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

This book is so important. Content warning for: character death, transphobia, and I think other stuff but I read this a while ago and can't remember exactly.Peter left Neverland to return to real life and grow up as Wendy Darling. However this has only made him realise how strongly he identifies as a man. Things have changed in Neverland without him, for the better, but Peter just wants things to be the same way they were before.Now I enjoy a good fairytale retelling but man was I so happy to see this one. I was never a huge fan of Peter Pan, I always thought the original was just a spoilt baby but this was so much different. The idea of Neverland being a place where you could be who you are with no fear of judgement felt so much more magical to me.What I really liked about this novel was that Chant characterised Peter in a similar way to the original, aka a whiney baby, but gave him such a backstory and made him much more likeable because of that back story. You can understand why he does the silly stuff he does. He's still stuck in the past because he just wants to go back to when he felt happy in himself and because the world has changed without him he thinks it needs to go back to how it was for him to be happy.The characterisation of Hook was really interesting. I feel like we don't get to know much about him in the original (which I haven't read in a very long time) but with this one he's just really different after the passing of time.The parts of the novel that was flashbacks to Peter's life in the real world were absolutely heart breaking. Knowing that he had been in a world where he could be himself and then choosing to go back to real life and finding how awful it was in comparison absolutely killed me. So bear in mind if that's something you are sensitive to tread carefully with this book.I can't talk about the representation as I am cis, but it was own voices so I feel confident that it is good rep.

Absolutely adored this book, can (and will) read it time after time, it’s an interesting take on Peter Pan that I really enjoyed. The only fault is that it was too short.

I adored every second of this book. It was such a quick, fun read that was also rather dark in some places. I loved how it was so close to the Peter Pan we all know and love, but also different and special in its own way - which is how a retelling should be!

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.

This is such a great book! I love how the characters of Pan and Hook were written and developed, and how the logic of Neverland was explored.

A standard rewrite for the current preferences of re-gendering stories. Daughter loves it.