Parents need to know that this story is about the making of a classic literary villain, so he behaves badly a lot of the time -- but because he's the hero, and meant to be sympathetic, his behavior becomes appealing. The brutality can be disturbing: human carcasses on a plague ship, whipping and beating, poisonous spider bites, swordplay and fighting, a brutal game with lots of injuries, mistreated and tormented slaves, a sailor killed with a hook. This also isn't for reluctant readers: Overflowing with British, specifically Etonian, slang, Latin names, and old-fashioned heroic repartee, it will be heavy going for some, who may need help to decipher it.
Educational value:This book's language will challenge readers -- and it will give them a lot to think about. See our "Families Can Talk About" section for some discussion ideas.
Positive messages:Readers will have to consider what makes someone a villian.
Positive role models:James certainly doesn't act like a traditional role model here, but some may consider him to be sympathetic. Readers will have to make their own judgment: Are his actions only justified in his own mind?
Violence:Lots, and some of it pretty vicious and disturbing, though the only deaths come during a sea battle at the end. Human carcasses on a plague ship, whipping and beating of boys, poisonous spider bites, swordplay and fighting, a brutal game with lots of injuries, slaves are mistreated and tormented, James cuts the word Neverland into his arm, and he kills a sailor with a hook.
Sex:A couple of kisses, some obliquely sexual insults.
My daughter was interested in this, as she loves all things Peter Pan. I read it in an afternoon (older readers will have no problem with it) and as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, for younger kids, it is a bit violent. If your kids can tell the difference between fantasy and reality, are not prone to nightmares, and enjoy a good adventure story, they will probably love this one. If they get scared easily, I'd avoid it for a bit... poisonous spiders, sword fights, and a guillotine can leave one a bit frightened.
More mature younger readers will also be fine with it, less mature older readers will need to be left to the parents judgment.
because im a fan of all misunderstood villians like King Jas. Mathews i just had to read this book cause hes just an intereasting caracter hes evilness is cause by so many trying times first off he doesnt have a mom his motherly figure is a family friend he calls Aunt Emily, secondly his dad never sees him, third he gets called a basterd by colleges, and yet seems to me he acts like he embraces it and then seeks some what revenge, to me hes like a younger verision of Dr. Greggory House
This was a book I loved. It kicked off right away with James going to Eton, and challenging a 'big boy'. This may raise a few red alerts. There is much sword fighting, some whipping, and talk of violence. Then James falls in love with a princess. This raises no concern. There are a few kisses, but nothing extreme. A few concerns would be the violence and the social behavior. I loved this book, but if forced to would rate it ages 10 and up. This was a wonderful book, which I think you'll enjoy it if you read it.