Reviews

Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke

becksgoesbookish's review

4.0

Second Star to the Left was exactly the book I needed this week! This twist on a Peter Pan retelling focuses on Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, as they go from *almost* one-night stand to enemies, and then find themselves on a quest on the seas of Neverland together. Banter, character backstory, and spice then ensues (of course!)

Perfect if you like:

-*light* enemies to lovers
-only one bed
-found family
-rowdy and lovable pirates
-fantasy adventure
-retellings

Highly recommend this book for when you’re in the mood for a quick & spicy adventure, and definitely can’t wait for the next reimagined fairy tale from Megan!

Thank you to Netgalley and City Owl Books for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

thebibliophagist's review

3.5

It was a quick read with a fast-paced plot, and it gets pretty graphic in the spice at one point. My husband looked over and read part then questioned what I was reading. The romance in the book is not slow burn but not quick either. It follows the enemy to lovers theme, which I love! I am a sucker for that trope, always. I loved the worldbuilding, sticking to some of the classic tale but adding new twists and touches. Pixie dust is there, but not entirely how you think. I really enjoyed getting to know more of who Hook was rather than Tink. He was more interesting to me, and I loved hearing his story and knowing what he was thinking. Where Tink was annoying and immature, his emotions had depth, and his story was far more interesting. There is a twist thrown in at one point, and I hated that Tink caused Hook not to trust his gut, and they all suffered because of it but at the same time, I liked that he trusted and cared about her enough to let her make that choice but still stand cautious.
https://thebibliophagist.blog/2024/04/04/blog-tour-second-star-to-the-left-by-megan-van-dke/

lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition

4.0

Second Star to the Left is a wonderfully written, captivating, well-paced re-working of Peter Pan. In this one Captain Hook is a gorgeous pirate with a heart of gold, a sexy accent, a curse to lift and a vendetta to win against the true villain, Blackbeard. Tinker Bell is not a small fairy but rather a vertically challenged, somewhat naive pixie who just wants to be able to find her way home. For both to gain their heart's desire (

Spoiler

and you know exactly where THAT one is leading!

) they have to complete a quest by working as a team.


Hook and Tink are both very likeable characters and I quickly found myself caught up in this delightful enemies-to-lovers tale - especially with a hero who seemed a mix of Jack Sparrow and Killian "Hook" Jones. The story had a good mix of action/adventure, character development and world-building - not to mention a couple of red hot love scenes too. It was easy to not only feel the connection between Tink and Hook but also to believe in the strength of their feelings for one another.


Depth and colour were added by including a wide cast of well rounded supporting characters. The back story of both protagonists was slowly revealed as we progressed through the book, some of these threw very unexpected curveballs at both the reader and character alike. My only wish would have been for the quest to have not been quite so easily completed, though we did eventually get conflict.


I very much enjoyed this book, with its feel-good vibe, great characters and great story it is one to add to your TBR list.

loz_reads's review

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Smee is definitely my favourite in this retelling. A nice Easter egg at the end for her next book which was a fun addition. James and Tink ❤️❤️

lucyrambles's review

adventurous emotional funny sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

paytonashton18's review

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kate_ever's review

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.5

I love a retelling because I love seeing how creative someone can get with taking an original story and making it different. I especially enjoy it if it focuses on side characters from a well-known story or puts characters together in situations that you wouldn’t have expected and this story has that in spades. 

 

I loved that whilst the story had elements of things that I expected, it was also very individual and pulled on other known legends to add to the story in a way that made sense but was also a nice surprise. An adventure from start to finish this book is fast-paced and easily engaging, this is an author whose words I could get lost in for hours. The world that the author has created leaps off the page in a way that seems effortless but also interesting. 

 

The characters are where this book shines, it takes everything you've previously been told about them and turns it on its head. I loved that Tink was selfless and determined, even when she was out of her depth, she was put in a lot of difficult situations but was loyal even when it wasn’t deserved. 

 

Hook was brilliant I loved that he was very caring and just wanted the best for his crew, as well as having charm by the bucket load. Smee was so much better than any previous portrayal, a loveable scoundrel, and some other wonderful characters in the crew help to build the family vibe. 

 

Of course, the chemistry between Hook and Tink is amazing, it has a bit of enemies-to-lovers going on but you know that something is simmering between them even when they are at cross purposes. They also had such different goals that I was constantly wondering how it would play out for them which was a nice tension to have throughout the story. 

 

The one thing that I did question a little was that the searching for the magical item seemed a touch too easy, I feel like the Shrouded Isles were made out to be difficult to navigate and they seemed to find every clue they were searching for without too much trouble. I still enjoyed the journey, I just felt maybe there should have been a few more setbacks along the way. 

 

Honestly, once I got caught up in this book I didn't want it to end, it just had all the right elements for an entertaining adventure but with the bonus of a sizzling romance. It's a fantastic retelling that I would definitely recommend.

avoraciousreader68's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.0

Book source ~ BBNYA Tour

Tinker Bell and Captain Hook meet and fireworks ensue. This is so not a tale for little ears. Hubba hubba. 

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I went into this story, but it took me by surprise. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Peter Pan (1953 Disney version) that I couldn’t even tell you about it. This is a version that’s for adults and told from Tinker Bell and Captain Hook’s POVs. It has an excellent plot, great characters, and just right pacing. There’s danger and humor and steaminess, oh my! If you like fairy tale retellings then this well-written adventure is just the one for you. Don’t skip it!

 

hannahgee's review against another edition

3.0

🌶️ Rating: 2/5

I honestly can’t decide if I like this one or not. I love a good Peter Pan retelling. And I like Hook being the good guy. I even like that Tinker Bell‘s isnt a bitch in this one. I’ll keep reading the series and maybe see how I feel at the conclusion.

banjax451's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0