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Neverland Chronicles Saga #1
A Descent Into Darkness
Discover the untold story of Captain James Hook. A man whose name has been synonymous with villainy and vengeance for generations. The legendary pirate who would become Peter Pan's greatest nemesis.
Long before he was the notorious Captain Hook, James was a fearless young man, with nothing to lose. Plagued by an unquenchable thirst for revenge, he becomes entangled with the nefarious Blackbeard and his merciless crew. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey through perilous waters, where loyalty is a fickle currency, and danger lurks behind every wave. It is here, amidst the lawless seas, that his transformation into a formidable pirate begins.
Amidst the chaos of life on the high sea, James encounters a bewitching young woman who possesses powers that both intrigue and terrify him. As their worlds collide, he is drawn into a web of secrets, alchemy, and emotions he never thought possible.
As James’ obsession with Pan deepens, and his vendetta becomes an all-consuming mission, he must navigate the treacherous waters of love, revenge, and his own inner demons. In this spellbinding addition to the beloved Neverland Chronicles, A Decent in to A Neverland Chronicles Saga explores the complex journey of a man who would ultimately be branded a villain, revealing the depths of his humanity, the allure of darkness, and the price of vengeance.
Will love be his salvation or his ultimate undoing? This gripping tale of love and villainy will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the man behind the hook.
Long before he was the notorious Captain Hook, James was a fearless young man, with nothing to lose. Plagued by an unquenchable thirst for revenge, he becomes entangled with the nefarious Blackbeard and his merciless crew. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey through perilous waters, where loyalty is a fickle currency, and danger lurks behind every wave. It is here, amidst the lawless seas, that his transformation into a formidable pirate begins.
Amidst the chaos of life on the high sea, James encounters a bewitching young woman who possesses powers that both intrigue and terrify him. As their worlds collide, he is drawn into a web of secrets, alchemy, and emotions he never thought possible.
As James’ obsession with Pan deepens, and his vendetta becomes an all-consuming mission, he must navigate the treacherous waters of love, revenge, and his own inner demons. In this spellbinding addition to the beloved Neverland Chronicles, A Decent in to A Neverland Chronicles Saga explores the complex journey of a man who would ultimately be branded a villain, revealing the depths of his humanity, the allure of darkness, and the price of vengeance.
Will love be his salvation or his ultimate undoing? This gripping tale of love and villainy will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the man behind the hook.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2024
676 people are currently reading
5837 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Kinley
8 books845 followersT. S. Kinley is a passion project created by two sisters with a shared obsession and vision. We came together with the dream of creating something beautiful, imaginative, and yes… SEXY.
Once upon a Time… it all began with sisterly gossip about erotica and romance novels. Our conversations quickly became fantasies about our own desires to author such work. We would muse how someday in a utopian future, our fantasy would become reality. Ultimately we decided rather than wait for the future to find us, we would create utopia ourselves. Using our love of books, natural gift of creativity, and some savvy study on publishing itself, the concept for our very first book was born.
We started off as a Cosmetologist and an RN, and quickly developed into a dynamic writing team with a style that lends a unique perspective to our books. Second To The Right; book one of The Neverland Chronicles is a reverse harem erotic continuation on the beloved classic telling of Peter Pan.
Once upon a Time… it all began with sisterly gossip about erotica and romance novels. Our conversations quickly became fantasies about our own desires to author such work. We would muse how someday in a utopian future, our fantasy would become reality. Ultimately we decided rather than wait for the future to find us, we would create utopia ourselves. Using our love of books, natural gift of creativity, and some savvy study on publishing itself, the concept for our very first book was born.
We started off as a Cosmetologist and an RN, and quickly developed into a dynamic writing team with a style that lends a unique perspective to our books. Second To The Right; book one of The Neverland Chronicles is a reverse harem erotic continuation on the beloved classic telling of Peter Pan.
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June 12, 20253.5 ⭐️ but 5⭐️ for the audiobook narration because it was honestly incredible.
This was a hard book for me to rate because I loved the premise I mean, who doesn’t want the backstory of one of their favorite villains? But I kind of felt like I was plopped into the middle of something I was supposed to already understand. Everything moved so fast. And normally, I live for fast-paced stories… but this one felt like I was missing pieces. Like I blinked and missed an entire emotional arc.
Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely entertained and it held my attention. But there was just a little something missing for me. Especially when it came to the romance I didn’t really get to see it grow. It just… happened. And I don’t want to judge it too harshly because it is part of a series, and I fully plan to keep going. But I really had a “did I miss a chapter??” moment 😭
Also pirates + ocean vibes? That’s that shit I DO like
That said, it’s a great audiobook to binge. One of those stories you can just lean into and have a good time with, without needing to laser-focus. So if you’ve got dishes to wash or laundry to fold, this is a solid pick to get those chores done girl!!
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was a fun ride, and I loved getting a glimpse into Captain Hook’s past. I can’t wait to see how he becomes the infamous villain we all know (and kind of love?) him for. 🖤🏴☠️
This was a hard book for me to rate because I loved the premise I mean, who doesn’t want the backstory of one of their favorite villains? But I kind of felt like I was plopped into the middle of something I was supposed to already understand. Everything moved so fast. And normally, I live for fast-paced stories… but this one felt like I was missing pieces. Like I blinked and missed an entire emotional arc.
Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely entertained and it held my attention. But there was just a little something missing for me. Especially when it came to the romance I didn’t really get to see it grow. It just… happened. And I don’t want to judge it too harshly because it is part of a series, and I fully plan to keep going. But I really had a “did I miss a chapter??” moment 😭
Also pirates + ocean vibes? That’s that shit I DO like
That said, it’s a great audiobook to binge. One of those stories you can just lean into and have a good time with, without needing to laser-focus. So if you’ve got dishes to wash or laundry to fold, this is a solid pick to get those chores done girl!!
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was a fun ride, and I loved getting a glimpse into Captain Hook’s past. I can’t wait to see how he becomes the infamous villain we all know (and kind of love?) him for. 🖤🏴☠️
January 24, 2024
1.5 stars rounded to 2. What. A. Waste *sad face*. I was really expecting more and HOPING for more. I picked up this book because there is something fun about learning the villains POV., but the whole book felt rushed with little detail. As a classic story, I was hoping for more in every way., from the adventure, to smut to the story line. I feel like I just read a weak story. This author had such a great opportunity. I won’t be reading the next book, or from this author again. I’m so disappointed.
June 17, 2025
Story: 3.5⭐️
Audiobook: 5⭐️
This story was fast paced and transitioned quickly. It’s the first part of a duet on how Hook became to be who he is. Constantly used and then thrown out. His only goal is to get back to Neverland to enact revenge on Pan. Part one is his origin story and his efforts to get back to Neverland. He befriends a mysterious Captain of “The Queen Anne’s Revenge,” who he uses to find his way back. This story has betrayal which hardens Hook.
The audiobook was phenomenal. Excellent duet performance with some accompanying instrumental elements.
Audiobook: 5⭐️
This story was fast paced and transitioned quickly. It’s the first part of a duet on how Hook became to be who he is. Constantly used and then thrown out. His only goal is to get back to Neverland to enact revenge on Pan. Part one is his origin story and his efforts to get back to Neverland. He befriends a mysterious Captain of “The Queen Anne’s Revenge,” who he uses to find his way back. This story has betrayal which hardens Hook.
The audiobook was phenomenal. Excellent duet performance with some accompanying instrumental elements.
January 4, 2024
I read the Neverland Chronicles last year and I absolutely fell in love with Captain Hook. I was so excited when the author announced she was going to take us back to the beginning to see how James becomes the very famous Captain Hook. She did not disappoint with this book because now I'm hooked. All the details she puts in her books make me feel like I am right there having a drink with pirates or stealing moments with a forbidden love. Not all authors can do that but she's amazing and she does. It's like I was transported there and now I need to know, when can I go back? I highly recommend this book as well as The Neverland Chronicles. They were my fav reads of 2023.
June 5, 2025
Wow!!!!!! After reading the Neverland Chronicles I was very excited to dive into the backstory of James Hook. This storyline did NOT disappoint. Between all the double crossing and pirates way of things I was absolutely emerged in. The cliffhanger has me gripping to the possibilities, the what ifs and will my few lingering questions be answered in A Penchant for Poison. The spice in this book was both piratey filthy and also sickly sweet. I am excited to continue this journey. ✨️📚✨️
August 19, 2024
My first ever DNF. I got all the way to 89% too and I just couldn't. 😶🌫️ It started off with a strong premise and I was interested in James's journey to adulthood. But his vendetta against Pan felt forced. His "love" felt really superficial. You watched her be used and abused for 7 years (but maybe not really) and you were ok with it all that time? Honestly Blackbeard is the main character in this story 😐
October 7, 2025
I read A Descent into Darkness faster than I expected even with a busy week. It kept me hooked and needing to know what happened next. The story has that perfect mix of dark fantasy, pirates, adventure, magic and mythical beings, revenge, morally gray characters and forbidden romance, which made it really fun to read.
It definitely gets dark at times, but nothing felt overly graphic or triggering to me. The pacing was fast and the plot moved quickly, which I loved, though I did find myself wishing for more detail in the settings and character descriptions so I could picture everything more clearly.
Overall, it’s a fast paced, dark-but-not-too-dark read that’s easy to binge. And fair warning — it ends on a major cliffhanger, so be ready to jump straight into book two!
It definitely gets dark at times, but nothing felt overly graphic or triggering to me. The pacing was fast and the plot moved quickly, which I loved, though I did find myself wishing for more detail in the settings and character descriptions so I could picture everything more clearly.
Overall, it’s a fast paced, dark-but-not-too-dark read that’s easy to binge. And fair warning — it ends on a major cliffhanger, so be ready to jump straight into book two!
May 26, 2024
STUNNING.
Absolutely stunning and what a dang cliffhanger!!! Like WHAT?! Ugh!!! I cannot wait for book 2!!!
After reading the Neverland Chronicles, I was SO excited that Hook was getting the (duet?) book he deserved. One that tells us about his beginning and middle, now that we know (or think we know) the end.
James’ story is heart wrenching. It’s deep, it’s hard, it’s a punch in the gut. It’s everything you think and then add more and more. It’s interesting to see him go from a child to the man he is when the book ends. Hard and scary on the outside but quite the man on the inside but only to those he chooses to show it too. I don’t know where this next book will take us, I’m sure it’ll be as heart wrenching and brutal, but I am so excited to read more!
James is the man, the myth, and the legend- but TS Kinley also make him daddy 😉
Absolutely stunning and what a dang cliffhanger!!! Like WHAT?! Ugh!!! I cannot wait for book 2!!!
After reading the Neverland Chronicles, I was SO excited that Hook was getting the (duet?) book he deserved. One that tells us about his beginning and middle, now that we know (or think we know) the end.
James’ story is heart wrenching. It’s deep, it’s hard, it’s a punch in the gut. It’s everything you think and then add more and more. It’s interesting to see him go from a child to the man he is when the book ends. Hard and scary on the outside but quite the man on the inside but only to those he chooses to show it too. I don’t know where this next book will take us, I’m sure it’ll be as heart wrenching and brutal, but I am so excited to read more!
James is the man, the myth, and the legend- but TS Kinley also make him daddy 😉
September 5, 2024
Cliff hanger
I've been a fan of everything Peterson since I was a child. Having read the original story of Peter Pan and almost every retelling I can find. T.S. Kinley has hit her mark again.
I've been a fan of everything Peterson since I was a child. Having read the original story of Peter Pan and almost every retelling I can find. T.S. Kinley has hit her mark again.
February 19, 2025
I searched “pirate smut” on TikTok, looking for recommendations, and I am not disappointed by this Peter Pan-Captain Hook retelling🫦🤌🏻
As far as that ending?!!!?! I knew lil miss was plotting. What did James keep saying? Beautiful things are rarely what they seem?
As far as that ending?!!!?! I knew lil miss was plotting. What did James keep saying? Beautiful things are rarely what they seem?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Well written and as a spicy retelling of Peter Pan it’s told from a very unique perspective. Captivating from chapter 1! I’m looking forward to picking up book 2 because this one does end on a plot twist cliffhanger!
June 25, 2024
The story line felt so flat :/ also it felt like a prequel?
April 4, 2025
The narration is FANTASTIC. I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed the book without it. The inflection and passion and emotion in both Jacci Prior and James Cavanaugh’s voices never fails to bring a story to life! Both are auto-buy narrators!
The story itself is more of a 3.5 - it has some interesting bones, but the plot felt like it needed more fleshing out and I wanted more depth. The writing is good, I just needed more of it! It’s a short book so the amount of time that it covered seemed at odds with how little we saw of the relationship. I would’ve liked seeing more of the relationship develop.
It ends on quite the cliffhanger, didn’t see that coming!
The story itself is more of a 3.5 - it has some interesting bones, but the plot felt like it needed more fleshing out and I wanted more depth. The writing is good, I just needed more of it! It’s a short book so the amount of time that it covered seemed at odds with how little we saw of the relationship. I would’ve liked seeing more of the relationship develop.
It ends on quite the cliffhanger, didn’t see that coming!
June 28, 2025
Pirate adventures? Count me in.
Hook and Blackbeard together? Okay, sis.
That heartbreaking cliffhanger? What??!!
I would have loved to watch the romance build a little more, but I’m hoping there are answers to that in book two. Hook is one of my favorite villains, so I’m totally down for this series.
Hook and Blackbeard together? Okay, sis.
That heartbreaking cliffhanger? What??!!
I would have loved to watch the romance build a little more, but I’m hoping there are answers to that in book two. Hook is one of my favorite villains, so I’m totally down for this series.
July 24, 2025
What a ride
Holy crap! Never knew I would be on Captain Hook side! Read this wild ride. Definitely so very worth it
Holy crap! Never knew I would be on Captain Hook side! Read this wild ride. Definitely so very worth it
April 2, 2024
I am a sucker for a Peter Pan retailing! especially if it gives us more about Captain Hook!
This one did not disappoint! It was a quick read that keep me entertained the whole time. For being a quick read I wasnt expecting the last 15% to get as faced paced as it did!
The overall story line is very interesting and I can't wait to read more because THAT ENDING LEFT ME WITH SO MANY QUESTIONS
This one did not disappoint! It was a quick read that keep me entertained the whole time. For being a quick read I wasnt expecting the last 15% to get as faced paced as it did!
The overall story line is very interesting and I can't wait to read more because THAT ENDING LEFT ME WITH SO MANY QUESTIONS
August 20, 2024
T.S Kinley does it again with another great book! A Descent Into Darkness is about James Hook and his backstory before the story we all know of Captain Hook. This book follows James as he tries to find his way back to Neverland after Peter Pan sent him back to the mortal world after failing to "never grow up." This book has love, revenge, and spice! I cannot wait for book two and to see what happens next with that jaw dropping cliffhanger.
February 15, 2024
Story was too dark and depressing to me at 15% complete, maybe it gets better, but I'm callin it a DNF. When every female character has a r*pe story, or has no other choice but to sell themselves, and most male characters are either evil or being beaten to a pulp ...not my cup of tea.
September 4, 2024
It was ok, the concept had me hooked (pun intended) but ultimately it’s not the best retelling and the characters don’t have that much sustenance apart from one being blinded by vendetta, one a bully and the damsel in distress who’s not a damsel at all.
February 1, 2024
I liked it, but did not LOVED it. I was expecting sooo much more especially with the authors note.
That have said, i did really loved the series about peter pan, and the lost boys.
That have said, i did really loved the series about peter pan, and the lost boys.
October 7, 2024
DNF at 42%. There’s no build up to the romance and it feels fake. I can’t connect with the characters because they all feel fake and rushed
April 14, 2025
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
🎤 Duet narration by Jacci Prior & James Cavenaugh
Story: ⭐⭐⭐
Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤 🎤
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️.5
That cliffhanger scrambled my brain! I can only imagine what book 2 is going to be like.
This is a spin-off of the Neverland Chronicles, a Peter Pan retelling, which has been on my TBR for ages. So, when I was given the chance to get a review copy, I jumped at the opportunity. This is book 1 in a duet that is Captain James Hook’s villain origin story. This is a dark retelling so make sure to check the author’s note.
I have mixed feelings about this book. The narration was great. I’ve listened to a couple of books narrated by Jacci Prior, but this was my first James Cavenaugh audio. They really brought the story to life with their emotive performances and the duet style narration made it a more immersive listening experience. Honestly, it was the narration that really kept my attention. It would have taken me a lot longer to finish the book if I’d read it in ebook. The last half/third of the book was captivating, but it took too long for the story to get exciting.
The last third was very exciting. We finally see where the plot is going. We meet some new, interesting characters and the high stakes really come into play. The last few chapters had me really excited for the next book.
This story begins after James, who was lost boy, got kicked out of Neverland by Peter Pan for growing up. He wants revenge and enlists in the service of a pirate, Blackbeard, who he suspects has magic, to find his way back to Neverland. The way James kept vaguely referencing his grudge against Peter Pan made me feel like there was backstory that I was missing. I haven’t read the Neverland Chronicle, so maybe that’s why I feel this way.
The pacing was an issue for me. For a long time, it felt like nothing was really happening and then when things got interesting, it felt rushed. We also have quite a few time jumps that made it hard to keep up with the story. A couple times the author mentioned what year we were in, but a lot of the time I was confused, trying to figure out if days, weeks, months, or years had passed since the previous chapter.
A few years into his service, James meets Katherine, a woman with perceived magical powers, who joins the ship. And this is when things start to get dark (in my opinion). After a time, they fall in love, but they can’t be together because of her involvement with Blackbeard. I felt the build-up of romance wasn’t convincing. Probably because the time jumps made it seem like their feelings came out of nowhere. It may have occurred over months or years, but what I saw was, they’d interacted a handful of times and then suddenly, they were madly in love. I was invested in their romance towards the end when we’d seen them interacting for a while. This book has a few spicy scenes, but the spice between the couple doesn’t happen until the end of the book, when they finally get together.
All in all, not a bad read. I feel like book 2 is where all the good stuff happens, so I will definitely be picking that up.
*I received a review copy from the author. These thoughts are entirely my own.
🎤 Duet narration by Jacci Prior & James Cavenaugh
Story: ⭐⭐⭐
Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤 🎤
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️.5
That cliffhanger scrambled my brain! I can only imagine what book 2 is going to be like.
This is a spin-off of the Neverland Chronicles, a Peter Pan retelling, which has been on my TBR for ages. So, when I was given the chance to get a review copy, I jumped at the opportunity. This is book 1 in a duet that is Captain James Hook’s villain origin story. This is a dark retelling so make sure to check the author’s note.
I have mixed feelings about this book. The narration was great. I’ve listened to a couple of books narrated by Jacci Prior, but this was my first James Cavenaugh audio. They really brought the story to life with their emotive performances and the duet style narration made it a more immersive listening experience. Honestly, it was the narration that really kept my attention. It would have taken me a lot longer to finish the book if I’d read it in ebook. The last half/third of the book was captivating, but it took too long for the story to get exciting.
The last third was very exciting. We finally see where the plot is going. We meet some new, interesting characters and the high stakes really come into play. The last few chapters had me really excited for the next book.
This story begins after James, who was lost boy, got kicked out of Neverland by Peter Pan for growing up. He wants revenge and enlists in the service of a pirate, Blackbeard, who he suspects has magic, to find his way back to Neverland. The way James kept vaguely referencing his grudge against Peter Pan made me feel like there was backstory that I was missing. I haven’t read the Neverland Chronicle, so maybe that’s why I feel this way.
The pacing was an issue for me. For a long time, it felt like nothing was really happening and then when things got interesting, it felt rushed. We also have quite a few time jumps that made it hard to keep up with the story. A couple times the author mentioned what year we were in, but a lot of the time I was confused, trying to figure out if days, weeks, months, or years had passed since the previous chapter.
A few years into his service, James meets Katherine, a woman with perceived magical powers, who joins the ship. And this is when things start to get dark (in my opinion). After a time, they fall in love, but they can’t be together because of her involvement with Blackbeard. I felt the build-up of romance wasn’t convincing. Probably because the time jumps made it seem like their feelings came out of nowhere. It may have occurred over months or years, but what I saw was, they’d interacted a handful of times and then suddenly, they were madly in love. I was invested in their romance towards the end when we’d seen them interacting for a while. This book has a few spicy scenes, but the spice between the couple doesn’t happen until the end of the book, when they finally get together.
All in all, not a bad read. I feel like book 2 is where all the good stuff happens, so I will definitely be picking that up.
*I received a review copy from the author. These thoughts are entirely my own.
January 31, 2024
As Always, read the Trigger Warnings. The book does end on a cliffhanger and does contain content that some may find hard to read. I am not new to dark romance, but it’s always good to know what you are signing up for.
This book is absolutely all about Captain Hook and his origin story. Catherine is the FMC and we don’t get very many chapters with her POV.
If you want a brutal pirate story, dark fantasy romance, morally grey MMC, adventure, forbidden love, a revenge plot, magic and a bit of spice with a smoldering Captain James Hook - this book is absolutely for you.
The story picks up after James gets kicked out of Neverland and thrust into the mortal realm by Peter Pan. What did James do to deserve such a cruel fate? - he started to grow up.
This is what begins a deep hatred for Peter and a need for James to seek out revenge on someone he thought was once his friend. However, he has no way back into Neverland.
He happens upon a feared pirate that just might be the key to him getting back into Neverland. So he convinces him to allow him to join his crew. Years and years of servitude and James finally proves himself to the captain and moves up in his ranks.
Enter Samantha. A woman accused of witchcraft with gifts that the captain plans to use to find what he is seeking. Samantha survived burning at the stake but is taken captive on the ship. Her time on the ship is not a good time to say the least. The captain uses her in more ways than one and her only solace is James.
James and Samantha find themselves drawn to each other but unable to act upon those feelings for fear of the Captain.
Their love story is not an easy one at all and I’m really rooting for them. The ending was an interesting twist and since this is mostly in Hooks POV - I don’t know enough about Samantha to really know her plans or her character overall. I think not knowing Samantha’s motives completely is what really makes the ending a cliffhanger.
Overall: I really enjoyed the book. I think it was beautifully written. I’m a sucker for James Hook and I hope we get a better connection with Samantha in the next book. Can’t wait for book 2.
This book is absolutely all about Captain Hook and his origin story. Catherine is the FMC and we don’t get very many chapters with her POV.
If you want a brutal pirate story, dark fantasy romance, morally grey MMC, adventure, forbidden love, a revenge plot, magic and a bit of spice with a smoldering Captain James Hook - this book is absolutely for you.
The story picks up after James gets kicked out of Neverland and thrust into the mortal realm by Peter Pan. What did James do to deserve such a cruel fate? - he started to grow up.
This is what begins a deep hatred for Peter and a need for James to seek out revenge on someone he thought was once his friend. However, he has no way back into Neverland.
He happens upon a feared pirate that just might be the key to him getting back into Neverland. So he convinces him to allow him to join his crew. Years and years of servitude and James finally proves himself to the captain and moves up in his ranks.
Enter Samantha. A woman accused of witchcraft with gifts that the captain plans to use to find what he is seeking. Samantha survived burning at the stake but is taken captive on the ship. Her time on the ship is not a good time to say the least. The captain uses her in more ways than one and her only solace is James.
James and Samantha find themselves drawn to each other but unable to act upon those feelings for fear of the Captain.
Their love story is not an easy one at all and I’m really rooting for them. The ending was an interesting twist and since this is mostly in Hooks POV - I don’t know enough about Samantha to really know her plans or her character overall. I think not knowing Samantha’s motives completely is what really makes the ending a cliffhanger.
Overall: I really enjoyed the book. I think it was beautifully written. I’m a sucker for James Hook and I hope we get a better connection with Samantha in the next book. Can’t wait for book 2.
November 16, 2025
“We have time. I won’t rush things with you. I plan to draw this out. Savor every step along the way… then maybe you’ll stay.”
Maybe in the heart of every girl — and boy too — there hides a desire to visit that magical land where children never grow up. Where Lost Boys live, sing, and fight together, and where one in particular, filled with happy thoughts giving him the ability to fly, battles a pirate who lost his hand and replaced it with a hook. For children, perhaps this is bliss. But we are not children, and this review is about the villain in Peter Pan’s story. About James Hook himself, and an intriguing, magical book that reveals his tale.
What can I say… I’m a fan — a huge fan — of anything that carries even a hint of sailing, mermaids, pirates. I grew up on stories of Blackbeard, Jack Sparrow, Barbossa. Tales of wandering across endless seas. Battles on decks and cries of “board them!” And while my 15-year-old self was in love with Orlando Bloom, my adult self became enthralled with James Hook in T.S. Kinley’s telling.
The book reads quickly. Salt air, shadowy ports, duels, and convincingly woven alchemy and dark magic unfold behind closed eyelids with every word, every turned page. And the soul of a man who is not yet a villain reveals itself beneath the ink gracing the paper. His journey from being cast out of Neverland, to facing the demons of the seas alone, to discovering a sliver of love in the form of the beautiful Katrina.
A beautiful story. Full of twists. Of pain. Of the realization that sometimes the world is too cruel, deceitful, corrupt for a pure soul to remain pure. This is the story of the fall of a man who could have been a hero, but chooses the darkness instead. The story of a pirate forced into that path by the loss of his light, his hope. A book that tells the beginning of an iconic villain, revealing how James becomes Hook, and how he grows so consumed by revenge that he is willing to throw himself into battles he cannot win.
Maybe in the heart of every girl — and boy too — there hides a desire to visit that magical land where children never grow up. Where Lost Boys live, sing, and fight together, and where one in particular, filled with happy thoughts giving him the ability to fly, battles a pirate who lost his hand and replaced it with a hook. For children, perhaps this is bliss. But we are not children, and this review is about the villain in Peter Pan’s story. About James Hook himself, and an intriguing, magical book that reveals his tale.
What can I say… I’m a fan — a huge fan — of anything that carries even a hint of sailing, mermaids, pirates. I grew up on stories of Blackbeard, Jack Sparrow, Barbossa. Tales of wandering across endless seas. Battles on decks and cries of “board them!” And while my 15-year-old self was in love with Orlando Bloom, my adult self became enthralled with James Hook in T.S. Kinley’s telling.
The book reads quickly. Salt air, shadowy ports, duels, and convincingly woven alchemy and dark magic unfold behind closed eyelids with every word, every turned page. And the soul of a man who is not yet a villain reveals itself beneath the ink gracing the paper. His journey from being cast out of Neverland, to facing the demons of the seas alone, to discovering a sliver of love in the form of the beautiful Katrina.
A beautiful story. Full of twists. Of pain. Of the realization that sometimes the world is too cruel, deceitful, corrupt for a pure soul to remain pure. This is the story of the fall of a man who could have been a hero, but chooses the darkness instead. The story of a pirate forced into that path by the loss of his light, his hope. A book that tells the beginning of an iconic villain, revealing how James becomes Hook, and how he grows so consumed by revenge that he is willing to throw himself into battles he cannot win.
January 18, 2024
An excellent addition the the Neverland Saga. Learning the origins of our beloved villain, Captain Hook <3 I have been enamored with him since his introduction in Second to the Right. Everyone loves a good morally gray character.
From his beginnings after being unceremoniously dropped into the gutter by a still childish Pan, James must learn how to navigate this realm with just his wits. A chance encounter has him taking up a crew position on Edward Teach's Queen Anne's Revenge. And it is from Teach, also known as Blackbeard, that he will learn and start to become the man we all now.
In my honest opinion there were a few times right at the beginning of this book that seemed a little hurried plot wise. The plot has suddenly jumped with very little context about what had happened. We meet Katherine, the main female character. Then things happen very quickly and I feel a lot more storytelling could have gone into what had happened her first few nights with the other characters. Without giving away any spoilers, there just seems to be time jumps that could have added to the story. Hence only giving 4 stars for the review.
If you haven't read the Neverland Chronicles, I would recommend you do so before you read this book. You can read it without that knowledge, but I feel that story lends itself to the plot and character of James Hook.
From his beginnings after being unceremoniously dropped into the gutter by a still childish Pan, James must learn how to navigate this realm with just his wits. A chance encounter has him taking up a crew position on Edward Teach's Queen Anne's Revenge. And it is from Teach, also known as Blackbeard, that he will learn and start to become the man we all now.
In my honest opinion there were a few times right at the beginning of this book that seemed a little hurried plot wise. The plot has suddenly jumped with very little context about what had happened. We meet Katherine, the main female character. Then things happen very quickly and I feel a lot more storytelling could have gone into what had happened her first few nights with the other characters. Without giving away any spoilers, there just seems to be time jumps that could have added to the story. Hence only giving 4 stars for the review.
If you haven't read the Neverland Chronicles, I would recommend you do so before you read this book. You can read it without that knowledge, but I feel that story lends itself to the plot and character of James Hook.
April 5, 2024
As with all TS Kinley books, this does not disappoint. Epic retelling of Captain Hook and how he got his start. Revenge schemes, adventure, forbidden love against all odds, pirates, magic and more. The spice that will have you enthralled and the plot that will keep the pages turning.
This story picks up when Jas AKA James is abandoned by Peter Pan for growing older, although he isn't much older. Determined to exact revenge on Peter by any means necessary, James finds his way into the clutches of the dreaded and fearsome Blackbeard. Through torture, piracy and despicable acts, James works his way up the ranks if Blackbeard's ship and becomes a trusted confidant. James happens upon a beautiful woman and convinces his Captain to take her with them on their travels as she has magical gifts. In doing so, the lives of James and Blackbeard are changed forever.
After reading the Neverland Chronicles in its entirety, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this the day it came out. This is the spin off we all needed, and TS Kinley delivered in a glorious fashion. Starving for the next installment.
This story picks up when Jas AKA James is abandoned by Peter Pan for growing older, although he isn't much older. Determined to exact revenge on Peter by any means necessary, James finds his way into the clutches of the dreaded and fearsome Blackbeard. Through torture, piracy and despicable acts, James works his way up the ranks if Blackbeard's ship and becomes a trusted confidant. James happens upon a beautiful woman and convinces his Captain to take her with them on their travels as she has magical gifts. In doing so, the lives of James and Blackbeard are changed forever.
After reading the Neverland Chronicles in its entirety, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this the day it came out. This is the spin off we all needed, and TS Kinley delivered in a glorious fashion. Starving for the next installment.
January 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this Hook retelling, it's definitely dark and I love that the pirates are giving proper swashbuckling vibes. all the characters seem to have ulterior motives and backstories that aren't completely unfolded yet.
I think my only gripe with this is the time jumps, it can be years or months between chapters and it gives a bit of whiplash. I feel like I've missed big chunks of storyline, a lot of James' trauma that he refers to has been skipped over and it also makes James X Katherine's relationship feel shallow and forced, since they're just "in love" all of a sudden. Adding to this, Katherine's behavior suggests ulterior motives so it's leaving the relationship feeling more like a plot device than a genuine connection. I'm not sure if this is the author's intention or if they're genuinely supposed to be in love, it is hard to tel. If it is supposed to be a genuine connection I think some more context of them actually "falling in love" was needed.
I think my only gripe with this is the time jumps, it can be years or months between chapters and it gives a bit of whiplash. I feel like I've missed big chunks of storyline, a lot of James' trauma that he refers to has been skipped over and it also makes James X Katherine's relationship feel shallow and forced, since they're just "in love" all of a sudden. Adding to this, Katherine's behavior suggests ulterior motives so it's leaving the relationship feeling more like a plot device than a genuine connection. I'm not sure if this is the author's intention or if they're genuinely supposed to be in love, it is hard to tel. If it is supposed to be a genuine connection I think some more context of them actually "falling in love" was needed.
June 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Narration style: duet narration
Audiobook review:
A spicy Captain Hook origin story?! YES PLEASE.
This is performed in duet narration which was so immersive and exciting. I loved the narrators. They played the part of their characters perfectly and with tons of passion.
I love how Captain James Hook is most definitely the villain but in this story, he gets to be the hero of Catherine’s story. Especially as a child I always had the perspective that Hook was the “bad guy” but this redeemed him in my eyes. I give the story 3.5 stars because it did seem baseline at times and lacked a ton of depth. But the length of the book is short so that could be why it wasn’t heavily developed in that way!
Either way, I will definitely be listening to the next book in the series because that cliffhanger was fantastic and it left me wanting more.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Narration style: duet narration
Audiobook review:
A spicy Captain Hook origin story?! YES PLEASE.
This is performed in duet narration which was so immersive and exciting. I loved the narrators. They played the part of their characters perfectly and with tons of passion.
I love how Captain James Hook is most definitely the villain but in this story, he gets to be the hero of Catherine’s story. Especially as a child I always had the perspective that Hook was the “bad guy” but this redeemed him in my eyes. I give the story 3.5 stars because it did seem baseline at times and lacked a ton of depth. But the length of the book is short so that could be why it wasn’t heavily developed in that way!
Either way, I will definitely be listening to the next book in the series because that cliffhanger was fantastic and it left me wanting more.
September 12, 2025
After reading the Neverland Chronicles I was anxious to jump into Hook’s Saga. It gripped me from the moment I read the first page and kept me going with each page. Each chapter had me hanging on needing more. To read a version of Hook’s story is so intriguing. But knowing what I know now from the first set of the Neverland Chronicles, it will be interesting to see how Penchant for Poison pans out.
I’m not sure how to feel about James’ love interest in this two part saga. It seems questionable. Then when it goes into her POV, it seems like maybe she’s in it for real, or maybe the author is using her POV to manipulate the readers into thinking it’s real. Either way, Kinley’s use of this is brilliant. I can’t wait to start Penchant for Poison.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ and 🔥🔥🔥 some spicy scenes. Mostly closed door spice.
Tropes:
-friends to lovers?
-forced proximity (both are bound to the ship)
I’m not sure how to feel about James’ love interest in this two part saga. It seems questionable. Then when it goes into her POV, it seems like maybe she’s in it for real, or maybe the author is using her POV to manipulate the readers into thinking it’s real. Either way, Kinley’s use of this is brilliant. I can’t wait to start Penchant for Poison.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ and 🔥🔥🔥 some spicy scenes. Mostly closed door spice.
Tropes:
-friends to lovers?
-forced proximity (both are bound to the ship)
January 20, 2024
Have you ever wondered what the origin story is for Captain Hook? Well, here it is.
I really enjoyed this book and I am excited to see where this prequel series goes. I love the way the author write such whimsical, yet darker story's with such a great balance of spice and plot. This is a short quick read, full of dark, spicy action that does leave your desperately wanting the next book.
This was a solid 4.5/5 ⭐️ read for me. Only reason it isn't 5/5 is because I wanted more. There were times in the beginning where I was a little confused of the timeline, as I kept reading, it all made sense, but I would have liked to have a little more description or detail to guide that part of the plot. Overall, I loved it and would definitely recommend it.
This is a dark romantasy book, so be sure to check the trigger warnings.
I really enjoyed this book and I am excited to see where this prequel series goes. I love the way the author write such whimsical, yet darker story's with such a great balance of spice and plot. This is a short quick read, full of dark, spicy action that does leave your desperately wanting the next book.
This was a solid 4.5/5 ⭐️ read for me. Only reason it isn't 5/5 is because I wanted more. There were times in the beginning where I was a little confused of the timeline, as I kept reading, it all made sense, but I would have liked to have a little more description or detail to guide that part of the plot. Overall, I loved it and would definitely recommend it.
This is a dark romantasy book, so be sure to check the trigger warnings.
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