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Grounded: The Untold Story of Peter Pan & Captain Hook
"HERE, TAKE MY HAND."
This is the story of Peter before Pan, of James before Hook. A tale of hope, vicious fairies, monstrous mermaids, sordid pirates, cruel children, a broken friendship, and the secret behind one of the most famous feuds in history. This is the dark account about the boy who was forced to grow up.
And the one who didn't.
Jorge Enrique Ponce is the writer and director of several films, including award-winning "#OMGIMTRENDING" and "Interview with a Zombie". He was born in Lima, Peru and now resides in Los Angeles, CA, where he's currently working on his new novel.
**BONUS: "F*KTORY" exclusive first look:
HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF HAVING SUPERPOWERS?
Meet "E". She's fourteen. Lives in New York City. Forced to sells drugs by her brute of a father and supplier, E wants out. Yet at four foot ten, E is powerless. Hoping to find an exit, she uses her wit to steal "Lumen", a mysterious new drug that gives the user unimaginable superpowers. Yet there's more to Lumen's power than E had bargained for. Mysterious abilities suddenly unlock within her, along with a lust for power she hadn't foreseen. As events spiral out of her control, E will find herself repeatedly cornered, putting her life, and the life of those she loves, at risk. In a world where the biggest, fastest, and strongest always wins, E will be forced to do the two things she does best: adapt and survive.
This is the story of Peter before Pan, of James before Hook. A tale of hope, vicious fairies, monstrous mermaids, sordid pirates, cruel children, a broken friendship, and the secret behind one of the most famous feuds in history. This is the dark account about the boy who was forced to grow up.
And the one who didn't.
Jorge Enrique Ponce is the writer and director of several films, including award-winning "#OMGIMTRENDING" and "Interview with a Zombie". He was born in Lima, Peru and now resides in Los Angeles, CA, where he's currently working on his new novel.
**BONUS: "F*KTORY" exclusive first look:
HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF HAVING SUPERPOWERS?
Meet "E". She's fourteen. Lives in New York City. Forced to sells drugs by her brute of a father and supplier, E wants out. Yet at four foot ten, E is powerless. Hoping to find an exit, she uses her wit to steal "Lumen", a mysterious new drug that gives the user unimaginable superpowers. Yet there's more to Lumen's power than E had bargained for. Mysterious abilities suddenly unlock within her, along with a lust for power she hadn't foreseen. As events spiral out of her control, E will find herself repeatedly cornered, putting her life, and the life of those she loves, at risk. In a world where the biggest, fastest, and strongest always wins, E will be forced to do the two things she does best: adapt and survive.
268 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2014
10 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Jorge Enrique Ponce
4 books28 followersIn 2005, Jorge Enrique made the baffling decision to leave Peru’s exhilarating food and tropical weather to attend the Savannah College of Arts & Design in pursuit of an education in Film & Television. Eventually he settled his awkward-self in Los Angeles, CA, home of In-N-Out burgers and bipolar weather. Raised in an environment brimming with art, he knew since an early age that he had an unstoppable itch to mix and juxtapose stories and characters into thought-provoking tales and nonsensical drivel.
He's the writer/director of award-winnning #OMGIMTRENDING, and co-writer/co-director of the Dailymotion favorite INTERVIEW WITH A ZOMBIE.
He's the writer/director of award-winnning #OMGIMTRENDING, and co-writer/co-director of the Dailymotion favorite INTERVIEW WITH A ZOMBIE.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 20, 2014
I LOVED this book. The story of how Peter and Hook came to be is so finely detailed and captivating. It's obvious the author paid close attention to Barrie's beloved tale, which made this story of Peter and Hook's early beginnings all the more rich and enjoyable. There are 'dark' moments in the book, but necessary to explore the contrasts between the real world and Neverland. I just love the friendship of these two boys when they start out, and the heartbreak of what causes them to separate and become enemies. This book has a lot of great and heartwarming surprises, and I won't spoil the ending...which I thought was fantastic. It stays with you. Just like Barrie's original, this "prequel" is timeless. Read this book if you're a fan of Peter Pan. It's made me a fan all over again, but more importantly, it's made me an even bigger fan of Hook. Once you read this book, you'll love both "boys" equally. I HIGHLY recommend it.
May 27, 2015
This book made me feel something I hadn't gotten out of a book in a long time: sentimental attachment. I'm talking about that feeling where your heart starts feeling for each of the characters portrayed and how it warms up and aches with their ups and downs. The Untold story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook is wonderfully told in a grasping tale of adventures and misfortunes, that anyone can relate to. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone out there, Peter Pan fans or not (I know I wasn't one before this book, but the case may be different now).
August 22, 2024
Captain Hook gets a voice
I grew up loving the story and many movie adaptations of Peter Pan. This retelling of the classic through Captain Hook's eyes was sensitive and thoughtful.
I grew up loving the story and many movie adaptations of Peter Pan. This retelling of the classic through Captain Hook's eyes was sensitive and thoughtful.
April 15, 2015
This was such a wonderful and emotional book. If you are a huge fan of Peter Pan or Captain Hook, then you must pick this book up!!! The story is very fun and well written. It shows the story of how Hook and Pan became who they are. I simply enjoyed the friendship they shared and the sad event that tore them apart. Their friendship truly was beautiful.
It showed both Hook and Pan, not as villain or hero, not good vs evil, but a story of two boys who you both end up loving and rooting for due to the tragic circumstances that made them who they are.
Overall, I give it a 4.5/5
It showed both Hook and Pan, not as villain or hero, not good vs evil, but a story of two boys who you both end up loving and rooting for due to the tragic circumstances that made them who they are.
Overall, I give it a 4.5/5
January 3, 2015
The most EPIC book on Peter Pan ever written!
This book is purely EPIC. I absolutely LOVE Peter Pan and this backstory was the coolest thing ever. I could picture every epic event in my mind from this story because of all the amazing detail, it made me feel like I was living in the adventure. If you want to know how Peter became Pan and how James became Hook, you've gotta read this! I've never loved a story as much as this one. It totally captures the epicness of how the awesome legend of Peter Pan started! I absolutely recommend this to everyone- it'll make all people have an amazing attachment to Peter-- and even Hook.
This book is purely EPIC. I absolutely LOVE Peter Pan and this backstory was the coolest thing ever. I could picture every epic event in my mind from this story because of all the amazing detail, it made me feel like I was living in the adventure. If you want to know how Peter became Pan and how James became Hook, you've gotta read this! I've never loved a story as much as this one. It totally captures the epicness of how the awesome legend of Peter Pan started! I absolutely recommend this to everyone- it'll make all people have an amazing attachment to Peter-- and even Hook.
June 5, 2015
This was an amazingly fun read, and only took me so long because I was stuck with schoolwork. I have always harbored sympathy for the notorious Captain Hook, always curious...why was Pan such a little pain in the ass. What did Hook ever do to him? This is a wonderful tale, giving a glimpse into both of the boys lives before Neverland. Adventurous, and heartbreaking, all at the same time, it was a great story to get lost in.
September 5, 2015
Hello,
I just finished this book today, actually started it this morning and had to finish. I loved this book, reading what made Captain Hook what he was. How Peter became a Pan and why he stayed.
Sure it was dark in spots, but what fairy isn't, they are not all Disney movies.
I just finished this book today, actually started it this morning and had to finish. I loved this book, reading what made Captain Hook what he was. How Peter became a Pan and why he stayed.
Sure it was dark in spots, but what fairy isn't, they are not all Disney movies.
January 3, 2015
This book completely changed what I thought of Peter Pan, I loved it!
July 6, 2021
My lowest rating I think ever 2/5. I just did not like it. The main issues were the pacing, the themes and the plot. Honestly I read this book because I really liked "Lost Boys" another retelling of Peter Pan that places him as an antagonist- a truly wild child using other children so he can never grow up and take ownership for himself (1oo% recommend that novel).
This novel did not compare. However there were some positives. I think the characters were good- I did like James and Peter's slow descent into Neverland and what it looked like for each of them. I liked the exploration of James away from Neverland and examples of his good character. I also found it interesting that Peter thought his mother forgot him and wished the author spent more time on that part of his background. Why was he out so late and did he understand what it meant for the window to be barred (like from child snatchers??). Tiger Lily also felt more realised in this novel then most depictions and I did enjoy that the novel gave her a more central role.
However it took a while for the novel to start- part two was where it really became interesting. And as stated above the exploration of James away from Neverland was interesting. I think I would have liked to read more of him in that capacity. Beyond that I'm not sure what the message of this book was. At points it felt very like it was trying to say children should grow up but then it also felt like it was discussing how corrupt adulthood could be. Obviously there is nuance to be had in this dialogue but I do not feel the author achieved that and instead it felt very flip floppy.
I think this also led to the plot feeling all over the place. Almost like it was 3 novels in one. Peter before Neverland, Hook outside of Neverland, and then the Wendy Darling Peter Pan story. I could not tell who I was to root for and why the story was taking this direction.
A 2/5 for and a disappointment.
This novel did not compare. However there were some positives. I think the characters were good- I did like James and Peter's slow descent into Neverland and what it looked like for each of them. I liked the exploration of James away from Neverland and examples of his good character. I also found it interesting that Peter thought his mother forgot him and wished the author spent more time on that part of his background. Why was he out so late and did he understand what it meant for the window to be barred (like from child snatchers??). Tiger Lily also felt more realised in this novel then most depictions and I did enjoy that the novel gave her a more central role.
However it took a while for the novel to start- part two was where it really became interesting. And as stated above the exploration of James away from Neverland was interesting. I think I would have liked to read more of him in that capacity. Beyond that I'm not sure what the message of this book was. At points it felt very like it was trying to say children should grow up but then it also felt like it was discussing how corrupt adulthood could be. Obviously there is nuance to be had in this dialogue but I do not feel the author achieved that and instead it felt very flip floppy.
I think this also led to the plot feeling all over the place. Almost like it was 3 novels in one. Peter before Neverland, Hook outside of Neverland, and then the Wendy Darling Peter Pan story. I could not tell who I was to root for and why the story was taking this direction.
A 2/5 for and a disappointment.
November 18, 2014
A beautiful and haunting tale that uncovers the mystery and history of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Grounded is a mature fairytale that tells the story of how Peter and James, two friends set out on an adventure in a fireworks studded London night, end up in Neverland. The tale takes the reader on an adventure that is thrilling, enchanting, dark, twisted and above all: heartfelt and honest. I love this story, I love that one of my favorite childhood stories has grown up. Reading through the pages of this book is like being on the best of adventures with characters that I come to love with such a vivid and rich texture and imagination. I felt I raced down the cobblestone streets of London, got lost in the gardens, and discovered Neverland and sailed the treacherous seas with Peter and Hook. Grounded is to Peter Pan what Pan's Labyrinth is to Alice in Wonderland; It is a tale written with the heart and honesty of a child and the maturity and intelligence of an adult.
As an added bonus, the book is filled with gorgeous illustrations that further immersed me into the story and the world.
I will now revisit Peter Pan with a much richer understanding and appreciation for Peter and Captain Hook.
I will be re-reading this book over and over whenever I am ready to go back to Neverland.
As an added bonus, the book is filled with gorgeous illustrations that further immersed me into the story and the world.
I will now revisit Peter Pan with a much richer understanding and appreciation for Peter and Captain Hook.
I will be re-reading this book over and over whenever I am ready to go back to Neverland.
April 10, 2015
This is a beautiful and heart breaking re imagining of the story behind Peter Pan and Hook. I can't even start to imagine how hard it must be to embark on writing this re imagination of a story and result in such a fine piece of work.
I was especially touched by Hook's story, this is not the character we have loved to hate in the hundreds of appearances he's had on all sorts of media. This is the story of a boy that had to change into what he becomes in order to survive. You root for him and you understand how he became what he is now. Likewise, you understand Peter Pan and the Lost Boys so this makes for an emotionally complicated story that really touches your foundations.
Don't be mistaken, this is also a very raw and violent take on the two main character's struggles and personal backgrounds, and the author does a fine work in fleshing out often forgotten characters like Tiger Lily or Tinker Bell. This is a story that stays with you for days to come and you kind of wish the author would consider a sequel!
I recommend it and give it Five Stars, it's a must read.
I was especially touched by Hook's story, this is not the character we have loved to hate in the hundreds of appearances he's had on all sorts of media. This is the story of a boy that had to change into what he becomes in order to survive. You root for him and you understand how he became what he is now. Likewise, you understand Peter Pan and the Lost Boys so this makes for an emotionally complicated story that really touches your foundations.
Don't be mistaken, this is also a very raw and violent take on the two main character's struggles and personal backgrounds, and the author does a fine work in fleshing out often forgotten characters like Tiger Lily or Tinker Bell. This is a story that stays with you for days to come and you kind of wish the author would consider a sequel!
I recommend it and give it Five Stars, it's a must read.
November 4, 2015
5/5 stars!
I've loved the story of Pan ever since I was little and when I came across this book it brought back the memories I had of the Pan/Hook story.... Instantly I knew it was a book I wanted to read and I am so so glad that I did.
This story has made me fall in love with Peter Pan all over again. What I wasn't expecting, was to fall in love with Hook also. The writing is perfection, it flows easily and allows for a fast paced read. From the first page 'Grounded' was a captivating, dark and heartfelt story that brought to life a different perspective to a well known and well loved story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Whilst it allowed me the chance to revisit my childhood love for these characters and Neverland, I appreciated the adult interpretation within this story.
I won't give away any spoilers because I highly recommend everyone to go read this wonderful book.... all I will say about the ending, is that I love love LOVED it!! This is definitely a book I'll be rereading for years to come. It was brilliant!
I've loved the story of Pan ever since I was little and when I came across this book it brought back the memories I had of the Pan/Hook story.... Instantly I knew it was a book I wanted to read and I am so so glad that I did.
This story has made me fall in love with Peter Pan all over again. What I wasn't expecting, was to fall in love with Hook also. The writing is perfection, it flows easily and allows for a fast paced read. From the first page 'Grounded' was a captivating, dark and heartfelt story that brought to life a different perspective to a well known and well loved story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Whilst it allowed me the chance to revisit my childhood love for these characters and Neverland, I appreciated the adult interpretation within this story.
I won't give away any spoilers because I highly recommend everyone to go read this wonderful book.... all I will say about the ending, is that I love love LOVED it!! This is definitely a book I'll be rereading for years to come. It was brilliant!
January 6, 2015
If you love Peter Pan as a myth or you just want to enjoy a really good story, this book is for you. I just finished reading it in my Kindle and I'm going to order the paperback edition because I want this book on my shelf. It's really special and touching (and a real tearjerker at some parts!). You'll find yourself not only revisiting the original story but your personal story and memories as well.
(I know that I will be rereading some chapters later because I can't get this story out of my mind!)
(I know that I will be rereading some chapters later because I can't get this story out of my mind!)
January 30, 2015
"Mark my words, Scug! Running away forever is a fool's game. You won't be running for long!"
this was cute. a great idea to give some back story to the meeting of Peter Pan and James (Captain Hook). What fun to think this is how it all started.
But 12 and 13 was a little young for me. Not bad, this story was full of adventure and fun!
this was cute. a great idea to give some back story to the meeting of Peter Pan and James (Captain Hook). What fun to think this is how it all started.
But 12 and 13 was a little young for me. Not bad, this story was full of adventure and fun!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews