Thanks to the authors for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
288 Pages
Synopsis:
London. 1783. Wendy Darling is an orphan, living in an overcrowded almshouse, ridiculed for believing in a future she can never have. More than anything in the world, she wants to be the captain of a ship. But that’s impossible. Isn’t it?
By 1789, she’s sixteen, old enough to be sold into service as a dressmaker or a servant. When she learns the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the flight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic.
But the secret service isn’t exactly what she had hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn’t as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn’t blinded by her gender…might be her nation’s greatest enemy.
A couple of weeks ago, I took part in the blog tour for The Wendy. I was very excited as I loved the cover and the excerpt that was provided. Well, after finishing the book last night, I’m thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations.
The Wendy is more than a simple retelling, despite having the familiar characters of Wendy, John, Michael, Nana, Peter Pan, Captain James Hook, and Tinkerbell. Set in Jane Austen’s England when misogyny was rife, Wendy is a diviner with the British Home Office and Clandestine Services. Women and dogs (which is where Nana comes in) are the only ones able to sense magic. Unfortunately, despite this ability, women are still judged solely by their gender, something Wendy is determined to overcome. I absolutely LOVED her! Her intellect is a sharp as a rapier and I was in stitches over the way the males in the book are so often left completely nonplussed by her. I’m not going to go into details, but even her eyebrow hysterically takes on a personality of it’s own! I know this sounds odd, but you’ll just have to trust me on this. Not only a learned scholar, she also is a better fighter than most of the men she serves with, including John and Michael. Her steely determination to realize her dream is such a positive message and readers won’t be able to stop themselves from cheering for her.
Peter is the leader of the everlost—winged beings with pointy fangs. He’s just as cocky as the original Pan, yet there’s a sweet innocence about him. The scene where he and Wendy first meet, is my favorite. At first he completely underestimates her because she’s a woman, yet he quickly comes to admire and respect her and their banter is just as much fun as the sword fight. An underlying romance starts to develop between the two, and I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops in the next book.
I’m going to stop at describing everyone else, because I don’t want to be any more spoilerish than I already have been. I’m just going to say that EVERYONE is simply perfect; from the ever loyal John, Michael, and Nana; to Hook who is villainous yet endearing at the same time. Each character, while based on the original is so unique and imaginative that I fully fell in love with them.
And if the wonderful characters aren’t enough, there’s the creative and exciting plot. In addition to Barrie’s classic, I’ve read five or six retellings of this story and I didn’t think I could be surprised anymore. Well, the authors managed to not only keep me enthralled, but also to surprise me by the direction their story took.
The Wendy isn’t simply another YA fantasy book. This is a gorgeously told tale that all adult fans of historical fantasy should experience, especially if you have fond memories of the original Peter Pan. With a heroine whose fierce determination and wit leap off the page, it’s most welcome as current events have shown that misogyny is sadly alive and well even now. My one disappointment is that I have no idea when the second book will be coming out. I realize it’s only January, but I already know The Wendy is going to be one of my favorite books of 2018 and I’m going to be re-reading it multiple times in the future. If you love fantasy and you’re looking for a perfect escape from the winter doldrums, politics, or you need a break from the world in general—please, PLEASE treat yourself and pick up this book. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
raistlin0903 said:
I was already looking forward to this review ever since you revealed the cover for the book, and it certainly does not disappoint. And wow 5 stars huh! So glad that you enjoyed this novel so much as you were hoping it would be good. It was already on my to read list, so maybe somewhere this year I can check it out. It really does sound like a wonderful novel. Terrific review Kim 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is a MUST READ Michel!🤗 It’s actually 5+++++++++++Stars!😁
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raistlin0903 said:
Haha😂😂 Okay, okay: lol, you had already convinced me to read it 😊😊😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Woot!🤗
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Books Teacup and Reviews said:
I loved that cover and the message from the book. Awesome review! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I am completely in love with this book! (Just in case you couldn’t tell!)
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fragglerocking said:
A glowing review! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Fraggle. I loved this so much!😊
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Carrie said:
Great review Kim! And it’s great to see that the story lived up to it’s lovely cover and was worth the read. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know you don’t read a ton of YA Carrie, but I think you’d love this! Er, and the kindle ebook is only $2.99. Just sayin’.😏
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Carrie said:
Haha sure, try and tempt me… is that payback for all the ones you pick up after my reviews?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh yeah! Seriously though. I wouldn’t tempt you unless I truly thought you would love this!😊
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beetleypete said:
Another re-working of Peter Pan? At least you loved it, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know. I know Pete. But this was absolutely brilliant!😊
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Birdie said:
Oh my gosh, you killed this review Kim! It’s fantastic, and now I really really want to read this book! I’m not a huge fan of retellings, but this one looks phenomenal!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh my gosh! Thank you Birdie.You just made my day! Even if fairytale retelling have left you disappointed in the past, I swear you’ll love this!🤗
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Audio Killed the Bookmark said:
This book look super adorable! Love your review!
💛Berit
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Berit. This is one of those rare books where everything is absolutely perfect.😊
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Beware Of The Reader said:
I say what I already said the first time: I need it!!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yes you do!!!😁
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thebookdutchesses said:
This sounds really good.
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Ooh yes, this is a very memorable cover! So glad it was good and had fantastic characters!! Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome 😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Fantastic Review Book Diva!!!😍 Wow, this book looks fantastic!!!😊 This definitely looks like a gorgeously told tale!!😍 I also just LOVE how it brings up such an important issue!🙌🙌🙌 I definitely will have to read this one! Yay!😍😘👯👐 Also one more thing that cover is just perfect!💖💚💜💙💛
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You need to read this ASAP Dani! I promise you’re going to love it!😊
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Nice review, Kim! I’m so glad you loved this book! It really sounds amazing! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know you’re going to love this Raven!
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Michelle Morrison said:
I am definitely getting this one. I love all things Peter Pan. Love the Disney movie, and love the book. It’s cool to read the different stories based on Peter Pan.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Since you’re a Peter Pan lover, I think this is definitely the book for you Michelle!😊
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Wow this does sound absolutely marvelous. A retelling of Peter Pan that you haven’t seen before with characters this awesome? Wendy alone sounds amazing. I’m glad to see you rave about this book, Kim!! Awesome review! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lashaan! It’s definitely going to be one of my favorites this year.😊
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Jen said:
OH OH OH!!!! This sounds like a beyond amazing Peter Pan retelling! I’ve been let down before since there hasn’t been one yet that I love BUT this sounds like it could change it all. Thanks for making me aware of this book Kim!! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You should definitely read this Jen!😊
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