Everyone has heard the story of Peter Pan. We’ve heard the story about the boy who never grew up and his lost boys who will never grow old, the story of pirates, indians, mermaids and fairies, the tale of magic. In this spin off of Peter Pan entitled Unhooked, Lisa Maxwell creates a different kind of Neverland. A land where the righteous Peter Pan we know, isn’t so good after all.
Main character Gwendolyn Allister’s life would not be considered normal. Having to move constantly because her mom believed in monsters did not really leave room for friends. After two years of staying in one town, Allister began to hope that she could have a normal life. However, when Gwen’s mom decides to uproot them from their home to move to London, Gwen is devastated. But Olivia, her best friend, decides that she wants to spend the summer before their senior year with Gwen in London. Although Gwen is grateful she can be with her only friend for a while longer, the daunting thought that she will be alone again hangs over her.
On her first night in the rainy city, the friends are kidnapped by what they thought were men, before they realized they’re flying. The girls find themselves in Neverland, but it is not the one from the stories. Taken by a group of dark fey, but saved by a ragtag team of young pirates and their moody captain, Allister is thrust into a battle between good and evil, but she does not quite know who is good and who is evil. Is Peter Pan, a childhood hero, the charming adventurer everyone knows? Is Captain Hook really the bad guy? While struggling to save herself, her best friend and all of Neverland, Allister’s adventure in a world where you never grow up has just begun.
Growing up, I loved watching Peter Pan. The idea that regular kids like me could experience magic gave me hope that one day I could go to Neverland too. Even though I know now that that won’t happen, Peter Pan is still one of my favorite stories. I wasn’t sure about the twist that Maxwell put on it at first, but I grew to love this version of Neverland, and the hero that saved it.
Although the book was fantastic, the love triangle that Maxwell tried to include wasn’t my favorite. It seemed like she added it just for drama purposes, which a lot of people like, but I didn’t enjoy. I was also disappointed that certain characters ended up being evil and turning on Allister. I loved this book and it’s flaws made it stronger.
In this thrilling novel, there is adventure from start to finish. Readers will not be able to put down the jeopardous story of friendship, adventure and love. If Unhooked sounds like an interesting read, than you can find find it at the St. Louis County Library, Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
The Pathfinder gives Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell a 9/10.
