Seeing Redd

This was a satisfying continuation of the series started with The Looking Glass Wars but much like the first book, it lacked a certain something. I must declare that I have no particular passion for the original Alice stories, just a residual fondness formed from the memories of childhood that they inspire, so a 'retelling' of the stories is not something that offends me in any way. However, where I found the first book in the series a fun and innovative diversion into a modern-day view of Alice's world, this second book doesn't have the novely of the first instalment and the characters and storyline aren't strong enough to convince you that you're not just reading more of the same. It's not a bad book (although the writing is a bit show more ham-fisted on an occasion or several) but neither is it anything special. show less

Unlike everyone else it seems, I liked this book more than the first. I thought Beddor did a good job at fleshing out his characters more than in the first book. There was advancement on all of the major plot lines and the addition of several more that made sense in the context of the book and allowed for a greater history for his characters. While some may find their favorite plot lines stalled, I think each went about as far as it needed to go before the last book in the trilogy.

The complexity of interactions and intrigue really pulled me in more than the first book did. Readers are assumed to already know the characters basically, so Beddor delves directly into their thoughts and gives more background to their actions. Still all in show more all this is a book about a war in the realm of imagination and as such has fantastical battle scenes and court room intrigue.

I think we need to remember that this is a book written for young adults and as such will not necessarily be as emotionally complex and character driven as a novel written for an adult. This is not the next Harry Potter, but still, this series is highly entertaining to read and exquisite in it's world-building. This is for the late middle school, early high school set and adults who aren't looking for allegorical narratives and deep reflection. show less

This is the sequel to The Looking Glass Wars by the same author, which I loved. In this story, Alyss' evil aunt Redd comes back with a vengeance to try and reclaim the throne she was usurped from.

I liked this book less than the first one. The Looking Glass Wars presented a new world, where magic is Imagination and soldiers are cards and it is all so novel and exciting that the book was hard not to like. There was a lot of action, some drama, and a real conflict. Seeing Redd, by comparison, was a lot less remarkable. There was action, yes, but it almost seemed as if it were there just to fill up the pages. Nothing new was introduced in the book, not even a new villain. The conflict of the story was Redd's return to Wonderland, which just show more seems a bit cliche. Even the surprise "twist" involving Hatter Madigan was predictable from as far back as the first book, so I just didn't think there was much to go on. I read through the entire book really quickly, and was left feeling unsatisfied. The plot was way too simple, and very Disney.

I will still pick up Hatter M, but from how Seeing Redd went, it will probably go in my "fluff reading" pile. Seeing Redd was entertaining enough, but falls short of really being anything more than a filler book. show less

The second installment of The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd opens a mear three months after Alyss Heart reclaimed her throne from her mad Aunt Redd, who along with The Cat flung themselves into the Heart Crystal instead of suffering the humiliation of loosing to her neice. But since the Heart Crystal is the spark of Imagination of the universe, Redd and The Cat find their way back to Earth through rather different means than the usual manner for Wonderlanders, the Pool of Tears.

Finding herself on Earth, Redd discovers a number of Wonderlanders who have taken refuge there, and decides to build her army on Earth, hidden from Alyss, and plans her revenge. Meanwhile back in Wonderland, King Arch, the monarch of Boarderland, is planning show more his own assault on Wondertropolis, using any means of subterfuge that he finds useful at the moment. Eventually, Redd makes her way back to Wonderland, and finding that she and Arch have similar goals, strike up a precarious alliance. However, Arch has plans of his own that even Redd doesn't know of, in the form of his new weapon WILMA.

Beddor continues to keep the pace fast and exciting in Seeing Redd, just like he did in The Looking Glass Wars. While we've left the similarities of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass behind in the last book, he continues to grow his cast of characters carefully, and each new character is just as imaginative as the last. I continue to be thrilled with this series. It's a fresh take on the Alice mythos and I'll be sad to see the series come to a close with the final volume, ArchEnemy. show less

The second book in Beddor's Looking Glass Wars trilogy picks up fairly closely to the end of the first book. 3 lunar cycles (I'm guessing this means months) later and Queen Alyss is doing her best to reassure the people that White Imagination is once again dominate.

There is a little bit of a mislead throughout the book as well, in who's actually the source of evil and motives. King Arch, briefly mentioned and shown in the first book, is a central character this time around (with all his sexist views) and Jack of Diamonds, unfortunately, makes a return appearance. His parents aren't the brightest ever. Redd is more cunning then in the first book, using subterfuge as a way to win out. I admired her, despite her evilness, because she show more didn't just whine about what she lost (like Jack) or spout impossible ideas (like Arch), but had a solid plan which would have worked.

Hatter Madigan, this poor guy, is put through the ringer. He did take his leave, as he said he would at the end of Book 1, and didn't plan on coming back. We learn more about the civilian he loved, Weaver and what secrets she carried. Which all relates back to Molly (I'm sure you can guess how) and has a surprising turn of events. Doesn't last long however. Molly is also put through the ringer--unsure of herself, prideful of her abilities but shamed by her birth, young and basically self-trained, Arch takes advantage of that weakness.

In the end I enjoyed this book moreso then the first. I enjoyed learning more about the other lands surrounding Wonderland (even if Borderland is...what it is) and despite the ending leaving itself very open to a sequel, I can't be too upset over that. The conflicts of THIS book were resolved and the ending opened the door to a new conflict. show less

This is the second book (out of three) in the Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. I really wanted to love this series. Somehow I found this book even more boring than the first one. These books just focus too much on strategic war than on what makes Wonderland awesome; imagination.

In this book King Arch is plotting to overthrow Wonderland but his plans are interrupted when Redd returns and, once again, causes issues for new Queen of Wonderland, Alyss Heart.

This story was okay. I am a little irked that Alyss only seems to use her Imagination as a weapon, and that she uses it in such limited way. Redd actually seems quite a bit more creative with her Black Imagination. I loved that Beddor tried to expand and give more dimension to the show more character of the Hatter. Unfortunately it fell short for me; I thought the Hatter's character was actually weakened by the fact that he wandered somewhat aimlessly through his own personal issues.

I guess, just like the first book, the characters seemed more like outlines than actual characters to me. I had trouble reading this book. At points I found it outright boring and skimmed through sections. When the goal of reading a book becomes solely to finish it; I start to say that the book wasn't all that great.

The story was okay, the characters have potential, but the book didn't excite me and I only marginally enjoyed reading it. I am beginning to think that me and Beddor's writing style just don't get along.

This book is not as contained as the first one...it kind of stops in the middle of things. So, I will most likely read the third and final installment, Everqueen, but after that no more Beddor for me. show less

The second book in the Looking Glass Wars Trilogy was as wonderful as the first. Again, Hatter Madigan was my favorite character, and this story gave him a bit of depth to go along with his awesome fighting abilities. Queen Alyss also was given more of a chance to evolve in her role as, not only Queen, but a young woman trying to figure out who she is as a person. King Arch and Redd were great as competing foes. Cannot wait to see how it ends!