What do you think?
Rate this book
Curses of Never #0.5
A Dance with the Devil
In one night, I lost everything.
My ship, my crew, my freedom, and nearly my life—but none of it hurt as much as losing my lover Scarlett. Her scorned fiancé now holds her captive, and unless I do something, she’ll be forced to marry the devil within a week. Remaining undetected with a curse eating me alive proves damn near impossible, but at least our plan was simple: get in, get Scarlett, and get out. There’s only one obstacle.
Her.
Scarlett planned this, from her capture to my escape. She’s exactly where she wants to be, and it’s for more than just revenge—if she plays her cards right, she’ll obtain what we’ve been after for years, breaking our curse and freeing our souls.
It all hinges on a Nochebuena ball, and a single dance.
If only that dance wasn’t with the Devil.
A Dance with the Devil is a short, fast-paced prequel to the Curses of Never Series: dark fantasy retellings inspired by Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid. Perfect for fans of Black Sails and Pirates of the Caribbean, these LGBTQ+ friendly adult reimaginings are filled to the brim with monsters, magic, and pirates. This installment contains language, violence, and explicit sexual content.
My ship, my crew, my freedom, and nearly my life—but none of it hurt as much as losing my lover Scarlett. Her scorned fiancé now holds her captive, and unless I do something, she’ll be forced to marry the devil within a week. Remaining undetected with a curse eating me alive proves damn near impossible, but at least our plan was simple: get in, get Scarlett, and get out. There’s only one obstacle.
Her.
Scarlett planned this, from her capture to my escape. She’s exactly where she wants to be, and it’s for more than just revenge—if she plays her cards right, she’ll obtain what we’ve been after for years, breaking our curse and freeing our souls.
It all hinges on a Nochebuena ball, and a single dance.
If only that dance wasn’t with the Devil.
A Dance with the Devil is a short, fast-paced prequel to the Curses of Never Series: dark fantasy retellings inspired by Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid. Perfect for fans of Black Sails and Pirates of the Caribbean, these LGBTQ+ friendly adult reimaginings are filled to the brim with monsters, magic, and pirates. This installment contains language, violence, and explicit sexual content.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2022
29 people are currently reading
2401 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Davennor
17 books331 followersRaelynn Davennor writes fantasy romance and fairytale retellings—usually of the darker variety—and is the author of the Curses of Never and The Phantom of Notre Dame series, both of which became viral BookTok hits.
She is known for her diverse and morally complex characters, as well as her ability to craft heart-wrenching plots that explore heavy themes. While she is a firm believer that light cannot be fully appreciated without first traveling through heaps of darkness, Raelynn always ensures that her characters find their well-deserved happily ever afters—especially the LGBT+ ones.
When not obsessing over her latest idea, she enjoys pampering her menagerie of pets and pretending she isn’t an adult.
She is known for her diverse and morally complex characters, as well as her ability to craft heart-wrenching plots that explore heavy themes. While she is a firm believer that light cannot be fully appreciated without first traveling through heaps of darkness, Raelynn always ensures that her characters find their well-deserved happily ever afters—especially the LGBT+ ones.
When not obsessing over her latest idea, she enjoys pampering her menagerie of pets and pretending she isn’t an adult.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 3, 2022
Hook has lost everything including his lover Scarlett after she was captured by her ex-fiance. But he plans on getting her back, the problem is she's got her own plans, and she's playing them out to hopefully break the curse that has plagued them.
Davennor is one of the best authors at reinventing fairy tales. This story was a fantastic read and keeps you invested the whole way through. Hook and Scarlett's story is so interesting and has a few twists to it. Scarlett's plan was well thought and just made me love her character even more to see what she planned.
Davennor is one of the best authors at reinventing fairy tales. This story was a fantastic read and keeps you invested the whole way through. Hook and Scarlett's story is so interesting and has a few twists to it. Scarlett's plan was well thought and just made me love her character even more to see what she planned.
June 22, 2022
I said it more often, but since not everyone probably reads every review I write (I don't blame you) I will happily repeat it: If you want me to read your book, just make sure it's set in Neverland or Wonderland and we'll be fine. After loving the first book in the series, I was very curious about the prequel and I was glad I could find an arc on BookSirens.
This prequel is for sure action-packed from start to finish. We're thrown right into the action, while we slowly find out what has happened to have our dear captain end up in this awkward mess, and there is actually constantly something going on until the very last word. That sometimes makes it a little overwhelming, but at least there is no chance to grow bored.
Since the book is so focussed on the action, there is less time to really get a personal bond with the characters. I would therefore recommend reading the first book before reading the prequel, since the characters starring in this book appear there and in the first book there is a little more time for emotions, character growth and calm moments.
Not that there are no emotions in this book. There were actually quite a lot and I loved how the passion, love and fire was so vivid and how painful it was to see the captain being disappointed and heartbroken over and over again. Since I read the the first book I already knew where this one would end, but it was a lovely ride to experience!
This prequel is for sure action-packed from start to finish. We're thrown right into the action, while we slowly find out what has happened to have our dear captain end up in this awkward mess, and there is actually constantly something going on until the very last word. That sometimes makes it a little overwhelming, but at least there is no chance to grow bored.
Since the book is so focussed on the action, there is less time to really get a personal bond with the characters. I would therefore recommend reading the first book before reading the prequel, since the characters starring in this book appear there and in the first book there is a little more time for emotions, character growth and calm moments.
Not that there are no emotions in this book. There were actually quite a lot and I loved how the passion, love and fire was so vivid and how painful it was to see the captain being disappointed and heartbroken over and over again. Since I read the the first book I already knew where this one would end, but it was a lovely ride to experience!
April 24, 2022
Heartbreakingly cruel and cunningly confounding.
What a rollercoaster of emotions this has been, I kept getting whiplash 😵💫
" I can step into the dark. I can follow you blindly. I would kill—I have killed—for you. But how can I leap off a cliff if I don’t know you’re at the bottom to catch me? "
I asked for more Cedric, and more Cedric I was given, oh lordy 🥹🙌🏼
Although this version of Cedric was more raw and unhinged compared to how we were introduced to him in A Land of Never After, in which he was fully composed and much colder.
This story had Cedric — and hence, myself — zigzagging through trust and distrust, hope and heartache, betrayal and revelation. Even I didn't know who to believe; what was real or swindle. I was just as lost as Cedric was, so I can definitely understand his insanely misguided and reckless reactions (and there I was, laughing in the background every time he made a stupid decision 😂)
. . . And here I am, falling more in love with that pirate anyway 🤧
Scarlett, on the other hand, is such a devious, ingenious creature, and completely unapologetic that she terrified me 😳
Elvira is really starting to grow on me as well . . .
" The day I ‘sit like a lady’ is the day hell freezes over. "
She's so badass 🔥
The featured song "The Wayward Storm" gave me chills 😯
I loved the twist of being able to communicate with sirens too, that was very interesting.
I am also horrified by the sudden appearance of Jamie . . . that zombie bastard is a madman I'd rather never see again 🫣
ALSO, ALSO . . .
Christmas on a pirate ship . . . . . I have never— Why do I find that so adorable??? 🥹🎄🏴☠️
This novella offering a little glimpse of Captain Hook stubbornly and madly in love, albeit an entirely frustrating week for him, was a rather entertaining read ^_^✨
I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2022
"I became what you fought so hard to escape"
A dance with the devil is the prequel story of Cedric Teach and Scarlett Maynard. I had read a Land of Never After before this and was desperate for more from the series so to have this small novella was amazing.
It was so great to see Cedric's life before he met Wendy and see just how much Scarlett meant to him. Once again the writing is fantastic, and the story is engrossing and fast flowing with action in every of the six chapters. It was also great to see how Elvira and Cedric's bond has always been so close, but was strengthened in the lead up to ALONA. additionally I loved the inclusion of women not being damsel in distresses, Scarlett's character was very well written as a women who can handle her own, promoting women empowerment, and demanding to not be in the control of men.
Once again the author has included an accompanying symphony called "A Wayward Storm" which is another masterpiece of music, I honestly cannot wait to read the next book, and hopefully have another soundtrack to listen aside! Seriously after the events of both these books I am really intrigued to see where Scarlet's character is going to go, because there were times in this novella I loved her and other times I just couldn't work out her loyalty and I was mad at her!
There wasn’t much development on the “villain” in this story, Captain Ruiz, but with the direction the story took I realised he wasn’t the main plot point for the story, it was more about the developing main characters and relationships, and I feel like this was more of a world/character build for future books. The Curses of Never are quickly becoming one of my favourite series, and "A Sea of Eternal Woe: A Little Mermaid Retelling" is easily one of my anticipated 2022 releases!
TW: Profanity and Descriptive Sexual Scenes
A dance with the devil is the prequel story of Cedric Teach and Scarlett Maynard. I had read a Land of Never After before this and was desperate for more from the series so to have this small novella was amazing.
It was so great to see Cedric's life before he met Wendy and see just how much Scarlett meant to him. Once again the writing is fantastic, and the story is engrossing and fast flowing with action in every of the six chapters. It was also great to see how Elvira and Cedric's bond has always been so close, but was strengthened in the lead up to ALONA. additionally I loved the inclusion of women not being damsel in distresses, Scarlett's character was very well written as a women who can handle her own, promoting women empowerment, and demanding to not be in the control of men.
Once again the author has included an accompanying symphony called "A Wayward Storm" which is another masterpiece of music, I honestly cannot wait to read the next book, and hopefully have another soundtrack to listen aside! Seriously after the events of both these books I am really intrigued to see where Scarlet's character is going to go, because there were times in this novella I loved her and other times I just couldn't work out her loyalty and I was mad at her!
There wasn’t much development on the “villain” in this story, Captain Ruiz, but with the direction the story took I realised he wasn’t the main plot point for the story, it was more about the developing main characters and relationships, and I feel like this was more of a world/character build for future books. The Curses of Never are quickly becoming one of my favourite series, and "A Sea of Eternal Woe: A Little Mermaid Retelling" is easily one of my anticipated 2022 releases!
TW: Profanity and Descriptive Sexual Scenes
March 30, 2022
Cedric has lost everything he’s ever cared about, but none of that compares to the loss of Scarlett, the woman he’s in love with. He’s willing to do anything to get her back, even embark on the most dangerous mission he’s ever been on yet. But Scarlett has secrets, secrets that could destroy them both…
Okay, so I actually really liked this novella! Davennor writes highly enjoyable dark fantasy, and I loved learning more about Cedric, Scarlett, Elvira, etc., especially since their characters are shrouded in mystery in “A Land of Never After.” The constant betrayal was a little confusing, but other than that, this novella was amazing. Scarlett was my favorite because she’s not some delicate little flower; she is smart, capable, and can clearly hold her own in a fight. All in all, Davennor has truly created a complex and magical world with this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!!!
Okay, so I actually really liked this novella! Davennor writes highly enjoyable dark fantasy, and I loved learning more about Cedric, Scarlett, Elvira, etc., especially since their characters are shrouded in mystery in “A Land of Never After.” The constant betrayal was a little confusing, but other than that, this novella was amazing. Scarlett was my favorite because she’s not some delicate little flower; she is smart, capable, and can clearly hold her own in a fight. All in all, Davennor has truly created a complex and magical world with this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!!!
February 7, 2022
Well I have to read the first book in the series now, because I enjoyed this. I wish it wasn't just a novella, there's so much more i wanna know about the characters before what happened Alina the beginning, but Im assuming there's more of them in the next book. I've been wanting to read more ebooks with pirates and this was a welcome change of pace from all the fantasy I read. Scarlett was awesome, another badass woman. Her reason for being mad at Cedric was justified. I would be pissed too in her situation. Cedric could have seriously been a alphahole but he wasn't and I was glad cuz I feel like her previous guy would be one. I really wanna know more about Elvira cuz she was another badass and have zero shits about things. Overally, a great quick read that i wish was actually a bit longer.
March 30, 2022
Davennor is really becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her retellings. This book is the prequel to the Curses of Never series and it was such an eye opener into this world. I’m happy she wrote this.
To get more of a backstory on Cedric (Hook) was great. To be able to see how much he cared for Scarlett and to see his relationship with Elvira left me wanting so much more. I loved reading how these characters developed even more in this novella. It’s setting the stage for one amazing series. The twists and turns I didn’t see coming at all.
Can’t wait for A Sea of Eternal Woe to come out and see exactly what direction this series is going in. A great novella to this series.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
To get more of a backstory on Cedric (Hook) was great. To be able to see how much he cared for Scarlett and to see his relationship with Elvira left me wanting so much more. I loved reading how these characters developed even more in this novella. It’s setting the stage for one amazing series. The twists and turns I didn’t see coming at all.
Can’t wait for A Sea of Eternal Woe to come out and see exactly what direction this series is going in. A great novella to this series.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
March 31, 2022
It was pretty intense, a fast-paced and strategic short story to give a glimpse of what happened to 'The Crow and The Serpent'. If you are planning to read “A Land Of Never After” then you must read this first, it will help with the understanding of the characters when they come to play in the book. I loved how the situation turned out in this one and the title itself has a strong significance in the story. After reading Book one and then this book zero, I want more of Cedric and Scarlett, they deserve one broad story for themselves. Their characters were intriguing and the events of their life more adventurous and saddening at the same time.
May 14, 2023
It was really nice to read a prequel about Ced, Elvira, Scarlett and the others, it gives more depth to the main story even though it's just a short story. Scarlett really scared the hell out of me on multiple occasions, but at the same time the twists and turns in the story do a great job at keeping you on the edge of your seat. So if you've read A Land of Never After, I'd definitely recommend you check out this book too.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
March 24, 2022
*Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very fast paced prequel story. I read it very quick. I liked the different twists and turns the story took and I look forward to reading the next book. I really enjoy adult retellings of Peter Pan and fairytales. I only wish this had been longer!
This was a very fast paced prequel story. I read it very quick. I liked the different twists and turns the story took and I look forward to reading the next book. I really enjoy adult retellings of Peter Pan and fairytales. I only wish this had been longer!
March 8, 2022
This was a fun introduction to this world and definitely let me curious as to what comes next. I'll for sure be checking out The Land of Never After soon!
March 19, 2022
I liked the fantasy element and the characters. I was a little confused with the frequent betrayals and nope, not a betrayal plot twists, but overall, I liked the book!
April 1, 2022
This was interesting to read.
I enjoyed that is was a short story.
I enjoyed that is was a short story.
March 16, 2024
I have to admit I was a little lost (no pun intended) most of the time. The book could've been a little longer in my opinion to make room for a little more explanation and maybe even backstory. You get thrown right into the story from the start and Scarlett's plan could've been explained a little more (especially to Cedric). I'm very excited to read the rest of the Curses of Never books though, especially with an ending like that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
This is such a good prequel, I am immediately jumping into book 1. It does say book 1 is 16 years later, so I am curious to see who all is still around or what all has changed. But this definitely was good and I flip-flopped on whether Scarlett was a bad guy or not for most of the book. Definitely recommend!
August 22, 2023
3 stars = just ok. Short novella. Hoping the first actual book is better. I struggled getting into this. The main male character is somewhat wimpy (for lack of a better word). Hopefully he puts his big boy pants on in the main story,
June 19, 2022
This was a nice intro to a story that seems loosely based on the Peter Pan story introducing the reader to the pirates and a need to find Neverland. The story also has some steamy romance sections.
September 13, 2022
Well written and well paced. I really enjoyed the siren ties and lore with the songs. Can't wait to continue the series!
June 10, 2022
I am so enthralled with this series and it’s uniqueness. The story to me is both exciting and thrilling while also being a comfort read due to involving characters I’ve known my whole life.
Cedric is an amazingly dimensional character and just when I thought I had him figured out he would do or say something to remind me how complex he is. This is the first interaction for me for Scarlet and to say that I’m excited to learn more about her and her journey is an understatement. I can’t get enough of this dark and twisty take and am ready to dive into WOE
Cedric is an amazingly dimensional character and just when I thought I had him figured out he would do or say something to remind me how complex he is. This is the first interaction for me for Scarlet and to say that I’m excited to learn more about her and her journey is an understatement. I can’t get enough of this dark and twisty take and am ready to dive into WOE
October 10, 2022
Incredible read! Honestly wish it was longer as I just couldn’t put it down!
March 22, 2022
"I can step into the dark. I can follow you blindly. I would kill-I have killed-for you. But how can I leap off a cliff if I don't know you're at the bottom to catch me?"
A Dance With The Devil is a novella, prequel to the Curses of Never series. It follows Cedric aka Hook, who happens to be my FAVORITE character of Davennor's. This book is a quick read that will leave you begging to find out what happens to the characters. It's hot and stabby and all the things I love about fantasy. Highly recommended if you like bad ass characters with the tendency to murder, maim, and mouth off!
As always, great job by R. L. Davennor! I can't wait to see what happens in book two of the Curses of Never series!
A Dance With The Devil is a novella, prequel to the Curses of Never series. It follows Cedric aka Hook, who happens to be my FAVORITE character of Davennor's. This book is a quick read that will leave you begging to find out what happens to the characters. It's hot and stabby and all the things I love about fantasy. Highly recommended if you like bad ass characters with the tendency to murder, maim, and mouth off!
As always, great job by R. L. Davennor! I can't wait to see what happens in book two of the Curses of Never series!
June 10, 2022
Dark Fantasy ✅
Peter Pan Retelling ✅
Pirates ✅
Strong Female Characters ✅
Curses ✅
Sirens ✅
Revenge ✅
Twist & Turns ✅
Distrust & Hope ✅
I had saved this book on my favorites tab on booktok so when I seen the arc opportunity was presented to me on Booksirens, I just had to jump right in.
A Dance with the Devil is the prequel to the Curses of Never series by R.L Davennor. A short very quick fast paced dark fantasy novella. In the prequel we meet a younger Cedric “Captain Hook” who was full of raw emotions from hope, love, longing, jealousy, distrust..etc.
While his lover Scarlett was a mastermind plotter, devious and did what she had to without apologizing.
Cedric wakes up chained up and beaten. As his sister Elvira comes to rescue he finds out he lost everything:
his crew,
His ship
His freedom
medallion that keeps his curse at bay. But nothing hurt him as much as losing his lover Scarlett.
Kidnapped by her supposed fiance and being held hostage until her forced marriage to him.
Cedric sets out on a mission to get her back. Until secrets start to reveal themselves.
Scarlett is not a hostage? She wants to marry the enemy? She planned the attack on his crew? Betrayal?
Scarlett asks him to trust her but every action tells him he shouldn’t.
I have to be honest, I felt betrayed by Scarlett a few times. I was on edge. Cedric was soft and emotional. But despite what others may think..i love it. It shows a time when Captain Hook was different before becoming cold. Something had to show why he was led down that path..right?
But what if Scarlet did all of this ..not to betray him but for love. To get back the last medallion piece that could break their curse and set them free.
The twist and turns just get you into it. The strong female characters were amazing.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksirens , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Peter Pan Retelling ✅
Pirates ✅
Strong Female Characters ✅
Curses ✅
Sirens ✅
Revenge ✅
Twist & Turns ✅
Distrust & Hope ✅
I had saved this book on my favorites tab on booktok so when I seen the arc opportunity was presented to me on Booksirens, I just had to jump right in.
A Dance with the Devil is the prequel to the Curses of Never series by R.L Davennor. A short very quick fast paced dark fantasy novella. In the prequel we meet a younger Cedric “Captain Hook” who was full of raw emotions from hope, love, longing, jealousy, distrust..etc.
While his lover Scarlett was a mastermind plotter, devious and did what she had to without apologizing.
Cedric wakes up chained up and beaten. As his sister Elvira comes to rescue he finds out he lost everything:
his crew,
His ship
His freedom
medallion that keeps his curse at bay. But nothing hurt him as much as losing his lover Scarlett.
Kidnapped by her supposed fiance and being held hostage until her forced marriage to him.
Cedric sets out on a mission to get her back. Until secrets start to reveal themselves.
Scarlett is not a hostage? She wants to marry the enemy? She planned the attack on his crew? Betrayal?
Scarlett asks him to trust her but every action tells him he shouldn’t.
I have to be honest, I felt betrayed by Scarlett a few times. I was on edge. Cedric was soft and emotional. But despite what others may think..i love it. It shows a time when Captain Hook was different before becoming cold. Something had to show why he was led down that path..right?
But what if Scarlet did all of this ..not to betray him but for love. To get back the last medallion piece that could break their curse and set them free.
The twist and turns just get you into it. The strong female characters were amazing.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksirens , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2022
To say I jumped into this series completely blind would be a little bit of an understatement. I saw half a Tiktok and was immediately at the authors website buying books. I was sold at "Peter Pan retelling" not really caring it was a bit more than that. It's Peter Pan and Little Mermaid with a heavy dose of Pirates of the Caribbean inspiration.
Cedric is having a bad day. Or rather a really bad week. He wakes up in a cell to water (he hopes) dripping on his face. His love is gone. His ship is gone. His crew if probably dead. And most importantly, the keys to breaking his curse have been taken along with all of it.
So much happens in this teeny tiny book, it's not even a hundred pages and it is packed to the brim with action, not to mention romance that will make your toes curl. Cedric is the morally grey pirate sent straight to us from wherever we find them. I can absolutely see why people demanded more of him, and I haven't even read book one yet. To say I am smitten with this world and these characters already is an understatement.
I am glad I read this first, instead of in the publishing order. How we go from the end of this and into the official beginning of the series has me so intrigued...it was the perfect introduction.
I love Neverland so much I have it tattooed on me, second star to the right and straight on 'til morning. But this Neverland is dark and twisty and I am here for it.
Cedric is having a bad day. Or rather a really bad week. He wakes up in a cell to water (he hopes) dripping on his face. His love is gone. His ship is gone. His crew if probably dead. And most importantly, the keys to breaking his curse have been taken along with all of it.
So much happens in this teeny tiny book, it's not even a hundred pages and it is packed to the brim with action, not to mention romance that will make your toes curl. Cedric is the morally grey pirate sent straight to us from wherever we find them. I can absolutely see why people demanded more of him, and I haven't even read book one yet. To say I am smitten with this world and these characters already is an understatement.
I am glad I read this first, instead of in the publishing order. How we go from the end of this and into the official beginning of the series has me so intrigued...it was the perfect introduction.
I love Neverland so much I have it tattooed on me, second star to the right and straight on 'til morning. But this Neverland is dark and twisty and I am here for it.
August 25, 2022
First of all, thank you to the author for sharing this prequel novella with me through her newsletter (Subscribe people because she is worth it!!)
“To the Crow. One day, very soon, you’ll find your wings”
“Scarlett, with mere words, could ruin me, and that was agony I simply wasn’t prepared for”
I’m a bit biased while writing this review because I’ve already read both book one (A Land of Never After) and book (A Sea of Eternal Woe) before exploring this novella!!
And I’m also biased because, not only I do love them more than life, but I also because I’m in love with Cedric, and the author herself told me to look more into this one … AND SHE WAS RIGHT !!!
I absolutely loved this short story about Cedric and Scarlett’s past !!!
While Cedric’s character is more than a bit twisted and complicated, if there’s something I never had any doubts on, it’s is love for Scarlett and the amount of things he would have been ready to do for her.
Their relationship is a little messed up but that’s the beauty of it!!!
I loved every second of reading this short story and I honestly hope that we’re gonna hear more about them in book three in the Curses of Never After series !!!
“Second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning,
Follow the fairies and heed my warning:
Once and for all, we’ll see who wins
Where After ends and Never begins”
“To the Crow. One day, very soon, you’ll find your wings”
“Scarlett, with mere words, could ruin me, and that was agony I simply wasn’t prepared for”
I’m a bit biased while writing this review because I’ve already read both book one (A Land of Never After) and book (A Sea of Eternal Woe) before exploring this novella!!
And I’m also biased because, not only I do love them more than life, but I also because I’m in love with Cedric, and the author herself told me to look more into this one … AND SHE WAS RIGHT !!!
I absolutely loved this short story about Cedric and Scarlett’s past !!!
While Cedric’s character is more than a bit twisted and complicated, if there’s something I never had any doubts on, it’s is love for Scarlett and the amount of things he would have been ready to do for her.
Their relationship is a little messed up but that’s the beauty of it!!!
I loved every second of reading this short story and I honestly hope that we’re gonna hear more about them in book three in the Curses of Never After series !!!
“Second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning,
Follow the fairies and heed my warning:
Once and for all, we’ll see who wins
Where After ends and Never begins”
May 25, 2025
The adult scenes felt written by someone who hasn’t ever done the deed before.
The curse on the characters was a bit confusing too and not really explained in a way that was clear to understand. Maybe the story was just distracting enough to convolute it and make it hard to follow along with who had what and why and if it could be prevented.
Male lead cries *a lot* and doesn’t trust his love interest which is how they keep falling into the same problems. I’d dump this guy so fast. Nothing about their love seems genuine and honestly she’s carrying the entire weight of the relationship. She’s gonna wake up and realize she’s stronger than him and that he’s using her as an anchor. Why would you want someone who is hoping you in place? Be free!
I guess for a prequel it at least explains how a few characters are who they are in the retelling. Having to use google translate a few times to translate parts of the book so I wasn’t as confused as the male lead was an interesting action I had to take as well. Hoping a land of never after is a tad bit better.
This gets a 2 star because 1 stars just feels insulting to books I at least partially enjoyed. And I did enjoy this book, partially.
The curse on the characters was a bit confusing too and not really explained in a way that was clear to understand. Maybe the story was just distracting enough to convolute it and make it hard to follow along with who had what and why and if it could be prevented.
Male lead cries *a lot* and doesn’t trust his love interest which is how they keep falling into the same problems. I’d dump this guy so fast. Nothing about their love seems genuine and honestly she’s carrying the entire weight of the relationship. She’s gonna wake up and realize she’s stronger than him and that he’s using her as an anchor. Why would you want someone who is hoping you in place? Be free!
I guess for a prequel it at least explains how a few characters are who they are in the retelling. Having to use google translate a few times to translate parts of the book so I wasn’t as confused as the male lead was an interesting action I had to take as well. Hoping a land of never after is a tad bit better.
This gets a 2 star because 1 stars just feels insulting to books I at least partially enjoyed. And I did enjoy this book, partially.
May 5, 2022
I loved the idea of this book: "a dark fantasy retelling of Peter Pan and the Little Mermaid" and that's what drew initially drew me to it. While it really lived up to the dark fantasy aspect, I think the plot would have benefited more from a slower pace. As a prequel to the series, I was expecting more world-building, depth to the characters' backstories and knowledge of the origins of the curse. I did love that all the female characters were not depicted as damsels in distress. Scarlett (Ariel) was the real hero of the story alongside Elvira (Hook's sister). I found Hook's character to be a bit "soft" (not reflective of the stereotypical pirate character portrayed in media) which was great but this caused him to spoil the crew's plans a lot. I loved the role reversal of the typical male and female characters as it brought out many good plot twists that I did enjoy. Overall, I ended up loving the idea of the book more than the story itself as I felt it didn't give me enough information to fully draw me into the world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2022
I cackled my way through this book LOL. I know I know, Cedric is going through his dumb@$$ phase and that will probably annoy a lot of people (and me too, mildly) but given I know where he is going, I just couldn’t help but laugh. Characters need to start somewhere and go through the growing pains you know? I’m a real big believer in the process, they can’t all start out amazing or we just wouldn’t love them as hard. Also - Hi Elvira, you’re a freaking mood LOL. I absolutely cannot wait to see more of her in Woe.
Some notes on this series/author as a whole: I really appreciate these books and this author for the sole fact that her books absolutely fit a certain mood of mine and I know I can pick one up and read it and feel perfectly safe and good while doing it. I’m a huge mood reader and I love fantasy but when I get grumpy, super magical and happy fantasy is not my friend. I need dark fantasy with lots of brooding and banter dripping in sarcasm that I can laugh at inappropriately and not feel bad about it LOL. And most importantly, if I wanna wallow in the grumpy - it lets me. That’s what this is for me and I love it and of course, I appreciate the author very very much.
Some notes on this series/author as a whole: I really appreciate these books and this author for the sole fact that her books absolutely fit a certain mood of mine and I know I can pick one up and read it and feel perfectly safe and good while doing it. I’m a huge mood reader and I love fantasy but when I get grumpy, super magical and happy fantasy is not my friend. I need dark fantasy with lots of brooding and banter dripping in sarcasm that I can laugh at inappropriately and not feel bad about it LOL. And most importantly, if I wanna wallow in the grumpy - it lets me. That’s what this is for me and I love it and of course, I appreciate the author very very much.
August 28, 2022
Even though this is a prequel, I would recommend reading this after A Land of Never After. You can read this first, but I like starting with Wendy's POV then doing a flashback. (Plus this one is more NA while ALoNA is definitely more YA).
Cedric's life is upended when he loses his crew, his love, and nearly loses his life. His sister tells him that Scarlett has a plan, but Cedric starts to wonder if his love is conning her ex-fiancé or him.
All in all, an exciting glimpse into the backstory of a few important characters. I can't wait to see what happens to them in A Sea of Eternal Woe!
Also, if you sign up for the author's newsletter, you can get this novella! (This is actually the only way to get the ebook version).
Cedric's life is upended when he loses his crew, his love, and nearly loses his life. His sister tells him that Scarlett has a plan, but Cedric starts to wonder if his love is conning her ex-fiancé or him.
All in all, an exciting glimpse into the backstory of a few important characters. I can't wait to see what happens to them in A Sea of Eternal Woe!
Also, if you sign up for the author's newsletter, you can get this novella! (This is actually the only way to get the ebook version).
May 2, 2022
This is a prequel to her book The Land of Never After. Only 119 pages long it is definitely a quick read to get you prepared for her book. This is her take on a Peter Pan retelling, though I did get some pirates of the Caribbean vibes. It is very quick off the bat, lots of detail yet doesn’t give a lot away of the main plot, just a lot of background on the characters. I did find the male MC a little pathetic, not the typical manly man that I tend to read, which isn’t always a bad thing but it didn’t fit well for me personally. I loved the female characters though, the sister and Scarlett, very strong independent women. This is an interesting spin on the normal Peter Pan story, the curse has me curious, again kind of like Pirates of the Caribbean. Probably good for people who like pirate books. A little bit of spice as well so makes things interesting, as well as all the action.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2024
This book was a great start to the series! Yes, I decided to read it first. I like doing things in chronological order.
I loved the story, the twists and turns that kept on coming, there was only one thing I didn’t like…
First: I am not against having other languages in English books, I quite enjoy it, AS LONG AS THERE IS A GUIDE OR FOOTNOTES.
2nd: I know a lot of people know Spanish, but I only know enough for simple conversation. Each time that Spanish came up, I had to take a picture of the page, then highlight the sentences and have my phone translate… it was jarring and could’ve been easily solved by adding footnotes with the translation.
It was a good story, I thoroughly enjoyed it, now I mus t go to “The Land of Never After.”
I loved the story, the twists and turns that kept on coming, there was only one thing I didn’t like…
First: I am not against having other languages in English books, I quite enjoy it, AS LONG AS THERE IS A GUIDE OR FOOTNOTES.
2nd: I know a lot of people know Spanish, but I only know enough for simple conversation. Each time that Spanish came up, I had to take a picture of the page, then highlight the sentences and have my phone translate… it was jarring and could’ve been easily solved by adding footnotes with the translation.
It was a good story, I thoroughly enjoyed it, now I mus t go to “The Land of Never After.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews