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Peter and the Starcatchers #3
Peter and the Secret of Rundoon
In this action-packed third installment in the Starcatchers series, Peter and Molly find themselves in the dangerous land of Rundoon, ruled by an evil king who enjoys watching his pet snake consume those who displease him. But that's just the beginning of problems facing our heroes, who once again find themselves pitted against the evil shadow-creature Lord Ombra in a struggle to save themselves, not to mention the planet
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2007
317 people are currently reading
9684 people want to read
About the author
Ridley Pearson
187 books2,106 followersRidley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,015 reviews
April 14, 2014
A great finish to the Peter and the Starcatchers series! I've really never been a big Peter Pan fan but these books made me love Peter. I always thought Peter Pan was too arrogant but these books shed a light on Peter's vulnerable, sweet side. I love how they set up the story because all the classic things about Peter Pan (his shadow, Tinker Bell, the clock in the crocodile, Captain Hook) are explained and it gives you that "ah-ha!" moment. All the books were very enjoyable and I still get a giggle in when they talk about the pirates. I'd say these were some of the best books I've ever read.
July 29, 2016
If you’ve read the previous two books in the Peter Pan prequel trilogy, then you ought to take the time to read through this last book in the series. It follows the other books pretty logically, and it maintains the same sense of whimsy, adventure, and imagination that the previous books had. Unfortunately, it’s a little dense with detail, and more than a little overlong in its presentation.
Let’s be honest for a moment: Peter and the Starcatchers was really the only book necessary as a prequel to explain why Peter became the flying, ageless boy that we all know from fairy tales. My guess is that the story was originally planned as a standalone book, and after it proved to be popular, the publisher asked the authors to write the prequel into a trilogy. Think of how Star Wars was a nice, complete film in and of itself, and how The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi seemed a little … well, not tacked on, but at least produced based on the first movie’s success. The way the story develops over the course of the novels suggests that the Peter Pan prequels were written in much the same way.
To carry the Star Wars analogy a bit further, reading Peter and the Secret of Rundoon was a little like watching Revenge of the Sith — by the end, the authors seemed to be struggling to connect everything from the first two books to everything that followed after, resulting in some plot tangents that probably wouldn’t have existed in a standard book. It’s like they were trying to cram as much as possible into the final volume, making the end result a little messy. There seemed to be three major plots going on in the book, and each one resolved itself more or less independently from the others. In that sense, it was a little like watching the end of The Return of the King, with the viewer wondering when, exactly, the movie was going to officially end. And I probably should stop comparing the book with movie trilogies, lest I lose my point entirely.
So, it’s a good read, and reminiscent of the previous two books in the series. If you can divorce yourself from the fact that the last two books in the trilogy really aren’t necessary, and don’t mind the meandering cross-wise plots, you should enjoy the book. At they very least, they’re entertaining and compelling.
Let’s be honest for a moment: Peter and the Starcatchers was really the only book necessary as a prequel to explain why Peter became the flying, ageless boy that we all know from fairy tales. My guess is that the story was originally planned as a standalone book, and after it proved to be popular, the publisher asked the authors to write the prequel into a trilogy. Think of how Star Wars was a nice, complete film in and of itself, and how The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi seemed a little … well, not tacked on, but at least produced based on the first movie’s success. The way the story develops over the course of the novels suggests that the Peter Pan prequels were written in much the same way.
To carry the Star Wars analogy a bit further, reading Peter and the Secret of Rundoon was a little like watching Revenge of the Sith — by the end, the authors seemed to be struggling to connect everything from the first two books to everything that followed after, resulting in some plot tangents that probably wouldn’t have existed in a standard book. It’s like they were trying to cram as much as possible into the final volume, making the end result a little messy. There seemed to be three major plots going on in the book, and each one resolved itself more or less independently from the others. In that sense, it was a little like watching the end of The Return of the King, with the viewer wondering when, exactly, the movie was going to officially end. And I probably should stop comparing the book with movie trilogies, lest I lose my point entirely.
So, it’s a good read, and reminiscent of the previous two books in the series. If you can divorce yourself from the fact that the last two books in the trilogy really aren’t necessary, and don’t mind the meandering cross-wise plots, you should enjoy the book. At they very least, they’re entertaining and compelling.
April 28, 2008
I read this in one day. I really enjoyed this series and I don't know that I ever read Peter Pan. I don't consider myself a Peter Pan fan. They are great adventures and I love the concepts behind the story: star stuff, shadow stealing and how they work these in to explain parts of the original story. A really fun read.
December 22, 2007
I loved this trilogy to set up Peter Pan - the authors were meticulous in addressing details I'd even forgotten about (the ticking clock, the name Pan . . ) I wish I could live in this world a bit longer. I was sad to see this series end but loved ever minute of it!
April 1, 2019
I had already enjoyed this delightful Peter Pan prequel (third in the series by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson) in print. This time, I enjoyed the story even more, listening to the brilliant Jim Dale (who also narrates the Harry Potter series) read the audiobook.
February 9, 2008
I think this one is the best in the series! It is absolutly posotivly an AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2018
Third in the Peter and the Starcatchers children's fantasy-adventure series based upon the Peter Pan of James Barrie fame.
My Take
We learn a tiny bit about Peter's parents as well as a wee bit about Peter himself. The important part of the story is saving the world from Lord Ombra and his Darkness and eliminating the slave trade between Rundoon and St. Norbert's, even as Peter fears the watchfulness of his own shadow. Is it even his own?
I do love how Barry and Pearson manage to tie in bits and pieces form Barrie's Peter Pan, from the clock inside the crocodile to the boys' hideout from the pirates, the flying ship, and Molly's darling future. Using fanciful parts of other tales such as the flying carpet just keeps the fun alive. The authors really have a handle on the gross humor of children — wait'll you read how Hook trims his toenails — yuck!
They also give a reasonable explanation — well, story-wise it's reasonable — as to why Peter will never grow old. Why he can fly and heal so quickly. It's a fate that reveals the truth to Peter eventually.
Full of hazards and perils and a bit of seat-of-your-pants terror, you can't help but gasp and laugh as you enjoy the adventure and remember a bit of your lost childhood as you read Peter and the Secret of Rundoon!
The Story
It's a two-pronged attack with the Scorpion tribe scouting Never Land to invade the Mollusk people, and Lord Ombra anxious to make up for his losses against Peter and the Starcatchers with his plan to snatch Peter. For it appears, from what Molly and George Darling discovered, that Peter is a lot more than he seems.
New clues have risen up and the Starcatchers are concerned about the lack of communication from the Watcher. Never before in the history of the organization has the Watcher not warned them of a starfall, and it takes Molly and George to discover why. Armed with this information, they hurriedly make plans to bring Peter back to London only to have everything go cockeyed.
The triumphant invasion by the Scorpions with some bright notes when Shining Pearl escapes.
The Characters
Peter whose last name turns out to be Pan is the son of a Watcher. A special breed designated to pinpoint starfall leaking through the cosmic pipeline.
The Lost Boys are getting older and becoming impatient with Never Land; Thomas, Prentiss, Tubby Ted, and James display some of that maturity with their kidnapping and the rescue of other boys sent by St. Norbert's to be slaves for King Zarboff III: Slightly, Curly, Tootles, Nibs, and the twins.
Fighting Prawn is the leader of the Mollusk people, and Shining Pearl is his very resourceful daughter leading Mr. Grin in a sneak attack.
Molly Aster leads George Darling, her neighbor across the square in London, into more mischief than her father, Lord Leonard Aster, can handle even if it does create unexpected opportunities of help. We finally get to meet Bakari who was instrumental in the last book.
Lord Ombra struggles to re-materialize and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellows after events in Peter and the Shadow Thieves. King Zarboff III is a nasty, little, despot of a king using his gigantic snake, Kundilini, to keep everyone in line. Hah! He who laughs last...
The Cover and Title
The cover is gorgeous with a touch of the Russian lacquer box style with Peter and the Lost Boys in the flying carpet escape scene as King Zarboff the III screeches on his throne, the great snake, Kundalini, poised to strike while Molly and George Darling shout encouragement from atop their flying camel while a golden green swirl of holographic ink marks Tinker Bell's trail. A deep red metallic holographic effect creates the names of the authors, the borders and the book title.
I'm not quite sure what Barry and Pearson believe is the secret of Rundoon as there seem to be so many. And, no, I'm not telling. It might give the game away!
My Take
We learn a tiny bit about Peter's parents as well as a wee bit about Peter himself. The important part of the story is saving the world from Lord Ombra and his Darkness and eliminating the slave trade between Rundoon and St. Norbert's, even as Peter fears the watchfulness of his own shadow. Is it even his own?
I do love how Barry and Pearson manage to tie in bits and pieces form Barrie's Peter Pan, from the clock inside the crocodile to the boys' hideout from the pirates, the flying ship, and Molly's darling future. Using fanciful parts of other tales such as the flying carpet just keeps the fun alive. The authors really have a handle on the gross humor of children — wait'll you read how Hook trims his toenails — yuck!
They also give a reasonable explanation — well, story-wise it's reasonable — as to why Peter will never grow old. Why he can fly and heal so quickly. It's a fate that reveals the truth to Peter eventually.
Full of hazards and perils and a bit of seat-of-your-pants terror, you can't help but gasp and laugh as you enjoy the adventure and remember a bit of your lost childhood as you read Peter and the Secret of Rundoon!
The Story
It's a two-pronged attack with the Scorpion tribe scouting Never Land to invade the Mollusk people, and Lord Ombra anxious to make up for his losses against Peter and the Starcatchers with his plan to snatch Peter. For it appears, from what Molly and George Darling discovered, that Peter is a lot more than he seems.
New clues have risen up and the Starcatchers are concerned about the lack of communication from the Watcher. Never before in the history of the organization has the Watcher not warned them of a starfall, and it takes Molly and George to discover why. Armed with this information, they hurriedly make plans to bring Peter back to London only to have everything go cockeyed.
The triumphant invasion by the Scorpions with some bright notes when Shining Pearl escapes.
The Characters
Peter whose last name turns out to be Pan is the son of a Watcher. A special breed designated to pinpoint starfall leaking through the cosmic pipeline.
The Lost Boys are getting older and becoming impatient with Never Land; Thomas, Prentiss, Tubby Ted, and James display some of that maturity with their kidnapping and the rescue of other boys sent by St. Norbert's to be slaves for King Zarboff III: Slightly, Curly, Tootles, Nibs, and the twins.
Fighting Prawn is the leader of the Mollusk people, and Shining Pearl is his very resourceful daughter leading Mr. Grin in a sneak attack.
Molly Aster leads George Darling, her neighbor across the square in London, into more mischief than her father, Lord Leonard Aster, can handle even if it does create unexpected opportunities of help. We finally get to meet Bakari who was instrumental in the last book.
Lord Ombra struggles to re-materialize and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellows after events in Peter and the Shadow Thieves. King Zarboff III is a nasty, little, despot of a king using his gigantic snake, Kundilini, to keep everyone in line. Hah! He who laughs last...
The Cover and Title
The cover is gorgeous with a touch of the Russian lacquer box style with Peter and the Lost Boys in the flying carpet escape scene as King Zarboff the III screeches on his throne, the great snake, Kundalini, poised to strike while Molly and George Darling shout encouragement from atop their flying camel while a golden green swirl of holographic ink marks Tinker Bell's trail. A deep red metallic holographic effect creates the names of the authors, the borders and the book title.
I'm not quite sure what Barry and Pearson believe is the secret of Rundoon as there seem to be so many. And, no, I'm not telling. It might give the game away!
August 12, 2016
I'd been taking these books out on audio from the library. But I enjoyed them so much, I went ahead and purchased this one. They're fun, entertaining, and the narration is excellent.
This is the third book about the origin of Peter Pan, which posits that he got his ability to fly from a long exposure to "star stuff," a glittery powder that can bring about all kinds of miracles. In this, he's kidnapped to Rundoon, where the bad guys (the Others; why they call themselves that is beyond me) have a base. There, he learns more about the mysterious forces opposing the Starcatchers, finds out who his parents were and why he wound up in an orphanage, and sails a flying ship. By the end of the story, it feels like a logical progression into the events of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan.
The book doesn't tie everything up neatly. There are still questions remaining. What happened to Peter's parents is implied, but there's a lot of room to further explore. We learn what star stuff is and why it keeps falling from the sky. We learn where the creepy shadow creatures like Lord Ombre come from, and what their purpose is. Peter deals with the ones in Rundoon, but there are lots more of them to contend with, all over the world. There are aspects of the Starcatchers that deserve further exploration, too.
As in previous installments, the pacing is quick. It takes place over a period of weeks, but it never feels like that much time has passed. The narrative follows several threads, and switches over to the most exciting ones when the others sag. There is no good time to put the book down. The urge to know what happens next is strong with this book.
There's also a healthy dose of humor. Some of it is the physical or repetitive humor that would entertain the book's intended audience, but there are also plenty of wry comments that might make a grownup reader laugh. The series is clearly written to be read aloud by parents, who'll enjoy it just as much as their children.
Despite the lingering questions, I'm not sure if I want to read the next book. The description implies it's a rewriting of Barrie's story, and I feel like the series' strength has been in how easily it's fit with the original work.
We shall see.
As I mentioned, I read this on audio, narrated by Jim Dale. He has a delightful voice, well-suited to reading bedtime stories to kids. I don't know how much he plans in advance, but he keeps the voices unique enough that one can always tell who's speaking. Two characters who sound similar are never in the same scene together, which helped a lot with keeping them straight.
I highly recommend the audio edition of this book, as well as anything else Jim Dale narrates.
This is the third book about the origin of Peter Pan, which posits that he got his ability to fly from a long exposure to "star stuff," a glittery powder that can bring about all kinds of miracles. In this, he's kidnapped to Rundoon, where the bad guys (the Others; why they call themselves that is beyond me) have a base. There, he learns more about the mysterious forces opposing the Starcatchers, finds out who his parents were and why he wound up in an orphanage, and sails a flying ship. By the end of the story, it feels like a logical progression into the events of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan.
The book doesn't tie everything up neatly. There are still questions remaining. What happened to Peter's parents is implied, but there's a lot of room to further explore. We learn what star stuff is and why it keeps falling from the sky. We learn where the creepy shadow creatures like Lord Ombre come from, and what their purpose is. Peter deals with the ones in Rundoon, but there are lots more of them to contend with, all over the world. There are aspects of the Starcatchers that deserve further exploration, too.
As in previous installments, the pacing is quick. It takes place over a period of weeks, but it never feels like that much time has passed. The narrative follows several threads, and switches over to the most exciting ones when the others sag. There is no good time to put the book down. The urge to know what happens next is strong with this book.
There's also a healthy dose of humor. Some of it is the physical or repetitive humor that would entertain the book's intended audience, but there are also plenty of wry comments that might make a grownup reader laugh. The series is clearly written to be read aloud by parents, who'll enjoy it just as much as their children.
Despite the lingering questions, I'm not sure if I want to read the next book. The description implies it's a rewriting of Barrie's story, and I feel like the series' strength has been in how easily it's fit with the original work.
We shall see.
As I mentioned, I read this on audio, narrated by Jim Dale. He has a delightful voice, well-suited to reading bedtime stories to kids. I don't know how much he plans in advance, but he keeps the voices unique enough that one can always tell who's speaking. Two characters who sound similar are never in the same scene together, which helped a lot with keeping them straight.
I highly recommend the audio edition of this book, as well as anything else Jim Dale narrates.
October 21, 2023
Flying camel and flying carpet and flying ship. Scary snake that eats people. Tinker Bell’s sass. George’s arc from spoiled rich boy to seaman. Shining Pearl being amazing and brave. Mr. Grin. Peter’s shadow separating from him (WHAT AN EPIC MOMENT). Lord Ombra being terrifying.
I just love this series. It’s so epic and adventurous and you never know which way it’ll go (unless you’re me, who has read them before but forgot a lot of it so I’m over here like “I feel like Peter is in a rocket at some point…”). And I like how the origin story is spread out over three books so they can focus on each of the elements without rushing things.
Also, every time Tink says something rude and someone is like “What did she say?” and Peter lies XD *chef’s kiss*
The pacing on this one was a little weird (the world-might-end plotline was resolved with a decent chunk of the end to go so moving back to less dire storylines felt like a bit of a de-escalation, but also the Mollusk Island climax was great so I have mixed feelings) but overall, a stellar end to the initial trilogy.
And can I just say that one of my favorite things about Peter Pan is how Captain Hook may be the villain, but he deals with a villain of his own, Tick Tock? I think his terror of Tick Tock makes him much more interesting. So I’m glad that these books used that as well, with Hook absolutely terrified of Mr. Grin and Mr. Grin eager to eat him.
I think book two is still my favorite.
P. S. Jim Dale’s narration is so good, especially for Hook, Leonard, Fighting Prawn, and Smee.
I just love this series. It’s so epic and adventurous and you never know which way it’ll go (unless you’re me, who has read them before but forgot a lot of it so I’m over here like “I feel like Peter is in a rocket at some point…”). And I like how the origin story is spread out over three books so they can focus on each of the elements without rushing things.
Also, every time Tink says something rude and someone is like “What did she say?” and Peter lies XD *chef’s kiss*
The pacing on this one was a little weird (the world-might-end plotline was resolved with a decent chunk of the end to go so moving back to less dire storylines felt like a bit of a de-escalation, but also the Mollusk Island climax was great so I have mixed feelings) but overall, a stellar end to the initial trilogy.
And can I just say that one of my favorite things about Peter Pan is how Captain Hook may be the villain, but he deals with a villain of his own, Tick Tock? I think his terror of Tick Tock makes him much more interesting. So I’m glad that these books used that as well, with Hook absolutely terrified of Mr. Grin and Mr. Grin eager to eat him.
I think book two is still my favorite.
P. S. Jim Dale’s narration is so good, especially for Hook, Leonard, Fighting Prawn, and Smee.
July 22, 2009
Peter's quiet life on the island is changed when the island is attacked by a murderous tribe. When Peter tries to come to the aid of the peaceful Mollusk tribe, he is downed by a poison arrow from the Scorpions. His weakened state allows him to be captured by the evil, reappearing shadow Lord Ombra who takes Peter to Rundoon. Peter's magical abilities to locate starstuff fall, a quality that he himself didn't even know he had, is needed for nefarious purposes by Ombra and the dark side he represents. Peter is not able to help rescue the Mollusk or himself and things begin to go from bad to worse very quickly when Leonard tries to intervene and is captured, too, along with his accomplice Bakari, and Molly and George have to fend for themselves after having stowed aboard her father's boat.
Following more than one plot line may deter some readers, but those that stick with it are in for many plot turns, death and destruction (and possible annihilation of the world), a touching conclusion and the humor of Peter's constant mistranslations of Tink's statements about anything having to do with Molly.
Following more than one plot line may deter some readers, but those that stick with it are in for many plot turns, death and destruction (and possible annihilation of the world), a touching conclusion and the humor of Peter's constant mistranslations of Tink's statements about anything having to do with Molly.
January 21, 2018
Altogether this was the least put together of the first three Starcatchers books. Two completely different storylines that hardly intertwined gave it something of a hodgepodge feeling. But it still had lots of the same fun, swashbuckling feel of the first two, and also a few good laughs. Every once in a while, the villains did some actually evil things, which honestly helped the story pop a little more. (I still think Lord Ombra could have been scarier if he'd said many less words.)
In the end though, I didn't expect a Starcatchers book to try and make me cry.
I also didn't expect a Starcatchers book to explain how Peter went from this loveable, adorable kid Dave and Ridley wrote to Mr. Barrie's selfish, narcissistic, adrenaline junkie.
The last couple of pages here did both.
Wow. Don't be immortal, guys. It's bad for your soul.
(Also, don't put on any clothes that belong to Captain Hook.)
(Very glad that they didn't forget about the clock though!)
In the end though, I didn't expect a Starcatchers book to try and make me cry.
I also didn't expect a Starcatchers book to explain how Peter went from this loveable, adorable kid Dave and Ridley wrote to Mr. Barrie's selfish, narcissistic, adrenaline junkie.
The last couple of pages here did both.
Wow. Don't be immortal, guys. It's bad for your soul.
(Also, don't put on any clothes that belong to Captain Hook.)
(Very glad that they didn't forget about the clock though!)
May 17, 2024
This is probably the best complete book of the three, although the climax of Shadow Thieves at Stonehenge is still my favorite scene. Also, why are we not at the Pyramids!? Who cares if we already said the word Rundoon, go to the Pyramids! Blow up the Sphinx! Prove to me that the world of Peter Pan isn't one where the Sphinx mysteriously blew up in the late 1800s.
"Starstuff caused the Big Bang, and we, forces of pure evil, are going to use it to cause the Big Crunch" was a triple down I did not see coming.
Minus one star for no Pyramids.
"Starstuff caused the Big Bang, and we, forces of pure evil, are going to use it to cause the Big Crunch" was a triple down I did not see coming.
Minus one star for no Pyramids.
March 27, 2025
*chef’s kiss* Another fantastic addition to the series, with the main story now wrapped up. I’m excited to meet Wendy in the next book!
July 16, 2022
That one part though. The carpet flys and im like 🤨ALADIN??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2018
Peter Pan and the Starcatchers is a 3-book series. This book is the last of the series, and is part of Peter and the boys adventures before and after the original story. It includes Peter and his duty to the Starcatchers. They fight battle with darkness, that can only be won by collecting starstuff. Starstuff is the material that can make things fly, such as Peter. In this book, the evil King Zarbaroff the III, learns the location of Peter and the boys, by the help of the dark form of a shadow called Ombra. I can't give too much of this away, but these stories about the boy who can fly, could change the way you look at Peter Pan forever.
Theme: An adventurous piece about loyalty, friendship, and who to trust.
Theme: An adventurous piece about loyalty, friendship, and who to trust.
April 28, 2017
Like the first two, an easy read that's fast and enjoyable. You find out a lot more about Peter's history- though we never find out what actually happened to Peter's parents, which in my mind is a huge oversight! I also wish there was a better explanation about how Peter "detaches" from this shadow. Also, I'm not gonna lie- Molly gets on my nerves. You would think after ending up in a bind SEVERAL different times by thinking she can handle things on her own, she would learn! I was pretty ticked at her for choosing to free her father instead of helping Peter with the rocket like her father advised- and then of course she just ends up captured anyway. But despite her stubborn ways ;), I still enjoyed this book :). You get to meet Tootle, Nibs and the other classic Lost Boys as well as learning why they never grow up; and you find out why the Crocodile "ticks" :).
February 17, 2015
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***Borrowed the audiobook CD’s from the library
The cover is definitely a magical adventure that grabs your attention and says read me :)
I really do love that Jim Dale has continued as the narrator :) I love when there is consistency, and my son feels the same way. We listened to this book to and from school. It makes our ride enjoyable, and I get to share my book addiction with him.
This adventure was just as epic as all the other Peter and the Starcatchers books. This book links in even more of the Peter Pan nuances and story traits that you know and love. Peter is an amazing boy with so much courage especially when it comes to saving his friends. I love that my son gets to hear these lessons as we listen to the books in this series. Peter and his friends are all present in this story, and then we meet some new friends that I was excited when I heard the names. There is so much action and stuff happening in this book. It kept both my son and my attention throughout the whole thing. I can’t wait to start the next book with my son :)
I highly recommend this series to Peter Pan and Tinker Bell fans who want a new take on old stories especially if you are an adventure loving boy or someone who loves one :) The audio version is a fantastic way to share the story together :)
***Borrowed the audiobook CD’s from the library
The cover is definitely a magical adventure that grabs your attention and says read me :)
I really do love that Jim Dale has continued as the narrator :) I love when there is consistency, and my son feels the same way. We listened to this book to and from school. It makes our ride enjoyable, and I get to share my book addiction with him.
This adventure was just as epic as all the other Peter and the Starcatchers books. This book links in even more of the Peter Pan nuances and story traits that you know and love. Peter is an amazing boy with so much courage especially when it comes to saving his friends. I love that my son gets to hear these lessons as we listen to the books in this series. Peter and his friends are all present in this story, and then we meet some new friends that I was excited when I heard the names. There is so much action and stuff happening in this book. It kept both my son and my attention throughout the whole thing. I can’t wait to start the next book with my son :)
I highly recommend this series to Peter Pan and Tinker Bell fans who want a new take on old stories especially if you are an adventure loving boy or someone who loves one :) The audio version is a fantastic way to share the story together :)
January 9, 2025
Obviously the original story of Peter Pan is pretty racist. Like Tiger Lily was crazy. But since this is a retelling I figured it would be better.
And it mostly was better, at least in the first book. The island locals weren’t FREAKING NATIVE AMERICANS, and Fighting Prawn’s monologue on English colonialism was great I guess.
but jeez louise. this one was bad.
This adventure takes place in the made-up land of Rundoon, a clearly Islamic-inspired, vaguely Middle Eastern kingdom. A “dangerous and barbaric” culture, complete with camels, snake charmers, and desert tombs. Where the locals wear… *checks notes* …. loincloths with turbans. because that makes sense.
And to top it all off, we have Leonard Astor (aka the love of my life when I was 11 years old) wearing LITERAL BROWNFACE… to blend in with the locals… like he legitimately rubs brown boot polish onto his skin. to go undercover. alrighty.
almost as bad as Prince of Persia starring Jake Gyllenhaal, but still a fun adventure so 3 stars for the nostalgia. If they just did this same plot but literally anywhere else, it would have been a 5 star read. yikes.
And it mostly was better, at least in the first book. The island locals weren’t FREAKING NATIVE AMERICANS, and Fighting Prawn’s monologue on English colonialism was great I guess.
but jeez louise. this one was bad.
This adventure takes place in the made-up land of Rundoon, a clearly Islamic-inspired, vaguely Middle Eastern kingdom. A “dangerous and barbaric” culture, complete with camels, snake charmers, and desert tombs. Where the locals wear… *checks notes* …. loincloths with turbans. because that makes sense.
And to top it all off, we have Leonard Astor (aka the love of my life when I was 11 years old) wearing LITERAL BROWNFACE… to blend in with the locals… like he legitimately rubs brown boot polish onto his skin. to go undercover. alrighty.
almost as bad as Prince of Persia starring Jake Gyllenhaal, but still a fun adventure so 3 stars for the nostalgia. If they just did this same plot but literally anywhere else, it would have been a 5 star read. yikes.
March 14, 2009
This book was SOO good! I loved it, how the characters changed from the first book to this one, how Ombra's true purpose was finally explained, and exactly who "His Highness, King Zanbroff the Third" is. It filled in all the plot holes of the classic story of Peter Pan(except Tiger Lily. . .), and I liked how everything about the classic story was finally explained in a way J.M. Barrie never did.
SPOILERS:
I was sad to say that I HATED the ending!!! I hated that James, and who I thought the Lost Boys would be, left, to be among the adults of the world, and to grow up. I hated the way it was left with Molly, and how she left her (who I think is) her one true love, for GEORGE!! I mean, I started liking George in this book, but when Molly chose him over Peter, who I think she liked a lot, it made me EXTREMELY angry!!! I knew it had to end that way, though, but I still was mad! Anyway, it's a fantastic book, and I think it's a classic that should be as famous as Harry Potter or Twilight, because I think it is and could be just as good!!!
SPOILERS:
I was sad to say that I HATED the ending!!! I hated that James, and who I thought the Lost Boys would be, left, to be among the adults of the world, and to grow up. I hated the way it was left with Molly, and how she left her (who I think is) her one true love, for GEORGE!! I mean, I started liking George in this book, but when Molly chose him over Peter, who I think she liked a lot, it made me EXTREMELY angry!!! I knew it had to end that way, though, but I still was mad! Anyway, it's a fantastic book, and I think it's a classic that should be as famous as Harry Potter or Twilight, because I think it is and could be just as good!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2012
I am going to review all three of these ("Peter and the Starcatchers" "Peter and the Shadow Theives" and "Peter and the Secret of Rundoon" in one review.
I loved all three of these books. They make wonderful prequels to the original "Peter Pan" story and set up how Peter became, well, Peter! There are little hints that refer to things to come which are enjoyable (oh that's how Neverland became magical, that's how Captain Hook came to be and hates Peter, etc) So as a fan of "Peter Pan" these three books were lots of fun, and have a nice story in of themselves to tell.
I will add - DO NOT read any of the books past the 3rd ("Secrets of Rundoon") because the 3rd book wraps up everything nicely and leads into the original "Peter Pan" just so. The fourth book breaks all of that and messes up all the canon and timelines and is simply not a good book! I was disgusted with it that I haven't ventured past book 4 to see how the other in the series go. So - do read this if you like Peter and Neverland, but STOP at book 3!
I loved all three of these books. They make wonderful prequels to the original "Peter Pan" story and set up how Peter became, well, Peter! There are little hints that refer to things to come which are enjoyable (oh that's how Neverland became magical, that's how Captain Hook came to be and hates Peter, etc) So as a fan of "Peter Pan" these three books were lots of fun, and have a nice story in of themselves to tell.
I will add - DO NOT read any of the books past the 3rd ("Secrets of Rundoon") because the 3rd book wraps up everything nicely and leads into the original "Peter Pan" just so. The fourth book breaks all of that and messes up all the canon and timelines and is simply not a good book! I was disgusted with it that I haven't ventured past book 4 to see how the other in the series go. So - do read this if you like Peter and Neverland, but STOP at book 3!
March 22, 2009
While this was still a very good book; it was as good as the first two in the trilogy. It dragged on in placed and was a little longer than it needed to be. The events also seemed more random, and while they tied together at the end it was a bit of a stretch. But...it is the history of Peter Pan, so I guess a stretch should be expected. I may have also not liked this book as well because I did not have as much time to read it as quickly as the first two(vacation, sickness, etc); and I tend to get bored with books that I have been reading for awhile. I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun read.
December 17, 2015
I was really bummed with this one. THere were so many different things going on, and with the short chapters everything just seemed really disjointed. The last two books both got 5 stars from me, so I know this could have been so much better. I didn't understand the whole plot woth the Scorpions. It just seemed really random to me and I really don't think it needed to be there. I'm still planning on finsihing this series, but I really hope this book isn't a reflection on what's to come because the first two books were really amazing.
October 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this series and this book was a great finale! Although the authors originally meant this to be the finale, they did end up going on to write two more. I look forward to reading those! I just love these characters and how I have gotten to know and love them throughout the series. It has been fun watching them grow up.
September 2, 2024
Really liked this one.. it gave us more information into Peter’s history & his parents. I would have liked to know if Peter ever found out though if his parents were alive. The way it was written, I do believe they didn’t make it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2019
THIS SERIES!! So adorable and fun. I'm sad that we jump so far into the future in the next book. But hopefully I'll still love it!
January 1, 2021
We read all but 15ish pages before 2021 so I'm counting this😂
January 4, 2021
A fantastical page-turner to close out this awesome series. So happy I got to transport back to this world. Will likely read again.
October 17, 2025
Favorite of the series so far!
August 9, 2018
These were a great choice for our epic California road trip. Jim Dale is a wonderful reader and the stories engaged all my kids 8 years to 15 years old. Jon and I enjoyed listening as well.
March 17, 2022
These are thoroughly enjoyable books. I can’t read them fast enough. They keep me on the edge of my seat very much like the Inkheart series did. So good!!
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