I’m happy to share the sequel to The Bloodstained Key by writer friend Charity Rau. [Read the review for book 1 here.]

About the Book

The Hidden Island by Charity Rau.

After years of wondering what happened to her fiancé, Will, Marianna is thrilled when she discovers his message in a bottle. She hires a ship and crew and sets sail to find him. A storm washes her up on an island called Neverland. It’s magical and beautiful, like something from a dream, and best of all, Will is living there.

But it isn’t a friendly place, and she’s kidnapped soon after arriving by a strange boy named Peter. He clouds her memories with exciting outings and romantic gestures. Then a glimpse of Will breaks her from Peter’s trance, and she escapes. However, Peter doesn’t give up easily, and he’s planning to keep Marianna there forever.

On the run from Peter’s soldiers, Marianna learns the residents of the island are in turmoil, tormented by Peter and his minions. No one wants to go up against him. She finally meets a friend who is willing to help, and they devise a plan. Marianna must confront a being feared by everyone on the island in hopes of uncovering a way to stop Peter, so she can return home with Will. If she fails, Peter will destroy her along with everyone else on the island.

Check it out on Goodreads.

Universal Book Link (buy it anywhere).

About the Author

Charity loves fairy tales and myths and re-imagining them. When not writing, she takes creative photos, paints, and spends time with family. Charity lives in Maryland with her sassy pomchi and her own charming prince. The Bloodstained Key is her first book.

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My Review

A fun retelling of Peter Pan where Hook is the hero and Peter the psychopath stealing magic and forcing everyone to fight.

Themes of love, betrayal, drug use, taking things that do not belong to you (various ways this is depicted), and that there are rules for a reason, are explored.

There are things that I felt were left unanswered (what happened to Wendy’s brothers? Why did Peter want to destroy everything – besides being a destructive psychopath?), but it’s an interesting story that kept me intrigued.

The ending shows that Marianna’s magical adventures are far from over.

*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Do you like fairy tale retellings? Have you read anything by this author?