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Everland #2
Umberland
What began with a reimagining of Peter Pan and Wendy now twists into a stunning version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass!
Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. But the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn't exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in to lead, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated, accelerating the disease. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus's an extinct poisonous apple.
Legend has it a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of a deadly labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place that no one in their right mind enters. Leaving Pete in charge of the survivors, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she'll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.
But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there's no apple to be found there?
Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. But the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn't exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in to lead, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated, accelerating the disease. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus's an extinct poisonous apple.
Legend has it a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of a deadly labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place that no one in their right mind enters. Leaving Pete in charge of the survivors, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she'll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.
But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there's no apple to be found there?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2017
About the author
Wendy Spinale
4 books514 followersWendy is the author of the Everland series. She is a former Disneyland actress and online journalist. She currently resides in California with her three sons, two dogs, a chinchilla, and hamster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
September 20, 2017
4.5*
Every now and again I just want to read a book for the pure fun of it rather than to analyze and review and this series is a great one to do so with.
THIS WAS SO GOOD! I don't know what it is about this series but I have such a great time reading these books! They're dark and fun all at the same time. I listened to this one on audiobook and it was so GREAT. It has a full cast which made the listening experience much better. I always love when there's multiple narrators for audiobooks. These books are kind of on the younger side of YA, veering more toward middle grade IMO but they are great unique steampunky retellings that are just SO FUN (did I mention they're fun?) I can't wait for the sequel!
Every now and again I just want to read a book for the pure fun of it rather than to analyze and review and this series is a great one to do so with.
THIS WAS SO GOOD! I don't know what it is about this series but I have such a great time reading these books! They're dark and fun all at the same time. I listened to this one on audiobook and it was so GREAT. It has a full cast which made the listening experience much better. I always love when there's multiple narrators for audiobooks. These books are kind of on the younger side of YA, veering more toward middle grade IMO but they are great unique steampunky retellings that are just SO FUN (did I mention they're fun?) I can't wait for the sequel!
August 25, 2017
I was super excited to continue with this story and I loved Pete, Gwen and all the lost boys from everland and was even MORE excited with the addition of Alyssa and Maddox. Unfortunately I found myself losing interest in Alyssa's story and I honestly just wanted to read more about Pete and the lost boys. While the story was still fun, I felt like whenever Alyssa and Maddox's story started getting good the chapter would end and the author would bring us back to a new character. Then once we picked back up with Alyssa the action died down. It was a bit frustrating and I found it hard to focus. I didn't hate this installment but not my favorite.
3/5 stars for me!
3/5 stars for me!
April 25, 2017
At the 80% mark, I had a gut wrenching response. Love this world and the characters.
Everland is a steampunk retelling of Peter Pan, which is continued in Umberland - a book set in the world of Wonderland. Umberland is a journey book; the characters are past their first set of hurdles in book one and now have to figure out what's next for them. We are introduced to new characters, new settings, and new challenges. The virus has mutated and accelerated, hitting some very close people hard. It's up to the Duchess (Alice) and Maddox (Mad Hatter) to find a forbidden apple for Doc to extract the cure. But the labyrinth is a danger place where those who are sickest go to die in peace.
This book is full of twists and turns and OMG moments. Wendy really lets her characters run with their impulsive choices, reminding us that the teenage brain is still very much a formation in progress. I was hooked through the end and can't wait for book 3.
Everland is a steampunk retelling of Peter Pan, which is continued in Umberland - a book set in the world of Wonderland. Umberland is a journey book; the characters are past their first set of hurdles in book one and now have to figure out what's next for them. We are introduced to new characters, new settings, and new challenges. The virus has mutated and accelerated, hitting some very close people hard. It's up to the Duchess (Alice) and Maddox (Mad Hatter) to find a forbidden apple for Doc to extract the cure. But the labyrinth is a danger place where those who are sickest go to die in peace.
This book is full of twists and turns and OMG moments. Wendy really lets her characters run with their impulsive choices, reminding us that the teenage brain is still very much a formation in progress. I was hooked through the end and can't wait for book 3.
April 7, 2018
I thought this second book in the series was disappointing from the first book. Gwen just kept whining and being difficult. She was barely in this book and I felt sad that I couldn't get her point of view. Also Bella and Lily were barely in it too. I was upset that we lost track on the characters. I liked Alyssa's character. She was badass and Katt was super annoying. I felt horrible for Pete because he felt so guilty about the lost boys dying. It was random that the new cure turned people into crocodiles. This was nuts and actually got kind of ridiculous. I thought it was stupid plot and I lost interest in the series. I don't know if I'm going to read the last book. Also how Gwen's father is now alive. It's ridiculous how her parents keep showing up alive. Is this a reoccurring thing in the series or something? I mean it's getting stupid and this was just a rip off of the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2017
I love this series! I think it is so underappreciated and definitely think more people should add it to their TBR!
This installment was just as dark and twisty as the first and I loved it. I LOVE the way Wendy Spinale does retellings.
This installment was just as dark and twisty as the first and I loved it. I LOVE the way Wendy Spinale does retellings.
June 5, 2017
I wonder if I am confused because I haven't read the first book, or because I read this in the dead of night, when I couldn't fall asleep. Either way, I just felt like I didn't quite know what was going on, or who the characters were, and a terrible lack of background knowledge only made the book harder to understand.
December 3, 2022
This was fun—not quite as good as the first book, but still enjoyable.
August 9, 2017
I really wanted to love it , but I didn't it was a fun but slow read . I think maybe it is just to much of a children's book .
I found myself skimming through the book. So I did like the book but not loved it .
I found myself skimming through the book. So I did like the book but not loved it .
Read
April 5, 2020At first I was disappointed that it wasn't in Gwen's point of veiw but i ended up really liking Alyssa. This was a really great book!
September 25, 2020
I
Want
A
Pete
So
Bad.
but the book was not as good as its predecessor.
Want
A
Pete
So
Bad.
but the book was not as good as its predecessor.
March 11, 2020
This review is spoiler free until otherwise indicated. I am a grown, well-read adult, who can tell the difference between a book that is bad, and a book that I don't like.
Ladies and gentlemen this book is BOTH.
Let's start with the writing itself. The pacing is shakey, action sequences are confusing, and the switching of perspectives is disorienting. It also did what NO sequel should ever do; recant on the victories of the previous books. Nothing alienates a reader like snatching away the hard won victories of the established canon.
Next, let's talk about the setting. What even IS the setting? It's pretending to be steampunk. Not only is the setting 8 years too late, it's not even very convincing. The descriptions aren't enough to put you in the time period, and it jumped the gun by adding BAD science and sudden robots. Anamatronics are a thing in steampunk, but these didn't feel like anamatronics. They felt like scifi robots someone painted bronze. This may be a failing of the writing or of the plot, either way it doesn't work.
The bad science is what really gets me though. It wasn't bad in the first book. The first book felt like good solid steampunk science. It even had developing vaccines. One of the victories recanted from the first book was the good science, adding bad x-man science. Anyone out of 5th grade will know that the lizard thing was ludacris.
Now the one thing that annoyed me about this book that I actually will forgive is how stupid the characters are. Because at least the stupidity feels in character. They are honestly just stupid kids doing the best they can and I can respect that.
(spoilers from here out)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The virus not actually being a virus and instead being a poison made me want to tear out my hair. The vaccine plot from the previous book was so clever I loved it. I don't wanna talk about the kids turning into lizards because it makes me so. Angry. That's not only bad it's LAZY.
Adding Chester the Cheshire cat as an anamatronics was jarring. No where is it established that that level of robotics is in this world. And chip and curp later on was worse. I felt like I was reading fanfic of that stupid Robots movie with Ewan McGregor.
One last thing I want to complain about that isn't actually the fault of the book, rather a personal beef; the characters picked from the source material for this story was really weak. Maybe it's just been a while since I read Alice in wonderland. But I count 4 characters from the original book that made it into this one 6 if you count monsters. And Katt being the white queen was just disappointing. I hoped she was the Cheshire cat but then Chester appeared. I REALLY hoped she was the catterpiller when she was described with a hookah. Maybe I was looking too hard because I literally do not remember any more characters showing up? No dodo, no doormouse, no walrus, no rabbit (as a character. There was a rabbit hallucination). Did I miss some?
Tl;dr- this book was, at best, a chore to read. At worst, actually punishing to people who read the previous book. I am cranky.
Ladies and gentlemen this book is BOTH.
Let's start with the writing itself. The pacing is shakey, action sequences are confusing, and the switching of perspectives is disorienting. It also did what NO sequel should ever do; recant on the victories of the previous books. Nothing alienates a reader like snatching away the hard won victories of the established canon.
Next, let's talk about the setting. What even IS the setting? It's pretending to be steampunk. Not only is the setting 8 years too late, it's not even very convincing. The descriptions aren't enough to put you in the time period, and it jumped the gun by adding BAD science and sudden robots. Anamatronics are a thing in steampunk, but these didn't feel like anamatronics. They felt like scifi robots someone painted bronze. This may be a failing of the writing or of the plot, either way it doesn't work.
The bad science is what really gets me though. It wasn't bad in the first book. The first book felt like good solid steampunk science. It even had developing vaccines. One of the victories recanted from the first book was the good science, adding bad x-man science. Anyone out of 5th grade will know that the lizard thing was ludacris.
Now the one thing that annoyed me about this book that I actually will forgive is how stupid the characters are. Because at least the stupidity feels in character. They are honestly just stupid kids doing the best they can and I can respect that.
(spoilers from here out)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The virus not actually being a virus and instead being a poison made me want to tear out my hair. The vaccine plot from the previous book was so clever I loved it. I don't wanna talk about the kids turning into lizards because it makes me so. Angry. That's not only bad it's LAZY.
Adding Chester the Cheshire cat as an anamatronics was jarring. No where is it established that that level of robotics is in this world. And chip and curp later on was worse. I felt like I was reading fanfic of that stupid Robots movie with Ewan McGregor.
One last thing I want to complain about that isn't actually the fault of the book, rather a personal beef; the characters picked from the source material for this story was really weak. Maybe it's just been a while since I read Alice in wonderland. But I count 4 characters from the original book that made it into this one 6 if you count monsters. And Katt being the white queen was just disappointing. I hoped she was the Cheshire cat but then Chester appeared. I REALLY hoped she was the catterpiller when she was described with a hookah. Maybe I was looking too hard because I literally do not remember any more characters showing up? No dodo, no doormouse, no walrus, no rabbit (as a character. There was a rabbit hallucination). Did I miss some?
Tl;dr- this book was, at best, a chore to read. At worst, actually punishing to people who read the previous book. I am cranky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2019
This was so fun! Although I should’ve read this as soon as I finished the first one, the characters and the plot lines were very easy to remember! I really loved Alyssa as a character though I wish there was a prequel about her life before the war and during Everland. I loved the narration of the audiobooks although the narrator for Jack made him sound a lot older than he actually is which was a tad annoying. It took me a bit to like Pete’s chapters but I’m glad they were included. I like Jack and I feel bad for him that no one knows his motives and his struggles but I felt like his chapters didn’t add much other than the information about Ginger which I’m sure will be explored in the finale.
I also liked Pete and Gwen a lot more in this one than in the first one.
I loved the Wonderland elements and the croquet scene was intense! Can’t wait to start the next book!
*side note* Although i technically started this back in March, I was having a hard time reading anything between March-May so I never got past chapter 3 until a few days ago so this is actually a very quick read!
I also liked Pete and Gwen a lot more in this one than in the first one.
I loved the Wonderland elements and the croquet scene was intense! Can’t wait to start the next book!
*side note* Although i technically started this back in March, I was having a hard time reading anything between March-May so I never got past chapter 3 until a few days ago so this is actually a very quick read!
January 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this installment, but I didn’t love it as much as I did Everland. In this book you have the addition of following Alyssa and Maddox as it becomes more of an Alice in Wonderland retelling. Even though I enjoyed their interactions and points of view, I still found myself wanting to hear more from Gwen, Pete, and the Lost boys. It seemed like the parts that followed Alyssa weren’t as fast paced as those that followed other characters, which made it hard to stay focused at times. It was interesting to see how the worlds of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland overlapped and came together and I’m excited to see where the adventure takes me as it continues in Ozland!
March 27, 2019
3.5, possibly a 4 though.
Steampunk isn’t really my thing, but it works well with Umberland, a loose version of Alice in Wonderland.
There was a lot of action in this book. Never a dull moment.
I’m generally really annoyed with at least one of the characters in books, however I liked them all.
I’m very much looking forward to how the rest of the story plays out in Ozland.
Steampunk isn’t really my thing, but it works well with Umberland, a loose version of Alice in Wonderland.
There was a lot of action in this book. Never a dull moment.
I’m generally really annoyed with at least one of the characters in books, however I liked them all.
I’m very much looking forward to how the rest of the story plays out in Ozland.
December 27, 2024
It was just ok, maybe it’s second book syndrome. Or my tastes have matured. I probably would have loved this in high school.
June 19, 2017
Just like Neverland, I found this book to be okay. It was enjoyable but did not meet my expectations. Although this sequel continued to follow the characters that I began to really like in the first novel, I found that I did not get enough of their stories or emotions throughout the sequel. It felt too rushed and choppy with the alternating point of views. Though, I did like the different point of views as readers got to follow along with what was happening in each place with each character, I felt like this book again lacked the character and plot development that I expected or am use to. In many instances I felt as if I was thrown into some odd scenario or conversation that was random. With this author I get a lot of tell rather than show. I want a book that makes me feel the emotions within the scenes, not just one that tells me. Despite all the technical and nit picky aspects that I do not like within this series and with this author, I find her ideas and story concepts great. The idea of this world and her characters are truly captivating and everything I want to read in a fantasy YA novel, I just wish it was executed better.
March 25, 2017
I read Umberland without reading Everland. I actually found that Umberland was quite self contained, and after the first chapter or two knowledge of the previous story wasn’t really necessary.
One thing I really enjoyed about Umberland was the Duchess Alyssa and Maddox Hatter. I was a little suspicious at first of Maddox’s intentions, but honestly, he’s really sweet. (Literary crush alert!) Both characters are also really realistic and justify their actions.
I think the main reason why I didn’t rate this book five stars was Peter. He is constantly angry and never actually thinks through the consequences of his actions. He’s really pushy and clingy to Gwen, and is constantly mad at Doc.
While the pretense of Umberland has been done many times before (fresh take on an old fairy tale)most of the characters, especially Duchess Allyssa and Maddox Hatter (Alice and the Mad Hatter) are very realistic. Umberland also doesn’t lean too heavily on the original fairy tale, coming up with interesting elements that are completely unique.
Overall, Umberland would make a wonderful sequel and is lovely even as a stand-alone novel. While I really hated Peter’s character, the other aspects of the story made it overall a nice read.
Reread value: 8/10
Unique points: 8/10 - while it does draw from fairy tales, it has enough new elements to keep readers on their toes.
Diversity: 4/10 - though it is hard to tell, I believe there are no characters of colour, nor any representation from the LGBTQ+ community. Peter also harbours some old-fashioned notions of what a girl can and cannot do, though Duchess Alyssa and Queen Kat combat those.
Character Believability: 8/10 - again, loved Alyssa and Maddox but Peter was really annoying.
4 stars
One thing I really enjoyed about Umberland was the Duchess Alyssa and Maddox Hatter. I was a little suspicious at first of Maddox’s intentions, but honestly, he’s really sweet. (Literary crush alert!) Both characters are also really realistic and justify their actions.
I think the main reason why I didn’t rate this book five stars was Peter. He is constantly angry and never actually thinks through the consequences of his actions. He’s really pushy and clingy to Gwen, and is constantly mad at Doc.
While the pretense of Umberland has been done many times before (fresh take on an old fairy tale)most of the characters, especially Duchess Allyssa and Maddox Hatter (Alice and the Mad Hatter) are very realistic. Umberland also doesn’t lean too heavily on the original fairy tale, coming up with interesting elements that are completely unique.
Overall, Umberland would make a wonderful sequel and is lovely even as a stand-alone novel. While I really hated Peter’s character, the other aspects of the story made it overall a nice read.
Reread value: 8/10
Unique points: 8/10 - while it does draw from fairy tales, it has enough new elements to keep readers on their toes.
Diversity: 4/10 - though it is hard to tell, I believe there are no characters of colour, nor any representation from the LGBTQ+ community. Peter also harbours some old-fashioned notions of what a girl can and cannot do, though Duchess Alyssa and Queen Kat combat those.
Character Believability: 8/10 - again, loved Alyssa and Maddox but Peter was really annoying.
4 stars
August 3, 2018
I definitely enjoyed this follow up of Everland! This book had way more steampunk elements and I loved it! Not only was this story based on my second most favorite classic tale but it also added a dash of other fairytales as well. For example while in the maze, Jack and Hook encounter 7 miners (Snow White reference). This was not the only nod to the girl with skin pale as snow, the most crucial item need to undo the widespread illness is none other than a poison apple! Brilliant in my opinion.
I really enjoyed reading about all the traps and obstacles with the Labyrinth. Especially, the one Alyssa solved to enter the maze. I loved that the maze was ever changing which strongly reminded me of the final task of the Triwizard Tournament. For me any author that references Harry Potter is a-ok in my eyes.
This was touted as a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling however, I did quite see enough of the original story in this reimagining. Yes there were a few elements thrown in such as Maddox Hadder and a clockwork Cheshire Cat (which was totally awesome) I would have liked to see this more closely follow Alice’s story rather than push the greater narrative and thus divergent from the source material.
Overall, a wonderful steampunk tale that will stay on my book shelf for a long time to come. Looking forward to reading the final book Ozland next month!
I really enjoyed reading about all the traps and obstacles with the Labyrinth. Especially, the one Alyssa solved to enter the maze. I loved that the maze was ever changing which strongly reminded me of the final task of the Triwizard Tournament. For me any author that references Harry Potter is a-ok in my eyes.
This was touted as a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling however, I did quite see enough of the original story in this reimagining. Yes there were a few elements thrown in such as Maddox Hadder and a clockwork Cheshire Cat (which was totally awesome) I would have liked to see this more closely follow Alice’s story rather than push the greater narrative and thus divergent from the source material.
Overall, a wonderful steampunk tale that will stay on my book shelf for a long time to come. Looking forward to reading the final book Ozland next month!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2017
Fans of Everland rejoice! Umberland is here!
Soooooo... I have some good news and some bad news. We'll start with the bad. Everything fixed, found, and won in Everland has been broken, lost, or despaired of in Umberland. For our heroes Pete and Gwen things are bleaker than ever. Luckily, new heroes are on the scene to carry the torch. Alyssa and Maddox are both engaging and complicated. They are brave, but vulnerable, kids in desperate circumstances rising to extraordinary heights.
You'll cry (well, I did) and laugh (well, I did). You'll wonder how much more this poor world can take, but by the end you'll be cheering and ready for the next adventure. Spinale's love of the genre, her boundless enthusiasm, and dark humor are a refreshing mix of old and new as she take familiar stories and builds a brave, new world from them.
The author invites us to dream with her and in these fantastical dreams she's painting a dynamic landscape of terrifying beauty and uplifting sadness. Yes, uplifting sadness. You'll see how when you read it. So, go read it!!!
P.S. I have a total crush on Maddox, just saying. He's mine.
Soooooo... I have some good news and some bad news. We'll start with the bad. Everything fixed, found, and won in Everland has been broken, lost, or despaired of in Umberland. For our heroes Pete and Gwen things are bleaker than ever. Luckily, new heroes are on the scene to carry the torch. Alyssa and Maddox are both engaging and complicated. They are brave, but vulnerable, kids in desperate circumstances rising to extraordinary heights.
You'll cry (well, I did) and laugh (well, I did). You'll wonder how much more this poor world can take, but by the end you'll be cheering and ready for the next adventure. Spinale's love of the genre, her boundless enthusiasm, and dark humor are a refreshing mix of old and new as she take familiar stories and builds a brave, new world from them.
The author invites us to dream with her and in these fantastical dreams she's painting a dynamic landscape of terrifying beauty and uplifting sadness. Yes, uplifting sadness. You'll see how when you read it. So, go read it!!!
P.S. I have a total crush on Maddox, just saying. He's mine.
January 16, 2018
It's such a shame. I really want to love this, but I just...don't.
Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE Alice fanatic. I adore the story and the idea of it being retold in an adventurous, steampunk way crossed with characters from Peter Pan seemed too good to be true.
And I didn't like this book at all. Unfortunately.
I don't feel a connection to any of the characters, I find them annoying or irritating or just plain unlikable. I didn't care for the relationships either, they seemed weak and just there for the sake of having a romance element.
I don't click with Spinale's writing style. It seems she is endeavouring to write a flowery, poetic story, but it just comes across as cheesy. It seemed rather juvenile and I just didn't enjoy it, which contributed to such a low rating.
The story doesn't interest me. I don't know why, but I just don't enjoy it, although I wish I did.
I'm unsure if I w continue with the series, if the next book is the final instalment, I might, just so I have that closure, but that will be the only reason why not because I care for the characters or the story.
Love Lucy x
Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE Alice fanatic. I adore the story and the idea of it being retold in an adventurous, steampunk way crossed with characters from Peter Pan seemed too good to be true.
And I didn't like this book at all. Unfortunately.
I don't feel a connection to any of the characters, I find them annoying or irritating or just plain unlikable. I didn't care for the relationships either, they seemed weak and just there for the sake of having a romance element.
I don't click with Spinale's writing style. It seems she is endeavouring to write a flowery, poetic story, but it just comes across as cheesy. It seemed rather juvenile and I just didn't enjoy it, which contributed to such a low rating.
The story doesn't interest me. I don't know why, but I just don't enjoy it, although I wish I did.
I'm unsure if I w continue with the series, if the next book is the final instalment, I might, just so I have that closure, but that will be the only reason why not because I care for the characters or the story.
Love Lucy x
June 1, 2017
I felt this book was very rushed. I didn't like the 2 month gap in between book 1 & 2. I did like the new characters and the concept that nature took over a place.
June 17, 2017
After really enjoying Everland I couldn't wait to see what Wendy Spinale did with my beloved Alice.
Massive disappointment :(
Massive disappointment :(
January 25, 2019
3.5
Reading Challenge Categories:
-#Ampersand2019 Reading Challenge: A retelling of a fairy tale or classic novel
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Re-telling
-#LitsyAtoZ: U
Reading Challenge Categories:
-#Ampersand2019 Reading Challenge: A retelling of a fairy tale or classic novel
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Re-telling
-#LitsyAtoZ: U
September 25, 2020
"The only way out is into the madness." I read Everland a few months ago and I just had to get book 2 in the series. Again, why didn't I find out about this series sooner?!
Publication: May 9th 2017
Synopsis: They’re dreadfully fond of beheading people here…
Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. Except the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn’t exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated into something even more deadly. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus’s origin: an extinct poisonous apple.
Legend has it, though, that a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of an impossible labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place no one in their right mind enters. With no other options, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she’ll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.
But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there’s no apple to be found there?
Review/Thoughts: I picked up this book thinking it was going to focus on a whole new set of characters, and that it wouldn't really mention the characters from Everland. I figured this story would show how the Horologia Virus has effected others. I am finding out just how much Wendy Spinale likes to prove me wrong with her books. Yes, this book is more focused on our newer characters, but Pete, Gwen, the Lost Kids they're all part of this story too. Which I love!
Umberland is Alice and Wonderland based with the steampunk, dystopia feel intertwined through its pages. I enjoyed the themes and elements that were added. They brought a lot to the story in small way, and made it feel Alice and Wonderland-y. I was so pleased the Eat Me cakes & Drink Me drinks were added. It's a small thing but it was added to the story in such a neat way! It couldn't have been done any better in any other way. The croquet chapter was so unique, as is this whole book, but I never expected croquet to be so dangerous and intense as Umberland makes it out to be. Truly, I do not want to be a player in this world.
Alyssa...to be honest, doesn't really hold a special place in my heart like the rest. I do like how she stepped up and tries to rule Alnwick Castle and Northumberland to the best of her abilities. She thinks of the sick, and strives to find the cure for them even if it means risking her own life for it. One of my favorite things about her in this book, is how she acts around Maddox Hadder. She's upper class and he's definitely not. I liked seeing how she and him interacted. How the two of them have different views, and how they voiced their opinions. I loved when she first went to the Poison Garden to meet Maddox. It's definitely one of my favorite things from this book.
Speaking of Maddox Hadder. I am convinced that my favorite type of character are the ones with a sly smile and a glint in their eye. I wasn't to sure about Maddox when he was first introduced, but that quickly changed. Like Pete in Everland, there was something about Maddox. I love his whole personality and the appearance he's given was very unexpected, but it fits him quite nicely! (At first I wasn't to sure about it, but I grew to like it over time.) His introduction was excellently done! The whole tea incident, and turning one simple question into a a thousand different meanings. It felt very Mad Hatter like. His top hat was an excellent touch. He wouldn't be Hadder without it, and I adore that he's always retrieving it. When he finally does lose it, he talks about how it was his favorite hat. We know Maddox. It showed. Why else would you keep retrieving it? I also loved the time he and the Duchess spent in the maze together. Over that time I got to see him as just Maddox Hadder, not the leader of the Poison Garden. I got the chance to truly meet him and see what kind of person he is.
I didn't really recognize this Pete in the beginning of the book. There's a new layer to this sickness, and he's angrier, more frustrated than I remember him in the previous book. It took a bit to get used to, but as I read on I could still see that same Pete there. About halfway through the book, or a little over, he gave a speak and I was reminded why I had fell in love with his character in the first book. In my opinion, he started acting like himself again. Another thing I love, is that we are reminded about the tattoos he has. I still think that is such a cool addition to his character.
Gwen had been through so much in Everland, and now so much more in Umberland. Yet she strives to remain strong for her siblings. This girl deserves some good, and someone *coughing and mumbling sounds* pete *more coughing and mumbling sounds* to be there for her. She's been strong for far to long, but everyone needs a break from it all some point.
I give my top hat to Wendy Spinale! This book was amazing, and like before, I can't wait to read the next. (I already have it order that's how excited I am.) This whole steampunk world just keeps getting better and better! The plot is amazing and always pulls me deeper and before I know it, I'm caught between the pages of these books. Seriously, once I had the proper time to sit down and give this book my full attention, I had it finished before I knew what happened. I can't say this enough, but she has done an amazing job on these books and I believe the 3rd will be just as good!
~Till the next Chapter~
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Publication: May 9th 2017
Synopsis: They’re dreadfully fond of beheading people here…
Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. Except the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn’t exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated into something even more deadly. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus’s origin: an extinct poisonous apple.
Legend has it, though, that a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of an impossible labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place no one in their right mind enters. With no other options, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she’ll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.
But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there’s no apple to be found there?
Review/Thoughts: I picked up this book thinking it was going to focus on a whole new set of characters, and that it wouldn't really mention the characters from Everland. I figured this story would show how the Horologia Virus has effected others. I am finding out just how much Wendy Spinale likes to prove me wrong with her books. Yes, this book is more focused on our newer characters, but Pete, Gwen, the Lost Kids they're all part of this story too. Which I love!
Umberland is Alice and Wonderland based with the steampunk, dystopia feel intertwined through its pages. I enjoyed the themes and elements that were added. They brought a lot to the story in small way, and made it feel Alice and Wonderland-y. I was so pleased the Eat Me cakes & Drink Me drinks were added. It's a small thing but it was added to the story in such a neat way! It couldn't have been done any better in any other way. The croquet chapter was so unique, as is this whole book, but I never expected croquet to be so dangerous and intense as Umberland makes it out to be. Truly, I do not want to be a player in this world.
Alyssa...to be honest, doesn't really hold a special place in my heart like the rest. I do like how she stepped up and tries to rule Alnwick Castle and Northumberland to the best of her abilities. She thinks of the sick, and strives to find the cure for them even if it means risking her own life for it. One of my favorite things about her in this book, is how she acts around Maddox Hadder. She's upper class and he's definitely not. I liked seeing how she and him interacted. How the two of them have different views, and how they voiced their opinions. I loved when she first went to the Poison Garden to meet Maddox. It's definitely one of my favorite things from this book.
Speaking of Maddox Hadder. I am convinced that my favorite type of character are the ones with a sly smile and a glint in their eye. I wasn't to sure about Maddox when he was first introduced, but that quickly changed. Like Pete in Everland, there was something about Maddox. I love his whole personality and the appearance he's given was very unexpected, but it fits him quite nicely! (At first I wasn't to sure about it, but I grew to like it over time.) His introduction was excellently done! The whole tea incident, and turning one simple question into a a thousand different meanings. It felt very Mad Hatter like. His top hat was an excellent touch. He wouldn't be Hadder without it, and I adore that he's always retrieving it. When he finally does lose it, he talks about how it was his favorite hat. We know Maddox. It showed. Why else would you keep retrieving it? I also loved the time he and the Duchess spent in the maze together. Over that time I got to see him as just Maddox Hadder, not the leader of the Poison Garden. I got the chance to truly meet him and see what kind of person he is.
I didn't really recognize this Pete in the beginning of the book. There's a new layer to this sickness, and he's angrier, more frustrated than I remember him in the previous book. It took a bit to get used to, but as I read on I could still see that same Pete there. About halfway through the book, or a little over, he gave a speak and I was reminded why I had fell in love with his character in the first book. In my opinion, he started acting like himself again. Another thing I love, is that we are reminded about the tattoos he has. I still think that is such a cool addition to his character.
Gwen had been through so much in Everland, and now so much more in Umberland. Yet she strives to remain strong for her siblings. This girl deserves some good, and someone *coughing and mumbling sounds* pete *more coughing and mumbling sounds* to be there for her. She's been strong for far to long, but everyone needs a break from it all some point.
I give my top hat to Wendy Spinale! This book was amazing, and like before, I can't wait to read the next. (I already have it order that's how excited I am.) This whole steampunk world just keeps getting better and better! The plot is amazing and always pulls me deeper and before I know it, I'm caught between the pages of these books. Seriously, once I had the proper time to sit down and give this book my full attention, I had it finished before I knew what happened. I can't say this enough, but she has done an amazing job on these books and I believe the 3rd will be just as good!
~Till the next Chapter~
You can also find me on:
WordPress: https://wordpress.com/view/areaderswo...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shylas_sher...
June 4, 2019
Overall I really like this series. I love the sense of adventure, heart and hope that the characters posses but I have to say I feel like the bad people prevail more than the good people, and there's a little too much death for my taste especially of characters you've come to love. Now saying that, there is a disease epidemic going on so I understand there will be deaths it's just really stinks when someone you like dies despite them being a side character. I can't stand the evil characters, I know that's kind of the point but still! Not sure if Ozland is the last book in the series but I hope that the good come out victorious with as little deaths as possible!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2017
Just as with Everland, the writing is sometimes monotonous that it can get tiresome. With that said I like the story so much that I want to give it 5 stars. We get a bigger scope of this world in peril with the introduction of new and old characters and their points of view. Unlike Everland, which I felt followed the Peter Pan story line, Umberland just took elements from both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland/Alice Through the Looking Glass. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a creative fairy tale retelling. Can't wait for Ozland!
September 24, 2017
Everland was a really refreshing Peter Pan retelling and I highly enjoyed it and was looking forward to its sequel. What I wasn't expecting and didn't enjoy at all was the sequel being more of a Wonderland retelling than Peter Pan and spending more than half the book on new characters instead of the existing ones. And unfortunately, while still listed as a duology, it seems like there will be a book 3 by the way book 2 ended.
May 21, 2018
I like the theme of these books, fairy tale retellings. Alyssa was a good heroine, strong and brave. Maddox was an interesting take on the Mad Hatter. They were fun to read about and their back and forth was cute. Pete and Gwen hugged me a little in this one. I u derstabd they had their own drama, but I just wanted to shake them and tell them they have bigger problems to worry about right now. Plus, I was more interested in the labyrinth. I'm glad we got to see what was going on with Jack and Hook also. I definitely want to read the conclusion now.
June 4, 2020
Pretty much nonstop action! It was nice to see the characters from the first book again, with the addition of some interesting new characters. This book has a “race against the clock” element which ramped up the excitement. As with the first book, I like how faithful the retelling was to the source material (I feel like some of the “retellings” I’ve read have had little, if anything, to do with the original story). I picked this series up on a whim and I’m really enjoying it. Can’t wait to see how it will conclude!
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