Summary
In Hooked, Emily McIntire reimagines the beloved Peter Pan fairytale with an emphasis on dark romance, danger, and suspense. The first book in the Never After series, the novel focuses on villains, particularly James "Hook" Barrie, a crime lord with a vendetta against Peter Michaels. Hook's plans face challenges when Peter's daughter, Wendy Michaels, becomes involved. The story explores themes of morality and redemption in a world of deceit and desire. Hooked questions traditional villain roles and presents a story of power, betrayal, and complex emotions.
Plot
Hooked is a dark romance reinterpretation of Peter Pan, centered on James "Hook" Barrie and Wendy Michaels. James is a crime boss driven by a vendetta against Wendy's father, Peter Michaels. The story begins when Wendy inadvertently enters James's world after a night at his bar.
At first, James views Wendy as a pawn in his plan to exact revenge on her father. However, his plans encounter obstacles when unexpected emotions arise. Wendy transitions from being an unsuspecting pawn to a strong character who exhibits resilience. Their journey intensifies as Wendy discovers hidden truths about her father's actions, which challenge her loyalties and self-perception. Secrets surface, obscuring her understanding as James's dual nature becomes apparent.
Beyond the dark romance between James and Wendy, the story includes a power struggle rooted in past betrayals and blurs lines between enemies and allies. Far from happily ever after, the ending of Hooked is ambiguous yet leaves the possibility for redemption and hope.
Characters
James "Hook" Barrie: A crime boss, James seeks revenge against Peter Michaels, whom he blames for past traumas. His character evolves from antagonist to a person capable of deep emotions for Wendy, struggling with his inner darkness.
Wendy Michaels: Wendy starts as an innocent under the shadow of her emotionally distant father. Her story examines love, loyalty, and morality. She chooses a relationship with Hook, reflecting acceptance of their complex connection.
Peter Michaels: The primary antagonist and Wendy's father, Peter is a businessman with a hidden corrupt side. His involvement in Hook’s traumatic past is central to the story's theme of revenge.
Ru (Roofus): Hook’s second-in-command, Ru adds a pragmatic element. His loyalty and concern for Hook's well-being contribute to the story's psychological tension.
Jonathan Michaels: Wendy’s younger brother, Jonathan represents innocence, contrasting with the story's darker aspects. He symbolizes the normalcy and family life Wendy desires amid the surrounding chaos.
Setting
In Hooked, Emily McIntire reimagines Peter Pan by incorporating J.M. Barrie’s motifs into a contemporary setting. Neverland becomes a complex underworld filled with revenge and intrigue. Captain Hook appears as James “Hook” Barrie, a nightclub owner consumed by revenge against Peter Michaels, a corrupt millionaire symbolizing Peter Pan's essence.
Wendy Michaels is no longer a child but a young woman involved in her father's deceit. Her interaction with Hook introduces her to a life of danger. Hook leads a gang called the Lost Boys, and his bar is named the Jolly Roger. "Pixie dust" refers to a street drug, and "ticking fob watches" connect to Hook’s uncle, Croc, who embodies the crocodile's menace.
Themes
Revenge
Hooked centers on James “Hook” Barrie's pursuit of vengeance against Peter Michaels. James targets Wendy Michaels, Peter's daughter, as part of his plan. As his strategy intertwines with genuine emotions for Wendy, the narrative examines the extent James will go to achieve his concept of justice.
Toxic love
Wendy and James's relationship involves manipulation and obsession. Initially a calculated arrangement, their bond becomes complex. Wendy is drawn to James despite the danger, testing views on love with themes of emotional turmoil and power imbalances.
Power dynamics
Hooked explores dominance as James and Peter engage in conflict, involving Wendy in their struggle. Peter’s misuse of wealth contrasts with James's revenge-driven tactics. These interactions question morality and heroism, challenging perceptions of right and wrong.
Trauma
Unresolved trauma impacts the characters' actions and motivations. James's past betrayals and losses influence his behavior. Wendy faces familial neglect, leading to an emotional realization. Their stories underscore trauma's role in shaping personal and relational dynamics.
Quick facts
Published in 2021, Hooked is a dark contemporary romance reimagining of Peter Pan, focusing on Captain Hook as the protagonist and antihero.
Hooked is the first novel in Emily McIntire’s Never After series, standalone books reinterpreting fairy tale villains with happy endings.
Emily McIntire is a popular BookTok influencer and a USA Today bestselling author, acclaimed for her captivating, fast-paced storytelling style.
Hooked blends dark romance, morally gray characters, and themes of revenge and redemption.
James Barrie (Hook) is depicted as a psychopathic criminal and nightclub owner driven by revenge against Peter Michaels, Wendy's father.
Wendy Michaels, portrayed as naive with hidden strength, is the daughter of a corrupt billionaire named Peter.
The lead characters have roles reversed from traditional narratives, with Peter depicted as the villain and Hook as the antihero.
Hooked modernizes iconic elements like "pixie dust" as a popular drug in the criminal underworld.
The story features clever Easter eggs from the original Peter Pan, including naming Hook's bar "The Jolly Roger" and his boat "Tiger Lily."
Hooked explores mature themes including manipulation, trauma, organized crime, and explicit romance scenes rated as spicy and dark.
The audiobook version features dual narration by Felicity Munroe and Rupert Hawthorne.
Collector's editions of Hooked include exclusive bonus materials, distinctive covers, and stencilled page edges.
About the author
Emily McIntire is an American author of contemporary romance novels. She is best known for her USA Today and New York Times bestselling Never After series of fractured fairy tale reimaginings with a dark romance focus, including Hooked, Scarred, Wretched, Twisted, and Crossed. Her books, which also include the Sugarlake Series, have been translated into more than a dozen languages. A stage IV breast cancer thriver, she has also spent time working as a songwriter and enjoys getting lost in a good book.
