Hooked Book Review
Hello everyone and welcome back to the blog! Today, I am back with another fun book review! Now, this book is considered a dark romance--or at least what everyone recommends starting with when getting into dark romances. I didn't know that going in so I was really surprised with the plot and characters. So, let's get into it!
As you can gather from the title, this is related to the story of Peter Pan; however, this is not a re-telling of the classic beloved story. This book is set in modern times with elements from the original story. It follows Hook, also referred to as James, and Wendy. Hook is kind of like this mastermind, ring leader of a gang (I'm not sure if gang is really the right word here but essentially he runs the town and every business owners abides by his rules. If they don't, they are made an example of). The story alternates between Hook's and Wendy's perspectives. Hook is out for revenge on Peter, and basically uses his daughter, Wendy, to get back at him.
The relationship between Hook and Wendy happens really fast. I feel like Wendy gave into Hook way too easily. There needed to be more build up especially because it felt like the middle of the book dragged on--like we got to the climax but there were still so many pages left, and I had no idea where else the story could go. So, for those reasons I feel like the relationship felt rushed when it really didn't need to be.
I did really like different aspects from the original story somehow incorporated into the book. Like Smee, Hook's right hand man was still his right hand man, the tick tock of the clock that only Hook could hear, the Jolly Roger was a club, the Tiger Lily was Hook's boat/home, etc. I thought those parts were done really well.
The other thing I really liked was the father/daughter dynamic of Peter and Wendy. I thought this was really interesting and not at all what I was expecting. And I liked how James thought he would use their relationship to his advantage and this is when one of the plot twists comes in, so I won't give too much away.
Overall, I liked this book. Now, it is a part of a series, but it is a stand alone book. The other two (so far) in the Never After series are about other Disney villains. I want to say one is based off of "The Lion King" and to be honest, I'm not too sure about the other. I don't think I'm going to continue with these, but if twisted Disney stories are your thing then I say go for it!
I would give this a 3/5 stars. If you are looking to get into dark romances then I would start with something like this book to ease you into it. I wasn't necessarily looking to get into this genre, but it honestly wasn't bad. There is some spice though, so just be aware of that.
Alright folks, that is all I have for this week! Come back next Wednesday for another blog post! As always thank you for reading:)