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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Neverland in Books

Dec 17, 2018

Neverland

Shari Arnold | 2015 | Children, Fiction & Poetry, Romance

8.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest

People grieve in many different ways, as Shari Arnold shows in her young adult novel Neverland. It has been four months since seventeen-year-old Livy lost her little sister Jenna to leukemia. Her mother has become a workaholic, her father a ghost, but Livy has become determined to help as many sick children as she can, either by reading to them or becoming a bone marrow donor. Livy’s life revolves solely around the children at the hospital but things begin to change when she meets the mysterious Meyer who takes her out of her comfort zone and challenges her to have fun.

As suggested by the title, Neverland is based upon the well-known story of Peter Pan. Meyer, like Peter, loves an adventure and whisks Livy away to do things she would never have thought to do on her own. By showing Livy how to have fun, Meyer hopes to encourage her to move on, but the big question is, is Livy ready to live without her sister?

The first part of the book has a contemporary setting that makes the story appear to be the typical girl meets boy who makes everything better type of novel, however the second section is completely different. Part two is so full of fantasy and magical ideas that it feels like a completely different book. Initially it was exciting when Meyer was something of an enigma, but suddenly the story becomes childish and fake once his true identity has been revealed, thus making the novel less gripping.

Nonetheless, Neverland is very moving as is anything regarding the death of young children. Arnold provides an interesting retelling of the delightful fairytale giving a totally new meaning to the children who do not grow up. Those who enjoy contemporary and fantasy novels will enjoy both elements however some readers expecting a young adult love story may be disappointed with the unrealistic turn the novel takes part way through.

Kudos

Merissa (13197 KP) rated Lone Wolf in Books

Dec 17, 2018

Lone Wolf kicks off with Jackson being a reluctant saviour and helping someone get to the hospital. He literally crashes into his soulmate, causing the heart bump and tunnel vision he has been told about. Of course, the heart bumps could be because his soulmate is a male, which throws Jackson completely. Leo has heard of the soulmate bond, but doesn't really know much about it. He doesn't have a problem with wolves, and lives with one in a purely platonic manner. Leo is gay, and has no issues with being so. These two have a number of hurdles to jump before they can get their HEA.

This story brings a new twist to the soulmate bond, in that although both sides know when it happens, the human side of the bond is harder to feel, and BOTH parties can walk away if they decide they don't want to follow through with the bond for whatever reason.

There is angst in this book as Jackson tries to deal with having a male soulmate, and he does act like a massive jerk for part of the book. I personally think Leo is too forgiving, but I understand the bond is there. There isn't much of a connection between Jackson and Leo for most of the book, because of issues, but once it happens, it's all good. Not only do they have their relationship problems to contend with, but they also have to deal with arson and the Human Protection League, who are fervently against wolves, and especially human-wolf bonding.

Not everything is answered in this book, and I would say Jackson and Leo get a HFN ending, so I'm wondering if there will be a second book to this one?

On the whole, even though it didn't blow me out of the water, I enjoyed this book and would be interested to see where it's going next. I would still recommend Lone Wolf.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!