Everland by Wendy Spinale

London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.

Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a daredevil boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook?

Goodreads Summary

This book encompassed a beautiful and riveting retelling of Peter Pan.  I loved how a girl took center stage in this novel.  Gwen was a powerful, strong female character who just so happened to be immune to Horologia-the virus that was released by Hook and his marauders and decimated London.  Gwen tries to keep her remaining family-Joanna and Mikey-together while still surviving in a disease-ridden, mostly dead London.  When she comes across Bella, a petite girl with gold dust and mechanical wings, and Pete, a brave, tattooed teen, she realizes that she might be something more.  Labelled as an Immune, Gwen is the key to saving the remaining children of London and Bella's life.  

Horologia kills girls very quickly, adults nearly immediately, and teen and young boys slowly.  Gwen, however, shows no wear or tear from the quick-working disease.  The reader will love being introduced to the "Lost Boys" and the budding romance between Gwen and Pete (much to Bella's fury).  In an effort to rescue her sister, Gwen leads Pete into the heart of Everland and towards the danger of Captain Hook, Smeeth, and his zeppelins.  This novel, set with a dystopian backdrop, is fantastically written and contains characters of true depth.  I really enjoyed the flashbacks and memories of Gwen's "normal life" and the surprises that unfolded throughout the novel.  This book is highly recommended to any fan of Peter Pan (and Wendy!)!

4 Stars


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