What do you think?
Rate this book
Backward
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 4, 2026
Arc Review:
Backward is one half of a story, to read the other half, check out Forward. The books can be read in either order, but the author wrote this one first! If you prefer bad news first, read Backward, if you prefer good news first, read Forward.
These books are inspired by Alice in Wonderland, but not a retelling. In Backward, the characters have absolutely no memory, and have apparently won the trials they were chosen to do. But now, time is moving backwards. The sun “unsets” and clocks go backwards. To fix this, they have to “unwin”. It was fun trying to figure out puzzles that made no sense to our world, this is a whole different twist on books I have yet to read.
Backward is one half of a story, to read the other half, check out Forward. The books can be read in either order, but the author wrote this one first! If you prefer bad news first, read Backward, if you prefer good news first, read Forward.
These books are inspired by Alice in Wonderland, but not a retelling. In Backward, the characters have absolutely no memory, and have apparently won the trials they were chosen to do. But now, time is moving backwards. The sun “unsets” and clocks go backwards. To fix this, they have to “unwin”. It was fun trying to figure out puzzles that made no sense to our world, this is a whole different twist on books I have yet to read.
April 8, 2026
I was very pleasantly surprised with this book! I wasn’t really sure what to expect since this is my first double ARC where you can choose which book to start with. I actually really loved starting with Backward and just randomly being dropped into the story and being just as lost as the characters! I love that this story was so heavily influenced by Alice in wonderland while also being its own complete story! I will say I definitely didn’t connect to the characters as much as I would have liked but to be fair I was warned that that would happen by choosing to read Backwards first. I’m very excited to read Forward to develop that connection and see what truly went down
April 2, 2026
First, I am very grateful for being an ARC for such a fantastic author!
This book for me was phenomenal. It definitely gives you the Alice in Wonderland vibes without copying too much and being its own story. I love the concept the author has where in this side of things they’re being told one that and they’re all trying to comprehend just what exactly is happening! I am so excited for p2 where we see what ACTUALLY took place and everything comes to light. Will definitely recommend after it publishes!
This book for me was phenomenal. It definitely gives you the Alice in Wonderland vibes without copying too much and being its own story. I love the concept the author has where in this side of things they’re being told one that and they’re all trying to comprehend just what exactly is happening! I am so excited for p2 where we see what ACTUALLY took place and everything comes to light. Will definitely recommend after it publishes!
April 8, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This book 1 in the series and Book 2 is Forward but you can read either book in any order. This has the vides of Alice and Wonderland but is not a retelling. This is only half of the story and you should read Forward. In this book the characters lose their memory and win the trials they were chosen to do. This was a fun book with many twist and puzzles to figure out! Absolutely loved it!!
“Where I come from, time is everything—you breathe it, spend it, bleed it. And every five years, when the Clockrealm's magic supply runs low, the Turning Trials begin.
Twelve players. One mechanical arena. No guarantees.
My name is Ora Reese, and apparently, I've already lived this story once.
When I wake up, I don't know my own name for the first three seconds.
By the fourth, I'm sitting at a table with ten strangers, a queen who won't stop smiling, and a boy across from me whose face I've never seen before—yet know in detail.
We're told we played in a game, survived, won. We're told a curse is the reason we can't remember any of it, the same curse responsible for time moving backward, too.
We're told a lot of things, but there’s no way to know what is the truth. Everything is brand new to me—except him.
March is supposed to be a stranger, just like everyone else, but somehow, my body remembers him. It's in the way I still when he gets too close, in the way my breath changes when he looks at me, in the feel of his skin against mine.
Like I've touched him before. Like I've wanted him just as badly then.
Now we have to unwin trials we don't remember winning, survive a mechanical arena that shifts and breathes and punishes, and figure out why nothing we've been told quite adds up.
The curse is real, I have no doubt about it. But the longer I survive, the less I believe it's the reason we're here.
Almost as if our memories weren't stolen by the curse at all.
Almost as if someone doesn't want us to remember.
But the most important question is, when the games are finally unwon…will they have ever even happened?”
“Where I come from, time is everything—you breathe it, spend it, bleed it. And every five years, when the Clockrealm's magic supply runs low, the Turning Trials begin.
Twelve players. One mechanical arena. No guarantees.
My name is Ora Reese, and apparently, I've already lived this story once.
When I wake up, I don't know my own name for the first three seconds.
By the fourth, I'm sitting at a table with ten strangers, a queen who won't stop smiling, and a boy across from me whose face I've never seen before—yet know in detail.
We're told we played in a game, survived, won. We're told a curse is the reason we can't remember any of it, the same curse responsible for time moving backward, too.
We're told a lot of things, but there’s no way to know what is the truth. Everything is brand new to me—except him.
March is supposed to be a stranger, just like everyone else, but somehow, my body remembers him. It's in the way I still when he gets too close, in the way my breath changes when he looks at me, in the feel of his skin against mine.
Like I've touched him before. Like I've wanted him just as badly then.
Now we have to unwin trials we don't remember winning, survive a mechanical arena that shifts and breathes and punishes, and figure out why nothing we've been told quite adds up.
The curse is real, I have no doubt about it. But the longer I survive, the less I believe it's the reason we're here.
Almost as if our memories weren't stolen by the curse at all.
Almost as if someone doesn't want us to remember.
But the most important question is, when the games are finally unwon…will they have ever even happened?”
April 8, 2026
I'm running Forward but keep falling Backward.
I'm lost in time only to help keep time from stopping. I am the hands of a clock, the sands of time, a tik-tok out of order. The trials are meant to save us in the end, but I think I'm going to lose myself in the process. Was this for Jinx? Why am I here again, I've been here before right?
I absolutely adored these books and can always get lost in the mind of DN Hoxa. The games she creates the world's she builds to devour your mind. What is up and what is down. No matter the order you read this duet you'll never remember what actually happened. Lost in a sea of time, I feel like these books capture you and never release you from wonderland.
I'm lost in time only to help keep time from stopping. I am the hands of a clock, the sands of time, a tik-tok out of order. The trials are meant to save us in the end, but I think I'm going to lose myself in the process. Was this for Jinx? Why am I here again, I've been here before right?
I absolutely adored these books and can always get lost in the mind of DN Hoxa. The games she creates the world's she builds to devour your mind. What is up and what is down. No matter the order you read this duet you'll never remember what actually happened. Lost in a sea of time, I feel like these books capture you and never release you from wonderland.
May 10, 2026
I'm confused - either I am too dumb for this book to figure out the "why is any of this happening?" Or there was too much detail left out. Is the idea the curse is a forever loop so that no one has to endure the trials ever again (i.e. supplying the queens with an unfair share of time energy?) Perhaps... I just wish it was a bit more clear. I like the premise of the duology and the way it was written but felt like I needed more answers. What role did Calren and Talek truly play? What side were they on? And Elida? Why does everyone remember in Backward except the hands? When March and Ora unwin the first trial does the time warp go back in a time where they start this all over? March and Ora are desperate to find eachother again. Is the loop how they do that and kind of have their happy ending? See? Too many questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
I’m conflicted. The story was really good but with the premise of this book and the next…I just don’t know how it’s going to all come together. I feel like I can’t give a fair review until I read Forward!
April 9, 2026
This book is one half of a whole in The Clockrealm Chronicles Duet, and it doesn’t just pull you in; it confuses you on purpose, and somehow that’s exactly what makes it work so well. Backward by D.N. Hoxa drops you into a world where nothing feels stable, not even time itself, and instead of easing you into it, it just lets you figure it out while everything keeps shifting around you. There is no Book one or Book two, and it doesn’t matter which book you read first. D.N. wrote this book first and recommends reading it before reading the other half of this duet. I must say for the best reader experience I wholeheartedly agree with her. However, that is entirely up to you if you start with this one, or the other half first.
Ora is such an interesting character to follow because you’re learning everything with her, but at the same time, there’s this constant sense that she already knows more than she should. That disconnect, between what she remembers and what her body seems to recognize, creates this tension that runs through every scene. It’s not just confusion, it’s instinct versus reality, and it makes even small moments feel layered with something deeper.
And then there’s March… and honestly, the dynamic between him and Ora carries so much of that quiet, underlying intensity. There’s familiarity there that neither of them can fully explain, but it shows up in the smallest details, the way they react to each other, the way the space between them feels charged even when nothing is being said outright. It’s not a typical slow burn or instant connection. It sits somewhere in between, built on something that already existed but is just out of reach.
The relationships in this book in general feel… unstable in the best way. There’s trust, but it’s fragile. There’s connection, but it’s constantly being questioned. Everyone is working with missing pieces, and you can feel how that affects every interaction. It keeps you watching closely, trying to figure out what’s real and what just feels real.
The world-building is where this really leans into its uniqueness. The Clockrealm isn’t just a setting; it’s something you have to experience to understand, and even then, it never fully settles into something predictable. Time moving backward, the idea of “unwinning” something, the way everything feels slightly distorted… it creates this surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere, but with an edge that makes it feel dangerous instead of whimsical.
There’s also this constant sense that something bigger is wrong, beyond what the characters are being told. It’s subtle at first, but it builds in a way that keeps you questioning everything right alongside them. The more you settle into the rules, the more those rules start to feel unreliable.
What really stood out to me was how much of this story leans into that feeling of not knowing. Not knowing who to trust, not knowing what actually happened, not even fully knowing yourself. It creates this emotional tension that sits underneath everything else, making the stakes feel higher even when the action isn’t at its peak.
The pacing works really well for this kind of story because it doesn’t try to over-explain. It lets the confusion exist, which makes the reveals and shifts hit harder when they come. You’re not just reading. You’re constantly trying to piece things together.
Overall, this sits in that darker, more surreal fantasy space where the atmosphere and emotional tension carry just as much weight as the plot itself. It’s immersive, a little unsettling, and completely consuming once you settle into it.
If you enjoy high-stakes fantasy with unique concepts, memory-driven tension, and relationships that feel layered and slightly out of reach, this is definitely one to pick up.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
Ora is such an interesting character to follow because you’re learning everything with her, but at the same time, there’s this constant sense that she already knows more than she should. That disconnect, between what she remembers and what her body seems to recognize, creates this tension that runs through every scene. It’s not just confusion, it’s instinct versus reality, and it makes even small moments feel layered with something deeper.
And then there’s March… and honestly, the dynamic between him and Ora carries so much of that quiet, underlying intensity. There’s familiarity there that neither of them can fully explain, but it shows up in the smallest details, the way they react to each other, the way the space between them feels charged even when nothing is being said outright. It’s not a typical slow burn or instant connection. It sits somewhere in between, built on something that already existed but is just out of reach.
The relationships in this book in general feel… unstable in the best way. There’s trust, but it’s fragile. There’s connection, but it’s constantly being questioned. Everyone is working with missing pieces, and you can feel how that affects every interaction. It keeps you watching closely, trying to figure out what’s real and what just feels real.
The world-building is where this really leans into its uniqueness. The Clockrealm isn’t just a setting; it’s something you have to experience to understand, and even then, it never fully settles into something predictable. Time moving backward, the idea of “unwinning” something, the way everything feels slightly distorted… it creates this surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere, but with an edge that makes it feel dangerous instead of whimsical.
There’s also this constant sense that something bigger is wrong, beyond what the characters are being told. It’s subtle at first, but it builds in a way that keeps you questioning everything right alongside them. The more you settle into the rules, the more those rules start to feel unreliable.
What really stood out to me was how much of this story leans into that feeling of not knowing. Not knowing who to trust, not knowing what actually happened, not even fully knowing yourself. It creates this emotional tension that sits underneath everything else, making the stakes feel higher even when the action isn’t at its peak.
The pacing works really well for this kind of story because it doesn’t try to over-explain. It lets the confusion exist, which makes the reveals and shifts hit harder when they come. You’re not just reading. You’re constantly trying to piece things together.
Overall, this sits in that darker, more surreal fantasy space where the atmosphere and emotional tension carry just as much weight as the plot itself. It’s immersive, a little unsettling, and completely consuming once you settle into it.
If you enjoy high-stakes fantasy with unique concepts, memory-driven tension, and relationships that feel layered and slightly out of reach, this is definitely one to pick up.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review of Backward and Forward by D.N. Hoxa
Backward and Forward are meant to be read as a set. They are two halves of the same dark, spicy, Wonderland-inspired love story told from opposite ends of time. The author recommends starting with Backward (it was written first), but technically they can be read in either order.
If you want suspense, intrigue, and mystery, start with Backward.
If you prefer to feel connected to the characters before diving deep into the story, start with Forward.
Backward opens with Ora waking up seated at a table with no recent memory.. not of how she got there, where she is, why she’s there, or who the other ten people around her might be. The White Queen explains that a Timekeeper, now gone, placed a curse on the Labyrinth. No one in the realm remembers the trials they once won, and now they must replay them all… backward… and unwin.
I was a huge fan of the uncertainty in this book. The unknowing added tension and kept me guessing. That said, I struggled to connect with the characters in Backward before learning what had happened to them and why they were the way they were. I also personally didn’t love the Wonderland-style repetition of words and phrases, though that’s purely preference. It absolutely fits the tone, and the riddles and circular dialogue are very relevant to the story.
Since I read Backward first, by the time I reached Forward I had some idea of what had happened, just not necessarily why. I formed my own theories, and the characters offered theirs, but definitive answers remained just out of reach. Even after learning more about the characters, I still found myself more invested in the plot and unraveling the mystery than in forming deep emotional connections.
I’m really hoping for a third book to fully tie everything together.
What happens after?
What happened in between?
There still feels like more of this story left to tell, however I am satisfied with what I do know.
Backward and Forward are meant to be read as a set. They are two halves of the same dark, spicy, Wonderland-inspired love story told from opposite ends of time. The author recommends starting with Backward (it was written first), but technically they can be read in either order.
If you want suspense, intrigue, and mystery, start with Backward.
If you prefer to feel connected to the characters before diving deep into the story, start with Forward.
Backward opens with Ora waking up seated at a table with no recent memory.. not of how she got there, where she is, why she’s there, or who the other ten people around her might be. The White Queen explains that a Timekeeper, now gone, placed a curse on the Labyrinth. No one in the realm remembers the trials they once won, and now they must replay them all… backward… and unwin.
I was a huge fan of the uncertainty in this book. The unknowing added tension and kept me guessing. That said, I struggled to connect with the characters in Backward before learning what had happened to them and why they were the way they were. I also personally didn’t love the Wonderland-style repetition of words and phrases, though that’s purely preference. It absolutely fits the tone, and the riddles and circular dialogue are very relevant to the story.
Since I read Backward first, by the time I reached Forward I had some idea of what had happened, just not necessarily why. I formed my own theories, and the characters offered theirs, but definitive answers remained just out of reach. Even after learning more about the characters, I still found myself more invested in the plot and unraveling the mystery than in forming deep emotional connections.
I’m really hoping for a third book to fully tie everything together.
What happens after?
What happened in between?
There still feels like more of this story left to tell, however I am satisfied with what I do know.
April 18, 2026
My rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I feel all out of sorts, much like the characters in this book. The further in the story went, the curiouser and curiouser it all became. And for some reason, I couldn't stop reading!
The books Backward and Forward are a set, following the same characters from two different timelines, and can be read in whichever order you choose. I chose to read Backward first (the author's recommendation), and it did not disappoint. It was a puzzle of a book, and I've never read anything like this concept.
Our main character, Ora, wakes with no memory in the Clockrealm, where a curse has left time moving backward, and she must "unwin" deadly trials alongside strangers who aren't exactly strangers, including March, a scrumptious guy whom her body seems to mysteriously remember.
This whole world and concept took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland and, though I have not read that tale since childhood, I could definitely see the influence - from the tea party trial and the Cheshire cat, to the two outlandish queens and even the characters' way of speaking at times.
The realm is fascinating, with different factions of citizens responsible for doing time-related tasks or living timebound. Even the magic system is tied to time! The world-building is heavy but intermingled throughout the story so as not to overwhelm the reader with too many details at once.
As an introvert, I related so hard to Ora and the challenges she faced with the other contestants at points, always feeling like she was an outsider in the group, and her quiet, somewhat shy demeanor.
Her and March's pull to one another fascinated me from the get-go, and I loved how the author cleverly weaved in clues to let the reader - and the two main characters - begin to understand that their relationship before they lost their memories was deep and meaningful. I thought the underlying message was beautiful, how two bodies can still feel the echoes of the love once held even when the mind has been broken to forget. I felt like I lived their sense of confusion but also their knowing - like a kind of deja vu - during those moments.
This story is fairly fast-paced, a bit of a lag at times during the non-trial parts, and sometimes the writing got a bit choppy. But I'm so utterly amazed at how this storyline was so carefully plotted alongside Forward that I hardly noticed. It's masterful, truly. If you like a story that will keep you on your toes, reading late into the night just to try to make sense out of the madness, you'll probably enjoy this book.
Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book with me. This review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I feel all out of sorts, much like the characters in this book. The further in the story went, the curiouser and curiouser it all became. And for some reason, I couldn't stop reading!
The books Backward and Forward are a set, following the same characters from two different timelines, and can be read in whichever order you choose. I chose to read Backward first (the author's recommendation), and it did not disappoint. It was a puzzle of a book, and I've never read anything like this concept.
Our main character, Ora, wakes with no memory in the Clockrealm, where a curse has left time moving backward, and she must "unwin" deadly trials alongside strangers who aren't exactly strangers, including March, a scrumptious guy whom her body seems to mysteriously remember.
This whole world and concept took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland and, though I have not read that tale since childhood, I could definitely see the influence - from the tea party trial and the Cheshire cat, to the two outlandish queens and even the characters' way of speaking at times.
The realm is fascinating, with different factions of citizens responsible for doing time-related tasks or living timebound. Even the magic system is tied to time! The world-building is heavy but intermingled throughout the story so as not to overwhelm the reader with too many details at once.
As an introvert, I related so hard to Ora and the challenges she faced with the other contestants at points, always feeling like she was an outsider in the group, and her quiet, somewhat shy demeanor.
Her and March's pull to one another fascinated me from the get-go, and I loved how the author cleverly weaved in clues to let the reader - and the two main characters - begin to understand that their relationship before they lost their memories was deep and meaningful. I thought the underlying message was beautiful, how two bodies can still feel the echoes of the love once held even when the mind has been broken to forget. I felt like I lived their sense of confusion but also their knowing - like a kind of deja vu - during those moments.
This story is fairly fast-paced, a bit of a lag at times during the non-trial parts, and sometimes the writing got a bit choppy. But I'm so utterly amazed at how this storyline was so carefully plotted alongside Forward that I hardly noticed. It's masterful, truly. If you like a story that will keep you on your toes, reading late into the night just to try to make sense out of the madness, you'll probably enjoy this book.
Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book with me. This review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
April 10, 2026
Backward is book one of The Clockrealm series, the second book is Forward. The author, D.N. Hoxa, wrote this series with the intention of being able to read either book first.
Backward starts with young adults waking at a table with no memory of how they got there. Ora Reese, the main FMC we follow, only remembers waiting for a carriage and doesn't recognize anyone else in the room with her, except the White Queen and the intense feelings she gets when her eyes lock on a male, who she finds out is named March.
From there, the Hands, as they are called, are told they had already won The Turning Trials once but something happened that caused time to stop moving forward and now moves Backward! The Great Clock even stopped moving and was stuck at eight thirteen.
As the story progresses and no one still remembers anything from the Foward Turning Trials, Ora and the others must work together to unwin the Backward Turning Trials, even though no one trusts each other and are suspicious of everyone.
March and Ora's relationship grows throughout the story, showing us that they may have forgotten each other, but their hearts and bodies have not.
Eventually the Hands learn that all is not as it seems. They start to get back things that were lost to them from the Fowards Turning Trials and realize there are bigger things going on and they are being lied to.
The Hands eventually agree that they need to stick together so they can remember. So they can uncover the truth of the realm.
Overall, I absolutely love Backward. It is still the same trippy Alice and Wonderland vibe with Trials that keep you on your toes and your mind constantly thinking. I love that the book was challenging. Both mentally and emotionally. The characters are fun and silly but also relatable. Maybe we will get more from The Clockrealm?
I received Backward as an eARC and read Backward second and Forward first.
Backward starts with young adults waking at a table with no memory of how they got there. Ora Reese, the main FMC we follow, only remembers waiting for a carriage and doesn't recognize anyone else in the room with her, except the White Queen and the intense feelings she gets when her eyes lock on a male, who she finds out is named March.
From there, the Hands, as they are called, are told they had already won The Turning Trials once but something happened that caused time to stop moving forward and now moves Backward! The Great Clock even stopped moving and was stuck at eight thirteen.
As the story progresses and no one still remembers anything from the Foward Turning Trials, Ora and the others must work together to unwin the Backward Turning Trials, even though no one trusts each other and are suspicious of everyone.
March and Ora's relationship grows throughout the story, showing us that they may have forgotten each other, but their hearts and bodies have not.
Eventually the Hands learn that all is not as it seems. They start to get back things that were lost to them from the Fowards Turning Trials and realize there are bigger things going on and they are being lied to.
The Hands eventually agree that they need to stick together so they can remember. So they can uncover the truth of the realm.
Overall, I absolutely love Backward. It is still the same trippy Alice and Wonderland vibe with Trials that keep you on your toes and your mind constantly thinking. I love that the book was challenging. Both mentally and emotionally. The characters are fun and silly but also relatable. Maybe we will get more from The Clockrealm?
I received Backward as an eARC and read Backward second and Forward first.
April 13, 2026
ARC Review: if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. This review is specifically for Backward
Alice in Wonderland meets the Harry Potter TriWizards Tournament and The Hunger Games
Backward and Forward are a duology with a very interesting concept. It doesn’t matter which you read first. Start with Forward if you want a love story and context for the games. Read Backward if you want more of an enemies to lovers vibe. In this Alice In Wonderland inspired land there are games held every 5 years to help harvest time for the land. However, something goes wrong in these trials and the contestants end up having to un-win the trials they have already won. Each book starts where the other leaves off.
I absolutely LOVED this story concept. I decided to start with Backward. I was as confused as the characters and loved every minute of it. I love when a book makes me think in order to solve the mystery. Plot twist I never did solve the mystery. The ending left me just as confused but I have my hypothesis. I just need to read Forward to confirm.
Our story starts after the events in Forward. Our characters don’t remember ANYTHING except parts of their lives before the games. They’re told there was a curse and in order to break the curse they have to un-win the games. Games they can’t remember playing or winning. They don’t remember each other, except they do.
The love story in this was absolutely phenomenal and different. There are enemies to lovers vibes but they’re not TRUE enemies. Their minds don’t remember each other but their bodies and hearts do. Which I thought was the absolute sweetest thing in the world.
I have not read Forward yet but will be soon as I NEED to know what happened before the curse. My only regret was not having the time to finish it in a day! Thank you so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC it was an absolute pleasure and I plan to get both physical books to add to my collection.
Alice in Wonderland meets the Harry Potter TriWizards Tournament and The Hunger Games
Backward and Forward are a duology with a very interesting concept. It doesn’t matter which you read first. Start with Forward if you want a love story and context for the games. Read Backward if you want more of an enemies to lovers vibe. In this Alice In Wonderland inspired land there are games held every 5 years to help harvest time for the land. However, something goes wrong in these trials and the contestants end up having to un-win the trials they have already won. Each book starts where the other leaves off.
I absolutely LOVED this story concept. I decided to start with Backward. I was as confused as the characters and loved every minute of it. I love when a book makes me think in order to solve the mystery. Plot twist I never did solve the mystery. The ending left me just as confused but I have my hypothesis. I just need to read Forward to confirm.
Our story starts after the events in Forward. Our characters don’t remember ANYTHING except parts of their lives before the games. They’re told there was a curse and in order to break the curse they have to un-win the games. Games they can’t remember playing or winning. They don’t remember each other, except they do.
The love story in this was absolutely phenomenal and different. There are enemies to lovers vibes but they’re not TRUE enemies. Their minds don’t remember each other but their bodies and hearts do. Which I thought was the absolute sweetest thing in the world.
I have not read Forward yet but will be soon as I NEED to know what happened before the curse. My only regret was not having the time to finish it in a day! Thank you so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC it was an absolute pleasure and I plan to get both physical books to add to my collection.
April 30, 2026
I started with Backward simply because of the author's suggestion. This book was captivating. I sat on the edge of my seat for several reasons:
-when were Ora and March going to get together
-what was going to happen with their memories
-how were the trials going to work out
-were they going to lose people
And finally,
-what in the world was going on
Needless to say only 1.5 of my questions were answered by the end. Was this a cliffhanger? 🤷♀️ - I don't know how to answer that yet. Have I already opened Forward to see the rest and hopefully have my questions answered? Absolutely.
I only have 1 truly pressing question that I need a definitive long-term answer for and I need it to go my way. (I'm a hopeless romantic so, you can guess which question that is.)
On to what this book is about...
Consider it Alice In Wonderland (in vibe and minor, minor backstory) meets Hunger Games.
12 people from the 4 districts/suits (clubs, hearts, diaminds, spades) apply to participate in the 5-year Turning Trials. They go to the 'capital' if you will, where the White Queen and Red Queen run the Clockrealm (what their world is called). Prior to the start of this book they win the 4 trials, then a curse is cast, a countercurse is cast against that one, the contestants' minds are wiped and now they have to unwin the 4 trials backwards, while time is also running backwards. And we know absolutely zero details, just the basics I just laid out (I guess I'll learn those in Forward 🤞🏼.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it left me with more questions than answers (truly, the entire book, beginning to end, was a mystery). I hope and pray that Forward doesn't leave me with more.
-when were Ora and March going to get together
-what was going to happen with their memories
-how were the trials going to work out
-were they going to lose people
And finally,
-what in the world was going on
Needless to say only 1.5 of my questions were answered by the end. Was this a cliffhanger? 🤷♀️ - I don't know how to answer that yet. Have I already opened Forward to see the rest and hopefully have my questions answered? Absolutely.
I only have 1 truly pressing question that I need a definitive long-term answer for and I need it to go my way. (I'm a hopeless romantic so, you can guess which question that is.)
On to what this book is about...
Consider it Alice In Wonderland (in vibe and minor, minor backstory) meets Hunger Games.
12 people from the 4 districts/suits (clubs, hearts, diaminds, spades) apply to participate in the 5-year Turning Trials. They go to the 'capital' if you will, where the White Queen and Red Queen run the Clockrealm (what their world is called). Prior to the start of this book they win the 4 trials, then a curse is cast, a countercurse is cast against that one, the contestants' minds are wiped and now they have to unwin the 4 trials backwards, while time is also running backwards. And we know absolutely zero details, just the basics I just laid out (I guess I'll learn those in Forward 🤞🏼.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it left me with more questions than answers (truly, the entire book, beginning to end, was a mystery). I hope and pray that Forward doesn't leave me with more.
April 12, 2026
I'd like to thank the author for this ARC!
I enjoyed this book for the most part and I feel like my rating could shift higher once I finish up with Forward. As of course, this is a pair of books that go together and make the story more complete once finished.
Starting with Backward means the trials are over and a curse has befallen the Hands (contestants) which can only be solved by 'unwinning' the trials and going back to the very beginning. This is essentially a mystery to solve with very little information the entire book as we are following the FMC, Ora, who has lost many of her memories along with the rest. The trials themselves were pretty interesting and you could feel the sense of danger and urgency. Watching her and the MMC, March, slowly trying to figure out the relationship they had with one another before they lost their memories also had me locked in. I also enjoyed the nods to Alice in Wonderland like the Chesire Cat, March's name, the tea party, and the talking flowers.
I do wish there was more payoff at the end between the two MCs and that's all I'll say as not to spoil. I expected my heart to go through a rollercoaster with the final reveal. I didn't really feel any connection to most of the other Hands, so felt nothing for them while the story was going on, even when something 'bad' would happen to them. I also wish there was more explanation of how magic works, its limitations, and the other magical creatures that exist etc.
I will revisit this for sure when the next book is read!
I enjoyed this book for the most part and I feel like my rating could shift higher once I finish up with Forward. As of course, this is a pair of books that go together and make the story more complete once finished.
Starting with Backward means the trials are over and a curse has befallen the Hands (contestants) which can only be solved by 'unwinning' the trials and going back to the very beginning. This is essentially a mystery to solve with very little information the entire book as we are following the FMC, Ora, who has lost many of her memories along with the rest. The trials themselves were pretty interesting and you could feel the sense of danger and urgency. Watching her and the MMC, March, slowly trying to figure out the relationship they had with one another before they lost their memories also had me locked in. I also enjoyed the nods to Alice in Wonderland like the Chesire Cat, March's name, the tea party, and the talking flowers.
I do wish there was more payoff at the end between the two MCs and that's all I'll say as not to spoil. I expected my heart to go through a rollercoaster with the final reveal. I didn't really feel any connection to most of the other Hands, so felt nothing for them while the story was going on, even when something 'bad' would happen to them. I also wish there was more explanation of how magic works, its limitations, and the other magical creatures that exist etc.
I will revisit this for sure when the next book is read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Backward by D.N. Hoxa is the kind of story that keeps you constantly questioning what’s real and what’s being distorted by the characters’ perspectives. The narrative plays with time and perception in a way that feels disorienting on purpose, making the story unfold like a puzzle you slowly piece together. I liked how the atmosphere stayed tense and uneasy throughout the book, with moments that felt strange, unsettling, and sometimes surreal. The world the author creates has this eerie quality to it, especially with the unusual settings and imagery that make everything feel slightly off-balance.
What stood out most to me was how the story leans into psychological tension rather than relying on straightforward answers. As the layers start to unravel, more secrets and darker elements come to light, making it clear that not everything is as simple as it first appears. It’s a book that leaves you thinking about the events and meanings even after finishing, especially with the way the story twists its concepts of reality and perspective. If you enjoy stories that feel mysterious, a little mind-bending, and full of unsettling moments, this one definitely delivers.
What stood out most to me was how the story leans into psychological tension rather than relying on straightforward answers. As the layers start to unravel, more secrets and darker elements come to light, making it clear that not everything is as simple as it first appears. It’s a book that leaves you thinking about the events and meanings even after finishing, especially with the way the story twists its concepts of reality and perspective. If you enjoy stories that feel mysterious, a little mind-bending, and full of unsettling moments, this one definitely delivers.
March 31, 2026
So, this book was interesting and it definitely has Alice in Wonderland vibes, but the story is completely different than that of Alice. The 11 trial contestants wake up at a table with the White queen and have no memory of how they got there. Apparently, they only remember they were going into the Turning Trials, but it is now 2 weeks later, and they've won the trials without having any memory. When they wake up with the queen there is a curse on their realm and now, they have to "unwin" all the trials they just won but again, have no memory of how they won them in the first place. For added suspense, there was originally 12 contestants so one is missing. They also don't remember they all know each other. There's a second book called Forward that I am currently reading and now we get to find out what actually happened in the first trials. Kind of cool you can read either book first, I read this book first because the author wrote it first. Very cool world with some magic and some very unknown enemies amongst them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
They woke up at the end. Eleven players with forgotten memories. The feeling that something missing and everyone is lying. In this Alice in Wonderland retelling, Ora Reese is one of twelve Hands who has chosen to participate in the Turning Trials. Hosted every five years, the trials supply magic to the Clockrealm. But when she wakes up with no memories and the White Queen saying she’s saved them from a curse and the only way to break it is to “unwin” the trials, Ora must survive without her memories of the last two weeks, rising questions about why the man sitting across from her is so familiar…and without the mysterious twelfth Hand.
This book really had me questioning everything! I loved the complexity of how confusing it was, and how each revelation left me open-mouthed. I was furious at the last page, but it only made me anxious to start the next book, Forward. I NEED all the answers! If you like psychological thrillers, fantasy, and romance, you definitely want to dive into this rabbit-hole.
This book really had me questioning everything! I loved the complexity of how confusing it was, and how each revelation left me open-mouthed. I was furious at the last page, but it only made me anxious to start the next book, Forward. I NEED all the answers! If you like psychological thrillers, fantasy, and romance, you definitely want to dive into this rabbit-hole.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so unique and I was lost in its world from the start.
This book 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 at the 𝗲𝗻𝗱 and tells the story 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 so you are trying to solve the mystery while the characters undo their past. Which is their…future?
This book is inspired by 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 but reimagined in a twisty, spicy new way. This is PART of the story; the second (or first if you read this one first 😜) half is called 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 and they can be read in any order.
I can’t even explain how cool it is to experience this book 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 the characters. They don’t know what happened in their past so the reader gets to uncover all the secrets as the story unfolds. I don’t usually try to figure out the plot line in books, preferring to just experience it as it goes along, but I couldn’t help but try to sort through all the madness and figure it out (spoiler: I didn’t).
I absolutely love how the characters and themes of Alice in Wonderland are interwoven and enhanced in this book. I am reviewing this book before reading Forward and I still have so many questions I can’t wait to read.
This book 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 at the 𝗲𝗻𝗱 and tells the story 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 so you are trying to solve the mystery while the characters undo their past. Which is their…future?
This book is inspired by 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 but reimagined in a twisty, spicy new way. This is PART of the story; the second (or first if you read this one first 😜) half is called 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 and they can be read in any order.
I can’t even explain how cool it is to experience this book 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 the characters. They don’t know what happened in their past so the reader gets to uncover all the secrets as the story unfolds. I don’t usually try to figure out the plot line in books, preferring to just experience it as it goes along, but I couldn’t help but try to sort through all the madness and figure it out (spoiler: I didn’t).
I absolutely love how the characters and themes of Alice in Wonderland are interwoven and enhanced in this book. I am reviewing this book before reading Forward and I still have so many questions I can’t wait to read.
April 14, 2026
ARC Review:
Alice in Wonderland inspired story.
Our main FMC is Ora Reese who is from the Court of Spades. This is centered around 12 Hands from the Four Courts of the Clockrealm: Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Club. When Ora wakes up and finds herself with the other hands she finds out that she was part of their realms Turning Trials and that they won the games, the only thing is that none of the Hands remember this. They are told by the White Queen that there was a traitor among them and that they must go back into the labyrinth and unwin the game or that the whole realm will die.
This story while I read it kept me hooked and when the Hands had questions about certain things, I had the same questions too. This book will make you think and want to play detective to figure out who the villain is through the story. I also loved the little romance between Ora and the Heart hand March who when they both wake you find that they are very familiar with each other but they can’t remember each other. All the hands find out that they all knew each other Forward but now all those memories of their friendship are just gone. Slowly when you read this certain things just don’t make sense and we also get to meet our mischievous friend the Cheshire Cat. But I will ward you there is a twist at the end and hopefully Forward helps clear that twist but I believe we will be getting more to this series, and I have my suspicious on that twist, but I wont go and spoil it for you.
Alice in Wonderland inspired story.
Our main FMC is Ora Reese who is from the Court of Spades. This is centered around 12 Hands from the Four Courts of the Clockrealm: Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Club. When Ora wakes up and finds herself with the other hands she finds out that she was part of their realms Turning Trials and that they won the games, the only thing is that none of the Hands remember this. They are told by the White Queen that there was a traitor among them and that they must go back into the labyrinth and unwin the game or that the whole realm will die.
This story while I read it kept me hooked and when the Hands had questions about certain things, I had the same questions too. This book will make you think and want to play detective to figure out who the villain is through the story. I also loved the little romance between Ora and the Heart hand March who when they both wake you find that they are very familiar with each other but they can’t remember each other. All the hands find out that they all knew each other Forward but now all those memories of their friendship are just gone. Slowly when you read this certain things just don’t make sense and we also get to meet our mischievous friend the Cheshire Cat. But I will ward you there is a twist at the end and hopefully Forward helps clear that twist but I believe we will be getting more to this series, and I have my suspicious on that twist, but I wont go and spoil it for you.
May 5, 2026
🌶️ ….crap. I’ve resurfaced, coming out on the far end of this with more questions than answers, but I loved the ride anyway.
Is this a continual loop? I certainly hope not… and I’m right with the group that something is seriously wrong with the Queens… red and white.
What an ending. Yikes! This really can be easily read starting with either book, but I like that I started with Forward and got to know all of the “Hands” first.
And YES! We had a brief tease that could have meant the Cheshire Cat, but we actually get him and his maddening and insufferable grin. I could have happily gotten more scenes with him in it.
As before, this is a big mystery our players are trying to solve, despite having lost all memory of what came before. It’s definitely a surprise what they do learn and what winds up being left to our imagination, and dang if it isn’t a clever way to close out this book (whether you read the other already or have it still waiting for you.
Now please excuse me while I scream into the abyss for a couple of minutes.
Is this a continual loop? I certainly hope not… and I’m right with the group that something is seriously wrong with the Queens… red and white.
What an ending. Yikes! This really can be easily read starting with either book, but I like that I started with Forward and got to know all of the “Hands” first.
And YES! We had a brief tease that could have meant the Cheshire Cat, but we actually get him and his maddening and insufferable grin. I could have happily gotten more scenes with him in it.
As before, this is a big mystery our players are trying to solve, despite having lost all memory of what came before. It’s definitely a surprise what they do learn and what winds up being left to our imagination, and dang if it isn’t a clever way to close out this book (whether you read the other already or have it still waiting for you.
Now please excuse me while I scream into the abyss for a couple of minutes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Backwards is only one part of this story, but it’s clever, disorienting, and emotionally gripping.
When Ora wakes, she finds herself at a table surrounded by the White Queen and ten other hands. With no memories of the past two weeks, they must try to unwin what’s already been done.
Even without their memories, Ora and March find themselves drawn to each other in ways neither can explain.
The writing is immersive, the world has Wonderland-esque twists, and the tension between memory, mystery, and attraction is fantastic. I loved being dropped into the middle of the puzzle and figuring it out alongside the characters. you're right there with the characters trying to figure out what happened with them. this story drew me in from the start you feel the madness of the world with the characters
This is only one part of the story, and starting with Backwards has me eager to read forward and see how the pieces fit together.
When Ora wakes, she finds herself at a table surrounded by the White Queen and ten other hands. With no memories of the past two weeks, they must try to unwin what’s already been done.
Even without their memories, Ora and March find themselves drawn to each other in ways neither can explain.
The writing is immersive, the world has Wonderland-esque twists, and the tension between memory, mystery, and attraction is fantastic. I loved being dropped into the middle of the puzzle and figuring it out alongside the characters. you're right there with the characters trying to figure out what happened with them. this story drew me in from the start you feel the madness of the world with the characters
This is only one part of the story, and starting with Backwards has me eager to read forward and see how the pieces fit together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off as author, D.N. has stated, this book is not a retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Nope, it is a reimagined story. I have read many versions of Alice. Yet, I have to say that this one is a new on for me. It is so refreshing to read a new story.
Besides Alice vibes, I got Hunger Game vibes as well. This book is part of a duet. The other book is Forward. You can read this one or Forward first. It does not matter as you will end where you need to (per the author). You guessed it with the title that this story tells the events of the Time Trials in backward order.
I became invested right away with this book. The cast of characters are engaging. I like that the story has hints of romance, but it is not the main focal point of the story. I don't know if I would have been able to survive the trials. They were complex. After you finish this book, you are going to want to instantly jump into Forward. So, settle in for this amazing story as you lose track of time of "real life"!
Besides Alice vibes, I got Hunger Game vibes as well. This book is part of a duet. The other book is Forward. You can read this one or Forward first. It does not matter as you will end where you need to (per the author). You guessed it with the title that this story tells the events of the Time Trials in backward order.
I became invested right away with this book. The cast of characters are engaging. I like that the story has hints of romance, but it is not the main focal point of the story. I don't know if I would have been able to survive the trials. They were complex. After you finish this book, you are going to want to instantly jump into Forward. So, settle in for this amazing story as you lose track of time of "real life"!
April 12, 2026
”I can’t just leave my problems for the future—I’m in a trial! I have to unwin this game. There must be something you can tell me!”
But the cat had already disappeared—all of it, except the teeth.
“There is… one thing,” it said, and I only saw the teeth moving slightly. “Try to remember to forget him properly this time…”
That was fun! Reading a story written in reverse was confusing, and it made me feel like I was right there with the characters, living it with them. The world was dangerous, and at times nonsensical, but it really worked. I feel like we just scratched the surface of this world, and there is so much left to see. That scene with the garden and the fairy lantern will live rent-free in my mind for quite some time 🥵
I still have so many questions, and I’m hoping Forward clears some of them up! I was dying to follow the characters past the last page, to see what happened to them next. Although I guess the next book is really the first one, so we’ll see!
But the cat had already disappeared—all of it, except the teeth.
“There is… one thing,” it said, and I only saw the teeth moving slightly. “Try to remember to forget him properly this time…”
That was fun! Reading a story written in reverse was confusing, and it made me feel like I was right there with the characters, living it with them. The world was dangerous, and at times nonsensical, but it really worked. I feel like we just scratched the surface of this world, and there is so much left to see. That scene with the garden and the fairy lantern will live rent-free in my mind for quite some time 🥵
I still have so many questions, and I’m hoping Forward clears some of them up! I was dying to follow the characters past the last page, to see what happened to them next. Although I guess the next book is really the first one, so we’ll see!
April 21, 2026
Backward is a unique story. The author wrote this set if two books so that neither was to be read first or second. They are interchangeable. The author did write Backward first, and suggests to read it that way if you want to be part of the madness. A very interesting concept that I've never seen done before. This is loosely based off Alice in Wonderland, but not a retelling. It is a mix of Wonderland meets Maze Runner.
That being said, I had a really hard time getting into this book. Things were confusing, strange language being used. I even thought about quitting 50 pages in. I'm glad I didn't. I went into it with a different mindset. Solving clues and puzzles as they came along. Going through the trials with the contestants. Then their stories grew. Who they were and why became more evident. There's love, confusion, peril, adventure and more. I knew the end was coming, but even when it did, I was excited to start on Forward. Ok, now I've read Forward. I am 100% happy that I read Backward 1st. You catch so many little things from it. I can't wait for the next book! Thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me the ARCs for my honest review.
That being said, I had a really hard time getting into this book. Things were confusing, strange language being used. I even thought about quitting 50 pages in. I'm glad I didn't. I went into it with a different mindset. Solving clues and puzzles as they came along. Going through the trials with the contestants. Then their stories grew. Who they were and why became more evident. There's love, confusion, peril, adventure and more. I knew the end was coming, but even when it did, I was excited to start on Forward. Ok, now I've read Forward. I am 100% happy that I read Backward 1st. You catch so many little things from it. I can't wait for the next book! Thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me the ARCs for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Still trying to wrap my head around it!
Off the top, this is definitely a wacky, even more weird world than the classic, and frankly, a pretty terrifying version of Wonderland. I kind of doubt Alice could have survived it! Whether you read Forward or Backward first, you will be utterly enthralled. The FMC, Ora Reese, and the MMC, March, are the perfect balance of questioning the truth, and distrusting the answers given for the supposed curse they are trying to reverse. These characters are all so well narrated that it is easy to empathize and sympathize with their actions and reactions to the situation in which they find themselves. A steamy romance between Ora and March, suspense, and some truly twisted and unexpected twists in the plot have left me reeling. I love this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
Off the top, this is definitely a wacky, even more weird world than the classic, and frankly, a pretty terrifying version of Wonderland. I kind of doubt Alice could have survived it! Whether you read Forward or Backward first, you will be utterly enthralled. The FMC, Ora Reese, and the MMC, March, are the perfect balance of questioning the truth, and distrusting the answers given for the supposed curse they are trying to reverse. These characters are all so well narrated that it is easy to empathize and sympathize with their actions and reactions to the situation in which they find themselves. A steamy romance between Ora and March, suspense, and some truly twisted and unexpected twists in the plot have left me reeling. I love this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
April 8, 2026
Backward gives Alice in Wonderland vibes without being a retelling. You have mentions of the “white rabbit” and also the Cheshire Cat. Throughout the book you follow Ora and the other hands who have to save Neverwhen and their courts from a curse that was cast during the Turning Trials. Ora and the others must figure out how to “unwin” what they have previously won without memories of how they did it in the first place while also having time go backwards with the sun unsettling instead of rising. Without giving away the ending it does end on a sort of cliff hanger that is pushing me to read the next book Forward, as I need to know if what I believe happened actually happened to Ora and the other hands. I also need to see Ora, actually having memories with March and have more moments with him that aren’t fleeting.
April 9, 2026
Review of ARC received from the author
As the author intended, this story carried the DNA and spirit of Wonderland, while also making the story its own. She was able to seamlessly add time references into the characters’ phrases, without interrupting the dialogue flow, which gave the reader the feeling of being the Clockrealm.
These books were definitely unique, as you get to choose whether to read Forward or Backward first. I read Backward first, however, I think I would have had a better connection to the characters, had I read Forward first.
Backward gave the sense of deja vu, like certain areas were alluding to what happened in Forward, but without reading it, I couldn’t tell for sure. However, I did finish this book wanting to know what happens next and eager to learn more about the happenings of the Clockrealm.
As the author intended, this story carried the DNA and spirit of Wonderland, while also making the story its own. She was able to seamlessly add time references into the characters’ phrases, without interrupting the dialogue flow, which gave the reader the feeling of being the Clockrealm.
These books were definitely unique, as you get to choose whether to read Forward or Backward first. I read Backward first, however, I think I would have had a better connection to the characters, had I read Forward first.
Backward gave the sense of deja vu, like certain areas were alluding to what happened in Forward, but without reading it, I couldn’t tell for sure. However, I did finish this book wanting to know what happens next and eager to learn more about the happenings of the Clockrealm.
April 10, 2026
"Tick-tock-tea-talk."
I was already so excited stepping foot into this story, thrilled by the concept of two books intertwined. I followed the author's recommendation and started here and it's safe to say that was precisely how I needed to read it!
"Backwards" presents a level of world-building that I bow down to, invoking the madness of Wonderland and the nuance of Time. As a steampunk girly, all of the clockwork aesthetics and clock-speak made my heart sing, and the characters are consistently so deep and vibrant. The book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I felt just as beautifully disoriented as the main character.
Minor spoiler alert? The ending DEVASTATED ME and I already want to re-live it all over again.
I cannot sing the praises of how immersive I found this book loud enough, and I'm so eager to hop right into its counterpart, "Forward".
I was already so excited stepping foot into this story, thrilled by the concept of two books intertwined. I followed the author's recommendation and started here and it's safe to say that was precisely how I needed to read it!
"Backwards" presents a level of world-building that I bow down to, invoking the madness of Wonderland and the nuance of Time. As a steampunk girly, all of the clockwork aesthetics and clock-speak made my heart sing, and the characters are consistently so deep and vibrant. The book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I felt just as beautifully disoriented as the main character.
Minor spoiler alert? The ending DEVASTATED ME and I already want to re-live it all over again.
I cannot sing the praises of how immersive I found this book loud enough, and I'm so eager to hop right into its counterpart, "Forward".
April 15, 2026
Backward-starts at the end of Forward where there are 11 hands (spades, diamonds, hearts and clubs). They wake up at a table where they are dining with the White Queen. With no clue how they got there!
Oh my goodness, I cannot explain how this book made me feel! Also what in the world?? I’ve never read a book that literally started at the end and went backwards… from going to bed after breakfast and waking up just before dinner… and having cake served before the main course?? This made me feel like I was part of a the game. This was by far the most interesting and entertaining book I’ve read this year! And don’t get me started on March and Ora!! I loved them! Something just called them together and they don’t remember what or why. This was absolutely intriguing! Immediately jumping to Forward!
Oh my goodness, I cannot explain how this book made me feel! Also what in the world?? I’ve never read a book that literally started at the end and went backwards… from going to bed after breakfast and waking up just before dinner… and having cake served before the main course?? This made me feel like I was part of a the game. This was by far the most interesting and entertaining book I’ve read this year! And don’t get me started on March and Ora!! I loved them! Something just called them together and they don’t remember what or why. This was absolutely intriguing! Immediately jumping to Forward!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
ARC Review:
This Duet revolves around Ora. It is set in the Clockrealm(inspired by Alice in Wonderland) where they are working together in trials in the Labyrinth. These books can be read in any order but I chose to read Backward first as the author wrote it first.
In this book Ora awoke at a table with 10 other Hands (players) to find out that they won the trials, but due to a curse, they now have to unwin them all with no memory of what happened or how they won them in the first place.
This book immediately pulled me in. I’m honestly so glad I decided to read backward first. The mystery of everything that happened, and being just as confused as the characters made it all feel more real. March and Ora’s dynamic was messy and full of tension but worth reading every word.
This Duet revolves around Ora. It is set in the Clockrealm(inspired by Alice in Wonderland) where they are working together in trials in the Labyrinth. These books can be read in any order but I chose to read Backward first as the author wrote it first.
In this book Ora awoke at a table with 10 other Hands (players) to find out that they won the trials, but due to a curse, they now have to unwin them all with no memory of what happened or how they won them in the first place.
This book immediately pulled me in. I’m honestly so glad I decided to read backward first. The mystery of everything that happened, and being just as confused as the characters made it all feel more real. March and Ora’s dynamic was messy and full of tension but worth reading every word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews