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heather4994's review against another edition
5.0
You don't usually start at the end when you are reviewing a book but BEST END EVER!! I don't say that for a second book, especially when so much is left in the air, but I was like a little kid about to wet her pants hopping up and down in my seat reading that ending. And I think A.G. Howard is a genius. I thought the Disney movie of Alice in Wonderland was confusing. I haven't even read Lewis Carroll's books. But I find this series incredibly complex. Wonderland is every bit fantastical and weird and Morpheus is darkly enticing as any paranormal or fantasy I've read. The real world Ali lives in is still bizarre in that while she used to make bug mosaics (yuck) she now makes blood mosaics using her own blood. She talks to bugs and her mother talks to flowers. Ali's worlds have collided. The weird world of Wonderland is bleeding into her human world through her dreams, through her nightmares and then through dangerous reality.
Now I want to make it clear, I am team Jeb, all the way. But whew, I might have been persuaded to change teams in this book. Especially as I think of Johnny Depp a la Pirates of the Caribbean every time I read Morpheus' name. He is deliciously enigmatic, leaving you guessing his motives, and exactly what he knows and is capable of, a huge question mark, but wrapped in a sensuously enticing man so that you kind of forget the darker parts of him. Until they show themselves, reminding us that however much we may desire him, however much he may convince us that he desires us, Morpheus is a creature of Wonderland. But that leads us to Ali. She is neither all human nor all Netherling. And it shows in this novel how much she is torn between the two worlds. Her Netherling side pulls at her calling her to be wild while she clings to the human world. And Jeb, even for a full human, has a bit of the bad boy in him. He rides a motorcycle, he's an artist, has a labret. He isn't exactly a milk and cookies boy.
So the story takes place in the human world this time, but there are plenty of Netherlings to make it puzzling and dangerous. Ali learns from past mistakes and not just her own. The story line takes place over only three days, but it is packed full of revelations and connections and Ali finds that she is more connected to Wonderland than she could ever have imagined. It all comes down to a showdown at the prom with Red and some other Netherlings, some more powerful than others, and then that ending. Ali seems to be repeating a pattern in her family. And yet, her little deception there at the end. Oh, so beautifully come full circle kind of end.
If you liked Splintered, you will LOVE Unhinged. If you Loved Splintered well be prepared for A.G. Howard to rock your reading mind. I recommend it to lovers of Alice in Wonderland and all the variations. It is a great reworking of the story. I love this one. I am thinking I should probably read the original though. Just to see how much better A.G. Howard improved on the original.
Thanks to the publishers at Abrams for providing an e-arc of the novel through NetGalley for review purposes. This did not influence my review at all. All opinions expressed are my own.
Now I want to make it clear, I am team Jeb, all the way. But whew, I might have been persuaded to change teams in this book. Especially as I think of Johnny Depp a la Pirates of the Caribbean every time I read Morpheus' name. He is deliciously enigmatic, leaving you guessing his motives, and exactly what he knows and is capable of, a huge question mark, but wrapped in a sensuously enticing man so that you kind of forget the darker parts of him. Until they show themselves, reminding us that however much we may desire him, however much he may convince us that he desires us, Morpheus is a creature of Wonderland. But that leads us to Ali. She is neither all human nor all Netherling. And it shows in this novel how much she is torn between the two worlds. Her Netherling side pulls at her calling her to be wild while she clings to the human world. And Jeb, even for a full human, has a bit of the bad boy in him. He rides a motorcycle, he's an artist, has a labret. He isn't exactly a milk and cookies boy.
So the story takes place in the human world this time, but there are plenty of Netherlings to make it puzzling and dangerous. Ali learns from past mistakes and not just her own. The story line takes place over only three days, but it is packed full of revelations and connections and Ali finds that she is more connected to Wonderland than she could ever have imagined. It all comes down to a showdown at the prom with Red and some other Netherlings, some more powerful than others, and then that ending. Ali seems to be repeating a pattern in her family. And yet, her little deception there at the end. Oh, so beautifully come full circle kind of end.
If you liked Splintered, you will LOVE Unhinged. If you Loved Splintered well be prepared for A.G. Howard to rock your reading mind. I recommend it to lovers of Alice in Wonderland and all the variations. It is a great reworking of the story. I love this one. I am thinking I should probably read the original though. Just to see how much better A.G. Howard improved on the original.
Thanks to the publishers at Abrams for providing an e-arc of the novel through NetGalley for review purposes. This did not influence my review at all. All opinions expressed are my own.
withthebanned's review against another edition
3.0
Originally reviewed on Books Take You Places
You may remember that I really enjoyed the first novel in this series, and I was very impatient to get my hands on Unhinged. I am sorry to say that though Unhinged was enjoyable, it fell a little short of my expectations.
I have a few issues with this novel, the first being the world building, or lack of world building in Unhinged. One of the things that made me fall in love with Splintered was the magic and darkness of Wonderland. I was completely enthralled by the macabre way in which Howard shifted the setting from childhood fantasy to twisted nightmare. This element was nearly missing from Unhinged, with the exception of flashbacks of Alyssa’s childhood in Wonderland. Instead, the novel took place in the human realm which made the shift from world building to follow the relationships of the series more, which brings me to my second problem with Unhinged.
I had a very hard time with the relationships in this novel, and frankly, I struggled deeply to relate to Alyssa. I found her to be spiteful, and childish, and not only do I think that she has outgrown Jeb, and is keeping him around for selfish reasons, I completely think that he has outgrown her, and deserves better. Prior to reading Unhinged I was all for Team Morpheus, and I can still see why he should be with Alyssa over Jeb, but in truth, I think that Alyssa has a lot of self discovery and maturing to do before she deserves either man in this love triangle.
These negatives aside, the plot was driven, the intrigue was there, and there were many revealed secrets that kept me interested. I enjoyed every scene with Morpheus, he stole the show in this novel and my favorite parts of Unhinged were those that included Chessie, Rabid White, and any Wonderland elements. I will say that the ending of Unhinged was especially interesting, it gave me a glimpse of who Alyssa is becoming, and if this glimpse into her character then I think she is going to grow into someone fantastic. At this point, though I was still interested enough in the story, the ending really reestablished my need to follow the series through to the end.
Admittedly, I did find this novel to suffer a bit of a sophomore slump, but it was still an interesting enough read that I look forward to what is to come in Ensnared.
3.5 stars
You may remember that I really enjoyed the first novel in this series, and I was very impatient to get my hands on Unhinged. I am sorry to say that though Unhinged was enjoyable, it fell a little short of my expectations.
I have a few issues with this novel, the first being the world building, or lack of world building in Unhinged. One of the things that made me fall in love with Splintered was the magic and darkness of Wonderland. I was completely enthralled by the macabre way in which Howard shifted the setting from childhood fantasy to twisted nightmare. This element was nearly missing from Unhinged, with the exception of flashbacks of Alyssa’s childhood in Wonderland. Instead, the novel took place in the human realm which made the shift from world building to follow the relationships of the series more, which brings me to my second problem with Unhinged.
I had a very hard time with the relationships in this novel, and frankly, I struggled deeply to relate to Alyssa. I found her to be spiteful, and childish, and not only do I think that she has outgrown Jeb, and is keeping him around for selfish reasons, I completely think that he has outgrown her, and deserves better. Prior to reading Unhinged I was all for Team Morpheus, and I can still see why he should be with Alyssa over Jeb, but in truth, I think that Alyssa has a lot of self discovery and maturing to do before she deserves either man in this love triangle.
These negatives aside, the plot was driven, the intrigue was there, and there were many revealed secrets that kept me interested. I enjoyed every scene with Morpheus, he stole the show in this novel and my favorite parts of Unhinged were those that included Chessie, Rabid White, and any Wonderland elements. I will say that the ending of Unhinged was especially interesting, it gave me a glimpse of who Alyssa is becoming, and if this glimpse into her character then I think she is going to grow into someone fantastic. At this point, though I was still interested enough in the story, the ending really reestablished my need to follow the series through to the end.
Admittedly, I did find this novel to suffer a bit of a sophomore slump, but it was still an interesting enough read that I look forward to what is to come in Ensnared.
3.5 stars
forsakenfates's review against another edition
5.0
This one was even better than the first for me. But that ending was so cruel. Luckily I have the final book and can start it soon. I absolutely love the world that A. G. Howard has created. The characters are great and the imagery is fantastic.
bookfever's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Unhinged was so damn good! I'm really impressed by how much I ended up loving it. It's been so freaking long since I read Splintered. Almost one year and a half I think so it's been really nice to get back into this amazing world. I had to stop a few times, though, to read some books that were due for review but I finally finished it and let me just say that I can't wait until the third book is out. I need it now!
It's a little hard to form any coherent thoughts with the way Unhinged ended. Really, just everything that happened in this book was non-stop action, mystery and of course a bit of romance. Speaking of the romance. I am not a fan of love triangles but I can truly see Alyssa's hesitation between Jeb and Morpheus. Which is really weird because I'm a huge Morpheus fangirl. Moths FTW! And may I just say that in this book he was especially amazing. I mean wow. I love him. And I really want him to end up with Alyssa someday.
But throughout this book I've been growing a bit fonder of Jeb too. Imagine that.
Alyssa has definitely grown as a character in my eyes. At the start of the book she thought she was done with all things Wonderland and ready to move on with Jeb. But of course things didn't go as planned at all. And I'm glad that eventually Alyssa finally found out for herself who she is and really believed it. You go, girl!
And the story... it was brilliant. A.G. Howard is a fantastic writer. I love her writing style so much. It's beautiful, poetic and yet dark and creepy. Oh this book was so creepy. I loved it!
I also really liked the little twists involving Alyssa's mom and dad. Their past together and how it wasn't all how it seemed. It was a pretty unexpected turn of events and I loved every bit of that!
What else can I say than I loved this book? I can't wait for Ensared to come out and find out how the story will continue from here on because the ending? Oh my god! I can't believe all that happened and those are the best books out there, that leave you shocked and breathless and aching for the next book.
So five stars definitely earned for Unhinged by A.G. Howard!
It's a little hard to form any coherent thoughts with the way Unhinged ended. Really, just everything that happened in this book was non-stop action, mystery and of course a bit of romance. Speaking of the romance. I am not a fan of love triangles but I can truly see Alyssa's hesitation between Jeb and Morpheus. Which is really weird because I'm a huge Morpheus fangirl. Moths FTW! And may I just say that in this book he was especially amazing. I mean wow. I love him. And I really want him to end up with Alyssa someday.
But throughout this book I've been growing a bit fonder of Jeb too. Imagine that.
Alyssa has definitely grown as a character in my eyes. At the start of the book she thought she was done with all things Wonderland and ready to move on with Jeb. But of course things didn't go as planned at all. And I'm glad that eventually Alyssa finally found out for herself who she is and really believed it. You go, girl!
And the story... it was brilliant. A.G. Howard is a fantastic writer. I love her writing style so much. It's beautiful, poetic and yet dark and creepy. Oh this book was so creepy. I loved it!
I also really liked the little twists involving Alyssa's mom and dad. Their past together and how it wasn't all how it seemed. It was a pretty unexpected turn of events and I loved every bit of that!
What else can I say than I loved this book? I can't wait for Ensared to come out and find out how the story will continue from here on because the ending? Oh my god! I can't believe all that happened and those are the best books out there, that leave you shocked and breathless and aching for the next book.
So five stars definitely earned for Unhinged by A.G. Howard!
downthebookhole's review against another edition
4.0
*Warning this may contain spoilers for the first book in the trilogy*
I mean I do not even know if I can form a review worthy of the greatness of this book (and really the whole trilogy.) I did find that there were a couple parts of personal annoyance for me within the story, but I loved where Howard went with this story and the greatness that continued from the first installment, Splintered.
I was extremely happy with this sequel and thought Howard did a fantastic job of not succumbing to the second book syndrome. There were some points where there was a lull for me, but it was all working to create the drama and built up for the end. The ending was absolutely amazing and I was happy I didn't have to wait long for the next book to come out. Howard continued to provide a whimsical world with fabulous imagery and details. I loved the writing and the consistency of style that followed the first book. Using the original story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for inspiration was still seen throughout this book and I really enjoyed that Howard used different parts from Splintered while still incorporating the fantastic ideas and creations from the other book. I could not get enough of this world and the craziness and nonsensical situations that take place. I never knew where the story was going to go and there were surprising shocks and twists!
The character development was a big part of this book in my opinion. You got to learn a lot more about Alyssa, her parents, the boys and of course the Wonderlandian creatures. I did have a problem with Alyssa in this book. I felt like she got whiny and dependent on the male characters. I know she was still figuring out her life and finding herself, but she was so set on making her own choices and doing what she wanted in Splintered that I felt like she got so engrossed with the boys. ( Like being so hard on Jeb about him doing his work and trying to make a life for himself etc.) She got so jealous and controlling and it was just hard for me to get through some of those moments because it was annoying. Of course Morpheus and Jeb were amazing ( I am leaning more towards Morpheus, but wasn't completely sure which one I liked more) The love triangle got frustrating and I thought there were some times that it bordered on taking away from the story. Both of the boys have such different quirks, but both share a snarky attitude that I really enjoy.
Overall, I thought this was a superb second book! It left me completely shocked and needing to pick up Ensnared immediately. The events and situations fit into the crazy, mad and nonsensical world of Wonderland. A.G Howard does a wonderful job with the imagery and creation of Wonderland and the dark creatures that inhabit the world. This book for sure follows the dark and twisted take on the original story the was found in Splintered. I do not know what else I can say, but that I highly recommend this book and the trilogy as a whole to everyone. It has quickly become one of my favorite trilogies. So I might not be able to say it in this review, but that was a beautifully dark and whimsical story with twists and mad, nonsensical creatures!
I mean I do not even know if I can form a review worthy of the greatness of this book (and really the whole trilogy.) I did find that there were a couple parts of personal annoyance for me within the story, but I loved where Howard went with this story and the greatness that continued from the first installment, Splintered.
I was extremely happy with this sequel and thought Howard did a fantastic job of not succumbing to the second book syndrome. There were some points where there was a lull for me, but it was all working to create the drama and built up for the end. The ending was absolutely amazing and I was happy I didn't have to wait long for the next book to come out. Howard continued to provide a whimsical world with fabulous imagery and details. I loved the writing and the consistency of style that followed the first book. Using the original story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for inspiration was still seen throughout this book and I really enjoyed that Howard used different parts from Splintered while still incorporating the fantastic ideas and creations from the other book. I could not get enough of this world and the craziness and nonsensical situations that take place. I never knew where the story was going to go and there were surprising shocks and twists!
The character development was a big part of this book in my opinion. You got to learn a lot more about Alyssa, her parents, the boys and of course the Wonderlandian creatures. I did have a problem with Alyssa in this book. I felt like she got whiny and dependent on the male characters. I know she was still figuring out her life and finding herself, but she was so set on making her own choices and doing what she wanted in Splintered that I felt like she got so engrossed with the boys. ( Like being so hard on Jeb about him doing his work and trying to make a life for himself etc.) She got so jealous and controlling and it was just hard for me to get through some of those moments because it was annoying. Of course Morpheus and Jeb were amazing ( I am leaning more towards Morpheus, but wasn't completely sure which one I liked more) The love triangle got frustrating and I thought there were some times that it bordered on taking away from the story. Both of the boys have such different quirks, but both share a snarky attitude that I really enjoy.
Overall, I thought this was a superb second book! It left me completely shocked and needing to pick up Ensnared immediately. The events and situations fit into the crazy, mad and nonsensical world of Wonderland. A.G Howard does a wonderful job with the imagery and creation of Wonderland and the dark creatures that inhabit the world. This book for sure follows the dark and twisted take on the original story the was found in Splintered. I do not know what else I can say, but that I highly recommend this book and the trilogy as a whole to everyone. It has quickly become one of my favorite trilogies. So I might not be able to say it in this review, but that was a beautifully dark and whimsical story with twists and mad, nonsensical creatures!
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
This was so unexpected - I loved it!
I know, I know, I should have been sure I would love it...but that's the thing - I wasn't. I was so nervous that I'd loved the first one but wouldn't like the second one. The love triangle, the weird story line where it is so similar to Alice in Wonderland but with it's only slant. I wasn't sure what I would think of the mom, the world, Morpheus or Jeb...now that they were all....back.
But this was another adventure. Well written, characters that I love and jam packed action! They were all over and giving more information about Wonderland.
I'm back to have no idea what book 3 will hold - but I'm so glad there is a book 3 and I can hardly wait!!
I know, I know, I should have been sure I would love it...but that's the thing - I wasn't. I was so nervous that I'd loved the first one but wouldn't like the second one. The love triangle, the weird story line where it is so similar to Alice in Wonderland but with it's only slant. I wasn't sure what I would think of the mom, the world, Morpheus or Jeb...now that they were all....back.
But this was another adventure. Well written, characters that I love and jam packed action! They were all over and giving more information about Wonderland.
I'm back to have no idea what book 3 will hold - but I'm so glad there is a book 3 and I can hardly wait!!
zoetic's review
5.0
Unhinged begins a year after the events of Splintered.
I felt there were several interesting relationship dynamics. Within the year that passes, the relationship growth and closeness between Alyssa and Jeb is implied; Although, it feels like their relationship is as it was in the beginning of Splintered. I honestly felt like Alyssa's relationship with Morpheus was stronger after a passing year than Alyssa's relationship with Jeb. Alyssa's relationship with her parents was very contrary to what would be assumed after the events of Splintered, but I also felt it gave their relationship(s) more of a realistic portrayal of that of a typical teenager wanting to leave their parents' home. I found beauty in how the author wrote Alyssa's relationship with her parents. Relationship dynamics between the characters evolve in a way that is befitting to the events that were occurring.
Like Splintered, Unhinged was very imaginative and had an easy going, ARTISTIC writing style, despite the content. The nonsense, dreamlike scenes kept the story interesting for me. I wanted to know how things were done and what everything and everyone looked like when the events were unfolding. The scenic imagery and creepy whimsy theme is still strong with a touch of horroresque. The transitions of the human reality and Wonderland merging together was done smoothly and poetically.
The ending was left very open for the next installment of the series, Ensnared; I did NOT feel closure and the story felt unfinished, hence why there is another book. I do want to know what happens next.
Overall, I felt Unhinged was an enjoyable, immersive read. I feel like Unhinged is for readers who love intense imagery and a blended writing style of straightforward and artistic.
On a side note, the way the book is set up is stunning! The end papers are pleasant to look at and the chapter headings are gorgeous. I liked the colored font. My edition is a paper back that was given a hardcover book treatment. The book itself and the story itself are both works of art to be appreciated.
I felt there were several interesting relationship dynamics. Within the year that passes, the relationship growth and closeness between Alyssa and Jeb is implied; Although, it feels like their relationship is as it was in the beginning of Splintered. I honestly felt like Alyssa's relationship with Morpheus was stronger after a passing year than Alyssa's relationship with Jeb. Alyssa's relationship with her parents was very contrary to what would be assumed after the events of Splintered, but I also felt it gave their relationship(s) more of a realistic portrayal of that of a typical teenager wanting to leave their parents' home. I found beauty in how the author wrote Alyssa's relationship with her parents. Relationship dynamics between the characters evolve in a way that is befitting to the events that were occurring.
Like Splintered, Unhinged was very imaginative and had an easy going, ARTISTIC writing style, despite the content. The nonsense, dreamlike scenes kept the story interesting for me. I wanted to know how things were done and what everything and everyone looked like when the events were unfolding. The scenic imagery and creepy whimsy theme is still strong with a touch of horroresque. The transitions of the human reality and Wonderland merging together was done smoothly and poetically.
The ending was left very open for the next installment of the series, Ensnared; I did NOT feel closure and the story felt unfinished, hence why there is another book. I do want to know what happens next.
Overall, I felt Unhinged was an enjoyable, immersive read. I feel like Unhinged is for readers who love intense imagery and a blended writing style of straightforward and artistic.
On a side note, the way the book is set up is stunning! The end papers are pleasant to look at and the chapter headings are gorgeous. I liked the colored font. My edition is a paper back that was given a hardcover book treatment. The book itself and the story itself are both works of art to be appreciated.
mmk5110's review against another edition
4.0
I can't wait to finish the series. This book felt like a place holder.
majo_15's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
haley_j_casey's review against another edition
4.0
Second Read:
I agree with my past self. Unhinged definitely suffers from some middle-book-syndrome; the plot drags for a good chunk of the book while we instead focus on the relationships between Alyssa and those around her—namely, the men. (Even though I do think this is one of the better-done love triangles in YA.) I do love the plot of Wonderland seeping into the real world, even though it's a while before there are consequences to that. Altogether, 3.5 stars, because I like it slightly less than the first book, to which I also gave 4 stars.
First Read:
I feel like it took while for the plot to actually occur, but then it got really good really fast.
I agree with my past self. Unhinged definitely suffers from some middle-book-syndrome; the plot drags for a good chunk of the book while we instead focus on the relationships between Alyssa and those around her—namely, the men. (Even though I do think this is one of the better-done love triangles in YA.) I do love the plot of Wonderland seeping into the real world, even though it's a while before there are consequences to that. Altogether, 3.5 stars, because I like it slightly less than the first book, to which I also gave 4 stars.
First Read:
I feel like it took while for the plot to actually occur, but then it got really good really fast.