Scholastic Press released Everland by Wendy Spinale on May 10. It’s the first in a three book series that features the Peter Pan story cast in a steampunk world, and it is an adventure I think J. M. Barrie would have approved of.
Gwen and her two younger siblings live in the ruins of London, now renamed Everland. The German queen bombed the city and with it the biological warfare laboratory that released a killer virus into the world. Adults died immediately, leaving only children and teens to fight for survival. Only one child is immune and the German army captain with the initials H.O.O.K. will stop at nothing to find her. If his kidnapped scientist can find a cure, he can rule the world. When he takes Gwen’s sister, she discovers help in the form of a boy named Peter and his Lost City of children. Can they get Joanna back and stop Hook without losing their true natures? Even if they can escape, is there anywhere safe left in the world to run to?
The novel removes the traditional fairytale magic and replaces it with steampunk imaginings that give it a brand new feel. You lose the fairy, but gain a girl with clockwork wings. Hook’s pirate ship is replaced with a zeppelin. The Lost City is run on steam and even Tiger Lily gets a makeover. Throughout the book, you’ll find yourself recognizing pieces from the original Pan story and it adds to the thrill. It's truly a tribute to the original.
This version of Peter Pan is deliciously dark, but still appropriate for teens of all ages. Yes, it is violent, but the romance is chaste and the violence has consequences. There is no glory in killing. Gwen’s character reads like a real teenage girl and the bond she has with her family is beautiful.
If you love steampunk and are looking for a fairytale retelling, Everland by Wendy Spinale is the way to go. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series.
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