Review: Lost Starlight

Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is the newest book in the All That Glitters multi-author series of fairy tale retellings. This book is a retelling of Peter Pan that veers drastically from the themes of its source material. The author put in her end notes that she wrote it because she wanted to see a version of Peter Pan where Peter and Wendy get together. While this made for a lovely fantasy romance, it detracts from the character's essence as the boy who never grew up. Still, this is a charming and sweet book that only touches on the J. M. Barrie play.

Lady Gwendolyn is a shy storyteller who enjoys reading books to children. One day, she is hired for an important job at the castle, where she becomes the official storyteller for Prince Peter. Peter is enamoured with her upon sight and looks forward to hearing her read to him each day. After spending enough time with her, he decides he wants her with him always. His desire to marry her is interrupted when she is kidnapped by pixies to read to a group of lost boys in a magical land. After sacrificing himself for the sake of his love, Peter must defeat a hook-handed pirate to return to Gwen and make arrangements for their upcoming nuptials.

This book is written in a non-linear format in the style of Once Upon a Time. It alternates between Peter getting to know Gwen and the rescue mission. The two timelines are different enough that it's easy to tell them apart, so I didn't find it confusing. Both elements were necessary to make up the full story. The "meet-cute" portions were simplistic in nature but lovely to read as the romance blossomed between the outspoken boy and the timid girl. The "Neverland" sequences were magical and exciting, making the book a significant contribution to the All That Glitters series.

Does it work as a Peter Pan adaptation? Eh... While it has pixies, lost boys, and a hook-handed captain, it is missing the most crucial element of the story--the boy who refused to grow up. While I believe that was by design because the author wanted to write a love story, it does not feel like a true Peter Pan retelling. Peter is frequently described as a "young man," and there is nothing written about his childhood. The Neverland elements are more of an inspiration than a basis for the story.

Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is a charming fairy tale romance that draws inspiration from Peter Pan, but ultimately takes creative liberties to craft its own unique narrative. While it may not satisfy fans of traditional Peter Pan adaptations, the book's sweet and magical storytelling will likely delight readers looking for a romantic fantasy with a touch of whimsy. Overall, I would describe this book as a "cozy romance" perfect for someone looking for a light and uplifting read.