Reviews

Hook's Revenge by Heidi Schulz, John Hendrix

jenniferreads2's review against another edition

5.0

Too cute!! What a love able cast of characters l, especially the plucky heroine and the sarcastically rude narrator. Can't wait to read the next book.

kelleemoye's review against another edition

5.0

Review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=8269

Heidi Schulz must have read my mind because I’ve always felt that Hook was the most interesting character in the Peter Pan stories (Peter himself is actually a bit obnoxious), and I wanted to know what ever happened to him. These books tell me not only that, but also the story of his feisty daughter. Jocelyn overcomes so much to finally become a pirate then, once in Neverland, she goes on quite an epic journey to avenge her father’s honor. Jocelyn is a spit fire and is ready to lead her crew on an adventure of her lifetime.

cris_bookreader's review against another edition

5.0

For most of her life, she had been told what to do, how to look, and what person she should become. Yet, Jocelyn always yearned for adventure, exploration, and freedom. She was a pirate’s daughter after all, and not just any pirate. Her father was the fearsome Captain James Hook! Wild and unruly, Jocelyn’s grandfather sent her away to boarding school with intentions of making her more lady-like and attainable for future suitors. As she often got into trouble, she frequently held high hopes of her father’s return to rescue her. Sadly, Captain Hook met his fate with the Crocodile and bestowed upon her a mission to avenge his death. Along the way, Jocelyn finds true adventure, friendship, and the courage from within herself to realize that anything is possible. Children ages 8 to 14 and fellow adventurers, pirate lovers, and anyone young at heart will enjoy the journey back to Neverland with Captain Hook’s one and only descendant.

brandypainter's review against another edition

3.0

I can see why so many people like Hook's Revenge a lot, but it is not written in a style I find particularly enjoyable so reading it was more of a chore than not at times. I do say hurrah for an intrusive narrator who talks to the reader without making himself obnoxious. Well, no more obnoxious than intrusive narrator is automatically. In the beginning I found Jocelyn to be entirely unlikeable and only made sympathetic by how much more unlikeable and gross everyone else around her behaved. This doesn't ever work for me as a tool for characterization. However, by the end of the books some actual real character development had happened, and I liked Jocelyn very well indeed. Her adventures in Neverland are perfect, as is her quest. And I absolutely loved the characterization and treatment of Peter.

mthorley23's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars. This was a fun book full of adventure, humor, and charm! I loved her quirky pirate band! This book would lend itself well to a read aloud as it was a quick read and included a grumpy, hilarious narrator. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Well done for a debut novel!

Update: The three of my kids who have read this have loved it! We are all super excited to read the sequel, which just arrived in the mail this afternoon!

booksnorkel's review against another edition

4.0

Jocelyn is the daughter of Captain Hook and she wants to live up to her infamous father’s name, just saying it aloud has cause people to faint. But her grandfather has other plans and sends her off to finishing school, one that is known for cracking tough cases like her. Having to fight mean girls, unfair rules, and her own inability to fight the system Jocelyn befriends the cook’s help Roger. Not only is his station too low for her to even talk to him but he’s also the wrong color and when they are caught having fun unsupervised Roger is sent away and Jocelyn receives word that her beloved (though noticeably absent) father has finally fallen to his great foe the crocodile and that she is charged to avenge him. Going to Neverland on the wings of a giant crow Jocelyn has to face her fears, fairies, gather a crew of pirates, and deal with the annoying Peter Pan.
This was a fun story I really liked the new take on Peter and Neverland. Though it did get old how strangely devoted Jocelyn was to a father she had never met. I totally understand that his name is what made her feel special but dang girl let him go already. This book reminded me a lot of Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland, in both the style of the story telling, and how the story plays out. It’s not a bad thing it just reminded me of it. I am very excited to read the next book I would love to have Jocelyn fight with Peter Pan! For girls who love fantasy fifth grade on up!

crey18's review against another edition

2.0

Overall, I was hopeful for a lot more from this book. The premise promised to be entertaining and witty, and the character of Jocelyn was witty - but the book was entertaining only at times. I left the book generally dissatisfied.

ohsusanna's review against another edition

3.0

Cute story with a clever premise. The story moved slower than I would have liked for a book for this age group on this subject. Some of the main character's adventures were very fun though, especially with the Karnapinaes.

jaime_of_gryffindor's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

3.0

This was a cute middle-grade retelling. I was immediately captivated by the cover and loved following Captain Hook’s daughter Jocelyn. This book felt a bit slow for a middle-grade read and it didn’t fully hold my interest, but I loved the concept and the beautiful illustrations definitely helped tell the story. If you are looking for a quick retelling that takes you to Neverland you may want to give this one a try. 

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

4.0

I always enjoy stories with plucky characters - the ones you root for because they aren't perfect.