Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
It's always interesting, at least to me, to read a book that is the retelling of a beloved childhood tale. Whether it be a retold fairy tale such as SNOW WHITE or SLEEPING BEAUTY, or a classic such as PETER PAN, these new spins on old stories usually fall into one of two categories--terribly bad remakes, or truly amazing, imaginative stories with new twists. Thankfully, authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS into the latter.
In this rendering, Peter is an orphan about the ship Never Land. He's become the leader of sorts to the other young orphans who have been sold into slavery to King Zarboff the Third, evil ruler of Rundoon. Not long after Peter and his boys board the boat, he meets Molly Aster. The fourteen-year old daughter of the new Ambassador of Rundoon is unlike any other girl Peter has ever met. Actually, the only other girl he remembers seeing in a very long time was the daughter of the Headmaster of St. Norbert's Home for Wayward Boys.
Peter's increasing infatuation with Molly is challenged when she lets him in on a secret--she is an apprentice Starcatcher, one who guards the magical starstuff from the Others who would use it to do harm. Starstuff is magic that, when it falls to Earth, it brings about increased intelligence, happiness, and even the ability to fly. Although Peter is, at first, quite skeptical of Molly and her Starcatcher business, he soon learns that she's being nothing but truthful.
Add to the story the dreaded Pirate Black Stache and the evil pirate crew of the ship the Sea Devil, and you have an interesting story. Throw in the a shipwreck, a missing cargo of starstuff, mermaids, a flying crocodile, and island dwellers that just may be cannibals, and the story goes from interesting to amazing. This is a remarkable retelling, or possibly even a prequel, to the well known story of PETER PAN. Kudos to both Mr. Barry and Mr. Pearson for a highly entertaining and thoroughly engrossing read!
It's always interesting, at least to me, to read a book that is the retelling of a beloved childhood tale. Whether it be a retold fairy tale such as SNOW WHITE or SLEEPING BEAUTY, or a classic such as PETER PAN, these new spins on old stories usually fall into one of two categories--terribly bad remakes, or truly amazing, imaginative stories with new twists. Thankfully, authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS into the latter.
In this rendering, Peter is an orphan about the ship Never Land. He's become the leader of sorts to the other young orphans who have been sold into slavery to King Zarboff the Third, evil ruler of Rundoon. Not long after Peter and his boys board the boat, he meets Molly Aster. The fourteen-year old daughter of the new Ambassador of Rundoon is unlike any other girl Peter has ever met. Actually, the only other girl he remembers seeing in a very long time was the daughter of the Headmaster of St. Norbert's Home for Wayward Boys.
Peter's increasing infatuation with Molly is challenged when she lets him in on a secret--she is an apprentice Starcatcher, one who guards the magical starstuff from the Others who would use it to do harm. Starstuff is magic that, when it falls to Earth, it brings about increased intelligence, happiness, and even the ability to fly. Although Peter is, at first, quite skeptical of Molly and her Starcatcher business, he soon learns that she's being nothing but truthful.
Add to the story the dreaded Pirate Black Stache and the evil pirate crew of the ship the Sea Devil, and you have an interesting story. Throw in the a shipwreck, a missing cargo of starstuff, mermaids, a flying crocodile, and island dwellers that just may be cannibals, and the story goes from interesting to amazing. This is a remarkable retelling, or possibly even a prequel, to the well known story of PETER PAN. Kudos to both Mr. Barry and Mr. Pearson for a highly entertaining and thoroughly engrossing read!
Steven C. (SteveTheDM) -
Helpful Score: 2
So I was in the mood for something light and just a bit brainless, and dove into my daughters shelves for the first book in Dave Barry and Ridley Pearsons Peter Pan prequels, called Peter and the Starcatchers. And oh, what fun this was.
The story is essentially the adventure that got Peter and the Lost Boys to Neverland, introduced his pirate nemesis (here called The Black Stache, as hes pre-hook), and birthed Tinkerbell. Barry and Pearson did an awesome job of creating characters full of personality and a thirst for adventure, and villains worthy of the name.
This book was a joy to read. Its absolutely suitable for kids (for whom it was written) as well as adults craving light, fun adventure.
4 of 5 stars.
The story is essentially the adventure that got Peter and the Lost Boys to Neverland, introduced his pirate nemesis (here called The Black Stache, as hes pre-hook), and birthed Tinkerbell. Barry and Pearson did an awesome job of creating characters full of personality and a thirst for adventure, and villains worthy of the name.
This book was a joy to read. Its absolutely suitable for kids (for whom it was written) as well as adults craving light, fun adventure.
4 of 5 stars.
Candace G. (Ogre) reviewed Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers, Bk 1) on + 1568 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Hey! Do you have a child who asks 'Why?' When you read the bedtime story he/she asks, 'But how did they get there in the first place?' One whose curiosity bump isn't satisfied with 'That's the way the story goes'?
Get this book! Not at all what I expected with Ridley Pearson's name on it, this is a GREAT prequel to James Barrie's PETER PAN.
You learn why Captain Hook is so upset with Peter.
You learn why the crocodile really wants to taste Captain Hook.
You learn how it is that the lost boys can fly.
You learn where Tinkerbell came from.
And so much more...
Now you can answer some of those 'Why?' requests---and delightfully written, too.
Get this book! Not at all what I expected with Ridley Pearson's name on it, this is a GREAT prequel to James Barrie's PETER PAN.
You learn why Captain Hook is so upset with Peter.
You learn why the crocodile really wants to taste Captain Hook.
You learn how it is that the lost boys can fly.
You learn where Tinkerbell came from.
And so much more...
Now you can answer some of those 'Why?' requests---and delightfully written, too.
Traci B. (tlbrown206) reviewed Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Really enjoyed this book. Always loved Peter Pan and Tinkerbell so this was a wonderful book to read. The adventures,childhood innocents, and the struggle to take on adult issues is so common today its refreshing to see character take it on without losing their sense of right and wrong.
Kathleen A R. (katink) reviewed Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't put it down, can't wait to read the next in the series. Not just for kids.....great for anyone who loves Peter Pan.
Helpful Score: 1
Very creative and imaginative. Clear writing and easy to read. This is to Peter Pan as Wicked is to Wizard of Oz. Great possible action explanations of how each character became who they are and why. Plots within plots. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but got hooked immediately. The action keeps going and you want to keep going to the next chapter to see what is going to happen! I just finished Peter and the Shadow Thieves,oh my gosh, scary, thriller and close escapes. I've also read Kingdon Keepers by Ridley Pearson. This is supposed to be a young adults book, but if you're still young at heart you'll love it!
I thought that this was a really fun read. It gives a new spin to earlier parts of Peter's story prior to what we're familiar with from the Disney movie. Even though it's a read aimed towards children, it was written well enough that I didn't find myself annoyed by overly-dramatic teens and sub-standard plot. I'm definitely looking forward to more in the series!
I think this book is a very interesting twist on the Peter Pan story. It's a page-turner and will keep you wanting to read more.
Great rewrite of Peter Pan. Very enjoyable.
Kimberly N. (KimberlyN) -
Definitely a great story: creative, exciting, fast-paced, surprising. Why is it listed for young teens? As an adult, I loved it and I can see my older teen and a friend's older teen (girl and boy, respectively) both enjoying this tale.
I look forward to reading the sequels and, then, Rrading "Peter Pan," too!
Fun. Read it: you won't be disappointed whether if you are 8, 18, 48, or 88!
I look forward to reading the sequels and, then, Rrading "Peter Pan," too!
Fun. Read it: you won't be disappointed whether if you are 8, 18, 48, or 88!
