**4.25 stars**

"A world where the impossibilities of our most farfetched dreams come true--that was the essence of Wonderland."
Welcome to a new twist on the story of Alice in Wonderland. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but what I got surpassed anything I could have imagined! There are many takes and twists of this age-old classic. One never knows what they will get into with any of them.
In this twisted version we get murder and deceit. A story of a boy and a girl trying to overcome what is expected of them and their pasts.
Alice Mae... she is a prisoner of Wonderland and her past mistakes. It is her job to lure the now deceased king's nephew to Wonderland for the Queen... The Queen, an evil ruler who wants to make sure her reign of Wonderland is secure. Then we have Ryley... "every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a boy's name (or was it a boy with a Girl's name?) who'd end the Reign of Terror."... the heir to the throne of Wonderland.
I couldn't put this book down. I was sucked into the vortex of this complex, yet simple story. I was a willing traveler between the realm of Wonderland and the Otherworld. If you think this is a story that couldn't possibly be an emotional ride, you are wrong. This story is not just about an evil queen wanting to be in complete control. This is a story of a boy and girl building a relationship that could stand the test of time (literally). It is about what one would give up to have that love people dream of. It is about how far people will go to not only do the right thing, but to also right their wrongs.
I laughed and teared up throughout this book. The characters are hard to not love. The twists of the story are complex but easily followed. The writing alone is wondrous. Sarah J Pepper is a true genius and has a very good imaginative and unique writing style that gives this book some extra character! ( )

I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest reviews.
---

Ever wonder what happens after Alice after Wonderland? Well ponder no more! This book takes you on a magical ride through the dark and twisted world of Wonderland and the Otherworld (our world) where we encounter a more cynical Alice, a cruel Red Queen (Hearts), the not so mindless White Rabbit (Mr. Ruthford), troublesome prophesies, an ill-fated Mad Hatter and a playful but devious Cheshire cat (Chez).

Of course there are lots of other colour characters that we are introduced to and get to know. Like the demented and psychotic Joker, the crazed heir Robby, the silent but intuitive Jack and the often clueless Ryley.

Let me start off by saying I love the cover photo, it�Ûªs so striking and out there that for the entire story that‰Ûªs how I picture Alice would look like. The opening scene had me hooked right off the bat. If you think the opening was shocking, just wait till you read the rest of the book. Of course that doesn‰Ûªt mean the entire story is covered with gore or anything. I enjoyed the numerous twists and turns that kept me guessing and doubting myself right until the very end. The story takes Wonderland to a deeper and more sinister level where the Joker chops off the head of the king and torments Alice and Ryley with on one of those playdates of his, where Alice tricks Ryley into entering Wonderland voluntarily into his death and where the Mad Hatter works on finding ways to poison Hearts . The prophecies were confusing yet intriguing to decipher, where hints are placed here and there, always making me think twice. like the one about the 2 Mad Hatters and how Hearts would ultimately be brought down

The story was basically told through Alice and Ryley's point of view. I loved the interaction and chemistry between the two of them. And who knew Alice could pull off vintage/wacky outfits with a bright blue liptstick? :) Anyways, since we heard the prophecy in the opening chapter, it's always on my mind whether or not Alice and Ryley are the ones the prophecy is referring to. There are a few other prophecies thrown around throughout the story, some more puzzling than others (especially that Mad Hatter one, which makes so much sense in the end). Ryley might be a smart teenager, but most of the time you see him acting like a typical guy like every other teenager in books. However, he does have redeeming qualities, like the pursuit of Alice even though he knows it‰Ûªs a trap, finding ways to save his father and what he does in the very end.

The story is thrilling and captivating from start to finish, even the climax doesn‰Ûªt disappoint! Especially how Alice finally achieves her act of revenge and for all and who is the ‰ÛÏsecond‰Û Mad Hatter

One thing though, which is such a minor thing and is something I am curious about (totally doesn‰Ûªt take away from the story or anything). I would love to hear about the backstory of Hearts, Chez, Jack and Joker, like how they became who they are.

Definitely read this story and you won‰Ûªt regret it! It does a nice homage to Alice in Wonderland, while building on top of it to create a whole new world of its own. ( )

**4.25 stars**

"A world where the impossibilities of our most farfetched dreams come true--that was the essence of Wonderland."
Welcome to a new twist on the story of Alice in Wonderland. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but what I got surpassed anything I could have imagined! There are many takes and twists of this age-old classic. One never knows what they will get into with any of them.
In this twisted version we get murder and deceit. A story of a boy and a girl trying to overcome what is expected of them and their pasts.
Alice Mae... she is a prisoner of Wonderland and her past mistakes. It is her job to lure the now deceased king's nephew to Wonderland for the Queen... The Queen, an evil ruler who wants to make sure her reign of Wonderland is secure. Then we have Ryley... "every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a boy's name (or was it a boy with a Girl's name?) who'd end the Reign of Terror."... the heir to the throne of Wonderland.
I couldn't put this book down. I was sucked into the vortex of this complex, yet simple story. I was a willing traveler between the realm of Wonderland and the Otherworld. If you think this is a story that couldn't possibly be an emotional ride, you are wrong. This story is not just about an evil queen wanting to be in complete control. This is a story of a boy and girl building a relationship that could stand the test of time (literally). It is about what one would give up to have that love people dream of. It is about how far people will go to not only do the right thing, but to also right their wrongs.
I laughed and teared up throughout this book. The characters are hard to not love. The twists of the story are complex but easily followed. The writing alone is wondrous. Sarah J Pepper is a true genius and has a very good imaginative and unique writing style that gives this book some extra character! ( )

An enchanting tale that will have you thinking about it long after you turn the last page.

This story has everything intrigue, adventure, romance, and life lessons that you will carry with you forever. While this story has elements of the old “Alice in Wonderland” it is far different with a theme all its own. The story deals with many different issues that we all face in life, but especially forgiveness. I really liked how the story showed that you must work hard for your happily ever after and that even though things don't always turn out the way you planned, love is always worth it.

Alice Mae is no wilting violet. She is strong, determined, and most definitely a fighter. I loved her spirit and seeing how she was able to grow as a person throughout the story. She is by no means perfect and makes mistakes, but she tries her best to make things right.

Ryley is no prince charming, but he loves with all his heart. He is an interesting and complicated character that I loved figuring out. The romance was also nicely done and not too over the top. What I liked most about Ryley and Alice is that they saw each others faults and still loved each other.

This is an moving and provocative story that you won't want to miss! ( )

You definitely have to be able to appreciate a unique style of writing to truly enjoy this story. It took a little while to get used to it, but in the end I was thoroughly entertained. I thought the plot was well thought out, and along with the characters, fit seamlessly with the original world of Wonderland. They were all more than touch nutty, and made no sense most of the time. But– that fit with the story created, and was mostly to be expected.

There were a few comments by the teenagers in the story that were a little hard to swallow as coming from a teen, but nothing too extraordinary. Ryley is one-of-a-kind, the athletic popular kid mixed with the nerd who loves physics. After meeting Alice Mae, he slowly but surely falls for her, even with her outlandish Wonderland quirks. The storyline of the prophecies was an interesting take, and one I enjoyed seeing play out to the end. Overall, this is a neat take on the timeless Alice in Wonderland story. If you enjoyed the original, take the time to try this out.

Rating: 4

HEAT Rating: none

Reviewed By: Daysie W.

Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More ( )