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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Honestly, I didn't expect to enjoy this book. Peter Pan is a nostalgic story for me, and I'm very protective of that nostalgia. I was afraid this version of Peter Pan and Neverland would lack the wonder and imagination of the original, instead turning it into a typical teen romance.
*shudder*
It turned out that the romance didn't bother me much. As for Neverland, well... I'll have to read the sequel to see how I feel about that, because it barely made an appearance in Dust. That was a little disappointing.
I did enjoy this portrayal of Peter (aside from his constant use of British slang that didn't always seem to fit). He was just as cheeky and impulsive as the other versions I've seen. But I missed him being able to fly whenever he wanted to. The rules in this book about pixie dust and flying weren't my favorite. I don't remember the original Peter Pan in detail, but I don't think it worked the same way. And—Tinkerbell! Why??? Was that gruesome death really necessary?
Claire was more interesting than I anticipated. I still haven't learned everything I want to know about her and Connor. There were some touching moments that dealt with Claire's struggles. That one scene on the rooftop was beautiful! I didn't like her choosing to go with Hook at the end, but I can't make up my mind about whether or not it was in character for her to do so. Maybe it was.
Hook...I don't have anything to say about him, except his use of the word "love" drove me crazy.
Dust raised some interesting questions about the consequences of Peter Pan's choices, as well as the choices we all can make to embrace light or darkness. Being a fan of the original story, I couldn't help wincing whenever this book took an element from that and changed it. But I was able to enjoy Dust in spite of the changes, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Shadow!
*shudder*
It turned out that the romance didn't bother me much. As for Neverland, well... I'll have to read the sequel to see how I feel about that, because it barely made an appearance in Dust. That was a little disappointing.
I did enjoy this portrayal of Peter (aside from his constant use of British slang that didn't always seem to fit). He was just as cheeky and impulsive as the other versions I've seen. But I missed him being able to fly whenever he wanted to. The rules in this book about pixie dust and flying weren't my favorite. I don't remember the original Peter Pan in detail, but I don't think it worked the same way. And—Tinkerbell! Why??? Was that gruesome death really necessary?
Claire was more interesting than I anticipated. I still haven't learned everything I want to know about her and Connor. There were some touching moments that dealt with Claire's struggles. That one scene on the rooftop was beautiful! I didn't like her choosing to go with Hook at the end, but I can't make up my mind about whether or not it was in character for her to do so. Maybe it was.
Hook...I don't have anything to say about him, except his use of the word "love" drove me crazy.
Dust raised some interesting questions about the consequences of Peter Pan's choices, as well as the choices we all can make to embrace light or darkness. Being a fan of the original story, I couldn't help wincing whenever this book took an element from that and changed it. But I was able to enjoy Dust in spite of the changes, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Shadow!
OVERALL: My babies have been hurt and I'm not happy. Also, this book is like Peter Pan... but better. (Coming from someone who was never much into Peter Pan)
What I liked:
Compelling storyline full of twists and turns and new spins on old characters. I really enjoyed Claire's and Peter's growth, and learning how each person was connected to the world of Peter Pan. My favorite character, though, might be the Guardian: principled, strong yet gentle, undemonstrative presentation but OBVIOUSLY cares, and not above a spark of humor.
The themes in this book are powerful and worth revisiting. Caring for others; facing your past; healing; wholesome friendships, platonic and romantic: all stuff I'm absolutely here for. Claire deals with severe anxiety related to past trauma and possesses an unhealthy loathing for herself that brings her close to total despair. Kara Swanson doesn't let friendship be the magic eraser for those struggles, but still portrays how crucial a loving relationship is for those going through hard times.
What I liked less:
It took me a bit to warm up to Claire's narrative voice, and the writing style in general isn't my favorite: word choices that pulled me out of the story rather than into it, constant reiteration (of emotions, sensations, mental state) that felt unnecessary to me, etc.
That said, as generally happens with a good story, those detractors faded for me over the course of the book. Also, the character POVs are well-differentiated and unique, which I appreciated.
In conclusion:
I did not realize there was going to be a sequel... much less a cliffhanger like that one *sobs for the wait* I have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS!
What I liked:
Compelling storyline full of twists and turns and new spins on old characters. I really enjoyed Claire's and Peter's growth, and learning how each person was connected to the world of Peter Pan. My favorite character, though, might be the Guardian: principled, strong yet gentle, undemonstrative presentation but OBVIOUSLY cares, and not above a spark of humor.
The themes in this book are powerful and worth revisiting. Caring for others; facing your past; healing; wholesome friendships, platonic and romantic: all stuff I'm absolutely here for. Claire deals with severe anxiety related to past trauma and possesses an unhealthy loathing for herself that brings her close to total despair. Kara Swanson doesn't let friendship be the magic eraser for those struggles, but still portrays how crucial a loving relationship is for those going through hard times.
What I liked less:
It took me a bit to warm up to Claire's narrative voice, and the writing style in general isn't my favorite: word choices that pulled me out of the story rather than into it, constant reiteration (of emotions, sensations, mental state) that felt unnecessary to me, etc.
That said, as generally happens with a good story, those detractors faded for me over the course of the book. Also, the character POVs are well-differentiated and unique, which I appreciated.
In conclusion:
I did not realize there was going to be a sequel... much less a cliffhanger like that one *sobs for the wait* I have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
I loved this contemporary fantasy.
This book follows Peter Pan who is stuck in 21st century London. He and Tiger Lily are being hunted by the Lost Boys while he searches for Claire, his only chance at getting back to Neverland.
Claire is trying to track down what happened to her brother Connor when he was apparently kidnapped several years ago. She also wants to know why her skin keeps producing an unexplainable and dangerous dust.
I loved seeing the characters from Neverland in a contemporary London, though they all sounded like they did 100 years ago!
The book is written in first person present which always takes me a few chapters to get used to.
The Christian themes of light and shadow were strong, as was the struggle between inner pain and joy. This was something that really resonated with me. I cried when it came to the climax of the story. It hit me, both emotionally and spiritually.
I thought the narrator’s performance was dramatic and sometimes comical and the Neverland characters either spoke with posh English accents or Dick Van Dyke cockney!
I need to listen to the next book in the series now. I really hope that Enclave Publishing bring out more of their novels in audiobook format.
This book follows Peter Pan who is stuck in 21st century London. He and Tiger Lily are being hunted by the Lost Boys while he searches for Claire, his only chance at getting back to Neverland.
Claire is trying to track down what happened to her brother Connor when he was apparently kidnapped several years ago. She also wants to know why her skin keeps producing an unexplainable and dangerous dust.
I loved seeing the characters from Neverland in a contemporary London, though they all sounded like they did 100 years ago!
The book is written in first person present which always takes me a few chapters to get used to.
The Christian themes of light and shadow were strong, as was the struggle between inner pain and joy. This was something that really resonated with me. I cried when it came to the climax of the story. It hit me, both emotionally and spiritually.
I thought the narrator’s performance was dramatic and sometimes comical and the Neverland characters either spoke with posh English accents or Dick Van Dyke cockney!
I need to listen to the next book in the series now. I really hope that Enclave Publishing bring out more of their novels in audiobook format.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting retelling/sequel to Peter Pan, and I liked how she stayed in the spirit of the original.
Wow! There are so many layers to why I love this book. The characters are complex and relatable. Well, I can't relate to Hook, but I'm OK with that. Swanson does a superb job in showing us good reasons why Peter is so against growing up. These characters have wounds and regrets. They come together and we get to see a beautiful adventure as they learn that their wounding can trigger, it can cause hurt but also healing. Oh yea, they also learn to fly, too!
The quality of writing is exceptional. Swanson does a great job getting the reader into the minds of the characters without annoying me. Inner dialog can get under my skin, but not with this book. It's real and raw, not sappy. It helps you understand what's going on in the story and in the minds and hearts of the characters. Swanson presents the story with beautiful imagery. I am from San Diego and lived in London, so I have experienced the places in the story.
The only change I'd make to the writing is that people on a budget use the tube, not cabs.
The only change I'd make as a reader is to buy both copies up front, because I read this much too quickly to have Book 2 in my mailbox before it was done.
The quality of writing is exceptional. Swanson does a great job getting the reader into the minds of the characters without annoying me. Inner dialog can get under my skin, but not with this book. It's real and raw, not sappy. It helps you understand what's going on in the story and in the minds and hearts of the characters. Swanson presents the story with beautiful imagery. I am from San Diego and lived in London, so I have experienced the places in the story.
The only change I'd make to the writing is that people on a budget use the tube, not cabs.
The only change I'd make as a reader is to buy both copies up front, because I read this much too quickly to have Book 2 in my mailbox before it was done.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
I'm not entirely sure why it took me this long to buy this book and even longer to read it. Usually retellings of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland are no brainers. I guess I must have read a few mixed reviews and must have doubted if it was something for me. A few months ago though I could get this book very cheap and decided to just take a leap of faith. And yesterday I all of a sudden longed for Neverland and picked this book up.
I totally understand that this book is not for everyone. There are next to no answers in this book. We're not visiting Neverland in this book. And there is little to no action in this book. And yet I was sold the moment I started reading. The writing style really grabbed me. It was the perfect mix between atmospheric and emotional. I felt every word and even I could almost visualize all the locations in this book.
Although this book is not taking place in Neverland there is a lot of magic in the book. I quite liked having this magic in London. I liked Peter Pan coming to his own statue to think. I liked Tiger Lily doing all the grocery shopping. I liked Kensington Gardens being a place where fairies meet, feast and dance. I liked Hook owning a big mansion on the outside of town commanding his pirates to continue the famous fight we all know about.
I most of all love Peter Pan in this book though. Especially because he's exactly what he is in the original tale. He's endearing and charming and adventurous. But he's also egocentric, impulsive and selfish. He's both the monster and the hero. And that makes him interesting. I understand why our heroine initially thinks he can't be Peter Pan and falls in love with him. And I have high hopes that Peter will grow into the person she believes him to be.
I can't wait to read the sequel! And I'm really curious to explore this version of Neverland!
I totally understand that this book is not for everyone. There are next to no answers in this book. We're not visiting Neverland in this book. And there is little to no action in this book. And yet I was sold the moment I started reading. The writing style really grabbed me. It was the perfect mix between atmospheric and emotional. I felt every word and even I could almost visualize all the locations in this book.
Although this book is not taking place in Neverland there is a lot of magic in the book. I quite liked having this magic in London. I liked Peter Pan coming to his own statue to think. I liked Tiger Lily doing all the grocery shopping. I liked Kensington Gardens being a place where fairies meet, feast and dance. I liked Hook owning a big mansion on the outside of town commanding his pirates to continue the famous fight we all know about.
I most of all love Peter Pan in this book though. Especially because he's exactly what he is in the original tale. He's endearing and charming and adventurous. But he's also egocentric, impulsive and selfish. He's both the monster and the hero. And that makes him interesting. I understand why our heroine initially thinks he can't be Peter Pan and falls in love with him. And I have high hopes that Peter will grow into the person she believes him to be.
I can't wait to read the sequel! And I'm really curious to explore this version of Neverland!
adventurous
dark
relaxing
medium-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
"But what if this is me? What if this is all I am?"
"We all fight the shadows. Even ones we can't remember." His hands drop from my face as he puts his arms around me again drawing me close. Despite the burning dust, despite how many time I've told him to walk away, he just holds me. -Dust, Kara Swanson
✨✨✨✨✨
Okay I wasn't prepared for how much I was going to love this book. I expected to enjoy it, as I've been a huge Peter Pan fan for most of my life. But I felt like every chapter was written by a best friend who completely understood me, like we'd grown up together. (Or should I say knew each other when we were young...are we grown up yet?) The strong messages of hope and light overcoming darkness were so beautiful, powerful, and inspiring. And then Peter...I'm obsessed with this half grown up version of him. I really can't wait to read the sequel, Shadow!
✨✨✨✨✨
"We all fight the shadows. Even ones we can't remember." His hands drop from my face as he puts his arms around me again drawing me close. Despite the burning dust, despite how many time I've told him to walk away, he just holds me. -Dust, Kara Swanson
✨✨✨✨✨
Okay I wasn't prepared for how much I was going to love this book. I expected to enjoy it, as I've been a huge Peter Pan fan for most of my life. But I felt like every chapter was written by a best friend who completely understood me, like we'd grown up together. (Or should I say knew each other when we were young...are we grown up yet?) The strong messages of hope and light overcoming darkness were so beautiful, powerful, and inspiring. And then Peter...I'm obsessed with this half grown up version of him. I really can't wait to read the sequel, Shadow!
✨✨✨✨✨