The Lost Ones

by Lauren DeStefano

First published 2024

James and Marlene feel trapped in their boring fishing village, dreaming of adventure beyond the quiet life their parents want for them. When Marlene makes a birthday wish, both twins find themselves transported to Never Land, a magical but disturbing paradise where Peter Pan rules over his Lost Boys. The charismatic Peter offers them the chance to stay forever, but as James and Marlene explore the island, they uncover violent secrets lurking beneath its surface. Their discoveries spark conflict among the fractured Lost Boys, and for the first time, the twins find themselves on opposite sides. War threatens to erupt while their memories fade with each passing day on the island. James and Marlene face an impossible choice between staying in Never Land or returning home. Peter and the island itself resist their desire to leave. The twins must decide how much they will sacrifice to control their own futures, even if freedom means losing themselves and each other.

Genres: adventure, coming-of-age, fantasy, young-adult

Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water, found-family

Setting: Never Land

Period: contemporary

336 pages · Hardcover · Random House/Disney

Content warnings: violence

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