Lost Boy: A Book Review

Genre: Science-fiction, YA, adventure

Pages: 300

ASIN: B07ZCCRC9R

Format: eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: December 17th, 2019

Publisher: Bleeding Ink Publishing

Type: Novel (Series – The Neverland Transmissions)

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear J.M. Sullivan and Bleeding Ink Publishing!

Introduction:

So, I’ve been waiting for Lost Boy since I reviewed Second Star, and let me tell you it satisfied me! Of course, I had to try and review the new book. Fortunately, Miss Sullivan did obtain me an ARC. (I’m immensely grateful!)

I mean, the Second Star story kept popping up in my mind throughout the years and I wondered what would happen next. I read a lot of books and for one to get stuck in my head like this means it’s excellent.

But what about the sequel?

Let’s find out, shall we?!

The Blurb:

Wendy swore she would return . . .

But Peter isn’t willing to wait. After marooning himself on Neverland to ensure his crew’s return home, Peter is determined to find a way off the ageless planet and back to the Jolly Roger and Wendy’s arms. Looking to the future, he presses on, until someone from his past reveals the dark secrets hidden in Neverland’s depths.

Meanwhile, traveling across distant galaxies, Wendy’s ship is failing. With systems malfunctions increasing and supplies running low, Wendy and her crew must find a way to keep the antiquated vessel afloat. But creaks and groans on an aging vessel aren’t the Captain’s only concern–there are whispers onboard, quiet voices skittering through the shadows that warn of something much more sinister.

The Positive Sides:

Let me start with the biggest and best news: there are no inconsistencies in the story this time around! The author really improved on this point. Kudos to her!

I liked the introduction by Aidan Boyce in his log at the beginning of the book. It’s interesting, and it does fill us in on the details and what’s going on with the crew since we last saw them. Speaking of Aidan, his introduction is foreboding—I like it greatly! Okay, okay, I won’t lie: I love it! It’s a bit unsettling too with his acting strange and the darkness he mentions at the end. Creepy. Which only intensifies throughout the book—very intriguing. The fact that the important details of the first book are seamlessly and believably inserted in the sequel is hugely appreciated and even pleasant to read. I felt no weight as I read through them. Seriously good writing skills here!

What about the writing itself? Well, the reading is smooth and flows. Plus, there is a lot of jokes and funny moments, which is so nice. I laughed out loud a good three times, so it’s always welcome! So the verdict? Her writing is lovely! The words are diversified and well-chosen, but the writing isn’t heavy. Like I mentioned above, it flows smoothly as we read. And the editing is super well done! Another great point.

Moreover, I really enjoyed the friendships in Lost Boy, notably with Wendy and her pilot, Dawes. They’re funny and adorable. Two awesome female friends! Peter’s friendship with Tinc and Seven (respectively a nanobot and a cute fox-like animal) is sweet, and Wendy’s friendship with Johns and Michaels is, as always, beautiful and caring. Funny, too.

As for the, ahum, “trouble” with Aidan… Well, I love their angsty love triangle (insert Wendy and Peter here). It’s amusing to read and sad at the same time. Poor Aidan, hahaha.

I think that the secondary characters having romances too is sweet. I’m glad the author made this choice and that not only Wendy and her love triangle exists. It makes it more realistic.

And… YES!! There is still Peter’s point of view. I was SO waiting for him. He is charming, funny, and lovely as always. Just like I love him. Oh, and he’s a red head, did you know? Psssst, I love red heads! Ahum, yes, so…

Moving on. Peter’s plan is thrilling and fits so well with his skills (you’ll see when you read it). The plot is interesting and intriguing, and I did enjoy the Stjarnins’ presence and collaboration with Peter. Also, I’ll admit I was as surprised as Peter with the Stjarnins’ secrets. Cool!!

All in all, this series is definitely my favourite retelling!!! And I read a lot of those. If that’s not convincing you to read Lost Boy (or Second Star, if you haven’t), I don’t know what will.

The Negative Sides:

The good news is I couldn’t find many of them. Heck, there was only one I noticed! What is it?

Well, the plot hints are too big and obvious. We can see right away what is happening on the ship and Boyce, and that’s a bit saddening. I’m not sure it was intentional or not. As one who figures out the twists quite easily, this one was given on a golden plate, unfortunately.

But the plot was still good and intriguing, don’t worry. It’s just it was obvious.

In Conclusion:

I loved, loved, loved Lost Boy by J.M. Sullivan! Meeting with the crew and Peter Pan again made my heart pulse with energy, curl up in bed with my Kobo and squeal like a total fangirl (which I am). It was wonderful! Now I’m waiting for the third book! GIVE IT TO ME!

So, what’s the rating? Due to the plot being too obvious, I’m taking away a .5, but I give Lost Boy a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which proves how excellent it is. I’m telling you, read the sequel, it does not disappoint and you get to know all the characters much better. They become your friends, believe it or not.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her (gorgeous) Web site, you can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Amazon author page, Facebook, Goodreads and LibraryThing. Love podcasts? Listen to hers. You can visit her publisher, Bleeding Ink Publishing. You can also add Lost Boy to your bookshelves on Goodreads.