Everland
(eBook)

Forget the story of Peter Pan and Wendy you know. Because in Everland, the only way to grow up is to survive. London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German Army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer. Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a daredevil boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook? Praise for Everland"In an exemplary debut, Spinale uses Gwen and Hook's voices to offer glimpses into the psyche of a man desperate to please his cruel mother and a girl intent on saving the only family she has left. This is a magical, wondrous treat, with a conclusion that's nothing less than epic." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)"A fun and unique addition to the twisted fairy-tale genre, loaded with adventure, romance, and double crossing." --VOYA"Peter Pan goes steampunk in this debut, which twists the familiar tale into a survival story complete with well-drawn characters, a blistering plot, and plenty of adventure." --BooklistPraise for Umberland"An unpredictable page-turner spun with dread, humor, and unexpected alliances." --Kirkus Reviews"Dark in tone, desperate in intensity . . ." --Booklist"[A] captivating adventure." --School Library Connection Wendy Spinale is a former character actor for the Disneyland theme park (so she's very familiar with the world of make-believe). She is the author of Everland and its follow-up, Umberland, as well as Lost Boy, a prequel novella to Everland.Wendy lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. His face draws close to mine. "You don't plan to march into the city and rescue your sister with a couple of dull daggers, do you?" "I'll find another weapon on the way." I grab for my pack, but he brushes my hand aside. "Do you really believe you and your kid brother can get her back all by yourself? It's only a matter of time before you're caught, too." Pete hands me my bag. "Most survivors have learned the two rules to staying alive. Number one: don't leave behind a footprint. Bella and I stick to the rooftops. Others, those that are skilled with weapons and can run fast…" "And have stomachs of steel," Bella interjects, wrinkling her nose. "Those Scavengers utilize the sewage systems," Pete finishes. "There are other people?" Mikey asks, tugging on Pete's coattail. "Of course there are others," Bella says with exasperation in her voice. "Lots of them. All kids, obviously. You don't think the four of us are the only ones left in England, do you?" "Where are the other kids?" Mikey asks, his expression wild with curiosity. Pete beckons us to the window. Mikey follows and, with reluctance, I join them. In the distance, the crumbled buildings of Everland rise toward the sky like steel, concrete, and brick tombstones. The navy blue hues of night have faded into lavender as the sun on the horizon chases away what is left of the evening stars. Only two twinkling points remain. He points to the west. "Second to the right," he says. "Just below it." "You're telling me there are children hiding in Everland?" I ask in