240 reviews for:

Dust, Volume 1

Kara Swanson

3.86 AVERAGE


I went back and forth from liking and disliking this book. Let's start with the dislikes. When I read a retelling, I am very picky about how things follow the original book, and this definitely lacked that. It got under my skin when at one point the characters even mention how [a:J.M. Barrie|5255014|J.M. Barrie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1519029719p2/5255014.jpg] got it wrong. If [a:J.M. Barrie|5255014|J.M. Barrie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1519029719p2/5255014.jpg] hadn't written [b:Peter Pan|34268|Peter Pan|J.M. Barrie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337714526l/34268._SX50_.jpg|1358908], [b:Dust|50396193|Dust (Heirs of Neverland, #1)|Kara Swanson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585285570l/50396193._SY75_.jpg|73356309] wouldn't be around. I feel like [b:Dust|50396193|Dust (Heirs of Neverland, #1)|Kara Swanson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585285570l/50396193._SY75_.jpg|73356309] is way more darker than the original, and I get it, [b:Peter Pan|34268|Peter Pan|J.M. Barrie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337714526l/34268._SX50_.jpg|1358908] is hard to make a retelling of, it's so fantastic and crazy nothing is really supposed to make sense, so when you add a serious grown-up like plot to it... well, that just sounds hard.

With that said, I really loved the whole plot by [a:Kara Swanson|13260916|Kara Swanson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1581979226p2/13260916.jpg], I really wish she would have make it a separate book and not a retelling. It was well-written and imaginative. I loved how the main character is basically a human pixie.

I've seen reviews that say if you love [b:Peter Pan|34268|Peter Pan|J.M. Barrie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337714526l/34268._SX50_.jpg|1358908], you'd love this book. I think if I wasn't a fan of [b:Peter Pan|34268|Peter Pan|J.M. Barrie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337714526l/34268._SX50_.jpg|1358908] or never read it, I would have given it five stars.

I have always loved Peter Pan and this take on the classic was everything hoped it would be. I was swept away in the adventure and mystery of it all. I love the more grown-up edge to the characters and the tale. And adored the message of hope and light even in the midst of pain and darkness. I cannot wait for the second book!

Surprisingly I really liked this book. Peter was so sweet. And so terrible at the same time. The magic of never land was so exciting. Learning to fly was awesome. But it wasn’t over the top happy. Everyone has to grow up.

I didn't feel like there was a bunch of modern love yourself messages that so many books have. I'm not sure if this is a Christian author but I could definitely see some Christian messages.
There were some parts that were a little too detailed when it comes to infatuation. But overall I liked the way that the love story was handled. I liked how they talked about how everyone has one kiss that they save for a certain person, and we shouldn't just give it to anyone. I also liked the ending when Claire says she needs to learn who she is, without the approval of men. From a biblical perspective, many girls think they are only defined by their relationship status when we must first understand who God has created us to be.
Men, please don't lie to a girl thinking that she'll like you better if she doesn't know your real self. It's ridiculous and never ends up well. I’m the words of Han Solo “they always find out.”
Also, don't try to destroy her world in the name of "caring for her" and "showing her the truth."

It’s an ok book. I expected more from a book whose main character is Peter Pan…
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Two words: Ben Kensington.

Dust is a magical, wonderful story. Peter and Claire shined as the narrators, with Tiger Lily and the Guardian providing solid backup. The way Neverland was incorporated into the setting was whimsical and imaginative.

I truly don’t have anything negative to say about this endearing retelling of Peter Pan!

(Also... Peter

Dnf... Sorry to the people that loved this book. The author made Peter pan just really annoying. I mostly just skipping the chapters when it was his pov. Overall this book isn't the best retelling of Peter Pan. I found this book boring.
adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 ✨ 𝓓𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 ✨ 
Over a year ago I read 𝓓𝓾𝓼𝓽 by Kara Swanson for the first time, and I was completely blown away by the beautiful writing and creative retelling of Peter Pan! 
I admit, I am not at all a fan of the original Peter. I thought he was immature, selfish, and completely unlikeable. I didn’t find anything about his behaviour funny; however, I loved the way Kara Swanson wrote Peter! He was a faithful representation of the original Peter, yet with major character growth throughout the book. Even if you’re not a fan of the OG Peter Pan, I would still recommend this retelling! 
Another part I loved about this book was the writing. Every word felt intentional. Not the kind of intentional that makes a book feel stagnant, but the kind on intentional that makes each sentence flow beautifully—like a bedtime storybook. 
A little warning: With the way this book ends, you may want to already have a copy of the sequel! 
I wish I could write a longer, more thorough review, but since I read this book over a year ago I have forgotten quite a bit of details. 
Overall, I highly recommend 𝓓𝓾𝓼𝓽 to anyone who loves clean YA fantasy, dark retellings, twisty plots, and compelling characters! 
Note that this is a darker retelling of Peter Pan, and deals with subjects such as depression and attempted suic*de. 
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Stars 
𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼: Heirs of Neverland Duology | Book 1 
𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮: YA Fantasy 
𝓟𝓪𝓰𝓮𝓼: 348 

Eh this book was too repetitive for me for a few things. Like they keep mentioning this big secret and I get it it’s the climax and ending and the whole point, but it kept mentioning it ALOT, like just get to the point. Okay overall but won’t be picking up the second book