Been a long time since I've read a Peter Pan retelling, but it's hard to come upon something that will not piss me off when it comes to fairytale retellings anyway. Still, looking for them and trying them out, getting my last bit of patience tested, I'd say it's worth it.

Because there are times like this, when I find a rare treasure among useless stories, and suddenly, all the books I had to go through to get to read this one seem like a trial I had to pass in order to earn this wonderful reward.

That's how I felt when I was reading this amazing book. Rewarded! I have no idea for what, but good Lord, you can keep 'em coming if they're anything like this!

Kalynn Bayron tells a story we're all familiar with, but from a completely different angle, one I seriously agree with.

I never considered myself a Pan fangirl. I mean, I liked the tale alright, but I had to grow up to realize I only liked certain aspects and characters, not the main lead himself.

Why?

Oh, come now, you can't possibly tell me you never thought that maybe the boy was a little too much! I mean, I was a kid myself and I still found him annoying, pompus, and way too bossy. He reminded me of a school bully! And that opinion stayed with me even with the Disney movies and that old anime that was shown on TV when I was still in elementary.

So imagine my happiness when I found this little gem during my weekly NetGalley search, and discovered while reading that it was even better than I had hoped! Not only because I, too, believe Hook was always a misunderstood character, but because it took on a rather fresh point of view to tell the story and changed some facts of the original tale - for the better! Not to mention that FINALLY someone wrote down what kind of a twisted, sick brat Peter Pan truly was - I mean, not finding someone who agreed on that matter for years was sort of depressing for me.

By the way, I said it when I first heard the original story, I'll say it again: everything was his mother's fault! Honestly, I was a kid back then and I still found it stupid that a mother would tell her child not to grow up. I remember telling my own mother (this is roughly translated from Greek):
"Mom, why would she say that? Isn't it bad to wish for your kid to stay like this forever? Aren't we supposed to grow up and live our lives normally?"
My cousins had looked at me funny, while she said "Honey, not all people think as reasonably as you. Peter's mommy was certainly not."
"Yeah, but why? She's the MOM, she's supposed to."

See? Even my younger self thought so!

I can only say I sincerely hope I get to see more of James and Wendy and all the other interesting characters. And, call me a sadistic bitch, but boy, if they manage to kill that flying maniac, I'll be terribly happy to see him go!!!

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )

This is not your typical retelling of a well-known story’s origin. Instead, it turns everything you thought you knew on its head, and I’m not sure I like it. This retelling is dark, and Peter Pan especially suffers for it. James Cook (eventually Hook) is a little too good to be true, as is his instant love for Wendy (a pet peeve I’ve documented in other reviews). It takes liberties with some basics of the story, as well.

The storytelling is…fine. There’s some good description. There are also some rather preachy bits, such as when James is being told he needs to forgive both Peter and himself. It seems as if James is going to take that advice to heart but then…maybe not. In the end though, Hook is no villain, and this narrative does nothing to explain why he would be thought of as one.

Probably the most interesting part is the little plot bomb dropped at the very end, and it’s why I will probably read the sequel when it’s available.

Overall though, to be honest, this read like fanfiction. Some fanfiction out there is actually pretty wonderful. This is not that kind. A few editing errors, hopefully, are cleared up in the final publication copy.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Magic, fairies, suicide, fighting, murder, dishonesty.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like familiar stories retold. As I said, it’s dark, and although it’s probably accessible to late elementary on up, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to them. Approximate Lexile: 810

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. ( )