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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“This is what I thought Peter Pan should have been—light and clever and playful, but also caring for the world around him in a way no one else could.”
Wow, I am not even sure what to say about this absolutely beautiful book. It was gorgeous. The story, the setting, the characters, they were all so richly developed.
Dust explores the darker side of the Peter Pan story which makes total sense because there are so many obviously dark elements in that story, but Kara Swanson manages to weave those fantastical storylines into a compelling and important exploration of some very real-life themes.
Swanson masterfully walks the line between the necessity of the magic of childhood wonder and imagination and the beauty and significance of learning the grown up realities of love and accountability for our actions.
Both of the protagonists are learning how to accept themselves although from opposite ends of self-awareness and perception. The book also repeatedly returns to the questions of what happens when we run from our past choices or refuse to take a stand when it matters most.
The story was truly exceptional, and even as it examines some of the hardest realities of the world (which it absolutely does-the foster care system, mental health issues, self-harm), it manages to still be whimsical and full of hope. This book was absolute magic. I am still reeling a bit from finishing it. Dust was so much more than I had even hoped, and I cannot wait for its sequel to come out this summer.
Wow, I am not even sure what to say about this absolutely beautiful book. It was gorgeous. The story, the setting, the characters, they were all so richly developed.
Dust explores the darker side of the Peter Pan story which makes total sense because there are so many obviously dark elements in that story, but Kara Swanson manages to weave those fantastical storylines into a compelling and important exploration of some very real-life themes.
Swanson masterfully walks the line between the necessity of the magic of childhood wonder and imagination and the beauty and significance of learning the grown up realities of love and accountability for our actions.
Both of the protagonists are learning how to accept themselves although from opposite ends of self-awareness and perception. The book also repeatedly returns to the questions of what happens when we run from our past choices or refuse to take a stand when it matters most.
The story was truly exceptional, and even as it examines some of the hardest realities of the world (which it absolutely does-the foster care system, mental health issues, self-harm), it manages to still be whimsical and full of hope. This book was absolute magic. I am still reeling a bit from finishing it. Dust was so much more than I had even hoped, and I cannot wait for its sequel to come out this summer.
I love retellings, and I love Neverland retellings even more. Needless to say, this book was a BLAST.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Minus half a star for the sheer number of occurrences of the phrase "tribal princess."
I enjoyed this, and even toward the end I was thinking I might give it a higher rating. But then there was a cliffhanger so awful that I didn’t feel like the story was finished.
Review from July 2021 (first reread):
I'm not as much of a fan as I was last time I read this... it seems a bit dramatic now. I'll leave my review up, though, because it really captures my thoughts at the time.
February seems like forever ago now. Before reading Dust and being introduced to a whole new genre and new authors, I was mostly rereading books and wading through a few classics. After I read Dust, I made more bookish friends and read more in the YA genre. I started exploring different genres (YA fantasy in particular) and my reading has just exploded.
And this book started it all! I'll always be grateful for Kara with her beautiful writing and everyone over at the Young Writer's Workshop for expanding my reading with books like this.
Review from February 2021:
Everything I was expecting in this book was fulfilled. I could go on and on about how good it was... for now, I'll be brief. I read this book basically in one sitting - it was two hours of bliss. I haven't read any new fiction in a long time (not new releases - just new books that I've never read before) and this one just made me want more. More fiction that I haven't read! More books with such amazing themes, plots, and character arcs!
The themes of light conquering darkness were really well done. I was sad and confused right along with the characters as the book progressed and the plot grew. I've heard that the original Peter is annoyingly arrogant, but he also has a vulnerable side in Dust.
But, to echo another reviewer, there were a couple of things that could have been done better. Especially Peter's London-isms, which were a bit overdone. I understand that Kara wanted to make it feel authentic, but, honestly, it felt like too much. However, I've never been to London, so I don't know how much they use such British slang.
I've never actually read the original Peter Pan, but Dust makes me want to. EDIT: I have now read the original Peter Pan. This is better.
Also, I can't finish without talking about the cliffhanger. Throughout this book, I could tell it's meant to have a sequel. The ending left me with a gaping mouth - how dare Kara leave the book with such a cliffhanger? It was really well done.
So all in all, I highly recommend this book to 1. any fans of Peter Pan and 2. anybody dying for some good YA fantasy. Go read this book!
I'm not as much of a fan as I was last time I read this... it seems a bit dramatic now. I'll leave my review up, though, because it really captures my thoughts at the time.
February seems like forever ago now. Before reading Dust and being introduced to a whole new genre and new authors, I was mostly rereading books and wading through a few classics. After I read Dust, I made more bookish friends and read more in the YA genre. I started exploring different genres (YA fantasy in particular) and my reading has just exploded.
And this book started it all! I'll always be grateful for Kara with her beautiful writing and everyone over at the Young Writer's Workshop for expanding my reading with books like this.
Review from February 2021:
Everything I was expecting in this book was fulfilled. I could go on and on about how good it was... for now, I'll be brief. I read this book basically in one sitting - it was two hours of bliss. I haven't read any new fiction in a long time (not new releases - just new books that I've never read before) and this one just made me want more. More fiction that I haven't read! More books with such amazing themes, plots, and character arcs!
The themes of light conquering darkness were really well done. I was sad and confused right along with the characters as the book progressed and the plot grew. I've heard that the original Peter is annoyingly arrogant, but he also has a vulnerable side in Dust.
But, to echo another reviewer, there were a couple of things that could have been done better. Especially Peter's London-isms, which were a bit overdone. I understand that Kara wanted to make it feel authentic, but, honestly, it felt like too much. However, I've never been to London, so I don't know how much they use such British slang.
I've never actually read the original Peter Pan, but Dust makes me want to. EDIT: I have now read the original Peter Pan. This is better.
Also, I can't finish without talking about the cliffhanger. Throughout this book, I could tell it's meant to have a sequel. The ending left me with a gaping mouth - how dare Kara leave the book with such a cliffhanger? It was really well done.
So all in all, I highly recommend this book to 1. any fans of Peter Pan and 2. anybody dying for some good YA fantasy. Go read this book!
Travelers Wife 4 Life
Wholly Guacamole was this a captivating book! Take it from someone who was pretty indifferent to the tale of Peter Pan and his adventures before this book, that you will be immersed in a world full of life, dreams, and the pursuit of finding a family. This is Kara Swanson’s first book in her Heirs of Neverland series, and I already can not wait to get my hands on the second book! Dust was AMAZING!
“Play it safe, you mean. I’ve never wanted to be safe Lily. I want to stop hook and save Neverland- even if that means a bit of danger. A smirk tugs at my lips. “Especially if it means danger.”- Peter Pan
The characters in this story were unlike any I have encountered before. They were very real and raw, talking about issues outside of the realm of make-believe and “Magic”, and dealing with them in very lifelike ways. The characters do not fit the mold for Peter Pan and his gang, which I thoroughly loved. Peter had such growth through the story that it was almost tangible. Claire was dreamlike and I enjoyed seeing her unique perspective of Peter and Tiger Lily. I believe Claire is a very relatable character and I am so excited to see where Kara Swanson leads her in the next book. Plus, I loved the hint of romance between Claire and Peter; I am a sucker for a sweet coming of age romance. Both main characters show tremendous growth by the end of the story, Peter maybe a new favorite of mine in terms of character growth and self-reflection.
“His whole face lights up with delight, like a child inviting a grown-up to see a new creation they’ve made. He’s inviting me into his world.” – Claire
The setting for this book is partially the US and then moves to London, which is to be expected; I mean how can you tell the story of Peter Pan without Big Ben? It flows beautifully with Kara Swanson’s edgier tale of Peter and the Lost Boys. From dancing fairies to the feeling of gliding through the air Kara Swanson describes the actions and emotions of the characters in vivid detail making me feel like I was gliding alongside Peter ready for any adventure to come our way. I truly enjoyed this tale and cannot express my anticipation for the next book in the series to release!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the amazing characters, the great twist on a classic tale, and for making me like the story of Peter Pan and the adventures of Lost Boys. I will definitely be reading my kids this story someday, much better than even the original!
“You were created for more than to bear the weight of your shadows- but you have to choose to no longer let them define you. You have to choose to let the light shine through the shattered pieces.” – Tiger Lilly
I could go on forever quoting this book…so you can check out my IG or Twittert for some more amazing quotes!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Wholly Guacamole was this a captivating book! Take it from someone who was pretty indifferent to the tale of Peter Pan and his adventures before this book, that you will be immersed in a world full of life, dreams, and the pursuit of finding a family. This is Kara Swanson’s first book in her Heirs of Neverland series, and I already can not wait to get my hands on the second book! Dust was AMAZING!
“Play it safe, you mean. I’ve never wanted to be safe Lily. I want to stop hook and save Neverland- even if that means a bit of danger. A smirk tugs at my lips. “Especially if it means danger.”- Peter Pan
The characters in this story were unlike any I have encountered before. They were very real and raw, talking about issues outside of the realm of make-believe and “Magic”, and dealing with them in very lifelike ways. The characters do not fit the mold for Peter Pan and his gang, which I thoroughly loved. Peter had such growth through the story that it was almost tangible. Claire was dreamlike and I enjoyed seeing her unique perspective of Peter and Tiger Lily. I believe Claire is a very relatable character and I am so excited to see where Kara Swanson leads her in the next book. Plus, I loved the hint of romance between Claire and Peter; I am a sucker for a sweet coming of age romance. Both main characters show tremendous growth by the end of the story, Peter maybe a new favorite of mine in terms of character growth and self-reflection.
“His whole face lights up with delight, like a child inviting a grown-up to see a new creation they’ve made. He’s inviting me into his world.” – Claire
The setting for this book is partially the US and then moves to London, which is to be expected; I mean how can you tell the story of Peter Pan without Big Ben? It flows beautifully with Kara Swanson’s edgier tale of Peter and the Lost Boys. From dancing fairies to the feeling of gliding through the air Kara Swanson describes the actions and emotions of the characters in vivid detail making me feel like I was gliding alongside Peter ready for any adventure to come our way. I truly enjoyed this tale and cannot express my anticipation for the next book in the series to release!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the amazing characters, the great twist on a classic tale, and for making me like the story of Peter Pan and the adventures of Lost Boys. I will definitely be reading my kids this story someday, much better than even the original!
“You were created for more than to bear the weight of your shadows- but you have to choose to no longer let them define you. You have to choose to let the light shine through the shattered pieces.” – Tiger Lilly
I could go on forever quoting this book…so you can check out my IG or Twittert for some more amazing quotes!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I was really surprised by this book. Also, I need to give a shout-out to the narrator who switched between Claire's American voice and Peter Pan's British accent. It was brilliantly done.
Claire wants to find her brother who has gone missing. A video recording from shortly before he disappeared reveals that he believes he was going to Neverland with Peter Pan. Claire doesn't believe in Neverland. Peter Pan is stuck in London (along with Tiger Lily and Captain Hook) and needs Claire's help to get back to Neverland.
While a little slow to start, I'm glad I pushed through. There are so many wonderful twists, and yet it was clearly the characters of the old tale, if generations had passed since the days of Peter Pan, Wendy, and even Jane. The gravity of thinking beautiful thoughts was fleshed out and Peter was forced to confront ways that his childishness and lies were causing lasting harm to the world he loved so much. Claire was single-minded in her purpose, always searching for her brother, never giving in to the thought that he might have left her. She also learned a great deal about faith and learning to love herself. I loved how she spent frustrating hours trying to fly and failing, but when she left to de-stress and started dancing freely, she was floating without knowing it. I have the feeling both Claire and Peter have a bit of growing to do and look forward to seeing that in the second book, which will probably also provide some indication of whether or not we can ever expect Peter to grow up. Lovely, lovely story.
Claire wants to find her brother who has gone missing. A video recording from shortly before he disappeared reveals that he believes he was going to Neverland with Peter Pan. Claire doesn't believe in Neverland. Peter Pan is stuck in London (along with Tiger Lily and Captain Hook) and needs Claire's help to get back to Neverland.
While a little slow to start, I'm glad I pushed through. There are so many wonderful twists, and yet it was clearly the characters of the old tale, if generations had passed since the days of Peter Pan, Wendy, and even Jane. The gravity of thinking beautiful thoughts was fleshed out and Peter was forced to confront ways that his childishness and lies were causing lasting harm to the world he loved so much. Claire was single-minded in her purpose, always searching for her brother, never giving in to the thought that he might have left her. She also learned a great deal about faith and learning to love herself. I loved how she spent frustrating hours trying to fly and failing, but when she left to de-stress and started dancing freely, she was floating without knowing it. I have the feeling both Claire and Peter have a bit of growing to do and look forward to seeing that in the second book, which will probably also provide some indication of whether or not we can ever expect Peter to grow up. Lovely, lovely story.
While I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it nearly as much as I'd hoped I would.
It's very character driven and as a result the plot develops very slowly. The twist has a lot of dark elements to it, which I did enjoy and the concept was great. Swanson writes well, but it comes across more middle grade than genuine YA.
Curious to see what happens in the sequel as the book clearly held a lot back from the story during book no1. Probably would have been better as a standalone than a duology for this reason.
It's very character driven and as a result the plot develops very slowly. The twist has a lot of dark elements to it, which I did enjoy and the concept was great. Swanson writes well, but it comes across more middle grade than genuine YA.
Curious to see what happens in the sequel as the book clearly held a lot back from the story during book no1. Probably would have been better as a standalone than a duology for this reason.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dust is an interesting book. To start off with I was excited to dive into a retelling of Peter Pan, with a twist, which is kind of what the book is although the setting and characters that Swanson has added to the story mean it is completely different from any Peter Pan retelling you would otherwise read.
I found the start really hard to get into, it was a struggle to get through each chapter but as the story progressed about halfway I actually got interested in the plot and characters.
One thing I loved about the book was the gentle (if not so gentle) touches on loss, grief, and social anxiety. All things I didn’t entirely expect from the book, and all portrayed in a beautiful way.
I did find Peter extremely obnoxious and immature, which is part of his character in never wanting to “grow up” but he honestly made me grind my teeth in parts and it was difficult to read whenever his perspective was being read.
Overall, if you want to read fiction about a Peter Pan that is completely new and creative, go for it!
I found the start really hard to get into, it was a struggle to get through each chapter but as the story progressed about halfway I actually got interested in the plot and characters.
One thing I loved about the book was the gentle (if not so gentle) touches on loss, grief, and social anxiety. All things I didn’t entirely expect from the book, and all portrayed in a beautiful way.
I did find Peter extremely obnoxious and immature, which is part of his character in never wanting to “grow up” but he honestly made me grind my teeth in parts and it was difficult to read whenever his perspective was being read.
Overall, if you want to read fiction about a Peter Pan that is completely new and creative, go for it!