What do you think?
Rate this book
Wonderland
As Peri finishes her hike of the Wonderland Trail, the ninety-three miles that explores the backcountry of Mount Rainier, she is confronted with the reality that she has survived a pandemic of an unknown scale. And she is not alone. Haunted by her own demons, Peri must learn to live in the rugged, and sometimes daunting, wilderness while facing other survivors and the limitations of her past.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
89 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Wheelock
4 books22 followersGrowing up in the shadow of Mount Rainier inspired Wheelock to write her debut novel “Wonderland,” featured on the By Its Cover Podcast. “Wonderland” has received accolades as runner up for the Eric Hoffer Book Award and shortlisted for the First Horizon Award. Her 2009 short story, “The Impression of Leaves” won the Elizabeth Breen Prose Award for literary fiction. Her second novel “Lester” released October 2024 and follows the real and fictional history of the PNW ghost town by the same name.
Kimberly’s best ideas are found in the middle of the forest. She is an avid hiker and lover of the wilderness. She find it impossible to limit herself to only one genre as a fan of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Instead, she has chosen to follow in the footsteps of her favorite author, Stephen King, by writing stories that place ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Her third novel “Beartooth” is planned for release in 2026.
Kimberly’s best ideas are found in the middle of the forest. She is an avid hiker and lover of the wilderness. She find it impossible to limit herself to only one genre as a fan of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Instead, she has chosen to follow in the footsteps of her favorite author, Stephen King, by writing stories that place ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Her third novel “Beartooth” is planned for release in 2026.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 6, 2023
I found this book for free on Amazon, and LOVED the premise of someone going into nature for solitude and reflection and coming out to an apocalyptic scenario. This book is more character-driven and reflective about nature and human nature than it is an action book about the end of the world. It's well-written and interesting, with two characters that are well-developed and help drive the story forward in interesting ways. I love that this love story is about friendship and not romance. I loved that Mt. Ranier NP was it's own main character and was so richly described. I loved that there weren't straight up villians and good guys, but a spectrum of each that I thought realistically describes humanity in survival situations.
The book could have used a really thorough edit as there were several typos. Some of the internal dialogue didn't feel super artful to me, but then the author would have an absolutely breathtaking sentence buried in stream-of-consciousness narration that would blow me away for its wisdom and gorgeously constructed prose.
I wish there had been a map at the beginning of the book with the settings so it would be easier for those not familiar with the park to visualize the various locations.
Even when I agree with an author in principle, I get taken out of the book when it feels like they are up on a soap box preaching about topics, and this book felt like that, to an almost uncomfortable degree about environmentalism, specifically (it seemed to state that the world would be better off with an apocalyptic event, which is rather extreme imo).
This is a quick read that I overall really enjoyed. I hope the rights to the book are optioned for a movie or mini-series. It's begging to be put on the screen as well. Such a great premise.
I'd rate it 3.5/4 stars, rounded up to four.
The book could have used a really thorough edit as there were several typos. Some of the internal dialogue didn't feel super artful to me, but then the author would have an absolutely breathtaking sentence buried in stream-of-consciousness narration that would blow me away for its wisdom and gorgeously constructed prose.
I wish there had been a map at the beginning of the book with the settings so it would be easier for those not familiar with the park to visualize the various locations.
Even when I agree with an author in principle, I get taken out of the book when it feels like they are up on a soap box preaching about topics, and this book felt like that, to an almost uncomfortable degree about environmentalism, specifically (it seemed to state that the world would be better off with an apocalyptic event, which is rather extreme imo).
This is a quick read that I overall really enjoyed. I hope the rights to the book are optioned for a movie or mini-series. It's begging to be put on the screen as well. Such a great premise.
I'd rate it 3.5/4 stars, rounded up to four.
August 3, 2023
As a resident of Washington state and a lover of hiking who doesn’t actually do a lot of hiking, I loved this novel so much. The descriptions of the beauty of the trails and views made me feel as if I was there. It is crystal clear how much the author loves the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer.
As for the story, I was hooked right away. Peri is a character to whom many of us can relate, and her experiences in one of the most beautiful places on earth during a terrifying event are not hard to picture happening in reality. The relationships (real and… imagined?) are sweet and a little surprising.
I’d love to read about Peri’s adventures on the PCT in future.
As for the story, I was hooked right away. Peri is a character to whom many of us can relate, and her experiences in one of the most beautiful places on earth during a terrifying event are not hard to picture happening in reality. The relationships (real and… imagined?) are sweet and a little surprising.
I’d love to read about Peri’s adventures on the PCT in future.
April 29, 2024
Couldn't put the book down and couldn't stop thinking about the characters well after reading. I've been a visitor to several of the areas of the national park in this book, so the storytelling was very real to me. Imagine coming off a backpacking hike after being totally unplugged from any news source to discover what should be a popular tourist area is now deserted. It begins to dawn on Peri and to the reader that something isn't quite right. It will take all the survival skills she knows to figure out what to do next. Great read - glad I wasn't camping when I read it!
January 24, 2024
Did we need another virus caused apocalypse story? I’ll admit we needed this one, with 2 great protagonists and a setting in Mt. Rainier National Park. The writing is good, with interesting detail about the wonder of the park. Readers will want to visit.
But in the novel most people are dying; a few are somehow immune. The two characters, a woman about 30 and and older man, meet in the park during the rapid human die-off and become great companions. A third character is kind of a ghost, or presence, weird, but she adds a lot.
We are shown once again that humans are the most dangerous animal. This is a good first novel by Kimberly Wheelock.
But in the novel most people are dying; a few are somehow immune. The two characters, a woman about 30 and and older man, meet in the park during the rapid human die-off and become great companions. A third character is kind of a ghost, or presence, weird, but she adds a lot.
We are shown once again that humans are the most dangerous animal. This is a good first novel by Kimberly Wheelock.
August 29, 2023
Five stars…
This book was outside my usual genres. Felt I needed a change of pace. I, too, love to hike but spent my time in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, so I enjoyed how descriptive the story was in making me feel I was there with the characters in this book. Beautifully written….well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure stories that take place in the our beautiful country.
This book was outside my usual genres. Felt I needed a change of pace. I, too, love to hike but spent my time in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, so I enjoyed how descriptive the story was in making me feel I was there with the characters in this book. Beautifully written….well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure stories that take place in the our beautiful country.
June 7, 2023
What a great first novel. It definitely reads as a love letter to Mt Tahoma. As someone who grew up in view of this majestic mountain (even have a tattoo of her) I felt very connected to this story. There is something truly magical about Mount Rainier.
I also really enjoyed the found family aspect, and finding love through friendship.
I also really enjoyed the found family aspect, and finding love through friendship.
September 11, 2023
So good!! Very Original!!
Wow!!! This book kept me up way too late reading!!!! Excellent writing and wonderful plot twists and turns!!!
It fits in the Post Apocalyptic category but it is probably the most original book in this genre that I have ever read!!! Beautifully written and truly haunting!!!
Wow!!! This book kept me up way too late reading!!!! Excellent writing and wonderful plot twists and turns!!!
It fits in the Post Apocalyptic category but it is probably the most original book in this genre that I have ever read!!! Beautifully written and truly haunting!!!
October 27, 2023
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. The storyline is original, engaging and surprising. The well written imagery placed me right on the mountain with Peri. The characters are so realistic and easy to love. I love this book and recommend it to anyone looking for something new and wonderful ❤️
June 19, 2023
Great story
I found myself hoping there was more after this book. It was definitely a story that engrossed me in every way. Believable storyline and the characters all worked well with the happenings in the story.
I found myself hoping there was more after this book. It was definitely a story that engrossed me in every way. Believable storyline and the characters all worked well with the happenings in the story.
June 19, 2023
5 stars
This was an excellent story told by a talented storyteller. Great characters, wonderful descriptions and full of action. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This was an excellent story told by a talented storyteller. Great characters, wonderful descriptions and full of action. I really enjoyed reading this book.
July 5, 2023
Really enjoyed this story. Description of characters and scenery were believable. I had a difficult time putting the book down, wanted to finish reading to learn the outcome. The book is a combination mystery and thriller. I would recommend this book.
June 29, 2023
Beautiful apocalyptic tale
Set in a national park in the Pacific Northwest, a story of survival and mystery revealing the heart and mind of a lone survivor who finds a true friend at world's end. I loved the writing, the people, and the scenic descriptions. This novel stands out in the crowd of apocalyptic novels. I am an avid reader and this jewel is a real find. I would love to read more by this author.
Set in a national park in the Pacific Northwest, a story of survival and mystery revealing the heart and mind of a lone survivor who finds a true friend at world's end. I loved the writing, the people, and the scenic descriptions. This novel stands out in the crowd of apocalyptic novels. I am an avid reader and this jewel is a real find. I would love to read more by this author.
August 20, 2023
Wow!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love how the author added a touch of the supernatural in Su Jin. I too live in western Wa, so it was great to read about Mt. Rainier, its flora and fauna and surrounds. I hope to read the next book this author produces!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love how the author added a touch of the supernatural in Su Jin. I too live in western Wa, so it was great to read about Mt. Rainier, its flora and fauna and surrounds. I hope to read the next book this author produces!
June 7, 2023
A good first novel
This book is a good and thought-provoking read. I was distracted however, by thoughts of so many sentence fragments remaining after editing and proofreading. Also, the misuse of words - like weary for wary, track for tract and buffered for ?? — maybe braced or bracketed. Spoiler alert: this book is not really about a pandemic/ apocalypse. The main character doesn’t leave the mountain and barely leaves the park. It’s really a long love letter to nature. It has a short iteration of the obligatory sermon to the climate ruining general populace. There is also an awkward tie-in of the main character to a Uvalde-style massacre. It creates dissonance because it doesn’t blend with the theme, and also because our heroine is quick to embrace a rifle when the $hit hits the fan. An opening is left to continue the story but I wouldn’t care to follow it further.
This book is a good and thought-provoking read. I was distracted however, by thoughts of so many sentence fragments remaining after editing and proofreading. Also, the misuse of words - like weary for wary, track for tract and buffered for ?? — maybe braced or bracketed. Spoiler alert: this book is not really about a pandemic/ apocalypse. The main character doesn’t leave the mountain and barely leaves the park. It’s really a long love letter to nature. It has a short iteration of the obligatory sermon to the climate ruining general populace. There is also an awkward tie-in of the main character to a Uvalde-style massacre. It creates dissonance because it doesn’t blend with the theme, and also because our heroine is quick to embrace a rifle when the $hit hits the fan. An opening is left to continue the story but I wouldn’t care to follow it further.
June 12, 2023
This takes place during a pandemic/apocalyptic event, but that's not really the focus of the story. Peri is hiking in Washington state, takes off on a nine day trek, and when she returns, everything is (too) quiet and almost everyone is dead. Peri has her camping gear and some food she raids from the surrounding ranger stations, but it's hard going and dangerous.
The story is a love letter to Mother Nature and the author does a great job of describing the beauty surrounding Peri and well as the peril of dealing with an unpredictable environment. This is one of those books that makes my mind wander as in "What would I do in this situation?", and I'm fairly certain I wouldn't fare as well as Peri. The ending had me crying and hopeful at the same time, I would love another book to see where Peri goes from here.
The story is a love letter to Mother Nature and the author does a great job of describing the beauty surrounding Peri and well as the peril of dealing with an unpredictable environment. This is one of those books that makes my mind wander as in "What would I do in this situation?", and I'm fairly certain I wouldn't fare as well as Peri. The ending had me crying and hopeful at the same time, I would love another book to see where Peri goes from here.
July 18, 2023
Wonderland revolves around the remarkable journey of Peri, an intrepid hiker, whose expedition on Mount Rainier concludes with a startling realization: the local community has been ravaged by a pernicious virus. Thrust into the midst of this harrowing ordeal, Peri adeptly maneuvers the treacherous terrain, encountering fellow survivors along the way. Amidst the backdrop of humanity's abrupt collapse, a poignant narrative emerges—one that hinges upon the profound bonds forged among these hikers, their unwavering camaraderie, and their shared adoration for nature. The symbiotic interplay of friendship, resilience, and abiding love for the land captivates readers, enveloping them within the fabric of this gripping tale.
August 14, 2023
Great story
I enjoyed the characters. Growing upon in the area gave a deeper meaning while reading this story. Many of the buildings mentioned I have spent time in. The store in Ashford my children ( now adults), used to call the "wooden" store. They could buy 1 cent, five cents, and dime candy. Enough of reminiscing. I enjoy apocalyptic stories. A few ghost and/or spirits add to my enjoyment. Thank you for writing the book. I would highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed the characters. Growing upon in the area gave a deeper meaning while reading this story. Many of the buildings mentioned I have spent time in. The store in Ashford my children ( now adults), used to call the "wooden" store. They could buy 1 cent, five cents, and dime candy. Enough of reminiscing. I enjoy apocalyptic stories. A few ghost and/or spirits add to my enjoyment. Thank you for writing the book. I would highly recommend this book.
July 15, 2023
Love the details the author uses to describe the wilderness around Mount Rainier. As a passionate lover of the woods and nature of New England,I have yet to be able to explore those in the western part of the country. I felt like I was there when reading this. Heart wrenching and well thought out, give this one a read.
April 5, 2024
First of all, I love this cover art. Absolutely stunning.
The book itself lured me in because it begins on my favorite stretch of the Wonderland: Indian Bar to Summerland. And there were times I was so impressed by the accurate details about the locations! I have spent many happy days on "the mountain," as we say here, and completed two thru-hikes of the Wonderland Trail, so the accuracy made me so happy! Unfortunately, this also made the few errors more glaring to me, but those can be forgiven and wouldn't be noticeable to a general audience.
While this book has an intriguing premise, and there are parts of it so well done, I did find that the first-person narrative didn't always seem to fit the story the author wanted to tell, so our MC had to have insights into some things that didn't quite seem reasonable, so the writing felt a little awkward in places.
The book is a bit darker than I normally enjoy, but that is purely a personal preference. I did think that some characters and plot points could have been developed a little more fully. The ending left me with a lot of unanswered questions. That might have been intentional, but I would have preferred a more wrapped-up ending.
I liked the role Su Jin played in the story, and I liked the character of Ford. I would have loved to have spent more time with Beth. Would I read more by this author? I would definitely give it a try if the topic intrigued me.
The book itself lured me in because it begins on my favorite stretch of the Wonderland: Indian Bar to Summerland. And there were times I was so impressed by the accurate details about the locations! I have spent many happy days on "the mountain," as we say here, and completed two thru-hikes of the Wonderland Trail, so the accuracy made me so happy! Unfortunately, this also made the few errors more glaring to me, but those can be forgiven and wouldn't be noticeable to a general audience.
While this book has an intriguing premise, and there are parts of it so well done, I did find that the first-person narrative didn't always seem to fit the story the author wanted to tell, so our MC had to have insights into some things that didn't quite seem reasonable, so the writing felt a little awkward in places.
The book is a bit darker than I normally enjoy, but that is purely a personal preference. I did think that some characters and plot points could have been developed a little more fully. The ending left me with a lot of unanswered questions. That might have been intentional, but I would have preferred a more wrapped-up ending.
I liked the role Su Jin played in the story, and I liked the character of Ford. I would have loved to have spent more time with Beth. Would I read more by this author? I would definitely give it a try if the topic intrigued me.
April 30, 2024
As someone who has grown up in WA state my whole life, I loved that this story took place at Mt Rainier. This was a quick, special read. I could see this story becoming a real life situation if another pandemic hits in this lifetime which made reading this novel a little unsettling. I love the relationship between Peri and Ford. I wish it was a little longer, going more in depth into the character develop. Overall a good read especially if you live in the PNW.
September 25, 2023
This was a wonderful read and I got lost in this book. I am an avid hiker in the PNW, and am very familiar with MRNP. She describes it in depth to the point where you can feel yourself there. As another reader recommended, a map would have been a great add to this book.
While many other hiking books focus on romance, hiking culture, the struggle of being a woman on trail, this reader does not. While those subjects are still very important, it is refreshing to immerse yourself in a story like this. (I am a female hiker who still loves the above subjects too...)
The mental, physical, and spiritual journey Peri goes through stuck with me. I was in tears several times throughout this book, and I think about her struggle multiple times a week. Breaks were necessary for me to process the heaviness of Peri's experience. In fact, hiking out of Sunrise for the first time after reading this book was a surreal experience! The ending was a twist that both saddened me and gave me hope.
I highly recommend this book!
While many other hiking books focus on romance, hiking culture, the struggle of being a woman on trail, this reader does not. While those subjects are still very important, it is refreshing to immerse yourself in a story like this. (I am a female hiker who still loves the above subjects too...)
The mental, physical, and spiritual journey Peri goes through stuck with me. I was in tears several times throughout this book, and I think about her struggle multiple times a week. Breaks were necessary for me to process the heaviness of Peri's experience. In fact, hiking out of Sunrise for the first time after reading this book was a surreal experience! The ending was a twist that both saddened me and gave me hope.
I highly recommend this book!
August 17, 2023
Refreshing! You make me eager to return to Washington!
I admired the strength and resilience of the characters. What outstanding descriptions of the trail and the characters' tribulations. I am eager to read the next book!
I admired the strength and resilience of the characters. What outstanding descriptions of the trail and the characters' tribulations. I am eager to read the next book!
March 15, 2024
Wonderland
Beyond words! One of the best books I’ve read in such a long time! Not my usual read but such a joy! Thank you KW, I think these characters will be with me for a long while!
Beyond words! One of the best books I’ve read in such a long time! Not my usual read but such a joy! Thank you KW, I think these characters will be with me for a long while!
July 12, 2023
Awesome character development, really dove into their struggles living in a world full of survival.
Didn’t put this book down until i finished
Didn’t put this book down until i finished
December 8, 2024
This book was brilliant.
July 19, 2023
Yes, post-apocalyptic story, but...
...it's not like anything you or I have read before. This is, aside from the population decimating Ebola plague, a testament to the enduring grandeur of Mount Rainer and hiking in the extreme. Though a superbly detailed story of the beauty to be found in nature -- and a thinly veiled subtext of how humans are the scourge of the earth (not that we aren't) -- if you aren't intimately familiar with the hiking trails in and around Mount Rainer, you will likely be sort of lost a lot of the time.
Also, there was a curious and unexplained thread throughout the story of aghost who hung around the main character, not exactly haunting her...
It is a pleasant read but sad in the end...
Respectfully.
...it's not like anything you or I have read before. This is, aside from the population decimating Ebola plague, a testament to the enduring grandeur of Mount Rainer and hiking in the extreme. Though a superbly detailed story of the beauty to be found in nature -- and a thinly veiled subtext of how humans are the scourge of the earth (not that we aren't) -- if you aren't intimately familiar with the hiking trails in and around Mount Rainer, you will likely be sort of lost a lot of the time.
Also, there was a curious and unexplained thread throughout the story of aghost who hung around the main character, not exactly haunting her...
It is a pleasant read but sad in the end...
Respectfully.
July 16, 2024
❤️💀🤗Excellent survivalist thriller!
When Peri woke up at the Indian Bar Campground, she was surprised to still be alone.
She thought the camp would be full of hikers, but no, oddly enough there was no one there except her...
----------
Here is an excellent survivalist thriller which takes place in the Mount Rainier natural park, after a terrible disaster.
The natural setting described is totally spectacular and will appeal to lovers of nature hikes.
I personally loved this author’s emotionally charged descriptive writing, the mind-blowing storyline and especially the main character of Peri!
I highly recommend !!!
When Peri woke up at the Indian Bar Campground, she was surprised to still be alone.
She thought the camp would be full of hikers, but no, oddly enough there was no one there except her...
----------
Here is an excellent survivalist thriller which takes place in the Mount Rainier natural park, after a terrible disaster.
The natural setting described is totally spectacular and will appeal to lovers of nature hikes.
I personally loved this author’s emotionally charged descriptive writing, the mind-blowing storyline and especially the main character of Peri!
I highly recommend !!!
August 16, 2024
This book was not at all what I expected it to be. I absolutely loved it. It looks one different directions, and it was a really fun read. The beautiful descriptions of the WA state parks made me feel like I was there in the mountains. The characters were also well written, showing their likable qualities, but also their flaws.
I don't know that I can share too much of the plot because I think it'd give away the twists this took. But I 100% recommend this read.
I also genuinely hope Kimberly writes more soon.
I don't know that I can share too much of the plot because I think it'd give away the twists this took. But I 100% recommend this read.
I also genuinely hope Kimberly writes more soon.
October 15, 2025
This was so good! The writing was beautiful and the atmosphere she created within Mount Rainier and the journey the characters went on…. I just loved it. I couldn’t put it down. This was a random purchase for me when I saw the author at a local craft fair and she described the book as a thriller but also a love story to Mount Rainier and that is such an accurate description. She has another book in the horror genre and I don’t like horror but I’m considering picking it up anyway because I liked this one so much! Well done!
July 9, 2023
Beautiful descriptions of a place I will never visit
The author seems to be intimately knowledgeable of the area written about.. And it was certainly brought to life. I hope there is a follow up.
The story will capture you and compel you to keep reading.
My only complaint is the short diatribe to the climate change agenda. I would have rated this book higher had that not been included. The explanation of the agenda of the group behind the agenda would have sufficed.
The author seems to be intimately knowledgeable of the area written about.. And it was certainly brought to life. I hope there is a follow up.
The story will capture you and compel you to keep reading.
My only complaint is the short diatribe to the climate change agenda. I would have rated this book higher had that not been included. The explanation of the agenda of the group behind the agenda would have sufficed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews