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haleybeck's review against another edition
4.0
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."
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."
somethingedible's review against another edition
2.0
It’s an ok book. I expected more from a book whose main character is Peter Pan…
maddynell635's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
midnightwritelight's review against another edition
5.0
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
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
cheyannr's review against another edition
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.
raereadings's review against another edition
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
4.0
toribelle13's review against another edition
3.0
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
aprilslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“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.”
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this one. I loved it. This one is for all the people who have felt lonely, different, apart from the crowd. This is the book for those who have longed for something greater. I loved this book. I wanted to hug Claire and be her friend. I wanted to help a Peter on his journey. This is for everyone who loves a darker fairytale. As soon as you finish you’ll want to jump right into book two!
Read this if you:
-Never want to grow up.
-Like fairytales in modern day settings.
-Enjoy reading a darker twist to a classic story.
-Always wanted to fly to Neverland.
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this one. I loved it. This one is for all the people who have felt lonely, different, apart from the crowd. This is the book for those who have longed for something greater. I loved this book. I wanted to hug Claire and be her friend. I wanted to help a Peter on his journey. This is for everyone who loves a darker fairytale. As soon as you finish you’ll want to jump right into book two!
Read this if you:
-Never want to grow up.
-Like fairytales in modern day settings.
-Enjoy reading a darker twist to a classic story.
-Always wanted to fly to Neverland.
egbella's review against another edition
4.0
First off, I've been wanting to read this book for AGES. I love retellings, especially ones that take extra care in adding layers and deeper backstories to the familiar original characters/plot. So needless to say, a Peter Pan retelling by a young Christian author, especially one with a seemingly kind of angsty Peter (I'm kind of a sucker for those kinds of characters, haha) sounded awesome.
And I'm so glad I finally read this! I found the plot very well-developed and layered, the characters interesting and likeable (mostly - more on this later), and the J. M. Barrie's original story both honored and expanded in a great balance. Pretty much every character felt nuanced and real, and the plot really kept me guessing as Swanson wove backstory hints in. Why weren't Peter and Tiger Lily still in Neverland? What happened to Connor? Where's Tinkerbell? So many questions throughout the entire story that kept me reading. Oh, and yes, Peter was adorable and angsty and relatable, and even though I went back and forth between wanting to slug him and wanting to hug him, he's my absolute favorite character. So well-written.
Caveat: I never like when reviewers dock a star off their review and never address why, so I will quick mention the couple of things that made this a 4-star instead of 5 to me (and only because Goodreads has such a high rating system. If this was an Amazon review, I'd rate it 5. I just can't honestly say I found it AMAZING). Mostly, it just came down to the writing style, which felt a little juvenile/overly dramatic at points to me, and a few ways that the characters felt lacking. I had a hard time relating to Claire and would have liked to see a bit more of her personality/get to know her better. The pacing also felt off sometimes. It makes sense that it'd be slower since it's a duology, but it felt like most the entire first book was setup for the second one. And the romance aspect went a little too fast for my tastes, though I'm not usually a romance reader so I wouldn't change my rating due to that. I'm sure it's very enjoyable to people who like romance in stories!
Really though, those things were all very minor to me. I wasn't completely sucked in, but I did want to keep reading and find out what happened, and there were plenty of moments where I wanted to laugh/cry/grin/all the feels. Even as someone who doesn't seek out romance in the books I read, I still had to 'aww' at a few of the very sweet moments. They truly do make a great couple, and I'd like to see where there relationship progresses too. I also greatly admire Kara's creativity with the plotline and love the direction she took the original story. And of course, that theme! Such a beautiful message about finding where you belong and learning who you are. What a blessing to have such a talented Christian author creating and sharing such powerful stories. I'm extremely excited to read 'Shadow', as well as Kara's future works. Definitely recommend this one, whether you're familiar with the original Peter Pan story or not. It's worth the read!
And I'm so glad I finally read this! I found the plot very well-developed and layered, the characters interesting and likeable (mostly - more on this later), and the J. M. Barrie's original story both honored and expanded in a great balance. Pretty much every character felt nuanced and real, and the plot really kept me guessing as Swanson wove backstory hints in. Why weren't Peter and Tiger Lily still in Neverland? What happened to Connor? Where's Tinkerbell? So many questions throughout the entire story that kept me reading. Oh, and yes, Peter was adorable and angsty and relatable, and even though I went back and forth between wanting to slug him and wanting to hug him, he's my absolute favorite character. So well-written.
Caveat: I never like when reviewers dock a star off their review and never address why, so I will quick mention the couple of things that made this a 4-star instead of 5 to me (and only because Goodreads has such a high rating system. If this was an Amazon review, I'd rate it 5. I just can't honestly say I found it AMAZING). Mostly, it just came down to the writing style, which felt a little juvenile/overly dramatic at points to me, and a few ways that the characters felt lacking. I had a hard time relating to Claire and would have liked to see a bit more of her personality/get to know her better. The pacing also felt off sometimes. It makes sense that it'd be slower since it's a duology, but it felt like most the entire first book was setup for the second one. And the romance aspect went a little too fast for my tastes, though I'm not usually a romance reader so I wouldn't change my rating due to that. I'm sure it's very enjoyable to people who like romance in stories!
Really though, those things were all very minor to me. I wasn't completely sucked in, but I did want to keep reading and find out what happened, and there were plenty of moments where I wanted to laugh/cry/grin/all the feels. Even as someone who doesn't seek out romance in the books I read, I still had to 'aww' at a few of the very sweet moments. They truly do make a great couple, and I'd like to see where there relationship progresses too. I also greatly admire Kara's creativity with the plotline and love the direction she took the original story. And of course, that theme! Such a beautiful message about finding where you belong and learning who you are. What a blessing to have such a talented Christian author creating and sharing such powerful stories. I'm extremely excited to read 'Shadow', as well as Kara's future works. Definitely recommend this one, whether you're familiar with the original Peter Pan story or not. It's worth the read!
talesandtreatswithtay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
What an interesting take on the timeless fairytale! This book managed to exhibit whimsy and magic with a bit of a darker depth to the characters and story line.
I loved seeing the well-known characters in a more expanded way AND as being stranded in modern-day Earth--this made for an intriguing read. I loved what the author did with Peter's character especially: you can see the original blueprint but he had a lot more complexity to him. Absolutely fascinating to see how he struggles with aging since he's stuck on Earth without his shadow and without his ability to fly. I also loved the addition of Claire: her dust--how she has this ability and her journey to learn how to control it-- was really intriguing.
I did feel a few phrasings were a bit repetitive and in other places things weren't explained enough--but perhaps my multitude of questions will be answered in the second book. I also would've liked to have the role of "the maker of the stars" expanded upon further since there's only one line in the whole book about it.
Love the cover--Absolutely gorgeous and fitting! I'm anticipating what will happen in the next part of the story.
Warning: make sure you have the 2nd book handy as this one ends on a major cliffhanger
Content: despair, violence, a few lines about a gruesome death (not overly detailed but you are told what happens to this character)
Christian faith rating: 1/3
I loved seeing the well-known characters in a more expanded way AND as being stranded in modern-day Earth--this made for an intriguing read. I loved what the author did with Peter's character especially: you can see the original blueprint but he had a lot more complexity to him. Absolutely fascinating to see how he struggles with aging since he's stuck on Earth without his shadow and without his ability to fly. I also loved the addition of Claire: her dust--how she has this ability and her journey to learn how to control it-- was really intriguing.
I did feel a few phrasings were a bit repetitive and in other places things weren't explained enough--but perhaps my multitude of questions will be answered in the second book. I also would've liked to have the role of "the maker of the stars" expanded upon further since there's only one line in the whole book about it.
Love the cover--Absolutely gorgeous and fitting! I'm anticipating what will happen in the next part of the story.
Warning: make sure you have the 2nd book handy as this one ends on a major cliffhanger
Content: despair, violence, a few lines about a gruesome death (not overly detailed but you are told what happens to this character)
Christian faith rating: 1/3
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Violence