Lost in the Never Woods

This BOOOOOOOK! Aiden Thomas can literally do no wrong.

This story is a Peter Pan retelling, told by Wendy. 6 years ago, her and her brothers went missing. After 6 months, she returned alone without any memory of what happened. One day, she runs into a boy named Peter, who tells her they used to know each other and he needs her help.

This book was so fantastical and such a fresh take on an old story. It is definitely geared more towards the YA category than middle grade due to some dark themes, as well as Wendy being 18 in the story. The characters felt so real. Wendy's parents were such a stark contrast in their constant mourning to Peter's exuberant, boisterous personality. Getting to see Wendy's reactions to magic and the world around her felt so real in a way that made you ache and love and feel joyous with her.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good dark story retelling. It was so endearing. Also, I cried like a baby at the end as I was listening to the audiobook and driving.

TW: alcohol, anxiety, blood, car accident, child death, death, depression, gun violence, hospitalization, kidnapping, murder, child abuse, violence