A review by cassimiranda
Heartless by H.G. Parry

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I received an eARC of this book for review from Subterranean Press via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

• The brief: This fantasy novella is inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan. Orphans James and Peter spend years together at a London workhouse before Peter escapes. Decades later, James may finally be able to follow his odd friend to a strange and distant land. It might have been better if he had never had that chance.
• If you enjoy modern yet faithful interpretations of classics that incorporate beautiful prose and a strong plot, I urge you to give this one a chance.

I requested this title because I’d read Parry’s previous work, The Magician's Daughter. I am so glad I did! Heartless has deep and compelling characterization, an engaging plot, strong world building, and layered symbolism. You don’t have to be an ardent Peter Pan lover to appreciate this work. I’m not, and yet I was fully absorbed the entire time. It is nearly impossible to give you a more detailed plot summary than the published synopsis without spoilers. What I can say is that this book… it’s my new head-cannon. Don’t skip it – you will certainly regret it.

Quote:

~ Nobody grows up, not really. There is no threshold to cross, no milestone to reach, no moment when a soul hardens from something malleable and uncertain to something fixed in stone. Everyone is always growing, all the time. (p 90) ~