Never Never

"Never Never" delves into the backstory of the infamous Captain Hook, exploring his life as James Bartholomew before he became the villain we know. The story follows James from his brief infancy in Neverland, his unhappy return to London, and his subsequent rejection of adulthood and societal expectations. Driven by a deep longing for Neverland, he becomes a pirate under Blackbeard, eventually seeking his own path back with the aid of the enigmatic Odd Sisters. This book is part of a popular series that reimagines classic Disney villains, offering a nuanced look at their motivations and the choices that lead them to villainy. It's a tale of identity, longing, and the high cost of one's desires, suitable for young adult readers aged 12-18 who enjoy dark fantasy and character-driven origin stories. Parents should be aware of themes of rebellion, moral ambiguity, and the transformation into a "cutthroat" character, though the violence is typically implied rather than graphic.

Before Peter Pan and Wendy. Before the Lost Boys. There was just a boy named James who wanted to get back to Neverland. As a baby, James Bartholomew fell out of his pram and was taken to Neverland. James is claimed by his parents just shy of seven days―after which he would have officially become a Lost Boy. Once he returns to London, he never stops thinking about Neverland. As he grows up, he hates his life in London, and everything to do with growing up and eventually becoming a gentleman. So he seeks a position on the ship of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. On Blackbeard’s ship he learns to be a cutthroat pirate, and eventually becomes captain of his own ship, which James is determined to sail to Neverland. With the help of the Odd Sisters and a bit of magic, he just might get his wish. But returning to Neverland comes at a price―and now that he’s grown up, the whole world seems to be rooting for his demise…