Review: Wendy Darling by Colleen Oakes

Wendy Darling

by Colleen Oakes

Publisher: Spark Press

Pages: 256

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Wendy Darling has a perfectly agreeable life with her parents and brothers in wealthy London, as well as a budding romance with Booth, the neighborhood bookseller’s son. But while their parents are at a ball, the charmingly beautiful Peter Pan comes to the Darling children’s nursery and—dazzled by this flying boy with god-like powers—they follow him out of the window and straight on to morning, to Neverland, a intoxicating island of feral freedom.

As time passes in Neverland, Wendy realizes that this Lost Boy’s paradise of turquoise seas, mermaids, and pirates holds terrible secrets rooted in blood and greed. As Peter’s grasp on her heart tightens, she struggles to remember where she came from—and begins to suspect that this island of dreams, and the boy who desires her—have the potential to transform into an everlasting nightmare. 


Kritters Thoughts:  If you think you know the Peter Pan story, take a moment and pick up this interesting retake through the eyes of the Darling daughter, Wendy.  The beginning feels similar as Peter approaches the Darling family and they are whisked away to Neverland, but that is only the beginning.  

I loved seeing this story through Wendy's eyes.  I liked seeing her view over her brother John's as it is easy to see how John could be easily swept into Peter Pan's influence with the Lost Boys encouraging the antics.  Wendy was definitely swept into Peter Pan's world, but it was interesting to see her see the truth.  

Tinkerbell is same and different in this book and I liked it.  I loved how her jealous ways were big in this book and really made a big part of the book.  The semi love triangle of Tinkerbell, Peter Pan and Wendy made this fairytale become a great young adult read.  

I would definitely recommend this read for those who enjoy retakes on the classic fairytales because it is based on the former but the twists on it were interesting.  We are left on a cliffhanger and I know there is a sequel and although this book didn't blow me away, I will absolutely read the sequel when it arrives.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2015 Challenge: 41 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.