I rated this one a 3.5/5 stars. It’s a Peter Pan retelling with happily ever after for James Hook & Tink.
Here’s my thoughts while reading;
“Becoming Hook” by Mary Mecham is a Peter Pan retelling that starts with Jimmy at age 16. After he coincidentally stopped drinking the Pixie milk each morning, he’s able to hear the fairies speak. Jimmy just learned from TinkerBell not only that she is abused and imprisoned but that he’s been age 16 in Neverland for 200 years. He starts to question everything Peter Pan is doing. The writing is in third person, which is always a bit tough for me. So far the internal perspective feels a little juvenile, which may be intended.
(I love how Jimmy lost his hand by saving Tink.)
Part 1 ends with Captain Hook claiming his name, fighting against Peter and trying to bring the other Lost Boys to his side. He’s determined to release all the pixies. And Part 2 begins 5 years later which I’m much more excited about for Hook to be and act and sound older.
At page 104 I’m wanting more of a clear goal & direction of where they’re headed in the plot.
At the halfway mark things feel a bit dry and there’s a bunch of telling instead of showing, like the events are written as a summary. I’m struggling a bit and don’t feel emotionally connected. Also, the possible romance with Tink feels like it’s kind of coming out of nowhere compared to the first plot points.
Wait… Did chapter 18 just have a second PoV for the first time? It feels a bit late for Tink to have a perspective.
Unfortunately I skimmed the second half. I did read the climatic scene and enjoy the overall character arc and plot plan but the writing felt stiff throughout. I really wanted to fall in love, but felt frustrated through the majority of it.
I still recommend anyone to try it who likes fairy tale retellings.