Peter and the Shadow Thieves

I absolutely love the idea behind this series. Instead of retelling the old version of Peter Pan, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have simply imagined a background for Peter. This series goes through the days before Peter became the legendary "Peter Pan." It's great, because those who aren't familiar with the story can follow, and those who do know the story can be amused by references to what Peter will eventually become.

Aside from the history behind the characters, this is an entertaining and delightful children's novel. Peter and the Shadow Thieves is the sort of book that made me fall in love with reading. It has all the right elements of mystery, suspense, humor, and simple, good fun. There are dangerous parts that made me hold my show more breath (especially with Jim Dale's narration!) and completely immerse myself in the story with the characters and root for their victory

As with any fantastic children's novel, Peter and the Shadow Thieves has a terrifying bad guy. Named Lord Ombra, he can steal the shadow of anyone, and he wants the magical starstuff to make him all-powerful. I don't know about you, but I think an adventure book is only as good as the antagonist, and Lord Ombra is a definite win. He seems like a character straight out of a particularly horrifying Doctor Who episode. Our shadows are exactly the type of thing we take for granted, and for Barry and Pearson to introduce a character who is capable of stealing people's shadows -- *shudder* I admit, Lord Ombra has entered into my nightmare hall of fame.

In the end, I think I wanted a little more from the side of Captain Hook and the Lost Boys. In this novel, Peter is in England fighting Lord Ombra and the Lost Boys are left to their own devices against Captain Hook. I know that Peter is the main character, but I would have liked more of a balance between the two. Besides that, however, it's a fun, entertaining read that I recommend for all lovers of adventure and fantasy. The end is satisfying in that it answers the most crucial and biting questions, but it still leaves a lot unanswered, so that I'm eager to continue the series.

There just aren't enough words to say how amazing Jim Dale is as a narrator. He puts life and vivacity in every story he reads. The characters all have their own voices, and he matches his pace, rhythm, and tone to what's going on in the story. If you're at all interested in audiobooks, definitely go for the audiobook version of this one. It is a treat. show less

A great read-aloud for the whole family or classroom. Each chapter is short (1-5 pages) and ends with a cliff-hanger--it's all adventure. A bit o' Dickens' London in this one.


**Spoiler Alert**

I loved the cameo of James Barrie in this one, as if I was reading the true story of Peter Pan in which Mr. Barrie encounters the impish boy and becomes inspired by him to write the Peter Pan story that we all know--cute. I did cheer out loud as Tink repeatedly kicked evil-guy bootie with remarkable feats like punching guys in the eyeballs! Go Tink!

Peter seems to be "growing up" (maturing) in this novel, as he becomes selfless and responsible, considering his responsibilities as a leader of the lost boys and a friend. He chooses responsibility show more over personal gain at every corner, so I'm anxious to see some sort of reverse character development in the final book of the trilogy, because, isn't he the boy who "refuses to grow up?" I'm also anxious to see the development of the "pan" concept, and how it is that George and Molly grow up to forget their experiences with Peter. Will Aster erase their memories? Or will it be an inevitable side effect of "growing up"?

Moving the final book to the top of my to-read list.... show less

The second book in the Peter and the Starcatchers series, which is a prequel of sorts to Peter Pan. Although possibly it should be described instead as a "re-imagining," since many of the characters don't feel much like Barrie's originals, and it has a mythology that's very much its own.

This one's a not-bad kids' book, with an interestingly creepy bad guy and some very nice illustrations. But I didn't find it nearly as charming as the first one, and not remotely as quick and engaging a read. I think partly that may just be due to not having been in quite the right mood for it, but I think it's also true that the pacing is slower, and the plot is somewhat less interesting than Peter's origin story was.

This was a sprawling book, going from Mollusk Island (Never Land) to London and beyond. Peter goes to warn Molly and her father of approaching danger and has to figure out how to navigate the dangers of London. Meanwhile, the other Lost Boys are left alone on Mollusk Island to figure out how to make do without Peter.

I don't think it was as good as the first book and several parts felt very drawn out, but my kids and I had fun reading it together.

This series is a delightful change of pace from my usual fare, given that it's aimed at a slightly younger generation than the YA urban fantasy I enjoy so often. It also has the bonus of being narrated by the amazing Jim Dale, who has surpassed Gerard Doyle as my favorite male fantasy narrator.

While I'm sure some have found faulty with the portrayal of Molly and Tinkerbell as not being "kick ass" enough (compared to other recent female heroes). But I find them both to be strong and independent in exactly the ways I hope young girls will want to be. I wouldn't mind having a Tinkerbell for a companion myself, as she's pretty tough for being so tiny!

Summary: After Peter's amazing transformation, he decides to stay on the island. It isn't long before the Others are back, looking for the Starstuff they lost. Peter hitches a ride on their boat and heads to England to warn Molly.

The Take Away: I really liked the use of shadow as the bad guy. Not only does it play nicely on Peter's opening scene with Wendy, it really captures the greatest fear of childhood (and maybe adults too) -- the unknown.
The subplot of what's happening with Hook and the soot to be known as Lost Boys kept the ending light and mischievous, just like Peter, but contributed little else to the story.
The inclusion of George Darling was, again, a nice touch of adding in known plot lines, as was a cameo by James Barre show more himself.
Like all second books to a trilogy. this one leaves as many questions unanswered as it answers. The writing is superb, and I'm glad that the third title is sitting on my floor, to be read. show less

Peter leaves the relative safety of Mollusk Island--along with his trusted companion Tinker Bell--for the cold, damp streets of London. On a difficult journey across the sea, he and Tink discover the dark and deadly, slithering part-man/part-creature Lord Ombra. It seems that the dreaded Ombra has a variety of mysterious powers including the ability to make shadows disappear. When Peter reaches London, he sets out to find the indomitable Molly. Together they must combat Ombra's terrible forces to both protect the Starcatchers and the treasured starstuff and most importantly to rescue Molly's mother from the clutches of evil.