Austin Chant

In some ways this is a five-star story; who the protagonists are, and why they do what they do, are compelling. The prose is almost dream-like, often very evocative. I'm not sorry I read it, not at all. That would be like resenting the weight of a snow globe that's entertained me with its pretty, glittery scene. Where the narrative fell short for me was the climax. It felt more dreamlike than served the events, easing me through so that all of what followed took too long. I left the book show more with a shrug rather than a smile.

But I love the messages this book offers. Some of us struggle to be who we really are, and measure our success by not drawing attention to ourselves. So, to be seen and yet accepted without question? That is rare and wonderful. Sometimes being visibly very different is good, sometimes bad. Grief tangles everything up. Grief and obsession can become poison. These themes aren't new, but I do love what the author did with them. If you need a fairly gentle take on these themes, try this book. show less

This was a cute, short novella with an office romance between an older, broody supervisor and his younger, very open and honest employee. I loved Kieran and his no filter mouth, his struggle with choosing to be open about himself but also not inconveniencing others, his total honesty about his feelings. Seth may look grumpy and cold, but underneath he is just a loner who doesn’t know how to express himself. I think they were perfect for each other. I also loved the setting of this story at show more a political campaign office. That gave the story a very refreshing feel. I just wish the story was longer and characters more fleshed out. show less

Huh. Not quite sure what to say about this book, which came highly recommended from several reviewers whose opinion I greatly respect. It sure was a very different take on the Peter Pan characters, and several scenes were beautifully written. But it didn't really hang together for me, and the abrupt personality and behavioral changes in the main characters were rendered somewhat awkwardly. I couldn't get past the fact that both MCs killed lots of people, even though the victims turned out to show more be "not real." I'm a big fan of enemies-to-lovers, but the change from trying to kill each other to wanting to kiss each other was not convincing.

Creative and unique enough that I would consider reading more by this author. show less

Peter Pan left Neverland ten years ago, willing to give growing up a try, even if it was in a world where he never felt comfortable. But they say time will always tell, and in this case it told Peter that he could not leave his truth behind. So he returns to Neverland, only to find that the game has changed. In fact, there is far more danger than fun. And when he crosses paths with his arch-nemesis, Captain Hook, he finds that time has also brought about new feelings that he never show more experienced before...

I love a well-written adaptation. And I love fantasy. So this is an absolutely winning combination for me as a reader. This is also the first work by Austin Chant that I have read, but I am willing to label myself a fan. The complexity of the characters, the slow and organic reveals, and the ways of being true to the original while telling a new story demonstrate a skill in storytelling. We definitely need more well-written stories with transgender characters like this to reflect the diversity of human experience. And while this is a fantasy story, the humanity is universal. show less