Neverlander

The Neverlander Series #1

by Elora Burrell

If you thought the tales ended with Wendy think again...



The stories of the infamous Peter Pan has been passed down Wyn's family for generations. But now the tales hang over her like a shameful reminder of their entwined history with the fabled place. That is, until she discoversthat the stories were in fact true.



Lost in a Neverland much different to the tales she'd been told, she must find a way home. But when the evil that lurks there rears its ugly head, she finds herself inescapably caught up in the midst of it all.



With the fate of Neverland hanging in the balance, Wyn must decide which path to take; the one that leads her home or the one that leads to trouble.

Genres: Fantasy

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2020

About the author

Elora Burrell is an emerging author of speculative fiction. She has worked a variety of jobs and is now the co-founder of a growing publishing business. She has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Teeside University, as well as a Bachelors in English Literature & Creative Writing from the University of Chester. When not reading or writing, she enjoys gaming, dog walks, a long list of television series’, and spending time with her family.
She lives in Wiltshire, with woodlands and Salisbury Plains on her back doorstep.

Reviews

[Chloe Cutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars out of 5 from me!
Great story, exciting and I loved the characters!
The ending was amazing and I’m eagerly waiting for the next instalment in this series!

[Jay Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neverlander was such an intriguing twist to one of my favorite tales as a kid. I loved the world building behind this and the idea that there are generations of "darlings" and that it's not just Wendy and her siblings that went to Neverland.

The main character, Wyn, is over her mundane life and finds herself thrust into a new world with Lost Boys who have grown up, a missing Peter, and a pirate worse than Hook. The story telling was well done and the writing itself was great. I was a little bogged down in certain parts but due to the pacing and characters I was able to enjoy it nonetheless.

I do have to point out that I fell in love with Maya! I don't know what it is about creatures/beasts that save an MC and become a welcomed companion but I am here for it and Elora made me shed tears on one particular spot in the book where I worried for Maya's life!

The ending was so frustrating and yet so satisfying that I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not! Honestly, it leaves a great opening for book two and I am SO excited to read it. Great job by Elora!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a spin off from Peter Pan. Wyn the great granddaughter of Wendy is carried off to Neverland, Pan has disappeared and Wyn has to find her way back home to London, with the help of friends she meets on the way.

This book was absolutely fantastic and I thank the author Elora Burrell for sending me a copy. I have not read a fantasy/adventure book for about 10 years and I am definitely going to start reading them more. I loved being immersed into such a wonderful world, but a world i partly knew from my own childhood. This spin-off whilst having complete originality and individuality, also holds true to a lot of what we know of Neverland.

This story was exciting throughout, there was constant action and adventure and fantasy magical creatures.

The character of Wyn who the story follows is a strong, independent female lead and I like that there is no “male hero” needed and she often saves her own skin and that of her friends. My only dislike is she is quite violent towards her love interest and I would like to see this be expressed differently in the remaining books.

The other main characters: Curly, Slightly and Khara are also strong characters and I felt I cared deeply for them.

I am so excited to read the next books in the series! This book has set it up so nicely and I have so many questions that I can’t wait to find out what happens.

If you love Peter Pan, fantasy, adventure and strong female leads then this is definitely the book for you.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting take on the world of Peter Pan, and follows Wendy Darling's great-granddaughter Wyn through her own adventures in Neverland. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's take on what has happened in Neverland since the Darlings left, and am desperate to follow the story further. There seems to be a sequel but it isn't available anywhere?!

[Sam Raywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing I couldn't put this book down now can't wait to read the second book and other books this author has wrote.

[Sengagh Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good retelling and particularly when it’s a retelling of Peter Pan.
This has been on my radar for a while and I’m so glad I got round to it. I loved this unique take on a classic story that everyone knows. I loved meeting Curly and his relationship with Wyn was so endearing. I found that I was intrigued as to where the story was going as it brought new elements that I’ve never experienced in a Neverland retelling before. The end was a cliffhanger that means I need to read the next one right away - which I love but only if it’s available to read!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. What a spectacular debut. A Peter Pan spin-off, I loved LOVED that the story didn't have Peter Pan as a main character- I love Peter Pan don't get me wrong but this was totally refreshing- and instead focused on some of the Lost Boys. Curly, Slightly, and, eventually, Nibs.

It follows Wyn, the great granddaughter of Wendy Darling, who is suddenly swept away to Neverland. Wyn is a strong, wonderfully independent female lead. She gets herself out of predicaments without the help of a male character. It's just *mwah*
Only thing I didn't like about her is how easily she doesn't really question her sudden placement in Neverland, how she is harsh towards Curly. She is quick to anger and quick to jump to conclusions when it comes to him. There would be a happy scene where everything this going great between them nand BAM she's mad about something thus breaking them apart.

I freaking loved Curly. He's a big ol teddy bear. He can be just as stubborn as Wyn is, but his heart is sweet and caring.

Slightly and Khara are amazing. Slightly witty and flirtatious, Khara a strong and fierce heroine in her own right. I love them both.

I love his the author took original characters and made them mature; she took hold if the Lost Boys and brought them into the spotlight, pushing Peter aside. I never knew I needed this until now.

A fun, magical and quick read with a new spin. That cliffhanger actually made me gasp in outrage. I can't wait to see what happens next. No. I NEED to see what happens next. My life depends on it!

Overall rating: 4/5🌟

[Hayley Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘To soar amongst the stars would be an awfully big adventure.’

Are you a Disney fanatic who can’t get enough of the short stories depicted on the big screen? Do you have questions about why Hook hates Pan and vice versa? Well, the story doesn’t have to stop. Neverlander carries on the magical story of the Darling family and co. but with a twist of darkness, more magic and more enemies. It’s such a good idea for a book and I praise the new author Elora for writing it so brilliantly; I genuinely want to see a movie of it…I wonder if she will let me play Wyn? (The great granddaughter of the famous Wendy.)

The only criticism I have is the emotions of the main character, Wyn. She doesn’t question enough why she has been brought to Neverland and with the past of her family, I thought she would feel more regret and guilt for how things turned out, she is too okay with it all – not saying any more, no spoilers allowed! However, contrastingly to this, the book is rammed full of adventure, a huge range of characters and an absolutely amazing ending. It leaves you hungry for more. I will be sure to be picking up ‘Never Never’ the sequel (when it comes out, hurry up Elora!)

So, Disney fan? Pan fan? Adventure fan? Dark fantasy fan? Then pick up this Disney meets dark adventure book to satisfy your cravings! It’s an exciting whirlwind that will leave you wanting more.

4/5

‘The air is cold and the wind sharp as it twists around my body, kicking up my hair as it attempts to lure it into a dance. I don’t feel the cold; my body is numb to the elements around it.’

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this amazing retelling of Peter Pan! The plot was really good and I really liked the great mix of action, mystery, magic and romance, the pace was good but at times it did feel a bit slow going.

I also liked the main character Wyn, she is stubborn but kind hearted, and Curly is really sweet too, I liked how the author incorporated the original characters and made them more mature, this isn't the Neverland you think you know...

I enjoyed the world building too, the descriptions were really nice l and I pictured it all well, the magic was really cool, however I do wish we met more creatures/characters to add a bit more dazzle, but I did enjoy what we got regardless.

I liked the ending but it was left where there was a lot going on (cliffhanger) and I did feel that this book was more of an introduction as in terms of the main plot, not a huge amount happened, but I did find it very enjoyable and cannot wait to see what happens to Wyn and the gang next.

Basically I really need the sequel! 🤩

[HyggeBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut by Elora is fantastical. I enjoyed reading about Neverland and following Wyn's adventures. It was exciting to revisit the stories of Peter Pan in a Young Adult format. I also loved seeing Wyn's character develop into a strong and badass young woman throughout.

I can't wait to read book two and find out what happens next!

- - -

Magic has vanished alongside Peter Pan. When Wyn is whisked away to Neverland it doesn't look quite how she imagined. Time has started moving again and the Lost Boys from her great grandma's stories have matured (with abs and facial hair might I add). A new villain runs the show now, and Wyn finds herself trying to uncover the secrets of Neverland and discover what exactly she needs to do to regain balance.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
I would definitely read this again! I became acquainted with the author on Insta and they are super nice! I won a sweater from her giveaway and I was like omg I need to read the book bc how am I supposed to wear the sweater if I haven't read the book?!!!

Anywho... I loved it! There were some terms that I was uncomfortable with, but Elora and I had already discussed about that. This story was such a nice way to continue on Neverland! I can't wait for Never Never! GREAT JOB ELORA!!!! 💕💕👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Whitney Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered what happened in Neverland after Wendy and her brothers left, Neverlander is the book for you! Burrell explores the complicated relationship between Pan and Hook and the fate of The Lost Boys in this fanciful adventure...her readers are simply along for the ride. Be warned - Neverlander is the first in what promises to be a fascinating series! You won't regret picking this one up. I promise.

[Keely Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder what happened to Neverland when Wendy left? What happened to Peter Pan, The Lost Boys, Tinkerbell?
This book picks up years later with Wyn, the Great Granddaughter of Wendy. Suddenly she finds the tales she heard as a child are all true...but Neverland isn't the same place it once was and Wyn must help save it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise kept me hooked ;-)
Will certainly be picking up the sequel soon!

[Martine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Five things:
- Dark YA re-imagining
- Getting magic back
- The Lost Boys are all grown up
- Family secrets
- Classic adventuring story

[Justyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! And this ending... I can't wait to second part! Well done Elora 😘😍

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much, fast paced and a good binge read. Can't wait for the second in the series!!!

[Jessica Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t even finished reading this book but I’m just so excited about it, I had to tell everyone! I’m listening on audible and the performance is amazing!

[Maé · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a big collector of every Peter Pan retelling there is, I was really excited to pick up Neverlander because of the number of 5 stars ratings it had. And it took me 19 pages to question everything about the ratings because: what the fuck.

The timeline doesn't make sense: why do they still talk like it's the 18th century when it's set more or less 75 years after Wendy’s travels to Neverland, which brings us almost to the 80s? This is just the beginning of the absolute absence of any explanation. Winnie arrived in Neverland and there wasn't ONE description about what it looked like (beside that it's big and green). None of her feelings are ever shown (at one point, she's saved and brought to shore BY A DOLPHIN and… she doesn't even show surprise ?).

The main thing is that the pacing is absolutely way too fast. In 19 pages, Winnie had the time to: tell the story of her great grandmother Wendy, visit her mother in an asylum, have a fight with her father, fly off to Neverland, get captured by pirates, saved by a random Lost Boy, and brought to shore BY A DOLPHIN. In 19 pages. I usually don't mind fast-paced books, but this felt like taking a private jet just to enter the story faster.

Keep in mind that I absolutely haven't given a chance to the novel, and gave up very fast for my own standards. I’m also really picky for Peter Pan retellings because I read a lot of AMAZING ones. Maybe the story is still a gem, as the plot actually looked interesting at first. But I have a TBR way too big to read books I don't love.

[Alysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what happened in Neverland after the Darlings left? NeverLander is a wonderfully adventurous reimagining of Neverland and the characters that inhabit it. Wyn is a strong, courageous young woman who has grown up with the stories of Peter Pan and Neverland. After falling asleep one night she unexpectedly finds herself in Neverland, and is understandably confused, yet at the same time, hopeful for adventures like her great grandmother Wendy Darling. But Neverland is no longer the same as it once was, and there are more dangers than she knows. I loved meeting all of the different characters from Peter Pan, like Curly, Slightly, Nibs, Tiger Lily, with a new and exciting twist to them. The character dynamics were a little underdeveloped, but still enjoyable. It was a quick read, with one open door, but not explicit scene.

Overall a good story, a fun read, and an interesting take on Peter Pan. I can’t wait for the next book.