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Freeing Hook: A Dark Fantasy Peter Pan Retelling
Blurb forthcoming!
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2024
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1,703 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
October 13, 2024
My god this book is better than the first and I loved the first. At no point did I have a f-ing clue what was going to happen. For the first time in my reading life I high lighted a passage! Like what? I’m not giving a single thing away, just read it. Go in blind to this series.
December 11, 2024
Omg kakvi plot twistovi i prolivene suze, a traume likova pršte kao pixie dust! 🤌🏻✨️✨️
T.A. Lawrence nastavlja da nas vodi na veoma mračna mesta, a toliko je dobra u tome. Mislim da je do sada jedina autorka kojoj verujem da će svoj prvobitno zamišljeni ljubavni trougao izvesti kako treba i da će svoju junakinju graciozno izvući iz njega, što je uradila i u "A Word so Fitly Spoken", a zaista je retkost da ga neko napiše tako da nijednog trenutka nisam razočarana ženskim likom, već razumem i poštujem.
Ne zameram joj ni što je ovo trilogija i jedva čekam da izađe sledeća knjiga.
4.5 ⭐️ zbog razvučenog početka i smrti dragog lika.
T.A. Lawrence nastavlja da nas vodi na veoma mračna mesta, a toliko je dobra u tome. Mislim da je do sada jedina autorka kojoj verujem da će svoj prvobitno zamišljeni ljubavni trougao izvesti kako treba i da će svoju junakinju graciozno izvući iz njega, što je uradila i u "A Word so Fitly Spoken", a zaista je retkost da ga neko napiše tako da nijednog trenutka nisam razočarana ženskim likom, već razumem i poštujem.
Ne zameram joj ni što je ovo trilogija i jedva čekam da izađe sledeća knjiga.
4.5 ⭐️ zbog razvučenog početka i smrti dragog lika.
November 3, 2024
Uhmmm WHAT?! Literally what?!?
This is one of the best series I’ve ever read and I CANNOT stress that enough!!
The first book started off a little slow, but Freeing Hook had twists and turns and details and action at every turn! The ending?! I definitely wasn’t expecting all of that, and I’m usually pretty good at guessing endings! I love it when books take me on a joyride and I can barely keep up.
This series is my new personality and I’m foaming at the mouth for the next book! If you’re a fan of Peter Pan, dark fantasy, slowest of slow burns, the idea of a feral Tinkerbell, and plot twists galore?? This is the series for you!!
This is one of the best series I’ve ever read and I CANNOT stress that enough!!
The first book started off a little slow, but Freeing Hook had twists and turns and details and action at every turn! The ending?! I definitely wasn’t expecting all of that, and I’m usually pretty good at guessing endings! I love it when books take me on a joyride and I can barely keep up.
This series is my new personality and I’m foaming at the mouth for the next book! If you’re a fan of Peter Pan, dark fantasy, slowest of slow burns, the idea of a feral Tinkerbell, and plot twists galore?? This is the series for you!!
September 25, 2024
“Memories like that—they cling to dusty surfaces and hide behind the facial structure of strangers who happen to resemble an abuser. It’s the kind of touch that sticks to your soul like tar and only makes your fingers unusable and sore the more you try to rip it off. It breaks you.”
There is just something about Lawrence’s story telling that grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go. I highlighted a lot of quotes, but there was one that really spoke to me. It’ll be the first one I share. As a survivor of childhood SA, it hit hard. Not in a bad way. It’s something that not everyone understands and it makes me feel less alone.
I finished all 450 pages in one day. I am definitely going to be exhausted tomorrow, but it was worth it. I loved ‘Freeing Hook’ so much.
Astor and Wendy have so much chemistry and their banter was one of the best things about this book. I hate her with Peter 😅
One of the things that drives me crazy about Wendy is her refusal to fight back. I know it was ingrained into her as a child, but it still drives me crazy. Astor pushing her to fight back is one of my favorite things about him. Charlie and Maddox too. They refused to let Wendy stay weak.
I’m so glad we got some more back story on Tink and why she is the way that she is. John making her the communication board was so sweet 💜
The end was definitely shocking and I wasn’t ready for it. Get ready to feel all the emotions. You will need a lot of tissues. A lot. I am so torn about what I want to happen and I’m anxious to see what happens in the next book.
* Definitely check the content warning before reading.
* I was sent a complimentary eARC with no expectations for a favorable review.
There is just something about Lawrence’s story telling that grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go. I highlighted a lot of quotes, but there was one that really spoke to me. It’ll be the first one I share. As a survivor of childhood SA, it hit hard. Not in a bad way. It’s something that not everyone understands and it makes me feel less alone.
I finished all 450 pages in one day. I am definitely going to be exhausted tomorrow, but it was worth it. I loved ‘Freeing Hook’ so much.
Astor and Wendy have so much chemistry and their banter was one of the best things about this book. I hate her with Peter 😅
One of the things that drives me crazy about Wendy is her refusal to fight back. I know it was ingrained into her as a child, but it still drives me crazy. Astor pushing her to fight back is one of my favorite things about him. Charlie and Maddox too. They refused to let Wendy stay weak.
I’m so glad we got some more back story on Tink and why she is the way that she is. John making her the communication board was so sweet 💜
The end was definitely shocking and I wasn’t ready for it. Get ready to feel all the emotions. You will need a lot of tissues. A lot. I am so torn about what I want to happen and I’m anxious to see what happens in the next book.
* Definitely check the content warning before reading.
* I was sent a complimentary eARC with no expectations for a favorable review.
November 11, 2024
This might be my favorite retelling story. I was shocked, furious, kicking my feet, in tears, and breathless all while reading Freeing Hook. 5 stars doesn't do this story justice. This sequel blew my mind with its twists and turns as much as Losing Wendy did. I love the way this author flipped the well-known tale of Peter Pan on its head. I have no clue where this series is going next but I am DYING for the next one.
November 17, 2024
After reading the first book in this series, I was expecting Freeing Hook to stick with a YA vibe, which is fine if that is what you're expecting. While I did enjoy this better than the first book I still ended up feeling pretty let down.
The book is marketed as a dark romance, but there's very little romance in the book, there's definitely pining and some tension but no real romance and still zero spice.
I feel one of my bigger issues is that it is marketed as a dark romance but leans way too hard on tragic backstories for every character. It feels like their traumas are just there to make them seem "interesting," but it comes off as messy and forced instead of meaningful.
I’m usually a big fan of the “villain gets the girl” and enemies-to-lovers tropes, but only when the villain actively chooses the heroine. That’s not what happens here. The whole story revolves around how neither of Wendy’s love interests truly chooses her—she’s always the second option. By the end, I was hoping she’d ditch them both and burn the world down. Honestly, if the next book gives Wendy her villain arc, I’d be all in, but I have a feeling that’s not where this is going.
One moment that really stood out was when one of the love interests said Wendy doesn’t understand what love really is. That hit the nail on the head. Everything Wendy does is driven by her need to be wanted, and that’s her entire motivation. It makes her feel less like a fully developed character and more like someone just reacting to what’s happening around her.
There’s so much potential in this book for a gripping, dark story, but it just doesn’t deliver. The setup is there, but the execution falls flat. Unless the next installment gives Wendy some real growth—maybe even that villain arc I’m dreaming of—it’s hard to stay excited about where this series is going.
The book is marketed as a dark romance, but there's very little romance in the book, there's definitely pining and some tension but no real romance and still zero spice.
I feel one of my bigger issues is that it is marketed as a dark romance but leans way too hard on tragic backstories for every character. It feels like their traumas are just there to make them seem "interesting," but it comes off as messy and forced instead of meaningful.
I’m usually a big fan of the “villain gets the girl” and enemies-to-lovers tropes, but only when the villain actively chooses the heroine. That’s not what happens here. The whole story revolves around how neither of Wendy’s love interests truly chooses her—she’s always the second option. By the end, I was hoping she’d ditch them both and burn the world down. Honestly, if the next book gives Wendy her villain arc, I’d be all in, but I have a feeling that’s not where this is going.
One moment that really stood out was when one of the love interests said Wendy doesn’t understand what love really is. That hit the nail on the head. Everything Wendy does is driven by her need to be wanted, and that’s her entire motivation. It makes her feel less like a fully developed character and more like someone just reacting to what’s happening around her.
There’s so much potential in this book for a gripping, dark story, but it just doesn’t deliver. The setup is there, but the execution falls flat. Unless the next installment gives Wendy some real growth—maybe even that villain arc I’m dreaming of—it’s hard to stay excited about where this series is going.
February 27, 2025
This book was everything. I don't think I've ever had a book give me more emotions.
Wendy starts out in this book addicted to fairie dust. The first part of the book was her detoxing. I was so fascinated by that part, because of how realistic it was. And how Captain Astor and his crew helped her.
Getting Johns perspective wasn't something I was expecting but I loved his chapters. His point of view is so different from Wendy's. He's cynical, and straight forward.
All of the scenes between Captain Astor and Wendy had me kicking my feet and holding my breath.
As expected there were so many twists and turns I couldn't predict. I always thought I had it figured out but I didn't.
Every part of this book had a deeper meaning.
I love love love it.
Wendy starts out in this book addicted to fairie dust. The first part of the book was her detoxing. I was so fascinated by that part, because of how realistic it was. And how Captain Astor and his crew helped her.
Getting Johns perspective wasn't something I was expecting but I loved his chapters. His point of view is so different from Wendy's. He's cynical, and straight forward.
All of the scenes between Captain Astor and Wendy had me kicking my feet and holding my breath.
As expected there were so many twists and turns I couldn't predict. I always thought I had it figured out but I didn't.
Every part of this book had a deeper meaning.
I love love love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
I am feral over this series.
September 18, 2024
I'm still in shock. My eyes are still wet from crying. This book was even better than the first book, Losing Wendy. WOW! I did not predict ANYTHING correctly.
This series picks up with Wendy on Captain Astor's ship as she serves her 6-month term with him away from Peter. So much happens but the highlights for me are that she learns how to fight and finally makes a female friend named Charlie, the only person I like in this series. (oh, and Micheal of course) Wendy travels quite a bit on Captain Astor's ship as they try to fulfill Astor's mission to remove his mating mark. During this, Wendy recovers from a nasty faerie dust addiction and is confused quite a bit. We the reader are just as confused and learn as slowly as Wendy what happened in the past to Peter and Captain Astor that made them who they are. Wendy spends quite a bit of time processing her trauma and her desire to be wanted by anyone is heartbreaking. Her story is just one tragedy after another and guys, this was so hard to read. I want so much for her to be free of all these men and just live in a nice cottage reading some Jane Austen or something. Maybe with a puppy.
The story gets really dark and has some very tragic moments. T.A. Lawrence does not hold back and she is letting characters die that you don't want to die. (I'm sending her my therapy bills.) I don't know what else to say but this story was captivating and well written. So beautiful. Please read the trigger warnings but know the author did a great job delicately handling everything. I was disturbed but never so much that I had to stop. However, everyone is different so please be mindful.
Also, there is a side story with John and Tink that was nuts.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I swear that these are my true and honest thoughts. You can ask my children who are wondering why I am crying over my Kindle. The book will be released October 3 so read Losing Wendy and get ready to be destroyed. (in a good way)
This series picks up with Wendy on Captain Astor's ship as she serves her 6-month term with him away from Peter. So much happens but the highlights for me are that she learns how to fight and finally makes a female friend named Charlie, the only person I like in this series. (oh, and Micheal of course) Wendy travels quite a bit on Captain Astor's ship as they try to fulfill Astor's mission to remove his mating mark. During this, Wendy recovers from a nasty faerie dust addiction and is confused quite a bit. We the reader are just as confused and learn as slowly as Wendy what happened in the past to Peter and Captain Astor that made them who they are. Wendy spends quite a bit of time processing her trauma and her desire to be wanted by anyone is heartbreaking. Her story is just one tragedy after another and guys, this was so hard to read. I want so much for her to be free of all these men and just live in a nice cottage reading some Jane Austen or something. Maybe with a puppy.
The story gets really dark and has some very tragic moments. T.A. Lawrence does not hold back and she is letting characters die that you don't want to die. (I'm sending her my therapy bills.) I don't know what else to say but this story was captivating and well written. So beautiful. Please read the trigger warnings but know the author did a great job delicately handling everything. I was disturbed but never so much that I had to stop. However, everyone is different so please be mindful.
Also, there is a side story with John and Tink that was nuts.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I swear that these are my true and honest thoughts. You can ask my children who are wondering why I am crying over my Kindle. The book will be released October 3 so read Losing Wendy and get ready to be destroyed. (in a good way)
October 13, 2024
I received an ARC of this book.
I’ll be honest, after I first read ‘Losing Wendy’ I wasn’t sure I wanted to read the rest of the series. It was so dark, and it had so many triggers. The innocence that comes with Peter Pan was flipped so completely on its head that I had to take a minute to fully process it all.
After a few weeks, the book was still on my mind and I knew I needed to finish the series to find some closure.
I am so glad I applied for the ARC because ‘Freeing Hook’ absolutely blew me away!!! It was such an incredible journey to take. It still has that darker side, and the triggers are definitely still there, but Nolan Astor is the redemption arc for this book series and I am here for it! He’s such a swoon worthy morally gray. If Wendy won’t take him, I definitely will!
There are twists and turns in this book that you will not see coming. T.A. Lawrence, in true TAL fashion, did not pull any punches. I’d you’ve read anything else by her you’ll know what I mean. The final twist of fate will 100% leave you with whiplash. I am still yelling at both Peter AND Wendy!
Peter is a child, and Wendy!? HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ASTOR!? Bah! I neeeeeed book 3 like Wendy needs a fix of Fairy Dust.
I’ll be honest, after I first read ‘Losing Wendy’ I wasn’t sure I wanted to read the rest of the series. It was so dark, and it had so many triggers. The innocence that comes with Peter Pan was flipped so completely on its head that I had to take a minute to fully process it all.
After a few weeks, the book was still on my mind and I knew I needed to finish the series to find some closure.
I am so glad I applied for the ARC because ‘Freeing Hook’ absolutely blew me away!!! It was such an incredible journey to take. It still has that darker side, and the triggers are definitely still there, but Nolan Astor is the redemption arc for this book series and I am here for it! He’s such a swoon worthy morally gray. If Wendy won’t take him, I definitely will!
There are twists and turns in this book that you will not see coming. T.A. Lawrence, in true TAL fashion, did not pull any punches. I’d you’ve read anything else by her you’ll know what I mean. The final twist of fate will 100% leave you with whiplash. I am still yelling at both Peter AND Wendy!
Peter is a child, and Wendy!? HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ASTOR!? Bah! I neeeeeed book 3 like Wendy needs a fix of Fairy Dust.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
T. A. Lawrence continues to astonish me. Her retelling of fairytales in such a subversive way is such a gift! The first book was good but this sequel blew me out of the water!! I've been waiting for a good fated-mates series that challenges the concept with the free will, co-dependency, and entitlement issues that often come with these tropes (not that I don't eat them up, but variance is nice).
Freeing Hook doesn't hold back in showing the flaws of the characters, yet its strength is in holding them all accountable. Each character has immense trauma but that doesn't mean they get to abuse themselves or others because of it.
The love interest is flawed but so endearing and swoon-worthy, the side characters are fleshed out and have romances of their own, and Wendy is so relatable and real. 3rd best book I've read this year!
Freeing Hook doesn't hold back in showing the flaws of the characters, yet its strength is in holding them all accountable. Each character has immense trauma but that doesn't mean they get to abuse themselves or others because of it.
The love interest is flawed but so endearing and swoon-worthy, the side characters are fleshed out and have romances of their own, and Wendy is so relatable and real. 3rd best book I've read this year!
September 16, 2024
I don't even know what to say. This book was dark and twisty. I was hooked (pun intended) from the beginning. It was an emotional trainwreck. A rollercoaster. I don't know. I was sobbing at the end. So much brokenness and destruction. If you want to be wrecked the book is for you. If you like innocent, sweet books with tidy happily ever afters, this book is NOT for you. It of course lands on a cliffhanger. Just as the 1st one did and the next one better be out soon. . . but also I don't know if my heart could handle it right now. There's so much I want to say but will refrain from saying because *spoilers* but if you want your heart ripped out over and over and then pounded with a meat hammer then READ THIS BOOK!!
(Note: don't read if easily triggered. There are a lot of dark themes.)
(Note: don't read if easily triggered. There are a lot of dark themes.)
November 20, 2024
I am so mad that the third book hasn't been released yet. I've read the first two books in two days.
I've been thrown from one plottwist to the other. I couldn't put these books down even if I really wanted to. T.A. Lawrence has dragged me into this world of Peter Pan and Wendy and I want to know, scratch that, NEED TO KNOW how the story continues. It can't end like this.
And now to know that I need to wait till april to read the third book...
My heart can't handle this, my mind can't either.
I'm rooting for Astor. You cannot change my mind.
I've been thrown from one plottwist to the other. I couldn't put these books down even if I really wanted to. T.A. Lawrence has dragged me into this world of Peter Pan and Wendy and I want to know, scratch that, NEED TO KNOW how the story continues. It can't end like this.
And now to know that I need to wait till april to read the third book...
My heart can't handle this, my mind can't either.
I'm rooting for Astor. You cannot change my mind.
January 17, 2025
T.A. Lawrence’s Freeing Hook is a deeply emotional and masterfully crafted story that pulls readers into its world with a heartbreaking intensity. This book broke my heart in the best way possible, bringing me to tears not once but twice—a testament to the author’s ability to evoke raw and genuine emotions.
The story introduces new characters who are instantly lovable and seamlessly woven into the narrative. They add depth and richness to an already compelling cast, creating connections that feel authentic and meaningful. Learning more about the core characters and their backstories was equally impactful. Each revelation brought these characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs resonate on a profoundly personal level.
Lawrence has a gift for storytelling that balances heartache with hope. The character development is exceptional, and the relationships—both old and new—are layered and compelling. The moments of pain and vulnerability are balanced by the warmth of connection, making the story feel all the more real.
Freeing Hook is more than just a book; it’s an emotional journey that stays with you long after you turn the last page. For anyone looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters, this is an absolute must-read. T.A. Lawrence has delivered a heartfelt masterpiece that’s impossible to forget.
The story introduces new characters who are instantly lovable and seamlessly woven into the narrative. They add depth and richness to an already compelling cast, creating connections that feel authentic and meaningful. Learning more about the core characters and their backstories was equally impactful. Each revelation brought these characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs resonate on a profoundly personal level.
Lawrence has a gift for storytelling that balances heartache with hope. The character development is exceptional, and the relationships—both old and new—are layered and compelling. The moments of pain and vulnerability are balanced by the warmth of connection, making the story feel all the more real.
Freeing Hook is more than just a book; it’s an emotional journey that stays with you long after you turn the last page. For anyone looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters, this is an absolute must-read. T.A. Lawrence has delivered a heartfelt masterpiece that’s impossible to forget.
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February 27, 2025“That I’m a fool, so hopelessly in love that I’d let you slit my throat as long as I thought it’s what you wanted?”
This book hit soooo hard, I absolutely loved it. I devoured this book; I read it in just two sittings; I just could not get enough. This is going to be more ranting than a real review, so be prepared.
*Slight spoilers ahead*
To recap, Wendy has been given to Astor by Peter, who traded her for the safety of the Lost Boys. This exchange made Wendy realize one very important fact- Peter can't feel pain. On a ship with the mysterious and cruel Captain for a reason she does not know, she is determined to break Peter's curse and make it back to Neverland.
This book adds another POV, John. At first, I didn't love John's chapters, but as the story progressed, I loved them, particularly when he was meeting with Tink. John and Tink were so cute, and I loved reading about them.
Astor and Wendy were amazing, I loved the two of them. They understand each other so well and accept even the dark parts of the other. Their relationship is explored more in this book, as well as some of Astor's history. But I want more, more of them, more tension, more everything.
The plot twists in this book were insane. Not to brag but I am pretty good at figuring out what's going to happen in book, or at least I'm not shocked when something is revealed or done, but this book kept getting me. The reveals, the choices the characters made, and that ending...aaahhhh.
In short, I must have the next one ASAP. This series has taken over me and I absolutely love it.
(note: read the trigger warning before diving into this book, it is a little darker than the first, but still has nothing expclict)
This book hit soooo hard, I absolutely loved it. I devoured this book; I read it in just two sittings; I just could not get enough. This is going to be more ranting than a real review, so be prepared.
*Slight spoilers ahead*
To recap, Wendy has been given to Astor by Peter, who traded her for the safety of the Lost Boys. This exchange made Wendy realize one very important fact- Peter can't feel pain. On a ship with the mysterious and cruel Captain for a reason she does not know, she is determined to break Peter's curse and make it back to Neverland.
This book adds another POV, John. At first, I didn't love John's chapters, but as the story progressed, I loved them, particularly when he was meeting with Tink. John and Tink were so cute, and I loved reading about them.
Astor and Wendy were amazing, I loved the two of them. They understand each other so well and accept even the dark parts of the other. Their relationship is explored more in this book, as well as some of Astor's history. But I want more, more of them, more tension, more everything.
The plot twists in this book were insane. Not to brag but I am pretty good at figuring out what's going to happen in book, or at least I'm not shocked when something is revealed or done, but this book kept getting me. The reveals, the choices the characters made, and that ending...aaahhhh.
In short, I must have the next one ASAP. This series has taken over me and I absolutely love it.
(note: read the trigger warning before diving into this book, it is a little darker than the first, but still has nothing expclict)
October 13, 2024
Addicting retelling
I love a good retelling reimagined. This slow burn romance is everything I could have asked for and I'm so excited for book three! Being as this book was just released, I'm sad I can't just dive back in to see what happens next. I'm invested and want more. This book gave me all the feels.
I love a good retelling reimagined. This slow burn romance is everything I could have asked for and I'm so excited for book three! Being as this book was just released, I'm sad I can't just dive back in to see what happens next. I'm invested and want more. This book gave me all the feels.
October 19, 2024
I really enjoyed Losing Wendy, so I figured I would enjoy Freeing Hook. This book was on a different level! Pulled me in immediately! Full of surprises! Chaotic in the best way! I do have a bone to pick with the author on the ending!! Can't believe we have to wait until spring for the rest of the series.
December 17, 2024
I feel like I lost speed with this second book, the first one was so interesting and kept me engaged where I really lost my momentum with this one. I will probably read the last book but I'm a little nervous about how it'll wrap up now.
October 29, 2024
Holy shiiiiiit I loved this book
January 29, 2025
Devoured this!!
February 24, 2025
I enjoyed this less than the first book which I wasn’t expecting..The 2 plot twists at the end brought it up to 4 stars tho!
April 8, 2025
Excellent book
Loved every moment, the characters, the world building. Enemies to lovers, the emotions it all comes together so perfectly. And all the twists in the story, never saw them coming. The Caption is that perfectly morally grey book boyfriend you want, although you hate him at times. I recommend this book to dark romance lovers who loves fairytale retellings
Loved every moment, the characters, the world building. Enemies to lovers, the emotions it all comes together so perfectly. And all the twists in the story, never saw them coming. The Caption is that perfectly morally grey book boyfriend you want, although you hate him at times. I recommend this book to dark romance lovers who loves fairytale retellings
April 12, 2025
How I screamed, kicked my feet and yelled reading this book. The plot twists!! Enjoyed this book way more than I ever thought I would, and this series has taken up much of my thoughts
February 22, 2025
If I remember correctly, I found this series and added to my TBR list after playing Alice: Madness Returns, amazed by the new perspective that dark, twisted versions of fairytales offer. But girl, so little did I know that I was about to casually discover such a gem.
And this book reminds me so much of the fanfics on AO3 with the tag "I swear it's a good ending." The kind that torture me for hundreds of pages and make me weep for weeks, only to finally grant the so-called good ending—if a mere 10 peaceful pages or so even count as one.
The only difference with this book is that not a single page offers even a hint of peace.
And this book reminds me so much of the fanfics on AO3 with the tag "I swear it's a good ending." The kind that torture me for hundreds of pages and make me weep for weeks, only to finally grant the so-called good ending—if a mere 10 peaceful pages or so even count as one.
The only difference with this book is that not a single page offers even a hint of peace.
October 12, 2024
"On the other, part of me worries that having someone else join me in the nothingness will make it…well, less like nothingness and more like somethingness."
She did it again. I don't know how someone can up themselves in every new book, but Taylor does. She knows exactly how and when to grip your heart and twist it. Reading this book I felt like it was me and not Wendy going through all those experiences (even the past ones). I cried and laughed during their banter (you know whose if you've read it) and enjoyed every dark aspect of this book. If you read closely you'll find some *threads* joining her other books and that just makes it more precious. Though she did us dirty at the end, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
She did it again. I don't know how someone can up themselves in every new book, but Taylor does. She knows exactly how and when to grip your heart and twist it. Reading this book I felt like it was me and not Wendy going through all those experiences (even the past ones). I cried and laughed during their banter (you know whose if you've read it) and enjoyed every dark aspect of this book. If you read closely you'll find some *threads* joining her other books and that just makes it more precious. Though she did us dirty at the end, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
October 1, 2024
I was so lucky to receive a kindle arc of this book from the author! This book picks up right where book one left off where Wendy has been captured by Astor. This book is a bit different from the first book as it is dual POV between Wendy on Astor's ship and John back on the island, which I really enjoyed. Freeing Hook is filled with adventure, mystery, betrayal, and of course, our favorite moody pirate. I was on *hooked* from beginning to end. I cant wait to see where T. A. Lawrence takes this story next!
March 12, 2025
Firstly thank you Taylor for picking me to revive an ARC of Freeing Hook. I absolutely loved the first book and I adored its sequel.
I honestly have no idea where to being. I’m trying to keep this a spoiler free review since this is a sequel. On that note if you haven’t read Losing Wendy then you should definitely read that book first!! Now onto the actual review!
The book takes place right after the ending of Losing Wendy, I can’t say much more due to spoilers. But it follows Wendy and in this one we see her grow up even more. She is still trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be and we get to see her struggle with how she was raised and what to believe while also figuring out who she wants to become and who Wendy Darling actually is. Watching her find herself and come to terms with her past was very heartening since she struggled so much and I feel like a lot of us can relate with her struggle too, in a sense as we find out who we actually are or who we want to become not what others want us to be.
We also get to see more of Captain Nolan Astor. Who let me just say is 🫠🫠🫠 We learn more about him and his past in this book. He is a pirate, er privateer, captain and we see more of him and his crew. There are a few new characters introduced as well as a few returning characters where we get more of a backstory on them. There is also a new POV added, not saying names due to spoilers.
All in all i absolutely ADORED this book! It made me feel so many different things. And no matter how I tried I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. But also… I am DEVASTATED. I am going to need 3-5 business days to process what I just read. But I still would 100000% recommend this series!!
I honestly have no idea where to being. I’m trying to keep this a spoiler free review since this is a sequel. On that note if you haven’t read Losing Wendy then you should definitely read that book first!! Now onto the actual review!
The book takes place right after the ending of Losing Wendy, I can’t say much more due to spoilers. But it follows Wendy and in this one we see her grow up even more. She is still trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be and we get to see her struggle with how she was raised and what to believe while also figuring out who she wants to become and who Wendy Darling actually is. Watching her find herself and come to terms with her past was very heartening since she struggled so much and I feel like a lot of us can relate with her struggle too, in a sense as we find out who we actually are or who we want to become not what others want us to be.
We also get to see more of Captain Nolan Astor. Who let me just say is 🫠🫠🫠 We learn more about him and his past in this book. He is a pirate, er privateer, captain and we see more of him and his crew. There are a few new characters introduced as well as a few returning characters where we get more of a backstory on them. There is also a new POV added, not saying names due to spoilers.
All in all i absolutely ADORED this book! It made me feel so many different things. And no matter how I tried I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. But also… I am DEVASTATED. I am going to need 3-5 business days to process what I just read. But I still would 100000% recommend this series!!
February 28, 2025
Freeing Hook absolutely blew my mind.
Fair warning, you should definitely read the trigger warnings and make sure your mental health is stable because this book is dark. Very dark.
I loved how Wendy became stronger in this book. She is still weak, timid, and not quite fully grown up yet, but she is starting to mature, starting to become stronger and bolder. The Wendy at the end of Freeing Hook is a far cry from the Wendy at the beginning of Losing Wendy. I also loved the banter between Astor and Wendy. They had so much chemistry, much more than the chemistry between Wendy and Peter (though Wendy would have more chemistry with a tree than Peter, so not a very high bar). There was nothing that I disliked about the book. It read well, the writing style was nice, the story was engaging, good pacing, and an intriguing plot, sounds like the perfect book, right? Though the way the author ripped my heart out at the end left me with some...mixed feelings. One one hand, wow, that's some great writing. One the other, how dare you rip my heart out so viciously... I loved Freeing Hook! It's really dark, but reading some humorous books cheered me up. I can't wait for book 3!
I'm so grateful to T.A. Lawrence Author for allowing me to read this book as an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fair warning, you should definitely read the trigger warnings and make sure your mental health is stable because this book is dark. Very dark.
I loved how Wendy became stronger in this book. She is still weak, timid, and not quite fully grown up yet, but she is starting to mature, starting to become stronger and bolder. The Wendy at the end of Freeing Hook is a far cry from the Wendy at the beginning of Losing Wendy. I also loved the banter between Astor and Wendy. They had so much chemistry, much more than the chemistry between Wendy and Peter (though Wendy would have more chemistry with a tree than Peter, so not a very high bar). There was nothing that I disliked about the book. It read well, the writing style was nice, the story was engaging, good pacing, and an intriguing plot, sounds like the perfect book, right? Though the way the author ripped my heart out at the end left me with some...mixed feelings. One one hand, wow, that's some great writing. One the other, how dare you rip my heart out so viciously... I loved Freeing Hook! It's really dark, but reading some humorous books cheered me up. I can't wait for book 3!
I'm so grateful to T.A. Lawrence Author for allowing me to read this book as an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 24, 2025
The idea of this series is solid gold: a dark fantasy retelling that centers on Wendy Darling and her romantic(?) entanglements with Peter Pan and "Hook" (Captain Nolan Astor). It gives Plated Prisoner vibes. The first book, Losing Wendy, introduced the two morally gray male leads beautifully: both are appealing (read: hot), but both are clearly untrustworthy. It also introduced Wendy as an unreliable, milquetoast-by-design protagonist. While Wendy of course earns our sympathy, especially once we learn the full truth of her past, and while she does occasionally think and act for herself, she's a bit of a limp noodle for the duration of Losing Wendy.
I was looking forward to seeing Wendy away from Peter and, frankly, away from her brothers and the Lost Boys, who can't help but treat her like a mom/house pet. Happily, Wendy sans Peter is much more likable. She sobers up, she makes friends, she learns to fight back, she goes on missions, and she takes matters into her own hands. At the same time, she doesn't lose her softness, as she maintains the depth of her compassion even as she toughens up and learns how to be her own person.
Well, sort of.
Because Wendy still has not really learned to shake her fantastical notions of love and romance, which continue to allow her to delude herself. Denied a normal childhood and adolescence, Wendy sees herself as an object of desire and believes that to be loved means to be chosen, not simply taken. (At one point, she even notes with bitterness that the noblemen who took advantage of her in the parlor never chose to marry her afterward. Which, like, is just not the number-one issue, Darling.) So, even though we get to see Wendy with a smidge of agency here, and even a moment or two of real strength, she is still deluding herself if she thinks what she feels for either Astor or Peter is actually love. What she feels, instead, is the painful absence of true love. So, it's not surprising that, by the end of the book,
Meanwhile, we were given an additional POV with chapters following John, who desperately tries to find the truth about his sister's disappearance. His investigations lead him to capturing Tink. When John learns a bit more about Tink's backstory (through the very convenient re-enactment-by-wraith plot device), he gains sympathy, and even catches feelings, for the feral fae. Tink, too, seems to return John's budding affections. Only for it all to come to a crashing halt, bursting the only real romantic bubble in the book--apart from Charlie and Maddox, of course. What a huge let-down. Maybe there's more to tell going forward, but this felt like painstakingly assembling a vehicle for the sole purpose of crashing it into a wall.
Which puts me in a bit of a conundrum as I consider picking up the third book. Sure, I want to see Wendy figure out a way to smash out of her mental cage, grab Michael, and GTFO of Neverland. Maybe become a privateer or something. I'm hoping, too, that Tink and Wendy will team up--though, of course, Wendy was a bit too quick to sell Tink out to the Nomad, so they will have some making up to do, which would be nice to see. Wendy has the potential to be a girl's girl, as we saw with her feelings about Iaso, but she's not there yet, and it would be nice to see more of this in her character arc.
However, the romance angle of this "slow-burn enemies-to-lovers" is now in critical condition. I'm no stranger to second-chance romance after a betrayal, or to toxic villain-heroes, or to love triangles/why-choose dynamics. Yet, there is just so little romantic tension to propel me forward in the series, because I'm now thinking that Wendy should choose herself and literally never marry anyone. Except maybe Tink. Or maybe she can be a third in a Charlie/Maddox throuple.
But of course that's not where this series is likely to go. One reason I feel sure about this is that I made the classic mistake of reading comments about the series on the author's IG page, and I found it so weird that folks were celebrating the fact that this book has "no spice." I can absolutely enjoy a compelling love story without open-door sex scenes in it--YA does this all the time (this is, of course, very much not YA, though). But the fact that our protagonist is a victim of sexual assault/child abuse AND both of our male "love" interests are also victims of SA/child abuse AND Wendy is repeatedly trafficked/nearly raped in the events of the book totally undermines the right to crow about a romance with no "spice" in it. If you're NOT cool with romances that describe scenes of consensual sex (which you can freaking skip, by the way), but you ARE cool with rape being the primary device for tragic backstory and narrative tension, then I guess this book's for you. I just think you might be as deluded as Wendy is about what constitutes romance. This is no hate on the author at all. Angst over erotica is a completely valid choice and I did not want Wendy to be doing anything else. But readers, let's not applaud a book for its moral purity, especially with a book absolutely all about sex despite not showing it.
So, with trepidation, on we go.
I was looking forward to seeing Wendy away from Peter and, frankly, away from her brothers and the Lost Boys, who can't help but treat her like a mom/house pet. Happily, Wendy sans Peter is much more likable. She sobers up, she makes friends, she learns to fight back, she goes on missions, and she takes matters into her own hands. At the same time, she doesn't lose her softness, as she maintains the depth of her compassion even as she toughens up and learns how to be her own person.
Well, sort of.
Because Wendy still has not really learned to shake her fantastical notions of love and romance, which continue to allow her to delude herself. Denied a normal childhood and adolescence, Wendy sees herself as an object of desire and believes that to be loved means to be chosen, not simply taken. (At one point, she even notes with bitterness that the noblemen who took advantage of her in the parlor never chose to marry her afterward. Which, like, is just not the number-one issue, Darling.) So, even though we get to see Wendy with a smidge of agency here, and even a moment or two of real strength, she is still deluding herself if she thinks what she feels for either Astor or Peter is actually love. What she feels, instead, is the painful absence of true love. So, it's not surprising that, by the end of the book,
Meanwhile, we were given an additional POV with chapters following John, who desperately tries to find the truth about his sister's disappearance. His investigations lead him to capturing Tink. When John learns a bit more about Tink's backstory (through the very convenient re-enactment-by-wraith plot device), he gains sympathy, and even catches feelings, for the feral fae. Tink, too, seems to return John's budding affections. Only for it all to come to a crashing halt, bursting the only real romantic bubble in the book--apart from Charlie and Maddox, of course. What a huge let-down. Maybe there's more to tell going forward, but this felt like painstakingly assembling a vehicle for the sole purpose of crashing it into a wall.
Which puts me in a bit of a conundrum as I consider picking up the third book. Sure, I want to see Wendy figure out a way to smash out of her mental cage, grab Michael, and GTFO of Neverland. Maybe become a privateer or something. I'm hoping, too, that Tink and Wendy will team up--though, of course, Wendy was a bit too quick to sell Tink out to the Nomad, so they will have some making up to do, which would be nice to see. Wendy has the potential to be a girl's girl, as we saw with her feelings about Iaso, but she's not there yet, and it would be nice to see more of this in her character arc.
However, the romance angle of this "slow-burn enemies-to-lovers" is now in critical condition. I'm no stranger to second-chance romance after a betrayal, or to toxic villain-heroes, or to love triangles/why-choose dynamics. Yet, there is just so little romantic tension to propel me forward in the series, because I'm now thinking that Wendy should choose herself and literally never marry anyone. Except maybe Tink. Or maybe she can be a third in a Charlie/Maddox throuple.
But of course that's not where this series is likely to go. One reason I feel sure about this is that I made the classic mistake of reading comments about the series on the author's IG page, and I found it so weird that folks were celebrating the fact that this book has "no spice." I can absolutely enjoy a compelling love story without open-door sex scenes in it--YA does this all the time (this is, of course, very much not YA, though). But the fact that our protagonist is a victim of sexual assault/child abuse AND both of our male "love" interests are also victims of SA/child abuse AND Wendy is repeatedly trafficked/nearly raped in the events of the book totally undermines the right to crow about a romance with no "spice" in it. If you're NOT cool with romances that describe scenes of consensual sex (which you can freaking skip, by the way), but you ARE cool with rape being the primary device for tragic backstory and narrative tension, then I guess this book's for you. I just think you might be as deluded as Wendy is about what constitutes romance. This is no hate on the author at all. Angst over erotica is a completely valid choice and I did not want Wendy to be doing anything else. But readers, let's not applaud a book for its moral purity, especially with a book absolutely all about sex despite not showing it.
So, with trepidation, on we go.
March 26, 2025
Freeing Hook picks up right where Losing Wendy left off, and I was gripped by the engaging storyline and plot that kept me on my toes!
I absolutely love Wendy and Astor together, and I love that he pushes her to fight back and go against the instincts she has had ingrained in her since childhood.
I absolutely love this series and the writing is so good. T.A. is such a strong voice in the retelling market, and I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
I received a copy as part of a street team and am not required to leave a favorable review. All thoughts are my own.
I absolutely love Wendy and Astor together, and I love that he pushes her to fight back and go against the instincts she has had ingrained in her since childhood.
I absolutely love this series and the writing is so good. T.A. is such a strong voice in the retelling market, and I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
I received a copy as part of a street team and am not required to leave a favorable review. All thoughts are my own.
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