"But I thought Peter Pan was an awful, rotten, little boy who refused to ever grow. He was like 12, not 17, whiny, and just downright awful..."
"Sounds like she hit the nail on the head," Justin chuckles again as Aiden and Eiden join him.
Annoyed, he glares at them. "Do you mind?" Once their giggles run out, he sighs. "At some point in time, someone decided that my life story would make more sense if I were younger and worried about not being able to play with toys, blah, blah, blah. Truth be told, there's more to it than that."
Peyton Darling, high school senior, is a perennial wallflower who keeps her nose to her sketchbook. Everybody else might think that moving from city to city around the world is pretty glamorous, but Peyton is excruciatingly aware of what it really means...never fitting in.
So when the mysterious and-let's face it-super hot Justin literally almost drops in her lap, she almost misses her chance at an amazing adventure in a secret world that few ever see. Just as Peyton finally starts discovering who she is, circumstances show her that her life is not what it seems. And now she has to make a choice'family or friends?
I've always believed that the classics should be left alone. Some stories should stand alone as literary masterpieces. However, in this day and age, society loves remakes/reimagining's - in both film and book - and it's pretty hard to avoid them. On occasion though, a remake gets it right. As long as you don't sacrilege the source material, you're on the right track.
GL:ANSN is a successful adaptation. Taking the infamous story of Peter Pan and his Lost Boys and moving it to a modern era, Xavier Neal has crafted a unique, if slightly loose, retelling of J.M. Barrie's classic tale. Written for a wide audience - adults, teens, young adults - this sort of book could easily become an example work to introduce classic literature to a younger audience. Test in point, when a teenage work colleague of mine saw me reading this, she looked it up on Amazon. And she doesn't read. Much like Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo + Juliet, Neal's story has something that appeals to the youngsters who normally wouldn't pick up a book. It's a small detail but shouldn't be ignored.
The characters and rich and immersive, instantly pulling you into the story; one that tackles youth, pending adulthood, friendship and conflict. A few tweaks of the characters - Peter Pan isn't the hero so much as a bratty teenager, a particular highlight - makes the story Neal's own, one she tells with passion and commitment. Whether Neal is a Peter Pan fan remains to be told but on this evidence, she has a connection with the source material and in reimagining territory, this is a key factor. After all, why retell a story if you didn't connect to the original in the first place?
4* - A unique telling of a literary classic, one that deserves to be read. Old enough to remember Peter Pan? You'll love this story. Belong to the iPhone generation? If 'old-fashioned' books aren't your thing, this might be a good way to start it. Neal delivers an emotional, action-packed story. I'll be honest, I didn't particularly enjoy Peter Pan as a kid but this book kept me reading. An indication of any book that deserves your time. A great read!
I've always loved Peter Pan. It is one of my favorite Disney movies. I also love stories that update or connect to this fairy tale. Peter and the Starcatchers is just one example. When the author of Get Lost contacted me and offered her book in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance to try out another version of my favorite story.
This book had me hooked from the start. The action starts on the first page and doesn't stop until the end of the story. It was a fun ride to say the least and would be a great addition to any YA library. This is a modern but loose retelling of Peter Pan with Peter being portrayed as less the hero and more a teenage, selfish brat who uses people to get what he wants. He is not the main character of the story. Instead, we have Justin, a lost boy, who just happens to be charming, adorable, and of course, able to fly. We also have Peyton, a member of the Darling family who is extremely introverted but brilliant when it comes to art. These two are our main focus and it is their quest and their relationship that we follow as we read.
There is a large paranormal element to the story right from the beginning and it is not meant to be realistic, it is meant to be fun and it completely accomplishes this goal. In addition to the action, we get glimpses of other favorite Pan characters, some humorous moments, and a little mystery. My only problem with the book? I didn't want it to end! I want to know what happens next. I want to see Neverland and how it would be portrayed by the author. I'm certainly hoping there is a second book in the works.
This is an extremely entertaining novel for the grown up who still loves the world of fairy tales! Peyton Darling has a good life. Full of travel and art. She loves art. She finds her happiest times are when she is sketching. Trusted by her parents to be a smart and responsible teenager. She keeps reminding herself of this as she sits in class listening to the chatter of other students. The teasing, the plans for the weekend. The only thing she does not have are friends. And a life. Yeah, it would be nice to have both of those. Even better, to have a boyfriend. That would be the ultimate. That's why she is so startled when the most popular boy in school enlists her to be his accomplice in his latest adventure! Justin has to get on Peytons good side. Get to know her. Get her to trust him. Of course, with his track record withh the opposite sex, that shouldn't be a problem! Of course, keeping her alive from those that seem to be popping up out of nowhere to attack them may be a bigger problem. No one should be after him. He has tied up all loose ends and no one should know where he is, let alone what he is up to. Getting the painting is all he is supposed to do. And Peyton can give him that. His magic and that of his "brothers" will be enough. But does he have the weapons to fight off his attraction to her? Their kisses and the passion that flares between them is something he hadn't planned for. Magical clothes, ships, jewelry, paintings,love, hate, vengence, choices.... they are here for your enjoyment! Don't miss out!
Get Lost is the first fantasy book I've read in quite some time, and it proved to be a great and adventurous escape from reality! The characters drew me in from the beginning, and I felt like I was along for the ride as their story progressed. Of course, I was rooting for Justin and Peyton's relationship from their first meeting. He is confident and cocky, yet sweet and romantic as well--the perfect recipe for a hero. I appreciated the strength that Peyton's character had, she stood up for herself and mad her opinions known. Peter was a total pain in the butt, and more than once I wanted to slap him around a bit, and I bet Belle felt the same way! Justin's friends, Aiden and Eiden, provide a good balance to the group, and some comedic relief. I have to admit that I'm not all that familiar with the original Peter Pan story, but I loved this one, and thoroughly enjoyed the modern twist that the author brought forth!
In get lost we meet Justin, Payton, Peter, the dark watchers, Aiden, eiden & belle.
Payton was born in to an art loving family her farther is an artist and she plans on following in his foot steps. But all this is set to change when she realises that the world she is Living is not as it seems.
"all you know are the black and white lines. However, those pops of Color you love so much, those colors are me and the other lost boys. We're about the appropriate detail."
Payton is asked to help Peter and Justin retrieve a piece of art. But in the process she would be betraying her farther.
Will Payton go thru with the deal or will she back out??
Xavier beautifully writes a epic twist on a childhood classic xx
This cross-genre masterpiece deserves at least TEN stars on a scale of 1 to 5. Peyton Darling, unknown to her, a relative to Wendy Darling, one presumes, of the original Peter Pan story. I watched Hook, when it first came out, so this story is plausible to me. So, Peyton meets and falls in love with Justin, Peter's 2nd. Is he in love with her, too? Or is it all just an elaborate ruse to discover her family's secrets? I read the first two books as part of a special package deal from the author, and I don't want to give any spoilers, so forgive me for being vague. This series is appropriate for all ages as long as kissing is acceptable. It's totally engrossing, and 'unputdownable'! Seriously, a winning combination of romance and Fairytale/adventure! Read it!
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
An interesting twist in the story of Peter Pan, the Lost Boys and Neverland. The fairy tale was adapted to fit into the modern age, making Peter older with a eye for young ladies. Tinkerbell, although bigger than the original story; still had her way with Peter. I liked both Justin and Peyton's characters. They were both believable characters with great personalities. The story telling was lively and descriptive enough for a younger audience. A fun read, filled with adventure and twists.
First i would like to say Xavier done a really good job at giving Peter Pan and the lost boys a modern twist. I loved how the characters were 17 years old, I liked Justin the best but both Peyton's and Justin's characters had great personalities. This story was adventures and enjoyable would definitely recommend for younger audiences.
Get Lost (Never Say Neverland Book 1) by Xavier Neal is a wonderful read. This book is a brilliant re-imagining of the classic Peter Pan. Given a whole new twist this book is engaging and entertaining. I loved the characters. Peyton, brilliant and shy and Justin, who is sly and charming. Created with an inspired blend of drama and suspense and seasoned with twists, secrets and appealing chemistry. I highly recommend this book and am eagerly looking forward to future books in this series. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
Peter is an asshole. I don't like how he treats Justin. It's like he's jealous of him. I think Justin like Peyton but I hate she left her parents to be apart of the lost boys. I think if her dad would have been honest her decision might have been different.🎀🎀
Peyton is about to go on a roller coaster ride, her life will never be the same. She meets Justin who seems sweet, kind and thoughtful. Little does she know that he holds a lot of secrets in his back pocket. Will he let her in on these secrets? She is a sweet girl who seems to be getting into a little bit of trouble because of Justin. There is a lot going on in this book and I don't want to give it all away. So I'll keep it short. It was a good book. It holds your attention keeps you intrigued to find out what happens to these two. I give it 4 stars.
Neal’s Get Lost is the beginning of a new take on the story of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Here, Peter is not the carefree boy you may remember from the eponymous tale penned by JM Barrie. No, here Peter is a sullen teenager, bitter over things he’s lost. He forces each newly minted Lost Boy to give up that which they love most simply because that was the price he had to pay. Tinkerbell, here know as Belle, enforces the geis and is the only one who can lift the immediate punishment if it is broken.
This story focuses not on Peter, but on Peyton, a descendant of the Darling line. Peyton is sucked into the drama of the Lost Boys, and their conflict with a group known as the ‘Dark Watchers’. She is a brilliant artist, and had knowledge galore regarding different paintings. It is her knowledge and proximity to a certain painting known as Sous Clef that makes her valuable to them.
The other main character is Justin, one of the Lost Boys, and a con artist extraordinaire. He first gets involved with Peyton only as a means to an end, but things quickly turn to something more.
What ensues is an elaborate con to whisk said painting away, only Peyton turns the tables on her would-be partners. The action stays pretty fast, and left me wanting to know what happens next.
I did have a few concerns. The book could use another editing go-over. There were several grammar and spelling errors. The use of 1st person present over 1st person past was a bit disconcerting. Also, the over-use of an odd/ uncommon dialogue tag (hums), rang a bit false. Once or twice it would have been a nifty change, but I can't say I hear people him things all that often. Don't get me wrong; I really enjoyed the story and pacing. I am interested to see how the story progresses!
If you enjoy the show Leverage, or its attendant books, and you love the paranormal or fantastical, you are sure to enjoy Get Lost by Xavier Neal.
First off I want to say, I was so excited to start this book. I am a Neverland JUNKY! I may or may not have Tinkerbell tattooed on my back. I know almost line for line both Peter Pan and Hook! With that said, I love the take on my favorite classic that Xavier Neal wrote.
This book took me on a wild adventure and I loved every second of it. Peyton Darling (yes I did squeal) has never fit in. Her family has moved alot and it was hard making friends when you know you’re going to move again before you can make matching friendship bracelets. Therefore she stuck her nose in her sketchpad and stayed in her own little world.
Here comes Justin. He walked into Peyton’s life and nothing was ever the same again. Justin is a Lost Boy (yes more squealing) and was on a mission. Peyton and her extensive knowledge of art were key to that mission. Justin was a popular kid in the school so it was a big adventure for Peyton.
Throughout the book, secrets are revealed and Peyton learns that her life isn’t what it appeared to be. In the end, she has to make a tough decision. Her new friends or the family that kept her in the dark? What will she do?
I have to say it. Yes it’s gonna sound corny, but I was “hooked” from the beginning and could not put the book down! The book is well written and takes you on a fun filled trip! I love Justin and Peyton’s characters. I could not get enough of them. Though the book doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, it does end wide open and hopefully another book! Please please please Xavier! I want more!
If you’re a fan of fun, adventure, intrigue, suspense, and of course, Neverland, go 1-click this amazing tale today!
Payton Darling is the perverbial wall flower. Keeping to herself, spending her lunches hiding in the art room surrounded by the one thing she loves more then anything, Art. Her life can easily be read by the sketches she draws of everything and everyone around her. She doesn't socialize. She doesn't even have people she calls friends. Her "friends" are the art that sit on the walls of her parents art gallery that she loves and knows everything about. Until one day a gorgeous, popular, intriguing guy asks her for a small favor and turns her life upside down in the most thrilling way, all with a tip of his fidora and a wink of a very sexy eye.
Justin is a lost boy, no really he is! His life is one con after another. No excuses, no apologizes to anyone for anything he does. Until he runs into Payton and asks her to supply him with one small alibi to the school security guard. One look at her and he knows his life is about to change.
Within hours of meeting Justin Payton's immersed in a life of thrilling and death defying run ins with people who want to kidnap her and use her vast art knowledge and painting skills in a very high stakes game. Payton's once boring life is now exciting. All just because she met the lost boys. Now she is falling in love with Justin and she has to decide just how far she is willing to go to help him and if she wants to be in his life forever. Even if it means leaving her old life behind and everyone in it, including her parents!
This book was a really refreshing young adult version of Peter Pan. I really enjoyed getting to know Justin and the other lost boys!
I was given this book in turn for an honest review!!!
Peyton Darling has lived her life moving from city to city; following her parent’s passion for Art. When Peyton meets Justin she believes for the first time she has a friend to share that passion with; only Justin’s intentions are not as they seem. Do they share a connection? Will Peyton’s world be torn apart? Or will she discover a whole new adventure?
Xavier Neal has taken on a classic children’s fairy tale and created an outstanding adult version with a twist; this isn’t the fairy tale as we know it; its better! Xavier takes you on the most amazing fantasy adventure; of your life. From the first page I felt myself thrown deep into this fantasy world; intrigued by this boy named Justin; his charm was working wonders on myself; not just Peyton. I loved this fantasy ride Xavier took me on; I was able to escape the real world for a short time and live a life of adventure; a life of excitement and a life of danger. This book is full of mystery and humour; you are kept on your toes whilst laughing out loud at the sarcastic remarks these people share. By the end of this book you will be left wanting more and stunned by last minute decisions. I can’t wait to read Lost in Lies book #2 in the series.
If you have read any of Xavier Neal’s book’s you won’t want to miss out on this Fantasy Series!
If you enjoy fantasy, mystery, humour and fairy tales with a twist; without a doubt you will absolutely love this series!
wow!! at first when I started seeing teasers and little snip its of this book I was cautious at first. I was thinking to myself hmm I don't know if this is for me, I was never a big fan of peter pan growing up. but I WAS WRONG! I love this book, I fell in love from page 1 all the way to the end I could not put it down. I recommend that everyone gives this book a chance you will not be sorry.
ok so let me tell you alittle about the story.
peyton was born into the art world. she knew art all her life and was following in her dads footsteps. shes innocent and sweet and sticks to herself even in school. so when she finds out that's there a whole anther world out there, her life kinda gets upside down, justins the one that kinda opened her eyes to a whole anther world. so can Justin explain to peyton whats going on an help her thru this? or is gonna make her figure out for herself?
now Justin oh where to begin with him haha Justin comes off as the bad boy an who isn't curious about the bad boy so when he runs in to peyton, she cant help but be intrigued by him, come to find out hes a con artist, and he shows peyton a new world that was right in front of her that she never knew exsited.
Justin ask peyton to help with a art scam. will she help him? or will she run for the hills?
I'm having a hard time deciding what I think about this book. Parts of it intrigue me and make me want to finish the series, but there are so many other aspects of the book that annoy me. Peter Pan I want to shoot, I start to like Justin and then he goes and does/says something stupid, and Peyton just annoys me. I get that the author wants there to be a lot of mystery and then slowly unravel the truth, but it's unraveling at a snail's pace. I read all of book 1, and I still have very little idea of what it was all about because everyone is lying! And yes, I know that that is part of the whole point of the story, but it really could have been done a whole lot better. I found the writing to be rather choppy, hard to follow, and reading rather like a bad film noir. Which is irritating, as I really wanted to like this series. I love fairy tale retellings, and Neverland based stories in particular, but so much of this is just a mess that I'm not sure I want to read the rest. Maybe it gets better in the next two books, but I'm just not sure.
Update: In hopes that I just haven't given it long enough, I'm letting my curiousity about the parts that intrigued me win out and giving the next book a try anyway. We'll see how it goes. (I always hate not finishing a series, and since I didn't hate this book, it just had things that annoyed me, I'm giving it another chance.)
Peyton is not your average loner nor is Justin your average, charming con man. Their paths cross for a reason, but Peyton is capable of far more than Peter Pan could have anticipated.
I am in awe and absolutely thrilled that Get Lost is included with the book. Otherwise I would have gone stark - raving mad! The plot is well-developed to the point of utter perfection. I could see a movie in my mind as I raced through the words. The characters dominated my attention. I fell in love with Justin immediately. The same can be said with the female protagonist, Peyton. To-date, the "Never Say Neverland" series is the most unique and thrilling spin off the beloved "Peter Pan" tale.
The thought put into the deceptions and the cons is a level of genius. Absolutely nothing is as it seems and each turn of the page contains a stunning revelation! The emotional atmosphere wrapped around the characters, especially Justin and Peyton, thrust me into a unbreakable trance.
Peter Pan, Belle, and the rest of the gang have unexpected personalities of their own and the secrets to unfold are never ending. There is romance, action, comedy, witty and loveable characters, and paranormal twists to create the perfect world to escape to.
I'm a loyal Xavier Neal reader, but for some reason it took me forever to start this series. BIG MISTAKE. This is a completely different writing style than the rest of her books and I immediately was trasnported into the reality of the Lost Boys & Payton Darling. Get Lost is a twist on Peter Pan, suspending the preconcieved notions that it's all about Peter. We get a look into what life is like if the Lost Boys were teenagers, through the eyes of Justin. Life is one big con, with women, laughter and fun. Until the con man falls for the con. Payton has all the anwers the Lost Boys need, but they won't answer any of her questions. Just how far will you go, what will you give up for the chance at love and adventure?
This is a series that I easily fell in love with. I jumped right into book 2 and am heading into book 3 soon. It's a great reminder that every book doesn't need explicit sex (or sex at all) to be captivating and enthralling. Xavier kept me thinking and feeling, even when I had to set the book aside to do real life stuff. It's the perfect cure after several ugly cry books <3
I am one of the people who likes to see how people interrupt things differently. In a new way. So when I was asked to read these books I decided that it was worth it. Modernized Peter Pan story. Yes please. There are so many differences within it though. So if you want to stick exactly to history you won't get it.
Peyton Darling moves around a lot. Her father and mother both are in the art world, so thirteen cities in her life she has decided not to get close to anyone. Until she decides to help a cute boy with a fedora hat that is. Slowly but surely she notices things are different. Nothing is what it seems with Justin Ryan.
Through time together, they find this bond. She was just a mark. A Darling in another ploy that Peter needed. But what will happen when Justin won't let her go? And Peyton turns out to be smarter then they thought she would be?
Xavier's take of the Peter Pan story is awesome. I'm in love with the characters. Peter Pan is an ass. Belle is amazingly and such a strong person within it all. Aiden/Eiden are some of my favorites.
An extension of my childhood Peter Pan dreams. What little girl didn't want to be Wendy and have Peter Pan to herself. Now as an adult I've fallen in love with Peter and the Lost Boys all over again. However, this time it's an adult story and Peter is not the Peter of your youth. Let Peter, Tinkerbell (aka Belle) and the Lost Boys take you on a new adventure. New fresh story, new characters, just try not falling for Justin, and let's not forget the introduction to a new Darling, Peyton. Wendy never got into as much adventure as Peyton. Xavier Neal has written another great story that will have you thinking back to the child within and wanting to be with Peter and the gang. Only this time, Peter is not looking for a Mother for the lost boys. Read it for yourself and see what new "treasure" is his goal.
Peyton is a shy art student that meets the suave Justin (One of PP Lost Boys) and falls for his charms not realizing that she's his mark until it's too late and she's in too far.
Growing up in the art industry she's got the knowledge to help Justin and Peter with a heist but will things work out as they intend?
Will Justin ever be honest with her? Will she ever get the answers she's looking for?
Peter Pan, Tinker "Belle", Justin and the Twins Aiden and Eiden run a cons to get by on a daily basis. Peyton gets wrapped up in the cons and lies and can't find a way to get real answers.
WOW. I have never read a Fairy Tale book like this one. Peter Pan was one of my favorites as a kid and I love the take on this classic story.
Peyton has always felt like an outcast. She has moved around a lot and making friend was hard. A classic introvert. Little did she know that would all change with one person. Justin, as Lost Boy, comes into the picture and Peyton helps him out on a mission. While on this mission, Peyton learns a lot about herself and the secrets that were kept from her.
This book also gives you a unique take on Peter as well. All of the characters are great and the book is well written. Loved it!!!!
Being old enough to have been raised on the story of Peter Pan, I was concerned about reading a more adult version of the tale. I was afraid that it wouldn't be interesting. I was very wrong. Going into this series remember that this is a more current version of the tale. The misleading of how it was in book form will have you laugh at times you don't expect. Especially if you are like me and could visualize what they are talking about. Knowing that the versions are even compared within will make you smile.
Definitely like the way the series is going and can't wait to see just what kind of trouble comes up for the lost Boys
I wasn't sure where this book was headed. I heard that it had an old fairy tale theme to it, but wasn't sure what kind of twists would be involved. I have to say, that I like this reinvention of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Reading this book was a blast and I enjoyed the tale of trickery, thievery with a mix of love to keep it intriguing. Hopefully there is just as much action in book one as there is book two. I think Justin just became my favorite Lost Boy.
I freaking loved this story! Justin is dreamy and I like how different Peyton is. Peter is an obnoxious teen who always wants his way and Belle puts up with it for the most part. The twins are funny and genuis and what they're able to accomplish working together is great.
p.s. to all my friends reading this, I have dibs on Justin lol
What can I say this book appealed to that 14 yr old girl in me who desperately wanted to keep believing in magic at that age. Even though I am almost three times that age now this was a great read, I can only wish it had been around when I was that young girl. Xavier stays true to the original characters however giving them a modern more young adult appeal which worked great.
This book was like a modern day adult Peter Pan story. Lots of whimsical and battles where when people are struck by whatever weapon of choice, they don't die, they puff into smoke and disappear. It was a very different book than what I usually read. I enjoyed the characters but, I didn't really care for it. But if fantasy is your thing you will like it!