Never Ever by Sara Saedi

Never Ever by Sara Saedi
Release Date - June 1, 2016

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 320 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Wylie Dalton didn’t believe in fairy tales or love at first sight.

Then she met a real-life Peter Pan.

When Wylie encounters Phinn—confident, mature, and devastatingly handsome—at a party the night before her brother goes to juvie, she can’t believe how fast she falls for him. And that’s before he shows her how to fly.

Soon Wylie and her brothers find themselves whisked away to a mysterious tropical island off the coast of New York City where nobody ages beyond seventeen and life is a constant party. Wylie’s in heaven: now her brother won’t go to jail and she can escape her over-scheduled life with all its woes and responsibilities—permanently.

But the deeper Wylie falls for Phinn, the more she begins to discover has been kept from her and her brothers. Somebody on the island has been lying to her, but the truth can’t stay hidden forever.

Peter Pan and birth control are two things I never thought I would mention together in the same sentence and yet, thanks to Sara Saedi's NEVER EVER, I have reason to. I knew instantly that this was not going to be JM Barrie's take on the boy who wouldn't grow up and that immediately delighted me. I also never thought that I would want a more modernized twist on the Peter Pan lore, but this novel changed my mind. Sarah Saedi has crafted a unique twist on my most beloved childhood tale, and created something entirely her own.

The mark of any great retelling is the ability to have enough recognizable elements of the story you're inspired by while still incorporating your own spin on the story. Sara Saedi accomplishes this by having her characters and setting feel more modern (including possible jail sentences, and cell phones). She made this modernization feel natural to a very timeless story and tied everything together through her descriptive narrative.

The realistic feel to this story may have take some of the magic out of the Peter Pan tale, but this book holds its own kind of magic. The realism of why Wylie and her brothers would go with a stranger, and how they get to the island is something that was a welcome change from the original. The island itself retains the wonder of Neverland while still managing to have a Lord Of The Flies feel to it underneath. This balances the magical elements and keeps the modernized tone of the story feeling unforced.

This version of 'Neverland', called Minor Island, is as hedonistic as it is dangerous. It's a world filled with non-stop parties, magical flowers that give you the ability to fly, and all the freedom young teens could want. It also holds betrayal, and lies. The ageing up of not just Wylie and Phinn allows for a more mature storyline featuring drinking, and alluded to sexytimes. It was an entirely new (for me at least) take on Peter Pan and one I found myself easily falling into.

All the characters we associate with Peter Pan are found within these pages. Versions of Wendy, John, Michael, Tinkerbell, Peter (of course) and who I assume to be this author's take on Captain Hook are all present and accounted for. I loved (or loved to hate) each of these characters by the end of the book and for various reasons. They are given surprising depth, even Phinn who seems nothing more than an elusive mystery at first, becomes much more fleshed out by the end of the novel. Wylie is intelligent and headstrong. Tinka is hot tempered, dramatic and my have quickly become my favourite character because of her flawed nature. Each of these characters retains qualities of the originals while being entirely their own creation. Tink's jealousy manifests itself in Tinka. Wendy's curiosity is found within Wylie. Peter's charm and arrogance are found within Phinn. It allows fans of the original to already care about these characters, but I believe even non fans will love both the story and the characters.

The Dalton parents play a surprisingly complex part in this story. I've always felt that the 'Darling' parents were nothing more than an afterthought in the story and Sara Saedi wisely shows us the grief, and regret these two characters experience. She ties them into the story in impressive ways that create thrilling avenues for the story to explore.

I did not know this was a trilogy going into this novel or even that there would be a sequel of any kind. I was delighted to discover that this story was only the beginning of Wylie's journey. Sara Saedi has set up the sequels nicely and has taken the story into directions that have me fangirling over what is to come.

One of the most unique twists on the classic Peter Pan tale that I've had the pleasure to read. I am eager to follow Wylie, and her brothers on the rest of their journey through their version of Neverland. If you love fairytale retellings, particularly those that take huge liberties with the source material, this is one you will not want to miss.

Waiting On Wednesday ...... Never Ever

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Never Ever by Sara Saedi

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Wylie Dalton didn’t believe in fairy tales or love at first sight. 

Then she met a real-life Peter Pan.

When Wylie encounters Phinn—confident, mature, and devastatingly handsome—at a party the night before her brother goes to juvie, she can’t believe how fast she falls for him. And that’s before he shows her how to fly.

Soon Wylie and her brothers find themselves whisked away to a mysterious tropical island off the coast of New York City where nobody ages beyond seventeen and life is a constant party. Wylie’s in heaven: now her brother won’t go to jail and she can escape her over-scheduled life with all its woes and responsibilities—permanently.

But the deeper Wylie falls for Phinn, the more she begins to discover has been kept from her and her brothers. Somebody on the island has been lying to her, but the truth can’t stay hidden forever.

Its no secret that I adore Peter Pan and all these Peter Pan retellings are making my life right now. This one sounds incredibly and I am very excited to meet Wylie and Phinn.

This novel's June release means it'll be a fun poolside read with a tropical drink to remind you of Neverland. Looking forward to seeing what kind of Peter lurks within these pages, and I cannot wait to see Sara's version of Tink, Hook, and the rest.

Expected release date - June 21, 2016

2016 Most Anticipated - Never Ever

My love for Peter Pan is widely known. It's my go to Disney movie, and one of my favourite stories as a kid. Peter has long been a literary fascination and I am thrilled that there are so many amazing sounding retellings being released in 2016. This is the SECOND Peter Pan inspired novel to make my list.

This Goodreads synopsis has me VERY excited. It sounds exactly like the perfect Peter Pan retelling for me. A mix of a modern setting, magic, and romance.

Wylie Dalton didn't believe in fairy tales or love at first sight.

Then she met a real-life Peter Pan.

When Wylie encounters Phinn—confident, mature, and devastatingly handsome—at a party the night before her brother goes to juvie, she can’t believe how fast she falls for him. And that’s before he shows her how to fly.

Soon Wylie and her brothers find themselves whisked away to a mysterious tropical island off the coast of New York City where nobody ages beyond seventeen and life is a constant party. Wylie’s in heaven: now her brother won’t go to jail and she can escape her over-scheduled life with all its woes and responsibilities—permanently.

But the deeper Wylie falls for Phinn, the more she begins to discover has been kept from her and her brothers. Somebody on the island has been lying to her, but the truth can’t stay hidden forever. 

I am basically prepared to be obsessed with this once I get to read it. I am really excited to meet Phinn. I also love that the Wendy-ish character is called Wylie Dalton! Clever and cute!

Sara was kind enough to answer a few questions about her book, and hopefully this little interview gets you as excited for this title as I am!

1 Describe Never Ever in three words or less.

Magical. Romance. Paradise.

2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included?

That's easy. Freshly squeezed sugar root and pineapple juice, with a splash of champagne. Ground woodmeg to line the glass and a garnish of parvaz flowers. You'll have to read the book to find out what a few of those things are...

3 Your book draws inspiration from Peter Pan. Is there something that particularly inspired you from the classic tale?

I've always loved the wish-fulfillment aspect of Peter Pan. Who wouldn't want to live on an island where you never grow up? But I was interested in aging up the story and exploring some of the same themes with teenagers. The relationship between Peter and Wendy has always been child-like and innocent and I was intrigued by the notion of making it a little edgier, true to life, and complex. Plus, most Peter Pan stories focus on Peter and his journey and I really wanted this book to be told from a young girl's perspective. This story is told from the point of view of Wylie Dalton who's a feistier and more sophisticated version of Wendy Darling.

4 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters.

Tinka, the character inspired by Tinker Bell, suffers from co-dependency and addiction. And she's not afraid to cut a bitch.

5 If possible, please share the first line of Never Ever

Wylie Dalton didn't know it yet, but in precisely two hours, sixteen minutes, and thirty-two seconds, her life would change forever.

6 What three things do you need while revising?

Music, Iced latte, inspirational cafe setting

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

I can't wait to read Shuffle Repeat by Jen Klein. It's described as When Harry Met Sally for YA readers. It's about a guy (Oliver) and a girl (June) who probably wouldn't cross paths at their high school if Oliver didn't have to drive June to school every day. I have a feeling it's going to resurrect all of my nostalgia for high school romance and unrequited love. I'm a huge fan of Jen Klein's debut novel, so I'm really excited for this one.  Also, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. That kind of says it all.

I may love Tinka already. She sounds amazing. I am just so excited to meet these characters and see what secrets lurk in this version of Neverland.

Never Ever releases June 21, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

To find out more about Sara or her books be sure to visit the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Why do you think retellings are so popular? What do you think keeps people coming back to Peter Pan again and again? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday ........ Never Never

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Never Never by Brianna Shrum

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

James Hook is a child who only wants to grow up.

When he meets Peter Pan, a boy who loves to pretend and is intent on never becoming a man, James decides he could try being a child—at least briefly. James joins Peter Pan on a holiday to Neverland, a place of adventure created by children’s dreams, but Neverland is not for the faint of heart. Soon James finds himself longing for home, determined that he is destined to be a man. But Peter refuses to take him back, leaving James trapped in a world just beyond the one he loves. A world where children are to never grow up.

But grow up he does. 

And thus begins the epic adventure of a Lost Boy and a Pirate.

This story isn’t about Peter Pan; it’s about the boy whose life he stole. It’s about a man in a world that hates men. It’s about the feared Captain James Hook and his passionate quest to kill the Pan, an impossible feat in a magical land where everyone loves Peter Pan.

Except one. 

It's not a secret that I love all things Peter Pan and Neverland. The quickest way to have me add a book to my wishlist is to tell me it's a Peter Pan retelling. This one offers up a unique twists in that it's Hook's perspective from the sounds of it, and there is the tease that perhaps Peter Pan is the evil one!

Luckily I don't have long to wait (especially since I have an ARC teasing me from my bookshelf) as this one is released next month.

Expected release date - September 22, 2015

2015 Most Anticipated ....... Never, Never

The next selection for my 2015 Most Anticipated Event is going to surprise nobody. Featuring a boy who wouldn't grow up, and a certain Captain, this novel was an easy addition to my list.

Read this brief synopsis and you'll be just as intrigued as I am, particularly if you're a huge Peter Pan fanatic.

Brianna Shrum's NEVER NEVER, a retelling that starts when James Hook, the boy who only wanted to grow up, meets Peter Pan, the only boy who didn't, and follows their journey from innocent friends to the fiercest rivals in all of Neverland.

Brianna took the time to answer some questions for me. She's made some amazing sounding ice cream (and that name!!) and tantalizingly teased a darker, more sinister Peter for her story.

1 Describe Never, Never in three words or less.

Three words. Oh man….I’m tempted to just panic and pull a Dumbledore and shout out “Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!” But I won’t. Three words: Dark. Romantic. HOOK.

2 If someone were to make an ice cream flavour for your book, what might be included?

That’s an awesome question. Let’s see. Rum, it would definitely include rum. And probably some sort of multi-flavored stripe of berries running through it (it’s about the only thing kids can eat in Neverland when they’re with Peter). Add in a ribbon of extra, extra dark chocolate, and a smattering of pixie dust. ;) Pixie Rumberry.

3 Can you share a secret about your book (either its world, its characters, or something that helped inspire the story)?

Hmmmm, a secret about a character: So I’ve written 5 manuscripts, 1 before Never, Never, and 3 since. Lots of baddies. But Peter Pan in Never, Never is the character I hate the most, unequivocally. More than ANY other character I’ve ever written or probably will ever write.

And a nice one about the book itself: A portion of my earnings on this book are going to the Greater Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, which is the exact hospital that J.M. Barrie left all his earnings from the original to after he died. So, kind of a fist-bump to Barrie :)

4 Your book draws inspiration from Peter Pan. Can you tell me something that particularly inspired you from the classic tale?

The thing that inspired me the most was definitely this line from J.M. Barrie’s original: “When they [the Lost Boys] seem to be growing up, which is against the rules, Peter thins them out…” I’ve always been fascinated with good and evil and the myriad of shades in between, and when I read that line, I thought, “Holy what? Did Barrie just say…Peter legit MURDERS Lost Boys?” Pan is supposed to be this guy everyone loves, everyone roots for, but in that line, I think Barrie is letting us know that this kid is not all he seems to be. What if someone *cough* James Hook *cough* was drawn into this world of Neverland, and then realized it was not at ALL what he'd expected it to be, but there was nothing he could do about it? And my mind just kind of twisted everything out from there, to create this evil vs. evil world where, yes, Hook is wicked, but Pan brings a new meaning to the word.

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel? 

This question would be more difficult if I wasn’t SUPER into Outlander right now. So I’m gonna go 1700’s Scotland. But I require a Jamie to be there. Can I have a Jamie? (Or at LEAST someone similarly kilted and Scottish accented and swoon-worthy.)

6 What three things do you need while revising?

Arizona Diet Green Tea. (I’m as addicted to it as Hook is to rum.) Some awesome movie soundtrack, preferably without any words (Revised this one to the 2003 Peter Pan soundtrack, Braveheart, and Gladiator.) And Pop Secret homestyle popcorn, baby.

7 If possible, please share the first line of Never, Never. (only answer if not too spoilery).

All children, except one, wish to stay young. James Hook, however, wanted to grow up.

I want to thank Brianna for taking time to answer these. Bonus points for using a Harry Potter reference, and teasing my (not so) inner Peter Pan fangirl to insanity. I cannot wait to get my hands on this. A dark Peter is super intriguing and that first line brings to mind the classic story all too perfectly.

A special mention of the fact that a portion of the sales will go to a children's hospital in honour of J.M. Barrie! That is amazing!

Oh, and I would very much like for PixieRumberry to be a thing, please.

Never, Never is set to be released Fall 2015 and no pre-order links are available yet but do keep an eye out for it!

Be sure to check back later on during the event for a chance to win a copy of Never, Never (or any one of my featured titles!).

You can follow Brianna Shrum on Twitter, visit her official website, and learn more about the book from the publisher website.

Are you a huge Peter Pan fan? If not do you love retellings? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week.

BOOK 

Never Ever by Sara Saedi (goodreads)

This deal was recently announced in Publishers Weekly and as a Peter Pan fangirl there was much flailing going on.

Inspired by PETER PAN, it tells the story of a girl and her two brothers; when a handsome stranger invites the three of them to a secret island where no one grows old they think they've won the lottery, but they soon discover that something sinister is going on.

There are a BUNCH of Peter Pan inspired novels coming out in 2015 and 2016. This is something that pleases me greatly! I can't wait to see what this one does with the classic tale and the boy who wouldn't grow up!

TV/MOVIE

Into The Woods trailer

It's not a secret that I am obsessed with fairytales. Ever since I heard they were making this musical into a movie I've been excited to see footage. The first trailer doesn't disappoint. There is something magical even in this brief glimpse, and I can't wait for it's December release.

What are you obsessed with this week?