The Mighty Hook: Shadows of Neverland, Book 1

by Mark Tarrant

In this clever reimagining of a classic tale, it's up to Captain Hook to rescue his crew, escape the strange island, and stop that spoiled blood-thirsty brat Peter!

Considered a buffoon by fellow pirates, Captain James Hook is determined to avoid the gallows by leading his crew to an uncharted and mythical island. The deal was supposed to be pretend to be sailors, deliver the goods, and collect payment from a mysterious client.

But now they're on the run from a century-old vampire who looks no more than fourteen and his fang-toothed Lost Boys are hot on their trail. A voodoo priestess, zombies, and cannibalistic mermaids patrol the coast, and all are prepared to use their dark magic to keep James Hook and his crew from escaping alive.

The Captain may just be the only one who can finally end Peter's reign of violent playtime and bloodshed. The future of America, and possibly the world, rests in the hands of the Mighty Hook!

Audible Audio

Published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Joel Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new take on the classic JM Barrie Peter Pan novel, which I believe is a classic largely because people haven't read the original and are mostly familiar with the Disney version and other various iterations.

This version is a bit of a diamond in the rough, but I much prefer it to the original. Of course, The Mighty Hook could not have existed without the groundwork laid by Barrie, and Tarrant explores what would happen if the perpetual manchild, Peter Pan, came under the influence of a practitioner of voodoo magic.

Here, Pan and his lost children are vampiric beings that lure sailors to their deaths. Hook is the protagonist of the tale--a sort of failed pirate with the British Navy chasing him down. He's not entirely sympathetic a character until squared up against the greater evil of Pan and his voodoo mentor, and that confrontation is where this book really sparkles. A variety of different factions converge and plots and deceits unravel for a satisfying conclusion.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most everyone has heard the story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, his lost boys, and the evil pirate Captain Hook. Well, this is a very different take on that story; one that made a lot of sense to me. After all, if Peter Pan was a vampire who was turned while young, he would always be the boy in the tale. But he clearly wouldn't be the "good guy" of the story. Which turns the story into one where Captain Hook is the hero instead.

I will admit that it wasn't a twist that I expected, but one that made a lot of sense when thought about. And it was a very interesting take on the story. I was fascinated to learn how James Hook became the famous pirate we are familiar with, met Peter Pan and his fairy friend Belle as well as Hook's nemesis, the infamous crocodile that took his hand. And there is a lot more to this twist on Hook's tale.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and enjoyed it a great deal. I believe that anyone who enjoys twisted fairy tales, vampires, and Peter Pan/Captain Hook's rivalry will find it as entertaining as I did.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

You could easily imagine this story as a graphic novel or on screen as a movie. The scenes are vividly written and the narrative is fast-paced. The story of Peter Pan is reimagined with James Hook (a pirate captain in the Jack Sparrow tradition of lusty, ne'er-do-wells) as the "hero." Complete with mermaids, zombies, and vampire lost boys, the book sets up a clever alternate history for characters we think we know from the J.M. Barrie story. I really enjoyed the high concept approach, and the tidbits of snarky dialogue. What I missed was a real connection to the characters, who seemed somewhat cartoonish and one-dimensional. Five stars for originality and effort, but three stars for characterization, so four stars overall. The movie would definitely be better than the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is an adaptation of the original Peter Pan. The story is gripping, and visually descriptive. Peter kidnaps boys and commands they choose to be boys forever. Meanwhile, James Hook is accused of putting pirates in a bad light and is thrown into Peter Pan's world after his old friend brings him to a mission. There is a back and forth between Peter Pan and James Hook, which makes for a great read as we see their contrasting characters.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this did a great job in being a fairy tale retelling, it had a great concept that worked with the Peter Pan tale. Mark Tarrant had a great concept and it worked well in the universe, I enjoyed the way he wrote the world and his characters. It left me excited to read more in this universe and from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anthony Baldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece! It brings a new and interesting perspective to the pan tales! If you like twists, surprises, and new creations, this is the book for you! Mark Tarrant is a creative powerhouse!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book very interesting story I really enjoyed this storyline the writer did a really good job on the retelling it love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole Peter Pan fairytale but with a voodoo priestess, zombies, vampire lost boys and cannibalistic mermaids. Original and a real treat. It left me so excited to read more in this series. For anyone who enjoys retellings!.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creative twisted tale of Peter Pan that I absolutely loved! Vampires, Voodoo, mermaids, and pirate heroes that save the day!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Haarmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, entertaining book to read. A nice twist on an old tale.

[Inaffablejames · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weee pirates🙌. I liked it a lot, it was dark it had action, battles. (pirates). And I mean hook is an icon. Honestly I loved his character

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

To simply say that this is a Peter Pan retelling does not do it justice. This is a new adventure, built from the framework of a childhood classic for a much more mature audience. The way the author interwove other legends was a delicious treat, even the open-ended close of the story was pleasing and I definitely wouldn't mind tagging along with Captain Hook and his crew again. With pirates, vampires, voodoo and never quite enough turkey legs to go around, this is definitely a great addition for anyone who enjoys retellings!

***Anyone who is sensitive to abuse or violence involving child-like creatures should approach with care, as it may be triggering.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PrettyBookish13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was, in a word, incredible. I really enjoyed this Peter Pan reimagining, it was dark and gruesome in parts but it was also really creative and well thought out.
I loved the idea of Peter being a child vampire, it just makes sense with him never aging and staying a child forever! Hook’s character reminded me a lot of Captain Jack Sparrow and I was here for it the entire time, the witty banter and his intense friendship with his crew mates really shone through.
Something I didn’t see coming but also loved was the references to other stories, such as Niviene being the Lady of the Lake and having given Excalibur to Arthur, as well as the inclusion of Mama Laveau the Voodoo witch (alluding to Marie Laveau of New Orleans)