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Never Ever #2
The Lost Kids
Just a few weeks ago, Wylie Dalton was living on a magical island where nobody ages past seventeen, and in love with Phinn, the island's leader. Now, her home is a creaky old boat where she's joined a ragtag group of cast-offs from the island, all dead-set on getting revenge on Phinn for betraying them. But when the Lost Kids invade Minor Island, they're shocked to find it totally deserted, except for one survivor who reveals the shocking news: adults have discovered the island.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2018
19 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Sara Saedi
5 books223 followersSara Saedi was born in Tehran, Iran smack-dab in the middle of a war and an Islamic Revolution. She received a B.A. in Film and Mass Communications from the University of California, Berkeley and began her career as a creative executive for ABC Daytime. Since then she's penned three TV movies for ABC Family and a pilot for the Disney Channel, won a Daytime Emmy for What If..., a web series she wrote for ABC, and worked as a staff writer on the FOX sitcom The Goodwin Games.
Her first novel for young adults, Never Ever, was published in 2016 and its sequel, The Lost Kids, was published in spring 2018. Her memoir, Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card was released in February 2018. Her latest novel, I Miss You, I Hate This comes out in October 2022.
She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and pug, where she writes for the hit CW show iZombie. You can find her on Twitter at @saaaranotsarah or at SaraSaediWriter.com
Her first novel for young adults, Never Ever, was published in 2016 and its sequel, The Lost Kids, was published in spring 2018. Her memoir, Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card was released in February 2018. Her latest novel, I Miss You, I Hate This comes out in October 2022.
She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and pug, where she writes for the hit CW show iZombie. You can find her on Twitter at @saaaranotsarah or at SaraSaediWriter.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
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December 27, 2016The only wish I have for this is if it will redeem its predecessor . . .
June 3, 2018
It upsets me to say this but there was really no point in this book. I mean, it did continue on with where it left off from the first book... but the entire story ended up changing and I just felt like it wasn't necessary. In my opinion, Never Ever should've just been a standalone. In some ways though, I was glad I got to divulge into this universe once again BUT what really upsets me is the lack of character development which I thought was going to be a thing in this book. I guess it's hard when another one of Phinn's supposed ex's JUST RANDOMLY APPEARS OUT OF NOWHERE AND TAKES EVERYONE FROM THE ISLAND CAPTIVE LMAO. In the end, all I can say is that this was an interesting read but it wasn't as enjoyable as the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2018
Better than the first. The end was a little lackluster to me and bittersweet. I want to say I wish there were going to be more books, but the ending didn’t make it seem that way.
Still, overall I love these books.
Still, overall I love these books.
April 16, 2019
3.5 stars
This was an odd follow up to the first book. I liked how twisted some parts of it were. I wasn't a fan of the ending, it felt too abrupt.
This was an odd follow up to the first book. I liked how twisted some parts of it were. I wasn't a fan of the ending, it felt too abrupt.
July 11, 2018
How many times do I have to say show not tell? Geesh.
I didn't care too much for the first book, but I figured I may as well read this one and see if maybe it could bandage up the problems of the first book. It didn't.
And it ended abruptly, stupidly, like she ran out of ideas and just ended it all there. The whole book felt quite thrown together, especially the ending, and it was very hard to differentiate who (Phinn or Wylie) was narrating each chapter, especially towards the end, when Gregory began to have a bit of a narration bit.
Other than that...kind of a lousy book. Had potential to revive the first, but it didn't. Oh well.
I didn't care too much for the first book, but I figured I may as well read this one and see if maybe it could bandage up the problems of the first book. It didn't.
And it ended abruptly, stupidly, like she ran out of ideas and just ended it all there. The whole book felt quite thrown together, especially the ending, and it was very hard to differentiate who (Phinn or Wylie) was narrating each chapter, especially towards the end, when Gregory began to have a bit of a narration bit.
Other than that...kind of a lousy book. Had potential to revive the first, but it didn't. Oh well.
July 25, 2020
Much like the first book, this was not very well written and the plot felt semi formed. The author had some good ideas but they didn't feel well executed or flushed out to their full potential. And I really, really disliked how often the author would state facts instead of describing situations or allowing those facts to be backed up by actions. (This also happened in the first book.)
While I liked the idea of the series, I would not recommend reading it.
While I liked the idea of the series, I would not recommend reading it.
January 12, 2019
Ending was unsatisfying. Sequel was much shorter in length than the first novel, and it seemed rushed as well. Plot could have been flushed out much more. Characters make decisions that seemed out of touch with their established personalities. Ultimately I was disappointed in this sequel.
May 7, 2021
I picked up the first of these books and thought it would be a cute and fun retelling. The first book was good if not a little cringe worthy. This second book was bad. The plot had a lot of potential but ultimately the writing style made it almost unbearable.
June 14, 2020
I wasn't going to write a review for this book or the sequel but for whatever reason I cannot seem to let it go. I do not mean this in a good way either. I hate writing negative reviews but I think it is needed.
I want to start by saying that I did not read the synopsis because I saw "Peter Pan" on the front and just jumped for it. I snatched it and the sequel up so quickly that honestly there was no chance other than to disappoint me. I did not know what I was setting myself up for.
Right off the bat I knew this was not going to be what I expected because it was pretty quick to throw you into a scene with underage drinking (not something I would have expected out of a Peter Pan retelling but now thinking back I should have) (oh, will also note I do not have an issue with underage drinking in YA novels because I know this is something that does happen.) I was expecting something light and fun, with just the right amount of adventure and happily ever afters. This was not that so if that is what you are looking for go ahead and turn back now.
There are no trigger warnings or heads up that you're going to be dealing with suicidal thoughts, abuse, gaslighting, and some things I do not even know how to describe let alone comprehend that someone would write a book with it and not warn you.
I can usually root for a villain in some way or form or the underdog, but not here not in any way shape or form. First you have someone pretty much kidnapping people and it just being shrugged off then you have trapping people in cages. Telling them you love them and that they can stop this if they just agree to come back....nope. Basically sentencing others to death and getting no punishment of any form? Nope, not okay and the idea that anyone would idolize someone like that afterwards so much that they would turn the events into a movie? Nope. I am not rooting here. I am also just not buying it. I cannot fathom a world where this would be okay.
It also feels like part of it is inappropriate age wise dating a son when she dated the dad however many years before. I guess that is harder to really put into words though because if she was a vampire no one would really think anything of it. I just can't even with this duology.
Between abuse, gaslighting, drinking and driving, attempted murder, taking away the freedom of women and their own bodies, basically saying everything is okay after all these unthinkable things...I would not recommend these books to anyone.
The only reason I was even nice enough to give the books 2 stars was because they were original and detailed. It was a very easy to read and follow writing style but everything else was just wrong.
Oh, and before I forget...I was also extremely troubled with Wylie being constantly blamed for the accident. Should she have drank knowing she was supposed to be the designated driver? No, but SHE DID NOT FORCE HIM. They each had a part in that but it should not have been all put on her. Just making it seem that way is ridiculous. Everything is always the womens fault even though they aren't forcing anyone to do anything.
I want to start by saying that I did not read the synopsis because I saw "Peter Pan" on the front and just jumped for it. I snatched it and the sequel up so quickly that honestly there was no chance other than to disappoint me. I did not know what I was setting myself up for.
Right off the bat I knew this was not going to be what I expected because it was pretty quick to throw you into a scene with underage drinking (not something I would have expected out of a Peter Pan retelling but now thinking back I should have) (oh, will also note I do not have an issue with underage drinking in YA novels because I know this is something that does happen.) I was expecting something light and fun, with just the right amount of adventure and happily ever afters. This was not that so if that is what you are looking for go ahead and turn back now.
There are no trigger warnings or heads up that you're going to be dealing with suicidal thoughts, abuse, gaslighting, and some things I do not even know how to describe let alone comprehend that someone would write a book with it and not warn you.
I can usually root for a villain in some way or form or the underdog, but not here not in any way shape or form. First you have someone pretty much kidnapping people and it just being shrugged off then you have trapping people in cages. Telling them you love them and that they can stop this if they just agree to come back....nope. Basically sentencing others to death and getting no punishment of any form? Nope, not okay and the idea that anyone would idolize someone like that afterwards so much that they would turn the events into a movie? Nope. I am not rooting here. I am also just not buying it. I cannot fathom a world where this would be okay.
It also feels like part of it is inappropriate age wise dating a son when she dated the dad however many years before. I guess that is harder to really put into words though because if she was a vampire no one would really think anything of it. I just can't even with this duology.
Between abuse, gaslighting, drinking and driving, attempted murder, taking away the freedom of women and their own bodies, basically saying everything is okay after all these unthinkable things...I would not recommend these books to anyone.
The only reason I was even nice enough to give the books 2 stars was because they were original and detailed. It was a very easy to read and follow writing style but everything else was just wrong.
Oh, and before I forget...I was also extremely troubled with Wylie being constantly blamed for the accident. Should she have drank knowing she was supposed to be the designated driver? No, but SHE DID NOT FORCE HIM. They each had a part in that but it should not have been all put on her. Just making it seem that way is ridiculous. Everything is always the womens fault even though they aren't forcing anyone to do anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
Overview: Okay, this book was pretty crazy. It's much darker and more layered than the first, for better or worse--mostly for better. This book answers the question, 'What happens when Phinn exiled a kid from the island?' and it's just about as bad as you would think.
Characters: The characters. They reaaaally get fleshed out here, which was a joy to see. Wylie, no longer the naïve diva from the first book, has grown a ton and her commentary on how she was in the first book is excellent. Phinn, no longer king of his kingdom, is also thrown off balance and grows a lot as well. Tinka is a good character here, which is impressive because I really didn't like her in the first book. Olivia is a worthy villain, trapped in her own fantasy of what it was like to live on Minor Island with Phinn. She is creepy, and her motivation and self-deception is solid. I never really loved Hopper, but he had some interesting moments. And watching all of the kids respond to the horrible things they are subjected to was fascinating, raw, and what I'd imagine would be pretty realistic. So all around, five stars for the characters, Saedi.
Plot and Pacing: Again, it seems like not much happens in this book--but it's still fascinating to read. It's a character study of what happens when children who are immortal on an island of paradise are kidnapped and forced to be lab rats to figure out the cure for age. And they all react in different ways. It's a dark book.
Writing Style: I think Saedi's writing improved with this book--it's still simplistic, but without the majority of the weak moments from the last. It's quick paced, doesn't wander too much, and captures the tension pretty well.
Cons: I have mixed feelings about the ending. Without spoiling it, it's not a happily ever after ending for everybody and in all ways--there's some part of it that is, but I was peeved that some of the characters got a weird ending. I didn't feel like there was complete closure. I will say that MULTIPLE of my ships went down (maybe that's the reason I'm bitter about it). It's a hard ending, because it's what I'd imagine would be a lot more realistic than a happily-ever-after.
Conclusion: I guess that's the point--this isn't a happily-ever-after fairytale. It's not the typical Peter Pan story. It's raw, dark. A study in character and to some degree depression. I liked all of that. It's also not just a fun ballad to read. So there ya go--mixed pieces. So if you like dark retellings, this might be for you.
--Ande
Characters: The characters. They reaaaally get fleshed out here, which was a joy to see. Wylie, no longer the naïve diva from the first book, has grown a ton and her commentary on how she was in the first book is excellent. Phinn, no longer king of his kingdom, is also thrown off balance and grows a lot as well. Tinka is a good character here, which is impressive because I really didn't like her in the first book. Olivia is a worthy villain, trapped in her own fantasy of what it was like to live on Minor Island with Phinn. She is creepy, and her motivation and self-deception is solid. I never really loved Hopper, but he had some interesting moments. And watching all of the kids respond to the horrible things they are subjected to was fascinating, raw, and what I'd imagine would be pretty realistic. So all around, five stars for the characters, Saedi.
Plot and Pacing: Again, it seems like not much happens in this book--but it's still fascinating to read. It's a character study of what happens when children who are immortal on an island of paradise are kidnapped and forced to be lab rats to figure out the cure for age. And they all react in different ways. It's a dark book.
Writing Style: I think Saedi's writing improved with this book--it's still simplistic, but without the majority of the weak moments from the last. It's quick paced, doesn't wander too much, and captures the tension pretty well.
Cons: I have mixed feelings about the ending. Without spoiling it, it's not a happily ever after ending for everybody and in all ways--there's some part of it that is, but I was peeved that some of the characters got a weird ending. I didn't feel like there was complete closure. I will say that MULTIPLE of my ships went down (maybe that's the reason I'm bitter about it). It's a hard ending, because it's what I'd imagine would be a lot more realistic than a happily-ever-after.
Conclusion: I guess that's the point--this isn't a happily-ever-after fairytale. It's not the typical Peter Pan story. It's raw, dark. A study in character and to some degree depression. I liked all of that. It's also not just a fun ballad to read. So there ya go--mixed pieces. So if you like dark retellings, this might be for you.
--Ande
December 26, 2018
Do you ever read a book with an ending that isn't what you wanted/expected but still gives you u a good closure? I'm sure I don't make sense but it's really hard to say things without spoiling the entire book.
I have read a lot of YA fantasy but I rarely come across endings like this one had; realistic and made sense. I really like that about this book.
I like that the characters weren't one dimensional and weren't there just to add something to the story.
They all had their storylines and their struggles. They all went through a lot of development and improved themselves.
I also love that for once, we had a MC who called out the psycho and manipulative love interest on his bullshit and didn't 'fall' for him just for his good looks and sweet talk. There are so many things that I want to spill but i think this should stay a spoiler free review.
Sara Saedi writing is phenomenal. She hooks you into the story and the world she created and you're so absorbed in it that you don't even realize that. It made me even forget the page count.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by her in the future because I rarely see YA books that don't have so many cliches.
My only problem with this book is the love story. It was developing nicely at first but then it just rushed to it. I loved where it was going and I would've liked it better if the author gave it more time and the characters more scenes. This is definitely one of the best sequel I have read this year!
I have read a lot of YA fantasy but I rarely come across endings like this one had; realistic and made sense. I really like that about this book.
I like that the characters weren't one dimensional and weren't there just to add something to the story.
They all had their storylines and their struggles. They all went through a lot of development and improved themselves.
I also love that for once, we had a MC who called out the psycho and manipulative love interest on his bullshit and didn't 'fall' for him just for his good looks and sweet talk. There are so many things that I want to spill but i think this should stay a spoiler free review.
Sara Saedi writing is phenomenal. She hooks you into the story and the world she created and you're so absorbed in it that you don't even realize that. It made me even forget the page count.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by her in the future because I rarely see YA books that don't have so many cliches.
My only problem with this book is the love story. It was developing nicely at first but then it just rushed to it. I loved where it was going and I would've liked it better if the author gave it more time and the characters more scenes. This is definitely one of the best sequel I have read this year!
December 14, 2020
What a beautiful and action packed finale to this Peter Pan retelling. This book is even darker than the first, but the violence and cruelty never felt gratuitous. Though we’ve met the majority of the main characters in the last book, this book added much more depth and complexity to their story.
Both Phinn and Wiley are flawed characters that I wanted to root for. Learning more about Phinn’s background and motivation didn’t excuse what he did, but it helped me understand that he’s not the hero or the villain of this story. Even though Wiley’s uppity New York upbringing is what initially drew me to this series, this book showed her growth and maturity. Though there wasn’t much left of the girl we meet at the beginning of the first book, I still really liked who she was by the end of the second book.
There’s some romance that felt a little forced in this book, but mostly there’s a lot of longing between people who are not meant to be together anymore. It turns out that my favorite genre of romance is the one that isn’t actually a romance.
Even though the epilogue shattered my dreams of ever getting a third book in this series, I still thought it was excellent. This has become my new favorite fairy tale retelling
Both Phinn and Wiley are flawed characters that I wanted to root for. Learning more about Phinn’s background and motivation didn’t excuse what he did, but it helped me understand that he’s not the hero or the villain of this story. Even though Wiley’s uppity New York upbringing is what initially drew me to this series, this book showed her growth and maturity. Though there wasn’t much left of the girl we meet at the beginning of the first book, I still really liked who she was by the end of the second book.
There’s some romance that felt a little forced in this book, but mostly there’s a lot of longing between people who are not meant to be together anymore. It turns out that my favorite genre of romance is the one that isn’t actually a romance.
Even though the epilogue shattered my dreams of ever getting a third book in this series, I still thought it was excellent. This has become my new favorite fairy tale retelling
October 15, 2024
This was an engaging and thought provoking read that captivates from start to finish. The story revolves around a group of kids/teens trying to take back their island when things take a very drastic turn that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Lost Kids has a lot more to it than the first book, Never Ever. I was shocked at a few things and I was actually gripped. I still love Wylie, she’s my favourite. A lot of the characters were really good though, I just preferred Wylie’s character.
While the plot is generally strong, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, and slow which is why I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5, some parts felt a little slow, there wasn’t much action, yes there was more to it than the first book, but it still lacked the action I was expecting for a fantasy.
However, the themes of friendship, resilience, and the quest for belonging are beautifully explored, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys a good YA fantasy.
The Lost Kids has a lot more to it than the first book, Never Ever. I was shocked at a few things and I was actually gripped. I still love Wylie, she’s my favourite. A lot of the characters were really good though, I just preferred Wylie’s character.
While the plot is generally strong, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, and slow which is why I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5, some parts felt a little slow, there wasn’t much action, yes there was more to it than the first book, but it still lacked the action I was expecting for a fantasy.
However, the themes of friendship, resilience, and the quest for belonging are beautifully explored, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys a good YA fantasy.
May 16, 2021
This is the book I finished today! It is The Lost Kids by Sara Saedi. Sticking to the diverse author theme I have been trying to incorporate. This book did not disappoint! When I picked it up at the public library I wasn’t paying attention that it was a sequel...now I really want to read the first book and the libraries are still closed. I might just have to buy it or see if they have an e version out there. This book puts a really interesting spin on the Peter Pan story. There are a lot of really interesting backstories and conflict and drama that will make more sense once I read the 1st book...but this book takes a scary turn when adults get involved!
October 5, 2020
Once I hit page 50 this really started to grab my interest. This book made me really mad at some points but in a good way. Even after reading both books I still do not like Wylie Dalton and her dramatic stunts. Overall this was a great book and I got enough closure from the first book to be happy. I am also glad she stopped at 2 books because any more than that would be drug out. However, I could go for one where they show the kids as adults and what they are doing with their life. Hint hin Sara
November 11, 2022
I don’t know which of the books are better in my opinion. On one hand, the first book introduces everything, but in the second book you add Hopper and the other lost kids, while some of the minors realize their full potential isn’t on the island. The plot was intriguing and as fast paced as the first book, if not more so. The ending took an interesting turn and it was very bittersweet in more ways than one . I definitely didn’t expect some of the things that happened!
In Summary, The Lost Kids is at least as good as the first book, if not better.
In Summary, The Lost Kids is at least as good as the first book, if not better.
November 12, 2025
Lost Kids is a continuation to Never Ever. As the 1st book ended in a cliff hanger of an ending, this book did not disappoint. Though it wasn’t at all what I was expecting from this book. It’s exactly the opposite of what I thought this book was going to be. Though I did enjoy it. It wasn’t really my favorite Peter Pan retelling. Maybe it’s the fact they were all 17 and not children, or maybe it’s the plots and twists within the story. Either way, you can not read one book without needing to pick up the other. Even if it’s just to find out what happens.
February 26, 2019
I enjoyed the fist one, but I don't really like how the second ended. Maybe I'm weird or I expected it to end like ever other book.. (spoilers) Like she stayed on the island with Hopper.. but she didn't and Phinn didn't end up with her either. Then Olivia escapes and its like well that was pointless, why not catch her and charge her for what she did. Its like well.. that happened? It made the first book feel better then this one and you hoped it would end how you expect it too and it doesn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot. I have found twists of the traditional Peter Pan story interesting, but I really enjoyed this spin-off. I feel like you got to know the characters on a deeper level and the imperfections that aren't as apparent in the Disney version. I also really liked the writing style of this author. Every page was beautifully written.
March 10, 2021
This book was quite a bit darker than the first but I think that suited the progression of the story, Phinn's character wasn't able to redeem himself for all his misdeeds which I both loved and hated.
January 30, 2025
This was SUCH an improvement on the first book. I LOVED IT. The sci-fi horror elements were so fun. The character drama. Evil doctors. Just everything UGH. This is 1000% why I'm slogging through all these Peter Pan books, to find little gems like this <3
May 9, 2018
Such an interesting retelling to the traditional story.
September 10, 2019
3.75 stars
February 11, 2020
Meed jelp how to read a book
July 3, 2020
2 stars
July 27, 2021
well is this book 100 for 2021 and it was.....interesting
March 25, 2022
After reading the first one I couldn’t wait to finish the story. This one kept me hooked as well. I didn’t care for the ending though.
August 15, 2022
I didn’t really enjoy this book as much as the first one, it took me super long to finish and I didn’t find it as exciting or similar to the Peter Pan story as the first one.
September 12, 2022
This was a really fun fast read.
February 26, 2023
Not crazy about writing style. Can't stand the bratty maim Chara. Plot is good. Ending was so wishy washy no resolve but no one together
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews