Seas: Wendy Darling
Colleen Oakes
YA Fantasy / Retellings
UK Publisher: Sparkpress
Other books in the series:
Stars: Wendy Darling #1 - Review HERE
Synopsis:
Seas finds Wendy and Michael abroad the dreaded Sudden Night, a dangerous behemoth sailed by the infamous Captain Hook and his blood-thirsty crew. In this exotic world of mermaids, spies and pirate-feuds, Wendy finds herself struggling to keep her family above the waves.
Hunted by the twisted boy who once stole her heart and struggling to survive in the whimsical Neverland Sea, returning home to London now seems like a distant dream - and the betrayals have just begun.
Will Wendy find shelter with Peter’s greatest enemy, or is she a pawn in a much darker game, one that could forever alter not only her family’s future, but also the soul of Neverland itself?
Review:
This is the second book in Colleen Oakes’ fabulous Peter Pan retelling and I have to say, I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. Wendy finally grows a spine and becomes the action orientated character we all wanted her to, and the reader is taken deep into the histories of Pan and Hook. The revelations, the character development and sheer maddening cliff-hanger of an ending have all left me thirsting for more!
Hunted by the lost boys and their leader - the dashing but darkly twisted - Peter Pan, Wendy finds refuge in the most unlikely of places. Captain Hook’s Ship. But life with the pirates brings its own dangers, and Wendy needs all her wits and courage if she is to have any hope of surviving… But in her heart Wendy knows Peter pan is coming for her. And he will do anything to get her back…
Wendy’s development was one of things I loved most about this book. She grew from a soft, timid society girl into strong and capable woman. She made hard choices, puts others needs before her own and many times was forced to show her bravery. I really like who she has become.
In regards to Peter Pan however, surprisingly, he is barely in this story. While the glimpses we see of him continue to show his dark and psychotic personality, most of his appearances come via backstory. The reader finally gets a grip on why Peter is the way that he is - a spoiled and greedy child who hate’s his toys taken from him. Of course, I still can’t gush enough over how much I ADORE the fact that Peter Pan is the VILLAN.
In terms of plot, the story is balanced between action and backstory. Wendy faces lots of new challenges, as well as dangers from all across Neverland Island. Meanwhile the readers are also given an in-depth look into Pan and Hook’s history, revealing surprising elements to both their personalities and hearts.
There are also some new characters - as well as many revelations which turn the tables on old characters you thought you knew. Just so many people to love and hate! And then there was the ending. I have to be honest, I totally did not see it coming and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This is a trilogy that has truly captured my attention.
