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.
"Dale has the uncanny knack of knowing his characters; he presents each personality to us as an intimate acquaintance." (AudioFile)
Listen to the rest of the Starcatchers series.
©2004 Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson; (P)2004 Brilliance Audio
"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)
"A fast paced frolic on the high seas!"
In the genre of telling the back-story to childhood classics this tale is tops! Ever wonder HOW Peter Pan came to be a flying boy? Or WHERE Tinkerbell came from? Or WHY Captain Hook despises Peter Pan? This is the first book in the brilliant trilogy by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson that answers these questions and more. The story is fun, inventive and fast-paced; taking you from the docks of London, to the storm-tossed highs seas to a far away island. Jim Dale's perfect narraration is as good as the award winning performances he gave in the Harry Potter series. This is, simply, one of the best audiobooks we own. When we have nothing else to listen to we grab this one - again! My two girls 9 and 10 never tire of hearing the adventures of Peter and Molly!
"A wonderful story all will love!"
I first listened to this book because I love Jim Dale reading the Harry Potter series and he does NOT let you down here!! This is a well written fast paced book that keeps you going from the very first chapter!! I would reccomend this book to anyone, and the two following as well. They are amazing and kids of all ages will adore this adventure with Peter and Molly!
"My Kids Loved The Starcatchers Series!"
Hours of great listening! My kids (8 and 11) and I started listening to the adventures of Peter and the Starcatchers in the car. They became so hooked (no pun intended:o)they insisted we keep listening mornings at breakfast before school and when cleaning up after dinner. We really enjoyed each of these books and have moved on to the Never Land series. These books worked for me and now my kids love to use their imagination listening instead of watching movies in the car.
Our sincere appreciation to the very talented Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson for this gift, excellently narrated by my favorite Jim Dale.
Do your kids a favor, turn off the TV, turn off the video games and turn on their imagination by listening to a really good Audiobook.
"Great Book for the whole family"
This was a great book. It took all the questions about how Peter became the boy who never grew up and answered them. It is read by the best narrator alive. My family and I loved it. Highly recommended.
"Hard to get 5 stars from me"
A very fun story, I’m a 50 year old kid and I couldn’t shut this off. What a great story of Peter Pan. I will definitely get Book 2. I suggest this for any age you’ll appreciate the greatness without bad language, sex, gruesome violent.
"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!
"Clever and entertaining"
I really wasn't sure at first whether I could get into this book, but as it unfolded and connected to the Peter Pan story it became more and more enjoyable. I want to listen to the sequel now, and love Jim Dale's readings. I got into his narrating with Harry Potter and that's mainly why I listened to this.
"Great entertainment"
The plot is somewhat contrived, with improbable last-minute escapes, etc. However, if you are looking for good, plain fun and an entertaining read (as I was), you will like this book.
The narrator is superb.
"Awesome"
Funny. Entertaining. Gripping.
Made the kidlet and I giggle at lot.
The 7yo constantly asks to listen to this recording. We really enjoyed the green teeth.
"Eyes Glued to Book - Ears Glued to Reading"
It's a great story. Everybody know the story of Peter Pan. This let you know how it all started
Peter was thrown overboard and started to fly for the first time
Yes. He changed his voice. Some of the characters sounded alike but you could still tell who was talking by the scene.
When Peter jumped without being pushed to Mister Grin
Several parts in the book was read wrong. Example: He said King instead of Queen. He read a few chapter titles wrong. I assume that the book is different in other countries or something. I like to read the book while listening to it. But when the reading is slightly different than the book, this can throw you off.