linguana's review
3.0
I wrote a full review over at SFF Book Review.
As a long-time fan of the original Peter Pan, I love reading alternate versions, retellings, sequels, prequels, spin-off and what have you. This book promised a dark tale where Wendy wants to grow up and ends up with Hook - it's not a spoiler, it's the book's title!
It's the getting there that comprises the bulk of this story. Wendy, wanting to grow up and live her own romance, feels herself drawn more and more to the dark and well-mannered pirate captain, and away from the eternal boy who has always owned her heart. Hook's plotting manipulates almost all of the characters and pushes them in the direction he wants them to. Following them was fascinating, not only because they grow up but because they each grow up in a different way.
In Wendy's case, it has a lot to do with sexuality and I should warn those of you who want their books "clean". There is a fair bit of sex in this story, although usually very subtly hinted at or described in a way that makes it obvious only to those who know what to look for (maybe I'm just filthy-minded...).
I loved the idea and the incredible atmosphere but there was one thing that put me off. Andrea Jones' writing style was a severe case of trying too hard. It could have been poetic, except every paragraph tries to be so poetic that it oversaturates and ends up clunky. For a book with not too many pages, it took me a while to finish and I usually struggled with the dialogue and the clunky descriptions, had to re-read entire pages because of logical mistakes - all things that could be remedied by a nice edit.
Which is why I'll read the second in the series - and also because I'm curious to see where the author leads our heroine, now that there are literally all the oceans of the world open to her.
6,5/10 - Quite good read.
As a long-time fan of the original Peter Pan, I love reading alternate versions, retellings, sequels, prequels, spin-off and what have you. This book promised a dark tale where Wendy wants to grow up and ends up with Hook - it's not a spoiler, it's the book's title!
It's the getting there that comprises the bulk of this story. Wendy, wanting to grow up and live her own romance, feels herself drawn more and more to the dark and well-mannered pirate captain, and away from the eternal boy who has always owned her heart. Hook's plotting manipulates almost all of the characters and pushes them in the direction he wants them to. Following them was fascinating, not only because they grow up but because they each grow up in a different way.
In Wendy's case, it has a lot to do with sexuality and I should warn those of you who want their books "clean". There is a fair bit of sex in this story, although usually very subtly hinted at or described in a way that makes it obvious only to those who know what to look for (maybe I'm just filthy-minded...).
I loved the idea and the incredible atmosphere but there was one thing that put me off. Andrea Jones' writing style was a severe case of trying too hard. It could have been poetic, except every paragraph tries to be so poetic that it oversaturates and ends up clunky. For a book with not too many pages, it took me a while to finish and I usually struggled with the dialogue and the clunky descriptions, had to re-read entire pages because of logical mistakes - all things that could be remedied by a nice edit.
Which is why I'll read the second in the series - and also because I'm curious to see where the author leads our heroine, now that there are literally all the oceans of the world open to her.
6,5/10 - Quite good read.
kathrynamonett's review
2.0
Meh. Some interesting ideas, but she was trying way too hard to achieve them. She fell in love with her own imagery and symbolism and got carried away, I think. Reads more like fanfiction.
artemishi's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Characters: 7, Wendy was sometimes relatable and sometimes confusingly obtuse, but Hook, Smee, Peter, Tink, Rowan, and the Lost Boys were more or less their own independent characters with (at least a little bit) personalities distinguishable from the others. The writing tends to be explicit about action, but less so about character thoughts so I didn't feel confident about any single character.
Atmosphere: 7, the setting is well described and I could easily picture most of the Neverland as it was written. It doesn't hurt that this is a retelling/twist on such a beloved classic, that anyone can picture the lush jungle island and pirate schooner easily.
Writing: 6, the writing was not to my style. It was heavily metaphorical, which made it a dense read, and it also went on too long in many places (including just overall with the story). This fits with the original Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, but just wasn't my jam.
Plot: 7, a unique take on Peter Pan that allows Wendy some much-needed agency (and sexifies things with Captain Hook) while maintaining the themes of growing up. Unlike the original, which was charming in its obvious love for the fantastical possibilities of youth, Hook & Jill focuses on the charms of growing up- autonomy, growth, knowing yourself, gaining (limited) power, and falling in love. It juxtaposes the toxicity of being immature/childish in a world where it's natural to grow old with the toxicity of possessive relationships (both friendship and romantic).
Intrigue: 5, enough of this book was tedious (almost every page had cloaked metaphors for growing up, regression, autonomy, sex, etc.) that I had to force myself to finish it. The outcome is pretty much assured from the start, so there wasn't a lot of plot tension keeping me going, and the characters were distant enough that I wasn't engaged in their journey on my own.
Logic: 8, building off the childish non-logic of the original, the world-building of this book involves a level of fairy magic that's explained and deepens the established Indian tribe, pirate crew, crocodile, and other elements. Every character acts in accordance with their motives, even when those motives are conflicting, twisted, confusing (for them, not the reader), or not explicitly stated.
Enjoyment: 6, the cleverness of the story and the emotional impact of the growing-up metaphor were positives, but it dragged too much for me to really love it.
witchyficbindery's review
4.0
Not too long ago I went on something of a Hook binge. I just couldn't get enough of Captain Hook and his tortured, complex self. First I read Never, Never (amazing, by the way), then a ton of fanfiction (I have no shame)! Then I came across this adult Hook retelling and got really, super excited! I don't review a ton of adult fiction on the blog, but I felt like I could definitely get into a Captain Hook retelling that could also go into some more adult territory...
Hook & Jill is something of a coming of age story with Wendy as the main character. In Neverland with her brothers, she has taken on her familiar motherly role with the lost boys. But Wendy is growing up, despite Peter's best efforts, and she's looking for someone to share her adult life with her. She wants that person to be Peter (obviously, Tink isn't cool with this), but he's too firmly set on never growing up. Just across the island is Captain Hook and his pirates. Is it any surprise that they would become involved? Obviously, Peter isn't cool with this.
I really enjoyed this retelling of Peter, Wendy, and Hook! Each of the characters were complex and had familiar storylines, but there were also plenty of unique elements to the fairytale to keep it interesting. Like several other retellings I've come across (and even the original to some extent), Peter is more of a dark, twisted character than the Disney version portrays. A lot of this is owed to his child-like nature, but he's also just really disturbing in general. Tink's jealous side also comes out a lot more in this retelling. I've honestly never been able to stand her character, even in my childhood, and this book made me dislike her even more and she made me quite uncomfortable at times. That isn't entirely a bad thing, though!
There were also some great new characters, Rowan being my favorite! His relationship with Slightly was a great addition to the story! And then there's Hook himself. This book definitely did not disappoint in making Hook's character even more complex and dashing! That isn't to say he did not maintain his dark and manipulative traits, because he most certainly still is something of a villain.
The world building of Hook & Jill was also really fantastic! Obviously, Andrea Jones had a really amazing starting point for Neverland, but she managed to add even more new, beautiful places and make the old ones come to life.
While I did really enjoy Hook & Jill, there were also things I didn't completely love. Although I enjoyed Wendy's story, I found it hard to identify with her at times. I certainly understand wanting to grow up and be seen as an adult, but I had a hard time getting on board with her desire to be a pirate. I do understand why it might be necessary in order to have her end up with Captain Hook. I also found myself becoming a little confused a couple times about what was going on and had to go back to double check. The book also dragged in a few places and I did find myself putting it down when the action lagged, although that tends to happen with a lot of books so I can't really fault this one in particular.
Overall, I liked Hook & Jill a lot! I love getting to read new takes on this classic tale. This was my first dive into adult retellings and I definitely was not disappointed! It wasn't perfect, but it was an enjoyable read that I think most Peter Pan fans will enjoy. I definitely do plan to read the second part of this series!
esquetee's review
4.0
I picked this book up on a whim at a library conference and - much to my surprise - found myself talking to the author there at the conference and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The cover art does not do this book justice, so just ignore the cover. The characters of Wendy and Peter are given much more depth and even the Lost Boys gain a hefty dose of personality. Also, the author's description of Never Never Land brings it to life with such detail you can almost see the terrain laid out in your mind like a carefully drawn map. Highly recommended if you're looking for something fun to read.
Warning: this is basically fan fiction, using the 2003 film Peter Pan as inspiration.
Warning: this is basically fan fiction, using the 2003 film Peter Pan as inspiration.
cindymarie's review
2.0
This was so disappointing for me. I've wanted to read this for so long but couldn't find it anywhere so I was super excited when my sister gave it to me as a gift. I just knew I was going to love it. I love Peter Pan retellings, especially romantic Hook ones.
This follows the same Neverland story you know and love where Peter takes Wendy and her brothers out of the nursery so that he can have a mother to tell stories. Wendy wants to grow up and dreams of romance. Peter is determined to stay a boy forever and play games. He has one rule for his lost boys, never to grow up. When Wendy realizes Peter will never give her the romance she dreams of, in steps Hook. He's grown and sexy and knows just how to handle a woman.
I liked the writing style. I liked how Peter was dark. The Child Thief is one of my favorite books so I can get behind a dark Peter Pan. I liked Wendy's stories and her relationship with the children. All of that is the reason this even has 2 stars from me.
I hated that there was no Tiger Lily in this world. I hated it so much.
Here comes spoilers but they don't really spoil anything too important and really you should know going into it that this is sick.
This book was just not okay. A grown man has no business looking at a child/teen and wanting her. While age wasn't clear in this book, it's clear Wendy was underage and still growing up. She wasn't a woman until after they "made love" (statutory rape is what we call it in real life) and then she magically changed into a woman? Also the lost boys became men after sleeping with women. What the freaking hell? This isn't sexy, it's sickening.
This follows the same Neverland story you know and love where Peter takes Wendy and her brothers out of the nursery so that he can have a mother to tell stories. Wendy wants to grow up and dreams of romance. Peter is determined to stay a boy forever and play games. He has one rule for his lost boys, never to grow up. When Wendy realizes Peter will never give her the romance she dreams of, in steps Hook. He's grown and sexy and knows just how to handle a woman.
I liked the writing style. I liked how Peter was dark. The Child Thief is one of my favorite books so I can get behind a dark Peter Pan. I liked Wendy's stories and her relationship with the children. All of that is the reason this even has 2 stars from me.
I hated that there was no Tiger Lily in this world. I hated it so much.
Here comes spoilers but they don't really spoil anything too important and really you should know going into it that this is sick.
This book was just not okay. A grown man has no business looking at a child/teen and wanting her. While age wasn't clear in this book, it's clear Wendy was underage and still growing up. She wasn't a woman until after they "made love" (statutory rape is what we call it in real life) and then she magically changed into a woman? Also the lost boys became men after sleeping with women. What the freaking hell? This isn't sexy, it's sickening.
soulwinds's review
1.0
DNF at 57%
Thought and Plot
I thought it would get better, but it did not. So I put it down and 2 days later (today) I tried to pick it back up, read one paragraph, looked at the pile of other books waiting for me to read them and went "nope. I'm done," and here we are.
This book, in my opinion, is boring. It's boring and Wendy's side swapping doesn't actually improve anything. They are both manipulative idiots. One acts like he's a 5 year old assassin, one acts like a 13 year old boy (though he is supposed to be a man). I don't have time for this bullsh*t.
There was page after page of Wendy mulling it over and Tinker Bell being stupid, and Hook being a pervert and Pan being a creepy death craving weirdo (wants to go hunt animals, makes illusive references to killing lost boys that grew up, threatens to kill Wendy). Hook is a full grown man. Wendy (in my mind) is something like a 12 year old girl...and he's all but DROOLING over her. It's weird. It's creepy. No.
In Short
It's supposed to be a love story, but I keep thinking 12 year old girl....35 year old man...uuuggghhh! And another thing, I was 57% through the book and I can safely say, not too much was happening!
I'm done.
Thought and Plot
I thought it would get better, but it did not. So I put it down and 2 days later (today) I tried to pick it back up, read one paragraph, looked at the pile of other books waiting for me to read them and went "nope. I'm done," and here we are.
This book, in my opinion, is boring. It's boring and Wendy's side swapping doesn't actually improve anything. They are both manipulative idiots. One acts like he's a 5 year old assassin, one acts like a 13 year old boy (though he is supposed to be a man). I don't have time for this bullsh*t.
There was page after page of Wendy mulling it over and Tinker Bell being stupid, and Hook being a pervert and Pan being a creepy death craving weirdo (wants to go hunt animals, makes illusive references to killing lost boys that grew up, threatens to kill Wendy). Hook is a full grown man. Wendy (in my mind) is something like a 12 year old girl...and he's all but DROOLING over her. It's weird. It's creepy. No.
In Short
It's supposed to be a love story, but I keep thinking 12 year old girl....35 year old man...uuuggghhh! And another thing, I was 57% through the book and I can safely say, not too much was happening!
I'm done.
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