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The Otherworlds #1

The Never Heir

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Charlie 'Tootles' Tulane risked everything to break the spell binding the lost boys to Pan and escape Neverland. Now seventeen and living in 1923 London, Charlie’s freedom from the land of Faerie has never felt better. But even the noblest of actions have consequences. Neverland demands a leader, and without one, chaos spills into the mortal world.

Spending his nights as an amateur boxer, Charlie meets the 'Bright Young Things' of London’s upper class. Part of that group is Evie, a girl whose ravings about mermaids abducting her sister got her sent to an asylum. Now that she’s back among polite society, Evie’s under strict orders from her mother to avoid any further scandal and to attract a suitable match. But that proves difficult when Evie’s friend and confidant from Faerie turns demanding and sinister, forcing her into a deal she can’t In exchange for locating Pan’s lost relics of power, the Fae will return the one thing Evie wants most.

When Charlie learns his past betrayals set off a chain reaction resulting in the abduction of Evie’s sister, the two must return to the place of Charlie's nightmares in an attempt to set things right. But this time, the price for rectitude might prove too steep for either one of them to pay.

The Never Heir is perfect for fans of fairytale retellings with dark twists, atmospheric settings, and slow burn romance, that's swoony, not spicy.

356 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2023

44 people are currently reading
1876 people want to read

About the author

Courtney Millecam

4 books48 followers
Courtney Millecam is a Young Adult Fantasy author who grew up being surrounded by books, siblings, and friends (real and imaginary). She traded the city life for a small town near the Rocky Mountains and loves exploring the outdoors. When Courtney isn't writing, you can find her: escaping into a good book, baking, drinking too much Dr Pepper, and spending time with her family.

Find Courtney on INSTAGRAM @courtmillecam or FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/courtmillecam

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5 stars
109 (43%)
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103 (41%)
3 stars
31 (12%)
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6 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren (thebookscript).
927 reviews665 followers
May 18, 2023
Ive never really enjoy Peter Pan reimaginings...until NOW.

The Never Heir is a historical fantasy set in a post-war 1920's. Its full of victorian vibes with the glitz of the roaring twenties. Its got so many nostalgic elements from the original Peter Pan, while still being a completely unique tale that holds its own.

Step into a world full of magical hidden artifacts, mystery, twisted allies, duplicitous friendships, and budding romance. I loved the set up of the book and how slowly each plot element was revealed and ultimately came together.

One of my favorite elements to the story were the boxing scenes that added high stakes and historical drama to an already great backdrop of a story. And of course we cannot forget the romance. Charlie was so easy to love and his relationship with Evie really builds quiet nicely and felt authentic to the time and the characters.

A great balance of the sweet and the sinister to really create a tale worth reading. I CANNOT wait to see where Courtney takes this series. If you love a dash of Neverland with a historical romance vibe that still remains sweet with an sharper edge.... PICK UP THIS DEBUT BOOK.
Profile Image for Micheline Ryckman.
Author 8 books409 followers
December 23, 2022
Atmospheric with gothic undertones.

The Never Heir is a Peter Pan retelling that meshes the post war era of the 1920s, (where Victorian values meet glitzy modern exploits), with fantastic elements like dark fae, pixie dust, and magical items of import.

This book is an exquisite and unique marriage of tones and it captivates the senses from Chapter One.

While you’re getting to know the characters, and you’re pining for the romance between Evie and Charles to ignite, The Never Heir keeps you on your toes—it keeps you wondering what’s around the next corner, or even what might be standing over you when you wake…

Is this the Neverland from your childhood dreams? Well, it has lost boys, the occasional mermaid, and crystalline waters, but as for the rest, absolutely not.

Highly recommend this read to those who love fairytale retellings with dark twists, fantastical mysteries, and slow burn everything.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 15 books504 followers
February 10, 2023
Millecam weaves a mesmerizing tale full of nostalgic familiarity, lovable characters, and surprising twists and turns.

I loved this book! Basically, I could hardly put it down once I started. There is a subtle ominous feeling in the 1920s world where wolves hide in sheep's clothing--both as dangerous fae in disguise that only Evelyn can see and humans who cannot be trusted. Nothing is as it seems...not in the world of Neverland and not in the mortal world. I found myself rooting for Charlie and Evelyn and constantly on the edge of my seat--whether it was hoping their slow burn romance would overcome the obstacles in their way or they would find a way to secure their worlds, pursue their dreams, and save the ones they care about.

I'm so excited about the possibility of more books in this world where we can explore Neverland more and its fae. In a very loose way, the fae world reminded me of The Folk of the Air series, where one is absolutely entranced by the beauty and magic but also unnerved by the darkness and danger that some of that magic conceals.

Return to Neverland--like you haven't seen it before. This world will not disappoint!
Profile Image for thelilcloseddoorbookgal.
140 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2025
The Never Heir was a solid YA book! I thought more of the story would take place in Neverland, tbh, but I enjoyed the 1920s setting. The twists on the Peter Pan reimagining were pretty unique. I liked how the characters were connected. I would say it’s more of upper YA because of the characters’ shenanigans. It’s also a little dark and mysterious. There weren’t really any dull moments for me throughout the story. I’ve tried Peter Pan reimaginings before, and they just didn’t hit right, but this book is definitely good. I plan on continuing the series.

Spice level: kisses only and one make-out
Language: None
Content/trigger warnings: Drinking alcohol, violence and death but not too explicit
Profile Image for Savannah (forest_reader).
886 reviews55 followers
April 17, 2023
This book made my Downton Abbey-loving heart so happy!!! It's the absolute perfect mix of 1920s London and the Lost Boys from Peter Pan—a combination I could've never come up with, but works perfectly in execution. There's so much to love about this book:

- forbidden love
- magical relics from Neverland
- similar scenes and vibes as Downton Abbey
- a hunky, secretive guy boxing in the '20s—a.k.a., my new book boyfriend
- mystery and hidden identities
- swoony kisses

In other words, I need all my fantasy and historical fiction lovers to READ THIS BOOK. I cannot wait for more books in this world so I can see Charlie and Evie once again. Courtney Millecam has written a stunning debut!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Courtney Millecam, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: mild violence, kisses
Profile Image for Adeeba Jafri.
Author 5 books34 followers
July 15, 2023
The Never Heir had me "hooked" from the first page. A 1920's retelling of a childhood classic, Peter Pan, The Never Heir tells the story of two beautifully written characters: Evie and Charlie, both connected to Neverland in very different ways. The pacing of the book was perfect. I absolutely loved the setting and plot twists will keep you guessing. This is definitely a book that I plan to add to my shelf come May 2023.

__________________________________________________

Second review:

I had the honor of being part of Courtney's street team.

No regrets.

The Never Heir is a beautifully written, re-imagining of Neverland, told from the perspective of Charlie, a former Neverboy, and Evie, a young woman who's lost her sister to Neverland.

We all know the story of Peter Pan, but Millecam gives us a different version. Here, the gritty urban landscape of 1920's London merges with the unspoiled, child-like dreams of joy and adventure in Neverland. Charlie is trying hard to bury the past, while Evie is working hard to reconcile two different identities, the kind of girl she "should" be and the kind of girl she's always been. She is fierce, loving and utterly dedicated to the well-fare of her younger sister, and it was heartwarming to see that level of love for a sibling in The Never Heir.

The last fifty pages of the book made my mind go in a tizzy. There were so many revelations and I didn't want to miss a single one.

If you love fairytale retellings, this book should be on your shelf.
Profile Image for Courtney M..
194 reviews
May 16, 2023
I wrote this book & read it no less than a million times over the last 7 years, so it’s totally ok I give it 5 stars, right? :)

The Never Heir is out today! I can hardly believe that this book is finally out in the world! I hope readers will enjoy this Peter Pan retelling x 1920s London and love Charlie and Evie as much as I do!
Profile Image for Danielle (cozycoffeebook_).
119 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2023
Wow!!!

The characters. The settings. The secrets. The story. Ah!!!

Everything about this book was fantastic.
I was hooked from the very first page & could not put this down! I wanted to soak in every moment and every detail.

It's hard to put into words just how much enjoyed this book. It's definitely one I will come back to again and again! I never wanted it to end.

It's one of the best retellings I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's nothing like the Peter Pan we know but vet holds onto those key elements in a way like never before.

I am absolutely obsessed with this story.

I highly recommend this amazing book!
134 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2025
such an underrated read!! read The Never Heir in one sitting and fell in love with the whole world and the characters can’t wait to read the next books!
Profile Image for Cait | GoodeyReads.
2,770 reviews652 followers
May 14, 2023
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and Courtney Millecam for the eARC.

A FANTASTIC RETELLING.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I’m pretty sure this is my first Peter Pan retelling and it did not disappoint!! I had a great time reading this and absolutely loved the combination of fae and 1920’s London. Historical fantasies are a new favorite sub-genre of mine and this is one that must be read by all!

I really liked the main characters Evie and Charlie. Both out there doing their best and also making some mistakes. I enjoy seeing flawed characters and the ups and downs of progression throughout. Romantically, I loved the slow burn between them and thought it was all very sweet and I am rooting for them come book two!

There were many interesting plot twists and turns and I would be curious to see more of the fae lands in the next book. I didn’t always love the frenemies group that Charlie and Evie ran around with though. They just weren’t my favorite.

It’s a fantastic debut and series starter book. I liked the pacing and that I felt engaged to the story the entire time. The little historical tidbits like boxing, speakeasy’s, and more rounded out this book incredibly well.

I’m so curious what will happen next!!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Historical Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, physical altercations, light blood depiction
Profile Image for K.B. Benson.
Author 9 books117 followers
November 7, 2022
I am in love with this story! Millecam creates such a captivating world and her writing is so easy to get immersed into. I felt like I was in the 1920s with this story. Absolutely add this to your TBR and get ready to be transported to the 1920s with this original Peter Pan story of what happened to the lost boys AFTER they left Neverland. You’ll be glad you did!
Profile Image for Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read).
1,557 reviews72 followers
January 30, 2024
This young adult fantasy is such a fun mashup in setting and story! It is set in 1920s England and is a reimagining of Peter Pan. One of the lost boys has escaped Neverland and the villainous Pan to return to the mortal world where he meets a young woman who has faced scandal for claiming to see strange things that led to her sister’s disappearance.

I loved the mashup of genres here. As a big historical fiction reader I loved the rich historical setting with details included that made it feel authentic and alive. And then the overlap of the Faerie world bleeding into the moral world made for a magical fantasy element. I also loved how the retelling elements were done and how this is basically set after the events of Peter Pan with elements of the story woven throughout. This was very much its own story instead of a direct retelling but it had the threads of the original that were really fun to come across.

It is a dual POV and the characters were ones I wanted to root for individually and together. I love that this is a true YA book in terms of content and I would definitely hand it to my kids when they start YA books.

Trigger/content warnings: character forced into an asylum (past), light violence. Steam level is kissing.
Profile Image for Brooke J Katz.
Author 7 books9 followers
February 25, 2023
The Never Heir transports you to another time and another realm.

Courtney weaves a tale of magic , betrayal, thriller and mystery with a little romance and pixie dust thrown in. I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning and only put it down because my eyes wouldn't listen and stay awake or I had to be a mom and not neglect my children lol.

I loved the setting of the 1920s it was beautiful and glamorous but also gritty in some ways.
The character all had depth even the side characters and you never knew if someone was how they portrayed themselves to be. You were constantly looking over your shoulder like Charlie and Evie never fully putting your trust in.

I love how Courtney had you guessing and throwing surprise after surprise. This story was nostalgic but original. I felt like you got the best of everything you could love from a peter pan reimagining. It was like Peter pan meets hook, meets once upon a time meets Downton Abby.

This series has me instantly wanting more and never wanting to leave this world.
Profile Image for Pancha Mantilla.
163 reviews13 followers
May 18, 2023
A magical land. A curse. An impossible quest. And the roaring twenties!
This right here is just to good to be true… and truly it it! It’s amazing!!

Charlie and Evie both have their own stories with magic. None of them as nice as they’d like. Charlie hoped to go back to his home after years in Neverland. Only to find himself in a time that is not his own. He does what he can and everything seems fine. Until Evie came into her life. Evie has the sight. And faeries used to be playful, until they weren’t. Forced into an impossible task, to find strange objects before her 18th birthday. Either find them or lose her sister forever. She finds herself to cornered to search in antique stores and even steal.
They meet the first time when he delivers groceries to her house. After they find themselves in the same group of friends. And our story gets only deeper. Believe me when I say this is a book that you cant out down. Once you start thats it, you hav Teo finish it. The plot is incredible. Both Neverland and the city life are incredible well written. The parties, the social life, the expectations. It’s all just wow. The dual narration from both perspectives makes it even better. Both connected by something greater but worlds apart in status. Their story is just incredible. The mysteries that surround them. How the worlds connect. The thin layer of magic in the world. It’s just… perfect.

Honest, please go read this!
Profile Image for Meigan.
1,377 reviews77 followers
Read
May 16, 2023
Two things I’ll never tire of are Peter Pan retellings and books set in the 1920s. THE NEVER HEIR takes both of those and combines them into a fun and imaginative tale of Neverland that enchanted me from the very beginning. ⁣

The setting and the time period was my absolute favorite part of this book, though there were so many things to enjoy about the whole thing. The storyline was mysterious at times, there were plenty of characters with hidden agendas, and there was also a fair bit of danger that lurks in the shadows. I also really enjoyed the spark of romance between Evie and Charlie. ⁣

All told, a wonderful debut with endearing characters and a sweet blossoming romance. There’s danger, mystery, and plenty of intrigue which will certainly keep readers engaged from start to finish. Pick this one up if you’re a lover of: ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
➽ retellings ⁣⁣⁣
➽ Peter Pan ⁣⁣⁣
➽ 1920s London⁣
➽ sweet romance⁣
➽ boxing⁣
➽ fae and fairies ⁣
Profile Image for Adriana | nannersreads.
227 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2023
Thank you to Hidden Hollow Book Tours and Courtney Millecam for providing me with a digital copy of this book. This is my honest review.
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The Never Heir was such an exciting retelling! While it took elements from the Peter Pan story we know and love, it also delivered an entirely new story from the perspective of two new characters.
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Evie and Charlie, though unfamiliar, were very endearing. I warmed to them early on in this story and really enjoyed seeing their characters unravel. I also really enjoyed the twists sprinkled throughout the story. They added a really nice touch!
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My only qualm is that I wish we had learned more about the relics and Pan. I think there’s definitely more to explore there.
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Overall, I thought the Never Heir was an exciting read! If you like retellings with darker twists, this book might be for you!
Profile Image for Danielle | daniellereadslikealot .
720 reviews39 followers
June 28, 2025
This was such a fun read! I love a good Peter Pan retelling and having it be set during the 1920s was such a cool take. The slow burn was BURNING and done so well. I was absolutely dying for Charlie and Evie to get together. There were a few twists I saw coming (still really cool though!) and a few that surprised me. I really enjoyed both Charlie and Evie as characters and enjoyed their character journeys. I also LOVED Alice and am excited to see her take center stage in book two! I do wish we had spent more time in the Neverland and seen more of the Fae because that part of the plot was so interesting, but hopefully we’ll see more in the rest of the series. Overall, a really fun historical fiction with some cool magic and Peter Pan lore!
Profile Image for Bethany Olin.
Author 1 book12 followers
February 20, 2023
For fans of the Falconer and gritty fairy tales.
Charlie is an escaped Lost Boy scraping by as a grocer’s delivery boy who boxes on the side.
Evie is on a tight timeline to find magical artifacts as the last hope of saving her younger sister.
Told in both Evie & Charlie’s point of view, this story addresses the challenges of navigating social norms, complexity of genuine friendship, letting past actions define one’s identity.

Millecam builds a rich world filled with both the glitz and grit of the roaring twenties as well as a dark and dangerous Neverland.

Strong themes of family, regret and romance make this story suitable for Grim fairytale lovers 15+
Profile Image for Kait.
835 reviews55 followers
August 2, 2023
I cannot stress enough how much I do not like “Peter Pan.” I think the Disney movie is racist and misogynist. I found the original J. M. Barrie novel murderously disturbing. But I had heard good things about “The Never Heir” and it was on KU so I figured, “Eh, let’s give it a whirl.” I honestly really, really liked it! Charlie had my heart from the get-go and Evie was that go-get-em kind of gal that you can’t help rooting for as she tries everything–even bargaining with fae–to save her sister and uncover the secrets of Neverland. It’s a clean YA romance with Roaring 20’s vibes and a hint of suspense.
Profile Image for Lepp.
517 reviews34 followers
January 15, 2024
I’ve always been a big fan of the Peter Pan story and I’m always interested in retellings. This retelling takes place in the 1920s with Charlie (Tuttles) being the main character. This version of the Neverland story is really unique and there were a lot of twists and turns. Some are somewhat obvious, but others were not. The last 70% really picks up on the action and some of the revelations made my jaw drop (one in particular).

Recommended for those who enjoy Peter Pan retellings. This book is YA and there are no spicy scenes - which is how “young adult” books should be IMO.

4 stars.
Profile Image for Cassie Mesarchik.
266 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2023
This book was absolutely incredible!! I had the most fun reading this. I love both Charlie and Evie! I love their character growth. The setting of 1920s London is amazing!! The story and all the reveals were so much fun. A few I guessed, but I was cheering when I was right. A few I didn't pick up on right away and one surprise twist blew me away! This book isn't even out yet and I already can't wait for book 2! Seriously this book was one of the most fun times I've had reading. There were times I laughed, a time I got teary-eyed, multiple times I gasped, and even giggled in sheer delight. This book is a MUST read!!
Profile Image for Katie J.
313 reviews15 followers
May 26, 2023
I have a soft spot for anything related to Peter Pan, and The Never Heir felt like a natural extension of Pan mythology.

Former Neverboy Charlie is working hard to make a new life for himself in 1920s London. Bright Young Thing Evie is desperately searching the city for Fae relics in order to save her sister.

As pasts and secrets are slowly revealed, they realize that their destinies are leading them both back to the Neverland.

This story has a great cast of characters, starting of course with Charlie and Evie, and I loved the attention to historical details that truly make this story feel real.

The slow-build romance is just what you want in a young adult novel, and Courtney very cleverly weaves elements of the original Peter Pan story into this new re-imagined version.

The Never Heir is the first novel in The Otherworlds series, and I can’t wait for the next book, inspired by Alice in Wonderland!

Thank you, @courtmillecam, for an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Age Level: Upper Young Adult
Content: kisses
Profile Image for Melynne (mels_booknook).
640 reviews24 followers
May 7, 2023
Wow! I absolutely loved this Peter Pan retelling. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it exceeded my expectations! I loved the setting of the 1920’s and loved how the fantasy element was woven in. Love Charlie so so much! Definitely a great mmc! Evie was a great strong main character! Overall this was such a good read and I can’t wait for the rest of the series

Content: fantasy violence
Profile Image for Bethany Robertson.
272 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2023
This is such a great story!
I have been on the hunt for a good Peter Pan retelling, and after many DNFs, I have finally found it! I loved the way this author sprinkled parts of the original story throughout.
The ending!! I really hope this story isn't done, and we get to come back to this world because I don't feel like this could be the end. I need more!
Profile Image for the.bookish.mama.lion.
264 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2023
《Thoughts》
5 stars. YA Historical Fantasy.

Ya'll, I kid you not, this was a book I couldn't put down! I loved, absolutely loved, this Peter Pan retelling and all the original Peter Pan tidbits/easter eggs.

1920s London was a perfect setting, and I fell deeply in love with the characters.

The writing was terrific, the story well thought-out, and all I could think as I was reading was, "I can't wait for more."

This story just hit all the right spots for me. It was unique and well written, and overall, just felt very effortless (though we all know hiw hard writer's and very little is actually "effortless," so the author should feel VERY proud of this debut).

5 stars, no questions. I am eagerly awaiting book two!
Profile Image for Alix | IG: ThisBookishMom.
562 reviews38 followers
October 19, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5

This was such a fun Peter Pan reimagining! I loved the mix of historical 1920s London and fantastical elements. The details from that time period made this story really come to life.

The romance between Charlie and Evie was a slow burn and so sweet. I’m interested to see where their relationship goes in the rest of the trilogy.

There were several plot twists, some I did not see coming which kept me wanting more! I am definitely excited for the next book.

Content: Kissing
Profile Image for Crystal♛.
134 reviews27 followers
June 17, 2023
The last 25% took me for a RIDE! I kept getting hit with twist and turns that had me shouting from the rooftops. Neverland will always hold a piece of my soul and I truly love how this story is intertwined with the 20’s and magical objects but not being too hyper focused on Pan himself. It was a perfect mix of world-building, romance, character development, and everything in between. In awe for such a beautiful debut novel! Kudos! Can’t wait to read the sequel since Wonderland is my absolute FAVORITE!
Profile Image for Leah.
96 reviews
September 27, 2024
Fairytale

I'm a big Disney fan, so I really enjoyed reading this. I loved how it was more in the future, and that twist in the end didn't see that coming..
Profile Image for Maddie.
1,199 reviews174 followers
May 26, 2023
I did it! I finished this book! And I enjoyed how easy it was to read and follow and also how it was a good play on Neverland while being about brand new characters. I loved getting to know Charlie and Evie. It was also a shorter book than I normally read (350 pages) which was refreshing! Big thanks to @bookofmatchesmedia and @courtmillecam for accepting me on this review tour 🥰
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