Synopsis:
James Hook wants nothing more than to become a man. With his Father off to sea and his mother working hard to get by, James knows he is the man of the house. He dreams of all of the things he can do as a man and just wants to grow up. When his Father is called away just before James is about to leave for school he is devastated. How could his father not want to see him off? Why was it so important to leave right now?
James sets off determined not to care that his father left and determined to go to Kensington Gardens as his father promised. He makes his way in only to find something quite strange. A boy named Peter makes his way over to James and begins talking about the most fantastic things. Fairies, pirates, Lost Boys… It is all too much for James to take in but for some reason James finds himself back night after night. He takes Peter up on his offer to take him to Neverland, but only for a while.
Peter has different plans. Lost Boys can’t return home. Besides, why would they want to? In Neverland children never get older, They never grow up.
James, however, is different.
Here we begin the epic tale of Captain Hook and everyone’s favorite Lost Boy.
Review:
What a thrilling adventure into Neverland. I am a huge fan of the classic remakes that have been so popular over the last few years. Giving old stories a new twist. I especially love the ones done from the villain’s POV.
While not as dark as Brom’s, Child Thief. This book paints Pan as the villain and Hook as the young boy who was duped by the cunning and crafty older boy. I loved this element of the story simply because I always viewed Pan as mischievous and meddling. While I never truly saw him as the villain I also was never fully on his side. Maybe it was because he was a little creepy. The whole shadow detachment thing always freaked me out.
This story is very engaging from beginning to end. It also feels like a prequel to the version we all know and love.
BE WARNED… This does have some darker elements and I think for older teens would be ok, but if you plan to share this with younger children, there may be parts you want to skim over or skip.
Favorite Quote:
“To die, thought the lost boy in place of the Captain, will be an awfully big adventure.”
― Brianna Shrum, Never Never
Recommendations:
Neverland – Anna Katmore
Cinder – Marissa Meyer
Beastly – Alex Flinn
Shadows on Snow – Starla Huchton
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