Reviews

Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke

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chrissie_smith's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

colleen_corleone's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

Tink and Hook are both stupid.
Tink is dumber. The author can't help but repeat things 3-5 times in a short span whch is why the book is as long as it is.

Absolutely a waste of time, but I felt like I should finish it. Not worth it.

nordiccowgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

j_lynn_a80's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

becksgoesbookish's review

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4.0

Second Star to the Left was exactly the book I needed this week! This twist on a Peter Pan retelling focuses on Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, as they go from *almost* one-night stand to enemies, and then find themselves on a quest on the seas of Neverland together. Banter, character backstory, and spice then ensues (of course!)

Perfect if you like:

-*light* enemies to lovers
-only one bed
-found family
-rowdy and lovable pirates
-fantasy adventure
-retellings

Highly recommend this book for when you’re in the mood for a quick & spicy adventure, and definitely can’t wait for the next reimagined fairy tale from Megan!

Thank you to Netgalley and City Owl Books for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

thebibliophagist's review

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3.5

It was a quick read with a fast-paced plot, and it gets pretty graphic in the spice at one point. My husband looked over and read part then questioned what I was reading. The romance in the book is not slow burn but not quick either. It follows the enemy to lovers theme, which I love! I am a sucker for that trope, always. I loved the worldbuilding, sticking to some of the classic tale but adding new twists and touches. Pixie dust is there, but not entirely how you think. I really enjoyed getting to know more of who Hook was rather than Tink. He was more interesting to me, and I loved hearing his story and knowing what he was thinking. Where Tink was annoying and immature, his emotions had depth, and his story was far more interesting. There is a twist thrown in at one point, and I hated that Tink caused Hook not to trust his gut, and they all suffered because of it but at the same time, I liked that he trusted and cared about her enough to let her make that choice but still stand cautious.
https://thebibliophagist.blog/2024/04/04/blog-tour-second-star-to-the-left-by-megan-van-dke/

lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition

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4.0

Second Star to the Left is a wonderfully written, captivating, well-paced re-working of Peter Pan. In this one Captain Hook is a gorgeous pirate with a heart of gold, a sexy accent, a curse to lift and a vendetta to win against the true villain, Blackbeard. Tinker Bell is not a small fairy but rather a vertically challenged, somewhat naive pixie who just wants to be able to find her way home. For both to gain their heart's desire (

Spoiler

and you know exactly where THAT one is leading!

) they have to complete a quest by working as a team.

Hook and Tink are both very likeable characters and I quickly found myself caught up in this delightful enemies-to-lovers tale - especially with a hero who seemed a mix of Jack Sparrow and Killian "Hook" Jones. The story had a good mix of action/adventure, character development and world-building - not to mention a couple of red hot love scenes too. It was easy to not only feel the connection between Tink and Hook but also to believe in the strength of their feelings for one another.

Depth and colour were added by including a wide cast of well rounded supporting characters. The back story of both protagonists was slowly revealed as we progressed through the book, some of these threw very unexpected curveballs at both the reader and character alike. My only wish would have been for the quest to have not been quite so easily completed, though we did eventually get conflict.

I very much enjoyed this book, with its feel-good vibe, great characters and great story it is one to add to your TBR list.