Figment

Insanity #2

by Cameron Jace

After her encounter with the Cheshire Cat, Alice Wonder can hardly tell reality from imagination. But when kids have their head chopped off and stuffed in watermelons all over the city, it's clear that another Wonderland Monster has arrived, possibly scarier than the Cheshire. Alice, along with Professor Pillar, have to solve the killer's puzzles before a horrible event threatens the death of millions. Then Jack Diamonds appears again. This time, Alice must know who he really is.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Urban Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Horror

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2014

About the author

Bestselling author of the Grimm Diaries and Insanity series. A traveller and collector of out-of-print books from all over the world, obsessed with the origins of folk tales and the mysterious storytellers who spread them. Many of his books made Amazon's Top 100 Customer Favorites in Kindle 2015 & Amazon's Top 100 kindle list. Cameron lives in Yerba Buena San Francisco California. When he isn't writing or collecting books, he is playing music or enjoys the silence.

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Either I am mad beyond all madness, or I can travel through time.”

This was another crazy story about Alice, but unfortunately I got lost along the way.

Firstly, I really liked the first book in the series, but because it’s been nearly two years since I read it, I have to say that I had forgotten what had happened a bit. I did read the recap in this book, but it didn’t jog my memory all that much, so that was possibly a bad place to start.

Anyway, I found this book to be pretty crazy, and unfortunately not in a good way. I got confused as to what was going on, and as the story progressed it only got worse. It was really hard to tell what was actually happening, and who was real and who wasn’t, and why things were happening that I got really quite lost, and I really lost interest.

The ending to this was likewise confusing, and I didn’t really enjoy this book overall.



6 out of 10

[Paige Bookdragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm proud to say I survived this book. It took me seven cups of coffee to survive the insanity of this one. I mean, really Cameron Jace,if it's your goal to surprise me, then congratulations. You fucking did it. Every chapter makes me bat shit crazy and say:

Reactions to this book:

First 23 pages..



Then..





And let us not forget the part where-





Most of the time, I was this:







I have to say Cameron Jace,




Favorite quotes:

"This is insane," I repeat to myself,because I don't know what else to say."

*****************************************************************

"I'm mad about you," he says. I don't think he heard what I just said. "I would go to the moon and back for you. You have no idea, Alice."

"Mad enough to die for me?" I shrug.In name of Mushroomers, why did I say that?

"Alice." He leans in, still smelling of a deck of cards."You can kill me anytime you want. I won't complain," he whispers.

******************************************************************

So if you loopy people would like to read this one, remember:

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to the Warped Wonderland ;-)





Me frequently during this:



This book constantly kept me guessing... when I thought had something figured out it would switch direction on me. Like Alice, we're not quite sure what is real and what is a figment of her 'madness.' Is she the real Alice? Did she just have a break with reality?


It certainly keeps you on your toes :).

Carter Pillar... love that mad bastard! The Cheshire is one creepy dude, but the Muffin Man almost outshines him in this one. The crimes are a bit more gory than the first book but not explicit... you feel their impact though.

The parts with the Queen of England were both creepy and hilarious... who she turned out to be was unexpected but fun.

We learn more about Jack Diamonds and who he is to Alice... I had my suspicions before the revealing of it but I was still a bit surprised. It was done really well.

Awkward review but I'm tired so bear with me haha... This series is twisted, funny, sometimes grisly, and alot of fun. Highly recommend :).

Plus, book three out in 2015 whoo!

[Phoenix2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book of the Mad in Wonderland series is even more insane than the first one. I admit, I've got a little confused at some point as the lines between reality and madness are blurred. I enjoyed the crime case this time, but I think I wanted it more intense. The Jack part was intriguing, I didn't like the explanation though. I guess the soundtrack of this book would be, a space between a rock and a hard space by 5SOS as the catch 22 was the main thing of this book. In the end, I can't wait to read the next one!!

[Kilikina]

Edit: nooooooo...why did they have to change the cover and the book description? Lame.
---------
The title, cover, and description are freaking fantastic. When the hell does this book come out!? I might go mad waiting for it...

"I am fairly unknown. I could be Alice herself and I could be Mad, thinking I am Alice. But I've got a story to tell. Soon, I will tell you more."
...Coolest 'about this author' description ever.

[Melissa Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Insanity series a dark re-telling of Alice in Wonderland. I'm giving this sequel 3.5 stars. Cameron Jace tells us readers at the end of the book that he needed to develop the characters more in this book and that is why we are left we less travels and riddles. I found book one to be a very fun read. This one was still fun, but less so. That doesn't mean it wasn't a good book however. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the 3rd book which I already own.

As for what this book was about...Alice is still in the asylum and is still working with Professor Pillar to learn more about the deadly Cheshire Cat. He has a new accomplice the Muffin Man and together they are wrecking havoc on London. How will Alice stop the villains this time around?

A repeating theme is Alice not having enough muchness and everyone wondering if she is the REAL Alice. I would like to find this out sooner rather than later.

[Kimberley doruyter · Rating 4 out of 5]

not as good as the first one i think, but i did really like it.

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My Thoughts} – This book picks up a short time after the first concludes. I don’t think I have had the pleasure of reading such a mad series before, however, in this case mad is a very good thing. Alice is still unsure about who she is? She still doesn’t know if she is the real Alice or not despite the Pillar telling her that she is over and over again, merely because he believes she is. His belief in her doesn’t appear to be enough to sway her judgement though. She also, is still trying to understand Jack’s roll in her life, she knows that he is Adam her boyfriend that had died, but if he is dead how is her always around for her when she needs him to be there and help her out?

There are so many questions answered in this book, that had been left unanswered in the first one. There are also many more questions that are brought to light without any clear answers. I can’t wait to have the pleasure to read more of this series in the future to get many of the answers to the questions I have. In this book we learn a lot more about Alice or is it more about the mad world that she prefers to live in, inside her head. I am unclear as the book is written in a way that it makes you question back in forth, what is sane and what is insane? And you never really have a clear answer.

I have to say that this book is remarkably well written and I am glad to say that Cameron Jace has pulled it off again. He has taken a classic tale and turned it into a modern remake that is so full of twists and turns that you never really know what is happening until after it happens. I truly enjoy his ability to retell stories so that they are interesting and attention grabbing and difficult to walk away from.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This series so far is definately wackadoo :-)

The author takes you on a crazy trip through madness!

Alice and Pillar are still living in the asylum but run around trying to stop Cheshire and now The Muffin Man. They get into some gross stuff!

Off with their heads is involved, among other things. I feel like I'm going mad at times with all of the cool, crazy things going on! The scene in the morgue was pretty creepy. The take down of The Muffin Man was ick and his back story is very sad. Alice wanted to help him but sometimes you can't.

We find out the deal about Jack, very sad :-(

Another great book in the series!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic - or frabjous - book by Cameron Jace.

The follow on to Insanity where Alice and Pillar investigated the murders by the Cheshire the duo is at it again, with the help of Alice's always there for her guy Jack. Find answers to some of those burning questions from the first book in this series and get even more attached to your favorite characters the Hookah smoking Pillar, Alice and Jack, and not so favorite - the Cheshire and the staff at the asylum. Who is behind the new murders, what is the connection to Lewis Carroll and why does Alice keep having visions of Lewis's life? And of course the ever burning question - IS SHE THE REAL ALICE?!?! Highly recommended!

[rikajewellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was fine, but i don't feel like continuing this series anymore.

[lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Что если я закрою глаза на достаточно долгое время, изменится ли моя жизнь к лучшему, когда я открою их снова? Стихнет ли безумие? Если бы все было так легко. Быть может, поэтому люди мечтают лишь с закрытыми глазами. Стоит открыть глаза и это сродни убийству мечты.

Я просто закрою глаза на перевод этой книги. И даже несмотря на это, эта книга меня немного разочаровала. Я ожидала чего-то другого, после прочтение первой книги. А получила совсем другое.
В первой книге все заканчивается все тем, что Алиса находится в своей палате, она не может отличить реальность от фантазии. Она до сих пор думает, что все то, что с ней произошло, выдумка, плод ее воображения. Ей даже как-то предвиделось, что после той аварии она стала калекой и ничего того, что с ней произошло не было. Иногда мне казалась, что она действительно сумасшедшая безумна.
В этой книге случается новое происшествие. Полным детишкам по всему городу отрубают головы и начиняют ими арбузы или футбольные мячи и прячет у них во рту маффины. Из этого выясняется то, что появился еще один Монстр из Страны Чудес. Алиса всю книгу пытается найти способ, как остановить Пекаря. Того, кто замешен в этом деле. Но позже она догадывается, что все это безумие с Пекарем началось еще в Стране Чудес. На помощь ей приходит именно тот, от которого она точно не ожидала этой помощи. Тот, кто до сих пор жив. Тот, кого она еще не убила.
Остальную часть книги хотя можно сказать всю Алиса пытается узнать, почему Джек оказался жив. Ведь она знает, что он был с ней в том автобусе, в котором погибли ее одноклассники. Она думает, что он всего лишь плод ее воображения. Она думает, что выдумала его только для того, чтобы компенсировать его отсутствие, после того случая. Думает, что выдумала его, чтобы чувствовать себя не виноватой в той аварии. Она не знает, почему он появляется именно в то время, когда он ей так нужен. Но всю тайну, которую она так боится, она узнает в самом конце. И да, это ее разочарует. Как и меня. Я ожидала, что или Адам/Джек выжил в том происшествии, но оказалось, что нет.
И как в прошлый раз книга закончилась на самом интересном. Думаю, что я продолжу чтение этой серии, потому что я действительно хочу знать, чем все наконец-то обернется. И надеюсь, что следующие книги будут настолько мрачными, как была первая, потому что в этой такого ощущение я не испытывала.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far the first one is still my favorite, but I really liked this one too. I loved how we started with something different than the first book, but I didn't expect so and so to be behind it though. I loved the riddles and different things from the first book, but I liked that we got to know the characters a little more. Sometimes I begin to question my own sanity when we don't know if everything is actually happening to Alice or not lol. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite series. I am about to start the third book, but that is the last one that I have. I hope books 4, 5, and 6 are bundled together after the sixth one comes out. I have a feeling I am going to be wanting to pull my hair out by the time I finish Circus since I don't have the rest. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes new versions of old stories.

[Roz Curney-Sherod · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Book 1 in the Insanity series, I was very anxious to start this one "Figment" (book 2). This was a disappointment! Figment moved very slowly and you have more questions than answers at the end from this installment then you had in book 1.

Alice seemed a little more scattered in this one and more self-centered. Didn't enjoy Adam/Jack explanation, was kind of weak after all the anticipation throughout the book.

Villain had an interesting back story until you found out who was pulling his strings. I will continue this series even though "Figment" really didn't hold my interest because of the first book and the fairy-tale/classic story twist. I Would like to see where the author is taking this series.

[Elizabeth Emily Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how much of this series I have forgotten since I last read these books and I am so happy I have them all ready to binge.

The main thing that I love about this series is the thriller/ light horror retelling of the traditional Alice in Wonderland as well as all the true facts that the author includes. I'm really enjoying seeing how the story and characters progress. I'm definitely intrigued to see more of Fabiola and Pillar as I definitely think there is more to them than we have seen so far.

I'm a wimp and I don't really like anything too scary but I think this walks the line of being a little intense but not too scary.

I also cannot wait to see what happens with Jack and Alice as I can't help but feel like its doomed.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know the Muffin Man that lives on Drury Lane? Once again Alice is caught in between her sanity and insanity. Is this all a bunch of hallucinations, where she sees creatures from Wonderland? Or are these events actually taking place? For a week now Alice has been in her cell at the asylum, where the warden keeps on threatening to put her through shock therapy to help ease her insanity. Yet, once again she is saved by Pillar and set upon a mission to save children from an evil Wonderland Creature. Will she be able to save the children in time? You'll just have to read the book and find out.

[Dee (PlainlyReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!
A bit of a slow start. The first half of the book is basically about Alice doubting her identity and insanity. But this book is definitely gorier than the first, I even found myself gagging when the killings occur. Ughh.
My only complaint is there are some obvious typos and grammatical error. But I don't blame Jace really because I too commit a lot of mistakes when writing. I just hope the editors would do their job properly. Or maybe the editors are too engrossed with the story till the point they missed the mistakes, welp I've been there too.

Anyway, I'm gonna hit pause on reading this series for while.

[Joanne Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*s

Alice Wonder is still in the asylum and still not sure if she is sane or insane.
After dealing with the Cheshire Cat, she and Professor Pillar are now searching for a serial killer who is cutting off the heads of children and stuffing them into watermelons, who they fear to be another of the escaped monsters of Wonderland

Maybe not quite as good as the first book, but still a good read that kept my interest enough that I will go on to the next book

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled to get into this one at first, as I couldn't remember much of book one. After reading this installment though, I can't say I enjoyed it as much as that installment.

It just didn't gain my interest or enjoyment as much as I remember book one doing, and I found this one slightly confusing in areas.

Overall, An okay read.

[Leah]

I'm gonna be blunt: the cover is ugly.

[KatiEllen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Neus · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 estrellas

Figment retoma la historia de Alice pocos días después del final de Insanity. Todavía internada en el asilo, sin saber nada de Pillar y preguntándose constantemente si estará loca y si será la verdadera Alice.

En esta segunda entrega, Cameron Jace responde algunas questiones que quedaron en el aire en la primera parte y vuelve a abrir muchas otras nuevas. Lo que más me gusta de esta historia es que no puedes estar seguro de nada. Nunca. A la que te descuidas, ¡plot twist! La trama está llena de giros y locura, de momentos en los que hasta yo misma dudaba de lo que estaba leyendo.

Jack sigue siendo mi personaje estrella; Alice ya sabe que es Adam, su novio que murió en el accidente de autobús, y el hecho de que prácticamente se materialice a su lado cuando más le necesita da que pensar. A pesar de que es más fantasía que realidad, le da ese toque de romance justo para que enganche y hace que quieras seguir leyendo. Un auténtico pageturner en ese sentido. Una historia de amor poco tradicional, sin un solo beso si quiera (por el momento) y que, aun así es muy adictiva. Olé.

Los crímenes son un poco... horripilantes. Aunque como la mitad de los personajes están locos y son bastante carismáticos a pesar de sus tendencias psicópatas, es todo bastante frívolo y si no te paras a imaginar con detalle la cabeza de un niño metida dentro de un melón pues se hace más llevadero. De lejos hasta parece bastante absurdo.

"It can't get absurder than this".
"There is no such word as 'absurder'".
"Who said it's a word? Absurd is an emotion".

Con una prosa directa y descripciones acertadas de emplazamientos reales, Cameron Jace nos presenta otra historia llena del altibajos en la que los monstruos del País de las Maravillas hacen de las suyas y nuestra Alice ya no sabe si lo que está pasando es real o es un simple producto de su imaginación.

PD: mi copia, de Amazon, estaba llena de erratas y no estaba paginada.

[Daniella Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE JAN/3: WHEN IS THE THIRD BOOK COMING AND IF THEN CAN I HAVE AN ARC THIS IS LITERALLY MY FAVORITE SERIES I CANT WAIT

This book has gotten me insane... Quite literally.

I found myself loving this book & this series so fucking much its insane. Pun intended.

This book has given me another point of view of this mad world and I like it, and it also combines Alice in Wonderland badass mode its great!!

This series is unlike any series I've read before. I quite consider it a mystery, as you actually never know how to differ between reality and what's not because well its a mad book. I also found myself liking this feeling, that you never know whats going to happen until it happens. There's no way you can possibly discover how this series its going to end, its so fucking unexpected and i love it !

This book answered many questions from the first book but also let us many unanswered questions.

I think I don't have any altercations with this series, its fast paced, entertaining, kick ass, brilliant storyline. What more can you ask for????

Btw, this book is def the best of the series, by now.

I can't describe how much I love this book tbh, def one of my favorites from now on. I'll re-read it everyday.

But I mean, the real freaking question:

Is Alice Wonder the real Alice or not?

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great book in what is quickly becoming my favourite series. It's a great modern/ horror twist on an old classic.

The main character is again Alice and in this book 'The Muffin Man' has been recruited by the Cheshire cat to start trouble for Alice and the Pillar to solve and try to prevent killings. Also in this book Alice gets a lot more curious of Jack and what he's there for.

The most noteworthy secondary character is again Pillar who is as strange as ever and we're still not sure which team he's on.

The storyline is an exciting take on an old classic including the characters but putting them in obscure situations. The pacing is brilliant leading all the way through to the fantastic ending. I am already reading the next book in the series and loving it!

5 stars, this is quickly becoming my favourite series.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Mad in Wonderland novel follows Alice as she works to uncover who is beheading overweight children throughout the country. Of course Pillar is there to guide her along the way, Jack Diamonds shows up at the most convenient times, and she has a few encounters with Lewis Caroll himself.

SPOILER ALERT

The Muffin Man's story was heartbreaking - I definitely felt sympathy for him and his life really was tragic. Jack Diamond's secret was also tragic, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book to see how Alice handles the situation. I'm also dying to know what exactly happened in the bus accident where she killed all those people. Looking forward to the next installment!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. It keeps your mind guessing at each scenario that Alice gets stuck in. Granted her character seemed to be a little less Alice-like then the first book. But it seemed like that was the feel of the book. Everything she thought was real was just fragments of something else, you could even say a figment....

Her lover boy though... that was an interesting part of the story but I like how the author is playing with residual energy idea from the dead. I thought that was pretty cool and can't to explore that more.

Also the Cheshire cat is driving me nuts! and Pillar... I feel like they are in Cahoots or something... NEXT INSTALLMENT!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing.

I was attached to the first book 'Insanity' and recently saw this one came out.I bought and and read it front and back within 2 days. I love the twist on Alice in Wonderland. It brings back my childhood with the adored Alice but puts an adult twist on it. So very addicting,just like the first book.Can NOT wait for the 3rd installment! I will be counting down the days!

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I don't even have words to describe this book. Every book keeps getting better. The way Cameron Jace plays with your mind it's just INSANE!!! I just enjoyed every page of this book. Pillar always makes me laugh and its really sad but cool at the same time how Alice lives. Even though I keep reading I still don't know if she really is insane or if everything that happens it's real. I guess maybe in book number 3 we will find out.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice and Pillar and Jack are back . and this time they are to deal with the Cheshire and the Muffin Man .. what a plot twists and turns and who is Jack really and who is the Muffin Man really .. to find this and more out must buy , read and review this book have not read insanity 1 well better read that one first to understand this book .. it is a madness type book but in a good way ...

[Ashley Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddeningly FABTABULOUS

Just like the first book, Figment was fantastic! I found myself so caught up I lost track of time! I couldn't put down the madness this book is!

Continue with Alice and The Pillar on their fantastical journey through insanity and time!

I was definitely left on a cliff with the ending, come on February!!