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A review by agiali
Never by Jessa Hastings
4.0
✧ 298/ 100
I am the last person on this Earth who thought I would rate this higher than a three-star, but here I am.
I won't be commenting on questionable choices Jessa Hastings chose to include here as every other review has, but I will say those were some difficult hurdles to get over. I will also not comment on that since the author has come out with a statement.
When the summary of this book was announced, I was not excited. It seemed a bit weird and incest-y that Peter Pan would be coming for an entire bloodline and the women in Daphne's family encouraged such behavior. However, this story is much more than that, THANK GOD.
The first half was not giving; I was uncomfortable and extremely bored and planned on DNF-ing. Then the second half had me kicking my feet, giggling, and wondering how a book could have such a 180º. Unfortunately, the ending was horrendous. I understand Hastings is all about drama and angst, but why would you do that to me? The ending to this is quite similar to the way her Magnolia Parks Universe books end, but I don't think those were bad for me since I knew I'd have another book to go to, this series doesn't even have any announcements about book two.
I adored Jamison Hook and Daphne's relationship despite how it felt like a bomb going off every other chapter. They are my Daisy and Christian and if they aren't I will sob. I don't agree with the choice he made at the end, but once again it is Hastings so naturally that comment would be added.
As for the retelling portion, I do recommend reading J.M. Barrie's original Peter Pan first. There is a bit of lore to it, but also Peter Pan wasn't that great in the original and he is not great here. I went in with the expectation this is not going to be a fluffy retelling, as that is what Hastings said it wouldn't be, and I think that's why I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. I was honestly quite nervous to read this. The first half felt so far from what Jessa Hastings is known for: her beautiful writing, the drama, and the romance. However, the second half stood out greatly.
Once again, no one is more surprised than me that I enjoyed this, but man was the first half impossible to get through. Jessa Hastings's books take so much out of me every time, that I will probably have to hold off on reading the third Magnolia Parks book because of this whirlwind.
I am the last person on this Earth who thought I would rate this higher than a three-star, but here I am.
I won't be commenting on questionable choices Jessa Hastings chose to include here as every other review has, but I will say those were some difficult hurdles to get over. I will also not comment on that since the author has come out with a statement.
When the summary of this book was announced, I was not excited. It seemed a bit weird and incest-y that Peter Pan would be coming for an entire bloodline and the women in Daphne's family encouraged such behavior. However, this story is much more than that, THANK GOD.
The first half was not giving; I was uncomfortable and extremely bored and planned on DNF-ing. Then the second half had me kicking my feet, giggling, and wondering how a book could have such a 180º. Unfortunately, the ending was horrendous. I understand Hastings is all about drama and angst, but why would you do that to me? The ending to this is quite similar to the way her Magnolia Parks Universe books end, but I don't think those were bad for me since I knew I'd have another book to go to, this series doesn't even have any announcements about book two.
I adored Jamison Hook and Daphne's relationship despite how it felt like a bomb going off every other chapter. They are my Daisy and Christian and if they aren't I will sob. I don't agree with the choice he made at the end, but once again it is Hastings so naturally that comment would be added.
As for the retelling portion, I do recommend reading J.M. Barrie's original Peter Pan first. There is a bit of lore to it, but also Peter Pan wasn't that great in the original and he is not great here. I went in with the expectation this is not going to be a fluffy retelling, as that is what Hastings said it wouldn't be, and I think that's why I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. I was honestly quite nervous to read this. The first half felt so far from what Jessa Hastings is known for: her beautiful writing, the drama, and the romance. However, the second half stood out greatly.
Once again, no one is more surprised than me that I enjoyed this, but man was the first half impossible to get through. Jessa Hastings's books take so much out of me every time, that I will probably have to hold off on reading the third Magnolia Parks book because of this whirlwind.