The Never: A Tale of Peter and the Fae

by Don Jones

This thoughtful reinterpretation of Peter Pan through myth and folklore will appeal to fans of darker adult takes on children’s literature. - BookLife When the ancient Under Hill home of the Fae is infected with the Rot, they're left with an unpleasant die in one last, great stand, or escape to the Human world. A world they once knew, but where they no longer belong. A modern world, where Cold Iron surrounds and poisons magical beings. The Fae Queen reluctantly chooses exile, and she and her people abandon their magical castles, ancient glens, timeless forests, and centuries of power and tradition. They come into a bleak land bereft of magic and wonder, and begin to hunker down in the Human world's hidden places. The once-proud Fae resentfully begin a life of poverty, anonymity, and fear. But one small group of Fae, accustomed to tinkering with the fabric of the universe, begin to develop an idea. An idea that will either give them a new world to live in, or wipe them completely from existence. An idea that could preserve them, or end them forever. An idea that requires the help of a young child's boundless imagination. An idea that will take them into the Never, a place forbidden and inimical to their kind.It's a story that you think you know, but you've only ever heard a small part of it. A story that starts long before those three children flew in, and that has its epic conclusion long after they've gone. "There’s an almost seamless interweaving of elements from English folklore, children’s literature, and history. Jones’s ideas about the power of creativity and the relationship between the Fae and inspiration work well; the horrendously stereotypical Indians, for example, are explained as Fae manifestations of childish interpretations of faraway stories. Readers looking for spirited children’s stories of adventure should look elsewhere, but readers interested in mythology will find much to enjoy in this elegiac tale about attempting to protect one’s way of life amid change and destruction." - BookLife / Publisher's Weekly

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2019

About the author

Don Jones has written dozens and dozens of books and ebooks on information technology topics, and is perhaps most well-known in that space for his "Month of Lunches" series, published by Manning. Don's recently branched out into topics like business management, instructional design, and self-improvement/motivational, along with launching books in science fiction and fantasy. Don lives in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, is a huge fan of Disney Parks, and loves Figment best of all.

Reviews

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different telling of Peter Pan but from the Fae or Fairy Realm's point of view. It was an interesting take and I loved how it tied in perspectives from other Peter Pan stories like Peter and the Star Catchers and even the Disney version. The narration was great and fit the story well. My only complaint is I felt the last hour of the book was a bit too long and drawn out and without giving ending away was a bit odd and a little sad. Overall I would recommend it to those who love stories around Peter Pan and the Fae, it was unique and quite fun.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful fantasy! So well written that I had to keep reminding myself it was fantasy! All of the characters are skillfully created and I especially enjoyed the way Peter Pan was woven into the story. Gave a peek into the backstory on that one. The ending was perfect, if surprising. I greatly enjoyed this book and recommend it to any fantasy lovers.

The narration was absolutely amazing! So many voices helped keep straight which characters were saying and doing what. Each voice was so well done and there were so many--each different. Great job!

[Carol Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a masterful job of changing voices and cadence; it was a pleasure to listen to. I enjoyed this reimagining of the tale of Peter Pan, and how it was woven into various other fairy tales and stories. I don’t know what I imagined as the ending, but I was a bit sad … I don’t want to give away anything. I received a free audio version of the book, with no obligation.

[Jeff Belina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of context

Don Jones gives us a very believable backstory to the Peter Pan saga.

I love the many threads that the author pulls together. I found it fascinating to learn of the many agents that worked behind the scenes to keep Neverland alive for the Lost Boys to enjoy.

This book is well worth your time, it's subtly light hearted and somber depending on where in the story arch you find yourself.