Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas; narrated by Avi Roque
Macmillan Audio
Release date: March 22, 2021
ISBN: 9781250779557
Wendy Darling can’t escape her past, even though she remembers nothing about it. She and her brothers disappeared into the woods five years ago, and Wendy was the only one who came out. Now, children are disappearing again, and Wendy almost ran over a strange boy with her truck. He says that Wendy is the only person who can help him save the missing children, and Wendy wants to help, but doing so will mean stirring up old secrets, secrets her mind has kept hidden.
Lost in the Never Woods is an imaginative and contemporary retelling of Peter Pan that does not shy away from the story’s darker aspects. Though this story is very different from Thomas’s previous work, Cemetery Boys, he manages to capture a similar spooky and mysterious vibe, simultaneously dealing with challenging topics with somberness and respect, as well as injecting a little magic. The narrator, Avi Roque, captures a wide range of emotions, building suspense and character in a way that makes this a compelling listen.
Lost in the Never Woods is a good read for those who enjoyed other dark retellings, such as Splintered by A.G. Howard or The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert. Those looking for similar stories of adventure, loss, and recovery like that found in Traci Chee’s The Reader may also enjoy this book.
-Josie Snow
Other Nominated Titles
City of the Plague God (Rick Riordan Presents) by Sarwat Chadda; narrated by Vikas Adam (January 12, 2021)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are available on The Hub.