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Wendy Darling #3
Shadow
War has come to paradise, and the Neverland you know will never be the same.
Wendy Darling finds herself once again in the arms of Peter Pan, a charming god-child who desires power above all things. Instead of the passion she once had for him, however, this time Wendy’s hear burns with a secret: with Hook as her ally, she is there to defeat the evil that lies inside of Peter, the darkness that holds all Neverland hostage—the Shadow.
This is a task made nearly impossible by the arrival of Booth, her sweetheart from London and a new pawn in Peter's manipulative game—a boy whose heart she must break in order to save his life.
As all of Neverland prepares to fight, Wendy races to untangle Peter's connection to the Shadow, a secret long buried in the Forsaken Garden. When the time comes, all of Neverland will rise to fight—but if Wendy can't call the Shadow, everything she is fighting for will be destroyed. Is Wendy’s love for her family enough to save them, or will Peter’s madness consume them all?
Wendy Darling finds herself once again in the arms of Peter Pan, a charming god-child who desires power above all things. Instead of the passion she once had for him, however, this time Wendy’s hear burns with a secret: with Hook as her ally, she is there to defeat the evil that lies inside of Peter, the darkness that holds all Neverland hostage—the Shadow.
This is a task made nearly impossible by the arrival of Booth, her sweetheart from London and a new pawn in Peter's manipulative game—a boy whose heart she must break in order to save his life.
As all of Neverland prepares to fight, Wendy races to untangle Peter's connection to the Shadow, a secret long buried in the Forsaken Garden. When the time comes, all of Neverland will rise to fight—but if Wendy can't call the Shadow, everything she is fighting for will be destroyed. Is Wendy’s love for her family enough to save them, or will Peter’s madness consume them all?
271 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
21 people are currently reading
2,209 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Oakes
19books1,448followersColleen Oakes is the bestselling author of books for both teens and adults, including the Queen of Hearts Series, the Wendy Darling Saga, The Black Coats and Sister of the Chosen One. She recently moved to New England with her husband and son. When not writing or plotting new books, Colleen can be found swimming, forest strolling, traveling or immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. Her newest series, Second Favorite Daughter's Club, will arrive in 2023 from Pixel + Ink, followed by Eleven Houses with Simon and Schuster.
You can visit her webpage at: , find her on Facebook under Author Colleen Oakes or follow her on Instagram.
You can visit her webpage at: , find her on Facebook under Author Colleen Oakes or follow her on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
July 28, 2017
Received from: SparkPress
Received Via: NetGalley.com
Why this book?
I love Peter Pan retellings
What I thought
I love Peter Pan retellings so I been reading this trilogy from start. As for this addition, this was an awesome ending to a not so great series. It had more character development, more world building and was all together was a more pleasing book. Wendy finally came into her own and she got the support she needed to take down Pan. I really enjoyed this and don't think it could have had a better ending.
Received Via: NetGalley.com
Why this book?
I love Peter Pan retellings
What I thought
I love Peter Pan retellings so I been reading this trilogy from start. As for this addition, this was an awesome ending to a not so great series. It had more character development, more world building and was all together was a more pleasing book. Wendy finally came into her own and she got the support she needed to take down Pan. I really enjoyed this and don't think it could have had a better ending.
July 19, 2017
Colleen Oakes has captured the very heart and essence of fairy tales with this series. There is an indescribable magic that seems to lift from the pages when I open Shadow. A comforting familiarity and an enticing new adventure find the perfect balance within, as a Wendy’s remarkable journey unfolds.
I am refraining from diving too far into the plot as always since this is a conclusion to a trilogy. But Shadow thrusts us back into the heart of Neverland as our heroine Wendy embarks on a daring emprise to save its lands and inhabitants from the ever menacing Peter Pan and his Shadow. Is it possible that in doing so she just might save the ones she loves and finally return home?
Shadow continues to deliver extraordinary character development and world building that is showcased through a bold and fast paced plot bursting with excitement and enthusiasm. Wendy’s relentless courage pairs beautifully with her unyielding love and hope to provide a protagonist that confronts her own weakness and continually challenges herself. The end result is a unique character that evolves tremendously and in doing so creates a very personalized connection with the reader. The returning ensemble of rag-tag pirates and misfits ultimately succeed in gaining our affection and admiration in the most unlikely ways.
Oakes has earned a favored spot among my list of auto-read authors. I often envision something mystical occurring as she puts pen to paper (so to speak). There is an overwhelming sense of ease that is conveyed through how effortlessly her stories read. Seamless narration compliments her uncanny ability to take something well-known and transform it into her own. She incorporates haunting elements of love, loss and obsession, exposing a new, darker side of Neverland and its inhabitants that will play on a multitude of emotions.
It is quite possible to pick up any book in this series and read it as a standalone because the storytelling is complete and thorough, but I would honestly advise against doing so. There is too much to be gained from the Wendy Darling books. This is a trilogy that will find a permanent and welcomed home among the shelves of fantasy and fairy tale fans alike. With a consistent pace and befitting conclusion, this is one series I find myself reluctant to part with.
Find this review with an interview on
I am refraining from diving too far into the plot as always since this is a conclusion to a trilogy. But Shadow thrusts us back into the heart of Neverland as our heroine Wendy embarks on a daring emprise to save its lands and inhabitants from the ever menacing Peter Pan and his Shadow. Is it possible that in doing so she just might save the ones she loves and finally return home?
Shadow continues to deliver extraordinary character development and world building that is showcased through a bold and fast paced plot bursting with excitement and enthusiasm. Wendy’s relentless courage pairs beautifully with her unyielding love and hope to provide a protagonist that confronts her own weakness and continually challenges herself. The end result is a unique character that evolves tremendously and in doing so creates a very personalized connection with the reader. The returning ensemble of rag-tag pirates and misfits ultimately succeed in gaining our affection and admiration in the most unlikely ways.
Oakes has earned a favored spot among my list of auto-read authors. I often envision something mystical occurring as she puts pen to paper (so to speak). There is an overwhelming sense of ease that is conveyed through how effortlessly her stories read. Seamless narration compliments her uncanny ability to take something well-known and transform it into her own. She incorporates haunting elements of love, loss and obsession, exposing a new, darker side of Neverland and its inhabitants that will play on a multitude of emotions.
It is quite possible to pick up any book in this series and read it as a standalone because the storytelling is complete and thorough, but I would honestly advise against doing so. There is too much to be gained from the Wendy Darling books. This is a trilogy that will find a permanent and welcomed home among the shelves of fantasy and fairy tale fans alike. With a consistent pace and befitting conclusion, this is one series I find myself reluctant to part with.
Find this review with an interview on
October 2, 2017
Many thanks to Colleen Oakes, Spark Press, and Netgalley for this third volume in the Wendy Darling series in exchange for an unbiased review.
We continue the saga with book three Shadow. Wendy continues to battle her attraction to the psychopath, Peter, as well as repair her relationship with her brother, John. Booth is a constant helpmeet and reminder of home, but Wendy finds her true fortitude in these pages and wages war against the one soul who keeps them trapped on the god foresaken island. Mermaids, pirates, fairies all come to her aid.
This was the perfect ending to this trilogy. We get to watch the characters mature and make some challenging choices while still experiencing a fairy tale.
We continue the saga with book three Shadow. Wendy continues to battle her attraction to the psychopath, Peter, as well as repair her relationship with her brother, John. Booth is a constant helpmeet and reminder of home, but Wendy finds her true fortitude in these pages and wages war against the one soul who keeps them trapped on the god foresaken island. Mermaids, pirates, fairies all come to her aid.
This was the perfect ending to this trilogy. We get to watch the characters mature and make some challenging choices while still experiencing a fairy tale.
October 2, 2018
Maravilloso final !
Ame demasiado esta saga y su final fue digno de ella .
A pesar de su maldad ame el personaje de peter , era tan encantador que incluso una parte de mi añoraba que wendy lo amase .
Me gusto como redimieron a jhon.
Smit fue mi personaje secundario fan y después garfio .
Me gusto como fue creciendo el personaje de wendy
Y aunque booth es encantador mi preferido es peter ... Team peter a morir
Lo que sí es que el romanticismo e intensidad que hay entre boot y wendy es más que increíble... Todavía no lo supero ciertos capítulos y ya ni les digo los gritos que pegaba cuando estaban wendy, peter y booth , me sentía morir de emoción...
En conclusión la pluma de la autora es mágica y pienso leer otros libros de ella por qué ahora se lo maravilloso que escribe
Ame demasiado esta saga y su final fue digno de ella .
A pesar de su maldad ame el personaje de peter , era tan encantador que incluso una parte de mi añoraba que wendy lo amase .
Me gusto como redimieron a jhon.
Smit fue mi personaje secundario fan y después garfio .
Me gusto como fue creciendo el personaje de wendy
Y aunque booth es encantador mi preferido es peter ... Team peter a morir
Lo que sí es que el romanticismo e intensidad que hay entre boot y wendy es más que increíble... Todavía no lo supero ciertos capítulos y ya ni les digo los gritos que pegaba cuando estaban wendy, peter y booth , me sentía morir de emoción...
En conclusión la pluma de la autora es mágica y pienso leer otros libros de ella por qué ahora se lo maravilloso que escribe
June 19, 2017
"Because fear doesn't care if you are lying down or standing; it comes either way. And I would rather be standing when it comes for me."
The concluding book in the Wendy Darling series picks up exactly where the last one left off. Wendy has a dangerous plan in place in order to save all of Neverland from the Shadow and Peter. And somehow doing all of this, she's going to have to save her family and make it home.
Shadow is a real standout in the series. While the first was mostly a comfortable story with a twist, and the second was a bunch of plot twists (but mostly it fell into the second book syndrome), the third was filled with high-stakes, adventure, and stands out at the most uniquely written of the three of them. There was so much more world-building, and character development then in either of the others, and I found myself shedding a tear or two a few times.
The only reason I can't give this book a five star rating was because the romance didn't feel right to me. Booth and Wendy had a tentative friendship/maybe more in the first book, and we don't really hear from him again until this book. And I felt like some of the scenes where they proclaim their love (and other things) just felt...wrong.
Overall, everything was wrapped up nicely, but not overly nice. There was a lot more action-packed scenes then the previous in the series, and it was a joy to read.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions states above are my own.
The concluding book in the Wendy Darling series picks up exactly where the last one left off. Wendy has a dangerous plan in place in order to save all of Neverland from the Shadow and Peter. And somehow doing all of this, she's going to have to save her family and make it home.
Shadow is a real standout in the series. While the first was mostly a comfortable story with a twist, and the second was a bunch of plot twists (but mostly it fell into the second book syndrome), the third was filled with high-stakes, adventure, and stands out at the most uniquely written of the three of them. There was so much more world-building, and character development then in either of the others, and I found myself shedding a tear or two a few times.
The only reason I can't give this book a five star rating was because the romance didn't feel right to me. Booth and Wendy had a tentative friendship/maybe more in the first book, and we don't really hear from him again until this book. And I felt like some of the scenes where they proclaim their love (and other things) just felt...wrong.
Overall, everything was wrapped up nicely, but not overly nice. There was a lot more action-packed scenes then the previous in the series, and it was a joy to read.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions states above are my own.
March 25, 2021
ME ENCANTÓ!!!!!!!
Pero locamente con locura, uyyyy la parte del final con Peter y La Sombra y toda la acción involucrada y los niños perdidos y la Wendy y...
ufffff lasldkjsaldjslkjs me encantó además de que fue un poco triste jaja pero quizás sea porque ando hormonal.
Btw, lo de Wendy y Booth nunca lo compré eh
Pero locamente con locura, uyyyy la parte del final con Peter y La Sombra y toda la acción involucrada y los niños perdidos y la Wendy y...
ufffff lasldkjsaldjslkjs me encantó además de que fue un poco triste jaja pero quizás sea porque ando hormonal.
Btw, lo de Wendy y Booth nunca lo compré eh
July 28, 2017
I think the Wendy Darling series is going to be one of those rare book series where my high rating isn't based on my personal enjoyment of the books, but sorely on fairness to its quality. The truth is, I've finally figured it out, Colleen Oaks does one thing and she does it WELL -- that's what keeps you coming back. She takes the fairy-tale SETTING of whatever story she's retelling and world-builds the heck out of it so that it sticks with you and sucks you in.
The problem?
She's not NEARLY as good with characterization.
By the end of this book I disliked Peter, Tink, the fairy king, Hook, and even the titular Wendy! Wendy is one of my favorite literary figures -- I even liked her in the YA novel Tiger Lily (most reviewers did not), but by the end of this one such was such an over-empowered little simpering nightmare. On her own, most of my annoyances could have been overlooked; she does have some strong "you go girl" moments, and I could have focused on these overall, if not for her HORRIBLE romance with the nightmare that was Booth in this book.
His oozing goodness and perfection was stomach-able in book one (okay, BARELY, but it WAS).... Here? Oh, dear lord, here I wanted to smack him upside his over justified smug little head. EVERYBODY loves Booth (the freaking PIRATES love him for pity's sake) without much reason. Seriously, Hook meets him and is all "Oh, btw, Wendy, I like your beau here -- he's just super."
And he's so insufferable, he brings (almost, with one exception which I will get to) any character he's near down into his insufferableness with him. It got to the point where I was ready to scream, "Okay, boy, shut your trap already!" at the page every time he spoke. When it got to the (laughably bad, I might add) sex scene with him and Wendy, I found myself thinking, "Well, at least he can't talk poetry WHILE he's...uh...doing that..." But it turned out he could. And did.
I don't think Colleen is very good at writing romance at ALL. It's all build up and over the top Twilight "we need each other" passion bits and then WHAM they're together. The only scene I liked Booth in (and I use 'like' very loosely) was the dinner scene with him and Peter and Wendy together. That was actually a GREAT scene -- I could picture the whole thing.
The only character I truly liked in this book was the one all the other characters kind of crapped on constantly.
John Darling.
Really, this is HIS story more than Wendy's. He's the one who changes the most (all her oh, I learned to be ME and be brave stuff was nothing to his MONUMENTAL development from lost, spoiled boy to caring, wise writer-brother), who I felt sorriest for, who I rooted for, who I anxiously hoped would come out okay the most.
And all the other characters did was diss him. Everyone disliked him and called him a prat. Booth is supposed to be so wonderful, yet the first thing he does (completely justified in text) when he's free is punch John in the face.
Why?
Oh, because he kidnapped him. Yeah, that's it. John was whipped until his back was shredded, and FORCED to kidnap Booth, but because he's such a "prat" he allegedly deserved that. Oh, I'm SOOOOO SURE. Nice going. If the intent was to make Booth the most hate-worthy tick on the planet, mission accomplished.
Oh, and you know what ELSE poor John didn't deserve? Having to watch some guy (ahem, Booth) make out with his sister right in front of him. Much less them have sex not far from where he was sleeping (if they could see him -- and they COULD because Booth checked that he wasn't looking -- he could totally see THEM; what would've happened if he woke up? Just saying).
Also, I found it annoying how much of everything turned into neat little bows for Wendy and Booth. Oh, guess who didn't have to face their social differences by going home because the "right" thing for them to do was stay in Neverland? Them. Guess who had no rival to their budding romance because Peter Pan dies? THEM.
Guess who can safely go into mermaid-infested waters when the plot calls for it because (in a manner of speaking) of their romance?
Them.
Guess who...
THEM, THEM, THEM!
Sigh.
So, you ask, if I hated so much about this book, why the high rating? Because the fairy-lore IS wildly creative, the descriptions addictive, and I had a hard time putting it down. Also John Darling is awesome in this.
But I have, in light of my reaction to this story, removed the series from my favorites. I don't think I'll be reading another book by this author for a while. My mind needs a break from the madness and mixed up morality.
The problem?
She's not NEARLY as good with characterization.
By the end of this book I disliked Peter, Tink, the fairy king, Hook, and even the titular Wendy! Wendy is one of my favorite literary figures -- I even liked her in the YA novel Tiger Lily (most reviewers did not), but by the end of this one such was such an over-empowered little simpering nightmare. On her own, most of my annoyances could have been overlooked; she does have some strong "you go girl" moments, and I could have focused on these overall, if not for her HORRIBLE romance with the nightmare that was Booth in this book.
His oozing goodness and perfection was stomach-able in book one (okay, BARELY, but it WAS).... Here? Oh, dear lord, here I wanted to smack him upside his over justified smug little head. EVERYBODY loves Booth (the freaking PIRATES love him for pity's sake) without much reason. Seriously, Hook meets him and is all "Oh, btw, Wendy, I like your beau here -- he's just super."
And he's so insufferable, he brings (almost, with one exception which I will get to) any character he's near down into his insufferableness with him. It got to the point where I was ready to scream, "Okay, boy, shut your trap already!" at the page every time he spoke. When it got to the (laughably bad, I might add) sex scene with him and Wendy, I found myself thinking, "Well, at least he can't talk poetry WHILE he's...uh...doing that..." But it turned out he could. And did.
I don't think Colleen is very good at writing romance at ALL. It's all build up and over the top Twilight "we need each other" passion bits and then WHAM they're together. The only scene I liked Booth in (and I use 'like' very loosely) was the dinner scene with him and Peter and Wendy together. That was actually a GREAT scene -- I could picture the whole thing.
The only character I truly liked in this book was the one all the other characters kind of crapped on constantly.
John Darling.
Really, this is HIS story more than Wendy's. He's the one who changes the most (all her oh, I learned to be ME and be brave stuff was nothing to his MONUMENTAL development from lost, spoiled boy to caring, wise writer-brother), who I felt sorriest for, who I rooted for, who I anxiously hoped would come out okay the most.
And all the other characters did was diss him. Everyone disliked him and called him a prat. Booth is supposed to be so wonderful, yet the first thing he does (completely justified in text) when he's free is punch John in the face.
Why?
Oh, because he kidnapped him. Yeah, that's it. John was whipped until his back was shredded, and FORCED to kidnap Booth, but because he's such a "prat" he allegedly deserved that. Oh, I'm SOOOOO SURE. Nice going. If the intent was to make Booth the most hate-worthy tick on the planet, mission accomplished.
Oh, and you know what ELSE poor John didn't deserve? Having to watch some guy (ahem, Booth) make out with his sister right in front of him. Much less them have sex not far from where he was sleeping (if they could see him -- and they COULD because Booth checked that he wasn't looking -- he could totally see THEM; what would've happened if he woke up? Just saying).
Also, I found it annoying how much of everything turned into neat little bows for Wendy and Booth. Oh, guess who didn't have to face their social differences by going home because the "right" thing for them to do was stay in Neverland? Them. Guess who had no rival to their budding romance because Peter Pan dies? THEM.
Guess who can safely go into mermaid-infested waters when the plot calls for it because (in a manner of speaking) of their romance?
Them.
Guess who...
THEM, THEM, THEM!
Sigh.
So, you ask, if I hated so much about this book, why the high rating? Because the fairy-lore IS wildly creative, the descriptions addictive, and I had a hard time putting it down. Also John Darling is awesome in this.
But I have, in light of my reaction to this story, removed the series from my favorites. I don't think I'll be reading another book by this author for a while. My mind needs a break from the madness and mixed up morality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Confession: I didn't read the two previous books in this series. However, it was easy enough to read as a stand alone, and I had no problem getting to grips fairly quickly with what had happened in the previous instalments. To outline: Wendy Darling went to Neverland with Peter and fell in love with him. However, she discovers that actually Peter is kind of awful. He's destroyed a whole race of Faeries, kidnaps boys to join his gang, and is possessed by an evil 'Shadow'. Hook is the good guy, one time friend of Peter, now teaming up with Wendy to destroy Pan for good.
Peter came across as a genuinely unlikeable character. I was instantly rooting for Wendy and her quest to find the pipes and song to bring down Peter. I would have liked to have seen more of her manipulation of Pan and her time as spy in the Lost Boys camp. I felt it jumped to Wendy stealing the pipes relatively quickly, and felt like a bit of a missed opportunity.
I didn't really enjoy the relationship between Wendy and Booth. Obviously, not having read the previous instalments I wasn't as invested in them as a couple, but I felt Booth held Wendy back a little. I much preferred her more complex relationships with Peter and Tink.
The ending held enough action to keep me interested. I hate stories that finish with little to no action in adventure stories, and the conclusion was relatively satisfying. In short, enjoyable read.
Confession: I didn't read the two previous books in this series. However, it was easy enough to read as a stand alone, and I had no problem getting to grips fairly quickly with what had happened in the previous instalments. To outline: Wendy Darling went to Neverland with Peter and fell in love with him. However, she discovers that actually Peter is kind of awful. He's destroyed a whole race of Faeries, kidnaps boys to join his gang, and is possessed by an evil 'Shadow'. Hook is the good guy, one time friend of Peter, now teaming up with Wendy to destroy Pan for good.
Peter came across as a genuinely unlikeable character. I was instantly rooting for Wendy and her quest to find the pipes and song to bring down Peter. I would have liked to have seen more of her manipulation of Pan and her time as spy in the Lost Boys camp. I felt it jumped to Wendy stealing the pipes relatively quickly, and felt like a bit of a missed opportunity.
I didn't really enjoy the relationship between Wendy and Booth. Obviously, not having read the previous instalments I wasn't as invested in them as a couple, but I felt Booth held Wendy back a little. I much preferred her more complex relationships with Peter and Tink.
The ending held enough action to keep me interested. I hate stories that finish with little to no action in adventure stories, and the conclusion was relatively satisfying. In short, enjoyable read.
May 11, 2021
“Because fear doesn't care if you are lying down or standing; it comes either way. And I would rather be standing when it comes for me.�
The following review is a review for this entire series.
I've reiterated this several times over, but this series is probably my favorite of all time, and most definitely my favorite trilogy of all time. I was so worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much this time reading through it as the first, but boy, was I wrong. If anything, I was even more enamored with this world, this writing, these characters. I cannot spell out a single flaw that I found with Colleen Oakes's writing, and I'm wondering why the hell she isn't more popular. This series is golden. In fact, so golden, it's almost a little gem of a series I'd like to keep to myself.
I'm about to go on a bit of a tangent here, so you can skip to the next paragraph if you don't want to read about how quarantine has ruined my book obsession.
Before quarantine started, I always had a book in my hand. When I didn't have a book in my hand, I would literally ache to be reading. Then, quarantine hit, and immediate access to the library vanished. Instead of reaching for books, I was starting to reach for my phone- and that notion genuinely scares me. Lately, books...just haven't been as interesting for me- the last page-turner I read was in early February, and it was Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. That's why I was so relieved when I read this series, because I finished all three books within three days. That's when I knew that my love for reading hasn't diminished that that much, and it's more so the books I've been reading. I blame it all on COVID. I miss the library so much, more than I can say, an d like I mentioned before, I absolutely despise how I'm so dependent on my damn phone now. Anyone else feel the same way?
Now that the rant is over, let's get on with the review.
I don't really want to write a structured review for this, because I don't think that would be the best use of words, as it's already abundantly clear I have nothing negative to say.
However, there are three components that are closest to my heart.
1. �Characters �
Must I say any more? Colleen Oakes is absolutely masterful at creating characters- villains, protagonists, and my personal favorite, morally grey characters.
Our protagonist, Wendy, goes through an awful lot of character development as she spends more time in Neverland. When she's first introduced, she's a proper English socialite, somebody who has never cussed a day in her life and thinks it improper when she accidentally flashes her ankle. But as the series progresses, we see Wendy not give a damn. And I'm completely here for it. Especially aboard the Sudden Night, we see a huge change in her personality which made complete sense, given her circumstances. Colleen Oakes's Wendy Darling is one of the most graceful, feminine, courageous, and selfless literary characters I know. She's beautiful, inside and out, and I don't think her innate goodness can be rivaled by anyone. Ever.
Booth, bless his heart. Can a love interest be any more adorable? I loved reading about him and Wendy- their relationship is so incredibly wholesome despite a not-so-wholesome Neverland. It's one of the constants throughout the series while all the other dynamics take a complete 360. Booth is an absolutely lovable bookworm- philosophical, intelligent, and such a gentleman. I see people all over ŷ comment BS like "wHeRe'S mY rHySaNd?" but I don't want a Rhysand. I just want a Booth. Is that too much to ask?
Next, we have none other than John, Wendy's prat of a brother. Okay, let me just get this out. Nobody likes John. He's selfish, irritating, misogynistic, and mean-spirited. But he's also misunderstood, lonely, desperate for attention, and sad. I'm not saying I like John, but I'm saying I understand. I have no idea how Wendy looked out for him for so long despite him treating her like a piece of scum. But I'm so glad he got his redemption arc, because that was well-deserved and I really didn't want to end the series still hating John to that degree.
Michael. The baby of the family. I think Wendy's devotion to her family is so wholesome and admirable, particularly to Michael. She's basically his mom, which might come off as annoying, but in this series, Wendy gives up her own happiness and her own mother to be the mother for dozens of lost boys. I can't really judge a five-year-old, but I can call irritating but adorable at the same time. Book toddlers are always so much nicer than real toddlers, smh.
Now, Peter Pan, because he deserves a paragraph of his own. I think Oakes captured his sadistic and obsessive tendencies incredibly well- his expressions, his mood swings, his bipolarity- it all made for an incredibly terrifying character who was dazzling at the same time. I've never seen such a deep version of Peter Pan, and honestly, if it weren't for that, this series wouldn't have existed. I don't want to get too much into detail, because I know that if you read the series and feel the same way as me, you know exactly what I mean though I can't put it into so many words.
Tinkerbell. Oakes delivered some twisted version of Stockholm Syndrome in the most beautiful and painful way possible, and that was through our childhood staple, Tinkerbell. But this time, with a twist. Tink is in love with Peter despite his constant abuse and selfish need for her. She hates Wendy, but she's the one who ends up helping her the most in the third book. Honestly, Tink's story was one of the most heartbreaking.
Nobody does morally grey characters like Oakes. Abbott, Smith, John, Tinkerbell- even Peter Pan, the main villain of this story, could be deemed as morally grey. I could make the argument that he isn't the evil one, it's actually the Shadow. He truly does love Wendy, even though this "love" is actually an obsession- but it is what saves her at the end of the day.
There are so many characters in this series- the mermaids, the harlots (in the most loving way possible), and the Pilvinuvo Indians. And I love them all. I love Fermina, I love Lomasi, I love Queen Eryn. They were all such powerful and supportive side characters, particularly Fermina.
But for the last character paragraph, I want to write about the pirates.
If I could give out a Best Supporting Cast award at the Academies, I would, without a doubt, hand it over to the crew of the Sudden Night. Keme, Smith, Hook, Black Caesar, Voodoo- they have my heart. They are the reason this series did not suffer from middle book syndrome. On the contrary, Seas was actually my favorite book of the whole series. Wendy aboard the Sudden Night was simultaneously terrifying and wholesome, but mostly wholesome. At least as wholesome as a hoard of bloodthirsty pirates can get. I love the idea of a middle book taking place in a completely different location with a completely different dynamic, particularly overseas, and this delivered. I can think of a few other novels with this trope, and hands down, Colleen Oakes did it best.
A few moments of honor for Oxley (bless his heart), Indra, Fermina, Qaralius, and all the Lost Boys with no family.
Phew. I think that just about covers all the wonderful characters in this series. Now, on to the second component-
2. �Worldbuilding �
If there is one fictional land I love most, it is, without a doubt, Neverland. In fact, all my favorite retellings take place in Neverland- Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, and this series. I feel like it's so slept on by authors compared to more mainstream lands where other mainstream fairytales take place. This world is my favorite because it's somewhat consolidated, but it's also connected to the world we know. Rather than going there through your dreams (like Wonderland), you have to actually travel there, which I just feel is such a magical idea. It sounds corny, but I genuinely have no other way to explain it. The scenery is gorgeous- bright, shiny, and pretty lights masking up some lurking darkness, a darkness that can only be felt by those searching for it. A darkness that is the true villain of this series. A darkness that is the pulsating essence beneath a tropical paradise.
Pirates, mermaids, fairies, and flying boys. Somewhat random, but truly my favorite combination. I love Neverland from the bottom of my heart, and to be honest, just writing about it right now is giving me the chills.
3. �Writing/Tone �
I think by this point I've established my opinion that Colleen Oakes is a wonderful author. But her writing, her prose, her descriptions, her creativity, are what take this to the next level. I don't think any other author could have pulled this style of writing off. The amount of imagination it takes to write something like this, I probably couldn't even fathom-
But what I really fell in love with were the mature tones beneath the glittering façade of this world. The light it shed on abuse, sexual harassment, kidnapping, genocide...
All reasons why this is a a version of a fairytale immature audiences should not be reading.
I think that's pretty much all I have to say.
If I could give this an infinite amount of stars (pun intended), I most definitely would.
The following review is a review for this entire series.
I've reiterated this several times over, but this series is probably my favorite of all time, and most definitely my favorite trilogy of all time. I was so worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much this time reading through it as the first, but boy, was I wrong. If anything, I was even more enamored with this world, this writing, these characters. I cannot spell out a single flaw that I found with Colleen Oakes's writing, and I'm wondering why the hell she isn't more popular. This series is golden. In fact, so golden, it's almost a little gem of a series I'd like to keep to myself.
I'm about to go on a bit of a tangent here, so you can skip to the next paragraph if you don't want to read about how quarantine has ruined my book obsession.
Before quarantine started, I always had a book in my hand. When I didn't have a book in my hand, I would literally ache to be reading. Then, quarantine hit, and immediate access to the library vanished. Instead of reaching for books, I was starting to reach for my phone- and that notion genuinely scares me. Lately, books...just haven't been as interesting for me- the last page-turner I read was in early February, and it was Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. That's why I was so relieved when I read this series, because I finished all three books within three days. That's when I knew that my love for reading hasn't diminished that that much, and it's more so the books I've been reading. I blame it all on COVID. I miss the library so much, more than I can say, an d like I mentioned before, I absolutely despise how I'm so dependent on my damn phone now. Anyone else feel the same way?
Now that the rant is over, let's get on with the review.
I don't really want to write a structured review for this, because I don't think that would be the best use of words, as it's already abundantly clear I have nothing negative to say.
However, there are three components that are closest to my heart.
1. �Characters �
Must I say any more? Colleen Oakes is absolutely masterful at creating characters- villains, protagonists, and my personal favorite, morally grey characters.
Our protagonist, Wendy, goes through an awful lot of character development as she spends more time in Neverland. When she's first introduced, she's a proper English socialite, somebody who has never cussed a day in her life and thinks it improper when she accidentally flashes her ankle. But as the series progresses, we see Wendy not give a damn. And I'm completely here for it. Especially aboard the Sudden Night, we see a huge change in her personality which made complete sense, given her circumstances. Colleen Oakes's Wendy Darling is one of the most graceful, feminine, courageous, and selfless literary characters I know. She's beautiful, inside and out, and I don't think her innate goodness can be rivaled by anyone. Ever.
Booth, bless his heart. Can a love interest be any more adorable? I loved reading about him and Wendy- their relationship is so incredibly wholesome despite a not-so-wholesome Neverland. It's one of the constants throughout the series while all the other dynamics take a complete 360. Booth is an absolutely lovable bookworm- philosophical, intelligent, and such a gentleman. I see people all over ŷ comment BS like "wHeRe'S mY rHySaNd?" but I don't want a Rhysand. I just want a Booth. Is that too much to ask?
Next, we have none other than John, Wendy's prat of a brother. Okay, let me just get this out. Nobody likes John. He's selfish, irritating, misogynistic, and mean-spirited. But he's also misunderstood, lonely, desperate for attention, and sad. I'm not saying I like John, but I'm saying I understand. I have no idea how Wendy looked out for him for so long despite him treating her like a piece of scum. But I'm so glad he got his redemption arc, because that was well-deserved and I really didn't want to end the series still hating John to that degree.
Michael. The baby of the family. I think Wendy's devotion to her family is so wholesome and admirable, particularly to Michael. She's basically his mom, which might come off as annoying, but in this series, Wendy gives up her own happiness and her own mother to be the mother for dozens of lost boys. I can't really judge a five-year-old, but I can call irritating but adorable at the same time. Book toddlers are always so much nicer than real toddlers, smh.
Now, Peter Pan, because he deserves a paragraph of his own. I think Oakes captured his sadistic and obsessive tendencies incredibly well- his expressions, his mood swings, his bipolarity- it all made for an incredibly terrifying character who was dazzling at the same time. I've never seen such a deep version of Peter Pan, and honestly, if it weren't for that, this series wouldn't have existed. I don't want to get too much into detail, because I know that if you read the series and feel the same way as me, you know exactly what I mean though I can't put it into so many words.
Tinkerbell. Oakes delivered some twisted version of Stockholm Syndrome in the most beautiful and painful way possible, and that was through our childhood staple, Tinkerbell. But this time, with a twist. Tink is in love with Peter despite his constant abuse and selfish need for her. She hates Wendy, but she's the one who ends up helping her the most in the third book. Honestly, Tink's story was one of the most heartbreaking.
Nobody does morally grey characters like Oakes. Abbott, Smith, John, Tinkerbell- even Peter Pan, the main villain of this story, could be deemed as morally grey. I could make the argument that he isn't the evil one, it's actually the Shadow. He truly does love Wendy, even though this "love" is actually an obsession- but it is what saves her at the end of the day.
There are so many characters in this series- the mermaids, the harlots (in the most loving way possible), and the Pilvinuvo Indians. And I love them all. I love Fermina, I love Lomasi, I love Queen Eryn. They were all such powerful and supportive side characters, particularly Fermina.
But for the last character paragraph, I want to write about the pirates.
If I could give out a Best Supporting Cast award at the Academies, I would, without a doubt, hand it over to the crew of the Sudden Night. Keme, Smith, Hook, Black Caesar, Voodoo- they have my heart. They are the reason this series did not suffer from middle book syndrome. On the contrary, Seas was actually my favorite book of the whole series. Wendy aboard the Sudden Night was simultaneously terrifying and wholesome, but mostly wholesome. At least as wholesome as a hoard of bloodthirsty pirates can get. I love the idea of a middle book taking place in a completely different location with a completely different dynamic, particularly overseas, and this delivered. I can think of a few other novels with this trope, and hands down, Colleen Oakes did it best.
A few moments of honor for Oxley (bless his heart), Indra, Fermina, Qaralius, and all the Lost Boys with no family.
Phew. I think that just about covers all the wonderful characters in this series. Now, on to the second component-
2. �Worldbuilding �
If there is one fictional land I love most, it is, without a doubt, Neverland. In fact, all my favorite retellings take place in Neverland- Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, and this series. I feel like it's so slept on by authors compared to more mainstream lands where other mainstream fairytales take place. This world is my favorite because it's somewhat consolidated, but it's also connected to the world we know. Rather than going there through your dreams (like Wonderland), you have to actually travel there, which I just feel is such a magical idea. It sounds corny, but I genuinely have no other way to explain it. The scenery is gorgeous- bright, shiny, and pretty lights masking up some lurking darkness, a darkness that can only be felt by those searching for it. A darkness that is the true villain of this series. A darkness that is the pulsating essence beneath a tropical paradise.
Pirates, mermaids, fairies, and flying boys. Somewhat random, but truly my favorite combination. I love Neverland from the bottom of my heart, and to be honest, just writing about it right now is giving me the chills.
3. �Writing/Tone �
I think by this point I've established my opinion that Colleen Oakes is a wonderful author. But her writing, her prose, her descriptions, her creativity, are what take this to the next level. I don't think any other author could have pulled this style of writing off. The amount of imagination it takes to write something like this, I probably couldn't even fathom-
But what I really fell in love with were the mature tones beneath the glittering façade of this world. The light it shed on abuse, sexual harassment, kidnapping, genocide...
All reasons why this is a a version of a fairytale immature audiences should not be reading.
I think that's pretty much all I have to say.
If I could give this an infinite amount of stars (pun intended), I most definitely would.
December 31, 2019
What...A...Ride... I kept this book on the shelf until today, because I wanted the last book of the year to be a good one. But yesterday evening I couldn't hold it any longer and went to bed early to get started already. I wanted to go back to Neverland, I wanted to revisit Wendy Darling and to catch up with her and my entire body was anxiously waiting for the epic finale that was surely coming. And what...a...ride.
Oakes has managed to write a masterpiece, a book where literally everything feels right and is done right, where every piece of the puzzle clicks at the very end, where every loose end is tied up perfectly, painfully, rightly and neatly. Every small scene, every small detail, every event, every encounter and conversation: it turned out to be important, meaningful and most of all leading somewhere.
From the moment I started until long after I finished it felt like my body had forgotten how to breathe. (My iWatch confirms that and keeps on telling me to do some breathing thing) And during the last 50 pages I could only cry. I cried because Wendy, the shy girl from London, grew into this wonderful, caring person who made love her best weapon. I cried because Tink, the broken fairy, finally got what she deserved. I cried because Pan was being Pan in the most heartbreaking way possible. I cried because Hook, James Hook, is the most humanly villain I've ever come across. I cried because of Neverland, because of everything.
And that's what I want a book to do. If a book can mess up my entire body and soul, if I forget to breath and if I cry and cry and cry, then it did something incredibly well. And that's exactly what Oakes did. Her versions of Neverland and all those well known characters will always have a place in my heart. The atmosphere she crafted was just brilliant and clung to me even long after I closed the book. And the plot, borrowing elements from the original story and twisting them into something completely else, was just brilliant.
May you write loads and loads of other books, Oakes. I will follow you. Second star to the right and straight on til morning.
Oakes has managed to write a masterpiece, a book where literally everything feels right and is done right, where every piece of the puzzle clicks at the very end, where every loose end is tied up perfectly, painfully, rightly and neatly. Every small scene, every small detail, every event, every encounter and conversation: it turned out to be important, meaningful and most of all leading somewhere.
From the moment I started until long after I finished it felt like my body had forgotten how to breathe. (My iWatch confirms that and keeps on telling me to do some breathing thing) And during the last 50 pages I could only cry. I cried because Wendy, the shy girl from London, grew into this wonderful, caring person who made love her best weapon. I cried because Tink, the broken fairy, finally got what she deserved. I cried because Pan was being Pan in the most heartbreaking way possible. I cried because Hook, James Hook, is the most humanly villain I've ever come across. I cried because of Neverland, because of everything.
And that's what I want a book to do. If a book can mess up my entire body and soul, if I forget to breath and if I cry and cry and cry, then it did something incredibly well. And that's exactly what Oakes did. Her versions of Neverland and all those well known characters will always have a place in my heart. The atmosphere she crafted was just brilliant and clung to me even long after I closed the book. And the plot, borrowing elements from the original story and twisting them into something completely else, was just brilliant.
May you write loads and loads of other books, Oakes. I will follow you. Second star to the right and straight on til morning.
July 31, 2020
Recién lo termine asique tengo muchos sentimientos encontrados a flor de piel.
En fin, ame la trilogia, en especial el segundo libro es perfecto de principio a fin. Me destrozó miles de imágenes mentales que tenía, pero gracias. Disfrute mucho leerte.
Espera otro final... Pero que cuando esté en paz lo entiende.
En fin, larga vida a Smee en mi corazón. Usted señor pirata se robo el libro y mi corazón.
En fin, ame la trilogia, en especial el segundo libro es perfecto de principio a fin. Me destrozó miles de imágenes mentales que tenía, pero gracias. Disfrute mucho leerte.
Espera otro final... Pero que cuando esté en paz lo entiende.
En fin, larga vida a Smee en mi corazón. Usted señor pirata se robo el libro y mi corazón.
July 22, 2020
Buen final para esta trilogía, debo decir que hubieron algunas cosas que no terminaron de encantarme, pero en general quedé muy satisfecha con cómo cerró la historia.
May 24, 2018
A strange boy comes into a child's window in the middle of the night, kidnapping the children, taking them from their parents. He keeps a ragtag band of little boys in the middle of a wild island, leading them to fight with grown men pirates who have real guns. He keeps a girl to be his "mother," hoping that she forgets her own mother and stays kidnapped forever. Such is the story of Peter Pan, and I'm sure I'm not the only person to have ever thought it was a little... creepy. And in the final installment in Colleen Oakes's AMAZING Wendy Darling Series, Peter is more than just a little creepy--he's a cruel, malicious villain who could take everything if Wendy can't defeat him.
I had high high hopes coming into this book, and I was not let down. The Wendy Darling series is, in my opinion, the most underrated YA series ever. It dives deep into the heart of Neverland, developing into an amazingly complex, well written, developed fantasy series and retelling.
This book, like the rest of the series, was very fast paced. Despite being less than 300 pages (even shorter than ACOFAS and apparently nothing happens in that one lol), Oakes develops a fantastic story filled with plenty of plots, reveals, romance, action and all around amazingness!
I think the characters were my favorite part of this book. The characters here were all very well rounded and fleshed out--honestly, there were so many characters that I just kept changing my opinion on because they contained so much more than I'd originally thought!
Wendy is a very strong character, who is willing to push herself to do crazy hard things--physically and mentally--to protect the people she cares about--and people of Neverland who she doesn't even know! Hook is still one of my favorite characters, and I just adore how he is so much more caring than he seems on the surface and is almost like a father figure to Wendy! I just wish that he was in this book more! To be honest, Booth was a bit more boring here than I remembered him, and maybe seemed the least interesting of the characters, but I still found myself delighted with his sweetness. Peter was an absolutely FANTASTIC villain--I hated him, I hated him SO MUCH, but yet... There are so many layers to him, especially tied in with the Shadow, and the ending absolutely tore me apart! And hands down, my favorite character was John, who redeemed himself SO MUCH, evolving my thoughts on him and making me question everything!
The romance was maybe one of the weaker parts of this book for me since I found Booth to be a bit boring. I think this might be partially since it's been over a year since I read book one, where we last saw him. Still, I would be lying to say that I didn't swoon a bit over him! And I absolutely loved how he motivated Wendy, and the struggles she went through for him!
The plot about destroying the Shadow was insane! It was so intense and high stakes that I was terrified the whole way through! I was always kept guessing, and ended up loving the way the adventure and the end result worked out!
The ending of the book was incredible! Three books have been building to the final showdown against Peter, and it was so worth it! Oakes did a great job of writing the way fights--air fights!--worked out! And I loved how all the characters seemed to play a role into it.
I'm definitely still recovering from the bittersweet ending though. There were a lot of things that happened that I'm ultimately happy about and worked out...but that doesn't mean my heart was spared!! Overall this was an INCREDIBLE read! I think all Peter Pan retellings have been spoiled for me now because how can I ever see Peter as good again????
5 stars
---
5/20/18
SO. GOOD. OMG.
I'm dying that ENDING ahhh WENDY my DARLING!!!!
full review to come!!!!
I had high high hopes coming into this book, and I was not let down. The Wendy Darling series is, in my opinion, the most underrated YA series ever. It dives deep into the heart of Neverland, developing into an amazingly complex, well written, developed fantasy series and retelling.
This book, like the rest of the series, was very fast paced. Despite being less than 300 pages (even shorter than ACOFAS and apparently nothing happens in that one lol), Oakes develops a fantastic story filled with plenty of plots, reveals, romance, action and all around amazingness!
I think the characters were my favorite part of this book. The characters here were all very well rounded and fleshed out--honestly, there were so many characters that I just kept changing my opinion on because they contained so much more than I'd originally thought!
Wendy is a very strong character, who is willing to push herself to do crazy hard things--physically and mentally--to protect the people she cares about--and people of Neverland who she doesn't even know! Hook is still one of my favorite characters, and I just adore how he is so much more caring than he seems on the surface and is almost like a father figure to Wendy! I just wish that he was in this book more! To be honest, Booth was a bit more boring here than I remembered him, and maybe seemed the least interesting of the characters, but I still found myself delighted with his sweetness. Peter was an absolutely FANTASTIC villain--I hated him, I hated him SO MUCH, but yet... There are so many layers to him, especially tied in with the Shadow, and the ending absolutely tore me apart! And hands down, my favorite character was John, who redeemed himself SO MUCH, evolving my thoughts on him and making me question everything!
The romance was maybe one of the weaker parts of this book for me since I found Booth to be a bit boring. I think this might be partially since it's been over a year since I read book one, where we last saw him. Still, I would be lying to say that I didn't swoon a bit over him! And I absolutely loved how he motivated Wendy, and the struggles she went through for him!
The plot about destroying the Shadow was insane! It was so intense and high stakes that I was terrified the whole way through! I was always kept guessing, and ended up loving the way the adventure and the end result worked out!
The ending of the book was incredible! Three books have been building to the final showdown against Peter, and it was so worth it! Oakes did a great job of writing the way fights--air fights!--worked out! And I loved how all the characters seemed to play a role into it.
I'm definitely still recovering from the bittersweet ending though. There were a lot of things that happened that I'm ultimately happy about and worked out...but that doesn't mean my heart was spared!! Overall this was an INCREDIBLE read! I think all Peter Pan retellings have been spoiled for me now because how can I ever see Peter as good again????
5 stars
---
5/20/18
SO. GOOD. OMG.
I'm dying that ENDING ahhh WENDY my DARLING!!!!
full review to come!!!!
January 16, 2021
I really liked the trilogy and I really liked this book. In the first book, you meet a different Peter Pan. Then in the second book, you meet a different Captain Hook. In the third book, you wonder who Wendy Darling will choose to become?!
There was some sexual content, but it wasn't too graphic. Descriptions were truly excellent. I loved reading about the landscapes, just as I did in the first two volumes, and I cried at the ending, both in how things wrapped up for Wendy and Peter Pan AND I was just plain sorry the trilogy was over. It was that sort of book! I found it to be a very satisfying read.
I'll be sure to read more from Colleen Oakes!
There was some sexual content, but it wasn't too graphic. Descriptions were truly excellent. I loved reading about the landscapes, just as I did in the first two volumes, and I cried at the ending, both in how things wrapped up for Wendy and Peter Pan AND I was just plain sorry the trilogy was over. It was that sort of book! I found it to be a very satisfying read.
I'll be sure to read more from Colleen Oakes!
September 5, 2017
I'm not crying, you're crying! Ugh my heart. Fantastic story.
July 9, 2023
«¿Conoces aquel punto entre estar soñando y estar despierto? En ese lugar siempre te voy a querer, Peter Pan. Siempre te voy a esperar en aquel lugar».
Todavía recuerdo cuando era una niña y les dije a mis yayos que no quería crecer. Supongo que en parte lo decía por ellos y otra parte lo decía por mí, pero no importa, porque el tiempo no se iba a detener para nadie.
Esta trilogía me ha recordado a eso, a ellos y a mí misma cuando era pequeña, y es que he cambiado tanto desde entonces. Me he sentido una niña perdida leyendo, era como volver a mi infancia, ha hecho que vuelva a ser ingenua y confiada como antes y me ha hecho sentir muy feliz, enfadada y triste. Me hizo tener esperanza en personajes que no se lo merecían, creyendo que podrían aspirar a ser mejores. Me hizo tener la esperanza de una niña.
Nunca había llorado tanto con un libro, pensaba que era imposible, pero llegaron Wendy, Campanilla y Peter Pan y pues me volví el océano Pacífico jajaja. De verdad lloré demasiado, pero estoy tan feliz al mismo tiempo.
Me gustaron mucho los personajes y la historia, lo sentí como un largo sueño lleno de aventuras, crueldad y amor. Ha sido la mezcla perfecta entre un cuento de hadas oscuro y la nostalgia. Se ha convertido en uno de mis libros favoritos y no puedo creer que justo lo acabo de terminar y ya echo de menos a los personajes.
Los echo tanto de menos... Me gustaría darles un abrazo a todos, lo han pasado tan mal, no merecen sufrir.
«—Vivir será una grandísima aventura, ¿no crees?
Dzó.
—Será la más grande aventura —respondió él».
PD1: gracias Laura por poner música sad cuando me has visto llorar, le ha dado más dramatismo al momento jajaja.
PD2: esta trilogía es literal Christmas Kids. Y quiero llorar.
Todavía recuerdo cuando era una niña y les dije a mis yayos que no quería crecer. Supongo que en parte lo decía por ellos y otra parte lo decía por mí, pero no importa, porque el tiempo no se iba a detener para nadie.
Esta trilogía me ha recordado a eso, a ellos y a mí misma cuando era pequeña, y es que he cambiado tanto desde entonces. Me he sentido una niña perdida leyendo, era como volver a mi infancia, ha hecho que vuelva a ser ingenua y confiada como antes y me ha hecho sentir muy feliz, enfadada y triste. Me hizo tener esperanza en personajes que no se lo merecían, creyendo que podrían aspirar a ser mejores. Me hizo tener la esperanza de una niña.
Nunca había llorado tanto con un libro, pensaba que era imposible, pero llegaron Wendy, Campanilla y Peter Pan y pues me volví el océano Pacífico jajaja. De verdad lloré demasiado, pero estoy tan feliz al mismo tiempo.
Me gustaron mucho los personajes y la historia, lo sentí como un largo sueño lleno de aventuras, crueldad y amor. Ha sido la mezcla perfecta entre un cuento de hadas oscuro y la nostalgia. Se ha convertido en uno de mis libros favoritos y no puedo creer que justo lo acabo de terminar y ya echo de menos a los personajes.
Los echo tanto de menos... Me gustaría darles un abrazo a todos, lo han pasado tan mal, no merecen sufrir.
«—Vivir será una grandísima aventura, ¿no crees?
Dzó.
—Será la más grande aventura —respondió él».
PD1: gracias Laura por poner música sad cuando me has visto llorar, le ha dado más dramatismo al momento jajaja.
PD2: esta trilogía es literal Christmas Kids. Y quiero llorar.
August 6, 2017
In July, another series of mine has come to a close. WENDY DARLING is a retelling of the classic PETER AND WENDY. But in this retelling, Wendy isn’t the innocent, weak girl and Peter is not the hero. (Not that he ever really was because let’s be real, he’s pretty awful even in the original story.)
This is a wonderfully dark retelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through this version of Neverland. Again, I can’t say much without spoiling the series, but I love the way Oakes concluded these tales. It left my eyes misty and my heart at war with the outcome, which I love.
If you’re in the mood for a twisted retelling of PETER AND WENDY, you should definitely reach for the WENDY DARLING series.
This is a wonderfully dark retelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through this version of Neverland. Again, I can’t say much without spoiling the series, but I love the way Oakes concluded these tales. It left my eyes misty and my heart at war with the outcome, which I love.
If you’re in the mood for a twisted retelling of PETER AND WENDY, you should definitely reach for the WENDY DARLING series.
June 3, 2018
A great finale, I'm so happy I picked up this series.
July 20, 2017
I got it yesterday and I finished it this morning. I absolutely love the twists and turns the story takes, and I loved that she included the breathtaking quotes that everybody associates with Peter Pan. Forever one of my favorite series. I closed the book, and I felt as though I had lost a friend. This book has such an influence on me, and it will forever be a part of me.
March 28, 2020
3,5/5 ⭐️
Ayyy tengo emociones contradictorias con este final. Me encantó todo el desarrollo de esta última entrega pero no sé si me encantó ese final... hubo una parte que me gustó mucho y otra que no tanto... aunque creo que a pesar que yo hubiera querido otra cosa es un excelente final para esta increíble trilogía. Ya les traeré la reseña completa en breves...
Ayyy tengo emociones contradictorias con este final. Me encantó todo el desarrollo de esta última entrega pero no sé si me encantó ese final... hubo una parte que me gustó mucho y otra que no tanto... aunque creo que a pesar que yo hubiera querido otra cosa es un excelente final para esta increíble trilogía. Ya les traeré la reseña completa en breves...
July 5, 2017
So! Epic spoiler for me - I did not realize this was the last book in the series since it did not specify in the title on Netgalley and the "Vol: 3" on the cover is not quite easy on the eyes, this aside I still read the book and here is what I thought.
I didn't feel lost picking this book up. There was plenty of references to the prior books without rehashing all of the events. There was enough to go by that I had concluded what had happened. Peter is the villain, overtaken by "Shadow," and Captain Hook had not only helped Wendy before but had also sided with her.
Peter, in this book, has given himself over to the Shadow, a dark apparition that possesses him and has driven him to do many, awful, dark deeds. He is a charismatic, greedy and cocky individual who yearns to conquer and inevitably destroy Neverland in the process. It is up to Wendy, someone he still loves within the darkness and ultimately obsesses over, to save Neverland and those she loves.
Admittedly, I was not overly keen on many of the characters and this could simply be due to the fact I'm late to the game and missed all of the prior building of those connections, but each character had a personality that was their own and they were entirely unique.
I found the story treading water more than once. Things were constantly taking place and happening, Wendy was forever on a "mission" except these were small things that happened, it was nothing big or something you'd expect for a series finale. Honestly, the book didn't really pick up until the last quarter, which is when it redeemed itself for me. I began to flick through the pages rapidly at this point.
I did enjoy this dark retelling of Peter and Wendy. I enjoyed the differing roles, the depth to each character and there is a gem at the end of the book that I also enjoyed.
So, if you're looking for a Peter Pan series that has multiple twists - pick this up! I give it 3.5 Savvy Crowns.
- - - - -
I didn't feel lost picking this book up. There was plenty of references to the prior books without rehashing all of the events. There was enough to go by that I had concluded what had happened. Peter is the villain, overtaken by "Shadow," and Captain Hook had not only helped Wendy before but had also sided with her.
Peter, in this book, has given himself over to the Shadow, a dark apparition that possesses him and has driven him to do many, awful, dark deeds. He is a charismatic, greedy and cocky individual who yearns to conquer and inevitably destroy Neverland in the process. It is up to Wendy, someone he still loves within the darkness and ultimately obsesses over, to save Neverland and those she loves.
Admittedly, I was not overly keen on many of the characters and this could simply be due to the fact I'm late to the game and missed all of the prior building of those connections, but each character had a personality that was their own and they were entirely unique.
I found the story treading water more than once. Things were constantly taking place and happening, Wendy was forever on a "mission" except these were small things that happened, it was nothing big or something you'd expect for a series finale. Honestly, the book didn't really pick up until the last quarter, which is when it redeemed itself for me. I began to flick through the pages rapidly at this point.
I did enjoy this dark retelling of Peter and Wendy. I enjoyed the differing roles, the depth to each character and there is a gem at the end of the book that I also enjoyed.
So, if you're looking for a Peter Pan series that has multiple twists - pick this up! I give it 3.5 Savvy Crowns.
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July 21, 2017
If you've followed me for a while, you know that I am a big fan of fairy tale retellings. This series is one that I got the chance to read about a year ago, starting with the second book. While I haven't gone back and picked up the first, even though I do have a copy, I was able to get right in with book two, Seas. If you go click that link and check out my review, you'll see that I really enjoyed it. So when I heard from the publisher about the chance to read the final book in the series, I jumped on the offer. What is really fun about reading it right now, is that I actually was on a family vacation to Disneyworld when I started it this past weekend. Even more funny is that the first ride I rode at the Magic Kingdom was the Peter Pan ride.
In this final book in the trilogy, Colleen Oakes has taken the well-loved story of Peter Pan, and turned it around, while completely staying true to the original ideas and characters in such a way that you still feel you are in that original Neverland written about by JM Barrie. If you haven't finished the first two books, you might want to quit reading for my final paragraphs of the review, just know that I highly recommend this whole series.
Read my full review on
In this final book in the trilogy, Colleen Oakes has taken the well-loved story of Peter Pan, and turned it around, while completely staying true to the original ideas and characters in such a way that you still feel you are in that original Neverland written about by JM Barrie. If you haven't finished the first two books, you might want to quit reading for my final paragraphs of the review, just know that I highly recommend this whole series.
Read my full review on
July 12, 2017
" 'Wendy, you'll be the last thing I ever love.'
I'll be the last thing you every love because I'm going to defeat you, Peter Pan, one kiss at a time."
Absolutely in love with this book! Amazing ending to a series that took my breath away. I got angry, I laughed, and I cried, more than I'm willing to admit. Oakes catered to the classic tale of Peter Pan while also taking us on an adventure to the darker, more sinister parts of Neverland. One of the aspects of this book that made it ring true was the way that she seamlessly wove in famous quotes from the original story, fitting them in perfectly with her own story line. This is definitely going to be one of those stories that I re-read on a regular basis. Here's to a beautiful fairy tale with a simultaneously tragic and wonderful end.
I'll be the last thing you every love because I'm going to defeat you, Peter Pan, one kiss at a time."
Absolutely in love with this book! Amazing ending to a series that took my breath away. I got angry, I laughed, and I cried, more than I'm willing to admit. Oakes catered to the classic tale of Peter Pan while also taking us on an adventure to the darker, more sinister parts of Neverland. One of the aspects of this book that made it ring true was the way that she seamlessly wove in famous quotes from the original story, fitting them in perfectly with her own story line. This is definitely going to be one of those stories that I re-read on a regular basis. Here's to a beautiful fairy tale with a simultaneously tragic and wonderful end.
November 29, 2020
Literalmente tuve el corazón en la boca desde la pagina 1 hasta el final.
¡Ni un momento de paz tiene este libro! Y encima esos momentos "de paz" estaba intranquila pensando que Peter volvería aparecer. En fin, voy a tener pesadillas por el resto de mí vida con Peter Pan.
Me gustó mucho esta trilogía, mejora en cada libro ❤️ mi favorito sigue siendo el segundo, solo porque este me rompió el corazón 300 veces... Ademas del segundo libro hice hasta memes 🤣 ¿Cómo competis con eso?
¡Ni un momento de paz tiene este libro! Y encima esos momentos "de paz" estaba intranquila pensando que Peter volvería aparecer. En fin, voy a tener pesadillas por el resto de mí vida con Peter Pan.
Me gustó mucho esta trilogía, mejora en cada libro ❤️ mi favorito sigue siendo el segundo, solo porque este me rompió el corazón 300 veces... Ademas del segundo libro hice hasta memes 🤣 ¿Cómo competis con eso?
January 25, 2021
The end of this series was really dark, but it did a good job wrapping everything up. I didn't approve of what Booth and Wendy did, obviously, and they said the word concrete which I don't think they had in Victorian London, but it was pretty good. Wendy came even more into her own and I liked John's redemption arc. 3 1/2 stars.
July 4, 2019
"Puedes amarlo y también ser libre de el"
No tengo palabras para describir lo orgullosa que estoy de todos los personajes, y como aprecie el mensaje principal, es una trilogía que recomendare siempre.
No tengo palabras para describir lo orgullosa que estoy de todos los personajes, y como aprecie el mensaje principal, es una trilogía que recomendare siempre.
Want to read
March 21, 2017edit: tHE COVER I'M DYING
I NEED IT
I NEED IT
June 3, 2017
4.5 stars!
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and SparkPress (a BookSparks imprint) in exchange for an honest review.
Having learnt the truth about Peter from Captain Hook, Wendy has returned to Peter's side with a clear goal in mind - get the Song of the Shadow and Peter's golden pipes. But though Peter welcomes her back eagerly, he no longer fully trusts her and Wendy must play a dangerous game of pretense - especially as Peter now holds Booth prisoner thanks to John's betrayal at the end of Seas.
Convincing Tink to give her the information she needs is no small task either, as the fairy remains stubbornly loyal despite Peter's cruelty to her. But she finally reveals to Wendy that she does not infact know the Song - and that there is one other fairy yet living in Neverland who does. Knowing that there is nothing else she can do there, Wendy flees Pan Island, with Booth and an unwilling John in tow and Peter in pursuit. War has come to Neverland, and both the pirates and the Lost Boys are gearing up for the seemingly inevitable battle.
This final installment in the Wendy Darling trilogy is the best of the three in my opinion. I really liked the scene where John and Wendy are finally talking things out and remembering their parents and home. But my favourite part was definitely the ending. There was of course the expected epic mid-sea battle that was an excellent action scene. The closing scenes however, were beautifully written, touching and emotional. It made sense that it had to end that way, but it was still really sad.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this conclusion to a very intriguing retelling of the famous story of Peter Pan and Wendy and would definitely recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and SparkPress (a BookSparks imprint) in exchange for an honest review.
Having learnt the truth about Peter from Captain Hook, Wendy has returned to Peter's side with a clear goal in mind - get the Song of the Shadow and Peter's golden pipes. But though Peter welcomes her back eagerly, he no longer fully trusts her and Wendy must play a dangerous game of pretense - especially as Peter now holds Booth prisoner thanks to John's betrayal at the end of Seas.
Convincing Tink to give her the information she needs is no small task either, as the fairy remains stubbornly loyal despite Peter's cruelty to her. But she finally reveals to Wendy that she does not infact know the Song - and that there is one other fairy yet living in Neverland who does. Knowing that there is nothing else she can do there, Wendy flees Pan Island, with Booth and an unwilling John in tow and Peter in pursuit. War has come to Neverland, and both the pirates and the Lost Boys are gearing up for the seemingly inevitable battle.
This final installment in the Wendy Darling trilogy is the best of the three in my opinion. I really liked the scene where John and Wendy are finally talking things out and remembering their parents and home. But my favourite part was definitely the ending. There was of course the expected epic mid-sea battle that was an excellent action scene. The closing scenes however, were beautifully written, touching and emotional. It made sense that it had to end that way, but it was still really sad.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this conclusion to a very intriguing retelling of the famous story of Peter Pan and Wendy and would definitely recommend it.
August 8, 2023
I am so glad that the series ended on this note, while it was bittersweet to say goodbye to Neverland once again I really enjoyed my time with this series
In this final book, Wendy and Captain Hook devised a plan to take down Peter Pan once and for all, but first Wendy has to pretend that she is in love with Peter, but it gets complicated because Booth is here and she has to break his heart to save everyone .. will the plan work before it's too late ?
the book was engaging and I liked there were no hidden magical elements that we didn't know about that will suddenly appear and save the day, it was all tactical and calculated, I really hated John (Wendy's brother, even in the original book) and Booth was so unnecessary to the plot I really question why was in he in the story to begin with, he is clearly a tool for the author to infuse some romance in the story, I kind of expected that ending since it's a Peter Pan retelling but it's still bittersweet all the same
I'm really glad I read this series, this author has a really nice way of writing it kept me engaged, I will check out her other series Queen of Hearts soon
In this final book, Wendy and Captain Hook devised a plan to take down Peter Pan once and for all, but first Wendy has to pretend that she is in love with Peter, but it gets complicated because Booth is here and she has to break his heart to save everyone .. will the plan work before it's too late ?
the book was engaging and I liked there were no hidden magical elements that we didn't know about that will suddenly appear and save the day, it was all tactical and calculated, I really hated John (Wendy's brother, even in the original book) and Booth was so unnecessary to the plot I really question why was in he in the story to begin with, he is clearly a tool for the author to infuse some romance in the story, I kind of expected that ending since it's a Peter Pan retelling but it's still bittersweet all the same
I'm really glad I read this series, this author has a really nice way of writing it kept me engaged, I will check out her other series Queen of Hearts soon
March 2, 2022
And so our journey comes to an end...
I feel so empty after finishing that. Books don't usually make me cry, but that's what happens when you finish the finale late at night on a school night. The book was so good and the ending man...AAAAA, made me cry.
The character development was so great, Wendy became much braver and pure. John realized which side he truly stands on. Hook...well Hook is Hook, not much changed there. Booth, once a sophisticated London boy, becomes courageous enough to fight for what is right. Peter...well that's for another day.
This book series was so good, and judging by the reviews, it seems like this book series isn't liked by too many, but I say give it a chance because I feel in love with it, and dang I'm sad it's over, especially with the way the epilogue ends. 😭😭😭
I feel so empty after finishing that. Books don't usually make me cry, but that's what happens when you finish the finale late at night on a school night. The book was so good and the ending man...AAAAA, made me cry.
The character development was so great, Wendy became much braver and pure. John realized which side he truly stands on. Hook...well Hook is Hook, not much changed there. Booth, once a sophisticated London boy, becomes courageous enough to fight for what is right. Peter...well that's for another day.
This book series was so good, and judging by the reviews, it seems like this book series isn't liked by too many, but I say give it a chance because I feel in love with it, and dang I'm sad it's over, especially with the way the epilogue ends. 😭😭😭
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