Lost Boy
(The True Story of Captain Hook)
By: Christina Henry
Narrated by: Samuel Roukin
Published by Recorded Books 07/04/2007
7 hrs and 43 mins
Lost Boy Audiobook Sample
Lost Boy Audiobook
(The True Story of Captain Hook)
5 Hearts
What if we got it all wrong all this time? What if Peter Pan were the villain? And that was enough of a premise to whet me appetite for this book. I’ve always been a fairy tale fan both the light recent adaptions and the darker historical ones. Taking the anti-hero, Captain Hook, telling of how it all began, and turning him into a dark hero from the classic Peter Pan story really kept me riveted from the beginning.
Jamie’s story is not an easy or light one. He’s one of Pan’s Lost Boys- no, he’s THE Lost Boy. He was the first and the best loved- or so he thought. Jamie learns over time that Peter doesn’t always tell the truth and he doesn’t care about the boys like Jamie does. He can always go get more if these ones don’t survive his ‘games’, right? Jamie has gradually gone from happy go lucky little boy playmate to the only one keeping the boys well-being at heart. So many losses that begin to really weigh on his soul. As he slowly learns the truth about Peter and the magical island, horror dawns for him.
This story is told all from Jamie’s point of view and I loved the young boy slowly growing up voice that the author gives him. He’s had to mature on his own and grasp adult concepts on his own and it’s awkward and sometimes he makes mistakes or doesn’t quite get all the nuances of what is going on. After being stuck in this darker fantasy world of Peter’s for so long, Jamie is dark and vicious himself in ways, but he’s also a caregiver and compassionate. He’s a natural leader which is what draws the boys to him in spite of Peter’s winsome ways that promises forever fun. I really enjoyed being right alongside him as everything played out. I was cheering for him and grew to loathe Peter.
While the story edges along the sidelines of being a horror throughout the story, I’d categorize it more as a grittier fantasy. It’s about young boys, but this is very much a tale for adults. The author cleverly provides a story in which the reader can peel back the layers on his or her own. I enjoyed figuring parts out, but also getting those twists that reveal the whole picture- and boy was it a doozy.
For those looking for the elements of the Peter Pan tale, they are here- mermaid lagoon, the pirate camp, the crocodile, the lost boys, fairies, the boy who never grows up- but some are also missing or just not addressed. The focus is Peter’s boys and their adventures which are harrowing and deadly. I’ve actually not read the original Pet Pan play so I can only go on the newer children’s books and play adaptions I’ve seen and read so maybe there are more elements or even less.
All in all, I found Lost Boy an engaging dark tale that stayed with me for some time afterward. Those who enjoy grittier fairy tale style fantasy should definitely give this one a go. Meanwhile, I’ve got my eye on the author’s others works that take on other fairy tale stories.
Lost Boy Audiobook Narration
5 Hearts
I had not experienced Samuel Roukin’s narration work before, but he was a fabulous fit for this bloodthirsty tale. He caught the gravity, the sense of impending peril, pacing and tension, and oh so well done emotions of Jamie and the others. I look forward to seeing what other works he has.
CHRISTINA HENRY
is the author of Lost Boy, Alice, Red Queen, and the national bestselling Black Wings series featuring Agent of Death Madeline Black and her popcorn-loving gargoyle, Beezle.
Samuel Roukin was born on August 15, 1980 in England. He is an actor and director, known for TURN: Washington’s Spies (2014), Equity (2016) and Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
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18 Comments
Oh wow Sophia Rose this sounds really fabulous Thanks!!!
It was my first ‘dark’ fairytale and I think I could easily become addicted. She has two more in print and my library has one of them. Yay!
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
Dark fantasy is my go to genre I love authors like Mark Lawrence and Alma Katsu and this is going on my list
Oh, this is a match made in dark heaven, then. 🙂 It really wasn’t that dark on one level and no more violent than the average thriller, but I think it hit there b/c its about young boys going through it all. Hope you enjoy it, Debbie! 🙂
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
I saw great things about this novel and I’m quite curious about it. I really enjoy her other series that I still need to finish but I want to try too
Yes, its quite the riveting story. I got the shivers several times at the callous evil that was against the boys. Good stuff and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
I am so happy to read your review. I requested this and still havent’ read it, putting it off. Now I am eager to pick it up. I think I am going to see if I can snag and audio copy! Thanks, Sophia for the helpful review.
You are in for quite the shivers and thrills in this dark fairytale, Heidi. I was worried that it would be too horrid for me, but I did alright and definitely want to go back for more. Hope you like it when you get the chance with your book. Oh, and yes, I think the audio version definitely made it better. 🙂
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
I was eyeing this one awhile back but never got it! GOTTA GET IT NOW 😀 Thanks!!
Yay! I want this book to get lots of loving. It’s great. 🙂
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
I ordered the print 🙂
Fantastic! I can’t wait to see what you think of it. 🙂
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
I really like this one. Glad the audio is good too.
Yes, he had the perfect voice for the story. I was captivated. Have you read any of her others, Stormi?
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
No, that aas my first bok from this author.
Okay, thanks! I think I’m going to try her others at some point, but was curious about them.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)
I listened to Alice, but I haven’t read anything else from this author. I want to. This one sounds really good too. I love how she retells these stories with such a dark tone. Great review.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Firefighter Pegasus Audiobook by Zoe Chant (REVIEW)
Yes, I like the darker tone, too. I want to go back and get her Red Queen and Alice, too, at some point. I’ll have to look up your review.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Lost Boy Audiobook by Christina Henry (Review)