Peter and the Starcatchers: The Starcatchers, Book 1
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Summary
In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil. Bestselling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock and revealed a wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan. Peter and the Starcatchers is brimming with richly developed characters from the scary but somehow familiar Black Stache and the ferocious Mister Grin to the sweet but sophisticated Molly and the fearless Peter. Riveting adventure takes listeners on a journey from a harsh orphanage in old England to a treacherous sea in a decrepit old tub. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds a magical substance with the power to change the fate of the world - just a sprinkle and wounds heal and just a dusting and people can fly. Towering seas and a violent storm are the backdrop for battles at sea. Bone-crushing waves eventually land our characters on Mollusk Island - where the action really heats up.
I caught the live adaptation of this book and had a blast. The book version lived up to my expectations as well, especially since it's the beginning of a series that focuses on Peter.
I was hoping to find a suitable book for our family vacation this summer. It's not entirely suitable for young kids, maybe more like a light PG rating. There are some intense fight scenes that are described in detail, and there's one part where the villain fatally stabs someone. It might be a bit too intense for my littlest one, who is still a toddler.
I finished listening to the entire Starcatchers series over a year ago, and I think it's about time I share my thoughts on it. First off, let me say that this series is suitable for all ages. It definitely gets intense at times and features some pretty nasty characters, but ultimately, good triumphs over evil, just as it should in any fantasy story for kids. If you've ever wondered about the origins of Peter Pan, this is the perfect story for you. It's a thrilling adventure from start to finish. Personally, I was captivated by the characters, the well-crafted storyline, the fantastic narration by Jim Dale, and the way each book is resolved while still setting the stage for the next one. Once you dive into the first book in this series, you won't be able to put it down.
The plot itself is fairly simple and straightforward, but it's executed brilliantly. Dave Barry has done a remarkable job creating a fascinating and highly entertaining world. As a side note, I have to mention how much I loved Jim Dale narrating the entire series.
If you haven't had the chance to listen to this series yet, I strongly urge you to give it a go. Trust me, you won't be let down. I wholeheartedly recommend the entire series.
I have to begin by stating that this is my very first review after being a customer for over three years. My son, who is nine years old, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narration was truly outstanding and it truly brought the story to life! I highly recommend getting your hands on this book. It's the perfect escape from the daily grind, offering a touch of magic. We are eagerly looking forward to diving into the next installment in this series!
My daughter and I had a great time reading this book until she questioned why the pirates constantly desired to possess women. The female characters in this story are depicted as mere objects and portrayed as envious and unpleasant beings.
My kid, who's seven and a half, found the story a bit uninteresting while listening to it, but my 10-year-old and I were both really into it. Ultimately, it managed to keep the little ones quiet during car rides for a solid 2 to 3 hours.
This adaptation of the original story presents several contradictions. For instance, Peter is depicted as an orphan in this version, whereas in Barrie's tale, he had living parents upon his arrival in Neverland. Additionally, in this adaptation, Peter is raised in an orphanage by people, whereas Barrie's story portrays him being raised by fairies in Kensington Gardens and occasionally in Neverland. Another discrepancy lies in the age of Peter; in this adaptation, he is around 12 or 13 years old, whereas Barrie's Peter is only 6 or 7 years old. Furthermore, in this version, fairies are created by hand, whereas in Barrie's story, they are born from the first laughs of babies. The power of flight also differs between the two versions, with this adaptation attributing it to "starstuff," whereas Barrie's story requires a combination of fairy dust and happy thoughts. In this adaptation, Neverland is portrayed as a regular island, while Barrie's story depicts it as a semi-sentient magical entity connected to the minds of sleeping children, with hidden moving entrances. These are just a few of the contradictions present in this adaptation.
While this may not serve as a true origin story for the original book, it can be considered a well-executed rewrite that offers entertainment and thoughtful elements. The story is engaging, with well-paced and well-written action scenes that consistently hold the reader's interest. The characters may be somewhat two-dimensional, but the events they encounter are captivating enough to overshadow this flaw. The villains and their dynamics are particularly enjoyable. The author skillfully incorporates subtle references to the original story throughout. Overall, this adaptation is more grounded in reality compared to Barrie's original work, with magic being primarily associated with "starstuff," which deviates from Barrie's approach where magic is found in almost everything.
If you have a general interest in Peter Pan stories or enjoy treasure hunt narratives with fantasy and action elements, this audiobook is worth a listen. However, keep in mind that it primarily targets a younger audience. As a fan of Peter Pan, I personally found enjoyment in this adaptation, partly due to its similar humorous writing style to Barrie's work. Although Barrie's style is more playful and involves direct communication with the reader, this adaptation manages to capture some of the spirit of the original. It is important to note that this book series does not serve as an origin story to Barrie's Peter Pan but as a complete rewrite set before the events of Wendy's story.
Barrie's Peter Pan already has its own origin story, titled "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens," which is highly recommended if you are looking to introduce someone to the world of Peter Pan. In fact, I suggest purchasing that book instead, especially since it is often combined with the more well-known "Peter Pan and Wendy" book. While I do recommend this adaptation, it should not be considered the definitive introduction to the true original Peter Pan.
Personally, I found enough enjoyment in this adaptation to purchase the next part, which is equally captivating. It is worth mentioning that the subsequent installment departs from the humorous writing style, but it remains interesting and engrossing. In summary, this rewrite cannot match the brilliance of Barrie's original, but it is a creative and enjoyable adaptation that is worth purchasing and listening to, particularly if you have a fondness for Peter Pan or if it is intended for younger audiences.
I don't typically read a lot of fiction, but my daughter and I absolutely loved reading J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan. This audiobook takes us back to the time before Peter Pan became Peter Pan, when he was just an orphan from England. It's a thrilling and suspenseful story that had me hooked and eager to listen more.
What really stood out to me was the amazing character development. The characters were fascinating and the author didn't go overboard with unnecessary details. The story itself is incredibly clever and definitely not just for kids. It's a very well-written book that I found even more captivating than the Bourne series. I can't recommend it enough!
The storyline feels a bit forced, with unlikely eleventh-hour getaways, and the like. Nevertheless, if you're in the mood for some straightforward enjoyment and an engaging read (just like I was), this book will definitely appeal to you.
The person who narrates the story does an outstanding job.
The Starcatcher series presents the captivating story of Peter Pan's origins, exploring his life before becoming the iconic character we know. Currently, we are on the third installment of the four-book series, and I must say, these books are incredibly well-written. It's baffling to me why they aren't as widely recognized as other similar series intended for children (no need to mention any names).
These books have universal appeal, appealing to both kids and adults alike. They are filled with thrilling moments and humor that will keep you entertained throughout. The characters are incredibly engaging and believable, drawing you into their world effortlessly.
Even though the stories are rooted in fantasy, they are portrayed in a way that feels incredibly authentic, making it easy to lose yourself in their enchanting narratives.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend the Starcatcher series for an enjoyable experience that the whole family can appreciate.
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