Vicious as a Darling

Daughters of Neverland #1

by Kendra Moreno

Beware the happy thoughts...

Neverland has one rule: never grow up. So why is everyone suddenly aging?

Wendy Darling knows two things.
1. She came to Neverland as a child.
2. After being frozen at sixteen for as long as she can remember, she's suddenly getting older.

There's something wrong with Never Never Land and Wendy is determined to find out what it is. Danger lurks in the ocean, on land, and around every corner. The ticking clock is growing louder and not even Captain Hook can stop the inevitable.

The Daughters of Neverland are in trouble. Will they be strong enough to survive the spreading evil?

After all, Neverland belongs to the nightmares...

This is a horror romance twist on Neverland and is a spin off series to the Sons of Wonderland. This can be read without reading the previous series first.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Horror, Fairy Tales, Fairy Tale Retellings, Ebooks, Young Adult

218 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2020

About the author

Kendra Moreno is secretly a spy but when she’s not dealing in secrets and espionage, you can find her writing her latest adventure. She lives in Texas where the summer days will make you melt, and southern charm comes free with every meal. She’s a recovering Road Rager (kind of) and slowly overcoming her Star Wars addiction (nope!), and she definitely didn’t pass on her addiction to her son (she did). She has one hellhound named Mayhem who got tired of guarding the Gates of Hell and now guards her home against monsters. She’s a geek, a mother, a scuba diver, a tyrannosaurus rex, and a wordsmith who sometimes switches out her pen for a sword.

If you see Kendra on the streets, don’t worry: you can distract her with talks about Kylo Ren or Loki.
#LokiLives #BringBackBenSolo

To learn more about Kendra Moreno, you can visit her website, kendramorenoauthor.com, or joing her Facebook group, Kendra's World of Wonder.

Reviews

[Ruth♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Una de las hijas elegidas por el País de nunca jamás se da cuenta que algo muy malo está pasando, por lo que Wendy decide tomar cartas en el asunto he investigar pero tendra que trabajar con Garfio alguien a quien de verdad no quiere volver a ver pero está muriendo Nunca jamás así que tendrá que lidiar con ese sentimiento y descubrir los horrores que se esconden.

Siento que está serie va a estar mejor que la de Él país de las maravillas, este libro fue una adicción neta me lo leí súper rápido, también es corto peroo en menos de un día, yo NECESITABA saber que pasaba.

Wendy como protagonista es muy top, sobrevivió en este nuevo mundo donde eran más pesadillas que nada, vió cosas muy feas y aún así no perdió su humanidad, siempre trato a todos súper bien y también era una chica luchadora que se dio su lugar cuando el Garfio andaba de estúpido, no sé dejo y si lo hizo sufrir un poco cuando lo merecía, ahora él también me gustó, paso por sus propias pesadillas e hizo cosas feas por sobrevivir pero supo reconocerlo y aprender de eso, años atrás era un inmaduro y lastimó a Wendy pero se recuperó de eso y trabajo para volver a estar con ella.

La historia del mundo y de los personajes es muy intrigante lo más seguro es que me los lea de corrido si no muy pegados, además quiero ver cómo se juntan estos dos mundos de El país de las maravillas con El país de nunca jamás.

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This is a new series that is also a spinoff from the Sons of Wonderland series. I loved this so much. Something about the retellings where Peter Pan isn't the all-perfect hero is a huge thing that I am LOVING, and with Hook as a sexy pirate hero. Yummy, yum. I really hope to see more and more of this in the Neverland retellings. I'm excited about the next book and to see who Tiger Lily ends up with.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing new series that beautifully ties in with the previous one and shows off the author's glorious imagination! I loved every minute of this book and can't wait for the next one!
I have to admit that Neverland was never my destination of interest but after reading this book, I can't wait to go back. Don't get me wrong, there are no unicorns and rainbows or happy thoughts, there is darkness, there is evil, there are monsters and corrupt magic, but there is an abundance of love, and loyalty, and friendship, and acceptance, and support, and there is even passion.
Wendy is an amazing, strong, independent, and resilient character, and not just because or since she became a daughter but before then, as well. Her incorruptible genuine goodness touches everyone who meets her, and her undying desire to help everyone she can help, makes people respect her, follow her and be loyal to her. 
Hook is the other side of the coin, but not in the negative sense. He is darker because of his past but he was also touched by the wonder of Wendy which brought some inevitable changes to his character. Their connection is undeniable and their bond unbreakable. I loved both characters and I enjoyed their not so romantic romance. It was absolutely beautiful.
The story is amazing. The author has the ability to create incredible darkness, then bring light to the darkness, and do all of that with so much suspense, unexpected twists, and a reasonable dose of heat. The book kept me on the edge of my seat! Thank you Kendra Moreno!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG that was an insane story. This story had me from beginning to end. This is a spin off of the Sons of Wonderland series. Don’t need to read them. But come on why would you not want to. These stories are freaking amazing. Kendra Moreno made my entire freaking year(already since it just started) when she continued on with these stories. I highly recommend reading all her stories. Definitely this one. Retelling of Neverland. Cannot get any better then this. Now just to wait for the next book. Seriously read this story. You will not be disappointed. Over all loved this story and I want more!!!

[Claudia Coenen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved Kendras Sons of Wonderland and was quite sad to see them go and couldn't wait to see what see would do with Neverland.

She did amazing, that's what! This is quite the outlook on Neverland and their characters, dont think you know which way she goes because it's wrong. The sons make a small cameo in this one but I think they play a bigger role in the next one.

If you don't know of the sons it's not necessary to read them to understand this book, but if you will read them you get extra excited when they will be mentioned.

5 stars!!

[Andrea Ashwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

3’45⭐️

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic read by Kendra Moreno. It's in the same universe as her Sons of Wonderland, and while you don't need to read that first to understand this one, there is a chapter that will make much more impact if you do. And it prevents spoilers if you want to go back to that series eventually. Besides, why wouldn't you? It's a great completed series!

Wendy is a bit of a badass, with some insecurity and other issues that she keeps pushing through, which make her even more of a badass because she keeps going. Have you ever thought about the Peter Pan cartoons and movies and wondered, what if Wendy really did become a Pirate and Neverland was as dark and scary as it sometimes hinted? Then you've got a start. Prepare for sword fights, sexual tension, monsters, emotional roller coasters, and general twistedness. This is not the Neverland you grew up with.

[Tammy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great spin off of the Sons of Wonderland. This is Peter Pan retelling turned on it's head dark and twisty. Wendy Darling is a dark fierce pirate captain who has a hot and cold relationship with hook and Peter is completely crazy it has all the characters but in different roles. I can't wait for the next book to see the Sons of Wonderland team up with the Daughters of Neverland. This is a must read.

I received an ARC for a honest review

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!!! This is the best Neverland retelling ever! Seeing the girls of wonderland being strong woman with a strong backbone is awesome. I love how Tink retains her mischievous side, how Tiger takes care of the trees and Wendy and Hook?? OMG I love this. Even though I know Peter is not human I am so mad at him in this book. Kill Peter, save the Croc!!!

[Veronica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words, this is not like the Neverland you grew up reading about. This blew my mind kept my interest from beginning to the end. You must read this and forget about the Neverland you once knew.

[MHC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started well enough but I just didn't connect with the characters. We were TOLD a lot of things as opposed to shown

[Fae Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major warning for a lot of dark themes, but that's to be expected.
I am so happy to be back in this universe, this focusing on another one of my favourite worlds, Neverland. Retelling involved Wonderland and Neverland are always my favourite. It's just as dark and gory as the Sons of Wonderland, and I love it.
I especially loved Wendy's character throughout this book, she's a strong, caring, female pirate, who is not afraid of fighting mermaids or picking fights with other pirates. Namely Captain Hook. I absolutely loved the banter that continuously went on with these two, it almost felt like an enemies-to-lovers kinda romance, even though both of these captains had feelings for each other before the events of the story. Warning a bit of a kinky sex scene between the two. XD
Yeck, I even the side romance with Smee & Pete and even the minor romance hints with Chip & Swift, to be adorable.
I cannot wait to read Tink and Tiger Lily's point of view in the next two books, I never thought I'd find myself feeling a little bit afraid of Tink, but here we are. Peter is a dark individual, but he's also a bit of a hopeless case. This isn't my first dark retelling involving Peter Pan being dark (both in terms of reading and watching), but I always find myself preferring a dark version of Peter, as it makes more sense and in the first original story of Peter Pan, he was a villain.
Can't wait to see what the characters from Wonderland bring to the table and I'm curious about why Wendy wanted to warn White about Hook being alive. And I interested to see how Wendy is the "key", and if the fact her tears turn into crystals have anything to do with it.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Peter Pan and all things retelling of Peter Pan. This book is a spin off series of the Sons of Wonderland series I read last year. It was a nice tie in, as my favorite character from the previous series is talked about in this and makes a couple appearances.

Maybe it's the child in me that always wanted to go to Neverland and was in love with Peter Pan, but I'm a little sick of Wendy/Hook retellings. This one was done well, I enjoyed the banter Wendy and Hook had with one another. I appreciated their backstory. But at this point, I'm kind of thinking it's played out. I still love a good Wendy/Peter story (probably thanks to the 2003 live action version. I mean, we were all in love when we saw that movie as children), but I see how people could argue that's played out as well. I think the author could have made this more intriguing if she had made Wendy fall for the crocodile (I'm very intrigued with this character in this series).

Kendra Moreno is great at taking my childhood fairytales and twisting them to be dangerous. The elements of the original are all still there, but the world itself is more sinister than it was in my Disney movies. I actually really love that about her stories. This Neverland is not the same as the one I always dreamed of running away to, but I think I'd like to go anyway.

As with the Sons of Wonderland series, not all questions are answered in this book. But the primary couple gets together and works out their differences. You're left with a happy sappy feeling, but also a curiosity of what is yet to come. If you like twisted fairytales, Hook/Wendy pairings. Peter Pan retellings/reimaginings, or the Sons of Wonderland series, then I would highly recommend checking this series out. I only wish I had started it sooner.

[Bella Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. What can I say about this amazing book..?First of all this is my first Peter Pan retelling and I loved it. I love everything about this book. The main characters,all unique in their own way, were interesting, well developed and cool and I adored all of them.
Now about the story line: unique, original. I have never read a book like this one and I can't wait to read the rest of them. I hoped though that each book of this series would be a different adventour but I 'm afraid it wasn't.I mean I also read the sons of wonderland by the same author(and I loved them)and all four books of the series is a different adventure all connected at the end. Well at least the three out of the four books. I haven't read the fourth book yet.
Anyway back to the book. My favourite character was captain Hook and Peter Pan. I thought both of them were really cool. I am hoping for more Peter at the next books though. And how it ended!!! I got so excited!!!Hell yes!!!
I totally reccomend it to everyone that wants to read an excellent book and don't want to waste
precious time.

[Lisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! As a big Sons of Wonderland fan, I was super excited for this spin-off series set in Neverland. This is not the Neverland you grew up with. It’s darker, harder, more deadly and gritty. There’s so much potential for both the good - who don’t dare think happy thoughts, and the Lost. The Lost are a definite curiosity, and I’m already speculating on what has happened to them and what’s going to happen with them. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds. The Wonderlanders make a brief appearance in this book and will no doubt have a bigger part in the next books. It’s not necessary to have read the Wonderland series to read this book. Neverland is a completely different world and easily stands on its own. But if you haven’t read the Wonderland series, I encourage you to do so. I encourage you to read this, then go and read the Sons of Wonderland while you’re waiting for the next book in this series. And if you’ve read the Sons, you know how epic this is.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark retelling, and reimagined, story about Peter Pan and the other dynamic characters. Sooooo bloody good!
This is a spin off from another series but you'll have no issues following along. You just won't get the little thrill of recognition when other characters pop up in a scene.

I love how Kendra created new roles and personalities for all the characters. You're gonna LOOOOVE this Hook! 👄
Captain Wendy is fierce without being cruel. And I love the interactions between her and Smee, one of her true friends. And Tinkerbell and Tiger Lily are perfectly brutal given the circumstances that arises against the Daughters. And there are some brutal events that occur...remember, this is a darker Neverland where conflicts and monsters try to rule.

Remember, this Never Neverland is quite different, and full of monsters who want to kill our heroes.

Tick Tock, where do we go from here?

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Beware the happy thoughts” because “Neverland belongs to the nightmares.”
What can I say? A fabulous terrifying twist on Peter Pan. A fierce Captain that happens to be Wendy Darling. A hot Captain Hook. Amazing sexual tension between them that threatens to explode the whole way through. And an amazing storyline. What more do you need? Who doesn’t want a hot pirate Captain? I know I do. Love Captain Hook.
I loved this book as much as the Sons of Wonderland and I cannot wait for the next one. Also, I really want to know what happened between Wendy and White. I’m very curious.
Side note; there were a few spelling errors but the story was great so I’m willing to overlook it. I’m a perfectionist, things like that bug me. But seriously, other than those few mistakes, it was such a good book.

[Marea Quijano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy, Hook and Neverland....Wow

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have since bought it. Wow! I absolutely loved this retelling of Peter Pan. And I may be in love with Captain Hook.
I love this new Neverland that Ms. Moreno created. She took the beloved story, characters and Neverland itself and truly made it her own. I'm seeing each character- Wendy, Hook, Peter, Tiger Lily, Tink and even Smee in a different light.
The story was full of action and adventure, friendship and love, happiness and sadness. I'm hooked, lol. I can't wait for book 2!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing twist on a classic like Peter Pan. There’s great romances, wonderful world building, a mix of previous stores (son of wonderland) joining the story to make it even more epic. (You don’t need yo read sons of wonderland first if you don’t want. But I would recommend so you know the characters and their story)

Wendy, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Mr.Smee, Tinkerbell, list boys, Crocodile, and many more characters. It’s so great to see a different twist on some childhood characters making them even more amazing then you remember.

I can’t wait to see how this story grows and the action that awaits in the upcoming books!

[Betteroffwithbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the beginning of a spin-off series from the Sons of Wonderland. Where we will meet the Daughters of Neverland.

Kendra Morena takes everything you think you know about Neverland and blows it completely out of the water in this first installment. In this deliciously dark and twisted version of Neverland, the pirates are far from the most ruthless and dangerous beings on and around this island.

I was hooked (see what I did there) from the very beginning. I am so excited to see the characters from Neverland and Wonderland mix as well as learn more about the other daughters.

[Michelle Reopel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tick-tock, things are changing in Neverland and no one knows why. Tick-tock, everyone is growing up. Tick-tock, is Nerverland's time up? This book is a delightfully dark and twisted version of Neverland that certainly keeps you guessing. Wendy, Hook, Smee and more were such well written characters that at one point I was openly weeping. (Dare you not to, you'll know when you get to that part.) Tink is fierce and I can't wait for Tiger Lily's story! Peter is a spoiler, so you'll just have to read it.

[Cynthia Krietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicious as a Darling is the beginning of a retelling of Neverland like you've never seen before! I loved how the author interconnects her Sons of Wonderland series into this series. I was a huge fan of that series and was sad to see the characters go. I never imagined the take on the Neverland characters that they are in this book. I don't think I ever thought I would say Captain Hook is a sexy pirate lol. I'm excited to see where the rest of this series goes and how the war rages on in Neverland.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stars ⭐️ And the Sea 🌊 we’re always meant to be ⭐️

This is wicked, naughty and dangerously good!!! a new twist to the beloved Neverland! Omg you guys need to read this!! It will blow your mind 🤯off! I love retellings! And is nice to see the Adult retellings like you never seen before! this one is just that!! Kendra has an awesome storytelling! ive been hooked since i read mad as a hatter! her stories become so real you vividly see everything clearly like a movie! Give this book a try!! Warning #Naughty#Hook#Wendy#pirates

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your childhood Neverland! Loving this Neverland retelling so much! Vicious as a Darling is the first book in the spin off Daughters of Neverland from Sons of Wonderland (Which I highly recommend reading as well!) Kendra Moreno does an amazing job creating a dark version of Neverland and doesn't disappoint! I'm already loving all the characters even the villian!! Definately looking forward to when the Wonderland team joins up with the daughters of Neverland. Now to wait for the next book!!

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I loved the Sons of Wonderland and thus far am loving the Daughters of Neverland! This was a great first book in introducing the Neverland World! Wendy is awesome and I love her dynamic with Captain Hook! I am excited to see how they solve the issues in Neverland and I'm curious about what is going on with Peter. I loved getting to see our favorite Wonderlanders too for a brief moment. Definitely excited for the next book!

[Sterling Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this dark reimagining of Neverland. It’s funny- as an adult it’s easy to recognize cruelty in so many children’s stories, and Kendra has pulled from that cruelty to create a tale that imagines Wendy Darling as a fierce pirate captain, Hook as a tortured romantic, and Peter as a cruel and monstrous psychopath.

I really enjoyed the world Kendra has created here. She paints such a dark setting.

[Jane B · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely love the author's spin on neverland. its soooo good! enjoyed how this tied in with the wonderland series also and hopefully will see more of them as the story progresses. full of suspense and action which is what kept me from putting this story down because theres just so much going on and each character just had a strong lasting impact with me. Wendy, Peter, and Hook! <3 oh gosh cant wait for the next book

[readingsprints_and_chaisips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't wait for the Son of Wonderland to get to Neverland. (That is not a spoiler if you've read the books in the order that you're supposed to.) Croc is an enigma for me, Peter is a monster, and Hook is a f*boy in remission. Tink has me rolling my eyes every time she's on page, Tiger Lily is suspicious and no one is calling her out on it, and Wendy is, well she's Wendy, lol.

I will be continuing to the book 2.

[Dawntay Armonta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing, not like the Neverland you grew up with. This story is a little dark, a little twisted, and a very good read. This story is well written, fast paced, easy, read, great characters, action, adventure, and steamy. You will meet Wendy Darling, and find out how her story goes. This is the best Neverland I have visited, and can't wait to go back. This is a five star book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the tie-in to the Sons of Wonderland series, and can’t wait to see how this new series plays out. I really enjoyed how Kendra made her own twist on a classic story, and especially Wendy and Hooks storyline! Looking forward to the next book which I hope includes more Wonderland content too!