I've always loved Peter Pan. It is one of my favorite Disney movies. I also love stories that update or connect to this fairy tale. Peter and the Starcatchers is just one example. When the author of Get Lost contacted me and offered her book in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance to try out another version of my favorite story.

This book had me hooked from the start. The action starts on the first page and doesn't stop until the end of the story. It was a fun ride to say the least and would be a great addition to any YA library. This is a modern but loose retelling of Peter Pan with Peter being portrayed as less the hero and more a teenage, selfish brat who uses people to get what he wants. He is not the main character of the story. Instead, we have Justin, a lost boy, who just happens to be charming, adorable, and of course, able to fly. We also have Peyton, a member of the Darling family who is extremely introverted but brilliant when it comes to art. These two are our main focus and it is their quest and their relationship that we follow as we read.

There is a large paranormal element to the story right from the beginning and it is not meant to be realistic, it is meant to be fun and it completely accomplishes this goal. In addition to the action, we get glimpses of other favorite Pan characters, some humorous moments, and a little mystery. My only problem with the book? I didn't want it to end! I want to know what happens next. I want to see Neverland and how it would be portrayed by the author. I'm certainly hoping there is a second book in the works.
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Neal’s Get Lost is the beginning of a new take on the story of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Here, Peter is not the carefree boy you may remember from the eponymous tale penned by JM Barrie. No, here Peter is a sullen teenager, bitter over things he’s lost. He forces each newly minted Lost Boy to give up that which they love most simply because that was the price he had to pay. Tinkerbell, here know as Belle, enforces the geis and is the only one who can lift the immediate punishment if it is broken.

This story focuses not on Peter, but on Peyton, a descendant of the Darling line. Peyton is sucked into the drama of the Lost Boys, and their conflict with a group known as the ‘Dark Watchers’. She is a brilliant artist, and had knowledge galore regarding different paintings. It is her knowledge and proximity to a certain painting known as Sous Clef that makes her valuable to them.

The other main character is Justin, one of the Lost Boys, and a con artist extraordinaire. He first gets involved with Peyton only as a means to an end, but things quickly turn to something more.

What ensues is an elaborate con to whisk said painting away, only Peyton turns the tables on her would-be partners. The action stays pretty fast, and left me wanting to know what happens next.

I did have a few concerns. The book could use another editing go-over. There were several grammar and spelling errors. The use of 1st person present over 1st person past was a bit disconcerting. Also, the over-use of an odd/ uncommon dialogue tag (hums), rang a bit false. Once or twice it would have been a nifty change, but I can't say I hear people him things all that often. Don't get me wrong; I really enjoyed the story and pacing. I am interested to see how the story progresses!

If you enjoy the show Leverage, or its attendant books, and you love the paranormal or fantastical, you are sure to enjoy Get Lost by Xavier Neal. ( )

This cross-genre masterpiece deserves at least TEN stars on a scale of 1 to 5. Peyton Darling, unknown to her, a relative to Wendy Darling, one presumes, of the original Peter Pan story. I watched Hook, when it first came out, so this story is plausible to me. So, Peyton meets and falls in love with Justin, Peter's 2nd. Is he in love with her, too? Or is it all just an elaborate ruse to discover her family's secrets? I read the first two books as part of a special package deal from the author, and I don't want to give any spoilers, so forgive me for being vague. This series is appropriate for all ages as long as kissing is acceptable. It's totally engrossing, and 'unputdownable'! Seriously, a winning combination of romance and Fairytale/adventure! Read it! ( )