I Prefer Peter

by mia battaglia

Paragon is dying.

Since their King sacrificed his life, the Peculiar’s have been waiting for a savior for centuries, but if he or she doesn’t show up soon, the magic of Paragon, and everyone within it, will cease to exist.

So when a demoralized kid and his two new mates, fresh out of New Jersey’s finest rehab…well, freshly escaped, anyway…show up to the town unannounced claiming to have no idea how they got there, there has to be a vital reason why…for only a Peculiar can enter Paragon, let alone even see it.

When “world-class f**kup” Benjamin Peter Green discovers his true potential, he denies it to the hilt. But, as epiphanies rise and responsibilities fall upon his back, he realizes it may be time to learn to deny himself, his past, and everything he thought he believed in, by saving a world he inherited before time itself, or die trying.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark, Adventure, Fiction, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Magic

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2024

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written so differently, I enjoyed it so much. You get such a different retelling of Peter Pan. Peter is a junkie on his way to rehab with his magic journal. He doesn’t realize his journal is magic though. On a wild night out he and his friends are thrust into Paragon. And insanity ensues. Peter must be the Pan he was always meant to be. But can he trust his own dreams and nightmares? Find out!!

[Cerissa Nowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How dare this book make me feel the way it did! Oh my god. I’m screaming,crying,throwing up. Those last like 50-60pages no words.

[lape.titemortt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried to finish but I couldn’t get past the awkward writing style. Not to mention, the font in the journal entries was awful and gave me a headache.

[Kyrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I didn't think I was going to cry during this book, but let me tell you, Mia almost broke me. I recently lost my mother to something similar to what Ben (Peter) dealt with and ouch. Just ouch.

This re-imagining was absolutely brilliant. I loved this so much. The idea of how Neverland works and the complexity of the characters. I love anything Peter Pan related, and I was not disappointed with this book. Mia's pros are uniquely her own and enticing. The book is interactive and darkly humorous. I read in one day and am dying to read the next installment.

If you love books that are relatable, if you love imperfect characters, if you love Peter Pan, I don't see how this book could disappoint you!

[Cheryl ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf.

This was bad. The author hyped it up so much on tik tok, and I was so excited to read it, but I just couldn't get over the writing style. It should be criminal to have a sentence (let alone 2 pages) LoOk LiKE tHiS iN a bOoK. Just no. I don't understand how it has so many 5 star reviews.

[Desiree Ann Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this was pretty good!
Love Peter Pan retellings 💚✨️
I was sooo mad while finishing this book ppplease hurry and make the second 🙏

[Heatherly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was personally not for me. I was very excited to read this book when I first heard about it but the storyline was not what I expected. The story for the first half focused on young addicts that end up in another world where they find animal creatures that talk, and dress in clothes (def. Narnia vibes here). Peter must take over and save the realm as he discovers he IS the next Peter Pan. He also discovers that the journal his mother had given him has its on magical abilities as well. Although I did not much care for this book, I must say that the ending had some twists that I was not expecting. I myself would not recommend this book, but it may be worth the read to some people ❤️

[Lisa Diamond-Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! It's wasn't what I was expecting in the best possible way though honestly idk what I was expecting lol This is one of the most unique reimagined Peter Pans I have ever read. I enjoyed the twists and turns. That ending though 🤯 Plus the book had a qsr code to scan for the spicy scene which you could read or listen to an audio clip!! That was freaking amazing!!

[Tammy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and I honestly can’t wait for more. Benjamin Peter green goes through so much and lives through it all and comes out with 2 really good friends who help him escape and when push comes to shove go on the adventures with him. It is a very emotional book and again I can’t wait for more

[Melanie Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow start but wow that ending!

[Hannah Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a different twist on a retelling loved it !!!

[Hayley Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this book from the very beginning. I listened to the audiobook and I literally could not stop listening! I’m so glad I decided to listen to the audio Mia did an amazing job narrating. I absolutely love Peter Pan so naturally I love Peter Pan retellings and this is the best one I’ve read yet! The ending still has my mind blown! I so was not expecting that. This was such a different spin to Peter Pan and I loved it. I just love Maya she was such a fun relatable character. I mean and who wouldn’t love Finn he was great and constantly making me smile. And Peter well is just amazing!

[Taryn Eskra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I absolutely LOVED this story!! It really does show the journey of how a broken boy learns to fly and I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HE DOES NEXT!!!! ✨✨✨✨
It was AMAZING and I loved all of the dark and twisty and the banter…..oh the banter was hilarious!!! I seriously devoured this and the audio!!! Omg *chefs kiss* seriously!!! The story was so captivating I couldn’t stop!! You will be sucked in and never want to leave!! This is a dark Peter Pan retelling so PLEASE be mindful of trigger warnings before you start! If you don’t have any…..RUN DONT WALK…..THE ADVENTURE AWAITS!!! 🖤🖤🖤

[jakes v · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.69/5

Overview:
Paragon is a dying magical realm that’s been waiting centuries for a savior since its king’s sacrifice. When three troubled teens, freshly escaped from rehab in New Jersey, somehow stumble into Paragon, it’s clear their arrival is no accident, since only Peculiars can even see the realm. Among them, Beniamin Peter Green, a self-proclaimed failure, discovers he may be the long-awaited savior. Forced to confront his past and embrace a destiny he never wanted, Beniamin must decide whether to save a world he never knew he belonged to, or let it vanish forever.

REVIEW:
I BEG YOUR FINEST FUCKING PARDON?
I’M SORRY?
P A R D O N!?!?!

YOU GUYS - THE WAY I WAS CRRRRRYING TOWARDS THE END.
The banter, the drama, the pLOT, UGH -
I am without words. If you want a Peter Pan retelling. This. This is the book you need.

Chefs kiss to Mia Battaglia! 🤌🏼 I fear I ate your book tf up, and I am forever now obsessed.


THE CHARACTERS

BENJAMIN:
Ugh, we love a lost puppy. The character development - everything I needed. This man, delicious.

DELFINIAN:
Slay queen, slay.
I ate you up from the first page you were introduced. Never once did you fail me, babes. Stay strong.

MAYA:
Honestly, hate her. Don’t ask why, just didn’t vibe w her.

EVANGELINE:
Hate her x10. Nobody ever bring her up pls.
Can’t stand this pixie.


FAVORITE QUOTES:

“…Lol. Clearly I need some help.  At least I’m self aware”

“Carpe fucking diem! C'est la vie! And all of that blah blah bullshit”

“To be quite frank, I despise Peter. I can’t stand him. He’s a broody, loud mouth, cocky, prick who doesn’t give a damn about anybody but himself, and uses his mysterious, unspoken past and mental instability as an excuse to be that way” AHHHHHH

“Ugh just fuck me, you silly ass”

“Women,” he curses. “They’re all the fucking same”

“IF whAT wE haVE is TRue, tHen i WIll aSk The stARs iN thE skY tO guIDe mE strAIght To yoU. aND if THEy leaD mE astrAY, I wiLL reWRite THem aND trY agaIN”
^ THAAAAAAAAAAAAAT HAD ME IN TEARS. Ugh. The way I had to wipe my tears away.

[Maddie Breford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mild spoilers:

As someone who struggled with severe depression and anxiety in my late teens and early 20s, Benjamin Peter’s story really resonated with me. Especially how close he was with his mom. I also struggled with EDs in college, so I related to Maya a lot as well. Also my brother is on the ASD spectrum so I appreciated that Maya is on the ASD spectrum so much🥹. It starts off as a modern story, and then it twists into something more fantastical, and it’s so fun! Check the triggers before reading though, because as someone who sometimes watches American Horror Story to fall asleep, I had to take breathers/breaks from reading. But you can tell the author took her heart, and shoved it into the pages of this book. It’s also kind of fun because there are several paragraphs that are italicized and I took that as the characters “breaking the fourth wall” and talking to the readers. That’s something I’ve only ever seen in theater, and I got a kick out of it. My one “critique” would be that the font used for Peter’s journal kind of made me motion sick a teeny bit, but they make jokes about how shitty his handwriting is, so it’s intentional. Can’t really fault it for that. Check the triggers, but if you like modern fairy tale retellings with magical realism(especially if you’re a Peter Pan girlie like myself), you will enjoy this. The ending had me gagged but also kind of had me saying “Honestly…good for her”☠️ Very excited to see how the series proceeds!💚✨

[Mylissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved this story concept. I loved the characters and at first it was cool to hear the inner monologues of their minds but at some point it got incredibly boring to hear.

We are forever trapped in the characters minds and are being told what they feel and think all the time rather than the author expressing it to us through their actions. I have absolutely no idea what Paragon or Neverland actually look like in this story but I sure as heck know what the characters are thinking ALL. THE. TIME. Their monologues are almost always the same with very little character development and barely anything actually happens to move the story along.

The author is OVERLY DESCRIPTIVE and that is shown very quickly within the characters monologues and it's rarely ever on things in the world but about the characters themselves and how everything makes them feel. Without so much descriptive wording this story probably could've been told in half the time.

By the end of the whole thing with the miscommunication trope and THE HORRID EPILOGUE it was giving wattpad fanfic vibes. I am still intrigued by the concept of this Peter Pan retelling and have nothing against the author and do hope she continues writing and continuously improves her writing.

Again, great concept but too much telling and not enough showing.

[KJ Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not much of a retelling person but this had a chokehold on me from the beginning. I’m also not usually a multi-perspective viewpoint person, and would definitely have personally preferred just Peter’s POV, but as she did with many other things, Mia did a great job really bringing the other characters to life and building up each character’s backstory and personality. Mia also did a wonderful job capturing Peter in just the right way to make him still relatable to those who grew up with him. I will say, I’m not sure I would have loved it as much if I hadn’t also listened to it while I read, partially because the journal entries in the physical book are hard on the eye to read; however, when I say Mia does the voices PERFECTLY I cannot stress it enough. It was so easy to forget this was narrated by just one person and you can feel how passionate Mia is about not just the story she created, but Pan himself. And seriously, I find her voice for Peter to be the Peteriest PERFECTION. Peter Pan has always spoken to my heart, and this book has just added to my fire. I am SO beyond excited that there will be a second book and hope there are many more beyond. I think Mia Battaglia just might be a new favorite author of mine! Loved this so much I read it twice back to back over a three-day weekend!

[Jessica LC Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can an 18 year old young man who has given up on life, figuratively and literally, save an entire world?

Benjamin Peter Green, seeking anything that might quiet the pain and nightmares that plague and haunt him, lands himself in a rehab facility for drug use. There he meets other young adults who, like him, don't want to be there.

Benjamin, who has decided he wants to be called Peter, turns to the only thing that has been a constant in his life: his journal.

One night Peter, equipped with his loyal journal, and two other patients, escape, going on a joy ride that takes them to another world.

Peter finds himself in a magical land that, along with its inhabitants, desperately need him to survive. What within him makes him their savior? Does he have it in him to save an entire world, let alone himself and his friends from rehab?

What a wonderfully inventive, creative, and captivating ride that Author Mia Battaglia took me on! A dark fantasy, with twists and turns that kept me wondering. I love retellings, and this one, based on Peter Pan, is definitely unique!

I highly recommend doing an immersive read with this - physical book/ebook along with the audiobook. Battaglia is not only a creative author, she is also a phenomenal narrator! She speaks every single part in this book. Top Notch!

Be sure to check her listed trigger warnings before settling in for a wild ride!

[Ari Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is NOTHING like I expected going into it. I expected a smutty Peter Pan retelling that itched my need to experience a Neverland I always wanted to see. Where Peter and Wendy are a little more “grown up” than their Disney doppelgängers.

But this… this is the retelling I didn’t know I needed to see. The retelling I wasn’t ready for by any means and the retelling that made me cry and resist facing certain truths. There are things in here that triggered me (and not the fun dark romance triggers we all know and love) beyond explanation because it would mean revealing way too much about myself for strangers.

Well, dear stranger, the one thing you should know going into this story is this isn’t your typical Pan retelling. This isn’t an easily approachable dark romance, no. This is a true novel, a piece of crafted literature that requires more of you, stranger.
It’s clear that the author cracked herself open to write this story and the journey was painful. So so painful. But also beautiful.

It is very uniquely written, which might jar some readers who have a structured way they prefer to read. I would recommend reading along with audible if you’re dyslexic like me lol but it’s easy to become accustomed to.

All this to say - 5 Stars, I highly recommend.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I PREFER PETER
Mia Battaglia
Feb 18th - Mar 15th
Page Count: 429

Review:

Dreams are just Nightmares sprinked in Dust. Mia's debut Peter Pan Retelling takes you on a Dark Modern Twist Trip of the Classic Peter Pan story. I loved this plot line so much that Mia took on some dark sensitive subjects and turned into a story that came from the heart. Quote: "How does a broken boy learn to fly?" Mia took her love for Peter Pan and turned it into a story that soars high above any expectations.

I've held high praise for Mia since her book release day. I'm so glad I had the pleasure of reading her book. It was so good, even with the heavy topics covered in the storyline. Maya Wendy Sexton is my favorite character with her sassy attitude, and her personality is just such a vibe throughout this entire book. I just hope that we find out what happened to her and that she and Peter are truly endgame.

I will continue to support Mia as she has become an auto buy author for me, along with becoming one of my favorite authors. Keep writing, darling. I will always support and promote you!!!

[Keasha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Peter Pan retelling and Mia did fantastic with this story!!! The realistic coping mechanisms, disorders, insecurities, and issues just added to the story and brought it to life. The twists she brought into this story had me enthralled with the story.
This book follows Benjamin who after dealing with his abusive father and losing his mother, has a lack of self preservation and engages in risky behavior. After he overdoses, he's convinced to go to rehab where he meets a wide variety of people all with different types of addictions. He uses this as a time to change his name to Peter and start anew. Peter, Finn and Maya decide they are tired of the rehab and take off on an adventure that ends up leading them to a world filled with magic and unique characters. He learns about a prophecy in which he is destined to save the people of Paragon, but he has to face things he never thought possible all while being used and manipulated in the worse way possible. There is brief romance aspects but with a huge twist I did not expect and I cannot wait to read the next book!!!!

[Kareena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words, or lack there of,

I can’t remember the last time I read something that truly and utterly shocked me. That ending, that unsuspected cliffhanger. I’m still reeling from the shock. I simultaneously read this book and listened it the audio version and in doing so I got the full genius that is Mia Battaglia. This is not just a Peter Pan retelling. No this is the brutal honest truth of the dark unfeeling demons that so many people battle with daily. Mia hits to the core in a raw relevant way that makes you hate and love this book in equal measure. In listening to her audio commentary you hear every single brutal raw emotion coming from each character. Reading the book gives you a glimpse into their minds as if her unique writing style is actually the way each character speak, how they think. Mia not only wrote relevant, relatable and entertaining characters. She actually brought them to life. If I could give this book 6 stars I would.

Okay so maybe I wasn’t lacking words at all.

[James Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark and twisted Peter Pan retelling. We follow Benjamin Peter Green, a broken boy with addiction problems, as he goes through life, finds his way into a rehab center and an unlikely group of friends, and of course a magical adventure.

The plot was pretty good with some interesting wrinkles and twists on the OG story. Definitely check your trigger warnings, as there are plenty.

I enjoyed the dialogue the most in my read. The characters were decently interesting, but I found that their wasn't much growth, or as much as I'd like anyways. They fell flat and felt shallow sometimes.

There wasn't much world building either, as most of the story was told through journal entries or through the internal thoughts of our characters.

You get a lot of wit and humor, you get some interesting action scenes, magic and a slow, slow burn romance. (Option spice included).

As far as Pan retellings go, this is one of the more interesting ones.

3.6/5

[Jillian Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trip to Neverland
This is the first Peter Pan retelling I have read and honestly I don’t think it can by topped. The story was engaging from the first page. I like how Peter, Mia , and Fineas all had real issues that a family member, friend , or neighbor could be dealing with which grounds the story in reality. I really liked how Peter, Mia, and Finneas gained entrance into Paragon. I really enjoyed that NeverLand was created from Peter’s word and the paradust. You did such an exceptional job writing this book you should be so proud of yourself. I completely emerged myself in the world of Paragon and NeverLand by following along in kindle version of the book I Prefer Peter while listening to the book on audible. It really made the world come alive. The narration is impeccably outstanding. I can’t wait to get emerged in the world of paragon and all its realms again in the Son of Pan. Congratulations on I Prefer Peter. I absolutely loved this book.

[Alecia Kirby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am only giving this 2 because I do not have the mental stability to read this right now.

I love the author SO much and will always support her. I found about “I Prefer Peter” in TikTok (probably like most people) and since I love Peter Pan, was super excited to read this.

I DNF’d this about 43% of the way through. I’m going to take a break and give it a chance a little later, but some of the topics triggered me in a way I haven’t experienced before. This has 0 to do with Mia and all about me.

The journal writing was super hard to get through as well and I ended up skimming majority of it.

With all the positive things I’ve heard, I hope my second read through will be more enjoyable than the first.

Like I said, this has nothing to do with the author or even the story, it was just really hard for me to get through atm.

[Angela Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the whimsical theme of this story, it was so magical! I felt bad for Peter, learning about his history within the first few chapters. By the end I was so hooked and SO MAD ON HOW IT ENDED. I was ready to punch Evangeline with the insane bomb in the epilogue. I couldn’t give it a full five star as I wish I could. The writing style took me a bit to get use to, but it was done in a manner than made it so fun and kicking like a school girl. Maya and Finn are so fun to read, I can’t wait to see what happens with Maya. I’m hoping for a good character development. The journal entries were so hard to read tho. I get the concept of it, but maybe instead of that kind of way of using the font, just use a different kind of font?

If you’re struggling to get past the first few chapters, trust the process… the story really starts showing itself once Peter shows up at the rehab home.

[Haylie Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thought is wow. Wow. Wow. The plot was amazing and how everything was set especially the background story for context later in the book was perfectly executed. The characters are beyond well developed and you definitely form a relationship with them which is so amazing to have that connection! Very intense in the beginning and a bit of a slow burner towards the middle where a lot of the story starts to make connections I love how everything wasn’t so rushed and fast paced and that there was still room to breathe! Although the author left me speechless at times! I love her writing style and everything was very detailed and well written to a T! The spice was amazing and the cliff hanger had me so upset!!! Such a great read and she’s working on book two!

[Eric B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an AWESOME book! I havre never read a Peter Pan retelling before, and to say I wasn’t disappointed is a huge understatement. I was overwhelmingly impressed with this book. The story is realistic, in such a way that it hits home for me and I’m sure for so many people by what Ben and his friends have experienced and experience in the book.

I am purely an audiobook guy so when I found out that Mia, the author, voiced this book herself, I was intrigued to hear her work. Again, I was so impressed with her voice acting that when I finish my book, I want to hire her to voice mine. Mia has a fantastic voice for both men and women, so much so that she gives a true voice for each individual character and you know exactly who is speaking.

I can’t wait for book 2!!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap.
Seriously, holy crap! I’ve read a few Peter Pan retellings, but nothing prepared me for this.
The characters “grow” into the idea of their roles. I know that doesn’t seem to make sense, but Peter doesn’t begin as Peter. Wendy doesn’t begin as Wendy. But we see the development and it’s both thrilling to see and heart wrenching to witness.
Everyday people with problems, broken, fumbling through life the best the can manage, getting caught up in a magical tale that will have the fate of realms resting on them…mixed with a little romance (seriously you’ll want to smack some heads together)…I’m seriously glad to know there is already work being done on Book 2, because I can’t get enough!

[Samantha Carol-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as the audiobook and my goodness is it fucking amazing.

The story is amazing, exciting and a wild ride. The characters are more relatable than any characters I think I have ever read. Honestly I'm kicking myself for not reading this book sooner. And the twist, I was not expecting the twist but I'm excited to see how it pans out...you see what I did there? This story has so many elements that there is bound to be something you can relate to. It makes you feel seen especially with all the representations that are in the book.

Also if you like spice, make sure you check out the chapter 32 "extended" scene if you listen to the audiobook specifically.

Definitely on my top 5 for Peter Pan retellings.