Dust

by Kara Swanson

Overview

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real--since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire's desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan--and herself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621841265
Publisher:	Enclave Publishing
Publication date:	07/21/2020
Series:	Heirs of Neverland Series
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	182,950
Product dimensions:	5.69(w) x 8.75(h) x 1.08(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

As the daughter of missionaries, Kara Swanson spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the fantasy genre. The award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See, Kara is passionate about crafting stories of light shattering darkness, connecting with readers, and becoming best friends with a mermaid-though not necessarily in that order. Kara chats about coffee, fairy tales and bookish things online (@karaswansonauthor) and at karaswanson.com.

Editorial Reviews

07/20/2020

Claire Kenton, 19, has been searching for her missing twin, Connor, since he vanished six years ago. When a lead surfaces, she immediately follows it to London, where she learns that Connor may have been taken by Peter Pan to Neverland. Meanwhile, Peter, exiled to the real world after a catastrophe befell Neverland, hunted by Captain Hook and an army of now-adversarial Lost Boys, and agonizing over finally growing up, searches for the one person who can help him return: Claire, whose mysterious ability to generate magical dust may solve his problems. Unaware of Peter’s true identity, Claire befriends him and learns how to use her dust in order to fly. But Peter and Claire’s burgeoning relationship may not survive when the truth behind Neverland’s fate is revealed. Swanson (The Girl Who Could See) introduces a modern sensibility and maturity in this thoughtful revisiting, as Peter confronts his own checkered history and selfish actions. Claire’s own battle with depression and abandonment strengthens the emotional core. While the dark, dramatic turns occasionally feel at odds with the source material, this first installment in a duology offers an intriguing experience. Ages: 12–up. Agent: Tessa Hall, Hartline Literary. (July)

Publishers Weekly

"Swanson introduces a modern sensibility and maturity in this thoughtful revisiting... an intriguing experience." —Publishers Weekly

"Delightfully twisted... a charming and engaging read." —Lorehaven magazine

"A vibrant, mesmerizing storyteller and original voice in young adult fiction." -Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author

"Dust sparkles with hope, magic, and a little bit of pixie dust. If you loved Peter Pan as a child, you’ll devour every gorgeous page of this romantic adventure! I can’t wait to see what happens next!” —Lorie Langdon, award-winning author of Olivia Twist and the Doon Series

“A whimsical imagining of the dark side of Neverland. Dust takes readers beyond the fairytale and, if possible, brings even more enchantment to the already beloved story." —Nadine Brandes, award-winning author of A Time to Die, Fawkes, and Romanov

“With vivid descriptions, conflicted characters, and spirited pacing, Dust has it all. Swanson’s captivating sense of wonder makes this novel an immersive journey into a land you’ve visited in your dreams—and sometimes your nightmares.” —Christopher Hopper, best-selling author of Ruins of the Galaxy

From the Publisher

07/24/2020

Gr 8 Up—Claire Kenton has been searching for her twin brother since he disappeared six years ago. No one believes that he was kidnapped but Claire knows Connor wouldn't have left her. Claire has a hard time getting close to people, especially since the dust that falls from her skin killed their last foster mom. Knowing how fascinated Connor was with Peter Pan, she takes off for London, where he was last seen. Unbeknownst to Claire, Neverland and Peter Pan are real and darker than she could ever imagine. Peter Pan is stuck in London with no way of returning to Neverland and aging by the day. He spends his days hiding from the Lost Boys, who have partnered with Captain Hook and his pirates. Feeling the loss of Tinkerbell, he works with Tiger Lily to figure out how they can return to Neverland. When Peter learns about Claire and the magic living within her very skin, he knows she's the key to returning to Neverland. The problem is how much she dislikes Peter Pan, and how little she believes in herself. Claire has realistic struggles, including having attempted suicide before the story begins. The book ends on a cliffhanger, setting up for a sequel. Most of the main characters are white, and Tiger Lily has ebony skin. VERDICT This twist on Peter Pan weaves in a little romance and some action and adventure.—Natalie Struecker, Cedar Rapids P.L., IA

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