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The Piper's Price

(The Neverland Wars #2)

Audrey Greathouse (Goodreads Author)

3.97 · Rating details · 156 ratings · 29 reviews

Peter is plotting his retaliation against the latest bombing. Neverland needs an army, and Peter Pan is certain children will join him once they know what is at stake. The lost boys and girls are planning an invasion in suburbia to recruit, but in order to deliver their message, they will need the help of an old and dangerous associate — the infamous Pied Piper.

Hunting h ...more

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ebook, 381 pages

Published February 21st 2017 by Clean Teen Publishing, Inc.

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· 156 ratings · 29 reviews

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Feb 20, 2017 Tonja Drecker rated it it was amazing

This book takes the second star on the right and launches into adventure pure with whimsical, childhood imagination straight on till morning.

If the adults from the normal world aren't stopped, Neverland will be destroyed. Peter Pan already has a plan, but it involves a deal with the notorious Piper. Gwen is ready to help Peter even if being sixteen already makes it hard for her to play in the Lost Kids' childhood games. But nothing is as it appears, and Gwen soon wonders if she's in over her hea This book takes the second star on the right and launches into adventure pure with whimsical, childhood imagination straight on till morning.

If the adults from the normal world aren't stopped, Neverland will be destroyed. Peter Pan already has a plan, but it involves a deal with the notorious Piper. Gwen is ready to help Peter even if being sixteen already makes it hard for her to play in the Lost Kids' childhood games. But nothing is as it appears, and Gwen soon wonders if she's in over her head.

This is a book for the young at heart. I did read the first one in the series, so the writing style and flow wasn't a surprise. The author masterfully weaves child like tendencies with an emerging adult, creating the perfect world for a coming of age story. The first pages appear to be written for a younger audience, but as the story progresses, it hits the inner struggles of growing up head on.

The imagery is a real treat. Neverland comes to life with all the quirkiness and ease of the original tale. The Lost Kids are ready to play every game, and even when the going gets tough, they keep it all in the realm of play. The only character that comes across a little more clever with his years of experience is Pan. He's still a child at heart and belongs fully to Neverland, but there is a wonderful wisdom in all that he does which, at times, puts him beyond his years. It's an intriguing mixture which makes this Peter a sheer delight.

The plot moves along with imagination, fairy dust and magic. Adventures flow, one right after the other, and there are tons of twists and turns. The tension stays high even when the light-heartedness never fades. Some things fit logically well together. Others do not. But in Neverland, imagination rules so these holes don't bother in the least.

Gwen has a bit of a romance going, which doesn't come across quite as natural as it could and, for me, fell a little short. The word 'love' falls, but it doesn't seem to click with the fly-by-night meetings she has with her heart-throb.

Summed up, this is a wonderful read fairy tale friends, and especially those of Peter Pan, are sure to enjoy. It's comes across a bit young for YA at times, but that what Neverland is all about. I'm giving this 4.5 stars and am rounding up. I'm definitely excited to see where the epic battle for this land will go next.

I received an ARC from the author and enjoyed it so much, I wanted to share my thoughts. ...more

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Feb 25, 2017 Kay Carson rated it liked it

I was given an e-copy of the Piper's Price by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Piper's Price is the second book in the Neverland Wars series. It picks up a few months after the end of the first book, where Gwen and her sister, Rosemary, fled reality and the black coats of the Anomalous Activity Department, who intend to strip down Neverland's magic and use it for their own purposes. In order for Peter to recruit an army of children to protect Neverland, Gwen must return to realit I was given an e-copy of the Piper's Price by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Piper's Price is the second book in the Neverland Wars series. It picks up a few months after the end of the first book, where Gwen and her sister, Rosemary, fled reality and the black coats of the Anomalous Activity Department, who intend to strip down Neverland's magic and use it for their own purposes. In order for Peter to recruit an army of children to protect Neverland, Gwen must return to reality to hunt down tokens to summon the infamous Pied Piper. But when the Piper does show up, the cost of his cooperation might be more than Gwen can handle.

Aw, yeah, guys. This book is the prime example of a sequel ending up better than the first book. The plot was a smash hit and integrated many elements from the first book very nicely, from Gwen's mysterious childhood memory to the mermaid's scale. I was delighted to see how all these elements came together, and makes me excited to see how future things will come into play, such as the mermaids finally getting their "sky glass"/mirror. The relationships in this installment were much deeper and more heartfelt. I particularly enjoyed the friendship between Gwen and Lasiandra, as it is always nice to see authors explore female friendships in YA, even if one of the girls is a mermaid.

The plot in this book was much more engaging than the previous installment, in my opinion, as there was more clarity to Gwen's mission and circumstances. Despite that, I feel like the tension could have been improved by outlining the stakes a bit more. We have a vague idea that Neverland will be bombed and stripped of magic, but it would be nice to see the concrete consequences if Gwen were to fail. (e.g., if they're not able to recruit the Piper by X date, the black coats will invade.) In addition, I feel the tension suffered because the bad guys didn't come across as big and bad. They had access to powerful magic-fueled technology (like ability to track flight and suppress all magic in an area) yet hardly utilized it to its full effectiveness. They come across as bumbling and incompetent more than usual, which dulled the kids' victories over them. The pirate appearance ended up feeling more threatening than this entire magic suppression agency, because he came after Peter and Gwen with everything he had.

The characters development was well-done for Gwen. I really liked seeing her struggles with doubts, and her flipping between two worlds-- adult and childhood. She perfectly straddles that inner conflict that many teenagers face where they don't feel as though they belong in either world. I especially liked that the book delved further into the relationships between characters, particularly between Gwen and Jay vs Gwen and Peter. The latter relationship is not romantic but has fleeting hints that there might be. However, Peter's stunted character makes it difficult to determine where it will go. He is presented as a "larger than life" figure, but he often comes across as one dimensional because we only see one facet of his personality-- pretty much the stereotype of Peter Pan. I understand the effect that was going for, but as other "fictional" characters come across with more personality, I'd feel like he could have a greater effect if we saw other sides to him as well.

There was a bit of conflicting world building which I felt could have been improved through some more explanation. It was difficult for me as a reader to understand how the world worked as things often flip-flopped in their usage, Like, the raven tree eggs at the beginning of the book were being used as a food, then later were being used as a weapon. There was a host of "fictional" characters that had immigrated to reality, but it's never specified who's who. There were some minor hints, and maybe I'm just dense, but as this is a book for kids, spelling it out in this case is probably best. As Gwen would recognize these figures from movies and storybooks (as the princesses mention Disney at one point) I can’t see why she wouldn’t be making comparisons in her mind between the reality versions and what the fiction depicted them as.

Delving a little deeper would also help with the whole "reality vs fiction" representation of Native Americans. It touches a little deeper on it in this book by showing Tiger Lily living in reality as a Native American as opposed to a redskin, which I think is important. I'm not Native American, so I can't speak to the representation, but I will say I'm glad the redskins and Native Americans are shown to be two separate entities.

Aside from all the criticisms, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was such a fun mission-based story that gave Gwen a lot of autonomy and strength. She wasn't just another kid in Neverland; she was one of the only lost children smart and strong enough to take on this mission for Peter. The romance as well between her and Jay was so light and beautiful, especially in the way the two accepted the realities of their situation. Gwen often reminds herself that this is a crush, not a True Love situation, which lets the romance grow naturally. By the time they get to the L word, it feels organic to their situation despite their time apart. Because most of the story takes place in reality, it has a definite urban fantasy feel to it that really made the whole thing charming. I would recommend this book for readers on the younger end of the YA scale, perhaps those transitioning from MG to YA.

3.5/5 stars. A kick ass sequel that beautifully tied elements together and led by an awesome heroine juggling her life between two worlds. ...more

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Aug 05, 2017 Hannah Russell rated it really liked it

Four stars only because I had trouble getting into it. But once I was in, it was fun, whimsy, creative, and just plain imaginative. The characters really stand out in this one, even more than in the last, and the author's voice is more defined.

I'm still not completely head over heels for Jay, but I'm more on that ship than I was last book.

Overall, a great followup to The Neverland Wars. ...more

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Jan 16, 2017 Rachel rated it really liked it

*Thank you to the author, Audrey Greathouse, for sending me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

FIRST THOUGHTS

I read the first Neverland Wars book and I felt iffy about it. At the time, I didn’t know a sequel was in the works. When the author contacted me about reviewing an eARC copy of The Piper’s Price, I thought I would give it a try.

CHARACTERS

I still wasn’t a fan of Gwen as the protagonist. I could definitely do without her. I felt as though she didn’t know what ...more

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Jan 27, 2017 lizzy rated it really liked it

3-7-17

4.5 stars
just as fun and cute and exciting as the last i love peter and gwen so much aHHHHHHH i just really love peter lord help me

1-27-17

AHHHHHHH YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS BOYYYYYYYYYYYY OH HELLLLLLLL YEAHHHHHHH

IM SO HYPE MORE PETER AND GWEN FUCK YEAH

i need to reread this before i read the sequel lol

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Mar 30, 2017 Charlie rated it it was amazing

The Skinny

Peter Pan must save Neverland! Grown ups in Reality have upped their game, and these are no longer idle threats. The War is near, and Peter cannot win it without more children. In order to gain the following Neverland needs, Peter needs the Piper’s help. Except they are nearly arch enemies. Then there’s the problem of some puzzling tokens that must be found to summon the Piper.

Since Peter can’t go himself, he sends Gwen back to Reality to hide with an old Native American friend. Peter’ ...more

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Aug 12, 2017 Kel rated it did not like it

Shelves: author-provided, pub-clean-teen-publishing

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author for review. Thank you!

This series and I have had a rocky relationship. It's a shame. I like the concept, the cover art, and the fact that it's a retelling, but the content just hasn't clicked for me.

Most, if not all, of the issues I had with Book 1 are present in The Piper's Price. Gwen continues to fill too many pages with unresolved teenage angst and an identity crisis. The book itself seems to suffer an identity crisis of sorts, featuring a protag ...more

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Feb 21, 2017 Jenny Bynum Black Words-White Pages rated it it was amazing

Wow, what an amazing adventure this story was. I was hooked when I read the first book and when the author announced she was releasing another, I just had to jump in and read it. The tale that the author spun was absolutely phenomenal. I was enchanted by the turn of every page. This is a remarkable remake of an old classic with a unforgettable ride into a mystical and magical world of amazing characters that will bring out the kid in you again. The story-line was amazing and the characters unfor ...more

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Jan 09, 2017 Bunnita (Worth Reading It?) rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 16, 2017 Jan farnworth added it

This sequel is just as amazing as the first. Lets start with the cover as that what usually snags me first when i browsing for new books. Second you add in its a sequel to Neverland Wars written by an amazing author. Audrey has taken the basic story of Neverland with our beloved Peter Pan and tossed in some unique allies such as the Pied Piper. Then she modernized it a bit with this agency that wants to take out Neverland in a war that only children can win cause of course only children still ha ...more

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Mar 26, 2019 Mya rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5 stars

I really struggled to rate this eBook. I suspect it might have got a higher rating if I'd not been reading it in dribs and drabs between doing other things.

That said, I am enjoying it. I am particularly appreciating that the YA "love story" is unfolding at a more realistic pace than most books I have read in a similar genre. At times, I do find Gwen's observations a lot more adult than her age would suggest, but I guess that's also quite common with YA novels. This edition felt longer ...more

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Aug 27, 2019 Olivia rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-lit

3.5 stars. I gave this a half star more than the first book because of the Piper's character, who I really enjoyed BUT it took him so long to show up! There wasn't as much Neverland in this book and a lot more Gwen, both of which are things I disliked in the first book. The only thing that was pretty okay was the relationship between Gwen and Jay, I liked how slowly their relationship progressed, it felt so much more real than a lot of other YA relationships.

I'm bummed that I don't like these b ...more

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Aug 25, 2017 Kirstie Ellen rated it liked it

Shelves: retellings, fantasy, young-adult

Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
Gah I just love this retelling of Peter Pan! I think I preferred the first book but the second has me so excited for the conclusion I can't even. There's less Neverland in this one which is probably why I felt it dragged just a little at some points but it's a great book for further exploring Gwen's character. I love how different this retelling is by swinging it into YA - AND THE COVERS ARE GORGEOUS.

The Piper’s Price
This the second book in this series and it’s a r ...more

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Mar 10, 2018 Tricia Hutson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great

Great second book. Really enjoying this series. It's a fun weekend or vacation read. It brings about some light social issues and is highly relatable in terms of the way we all have felt caught between clinging to childhood and being forced to grow up. It provides interesting perspective on these fronts. Looking forward to the final installment. ...more

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Sep 04, 2020 David rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 20, 2018 Whitney rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.5 Stars

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Aug 22, 2017 Jyl rated it liked it

Much better than the first. So glad I read it. Can't wait to see what book three brings. ...more

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Nov 29, 2017 Caroline Vaught rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebooks, owned, 4-stars

Loved this! Can't wait for the next one! ...more

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Apr 20, 2020 Raz rated it liked it

Full RTC.

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Jun 23, 2018 Sara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: magic, fiction, five-star

Great book, I really love the new concept of Neverland that Audrey Greathouse has come up with.

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Feb 13, 2017 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Gwen is back in Neverland with her sister Rosemary. They are preparing to help Peter build an army to fight the adults who want to take over Neverland. To do this Peter needs Gwen's help to find the Piper. Gwen goes back to reality to do the task she is given by Peter. With much at stake, they try to stay under the radar always in danger of being caught by the Black suits. Sacrifices are made will it be enough to stop the adults from taking over Neverland?

In an Oyster Shell - A stellar second in Gwen is back in Neverland with her sister Rosemary. They are preparing to help Peter build an army to fight the adults who want to take over Neverland. To do this Peter needs Gwen's help to find the Piper. Gwen goes back to reality to do the task she is given by Peter. With much at stake, they try to stay under the radar always in danger of being caught by the Black suits. Sacrifices are made will it be enough to stop the adults from taking over Neverland?

In an Oyster Shell - A stellar second installment in the Neverland Wars.

The Pearls - The retelling is still really good in this second book. I would dare to say even better. I feel like this second book is more established. It feels like the author really found her rhythm in this book. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the contrast between Neverland and the characters who are forced to live in reality.

The characters are what make this story. Gwen being a teenager is a huge cornerstone to this story. Being older than the kids she has some maturity that helps. It also is interesting that her maturity also can hinder her and the missions at times. Sometimes her younger sister Rosemary takes on the "big" sister role. It's an interesting twist. Peter is one of the best-developed characters I've come across. There are attributes that you expect from Peter Pan and others that you would not. He is a complicated and interesting character that keeps you turning the pages.

The settings in this story are interesting because you have two contrasting settings. You have Neverland, and than the real world. The author does a great job distinguishing the two. I feel the way she did this best was having characters who were from Neverland, who were forced to be established in reality. It made for a great marriage of the two settings. It even raises urgency for the reader to see Neverland saved.

The Sand - The ending was a little less than satisfying, but there is another book to look forward to, so it wasn't a big deal.

5 Pearls!This review was originally posted on Writing Pearls ...more

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Feb 07, 2017 Courtney Giraldo rated it really liked it

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Pipers Price picks up a couple of weeks after the first book left off; Gwen is back in Neverland and is collaborating with Peter and the Lost Boys in an effort to save Neverland once and for all from those in reality who are after it's magic. They have devised a plan to locate the Piper in an effort to (hopefully) garner his support and help in preparing for a final showdown with the grownups for the magic contained in Neverland. Gwen is tasked I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Pipers Price picks up a couple of weeks after the first book left off; Gwen is back in Neverland and is collaborating with Peter and the Lost Boys in an effort to save Neverland once and for all from those in reality who are after it's magic. They have devised a plan to locate the Piper in an effort to (hopefully) garner his support and help in preparing for a final showdown with the grownups for the magic contained in Neverland. Gwen is tasked with traveling back to reality to locate missing pieces of the puzzle and ultimately summoning the Piper. Bargaining with the Piper turns out to be more tricky than Gwen had imagined and the stakes are raised when the Piper kidnaps someone close to Gwen. With the grownups on their trail and an army of children to round up, Gwen, Peter, and the Lost Boys attempt their last ditch, pixie dust filled effort to rally troops to save Neverland.
Knowing how much I loved Audrey's first book in this series, I came into this one with high hopes....and was not left wanting. Audrey has such a beautiful way with words, like they are chosen and arranged with the utmost of intention. The flow of the story line was seamless; I would venture to say even more so than in the first book. Gwen continues to struggle as she teeters on the cusp of adulthood yet still clinging to the remnants of carefree childhood abandon. She is such a strong and loyal character, one who you readily and eagerly cheer for from the outside of the pages. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Jay and Gwen deepen and flesh out more in this book, he really came alive much more as a character for me. This book also branched out from a strictly Peter Pan retelling to include other characters from some of our most well known fairy tales. The book club full of grown up princesses? Puss and Boots in lock up? Definitely a very nice touch! The tension and danger were definitely amped up a notch in this book which really lent to (what I hope is) setting the tone for a killer third book. The stakes have definitely been raised in this one people. Despite his gruffness, I actually really enjoyed the character of the Piper. An unlikely and dubious hero in his own right, but certainly dangerous. There were certainly more poignant moments this go around, including the scene with Foxglove near the end. That one tugged at the heartstrings a little (read: ALOT). Can't wait for book #3!! ...more

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Jan 08, 2017 Andrea Moore rated it really liked it

The gang is all back in this sequel of the Peter Pan retelling, "The Neverland Wars" by Audrey Greathouse.
In "The Piper's Price" we rejoin Gwen and Peter as they try and find a way to contact the Piper and get his help to recruit children in order to save Neverland.
After the ending from the first book that left me hanging, I was happy to be back in this world and find out what had happened with Gwen and Peter. It was enjoyable to find out all of the answers to the questions I had swimming around ...more

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Feb 21, 2017 Heather McDonald rated it really liked it

You can find my review at www.readinglark.blogspot.com after 21 Feb 2017. ...more

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Mar 08, 2017 Kerani rated it liked it

The Piper’s Price continues all of the best elements of The Neverland Wars with an added layer of sophistication. The plot is just as fun and engaging, and Greathouse manages to craft more nuance into the story’s themes.

In this book, we continue to track Gwen’s struggle with growing up as she’s torn between her desire to stay in Neverland and her draw to the adult world. She struggles with regular issues like boys and relationships, and the question of how to assume the responsibilities of adul ...more

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Feb 05, 2017 Dani rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-books

Review coming soon

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Daria Andreea rated it really liked it
Apr 08, 2017

Zari rated it it was ok
Apr 04, 2020

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Dec 31, 2017

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About Audrey Greathouse

Audrey Greathouse

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Audrey Greathouse is a Seattle-based author of science-fiction and fantasy. Raised in the suburbs, she became a writer after being introduced to NaNoWriMo during her sophmore year of high school. Since then, she has drafted more than a dozen books, 100 sonnets, and 800 other poems, and a handful of short stories and one-act plays.

After dropping out of her university and beginning training as a cir ...more