See my event recap from one of Wendy's recent events over at the Hicklebee's TAB Blog.

Everland is your new favorite fantasy/scifi/retelling thanks to rich characters, an engaging world, and familiar story that keeps you curious throughout!

It’s easy to see how Spinale took the premise of Peter Pan and placed it into the steampunk world.

* Why would kids be orphaned? There’s a deadly virus that kills adults first.

* Why would a deadly virus get out? Because war.

* Why would a war be happening in England? The (evil) Queen of Germany wanted to take over Napoleon style.

* Why would Hook be pirating in England? He wants to please his mom, the Queen.

* Why would Tinkerbell have wings and fairy dust? She’s infected by the virus, which causes her feet to blister. Also, it’s not fairy dust but gold dust used to leave glinting trails to follow.

* Why is Hook looking for the kids? One of them is rumored to be immune and have the cure.

There’s no doubt that Everland is dark. Gwen is tasked with taking care of her siblings, Joanna and Mikey, after her parents have gone missing. She must forage for food while also keeping them safe from being captured by roaming marauders. The kids fashion armor out of kitchen utensils and the like, which add to the steampunk elements. All that remains of London (now dubbed Everland) after an invasion are never-ending fires and sorrow. Along the way, Joanna is captured and Gwen must go on a mission to save her. It’s during this time that she meets Pete, the original Lost Boy who later introduces her to his vast city of other Lost Boys. All the while the kids are on a race against time with the deadly virus killing more and more people every day. Many twists and turns ensue where we find out the Jolly Roger is a Zeppelin and Tick and Tock still exist along with other alligators living in the city sewers. In fact, nearly all of the characters from Peter Pan make an appearance of some sort in Everland.

Gwen shows considerable courage throughout the story and shines like any heroine should. Pete and his Lost Boys only add value to her story. Hook is as deplorable as you’d expect but there is hope for him in the future (his eye and hand are non-negotiable, though!). Do we really have to wait another year for the next book to comes out? We can’t wait to hear Pete’s Lost Boy story.

The book itself is aesthetically pleasing, with the foil cover and the raised imagine. To add character, the pages are deckle edged (they’re natural and uneven). It will look great on your bookshelf so be sure to check it out!