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fmcfranny's review
4.0
So this was a total redo. the names are the same but everything else is different but in a good way. It was unique and watching the character's development was both interesting and captured my attention. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I had another Wonderland retelling lingering around on my shelves! Yesterday I saw that the second book in this series was on BookSprout and then I saw that the first book was on there too! I requested both eagerly because WONDERLAND and then all of a sudden I realized I actually already had the first book. Somewhere. And for some reason the urge to read the book right away refused to disappear, so I decided to give in and to start reading.
Mixing Wonderland with the world of the Fae is done more often. Which isn't weird. It's a mix that works well. Both worlds are magical, a little strange and filled with endless possibilities. I have to admit that I personally would have loved to experience the magic of this Wonderland a little more prominently. Of course, Alice has magic and we visit some magical places, but I didn't get the true Wonderland, meaning weird, vibe yet.
However, I really enjoyed how McLeo incorporated all the familiar characters into this story and managed to create an actually quite coherent tale where a lot of scenes of the original tale still happen. Just a little differently. There is a game with the Queen, who is nog very good at losing. There is a rabbit in a jacket screaming that he's late. And there's a charming hatter with a love for tea. We also meet the Dormouse, the March Hare and so on!
Characters who are great with weapons are always a hit and mis with me. That's mostly because a lot of authors forget that when we're talking about strong characters, we're not just talking about their physical strength. McLeo clearly got that though! Alice is strong and fierce, but she also has flaws and weaknesses, she has dreams and wishes and she quite clearly also has fears. I have the feeling that her journey is only just beginning. I can't wait to read on!
Mixing Wonderland with the world of the Fae is done more often. Which isn't weird. It's a mix that works well. Both worlds are magical, a little strange and filled with endless possibilities. I have to admit that I personally would have loved to experience the magic of this Wonderland a little more prominently. Of course, Alice has magic and we visit some magical places, but I didn't get the true Wonderland, meaning weird, vibe yet.
However, I really enjoyed how McLeo incorporated all the familiar characters into this story and managed to create an actually quite coherent tale where a lot of scenes of the original tale still happen. Just a little differently. There is a game with the Queen, who is nog very good at losing. There is a rabbit in a jacket screaming that he's late. And there's a charming hatter with a love for tea. We also meet the Dormouse, the March Hare and so on!
Characters who are great with weapons are always a hit and mis with me. That's mostly because a lot of authors forget that when we're talking about strong characters, we're not just talking about their physical strength. McLeo clearly got that though! Alice is strong and fierce, but she also has flaws and weaknesses, she has dreams and wishes and she quite clearly also has fears. I have the feeling that her journey is only just beginning. I can't wait to read on!
danyellle's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
shh_mariaisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
stranger_reader's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
aliasaurora's review against another edition
4.0
Lived up to my expectations
I can’t say that I have ever really been one for the Alice in Wonderland aesthetics/vibes, but I do like fae fantasy romances, so I gave this book a shot. It hits all of the story beats that I expected, but in unexpected ways, which was good, and the prose and dialogue was good too—no complaints. Which is high praise coming from me, because I’m a voracious reader and difficult to please. I can’t point to any specific part of the book that dragged or displeased me, and I might consider buying the sequel at a later date, maybe on sale.
I give four stars because the romance element was lacking. Other than the FMC thinking about MMC’s attractiveness a few times, and a few cheek kisses, there’s really no tension or banter there; I’m not particularly rooting for them to get together by the end of the series. Could be better in book two, idk?
I can’t say that I have ever really been one for the Alice in Wonderland aesthetics/vibes, but I do like fae fantasy romances, so I gave this book a shot. It hits all of the story beats that I expected, but in unexpected ways, which was good, and the prose and dialogue was good too—no complaints. Which is high praise coming from me, because I’m a voracious reader and difficult to please. I can’t point to any specific part of the book that dragged or displeased me, and I might consider buying the sequel at a later date, maybe on sale.
I give four stars because the romance element was lacking. Other than the FMC thinking about MMC’s attractiveness a few times, and a few cheek kisses, there’s really no tension or banter there; I’m not particularly rooting for them to get together by the end of the series. Could be better in book two, idk?
cathwolfiereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
mad7neo's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
the story and characters had a lot of potential, as well as the world building. i just could not get into it because of the writing style and general direction it took. i do think it’s a decent book, but i really had to force myself to finish it.