We've all read about Peter Pan and Wendy. But most of us have never given any thought to what their lives might have been like before they met. Tiger Lily introduces us to Peter's life before Wendy, before we met him. And, unlike the story we all know, this one is not only beautiful but sad. Yes, sad. Be ready for a world you don't expect, a world that will suck you in and not let go...a world that you will willingly let break your heart! 
 The characters in this book are so vivid, they have so much depth, that you can't help but feel for them and with them. Especially once you're immersed in their world and realize what difficult lives they lead. Tiger Lily is very different from the other girls in her tribe and those around her don't even pretend to like her. They scorn and fear her because she is different. She lives with Tick Rock and, since he's basically a cross dresser, that doesn't help to ingratiate her in any way either. 
 All the characters of the village are dealing with their own demons, broken relationships and distorted beliefs and that doesn't offer the opportunity for anyone to blend in. The daily lives of these characters is so well written that your heart breaks for them, you hate them, you love them...just as if they were real. Peter is an enigma. Looked upon by the Lost Boys as their leader, we see his toughness, tenacity and charm, but, at times, we also see his naivety and tenderheartedness. 
 The story itself is beautiful but sad. Of course, knowing about Peter Pan and understanding that he'd eventually end up with Wendy didn't make it any less sad for me. It was like I actually had hope for them even though I knew it couldn't be. Tiger Lily's relationship with Peter opened up both their worlds and let them show parts of themselves that they would otherwise keep hidden. They were both good and bad for each other but, ultimately, their story had to be one of heartbreak. 
 The author did a wonderful job of weaving in so much emotion in this book. She let me cringe at the goings on in Tiger Lily's village, smile at Tick Tock's bravery about being different, laugh along with the Lost Boys as they enjoyed forest adventures, fear for the tribe when the English tried to take over and bask in the glow of Tiger Lily and Peter's first love. I really enjoyed my time with this book!