Title: “Hooked” – A Dark and Twisted Retelling of Peter Pan
“Hooked,” the first book in Emily McIntire’s The Never After Series, is a haunting and provocative retelling of the classic tale of Peter Pan. Narrated by the talented duo of Felicity Munroe and Rupert Hawthorne, this audiobook takes listeners on a dark and twisted journey through a world where innocence is lost and vengeance reigns supreme.
The story follows a young boy whose life is forever changed when his innocence is stripped away, leaving a hole inside him that makes space for the devil to come and play. As he grows up, his dreams are replaced by an endless night of crocodiles and watches made of glass, and he becomes a villain with the taste of vengeance on his tongue.
McIntire’s writing is lyrical and evocative, with a poetic quality that perfectly captures the dark and unsettling tone of the story. The opening lines of the book, which are written in verse, set the stage for the tale that follows, hinting at the tragedy and trauma that have shaped the protagonist’s life.
The characters in “Hooked” are complex and multi-layered, with their own unique motivations and desires. The protagonist, who is never named, is a tortured soul whose thirst for revenge has consumed him. His anger and pain are palpable, and McIntire does an excellent job of exploring the psychological toll that trauma can take on a person.
The “darling girl” that the protagonist refuses to let go is another intriguing character, whose role in the story is both pivotal and mysterious. McIntire keeps readers guessing about her true nature and intentions, creating a sense of unease and tension that permeates the entire book.
The narration by Munroe and Hawthorne is superb, with each narrator bringing their own unique style and energy to the story. Munroe’s portrayal of the female characters is particularly noteworthy, capturing their strength and vulnerability with equal skill. Hawthorne’s performance as the protagonist is equally impressive, conveying the character’s inner turmoil and barely-contained rage with chilling effectiveness.
One of the strengths of “Hooked” is its ability to subvert expectations and challenge readers’ preconceptions about the story of Peter Pan. McIntire takes the familiar elements of the tale – the Lost Boys, Neverland, and Captain Hook himself – and twists them into something dark and unsettling. The result is a story that feels both fresh and timeless, with themes of loss, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
However, it’s important to note that “Hooked” is not for the faint of heart. The book deals with heavy themes such as abuse, trauma, and sexual violence, and some readers may find the content triggering or disturbing. McIntire does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and the story can be intense and emotionally draining at times.
Despite these challenges, “Hooked” is ultimately a compelling and thought-provoking book that will stay with readers long after they have finished listening. McIntire’s writing is both beautiful and unsettling, and her ability to create a fully-realized world with its own unique mythology is impressive.
As the first book in The Never After Series, “Hooked” sets the stage for a larger story arc that promises to be just as dark and twisted as the book itself. While the ending provides some closure, it also leaves plenty of questions unanswered, hinting at the larger mysteries and conflicts that will be explored in future installments.
In conclusion, “Hooked” is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good dark fantasy with plenty of psychological depth and emotional resonance. Emily McIntire has created a world that is both beautifully imagined and deeply unsettling, filled with characters who are as complex as they are compelling. The audiobook, brought to life by the talented narration of Felicity Munroe and Rupert Hawthorne, is an immersive and unforgettable experience that will leave listeners eager for more.
So why not give “Hooked” a listen? With its perfect blend of fairy tale magic and psychological horror, this audiobook is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Just be sure to brace yourself for a journey that is as emotionally challenging as it is ultimately rewarding.
Series Review:
The Never After Series, of which “Hooked” is the first installment, is a dark and twisted reimagining of classic fairy tales that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and dark fantasy. McIntire’s writing is consistently strong throughout the series, with each book building upon the themes and characters introduced in the previous installment.
One of the strengths of the series is its ability to subvert expectations and challenge readers’ preconceptions about familiar stories. McIntire takes beloved fairy tale characters and places them in a dark and unsettling world where nothing is quite as it seems. The result is a series that feels both fresh and timeless, with themes of trauma, betrayal, and the search for identity that are as relevant today as they were when the original tales were first told.
The characters in The Never After Series are another highlight of the series. Each book introduces new players into the larger story arc, and McIntire takes the time to develop each one fully. The relationships between the characters are complex and multi-layered, with bonds of love, hatred, and obsession that shift and change over the course of the series.
However, The Never After Series is not without its flaws. One criticism that could be leveled at the series is its reliance on certain dark romance tropes, such as the tortured bad boy and the innocent heroine who is drawn into his world. While McIntire does an admirable job of subverting these tropes and giving them her own unique spin, some readers may find them cliché or problematic.
Additionally, the heavy themes and graphic content in the series may not be to everyone’s taste. McIntire does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and some readers may find the depictions of abuse, trauma, and sexual violence to be triggering or disturbing.
Despite these criticisms, The Never After Series remains a compelling and addictive series that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of dark fairy tale retellings. McIntire’s writing is confident and assured, and her ability to weave together multiple storylines and character arcs is impressive.
In conclusion, “Hooked” is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good dark fantasy with plenty of psychological depth and emotional resonance. Emily McIntire has created a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling, filled with characters who are as complex as they are compelling. The audiobook, brought to life by the talented narration of Felicity Munroe and Rupert Hawthorne, is an immersive and unforgettable experience that will leave listeners eager to dive deeper into the twisted world of The Never After Series.
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