{SST Blog Tour} Never Never by Brianna Shrum

Welcome to my review stop for the Sunday Street Team's blog tour of Never Never by Brianna R. Shrum. Enter the giveaway to win a copy of Never Never!!

Never Never by Brianna Shrum

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Format: Print ARC, 368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling, Adventure

Pre-order Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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James Hook is a child who only wants to grow up. 

When he meets Peter Pan, a boy who loves to pretend and is intent on never becoming a man, James decides he could try being a child—at least briefly. James joins Peter Pan on a holiday to Neverland, a place of adventure created by children’s dreams, but Neverland is not for the faint of heart. Soon James finds himself longing for home, determined that he is destined to be a man. But Peter refuses to take him back, leaving James trapped in a world just beyond the one he loves. 

A world where children are to never grow up. 

But grow up he does.

And thus begins the epic adventure of a Lost Boy and a Pirate. 

This story isn’t about Peter Pan; it’s about the boy whose life he stole. It’s about a man in a world that hates men. It’s about the feared Captain James Hook and his passionate quest to kill the Pan, an impossible feat in a magical land where everyone loves Peter Pan. 

Except one.

*Thank you to Spencer Hill Press for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.*

My Review

   My first Peter Pan retelling and it was absolutely astounding!! It's definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did.

   Never Never was such a dark and twisted retelling of the classic Peter Pan but what makes this even more unique was that it was narrated by Captain James Hook. 

   The story starts off when James is merely a boy and he's growing up. His life at home is not as perfect like he wants it to be. His father is going off to travel, he's going to miss the birth of his sibling, and his birthday. James is also being sent away to boarding school. 

   One day, James goes off into Kensington Gardens where he meets the renowned Peter Pan, who tells him if he goes with him to Neverland, he'll never have to grow up. James reluctantly agrees to go with him but intending to stay only for a couple days. But when he finally wants to return home, he realizes that he can't because he's started becoming a man and he can't fly. Peter realizes that he's growing up and he gets sinister.

   It was the perfect read for a 14 hour road-trip.  It's always such a risk taking a book on a car trip because you could end up not enjoying it but I had no regrets! In fact, I was in a bit of a book hangover. I wish this wasn't a standalone!

   James Hook. Where do I even begin?! I never thought I'd fall in love with him. He's was just so swoon-worthy. I pictured him as being sexy, broody man. Can't I just hug him?! I was tearing up for all he was put through by Peter. It was just so grueling and I wanted to save him.

   I love how the story events stay true to the classic movie but it's Captain Hook's point of view and his never before seen adventures.

   The romance was unexpected but welcomed, of course. It was beautiful yet tragic and forbidden at the same time. I never thought I would ship Tiger Lily and James Hook but Brianna did a wonderful job! I really enjoyed the sexy times that I wanted more even though this was YA (be warned that this on the mature side of YA).

   My only problem with this was the ending. It didn't completely wrap the story up for me. I was left a bit confused and I had lots of questions. Did the author leave it like that for the possibility of a second book? I don't know but I just want closure.

   Overall, Never Never was such a brilliant adventure and an amazing retelling of Peter Pan from Captain James Hook' point of view. I couldn't have asked for more. It left such an impression that I want to scavenge for more retellings!!

4 Sea Stars: A Great Read!

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