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Weariland
For fifteen-year-old Lason Davies,
it all started with a text.
HIDING PLACE
The last words of her murdered grandmother haunt Lason as
she travels to England with her sheltering mother for the
funeral. The crime is a sensation, but the clamoring reporters
and news photographers aren’t the only ones interested in
their arrival.
As her mother’s behavior borders on erratic (on a good day),
Lason encounters a stranger from Weariland, a dreary world
once known as Wonderland. He petitions Lason’s help in
finding a secret family heirloom, a key to saving his land—
and to Lason’s past. Lason is swept in an adventure through
Weariland’s unpredictable realm, encountering colorful,
fantastical characters and discovering her family’s elusive
history. But if she isn’t careful, she may never return…
it all started with a text.
HIDING PLACE
The last words of her murdered grandmother haunt Lason as
she travels to England with her sheltering mother for the
funeral. The crime is a sensation, but the clamoring reporters
and news photographers aren’t the only ones interested in
their arrival.
As her mother’s behavior borders on erratic (on a good day),
Lason encounters a stranger from Weariland, a dreary world
once known as Wonderland. He petitions Lason’s help in
finding a secret family heirloom, a key to saving his land—
and to Lason’s past. Lason is swept in an adventure through
Weariland’s unpredictable realm, encountering colorful,
fantastical characters and discovering her family’s elusive
history. But if she isn’t careful, she may never return…
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2016
1 person is currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 1, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is a modern day version of Alice in Wonderland.It has many twists and turns. It starts with the murder of Alice than her Granddaughter Laney gets pulled into this magical world.
There are all new characters and the story is not the same. It was very interesting to read, and to see the changes that were made.
Sit down open the book and jump into a story that will keep your interest and have many twists and turns. There is no romance in this book just suspense and a great story.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is a modern day version of Alice in Wonderland.It has many twists and turns. It starts with the murder of Alice than her Granddaughter Laney gets pulled into this magical world.
There are all new characters and the story is not the same. It was very interesting to read, and to see the changes that were made.
Sit down open the book and jump into a story that will keep your interest and have many twists and turns. There is no romance in this book just suspense and a great story.
September 10, 2016
WEARILAND by Mary Shotwell is a reimagining of ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, by Lewis Carroll. However, rather than recrafting the original story, Shotwell sets her book a few generations later. Now Wonderland is not Wonderland at all, but instead Weariland, a place controlled not by the Queen of Hearts, but instead the Queen of Souls. While most of Carroll’s characters are not present in Shotwell’s story, their descendants are, which makes for a unique look into this place that has captivated readers for over a hundred years.
My favorite part of this novel is the plotline involving Inspector Landry. He is a very compelling character in that he gets involved in a situation that is way beyond his scope of normal understanding and he must decide how to react to it. He could go the logical route, which would be to deny the existence of an otherworldly possibility or he could follow his gut. Interestingly enough, he does the latter. I really enjoyed the noir aspects Landry brings to the tale, infusing the fantasy elements with a more grounded, practical point of view. If Shotwell writes sequels, Landry’s character, though friendly in this book, could be taken in many different directions.
The book itself is rather slow-moving at points, which is a product of Lason, Alice’s granddaughter, having to be acquainted with Weariland at the same time we are. Slowly, Lason must accept that reality is different than what she perceived and as a result, this introduction to another world takes time to establish. I do imagine subsequent books will move at a quicker pace, having already explained the backstory now. Overall though, the pacing has a direct effect on how exciting the events are that unfold. Even the final battle scene lacked a real sense of danger and urgency, leaving it a bit uninspired.
With that being said, those who enjoy the original Wonderland tales will appreciate Shotwell’s continuation of the classic. Even people unfamiliar with the source material will still be able to enjoy WEARILAND as it has enough of its own material to be a standalone book. Certainly this first novel is a great setup for an even better second one. I genuinely hope Shotwell continues writing, giving her characters the chance at more adventures, as their interactions with Weariland do not seem complete just yet. It will be fascinating to see what happens next.
Originally posted on YA Books Central here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
My favorite part of this novel is the plotline involving Inspector Landry. He is a very compelling character in that he gets involved in a situation that is way beyond his scope of normal understanding and he must decide how to react to it. He could go the logical route, which would be to deny the existence of an otherworldly possibility or he could follow his gut. Interestingly enough, he does the latter. I really enjoyed the noir aspects Landry brings to the tale, infusing the fantasy elements with a more grounded, practical point of view. If Shotwell writes sequels, Landry’s character, though friendly in this book, could be taken in many different directions.
The book itself is rather slow-moving at points, which is a product of Lason, Alice’s granddaughter, having to be acquainted with Weariland at the same time we are. Slowly, Lason must accept that reality is different than what she perceived and as a result, this introduction to another world takes time to establish. I do imagine subsequent books will move at a quicker pace, having already explained the backstory now. Overall though, the pacing has a direct effect on how exciting the events are that unfold. Even the final battle scene lacked a real sense of danger and urgency, leaving it a bit uninspired.
With that being said, those who enjoy the original Wonderland tales will appreciate Shotwell’s continuation of the classic. Even people unfamiliar with the source material will still be able to enjoy WEARILAND as it has enough of its own material to be a standalone book. Certainly this first novel is a great setup for an even better second one. I genuinely hope Shotwell continues writing, giving her characters the chance at more adventures, as their interactions with Weariland do not seem complete just yet. It will be fascinating to see what happens next.
Originally posted on YA Books Central here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
May 8, 2016
Everyone ages in real life. No matter how much time passes, you have aged that much time. Even if it’s just a few seconds. You’re older than you were when you started reading this post. Places age, too. You’ve seen it. Paint discolors or flakes away, roofs sag, glass becomes patinated.
In Mary Shotwell’s Weariland, you’ll learn that some of your favorite literary places and characters have aged, too. Wonderland has grown up, and it’s a darker place. It’s weary and for a good reason. There’s a new feared ruler in the land, and someone is after Alice…’s descendants. Only, Lason doesn’t know that. She doesn’t know anything of her family’s history, just that someone has murdered her grandmother. This horrible act is how Lason finds herself and her odd mother in England, and it adds another layer to the story as a murder investigation plays out while Lason begins to unravel the secrets she never knew her family had.
I loved the updated facets of Wonderland in this well-written well-paced story. The twisty bits are unique and enjoyable and will for sure keep you turning the pages. Weariland is darker, but you’ll recognize some of your favorite characters from Wonderland, but with a spin. I loved how Shotwell addressed the aging process. I would tell you my absolute favorites, but I don’t want to spoil who and how for anyone. Just read it, okay?
This darkly whimsical tale is sure to delight readers with it’s unique spin on a sequel to a beloved classic. I would gladly read any sequel like this that Shotwell pens.
In Mary Shotwell’s Weariland, you’ll learn that some of your favorite literary places and characters have aged, too. Wonderland has grown up, and it’s a darker place. It’s weary and for a good reason. There’s a new feared ruler in the land, and someone is after Alice…’s descendants. Only, Lason doesn’t know that. She doesn’t know anything of her family’s history, just that someone has murdered her grandmother. This horrible act is how Lason finds herself and her odd mother in England, and it adds another layer to the story as a murder investigation plays out while Lason begins to unravel the secrets she never knew her family had.
I loved the updated facets of Wonderland in this well-written well-paced story. The twisty bits are unique and enjoyable and will for sure keep you turning the pages. Weariland is darker, but you’ll recognize some of your favorite characters from Wonderland, but with a spin. I loved how Shotwell addressed the aging process. I would tell you my absolute favorites, but I don’t want to spoil who and how for anyone. Just read it, okay?
This darkly whimsical tale is sure to delight readers with it’s unique spin on a sequel to a beloved classic. I would gladly read any sequel like this that Shotwell pens.
May 10, 2016
Weariland by Mary Shotwell coverI received an ARC of Weariland as a beta reader and for review upon release. I had not read a blurb or any information about the book before reading. This book was an enjoyable tale. Weariland is a great sequel to Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.
I read those books in my youth and was enthralled with Wonderland. In this story the protagonist is Alice's granddaughter, Lason. Things have been dire in the land since The Queen of Souls, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, began her rule. She's heartless and has little imagination. All imagination has been banned and the land and it's inhabitants are weary. The evil rule has depleted the magical landscape and the residents of what used to be Wonderland live in fear of the Queen. The Queen is an antagonist that you can truly despise. Lason is a protagonist that you can empathize with and want to cheer her on in all the adventures she encounters.
The characters are well done and are easily accepted as descendants of characters in the world created by Carroll. The caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland is now a wise old butterfly. The White Rabbit is a descendant of the original rabbit.
The action and plot development had a good pace and for me was a page turner. I read the book in two days during breaks and in the evenings. I could have read it in one day if that was all I had to do. It isn't too long nor too short.
I loved the way the author alternated between events happening in the normal world investigating the unusual death of Alice and Lason's subsequent disappearance, and Lason's experiences in Weariland. An excellent read for anyone who enjoyed Alice in Wonderland as a child.
I read those books in my youth and was enthralled with Wonderland. In this story the protagonist is Alice's granddaughter, Lason. Things have been dire in the land since The Queen of Souls, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, began her rule. She's heartless and has little imagination. All imagination has been banned and the land and it's inhabitants are weary. The evil rule has depleted the magical landscape and the residents of what used to be Wonderland live in fear of the Queen. The Queen is an antagonist that you can truly despise. Lason is a protagonist that you can empathize with and want to cheer her on in all the adventures she encounters.
The characters are well done and are easily accepted as descendants of characters in the world created by Carroll. The caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland is now a wise old butterfly. The White Rabbit is a descendant of the original rabbit.
The action and plot development had a good pace and for me was a page turner. I read the book in two days during breaks and in the evenings. I could have read it in one day if that was all I had to do. It isn't too long nor too short.
I loved the way the author alternated between events happening in the normal world investigating the unusual death of Alice and Lason's subsequent disappearance, and Lason's experiences in Weariland. An excellent read for anyone who enjoyed Alice in Wonderland as a child.
July 23, 2016
I won a digital copy of this book.
I was so happy when I won a copy of this book. I saw a picture of it from a friend's profile at a con and I was super intrigued. The cover is gorgeous and I knew I had to read it at some point. I'm a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland and retellings. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved this story. It flowed nicely and was an interesting take on the current Wonderland or should I say Weariland. If you are a fan of Wonderland then this story is perfect for you because it gives a unique take and compliments it well.
My favorite character of the story was Lason. She is a great main character and I'm glad we spent most of the time through her point of view. She is a curious, strong and has a great moral compass. She shows through her actions that she is a young heroine to be admired. She is perfect character for young adults to look up to. Now another one of my favorite characters was Queen Ira. She is a great balance for Lason. You have to have a great villain that you can hate and she is the character that makes you cringe. She is brutal and I'm not quite sure if I'm done with that villain yet. I'm hoping that this isn't the end of this story because it is too good and too interesting. I'm dying to know the aftermath and touch base with all the characters we met.
I would recommend this book to all of my young adult loving book friends and anyone who wants to know what Wonderland is like now.
I was so happy when I won a copy of this book. I saw a picture of it from a friend's profile at a con and I was super intrigued. The cover is gorgeous and I knew I had to read it at some point. I'm a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland and retellings. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved this story. It flowed nicely and was an interesting take on the current Wonderland or should I say Weariland. If you are a fan of Wonderland then this story is perfect for you because it gives a unique take and compliments it well.
My favorite character of the story was Lason. She is a great main character and I'm glad we spent most of the time through her point of view. She is a curious, strong and has a great moral compass. She shows through her actions that she is a young heroine to be admired. She is perfect character for young adults to look up to. Now another one of my favorite characters was Queen Ira. She is a great balance for Lason. You have to have a great villain that you can hate and she is the character that makes you cringe. She is brutal and I'm not quite sure if I'm done with that villain yet. I'm hoping that this isn't the end of this story because it is too good and too interesting. I'm dying to know the aftermath and touch base with all the characters we met.
I would recommend this book to all of my young adult loving book friends and anyone who wants to know what Wonderland is like now.
November 12, 2016
Weariland: Mary Shotwell
Imagine living in a place where your time is programmed, no clocks and you are no longer aloud to think or use your imagination. Imagine living in a world that once flourished and was beautiful but had all of the beauty and resources taken away leaving a place that was once called Wonderland turned into a tired and dreary place now known as Weariland: A land that is just tired of what it has become.
Meet Fifteen-year-old Lason Davis who learns about the death of her grandmother but has received a text message that has two words: Hiding Place. Imagine how she felt receiving that test as the last words she would ever receive from her grandmother, Alice, whom she adored. Plagued and haunted by her last words, Lason and her mother Caroline Davies, travel to England for her funeral. But, her mother has an odd way of dealing with life. Instead of working out her problems having mental disorders, she instead takes pills to wash away her fears and anger. Dealing with her mother is not easy as you will learn as you read this story filled with mystery, intrigue and a touch of Alice in Wonderland as you meet the unusual cast of characters that will take you down their own type of portal or rabbit hole and learn more about Weariland.
Sometimes the words of another stick in your mind as Lason and the White Rabbit find their way to Weariland and the end result might keep her there forever as they need Lason to stop what the Ira the Queen of Hearts has created. Her demandments are decrees of what each person is required to do and if they don’t she either imprisons them or executes them according to her own whims and wiles. Lason has something precious that is the major power or key to saving this place and in order to find it she goes up against the Queen, the Tarmals, and many others.
In the present we meet Detective Landry who is assigned to her grandmother’s murder and is informed by Lason’s mother that she is missing. When she reminds herself of something that was said to her about her own mother in the past she realizes that what is happening to Lason might mean she is in another world and not ours. Hoping that the Landry will work with her she reveals through a picture that animals with human qualities inhabit the place she is in. When Lason realizes that the book she has is blank she wonders what her grandmother wanted her to see but all of a sudden letters and patterns appear and will she understand what she was meant to do?
The same as with people the creatures or animals in this place did not always adapt to change and some decided to become lazy and demanded others do things for them. As in our world some do things for the good while others do not. The history behind the Queen and her sister is revealed and the jealousies were so great that Ira decided to take the life of her sister and would no longer have to worry about her father’s affection for her. Deep within her she hated anyone that dared to defy her, not follow her rules and without her power and those that bowed to her will, she would be nothing at all.
Lason is strong, persistent and will not give up even though she is in a strange land with strange creatures. She takes on Queen Ira but not before dealing with the disappearance of the White Rabbit and the hospitality of some of the other inhabitants who treat her to food, allow her to remain in their homes if she wants to but instead ventures out into the rain to find the White Rabbit and hopefully spare him from execution by the queen. Hear the voice of Queen Ira who is devious, mean, and horrific and who has no feelings for anyone at all. She is loyalty only to herself. The Queen of Souls, is the daughter of Ira the Queen of Hearts who know rules the land and her evil is more poisonous than the venom from a poisonous snake. Heartless, unfeeling and not allowing those that live in Weariland the ability to do as they please, use their imaginations and causing them to feel you might way weary or tired of life and the place in general. Imagine a place filled with majestic beauty turning into one with no trees, forests of landscape and living in fear for your life everyday.
As Lason meets the Butterfly no longer a caterpillar who relates the history of Weariland and what happened to the people leaving them divided into two nations you might say of those who support the Queen, of course not by choice and those who were smart enough to leave. Lason needs to understand why she has been chosen to go here and in the real time or present her mother is frantic hoping to find her realizing where she might be but how will she communicate with her? Secrets, lies, betrayals and a young girl who learns the secret of love, devotion and why she must go back and forth to this place in order to save them from the demandments and the terror of this Queen. When her mother realizes the truth can she convince the Detective to help her? What happens next in Weariland will shock readers as she meets the one person she knew about but never met her Uncle Nicholas who was taken prisoner by the Queen and is now hoping to strike a deal for his release.
Learning that her grandmother tried to overthrow the Queen of Souls like the first Alice did the Queen of Hearts caused her to ask just how she did that. The answer the Butterfly gave stems from what she learned of this Otherworld. She attempted to rid the world of anything that was different or not ordinary. She feared that an Otherworld Human coming into her world , more evil that herself and whose power of imagination would destroy her. Lason’s grandmother was almost that person. But, Ira uses chopping block and takes off people’s heads. The Book was the key to everything the Butterfly said but how? As the White Rabbit aptly states: Humans supply the imagination and Wearians can do the rest. The first time she opens the pages nothing appears but you won’t believe what happens the second.
Lason then learns about her uncle but she and White are in danger and The Queen with her tarmals would stop at nothing. But, the key to destroying them was water. One man named Greco was restrained, arrested and the queen wanted him dead. Standing in front of her throne where her mother executed Wearians the author allows reader to deep inside her court, her realm and her manner of terror. Imagine wanting to bring a special cake to his daughter for her birthday or even for someone else? Imagine not being allowed to bake it or if he bought it condemned. Meet Burtle who took in Lason and allowed her some food and warmth until Lason realized she had to take action but what she does will not only endanger her, White but someone else too. Then on page 4 of the Royal Star something sets off another chain of events as the death of a reporter just might be linked to what is happening.
As her Uncle Nicholas is brought in front of the Queen will he be able to convince her that he will give her Lason and the book in return for his freedom? The ending brings Lason together with her Uncle but will he keep his word to the Queen and give her up with the book or will he protect her and make sure she gets home? Author Mary Shotwell brings to light many issues that young adults might have to deal with such as family loyalty, trust, understanding differences, fear, unjust behaviors, drug abuse, and an unfeeling mother that just wanted to protect her daughter from a truth that would soon become her reality. When the story ends the author lets us know that this just might be the first of many trips Lason will make to Weariland hoping that someday to restore it to its natural beauty and become Wonderland again but first read the last page and you decide what might come next and why. Will her grandmother’s murder be solved or will it turn into another cold case? When they realize just how it might have happened will Lason go back and try to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps? Weariland or Wonderland: Only the author knows the final outcome and she has yet to pen the next installment.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
Imagine living in a place where your time is programmed, no clocks and you are no longer aloud to think or use your imagination. Imagine living in a world that once flourished and was beautiful but had all of the beauty and resources taken away leaving a place that was once called Wonderland turned into a tired and dreary place now known as Weariland: A land that is just tired of what it has become.
Meet Fifteen-year-old Lason Davis who learns about the death of her grandmother but has received a text message that has two words: Hiding Place. Imagine how she felt receiving that test as the last words she would ever receive from her grandmother, Alice, whom she adored. Plagued and haunted by her last words, Lason and her mother Caroline Davies, travel to England for her funeral. But, her mother has an odd way of dealing with life. Instead of working out her problems having mental disorders, she instead takes pills to wash away her fears and anger. Dealing with her mother is not easy as you will learn as you read this story filled with mystery, intrigue and a touch of Alice in Wonderland as you meet the unusual cast of characters that will take you down their own type of portal or rabbit hole and learn more about Weariland.
Sometimes the words of another stick in your mind as Lason and the White Rabbit find their way to Weariland and the end result might keep her there forever as they need Lason to stop what the Ira the Queen of Hearts has created. Her demandments are decrees of what each person is required to do and if they don’t she either imprisons them or executes them according to her own whims and wiles. Lason has something precious that is the major power or key to saving this place and in order to find it she goes up against the Queen, the Tarmals, and many others.
In the present we meet Detective Landry who is assigned to her grandmother’s murder and is informed by Lason’s mother that she is missing. When she reminds herself of something that was said to her about her own mother in the past she realizes that what is happening to Lason might mean she is in another world and not ours. Hoping that the Landry will work with her she reveals through a picture that animals with human qualities inhabit the place she is in. When Lason realizes that the book she has is blank she wonders what her grandmother wanted her to see but all of a sudden letters and patterns appear and will she understand what she was meant to do?
The same as with people the creatures or animals in this place did not always adapt to change and some decided to become lazy and demanded others do things for them. As in our world some do things for the good while others do not. The history behind the Queen and her sister is revealed and the jealousies were so great that Ira decided to take the life of her sister and would no longer have to worry about her father’s affection for her. Deep within her she hated anyone that dared to defy her, not follow her rules and without her power and those that bowed to her will, she would be nothing at all.
Lason is strong, persistent and will not give up even though she is in a strange land with strange creatures. She takes on Queen Ira but not before dealing with the disappearance of the White Rabbit and the hospitality of some of the other inhabitants who treat her to food, allow her to remain in their homes if she wants to but instead ventures out into the rain to find the White Rabbit and hopefully spare him from execution by the queen. Hear the voice of Queen Ira who is devious, mean, and horrific and who has no feelings for anyone at all. She is loyalty only to herself. The Queen of Souls, is the daughter of Ira the Queen of Hearts who know rules the land and her evil is more poisonous than the venom from a poisonous snake. Heartless, unfeeling and not allowing those that live in Weariland the ability to do as they please, use their imaginations and causing them to feel you might way weary or tired of life and the place in general. Imagine a place filled with majestic beauty turning into one with no trees, forests of landscape and living in fear for your life everyday.
As Lason meets the Butterfly no longer a caterpillar who relates the history of Weariland and what happened to the people leaving them divided into two nations you might say of those who support the Queen, of course not by choice and those who were smart enough to leave. Lason needs to understand why she has been chosen to go here and in the real time or present her mother is frantic hoping to find her realizing where she might be but how will she communicate with her? Secrets, lies, betrayals and a young girl who learns the secret of love, devotion and why she must go back and forth to this place in order to save them from the demandments and the terror of this Queen. When her mother realizes the truth can she convince the Detective to help her? What happens next in Weariland will shock readers as she meets the one person she knew about but never met her Uncle Nicholas who was taken prisoner by the Queen and is now hoping to strike a deal for his release.
Learning that her grandmother tried to overthrow the Queen of Souls like the first Alice did the Queen of Hearts caused her to ask just how she did that. The answer the Butterfly gave stems from what she learned of this Otherworld. She attempted to rid the world of anything that was different or not ordinary. She feared that an Otherworld Human coming into her world , more evil that herself and whose power of imagination would destroy her. Lason’s grandmother was almost that person. But, Ira uses chopping block and takes off people’s heads. The Book was the key to everything the Butterfly said but how? As the White Rabbit aptly states: Humans supply the imagination and Wearians can do the rest. The first time she opens the pages nothing appears but you won’t believe what happens the second.
Lason then learns about her uncle but she and White are in danger and The Queen with her tarmals would stop at nothing. But, the key to destroying them was water. One man named Greco was restrained, arrested and the queen wanted him dead. Standing in front of her throne where her mother executed Wearians the author allows reader to deep inside her court, her realm and her manner of terror. Imagine wanting to bring a special cake to his daughter for her birthday or even for someone else? Imagine not being allowed to bake it or if he bought it condemned. Meet Burtle who took in Lason and allowed her some food and warmth until Lason realized she had to take action but what she does will not only endanger her, White but someone else too. Then on page 4 of the Royal Star something sets off another chain of events as the death of a reporter just might be linked to what is happening.
As her Uncle Nicholas is brought in front of the Queen will he be able to convince her that he will give her Lason and the book in return for his freedom? The ending brings Lason together with her Uncle but will he keep his word to the Queen and give her up with the book or will he protect her and make sure she gets home? Author Mary Shotwell brings to light many issues that young adults might have to deal with such as family loyalty, trust, understanding differences, fear, unjust behaviors, drug abuse, and an unfeeling mother that just wanted to protect her daughter from a truth that would soon become her reality. When the story ends the author lets us know that this just might be the first of many trips Lason will make to Weariland hoping that someday to restore it to its natural beauty and become Wonderland again but first read the last page and you decide what might come next and why. Will her grandmother’s murder be solved or will it turn into another cold case? When they realize just how it might have happened will Lason go back and try to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps? Weariland or Wonderland: Only the author knows the final outcome and she has yet to pen the next installment.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
February 22, 2017
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Weariland is a young adult fantasy retelling by Mary Shotwell. Weariland is perfect for fans new and old alike of alice in wonderland. Weariland is a modern day take on wonderland. I really enjoyed this story. You might know by now that Wonderland retellings are my favorite kind of retelling, because I feel like there is so much the author has to work with. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite classics. I love how magical it all is, there are so many cool characters to work with. Wonderland is a complete world, so there are just a million different directions a retelling can go.
Weariland takes place a few generations after the story of Wonderland leaves off. Here we get to see Alice's granddaughter, Lason. And Wonderland is not the same place we knew from the classic tale. It is now a place called weariland and the Queen of Souls rules over the land. I loved this broken and creepy concept. This felt like a dark tale. I loved that we got to see kind of familiar characters, but at the same time they were totally new. They are wonderland's inhabitants descendants. This whole set up was a really cool concept.
I love anything that has to do with Wonderland, and weariland was no exception. This was a really cool, twisted book. There is no romance, which I was a little bummed about, but the story was twisty and turny enough to keep my interest. Bottom line: If you love wonderland retellings that have a cool take on wonderland, Weariland is the book for you. You will love this creepy setup.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Weariland is a young adult fantasy retelling by Mary Shotwell. Weariland is perfect for fans new and old alike of alice in wonderland. Weariland is a modern day take on wonderland. I really enjoyed this story. You might know by now that Wonderland retellings are my favorite kind of retelling, because I feel like there is so much the author has to work with. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite classics. I love how magical it all is, there are so many cool characters to work with. Wonderland is a complete world, so there are just a million different directions a retelling can go.
Weariland takes place a few generations after the story of Wonderland leaves off. Here we get to see Alice's granddaughter, Lason. And Wonderland is not the same place we knew from the classic tale. It is now a place called weariland and the Queen of Souls rules over the land. I loved this broken and creepy concept. This felt like a dark tale. I loved that we got to see kind of familiar characters, but at the same time they were totally new. They are wonderland's inhabitants descendants. This whole set up was a really cool concept.
I love anything that has to do with Wonderland, and weariland was no exception. This was a really cool, twisted book. There is no romance, which I was a little bummed about, but the story was twisty and turny enough to keep my interest. Bottom line: If you love wonderland retellings that have a cool take on wonderland, Weariland is the book for you. You will love this creepy setup.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
July 24, 2020
I loved this book. It was quick and clever and kept me on the edge of my seat. Wonderful depth of character and l love the surprise plot twists. It is a great read. I highly recommend it.
February 15, 2017
*** Wearilandby Mary ShotwellGenre: YARelease Date: May 10th 2016Merge PublishingSummary: For fifteen-year-old Lason Davies, it all started with a text. “HIDING PLACE.” The last words of her murdered grandmother haunt Lason as she travels to England with her sheltering mother for the funeral. The crime is a sensation, but the clamoring reporters and news photographers aren’t the only ones interested in their arrival. As her mother’s behavior borders on erratic (on a good day), Lason encounters a stranger from Weariland, a dreary world once known as Wonderland. He petitions Lason’s help in finding a secret family heirloom, a key to saving his land—and to Lason’s past. Lason is swept in an adventure through Weariland’s unpredictable realm, encountering colorful, fantastical characters and discovering her family’s elusive history. But if she isn’t careful, she may never return… My Review I really loved this retelling of Alice in Wonderland. I got really wrapped into the story from the beginning. I really loved the main character of Lason, she was definitely a very interesting young adult. Boy for not a very long book, it was filled with a lot of action and adventure. Lason sure went through a lot, in this book. The little tiny bit that Lason's grandmother was in it, which was just in the beginning, she seemed like she would have been in awesome character. I wasn't sure about Lason's mother at first, but I started to like her towards the ending. I felt bad for her when Lason went missing. I really loved some of the characters from Weariland, I would have to say that White the rabbit was my favorite. And I couldn't stand the Queen of Souls, who is the queen now. I am still not sure about Nicholas another character, I am not sure if he's good or bad. I am not going to tell you who Nicholas is, you'll just have to read the book to find out whom he is, on your own. Another character that is in the book but not from Weariland is, Inspector Landry. I am not sure about him either. I really liked the ending it tied up somethings, but there is still a lot of things that still is left to take care of. I really can't wait to read the next adventure that Lason, will find herself in. I offered to take part in this book tour on my very own. This review is my personal opinion, and no one else's. Add to Goodreads Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble Book Trailer: About the AuthorMary grew up in northeast Ohio, so it was only natural for her to pursue a degree in marine biology. After studying dolphin behavior and estimating great white shark populations, she earned her Ph.D. in Biostatistics in Charleston, South Carolina. It was there, during the arduous dissertation process, where she had the idea to write a book. With Alice and the crazy characters from Wonderland staring her down from her bedroom poster, Mary envisioned what that fantasy realm would look like in current day. Creative writing served as a natural escape from technical writing, wedding planning, pregnancy, and job hunting. Mary is excited to debut Weariland (Merge Publishing, 2016), a novel introducing Lason Davies, a teenager who learns about her family's past in a world once called Wonderland. She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband and three children. Author Links: Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook Blog Tour Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours
February 24, 2017
3.5/5 - copy provided for tour by YA Bound Book Tours - all opinions are 100% my own.
Imagine a Wonderland where imagination is banned and instead of heads rolling it's feet. That sounds pretty terrifying doesn't it? Welcome to Weariland, a world drained of its wonder and in dire need of a savior.
Weariland opens with the murder of Alice which without any context, just lets you know that things are pretty bad. We follow Lason as she travels to England with her mother to wrap up the details regarding her grandmother's murder and she finds herself swept into a world her grandmother died trying to protect.
This novel was a fast read and has a continuing momentum that pulls you through the story. In the class "Alice in Wonderland" tale, Wonderland is under the rule of the Queen of Hearts and is already a terrifying place, but in Weariland, the land is under the rule of the Queen of Souls and things are much worse. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Weariland and the whole creative idea that supported the idea.
One of the most fascinating things about Wonderland is the crazy imaginative elements and that is starkly contrasted with the dreariness of Weariland. I absolutely adored White and his family of bunnies and it was so lovely to see some familiar characters make appearances. There were a couple of surprises thrown in and I'm still pondering over how I feel about them as they do add something extra to the storyline but they feel a bit cliched at the same time. The execution was decently done and the story overall delivered an interesting experience.
Weariland gives you a taste of the world and what it has to offer and I believe that in the future books, there will be more adventures and clarification as this novel focused on setting the stage.
Originally Posted on Le Petit Photograph
Imagine a Wonderland where imagination is banned and instead of heads rolling it's feet. That sounds pretty terrifying doesn't it? Welcome to Weariland, a world drained of its wonder and in dire need of a savior.
Weariland opens with the murder of Alice which without any context, just lets you know that things are pretty bad. We follow Lason as she travels to England with her mother to wrap up the details regarding her grandmother's murder and she finds herself swept into a world her grandmother died trying to protect.
This novel was a fast read and has a continuing momentum that pulls you through the story. In the class "Alice in Wonderland" tale, Wonderland is under the rule of the Queen of Hearts and is already a terrifying place, but in Weariland, the land is under the rule of the Queen of Souls and things are much worse. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Weariland and the whole creative idea that supported the idea.
One of the most fascinating things about Wonderland is the crazy imaginative elements and that is starkly contrasted with the dreariness of Weariland. I absolutely adored White and his family of bunnies and it was so lovely to see some familiar characters make appearances. There were a couple of surprises thrown in and I'm still pondering over how I feel about them as they do add something extra to the storyline but they feel a bit cliched at the same time. The execution was decently done and the story overall delivered an interesting experience.
Weariland gives you a taste of the world and what it has to offer and I believe that in the future books, there will be more adventures and clarification as this novel focused on setting the stage.
Originally Posted on Le Petit Photograph
February 24, 2017
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Weariland by Mary Shotwell! This fairy tale retelling of Alice in Wonderland kept me riveted. The suspense, danger, mystery and riddles pulled me in so strongly that I wanted to read the book in one sitting. Lason (like Jason with an L) is a descendant of the first Alice that fell into Wonderland (now called Weariland because of the dreariness) many generations ago. The author's creative imagination changed Wonderland in many ways that I could have never dreamed of, such as the changing of the execution style. Instead of "off with their heads", the Queen devised a horrible simple machine to take the prisoners feet off. We get to see more of the White Rabbit's home and family and there is deception from the past in Lason's family. Her grandmother disappears and Lason dives right into Weariland to solve the mystery and has to figure out everything on her own. I'm glad that Lason's mother became stronger for her daughter as the story progressed. I grew to care for her as much as I cared for Lason. The danger and suspense kept me hooked - 4 stars!
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Weariland by Mary Shotwell! This fairy tale retelling of Alice in Wonderland kept me riveted. The suspense, danger, mystery and riddles pulled me in so strongly that I wanted to read the book in one sitting. Lason (like Jason with an L) is a descendant of the first Alice that fell into Wonderland (now called Weariland because of the dreariness) many generations ago. The author's creative imagination changed Wonderland in many ways that I could have never dreamed of, such as the changing of the execution style. Instead of "off with their heads", the Queen devised a horrible simple machine to take the prisoners feet off. We get to see more of the White Rabbit's home and family and there is deception from the past in Lason's family. Her grandmother disappears and Lason dives right into Weariland to solve the mystery and has to figure out everything on her own. I'm glad that Lason's mother became stronger for her daughter as the story progressed. I grew to care for her as much as I cared for Lason. The danger and suspense kept me hooked - 4 stars!
February 20, 2017
I really enjoyed Weariland. The tone of the book is like a gritty, crime novel and yet it is still a fantasy which I found very appealing since I tend to enjoy darker stories as a general rule.
Lason, derived from Alison I suspect, receives a disturbing text message from her grandmother Alice. The next thing she knows she is on a plane to England with her mother because her beloved grandmother has been murdered. Unbeknownst to her mother, Lason has been having a secret relationship with her grandmother via text and she was the last one to hear from her before she was murdered.
Lason’s mother had a falling out with her family years ago and because of that, Lason is afraid of revealing what she knows to her mother Caroline (after Lewis Carroll?) or the police. Upon arriving in England, strange things start to occur, including the arrival of a very odd “person” who claims to know what happened to Lason’s grandmother and demands Lason’s help.
Can you guess who this stranger may be? After that, the story takes a decidedly fantastical turn and it is wonderful. The storyline, characters and settings are unique and intriguing and the writing is great! Mary Shotwell definitely knows how to reel in her readers. I was hooked instantly.
You really don’t have to be an Alice enthusiast to enjoy Weariland but if you are, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the inventiveness and creativity of the author. For everyone else, it is just a really great story that I highly recommend.
Rating… B+
www.readsandreels.com
Lason, derived from Alison I suspect, receives a disturbing text message from her grandmother Alice. The next thing she knows she is on a plane to England with her mother because her beloved grandmother has been murdered. Unbeknownst to her mother, Lason has been having a secret relationship with her grandmother via text and she was the last one to hear from her before she was murdered.
Lason’s mother had a falling out with her family years ago and because of that, Lason is afraid of revealing what she knows to her mother Caroline (after Lewis Carroll?) or the police. Upon arriving in England, strange things start to occur, including the arrival of a very odd “person” who claims to know what happened to Lason’s grandmother and demands Lason’s help.
Can you guess who this stranger may be? After that, the story takes a decidedly fantastical turn and it is wonderful. The storyline, characters and settings are unique and intriguing and the writing is great! Mary Shotwell definitely knows how to reel in her readers. I was hooked instantly.
You really don’t have to be an Alice enthusiast to enjoy Weariland but if you are, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the inventiveness and creativity of the author. For everyone else, it is just a really great story that I highly recommend.
Rating… B+
www.readsandreels.com
February 23, 2017
From the first pages of Weariland Mary Shotwell does a stupendous job drawing you into the story and intriguing you. She doesn't explain everything at one time, so the story and mystery of Lason's family unfold over time. I finished this book in one sitting because I was so interested in the storyline.
We meet Lason, who has a secret friendship with her grandmother, as her life is turned upside-down when her grandmother sends her a mysterious text message right before she dies. Just as with the original Alice, Lason doesn't know what is going on when she travels to the magical world.
It was interesting as Lason learned the history of how Wonderland became Weariland and the role that her ancestors have played throughout the years. She finds out more about her family, both past and present. The twist at the end makes me impatient to read the next book to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. You can read my full review on my blog, Ali's Book Nook, here: http://alisbooknook.blogspot.com/2017...
We meet Lason, who has a secret friendship with her grandmother, as her life is turned upside-down when her grandmother sends her a mysterious text message right before she dies. Just as with the original Alice, Lason doesn't know what is going on when she travels to the magical world.
It was interesting as Lason learned the history of how Wonderland became Weariland and the role that her ancestors have played throughout the years. She finds out more about her family, both past and present. The twist at the end makes me impatient to read the next book to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. You can read my full review on my blog, Ali's Book Nook, here: http://alisbooknook.blogspot.com/2017...
May 10, 2016
I truly wanted to love Weariland as much as I loved Alice in Wonderland as a teenager. I just could not reconcile Lason, Alice's granddaughter's unadventurous spirit with the original Alice's high curiosity levels. It was also disconcerting going back and forth between the "real" world and Weariland. It may be the murder of Alice in the beginning or Lason's mother's seemingly uncaring attitude that made this more of an adult book to me, and the original Wonderland was definitely a tween book, one that you could understand the inside joke of a hookah smoking caterpillar, where as this one seems geared to adults, but is being touted as a YA book. I liked the premises of Wonderland deteriorating into Weariland, and needing Alice or her descendant Lason to come fix it, it just didn't give me the extreme enjoyment I was hoping to find. It's a good book, but I would say it's a difficult one to decide what age group would enjoy it best. I will only say that I am 40+, and leave it at that. This is the 1st book of Mary Shotwell's that I have read and I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2017
I found this book to be a quick read. I was really intrigued by the story line of Alice in Wonderland re-imagined. The book follows Alice's granddaughter and her adventures in "Wonderland" now known as "Weariland." The characters were good. I absolutely loved White the rabbit. I found though, that with the short length of the book, there was room for a lot more world building and back story. I wanted to envision more of Weariland, to be sucked into the story more. There were a few other story issues that I had, but I feel like they are more personal interest than actual plot holes so I'm going to leave them out of my review.
I'm really glad that I read this wonderful story by Mary Shotwell. She has taken a childhood favorite and turned it into something m adult mind could wrap around. Three stars for Weariland.
I'm really glad that I read this wonderful story by Mary Shotwell. She has taken a childhood favorite and turned it into something m adult mind could wrap around. Three stars for Weariland.
May 10, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Mary Shotwell. The story is a rollercoaster of plot changes. It starts in the real world and then you are pulled into a fantasy world. It is like an updated version of Alice in Wonderland. This was a very fascinating book to read. The story is very intriguing and will keep the pages turning as you are pulled into the plot to the very end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read!
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