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Hook and Jill Saga #1
Hook & Jill
From Book 1: An ageless fable grows up...
Wendy Darling learns. What appears to be good may prove otherwise, and what seems to be evil...is irresistible.
In this startling new vision of a cultural classic, Wendy intends to live happily ever after with Peter Pan. But Time, like this tale, behaves in a most unsettling way.
As Wendy mothers the Lost Boys in Neverland, they thrive on adventure. She struggles to keep her boys safe from the Island's many hazards, but she finds a more subtle threat encroaching from an unexpected quarter....The children are growing up, and only Peter knows the punishment.
Yet in the inky edges of the Island, the tales Wendy tells to the Lost Boys come true. Captain Hook is real, and even the Wonderful Boy can't defend his Wendy against this menace. Hook is a master manipulator, devising vengeance for his maiming. Insidious and seductive, Hook has his reasons for tempting Wendy to grow up.
Revenge is only the first.
Deepening the characters so artfully sketched by J.M. Barrie, Hook & Jill reveals the dark side of innocence at which Barrie hinted in the figure of Peter Pan. It brings alive a daring Wendy who asks questions and seeks truth; it delves into the man, Hook, the iconic villain. Striding from fairy-tale and thrusting into reality, Captain Hook becomes a frightening force indeed.
Awards for Hook & Jill:
Gold Recipient for Adult Fiction and Literature, Mom's Choice Awards®
Best New Fiction, International Book Awards
Finalist, Best New Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards
Finalist, Best Cover Design, International Book Awards
Finalist, Best Cover Design, USA Book News Best Book AwardsShelf Unbound 100 Notable Books
Acclaim for the Hook & Jill Saga:
"Hook & Jill is a masterwork of enduring power." "Other Oceans is a masterpiece." --Satyros Phil Brucato, BBI Media
"...unrelenting poetic beauty....Read it, and let yourself be swept away to Neverland." --Sylvia Shults, author of Price of Admission
"Andrea Jones is a masterful storyteller, weaving a compelling tale....You will be shocked. You will be thrilled. Whatever the outcome, you will be entertained." --Bismarck Tribune
"Hook & Jill is a fine spin on the classic, and very much recommended." --Midwest Book Review
"Jill is most definitely a pirate lass worth reading about." --Pirates Magazine
"Jones has created a fantastic companion piece to Sir J.M. Barrie's Peter & Wendy. She reenters the Neverland, quite obviously knowing her way around....Every twist and surprise is balanced by an exceptional use of the original."--Peter Von Brown, author of Peter Pan's Neverworld
About the Author:
Andrea Jones graduated from the University of Illinois, studying Oral Interpretation of Literature, with a Literature minor. As a television production professional, she worked for CBS and PBS affiliates, and for corporate studios. Jones is known around the world as Capitana Red-Hand of the web-based pirate brotherhood, Under the Black Flag, and a member of the Brethren of the Great Lakes.
Wendy Darling learns. What appears to be good may prove otherwise, and what seems to be evil...is irresistible.
In this startling new vision of a cultural classic, Wendy intends to live happily ever after with Peter Pan. But Time, like this tale, behaves in a most unsettling way.
As Wendy mothers the Lost Boys in Neverland, they thrive on adventure. She struggles to keep her boys safe from the Island's many hazards, but she finds a more subtle threat encroaching from an unexpected quarter....The children are growing up, and only Peter knows the punishment.
Yet in the inky edges of the Island, the tales Wendy tells to the Lost Boys come true. Captain Hook is real, and even the Wonderful Boy can't defend his Wendy against this menace. Hook is a master manipulator, devising vengeance for his maiming. Insidious and seductive, Hook has his reasons for tempting Wendy to grow up.
Revenge is only the first.
Deepening the characters so artfully sketched by J.M. Barrie, Hook & Jill reveals the dark side of innocence at which Barrie hinted in the figure of Peter Pan. It brings alive a daring Wendy who asks questions and seeks truth; it delves into the man, Hook, the iconic villain. Striding from fairy-tale and thrusting into reality, Captain Hook becomes a frightening force indeed.
Awards for Hook & Jill:
Gold Recipient for Adult Fiction and Literature, Mom's Choice Awards®
Best New Fiction, International Book Awards
Finalist, Best New Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards
Finalist, Best Cover Design, International Book Awards
Finalist, Best Cover Design, USA Book News Best Book AwardsShelf Unbound 100 Notable Books
Acclaim for the Hook & Jill Saga:
"Hook & Jill is a masterwork of enduring power." "Other Oceans is a masterpiece." --Satyros Phil Brucato, BBI Media
"...unrelenting poetic beauty....Read it, and let yourself be swept away to Neverland." --Sylvia Shults, author of Price of Admission
"Andrea Jones is a masterful storyteller, weaving a compelling tale....You will be shocked. You will be thrilled. Whatever the outcome, you will be entertained." --Bismarck Tribune
"Hook & Jill is a fine spin on the classic, and very much recommended." --Midwest Book Review
"Jill is most definitely a pirate lass worth reading about." --Pirates Magazine
"Jones has created a fantastic companion piece to Sir J.M. Barrie's Peter & Wendy. She reenters the Neverland, quite obviously knowing her way around....Every twist and surprise is balanced by an exceptional use of the original."--Peter Von Brown, author of Peter Pan's Neverworld
About the Author:
Andrea Jones graduated from the University of Illinois, studying Oral Interpretation of Literature, with a Literature minor. As a television production professional, she worked for CBS and PBS affiliates, and for corporate studios. Jones is known around the world as Capitana Red-Hand of the web-based pirate brotherhood, Under the Black Flag, and a member of the Brethren of the Great Lakes.
300 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2009
30 people are currently reading
2314 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Jones
9 books102 followersAndrea Jones is the author of the award-winning series, the "Hook & Jill" Saga (Reginetta Press). Based closely upon J.M. Barrie’s "Peter and Wendy," "Hook & Jill" is a serious parody of the Peter Pan story. Intended for adult readers, the novel questions the premise of Barrie’s original work: is it truly desirable to remain a child, or is it a greater adventure, after all, to grow up?
"Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga" is a study in loyalty. It takes place upon the high seas on Captain Hook’s pirate ship. Book Three is "Other Islands," and brings the pirates back to the Neverland for shore leave, where they interact with the natives. "Other Islands" looks at generosity in usual -- and unusual -- forms. "The Wider World" takes readers abroad to Europe, where in order to counter the consequences of her tales, Red-Handed Jill applies all her artifice, forging alliance with other women in her world.
Below turbulent surfaces, these stories stir currents of motherhood, of women supporting one another…and Time’s inescapable trick of aging. Anchored in the Neverland, Andrea Jones’ literary series examines humanity through the magical lens of fairy tale. Keep a weather eye for the fifth and final book, "The Ever-After End."
The "Hook & Jill" Saga has won 27 literary awards to date. Within this series, Jones deepens and explores Barrie’s famous and infamous characters.
Jones’ short stories appear in various anthologies, and Jones is the editor of classic restoration projects that include J.M. Barrie’s "Peter and Wendy: the Restored Text," and Alexandre Dumas’ "Prince of Thieves" and "Robin Hood the Outlaw", and "The Virgin of the Sun" by H. Rider Haggard (Reginetta Press). Jones’ objective is to preserve beloved manuscripts in their original forms before time and re-telling corrupt the authors’ words.
Graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Andrea Jones studied Oral Interpretation of Literature, with a Literature minor. Her work is informed by a broad range of thinkers and writers, among them Carl Jung, Robert Graves, Patrick O’Brian, and, of course, J.M. Barrie, who created the modern mythology of the Neverland and its endearing, enduring characters.
Jones is known around the world as Capitana Red-Hand of the international pirate brotherhood, Under the Black Flag. She is a member of the pirate re-enactment troupe, the Brethren of the Great Lakes, where she serves as ship's Scribe aboard Le Pardonne.
"Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga" is a study in loyalty. It takes place upon the high seas on Captain Hook’s pirate ship. Book Three is "Other Islands," and brings the pirates back to the Neverland for shore leave, where they interact with the natives. "Other Islands" looks at generosity in usual -- and unusual -- forms. "The Wider World" takes readers abroad to Europe, where in order to counter the consequences of her tales, Red-Handed Jill applies all her artifice, forging alliance with other women in her world.
Below turbulent surfaces, these stories stir currents of motherhood, of women supporting one another…and Time’s inescapable trick of aging. Anchored in the Neverland, Andrea Jones’ literary series examines humanity through the magical lens of fairy tale. Keep a weather eye for the fifth and final book, "The Ever-After End."
The "Hook & Jill" Saga has won 27 literary awards to date. Within this series, Jones deepens and explores Barrie’s famous and infamous characters.
Jones’ short stories appear in various anthologies, and Jones is the editor of classic restoration projects that include J.M. Barrie’s "Peter and Wendy: the Restored Text," and Alexandre Dumas’ "Prince of Thieves" and "Robin Hood the Outlaw", and "The Virgin of the Sun" by H. Rider Haggard (Reginetta Press). Jones’ objective is to preserve beloved manuscripts in their original forms before time and re-telling corrupt the authors’ words.
Graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Andrea Jones studied Oral Interpretation of Literature, with a Literature minor. Her work is informed by a broad range of thinkers and writers, among them Carl Jung, Robert Graves, Patrick O’Brian, and, of course, J.M. Barrie, who created the modern mythology of the Neverland and its endearing, enduring characters.
Jones is known around the world as Capitana Red-Hand of the international pirate brotherhood, Under the Black Flag. She is a member of the pirate re-enactment troupe, the Brethren of the Great Lakes, where she serves as ship's Scribe aboard Le Pardonne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 5, 2013
Four Stars: A dark and seductive trip to Neverland.
Wendy searches Peter's face desperately looking for that spark of attraction and desire, but just like all the times before, there is nothing but friendly affection. Wendy and the boys are slowly aging, while Peter remains a forever young, immature boy. He still doesn't understand things like romance and real kisses. Wendy has been content all this time mothering the boys, exploring Neverland and spinning her fantastic stories. Yet her heart longs for passion and romance. What Wendy doesn't know is that her stories have a way of coming true, and she might just find her heart's desire in an unexpected place.
What I Liked:
*I enjoyed immersing into this alternate version of the famous Peter Pan tale. All the perennial characters are here from Peter Pan, Wendy, Hook, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, but this time around their darker layers are exposed. Peter, in an attempt to remain the boy who never grows up, harbors dark secrets on how he achieves the impossible. Tinker Bell is willing to do about anything to get rid of Wendy, even if that means betrayal. Wendy wants to save the Lost Boys and Pan from the blood feud with the pirates, and if that means throwing herself into the arms of the enemy, so be it. Finally, the menacing Hook is capable of kindness and compassion. If you thought you knew this well loved characters, think again. This book takes the familiar, turns it around and presents a fresh new vision of Neverland.
*I never thought I would say this, but Hook ended up being one of my favorite characters. He is more than a menacing villain. Ms. Jones peels back all of his layers and shows us the man behind the boots and the sharp claw. A famous pirate captain earns the respect of his crew, and Hook does indeed have the loyalty of his shipmates. He is cunning, beguiling and he knows exactly how to win a woman over. He easily manipulates Wendy and Tinker Bell, but he also shows the two women respect, something that Peter fails to do. Even though I resisted wholeheartedly at first, by the end, I changed my heart toward Hook and I understood why Wendy does as well. Hook will capture your imagination, command your respect, and he may even steal your heart.
*Peter Pan is painted in a not so flattering light. Instead we see the immature boy that he really is. Sure, he is still the fun loving rascal we have all grown to love over the years, but remaining a child forever certainly comes at a price. The cost is scary, horrible and something frighteningly unexpected. Peter Pan is self centered and thinks only of himself. He is a bit of a tyrant prone to tantrums if things aren't his way. He is incapable of understanding others needs. He stole Wendy away from her nursery because he wanted someone to care for him and tell him stories, and he refuses to see her in any other capacity. She is expected to be a surrogate mother and story teller. He doesn't even try to fathom her needs and her desires as she looks toward adulthood. His egotistical nature is his downfall. Even though I didn't like seeing the lovable boy's darker nature, I also appreciated that I got a realistic look at him. Everyone has the capacity to be good or evil, and I liked that I was able to see the different sides of Pan and Hook that have long been unchartered.
*The two girls, Wendy and Tinker Bell, are strong and independent. Wendy especially transforms into a formidable and dangerous woman who is capable of protecting herself and the ones she loves. She possesses the gift of story telling, and her stories magically come true. I liked watching her grow into a woman, and I admired her tenacity and courage, especially when it comes to following her heart. Both Tinker Bell and Wendy are caught between the boy, Pan, and the man, Hook. Who will prevail and win their hearts?
*I appreciated that this was an adult version of the classic Peter Pan story. While the charm and original elements are still in place, this takes on a whole new depth. It is a grown up look at the good and evil in all the characters. It also has plenty of danger, adventure and the eruption of a passionate romance that totally caught me off guard. Don't go into this expecting to find a slightly different take on the original, this instead, moves the tale into new and unexpected directions. I liked some of the stunning revelations, especially when it came to Hook's and Pan's heritage.
And The Not So Much:
*The biggest draw back for me with this book was the writing. The actual writing itself is fine. There are plenty of rich descriptions, detailed explanations and lots of imaginative metaphors, and Ms. Jones does an amazing job of bringing Neverland to life. What I struggled with was the way the author told the tale. Her writing isn't always straight forward, and in fact, she has a round about way of relating her ideas. Often times, things weren't exactly clear and I was confused as to what had happened. This isn't a quick and easy, breeze through read, and sometimes it feels like the author is trying too hard to present metaphorical ideas. You need to focus and clear your mind to totally understand what is transpiring. It was slow going at times, but thankfully toward the end, everything began to snap into place and I finally had a clear idea as to what was going and by then I was hooked!
*I wished that the relationship between Wendy and Peter was explored more. I guess Ms. Jones didn't go down that well worn path because we are all familiar with how Peter whisks Wendy away to Neverland. There is really no discussion or refashioning of this aspect of the story, instead the reader is planted in the story after a great deal of time has passed in Neverland. Wendy is secure in her mothering role, but also dissatisfied that Peter hasn't panned out to be the dashing, romantic hero she expected. I would liked to have seen a bit more of Peter through Wendy's eyes when she was still completely enamored.
*I didn't exactly understand the role of the Native Americans. I was expecting more from Lily and her son Rowan. I am guessing Lily is Tiger Lily, but I wasn't sure. I was hoping to see the Indian Princess in a whole new light as well, but that doesn't happen.
*I was curious as to what happened to Michael and John. There story cuts off and I wanted to know how things fared for them down the road.
Hook and Jill is an exciting, adult look at what happens in Neverland when people start to grow up. This book explodes with danger, passion, betrayals and a romance that will catch you off guard and sweep you away. If you are a fan of the original book, be warned this is a completely different take on the classic. Set sail to Neverland and see Hook, Pan, Wendy and Tink like never before.
Favorite Quotations:
"Only children who are getting old like romance, and nothing is worse than growing up."
"And when she grew up, she became a complete and beautiful woman, having partaken in full along the way of both joy and pain." HIs eyes held her own, restraining them from the hook. "She was marked by her experience, of course, but those markings gave the woman her strength. They blended with her beauty to form her soul, a work of art that lives on forever."
"Each must follow his own path to happiness. As you see, even brothers may choose different ways. Yet you remain brothers."
"But I will tell you that a woman's regard cannot be purchased or plundered. That precious treasure is earned."
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@ Rainy Day Ramblings.
Wendy searches Peter's face desperately looking for that spark of attraction and desire, but just like all the times before, there is nothing but friendly affection. Wendy and the boys are slowly aging, while Peter remains a forever young, immature boy. He still doesn't understand things like romance and real kisses. Wendy has been content all this time mothering the boys, exploring Neverland and spinning her fantastic stories. Yet her heart longs for passion and romance. What Wendy doesn't know is that her stories have a way of coming true, and she might just find her heart's desire in an unexpected place.
What I Liked:
*I enjoyed immersing into this alternate version of the famous Peter Pan tale. All the perennial characters are here from Peter Pan, Wendy, Hook, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, but this time around their darker layers are exposed. Peter, in an attempt to remain the boy who never grows up, harbors dark secrets on how he achieves the impossible. Tinker Bell is willing to do about anything to get rid of Wendy, even if that means betrayal. Wendy wants to save the Lost Boys and Pan from the blood feud with the pirates, and if that means throwing herself into the arms of the enemy, so be it. Finally, the menacing Hook is capable of kindness and compassion. If you thought you knew this well loved characters, think again. This book takes the familiar, turns it around and presents a fresh new vision of Neverland.
*I never thought I would say this, but Hook ended up being one of my favorite characters. He is more than a menacing villain. Ms. Jones peels back all of his layers and shows us the man behind the boots and the sharp claw. A famous pirate captain earns the respect of his crew, and Hook does indeed have the loyalty of his shipmates. He is cunning, beguiling and he knows exactly how to win a woman over. He easily manipulates Wendy and Tinker Bell, but he also shows the two women respect, something that Peter fails to do. Even though I resisted wholeheartedly at first, by the end, I changed my heart toward Hook and I understood why Wendy does as well. Hook will capture your imagination, command your respect, and he may even steal your heart.
*Peter Pan is painted in a not so flattering light. Instead we see the immature boy that he really is. Sure, he is still the fun loving rascal we have all grown to love over the years, but remaining a child forever certainly comes at a price. The cost is scary, horrible and something frighteningly unexpected. Peter Pan is self centered and thinks only of himself. He is a bit of a tyrant prone to tantrums if things aren't his way. He is incapable of understanding others needs. He stole Wendy away from her nursery because he wanted someone to care for him and tell him stories, and he refuses to see her in any other capacity. She is expected to be a surrogate mother and story teller. He doesn't even try to fathom her needs and her desires as she looks toward adulthood. His egotistical nature is his downfall. Even though I didn't like seeing the lovable boy's darker nature, I also appreciated that I got a realistic look at him. Everyone has the capacity to be good or evil, and I liked that I was able to see the different sides of Pan and Hook that have long been unchartered.
*The two girls, Wendy and Tinker Bell, are strong and independent. Wendy especially transforms into a formidable and dangerous woman who is capable of protecting herself and the ones she loves. She possesses the gift of story telling, and her stories magically come true. I liked watching her grow into a woman, and I admired her tenacity and courage, especially when it comes to following her heart. Both Tinker Bell and Wendy are caught between the boy, Pan, and the man, Hook. Who will prevail and win their hearts?
*I appreciated that this was an adult version of the classic Peter Pan story. While the charm and original elements are still in place, this takes on a whole new depth. It is a grown up look at the good and evil in all the characters. It also has plenty of danger, adventure and the eruption of a passionate romance that totally caught me off guard. Don't go into this expecting to find a slightly different take on the original, this instead, moves the tale into new and unexpected directions. I liked some of the stunning revelations, especially when it came to Hook's and Pan's heritage.
And The Not So Much:
*The biggest draw back for me with this book was the writing. The actual writing itself is fine. There are plenty of rich descriptions, detailed explanations and lots of imaginative metaphors, and Ms. Jones does an amazing job of bringing Neverland to life. What I struggled with was the way the author told the tale. Her writing isn't always straight forward, and in fact, she has a round about way of relating her ideas. Often times, things weren't exactly clear and I was confused as to what had happened. This isn't a quick and easy, breeze through read, and sometimes it feels like the author is trying too hard to present metaphorical ideas. You need to focus and clear your mind to totally understand what is transpiring. It was slow going at times, but thankfully toward the end, everything began to snap into place and I finally had a clear idea as to what was going and by then I was hooked!
*I wished that the relationship between Wendy and Peter was explored more. I guess Ms. Jones didn't go down that well worn path because we are all familiar with how Peter whisks Wendy away to Neverland. There is really no discussion or refashioning of this aspect of the story, instead the reader is planted in the story after a great deal of time has passed in Neverland. Wendy is secure in her mothering role, but also dissatisfied that Peter hasn't panned out to be the dashing, romantic hero she expected. I would liked to have seen a bit more of Peter through Wendy's eyes when she was still completely enamored.
*I didn't exactly understand the role of the Native Americans. I was expecting more from Lily and her son Rowan. I am guessing Lily is Tiger Lily, but I wasn't sure. I was hoping to see the Indian Princess in a whole new light as well, but that doesn't happen.
*I was curious as to what happened to Michael and John. There story cuts off and I wanted to know how things fared for them down the road.
Hook and Jill is an exciting, adult look at what happens in Neverland when people start to grow up. This book explodes with danger, passion, betrayals and a romance that will catch you off guard and sweep you away. If you are a fan of the original book, be warned this is a completely different take on the classic. Set sail to Neverland and see Hook, Pan, Wendy and Tink like never before.
Favorite Quotations:
"Only children who are getting old like romance, and nothing is worse than growing up."
"And when she grew up, she became a complete and beautiful woman, having partaken in full along the way of both joy and pain." HIs eyes held her own, restraining them from the hook. "She was marked by her experience, of course, but those markings gave the woman her strength. They blended with her beauty to form her soul, a work of art that lives on forever."
"Each must follow his own path to happiness. As you see, even brothers may choose different ways. Yet you remain brothers."
"But I will tell you that a woman's regard cannot be purchased or plundered. That precious treasure is earned."
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@ Rainy Day Ramblings.
April 12, 2010
For many of us, routine days provide a numb existence. Alarm clocks ring. Coffee is downed. We head off to offices to do jobs that don’t inspire our souls. We eek out whatever sleep we can and do it all again the next day. Childhood seems like such a time of possibility, of joy, of freedom. J. M. Barrie tapped into this longing for continual childhood with his novel Peter Pan.
With Hook and Jill, Andrea Jones offers her readers an intriguing continuation of the Neverland tale. Wendy Darling and her brothers, Michael and John, have settled into their life with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Wendy acts as a mother to the boys, protecting them from the dangers of the island which are thought to be animals, the local Indian population, and pirates. But Neverland isn’t a world of simple blacks and whites. Good and evil aren’t easily identified.
A change is brewing in Neverland. This is supposed to a land where time holds no reckoning, but the children are beginning to grow up. This is a clear violation of Peter’s rules, and only he knows the true consequence.
And another threat looms. Wendy discovers Captain Hook, the man of her stories and dreams, is real and has set his sights on her. He is a seductive, manipulative presence that soon overwhelms Wendy and Tinker Bell.
Wendy is not only drawn to Hook, she is troubled by Peter Pan’s darker side. Peter is so unbending about his rules – kill all pirates, don’t grow up – that he becomes a kind of child tyrant. Readers aren’t likely to be on Peter Pan’s side for long in this version of Neverland.
As a girl, Wendy dreamed of Peter and thought of him as her prince. Now she longs to grow up, to share love and adventure with a mate. Peter can’t offer that future to her, but he won’t let her go easily.
Wendy is the heart of Hook and Jill. Jones does well in giving Wendy a powerful character arch. Wendy grows up, changes her way of looking her situation, claims control of her destiny, and eventually changes her name to become the Jill of the title. She is an intriguing heroine, and Hook is definitely her match. Their romantic dance is a pleasure to watch unfold.
This novel is also unabashedly filled with magic. Great respect is paid to the shamanistic ways of the Indians in the novel. Some of the most vivid and intriguing scenes in the novel focus on the Indians. They leave the reader desiring to see even more of their community.
In Neverland Wendy’s stories come true. Her very words act as spells shaping reality. Her magical, creative nature is revealed throughout the story. In the end she uses her talents to save those she loves and create satisfying endings for them.
Readers are called to remember the magic that still surrounds us and to not lose our sense of adventure. Hook and Jill reminds us that we are the storytellers of our lives. It is up to us to write the person we want to be and create a tale worthy of believing in.
With Hook and Jill, Andrea Jones offers her readers an intriguing continuation of the Neverland tale. Wendy Darling and her brothers, Michael and John, have settled into their life with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Wendy acts as a mother to the boys, protecting them from the dangers of the island which are thought to be animals, the local Indian population, and pirates. But Neverland isn’t a world of simple blacks and whites. Good and evil aren’t easily identified.
A change is brewing in Neverland. This is supposed to a land where time holds no reckoning, but the children are beginning to grow up. This is a clear violation of Peter’s rules, and only he knows the true consequence.
And another threat looms. Wendy discovers Captain Hook, the man of her stories and dreams, is real and has set his sights on her. He is a seductive, manipulative presence that soon overwhelms Wendy and Tinker Bell.
Wendy is not only drawn to Hook, she is troubled by Peter Pan’s darker side. Peter is so unbending about his rules – kill all pirates, don’t grow up – that he becomes a kind of child tyrant. Readers aren’t likely to be on Peter Pan’s side for long in this version of Neverland.
As a girl, Wendy dreamed of Peter and thought of him as her prince. Now she longs to grow up, to share love and adventure with a mate. Peter can’t offer that future to her, but he won’t let her go easily.
Wendy is the heart of Hook and Jill. Jones does well in giving Wendy a powerful character arch. Wendy grows up, changes her way of looking her situation, claims control of her destiny, and eventually changes her name to become the Jill of the title. She is an intriguing heroine, and Hook is definitely her match. Their romantic dance is a pleasure to watch unfold.
This novel is also unabashedly filled with magic. Great respect is paid to the shamanistic ways of the Indians in the novel. Some of the most vivid and intriguing scenes in the novel focus on the Indians. They leave the reader desiring to see even more of their community.
In Neverland Wendy’s stories come true. Her very words act as spells shaping reality. Her magical, creative nature is revealed throughout the story. In the end she uses her talents to save those she loves and create satisfying endings for them.
Readers are called to remember the magic that still surrounds us and to not lose our sense of adventure. Hook and Jill reminds us that we are the storytellers of our lives. It is up to us to write the person we want to be and create a tale worthy of believing in.
March 4, 2010
Let me start off by saying I'm a HUGE fan of retold fairy tales. Andrea Jones blew me away with her rewrite of Peter Pan.
"Hook and Jill" will totally make you question everything you have ever thought of Peter, Wendy, and Neverland! This book fluidly portrayed the dark and sinister side of this tale. It definitely made you stop , reflect on the story you know, and then look at it from an adult perspective.
Sweet little Tinkerbell isn't so sweet...she's more of a murder plotting pixie. She's dark and jealous; scheming against Wendy at every chance. Then there's Peter who I've always thought to be innocent; well let's just say this tale was spun to show the dark part of everyone. Your usual impression (and visual) of Hook is ripped right out from under you to be replaced by the misunderstood and beautifully handsome pirate.
My eyes were popping at some of the things I read in this story. There are just so many shocking moments in a story that we grew up knowing so well. THAT is what made me keep coming back for more. I never knew what to expect or what terrible secret would be revealed next!
Andrea Jones is an wonderful storyteller in her own right and I highly recommend this book if you can handle having the fairy tale you've known so long turned upside down!
I give this book five stars and I honestly can't think of enough good things to say about it. I'll also be adding this one to my top 10 of 2010!
"Hook and Jill" will totally make you question everything you have ever thought of Peter, Wendy, and Neverland! This book fluidly portrayed the dark and sinister side of this tale. It definitely made you stop , reflect on the story you know, and then look at it from an adult perspective.
Sweet little Tinkerbell isn't so sweet...she's more of a murder plotting pixie. She's dark and jealous; scheming against Wendy at every chance. Then there's Peter who I've always thought to be innocent; well let's just say this tale was spun to show the dark part of everyone. Your usual impression (and visual) of Hook is ripped right out from under you to be replaced by the misunderstood and beautifully handsome pirate.
My eyes were popping at some of the things I read in this story. There are just so many shocking moments in a story that we grew up knowing so well. THAT is what made me keep coming back for more. I never knew what to expect or what terrible secret would be revealed next!
Andrea Jones is an wonderful storyteller in her own right and I highly recommend this book if you can handle having the fairy tale you've known so long turned upside down!
I give this book five stars and I honestly can't think of enough good things to say about it. I'll also be adding this one to my top 10 of 2010!
August 23, 2018
Oh, my gosh!!!
Q:
You needn't steal from me. I will give you everything, and never miss it. (c)
Q:
You needn't steal from me. I will give you everything, and never miss it. (c)
June 19, 2016
Sigh. It's never a good sign when you get to the middle of a book and start finding excuses to not read it. And I don't mean good excuses, I mean stupid ones that don't hold up. (i.e. Well, there's no way I can get to the toilet AND pick up the book in time -- too risky... Come on, you know you've done it too...)
So why do I suddenly have no control over my bodily functions? Well, it's because this book gets BORING and painfully annoying somewhere along the middle.
So, if you haven't figured it out, this is another DNF. I hate to leave a book unfinished, but I can't slog through this anymore. I just can't.
I'm very disappointed for the following reasons
1) I really, really love the concept. No, not about Hook and Wendy Darling falling in love (I don't ship them, particularly), but the idea that WENDY STAYS IN NEVERLAND AND STILL GROWS UP. It's like a Oh so you think all Wendy's problems would have been solved if she stayed with Peter forever in Neverland? Well, what happens when she starts growing up, or finds out Peter is possibly offing lost boys? I LOVED that idea and I bought the book for that reason alone.
And presumably the book does eventually -- in some way -- tackle these issues it has raised, but it takes FOREVER to get to it. Instead we get page after page of Wendy mulling, Tinker Bell being stupid, and Hook being a disgusting perv.
It just got to the point where I couldn't force myself to stick it out. When a (allegedly) sympathetic portrayal of a villain is more hate-worthy than in books where he's straight up evil? Yeah not a good thing.
For example, in Jessica Stilling's Betwixt and Between, there's no gray area in Hook, not only is he EVIL and merciless toward an emotionally messed up Pan, he might even be Cain from the Bible, aka the world's first murderer. That's dark doo-doo, man! Yet even THAT is more likable than the Hook in this book.
We see him goggling at a (not even, if I'm not mistaken) teenage Wendy in a very perverted manner. Oh and then there's the scene where we get Hook doing the following: basically setting her up so Peter is in a position to slit her throat rather than let her be taken by pirates... This just goes on and on.
He's just so creepy I think the second half of this book should have been the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles singing to Wendy about Stranger Danger. Oh sure, it would have been STUPID, but the general morality of the book would have been much improved....
In short this isn't a good love story, even by dysfunctional literary romance standards, and while that wasn't what I bought the book for, it still bothers the heck out of me.
2) The writing isn't all bad. Some of the prose is really beautiful and the style can be VERY enjoyable in parts before it takes a downward nose-dive in story quality.
3) it's a beautifully designed book! The cover, deckle edges etc... are LOVELY. It deserved good content, it just did. This story wasn't up to those standards. At all.
Sigh.
Don't recommend. Just read Colleen Oakes', Wendy Darling: Stars instead.
So why do I suddenly have no control over my bodily functions? Well, it's because this book gets BORING and painfully annoying somewhere along the middle.
So, if you haven't figured it out, this is another DNF. I hate to leave a book unfinished, but I can't slog through this anymore. I just can't.
I'm very disappointed for the following reasons
1) I really, really love the concept. No, not about Hook and Wendy Darling falling in love (I don't ship them, particularly), but the idea that WENDY STAYS IN NEVERLAND AND STILL GROWS UP. It's like a Oh so you think all Wendy's problems would have been solved if she stayed with Peter forever in Neverland? Well, what happens when she starts growing up, or finds out Peter is possibly offing lost boys? I LOVED that idea and I bought the book for that reason alone.
And presumably the book does eventually -- in some way -- tackle these issues it has raised, but it takes FOREVER to get to it. Instead we get page after page of Wendy mulling, Tinker Bell being stupid, and Hook being a disgusting perv.
It just got to the point where I couldn't force myself to stick it out. When a (allegedly) sympathetic portrayal of a villain is more hate-worthy than in books where he's straight up evil? Yeah not a good thing.
For example, in Jessica Stilling's Betwixt and Between, there's no gray area in Hook, not only is he EVIL and merciless toward an emotionally messed up Pan, he might even be Cain from the Bible, aka the world's first murderer. That's dark doo-doo, man! Yet even THAT is more likable than the Hook in this book.
We see him goggling at a (not even, if I'm not mistaken) teenage Wendy in a very perverted manner. Oh and then there's the scene where we get Hook doing the following: basically setting her up so Peter is in a position to slit her throat rather than let her be taken by pirates... This just goes on and on.
He's just so creepy I think the second half of this book should have been the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles singing to Wendy about Stranger Danger. Oh sure, it would have been STUPID, but the general morality of the book would have been much improved....
In short this isn't a good love story, even by dysfunctional literary romance standards, and while that wasn't what I bought the book for, it still bothers the heck out of me.
2) The writing isn't all bad. Some of the prose is really beautiful and the style can be VERY enjoyable in parts before it takes a downward nose-dive in story quality.
3) it's a beautifully designed book! The cover, deckle edges etc... are LOVELY. It deserved good content, it just did. This story wasn't up to those standards. At all.
Sigh.
Don't recommend. Just read Colleen Oakes', Wendy Darling: Stars instead.
November 15, 2018
I tried but couldn’t finish this. I found it to be extremely similar to the Walt Disney cartoon, “Peter Pan”. Maybe that was all I kept relating to. I found the wording a bit heavier than it ought to be and frankly, I was just bored. I made it half way through and had to call it quits. It’s fairly well written, but too dry for me.
January 14, 2016
I have to confess from the start: I'm a bit of a Peter Pan snob. I've been interested in the Peter Pan mythos since I was young enough to be a lost boy, myself, and I can go at length to share my opinions on the best and worst portrayals of the boy who wouldn't grow up.
When I met Andrea Jones at a convention, our conversation and the pitch she gave me for her new take on the Peter Pan story piqued my interest, though I confess I had my reservations about the direction she told me she was taking with the characters.
Andrea, you've helped me be a lot less snobbish about my Peter Pan appreciation.
Readers need to know from the start: this is not the Peter Pan story you've come to expect over the years. It's not Mary Martin hiding behind trees and waving silky scarves at Cyril Ritchard. It's not Bobby Driscoll bantering with Hans Conried while a cartoonish croc licks its lips underneath. It's not even the darker, yet still youthful and optimistic interplay between Jeremy Sumpter, Jason Isaacs, and Rachel Hurd-Wood (though the 2003 Peter Pan is probably closest in tone).
This is a Peter Pan story that, despite his best efforts, has grown up.
Sure, Peter is still the eternal boy - he always will be (even when he grows up in Hook!) - but the story Jones tells here is very much for adults. She touches on themes from Barrie's original work that very few others visit, particularly the dichotomy between Wendy's continuing desire to grow up and Peter's inability and refusal to follow suit, but also touches on themes not implicit in Barrie's story, but brought up by other portrayals over the years - most notably the frequent implied sexual tension between Hook and Wendy. But where other interpretations only hint at these themes at best, Jones takes them and runs with them, letting them shape her story and take the characters into completely new dimensions and realms.
Jones' attention to detail and character makes her own love of the mythos clear - in exploring the new dimensions of each of the characters in this new adventure, she manages to somehow still capture the right sense of who Barrie created each of the characters to be. The darkness that always lurks just beneath Peter's skin (that sociopathic quality that all young children somehow have and manage to grow out of) is brought more to the forefront as we see Peter wrestle with the fact that all children really do grow up - Peter himself even grows somewhat in this story, which is a new moment for the mythos, as well. Hook discovers new dimensions to his character as he moves beyond his one-dimensional vendetta against Pan and reveals the depths of his character and understanding toward the one who shaped his story in the first place. Wendy, who is certainly the most developed of the characters in Jones' book through the sheer transformation she experiences, is perhaps also the character who strays furthest from Barrie's original structure. Rather than this being a detriment to Jones' interpretation, however, it enhances the story and gives Wendy a depth and character that she has otherwise lacked in other interpretations. Wendy is finally liberated from the patriarchy of the other stories, the tension between her fear of growing up and her desire to become a woman, and freed to become the empowered woman we all have known she had the potential to be right from the moment she fearlessly sewed the shadow back onto a strange boy.
The story of Peter Pan has always been one about growing up and what that entails. And while that story has usually focused on maintaining the freedom and carelessness of youth as we watch Peter take generation after generation of young children with him back to Neverland, Andrea Jones gives us a different message: growing up can be an adventure all of its own.
When I met Andrea Jones at a convention, our conversation and the pitch she gave me for her new take on the Peter Pan story piqued my interest, though I confess I had my reservations about the direction she told me she was taking with the characters.
Andrea, you've helped me be a lot less snobbish about my Peter Pan appreciation.
Readers need to know from the start: this is not the Peter Pan story you've come to expect over the years. It's not Mary Martin hiding behind trees and waving silky scarves at Cyril Ritchard. It's not Bobby Driscoll bantering with Hans Conried while a cartoonish croc licks its lips underneath. It's not even the darker, yet still youthful and optimistic interplay between Jeremy Sumpter, Jason Isaacs, and Rachel Hurd-Wood (though the 2003 Peter Pan is probably closest in tone).
This is a Peter Pan story that, despite his best efforts, has grown up.
Sure, Peter is still the eternal boy - he always will be (even when he grows up in Hook!) - but the story Jones tells here is very much for adults. She touches on themes from Barrie's original work that very few others visit, particularly the dichotomy between Wendy's continuing desire to grow up and Peter's inability and refusal to follow suit, but also touches on themes not implicit in Barrie's story, but brought up by other portrayals over the years - most notably the frequent implied sexual tension between Hook and Wendy. But where other interpretations only hint at these themes at best, Jones takes them and runs with them, letting them shape her story and take the characters into completely new dimensions and realms.
Jones' attention to detail and character makes her own love of the mythos clear - in exploring the new dimensions of each of the characters in this new adventure, she manages to somehow still capture the right sense of who Barrie created each of the characters to be. The darkness that always lurks just beneath Peter's skin (that sociopathic quality that all young children somehow have and manage to grow out of) is brought more to the forefront as we see Peter wrestle with the fact that all children really do grow up - Peter himself even grows somewhat in this story, which is a new moment for the mythos, as well. Hook discovers new dimensions to his character as he moves beyond his one-dimensional vendetta against Pan and reveals the depths of his character and understanding toward the one who shaped his story in the first place. Wendy, who is certainly the most developed of the characters in Jones' book through the sheer transformation she experiences, is perhaps also the character who strays furthest from Barrie's original structure. Rather than this being a detriment to Jones' interpretation, however, it enhances the story and gives Wendy a depth and character that she has otherwise lacked in other interpretations. Wendy is finally liberated from the patriarchy of the other stories, the tension between her fear of growing up and her desire to become a woman, and freed to become the empowered woman we all have known she had the potential to be right from the moment she fearlessly sewed the shadow back onto a strange boy.
The story of Peter Pan has always been one about growing up and what that entails. And while that story has usually focused on maintaining the freedom and carelessness of youth as we watch Peter take generation after generation of young children with him back to Neverland, Andrea Jones gives us a different message: growing up can be an adventure all of its own.
March 8, 2021
Hook and Jill is a beautifully written reimagining of the story of Peter Pan with a twist—Wendy and the Lost Boys are growing up, and Wendy finds an unexpected connection not in the arms of Peter Pan, but of Captain Hook.
I’ve got to be honest—this one was not what I was expecting. Based on the cover and even on the prologue, I really thought this was going to be a dark and possibly steamy romance, focused on the relationship between Wendy (who is also the Jill of the title) and Hook. Instead, it was much closer in tone to the original Peter Pan story. And unfortunately for me, Peter Pan is one of those stories where I don’t really love the original, although I do tend to like re-imaginings with a darker, more adult take.
For all that his name is half of the title, Hook doesn’t seem to actually appear all that often. Most of the story is focused on Wendy, Peter, and the Lost Boys, as Wendy realizes that both she and all of the boys except Peter are growing up—and growing up is against Peter’s law. The language and the world it describes are lush and beautiful, but the characters, Wendy included, feel like children for at least the first half of the book. Up until the very end, Wendy reads as a very young teenager—possibly even prepubescent? And while I’m normally all for age difference relationships, I would have really liked some clarification that she wasn’t actually a CHILD? The borderline flowery language also made some scenes, particularly fight scenes, a little hard to understand, and in one scene particularly toward the end, it felt like the author used a vague sentence (rather than an actual moment of suspense for the characters) to withhold a crucial bit of information from the reader... which isn’t a technique I’m particularly fond of.
During the second half, particularly, the author does deal with some interesting meta issues regarding the nature of stories and storytelling. While the multiple names that some characters have can get confusing, it’s also clearly done with a purpose, and great care has obviously been put into the commentary, as it were, on Barrie’s original and on fairy tales in general. The author seems to have a great love and understanding for the source material, which is always an admirable quality in the creator of a retelling.
A lot of this comes down to my personal preference, I think, and it’s always hard to write reviews when that’s a major factor. I wanted more of the relationship between Wendy and Hook. I wanted more of it just in terms of more space devoted to it on the page, and I wanted to see more of how it developed. I’m not even really sure if it IS a terribly romantic relationship or just a sexual one (although the only sex is fade to black). I wanted a more adult tone... and the fact that this book didn’t have enough of those things for me, personally, definitely doesn’t make it a bad read.
So, I might recommend it to people who are really into the Neverland mythology and the work of J.M.Barrie, who like meta and fairy tales and want to read more about the Lost Boys fighting lions and stereotypical “Indians”. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who saw that (gorgeous!) cover and thought this was going to be a dark romance with a dangerous but somehow compelling hero (this Hook IS that, he just doesn’t get enough page time!). It was not a bad book, but it didn’t really do it for me.
I’ve got to be honest—this one was not what I was expecting. Based on the cover and even on the prologue, I really thought this was going to be a dark and possibly steamy romance, focused on the relationship between Wendy (who is also the Jill of the title) and Hook. Instead, it was much closer in tone to the original Peter Pan story. And unfortunately for me, Peter Pan is one of those stories where I don’t really love the original, although I do tend to like re-imaginings with a darker, more adult take.
For all that his name is half of the title, Hook doesn’t seem to actually appear all that often. Most of the story is focused on Wendy, Peter, and the Lost Boys, as Wendy realizes that both she and all of the boys except Peter are growing up—and growing up is against Peter’s law. The language and the world it describes are lush and beautiful, but the characters, Wendy included, feel like children for at least the first half of the book. Up until the very end, Wendy reads as a very young teenager—possibly even prepubescent? And while I’m normally all for age difference relationships, I would have really liked some clarification that she wasn’t actually a CHILD? The borderline flowery language also made some scenes, particularly fight scenes, a little hard to understand, and in one scene particularly toward the end, it felt like the author used a vague sentence (rather than an actual moment of suspense for the characters) to withhold a crucial bit of information from the reader... which isn’t a technique I’m particularly fond of.
During the second half, particularly, the author does deal with some interesting meta issues regarding the nature of stories and storytelling. While the multiple names that some characters have can get confusing, it’s also clearly done with a purpose, and great care has obviously been put into the commentary, as it were, on Barrie’s original and on fairy tales in general. The author seems to have a great love and understanding for the source material, which is always an admirable quality in the creator of a retelling.
A lot of this comes down to my personal preference, I think, and it’s always hard to write reviews when that’s a major factor. I wanted more of the relationship between Wendy and Hook. I wanted more of it just in terms of more space devoted to it on the page, and I wanted to see more of how it developed. I’m not even really sure if it IS a terribly romantic relationship or just a sexual one (although the only sex is fade to black). I wanted a more adult tone... and the fact that this book didn’t have enough of those things for me, personally, definitely doesn’t make it a bad read.
So, I might recommend it to people who are really into the Neverland mythology and the work of J.M.Barrie, who like meta and fairy tales and want to read more about the Lost Boys fighting lions and stereotypical “Indians”. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who saw that (gorgeous!) cover and thought this was going to be a dark romance with a dangerous but somehow compelling hero (this Hook IS that, he just doesn’t get enough page time!). It was not a bad book, but it didn’t really do it for me.
March 13, 2023
I loved this book. The combination of adventure, growing up and into one's own life and sexuality, and the connection between Wendy's stories and the existence of both Hook and Peter, all touched me in a very deep and personal place. I don't know if others will rate it as highly as I did because of how personal it was, but I can also say that the writing was excellent, the characters interesting, and the place was both recognizably Neverland *and* a place that was newly changing.
The core of the story is how Wendy Darling -- mother to the Lost Boys and frustrated not-quite-consort of ever-young Peter Pan -- grows up, faces the dangers of her world, and chooses who she wants to become. She remains true to her role of mother as she protects the boys from Peter's dangerous side, and works ceaselessly to help them grow into the next phase of their lives. She struggles with her own feelings about Pan and Hook, and eventually chooses the one who loves and affirms the truest part of her emerging self.
I would recommend this book to those who like modern, somewhat darker updates to classic fairy stories, and those who are interested in stories of growing up, making choices, and moving beyond boundaries. And of course: those who like pirate stories.
There is definitely sensuality in the book, some of it with a darker undertone, but it never goes over the line into explicitness, if that's a concern for some.
The core of the story is how Wendy Darling -- mother to the Lost Boys and frustrated not-quite-consort of ever-young Peter Pan -- grows up, faces the dangers of her world, and chooses who she wants to become. She remains true to her role of mother as she protects the boys from Peter's dangerous side, and works ceaselessly to help them grow into the next phase of their lives. She struggles with her own feelings about Pan and Hook, and eventually chooses the one who loves and affirms the truest part of her emerging self.
I would recommend this book to those who like modern, somewhat darker updates to classic fairy stories, and those who are interested in stories of growing up, making choices, and moving beyond boundaries. And of course: those who like pirate stories.
There is definitely sensuality in the book, some of it with a darker undertone, but it never goes over the line into explicitness, if that's a concern for some.
March 12, 2014
I had the good fortune to meet Andrea Jones at a Renaissance Fair, where she was selling her books. Curious, I purchased them and immediately set out to reading.
In short, this book is fantastic. Jones' description of Neverland was so rich that I felt as if I were there. It was also quite realistic in how Peter Pan had a dark side-the children were to stay children, or else. And how Hook was portrayed! I can't decide if I want to slap him or stick around to see what he can talk others into.
I loved Wendy, the main character, and thought it was smart for Jones to create the special power of her stories coming to life.
All in all, I really liked the first book and am looking forward to reading her second, Other Oceans.
In short, this book is fantastic. Jones' description of Neverland was so rich that I felt as if I were there. It was also quite realistic in how Peter Pan had a dark side-the children were to stay children, or else. And how Hook was portrayed! I can't decide if I want to slap him or stick around to see what he can talk others into.
I loved Wendy, the main character, and thought it was smart for Jones to create the special power of her stories coming to life.
All in all, I really liked the first book and am looking forward to reading her second, Other Oceans.
May 17, 2014
Awesome read....I wish I could write more of a review but so far I have not come up with anything to do the story justice.
December 25, 2020
Think you know the childhood tale of Peter, Wendy, Hook, and Tinker Bell? Think again.
This retelling is lush, riotous, beguiling, and bewitching.
Author Andrea Jones has taken the classic tale of Peter Pan and given it a dark, seductive cast. The basic myth is still present: Peter, along with his Wendy Darling and Tinker Bell, chases adventures with his brood of Lost Boys. Never growing up, their main threat is the rogue Capt. James Hook and his crew of ruffians.
But Jones turns the testosterone-laden tale on its head, for this is very much Wendy’s story - of awakenings, sexuality, the passage of time, and following her own desires.
Instead of romping carelessly, Wendy is relegated to the role of the virgin mother - untouchable and a property to be protected. Peter is himself, only more so: An immature frat boy drunk on his own ego and self-image. Tinker Bell is a hideous little bitch who sees Wendy as competition for golden boy Peter; and the Lost Boys, bless them, are simple lads caught in the middle of all the drama.
The real star of the show, however, is the dread pirate Hook of the Jolly Roger. Already seeking revenge upon Peter for the loss of his hand, Hook sets his sights on capturing Wendy heart and soul. For her part, Wendy wishes Peter would feel for her the way a boy normally feels for a girl, and patient she is … until she isn’t. Wendy’s burgeoning needs and desires are near ready to detonate from frustration.
Enter Hook with his alluring danger. Now we’re all Wendy, blossoming into full womanhood and the realization of all that entails.
Jones’s prose is poetic and haunting. I was ready for Wendy to dump frat-boy Peter early on and was ecstatic when she clasped the hand (hook?) of darkness and stepped off the metaphorical cliff with him to complete her education.
If cleaning up after an island of immature boys isn’t your your thing, don’t worry; it’s not mine either. I mean, the laundry; can you even imagine?
Instead, let Hook transport you to your own Neverland. But be warned: You may never be the same again.
This retelling is lush, riotous, beguiling, and bewitching.
Author Andrea Jones has taken the classic tale of Peter Pan and given it a dark, seductive cast. The basic myth is still present: Peter, along with his Wendy Darling and Tinker Bell, chases adventures with his brood of Lost Boys. Never growing up, their main threat is the rogue Capt. James Hook and his crew of ruffians.
But Jones turns the testosterone-laden tale on its head, for this is very much Wendy’s story - of awakenings, sexuality, the passage of time, and following her own desires.
Instead of romping carelessly, Wendy is relegated to the role of the virgin mother - untouchable and a property to be protected. Peter is himself, only more so: An immature frat boy drunk on his own ego and self-image. Tinker Bell is a hideous little bitch who sees Wendy as competition for golden boy Peter; and the Lost Boys, bless them, are simple lads caught in the middle of all the drama.
The real star of the show, however, is the dread pirate Hook of the Jolly Roger. Already seeking revenge upon Peter for the loss of his hand, Hook sets his sights on capturing Wendy heart and soul. For her part, Wendy wishes Peter would feel for her the way a boy normally feels for a girl, and patient she is … until she isn’t. Wendy’s burgeoning needs and desires are near ready to detonate from frustration.
Enter Hook with his alluring danger. Now we’re all Wendy, blossoming into full womanhood and the realization of all that entails.
Jones’s prose is poetic and haunting. I was ready for Wendy to dump frat-boy Peter early on and was ecstatic when she clasped the hand (hook?) of darkness and stepped off the metaphorical cliff with him to complete her education.
If cleaning up after an island of immature boys isn’t your your thing, don’t worry; it’s not mine either. I mean, the laundry; can you even imagine?
Instead, let Hook transport you to your own Neverland. But be warned: You may never be the same again.
Want to read
July 10, 2019until Once Upon A Time came out I neverrrrrrrrrrr understood the appeal of Hook vs Pan
I still think it's the beard
I still think it's the beard
July 25, 2024
i finished this like a month ago but forgot to update. cool ending ig, def went up and down w interest
March 13, 2016
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!
September 2, 2019
Read too much like fanfic. That's not a criticism of fanfic -- I read it and write it and enjoy it -- but this read like mediocre fanfic. It had potential, but it wasn't well realized. I won't be bothering with the second one.
March 6, 2010
This book is basically a retelling of the familiar Peter Pan tale. Andrea Jones takes the old play with it's sketched out characters and forms a beautiful and colorful painting of fully formed characters. You really get to know them in a more intimate way than ever before. These characters and the truth of Neverland bring you in and hold you with it's own magic. I had a hard time putting this book down.
If you were like me, I never fell in love with the original Peter Pan story, but did enjoy it's possibilities. I always had questions about the characters and all the questions I might have had were finally answered with a few surprises thrown in. How could Captain Hook, with his intelligent and ruthless ways fall prey time and again to a boy's whim? If Peter has become more faerie than boy, then why isn't he more like the faerie in attitude? These and many other questions I've always had are indeed answered with satisfaction. I also loved the surprises which just engaged me even further into the story.
This was such fun to read. It is also part of a series with "Other Oceans" listed as the next book. I seriously can't wait to go back to the adult version of Neverland. And if you haven't guess yet if I recommend this book... oh, that would be a resounding YES!
If you were like me, I never fell in love with the original Peter Pan story, but did enjoy it's possibilities. I always had questions about the characters and all the questions I might have had were finally answered with a few surprises thrown in. How could Captain Hook, with his intelligent and ruthless ways fall prey time and again to a boy's whim? If Peter has become more faerie than boy, then why isn't he more like the faerie in attitude? These and many other questions I've always had are indeed answered with satisfaction. I also loved the surprises which just engaged me even further into the story.
This was such fun to read. It is also part of a series with "Other Oceans" listed as the next book. I seriously can't wait to go back to the adult version of Neverland. And if you haven't guess yet if I recommend this book... oh, that would be a resounding YES!
October 29, 2017
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.
January 12, 2019
This has become my most recommended book to others! Andrea made me fall in love with the Peter Pan story all over again. It was a cant put down read; I finished it in a day. The plot takes you inside the story with such vivid detail.
Honestly? I’d do what Wendy did and grow up as well, all for the enchanting Captain Hook!
Honestly? I’d do what Wendy did and grow up as well, all for the enchanting Captain Hook!
March 15, 2018
To start, i read any peter pan retelling that I can get my hands on. They are my poison. and I've got a thing for hook ❤ but i had to force myself to finish this book. I don't think i can force my way through the next two in this series.
September 26, 2019
This was not a good book. The writing is bad, and the flow is random. Not only is the story hard to follow, the plot is not intriguing enough for me to want to try. It is a travesty to the Peter Pan story. I am not keeping this, even though it is signed by the author
June 28, 2021
DNF 60% - struggled to keep interested in this book and finally gave up. Hated that Peter is bad and I didn't really like Hook either. I can't tell how old Wendy is, so the budding relationship with Hook disgusting me. Overall just dislike all the characters.
September 2, 2009
AWESOME book! Takes Neverland to the next level. I liken it to what Wicked did for Oz, but less political.
May 19, 2014
I always had a "thing" for Hook.
April 11, 2025
I'm an absolute sucker for a Captain Hook fanfiction.
September 30, 2022
Really a 3.5 star read.
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.
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.
November 8, 2017
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.
June 19, 2025
I really want to give this book a better rating but I just can't bring myself to do so. I loved the story, the idea, the characters. It's the writing that put me off. Especially more towards the end, with the more spicey scenes. It was too ambiguous for me, after all that time invested in reading and building up to the relationship at the end to nit even give the reader what we've been waiting for just made me mad. I felt like the author tried too hard to come off as poetic and mysterious but it just left me feeling like a big ????? A lot of the book was like this but it still worked and was a good retelling for the most part. It brought me back to the live action Peter Pan circa 2003 which I loved and adored and still crave to watch now and again but now I am older and more mature and definitely have my eyes on the Captain lol
July 15, 2024
This is my second time reading it. The first time, I was much younger, relating more to Pan and the ‘never growing up’ mindset than the alternative.
I didn’t get it the first time; now I do.
This book is perfection! The way Andrea weaves all of the stories of the different Lost Boys, Pan, Wendy, and Hook is phenomenal! Her creativity in diving deeper into the character’s souls and expanding them as they grow (and grow up) shows that there are many different kinds of adventures to be had at every stage of life.
Can’t wait to read the second one!
I didn’t get it the first time; now I do.
This book is perfection! The way Andrea weaves all of the stories of the different Lost Boys, Pan, Wendy, and Hook is phenomenal! Her creativity in diving deeper into the character’s souls and expanding them as they grow (and grow up) shows that there are many different kinds of adventures to be had at every stage of life.
Can’t wait to read the second one!
September 21, 2025
A dark re-telling of "Peter Pan" This sure isn't Disney. The characters are darker, the themes of the story are much darker, and the consequences are steeper. Jones has done a fantastic job of breaking into the characters backgrounds and bringing with them so much more depth.
The writing of this book is excellent. Looking at this story in a different light, more as an adult view and not the child that Wendy is in most Peter Pan stories, brings so many more layers to the story.
Thank you Netgalley and Andrea Jones for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The writing of this book is excellent. Looking at this story in a different light, more as an adult view and not the child that Wendy is in most Peter Pan stories, brings so many more layers to the story.
Thank you Netgalley and Andrea Jones for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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