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I love Peter Pan, so I thought I'd give this spicy retelling a shot after hearing so much about it on Instagram and TikTok.

I'd like to preface this review by saying spicy lit is not my thing. So, my review will focus more on the plot than the sex scenes.

Positives 1. Use of source material. Crowe incorporates locations, myths, and characters from Barrie's novel. I love when a retelling takes advantage of the original text to ground the story. Places like Marooners' Rock and Mysterious River are mentioned explicitly. Fairies (or fae in this case), mermaids, and pirates are present. Characters like Tinker Bell, Tootles, and Hook are name-dropped. The twins and Pan are key players. Overall, I felt the use of source material gave this story an edge. 2. Plot and world building. The amount of effort given to the story pleasantly surprised me. I expected little story and plenty of sex. It turns out this book offers the reverse.

Negatives 1. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. I get this book is meant to be about how vicious and "bad" Pan and the Lost Boys are, but did they have to be such cliches? They're all tattooed and constantly smoking cigarettes or downing alcohol. It grew tiring. 2. The kiss. One twin gives Winnie a kiss (a bracelet with an acorn in the middle). When she asks what it's for, he simply answers, "It's just something we do here." Why take something as pure as the kiss/thimble and throw it in without care? 3. Winnie. She's annoying, narcissistic, and always seeking attention. The fact she's kidnapped but makes the most of it by immediately trying to sleep with everyone is unrealistic and a lame attempt at making her interesting. I get it's meant to be erotic, but it doesn't fit the actual plot. 4. The Darling. The amount of times they refer to her as "the Darling" is almost funny. Just call her Winnie or drop the definite article.

I went into this book knowing it probably wouldn't be for me. I know my favorite genres and stick to them because I know what I like. While this book wasn't terrible, and I'm sure it's given many readers what they asked for, I couldn't look past all the issues.

If you're looking for a fast read with three graphic sex scenes sprinkled in, this might be up your alley.

Some Desperate Glory is a space opera set after Earth's destruction. Gaea Station, home to a radical group of warbreed humans, has pitted itself against the majo race, the ones who annihilated their homeland. Without spoiling anything, the novel is a whirlwind of moral turmoil, intergalactic politics, and the Wisdom's immense power over all of existence.

Valkyr, our ornery and entitled protagonist, is tough to love but easy to understand. While there were times I wanted to throttle her for being so short-sighted and petty, I often felt she desperately needed a hug. Mags and Avi were fun characters, and I believe their presence really rounded out Valkyr's dominating personality. However, Yiso (the majo prisoner), was my absolute favorite of them all.

It took me about 100 pages to really get into the story, but after that I was hooked. The novel is formatted into five parts, and by the false peak, I couldn't put it down. The science behind the tech is wonky, fascinating, and certainly absurdist if given much thought... but it's still done with finesse and ingenuity.

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys space operas, crazy space tech, or complicated friendships.

Beyond Forsaken Worlds is a fresh intergalactic romp dappled with action, multi-faceted creatures, and desire.

Going in, I had no idea what I was signing up for... but that only elevated my enjoyment. McDonald's prose is beautiful, weaving vibrant descriptions with satisfying world building. The characters are unique, and I found something to love about each and every one of them.

Also, that cliffhanger! I'm so glad I don't have to wait for the answers like everyone else (the perks of being a beta reader).

My only criticism pertains to the intimate scenes and sexual tension throughout the novel. It isn't the main focus, but it might put off readers who aren't looking for sexy sci-fi. As a reader who generally strays away from books with a fair amount of sex, I found the scenes surprisingly interesting and in aid of the group's dynamic.

If you dig foul-mouthed heroines, conservationist plot lines, dystopian themes, or space travel, this one's for you.