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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Admittedly, this was another book I almost didn't finish. It started off a bit dull and I had limited patience for all the moping and Woe Is Me attitude of one James Hook. And, unfortunately, it is very long sulk and takes awhile to get through.
Things do pick up quite a bit once Parrish arrived, though, so I was able to keep on. There's a good mix of intrigue and adventure with her around - and, eventually, a fair amount of melodrama and mushiness too, but not quiiiite enough to turn me off entirely, and I rather liked the over all story and moral.
Everyone has to grow up sometime... some just take a little longer to do so - or in Hook's case, a few centuries. Had we mere mortals more time than the hundred years or so we're allowed on this Earth, however, I am pretty sure we can all think of at least one person in real life who would take just as long to grow out of their childish things ;)
Things do pick up quite a bit once Parrish arrived, though, so I was able to keep on. There's a good mix of intrigue and adventure with her around - and, eventually, a fair amount of melodrama and mushiness too, but not quiiiite enough to turn me off entirely, and I rather liked the over all story and moral.
Everyone has to grow up sometime... some just take a little longer to do so - or in Hook's case, a few centuries. Had we mere mortals more time than the hundred years or so we're allowed on this Earth, however, I am pretty sure we can all think of at least one person in real life who would take just as long to grow out of their childish things ;)
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted this book to be so much more, but I guess when you're choosing to write about a setting and characters that have a pre-established story arc, it can be limiting. Overall I enjoyed the idea and the expanded character of Hook, but quickly grew weary of the circular and sometimes childish reasoning he used to justify his centuries of entrapment in the Neverland. Perhaps the story would be better as a novella, cleaner and faster. Nevertheless, it was a fun read overall.
This review can also be seen on Cristina's Book Reviews.
Alias Hook was supposed to turn into a favorite. I know it was. Peter Pan is one of my all time favorite books, so why exactly wouldn’t I like this book?
But the fact is, I didn’t really connect to this. Ever. I actually put it down about 3 times before I even forced myself to read it again.
And… why force myself to read it if I hated it so much, you ask? Well frankly because I thought it would get better.
But my problem with this book was essentially the writing. There was too much introspection and backstory for my like; I felt like nothing really happened for 60-70% of the story.
This book’s saving grace, was ironically, the audiobook narrator. I would have abandoned it if someone hadn’t been reading it for me.
It's a shame, really, because this book has a wonderful premise. It gives Hook a completely different storyline, and turns Neverland into a twisted place. Peter Pan isn't the boy you thought you knew... I rather enjoyed the last 15% of the story.
However my enjoyment of the last part can't possibly make me forget about the struggle I had while trying to get through the book. Maybe if you read it, you'll enjoy it more?
Two Stars
Original Thoughts :
Despite my rating I didn't hate it... I was just bored of it.
Alias Hook was supposed to turn into a favorite. I know it was. Peter Pan is one of my all time favorite books, so why exactly wouldn’t I like this book?
But the fact is, I didn’t really connect to this. Ever. I actually put it down about 3 times before I even forced myself to read it again.
And… why force myself to read it if I hated it so much, you ask? Well frankly because I thought it would get better.
But my problem with this book was essentially the writing. There was too much introspection and backstory for my like; I felt like nothing really happened for 60-70% of the story.
This book’s saving grace, was ironically, the audiobook narrator. I would have abandoned it if someone hadn’t been reading it for me.
It's a shame, really, because this book has a wonderful premise. It gives Hook a completely different storyline, and turns Neverland into a twisted place. Peter Pan isn't the boy you thought you knew... I rather enjoyed the last 15% of the story.
However my enjoyment of the last part can't possibly make me forget about the struggle I had while trying to get through the book. Maybe if you read it, you'll enjoy it more?
Two Stars
Original Thoughts :
Despite my rating I didn't hate it... I was just bored of it.
So here's the thing: this is a really good book. I might even say it's a great book. The writing is beautiful and I love the twist on the story of Peter Pan (Hook is cursed and Peter is evil, just how I like it). But the pacing is so slow and I didn't like any of the characters and I just don't really care about it. I would definitely recommend it if you like original and more mature fairy tale retellings, but honestly, it's just not for me at this point. I usually don't mind slow books, but you can't force being invested or not.
DNF at 90 pages.
DNF at 90 pages.
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a Peter Pan book, but this reminded me why I fell in love with reading again just over a year ago in 2024. This reimagining of the classic tale, told from Captain Hook’s perspective, offers a rich, dark, and emotional twist on the familiar story. The novel blends adventure, romance, and introspection as it delves into Hook’s tragic backstory and his eternal entrapment in Neverland. One of the most unforgettable moments was when everyone discovered that a woman was aboard the pirate ship—I literally dropped my book and lost my place in shock! The novel’s vivid world-building and complex characters breathe new life into the story, making it a thrilling and immersive experience.
really enjoyed this retelling. I love reading about Peter being an evil little demon child and I love stories that humanize Hook. Love Lisa's descriptive writing as well. Her prose is really nicely done.
Considering the numbered ratings and the ratings themselves, I shouldn't have read this according to my own rules. But I did. And I enjoyed it so much.
It probably drew me to itself because I was watching Once Upon A Time and I am officially in love with Captain Hook there. This Captain Hook is very much different from the original version as well as from Killian Jones of OUAT.
Hook in this book is a tortured man, ripped of his pride and his own sense of life by the never ending life in Neverland. Over and over, he dies just to revive and partake another game for Peter Pan's sake. Just like all things in Neverland, he exists for the sake of the boy's entertainment. But the one thing that he seeks in this world of wishes is always denied to him -- release.
We are told the story from Hook's point of view. The initial chapters go back and forth between Hook's life he sailed away from and his new role as the island's eternal villain.
I think the language is the thing that makes or breaks this book for a reader. It is a beautifully written book. But the language does not allow the reader to just flow with it. You stop and read and re read a paragraph just to make sense of the sentence. If you are a slow reader and enjoy purple prose, this is a great book. But considering this book wasn't slow plot-wise except initially during the buildup and when the author is trying to set up the world, I don't think the language was the strong point.
I couldn't wait to read further but I was always pulled back by the paragraphs explaining actions and settings. They were written in simple enough words but too hard sentence structure for a speed reader to comprehend quickly. But considering I liked the book and may even read it again, I think the second time will be better because I won't be rushing to finish the book.
Coming back to the story, I liked how this one played out. I never liked Peter Pan and especially don't like him now after seeing two villainous versions of him. The Hook in this book fascinates me because he is exactly the kind of man I like in books. Man redeeming themselves and being tortured in general. I know its weird but I specially liked Hook. And part of the reason this book is good for me is because of the lead characterisation. Hook carried this book throughout. We see Stella and I honestly see myself swooning over their romance if this book was written from her perspective and written more through her feelings for him. I won't complain because I have seen that story told many times and I appreciate the switch in the narrative this time.
I got to see a character who is made out to be a villain and keeps fighting with his own fears throughout the book. The Hook we see is exposed and laid bared before us. We see his all vulnerabilities and fears right from the start. We see what makes him, him. He isn't portrayed as a "masculine" version of the romantic hero we see everywhere. I honestly expected Stella to save him every time. He doesn't pretend to be what he is not, he is scared and angry but not a liar. He is brave despite what others see him as and I loved how easy it was to love a character so exposed like that when we know him through and through.
I liked Stella and her story but honestly the book isn't about her, its about Hook. Stella brings his deep feelings to surface, brings about the change that has eluded him in Neverland. They make a worthy pair.
Maybe I should create a tag called "memory-wipe" here on Goodreads because I do enjoy those kind of stories a lot. They are tragic and nostalgic and give me a feeling of longing and I should hate them because I hate sad stuff but I don't. I love them too much.
It probably drew me to itself because I was watching Once Upon A Time and I am officially in love with Captain Hook there. This Captain Hook is very much different from the original version as well as from Killian Jones of OUAT.
Hook in this book is a tortured man, ripped of his pride and his own sense of life by the never ending life in Neverland. Over and over, he dies just to revive and partake another game for Peter Pan's sake. Just like all things in Neverland, he exists for the sake of the boy's entertainment. But the one thing that he seeks in this world of wishes is always denied to him -- release.
We are told the story from Hook's point of view. The initial chapters go back and forth between Hook's life he sailed away from and his new role as the island's eternal villain.
I think the language is the thing that makes or breaks this book for a reader. It is a beautifully written book. But the language does not allow the reader to just flow with it. You stop and read and re read a paragraph just to make sense of the sentence. If you are a slow reader and enjoy purple prose, this is a great book. But considering this book wasn't slow plot-wise except initially during the buildup and when the author is trying to set up the world, I don't think the language was the strong point.
I couldn't wait to read further but I was always pulled back by the paragraphs explaining actions and settings. They were written in simple enough words but too hard sentence structure for a speed reader to comprehend quickly. But considering I liked the book and may even read it again, I think the second time will be better because I won't be rushing to finish the book.
Coming back to the story, I liked how this one played out. I never liked Peter Pan and especially don't like him now after seeing two villainous versions of him. The Hook in this book fascinates me because he is exactly the kind of man I like in books. Man redeeming themselves and being tortured in general. I know its weird but I specially liked Hook. And part of the reason this book is good for me is because of the lead characterisation. Hook carried this book throughout. We see Stella and I honestly see myself swooning over their romance if this book was written from her perspective and written more through her feelings for him. I won't complain because I have seen that story told many times and I appreciate the switch in the narrative this time.
I got to see a character who is made out to be a villain and keeps fighting with his own fears throughout the book. The Hook we see is exposed and laid bared before us. We see his all vulnerabilities and fears right from the start. We see what makes him, him. He isn't portrayed as a "masculine" version of the romantic hero we see everywhere. I honestly expected Stella to save him every time. He doesn't pretend to be what he is not, he is scared and angry but not a liar. He is brave despite what others see him as and I loved how easy it was to love a character so exposed like that when we know him through and through.
I liked Stella and her story but honestly the book isn't about her, its about Hook. Stella brings his deep feelings to surface, brings about the change that has eluded him in Neverland. They make a worthy pair.
Maybe I should create a tag called "memory-wipe" here on Goodreads because I do enjoy those kind of stories a lot. They are tragic and nostalgic and give me a feeling of longing and I should hate them because I hate sad stuff but I don't. I love them too much.
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage