Villains · #9
Never, Never
The 9th book in the New York Times bestselling Villains series tells the tale of the rise and fall of the infamous pirate, Captain Hook―a boy who grew up.
Before Peter Pan and Wendy. Before the Lost Boys. There was just a boy named James who wanted to get back to Neverland.
As a baby, James Bartholomew fell out of his pram and was taken to Neverland. James is claimed by his parents just shy of seven days―after which he would have officially become a Lost Boy. Once he returns to London, he never stops thinking about Neverland. As he grows up, he hates his life in London, and everything to do with growing up and eventually becoming a gentleman. So he seeks a position on the ship of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard.
On Blackbeard’s ship he learns to be a cutthroat pirate, and eventually becomes captain of his own ship, which James is determined to sail to Neverland. With the help of the Odd Sisters and a bit of magic, he just might get his wish. But returning to Neverland comes at a price―and now that he’s grown up, the whole world seems to be rooting for his demise…
The series
In the Villains series, fairytales are reimagined through the eyes of those we were taught to fear. Serena Valentino invites readers to step behind the masks of iconic Disney villains, offering an intricate exploration of their backstories, motivations, and desires. These aren’t the one-dimensional antagonists from the stories we know—these are multi-faceted characters with rich histories, complicated emotions, and, perhaps, reasons for their actions that will leave you questioning everything you thought you understood about good and evil.
Read full series description
Each book in the series delves deep into the psychology and lives of figures like Maleficent, the Evil Queen, and Ursula, revealing the layers of betrayal, heartbreak, and desire that have shaped them into the characters we love to hate. Valentino’s writing blends gothic, atmospheric storytelling with a touch of whimsy, making each novel a captivating journey into the darker corners of familiar tales. The Villains series doesn’t just retell fairytales; it transforms them, presenting these legendary figures as more than just obstacles for heroes to overcome.
The series invites readers to empathize with characters often relegated to the shadows, offering a fresh, nuanced take on their lives. The result is a world where magic and darkness intertwine, and where the line between villain and hero becomes blurred. Through Valentino’s lens, we begin to see that even the most wicked figures have their own version of the truth, and sometimes, their greatest flaw may be their inability to be understood.
With each new installment, the Villains series expands its web of intrigue, drawing readers deeper into a world where the familiar is always up for reinterpretation, and every character’s story is worth telling. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original tales or a newcomer to this darker reimagining, this series is bound to captivate your imagination and change the way you view the classic villains who have been a part of your childhood.
#1 · 2009Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen 
#2 · 2014The Beast Within: A Tale of Beauty's Prince 
#3 · 2016Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch 
#4 · 2017Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy 
#5 · 2018Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch 
#6 · 2019The Odd Sisters 
#7 · 2020Evil Thing 
#8 · 2021Cold Hearted 
#9 · 2022Never, Never 
#10 · 2023Fire & Fate 
#11 · 2024Kill the Beast 
#12 · 2025Heartbroken 
#13 · 2027Villains Book 13 Be the first reviewer
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