krstxn 's review for:

Wendy's Ever After by Julie Wright

3.5

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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For many of us who grew up with the magic of Peter Pan, Wendy's Ever After feels like a deeply personal return to Neverland. It offers a chance to revisit a beloved childhood world through the lens of adulthood, exploring themes of growth, change, and the bittersweetness of saying goodbye to the past. It mirrors our own journey from childhood wonder to the complexities of growing up, and for that alone, it left my heart a little heavy and my eyes teary by the end.

The writing style is well-suited for a young adult fantasy, though I occasionally wished for a more 'show, don't tell' approach. It's an easy fantasy read, and it delivers an alternate, mature ending for Wendy, focusing on her path after her initial adventures.

The pacing of the development between Wendy and Liam felt a touch too fast. As a fan of slow-burn romance, it was challenging to fully root for them when their connection feels more like infatuation. A bit more build-up, perhaps another encounter with more subtle hints of Neverland from Liam, could've definitely made Wendy's decision to follow him feel less impulsive and more earned. That would've likely deepened my emotional investment in their relationship.

Furthermore, despite Wendy being 17 and her repeatedly claiming to be a "grown woman," her voice and reactions sometimes felt juvenile. There were instances when her thinking still seemed that of a child.

I also think that the shadow conjurer threat felt rushed and wasn't given the depth or exploration it deserves. A more developed conflict and resolution could've significantly enhanced the overall plot.

I was initially worried that Peter Pan would be revealed as truly evil, which would've arguably "ruined" a piece of our childhood. I'm glad the narrative wisely portrays him as misunderstood rather than a villain. It preserves the essence of Peter as a boy who doesn't want to grow up, but adds a layer of complexity to his role in Neverland.

I did wish for a more comprehensive and mutually accepting goodbye between Peter and Wendy. Given the emotional weight of their original story, a more thorough and perhaps gentler resolution could've provided a stronger sense of closure for both the characters and the readers. Wendy's path to accept change and finally say goodbye to the boy who never grew up felt relatable. Her farewell is as much ours as it is hers.

Wendy's Ever After still delivered an impactful emotional experience for me. It resonated deeply because it taps into that nostalgia and the comfort of familiar tales. While we cherish the magic of our youth, we must also embrace the growth that comes with stepping into our own "ever afters." This book serves as a beautiful, emotional closing chapter to a timeless story, perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet beauty of growing up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Julie Wright for the eARC! All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.