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The Book of Hook: A Fairy Never After Book
There was once a boy who wouldn’t grow old. A boy who came to the windows of children yearning for adventure, all too eager to grant it to them. A boy who could breathe magic into a mind otherwise doomed for stodgy, grownup responsibilities and boredom.
Or that’s how the story goes. Reality often bears a darker shade of truth. One thing is for sure; the book she grew up reading got it all wrong. Neverland isn’t all it was written to be.
A warning would have been nice. . .
Or that’s how the story goes. Reality often bears a darker shade of truth. One thing is for sure; the book she grew up reading got it all wrong. Neverland isn’t all it was written to be.
A warning would have been nice. . .
- GenresFantasyRetellings
512 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2020
133 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cook
3 books29 followersI'm 36, married to my high school sweet heart, and I have four kids. Writing is my passion and, as an author, I get to achieve my dreams every day. My life kinda rocks the socks :)
I first realized my passion for writing at the age of 14, when I set out to write my first book. I wrote the entire thing by hand (hand cramps galore!) and finished it at 16. Once it was typed up, the cover hand illustrated by yours truly, I sent it out to several different publishers with high hopes. I was more than a little crest fallen when I received replies that turned me down, or no replies at all. Somehow no one wanted to take a chance on an inexperienced teen aged writer...go figure. ;) But I didn't give up.
It wasn't until I lost the vast number of 'manuscripts in progress' during a cross country move, that I nearly gave up on my writing dreams. I refused to write for years, until my sister and her husband somehow got a hold of my first teen aged manuscript. After reading it, they both poked and prodded until I caved and agreed to start writing again. While it began with me writing simply to appease them, that quickly changed. I'd found my passion for writing once more. I've learned from past mistakes, my writing has matured and taken on new depth. (Something that I hope it continues to do throughout my journey in writing.) Life has a funny way of always working out in the end. It pulls us along with the tide and somehow makes us stronger in the process. 'Edge of Instinct' is my debut novel, in what I hope to be a long writing career.
I first realized my passion for writing at the age of 14, when I set out to write my first book. I wrote the entire thing by hand (hand cramps galore!) and finished it at 16. Once it was typed up, the cover hand illustrated by yours truly, I sent it out to several different publishers with high hopes. I was more than a little crest fallen when I received replies that turned me down, or no replies at all. Somehow no one wanted to take a chance on an inexperienced teen aged writer...go figure. ;) But I didn't give up.
It wasn't until I lost the vast number of 'manuscripts in progress' during a cross country move, that I nearly gave up on my writing dreams. I refused to write for years, until my sister and her husband somehow got a hold of my first teen aged manuscript. After reading it, they both poked and prodded until I caved and agreed to start writing again. While it began with me writing simply to appease them, that quickly changed. I'd found my passion for writing once more. I've learned from past mistakes, my writing has matured and taken on new depth. (Something that I hope it continues to do throughout my journey in writing.) Life has a funny way of always working out in the end. It pulls us along with the tide and somehow makes us stronger in the process. 'Edge of Instinct' is my debut novel, in what I hope to be a long writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 27, 2023
Oh dear. I gotta say I liked this book in the beginning but as it went on.....and on....and on...for nearly 600 pages, I started to skim. I liked the story itself and the ties to the characters but there were too many problems with this book that really distracted me.
For starters,
The main character, Easton, is not only a Mary-Sue; but also a SUPER-sue. She has very few flaws other than bad decision-making. She solves every single problem she runs into, including facing off with a monster and killing it from inside its head. She also gains the respect of the pirates quickly and everyone loves her within a short period of time. She's got a street attitude when she speaks and uses language that should not resonate with Hook or pirates or anyone on Neverland for that matter. It's out of place and silly. Hook also adopts some of this goofy persona as the book carries on which makes this even more out of place. She passes all the tests given to her with flying colors. She gains the respect of the merfolk within three days. She acts tough, fights well, and of course, Hook falls in love with her. Not unusual for a Mary-sue. Honestly, this story could have been put on a more suitable site like fanfiction.net with this caliber of character development.
My next problem,
The dialogue was corny in some parts and the constant use of the word, Vermillion, got on my nerves QUICK. Seriously, just say RED, dammit! I lost count of the number of times this word appeared after 20! It's not necessary. It doesn't make the book any more celestial to call Easton Vermillion butterfly or Vermillion-haired that often. It's pretentious and distracting.
Next,
The amount of info dump and monologuing was ridiculous. I'm ok with details, but I don't see any point in including so many paragraphs of description between dialogue or action sequences. This is where I started to skim. Probably around 450 pages in. It got tedious.
The only thing that could have made this a one-star read is if Easton landed the final blow on the enemy and saved the world. Thankfully, that doesn't happen.
I wish I could have liked this more, but when I read the title 'Book of Hook,' I expect Hook to shine as the main character, not an OC.
For starters,
The main character, Easton, is not only a Mary-Sue; but also a SUPER-sue. She has very few flaws other than bad decision-making. She solves every single problem she runs into, including facing off with a monster and killing it from inside its head. She also gains the respect of the pirates quickly and everyone loves her within a short period of time. She's got a street attitude when she speaks and uses language that should not resonate with Hook or pirates or anyone on Neverland for that matter. It's out of place and silly. Hook also adopts some of this goofy persona as the book carries on which makes this even more out of place. She passes all the tests given to her with flying colors. She gains the respect of the merfolk within three days. She acts tough, fights well, and of course, Hook falls in love with her. Not unusual for a Mary-sue. Honestly, this story could have been put on a more suitable site like fanfiction.net with this caliber of character development.
My next problem,
The dialogue was corny in some parts and the constant use of the word, Vermillion, got on my nerves QUICK. Seriously, just say RED, dammit! I lost count of the number of times this word appeared after 20! It's not necessary. It doesn't make the book any more celestial to call Easton Vermillion butterfly or Vermillion-haired that often. It's pretentious and distracting.
Next,
The amount of info dump and monologuing was ridiculous. I'm ok with details, but I don't see any point in including so many paragraphs of description between dialogue or action sequences. This is where I started to skim. Probably around 450 pages in. It got tedious.
The only thing that could have made this a one-star read is if Easton landed the final blow on the enemy and saved the world. Thankfully, that doesn't happen.
I wish I could have liked this more, but when I read the title 'Book of Hook,' I expect Hook to shine as the main character, not an OC.
June 7, 2022
I want more Hook and Easton
I enjoyed every moment in this book. The beginning was just enough of an introduction into Easton's life to appreciate the journey she embarks upon when she falls into Neverland.
Hook was a tortured leader who has spent countless years fighting against the Fiend, Peter Pan. It has nearly cost Hook his own soul. He is desperately seeking a prophesied weapon that will end the Pan.
A few other characters from the children's story of Neverland also have places within this book, but with different backgrounds than their familiar counterparts.
The interaction between Easton and Hook were charged with so much electrified tension, you'd almost expect the pages of the book (or your electronic reader) to catch fire.
There is so much adventure in this book. There are times where you'll want to scream in frustration at the characters, or laugh or cry with them.
This is a story that belongs in the library of anyone who prefers reading about the infamous Captain Hook over Peter Pan.
I enjoyed every moment in this book. The beginning was just enough of an introduction into Easton's life to appreciate the journey she embarks upon when she falls into Neverland.
Hook was a tortured leader who has spent countless years fighting against the Fiend, Peter Pan. It has nearly cost Hook his own soul. He is desperately seeking a prophesied weapon that will end the Pan.
A few other characters from the children's story of Neverland also have places within this book, but with different backgrounds than their familiar counterparts.
The interaction between Easton and Hook were charged with so much electrified tension, you'd almost expect the pages of the book (or your electronic reader) to catch fire.
There is so much adventure in this book. There are times where you'll want to scream in frustration at the characters, or laugh or cry with them.
This is a story that belongs in the library of anyone who prefers reading about the infamous Captain Hook over Peter Pan.
September 29, 2023
Interesting Retelling
3.5 ⭐, but rounding up.
I am a sucker for Peter Pan retellings. I personally enjoyed that this one took a different approach to most other retellings. I also appreciate the strength of the FMC.
I do think that the dialogue being so dependent on monologues bogged down the story, but some people enjoy that. I'm not one of them, but I understand that there's an audience who does.
3.5 ⭐, but rounding up.
I am a sucker for Peter Pan retellings. I personally enjoyed that this one took a different approach to most other retellings. I also appreciate the strength of the FMC.
I do think that the dialogue being so dependent on monologues bogged down the story, but some people enjoy that. I'm not one of them, but I understand that there's an audience who does.
August 16, 2024
DNF- I could not get through this book at all
May 28, 2022
A Great Retelling
When I first saw the page count I thought this book would take me a long time to read. And then I started. While the first ~100 pages dragged a little, everything ok ked up once Easton made it to Neverland. I loved this retelling so much, and I couldn't put it down. The action was well paced, and the characters were well developed, and Hook was positively swoon worthy. The book could use one more editing pass, but that didn't detract from the story. Would recommend for all lovers of Peter Pan.
When I first saw the page count I thought this book would take me a long time to read. And then I started. While the first ~100 pages dragged a little, everything ok ked up once Easton made it to Neverland. I loved this retelling so much, and I couldn't put it down. The action was well paced, and the characters were well developed, and Hook was positively swoon worthy. The book could use one more editing pass, but that didn't detract from the story. Would recommend for all lovers of Peter Pan.
July 10, 2022
Great read, couldn't put it down!
Great storyline, unique twist and I finished within a few days because I couldn't stop reading it! I didn't want it to end so soon.
Great storyline, unique twist and I finished within a few days because I couldn't stop reading it! I didn't want it to end so soon.
June 20, 2023
Unexpectedly amazing.
July 20, 2023
Loved this book! Need more Easton and Hook!
December 26, 2020
This Retelling
This retelling of Neverland is one you haven't read before.
What if Peter Pan was the bad guy and Captain Hook did his absolute best to save Neverland from his clutches and Wendy wasn't the maiden Peter took from Earth but was his "only" love.
Hook has one mission and that is to save Wonderland from Peter, he is the last of the Hooks and has been working for he doesn't know how long to defeat Peter.
On Earth a girl finds herself obsessed with a book about Peter Pan and doesnt has a clue why, she needs the book like she needs air to breath. And then in a struggle she's somewhere she never thought possible.
What will she do?
This book is AMAZING! A must read and one you should share with EVERYONE.
This retelling of Neverland is one you haven't read before.
What if Peter Pan was the bad guy and Captain Hook did his absolute best to save Neverland from his clutches and Wendy wasn't the maiden Peter took from Earth but was his "only" love.
Hook has one mission and that is to save Wonderland from Peter, he is the last of the Hooks and has been working for he doesn't know how long to defeat Peter.
On Earth a girl finds herself obsessed with a book about Peter Pan and doesnt has a clue why, she needs the book like she needs air to breath. And then in a struggle she's somewhere she never thought possible.
What will she do?
This book is AMAZING! A must read and one you should share with EVERYONE.
August 9, 2022
HOOK
This book is a nice little retelling of hook, and just maybe he isn’t the villian everyone thought him to be. I rather enjoyed this story the beginning was a little slow but once E got into neverland the story really kicked off from there and I found myself breezing through it. I loved hook in this story. You will not regret adding this book to your collection of your a huge fan of retellings as much as I am.
This book is a nice little retelling of hook, and just maybe he isn’t the villian everyone thought him to be. I rather enjoyed this story the beginning was a little slow but once E got into neverland the story really kicked off from there and I found myself breezing through it. I loved hook in this story. You will not regret adding this book to your collection of your a huge fan of retellings as much as I am.
September 14, 2022
Best fairy tale ever!
I've always been a little bit creeped out about the traditional story of Peter Pan. Peter was always creepy to me. This new take on the story was not disappointing. Ms. Cook's world bui!ding, and storytelling was a fun adventure. I have a new appreciation of devilish pirates. I have always wanted to have curly red hair like my best friend. This story just reinforced my wish. Chuckles.
I've always been a little bit creeped out about the traditional story of Peter Pan. Peter was always creepy to me. This new take on the story was not disappointing. Ms. Cook's world bui!ding, and storytelling was a fun adventure. I have a new appreciation of devilish pirates. I have always wanted to have curly red hair like my best friend. This story just reinforced my wish. Chuckles.
November 30, 2022
Good story but a struggle
It was a very good story and I adore Hook. Honestly it was just too damn long. I found myself skimming parts that were over detailed. The internal monolog and over explanations of a lot of parts had me putting the book down a time or two. Over all I like it though.
It was a very good story and I adore Hook. Honestly it was just too damn long. I found myself skimming parts that were over detailed. The internal monolog and over explanations of a lot of parts had me putting the book down a time or two. Over all I like it though.
January 24, 2023
Uh it was ok I would have rated it more stars but when hook was talking about marrying the mermaid Easton is outraged he married at 15 and hook justified it saying interesting you waste your best years before you marry? Like wtf is this author promoting child marriage? Idk that line left a bad taste in my mouth. I also agree the characters leave much to be desired and it draggggggssssssss
December 14, 2023
Not what I thought
It started off slow, stayed slow, and ended okay. The characters seemed to have recycled conversations and the characters dialogue wasnt all that great. I liked the storyline itself, I just think more could be added to it and written in different wording to get a better way to portray the story in your head
It started off slow, stayed slow, and ended okay. The characters seemed to have recycled conversations and the characters dialogue wasnt all that great. I liked the storyline itself, I just think more could be added to it and written in different wording to get a better way to portray the story in your head
March 15, 2024
I don't even know where to start. This book is absolutely perfection. Want adventure? got it. Want characters you can relate to? got it. Want romance? got it. This book has got to be my favorite book ever. I may or may not have cried. I just absolutely loved this book. The character development is beautiful. The twists and turns at the end are just perfection. Please read this book!
August 2, 2022
loved this book
E was awesome and hook was just as wonderful . I would love to read more of these two or anyone in this tale
E was awesome and hook was just as wonderful . I would love to read more of these two or anyone in this tale
September 17, 2022
Loved it!!!!!
I love this reimagining of Peter Pan. Especially since like Easton, I was alway more of a fan of Captain Hook than Peter Pan.
I love this reimagining of Peter Pan. Especially since like Easton, I was alway more of a fan of Captain Hook than Peter Pan.
November 20, 2022
A fun and clever take on Peter Pan with Hook as the hero and Pan the villain. A light read. A bit of insta love. I enjoyed their adventures though.
November 24, 2022
Interesting take on the Pan story. No sexytimes, romance jumps from tension to sappy quickly.
December 3, 2022
must read
So captivating, exciting, mild romance .. keeps you in the edge of Your seat and you won’t want to put it down
So captivating, exciting, mild romance .. keeps you in the edge of Your seat and you won’t want to put it down
June 4, 2023
I completely devoured this book! Love all the twists throughout the story. By far one of my favorite retellings!
April 13, 2024
The book that finally sucked me back in to read cause I simply had to finish it.
May 11, 2025
DNF, too cheesy
August 1, 2025
No spice but boy was that plot thicc
January 24, 2024
Not a fan. It was extremely detailed and went on and on. The romance build was slow and when it finally happened, it was meh. Very disappointing.
January 1, 2023
I tried. I really tried. I got 50% of the way through before I could not read another single page. The protagonist is the most Mary Sue character I have ever read. She has no faults besides being afraid of raptors (??), which is extremely random and seems like a fault to give her just for the sake of giving her one. Really disappointing storyline and even more disappointing characters.
April 22, 2024
More E & Ian needed!
4.5/5.
A fun, cozy retelling of Peter Pan where Peter is the fiend & Hook is the dashing (but perfectly haunted) hero hiding a heart of gold.
The world-building in the book is incredible, and the spins on the original story & characters are clever and surprising. While the book isn’t perfectly edited (some misspellings and small grammatical bits), the fast-paced, compelling story certainly makes up for it. It had me rooting for Easton, Ian and the fate of Neverland ‘til the last page.
I would gobble up more of E & Ian’s adventures in a heartbeat if given the chance!
4.5/5.
A fun, cozy retelling of Peter Pan where Peter is the fiend & Hook is the dashing (but perfectly haunted) hero hiding a heart of gold.
The world-building in the book is incredible, and the spins on the original story & characters are clever and surprising. While the book isn’t perfectly edited (some misspellings and small grammatical bits), the fast-paced, compelling story certainly makes up for it. It had me rooting for Easton, Ian and the fate of Neverland ‘til the last page.
I would gobble up more of E & Ian’s adventures in a heartbeat if given the chance!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews