Peter Darling

This. Was. AMAZING. I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this book. I’ve been struggling to write a review for a few days now because all I really want to say is: It’s incredible and you must go and buy a copy immediately. Right, I’ll try and explain why I loved it so much (hopefully without dissolving into hopeless fangirling). I love Peter Pan and am always on the lookout for retellings or sequels . Peter Darling is kind of a bit of both. It changes a few details about the original story and these lead into what is essentially a sequel to Peter Pan as we follow him on his return to Neverland after he’s grown up. The depiction of Neverland itself is so detailed and remains true to the original story in a way that gave me such a warm sense of nostalgia. But Peter’s return isn’t smooth sailing, Neverland is different. Hook and the Lost Boys are different. Even Tink has changed. But Peter has changed too and he struggles to fit in around Neverland in ways he never did before. Hook was written fantastically. He’s such a favourite of mine and that was true here as well. He’s witty, conniving and sarcastic, all the things we love about him, but we get to see a whole new side of him too. He’s also kind and understanding. We learn a little of his back-story and how he came to be in Neverland and it makes you adore him even more. The interactions between Hook and Peter are easily the highlight of the book. The pair clash and bounce witty arguments off each other like it’s as easy as breathing but they also slowly cross a boundary into a new kind of relationship. The romance itself was exceptionally well written. It starts to slowly seep into the story early on and then builds bit by bit in a tantalising rise of thrilling tension. I loved that the pair were essentially perfect for each other and both accepted the other’s flaws instantly because they’re a part of who they are. There was so much emotion throughout this book, from all the characters, and when you consider that it is a relatively short book I think this is a real testament to the quality of the writing. The author makes you feel so much and makes you connect with each character so deeply, all in such a short space of time and without it feeling forced or overwhelming at all. The story itself is a lot darker than the original Peter Pan which is perfect as these boys playing games are now men and the stakes are much higher. The twist on the original story that Peter and Wendy are one and the same fit so seamlessly into this story that I almost forgot at times that it wasn’t a part of the original. Reading about Peter’s struggle as he was forced to live as Wendy was so raw and emotional. The trans aspects of this story are handled exceptionally well (I believe this is likely because it’s #ownvoices?) and I especially loved that there was no big ‘reveal’ scene for Peter and Hook. I felt like Hook already loved Peter completely and they didn’t need this big moment where Peter had to explain and see if Hook still wanted to be with him. The ending was beyond perfect. I kept wondering where the story was going to go but I never could’ve expected something as good as it was. It’s simple yet poignant. The whole final few chapters were so amazing that I re-read them about five times before finally putting the book down. There’s so much hope and happiness in that final part that I didn’t want it to end. I have nothing bad to say about this book at all. It’s not very often that a story can wow me as much as this one did. 5 stars doesn’t seem enough, it deserves so much more. It’s the easiest book recommendation I’ve made in ages.

Words can't express how much I loved and adored this book! Beautiful prose, amazing characters, and a fantasy world that completely sucks you in and refuses to let you go. My only qualm (but not enough to affect my rating) was I wasn't sure exactly how old Peter was? Maybe that was just me not paying attention, but apart from that, this was such an amazing book to read to start off 2018! ****SPOILER ALERT****I also really hated what happened to Tink; as one of the few speaking female characters, it hurt a lot, not to mention her whole existence seemed built up just for her to be killed off at that point so the MCs could bond.****END OF SPOILER*** The rest of the story was too gorgeous for me to lower my rating, though. Highly recommended

A wonderful and clever retelling of Peter Pan story. I stumped on this book by chance and once started I could not put it down. However, I cannot give it 5 stars. I felt it was too short, a bit rushed in the end and did not give enough insights about the characters. Chant's writing is beautiful, and I look forward to reading more from this writer.

☠ I LOVE THIS STORY! To give you an idea of how much I loved it, I ordered the paperback before I'd even finished the ebook. Because I need both. I need a copy that can sit on my bookshelf and I can stroke the pages of while I feel all the feels. I always loved Peter Pan and stories inspired by the magic of Neverland. Chant manages to fit in all of the best into his story - cheeky mermaids, clever little fairies and dramatic sword-fights - while also adding in his own monsters, hidden treasures and original characters. To be honest I'd never really thought of any romantic pairings here. I'm a convert now though. Peter and James and perfect for each other, their alter-egos of Pan and Hook are compliment each other throughout the story, but the real magic comes through as the two men's real, more vulnerable personalities begin to shine through. I thought Chant chose the perfect time/ age to set this story - Peter returns to Neverland after a decade, so it's more of a sequel than a retelling - Peter is old enough that it doesn't feel weird but young enough that his conflicting feelings and sometimes immature reactions are very believable. There are some breathtakingly beautiful scenes here - both happy and sad. Obviously the romance plays a big part, but there are lots of other emotions here to. The scenes in the Darling household are difficult to read, and could be triggering (there's dead-naming, misgendering and depressive thoughts) but as much as I can tell as a cis woman, the trans aspects of the story are handled delicately, carefully and with complete respect. There's also a few death scenes, which feel more bittersweet than brutal, but one especially had actual tears in my eyes - which for me is a real rarity. ⚔ I would have loved if this were a longer book, firstly because the prose is lovely and descriptive to read, and secondly because there's so much going on - so many great ideas and interesting backstory. I'd have loved to read more about the insect-like fairies and their communes, Redbeard's hidden treasure, Ernest's time in Neverland and especially how the magic of Neverland bends itself around Pan and Hook.

Such a beautiful, raw and immersive read. I read it in one sitting and only wish it were longer, or part of a series. I felt engrossed throughout and transfixed with the retelling so wonderfully done.

¿Qué puedo decir sobre esta obra? Que estoy enamorada de ella hasta las trancas. Lo leí dos veces, y me ha encantado las dos veces. Y mira que no tuve paciencia de leerme la novela original, y opté mejor por la película. Sin duda alguna, es una novela buena. Yo me esperaba una historia mucho más adulta, pero no deja de ser juvenil. Lo único méh para mí, ha sido el final. Que yo me quedé con ganas de más. Me supo muy abrupto. Dos capítulos más y me hubiese dado para el pego.

Amazing book, enjoyed it so much i wound up buying my first hardcover too

Les enfants qui se réfugient au Pays Imaginaire sont malheureux et dans le monde réel, l'audacieux Peter n'est autre que Wendy Darling, qui sous la l'identité de Peter a découvert qu'elle pouvait être le garçon qu'elle avait toujours voulu être sans vraiment le savoir... Ce roman est donc une réécriture de Peter Pan, qui se déroule une dizaine d'années après l'histoire que l'on pense connaître, lorsque l'insatisfaction du monde réel pousse Peter à revenir au pays imaginaire. C'est un roman intelligent et très bien pensé, qui à côté d'un aspect aventureux très bien mené et d'une romance solide est également très fin psychologiquement. Peter Darling s'ouvre donc sur la première confrontation de Peter avec le Capitaine Crochet à son retour dans le pays imaginaire dix ans plus tard. Désormais jeune homme plutôt que gamin cabriolant, Peter est plus féroce et sauvage que jamais, bien décidé à vaincre son ennemi de toujours et à mener les enfants Perdus sur le sentier de la guerre... Mais si la magie du pays imaginaire agit toujours, il va devoir apprendre pour lui-même que même sur son île tout n'est pas tout noir ou blanc, et que les ennemis peuvent être bien plus. J'ai beaucoup aimé le parti pris du roman, tant les problématiques de la transidentité se mêlent parfaitement aux thématiques du Pays Imaginaire, et au delà de cette première idée très forte, j'ai trouvé la réalisation et le déroulé narratif vraiment très bons et prenants. L'auteur ne dit rien, mais montre tout, par touches progressives et discrètes qui font confiance au lecteur pour tirer ses conclusions et le scénario a toujours réussi à répondre aux questions que je me posais ou aux points qui me faisaient tiquer au cours de la lecture, notamment sur le fonctionnement de l'univers. J'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié de nombreux détails et le fait que bien qu'il s'appuie sur un imaginaire déjà établi, notamment dans la représentation de l'île, le roman y apporte clairement sa patte, comme par exemple sur la nature des fées, insectoïdes bien loin de la représentation de Disney. Peter Darling est un roman initiatique, mais aussi une très belle exploration des thèmes de l'isolation, de la répression de soi-même et de la subversion d'une forme toxique de masculinité... et une romance entre ennemis bien menée, ce que je n'aurais pas forcément jugé possible en ouvrant le livre !

Well, I managed to get over my reading slump with a good ol', how-am-I-supposed-to-move-on-from-this, book hangover. God, I feel like my heart is simultaneously about to break in half and combust from the sheer gorgeousness of this book and the quiet, tender happiness of that ending. "Peter Darling" has been on my TBR for absolute ages. I'm so glad I've finally managed to read this, because it did not disappoint, not one bit. It's a moving, lovely tale, and everything, from Peter's somewhat infuriating, but absolutely endearing personality, to Neverland's wild and dreamlike atmosphere and all its wild and dreamlike inhabitants, is so vividly described, so tangibly alive. And Peter and Hook's relationship? Oh my god. I wept and laughed and swooned and ugh, it was just perfect. Their love was a rollercoaster of antagonism and hate and obsession mixed in with yearning and sensuality and affection, and I loved them to absolute bits. Austin Chant is a marvellous storyteller and their writing was so gorgeous: each line was thoroughly well-thought and well-placed, and every single one of them hits like a punch in the gut, a truckload of feelings straight to the sternum. My heart hurts and I really don't know what I should do with myself now that I've finished this book. Yep, it's the best (and the worst) feeling in the world.

I never really cared about Peter Pan. I was never into neither pirates nor Indians. I always found Peter too reckless, and Wendy way too annoying. And I would have happily smashed Disney version of Tinker Bell. And of course, if not for K.J. Charles review I would never have chosen to read Peter Pan re-telling on my own. I’m so glad I did. Thirst of the idea of Pete actually being Wendy is not just revolutionary, it’s absolutely perfect. It puts everything into its right place, gives the story such a realistic, clear perspective. The novel itself, set 10 years after Peter went back to real world to try to become Wendy, is amazing. First of all it never loses the magical, childishly joyful atmosphere. Secondly it manages to stay light and funny, even when it deals with real serious issues. And the joyful spirit of Neverland doesn’t robe those issues of their depth or voice. It speaks beautifully about the importance of not losing your true self to the heartless demands of others. I hardly can say what the best part was: seeing Neverland through Grown Peter eyes, learning about secret purpose of this world or watch Peter accepting himself and finding his place in real world. The other brilliant thing about the book is Hook and the truth about the war between the two. The Romance is another thing that, I think, always was there. Austin Chant tells this story in such a genteel, touching, beautiful way. It was one of the best love stories I read in recent time. I loved both Hook’s re-discovery of love and Peter’s sexual and emotional awakening. But the most precious moral of the story is their mutual realization that true love requires their acceptance of real world. I think James’s letter and him waiting for Peter in the frozen boat are among the most romantic instances I ever read. And the epilogue was so sweet, I almost cried from happiness. I totally can envision them living happily ever after in this little cottage painting and writing stories. Last point – I loved the fairies as little fling monstrosities!