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Darkly Dreaming #1
Carrion
In a world devastated by plague, Willa has spent her life on the run, both from the mysterious illness that destroys the ability to dream and a secret that would get her imprisoned forever.
But when an unknown power calls her to the top of a high rise one night, there is no outrunning it. Willa falls headfirst into a world shaped by dark dreams and wild magic, a once vibrant kingdom now held in the malevolent thrall of a man carved straight from nightmares—the Carrion King.
To keep her secrets safe from the cruel and cunning king, Willa makes a dangerous bargain that will determine the fate of both their worlds. But as Willa is drawn deeper into the Carrion King’s seductive realm, she discovers far more than she expected beneath his lethal exterior. The line begins to blur between hate and love, the true and the imagined, and she soon realizes victory may cost not only her freedom, but her heart.
In a fairytale land of dreams, where the fantastical is more tangible than reality, Willa must decide whether to sacrifice everything as a hero or become a villain to save herself.
Author’s In the Darkly Dreaming universe, there are infinite worlds and realms. Somewhere, the stories of Peter Pan we were told as children are playing out alongside this one, a far darker tale. So, while Carrion is based in Neverland lore, the events and characters are different from those you’ve heard before. We’ve done exactly what Pan always feared we would—we grew up. And perhaps, our stories grow with us. Now we’re old enough to realize there was no hero in Neverland, and often times, nightmares are far more corporeal than the sweetness of dreams.
Carrion is an adult fantasy romance, intended for mature audiences. Readers are encouraged to check content warnings, available on the author’s website.
But when an unknown power calls her to the top of a high rise one night, there is no outrunning it. Willa falls headfirst into a world shaped by dark dreams and wild magic, a once vibrant kingdom now held in the malevolent thrall of a man carved straight from nightmares—the Carrion King.
To keep her secrets safe from the cruel and cunning king, Willa makes a dangerous bargain that will determine the fate of both their worlds. But as Willa is drawn deeper into the Carrion King’s seductive realm, she discovers far more than she expected beneath his lethal exterior. The line begins to blur between hate and love, the true and the imagined, and she soon realizes victory may cost not only her freedom, but her heart.
In a fairytale land of dreams, where the fantastical is more tangible than reality, Willa must decide whether to sacrifice everything as a hero or become a villain to save herself.
Author’s In the Darkly Dreaming universe, there are infinite worlds and realms. Somewhere, the stories of Peter Pan we were told as children are playing out alongside this one, a far darker tale. So, while Carrion is based in Neverland lore, the events and characters are different from those you’ve heard before. We’ve done exactly what Pan always feared we would—we grew up. And perhaps, our stories grow with us. Now we’re old enough to realize there was no hero in Neverland, and often times, nightmares are far more corporeal than the sweetness of dreams.
Carrion is an adult fantasy romance, intended for mature audiences. Readers are encouraged to check content warnings, available on the author’s website.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
275 people are currently reading
5032 people want to read
About the author
Amarah Calderini
5 books132 followersAmarah Calderini grew up in the Rocky Mountains, and spent her time imagining magic living in the shadows of the peaks. She writes fantasy imbued with equal parts magic, angst, and steam, featuring strong yet flawed heroines and the fierce-hearted men who love them. When not writing, she can be found soaking up the sun and singing along to the same dramatic songs she’s listened to since high school. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, two children, and their geriatric German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
November 8, 2024
Can a single quote convey just how devastatingly beautiful Amarah Calderini's Carrion is? I think it can...
"We are both carnal wickedness and sacred divinity; a beginning and an end, creation and void."
I feel like this sentence brings up so much you need to know about Carrion's MCs, Willa and Nico. They are both deeply flawed, so utterly broken, so scared of offering most inner parts of themselves to others, yet so desperately in need of finding the one person who can see through the darkest depths of their souls and not run away. They are the epitome of reluctant heroes, bravery and cowardice shaped into one, selfishness and sacrifice melted together.
In Carrion, Amarah has gifted us a dark dystopian-esque Peter Pan retelling, interwoven with so many emotions—pain, hate, rage, hurt, sorrow, devotion, and love. She has told a deep and dark story without losing sight of what makes her characters raw and real. The characters are not just words on a page; they are raw and real, and their pain seeps through the story, reaching out to the readers. We feel their loss, their heartache, and their brokenness.
This is a story that will live in your head rent-free, especially after that gut-wrenching ending. Carrion, Book 1 of the Darkly Dreaming duet, is set to be released on November 12th, and I urge you to grab your copy and just allow Amarah to draw you into this world she has created; you won't regret it.
I was so happy that Amarah made me one of her ARC readers, and I hope to continue to be a member of her team.
"We are both carnal wickedness and sacred divinity; a beginning and an end, creation and void."
I feel like this sentence brings up so much you need to know about Carrion's MCs, Willa and Nico. They are both deeply flawed, so utterly broken, so scared of offering most inner parts of themselves to others, yet so desperately in need of finding the one person who can see through the darkest depths of their souls and not run away. They are the epitome of reluctant heroes, bravery and cowardice shaped into one, selfishness and sacrifice melted together.
In Carrion, Amarah has gifted us a dark dystopian-esque Peter Pan retelling, interwoven with so many emotions—pain, hate, rage, hurt, sorrow, devotion, and love. She has told a deep and dark story without losing sight of what makes her characters raw and real. The characters are not just words on a page; they are raw and real, and their pain seeps through the story, reaching out to the readers. We feel their loss, their heartache, and their brokenness.
This is a story that will live in your head rent-free, especially after that gut-wrenching ending. Carrion, Book 1 of the Darkly Dreaming duet, is set to be released on November 12th, and I urge you to grab your copy and just allow Amarah to draw you into this world she has created; you won't regret it.
I was so happy that Amarah made me one of her ARC readers, and I hope to continue to be a member of her team.
April 11, 2025
Holy crap this was a masterpiece. Heart wrenching. Beautiful. I cannot believe this book isn’t more popular. My mind is blown and I am completely obsessed. This is a dark Neverland retelling, if you are a fan of the atmosphere in One Dark Window but want something quite a bit darker I think you should give this one a shot!
Love a good book where both the FMC and MMC are morally grey. The characters in this, especially the MMC, were so complex. The romance was AMAZING and they yearned for each other in a way that was painful. Both of them were so stubborn but felt so real and were absolutely perfect for each other.
Slow burn, hate to love, banter, plot twists, spice, this one has it all. Easy five stars ⭐️ and I need book 2 asap.
Love a good book where both the FMC and MMC are morally grey. The characters in this, especially the MMC, were so complex. The romance was AMAZING and they yearned for each other in a way that was painful. Both of them were so stubborn but felt so real and were absolutely perfect for each other.
Slow burn, hate to love, banter, plot twists, spice, this one has it all. Easy five stars ⭐️ and I need book 2 asap.
October 3, 2025
2025: Infinite stars
I listened to the audiobook for this reread and the narrators were fantastic! The way Jacci Prior and Brandon Francis brought Willa and Niko to life had me squealing, screaming, panting, and crying. Everything was excellent and it made me fall in love with the book and the characters even more. Amarah's writing has me in a chokehold and I just want to lay in a dark room and listen to the audio on repeat so I can savor every perfect line.
Thank you to the author for the gifted audio copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
2024: 5 stars
An absolute stunner! I couldn't read this fast enough and at the same time, wanted to stop and savor every line.
“Morals are a luxury, meant only for those who’ve never had to claw; to bleed; to survive.”
I have over 100 highlighted passages and lines. The writing was visceral and beautiful. I loved that this was a dark Neverland retelling. It's everything I want in my grown up fairytales.
The MCs had such amazing tension until they finally gave in...and then they would burn the world for each other.
“The rest of the world would mire your feet in the earth, Darling. But I- I would set you free into the sky.”
There are quite a few explicit scenes and they were excellent. If you're into the shadow/death daddy and hand necklace kind of thing.
“A king kneels before no one, Willa. Not his enemies, not his subjects. But I will get on my knees for you. Every f*cking day.”
“No one commands the king, just as no one commands death. But I command both.”
Read if you love:
-Neverland & Fairytale retellings
-Dark Fantasy
-Shadow daddy...except they're ribbons of death
-Morally grey characters
Thank you to the author for this eARC copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
I listened to the audiobook for this reread and the narrators were fantastic! The way Jacci Prior and Brandon Francis brought Willa and Niko to life had me squealing, screaming, panting, and crying. Everything was excellent and it made me fall in love with the book and the characters even more. Amarah's writing has me in a chokehold and I just want to lay in a dark room and listen to the audio on repeat so I can savor every perfect line.
Thank you to the author for the gifted audio copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
2024: 5 stars
An absolute stunner! I couldn't read this fast enough and at the same time, wanted to stop and savor every line.
“Morals are a luxury, meant only for those who’ve never had to claw; to bleed; to survive.”
I have over 100 highlighted passages and lines. The writing was visceral and beautiful. I loved that this was a dark Neverland retelling. It's everything I want in my grown up fairytales.
The MCs had such amazing tension until they finally gave in...and then they would burn the world for each other.
“The rest of the world would mire your feet in the earth, Darling. But I- I would set you free into the sky.”
There are quite a few explicit scenes and they were excellent. If you're into the shadow/death daddy and hand necklace kind of thing.
“A king kneels before no one, Willa. Not his enemies, not his subjects. But I will get on my knees for you. Every f*cking day.”
“No one commands the king, just as no one commands death. But I command both.”
Read if you love:
-Neverland & Fairytale retellings
-Dark Fantasy
-Shadow daddy...except they're ribbons of death
-Morally grey characters
Thank you to the author for this eARC copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
January 13, 2025
I found the writing very chaotic and almost too descriptive but not in a good way. I did not enjoy the love interest at all, the plot has potential but the execution was not done very well in my opinion. The FMC was irritating, assumed too much, put little thought into any of her actions. The “romance/spice” took forever and wasn’t worth the wait.
Overall this book was not for me who is mostly a Romantacy girlie. If you are a dark romance lover maybe it’s for you? Even then it’s still kinda underwhelming if I’m being honest.
Overall this book was not for me who is mostly a Romantacy girlie. If you are a dark romance lover maybe it’s for you? Even then it’s still kinda underwhelming if I’m being honest.
Read
November 11, 2024ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Dnf. It’s not the book tbh. It’s me. I am the problem.
Dnf. It’s not the book tbh. It’s me. I am the problem.
October 23, 2025
Omg chapter 36, wow! Amarah, this book is breathtaking. My heart strings have been pulled on, I have cried and sat stunned at the emotions you pulled through the pages. Oh the end! What am I going to do with myself until I can read book 2, obviously be obsessed over this one!
“You are my only altar, my only religion. I pray to you, Willa, and you alone.”
You have reminded me of why I LOVE romantasy so much. Your writing is spell binding and I will now compare all other romantasy to this. This is the magic I want to read in books! You captured the emotions, imagery, and magic that I search for when reading. I now have a new favorite and obsession. This is 5 star dark fantasy romance! I have over 160 highlights. The story is outstanding and your writing is enchanting. I can feel her heart and soul in the writing.
“Tell me right now what kind of man you truly are, Niko. One that gives up everything because he’s trying to be good? Or one that will burn the world if it means keeping what’s his?”
The fight, the will to survive, the guilt and emotions between Willa and Niko was captivating to read. The pull between being the hero and villain. The chapters left little cliffhangers of emotion and hated having to put the book down. I love how the pacing left the world, magic and plot to build slowly chapter after chapter. It’s a page turner and definitely rereading this one very soon!
“Death isn’t a sin. It’s a promise,” she says with equal bitterness, eyes full of a challenge I don’t understand. And beneath it, something else flickers, something I do understand. A shadow of pain so deep only another who has felt it would ever recognize it.”
If you enjoy a darker twist to your fairytales then pick up Carrion today. It is available on Kindle Unlimited. It is book 1 of a duet. I waited all year for this day. The moment Amarah announced this book, I knew it was going to be amazing. You and your book deserve so much hype and excitement! Congratulations on your 4th book!!
“You’re no hero, Darling. You have the heart of a villain. Dark. Ravenous.”
“You are my only altar, my only religion. I pray to you, Willa, and you alone.”
You have reminded me of why I LOVE romantasy so much. Your writing is spell binding and I will now compare all other romantasy to this. This is the magic I want to read in books! You captured the emotions, imagery, and magic that I search for when reading. I now have a new favorite and obsession. This is 5 star dark fantasy romance! I have over 160 highlights. The story is outstanding and your writing is enchanting. I can feel her heart and soul in the writing.
“Tell me right now what kind of man you truly are, Niko. One that gives up everything because he’s trying to be good? Or one that will burn the world if it means keeping what’s his?”
The fight, the will to survive, the guilt and emotions between Willa and Niko was captivating to read. The pull between being the hero and villain. The chapters left little cliffhangers of emotion and hated having to put the book down. I love how the pacing left the world, magic and plot to build slowly chapter after chapter. It’s a page turner and definitely rereading this one very soon!
“Death isn’t a sin. It’s a promise,” she says with equal bitterness, eyes full of a challenge I don’t understand. And beneath it, something else flickers, something I do understand. A shadow of pain so deep only another who has felt it would ever recognize it.”
If you enjoy a darker twist to your fairytales then pick up Carrion today. It is available on Kindle Unlimited. It is book 1 of a duet. I waited all year for this day. The moment Amarah announced this book, I knew it was going to be amazing. You and your book deserve so much hype and excitement! Congratulations on your 4th book!!
“You’re no hero, Darling. You have the heart of a villain. Dark. Ravenous.”
November 11, 2024
HOLY CRAP (better review coming when I’m not furiously circling in my kitchen)
———-
Tl;dr: you’re gonna want to read this.
Let’s talk about Carrion. OOOH BOY. Let’s 👏🏾 talk 👏🏾 about 👏🏾 it. My wig was snatched, I was doing laps around my kitchen, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors heard me yelling at my kindle.
This was SO GOOD. Like, I went in already hyped from seeing everyone else’s reactions and was not let down. I might be a touch bias since Pan/Neverland reimaginings are some of my favorites (which is funny since Peter Pan isn’t really one of my favorite stories).
This story is dark and both worlds are dealing with a plague of sorts. I really felt for both Niko and Willa. And I haven’t seen a handling of Pan himself like this since Brom’s The Child Thief. Niko and Willa have a lovely enemies-to-lovers-to-[redacted], they’re both fighters for the same reason, and there’s a bit of a miscommunication trope. But is it really miscommunication if one party just isn’t telling the full truth? The side characters of Sam, Marina, and Adira, are fleshed out characters in their own rights. It never felt like they were simply there for comedic relief or the “wise” character.
I really liked that both characters were grey but instead of one or both of them coming to the light, so to speak, they leaned into it. (🗣️LET VILLAINS BE VILLAINS) I was right there with both of them with many of the reveals. Because holy crap, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I felt bad for my kindle for the way I was jabbing at it trying to get a few extra pages.
Also: Niko using his power in a *very* creative way👀
HUGE thank you to Amarah Calderini for the opportunity to read this ARC, it was a delight. (Also I’m sending you my therapist bill while I wait patiently for book two. Kidding, of course! 😂)
———-
Tl;dr: you’re gonna want to read this.
Let’s talk about Carrion. OOOH BOY. Let’s 👏🏾 talk 👏🏾 about 👏🏾 it. My wig was snatched, I was doing laps around my kitchen, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors heard me yelling at my kindle.
This was SO GOOD. Like, I went in already hyped from seeing everyone else’s reactions and was not let down. I might be a touch bias since Pan/Neverland reimaginings are some of my favorites (which is funny since Peter Pan isn’t really one of my favorite stories).
This story is dark and both worlds are dealing with a plague of sorts. I really felt for both Niko and Willa. And I haven’t seen a handling of Pan himself like this since Brom’s The Child Thief. Niko and Willa have a lovely enemies-to-lovers-to-[redacted], they’re both fighters for the same reason, and there’s a bit of a miscommunication trope. But is it really miscommunication if one party just isn’t telling the full truth? The side characters of Sam, Marina, and Adira, are fleshed out characters in their own rights. It never felt like they were simply there for comedic relief or the “wise” character.
I really liked that both characters were grey but instead of one or both of them coming to the light, so to speak, they leaned into it. (🗣️LET VILLAINS BE VILLAINS) I was right there with both of them with many of the reveals. Because holy crap, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I felt bad for my kindle for the way I was jabbing at it trying to get a few extra pages.
Also: Niko using his power in a *very* creative way👀
HUGE thank you to Amarah Calderini for the opportunity to read this ARC, it was a delight. (Also I’m sending you my therapist bill while I wait patiently for book two. Kidding, of course! 😂)
June 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥
I'm honestly not sure how this book is rated so highly. I rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of pity, if I'm being generous.
The world-building is shallow, the magic system is barely explained (if you can even call it a system), and I’m sorry, but the FMC grated on my nerves. For someone who’s supposed to be mature, she came across as frustratingly naïve and inconsistent.
We’re introduced to Niko, the reigning king of a crumbling, magic-ridden land, and Willa, who stumbles into his world after falling through a portal. She leaves behind a dystopian society ravaged by a centuries-old plague; a world devoid of children, creativity, and hope. After escaping brutal experimentation at the hands of her government, Willa literally falls into a new realm filled with magic and mystery.
Niko, meanwhile, rules a kingdom on the brink. Death magic is corrupting the land, and he’s barely holding things together. He believes Willa might be the key to saving his people, but first, he must persuade her to care about a world that isn’t hers.
The story is loosely inspired by Neverland, with a few scattered references, though many feel forced or irrelevant. As for Willa’s magic? 🚮 It was underwhelming and lacked the originality I was hoping for.
Needless to say, I won’t be picking up the sequel.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ 🩶 Morally Grey MMC 🩶
✅ Stabby Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Betrayal
✅ Secret Identity
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Captor/Captive
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW drama
✅ No OM drama
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ 🔥 Medium Burn 🔥
✅ Grumpy/Grumpier
✅ MINE
✅ Dystopian
✅ Cliff
🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥
I'm honestly not sure how this book is rated so highly. I rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of pity, if I'm being generous.
The world-building is shallow, the magic system is barely explained (if you can even call it a system), and I’m sorry, but the FMC grated on my nerves. For someone who’s supposed to be mature, she came across as frustratingly naïve and inconsistent.
We’re introduced to Niko, the reigning king of a crumbling, magic-ridden land, and Willa, who stumbles into his world after falling through a portal. She leaves behind a dystopian society ravaged by a centuries-old plague; a world devoid of children, creativity, and hope. After escaping brutal experimentation at the hands of her government, Willa literally falls into a new realm filled with magic and mystery.
Niko, meanwhile, rules a kingdom on the brink. Death magic is corrupting the land, and he’s barely holding things together. He believes Willa might be the key to saving his people, but first, he must persuade her to care about a world that isn’t hers.
The story is loosely inspired by Neverland, with a few scattered references, though many feel forced or irrelevant. As for Willa’s magic? 🚮 It was underwhelming and lacked the originality I was hoping for.
Needless to say, I won’t be picking up the sequel.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ 🩶 Morally Grey MMC 🩶
✅ Stabby Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Betrayal
✅ Secret Identity
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Captor/Captive
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW drama
✅ No OM drama
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ 🔥 Medium Burn 🔥
✅ Grumpy/Grumpier
✅ MINE
✅ Dystopian
✅ Cliff
Read
April 19, 2025DNF at 21%.
I'm dreadfully bored to tears omg 😕 Also the fmc was a total b****, couldn't stand her at all !
I'm dreadfully bored to tears omg 😕 Also the fmc was a total b****, couldn't stand her at all !
November 12, 2024
Meet your next death daddy!
Carrion is a poetic reimagining of Neverland that weaves a journey through slowburn tension, heartbreak, character growth, and finding inner strength.
Amarah's world is lush, original, vivid and the prose is magical. This is must read for all dark romantasy lovers looking for slowburn romance, delicious spice (hello death ribbons), strong characters, and a unique magic system.
Carrion is a poetic reimagining of Neverland that weaves a journey through slowburn tension, heartbreak, character growth, and finding inner strength.
Amarah's world is lush, original, vivid and the prose is magical. This is must read for all dark romantasy lovers looking for slowburn romance, delicious spice (hello death ribbons), strong characters, and a unique magic system.
November 19, 2024
It would be a 4 if she wasn't so annoying and the back and forth between them wasn't so repetitive and long. The rest is quite a creative retelling of Peter Pan. The best of the story is clearly carried by the King POV.
June 7, 2025
Got bored half way though
November 1, 2024
✨Carrion✨
What a fun twist on a dark Peter Pan retelling in a most unique way! I thoroughly enjoyed how deeply written this story was, connecting on a deeper level than just an entertaining adventure.
In Carrion we have dual POVs following two wonderfully broken reluctant heroes: Willa and Niko. When Willa finds herself on the edge of her high rise apartment, the moment she falls takes her through a star and into a world of dreams; a land of beauty that she hasn’t seen for years since the plague ravaged her world. But the beauty is only surface level as this island too is plagued by something or someone sinister and Willa is soon captured by the infamous King of Carrion, lord of death. It’s within this palace of obsidian and pain that Willa fights for her purpose, power, a family, and love. With whimsical and dark magic, we get to see a world of Neverland changed into a place where dreams have perished and it is up to Willa to save it and her world back home. But magic has a cost. And what cost is she willing to take?
Amarah is phenomenal in telling a riveting tale, but even more so one that is rooted deeply in the sharp edges of our innate human imperfections. She highlights them beautifully as well as brings us a romance and found family that loves these broken and healing characters right where they are at, despite everything they’ve been through. The spice and romance is rooted in emotion and connection. It was beautiful and, while the ending broke me, I am so eager to see how Amarah completes this series. I can only imagine. 😉
Tropes you may find in Carrion are enemies to reluctant allis to lovers, forced proximity, mental health rep and healing, they save each other, wound tending, medium-high spice focused more on feeling, magic and unique world building, piano & throne scene, death daddy, morally grey FMC, chronic pain rep, he comforts her, and slow burn.
Thank you so much for this gifted arc. I am so in love with Amarah’s writing and can’t wait to get to her other series!!
What a fun twist on a dark Peter Pan retelling in a most unique way! I thoroughly enjoyed how deeply written this story was, connecting on a deeper level than just an entertaining adventure.
In Carrion we have dual POVs following two wonderfully broken reluctant heroes: Willa and Niko. When Willa finds herself on the edge of her high rise apartment, the moment she falls takes her through a star and into a world of dreams; a land of beauty that she hasn’t seen for years since the plague ravaged her world. But the beauty is only surface level as this island too is plagued by something or someone sinister and Willa is soon captured by the infamous King of Carrion, lord of death. It’s within this palace of obsidian and pain that Willa fights for her purpose, power, a family, and love. With whimsical and dark magic, we get to see a world of Neverland changed into a place where dreams have perished and it is up to Willa to save it and her world back home. But magic has a cost. And what cost is she willing to take?
Amarah is phenomenal in telling a riveting tale, but even more so one that is rooted deeply in the sharp edges of our innate human imperfections. She highlights them beautifully as well as brings us a romance and found family that loves these broken and healing characters right where they are at, despite everything they’ve been through. The spice and romance is rooted in emotion and connection. It was beautiful and, while the ending broke me, I am so eager to see how Amarah completes this series. I can only imagine. 😉
Tropes you may find in Carrion are enemies to reluctant allis to lovers, forced proximity, mental health rep and healing, they save each other, wound tending, medium-high spice focused more on feeling, magic and unique world building, piano & throne scene, death daddy, morally grey FMC, chronic pain rep, he comforts her, and slow burn.
Thank you so much for this gifted arc. I am so in love with Amarah’s writing and can’t wait to get to her other series!!
November 11, 2024
This was just what the doctor ordered! Not too spicy very suspenseful and leaves you dying for more. Carrion absolutely took me on a wild ride. The slow burn of this book had me frothing at the mouth.
The world as we know it is cursed by a plague, something that seems to suck the life out of children. Some of them die, but worse, some of them survive. They move on in life as a shell of their old selves. Willa somehow escaped but still has never been the same. She is transported to a world of make-believe and a King of Death, the King of Carrion. Shadow daddy supreme Niko needs to find a cure for the curse on his realm, one linked to the modern city world Willa has come from. The plague seems to follow her wherever she goes. Willa reluctantly agrees to help Niko save his world so she can go back home. Their bond is rooted in passion, ideology, and their connection. I love how their story builds throughout the book. Each character has a background and it’s told very well. Amarah really brings this neverlandesque tale to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story,and again, I’ll say I’m dying for book 2.
The world as we know it is cursed by a plague, something that seems to suck the life out of children. Some of them die, but worse, some of them survive. They move on in life as a shell of their old selves. Willa somehow escaped but still has never been the same. She is transported to a world of make-believe and a King of Death, the King of Carrion. Shadow daddy supreme Niko needs to find a cure for the curse on his realm, one linked to the modern city world Willa has come from. The plague seems to follow her wherever she goes. Willa reluctantly agrees to help Niko save his world so she can go back home. Their bond is rooted in passion, ideology, and their connection. I love how their story builds throughout the book. Each character has a background and it’s told very well. Amarah really brings this neverlandesque tale to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story,and again, I’ll say I’m dying for book 2.
November 5, 2024
Carrion is a neverland retelling, complete with death, spice & a shadow daddy, yes please 🤌
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. The first half really had me captivated and intrigued, but as I got closer to the end I found myself starting to get a little bored and distracted. I really had to force myself to pay attention. Though I think it was more based on me being a mood reader, and not the plot or story itself.
I loved the banter between Willa & Niko, also loved his filthy mouth. 🥵 However, I did kind of find the ending a bit predictable, so I wasn’t really shocked by any turn of events. The only thing that got me was the epilogue, because say what now?! 😅
If you like a retelling, I definitely recommend you give this one a read! Especially if you love a independent FMC & shadow daddy MMC 🖤
(I received an Advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review)
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. The first half really had me captivated and intrigued, but as I got closer to the end I found myself starting to get a little bored and distracted. I really had to force myself to pay attention. Though I think it was more based on me being a mood reader, and not the plot or story itself.
I loved the banter between Willa & Niko, also loved his filthy mouth. 🥵 However, I did kind of find the ending a bit predictable, so I wasn’t really shocked by any turn of events. The only thing that got me was the epilogue, because say what now?! 😅
If you like a retelling, I definitely recommend you give this one a read! Especially if you love a independent FMC & shadow daddy MMC 🖤
(I received an Advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review)
November 25, 2024
Thank you to Amarah Calderini for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars - now THIS is a dark retelling of Peter Pan.
it’s got spice. it’s got the characters (more or less). it’s got the magic.
it did take a little bit to get into this. BUT I was excited to see where it went and the plot was good. I am so interested to think of what’ll happen in the next book! I love the multidimensional aspect.
4 stars - now THIS is a dark retelling of Peter Pan.
it’s got spice. it’s got the characters (more or less). it’s got the magic.
it did take a little bit to get into this. BUT I was excited to see where it went and the plot was good. I am so interested to think of what’ll happen in the next book! I love the multidimensional aspect.
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
Have you ever said here me out to Captain Hook and also wished he had shadows to weild? This is the book for you!
✨ Peter Pan reimaging
🪝 Magic
✨ Shadow daddy
🪝Soul ties
The banter in the beginning of this book has me cackling and kicking my feet. As the book progresses there is much more world development and twist and turns. I loved the little hints to the original and the overall plot was great. What was that ending though?! I knew it was going too well at the end of the book and then the author hits you with a twist!
Have you ever said here me out to Captain Hook and also wished he had shadows to weild? This is the book for you!
✨ Peter Pan reimaging
🪝 Magic
✨ Shadow daddy
🪝Soul ties
The banter in the beginning of this book has me cackling and kicking my feet. As the book progresses there is much more world development and twist and turns. I loved the little hints to the original and the overall plot was great. What was that ending though?! I knew it was going too well at the end of the book and then the author hits you with a twist!
October 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
By far the best Peter Pan retelling. I loved the twists and I cannot wait for the next book!
By far the best Peter Pan retelling. I loved the twists and I cannot wait for the next book!
November 11, 2024
Carrion is an incredibly unique reimagining filled with beauty, darkness, and raw human emotion. The whimsical prose that Amarah uses to weave together the world and her characters brings such depth to the story. The pacing of the story kept me intrigued from start to finish! I couldn't put the book down, I just wanted more! I'm anxiously awaiting book two and will be diving back into Carrion in the meantime to soak up more of the enchanting grasp it has on my heart.
November 11, 2024
Carrion by Amarah Calderini is a strikingly unique reimagining of Peter Pan, one that dives headfirst into a dark, gothic landscape filled with raw emotion, gritty survival, and unexpected beauty. This isn’t your traditional Neverland – it’s a haunting world where magic and darkness coexist in stunning harmony.
The main character, Willa, is fierce, flawed, and unapologetically resilient. Her journey from the moment she hits the waters of Letum is intense, layered with moments that left me deeply connected to her fight for survival and her complex relationship with the enigmatic Carrion King, Niko. Willa’s moral ambiguity and strong will make her a refreshing protagonist; I loved that she wasn’t afraid to embrace her darker side. Niko, a self-proclaimed villain, possesses a ruthless charm, with a deep-rooted desire to protect those he cares about, blurring the lines between hero and antagonist in a truly mesmerizing way.
The dual POV storytelling was a fantastic touch, offering a glimpse into both Willa’s and Niko’s minds and enhancing the intensity of their dynamic. The slow-burn romance between them was masterfully crafted, balancing tension and tenderness with a delicious uncertainty – were they going to kill each other or kiss each other? The banter and nicknames between them added a lighter touch that left me laughing and fully invested in their relationship’s twisted evolution.
Amarah’s writing is spellbinding, capturing a darkly enchanting world that is both brutal and beautiful. The world-building is intricate and immersive, and the magic system was chef's kiss, adding layers of intrigue to this unforgiving landscape. Through Willa and Niko’s journey, Amarah conveys that even in the darkest stories, there is potential for growth and healing.
This book is filled with raw, vulnerable moments, including heart-wrenching depictions of grief and relief that can come without the need for finality. It stirred something deeply personal within me, echoing the struggles and the beauty of finding hope in the bleakest of times. From the odes to the classic Peter Pan tale to the brain-altering twists in the final chapters, Carrion kept me spellbound until the very last line.
If you’re ready for a twisted fairytale that isn’t afraid to embrace its dark edges, Carrion will captivate you. Just be prepared – this story is unforgettable, and you’ll be left desperate for the next book.
The main character, Willa, is fierce, flawed, and unapologetically resilient. Her journey from the moment she hits the waters of Letum is intense, layered with moments that left me deeply connected to her fight for survival and her complex relationship with the enigmatic Carrion King, Niko. Willa’s moral ambiguity and strong will make her a refreshing protagonist; I loved that she wasn’t afraid to embrace her darker side. Niko, a self-proclaimed villain, possesses a ruthless charm, with a deep-rooted desire to protect those he cares about, blurring the lines between hero and antagonist in a truly mesmerizing way.
The dual POV storytelling was a fantastic touch, offering a glimpse into both Willa’s and Niko’s minds and enhancing the intensity of their dynamic. The slow-burn romance between them was masterfully crafted, balancing tension and tenderness with a delicious uncertainty – were they going to kill each other or kiss each other? The banter and nicknames between them added a lighter touch that left me laughing and fully invested in their relationship’s twisted evolution.
Amarah’s writing is spellbinding, capturing a darkly enchanting world that is both brutal and beautiful. The world-building is intricate and immersive, and the magic system was chef's kiss, adding layers of intrigue to this unforgiving landscape. Through Willa and Niko’s journey, Amarah conveys that even in the darkest stories, there is potential for growth and healing.
This book is filled with raw, vulnerable moments, including heart-wrenching depictions of grief and relief that can come without the need for finality. It stirred something deeply personal within me, echoing the struggles and the beauty of finding hope in the bleakest of times. From the odes to the classic Peter Pan tale to the brain-altering twists in the final chapters, Carrion kept me spellbound until the very last line.
If you’re ready for a twisted fairytale that isn’t afraid to embrace its dark edges, Carrion will captivate you. Just be prepared – this story is unforgettable, and you’ll be left desperate for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2024
Thank you so much Author Amarah Calderini, for giving me the beautiful opportunity to read an ARC of your new upcoming masterful Neverland reimagining novel.
(Carrion)
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read!!!✨♥️
This was such a spectacular read🤩
I was utterly unable to put this book down for the slightest, I was so drawn into the author’s masterful writing I couldn’t believe I was done. Amarah Calderini, captures you into a cinematic experience in her wonderful universe so much! you honestly feel like you’re watching a vivid movie with every scene there is🥹 especially her skill as an author is so impressive and breathtaking I truly admire her work endlessly and the creativity she brings to the table is automatically unmatched and completely top tier in all ways and I look forward to all beautiful tales by her💖💫
“Carrion,” Stars two main characters.
(Willa Fredrik & The Carrion King AKA Niko)
Amarah Calderini, begins her tale where as we all know the enchanted story of Peter Pan and his knowns for welcoming the lost boys, But no in this case there isn’t a happy neverland with Peter Pan. This is an enchanted tale where Peter Pan is Dead.
It’s now been centuries since Pan has been gone & there isn’t a Wendy ether evolve, we now welcome a new era. (Carrion The King)
Who leads In a world devastated by plague and everything there is to come. And that’s when the lovely Amarah Calderini, introduces us to our powerful essences “Willa or as if Niko would say Darling♥️✨
She has spent her entire life on the run with challenges so deeply flawed as agony lays even deeper inside her. Willa & The King, both store a shared ability of facing a unknown mysterious illness that kills & destroys the capacity to dream of any sort, and Willa owns a secret that could get her sentence-to-imprisoned for life-always & forever.
But the plot sinks deeper when an unknown gifted power calls to Willa, to the very top of a high court one night and there’s no outcome of running for it. Willa life flashes before her eyes as she falls headfirst into a world sculpt by dark overcast dreams and horrific magic.
Taking us where a kingdom use to be so livid and high-spirited is now taking in the hand of malevolent overlord of a man crafted beyond all nightmares! The Carrion King. My personal favorite in this well written story🖤✨
Willa, must keep a mask of fear far from face to keep her beloved secrets safe from the vicious conniving & cruel worth’s of a king as Willa now makes a change of heart in a dangerous bargain that can persuade the destiny of both their endless worlds.
The author begins to give us a different perspective when Willa is slowly compelling deeper into the Carrion King's alluring realm of lust when she starts to come upon far more than anticipated with a deadly exterior of a king👀✨Willa heart starts feeling before her head as she begins to obscure in the middle of hate and love. She begins to seek what she truly desires and that comes with the anxiety of knowing not all tales may have an happy ending. Willa starts to discover favorable result! But love may cost not only her beloved freedom but her heart at it’s finest where In a fairytale world of lands and imagination, immortality, dreams, etc is where the beautiful tale is more substantial than truth✨Willa is left to decide whether to sacrifice everything as a warrior or become the one thing everyone loves in a greater for the good tale….
A villain to liberate herself. And Author Amarah Calderini, wrote this beautiful book so well just as she embodies that same energy and admiration into her lovely characters.
(Carrion The King AKA Niko, is my absolutely entire world of everything & more in the world of fictional lovers🥹♥️-I actually need him to be real like asap!! Please🙏🏼🖤✨)
Niko’s character is such a cinematic masterpiece from each line that is said upon his alluring appearance🤩 his persona effortlessly embodies the vibrations of individuality that shows so much depth and emotion of his character that instantly draws you to him in so many ways that his enchanting words never leave your mind! No It constantly engraves into your mind that it stays on repeat!!! And I couldn’t admire it anymore🥹♥️
The author definitely showcases her passionate work in the talent of creativity as we get to learn more about Niko each page and chapter especially the way she crafted the way Niko expresses his love & all depths of life with a strong emotional connection and enthusiasm that takes heavy skills to do and she does it amazingly! The love Niko has for Willa is so powerful and admirable🥹💫
Niko constantly shows a hidden sense of love and sarcasm but when it comes to the one woman that makes his body alive and no longer sorrow he expresses it endlessly, learning ways to be more closer to Willa or showing a instant protectiveness over Willa that has you all on ten toes that makes his character even more attractive and Niko has a fawning way with ribbons that gives in a sensational style of qualities as he showers courses of actions on seeking ways to be there for Willa as she carries hard troubles and the Author expresses that same love and passion for my girlie Willa🩷✨A very beautiful woman filled with a sparky personality that showers a fiery soul of radiates and warmth giving way
In inspiring moments or even laughter in every moment and step of the way. Willa draws you into unexpectedly ways that reflect emotional factors that doesn’t sink beneath the surface. It resonates highly and I truly adorn the way Amarah Calderini, wrote her and you can feel all the passion it took her to bring such a beautiful character to life with unique atmospheres of creativity effortlessly that weaves emotional depth into every scene revealing layers of love & vulnerability.
Willa expresses her love for Niko profoundly in enchanted ways as their love together bounds a nature of hate to love in so many ways that gets so much laughter and feet kicking back & forth moments out of you endlessly with tear jerking moments that do hit hard but eventually it only brings them closer♥️
Willa gives a strong “If you touch him you die” energy that is so powerful and so bittersweet that adds adorable banters between them especially the way Willa seeks out for Niko in all ways is a testament to their relationship & journey of what the Author has for us
and I honestly couldn’t imagine anything more for this tale but for it to never end🥹
which is why I seriously need book 2 in my hands ASAPPPP!!!!! I am literally hanging onto a branch at this point waiting for the amazing book 2 to be released🙏🏼💖
Pre-order
“CARRION”
Asap to ensure yourself to be ready for a realm of endless possibilities and opportunities that lay ahead of you in a world of neverland! One that hits you with so many twists & turns of tales and dark secrets. And you can do just that by visiting the author’s beautiful social media @amarahcalderiniauthor on IG and explore her lovely page filled with amazing characters arts and teasers, but you also do have the time delve into the author’s
previous works
(The Dark World Trilogy)💚🖤✨ which you will also find awesome artwork of alongside.
“I am yours, Willa… I have been since the moment we met. In pain and in pleasure. In life and in death. All of me. Endlessly.”—Niko💋💫
(Carrion)
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read!!!✨♥️
This was such a spectacular read🤩
I was utterly unable to put this book down for the slightest, I was so drawn into the author’s masterful writing I couldn’t believe I was done. Amarah Calderini, captures you into a cinematic experience in her wonderful universe so much! you honestly feel like you’re watching a vivid movie with every scene there is🥹 especially her skill as an author is so impressive and breathtaking I truly admire her work endlessly and the creativity she brings to the table is automatically unmatched and completely top tier in all ways and I look forward to all beautiful tales by her💖💫
“Carrion,” Stars two main characters.
(Willa Fredrik & The Carrion King AKA Niko)
Amarah Calderini, begins her tale where as we all know the enchanted story of Peter Pan and his knowns for welcoming the lost boys, But no in this case there isn’t a happy neverland with Peter Pan. This is an enchanted tale where Peter Pan is Dead.
It’s now been centuries since Pan has been gone & there isn’t a Wendy ether evolve, we now welcome a new era. (Carrion The King)
Who leads In a world devastated by plague and everything there is to come. And that’s when the lovely Amarah Calderini, introduces us to our powerful essences “Willa or as if Niko would say Darling♥️✨
She has spent her entire life on the run with challenges so deeply flawed as agony lays even deeper inside her. Willa & The King, both store a shared ability of facing a unknown mysterious illness that kills & destroys the capacity to dream of any sort, and Willa owns a secret that could get her sentence-to-imprisoned for life-always & forever.
But the plot sinks deeper when an unknown gifted power calls to Willa, to the very top of a high court one night and there’s no outcome of running for it. Willa life flashes before her eyes as she falls headfirst into a world sculpt by dark overcast dreams and horrific magic.
Taking us where a kingdom use to be so livid and high-spirited is now taking in the hand of malevolent overlord of a man crafted beyond all nightmares! The Carrion King. My personal favorite in this well written story🖤✨
Willa, must keep a mask of fear far from face to keep her beloved secrets safe from the vicious conniving & cruel worth’s of a king as Willa now makes a change of heart in a dangerous bargain that can persuade the destiny of both their endless worlds.
The author begins to give us a different perspective when Willa is slowly compelling deeper into the Carrion King's alluring realm of lust when she starts to come upon far more than anticipated with a deadly exterior of a king👀✨Willa heart starts feeling before her head as she begins to obscure in the middle of hate and love. She begins to seek what she truly desires and that comes with the anxiety of knowing not all tales may have an happy ending. Willa starts to discover favorable result! But love may cost not only her beloved freedom but her heart at it’s finest where In a fairytale world of lands and imagination, immortality, dreams, etc is where the beautiful tale is more substantial than truth✨Willa is left to decide whether to sacrifice everything as a warrior or become the one thing everyone loves in a greater for the good tale….
A villain to liberate herself. And Author Amarah Calderini, wrote this beautiful book so well just as she embodies that same energy and admiration into her lovely characters.
(Carrion The King AKA Niko, is my absolutely entire world of everything & more in the world of fictional lovers🥹♥️-I actually need him to be real like asap!! Please🙏🏼🖤✨)
Niko’s character is such a cinematic masterpiece from each line that is said upon his alluring appearance🤩 his persona effortlessly embodies the vibrations of individuality that shows so much depth and emotion of his character that instantly draws you to him in so many ways that his enchanting words never leave your mind! No It constantly engraves into your mind that it stays on repeat!!! And I couldn’t admire it anymore🥹♥️
The author definitely showcases her passionate work in the talent of creativity as we get to learn more about Niko each page and chapter especially the way she crafted the way Niko expresses his love & all depths of life with a strong emotional connection and enthusiasm that takes heavy skills to do and she does it amazingly! The love Niko has for Willa is so powerful and admirable🥹💫
Niko constantly shows a hidden sense of love and sarcasm but when it comes to the one woman that makes his body alive and no longer sorrow he expresses it endlessly, learning ways to be more closer to Willa or showing a instant protectiveness over Willa that has you all on ten toes that makes his character even more attractive and Niko has a fawning way with ribbons that gives in a sensational style of qualities as he showers courses of actions on seeking ways to be there for Willa as she carries hard troubles and the Author expresses that same love and passion for my girlie Willa🩷✨A very beautiful woman filled with a sparky personality that showers a fiery soul of radiates and warmth giving way
In inspiring moments or even laughter in every moment and step of the way. Willa draws you into unexpectedly ways that reflect emotional factors that doesn’t sink beneath the surface. It resonates highly and I truly adorn the way Amarah Calderini, wrote her and you can feel all the passion it took her to bring such a beautiful character to life with unique atmospheres of creativity effortlessly that weaves emotional depth into every scene revealing layers of love & vulnerability.
Willa expresses her love for Niko profoundly in enchanted ways as their love together bounds a nature of hate to love in so many ways that gets so much laughter and feet kicking back & forth moments out of you endlessly with tear jerking moments that do hit hard but eventually it only brings them closer♥️
Willa gives a strong “If you touch him you die” energy that is so powerful and so bittersweet that adds adorable banters between them especially the way Willa seeks out for Niko in all ways is a testament to their relationship & journey of what the Author has for us
and I honestly couldn’t imagine anything more for this tale but for it to never end🥹
which is why I seriously need book 2 in my hands ASAPPPP!!!!! I am literally hanging onto a branch at this point waiting for the amazing book 2 to be released🙏🏼💖
Pre-order
“CARRION”
Asap to ensure yourself to be ready for a realm of endless possibilities and opportunities that lay ahead of you in a world of neverland! One that hits you with so many twists & turns of tales and dark secrets. And you can do just that by visiting the author’s beautiful social media @amarahcalderiniauthor on IG and explore her lovely page filled with amazing characters arts and teasers, but you also do have the time delve into the author’s
previous works
(The Dark World Trilogy)💚🖤✨ which you will also find awesome artwork of alongside.
“I am yours, Willa… I have been since the moment we met. In pain and in pleasure. In life and in death. All of me. Endlessly.”—Niko💋💫
November 18, 2024
I loved this book so much. I received this as an ARC but unfortunately life got in the way and I couldn’t finish it before the release date, but I am still here to give it my honest review!
Carrion is a Pan/Neverland retelling, with all the makings of the original story but BETTER! It is drastically darker, with twists and turns you never see coming. Willa is toughened by her life spent in a world where a mysterious plague has wiped out the ability to dream and create. She is also completely alone, save for her sweet neighbor, a little girl who she has befriended. When she suddenly finds herself falling from one world to another and in the grips of a seemingly evil and cruel ruler who calls himself the Carrion King, she must find a way back - or forward. She must come to terms with the similarities between her world and this one, and come to terms with the realization that she might have more sway over the Carrion King and this world than she had originally anticipated.
This was such a fun ride - I haven’t read a fairytale retelling like this I think ever. I loved making the connections from the beloved childhood classic to Carrion. I loved Willa and her will of steel, and Niko and his unwavering loyalty to his land and his family. The writing was beautiful, I felt immediately immersed in Letum and its magic. It was amazing to learn the land and its particular form of magic compared to other fantasies.
The chemistry between Willa and Niko was *chefs kiss.* I love a grumpy x grumpy trope and that was exactly what this was. The slow burn was real and sooo satisfying once it came to a head. The way they both learned more about themselves and each other along the way was amazing and also brought tears to my eyes 🥹 I fell in love with these characters and I’m waiting with bated breath for the second book!!! Will definitely be reading more by Amarah Calderini!
Carrion is a Pan/Neverland retelling, with all the makings of the original story but BETTER! It is drastically darker, with twists and turns you never see coming. Willa is toughened by her life spent in a world where a mysterious plague has wiped out the ability to dream and create. She is also completely alone, save for her sweet neighbor, a little girl who she has befriended. When she suddenly finds herself falling from one world to another and in the grips of a seemingly evil and cruel ruler who calls himself the Carrion King, she must find a way back - or forward. She must come to terms with the similarities between her world and this one, and come to terms with the realization that she might have more sway over the Carrion King and this world than she had originally anticipated.
This was such a fun ride - I haven’t read a fairytale retelling like this I think ever. I loved making the connections from the beloved childhood classic to Carrion. I loved Willa and her will of steel, and Niko and his unwavering loyalty to his land and his family. The writing was beautiful, I felt immediately immersed in Letum and its magic. It was amazing to learn the land and its particular form of magic compared to other fantasies.
The chemistry between Willa and Niko was *chefs kiss.* I love a grumpy x grumpy trope and that was exactly what this was. The slow burn was real and sooo satisfying once it came to a head. The way they both learned more about themselves and each other along the way was amazing and also brought tears to my eyes 🥹 I fell in love with these characters and I’m waiting with bated breath for the second book!!! Will definitely be reading more by Amarah Calderini!
November 14, 2024
This book….oh my…..i finished it, and read it for a second time….
Carrion is a Peter Pan/Neverland reimagining. And let me tell you Amarah Calderini made magic by writing this book. It is such an cleverly constructed and painted book, the character, the plot, the tension, the worldbuilding, the banter…..oh the banter. For me everything clicked. I love retellings and reimaginings, but the quality is not always as good as its original. In case of Carrion it is even better.
“I apologize Oh Holiness of Rot, Your Putrid Majesty! How dare a peasant think to lay her unworthy hands on you to save your life-“
I have a lot to say about this book and people surrounding me know this as well, but I will try to make this review as spoiler free as possible because you just need to dive in as blind as possible. Willa grew up in a world devastated by the plage that only effects children. What makes that all that is beautiful and innocent is gone. When Willa makes a fall she wishes upon the second star to be somewhere else. And some wishes make impact. Nico(MMC) and the villain in everyone’s story, gets obsessed by Willa the moment he lays eyes on her.
Amarah didn’t gave us a retelling of the original Peter Pan story, but a reimagining from the story we all loved. She made it recognizable for what it is(a neverland story) but in a dystopian kind of way. Intertwined with all the raw emotions like pain, lose and grieve, sorrow, devastation, devotion and love. The characters came to life from the page, I felt for the characters if as they where real people. I recommend this book to everyone that loves retellings, reimagining’s, fantasy and romantacy and just to everyone that ever did wish upon the second star to the right.
Carrion is a Peter Pan/Neverland reimagining. And let me tell you Amarah Calderini made magic by writing this book. It is such an cleverly constructed and painted book, the character, the plot, the tension, the worldbuilding, the banter…..oh the banter. For me everything clicked. I love retellings and reimaginings, but the quality is not always as good as its original. In case of Carrion it is even better.
“I apologize Oh Holiness of Rot, Your Putrid Majesty! How dare a peasant think to lay her unworthy hands on you to save your life-“
I have a lot to say about this book and people surrounding me know this as well, but I will try to make this review as spoiler free as possible because you just need to dive in as blind as possible. Willa grew up in a world devastated by the plage that only effects children. What makes that all that is beautiful and innocent is gone. When Willa makes a fall she wishes upon the second star to be somewhere else. And some wishes make impact. Nico(MMC) and the villain in everyone’s story, gets obsessed by Willa the moment he lays eyes on her.
Amarah didn’t gave us a retelling of the original Peter Pan story, but a reimagining from the story we all loved. She made it recognizable for what it is(a neverland story) but in a dystopian kind of way. Intertwined with all the raw emotions like pain, lose and grieve, sorrow, devastation, devotion and love. The characters came to life from the page, I felt for the characters if as they where real people. I recommend this book to everyone that loves retellings, reimagining’s, fantasy and romantacy and just to everyone that ever did wish upon the second star to the right.
November 11, 2024
“Something about him calls the same madness to the surface of my skin.”
Carrion is a dark Peter Pan retelling and it really captured the story well. Willa finds her way to Carrion through a star in the sky and meets Niko, the king of Carrion.
Niko has the power of death and can’t touch anything/anyone without it dying. He knows she’ll be the salvation to both his world and hers but is hiding the true cost that will need to be paid.
Willa has had a difficult life in her world and has never felt at home or felt a connection to anyone. Her dreams have brought her to Carrion and she has to discover why. She’s a fighter and isn’t afraid to fight back against Niko when he tries to push her away. She can’t deny their instant connection and has to decide what she truly wants, either to return back to her world or to stay and fight for Carrion. While discovering her true self, she also has to face the strayed; children that have lost their sanity and only live to create chaos.
I can’t wait to read the next book as that cliff hanger was intense!
Carrion is a dark Peter Pan retelling and it really captured the story well. Willa finds her way to Carrion through a star in the sky and meets Niko, the king of Carrion.
Niko has the power of death and can’t touch anything/anyone without it dying. He knows she’ll be the salvation to both his world and hers but is hiding the true cost that will need to be paid.
Willa has had a difficult life in her world and has never felt at home or felt a connection to anyone. Her dreams have brought her to Carrion and she has to discover why. She’s a fighter and isn’t afraid to fight back against Niko when he tries to push her away. She can’t deny their instant connection and has to decide what she truly wants, either to return back to her world or to stay and fight for Carrion. While discovering her true self, she also has to face the strayed; children that have lost their sanity and only live to create chaos.
I can’t wait to read the next book as that cliff hanger was intense!
November 4, 2024
Final Rating: 4.75/5⭐️
This was the first *true* fairytale reimagining i’ve ever read and o. m. g. it was amazing! this spin off of the classic peter pan fairytale has opened my eyes to a whole new sub genre haha. the writing was EXCELLENT with vivid imagery that sucks you in from the moment you pick the book up. the two main characters, Willa and Niko, have to be some of my favorites. I don’t know that i’ve ever fallen so hard for a villain before🥵 both of their personalities were so interesting and complex in a way that is completely unpredictable. the overall story line is so engaging and the ENDING?!?!!!! ARE U KIDDING ME ?!!!!???! can’t believe i have to WAIT for book 2 😭
overall i thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this and will be getting the second as soon as a whisper of a pre order is announced! highly highly recommend if you’re into dark fairytale reimaginings, falling for the villain, strong fmc, and unique magic systems within a familiar world 🖤
This was the first *true* fairytale reimagining i’ve ever read and o. m. g. it was amazing! this spin off of the classic peter pan fairytale has opened my eyes to a whole new sub genre haha. the writing was EXCELLENT with vivid imagery that sucks you in from the moment you pick the book up. the two main characters, Willa and Niko, have to be some of my favorites. I don’t know that i’ve ever fallen so hard for a villain before🥵 both of their personalities were so interesting and complex in a way that is completely unpredictable. the overall story line is so engaging and the ENDING?!?!!!! ARE U KIDDING ME ?!!!!???! can’t believe i have to WAIT for book 2 😭
overall i thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this and will be getting the second as soon as a whisper of a pre order is announced! highly highly recommend if you’re into dark fairytale reimaginings, falling for the villain, strong fmc, and unique magic systems within a familiar world 🖤
November 12, 2024
AMAZING. AMAZING. AMAZING.
Even though this is a Peter Pan retelling it is still a completely original, dark, and gothic story that I *thoroughly* enjoyed. There were multiple plot twists that had my jaw on the floor!! That ending…!!! 👀😭🤯
I really loved that the FMC was strong willed, mature, & morally grey too! It is my favorite thing to read characters that embrace their “bad” traits rather than trying to do better. A TRUE depiction of morally grey! The banter between the FMC and MMC was also *chefs kiss* and their nicknames for each other had me on the floor 🤣
Amarah masterfully paints the dark thoughts, actions, and consequences of humans. This world, even though dark, is so beautiful and mesmerizing and the magic system is the cherry on top of it all.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the second book!!
Even though this is a Peter Pan retelling it is still a completely original, dark, and gothic story that I *thoroughly* enjoyed. There were multiple plot twists that had my jaw on the floor!! That ending…!!! 👀😭🤯
I really loved that the FMC was strong willed, mature, & morally grey too! It is my favorite thing to read characters that embrace their “bad” traits rather than trying to do better. A TRUE depiction of morally grey! The banter between the FMC and MMC was also *chefs kiss* and their nicknames for each other had me on the floor 🤣
Amarah masterfully paints the dark thoughts, actions, and consequences of humans. This world, even though dark, is so beautiful and mesmerizing and the magic system is the cherry on top of it all.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the second book!!
November 13, 2024
Carrion
5🌟 4🌶
Wow! This book was so good. I love the dark and twisted take on the classic Peter Pan tale. I really enjoyed the immersive world building and the character growth of the two MCs. That ending, pulled on my heartstrings and shocked me to the core. This story really resonated with me, and I really enjoyed Willa's character growth throughout the book. Embracing all the tremendous turmoils of her life prior to stepping into Letum, embracing the good and the bad that has turned her into this magnetic character. That ending though is was has me in a book hangover, and I really can't thank Amarah enough for allowing me to be an ARC reader for her book. I hope to be able to continue being an ARC reader for her in the future, especially with book 2.
5🌟 4🌶
Wow! This book was so good. I love the dark and twisted take on the classic Peter Pan tale. I really enjoyed the immersive world building and the character growth of the two MCs. That ending, pulled on my heartstrings and shocked me to the core. This story really resonated with me, and I really enjoyed Willa's character growth throughout the book. Embracing all the tremendous turmoils of her life prior to stepping into Letum, embracing the good and the bad that has turned her into this magnetic character. That ending though is was has me in a book hangover, and I really can't thank Amarah enough for allowing me to be an ARC reader for her book. I hope to be able to continue being an ARC reader for her in the future, especially with book 2.
November 8, 2024
I’m going to need a couple days to process what a fan-fucking-tastic read this is. Like… spectacular give me 14 of them right now, type good. I enjoyed the story immensely, how it has the enchanted feeling of Peter Pan with a much more sinister and twisted feel to it. The dystopian setting gives it an even darker undertone that just set my heart alight. And the writing? Brilliant. I’m a stickler for beautiful words & this has it in spades.
(Proper review to come)
(Proper review to come)
November 16, 2024
“Sometimes words aren’t written to be happy. Tragedy can be just as beautiful.”
This is an amazing dark Neverland reimagining that took me on a whirlwind of emotions! I was absolutely captivated by the fantastic world building, complex characters, witty banter, action, trauma, and healing. Niko and Willa are definitely added to my list of favorite MCs. And the ending...I just can't wait to see what happens next!
This is an amazing dark Neverland reimagining that took me on a whirlwind of emotions! I was absolutely captivated by the fantastic world building, complex characters, witty banter, action, trauma, and healing. Niko and Willa are definitely added to my list of favorite MCs. And the ending...I just can't wait to see what happens next!
November 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️
I love a good Peter Pan reimagining. I feel like there are a million different ways you can go with it and I genuinely loved this take. The way the author tied in elements of the beloved original Peter Pan story while also keeping true to this story being a reimagining kept me engrossed. Every time I’d notice something subtle from the original story I’d smile to myself like I had an inside joke with the book (the mention of "codfish" had me laughing out loud).
The relationship between our two MC's was tense for many reason - do they hate each other, do they have same bad attitude, should they banter some more, should they just screw it out of our system….all amazing. It was definitely more of a swoony spice that a lot of "romantasy" books follow with some open door scenes but not many.
No spoilers, but that ENDING. Miss Amarah, how dare you. You better get to writing book two!
🌶️🌶️
I love a good Peter Pan reimagining. I feel like there are a million different ways you can go with it and I genuinely loved this take. The way the author tied in elements of the beloved original Peter Pan story while also keeping true to this story being a reimagining kept me engrossed. Every time I’d notice something subtle from the original story I’d smile to myself like I had an inside joke with the book (the mention of "codfish" had me laughing out loud).
The relationship between our two MC's was tense for many reason - do they hate each other, do they have same bad attitude, should they banter some more, should they just screw it out of our system….all amazing. It was definitely more of a swoony spice that a lot of "romantasy" books follow with some open door scenes but not many.
No spoilers, but that ENDING. Miss Amarah, how dare you. You better get to writing book two!
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