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siglerbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I truly loved this book. It was super cute and very unique. I find it hard to define this book or describe it in a way that does it justice. It was odd but cute, unique but felt classic, twisted and sinister yet somehow still a comforting read. I love the premise and setting. I adored the twisted changes to wonderland and all the little punk details. I really liked Alyssa as a main character. Both Jeb and Morpheus felt a little forced to me, but I still enjoyed their characters. I can definitely see myself reading this book again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Minor: Emotional abuse, Self harm, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
_roctopus_'s review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
My feelings about this are... conflicted to say the least.
I absolutely love the world and the story and the twist that Alyssa is a descendant of the Red Queen (or Queen Red) and not Alice like she originally believed . I love the creepier side of Wonderland and the adventure Alyssa went on. These parts of the book made me want to give this 4 or 5 stars.
That being said, I hate the love triangle with every fiber of my being. Especially Jeb. I hate him.
minor to medium spoilers detailing why:
He is very controlling of Alyssa always trying to protect her even when she doesn't need to be. This isn't cute in this case because he holds her back from what she is trying to accomplish, sometimes literally. And what's even worse is that she views this as good and romantic, she calls him her knight in shining armor which (ignoring how cringy that is) is disgusting. Alyssa knows more of what to do in this world, but Jeb acts like she is a weak girl in need of protection that only he can provide. The most infuriating part is that SHE LETS HIM and thinks of him as her savior. Her biggest character development is when he is not there and she finally thinks and acts all by herself realizing she can save herself. But even then she is still constantly wishing he was there and I just *screams*. Now I'm not saying Morpheus is a great option and honestly Alyssa should ditch them both, but he is by far the better option because he actually believes she can take care of herself.
I can live with a love triangle (heck my one of my favorite types of books are YA dystopian novels so I'm used to love triangles), but I cannot deal with this Jeb crap. It's honestly so toxic and Morpheus even sometimes points it out and Alyssa still doesn't care. Needless to say, I will not be continuing with the series because I cannot deal with this nonsense even if the adventure and world are amazing.
I absolutely love the world and the story
That being said, I hate the love triangle with every fiber of my being. Especially Jeb. I hate him.
minor to medium spoilers detailing why:
He is very controlling of Alyssa always trying to protect her even when she doesn't need to be. This isn't cute in this case because he holds her back from what she is trying to accomplish, sometimes literally. And what's even worse is that she views this as good and romantic, she calls him her knight in shining armor which (ignoring how cringy that is) is disgusting. Alyssa knows more of what to do in this world, but Jeb acts like she is a weak girl in need of protection that only he can provide. The most infuriating part is that SHE LETS HIM and thinks of him as her savior. Her biggest character development is when he is not there and she finally thinks and acts all by herself realizing she can save herself. But even then she is still constantly wishing he was there and I just *screams*. Now I'm not saying Morpheus is a great option and honestly Alyssa should ditch them both, but he is by far the better option because he actually believes she can take care of herself.
I can live with a love triangle (heck my one of my favorite types of books are YA dystopian novels so I'm used to love triangles), but I cannot deal with this Jeb crap. It's honestly so toxic and Morpheus even sometimes points it out and Alyssa still doesn't care. Needless to say, I will not be continuing with the series because I cannot deal with this nonsense even if the adventure and world are amazing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Torture, Sexism, Gore, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Car accident, and Body horror
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