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stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
3.0
Spoiler-free for the whole series!
The good:
* The Splintered trilogy is a tangled, pretty mess; just like Wonderland.
Howard excels at imagery and vivid descriptions (not to mention the fabulous outfits). She paints a crystal clear picture of the chaotic and fascinating Wonderland, and later on AnyElseWhere.
You thought Wonderland was crazy? Wait until you see The looking-glass world.
The world-building feels well-rounded and complete, but loses none of its charm and mystery.
* We have a villain with a solid backstory which is developed and fleshed out in a very surprising way. Their motive is convincing and fits in well with the story, even though we didn't find out much about them until now.
* We see many new creatures and even more twists on the characters from the original fairytale. My favorite was The queen of hearts, whose name you should take literally. *shivers*
* Despite the slower pacing, the story remains addictive and fresh. I always wanted to know what would happen.
* A great deal of swooning and fun, seductive dialogue. There's a lot of tension and teasing, and I love it.
I'd let Morpheus take me to Wonderland any day, if you know what I mean.
The bad:
ALL ABOARD THE ANGST TRAIN. There’s a large focus on the romance, and the plot is pushed aside.
This love triangle may not be the worst one I’ve read, but it’s annoying enough.
However, the drama wasn’t necessary to the story and I wish it didn’t exist. It would make the books three times better.
I really liked the family dynamics that we see in book 2, and was disappointed when those promising backstories and relationships took a backseat in this installment.
I hate when the story only stretches to a little bubble around the main character and her love interests. What happened to our secondary characters? Alyssa's dad, and.. what's-her-face... Jenara, right? Sorry guys, you better take a time-out so the angst can get the spotlight. *eyeroll*
* Alyssa; the girl who is incapable of making decisions.Try flipping a fucking coin? She keeps going back and forth between the love interests while paying no attention to the consequences.
It was dumb, it took up way too much of the plot and annoyed me.
Alyssa is passive, which is something I loathe in my main characters. She could’ve been writer stronger and more relatable overall, someone you could root for and love.
* Three whole books, and only one real friendship (not counting Jeb because he's primarily a love interest). I didn't realize until now that we have a strong lack of non-romantic relationships in the series. Ensnared is above all a love story and struggle between two sides, so there's no need for friends, or what?
Plus, every woman except the MC in this book are either evil or disposable - only there for a short time and then completely ignored.
* The very end is pitch-perfect and predictable, and it bugged me.
The more I think about it, the more pissed I get with how the love triangle wrapped up. It's something I've seen many times before, and it didn't feel well-deserved in this book. That's all I can say without spoiling it, but it was a disappointment.
Final verdict:
Ensnared succeeds as a conclusion, and is slightly disappointing as a novel. The pacing is slower than in previous books; the plot messier and the romance/angst turned up a notch. Howard makes up for it by introducing us to a new exciting world and adding more twists and turns.
This series was a hurricane of madness and beauty. There were parts I loved and parts I hated, but it is overall a fun, memorable and unique story.
The good:
* The Splintered trilogy is a tangled, pretty mess; just like Wonderland.
Howard excels at imagery and vivid descriptions (not to mention the fabulous outfits). She paints a crystal clear picture of the chaotic and fascinating Wonderland, and later on AnyElseWhere.
You thought Wonderland was crazy? Wait until you see The looking-glass world.
The world-building feels well-rounded and complete, but loses none of its charm and mystery.
* We have a villain with a solid backstory which is developed and fleshed out in a very surprising way. Their motive is convincing and fits in well with the story, even though we didn't find out much about them until now.
* We see many new creatures and even more twists on the characters from the original fairytale. My favorite was The queen of hearts, whose name you should take literally. *shivers*
* Despite the slower pacing, the story remains addictive and fresh. I always wanted to know what would happen.
* A great deal of swooning and fun, seductive dialogue. There's a lot of tension and teasing, and I love it.
Spoiler
THE LINGERIE SCENE. *fans self*I'd let Morpheus take me to Wonderland any day, if you know what I mean.
The bad:
ALL ABOARD THE ANGST TRAIN. There’s a large focus on the romance, and the plot is pushed aside.
This love triangle may not be the worst one I’ve read, but it’s annoying enough.
However, the drama wasn’t necessary to the story and I wish it didn’t exist. It would make the books three times better.
I really liked the family dynamics that we see in book 2, and was disappointed when those promising backstories and relationships took a backseat in this installment.
I hate when the story only stretches to a little bubble around the main character and her love interests. What happened to our secondary characters? Alyssa's dad, and.. what's-her-face... Jenara, right? Sorry guys, you better take a time-out so the angst can get the spotlight. *eyeroll*
* Alyssa; the girl who is incapable of making decisions.
It was dumb, it took up way too much of the plot and annoyed me.
Alyssa is passive, which is something I loathe in my main characters. She could’ve been writer stronger and more relatable overall, someone you could root for and love.
* Three whole books, and only one real friendship (not counting Jeb because he's primarily a love interest). I didn't realize until now that we have a strong lack of non-romantic relationships in the series. Ensnared is above all a love story and struggle between two sides, so there's no need for friends, or what?
Plus, every woman except the MC in this book are either evil or disposable - only there for a short time and then completely ignored.
* The very end is pitch-perfect and predictable, and it bugged me.
The more I think about it, the more pissed I get with how the love triangle wrapped up. It's something I've seen many times before, and it didn't feel well-deserved in this book. That's all I can say without spoiling it, but it was a disappointment.
Spoiler
You can’t have the cake and eat it too! It’s so typical and cowardly to get both guys. I was hoping Alyssa would leave Jeb to rot in a hole...Final verdict:
Ensnared succeeds as a conclusion, and is slightly disappointing as a novel. The pacing is slower than in previous books; the plot messier and the romance/angst turned up a notch. Howard makes up for it by introducing us to a new exciting world and adding more twists and turns.
This series was a hurricane of madness and beauty. There were parts I loved and parts I hated, but it is overall a fun, memorable and unique story.
sarahp85's review
2.0
well... that was a weak ending wasn't it?
Pfff. I don't even know how to review this because I really liked the other books. And yes, I still have Untamed to go, but I believe that was an extra book right??
Maybe that will leave me a bit more satisfied. I was mostly annoyed throughout all of this.
I felt like they were trying to make me like Jeb (but I don't so it is a pointless effort) and all I wanted was for Alyssa to just MAKE UP YOUR MIND AND MAKE A CHOICE
that said, I do love this wonderland. The characters and the world itself I really like. Fingers crossed Untamed will make this all right again
Pfff. I don't even know how to review this because I really liked the other books. And yes, I still have Untamed to go, but I believe that was an extra book right??
Maybe that will leave me a bit more satisfied. I was mostly annoyed throughout all of this.
I felt like they were trying to make me like Jeb (but I don't so it is a pointless effort) and all I wanted was for Alyssa to just MAKE UP YOUR MIND AND MAKE A CHOICE
that said, I do love this wonderland. The characters and the world itself I really like. Fingers crossed Untamed will make this all right again
magikspells's review against another edition
3.0
I am severely conflicted about this book in so many ways. I went into it head first. I wanted to love the hell out of everything about it. And yet, when it got to the end, I really didn't feel anything.
I know I'm not the only one thats saying it, but there's a reason people hated Clockwork Princess and it's going to be the same reason people don't like the ending of this book. We want some resolution, a firm decision one way or another, whether it leaves us happy or sad. It's the decision that matters. And it's the fact that Alyssa can't seem to make that decision that really bothers me. I have a hard time believing in her ability to be a ruler and therefore decision maker. And yeah, I get it, she's got two parts....
Like I said, I'm conflicted. I love this world, I love the characters. But I don't 100% love how it was left.
I know I'm not the only one thats saying it, but there's a reason people hated Clockwork Princess and it's going to be the same reason people don't like the ending of this book. We want some resolution, a firm decision one way or another, whether it leaves us happy or sad. It's the decision that matters. And it's the fact that Alyssa can't seem to make that decision that really bothers me. I have a hard time believing in her ability to be a ruler and therefore decision maker. And yeah, I get it, she's got two parts....
Like I said, I'm conflicted. I love this world, I love the characters. But I don't 100% love how it was left.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
5.0
Did you ever have that feeling? That feeling that you want to read a book right now, but you've just ordered the book and then it takes 6 weeks to actually reach you, due to various stupid reasons? That feeling that no other book is good enough, because you actually want that one book? Well, that's what happened to me with this book. And today, I finally had a calm day to devour it from start to finish.
And I was absolutely not disappointed. After the events in the previous book, I already knew we would go back to Wonderland (or well, some strange and dark part of it anyway) and I love how Howard managed to create an entire new world that's in a way really like the Wonderland she created in the first book and yet also still very different. The world building was phenomenal and it felt like I was truly there, with the characters.
Because it were those characters, Alyssa, Morpheus and Jeb who truly carried this story. This was about them, about their choices, about what they wanted, about what they felt, about what they were willing to sacrifice and how much they actually loved the other. This book was not just about saving Wonderland from Red, it was about the price they were willing to pay to save it and how far they were willing to go to save each other. And I loved it. Every second. Ever scene. Every tear. Every laugh. I love how Alyssa and Morpheus are so different from Alyssa and Jeb and I love how I wanted her to have them both so much that it almost hurt.
For me this was a really fitting end to the series. Lovely written, a lot of things we've learned in the previous books came back now and all pieces of the puzzle eventually fell into place. I will miss those characters and I already feel the itch to just re-read this series and start at the beginning again. This version of Wonderland, Morpheus, Jeb and Alyssa, they've all become a part of me and I don't think I'll ever be able to let them go again.
And I was absolutely not disappointed. After the events in the previous book, I already knew we would go back to Wonderland (or well, some strange and dark part of it anyway) and I love how Howard managed to create an entire new world that's in a way really like the Wonderland she created in the first book and yet also still very different. The world building was phenomenal and it felt like I was truly there, with the characters.
Because it were those characters, Alyssa, Morpheus and Jeb who truly carried this story. This was about them, about their choices, about what they wanted, about what they felt, about what they were willing to sacrifice and how much they actually loved the other. This book was not just about saving Wonderland from Red, it was about the price they were willing to pay to save it and how far they were willing to go to save each other. And I loved it. Every second. Ever scene. Every tear. Every laugh. I love how Alyssa and Morpheus are so different from Alyssa and Jeb and I love how I wanted her to have them both so much that it almost hurt.
For me this was a really fitting end to the series. Lovely written, a lot of things we've learned in the previous books came back now and all pieces of the puzzle eventually fell into place. I will miss those characters and I already feel the itch to just re-read this series and start at the beginning again. This version of Wonderland, Morpheus, Jeb and Alyssa, they've all become a part of me and I don't think I'll ever be able to let them go again.
kaeliwolf's review
5.0
This book was wonderfully enticing. I couldn't put it down for the life of me and I cried when it ended, whether from happy tears or something else I can't explain. On to the companion "Untamed" now.
babs_reviews's review
4.0
(sigh) I am not even sure where to start this review. . . I want to try to get through my feelings on the whole book before I address the ending. If I even manage to address it.
There were so many feels happening in this book.
I spent the first few chapters or so chewing on my nails waiting to hear something, anything, about Morpheus and Jeb.
We learn more about Alyssa's dad and his family line and all that is interesting and stuff but...in the back of my mind I was stuck on the boys. I tried to focus, I did.
Finally, FINALLY, we get to the boys and man, things just start to get so twisted. Alyssa is a little cray-cray, Morpheus is still his cunning and conniving self, and Jeb, well Jeb is angsty and
In total Howard style she has created some creeptastic creatures in Ensnared. I loved the whole vibe of the book and the set up of the world. I think we finally get answers to smaller things from the start of the series. Things were pieced together and the puzzle was finally able to be seen as a whole.
The adventure was definitely NOT lacking. Reuniting with all the characters made my heart pitter patter. I loved the Wonderland that Howard created. Following Alyssa through this book was more nerve wracking knowing we would find our end. . .
I am sad, so sad, to see this series end.
Which leaves the ending...
Overall, it was a great series and I'd read it all over again given the chance and knowing what I know. I look forward to any other work Howard pay put out and hope to everything that we get to glimpse Wonderland once more.
There were so many feels happening in this book.
I spent the first few chapters or so chewing on my nails waiting to hear something, anything, about Morpheus and Jeb.
We learn more about Alyssa's dad and his family line and all that is interesting and stuff but...in the back of my mind I was stuck on the boys. I tried to focus, I did.
Finally, FINALLY, we get to the boys and man, things just start to get so twisted. Alyssa is a little cray-cray, Morpheus is still his cunning and conniving self, and Jeb, well Jeb is angsty and
Spoiler
now has some magic of his own.Spoiler
The way Alyssa seems to be literally splitting in two from Red's doing she is also split between her netherling side and human side over Morpheus and Jeb. My heart hurt for her it really did, but to me there wasn't ever a choice. #teammorpheusIn total Howard style she
Spoiler
well really JebThe adventure was definitely NOT lacking. Reuniting with all the characters made my heart pitter patter. I loved the Wonderland that Howard created. Following Alyssa through this book was more nerve wracking knowing we would find our end. . .
I am sad, so sad, to see this series end.
Which leaves the ending...
Spoiler
I had begun seeing mixed responses from readers all over (even my best friend) before I finished the book. I even stopped and read another book to prolong my feels. I am going to state my opinion on the matter. I think the ending felt like more of a copout than anything. I understand the author wanting to please her readers and in this case Howard had to please the masses swarming to either Morpheus or Jeb. Don't get me wrong the set up she wrote to achieve the outcome was brilliant and I applaud her but the ending felt wrong in some ways. Some say it was the perfect ending...because they all three (Alyssa, Jeb and Morpheus) win. Well, it's fine and dandy to think of it that way but reality is she was getting the best of both worlds and I think that wasn't fair to either guy. How could she fully give herself to one or the other? She couldn't, not really, not fully. In some way they all did get their happily ever after and maybe that's the way I should see it. I'm still trying to see it that way.Overall, it was a great series and I'd read it all over again given the chance and knowing what I know. I look forward to any other work Howard pay put out and hope to everything that we get to glimpse Wonderland once more.
Spoiler
perhaps with an offspring of Alyssa and Jeb's? Or through the eyes of her son with Morpheus?rebelkiss's review
3.0
*sigh* I can't believe the journey is over. What a wonderful ride it was. Such wonderful world building. I felt as if I was living in the moment with the characters.
curlyc90's review
5.0
*Spoilers ahead*
Are you seeing this? 5 STARS??! It takes a lot for me to do that, but as I approached the ending of Ensnared I couldn't help but truly feel that A.G. Howard ended this series brilliantly.
1. AnyElsewhere- What a great concept! What a fantastic, horrible, dreadful world to bring to life.
2. Thomas (Alyssa's Dad)- Well played! I loved the journey he now gets to experience with his daughter (and her two lover boys). I love that he was able to become fully self-aware of his past and those closest to him. I appreciate the construction of his character. I liked how [a:A.G. Howard|5186274|A.G. Howard|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1325561918p2/5186274.jpg] was able to create his past and tie it seamlessly in a way to his family (the knights, wife, and daughter).
3. Alyssa - What a Queen!! No really I am proud of her growth. Where I found myself being exhausted with her in the past I actually really enjoyed her embracing herself this time around. She truly came into her powers and learned how to control them. What she did with Red...I couldn't be more happier. Perfect.
4. The Love Triangle - Jeb, oh sweet Jeb...Meeting up with Jeb in AnyElsewhere was heartbreaking. And judging from my past reviews you can tell I wasn't a huge fan of his. But this time around I loved him. Jeb has powers...whaaaat!! Plot Twist! No but really I loved learning more about his character and seeing his despair. I felt sorry for Alyssa and for Jeb and I actually rooted for them a little too. But not very far away was Morpheus! Oh poor Morph...most of the novel without powers. You definitely experience the effects of having something you never had and having something taken away that you've always known. It's bittersweet and dreadful. But I grew to love Morph even more. I knew before the book was over that somehow of course both sides would win in their own ways. And I truly liked the ending. As always I'm left with the feeling of give me more. What was her life like in the human world? In Wonderland? How about the son? I'm honestly happy she admits her love for BOTH men! Especially Morpheus. I would've loved another book with a look into that side. Partially because I love Wonderland and all of its craziness. I'm so happy both guys kind of came to an understanding. Even though this could've just been an easy out...the horror!
Sadly, the series is over. But great series. Great ending. I know this gets mixed reviews but I enjoyed this fairy tale. This Alice in Wonderland is like no other. Action packed, lots of surprises, nice twists, romance and its all in one book.
Are you seeing this? 5 STARS??! It takes a lot for me to do that, but as I approached the ending of Ensnared I couldn't help but truly feel that A.G. Howard ended this series brilliantly.
1. AnyElsewhere- What a great concept! What a fantastic, horrible, dreadful world to bring to life.
2. Thomas (Alyssa's Dad)- Well played! I loved the journey he now gets to experience with his daughter (and her two lover boys). I love that he was able to become fully self-aware of his past and those closest to him. I appreciate the construction of his character. I liked how [a:A.G. Howard|5186274|A.G. Howard|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1325561918p2/5186274.jpg] was able to create his past and tie it seamlessly in a way to his family (the knights, wife, and daughter).
3. Alyssa - What a Queen!! No really I am proud of her growth. Where I found myself being exhausted with her in the past I actually really enjoyed her embracing herself this time around. She truly came into her powers and learned how to control them. What she did with Red...I couldn't be more happier. Perfect.
4. The Love Triangle - Jeb, oh sweet Jeb...Meeting up with Jeb in AnyElsewhere was heartbreaking. And judging from my past reviews you can tell I wasn't a huge fan of his. But this time around I loved him. Jeb has powers...whaaaat!! Plot Twist! No but really I loved learning more about his character and seeing his despair. I felt sorry for Alyssa and for Jeb and I actually rooted for them a little too. But not very far away was Morpheus! Oh poor Morph...most of the novel without powers. You definitely experience the effects of having something you never had and having something taken away that you've always known. It's bittersweet and dreadful. But I grew to love Morph even more. I knew before the book was over that somehow of course both sides would win in their own ways. And I truly liked the ending. As always I'm left with the feeling of give me more. What was her life like in the human world? In Wonderland? How about the son? I'm honestly happy she admits her love for BOTH men! Especially Morpheus. I would've loved another book with a look into that side. Partially because I love Wonderland and all of its craziness. I'm so happy both guys kind of came to an understanding. Even though this could've just been an easy out...the horror!
Sadly, the series is over. But great series. Great ending. I know this gets mixed reviews but I enjoyed this fairy tale. This Alice in Wonderland is like no other. Action packed, lots of surprises, nice twists, romance and its all in one book.