So today we're taking a look at a book Stormi and I both read a few weeks ago - "Lost Boy" by Christina Henry. I know we both enjoyed this book a lot and I can't wait for all our readers to see why. I know Stormi and I chatted quite a bit back and forth with this one and to be honest, I'm still trying to come up with new and innovative ways to kill Peter. So after you read my review, hop on over and check out Stormi's thoughts at Books Movies Reviews, Oh My!
As an added bonus, the publisher has agreed to give away one copy of "Lost Boy" (sorry, US only) so if your interested, make sure to let us know in comments and leave us a way to contact you. A winner will be randomly chosen on July27th.
AUTHOR: Christina Henry
PUBLISHER: Berkley Books
PUBLISHING DATE: July 4, 2017
FROM GOODREADS: There is one version of my story that everyone knows. And then there is the truth. This is how it happened. How I went from being Peter Pan’s first—and favorite—lost boy to his greatest enemy.
Peter brought me to his island because there were no rules and no grownups to make us mind. He brought boys from the Other Place to join in the fun, but Peter's idea of fun is sharper than a pirate’s sword. Because it’s never been all fun and games on the island. Our neighbors are pirates and monsters. Our toys are knife and stick and rock—the kinds of playthings that bite.
Peter promised we would all be young and happy forever.
MY THOUGHTS: A long time ago I started Christina Henry's Black Wings series so I knew I already enjoyed her writing. In fact, I should probably pick those books back up soon. I also own her Alice duology. However, none of this prepared me for how much I would love "Lost Boy."
As anyone would imagine from the title and cover, this is a sort of Peter Pan retelling. I've never read the original story, and on the whole, never cared much for Peter Pan, but I was drawn to the idea of a dark imagining of the tale - one where the reader might find out who the actual bad guy of the story is - Peter or Jamie (who eventually becomes Captain Hook). Peter and his lost boys inhabit the tropical island and Jamie, whom he rescued from abuse as a young lad, has been his best and longest companion. The boys on the island don't always live long lives despite never growing up so Peter ends up adding to the group on a pretty regular basis. He eventually brings a 5 year-old Charlie to the island and that's where the problems start. Charlie is very young and is not the playmate Peter expected. Jamie takes Charlie under his wing and protects him, as he does many of the boys and Peter's jealous side starts to show more and more. He doesn't want anyone else to have Jamie's attention and the reader soon discovers he'll do whatever it takes to keep Jamie to himself.
This book has a little of everything one comes to expect from a Peter Pan tale. There are giant spiders, pirates, fairies, crocodiles and mermaids. Although I've seen some people feel the tale started out slowly, it immediately swept me in and was just the dark tale my soul was craving. Henry creates deep and complex characters and her imagination takes Neverland to a whole new level. I've always been taken by Captain Hook and this book solidifies him as one of my favorite heroes - and yes, I mean hero (not villain).
If you love dark tales and especially if you've never been a huge fan or Peter, definitely consider picking up "Lost Boy" and losing yourself in her tale. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
RATING: 5 PAWS
