Neverland in North London
When Peter lures Wendy to his secret and solitary domain, adventure and peril await.
Then into the frame enters the complicated James Hook, a figure whose ruthless designs on Neverland are matched only by Peter’s own desire for Wendy’s soul.
Hook is as hissable as ever, and when he presents the
selfish-but-magnetic Peter with a deadly challenge, an
epic battle begins.
At its heart? Wendy Darling.
Assertive. Smart. And in terrible danger.
Set in Spicerhill, a district of contemporary London, Neverland in Shadow is an affectionate, offbeat story inspired by J.M. Barrie’s outstanding novel and characters.
Taking its cue from Barrie’s view that Kensington Gardens’ celebrated statue '...failed to show the Devil in Peter', this respectful tale embraces the darkness lurking in a tragic and immortal anti-hero.
WANT TO CUT TO THE CHASE?
Here's what you need to know:
What: Contemporary take on Peter Pan
Who: Young adults and above
Where: Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd or Smashwords.
Sample: Preview PDF here
Neverland. That's what she'd call this place. The boy watched her, and when she looked to him again he was stood up: balanced upon the railings, legs splayed, cable coiled and fizzing around his neck, and both hands on his hips. He thumped his chest and said ‘Peter.’ This he followed with an entitled little smirk. The entire thing reeked of a triumphalism for which he'd done precisely nothing to earn. Who on earth does he think he is, this boy, thought Wendy.
From Chapter 5: Ne
10
THE SONGS IN THE SHADOWS
The story would not exist without these unwittingly provided musical cues. From lyrics and titles to inspiration taken from a song’s atmosphere, these artists must take the credit and share the blame. Thank you to them all.
Check out some songs from the bands with ink on their hands on the A World in Shadow blog. And if you're signed up to Spotify (if not, it's free) you'll find a growing bunch of playlists here, or by searching there for Neverland in Shadow.
Woven into Neverland in Shadow is the influence of countless pop groups
‘This is called Perhaps It’s Just Me. It’s by The Pollen Count. D’you like it?’ And she watched as the boy stared ahead.
‘Not really.’ said Peter, ‘It’s just noise.’
Wendy rolled her eyes. Nor did he fancy The Hyphen and the Dash by Definite Articles. ‘What a racket.’ he’d said to Wendy. She’d rolled her eyes at that too, and said ‘You sound just like my mother.’
From Chapter 14: You Be Mother
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Free stuff
Walk tentatively in the shadows by reading chapters 0-6. You can read them right here or download the preview PDF. Then, for more, take the second star to the right and it's straight on 'til Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd or Smashwords.
‘If it soiled your ears, I apologise: I don’t transform into Oscar Wilde until fifteen minutes past eleven.’ And for effect he produced his pocket watch, opening and closing the case in one well-practiced movement.
‘I wouldn't worry,’ said Wendy, ‘I hear much worse at school.’
‘I pity your teachers.’ replied Hook.
‘It's the teachers I was talking about.’
From Chapter 21: Spiritus
BLOG: A WORLD IN SHADOW
An occasional blog for the curious, visit A World in Shadow for assorted
odds and ends connected with the story.
Depending on your outlook these may provide interest, or they may function as spoilers. Or they may do neither of these.
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‘It could, of course, be arranged, instead, for you to... die, y'know. If you'd prefer.’
‘To die will be an awfully big adventure.’ flashed back Peter, ‘Let's both go on it together.’
‘Yes! Let's do that!’ said Hook.
From Chapter 30: A Chamber of Horrors
Q&A
‘A riddle to ponder: At night they come out without being fetched. By day they are lost without being stolen. What are they?’
Wendy thought for a few moments, watched, all the while, by Hook. ‘The stars?’
From Chapter 21: Spiritus