland if the adults found their way to it, etc., but it was at times too thin. You need to outline what's at risk, what could be lost, otherwise there's no tension and 'edge of your seat' moment. If there are no consequences to your characters losing their mission, then what does it matter if they win, either?
Despite that, the ending really left me feeling light. I promise, no spoilers; the sudden ending kinda jarred me, but only because it took a moment for it to settle what the ending had implied, what Gwen's decision had been. It left me with a glowing smile and that soft happy ending feel. And as much as there are a lot of unanswered questions left, there was something really satisfying about that ending.
All in all, 3/5 stars. Such a lovely, whimsical tale. Made my heart happy.
The Neverland Wars is a whimsical tale that takes us to the forests of Neverland in a familiar and yet entirely new way. 16-year-old Gwen chases after her younger sister when Peter Pan shows up at their bedroom window and offers to whisk them away. Gwen insists she's going to protect her sister, in order to bring her home, but soon finds herself swept up in the magic and wonder of Neverland. And who can blame her? The author creates such a peaceful and serene place that it felt like escape just reading about it. It brought back all that I loved about Peter Pan as a child. Through this world, the author explores the themes of what it means to grow up. I really liked the contrast between reality and 'Neverland,' though by the end it hints there might be more fictional characters brought to life, turning the Neverland Wars into the war between reality and story. There are so many exciting possibilities there, and definitely a strong point for the series. But only future books will tell how those ideas will be explored.
Gwen is at a transitional period in her life as a teenager, and the author does a great job illustrating her discomfort, both back in 'reality' and in Neverland. She isn't really a lost child, nor is she an adult, and she feels torn between both worlds, which was a nice conflict. All in all, Gwen's character was great. Right off the bat I felt connected to Gwen because of how she looked at the world. Sure, arguably she has a very mature way of looking at things for a teenager, but as I was exactly the same way at 16, it's hard to cite that as a fault. Rather that endeared me to Gwen's character and made me want to see more of her perspective. I wished I could've gotten a bit more of Gwen's inner monologue, since her character gets a bit eclipsed by the events going on. It would be nice to see more of her thoughts and personality mixed in with the action.
Gwen's maturity aside, I found the writing style in this book rather verbose. The narration itself was a bit mature and didn't have the same tone as a lot of other YA books out there, though this isn't a bad thing. I'm vehemently against 'dumbing' down books for kids, and it's nice to see a YA novel that sells it straight to the audience.
The only things that took away from the story was the shifting POV and a lack of stakes. It seems like an 'omniscient' POV was used for this book, and while I'll admit there are books out there who manage it, it is an extremely difficult POV to do well. It takes away from my experience as a reader, as I never know when we're going to shift into someone else's head and see what's going on with them. Though I wasn't lost by shifting heads, it still took me out of the story and kept distance between me and the characters. I wanted to be all in Gwen's head, not partly in everyone's, because this is Gwen's story. Plus, it takes away the mystery when the narrator informs me what certain characters are thinking or what's motivating them, while our main character never has the opportunity (or it isn't shown) to learn that information. It creates distance when the reader and the main character are on different pages.
As well, I had a problem with the lack of stakes, which contributed to an overall lack of tension. Though there were heavily implied stakes of what would happen if Gwen couldn't bring her sister home, of what would happen to Neverland if the adults found their way to it, etc., but it was at times too thin. You need to outline what's at risk, what could be lost, otherwise there's no tension and 'edge of your seat' moment. If there are no consequences to your characters losing their mission, then what does it matter if they win, either?
Despite that, the ending really left me feeling light. I promise, no spoilers; the sudden ending kinda jarred me, but only because it took a moment for it to settle what the ending had implied, what Gwen's decision had been. It left me with a glowing smile and that soft happy ending feel. And as much as there are a lot of unanswered questions left, there was something really satisfying about that ending.
All in all, 3/5 stars. Such a lovely, whimsical tale. Made my heart happy.
raeanne's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy from Xpresso Book Tours through Netgalley to review.
3.5 Stars and would've been a solid 4 if not for the weak magical world building.
The Good:
+LOVED this version of Peter Pan, it makes sense he grows up traveling here and his characterization is perfect
+Enjoyed the Neverland adventures and learning more about it
+Liked how it brought up racism in the original tale with the “Redskins” and attempted to disconnect it from American Indians
+Love triangle worked for me
The Bad & The Other:
-The magical worldbuilding is weak and not sufficiently advanced, though I enjoyed the nod
-Gwen rubbed me wrong with not liking anything & no hobbies, etc. in the beginning
First I have to say, I'm not that big a fan of Peter Pan. I've never dreamed of fleeing to Neverland or meeting him.
While I loved the Disney movie as a kid, the first time I was watching a play version with my father and saw it didn't matter if I clapped when Tinkerbell died really killed it for me.
Sounds odd that I sought this book out, huh? Well, not really. I wanted a modern re-telling hoping I could fall in love with it again before reality was exposed.
And I found it.
The Neverland Wars is a fantastically written whimsical tale of Gwen struggling between her childish impulses and teen yearnings. Being a kid that loved Fantasy and Sci-fi books (and every other kind of book) growing up I understood that part of her that didn't fit in.
Gwen pushed it a bit hard with not liking pop music or anything else without giving alternatives. Like even though I hated most of the girl and boy bands growing up (the 90s man…Spice Girls!!), I had music; I just went in a drastically different direction. Looking back now I was probably compensating and trying to be "edgy".
Why doesn't Gwen like musical or movie versions of fairy tales or try out for theater or writing? She could volunteer with kids somewhere like story time. Give me SOMETHING to work with please. Instead of endearing, this attitude is off-putting. Not enough but I wasn’t feeling her much in the beginning with this going on.
As the adventure unfolded, Gwen really grew on me. I was with her every step after that bump. Her decisions made sense and then…
THAT ENDING. OMFG. That’s just not fair! Such a right hook and the screen fades to black as a cliffhanger.
Peter Pan: It makes sense that his traveling her would age him. I like how he handles being a childish 14 and makes Neverland work. He’s complicated and elusive. He is both attracted and repulsed with his dual nature. Reminds me a lot of Seih from N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance trilogy.
The Love Triangle: Yes, there is a love triangle. Yes, Gwen used the word without so much as a date between them or acknowledgement. Yes, the boys are polar opposites. Yet, it worked. And it didn’t overshadow the other aspects and felt natural.
Worldbuilding: The hardest part I had wrapping my brain around was that technology was magic, until humans caught up. It preys on ignorance, praying you don't know how cellphones and such work. Which is rather pathetic and sad when you think about it.
Science geeks or even just the science literate, be prepared to be disappointed. I'd say the same for economics but I don't think anyone really understand that ;)) jk
Economics Link Dump:
1, 2, 3,4
I really, really wish the tech was more advanced to avoid this whole problem. Like having Star Trek replicators and ending scarcity. That's a cause I could get behind using magic for (with the information I know rn) and would meet the "sufficiently advanced" part of the quote.
Cellphones just don't cut it and haven't for a while. 2G cellphones have been around since the 90s and while that may feel like just yesterday, we're talking 20+ years. Should’ve shot for the impossible replicators rather than the improbable humans can’t figure out cellphones.
As it is, it’s simply hand-waved away with Gwen’s head is spinning and her ignorance showing. Her father doesn’t come off well in this scene because he advocates for this ridiculous bit of worldbuilding. It felt wrong preying and counting on her ignorance. I don’t know how else to describe it.
The War: I do understand that this was the first book and had to set everything up so it could grow. Of course it makes sense that in Neverland the war wouldn't be the direct focus, more of an excuse for adventures and that Peter would keep his plans close to the chest. However, I can’t stop wishing there was more.
Especially the magic. It’s the whole point of the war. I NEED to know how this magic works. Are my guesses correct? Can we bring back Santa Claus? Can the poor kids get the fucking presents instead of the rich assholes ruining everything?? Throw us a bone! Of course, I'm not in such a civilized country with social safety nets. OH GODS, Is the USA using magic to bomb places?!? Please tell me America is ignorant on this. PLEASE.
Of course, I found it so damn enjoyable and enchanting I'm not really mad, just frustratingly impatient. While I obviously have ideas on what's happening next from foreshadowing and the genre but the end game? I'm not sure. What would the consequences be if Neverland won or lost? Could they actually come to a compromise? This is where knowing how the magic would both help and hurt.
The sequel will go on my TBR as soon as it’s announced.
Note: Often when reviewing at night, I listen to music. Typically, it’s just my usual jams but for this one it was Melanie Martinez’s Cry Baby. I thought the dark childish themes/sounds would be perfect.
3.5 Stars and would've been a solid 4 if not for the weak magical world building.
The Good:
+LOVED this version of Peter Pan, it makes sense he grows up traveling here and his characterization is perfect
+Enjoyed the Neverland adventures and learning more about it
+Liked how it brought up racism in the original tale with the “Redskins” and attempted to disconnect it from American Indians
+Love triangle worked for me
The Bad & The Other:
-The magical worldbuilding is weak and not sufficiently advanced, though I enjoyed the nod
-Gwen rubbed me wrong with not liking anything & no hobbies, etc. in the beginning
First I have to say, I'm not that big a fan of Peter Pan. I've never dreamed of fleeing to Neverland or meeting him.
While I loved the Disney movie as a kid, the first time I was watching a play version with my father and saw it didn't matter if I clapped when Tinkerbell died really killed it for me.
Sounds odd that I sought this book out, huh? Well, not really. I wanted a modern re-telling hoping I could fall in love with it again before reality was exposed.
And I found it.
The Neverland Wars is a fantastically written whimsical tale of Gwen struggling between her childish impulses and teen yearnings. Being a kid that loved Fantasy and Sci-fi books (and every other kind of book) growing up I understood that part of her that didn't fit in.
Gwen pushed it a bit hard with not liking pop music or anything else without giving alternatives. Like even though I hated most of the girl and boy bands growing up (the 90s man…Spice Girls!!), I had music; I just went in a drastically different direction. Looking back now I was probably compensating and trying to be "edgy".
Why doesn't Gwen like musical or movie versions of fairy tales or try out for theater or writing? She could volunteer with kids somewhere like story time. Give me SOMETHING to work with please. Instead of endearing, this attitude is off-putting. Not enough but I wasn’t feeling her much in the beginning with this going on.
As the adventure unfolded, Gwen really grew on me. I was with her every step after that bump. Her decisions made sense and then…
THAT ENDING. OMFG. That’s just not fair! Such a right hook and the screen fades to black as a cliffhanger.
Peter Pan: It makes sense that his traveling her would age him. I like how he handles being a childish 14 and makes Neverland work. He’s complicated and elusive. He is both attracted and repulsed with his dual nature. Reminds me a lot of Seih from N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance trilogy.
The Love Triangle: Yes, there is a love triangle. Yes, Gwen used the word without so much as a date between them or acknowledgement. Yes, the boys are polar opposites. Yet, it worked. And it didn’t overshadow the other aspects and felt natural.
Worldbuilding: The hardest part I had wrapping my brain around was that technology was magic, until humans caught up. It preys on ignorance, praying you don't know how cellphones and such work. Which is rather pathetic and sad when you think about it.
Science geeks or even just the science literate, be prepared to be disappointed. I'd say the same for economics but I don't think anyone really understand that ;)) jk
Economics Link Dump:
1, 2, 3,4
I really, really wish the tech was more advanced to avoid this whole problem. Like having Star Trek replicators and ending scarcity. That's a cause I could get behind using magic for (with the information I know rn) and would meet the "sufficiently advanced" part of the quote.
Cellphones just don't cut it and haven't for a while. 2G cellphones have been around since the 90s and while that may feel like just yesterday, we're talking 20+ years. Should’ve shot for the impossible replicators rather than the improbable humans can’t figure out cellphones.
As it is, it’s simply hand-waved away with Gwen’s head is spinning and her ignorance showing. Her father doesn’t come off well in this scene because he advocates for this ridiculous bit of worldbuilding. It felt wrong preying and counting on her ignorance. I don’t know how else to describe it.
The War: I do understand that this was the first book and had to set everything up so it could grow. Of course it makes sense that in Neverland the war wouldn't be the direct focus, more of an excuse for adventures and that Peter would keep his plans close to the chest. However, I can’t stop wishing there was more.
Especially the magic. It’s the whole point of the war. I NEED to know how this magic works. Are my guesses correct? Can we bring back
Of course, I found it so damn enjoyable and enchanting I'm not really mad, just frustratingly impatient. While I obviously have ideas on what's happening next from foreshadowing and the genre but the end game? I'm not sure. What would the consequences be if Neverland won or lost? Could they actually come to a compromise? This is where knowing how the magic would both help and hurt.
The sequel will go on my TBR as soon as it’s announced.
Note: Often when reviewing at night, I listen to music. Typically, it’s just my usual jams but for this one it was Melanie Martinez’s Cry Baby. I thought the dark childish themes/sounds would be perfect.
lenlin99's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars Here is a link to my review on my blog (it would mean a lot if you would check it out!)
http://myrainbowreads.blogspot.co.at/2016/07/the-neverland-wars-by-audrey-greathouse_22.html
I love Peter Pan. I really do. And I love retellings even more, so it is really sad that this is a book that is best described as „just ok“. Nothing too, special and not worth recommending or even remembering. While it is a fast paced read, with fun aspects like e.g the mermaids (really enjoyed those) and it had a nice modern twist on the Peter Pan story I just had lots of problems with it, the biggest one being the characters, especially Gwen. Apart from being a naïve girl, the only thing Gwen is the perfect shining star (pun intented) and is oh so special. Yes, she “sees behind the glamour” of growing up, contrary to all the teenage robots around her, but apart from that she has about zero personality. She justifys lots of her behaviour with how her parents treat her, which by the way, is NOT how parents treat their kids these days. It is only used as another device to get the authors message across, but while yes, I get what she wanted to achieve, but there is hardly any way around that if the reader is hit over the head with what they should be feeling. Another example for that are the lost boys. They are depicted as these really, once again, naïve children, who are so centered around the idea of adventures that they completely shuffle off their families to be on this island. I can´t comprehend these actions, but at least they characters. Also I see a love triangl coming, which I am no fan of.
This book just tries to be/do something it doesn´t have the skill to do. It tries questioning the meaning of growing up and how age and puberty affect us, but really all it does is making my eyes roll on a seemingly desperate added depth to an already forgettable YA book. I would say if you look for a fast paced read and are willing to look over lacking characters, this book might be for you, but it just wasn´t for me.
Do you guys know of any other Peter Pan retellings you would recommend? If so I would be really interested in reading them!
http://myrainbowreads.blogspot.co.at/2016/07/the-neverland-wars-by-audrey-greathouse_22.html
I love Peter Pan. I really do. And I love retellings even more, so it is really sad that this is a book that is best described as „just ok“. Nothing too, special and not worth recommending or even remembering. While it is a fast paced read, with fun aspects like e.g the mermaids (really enjoyed those) and it had a nice modern twist on the Peter Pan story I just had lots of problems with it, the biggest one being the characters, especially Gwen. Apart from being a naïve girl, the only thing Gwen is the perfect shining star (pun intented) and is oh so special. Yes, she “sees behind the glamour” of growing up, contrary to all the teenage robots around her, but apart from that she has about zero personality. She justifys lots of her behaviour with how her parents treat her, which by the way, is NOT how parents treat their kids these days. It is only used as another device to get the authors message across, but while yes, I get what she wanted to achieve, but there is hardly any way around that if the reader is hit over the head with what they should be feeling. Another example for that are the lost boys. They are depicted as these really, once again, naïve children, who are so centered around the idea of adventures that they completely shuffle off their families to be on this island. I can´t comprehend these actions, but at least they characters. Also I see a love triangl coming, which I am no fan of.
This book just tries to be/do something it doesn´t have the skill to do. It tries questioning the meaning of growing up and how age and puberty affect us, but really all it does is making my eyes roll on a seemingly desperate added depth to an already forgettable YA book. I would say if you look for a fast paced read and are willing to look over lacking characters, this book might be for you, but it just wasn´t for me.
Do you guys know of any other Peter Pan retellings you would recommend? If so I would be really interested in reading them!
tx2001aggie's review against another edition
2.0
Marketed as YA… but, prolific profanity and drug/alcohol use within the last 30 or so pages and a sexually inappropriate scene for teens will keep this book from our school library.
kim3100's review against another edition
4.0
I received the ebook in exchange for an honest review
This book is inspired by the fairytale of Peter Pan. This causes a magical and lovely story about a girl who thinks she needs to grow up. When her sister goes missing, she decides to get her back. This puts her on the road of her own adventure. I liked reading this book :)
This book is inspired by the fairytale of Peter Pan. This causes a magical and lovely story about a girl who thinks she needs to grow up. When her sister goes missing, she decides to get her back. This puts her on the road of her own adventure. I liked reading this book :)
queensaru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
wordsofclover's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
When Gwen Hoffman's little sister Rosemary disappears from her bedroom in the middle of the night, she is shocked to discover the ongoing battle between that of grown-up reality and technology and the dangers of magic. When she gets the chance to follow her sister to Neverland, Gwen takes it and discovers the entrancing idea of never having to grow up and the irresistible adventures of Peter Pan.
As Neverland/Peter Pan stories go, I thought this one was written pretty well with all the whimsy and fairytale elements I would expect from a story about everlasting childhood. There was enough in the story that kept the original story alive while also new elements were added to freshen up the idea of Neverland, Peter Pan and the Lost Children.
Unfortunately this story was very character-focused as we followed Gwen's experience in Neverland and her ever contradictory thoughts about growing up and her conflicting feelings about being a teenager. I thought Gwen was just a boring, bland and sometimes annoying character (honestly, preferring to go to a party of pot-smoking teens than flying around Neverland with faeries - questionable) who thought one thing and then acted out another. There wasn't really a plot to the story and once things did seem to get going with the Neverland bombing, the story was over. The book felt more of a build-up to whatever the author hopes to do in the next book.
As Neverland/Peter Pan stories go, I thought this one was written pretty well with all the whimsy and fairytale elements I would expect from a story about everlasting childhood. There was enough in the story that kept the original story alive while also new elements were added to freshen up the idea of Neverland, Peter Pan and the Lost Children.
Unfortunately this story was very character-focused as we followed Gwen's experience in Neverland and her ever contradictory thoughts about growing up and her conflicting feelings about being a teenager. I thought Gwen was just a boring, bland and sometimes annoying character (honestly, preferring to go to a party of pot-smoking teens than flying around Neverland with faeries - questionable) who thought one thing and then acted out another. There wasn't really a plot to the story and once things did seem to get going with the Neverland bombing, the story was over. The book felt more of a build-up to whatever the author hopes to do in the next book.
karly_ackley's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcohol