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searchingforhappilyeverafter's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
5.0
This is the Captain Hook and Tinkerbell retelling I didn’t know I needed!
Packed with swoonworthy romance, adventure on the high seas, and a fabulous cast of characters, Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke shifts the focus of this classic tale to Tinker Bell and Captain Hook and is absolutely delightful. The writing hooked me immediately (pun intended) as I was immersed in this unique version of such a beloved fantasy world.
The romance between Hook and Tink was captivating, with great enemies-to-lovers banter and sparks practically flying off the page. Several heartwarming and tender moments added an extra layer of depth to their story.
The author's added touches to make this world her own were a joy to read and added a much needed freshness. In particular, I LOVED how there are women on Captain Hook's crew and how subtly queernormative this world is. Not once was it ever mentioned or even implied that women are bad luck on ships or unequal to male crew members.
I hope the author is planning to continue writing stories set in this world. I’ve read all the bonus epilogues but would still love more adventures with Hook's crew members, and I need to find out more about Lily, Peter, and the boys.
Packed with swoonworthy romance, adventure on the high seas, and a fabulous cast of characters, Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke shifts the focus of this classic tale to Tinker Bell and Captain Hook and is absolutely delightful. The writing hooked me immediately (pun intended) as I was immersed in this unique version of such a beloved fantasy world.
The romance between Hook and Tink was captivating, with great enemies-to-lovers banter and sparks practically flying off the page. Several heartwarming and tender moments added an extra layer of depth to their story.
The author's added touches to make this world her own were a joy to read and added a much needed freshness. In particular, I LOVED how there are women on Captain Hook's crew and how subtly queernormative this world is. Not once was it ever mentioned or even implied that women are bad luck on ships or unequal to male crew members.
I hope the author is planning to continue writing stories set in this world. I’ve read all the bonus epilogues but would still love more adventures with Hook's crew members, and I need to find out more about Lily, Peter, and the boys.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
magic_multicolored_miracle's review
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.5
As with any "retelling" or "twist" of a classic tale, this book was challenged to balance the scales between the familiarity of the original and adding something new to make itself worth reading, and I think it does so admirably. Characters have new depths, desires, and personality traits while still being identifiable in a heart beat, and the settings and their inhabitants serve as easy nods to Peter Pan.
While many of the twists and turns of the plot were predictable, they were fun to read anyway, and others still managed to shock me, making this high seas adventure one I couldn't put down. I didn't expect the book to reinvent the wheel, by any means, so I came out pleasantly surprised and happily entertained.
One of the biggest things I never expected was the ending, which turned a twist into a prequel to the classic story.
While many of the twists and turns of the plot were predictable, they were fun to read anyway, and others still managed to shock me, making this high seas adventure one I couldn't put down. I didn't expect the book to reinvent the wheel, by any means, so I came out pleasantly surprised and happily entertained.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Vomit
Moderate: Grief, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
r1vana's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
"If you thought to leave me now, I might tie you to the bed again."
"Filthy pirate."
"Aye, but you love me anyway."
"So cocky. But you're right, I do."
A Peter Pan retelling; the synopsis really got me into reading this book. Captain Hook and Tinkerbell?!?!
What was way to ruin and darken our childhood. *wink wink*
Duo POV
mutual pining
banter/bickering
I really taught it was gonna be an enemies to lovers with mutual pining. But I think Tink kinda in denial of her attraction to Hook.
Whereas, Hook taught she was probably one of the most prettiest woman/pixie in the world. He thinks that he got cursed because he can't seem to stop thinking about her:
“I want the second curse on me removed."
"Oh? And why do you think you're cursed twice?"
He flicked a half-glance towards Tink. "There's a woman. Can't get her out of my head."
"That's not a curse. It's called infatuation. Some might even call it... love?"
-
Characters:
Tink definitely grew on me. There were times, she sounded selfless and other times, selfish. She is banished from her homeland Sylvanna Vale, and she will do anything. Starting by stealing a jewel that was stolen from the mermaid queen that is now in possession of pirates. A man with a hook: Captain Hook.
Captain Hook: He is definitely swoon worthy. Definitely NOT a villain character nor a antihero.
I love that in this book, James aka Captain Hook and Smee have a brother relationship.
-
Actions was packed up in this story.
We get to see glimpses of Peter Pan and the lost boys and Crocodile Crock.
-
Through a pirate loves the rock of the seas, he never takes his eyes off his aim for too long.
"You have my life in your hands again, love."
TW/CW: death of parent; kidnapping; child abuse/torture/abandonment
"Filthy pirate."
"Aye, but you love me anyway."
"So cocky. But you're right, I do."
A Peter Pan retelling; the synopsis really got me into reading this book. Captain Hook and Tinkerbell?!?!
What was way to ruin and darken our childhood. *wink wink*
Duo POV
mutual pining
banter/bickering
I really taught it was gonna be an enemies to lovers with mutual pining. But I think Tink kinda in denial of her attraction to Hook.
Whereas, Hook taught she was probably one of the most prettiest woman/pixie in the world. He thinks that he got cursed because he can't seem to stop thinking about her:
“I want the second curse on me removed."
"Oh? And why do you think you're cursed twice?"
He flicked a half-glance towards Tink. "There's a woman. Can't get her out of my head."
"That's not a curse. It's called infatuation. Some might even call it... love?"
-
Characters:
Tink definitely grew on me. There were times, she sounded selfless and other times, selfish. She is banished from her homeland Sylvanna Vale, and she will do anything. Starting by stealing a jewel that was stolen from the mermaid queen that is now in possession of pirates. A man with a hook: Captain Hook.
Captain Hook: He is definitely swoon worthy. Definitely NOT a villain character nor a antihero.
I love that in this book, James aka Captain Hook and Smee have a brother relationship.
-
Actions was packed up in this story.
We get to see glimpses of Peter Pan and the lost boys and Crocodile Crock.
-
Through a pirate loves the rock of the seas, he never takes his eyes off his aim for too long.
"You have my life in your hands again, love."
TW/CW: death of parent; kidnapping; child abuse/torture/abandonment
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Terminal illness, Child abuse, and Death of parent
words_and_dreams's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
This was such an enjoyable read, and ticked a lot of boxes for me. An enemies to lovers, fantasy romance between Captain Hook and Tinkerbell and acts as a sort of prequel to Peter Pan.
Tink is trying to find a way back home to the Sylvan Vale and Hook wants the power to defeat his enemy, Blackbeard. To do this they team up and make a deal with Queen Titania to find a magical object for her. In return she will give them the Black Pearl, an object that fixes what is broken.
Hook is pretty much a goner for Tink straight away and believes she has cursed him to have these feelings. I loved Hook's characterisation, it reminded me a great deal of Killian from 'Once Upon A Time'. He was so charming and roguish and exactly how I picture him. Tink was feisty with a quick temper but a big heart. I loved their interactions and the banter between them. Also the steamy scenes were fabulous and were both hot and tender.
I loved the themes of found family within the story as well as the main romance. The world felt familiar yet otherwordly which was a good mix. There were some good twists and turns to raise the stakes and I love how both the hero and heroine had to question everything about themselves, their mission and what they believed in.
I would happily read a follow up, especially wanting to know what happened to the boat full of people at the end that vanished. I mean, I know what it's setting up but I just want more. Lol
Can't wait to read more from this author.
Tink is trying to find a way back home to the Sylvan Vale and Hook wants the power to defeat his enemy, Blackbeard. To do this they team up and make a deal with Queen Titania to find a magical object for her. In return she will give them the Black Pearl, an object that fixes what is broken.
Hook is pretty much a goner for Tink straight away and believes she has cursed him to have these feelings. I loved Hook's characterisation, it reminded me a great deal of Killian from 'Once Upon A Time'. He was so charming and roguish and exactly how I picture him. Tink was feisty with a quick temper but a big heart. I loved their interactions and the banter between them. Also the steamy scenes were fabulous and were both hot and tender.
I loved the themes of found family within the story as well as the main romance. The world felt familiar yet otherwordly which was a good mix. There were some good twists and turns to raise the stakes and I love how both the hero and heroine had to question everything about themselves, their mission and what they believed in.
I would happily read a follow up, especially wanting to know what happened to the boat full of people at the end that vanished. I mean, I know what it's setting up but I just want more. Lol
Can't wait to read more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence and Death of parent
authormeganvandyke's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, Drug use, and Violence
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