What do you think?
Rate this book
Once upon a Wonderland
Once upon a Wonderland
Can Alice uncover the truth to escape her twisted fantasy?
--
“Fee-fi-fo-fum!” boomed the ogre.
“Why do you keep quoting Shakespeare’s King Lear?” asked Alice. “And while we’re on the subject, why can you only smell the blood of Englishmen? Why not other nationalities? Or English women come to that?”
--A poltergeist in tattered leotards, a queen suffering from hypersomnia and a psychotic arsonist. These are not the Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella that Alice has come to know and love. Nevertheless, she needs to get them and other fairy tale characters out of Wonderland if she’s to mend Time and return home. And rescue Jack, the feathered boy she’s in love with.
Alice’s quest is not helped by accusations of treason from the local inhabitants, the advances of an arrogant Pied Piper and the fact that she is growing younger by the hour. And then there is the Queen of Hearts and her cohorts to contend with.
Peppered with surreal events, gritty wordplay and the sinister backstories to popular fairy tales, this sequel to Alice Falls Again is a must for younger and older adults alike.
Reviews for the prequel Alice Falls Again:
"A brilliant and amusing reinvention." KIRKUS REVIEWS
"An ideal fantasy for Carroll fans." blueink
"Fantastical wonders and head-over-heels adventures abound." Foreword Clarion
Can Alice uncover the truth to escape her twisted fantasy?
--
“Fee-fi-fo-fum!” boomed the ogre.
“Why do you keep quoting Shakespeare’s King Lear?” asked Alice. “And while we’re on the subject, why can you only smell the blood of Englishmen? Why not other nationalities? Or English women come to that?”
--A poltergeist in tattered leotards, a queen suffering from hypersomnia and a psychotic arsonist. These are not the Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella that Alice has come to know and love. Nevertheless, she needs to get them and other fairy tale characters out of Wonderland if she’s to mend Time and return home. And rescue Jack, the feathered boy she’s in love with.
Alice’s quest is not helped by accusations of treason from the local inhabitants, the advances of an arrogant Pied Piper and the fact that she is growing younger by the hour. And then there is the Queen of Hearts and her cohorts to contend with.
Peppered with surreal events, gritty wordplay and the sinister backstories to popular fairy tales, this sequel to Alice Falls Again is a must for younger and older adults alike.
Reviews for the prequel Alice Falls Again:
"A brilliant and amusing reinvention." KIRKUS REVIEWS
"An ideal fantasy for Carroll fans." blueink
"Fantastical wonders and head-over-heels adventures abound." Foreword Clarion
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
About the author
D.J. Stoneham
7 books5 followersHaving journeyed down my own personal rabbit hole at the tail end of a career in corporate communications and sustainability, I am now pursuing a lifelong dream writing fantasy stories. Rather like the proverbial Alice, I find myself drawn to the curious, the fantastic and the peculiar. So it made sense to make Alice Falls Again my first novel to reach the finishing line. Revamped in a new edition in 2023, Alice Falls Again is joined by a stand-alone book two, Once upon a Wonderland, also published in 2023
Created over several decades, my epic fantasy duology - Worlds Apart - acted as an outlet for an over-active imagination and contrast to my career – escapism and therapy rolled into one. The two books - Outcast and Havoc - were published in 2021.
In the past, I have co-authored a best-selling series of schoolbooks and co-produced Future Histories, a collection of science fiction stories (forward by Arthur C Clarke and Nicholas Negroponte) for limited distribution.
Born in London, I grew up on the south coast of England and, apart from a few years in China and back in the UK, I have spent the second half of my life in Finland with my family.
Reviews for Alice Falls Again:
"An ideal fantasy for Carroll fans...Stoneham imbues his prose with a wit and poetry that do ample justice to his source material...."
- blueink
"...A brilliant and amusing reinvention..."
- Kirkus
"Fantastical wonders and head-over-heels adventures abound ... just enough sarcasm and joviality to keep it from becoming saccharine..." - Foreword Clarion
Reviews for Once upon a Wonderland:
“A celebration of what made this original story so great, coupled with surreal elements and twists and turns that make it one of the finest releases of 2023.” - Nerdection
"Captivating, iconic, and engaging ... a must-read folklore and fantasy-driven fairytale novel.” - Anthony Avina
5-star rating. "Once upon a Wonderland is a noteworthy fantasy like no other … a beautiful blend of a beloved classic with a unique creative enhancement for today's audiences.” - Reader Views
“Laugh-out-loud sequences, a fanciful tone throughout as well as stellar illustrations that perfectly complement the narrative.” - blueink
"… a satisfying read that captures the whimsy and imagination of Carroll’s classic.” - The Creative Muggle.
"As inventive and immersive as all of Alice's previous trips. The author’s masterful dexterity with language is an impressive homage to Lewis Carroll’s own whimsical pen, and the wordplay throughout the novel is rich, clever, and unpredictable. Engaging, entertaining, and wickedly smart, Once Upon a Wonderland feels like a classic in its own right." - Self-Publishing Review
Reviews for Outcast, Book One of the Worlds Apart series:
“A rewarding fantasy novel … worlds are fleshed out in an enthralling, stylized manner … an intriguing introductory volume.”
- Foreword Clarion, August, 2021
“Reminiscent of Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels in terms of unbridled creativity … the narrative’s structure is brilliant ... Sye’s fantastical wanderings keeps readers turning pages ... a potent work of fantasy storytelling.” - blueink, August, 2021
"The characters are brilliantly developed and elevate the story with their individuality ... I hope this goes out to become a bestseller as it deserves!" Grace Jackson, August, 2021
Created over several decades, my epic fantasy duology - Worlds Apart - acted as an outlet for an over-active imagination and contrast to my career – escapism and therapy rolled into one. The two books - Outcast and Havoc - were published in 2021.
In the past, I have co-authored a best-selling series of schoolbooks and co-produced Future Histories, a collection of science fiction stories (forward by Arthur C Clarke and Nicholas Negroponte) for limited distribution.
Born in London, I grew up on the south coast of England and, apart from a few years in China and back in the UK, I have spent the second half of my life in Finland with my family.
Reviews for Alice Falls Again:
"An ideal fantasy for Carroll fans...Stoneham imbues his prose with a wit and poetry that do ample justice to his source material...."
- blueink
"...A brilliant and amusing reinvention..."
- Kirkus
"Fantastical wonders and head-over-heels adventures abound ... just enough sarcasm and joviality to keep it from becoming saccharine..." - Foreword Clarion
Reviews for Once upon a Wonderland:
“A celebration of what made this original story so great, coupled with surreal elements and twists and turns that make it one of the finest releases of 2023.” - Nerdection
"Captivating, iconic, and engaging ... a must-read folklore and fantasy-driven fairytale novel.” - Anthony Avina
5-star rating. "Once upon a Wonderland is a noteworthy fantasy like no other … a beautiful blend of a beloved classic with a unique creative enhancement for today's audiences.” - Reader Views
“Laugh-out-loud sequences, a fanciful tone throughout as well as stellar illustrations that perfectly complement the narrative.” - blueink
"… a satisfying read that captures the whimsy and imagination of Carroll’s classic.” - The Creative Muggle.
"As inventive and immersive as all of Alice's previous trips. The author’s masterful dexterity with language is an impressive homage to Lewis Carroll’s own whimsical pen, and the wordplay throughout the novel is rich, clever, and unpredictable. Engaging, entertaining, and wickedly smart, Once Upon a Wonderland feels like a classic in its own right." - Self-Publishing Review
Reviews for Outcast, Book One of the Worlds Apart series:
“A rewarding fantasy novel … worlds are fleshed out in an enthralling, stylized manner … an intriguing introductory volume.”
- Foreword Clarion, August, 2021
“Reminiscent of Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels in terms of unbridled creativity … the narrative’s structure is brilliant ... Sye’s fantastical wanderings keeps readers turning pages ... a potent work of fantasy storytelling.” - blueink, August, 2021
"The characters are brilliantly developed and elevate the story with their individuality ... I hope this goes out to become a bestseller as it deserves!" Grace Jackson, August, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 20, 2023
Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of retellings of literary classics, since they provide a new perspective on well-known tales. These adaptations may vary from being exact recreations of the original work to being creative reimaginings that breathe new life into the familiar characters and settings of the original story. Retellings give you the opportunity to experience the original narrative in a whole new way, whether you've always loved it or have only recently discovered it. With so many retellings accessible, readers may explore diverse viewpoints, alternate endings, and even totally new universes built on the core of a classic narrative.
Once Upon a Wonderland by D J Stoneham is a delightful reimagination of the beloved fairy tale of Alice in Wonderland. In this book, the author has taken a classic story and brought it into the modern era with an extended cast of characters and a new storyline that is sure to keep readers engaged. The book takes readers on a magical journey through the whimsical world of Wonderland, where oddity is the norm and danger lurks around every corner. With Stoneham's vivid imagination and unique style of scene-setting and descriptiveness of character encounters, the book is a gripping adventure for young and old alike.
Once Upon A Wonderland by DJ Stoneham is a tantalizing tale that transports readers to a world of fantasy and intrigue. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own unique quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them feel like real people. Stoneham's writing style is masterful, with vivid descriptions that bring Wonderland to life in all its surreal glory. And while the story may be whimsical and fanciful, it also deals with weighty themes like mental health and personal growth, adding a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
Alice, the heroine of the story, is no longer the wide-eyed, naive girl we first met in Lewis Carroll's classic. Instead, she's a college graduate with a fierce sense of independence and a willingness to stand up for herself. Her journey through Wonderland is a journey of self-discovery, as she learns to confront her fears and face the challenges that lie ahead. Along the way, she encounters a host of characters, both friend and foe, each with their own motivations and desires.
Stoneham's writing style is a perfect fit for the fantastical world of Wonderland. His descriptions are lush and evocative, painting a picture of a world that's both beautiful and strange. He imbues each character with a distinct personality, making them feel like living, breathing beings rather than mere caricatures. And his use of language is both playful and poetic, capturing the whimsy and wonder of Carroll's original while adding his own unique touch.
Perhaps most impressive, though, is the way Stoneham weaves themes of mental health throughout the story. Alice's journey through Wonderland is a metaphor for her own inner struggles, as she learns to confront her fears and doubts and emerge stronger on the other side. Stoneham's portrayal of mental health issues is sensitive and nuanced, and he treats his characters with compassion and understanding. In all, Once Upon A Wonderland is a delightful and engaging read, a worthy addition to the Alice in Wonderland canon. With its richly drawn characters, masterful writing, and weighty themes, it's a book that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.
Once Upon a Wonderland by D J Stoneham is a delightful reimagination of the beloved fairy tale of Alice in Wonderland. In this book, the author has taken a classic story and brought it into the modern era with an extended cast of characters and a new storyline that is sure to keep readers engaged. The book takes readers on a magical journey through the whimsical world of Wonderland, where oddity is the norm and danger lurks around every corner. With Stoneham's vivid imagination and unique style of scene-setting and descriptiveness of character encounters, the book is a gripping adventure for young and old alike.
Once Upon A Wonderland by DJ Stoneham is a tantalizing tale that transports readers to a world of fantasy and intrigue. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own unique quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them feel like real people. Stoneham's writing style is masterful, with vivid descriptions that bring Wonderland to life in all its surreal glory. And while the story may be whimsical and fanciful, it also deals with weighty themes like mental health and personal growth, adding a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
Alice, the heroine of the story, is no longer the wide-eyed, naive girl we first met in Lewis Carroll's classic. Instead, she's a college graduate with a fierce sense of independence and a willingness to stand up for herself. Her journey through Wonderland is a journey of self-discovery, as she learns to confront her fears and face the challenges that lie ahead. Along the way, she encounters a host of characters, both friend and foe, each with their own motivations and desires.
Stoneham's writing style is a perfect fit for the fantastical world of Wonderland. His descriptions are lush and evocative, painting a picture of a world that's both beautiful and strange. He imbues each character with a distinct personality, making them feel like living, breathing beings rather than mere caricatures. And his use of language is both playful and poetic, capturing the whimsy and wonder of Carroll's original while adding his own unique touch.
Perhaps most impressive, though, is the way Stoneham weaves themes of mental health throughout the story. Alice's journey through Wonderland is a metaphor for her own inner struggles, as she learns to confront her fears and doubts and emerge stronger on the other side. Stoneham's portrayal of mental health issues is sensitive and nuanced, and he treats his characters with compassion and understanding. In all, Once Upon A Wonderland is a delightful and engaging read, a worthy addition to the Alice in Wonderland canon. With its richly drawn characters, masterful writing, and weighty themes, it's a book that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.
January 5, 2024
‘Once Upon a Wonderland’ is a fantasy adventure from the pen of Finland-based British author, D J Stoneham. At first glance, the book cover appears quaint but on closer inspection, the characters are damaged. This immediately suggests the book isn’t going to be a totally
cosy read.
Alice is now an adult and swerving all attempts by her mother to marry her off because her heart belongs to Jack, a feathered boy whom she met during a previous adventure. There is little of the demure Victorian woman in Alice; she is free-thinking and independent in spirit. After arriving with a splash for her fourth visit to Wonderland, Alice encounters a variety of characters from fairy tales, all of whom appear to be laden with emotional baggage and grievances. Whilst she encourages some of her foils to take control of their own destiny, she too must face a time of reflective awareness before she can hope to leave. However, it would appear that Alice’s presence has created an anomaly which could have catastrophic consequences, meaning a return home certainly isn’t guaranteed.
David Stoneham appears extremely well-versed in his knowledge of fairy tales through the ages and I was able to check the authenticity of the characters’ origins from a few internet searches. The descriptive passages will no doubt paint a vivid picture for fans of this genre. Humour and irony are used to good effect, as are foreshadowing, similes and metaphors with the author not being afraid to introduce a little of the macabre, should the reworking of various familiar stories benefit from this.
Having steadfastly avoided Alice throughout my childhood, I cannot comment on whether or not this tale captures the essence of Lewis Carroll’s portrayal. However, I found it to be a quirky, whimsical adventure which may well strike a note for those who enjoyed timeless fantasies as children. It introduces some thought-provoking contemporary topics as Alice tries to complete a variety of tasks so that this alternative world can regain its equilibrium. A useful reinforcement technique is employed with Alice frequently reminding herself of her to-do list; this demonstrates to the reader that the author is keeping his focus on pace and structure.
Stories borrowing a character or characters, created by others, raise ethical questions which have been extensively debated elsewhere and I confess to being conflicted in this respect. This tale is a tad lengthy but sticking with it will deliver some interesting themes and moral messages. The author has demonstrated he is an accomplished wordsmith and for the plot and writing craft, I award four-and-a-half stars.
cosy read.
Alice is now an adult and swerving all attempts by her mother to marry her off because her heart belongs to Jack, a feathered boy whom she met during a previous adventure. There is little of the demure Victorian woman in Alice; she is free-thinking and independent in spirit. After arriving with a splash for her fourth visit to Wonderland, Alice encounters a variety of characters from fairy tales, all of whom appear to be laden with emotional baggage and grievances. Whilst she encourages some of her foils to take control of their own destiny, she too must face a time of reflective awareness before she can hope to leave. However, it would appear that Alice’s presence has created an anomaly which could have catastrophic consequences, meaning a return home certainly isn’t guaranteed.
David Stoneham appears extremely well-versed in his knowledge of fairy tales through the ages and I was able to check the authenticity of the characters’ origins from a few internet searches. The descriptive passages will no doubt paint a vivid picture for fans of this genre. Humour and irony are used to good effect, as are foreshadowing, similes and metaphors with the author not being afraid to introduce a little of the macabre, should the reworking of various familiar stories benefit from this.
Having steadfastly avoided Alice throughout my childhood, I cannot comment on whether or not this tale captures the essence of Lewis Carroll’s portrayal. However, I found it to be a quirky, whimsical adventure which may well strike a note for those who enjoyed timeless fantasies as children. It introduces some thought-provoking contemporary topics as Alice tries to complete a variety of tasks so that this alternative world can regain its equilibrium. A useful reinforcement technique is employed with Alice frequently reminding herself of her to-do list; this demonstrates to the reader that the author is keeping his focus on pace and structure.
Stories borrowing a character or characters, created by others, raise ethical questions which have been extensively debated elsewhere and I confess to being conflicted in this respect. This tale is a tad lengthy but sticking with it will deliver some interesting themes and moral messages. The author has demonstrated he is an accomplished wordsmith and for the plot and writing craft, I award four-and-a-half stars.
April 2, 2023
Alice is no longer the naive teenage girl we first met in author DJ Stoneham’s prequel “Alice Falls Again,” but a full-grown college graduate with a mind of her own destined to once again return to the mystical world of Wonderland.
Alice prides herself on being true to herself, no matter how that may look to outsiders. Once “Upon A Wonderland” begins with Alice and her sisters enjoying a mid-day swim. Without warning, our beloved Alice is swept away in the rip current, being relentlessly sucked under, desperately fighting to stay above water. On the brink of losing consciousness, she finds herself once again on the whimsical shores of Wonderland. Villainous characters have found their way into the realm of Wonderland since Alice’s last visit, wreaking havoc on everything and every one of its inhabitants. Time has become askew, causing Alice to age backward at an unusually fast rate, with each passing hour growing younger. Alice must rescue the love of her life, Jack, stop the chaos that is amuck in Wonderland, and fix the issue with time reversing before it’s too late.
DJ Stoneham has outdone himself in creating a noteworthy fantasy like no other. Once Upon A Wonderland is a delightful reimagination of the beloved fairy tale of the past. Updated with an extended cast of delicious and vile characters, they are sure to keep the reader engaged while racing from page to page as the plot thickens and dangerous agendas come to light. In a whimsical world where oddity is the norm, Stoneham’s vivid imagination adds a sense of amusement with its unique style of scene-setting and descriptiveness of character encounters. These slight peculiarities set the tone for a gripping adventure for young and old alike.
Page after page, the author’s writing style mesmerizes, drawing the reader into the unique qualities only a place such as Wonderland can possess. Alice’s vernacular mimics the logical and quizzical sides to that of the original Lewis Carroll character, reminiscing a sense of nostalgia for readers of the Alice in Wonderland classic. Stoneham’s work compliments Lewis Carroll’s classic by including the scatterbrained Cheshire Cat and the mischievous Queen of Hearts and adding his own twist on their personalities and the importance of Alice’s quest to repair Wonderland.
“Once Upon A Wonderland” is a beautiful blend of a beloved classic with a unique creative enhancement for today’s audiences.
Alice prides herself on being true to herself, no matter how that may look to outsiders. Once “Upon A Wonderland” begins with Alice and her sisters enjoying a mid-day swim. Without warning, our beloved Alice is swept away in the rip current, being relentlessly sucked under, desperately fighting to stay above water. On the brink of losing consciousness, she finds herself once again on the whimsical shores of Wonderland. Villainous characters have found their way into the realm of Wonderland since Alice’s last visit, wreaking havoc on everything and every one of its inhabitants. Time has become askew, causing Alice to age backward at an unusually fast rate, with each passing hour growing younger. Alice must rescue the love of her life, Jack, stop the chaos that is amuck in Wonderland, and fix the issue with time reversing before it’s too late.
DJ Stoneham has outdone himself in creating a noteworthy fantasy like no other. Once Upon A Wonderland is a delightful reimagination of the beloved fairy tale of the past. Updated with an extended cast of delicious and vile characters, they are sure to keep the reader engaged while racing from page to page as the plot thickens and dangerous agendas come to light. In a whimsical world where oddity is the norm, Stoneham’s vivid imagination adds a sense of amusement with its unique style of scene-setting and descriptiveness of character encounters. These slight peculiarities set the tone for a gripping adventure for young and old alike.
Page after page, the author’s writing style mesmerizes, drawing the reader into the unique qualities only a place such as Wonderland can possess. Alice’s vernacular mimics the logical and quizzical sides to that of the original Lewis Carroll character, reminiscing a sense of nostalgia for readers of the Alice in Wonderland classic. Stoneham’s work compliments Lewis Carroll’s classic by including the scatterbrained Cheshire Cat and the mischievous Queen of Hearts and adding his own twist on their personalities and the importance of Alice’s quest to repair Wonderland.
“Once Upon A Wonderland” is a beautiful blend of a beloved classic with a unique creative enhancement for today’s audiences.
April 7, 2023
The Review
This was such a beautiful and captivating fantasy world the author developed. The amount of world-building the author was able to achieve in this book was phenomenal, and the powerful imagery the author’s writing instilled in the reader not only helped bring this maddening and fantastical world of Wonderland to life but captured the mental and emotional depth of the characters and their struggles as well. The exploration of other fairytale creatures and figures in the context of the Wonderland universe was a great way to expand upon the existing mythos. The way the author was able to tap into the heart of what made the original story so beloved and yet brought such a mature and insightful new direction to the story made this a stupendous read.
What stood out to me was the incredible character development that the author achieved here, especially for Alice. For so long, Alice has been portrayed one of two ways: the innocent young girl whose journey into another world was either real or a work of fiction within her own mind, or in some scarier cases, a woman who went completely mad and becoming a danger to herself or others. Yet we find neither of those portrayals here, as Alice is a grown woman now, and has become more assured of herself and her experiences than ever before. The struggles she faces with her family as they seek to find her stability in the world through marriage as she seeks to find her independence was a great way to showcase the strength and leadership skills she has and needs to carry out her mission in Wonderland. The relationships she develops with the people of Wonderland, and the romance that showcases Alice’s maturity and determination make this a memorable and heartfelt reading experience.
The Verdict
Captivating, iconic, and engaging, author DJ Stoneham’s “Once Upon a Wonderland” is a must-read folklore and fantasy-driven fairytale novel. The wealth of mythology the author adapted for this book and the way the author was able to utilize the narrative of Alice and Wonderland simultaneously to showcase a new way of exploring our perception of mental health overall allowed the reader to enjoy the journey Alice goes on and the emotional connection she forms to so many of the people of this magical land.
This was such a beautiful and captivating fantasy world the author developed. The amount of world-building the author was able to achieve in this book was phenomenal, and the powerful imagery the author’s writing instilled in the reader not only helped bring this maddening and fantastical world of Wonderland to life but captured the mental and emotional depth of the characters and their struggles as well. The exploration of other fairytale creatures and figures in the context of the Wonderland universe was a great way to expand upon the existing mythos. The way the author was able to tap into the heart of what made the original story so beloved and yet brought such a mature and insightful new direction to the story made this a stupendous read.
What stood out to me was the incredible character development that the author achieved here, especially for Alice. For so long, Alice has been portrayed one of two ways: the innocent young girl whose journey into another world was either real or a work of fiction within her own mind, or in some scarier cases, a woman who went completely mad and becoming a danger to herself or others. Yet we find neither of those portrayals here, as Alice is a grown woman now, and has become more assured of herself and her experiences than ever before. The struggles she faces with her family as they seek to find her stability in the world through marriage as she seeks to find her independence was a great way to showcase the strength and leadership skills she has and needs to carry out her mission in Wonderland. The relationships she develops with the people of Wonderland, and the romance that showcases Alice’s maturity and determination make this a memorable and heartfelt reading experience.
The Verdict
Captivating, iconic, and engaging, author DJ Stoneham’s “Once Upon a Wonderland” is a must-read folklore and fantasy-driven fairytale novel. The wealth of mythology the author adapted for this book and the way the author was able to utilize the narrative of Alice and Wonderland simultaneously to showcase a new way of exploring our perception of mental health overall allowed the reader to enjoy the journey Alice goes on and the emotional connection she forms to so many of the people of this magical land.
April 20, 2023
Embark on a riveting adventure in the world of Wonderland with Alice as she sets out on a quest to reunite with her true love, Jack. Will Alice overcome the challenges that come her way and unravel the secrets of Wonderland, or will she be met with a new set of obstacles? While navigating through her troubles, Alice remains true to herself and stays grounded, all while finding herself once again in the mystical realm of Wonderland after being unconsciously transported back by an overwhelming wave during a swim day.
In his interpretation of Alice, Dj Stoneham portrays a strong and determined protagonist, challenging traditional narratives and prompting readers to rethink their perceptions of the modern woman. By integrating classic folklore with contemporary themes, the author ingeniously merges the old and the new in this narrative. Alice, in particular, defies societal expectations and chooses to embark on a journey of self-discovery and happiness rather than conforming to domestic ideals. Moreover, the novel features an array of captivating characters and fantastical creatures, including mermaids and exotic sea creatures, that Alice converses with. Dj Stoneham masterfully weaves together various elements of fantasy and adventure, breathing new life into the classic tale of Alice.
Having thoroughly enjoyed reading Once Upon A Wonderland, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for its creativity, modernity, and enchanting storytelling. This novel is a must-read for young adults who seek to challenge traditional norms and indulge in a mesmerizing tale filled with fascinating characters and narratives. Dj Stoneham’s fresh take on Alice’s world is sure to ignite the imagination and leave readers spellbound.
In his interpretation of Alice, Dj Stoneham portrays a strong and determined protagonist, challenging traditional narratives and prompting readers to rethink their perceptions of the modern woman. By integrating classic folklore with contemporary themes, the author ingeniously merges the old and the new in this narrative. Alice, in particular, defies societal expectations and chooses to embark on a journey of self-discovery and happiness rather than conforming to domestic ideals. Moreover, the novel features an array of captivating characters and fantastical creatures, including mermaids and exotic sea creatures, that Alice converses with. Dj Stoneham masterfully weaves together various elements of fantasy and adventure, breathing new life into the classic tale of Alice.
Having thoroughly enjoyed reading Once Upon A Wonderland, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for its creativity, modernity, and enchanting storytelling. This novel is a must-read for young adults who seek to challenge traditional norms and indulge in a mesmerizing tale filled with fascinating characters and narratives. Dj Stoneham’s fresh take on Alice’s world is sure to ignite the imagination and leave readers spellbound.
April 18, 2023
Once Upon a Wonderland by DJ Stoneham is a fun and entertaining reimagining of Lewis Carroll's epic fantasy. The story begins with a young Alice who is still uncertain whether her last visit to Wonderland was real or just a figment of her own imagination. Despite her family's expectations for her to settle down and get married, all Alice wants to do is return to Wonderland, and rescue Jack Door, the feathered boy.
So when Alice does return to Wonderland, she finds it in complete chaos, hindered by obstacles at every step. Her quest to rescue fairy tale characters, fight the Eelers, and reunite with Jack is filled with challenges and obstacles, including accusations of treason.
Author Stoneham does an excellent job of capturing the whimsical spirit of Carroll's original story while infusing it with his own creativity. The book is filled with silly humor, harsh wordplay, and haunting backstories of popular fairy tales, making it a thoroughly engaging tale.
The book’s wonderful language, vivid imagery, and quirky fairytale characters bring the magical world of Wonderland to life. The book's romantic angle also adds an extra layer of charm. The illustrations in the book are also another fabulous feature, perfectly complementing the surreal and imaginative setting of the plot.
Despite its strengths, the book does suffer from lengthy dialogues that often interrupt the overall reading experience. They can be entertaining in their own right, but they slightly take away the joy of the narrative.
Overall, Once Upon a Wonderland is a satisfying read that captures the whimsy and imagination of Carroll’s classic. I give Once Upon a Wonderland 3.5 stars and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a delightful and unusual adventure in Wonderland.
So when Alice does return to Wonderland, she finds it in complete chaos, hindered by obstacles at every step. Her quest to rescue fairy tale characters, fight the Eelers, and reunite with Jack is filled with challenges and obstacles, including accusations of treason.
Author Stoneham does an excellent job of capturing the whimsical spirit of Carroll's original story while infusing it with his own creativity. The book is filled with silly humor, harsh wordplay, and haunting backstories of popular fairy tales, making it a thoroughly engaging tale.
The book’s wonderful language, vivid imagery, and quirky fairytale characters bring the magical world of Wonderland to life. The book's romantic angle also adds an extra layer of charm. The illustrations in the book are also another fabulous feature, perfectly complementing the surreal and imaginative setting of the plot.
Despite its strengths, the book does suffer from lengthy dialogues that often interrupt the overall reading experience. They can be entertaining in their own right, but they slightly take away the joy of the narrative.
Overall, Once Upon a Wonderland is a satisfying read that captures the whimsy and imagination of Carroll’s classic. I give Once Upon a Wonderland 3.5 stars and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a delightful and unusual adventure in Wonderland.
July 3, 2023
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Given how many fairytale and Alice retellings have been written, I was pleasantly surprised that the plot and themes diverted from the usual tropes and managed to retain a compelling novelty. Namely, each of the fairytale characters conveyed different interpretations of their original stories, many with mental health implications. The book also somehow captured the voice and tone of the original Alice series, and the understated wit added another dimension to the piece. The illustrations were also wonderfully done.
In terms of things I would’ve wanted different -
I didn’t understand why the fairytale characters needed such new, unique names - given how different they were, it was difficult to remember who was who. Similarly, while I loved the idea of Ariel as a non-binary Ari, I don’t understand why Alice then “decided” to use she/her pronouns for Ari. These were small things but they pulled me out of the story.
Given how many fairytale and Alice retellings have been written, I was pleasantly surprised that the plot and themes diverted from the usual tropes and managed to retain a compelling novelty. Namely, each of the fairytale characters conveyed different interpretations of their original stories, many with mental health implications. The book also somehow captured the voice and tone of the original Alice series, and the understated wit added another dimension to the piece. The illustrations were also wonderfully done.
In terms of things I would’ve wanted different -
I didn’t understand why the fairytale characters needed such new, unique names - given how different they were, it was difficult to remember who was who. Similarly, while I loved the idea of Ariel as a non-binary Ari, I don’t understand why Alice then “decided” to use she/her pronouns for Ari. These were small things but they pulled me out of the story.
October 15, 2023
“Once Upon a Wonderland” is a retelling/reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s classic and finds Alice as a college graduate. She has three previous trips to Wonderland behind her, including one that had her leaving behind the love of her life, Jack.
Overall, I loved this story. I have to qualify this review by saying that I love the Lewis Carroll original adventures in Wonderland. I recently went to a Wonderland themed adult tea party, have a pair of the most amazing Wonderland shoes, and even have a guest room decorated in the same theme. So, yeah, I went into reading this story with high expectations. I found out early on that this wasn’t just a Wonderland tale: it’s a retelling of aspects of several other fairy tales. I’m not talking about the animated ones from the House of Mouse either, these are the gritty and brutal originals- but with a twist. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I loved this story. I have to qualify this review by saying that I love the Lewis Carroll original adventures in Wonderland. I recently went to a Wonderland themed adult tea party, have a pair of the most amazing Wonderland shoes, and even have a guest room decorated in the same theme. So, yeah, I went into reading this story with high expectations. I found out early on that this wasn’t just a Wonderland tale: it’s a retelling of aspects of several other fairy tales. I’m not talking about the animated ones from the House of Mouse either, these are the gritty and brutal originals- but with a twist. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
December 23, 2024
Honestly was a fiver dream what even was going on. Im not sure if I love it or hate it
April 19, 2023
I love retellings so when this one came up I was like yes please!! I am hooked and this author needs to do more retellings with a twist. This was freaking and creepy in the best possible ways. This full on fantasy was just what I was looking for in a retelling of Wonderland with twists and turns with horror and fantasy blended fully to create one chilling tale.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews