I continue to enjoy the trend of novels retelling classic fairy tales, so when this story came into my radar, I couldn’t wait to read it. The author grabbed me in quickly with the story of Captain Hook and immediately gave the book a “hook” of its own by seeing him as a boy himself.
The idea of Captain Hook, “Jamie”, as Peter Pan’s first lost boy was brilliant. Henry gave Jamie a great voice that started out quite young, even if it was a little old considering he is telling the tale as a man, and then grew as the story went on. There was a great feel for Jamie’s moods, concerns, and changes as each day passed and each event took its toll on him.
Peter was presented as the new villain, and embraced the character. He was brilliantly manipulative and positively terrifying at times, yet we wasn’t fully rounded. He was presented as a whiney kid that did anything to get what he wanted, and although there was more and more depth showing the lengths that he would go to get his way, there was no real insight into Peter’s life.
The story itself, fell somewhat short. It seemed to drag on from point to point and never really reached an ending that would satisfy a younger reader. Jamie’s voice became droning as he, more and more, began to realize the true Peter. His thoughts were understandable, but quite repetitive. I wanted more insight into the island instead of Jamie’s head most of the time. I felt that the battle between Peter and Jamie was too short for the amount of buildup and then the story fizzled out quickly after. We saw why Jamie left Peter and the reasons behind his anger. What was left out, and much needed, was his path to becoming Hook.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the way this author is going back to stories from childhood and reinventing them from her insights into a older feeling Alice and even the infamous Red Quenn . So obviously a somewhat darker look at the Peter Pan story held great appeal. Now I admit it's set before the more well known story and honestly it's a lot more intense then any Disney version. Please don't expect singing and happy times but be ready to see the boy that didn't grow up as a lot more monstrous then previously portrayed.
This is essentially a glimpse into just how Captain Hook might have become Peters arch nemesis . We know they were enemies but what started it? Well how about Jamie was once a boy who ran, played and laughed with Peter? An original 'lost boy' brought to a magical island to keep Peter company and never grow old alongside other playmates . The problem is Peter is a child with all the egocentric feelings that youth can bring. He doesn't understand love or loyalty and is utterly selfish to the point that only his own needs and gratification are important . Here is were Jamie struggles as he's seen so many of the other children who are promised eternal youth and happiness by Peter fall and yes he's buried them. This story slowly escalates as characters fight amongst themselves ( think Lord of the Flies) with pettiness, jealousy and violence rearing their ugly heads. Yet all this is escalated by Peter as he pushes , plots and then even he makes big mistakes that change so much.
So not a typical piece of fan fiction that could have been written about Neverland and if Peter Pan is your hero then here he is solidly given feet of clay! This was a shock and very harrowing to read at times. I'd read about half and had to go to bed but my mind kept returning to this story and the characters turmoils which shows I think just how gripped I was by it. What I will say is that it's Jamie who dominates this story with an almost absent mercurial Peter. Seeing the different dynamics as Jamie was portrayed as the caring protagonist and Peter frankly is possibly the villain but then I remind myself that it's a portrayal of a side of childhood we ignore . Not a sweet , funny retelling. Yet I was totally immersed in it even if at times the utter bloodthirsty antics horrorified me. Yet I finish by understanding just possibly why Hook and Peter became unwavering enemies . I'm left with a sense of sadness and the hope that in real life friends can always be there to support each other .
This is a voluntary review and my thoughts and comments are my own honest and I believe a fair opinion

After finishing this emotionally draining, but excellent story, I feel like all I have left is my bones. Lost Boy tells the tale of Jaime, the first lost boy in Peters group. He thinks that its all fun and games until he realizes that Peter is hiding something from him.

Henry has painted a totally different side to Peter, one that is sadistic and dark. This is not your normal childhood feel good story. Its more of a black thriller that will lead you down a dark path. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who likes a twist.

This was a good book, don't get me wrong, but it just wasn't what I expected. I am a huge fan of any type of Grimm/Fairy Tale/Disney retelling, but this one just wasn't up to par with other things that I've read. However, with that said, I still foresee this being a fairly popular book and doing very well. Just because it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, doesn't mean it won't be your! I would highly recommend giving it a shot if you a fan of Henry's past work.

Have you ever wondered why Captain Hook hated Peter Pan so much? After all, why would anyone hate a perpetually young boy who just wants to have fun and adventures? This story answers that question. A boy who refuses to grow up never learns to care about other children's needs and feelings more than his own. An eternal child never learns to see the consequences of his own actions. And a perpetually immature boy will never learn to see other boys as more than something to use to get what he wants and then throw away when they no longer amuse him.
Jamie was the first boy Peter ever brought to the island and has remained his closest confidante and second-in-command even as other boys were added to the group. Over the years, Jamie has taken on the responsibility of making sure the boys were ready for their various adventures, taking care of them when they were hurt or sick, and keeping order among the rambunctious boys. Things begin to change when Peter brings five year old Charlie to the island. Peter quickly tires of the little boy who cannot keep up on their adventures and sees nothing wrong with putting Charlie in danger to get rid of a nuisance. Determined to protect Charlie, Jamie begins standing up to Peter and discovers just how malicious Peter can become when he doesn't get what he wants. What follows will turn Jamie's former love for Peter to a deep hatred as eternal as Peter's youth.

A wonderfully ingenious take on the tale of Peter Pan. Just as with "Alice" Christina Henry's reinvented world is full of recognizable characters shown in new light. The ending was one of those where I had to take a break every other page or so and just put the book down for a minute while I absorbed it all. I loved it.

3 stars.

Although this book had a bit of a slow start it still contained a large amount of action, violence, and bloodshed. All of which gets a thumbs up from me. As a kid I was never a big fan of Peter Pan and watching it recently with my daughter confirmed my dislike. So reading a book where Peter Pan is a villan was quite enjoyable.

The writing is great, and the main characters are compelling but, the book lacks a little something. It is a very quick read and retellings are always a bit of fun but the book is just so-so.

Recommended to those specifically looking at dark retellings.

~ARC provided by Berkley and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lost Boy is written by Christina Herny who is known for her dark retellings of Alice and the Red Queen. I was provided a copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Captain James Hook, before he becomes the Captain. This retelling takes the spin that is much more believable about what a truly ageless boy would be like if he had no supervision, responsibilities or rivals.
This book is well written and you do feel for the characters; sometimes even Peter, but not as much as the other characters. It’s an engrossing coming of age story with narratives we all recognize. For me I found some pacing issues in the beginning where the story dragged, but the second half of the book was very quick and I was unable to put it down!
In the end, though, there is no misunderstanding as to why Hook despises Peter. I have nothing but sympathy for Jamie/Hook and, I too, hate Peter Pan. By the end of this story I really, REALLY hated him.

I'm not this author's biggest fans, but library patrons are into her Alice series, so I will definitely be purchasing this title.

I love the whole Peter Pan story. And always enjoy finding a new way to enjoy the old story.

Sorry did' care for this book which is a shame because I loved Christine Henry's "Alice" series. Maybe I just didn't care for the characters I always thought that Peter was tiresome and cruel.