Challenge #19 ~ “A fantasy book.”
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
My opinion in three sentences:
I was enticed by a premise that Greathouse didn’t really deliver, instead literally losing the plot about a quarter of the way through. Whilst developing a sense of place that was strong across both settings, the characters remained weaker, especially the protagonist, and I formed no attachment to them at all. It was clearly a book to set up for its sequels, but without a tale of its own, there was nothing to engage or motivate the reader, discouraging them before they have a chance to consider the second book.
(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:
Greathouse had the imagination and world-building ability to craft the distinct locations with finesse. Reality (set in the modern-day) and the familiar world of Neverland came across in the novel as two clear and different locations, with their own atmospheres and senses of place. Staying true to Barrie’s original world, Greathouse added her own spin and elements to Neverland, too, making it her own and sparking the reader’s interest.
A warning for the book:
From a wonderful premise, it doesn’t really deliver. It’s the first in a trilogy, and it’s abundantly clear it’s that way. The book alone has no plot line itself, or not a strong enough one to guide the reader, at least. Once in Neverland, it’s just about establishing the characters and the world, presumably for what is to come next, which is not helped by the weak protagonist trying to guide the reader through. With such a rating, I’d normally avoid the sequels in favour of 4 or 5 star reads, but I’m tempted to go on in the hope potentials will be unveiled and we’ll bound into an epic tale…
Dreaming With Your Eyes Wide Open 