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A review by chaptersofmads
These Deathless Shores by P.H. Low
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
“They had both knew from the beginning that they would not save each other.”
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
From the moment I read what this book was about, I was certain I was going to love it. A dark, diverse Peter Pan retelling with themes of trauma, grief, lost childhood, addiction, etc. was right up my alley. I love the light, fairytale, whimsical versions of Peter Pan but I also know how well the story can lend itself to darker themes and I was excited for what the author was going to do with this.
Before I carry on with the review, I want to say that I'm aware that this was this author's debut and the act of writing a book is an impressive feat. Not every book will be for every reader. That doesn't mean I am not aware of the work put into this or that I mean any ill will to the author themself. Even just the act of including all of the rep in here (disability, specifically) was incredible and something we need more in fantasy.
That being said, I cannot remember the last time I struggled this much to read a book. My issues were with every aspect of the story made it difficult to even pick up. I struggled with the pacing, the worldbuilding, the characters, the writing style, and even the way the themes were handled (specifically ones I had experience with.)
There's so much that could have been fantastic about this book, but I don't feel like it was capable of reaching its full potential.
The world-building was a mess that was barely described and when it was described, I ended up more confused than I was before. I understand the world beyond the Island is supposed to be like ours, but not - though even this is never really explained, other than a difference in currency and the Peter Pan book having been written by a different author.
The Island itself was a geographical disaster. While I understand the intention of this may have been to replicate the dream-like confusion and nonsensical view of the world that exists in childhood, no one ever questions it or brings such a thing up - leaving the reader to wonder if they're just immensely stupid or if nothing is truly being explained.
The characters were impossible to connect with/care for/sympathize with, any of it. We're supposed to believe that they're this way due to the trauma they've experienced from the island and the Dust addiction, but then we have flashbacks to one of them (at age 7) beating the shit out of their 4 year old sister because their family loved her ballet moves. Sibling rivalry is a thing and I'm not lessening that, but you can't have me believe a character is only terrible because of what Peter Pan made them and then show me they were always terrible.
Another thing, Peter wasn't even a character. He was a cardboard cut-out villain that murders mercilessly and giggles. That's literally all he does. He goes from acting like a drunk child to calling Tink a bitch. The story of Neverland always includes the fighting and stopping of pirates. That's a plot that can get dark and I appreciate that, however; the violence felt sadistic for the sake of being sadistic. This Peter and his Lost Boys don't imagine themselves as the Island's valiant protectors or glorious heroes stopping the villains, they're just creepy and torture any adult they come across.
One final point before I end this review, as it is already long and negative enough. I usually try to stay objective and keep my personal opinions out, but in case you're like me, I wanted to mention: this book was very descriptively written and could be particularly graphic or disturbing, especially when it comes to the gore or the vomiting. I'm not usually bothered by what I read, but there were moments this actually turned my stomach.
If you're someone with sensitivities, triggers, or even just sensory issues I would recommend being aware of that before heading into the book.
Overall, I'm absolutely devastated that I disliked this as much as I did, but I can't honestly rate it any higher. As always with ARCs, I'm grateful to have read it and I truly do wish the author the best.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
From the moment I read what this book was about, I was certain I was going to love it. A dark, diverse Peter Pan retelling with themes of trauma, grief, lost childhood, addiction, etc. was right up my alley. I love the light, fairytale, whimsical versions of Peter Pan but I also know how well the story can lend itself to darker themes and I was excited for what the author was going to do with this.
Before I carry on with the review, I want to say that I'm aware that this was this author's debut and the act of writing a book is an impressive feat. Not every book will be for every reader. That doesn't mean I am not aware of the work put into this or that I mean any ill will to the author themself. Even just the act of including all of the rep in here (disability, specifically) was incredible and something we need more in fantasy.
That being said, I cannot remember the last time I struggled this much to read a book. My issues were with every aspect of the story made it difficult to even pick up. I struggled with the pacing, the worldbuilding, the characters, the writing style, and even the way the themes were handled (specifically ones I had experience with.)
There's so much that could have been fantastic about this book, but I don't feel like it was capable of reaching its full potential.
The world-building was a mess that was barely described and when it was described, I ended up more confused than I was before. I understand the world beyond the Island is supposed to be like ours, but not - though even this is never really explained, other than a difference in currency and the Peter Pan book having been written by a different author.
The Island itself was a geographical disaster. While I understand the intention of this may have been to replicate the dream-like confusion and nonsensical view of the world that exists in childhood, no one ever questions it or brings such a thing up - leaving the reader to wonder if they're just immensely stupid or if nothing is truly being explained.
The characters were impossible to connect with/care for/sympathize with, any of it. We're supposed to believe that they're this way due to the trauma they've experienced from the island and the Dust addiction, but then we have flashbacks to one of them (at age 7) beating the shit out of their 4 year old sister because their family loved her ballet moves. Sibling rivalry is a thing and I'm not lessening that, but you can't have me believe a character is only terrible because of what Peter Pan made them and then show me they were always terrible.
Another thing, Peter wasn't even a character. He was a cardboard cut-out villain that murders mercilessly and giggles. That's literally all he does. He goes from acting like a drunk child to calling Tink a bitch. The story of Neverland always includes the fighting and stopping of pirates. That's a plot that can get dark and I appreciate that, however; the violence felt sadistic for the sake of being sadistic. This Peter and his Lost Boys don't imagine themselves as the Island's valiant protectors or glorious heroes stopping the villains, they're just creepy and torture any adult they come across.
One final point before I end this review, as it is already long and negative enough. I usually try to stay objective and keep my personal opinions out, but in case you're like me, I wanted to mention: this book was very descriptively written and could be particularly graphic or disturbing, especially when it comes to the gore or the vomiting. I'm not usually bothered by what I read, but there were moments this actually turned my stomach.
If you're someone with sensitivities, triggers, or even just sensory issues I would recommend being aware of that before heading into the book.
Overall, I'm absolutely devastated that I disliked this as much as I did, but I can't honestly rate it any higher. As always with ARCs, I'm grateful to have read it and I truly do wish the author the best.
Graphic: Addiction, Eating disorder, and Vomit
Moderate: Sexual content