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The Hidden Island
After years of wondering what happened to her fiance, Will, Marianna is thrilled when she discovers his message in a bottle. She hires a ship and crew and sets sail to find him. A storm washes her up on an island called Neverland. It’s magical and beautiful, like something from a dream, and best of all, Will is living there.
But it isn’t a friendly place, and she’s kidnapped soon after arriving by a strange boy named Peter. He clouds her memories with exciting outings and romantic gestures. Then a glimpse of Will breaks her from Peter’s trance, and she escapes. However, Peter doesn’t give up easily, and he’s planning to keep Marianna there forever.
On the run from Peter’s soldiers, Marianna learns the residents of the island are in turmoil, tormented by Peter and his minions. No one wants to go up against him. She finally meets a friend who is willing to help, and they devise a plan. Marianna must confront a being feared by everyone on the island in hopes of uncovering a way to stop Peter, so she can return home with Will. If she fails, Peter will destroy her along with everyone else on the island.
But it isn’t a friendly place, and she’s kidnapped soon after arriving by a strange boy named Peter. He clouds her memories with exciting outings and romantic gestures. Then a glimpse of Will breaks her from Peter’s trance, and she escapes. However, Peter doesn’t give up easily, and he’s planning to keep Marianna there forever.
On the run from Peter’s soldiers, Marianna learns the residents of the island are in turmoil, tormented by Peter and his minions. No one wants to go up against him. She finally meets a friend who is willing to help, and they devise a plan. Marianna must confront a being feared by everyone on the island in hopes of uncovering a way to stop Peter, so she can return home with Will. If she fails, Peter will destroy her along with everyone else on the island.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Charity Rau
5 books18 followersCharity loves fairy tales and myths and re-imagining them. When not writing, she takes creative photos, paints, and spends time with family. Charity lives in Maryland with her sassy pomchi and her own charming prince. The Bloodstained Key is her first book.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 13, 2025
The Hidden Island is like Neverland… but make it grown-up, moody, and emotionally loaded. Charity Rau doesn’t just sprinkle pixie dust—she dumps the whole jar and stirs in a hefty spoonful of danger.
Marianna Locklear starts out as the ride-or-die fiancée on a rescue mission for her man, Will. But the deeper she gets into Neverland, the more she realizes that this place isn’t all “second star to the right” and eternal childhood—more like “watch your back, Peter Pan might be smiling while plotting your demise.” And honestly? I’m here for it.
Bottom line? If you’ve ever wanted Peter Pan served with a side of emotional depth, danger, and just enough romance to make you blush, this one’s your ticket. And trust me—this Neverland is not for the faint of heart, darling.
Marianna Locklear starts out as the ride-or-die fiancée on a rescue mission for her man, Will. But the deeper she gets into Neverland, the more she realizes that this place isn’t all “second star to the right” and eternal childhood—more like “watch your back, Peter Pan might be smiling while plotting your demise.” And honestly? I’m here for it.
Bottom line? If you’ve ever wanted Peter Pan served with a side of emotional depth, danger, and just enough romance to make you blush, this one’s your ticket. And trust me—this Neverland is not for the faint of heart, darling.
August 26, 2025
ARC Review:
Hoist the anchor! Are you ready to set sail for Neverland? It's time to join Marianna on her next wild adventure to find her long lost love Will. On her trip she will meet Tiger Lily, Peter Pan, The Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, Aquari, and even the Fire Queen. Along the way she will need to figure out who is friend or foe? This is not your typical retelling but one of mystery with its own twist and turns. The selfish quest to reunite herself with Will might have to be put on hold to save the rest of the island. Are you up for the challenge? It is time to find out!
I found this reimaginative young adult retelling of Peter Pan to be unique and full of emotional intrigue. I loved all the danger involved with just enough romance dusted along the way to keep you rooting til the very end. And the cliff hanger, oh my goodness, I can not wait for the next adventure for Marianna.
Hoist the anchor! Are you ready to set sail for Neverland? It's time to join Marianna on her next wild adventure to find her long lost love Will. On her trip she will meet Tiger Lily, Peter Pan, The Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, Aquari, and even the Fire Queen. Along the way she will need to figure out who is friend or foe? This is not your typical retelling but one of mystery with its own twist and turns. The selfish quest to reunite herself with Will might have to be put on hold to save the rest of the island. Are you up for the challenge? It is time to find out!
I found this reimaginative young adult retelling of Peter Pan to be unique and full of emotional intrigue. I loved all the danger involved with just enough romance dusted along the way to keep you rooting til the very end. And the cliff hanger, oh my goodness, I can not wait for the next adventure for Marianna.
October 30, 2025
THE HIDDEN ISLAND, by Charity Rau. With familiar characters including Peter, Tiger Lily, and Tinkerbell, among others, the author has created a wicked rendition of J.M. Barrie’s classic, “Peter Pan.” The tale opens with Marianna following somewhat obscure directions to an unknown destination in search of her friend, Will.
As the story unfolds, she arrives on a hidden island, Neverland. Lulled into the belief she’s landed in a wonderfully magical place, she soon learns that her surroundings are magical, but they are not necessarily wonderful.
The author weaves the storyline of “Peter Pan” into her own version of events and creates an entertaining fantasy. The characters are well done, and the dialogue flows realistically. “The Hidden Island” is Book 2 of the Heart Stones Book series. Although I didn’t read the first book, I had no problem following the story. The novel ends with a promise of more adventure to come in the next installment.
As the story unfolds, she arrives on a hidden island, Neverland. Lulled into the belief she’s landed in a wonderfully magical place, she soon learns that her surroundings are magical, but they are not necessarily wonderful.
The author weaves the storyline of “Peter Pan” into her own version of events and creates an entertaining fantasy. The characters are well done, and the dialogue flows realistically. “The Hidden Island” is Book 2 of the Heart Stones Book series. Although I didn’t read the first book, I had no problem following the story. The novel ends with a promise of more adventure to come in the next installment.
August 8, 2025
This imaginative re-spin on a familiar legend sweeps you into a lush, dangerous world where magic and menace walk hand in hand. Marianna’s journey begins with hope and romance but quickly turns into a high-stakes fight for freedom on an island that’s as enchanting as it is treacherous. The tension between beauty and danger keeps the pages turning, and the antagonist is both magnetic and chilling in equal measure.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. The author paints Neverland with vivid, dreamlike detail while layering in suspense and emotional stakes. There’s adventure, intrigue, and just enough romance to keep your heart invested without overshadowing the peril.
A gripping blend of fantasy, danger, and determination, perfect for readers who like their fairy-tale retellings with a darker twist and a heroine worth rooting for.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. The author paints Neverland with vivid, dreamlike detail while layering in suspense and emotional stakes. There’s adventure, intrigue, and just enough romance to keep your heart invested without overshadowing the peril.
A gripping blend of fantasy, danger, and determination, perfect for readers who like their fairy-tale retellings with a darker twist and a heroine worth rooting for.
October 12, 2025
A fun retelling of Peter Pan where Hook is the hero and Peter the psychopath stealing magic and forcing everyone to fight.
Themes of love, betrayal, drug use, taking things that do not belong to you (various ways this is depicted), and that there are rules for a reason, are explored.
There are things that I felt were left unanswered (what happened to Wendy’s brothers? Why did Peter want to destroy everything – besides being a destructive psychopath?), but it’s an interesting story that kept me intrigued.
The ending shows that Marianna’s magical adventures are far from over.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Themes of love, betrayal, drug use, taking things that do not belong to you (various ways this is depicted), and that there are rules for a reason, are explored.
There are things that I felt were left unanswered (what happened to Wendy’s brothers? Why did Peter want to destroy everything – besides being a destructive psychopath?), but it’s an interesting story that kept me intrigued.
The ending shows that Marianna’s magical adventures are far from over.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
August 27, 2025
This book was a great read. I truly love this authors take on retellings of old fairy tales. I cannot wait to read more from this author. She truly has made me interested in retellings as the few I had read before were not able to pull me in quite like she could. Truly a great read. I am so honored to have been able to read this as an ARC and need more as soon as possible.
August 25, 2025
What a fantastic twist on the Peter Pan story! Twists and turns abound in this chaotic rescue of land and love. Marianna is a strong, capable woman who makes some great friends along the way to finding Will.
August 26, 2025
I am deeply in love with this book!!!! It's the perfect sequel to The Bloodstained Key!!! I absolutely loved Marianna, and the journey to rescue her beloved Will!!! Charity truly knows how to create a mystical and fantastical masterpiece that all fairytale retelling lovers will adore!!!!
July 7, 2025
I’m beyond excited to share Marianna’s next adventure with you all! I hope you love this one as much as I loved writing it!💚
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews