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The Classical Kingdoms #8
Neverland Falling: A Retelling of Peter Pan: Part I
Neverland is dying.
And it's all Wendy's fault.
Wendy's parents have finally chosen her prospective husband, and her world is falling apart. So when the mysterious, handsome Peter invites Wendy and her little brothers to run away to a place called Neverland, she accepts.
At first, Neverland is more wonderful than anything Wendy could have imagined. So are the variety of interesting characters who live there, from the Lost Boys to the mermaids to the fae to the misunderstood privateer, Captain Jay. But as time rolls on, Wendy realizes that growing up might not be so bad...if she had the right person to do it with. The only problem is that in Neverland, growing up is forbidden. And the farther she gets from childhood, the more she endangers them all.
Unfortunately, when the fae decide she's gone too far, both Peter and Wendy must decide where their love and loyalty lie and how far they're willing to chase it. For if they're not careful, Neverland and everyone in it will fall.
And it's all Wendy's fault.
Wendy's parents have finally chosen her prospective husband, and her world is falling apart. So when the mysterious, handsome Peter invites Wendy and her little brothers to run away to a place called Neverland, she accepts.
At first, Neverland is more wonderful than anything Wendy could have imagined. So are the variety of interesting characters who live there, from the Lost Boys to the mermaids to the fae to the misunderstood privateer, Captain Jay. But as time rolls on, Wendy realizes that growing up might not be so bad...if she had the right person to do it with. The only problem is that in Neverland, growing up is forbidden. And the farther she gets from childhood, the more she endangers them all.
Unfortunately, when the fae decide she's gone too far, both Peter and Wendy must decide where their love and loyalty lie and how far they're willing to chase it. For if they're not careful, Neverland and everyone in it will fall.
404 pages, ebook
Published May 28, 2020
165 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Fichter
72 books604 followersBrittany lives with her Prince Charming, their little fairy, and their tiny prince in a decently clean castle in whatever kingdom the Air Force has most recently placed them. When she's not writing, Brittany can be found chasing her kids around with a DSLR or belting it in the church choir. You can find more of her work at her website BrittanyFichterFiction.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 28, 2020
Okay, so admittedly Peter Pan was never my first choice as a kid. I didn't hate him or anything; I was just indifferent. But I think we all know by now that Fichter could put her name on a phone book for outer space and I'd buy it.
I really, really enjoyed the whimsical tone of this whole book. "Darling" is the exact word for this book. It truly felt like something out of the Peter Pan era and I loved that. I loved the language and the stylistic choices Fichter made that cultivated that tone and feeling. It felt like an original Peter Pan adventure! And yet, Fichter wove in deeper plots and teased out the themes in such an incredible way. She truly captured everything I always imagined Peter Pan’s story to be and more.
Furthermore, I have never seen Neverland in such vivid colors and imagination! I loved the freedom of creativity and imagination in Fichter’s Neverland. It was broken, but it was so beautiful. I honestly felt like I could fly right alongside Peter and Tink and Wendy, and that was so cool! I’m enchanted by this little story. It feels like a hidden gem, just waiting to be brushed off and discovered. (And I can’t wait to see how it progresses in the sequel—though I must admit I am not stoked about Peter banishing Wending, like, Fichter, what?!) I loved the different parts of Neverland that we got to see—Color Canyon, the Treehouse, the Neverstar Cave, and of course, my personal favorite, Mermaid Lagoon <3 The world was so full of color and imagination.
And I loved rural Ashland! Just as much! Like it was unnatural how much the opening of this story just made me feel right at home and so excited! I honestly can’t tell you why I loved seeing Wendy’s farm and little village as much as I did, but it was part of my favorite part of the book! I loved seeing her bent toward business and numbers and her passion for nurturing children and her love of stories! Wendy was such a darling character, pun totally intended! Her heart was so beautiful and I related to her passions and views and struggles. I loved her outlook on motherhood and her love for her family. And Peter! Oh! My word! The first chapter that opened in Peter’s head, I literally squealed! I did not expect to be in his head but boy did I love it! And my heart went out to him. It really did. He clearly faced the struggle of letting go and moving on and growing up. He walked that tightrope. And that is such a hard place to be in. It truly is. He was darling, too. He faced so many hard choices and shouldered such responsibility. I really, really hope…well, nevermind what I hope. I trust Fichter, but I’m just sayin’ don’t mess with muh boi!
I’m super invested in this Peter/Neverstar relationship. (And I’m obviously fangirling over a certain king who shall not be named appearing.) My brain wants to come up with so many solutions, but I’m terrified this is all going to end so horribly. I loved that Peter and Wendy were aged up and teetering on the cusp of adulthood. I thought that added so much more tension to the story. I also loved Jay! And I’m also sick to my stomach about his story cause I’m afraid I know how it ends (I would love to veer from the original here!). And Tink has long been my favorite thing about the Peter Pan world—and this Tink is, well, she is wholly spoiled! I’d have—well, we don’t need two Tinks in the story, so it’s probably a good thing I’m not there. Also, um, Nana! She was awesome! I loved Nana!!!
There’s so much careful balance and precarious teetering in this story! Ugh! I just want it all to work out okay and to be…I want both worlds! I want the childhood and the adulthood! I want the Ashland and the Neverland! I want to fly and I want to prepare for my life in the world responsibly. I want to save my best friend and save all the lost ones. But we just can’t. We can’t have both. Unless Fichter works a miracle. She’s hemmed us in on all sides and somethings going to have to give. Ugh, but why?! Okay, it’s all going to be okay. Maybe. Ugh.
This book felt like a piece of childhood that I never knew I had all wrapped up in that delightful, cozy, homey feel that you can’t quite hold onto for more than a moment. The contrast of childhood and adulthood was so beautifully portrayed. That struggle that we all face! The sinking, aching loss of innocence and childhood, of youth and playfulness, carefreeness, is beautifully pit against the ever-growing desire to become who you’re meant to be, to grow, and to grow up well. The yearning for things lost and things yet to come is incredible. I don’t know how Fichter managed to capture that. I can hardly put it into words myself. And that was the real magic of this story.
I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there. This was a very fun, imaginative, freeing story. It felt light as stardust and magical as mermaids. Everything about it embodied just the right ideas. It was whimsical, adventurous, heart-wrenching, and lovable all at once. It was the perfect little bit of childhood with a daring dash of romance and a heaping helping of trouble! The stakes are high! Neverland is Falling and it isn’t going to get any better when book two is Breaking Neverland *tears*
Note: I was graciously given a free ARC, but this review is wholly my own and voluntary.
I really, really enjoyed the whimsical tone of this whole book. "Darling" is the exact word for this book. It truly felt like something out of the Peter Pan era and I loved that. I loved the language and the stylistic choices Fichter made that cultivated that tone and feeling. It felt like an original Peter Pan adventure! And yet, Fichter wove in deeper plots and teased out the themes in such an incredible way. She truly captured everything I always imagined Peter Pan’s story to be and more.
Furthermore, I have never seen Neverland in such vivid colors and imagination! I loved the freedom of creativity and imagination in Fichter’s Neverland. It was broken, but it was so beautiful. I honestly felt like I could fly right alongside Peter and Tink and Wendy, and that was so cool! I’m enchanted by this little story. It feels like a hidden gem, just waiting to be brushed off and discovered. (And I can’t wait to see how it progresses in the sequel—though I must admit I am not stoked about Peter banishing Wending, like, Fichter, what?!) I loved the different parts of Neverland that we got to see—Color Canyon, the Treehouse, the Neverstar Cave, and of course, my personal favorite, Mermaid Lagoon <3 The world was so full of color and imagination.
And I loved rural Ashland! Just as much! Like it was unnatural how much the opening of this story just made me feel right at home and so excited! I honestly can’t tell you why I loved seeing Wendy’s farm and little village as much as I did, but it was part of my favorite part of the book! I loved seeing her bent toward business and numbers and her passion for nurturing children and her love of stories! Wendy was such a darling character, pun totally intended! Her heart was so beautiful and I related to her passions and views and struggles. I loved her outlook on motherhood and her love for her family. And Peter! Oh! My word! The first chapter that opened in Peter’s head, I literally squealed! I did not expect to be in his head but boy did I love it! And my heart went out to him. It really did. He clearly faced the struggle of letting go and moving on and growing up. He walked that tightrope. And that is such a hard place to be in. It truly is. He was darling, too. He faced so many hard choices and shouldered such responsibility. I really, really hope…well, nevermind what I hope. I trust Fichter, but I’m just sayin’ don’t mess with muh boi!
I’m super invested in this Peter/Neverstar relationship. (And I’m obviously fangirling over a certain king who shall not be named appearing.) My brain wants to come up with so many solutions, but I’m terrified this is all going to end so horribly. I loved that Peter and Wendy were aged up and teetering on the cusp of adulthood. I thought that added so much more tension to the story. I also loved Jay! And I’m also sick to my stomach about his story cause I’m afraid I know how it ends (I would love to veer from the original here!). And Tink has long been my favorite thing about the Peter Pan world—and this Tink is, well, she is wholly spoiled! I’d have—well, we don’t need two Tinks in the story, so it’s probably a good thing I’m not there. Also, um, Nana! She was awesome! I loved Nana!!!
There’s so much careful balance and precarious teetering in this story! Ugh! I just want it all to work out okay and to be…I want both worlds! I want the childhood and the adulthood! I want the Ashland and the Neverland! I want to fly and I want to prepare for my life in the world responsibly. I want to save my best friend and save all the lost ones. But we just can’t. We can’t have both. Unless Fichter works a miracle. She’s hemmed us in on all sides and somethings going to have to give. Ugh, but why?! Okay, it’s all going to be okay. Maybe. Ugh.
This book felt like a piece of childhood that I never knew I had all wrapped up in that delightful, cozy, homey feel that you can’t quite hold onto for more than a moment. The contrast of childhood and adulthood was so beautifully portrayed. That struggle that we all face! The sinking, aching loss of innocence and childhood, of youth and playfulness, carefreeness, is beautifully pit against the ever-growing desire to become who you’re meant to be, to grow, and to grow up well. The yearning for things lost and things yet to come is incredible. I don’t know how Fichter managed to capture that. I can hardly put it into words myself. And that was the real magic of this story.
I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there. This was a very fun, imaginative, freeing story. It felt light as stardust and magical as mermaids. Everything about it embodied just the right ideas. It was whimsical, adventurous, heart-wrenching, and lovable all at once. It was the perfect little bit of childhood with a daring dash of romance and a heaping helping of trouble! The stakes are high! Neverland is Falling and it isn’t going to get any better when book two is Breaking Neverland *tears*
Note: I was graciously given a free ARC, but this review is wholly my own and voluntary.
April 7, 2025
Okay, this was brilliant! Honesty my favorite thing I've read in a long time. I'm a sucker for a good Peter Pan retelling, but this was just so sweet. I adore Brittany's writing style, and this is the first thing I read from her! (Maybe starting with book #8 wasn't the best idea LOL, but I'm hooked now.)
I cruised through it incredibly fast, an easy read, yet still has substance. SUCH a great cliff-hanger ending, and I'm for sure going to have to read the next one! An easy five stars!
I cruised through it incredibly fast, an easy read, yet still has substance. SUCH a great cliff-hanger ending, and I'm for sure going to have to read the next one! An easy five stars!
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766269624i%2F169222098._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 4, 2025
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
🩵 This was an interesting Peter Pan retelling with a stunning cover. It was very similar to the original story in some ways which was a pro and a con. I really liked Wendy and her firm standing when it came to children and the importance of taking care of them. I agreed with her in that and I understand the feeling of mothering and taking care of others. Peter was selfish, childish and mean which I know, comes with the storyline. With that being said, I did like him, but I felt like he grow up a LOT…haha! I hope that will happen in the second one! I wanted to shake some sense into him on several occasions. With that being said, there are some sweet scenes between Peter and Wendy. Tinkerbell was SO annoying! I wanted to slap her every time she showed up! She was SO mean and Peter let her do whatever she wanted! Like hello, Peter, she’s a brat! Anyway, the twist with Captain Hook is very interesting and unique. I’m interested to see how it turns out.
🩵 There were a couple comments that I didn’t care for. One was made by a man who wanted to court Wendy. It wasn’t anything really bad…it just was a bit weird. Peter uses a word that could be taken as a curse.
🩵 There are several mentions of the Maker, but it doesn’t really specify if it’s God or not.
🩵 Overall, I did enjoy it and I do recommend it! It wasn’t my favorite Peter Pan retelling, but it was still pretty good! I’m excited to read the next one cause what on earth was that ending?! I’m looking at you, Peter! 👀
Quote that I liked:
🩵 "Because I believe that motherhood is sacred. No other soul can love her own children the way she does.”
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
🩵 This was an interesting Peter Pan retelling with a stunning cover. It was very similar to the original story in some ways which was a pro and a con. I really liked Wendy and her firm standing when it came to children and the importance of taking care of them. I agreed with her in that and I understand the feeling of mothering and taking care of others. Peter was selfish, childish and mean which I know, comes with the storyline. With that being said, I did like him, but I felt like he grow up a LOT…haha! I hope that will happen in the second one! I wanted to shake some sense into him on several occasions. With that being said, there are some sweet scenes between Peter and Wendy. Tinkerbell was SO annoying! I wanted to slap her every time she showed up! She was SO mean and Peter let her do whatever she wanted! Like hello, Peter, she’s a brat! Anyway, the twist with Captain Hook is very interesting and unique. I’m interested to see how it turns out.
🩵 There were a couple comments that I didn’t care for. One was made by a man who wanted to court Wendy. It wasn’t anything really bad…it just was a bit weird. Peter uses a word that could be taken as a curse.
🩵 There are several mentions of the Maker, but it doesn’t really specify if it’s God or not.
🩵 Overall, I did enjoy it and I do recommend it! It wasn’t my favorite Peter Pan retelling, but it was still pretty good! I’m excited to read the next one cause what on earth was that ending?! I’m looking at you, Peter! 👀
Quote that I liked:
🩵 "Because I believe that motherhood is sacred. No other soul can love her own children the way she does.”
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
April 26, 2021
This is a need-to-read for anyone who loves Peter Pan!
What I Liked
-Wendy is the perfect heroine for this story. And I love how she handles the suitor!
-I would totally love to meet this Peter Pan. He's caring, compassionate, and loyal to Neverland.
-The plot is riveting and kept me entertained the whole night. (Yes, I finished it in one sitting. It was that good.)
-Tinker Bell is that character we love to hate. She can be loyal to Peter one minute, and one step to backhanding Wendy the next. I'm a big fan of how Tink was portrayed in this book.
-No content to speak of. This is a clean, medieval fantasy novel with a slight allegorical twist. The kind of book I love.
What I Wasn't a Fan Of
-I've only got one issue - Tiger Lily. I don't like the status of this character. I was actually a big fan of Tiger Lily as a kid. This Tiger Lily is... different from the one I admired.
Overall, a good read. Peter Pan fangirls should own this.
What I Liked
-Wendy is the perfect heroine for this story. And I love how she handles the suitor!
-I would totally love to meet this Peter Pan. He's caring, compassionate, and loyal to Neverland.
-The plot is riveting and kept me entertained the whole night. (Yes, I finished it in one sitting. It was that good.)
-Tinker Bell is that character we love to hate. She can be loyal to Peter one minute, and one step to backhanding Wendy the next. I'm a big fan of how Tink was portrayed in this book.
-No content to speak of. This is a clean, medieval fantasy novel with a slight allegorical twist. The kind of book I love.
What I Wasn't a Fan Of
-I've only got one issue - Tiger Lily. I don't like the status of this character. I was actually a big fan of Tiger Lily as a kid. This Tiger Lily is... different from the one I admired.
Overall, a good read. Peter Pan fangirls should own this.
May 30, 2020
Best Peter Pan retelling I have read.
Wow. I don't think I've ever read a retelling of Peter Pan that was this gripping. Intrigue and fighting and jealousy and the struggles of growing up. Young love. Young children. Imagination and magic. Fallen stars and fae. I can't wait for the next book to find out what will happen!
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. I don't think I've ever read a retelling of Peter Pan that was this gripping. Intrigue and fighting and jealousy and the struggles of growing up. Young love. Young children. Imagination and magic. Fallen stars and fae. I can't wait for the next book to find out what will happen!
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2020
The romance in this book bothered me, I must admit. I found the age gaps, especially the one between Jay and Wendy, concerning. And while Peter might be developmentally a teenager, you can't discount those hundreds of years of more life lived. So that kept me from enjoying this book as much as I think I would have otherwise. The ending was intriguing, I will say.
May 28, 2020
Is Neverland a dream, or a dangerous nightmare?
I always love Brittany’s retelling stories. They are always recognizable to the original but have lots of twists and turns to make them her own. This is no exception, a very enjoyable story until you find out that you have to wait for the next one 🤣. Happy reading.
*i received a copy of this book for my honest review.
I always love Brittany’s retelling stories. They are always recognizable to the original but have lots of twists and turns to make them her own. This is no exception, a very enjoyable story until you find out that you have to wait for the next one 🤣. Happy reading.
*i received a copy of this book for my honest review.
March 30, 2024
Calling this a retelling would be a downright disgrace because this is just a copyright of jm barriers original book with the only difference being the ages of the protagonists. This was a remake where the author somehow managed to take away the very essence that makes the characters who they are into dull 2 dimensional boring characters. Peter pan is made into a simpering boy who only moons over Wendy whereas in the books in comparison his character was infinitely more complex.
September 23, 2020
I’m so happy I did read this book because this was exactly the kind of Peter Pan retelling I’ve been needing my whole life. It touches all the right points and problems (the not growing up part and the Lost Boys and the loneliness that makes Peter Pan such a heartbreaking story when you pause to think about it) in the right way. It really is a good story and I wish I’d read this author sooner. However, it doesn’t end and the sequel just came out a few days ago so in a way it wasn’t such a bad thing to wait...
If you have a thing for retelling in general and Peter Pan in particular this is the book to read. Like, right now!
This is the introduction to this review that was too long and didn’t say much about to book so I moved it to the end
I’ve looked for good fairy tale/classics retellings everywhere because they’re my cup of tea. However, it wasn’t in one of those regular internet searches I used to do that I found Brittany Fichter, it was on a review from a friend/someone I was following here on Goodreads. I saw she wrote a retelling off The Nutcracker and it was such an unconventional tale to retell that I had to search more. And when I did, I found retellings of Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Ridding Hood and all the ones I usually most enjoyed so I decided to start following this author on Facebook and subscribe to her newsletter (I didn’t read her books right away because I’m cheap). Some months (years?) later I see she’s working a Peter Pan retellings and I was so excited because Peter Pan retellings are my favourites of the favourites. But I was still cheap and didn’t buy it. And the ARC team didn’t open and I didn’t read until now.
If you have a thing for retelling in general and Peter Pan in particular this is the book to read. Like, right now!
This is the introduction to this review that was too long and didn’t say much about to book so I moved it to the end
I’ve looked for good fairy tale/classics retellings everywhere because they’re my cup of tea. However, it wasn’t in one of those regular internet searches I used to do that I found Brittany Fichter, it was on a review from a friend/someone I was following here on Goodreads. I saw she wrote a retelling off The Nutcracker and it was such an unconventional tale to retell that I had to search more. And when I did, I found retellings of Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Ridding Hood and all the ones I usually most enjoyed so I decided to start following this author on Facebook and subscribe to her newsletter (I didn’t read her books right away because I’m cheap). Some months (years?) later I see she’s working a Peter Pan retellings and I was so excited because Peter Pan retellings are my favourites of the favourites. But I was still cheap and didn’t buy it. And the ARC team didn’t open and I didn’t read until now.
January 25, 2024
Loved this retelling of Peter Pan and Wendy darling! Can’t wait to get my hands on the second book!
September 9, 2020
The heroine is in utter misery the entire book.
Every time the heroine has even a sliver of hope, based on her fantasy world of Neverland, it is eviscerated. Every time she acts to change her world for the better, it backfires, especially in Neverland. Every time she is curious and acts to research or discover the truth about her world, she is put in a sexually dangerous situation die to older men leering at her or younger women endangering her life. The author’s whole point seems to be that people were created for misery and if they seek to find a way out, everything they value is annihilated. The whole point of the original Neverland is for Wendy and her brothers to see a social support system that doesn’t teach that it is acceptable to devalue and disrespect young people, where evil is clear and fighting against evil is good, so innocence isn’t tarnished to the point that the question of evil causes Wendy to lose her faith in standing up for her principles. The point of Neverland is for Wendy to understand that independent choice can be chaotic, but it still creates a way to defeat evil when Peter and the boys love their neighbors as themselves and take responsibility to unite and fight for freedom from evil. However, in this book, every independent choice is presented as dangerous, lacking value, being petty, spiteful, avoiding responsibility, and leading to failure and misery. Every attempt to seek joy is used as fuel to power an apocalyptic nightmare where there is no hope for the salvation of anyone. The best part of the book is that it describes pretty imagery that Wendy gets to enjoy for perhaps two paragraphs. The author seems to want to punish independent thought and imagination with every ending to any fictional scenario she incorporates for any of the main characters. What I most dislike about this book is that it doesn’t present values I want my daughter to learn because it lacks grace, justice, and mercy and it ends on a cliffhanger. I kept hoping it would get better and it never did. Even worse, the next book promoted states that it will sever Wendy from her remaining family and drop her deeper into a pit of despair, assuring the reader that no matter how the story ends, her beloved will lose what he values and on top of everything else he continually sacrifices in this book, in the next book he will sacrifice more. I don’t think I can bear to even think about reading the sequel because learning about everything in this book was depressing and really disappointing.
Every time the heroine has even a sliver of hope, based on her fantasy world of Neverland, it is eviscerated. Every time she acts to change her world for the better, it backfires, especially in Neverland. Every time she is curious and acts to research or discover the truth about her world, she is put in a sexually dangerous situation die to older men leering at her or younger women endangering her life. The author’s whole point seems to be that people were created for misery and if they seek to find a way out, everything they value is annihilated. The whole point of the original Neverland is for Wendy and her brothers to see a social support system that doesn’t teach that it is acceptable to devalue and disrespect young people, where evil is clear and fighting against evil is good, so innocence isn’t tarnished to the point that the question of evil causes Wendy to lose her faith in standing up for her principles. The point of Neverland is for Wendy to understand that independent choice can be chaotic, but it still creates a way to defeat evil when Peter and the boys love their neighbors as themselves and take responsibility to unite and fight for freedom from evil. However, in this book, every independent choice is presented as dangerous, lacking value, being petty, spiteful, avoiding responsibility, and leading to failure and misery. Every attempt to seek joy is used as fuel to power an apocalyptic nightmare where there is no hope for the salvation of anyone. The best part of the book is that it describes pretty imagery that Wendy gets to enjoy for perhaps two paragraphs. The author seems to want to punish independent thought and imagination with every ending to any fictional scenario she incorporates for any of the main characters. What I most dislike about this book is that it doesn’t present values I want my daughter to learn because it lacks grace, justice, and mercy and it ends on a cliffhanger. I kept hoping it would get better and it never did. Even worse, the next book promoted states that it will sever Wendy from her remaining family and drop her deeper into a pit of despair, assuring the reader that no matter how the story ends, her beloved will lose what he values and on top of everything else he continually sacrifices in this book, in the next book he will sacrifice more. I don’t think I can bear to even think about reading the sequel because learning about everything in this book was depressing and really disappointing.
January 15, 2025
This is going in my top three Peter Pan retellings (you can guess the other two) for originality alone. I'm certain this take on Wendy won't please everyone, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. This was romantic, whimsical, I felt second hand stress for Peter, sadness for Wendy, and frustration with most men in the tale. I had the feels, guys. I had 'em bad.
Pros
-Maintaining a Magical Ecosystem
*We all know in Neverland you can't grow up, but this takes it to a whole other level. Peter alone is responsible for the fragile star that is Neverland personified. He must keep the Lost Boys from growing up, the animals from glitching out, and teach the Boys to hone their imagination, otherwise they'll starve (in Neverland, you've got to imagine what you want to eat and it will appear).
*The star is referred to as "she", and Peter even seeks advice from it after contemplating growing up. But if he does this, he and the star know she will burn out and in turn, Neverland will cease to exist.
-The Hypocrisy of Neverland Rules
*There's only three:
1.No Death
2.No Bloodshed
3.No Growing-Up
But by the Fae placing such responsibility on Peter's shoulders (maintain the well-being of Neverland and all its inhabitants), they've kind of ensured that he's already growing up, already a father figure and caregiver.
-Feminist Twist on OG Wendy
*I'm no stranger to Wendys who lean into adventure over motherhood or a motherhood of the abstract sort (see my last Peter Pan retelling), but here we get a side of feminism rarely shone: Wendy wants what feminism promises: to have it all. Marriage, adventure, and motherhood. It's the men in her life who think she's only allowed one facet.
*In the beginning, I thought we were going to get a modern Mr. Darling (he calls Wendy into his study to go over farm figures and praises her mathematical mind). But when a rich, handsome magistrate comes calling for her hand, he and her mother tell her to "sit still, look pretty", and despite what they've shown her, money trumps motherhood. The man even locks her in her bedroom as punishment for refusing Reuben.
*Reuben gets the brunt of her wrath: he basically wants her to pop out heirs and leave them with nannies, talking up the travels/adventure they'll have together. Wendy wants to be a mom, not a mother, this harkens back to not only earlier scenes in this novel, but the source material: Wendy adores watching over the Lost Boys, teaching them to be proper, and goes off to Neverland with her brothers, further enforcing her familial attachment. I may not want what she does, but she chooses her choice. Reuben balks at the idea of Wendy wanting to be a professional scribe and storyteller to her children. The way he speaks of her "duties" makes it clear she'd be nothing more than arm candy (he never bothers to ask about her hobbies; only compliment her attire). Honestly, I wanted to high five her when she says: he wants to make babies, but can't be bothered to raise them. I may not choose this choice personally, but as I get older, I get her anger: why can't a woman have it all?
*Even Peter does her dirty: he brings her to be mother of the Lost, which lifts a burden off everyone's shoulders, but this is a job she takes very seriously. Wendy begins teaching them to read/write, which will bring change, something Neverland can't withstand. Peter gets angry and goes "I brought you here to be a mother!", to which she explains she is being one: mothers (and parents in general) have a responsibility to prepare their kids for the outside world. Great as the caregiving part is for her, she knows it's temporary and if she does it right, they shouldn't need her forever.
-Wendy and Peter's Past
*Unlike most retellings, Peter and Wendy meet as children when he saves her from a drunk man's advances. Since that night, they've mooned over each other, with Wendy wondering if he was real.
This makes for a lack of insta love when they do meet again, and may I just say, *blush*.
*Also, Peter seeks Wendy out because he's observed her motherly abilities, not just because she's a woman. In addition, we learn that unlike Peter "discarding" the Lost Boys who grow-up and leave, he wants them to stay this age because we get glimpse of the ones who do leave (the kind town drunkard, Amos and the unwed man who must steal food to feed his pregnant girlfriend because as he tells Peter: "Imagination won't feed you in the real world"). We get the sense that Peter's got a guilty conscience for whisking the boys away and not preparing them for the outside world. But if he does teach them to thrive beyond Neverland, he'd be breaking the rules.
-Twists on the Tale
*This time 'round, the Darlings own/live on a large farm in the country, reinforcing Mr. Darling's push for Wendy to stop daydreaming and accept adulthood/marriage from rich Reuben, as well as Wendy's want of adventure.
*Wendy and her father are rather close in the beginning (having her run the farm figures, talking up her abilities at dinner, pushing for her to venture into the nearby town). It's only when she begins growing-up/away from his ideals that their ties become strained and eventually volatile (he starts out small, telling her to bring John to run his figures instead to later locking her alone in her room until she accepts Ruben's proposal).
-Wendy attempting to wipe away sugar from her apple peel feels like Neverland is just too sugary sweet for her and must have sustenance to survive, akin to her teaching the boys to read as opposed to goofing all day.
-If the Blurb Fits...
*Throughout the novel, we get clues of Neverland's impending death. Tink and the Fae (including Tiger Lily) dislike/distrust Wendy from the jump and the blurb claims this ongoing death is Wendy's fault. We learn that by staying behind and aging up to seventeen, Peter's on the cusp of breaking "no growing up".
*Wendy's inadvertently at fault because her mere appearance incites change in Peter: he refuses to kiss her, claiming it's too grown-up, but later admits to not only wanting a real kiss, but to marry her. His love confession and her insights to the intricacies of parenthood bring about changes to his heart/mind and as Peter says: Neverland doesn't vibe with change.
OG Elements
-In Barrie's story, Wendy gives Peter a thimble for a kiss, just like she does here. But rather than it being a symbol of their childlike love/friendship, this Wendy gives it with the intent of making light of her joke "I could kiss you". These versions of Peter and Wendy know exactly what a kiss is and want the real thing, despite the consequences.
-These Darlings have a dog named Nana, who is bought to protect Wendy after the almost assault, akin to OG Darlings dog Nana, who is literally told to watch over the kids while the parents attend a party.
-Both sets of Lost Boys and Peter build what they call a "Wendy House" for Wendy to sleep in while she recuperates from an injury (in Barrie's story, she's been shot out of a cannon, but here, Tink dropped her midflight causing Wendy to sprain her ankle).
-Peter's shadow still causes mischief, although here, he's actually learned to train it to aid him(gather food, make Mr. Darling think he's working when he's really chatting up Wendy).
-Tink is a fairy being, but can speak this time around.
*And yes, she's still not one of Wendy's fans.
-Tiger Lily is now a Fae who can heal and wields great power among her kind.
-Jay is a pirate friend of Peter's, reference to Captain James Hook. And just like the OG tale, their friendship ends when Peter cuts off Jay's hand mid fight.
-There's stardust instead of pixie dust
-Wendy's friend in town is named Moira, an homage to OG Wendy's full name: Wendy Moira Angela Darling.
-Wendy's bedtime stories to her brothers are of Peter Pan and his adventures (Ex. using his shadow to fight a giant crocodile) referencing bits that occurred in the OG story.
-There are mermaids in Mermaid Lagoon once more and yes, just like the OG mermaids, they too attempt to drown Wendy.
I'm coming to realize that Brittany Fichter's writing/retellings are both entertaining and thought provoking, ensuring this book does in fact have it all. I think Wendy would approve.
Pros
-Maintaining a Magical Ecosystem
*We all know in Neverland you can't grow up, but this takes it to a whole other level. Peter alone is responsible for the fragile star that is Neverland personified. He must keep the Lost Boys from growing up, the animals from glitching out, and teach the Boys to hone their imagination, otherwise they'll starve (in Neverland, you've got to imagine what you want to eat and it will appear).
*The star is referred to as "she", and Peter even seeks advice from it after contemplating growing up. But if he does this, he and the star know she will burn out and in turn, Neverland will cease to exist.
-The Hypocrisy of Neverland Rules
*There's only three:
1.No Death
2.No Bloodshed
3.No Growing-Up
But by the Fae placing such responsibility on Peter's shoulders (maintain the well-being of Neverland and all its inhabitants), they've kind of ensured that he's already growing up, already a father figure and caregiver.
-Feminist Twist on OG Wendy
*I'm no stranger to Wendys who lean into adventure over motherhood or a motherhood of the abstract sort (see my last Peter Pan retelling), but here we get a side of feminism rarely shone: Wendy wants what feminism promises: to have it all. Marriage, adventure, and motherhood. It's the men in her life who think she's only allowed one facet.
*In the beginning, I thought we were going to get a modern Mr. Darling (he calls Wendy into his study to go over farm figures and praises her mathematical mind). But when a rich, handsome magistrate comes calling for her hand, he and her mother tell her to "sit still, look pretty", and despite what they've shown her, money trumps motherhood. The man even locks her in her bedroom as punishment for refusing Reuben.
*Reuben gets the brunt of her wrath: he basically wants her to pop out heirs and leave them with nannies, talking up the travels/adventure they'll have together. Wendy wants to be a mom, not a mother, this harkens back to not only earlier scenes in this novel, but the source material: Wendy adores watching over the Lost Boys, teaching them to be proper, and goes off to Neverland with her brothers, further enforcing her familial attachment. I may not want what she does, but she chooses her choice. Reuben balks at the idea of Wendy wanting to be a professional scribe and storyteller to her children. The way he speaks of her "duties" makes it clear she'd be nothing more than arm candy (he never bothers to ask about her hobbies; only compliment her attire). Honestly, I wanted to high five her when she says: he wants to make babies, but can't be bothered to raise them. I may not choose this choice personally, but as I get older, I get her anger: why can't a woman have it all?
*Even Peter does her dirty: he brings her to be mother of the Lost, which lifts a burden off everyone's shoulders, but this is a job she takes very seriously. Wendy begins teaching them to read/write, which will bring change, something Neverland can't withstand. Peter gets angry and goes "I brought you here to be a mother!", to which she explains she is being one: mothers (and parents in general) have a responsibility to prepare their kids for the outside world. Great as the caregiving part is for her, she knows it's temporary and if she does it right, they shouldn't need her forever.
-Wendy and Peter's Past
*Unlike most retellings, Peter and Wendy meet as children when he saves her from a drunk man's advances. Since that night, they've mooned over each other, with Wendy wondering if he was real.
This makes for a lack of insta love when they do meet again, and may I just say, *blush*.
*Also, Peter seeks Wendy out because he's observed her motherly abilities, not just because she's a woman. In addition, we learn that unlike Peter "discarding" the Lost Boys who grow-up and leave, he wants them to stay this age because we get glimpse of the ones who do leave (the kind town drunkard, Amos and the unwed man who must steal food to feed his pregnant girlfriend because as he tells Peter: "Imagination won't feed you in the real world"). We get the sense that Peter's got a guilty conscience for whisking the boys away and not preparing them for the outside world. But if he does teach them to thrive beyond Neverland, he'd be breaking the rules.
-Twists on the Tale
*This time 'round, the Darlings own/live on a large farm in the country, reinforcing Mr. Darling's push for Wendy to stop daydreaming and accept adulthood/marriage from rich Reuben, as well as Wendy's want of adventure.
*Wendy and her father are rather close in the beginning (having her run the farm figures, talking up her abilities at dinner, pushing for her to venture into the nearby town). It's only when she begins growing-up/away from his ideals that their ties become strained and eventually volatile (he starts out small, telling her to bring John to run his figures instead to later locking her alone in her room until she accepts Ruben's proposal).
-Wendy attempting to wipe away sugar from her apple peel feels like Neverland is just too sugary sweet for her and must have sustenance to survive, akin to her teaching the boys to read as opposed to goofing all day.
-If the Blurb Fits...
*Throughout the novel, we get clues of Neverland's impending death. Tink and the Fae (including Tiger Lily) dislike/distrust Wendy from the jump and the blurb claims this ongoing death is Wendy's fault. We learn that by staying behind and aging up to seventeen, Peter's on the cusp of breaking "no growing up".
*Wendy's inadvertently at fault because her mere appearance incites change in Peter: he refuses to kiss her, claiming it's too grown-up, but later admits to not only wanting a real kiss, but to marry her. His love confession and her insights to the intricacies of parenthood bring about changes to his heart/mind and as Peter says: Neverland doesn't vibe with change.
OG Elements
-In Barrie's story, Wendy gives Peter a thimble for a kiss, just like she does here. But rather than it being a symbol of their childlike love/friendship, this Wendy gives it with the intent of making light of her joke "I could kiss you". These versions of Peter and Wendy know exactly what a kiss is and want the real thing, despite the consequences.
-These Darlings have a dog named Nana, who is bought to protect Wendy after the almost assault, akin to OG Darlings dog Nana, who is literally told to watch over the kids while the parents attend a party.
-Both sets of Lost Boys and Peter build what they call a "Wendy House" for Wendy to sleep in while she recuperates from an injury (in Barrie's story, she's been shot out of a cannon, but here, Tink dropped her midflight causing Wendy to sprain her ankle).
-Peter's shadow still causes mischief, although here, he's actually learned to train it to aid him(gather food, make Mr. Darling think he's working when he's really chatting up Wendy).
-Tink is a fairy being, but can speak this time around.
*And yes, she's still not one of Wendy's fans.
-Tiger Lily is now a Fae who can heal and wields great power among her kind.
-Jay is a pirate friend of Peter's, reference to Captain James Hook. And just like the OG tale, their friendship ends when Peter cuts off Jay's hand mid fight.
-There's stardust instead of pixie dust
-Wendy's friend in town is named Moira, an homage to OG Wendy's full name: Wendy Moira Angela Darling.
-Wendy's bedtime stories to her brothers are of Peter Pan and his adventures (Ex. using his shadow to fight a giant crocodile) referencing bits that occurred in the OG story.
-There are mermaids in Mermaid Lagoon once more and yes, just like the OG mermaids, they too attempt to drown Wendy.
I'm coming to realize that Brittany Fichter's writing/retellings are both entertaining and thought provoking, ensuring this book does in fact have it all. I think Wendy would approve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2020
OMG! I loved this book, I have been waiting for it and dying to read it, especially after she sent out the sneak peak. It was so good and I can’t believe I have to wait so long for the next book. :) Neverland Falling is the 8th book in Brittany Fichter’s Classical Kingdom series, however, chronologically it is actually before the 6th book but after the 7th.
Neverland Falling is the first Peter Pan retelling I have read and I am glad to say that I really enjoyed it. It has everything that makes a great Peter Pan story and yet it still ties in to what is going on in Brittany’s world. Brittany weaves a story that still stays true to what we know of Peter Pan and yet she still makes it her own.
Wendy is at the age where she is in the middle of being a child and being a grown up, and to make things worse she doesn’t want to be like the other girls in her village. She is not the type of person to just marry the first man who asks her no matter how well off he is. But things get worse when her father finds someone who he believes she should marry, even though he is all wrong for her.
She finds herself at the end of herself and flies off to Neverland with someone who has been on her mind since she met him. But Neverland is not exactly what she expected. And as she spends more time in Neverland and with Peter she starts to find herself wanting to grow up. But you can’t grow up in Neverland.
I loved reading about Wendy and Peter. Wendy was at the stage where I am, in the middle of still being a child and yet almost an adult. I really related to her as she tried to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. I really felt for her especially as she tried to get situated in Neverland and balance caring for her brothers enjoying her time there.
Peter was a boy who didn’t want to grow up, he was happy in Neverland. But then he met Wendy and his world started to change. Growing up was not allowed in Neverland, so why did he want to make Wendy happy, why was he letting things change because of a girl.
Peter was so sweet. Neverland was his home and he wanted so badly to protect it. I loved reading about Peter Pan this way. It was such an interesting way to portray him. He really cared for Wendy but he also cared for Neverland. He wanted to protect Neverland even if doing that meant he had to make hard decisions.
Jay, I don’t know what to think about him. He has me all mixed up, but all I know is that he worries me. He is either going to make things better or cause problems. I really can’t tell.
All in all, this was an amazing book. I read it so fast and I didn't want to put it down. It was so fun reading about going to Neverland and I have to say I loved Hana. She was so funny and she even felt human even though she was a dog. Tinkerbell, frustrated me but she helped move the story along, I can’t wait for the next book! I am so excited to see what comes next!
Neverland Falling is the first Peter Pan retelling I have read and I am glad to say that I really enjoyed it. It has everything that makes a great Peter Pan story and yet it still ties in to what is going on in Brittany’s world. Brittany weaves a story that still stays true to what we know of Peter Pan and yet she still makes it her own.
Wendy is at the age where she is in the middle of being a child and being a grown up, and to make things worse she doesn’t want to be like the other girls in her village. She is not the type of person to just marry the first man who asks her no matter how well off he is. But things get worse when her father finds someone who he believes she should marry, even though he is all wrong for her.
She finds herself at the end of herself and flies off to Neverland with someone who has been on her mind since she met him. But Neverland is not exactly what she expected. And as she spends more time in Neverland and with Peter she starts to find herself wanting to grow up. But you can’t grow up in Neverland.
I loved reading about Wendy and Peter. Wendy was at the stage where I am, in the middle of still being a child and yet almost an adult. I really related to her as she tried to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. I really felt for her especially as she tried to get situated in Neverland and balance caring for her brothers enjoying her time there.
Peter was a boy who didn’t want to grow up, he was happy in Neverland. But then he met Wendy and his world started to change. Growing up was not allowed in Neverland, so why did he want to make Wendy happy, why was he letting things change because of a girl.
Peter was so sweet. Neverland was his home and he wanted so badly to protect it. I loved reading about Peter Pan this way. It was such an interesting way to portray him. He really cared for Wendy but he also cared for Neverland. He wanted to protect Neverland even if doing that meant he had to make hard decisions.
Jay, I don’t know what to think about him. He has me all mixed up, but all I know is that he worries me. He is either going to make things better or cause problems. I really can’t tell.
All in all, this was an amazing book. I read it so fast and I didn't want to put it down. It was so fun reading about going to Neverland and I have to say I loved Hana. She was so funny and she even felt human even though she was a dog. Tinkerbell, frustrated me but she helped move the story along, I can’t wait for the next book! I am so excited to see what comes next!
May 29, 2020
Welcome to Neverland
Never land may be falling, but the adventure here never falls. In this wonderful part I retelling of Peter Pan, there's so much to enjoy, from the characters themselves, the settings, and the challenges of growing up, to the fun ways original (and Disney-interpreted) Peter Pan elements are worked into the story while staying true to the overall Classical Kingdoms world the series has created.
The introduction has a distinctly mid-Western US feel, so much that though there's no tornado, their arrival in Neverland makes me want to say something about not being in Kansas anymore, especially with the description of this Neverland they're in. It's interesting to see this different part of the Classical Kingdoms world before leaving for Neverland, too; even with a manor for the magistrate, the farmland setting is not a typical castle city or port town or nomadic area or even mermaid home we've been to before. It's nice to see an area producing the food that people in those other types of locales rely upon.
Beyond the setting, I immediately relate to Wendy Darling, caught on the cusp of growing up and trying to be her own person beyond what her parents expect. Poor Peter is well-written, too, as he's moving toward adulthood with no understanding of what that means and a great deal of naivety. Of course, no review would be complete without praise for Nana, who easily steals her scenes!
The ending is both an adequate conclusion and a major frustration! The story is stand-alone in that there is a concluding element for this portion of the story. If I didn't know there'd be a part II in the future, though, my squeals might have been heard at whatever Air Force base Brittany Fichter finds herself at right now!
Overall this was immensely enjoyable and a wonderful look at the Peter Pan story. It will be one I'll reread for sure.
Never land may be falling, but the adventure here never falls. In this wonderful part I retelling of Peter Pan, there's so much to enjoy, from the characters themselves, the settings, and the challenges of growing up, to the fun ways original (and Disney-interpreted) Peter Pan elements are worked into the story while staying true to the overall Classical Kingdoms world the series has created.
The introduction has a distinctly mid-Western US feel, so much that though there's no tornado, their arrival in Neverland makes me want to say something about not being in Kansas anymore, especially with the description of this Neverland they're in. It's interesting to see this different part of the Classical Kingdoms world before leaving for Neverland, too; even with a manor for the magistrate, the farmland setting is not a typical castle city or port town or nomadic area or even mermaid home we've been to before. It's nice to see an area producing the food that people in those other types of locales rely upon.
Beyond the setting, I immediately relate to Wendy Darling, caught on the cusp of growing up and trying to be her own person beyond what her parents expect. Poor Peter is well-written, too, as he's moving toward adulthood with no understanding of what that means and a great deal of naivety. Of course, no review would be complete without praise for Nana, who easily steals her scenes!
The ending is both an adequate conclusion and a major frustration! The story is stand-alone in that there is a concluding element for this portion of the story. If I didn't know there'd be a part II in the future, though, my squeals might have been heard at whatever Air Force base Brittany Fichter finds herself at right now!
Overall this was immensely enjoyable and a wonderful look at the Peter Pan story. It will be one I'll reread for sure.
July 18, 2020
For some reason I was in a mood for a retelling of Peter Pan when I can across this book while browsing Kindle Unlimited. I figure I give it a chance.
Wendy has heard the tales of Peter Pan from the town beggar ever since she was young. She would tell her younger brothers of the stories of Peter Pan every night. One night Wendy was saved from a mysterious boy when a drunken farm worker was approaching her. She had never forgotten the boy who she believe was Peter. Four years later, Wendy, at marriageable age of 17, can’t agree eye to eye with her potential fiancé. After a terrible fight, Peter whisked her and her brothers away to Neverland. It was all Wendy had dreamed of. However, Neverland was falling apart leaving Peter to repair it. Could she be the reason? Or the unexpected Captain Jay, who was once a lost boy, returned with his ship and crew?
There were a few things I liked about the story: 1) how Neverland was created and why Peter is there, 2) the rules of Neverland that keep it the way it is, 3) Jay’s background of how he knew about Neverland, and 4) Peter not as Immature as I thought though he is clueless when it comes to girls.
Peter had grown because he visited often to listen to Wendy’s stories over the span of 4 years. He was convinced that the Lost Boys needed a mother and she would be perfect.
Tinkbell and the fae are far from thrilled that she is there.
It’s a cute story and thought it was pretty good. There is a sequel as this story ended on a cliffhanger.
Wendy has heard the tales of Peter Pan from the town beggar ever since she was young. She would tell her younger brothers of the stories of Peter Pan every night. One night Wendy was saved from a mysterious boy when a drunken farm worker was approaching her. She had never forgotten the boy who she believe was Peter. Four years later, Wendy, at marriageable age of 17, can’t agree eye to eye with her potential fiancé. After a terrible fight, Peter whisked her and her brothers away to Neverland. It was all Wendy had dreamed of. However, Neverland was falling apart leaving Peter to repair it. Could she be the reason? Or the unexpected Captain Jay, who was once a lost boy, returned with his ship and crew?
There were a few things I liked about the story: 1) how Neverland was created and why Peter is there, 2) the rules of Neverland that keep it the way it is, 3) Jay’s background of how he knew about Neverland, and 4) Peter not as Immature as I thought though he is clueless when it comes to girls.
Peter had grown because he visited often to listen to Wendy’s stories over the span of 4 years. He was convinced that the Lost Boys needed a mother and she would be perfect.
Tinkbell and the fae are far from thrilled that she is there.
It’s a cute story and thought it was pretty good. There is a sequel as this story ended on a cliffhanger.
June 2, 2020
A Pleasure from Start to Finish
I have loved every book in the Classical Kingdoms Collection, but this one is easily my favorite. I would highly recommend it to those who love Fichter’s writing already, as well as to those who like fairy tales in general. While she stays pretty close to the major plot points of the original tale, she has also built upon the well-known structure of the story by putting it in her preexisting fairy tale world and giving us more rationale for the existence of Neverland. Peter and Wendy and all the Darlings have never been more believable and truly human characters than they are here; Neverland is absolutely stunning; and the conflict -- How on earth does a person prepare to grow up? -- is achingly relatable.
Many of the themes people love about Peter Pan are in this book in expanded form: innocence of youth, fear of growing up, and motherhood and fatherhood. And while this is only part one of a two-part retelling, I think that the story is familiar enough that I didn’t feel like I was left on a cliffhanger, and there was a good amount of closure (with tantalizing hints at the next book) in the epilogue.
I received an advance e-edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved every book in the Classical Kingdoms Collection, but this one is easily my favorite. I would highly recommend it to those who love Fichter’s writing already, as well as to those who like fairy tales in general. While she stays pretty close to the major plot points of the original tale, she has also built upon the well-known structure of the story by putting it in her preexisting fairy tale world and giving us more rationale for the existence of Neverland. Peter and Wendy and all the Darlings have never been more believable and truly human characters than they are here; Neverland is absolutely stunning; and the conflict -- How on earth does a person prepare to grow up? -- is achingly relatable.
Many of the themes people love about Peter Pan are in this book in expanded form: innocence of youth, fear of growing up, and motherhood and fatherhood. And while this is only part one of a two-part retelling, I think that the story is familiar enough that I didn’t feel like I was left on a cliffhanger, and there was a good amount of closure (with tantalizing hints at the next book) in the epilogue.
I received an advance e-edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2020
Brittany has definitely shined in this novel. I’ve never quite connected with Peter Pan, but I loved this retelling. It’s a beautiful blend of the child-like wonder, and young-at-heart innocence, with coming of age and first love. Wendy has always been fond of the tales of Peter Pan, and at the edge of becoming a wife, she realizes she doesn’t really want to grow up. When the boy himself shows up, well, why not see what Neverland has to offer? She did not expect a magical place where Peter can create whatever he wishes, and especially not running into Fae, or an adult man. And the lost boys, well, adorable and mischievous, almost as mischievous as Tinker Bell. But, when Neverland starts having troubles, Wendy begins to wonder if she could be the reason, and as nice as Neverland is, staying a kid forever was starting to look less appealing the more she gets to know Peter. I loved their friendship, and I loved the character developments of all the cast of characters. It’s a great addition to her fairytale realm, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the tale!
*Disclaimer: I received an early copy of this novel from the author. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
*Disclaimer: I received an early copy of this novel from the author. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2020
I loved this book as much as the original.
I really enjoyed reading about Wendy and Peter one more time.
The author has this unique and lovely vision about them and actually gets you into their story. I actually felt everything they were feeling and couldn't stop reading, until I realized I didn't want it to finish. I really recommend this book to everyone who loves magic and love.
Reading "Neverland Falling" felt like a dream, a dream I didn't want to wake from.
I can't wait for the next book!!♥
/////
Amé este libro tanto como el original♥
Disfruté bastante leyendo acerca de Wendy y Peter una vez más.
La autora tiene esta preciosa perspectiva de ellos, y logra meterte en la historia hasta que realmente sientes lo que ellos sienten. No pude dejar de leer hasta que me di cuenta que no quería que acabara y tuve que parar por un momento para poder disfrutar más tiempo de esta bella historia. Recomiendo totalmente este libro a aquellas personas que amen la magia y el amor.
Leer "Neverland Falling" fue como un bonito sueño del que no quieres despertar.
¡No puedo esperar a la segunda parte!
I really enjoyed reading about Wendy and Peter one more time.
The author has this unique and lovely vision about them and actually gets you into their story. I actually felt everything they were feeling and couldn't stop reading, until I realized I didn't want it to finish. I really recommend this book to everyone who loves magic and love.
Reading "Neverland Falling" felt like a dream, a dream I didn't want to wake from.
I can't wait for the next book!!♥
/////
Amé este libro tanto como el original♥
Disfruté bastante leyendo acerca de Wendy y Peter una vez más.
La autora tiene esta preciosa perspectiva de ellos, y logra meterte en la historia hasta que realmente sientes lo que ellos sienten. No pude dejar de leer hasta que me di cuenta que no quería que acabara y tuve que parar por un momento para poder disfrutar más tiempo de esta bella historia. Recomiendo totalmente este libro a aquellas personas que amen la magia y el amor.
Leer "Neverland Falling" fue como un bonito sueño del que no quieres despertar.
¡No puedo esperar a la segunda parte!
June 6, 2020
I love most fairytales, except for Peter Pan. I never could quite get over how he treats Wendy. So I went into this book a bit apprehensive and then was unexpectedly caught up in the story. I ended up thinking and dreaming about this book for the next few days after finishing! Wendy was my favorite character. She is a young woman who knows what she wants and what she values and isn't afraid to wait to marry until she can get it. I also really liked how passionate she is about children and her future motherhood as I feel like I don't see that a lot in books. Neverland was such an interesting land though my warning beacons went off once I learned of the Fae, as it would with anyone who has read Brittany's other Classical Kingdoms Tales. I can't wait for book two and to see how this ends as book one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger! Definitely a must-read! (I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
July 8, 2020
Wow this was a really really good Peter Pan retelling. Wendy Darling wants nothing more than to raise a family and to live life with someone she loves, but when her parents insist that she marries a local magistrate, she fears that those dreams are for naught. That is when she meets Peter Pan, and together with her brothers and her dog, Nana, she is whisked off to Neverland, which seems to be better than her wildest dreams. But a forbidden attraction has Neverland falling apart, and Wendy soon realizes that her presence in Neverland maybe more of a nightmare than a dream.
This was a really different Peter Pan story, one that has really complex yet lovable characters, high stakes and lots of forbidden romance. I really loved how the author incorporates the Fae into the lore of Neverland. It’s something I never thought of before. Overall, this was a well-written story that I look forward to continuing when the next book comes out in October.
This was a really different Peter Pan story, one that has really complex yet lovable characters, high stakes and lots of forbidden romance. I really loved how the author incorporates the Fae into the lore of Neverland. It’s something I never thought of before. Overall, this was a well-written story that I look forward to continuing when the next book comes out in October.
April 6, 2022
I first wanted to read this book after seeing Breaking Neverland and reading the description for it. I started reading this book with the spoilers from that but also blind because I don’t think I ever read the blurb for this one!
It’s a unique twist on one of the fairytales that’s never been my favorite. I liked seeing Wendy and Peter as young adults and actually facing tough decisions with real consequences.
Wendy could be bratty, and Peter was immature, but they were both doing some “growing up” in this book, so I think there will be more character growth happening in the second. I definitely liked both of them though. Separately, they were intriguing and solid protagonists, and I enjoyed the moments we got to see of them together romantically.
I also liked the way Captain Hook was done in this story. It was a twist I hadn’t seen done before, and I’m hopeful we get to see more of his character.
I hate reading children in books, it’s just a personal preference, so I had a hard time getting into most of the scenes involving Wendy’s brothers or the Lost Boys.
When the book first started out, I was afraid Peter and Wendy would be thirteen for the entire story, but there was a time jump that was actually necessary for the plot.
It was a little slower in parts, but it made sense because a lot of this book was used to lead into the sequel. The world, the characters, and the stakes were set up skillfully, and I’m fully invested to find out what happens. I’m so relieved I didn’t have to wait for book two to come out!
It’s a unique twist on one of the fairytales that’s never been my favorite. I liked seeing Wendy and Peter as young adults and actually facing tough decisions with real consequences.
Wendy could be bratty, and Peter was immature, but they were both doing some “growing up” in this book, so I think there will be more character growth happening in the second. I definitely liked both of them though. Separately, they were intriguing and solid protagonists, and I enjoyed the moments we got to see of them together romantically.
I also liked the way Captain Hook was done in this story. It was a twist I hadn’t seen done before, and I’m hopeful we get to see more of his character.
I hate reading children in books, it’s just a personal preference, so I had a hard time getting into most of the scenes involving Wendy’s brothers or the Lost Boys.
When the book first started out, I was afraid Peter and Wendy would be thirteen for the entire story, but there was a time jump that was actually necessary for the plot.
It was a little slower in parts, but it made sense because a lot of this book was used to lead into the sequel. The world, the characters, and the stakes were set up skillfully, and I’m fully invested to find out what happens. I’m so relieved I didn’t have to wait for book two to come out!
May 30, 2020
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book and even in the middle of my exams, I couldn't stay away from it. I just had to open it and read a bit.. Reading a bit turned into finishing the book as that is what usually happens when I find a good one.
In this book our heroine is Wendy Darling, the oldest sibling in the Darling family. Close to becoming a woman, she is struggling with the increasing pressure to get married. This is where Peter Pan shows up and whisks her, her brothers and the dog away to a new adventure in Neverland. But although Neverland is wonderful, trouble is brewing.
This book does a wonderful job of building the author's version of the story, from describing the world and the circumstances that our heroine finds herself in, to showing the reader a new depth to the characters. It is definitely worth a read, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series, when I can find out what will happen next.
-Elle
In this book our heroine is Wendy Darling, the oldest sibling in the Darling family. Close to becoming a woman, she is struggling with the increasing pressure to get married. This is where Peter Pan shows up and whisks her, her brothers and the dog away to a new adventure in Neverland. But although Neverland is wonderful, trouble is brewing.
This book does a wonderful job of building the author's version of the story, from describing the world and the circumstances that our heroine finds herself in, to showing the reader a new depth to the characters. It is definitely worth a read, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series, when I can find out what will happen next.
-Elle
June 1, 2020
I hadn't ever read a Peter Pan retelling, so I was a little nervous to try this one. But I am so glad I did! Brittany once again captured me with her incredible story-weaving skills.
The characters are so real and struggle like real human beings. Peter was so complex and it was fun to put him together piece by piece as Brittany gave us clues to find his core. Wendy. I felt a strong connection with her as she struggled with different emotions and how to handle them in her unique situation. And. And her love for the Lost Boys. It was so genuine and natural. It was beautiful to watch. Tink had the typical Tinkerbell attitude, but it was finding out why she acted that way was an amazing component of the story.
The plot has me completely taken, and I can't wait for the next installment!
The characters are so real and struggle like real human beings. Peter was so complex and it was fun to put him together piece by piece as Brittany gave us clues to find his core. Wendy. I felt a strong connection with her as she struggled with different emotions and how to handle them in her unique situation. And. And her love for the Lost Boys. It was so genuine and natural. It was beautiful to watch. Tink had the typical Tinkerbell attitude, but it was finding out why she acted that way was an amazing component of the story.
The plot has me completely taken, and I can't wait for the next installment!
June 3, 2020
*I read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for a review*
I am a fairy tale junkie but Peter Pan is definitely not my favorite. So, I had a lot of misgivings going into this book. However, by the end I was definitely won over because the fear of growing up is something that every goes through and Peter and Wendy's struggles really pulled me in. I can't wait for Part II because the special cameo at the end and all of the awesome tension that Brittany built promise that the next book will be even better.
If you like Peter Pan, you will probably like this book even more than I did because it has some fun twists on the classic story.
I am a fairy tale junkie but Peter Pan is definitely not my favorite. So, I had a lot of misgivings going into this book. However, by the end I was definitely won over because the fear of growing up is something that every goes through and Peter and Wendy's struggles really pulled me in. I can't wait for Part II because the special cameo at the end and all of the awesome tension that Brittany built promise that the next book will be even better.
If you like Peter Pan, you will probably like this book even more than I did because it has some fun twists on the classic story.
June 5, 2020
Truly magical
I really enjoyed this retelling of Peter Pan. I think it's actually my first time reading a Peter Pan retelling. Peter and Wendy are older teens, in this story, but I think the story still maintains the wonder and magic of the original story. It's both sweet and sad, with both Wendy and Peter caught in impossible positions, which adds great conflict to the story. I really enjoyed reading from both Wendy's and Peter's point of view. They are great characters! I look forward to reading the next Peter Pan book. I'm curious to see how everything gets resolved!
I really enjoyed this retelling of Peter Pan. I think it's actually my first time reading a Peter Pan retelling. Peter and Wendy are older teens, in this story, but I think the story still maintains the wonder and magic of the original story. It's both sweet and sad, with both Wendy and Peter caught in impossible positions, which adds great conflict to the story. I really enjoyed reading from both Wendy's and Peter's point of view. They are great characters! I look forward to reading the next Peter Pan book. I'm curious to see how everything gets resolved!
May 22, 2022
Summary:
“An adventure doesn’t need luxury. It needs love.
The kind of love that gasps and delights and exclaims at all things new.”
Wendy always knew in her heart that Neverland was real. And when the real world threatens to crush all her dreams, she flies at her chance to escape with Peter Pan.
But Neverland isn’t the perfect dream she thought, and Peter isn’t just a little boy, he may be the man of her dreams. But can Neverland Survive Peter Pan growing up?
REVIEW:
A delightful fairy tale retelling broken up into two parts. It really challenges the idea of what it means to grow up, and be true to yourself.
“An adventure doesn’t need luxury. It needs love.
The kind of love that gasps and delights and exclaims at all things new.”
Wendy always knew in her heart that Neverland was real. And when the real world threatens to crush all her dreams, she flies at her chance to escape with Peter Pan.
But Neverland isn’t the perfect dream she thought, and Peter isn’t just a little boy, he may be the man of her dreams. But can Neverland Survive Peter Pan growing up?
REVIEW:
A delightful fairy tale retelling broken up into two parts. It really challenges the idea of what it means to grow up, and be true to yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
I love this series
I was so excited for this book to come out. I kept reading it in little pieces throughout my work day and finally finished it this morning. I am devastated that there is a second book that isn’t out yet, but at the same time excited that I have more to read about Peter and Wendy.
I was so excited for this book to come out. I kept reading it in little pieces throughout my work day and finally finished it this morning. I am devastated that there is a second book that isn’t out yet, but at the same time excited that I have more to read about Peter and Wendy.
June 2, 2020
Wow...
I read this book in a day. Peter Pan is such a great story and this retelling was awesome. The end of the book is not the end of the story, however. If you don’t like cliff hangers, even small ones, then this might not be the book for you unless the sequel has come out. But I loved it and can’t wait to see how things turn out.
I read this book in a day. Peter Pan is such a great story and this retelling was awesome. The end of the book is not the end of the story, however. If you don’t like cliff hangers, even small ones, then this might not be the book for you unless the sequel has come out. But I loved it and can’t wait to see how things turn out.
June 14, 2020
Nice retelling
I have never read a Peter Pan retelling before so I didn't know what to expect. Like the Cinderella story, it took it's time getting to the actual story of Peter Pan. But it brought all of the elements of the story. And the author made the story her own. Looking forward to reading Part 2.
I have never read a Peter Pan retelling before so I didn't know what to expect. Like the Cinderella story, it took it's time getting to the actual story of Peter Pan. But it brought all of the elements of the story. And the author made the story her own. Looking forward to reading Part 2.
January 8, 2021
A magical retelling of Peter Pan
In this story the world of Peter Pan is filled with even more magic and history of the characters. Everything occurs over a period of some insight a few years prior as well as weeks spent in the real world and Neverland. A good quick read with a more drawn out romantic twist on the exchanges between Wendy and Peter.
In this story the world of Peter Pan is filled with even more magic and history of the characters. Everything occurs over a period of some insight a few years prior as well as weeks spent in the real world and Neverland. A good quick read with a more drawn out romantic twist on the exchanges between Wendy and Peter.
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