Peter and the Starcatchers

The Starcatchers, Book 1

By: Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock and revealed a wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan.

In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island, an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil.

This riveting adventure takes listeners on a journey from a harsh orphanage in old England to a treacherous sea in a decrepit old tub. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds a magical substance with the power to change the fate of the world - just a sprinkle and wounds heal; just a dusting and people can fly. Towering seas and a violent storm are the backdrop for battles at sea. Bone-crushing waves eventually land our characters on Mollusk Island - where the action really heats up.

Peter and the Starcatchers is brimming with richly developed characters, from the scary but somehow familiar Black Stache and the ferocious Mister Grin to the sweet but sophisticated Molly and the fearless Peter.

Listen to the rest of the Starcatchers series.

©2004 Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (P)2004 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"The real lure is the richly drawn characters, especially the villains, who exhibit just the right amount of swagger and smirk." (Booklist)

"Jim Dale gives a one-man performance that is truly astonishing. He creates distinct voices for all the characters - pirates, women, British soldiers, and native tribesmen. Adults and children alike will enjoy this rollicking tale." (AudioFile)

Best fiction novel ever!

I actually don't read a tremendous amount of fiction. However, my daughter and I really enjoyed Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. This book is a staged before Peter Pan is Peter Pan. In fact he starts as an orphan from England. This book is very suspenseful, and exciting. There were many moments in the story I just couldn't stop listening.

Aside from that the character development is incredible. It's sufficiently interesting but it doesn't babel on with too many details. The story itself if very clever. I would not ever describe it as childish. It really is very well written. I found it much more interesting than any of the Bourne series books. I highly recommend this book!

Prequel to Peter Pan

This was a fun casual listen for someone who likes the classic fantasy. It appears to be for all ages and was an enjoyable prequel / adaptation to classic story of Peter Pan. This retelling seems like it may still fit the classic model but it does give us some more details on certain aspects like magic (star dust), how hook lost his hand, and the people and creation of Neverland. The narrator is excellent. Solid 5 stars for an opening book.

Great story.

This was a fun story to listen to. I really enjoyed it. The author and narrator did great.

5 STAR-catchers!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's well written, brilliantly narrated and offers something special to the child's heart in each of us.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Peter and the Starcatchers?

Chapter 30.

What about Jim Dale’s performance did you like?

Jim Dale's voice resonnates honesty and sincerity. His voice is both comforting and entertaining as well.

Great for young listeners. Get Enhanced format.

Fantastic pre-quel to the traditional Peter-Pan story you're likely familiar with. The kids loved listening to it on recent roadtrip and can't wait for the next book, and amazingly enough, for the next long drive. Highly recommend as an entertaining adventure for the young as well as those whose birthday might suggest otherwise.
The british accent of the voice talent lended to the authenticity, but was a hard to follow at times - download the highest quality you can.

Wonderful Performance!

Jim Dale is a master! Totally engaging and entertaining as usual. My 9 year old grandson is now an audio book reader too.

I'd listen to Jim Dale read anything

Honestly the most underrated young adult series of all time. couldn't stop myself from devouring this book in 3 days.

talent all around

the authors of this book outdid themselves! the story was outstanding and kept me intrigued from the start. I can see why it's now on Broadway!

Peter Pan Prequel

This is a fabulous story for young readers. I have been reading it to second graders for 3 years and they all love it. It is too difficult for most second grades to read themselves, but it is a great book for them to learn the fun of reading without pictures. My grandkids listened to the audiobook while “reading” the book at the same time and loved it.

The book is funny and exciting. It tells the story of how Peter Pan got his flying powers and why he doesn’t age, along with many more of the questions your kids may have had from the movie.

The reader of this audiobook does a great job of voicing all of the characters giving them depth and personality through his voicing.

One of my favorite books ever. I have read/ listened to it 7 times - so far!

Would listen to anything read by Jim Dale.

Fabulous narrator. The story is entertaining and an interesting take on Peter Pan. Jim Dale makes it worth listening to.