(Review 380)
TW: drug withdrawal, hallucinations, PTSD
If you like a haunting, dark, heavy, Peter Pan retelling with James, Captain Hook, as the antihero, then check out “Hooked.” I wasn’t aware that it served as a sequel when I bought it. I gave this one a 3.8/5 stars because I caught myself skimming some parts and whenever that happens I don’t let myself go over a 4.0 rating. This is a book for readers who like complex character relationships and internal struggles.
Here’s my thoughts while reading:
James is back in London, as an old man who has escaped Neverland years ago. I’m unsure if the other world through the thinking of the air is due to his drug usage or not but it seems like he’s giving up on his promise to try to stay away from his Neverland thoughts. Still grieving his loss of Samuel, James Hook isn’t in a good place and the snapping monster from Neverland may have found him again.
Chapter 2 is from Jane’s point of view. Her best friend and roommate mysteriously dies & Jane finds her. The only thing her shocked mind can consider is calling her mother, Wendy, who claims chapter 3.
And then chapter 4 goes back in time 22 years. I’m hoping everything merges soon. It’s a very ominous vibe so far which is great. I’m unsure if it’s intended to be a sequel of Wendy, Darling.
I’m unsure of anyone’s objective so far. They all need clear goals soon other than creepy world building and repetitive desperation feelings.
At page 50 is when I decide if I like the book enough to keep going. I’m hesitant right now. I have no idea what’s real and what’s a hallucination? What is the purpose of anything other than empathizing with Hook’s grief and confusion.
Why is the beast chasing him?
What happened to Peter Pan?
Why has Jane’s story and roommate part been neglected?
What life did Hook have before Neverland?
Was Samuel Hook’s partner?
How did he figure out how to escape Neverland?
I’m glad the Hook saw that the way they “lived” on Neverland wasn’t natural and how he tried to find a way to escape. But all his agency is in the flashbacks, which gives the story less of an objective. Yes, we’re learning more information to fill in the blanks but what does James want NOW? And how is it relevant to all the backstory?
When there’s a flashback to a different time in Neverland 8 years ago I’m feeling hesitant that Hooked has a full plot planned all to itself without relying on the past.
At the halfway mark I’m struggling but will soldier on. But I do love Samuel’s character, even if he’s a fool.
The beast identity is revealed in chapter 14 and things make more sense. But it’s taken a LONG time to get here.
When James and Jane have scenes together it’s a bit confusing since their names look so similarly to those of us who read fast.
Spoiler alert:
James’ All is Lost moment is perfect but Jane’s doesn’t feel strong because I don’t remember Timothy for
The other book and don’t care about him or their relationship since it hasn’t been a focal point.
The climatic scene in chapter 23 was a bit confusing because of the time orientation.
“There’s a sense of emotion, one too complex to untangle and name. Wendy feels an echo rise within her, the feeling of wanting to simultaneously run toward and away from something as hard as she can. It’s a place where a splinter has always been, forced beneath her skin, and when it’s suddenly gone, she misses the feel of it there.”