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Reven: Across Golden Skies
A steampunk retelling of Peter Pan about the lengths we’ll go to escape the past.
After losing her mother, 15-year-old Wendi Darl has worked hard to support her family and keep her academic scholarship. But an innocent mistake puts all her efforts to waste, and Wendi is soon staring at a future behind bars.
So when charming Peter appears outside her home and asks her to run away on his flying ship, of course Wendi accepts. He’s offering her a magic necklace that would let her defy gravity. A home with friends who appreciate her. An escape from all the mistakes of her dead-end life.
However, Wendi may have fallen into worse trouble than what she left behind. Peter’s magic is dangerously powerful, and a hook-handed stalker has vowed to steal it for himself. Both sides see Wendi’s arrival as an opportunity to break the stalemate and end their rivalry once and for all.
No one is going to save her. If Wendi wants her happy ending, she’ll need to steal it for herself.
After losing her mother, 15-year-old Wendi Darl has worked hard to support her family and keep her academic scholarship. But an innocent mistake puts all her efforts to waste, and Wendi is soon staring at a future behind bars.
So when charming Peter appears outside her home and asks her to run away on his flying ship, of course Wendi accepts. He’s offering her a magic necklace that would let her defy gravity. A home with friends who appreciate her. An escape from all the mistakes of her dead-end life.
However, Wendi may have fallen into worse trouble than what she left behind. Peter’s magic is dangerously powerful, and a hook-handed stalker has vowed to steal it for himself. Both sides see Wendi’s arrival as an opportunity to break the stalemate and end their rivalry once and for all.
No one is going to save her. If Wendi wants her happy ending, she’ll need to steal it for herself.
376 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 22, 2026
This was such a fun, bingeable read. I was hooked right away and ended up flying through it much faster than I expected.
I really enjoyed this take on Peter Pan, it felt familiar enough to recognize the inspiration, but fresh with the steampunk, tech-driven twist. The addition of things like the magic system and the way power is tied into the world gave it a unique edge that kept it feeling exciting and different. It had that perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation that made it hard to put down.
The pacing is quick and engaging, with plenty of action and tension to keep things moving. There’s always something happening, and the story never really drags. I also liked the cast of characters there are some familiar elements if you know the original story, but they’re reimagined in a way that makes them feel new.
Overall, this is a really entertaining, high-energy retelling that’s easy to get lost in. If you enjoy classic stories with a modern, slightly gritty twist, this is definitely worth picking up. Thanks to the Nerdfam for the gifted arc.
I really enjoyed this take on Peter Pan, it felt familiar enough to recognize the inspiration, but fresh with the steampunk, tech-driven twist. The addition of things like the magic system and the way power is tied into the world gave it a unique edge that kept it feeling exciting and different. It had that perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation that made it hard to put down.
The pacing is quick and engaging, with plenty of action and tension to keep things moving. There’s always something happening, and the story never really drags. I also liked the cast of characters there are some familiar elements if you know the original story, but they’re reimagined in a way that makes them feel new.
Overall, this is a really entertaining, high-energy retelling that’s easy to get lost in. If you enjoy classic stories with a modern, slightly gritty twist, this is definitely worth picking up. Thanks to the Nerdfam for the gifted arc.
Review of advance copy
I really wish I could give it a glowing review, but sadly it’s only a ⭐️⭐️ out of five for me. Based on the synopsis, I was ready to love this book, but alas. Ultimately, the concept was super clever and fun, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
"Reven" is a retelling of the classic Disney animated film Peter Pan. If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll either love or hate the concept of this book. It’s got all the same characters, but they are not the same people in the slightest. It was rather fun to see how each character would manifest in this retelling. Here, Wendi is written as the main hero, which was unfortunate because I personally couldn’t stand her. I found her to be incompetent and useless and her inner monologue was basically the same for the entirety of the novel. She grew very little as a person despite going through it. The majority of the characters are 12-15yo, so maybe I’m just too far removed from the target audience to fully appreciate it, but I fear kids that age won’t have the attention span to get very deep into the story.
It starts off slow with a lot of world-building and info-dumping in the form of a history/geography test. By the end of the book, I felt like we’d been given too much information on the wrong things and not enough on the important things, to the point that the relevance of key events was still murky. The fight scenes are all insanely chaotic, and yet are the best writing in the whole novel. And there are plenty of fight scenes. The rest of the writing is pretty simplistic, which again leads me to believe this novel is intended for middle grade audiences.
I personally found the “resolution” at the end to be horrific. I can’t say much more than that without giving it away, but suffice it to say I do not agree with how “justice” is portrayed in this book. Aside from that, my other main beef is with the diversity representation. There was so much diversity that none of it felt authentic. It felt like each character was given their diversity trait to tick a box and it was the author’s goal to tick every single box. It came across as performative. Take Wendi, for example. She has a panic attack (not her only diversity trait) after not being able to finish her exam. But then proceeds to run away from home, land on the business end of some futuristic weapons, and never have another panic attack for the rest of the novel. I mean, really? So yeah, I’m rather particular when it comes to accurate diversity representation in literature.
There’s a lot of hypocrisy in this novel, some blatant, some covert. I’m still trying to suss out if that was an intended device of Swaim’s, if she was trying to make a point and I’m simply too dense to get it, or if this too went the way of the world-building and lost focus. All it did was annoy me the more it kept happening.
Ultimately, I didn’t read this book in a single sitting, and that’s pretty rare for me. I also found myself getting distracted while reading a few times, another strike. Swaim’s reinvention of the classic characters really is brilliant. It’s just all the rest I could’ve done without. But I’m just one person on the internet; you don’t have to take my word for it.
"Reven" is a retelling of the classic Disney animated film Peter Pan. If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll either love or hate the concept of this book. It’s got all the same characters, but they are not the same people in the slightest. It was rather fun to see how each character would manifest in this retelling. Here, Wendi is written as the main hero, which was unfortunate because I personally couldn’t stand her. I found her to be incompetent and useless and her inner monologue was basically the same for the entirety of the novel. She grew very little as a person despite going through it. The majority of the characters are 12-15yo, so maybe I’m just too far removed from the target audience to fully appreciate it, but I fear kids that age won’t have the attention span to get very deep into the story.
It starts off slow with a lot of world-building and info-dumping in the form of a history/geography test. By the end of the book, I felt like we’d been given too much information on the wrong things and not enough on the important things, to the point that the relevance of key events was still murky. The fight scenes are all insanely chaotic, and yet are the best writing in the whole novel. And there are plenty of fight scenes. The rest of the writing is pretty simplistic, which again leads me to believe this novel is intended for middle grade audiences.
I personally found the “resolution” at the end to be horrific. I can’t say much more than that without giving it away, but suffice it to say I do not agree with how “justice” is portrayed in this book. Aside from that, my other main beef is with the diversity representation. There was so much diversity that none of it felt authentic. It felt like each character was given their diversity trait to tick a box and it was the author’s goal to tick every single box. It came across as performative. Take Wendi, for example. She has a panic attack (not her only diversity trait) after not being able to finish her exam. But then proceeds to run away from home, land on the business end of some futuristic weapons, and never have another panic attack for the rest of the novel. I mean, really? So yeah, I’m rather particular when it comes to accurate diversity representation in literature.
There’s a lot of hypocrisy in this novel, some blatant, some covert. I’m still trying to suss out if that was an intended device of Swaim’s, if she was trying to make a point and I’m simply too dense to get it, or if this too went the way of the world-building and lost focus. All it did was annoy me the more it kept happening.
Ultimately, I didn’t read this book in a single sitting, and that’s pretty rare for me. I also found myself getting distracted while reading a few times, another strike. Swaim’s reinvention of the classic characters really is brilliant. It’s just all the rest I could’ve done without. But I’m just one person on the internet; you don’t have to take my word for it.
April 3, 2026
I really wanted to love Reven: Across Golden Skies by Emily Swaim… like, I went in expecting a new obsession 😭✨ But sadly, this ended up being a 2-star read for me.
This story followed Wendi Darl, a 15-year-old girl trying to hold her life together after losing her mother 💔📚. When one mistake threatened her future, she was offered an escape by the mysterious Peter—aboard a flying ship, with magic, found family, and freedom from her past 🚀✨. But of course, nothing was that simple. With dangerous magic, a hook-handed enemy lurking ⚔️, and both sides using her as a pawn, Wendi had to fight to carve out her own ending.
And honestly? The concept was SO cool 😩🔥
A steampunk Peter Pan retelling with darker stakes and morally grey dynamics? Sign me up immediately.
But the execution… just didn’t hit the same.
The biggest struggle for me was Wendi 😬💭
She was positioned as the hero, but I found her incredibly hard to connect with. Her inner monologue felt repetitive, and despite everything she went through, her growth felt minimal. I kept waiting for that moment where she would step into herself… and it just never fully came.
The pacing also didn’t help 🐢
The beginning was heavy with info-dumping—especially through academic/test-style exposition—and it slowed everything down. By the end, I felt like I knew too much about unimportant details and not enough about the things that actually mattered 🤯
That said… the fight scenes? 👀🔥
Chaotic, intense, and honestly the strongest part of the writing. Those moments felt alive.
That said… I will give credit where it’s due 👏✨
The reimagining of classic Peter Pan characters was genuinely creative and interesting. Seeing familiar figures twisted into something new was one of the highlights of the book.
✨ This might still be perfect for you if you love:
⚙️ Steampunk fantasy worlds
🧚♂️ Peter Pan retellings with a dark twist
🚀 Flying ships & magical tech
⚔️ Action-heavy, chaotic fight scenes
🖤 Morally grey characters
🧩 Found family vibes
🔥 High-stakes rivalries
Overall, this was a book I admired more than I enjoyed 😔
The idea was brilliant, but the execution didn’t fully deliver for me.
Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌✨ I’m still glad I got to experience this unique take on a beloved classic.
This story followed Wendi Darl, a 15-year-old girl trying to hold her life together after losing her mother 💔📚. When one mistake threatened her future, she was offered an escape by the mysterious Peter—aboard a flying ship, with magic, found family, and freedom from her past 🚀✨. But of course, nothing was that simple. With dangerous magic, a hook-handed enemy lurking ⚔️, and both sides using her as a pawn, Wendi had to fight to carve out her own ending.
And honestly? The concept was SO cool 😩🔥
A steampunk Peter Pan retelling with darker stakes and morally grey dynamics? Sign me up immediately.
But the execution… just didn’t hit the same.
The biggest struggle for me was Wendi 😬💭
She was positioned as the hero, but I found her incredibly hard to connect with. Her inner monologue felt repetitive, and despite everything she went through, her growth felt minimal. I kept waiting for that moment where she would step into herself… and it just never fully came.
The pacing also didn’t help 🐢
The beginning was heavy with info-dumping—especially through academic/test-style exposition—and it slowed everything down. By the end, I felt like I knew too much about unimportant details and not enough about the things that actually mattered 🤯
That said… the fight scenes? 👀🔥
Chaotic, intense, and honestly the strongest part of the writing. Those moments felt alive.
That said… I will give credit where it’s due 👏✨
The reimagining of classic Peter Pan characters was genuinely creative and interesting. Seeing familiar figures twisted into something new was one of the highlights of the book.
✨ This might still be perfect for you if you love:
⚙️ Steampunk fantasy worlds
🧚♂️ Peter Pan retellings with a dark twist
🚀 Flying ships & magical tech
⚔️ Action-heavy, chaotic fight scenes
🖤 Morally grey characters
🧩 Found family vibes
🔥 High-stakes rivalries
Overall, this was a book I admired more than I enjoyed 😔
The idea was brilliant, but the execution didn’t fully deliver for me.
Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌✨ I’m still glad I got to experience this unique take on a beloved classic.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the gifted book.
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars / 4 stars*
First, I want to say that this is an exciting and inventive retelling of Peter Pan.
Second, I want to say that this book is a fantastic example of how to make anti-colonial, anti-extractivist politics and discussions of gender and sexuality easily accessible to younger audiences. And I love it for that.
That said, the writing style does very much feel aimed at the younger end of YA or the cusp of MG and YA - unsurprising, as Wendi is 15 - so those who are used to more mature writing might not enjoy that aspect. HOWEVER I want to say that even if it isn't aimed at us, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it as it is! This is the book you deserved when you were 13 and wanted to be a Marine Biologist; that you want to give to your niefling who's starting to become environmentally conscious, or to feature in a middle school / high school library.
There are some snarky lines sprinkled throughout; and as a millennial something about Hook just being a miserable millennial relying on a posse of Gen Z kids is so endlessly delightful.
I loved Swaim's take on Peter and the Family - she went the "Peter Pan is a little fucked up actually" route, and she went HARD. Peter is everything dangerous about a leader, and the Family is more sinister cult than gang of kids. Narcisism, compulsive lying, DARVO, gaslighting, casual murder...he's got it all! Which makes the end so deeply satisfying - and that's all I'll say about that.
The members of Wendi's gang (whatever Hook might think) are all so charming, and the degree to which Swaim also took opportunities to normalize conversations about gender and sexuality should be applauded, especially in her normalization of asexuality and its multiple forms. Swaim also really takes the time to show how trauma can affect a person long term and that survival and moving forward isn't going to look the same for everyone.
Overall this is just a very mindful, very intelligent, and very fun retelling of a story that so many of us grew up with. I mean what do you expect when you go steampunk and add AIRSHIPS to the picture???
*This double rating is based on my personal enjoyment as someone not of the age demographic this book is aimed at; but for someone in that age demographic, I would rate it higher.
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars / 4 stars*
First, I want to say that this is an exciting and inventive retelling of Peter Pan.
Second, I want to say that this book is a fantastic example of how to make anti-colonial, anti-extractivist politics and discussions of gender and sexuality easily accessible to younger audiences. And I love it for that.
That said, the writing style does very much feel aimed at the younger end of YA or the cusp of MG and YA - unsurprising, as Wendi is 15 - so those who are used to more mature writing might not enjoy that aspect. HOWEVER I want to say that even if it isn't aimed at us, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it as it is! This is the book you deserved when you were 13 and wanted to be a Marine Biologist; that you want to give to your niefling who's starting to become environmentally conscious, or to feature in a middle school / high school library.
There are some snarky lines sprinkled throughout; and as a millennial something about Hook just being a miserable millennial relying on a posse of Gen Z kids is so endlessly delightful.
I loved Swaim's take on Peter and the Family - she went the "Peter Pan is a little fucked up actually" route, and she went HARD. Peter is everything dangerous about a leader, and the Family is more sinister cult than gang of kids. Narcisism, compulsive lying, DARVO, gaslighting, casual murder...he's got it all! Which makes the end so deeply satisfying - and that's all I'll say about that.
The members of Wendi's gang (whatever Hook might think) are all so charming, and the degree to which Swaim also took opportunities to normalize conversations about gender and sexuality should be applauded, especially in her normalization of asexuality and its multiple forms. Swaim also really takes the time to show how trauma can affect a person long term and that survival and moving forward isn't going to look the same for everyone.
Overall this is just a very mindful, very intelligent, and very fun retelling of a story that so many of us grew up with. I mean what do you expect when you go steampunk and add AIRSHIPS to the picture???
*This double rating is based on my personal enjoyment as someone not of the age demographic this book is aimed at; but for someone in that age demographic, I would rate it higher.
Review of advance copy
It was really hard to put a review of this into words but I'll try!
Fifteen year old Wendi is facing a future in prison, instead of the academic scholarship she worked so hard for, and only over a stupid mistake! When she feels that nothing is right, that she cannot do anything like she's supposed to, is a disappointment to her family and she has no friends... Well I felt for her in this moment! We have all been that 15 year old who feels that way and feels lost and alone.
So when she is in her deepest of negative feelings there's no faulting her for being charmed by Peter when he appears outaide her home and offers Wendi to run away with him and his crew on, his flying ship. Wendi goes with them, the family as they call themselves. Wendi takes the opportunity to escape from the life she can see herself going towards, in prison, a dead end, and certainly no scholarship.
Peter and his crew has magic neclaces that helps them, not fly per se, but they can defy gravity in a way that is hard to understand. He offers Wendi a chance to get a neclace of her own, she only has to prove herself loyal to the family first...She may have been better off facing the trouble back home..
Hook is the familys stalker and he's determined to steal Peters powerful magic to himself, so he can get a revenge on them all for taking his hand and ruining his life! Wendi is caught in the middle, between Peter and Hook, no one is coming to save her, so she's going to save herself!
I found the characters in this book to be so likeable! Tink, Smee, Nibs, the twins and so on, I recognise from the original story and the spin on them in the book is just so unexpected but also so fun - I like this authors thinking!
Peter and Hook: Such a cool way to display them against eachother and the backstory for their relationship was so original! I've read many a Pan retelling/inspired story but this was a unique spin that works really well!! It had a hint of dystopian theme about how the people get power/electricity for their homes and that it's just enough for a year but it does'nt come up much in terms of goverment, only in terms of need for it. So thats a storyline I felt got a little lost but it honestly did not bother me.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!
Fifteen year old Wendi is facing a future in prison, instead of the academic scholarship she worked so hard for, and only over a stupid mistake! When she feels that nothing is right, that she cannot do anything like she's supposed to, is a disappointment to her family and she has no friends... Well I felt for her in this moment! We have all been that 15 year old who feels that way and feels lost and alone.
So when she is in her deepest of negative feelings there's no faulting her for being charmed by Peter when he appears outaide her home and offers Wendi to run away with him and his crew on, his flying ship. Wendi goes with them, the family as they call themselves. Wendi takes the opportunity to escape from the life she can see herself going towards, in prison, a dead end, and certainly no scholarship.
Peter and his crew has magic neclaces that helps them, not fly per se, but they can defy gravity in a way that is hard to understand. He offers Wendi a chance to get a neclace of her own, she only has to prove herself loyal to the family first...She may have been better off facing the trouble back home..
Hook is the familys stalker and he's determined to steal Peters powerful magic to himself, so he can get a revenge on them all for taking his hand and ruining his life! Wendi is caught in the middle, between Peter and Hook, no one is coming to save her, so she's going to save herself!
I found the characters in this book to be so likeable! Tink, Smee, Nibs, the twins and so on, I recognise from the original story and the spin on them in the book is just so unexpected but also so fun - I like this authors thinking!
Peter and Hook: Such a cool way to display them against eachother and the backstory for their relationship was so original! I've read many a Pan retelling/inspired story but this was a unique spin that works really well!! It had a hint of dystopian theme about how the people get power/electricity for their homes and that it's just enough for a year but it does'nt come up much in terms of goverment, only in terms of need for it. So thats a storyline I felt got a little lost but it honestly did not bother me.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!
Review of advance copy
Disclosure: Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #reven #thenerdfam
REVEN: Across Golden Skies is a brilliantly constructed steampunk retelling of Peter Pan that examines the heavy toll of escaping one’s past. Emily Swaim has built a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in the raw reality of survival.
The Diagnosis:
Wendi Darl is a protagonist defined by trauma, navigating a world where a single mistake puts her future at risk. However, the true psychological core of the book lies in the contrast between those who survive trauma and those who weaponize it. Peter, the leader of the Family, is a chilling study in toxic justification. He is a character whose need for control is absolute, often attempting to position himself as a victim to negate his own harmful behavior. Swaim masterfully illustrates that a difficult past does not grant someone the right to ruin innocent lives.
The Anatomy:
The dynamic between Hook and Wendi is excellent. I especially appreciated the author’s refusal to grant unearned forgiveness within the story’s moral framework.
It is a bold judgment call that underscores the book's deeper themes:
(a) our anger is not always constructive,
(b) no one is inherently owed grace simply because they have suffered.
The Verdict:
There is a profound difference between being righteous and doing the right thing. By the time the Family is brought to justice, their attempts at self-victimization feel incredibly provocative. Swaim’s world-building is top-tier, making this an essential read for those who like their fantasy with a heavy dose of accountability.
REVEN: Across Golden Skies is a brilliantly constructed steampunk retelling of Peter Pan that examines the heavy toll of escaping one’s past. Emily Swaim has built a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in the raw reality of survival.
The Diagnosis:
Wendi Darl is a protagonist defined by trauma, navigating a world where a single mistake puts her future at risk. However, the true psychological core of the book lies in the contrast between those who survive trauma and those who weaponize it. Peter, the leader of the Family, is a chilling study in toxic justification. He is a character whose need for control is absolute, often attempting to position himself as a victim to negate his own harmful behavior. Swaim masterfully illustrates that a difficult past does not grant someone the right to ruin innocent lives.
The Anatomy:
The dynamic between Hook and Wendi is excellent. I especially appreciated the author’s refusal to grant unearned forgiveness within the story’s moral framework.
It is a bold judgment call that underscores the book's deeper themes:
(a) our anger is not always constructive,
(b) no one is inherently owed grace simply because they have suffered.
The Verdict:
There is a profound difference between being righteous and doing the right thing. By the time the Family is brought to justice, their attempts at self-victimization feel incredibly provocative. Swaim’s world-building is top-tier, making this an essential read for those who like their fantasy with a heavy dose of accountability.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the NerdFam for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reven: Across Golden Skies by Emily Swaim
Reven: Across Golden Skies surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a whimsical steampunk retelling, but what I got was something a little darker, a little sharper, and way more emotionally grounded than I anticipated.
Wendi is such a compelling main character. She’s not naive or overly idealistic, she’s desperate in a very real way, and that made every decision she made feel believable even when things started to spiral. I loved that this story leans into the idea of escape, and then slowly unravels what that actually costs.
The world itself is vivid without being overwhelming. The flying ship, the magic tied to the necklace, and the tension between Peter and Hook all felt fresh while still nodding to the original story. Peter in particular was really interesting. There’s something off about him in a way that keeps you constantly questioning his intentions, which I loved.
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven at times. The beginning hooked me quickly, but the middle dragged just enough that I found myself wanting things to move faster. I also wish we got a bit more depth in certain relationships, especially with the side characters, because there was so much potential there.
Overall though, this was such a fun and atmospheric read. If you like retellings that take familiar stories and twist them into something a little darker and more introspective, this one is definitely worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reven: Across Golden Skies by Emily Swaim
Reven: Across Golden Skies surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a whimsical steampunk retelling, but what I got was something a little darker, a little sharper, and way more emotionally grounded than I anticipated.
Wendi is such a compelling main character. She’s not naive or overly idealistic, she’s desperate in a very real way, and that made every decision she made feel believable even when things started to spiral. I loved that this story leans into the idea of escape, and then slowly unravels what that actually costs.
The world itself is vivid without being overwhelming. The flying ship, the magic tied to the necklace, and the tension between Peter and Hook all felt fresh while still nodding to the original story. Peter in particular was really interesting. There’s something off about him in a way that keeps you constantly questioning his intentions, which I loved.
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven at times. The beginning hooked me quickly, but the middle dragged just enough that I found myself wanting things to move faster. I also wish we got a bit more depth in certain relationships, especially with the side characters, because there was so much potential there.
Overall though, this was such a fun and atmospheric read. If you like retellings that take familiar stories and twist them into something a little darker and more introspective, this one is definitely worth picking up.
April 28, 2026
Okay but… this is NOT the Peter Pan story you think you’re getting.
I went into this expecting something adventurous and maybe a little whimsical—and instead got a darker, steampunk twist that had me side-eyeing Peter almost immediately. This version of him? Yeah… unsettling in a way that actually works.
Wendi was such a solid main character. I really liked that her story doesn’t revolve around romance at all, and her being asexual is actually part of her journey—not just thrown in. It shapes how she connects with people and where she feels like she belongs, which made her feel a lot more real.
The character dynamics were probably my favorite part. Hook especially surprised me (in a good way), and the growth across the cast—especially the Lost Boys—added a lot of emotional weight. There’s a strong found family vibe, but it’s messy and complicated, which made it feel more genuine.
The world mixes steampunk and magic in a fun way, and while I did occasionally get a little lost with all the traveling, it still felt immersive overall.
It’s not perfect—some side characters could’ve used more depth, and a few parts felt a bit rushed—but I stayed invested the whole time. The story takes risks, and I respect that.
The ending was a little bittersweet, but it fit the tone of the book and wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
Overall, this is a really interesting take on Peter Pan that leans darker, more emotional, and more character-driven than expected. If you like retellings that actually change things up, this one’s worth picking up.
I went into this expecting something adventurous and maybe a little whimsical—and instead got a darker, steampunk twist that had me side-eyeing Peter almost immediately. This version of him? Yeah… unsettling in a way that actually works.
Wendi was such a solid main character. I really liked that her story doesn’t revolve around romance at all, and her being asexual is actually part of her journey—not just thrown in. It shapes how she connects with people and where she feels like she belongs, which made her feel a lot more real.
The character dynamics were probably my favorite part. Hook especially surprised me (in a good way), and the growth across the cast—especially the Lost Boys—added a lot of emotional weight. There’s a strong found family vibe, but it’s messy and complicated, which made it feel more genuine.
The world mixes steampunk and magic in a fun way, and while I did occasionally get a little lost with all the traveling, it still felt immersive overall.
It’s not perfect—some side characters could’ve used more depth, and a few parts felt a bit rushed—but I stayed invested the whole time. The story takes risks, and I respect that.
The ending was a little bittersweet, but it fit the tone of the book and wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
Overall, this is a really interesting take on Peter Pan that leans darker, more emotional, and more character-driven than expected. If you like retellings that actually change things up, this one’s worth picking up.
Review of advance copy
4/5 ⭐️ 1/5 🌶️
Peter pan retelling
Morally grey characters
Magic at a cost
Asexual representation
Sassy characters
Steampunk vibes
#bookreview #booktok #bookstagram #bookrecs #thenerdfam
Thank you NerdFam for the e-ARC!
This is a peter pan retelling and is so much fun! It is a quick and light YA read. The world building is great and I liked the diverse cast of characters.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
A steampunk retelling of Peter Pan about the lengths we’ll go to escape the past.
After losing her mother, 15-year-old Wendi Darl has worked hard to support her family and keep her academic scholarship. But an innocent mistake puts all her efforts to waste, and Wendi is soon staring at a future behind bars.
So when charming Peter appears outside her home and asks her to run away on his flying ship, of course Wendi accepts. He’s offering her a magic necklace that would let her defy gravity. A home with friends who appreciate her. An escape from all the mistakes of her dead-end life.
However, Wendi may have fallen into worse trouble than what she left behind. Peter’s magic is dangerously powerful, and a hook-handed stalker has vowed to steal it for himself. Both sides see Wendi’s arrival as an opportunity to break the stalemate and end their rivalry once and for all.
No one is going to save her. If Wendi wants her happy ending, she’ll need to steal it for herself.
Peter pan retelling
Morally grey characters
Magic at a cost
Asexual representation
Sassy characters
Steampunk vibes
#bookreview #booktok #bookstagram #bookrecs #thenerdfam
Thank you NerdFam for the e-ARC!
This is a peter pan retelling and is so much fun! It is a quick and light YA read. The world building is great and I liked the diverse cast of characters.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
A steampunk retelling of Peter Pan about the lengths we’ll go to escape the past.
After losing her mother, 15-year-old Wendi Darl has worked hard to support her family and keep her academic scholarship. But an innocent mistake puts all her efforts to waste, and Wendi is soon staring at a future behind bars.
So when charming Peter appears outside her home and asks her to run away on his flying ship, of course Wendi accepts. He’s offering her a magic necklace that would let her defy gravity. A home with friends who appreciate her. An escape from all the mistakes of her dead-end life.
However, Wendi may have fallen into worse trouble than what she left behind. Peter’s magic is dangerously powerful, and a hook-handed stalker has vowed to steal it for himself. Both sides see Wendi’s arrival as an opportunity to break the stalemate and end their rivalry once and for all.
No one is going to save her. If Wendi wants her happy ending, she’ll need to steal it for herself.
April 24, 2026
Reven is a standalone Peter Pan retelling that really stands out as being different from other twisted fairy tales that are currently being sold today. One of the first thing it establishes is that the main character, Wendi, is not interested in falling in love. This book is not a romance book, the leading lady is completely asexual and struggles with how this affects her life. It's complicated her friendships, made her ostracized from her peers, and given her an unclear path future. This, along with other complications born from the amazing world that Emily Swaim has created, gives Peter Pan an opening to convince Wendi to run away from home and join his "family" of lost boys. But, she quickly realizes that things are not how Peter portrayed them to be, and ends up a prisoner on his ship.
There's a fascinating combination of technology and magic that's woven into the lore of the world. Swaim has given a lot of thought into how the different countries work, each of them having different religions and governments with laws that apply in different ways but requiring trade that allows for certain understandings to be made.
I understand that some people will feel the book needlessly pushed agendas. If the book isn't for them that doesn't make it a bad book. Asexual people do exist, and 40% of the homeless youth are made up of the LGBTQ population in the U.S. A story about the Lost Boys being made up of members of the LGBTQ makes sense, as many of the LGBTQ are Lost Boys in their own way.
There's a fascinating combination of technology and magic that's woven into the lore of the world. Swaim has given a lot of thought into how the different countries work, each of them having different religions and governments with laws that apply in different ways but requiring trade that allows for certain understandings to be made.
I understand that some people will feel the book needlessly pushed agendas. If the book isn't for them that doesn't make it a bad book. Asexual people do exist, and 40% of the homeless youth are made up of the LGBTQ population in the U.S. A story about the Lost Boys being made up of members of the LGBTQ makes sense, as many of the LGBTQ are Lost Boys in their own way.
April 22, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy of Reven Across Golden Skies by Emily Swaim.
This is a steampunk Peter Pan retelling that follows Peter, James, Wendi and others as they fight each other through the skies.
I was excited for this book as I love the classic Peter Pan story. This retelling is loosely based on it but has enough of the foundation of the story to make it enjoyable. While Peter has created a band of misfits to follow him on his adventures, it is magic that he craves in this story; a powerful magic that is dangerous.
Wendi finds herself in the midst of a long fought battle between Peter and James (Hook) and realizes quickly that neither die is the right side to be on and she has to find a way out of this mess on her own.
I enjoyed this story overall but found it a bit lacking when it came to character growth. The resolution of the story felt a bit anticlimactic and a bit underwhelming and I feel like it was very rushed. My other concern was the conversations about sexuality. They felt very forced and inauthentic. While I love seeing diversity in books I want it to feel natural and organic whereas this felt more like satisfying a quota for representation.
If you enjoy fairytale retellings, steampunk/dystopian stories, found family, and nemesis/revenge stories definitely give this one a try!
3.25/5
This is a steampunk Peter Pan retelling that follows Peter, James, Wendi and others as they fight each other through the skies.
I was excited for this book as I love the classic Peter Pan story. This retelling is loosely based on it but has enough of the foundation of the story to make it enjoyable. While Peter has created a band of misfits to follow him on his adventures, it is magic that he craves in this story; a powerful magic that is dangerous.
Wendi finds herself in the midst of a long fought battle between Peter and James (Hook) and realizes quickly that neither die is the right side to be on and she has to find a way out of this mess on her own.
I enjoyed this story overall but found it a bit lacking when it came to character growth. The resolution of the story felt a bit anticlimactic and a bit underwhelming and I feel like it was very rushed. My other concern was the conversations about sexuality. They felt very forced and inauthentic. While I love seeing diversity in books I want it to feel natural and organic whereas this felt more like satisfying a quota for representation.
If you enjoy fairytale retellings, steampunk/dystopian stories, found family, and nemesis/revenge stories definitely give this one a try!
3.25/5
April 28, 2026
Huge thanks to NerdFam for the ARC of Reven: Across Golden Skies. I’m honestly still buzzing a bit after finishing this—Emily Swaim took a classic I thought I knew and turned it into something totally fresh.
Can we talk about the steampunk twist? I’ll be real, I wasn't sure how "tech-driven" Peter Pan would feel, but it worked so well. Because I’m such a visual person, the whole world felt incredibly cinematic. I kept picturing the gears and the golden skies like a high-budget movie playing in my head. It gives the story this gritty, darker fairytale edge that I am absolutely here for.
I also got such a kick out of seeing the reimagined cast. Tink, Smee, Nibs, and the twins... they all felt nostalgic but also completely new. It’s like seeing old friends in a different light. Wendi is such a powerhouse, too. She’s determined and resilient, and watching her navigate a world that is just as dangerous as it is magical was the highlight for me.
The magic system was the cherry on top. It’s woven into the world in a way that feels layered and "real" without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of story that just "sticks to your ribs" because the atmosphere is so heavy and immersive.
If you love retellings but want something with a bit more bite and a lot of imagination, you need to pick this up.
Rating: 4 Stars. Inventive, dark, and a total standout for Pan fans.
Can we talk about the steampunk twist? I’ll be real, I wasn't sure how "tech-driven" Peter Pan would feel, but it worked so well. Because I’m such a visual person, the whole world felt incredibly cinematic. I kept picturing the gears and the golden skies like a high-budget movie playing in my head. It gives the story this gritty, darker fairytale edge that I am absolutely here for.
I also got such a kick out of seeing the reimagined cast. Tink, Smee, Nibs, and the twins... they all felt nostalgic but also completely new. It’s like seeing old friends in a different light. Wendi is such a powerhouse, too. She’s determined and resilient, and watching her navigate a world that is just as dangerous as it is magical was the highlight for me.
The magic system was the cherry on top. It’s woven into the world in a way that feels layered and "real" without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of story that just "sticks to your ribs" because the atmosphere is so heavy and immersive.
If you love retellings but want something with a bit more bite and a lot of imagination, you need to pick this up.
Rating: 4 Stars. Inventive, dark, and a total standout for Pan fans.
Review of advance copy
I was so excited to receive this as my first ever ARC!
This a retelling of the Peter Pan story with a more modern twist. Many of the characters are recognizable, but with some different qualities or roles. Neverland is not a far-off place of dreams; the story takes place in the same "space" within a few days' time.
The character of Wendi is struggling with the death of her mother and the stress of being a 15-year-old over achieving student when her world gets turned upside down during the yearly "ichor" blackout before Golden Days.
In a very quick change of a events many key characters are introduced, and Wendi becomes swept up into Peter's world. If you have ever read the actual full Peter Pan story, then you know that Peter is really not a very likeable fellow. He is actually quite selfish.
This story has excellent pacing, a very interesting take on the original characters along with some new loveable ones and new locations to explore.
I did have a little bit of trouble keeping up with some of the mentions of islands, customs & religions that were introduced in this telling. A map or diagram may have been helpful, but that is a minor thing.
Don't expect the same Peter Pan story!
I thoroughly enjoyed.
This a retelling of the Peter Pan story with a more modern twist. Many of the characters are recognizable, but with some different qualities or roles. Neverland is not a far-off place of dreams; the story takes place in the same "space" within a few days' time.
The character of Wendi is struggling with the death of her mother and the stress of being a 15-year-old over achieving student when her world gets turned upside down during the yearly "ichor" blackout before Golden Days.
In a very quick change of a events many key characters are introduced, and Wendi becomes swept up into Peter's world. If you have ever read the actual full Peter Pan story, then you know that Peter is really not a very likeable fellow. He is actually quite selfish.
This story has excellent pacing, a very interesting take on the original characters along with some new loveable ones and new locations to explore.
I did have a little bit of trouble keeping up with some of the mentions of islands, customs & religions that were introduced in this telling. A map or diagram may have been helpful, but that is a minor thing.
Don't expect the same Peter Pan story!
I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 8, 2026
Thank you to NerdFam for the ARC copy!
⭐️3.2 stars rounded up. This was fun, generally, and I think this author has a lot of potential! Overall, Reven was enjoyable. It follows the story of Wendi, a 15 year old girl who escapes her rather difficult life alongside (you guessed it) Peter Pan.
As a huge Peter Pan fan, I was so excited to re-enter the world, and Swaim has brought such a unique steampunk/futuristic twist to the story, while incorporating diverse characters and heightened real-world stakes. Her ability to reinvent a world while adhering to what is obviously based on the classic was impressive and definitely made me feel so nostalgic for my childhood — I feel like if you liked the Golden Compass, this might be for you.
However, what’s keeping this from being a true 4/5 star read for me would be the pacing. Up front especially, the story seems to lurch and drag. I think smoothing some of that out would really bring it up for me.
Additionally, and I know these are children, but the dialogue is a little difficult to get through. It’s like… it just felt like the characters were performing for the reader which took me out of the story.
However, this is a great read for a YA fantasy audience and I would recommend!
⭐️3.2 stars rounded up. This was fun, generally, and I think this author has a lot of potential! Overall, Reven was enjoyable. It follows the story of Wendi, a 15 year old girl who escapes her rather difficult life alongside (you guessed it) Peter Pan.
As a huge Peter Pan fan, I was so excited to re-enter the world, and Swaim has brought such a unique steampunk/futuristic twist to the story, while incorporating diverse characters and heightened real-world stakes. Her ability to reinvent a world while adhering to what is obviously based on the classic was impressive and definitely made me feel so nostalgic for my childhood — I feel like if you liked the Golden Compass, this might be for you.
However, what’s keeping this from being a true 4/5 star read for me would be the pacing. Up front especially, the story seems to lurch and drag. I think smoothing some of that out would really bring it up for me.
Additionally, and I know these are children, but the dialogue is a little difficult to get through. It’s like… it just felt like the characters were performing for the reader which took me out of the story.
However, this is a great read for a YA fantasy audience and I would recommend!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’m landing at 2.5 stars (rounded up) for this one.
I really appreciated the concept—there are some genuinely interesting ideas here, and I was especially glad to see the representation included, even if it was on the smaller side. There’s a strong foundation in this story, and you can see what it’s trying to do.
For me, though, the execution didn’t fully land.
The book explores some heavier themes—grief, identity, and finding your way back home—but I found myself wanting more emotional depth in those moments. A lot of scenes that felt like they should have had more weight moved quickly, so instead of fully experiencing them, I felt like I was observing them from a distance.
The second half does start to bring things together, and I appreciated how the story wrapped up overall. It just didn’t quite build the emotional connection I was hoping for along the way.
I still think this could work well for readers who enjoy:
✨ fast-paced YA with darker elements
✨ interesting world-building and concepts
✨ stories centered around growth and finding your place
Overall, I’m glad I read it—I just wish the emotional payoff had hit a little harder.
I’m landing at 2.5 stars (rounded up) for this one.
I really appreciated the concept—there are some genuinely interesting ideas here, and I was especially glad to see the representation included, even if it was on the smaller side. There’s a strong foundation in this story, and you can see what it’s trying to do.
For me, though, the execution didn’t fully land.
The book explores some heavier themes—grief, identity, and finding your way back home—but I found myself wanting more emotional depth in those moments. A lot of scenes that felt like they should have had more weight moved quickly, so instead of fully experiencing them, I felt like I was observing them from a distance.
The second half does start to bring things together, and I appreciated how the story wrapped up overall. It just didn’t quite build the emotional connection I was hoping for along the way.
I still think this could work well for readers who enjoy:
✨ fast-paced YA with darker elements
✨ interesting world-building and concepts
✨ stories centered around growth and finding your place
Overall, I’m glad I read it—I just wish the emotional payoff had hit a little harder.
April 9, 2026
Reven Across the Golden Sky was an interesting take on the classic Peter Pan story. While the book does include some LGBTQIA+ representation, it isn’t the central focus of the narrative. Many of the characters’ identities aren’t clearly defined unless they’re explicitly stated, so the representation feels more present in the background rather than driving the story.
The setting itself was engaging, and the cast of characters felt diverse and well imagined. One element I did find refreshing was the shift in perspective—seeing Wendy Darling and Captain Hook positioned as the “good guys,” while Peter Pan and Tinker Bell take on more antagonistic roles. That twist added an interesting dynamic to a story that’s been retold many times.
That said, the overall plot still follows many of the familiar beats found in other Peter Pan adaptations. At times it felt a bit repetitive, especially considering how many different directions the premise could have taken.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dystopian spin on a classic tale, Reven Across the Golden Sky is a solid read that offers a few unique twists along the way.
The setting itself was engaging, and the cast of characters felt diverse and well imagined. One element I did find refreshing was the shift in perspective—seeing Wendy Darling and Captain Hook positioned as the “good guys,” while Peter Pan and Tinker Bell take on more antagonistic roles. That twist added an interesting dynamic to a story that’s been retold many times.
That said, the overall plot still follows many of the familiar beats found in other Peter Pan adaptations. At times it felt a bit repetitive, especially considering how many different directions the premise could have taken.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dystopian spin on a classic tale, Reven Across the Golden Sky is a solid read that offers a few unique twists along the way.
Review of advance copy
This is a really strong Peter Pan retelling that knows exactly what it’s doing. It keeps the core of the original characters but changes them in ways that actually feel intentional and fitting. I especially liked how Peter isn’t fully the good guy, which lines up more with the original version and just makes everything feel a little more real and high stakes. Wendi was easily my favorite part. She’s headstrong, determined, and actually makes things happen instead of waiting around, which I always love in a main character.
The worldbuilding was also really well done. It was a little confusing for me at the beginning, but once it clicked, I thought it was super cool and really unique. I also loved the amount of diversity and representation in the book. I know some people said it felt forced, but I honestly didn’t get that at all. It felt natural to me, probably because it reflects the kind of communities I’m used to being around. The pacing was a bit inconsistent at times, but the ending really worked for me, and I’m always going to appreciate a good happy ending. Overall, I’d give it four stars and definitely recommend it if you like retellings with strong female leads.
The worldbuilding was also really well done. It was a little confusing for me at the beginning, but once it clicked, I thought it was super cool and really unique. I also loved the amount of diversity and representation in the book. I know some people said it felt forced, but I honestly didn’t get that at all. It felt natural to me, probably because it reflects the kind of communities I’m used to being around. The pacing was a bit inconsistent at times, but the ending really worked for me, and I’m always going to appreciate a good happy ending. Overall, I’d give it four stars and definitely recommend it if you like retellings with strong female leads.
April 21, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book in exchange for an honest review.
Book rating: 3.5
Release Date: 4/21/26
You had me at steampunk retelling of Peter Pan. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was also a dark and gritty retelling of the classic fairytale that flips the script and let's you experience a scenario where Peter Pan is actually the villain and Hook is misunderstood.
I did find it difficult to get into at first. The pacing is a little bit slower in the beginning and it takes a while to get where it's going, but once it does, it's a fun, fast-paced, action-packed adventure full of magic, flying ships, and silly banter. It also includes one of my favorite tropes, found family, so that was another fun surprise. You will also get asexual representation, although it is not central to the plot in any way. But I enjoyed the fact that the author took the opportunity to normalize asexuality in this world.
Overall, this was a fun and atmospheric read. If a steampunk Peter Pan retelling with morally gray characters sounds remotely interesting to you, I would definitely give this a chance.
Book rating: 3.5
Release Date: 4/21/26
You had me at steampunk retelling of Peter Pan. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was also a dark and gritty retelling of the classic fairytale that flips the script and let's you experience a scenario where Peter Pan is actually the villain and Hook is misunderstood.
I did find it difficult to get into at first. The pacing is a little bit slower in the beginning and it takes a while to get where it's going, but once it does, it's a fun, fast-paced, action-packed adventure full of magic, flying ships, and silly banter. It also includes one of my favorite tropes, found family, so that was another fun surprise. You will also get asexual representation, although it is not central to the plot in any way. But I enjoyed the fact that the author took the opportunity to normalize asexuality in this world.
Overall, this was a fun and atmospheric read. If a steampunk Peter Pan retelling with morally gray characters sounds remotely interesting to you, I would definitely give this a chance.
April 27, 2026
Well that was quite the adventure! I adore a retelling, and as Peter Pan is my favorite Disney film, I practically begged (okay, I totally begged) for an ARC. And oh man, did she do it justice!
This steampunk YA retelling gave us everything we needed: the characters we know and love, a high-stakes adventure, twists and turns, and a found family that we are rooting for. I loved this take on the classic; it was definitely refreshing and unexpected. The world-building was just cool. This more steampunk depiction, with a magic structure that was slightly terrifying while being completely enticing, really pulled me in. The characters were a little darker and more sharp-edged, with devastating backstories that enrich this already gritty dystopian world.
Wendi was exceptional. She wasn’t the naïve, innocent Wendy we know to expect. Instead, she carries weight, responsibility, anxiety, and heartache. Now caught up in something that has turned deadly, she has to navigate this new world, these new companions, fight this newfound evil, and try to find her way home.
The Hook and Peter dynamic was really unique, with glimpses into their past giving us such a vivid picture of their connection. This was, in many ways, a redemption story, and seeing the guilt of past decisions propelling them forward to not only make amends, but to seek justice, was so well done. All around, as a Peter Pan snob, this completely wowed me.
I also really appreciated the queer representation, especially the inclusion of trans and asexual identities. Seeing that reflected in both adults and youth felt meaningful and added another layer of depth to the story. It was handled naturally, which made it all the more impactful.
Thank you so much to Emily Swaim and TheNerdFam for my gifted copy!
This steampunk YA retelling gave us everything we needed: the characters we know and love, a high-stakes adventure, twists and turns, and a found family that we are rooting for. I loved this take on the classic; it was definitely refreshing and unexpected. The world-building was just cool. This more steampunk depiction, with a magic structure that was slightly terrifying while being completely enticing, really pulled me in. The characters were a little darker and more sharp-edged, with devastating backstories that enrich this already gritty dystopian world.
Wendi was exceptional. She wasn’t the naïve, innocent Wendy we know to expect. Instead, she carries weight, responsibility, anxiety, and heartache. Now caught up in something that has turned deadly, she has to navigate this new world, these new companions, fight this newfound evil, and try to find her way home.
The Hook and Peter dynamic was really unique, with glimpses into their past giving us such a vivid picture of their connection. This was, in many ways, a redemption story, and seeing the guilt of past decisions propelling them forward to not only make amends, but to seek justice, was so well done. All around, as a Peter Pan snob, this completely wowed me.
I also really appreciated the queer representation, especially the inclusion of trans and asexual identities. Seeing that reflected in both adults and youth felt meaningful and added another layer of depth to the story. It was handled naturally, which made it all the more impactful.
Thank you so much to Emily Swaim and TheNerdFam for my gifted copy!
Review of advance copy
I wanted to love this one I really did.
The premise is strong, and I’m always here for a darker, reimagined take on a familiar story. There are pieces of this that almost come together in a really compelling way, and you can feel the intention behind it.
For me, though, the pacing made it harder to stay fully engaged. It leans into a slower build, and while that can be beautiful when it clicks, I found myself waiting for that moment where the story really takes hold and it just didn’t quite get there for me.
Some of the elements felt a bit familiar, and I was hoping for something that pushed the retelling further into its own unique space.
Overall, it wasn’t one I personally connected with, but I think readers who enjoy slower-paced storytelling and classic retellings with a steampunk twist may have a very different experience.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 🖤 I’m so grateful to be part of a community that lets me discover and share stories like this. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
The premise is strong, and I’m always here for a darker, reimagined take on a familiar story. There are pieces of this that almost come together in a really compelling way, and you can feel the intention behind it.
For me, though, the pacing made it harder to stay fully engaged. It leans into a slower build, and while that can be beautiful when it clicks, I found myself waiting for that moment where the story really takes hold and it just didn’t quite get there for me.
Some of the elements felt a bit familiar, and I was hoping for something that pushed the retelling further into its own unique space.
Overall, it wasn’t one I personally connected with, but I think readers who enjoy slower-paced storytelling and classic retellings with a steampunk twist may have a very different experience.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 🖤 I’m so grateful to be part of a community that lets me discover and share stories like this. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
May 12, 2026
Thank you to The NerdFam for an early copy of Reven.
I initially enjoyed the premise of this retelling. It was a steampunk Peter Pan retelling but with a twist you wouldn't expect. I enjoyed the world building in this and felt it was very unique. Sometimes the world really felt like a dreamworld and you were being whisked away across the skies.
The characters were all very diverse and interesting but sometimes it did feel like we were trying to tick as many boxes as we could and it didn't always feel authentic.
Wendi is our main character in this story and possibly the character with the least amount of growth whilst the most interesting character to me was Noodles and I wish we could have had more from her.
The ending felt a little rushed and little too neatly tied up. I would have enjoyed a lot more higher stakes at the end.
That being said, I really liked the concept of this and the dark secrets that were being kept. The cost of youth and the questionable morals of some of our characters was fun to follow.
I initially enjoyed the premise of this retelling. It was a steampunk Peter Pan retelling but with a twist you wouldn't expect. I enjoyed the world building in this and felt it was very unique. Sometimes the world really felt like a dreamworld and you were being whisked away across the skies.
The characters were all very diverse and interesting but sometimes it did feel like we were trying to tick as many boxes as we could and it didn't always feel authentic.
Wendi is our main character in this story and possibly the character with the least amount of growth whilst the most interesting character to me was Noodles and I wish we could have had more from her.
The ending felt a little rushed and little too neatly tied up. I would have enjoyed a lot more higher stakes at the end.
That being said, I really liked the concept of this and the dark secrets that were being kept. The cost of youth and the questionable morals of some of our characters was fun to follow.
August 18, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the gifted book.
This was a Peter Pan retelling in a steampunk world. The main character Wendi, struggles with acceptance among her peers and among her family members after being struck by tragedy and runs off with Peter and his misfit crew only to discover later that they are not what they seem. After they betray Wendi she teams up with others Peter's crew has wronged to get back what was lost and make things right. This has LGTBQ+ representation in the specifically by the character "Smee" who is implied to be trans, however this is no where near the main plot of the story and is only mentioned briefly. Wendi also reads almost as a part of a native tribal community referred to as the Revenni so there is POC representation. This was a very easy going read that explores the darker side of coming of age themes. There was not really an evolution/growth of the main character, she just got scared straight from her experience with the runaways and ran back home. Overall for a YA novel it was good. The characters weren't overly complicated making it a fun quick read. #arc #thenerdfam
This was a Peter Pan retelling in a steampunk world. The main character Wendi, struggles with acceptance among her peers and among her family members after being struck by tragedy and runs off with Peter and his misfit crew only to discover later that they are not what they seem. After they betray Wendi she teams up with others Peter's crew has wronged to get back what was lost and make things right. This has LGTBQ+ representation in the specifically by the character "Smee" who is implied to be trans, however this is no where near the main plot of the story and is only mentioned briefly. Wendi also reads almost as a part of a native tribal community referred to as the Revenni so there is POC representation. This was a very easy going read that explores the darker side of coming of age themes. There was not really an evolution/growth of the main character, she just got scared straight from her experience with the runaways and ran back home. Overall for a YA novel it was good. The characters weren't overly complicated making it a fun quick read. #arc #thenerdfam
April 6, 2026
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for a gifted ARC!
I was SO excited when this popped into my mailbox - It had been on on my TBR for quite some time as anything Peter Pan related is my fave. This had a modern and steampunk retelling twist and was quick and engaging to read. Super easy to binge through! I loved how entertaining it was and really hooked you into the story from the very first page. The modern retelling was perfect and you really felt like you were there with the characters. There are some parts that were a little slow and chaotic, but overall I would still recommend giving it a chance.
If you love fairytale retellings, you will absolutely LOVE this one! This was my first novel from Emily and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
Tropes Include: Found Family, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers
Reven releases during the month of April and is a great one to add to your TBR! (Plus you have to find out on your own how much of a badass Wendi is!)
I was SO excited when this popped into my mailbox - It had been on on my TBR for quite some time as anything Peter Pan related is my fave. This had a modern and steampunk retelling twist and was quick and engaging to read. Super easy to binge through! I loved how entertaining it was and really hooked you into the story from the very first page. The modern retelling was perfect and you really felt like you were there with the characters. There are some parts that were a little slow and chaotic, but overall I would still recommend giving it a chance.
If you love fairytale retellings, you will absolutely LOVE this one! This was my first novel from Emily and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
Tropes Include: Found Family, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers
Reven releases during the month of April and is a great one to add to your TBR! (Plus you have to find out on your own how much of a badass Wendi is!)
April 23, 2026
1.5 rounded up
I enjoy a good fairy tale retelling, and this one started out promising, but just didn't pay out. I will say I liked how Swaim managed to make her retelling more unique.
There wasn't a single character I actually liked. Wendi is indignant about every little thing and her morals tend to move around depending on the situation. Hook is supposed to be an adult, but still acts like a 12 year old. Smee is obsessed with Hook for seemingly no reason. The Family are obviously all terrible.
The world wasn't expanded upon enough for me to really get a good picture. The synopsis describes it as steampunk, but the writing made me picture post apocalyptic fantasy. There's a lot of history thrown at you at the beginning, but it's almost completely irrelevant to the story.
You may enjoy this if you really like Peter Pan, but be prepared for tween drama.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the arc.
I enjoy a good fairy tale retelling, and this one started out promising, but just didn't pay out. I will say I liked how Swaim managed to make her retelling more unique.
There wasn't a single character I actually liked. Wendi is indignant about every little thing and her morals tend to move around depending on the situation. Hook is supposed to be an adult, but still acts like a 12 year old. Smee is obsessed with Hook for seemingly no reason. The Family are obviously all terrible.
The world wasn't expanded upon enough for me to really get a good picture. The synopsis describes it as steampunk, but the writing made me picture post apocalyptic fantasy. There's a lot of history thrown at you at the beginning, but it's almost completely irrelevant to the story.
You may enjoy this if you really like Peter Pan, but be prepared for tween drama.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the arc.
April 27, 2026
I received this book as an arc from Nerd Family. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
This is a retelling of Peter Pan. It's set in steam punk setting. You won't get the Disney animated version of this story here.
The story follows Wendi who is 15 years old. She runs away with Peter after getting into a bit of trouble. Most of the characters in this book are 12-15 years old. The writing seems as though it was written for this age range as well.
As an older adult, it was a struggle to read. I think it was just too far off for my age range to read and appreciate where a middle school student may enjoy this more. There was an info dump at the beginning that gave so much information that seemed to just fill space. We didnt get what we needed for the story from this. The character development through out the story was also lacking for me. I am not sure if the book will be different for a younger crowd or not, but it was a miss for me.
This is a retelling of Peter Pan. It's set in steam punk setting. You won't get the Disney animated version of this story here.
The story follows Wendi who is 15 years old. She runs away with Peter after getting into a bit of trouble. Most of the characters in this book are 12-15 years old. The writing seems as though it was written for this age range as well.
As an older adult, it was a struggle to read. I think it was just too far off for my age range to read and appreciate where a middle school student may enjoy this more. There was an info dump at the beginning that gave so much information that seemed to just fill space. We didnt get what we needed for the story from this. The character development through out the story was also lacking for me. I am not sure if the book will be different for a younger crowd or not, but it was a miss for me.
April 29, 2026
Thank you to @thenerdfam for the gifted books. #reven #thenerdfam
Please take this review lightly. This book was a truly imaginative retelling of Peter Pan. Think of the Disney story you grew up with, but with a kind of snarky, dark, steampunk vibes and queer representation. That being said, as much as I love the concept and many elements of this book, it just wasn't for me. The world-building in this book was fantastic, but unfortunately, it also negatively impacted the pacing of the story for me. I loved Peter (so chaotic), but our main gal Wendi fell a little flat for me and bordered on obnoxious in a way that didn't feel purposeful. This made it really difficult not to DNF, but I'm glad I hung in there for those bonkers fight scenes!
Overall, entertaining read, but not quite my jam. Overall, I think many people will enjoy Reven: Across Golden Skies and I look forward to what the author can dream up next.
Please take this review lightly. This book was a truly imaginative retelling of Peter Pan. Think of the Disney story you grew up with, but with a kind of snarky, dark, steampunk vibes and queer representation. That being said, as much as I love the concept and many elements of this book, it just wasn't for me. The world-building in this book was fantastic, but unfortunately, it also negatively impacted the pacing of the story for me. I loved Peter (so chaotic), but our main gal Wendi fell a little flat for me and bordered on obnoxious in a way that didn't feel purposeful. This made it really difficult not to DNF, but I'm glad I hung in there for those bonkers fight scenes!
Overall, entertaining read, but not quite my jam. Overall, I think many people will enjoy Reven: Across Golden Skies and I look forward to what the author can dream up next.
Review of advance copy
Note: I received this as an ARC from The Nerd Fam so here is my honest review
This book was a solid 4⭐️ read for me. Reasoning behind that is this book is honestly is advertised as a Steam punk Peter Pan Retelling with some LGBT when its actually a reimagining with some very unimportant to the story LGBT. The only real similarities between this book and Peter Pan are the characters. The story line is completely different than what you'd expect and its actually quite enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reimagined fairytales and is middle school level and up. I mean all in all, I did enjoy thos book the more I got into it and probably would've enjoyed it morw off the bat if id know it was more of a reimagining vs a retelling. I look forward to this book coming out and for everyone to finally be able to get their hands on it and see what they think.
This book was a solid 4⭐️ read for me. Reasoning behind that is this book is honestly is advertised as a Steam punk Peter Pan Retelling with some LGBT when its actually a reimagining with some very unimportant to the story LGBT. The only real similarities between this book and Peter Pan are the characters. The story line is completely different than what you'd expect and its actually quite enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reimagined fairytales and is middle school level and up. I mean all in all, I did enjoy thos book the more I got into it and probably would've enjoyed it morw off the bat if id know it was more of a reimagining vs a retelling. I look forward to this book coming out and for everyone to finally be able to get their hands on it and see what they think.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for this review copy! These are my opinions.
This was such a fun, imaginative take on Peter Pan. Steampunk vibes, flying ships, morally grey characters, found family… it really delivers on the concept. I especially loved the darker spin on Peter and the crew dynamics, and the action scenes were chaotic in the best way. Those moments felt the most alive and kept me hooked.
It did take me a little time to fully settle into the story, but once it found its rhythm, I was along for the ride. I do wish I connected a bit more deeply with Wendi, but I still appreciated her journey and the overall message.
Overall, this is a creative, adventurous retelling that I think will really work for YA readers and anyone who loves a classic story with a darker, steampunk twist.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4
This was such a fun, imaginative take on Peter Pan. Steampunk vibes, flying ships, morally grey characters, found family… it really delivers on the concept. I especially loved the darker spin on Peter and the crew dynamics, and the action scenes were chaotic in the best way. Those moments felt the most alive and kept me hooked.
It did take me a little time to fully settle into the story, but once it found its rhythm, I was along for the ride. I do wish I connected a bit more deeply with Wendi, but I still appreciated her journey and the overall message.
Overall, this is a creative, adventurous retelling that I think will really work for YA readers and anyone who loves a classic story with a darker, steampunk twist.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4
Review of advance copy
Reven: Across Golden Skies is an inventive YA Peter Pan retelling. It went in a completely different direction than I was expecting, which I really enjoyed.
While I found myself wishing I had a map to look at while reading as the characters travel around quite a bit, I found the world of the novel interesting overall. It wasn't too complicated, but. still felt vivid overall.
I really enjoyed the found family aspect of the story, and how it existed in multiple groups. The main characters were developed well, but some of the important side characters were not developed as well in my opinion. Despite this imbalance, the characters were still enjoyable overall.
In the end, it is an interesting twist on the characters familiar in a new vivid world. Perfect for a teen YA fantasy audience. Rounding up to 4 stars.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the arc copy!
While I found myself wishing I had a map to look at while reading as the characters travel around quite a bit, I found the world of the novel interesting overall. It wasn't too complicated, but. still felt vivid overall.
I really enjoyed the found family aspect of the story, and how it existed in multiple groups. The main characters were developed well, but some of the important side characters were not developed as well in my opinion. Despite this imbalance, the characters were still enjoyable overall.
In the end, it is an interesting twist on the characters familiar in a new vivid world. Perfect for a teen YA fantasy audience. Rounding up to 4 stars.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the arc copy!
May 1, 2026
3.75⭐
In this Peter Pan retelling, Wendi lives in a world were resources are sparce, cops are corrupt, and you can't trust anyone but your family.... at least that is what her life has taught her. When police show up at her family's door turns into a fight, Wendi runs away. There she finds James (Hook) eating the gift she left at her month's grave and when that turns into a fight, the Family (Peter and his crew) help her defeat Hook and invites Wendi to join them.
But all is not what it seems and soon Wendi will find herself questioning who she can trust and if she'll ever see her family again.
This was an enjoyable fantasy read that follows characters we know and love and turn their story on it's head. I loved the nod to the original story that Emily Swaim makes while building her own story. For the Disney kid who now likes things a bit more dark, this one is for you!
In this Peter Pan retelling, Wendi lives in a world were resources are sparce, cops are corrupt, and you can't trust anyone but your family.... at least that is what her life has taught her. When police show up at her family's door turns into a fight, Wendi runs away. There she finds James (Hook) eating the gift she left at her month's grave and when that turns into a fight, the Family (Peter and his crew) help her defeat Hook and invites Wendi to join them.
But all is not what it seems and soon Wendi will find herself questioning who she can trust and if she'll ever see her family again.
This was an enjoyable fantasy read that follows characters we know and love and turn their story on it's head. I loved the nod to the original story that Emily Swaim makes while building her own story. For the Disney kid who now likes things a bit more dark, this one is for you!
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