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Queen of Hearts Saga #2
Blood of Wonderland
Dorothy Must Die meets Alice in Wonderland! This is not a story of happily ever after - it's the twisted YA sequel in the origin story of an infamous villain... The once-future Queen of Hearts, Princess Dinah, has been exiled from Wonderland. Her vicious father who she always feared has framed her for a brutal murder and turned the kingdom against her. Now hiding in the mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice - to leave Wonderland forever or stay and fight for the throne. A chance encounter with a long-lost enemy of the kingdom brings Dinah more allies than she ever could have imagined. But before battle, Dinah must confront truths about her heart and her destiny - no matter how dark those secrets may be. Revolution is rising in Wonderland. Dinah's war has begun.
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First published July 22, 2014
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About the author
Colleen Oakes
18 books1,456 followersColleen Oakes is the bestselling author of books for both teens and adults, including the Queen of Hearts Series, the Wendy Darling Saga, The Black Coats, Sister of the Chosen One and Eleven Houses.
She recently moved to New England with her husband and son. When not writing or plotting new books, Colleen can be found swimming, forest strolling, traveling or immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is also a public librarian with a Master's Degree in Library Science and is currently working on an adult thriller.
You can visit her webpage at: www.colleenoakes.org, find her on Facebook under Author Colleen Oakes or follow her on Instagram.
She recently moved to New England with her husband and son. When not writing or plotting new books, Colleen can be found swimming, forest strolling, traveling or immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is also a public librarian with a Master's Degree in Library Science and is currently working on an adult thriller.
You can visit her webpage at: www.colleenoakes.org, find her on Facebook under Author Colleen Oakes or follow her on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 779 reviews
December 3, 2022
Forced to flee Wonderland castle, on the run from her sadistic father, The King of Hearts, Dinah finds herself seeking shelter in the Twisted Wood.
With Morte, her vicious and blood-thirsty war steed, as her only companion, Dinah struggles with what to do next. All seems hopeless.
Soon enough, however, allies begin to pop up in the most unlikely of places, including Sir Gorrann, formerly a Spade Card in the King's forces, who saves Dinah at one of her most perilous moments.
Although it takes some time, Dinah and Gorrann, grow to build a trusting relationship in which he acts as a mentor, preparing her for her impending role in the fight for Wonderland's future.
Mentor/Mentee relationships are one of my favorite tropes, so I was so excited to have that dynamic exhibited here.
There are so many that I can think of that I absolutely adore and this one, very quickly, joined those ranks.
This book has a lot of the general topics you would expect from the second novel of a trilogy. This being said, it doesn't get bogged down or suffer from Second Book Syndrome in any way.
The story is progressing forward quickly. There are BIG revelations and a great amassing of forces. We loom on a precipice, a large battle soon to commence, as Dinah will ultimately need to take on the King of Hearts for the throne of Wonderland.
The final few scenes in here...
As Villain Origin stories go, this one is top, top-notch!
I am so impressed with the character arc and growth that we are seeing in Dinah.
I am also going to shout, "SLYTHERIN BOOK RECOMMENDATION" from the rooftops about this one for years to come.
Dinah is absolutely Slytherin and as one myself, I just find it so satisfying to watch her grow into her own and to be able to find appropriate channels for her ambition and cunning.
In the first book, she comes off as a petulant child at times, but if you really think about where that is coming from, I think it can be forgiven.
The girl's father hates her. Absolutely despises her and she knows it. Not only that, he blatantly tries to replace her in front of the whole kingdom.
It's legit offensive and infuriating and as a child, I can understand how she may not be able to handle that as well as an adult would.
In this book, we get to see more of the events that are occurring that will ultimately shape her into the villain we all know and love: The Queen of Hearts.
In my most humble of opinions, this trilogy is GROSSLY UNDERRATED !
I'll just say it. I am now complete garbage for this series and this author.
I want Colleen Oakes to write more Villain Origin stories, PLEASE!
Can you even imagine if she were to take on the story of Maleficent, MY QUEEN?
I would die, go to heaven and PRAY Amazon delivered there because I would need that shit immediately.
That's it. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
This was fabulous. I loved it. On to the next book!!!!
With Morte, her vicious and blood-thirsty war steed, as her only companion, Dinah struggles with what to do next. All seems hopeless.
Soon enough, however, allies begin to pop up in the most unlikely of places, including Sir Gorrann, formerly a Spade Card in the King's forces, who saves Dinah at one of her most perilous moments.
Although it takes some time, Dinah and Gorrann, grow to build a trusting relationship in which he acts as a mentor, preparing her for her impending role in the fight for Wonderland's future.
Mentor/Mentee relationships are one of my favorite tropes, so I was so excited to have that dynamic exhibited here.
There are so many that I can think of that I absolutely adore and this one, very quickly, joined those ranks.
This book has a lot of the general topics you would expect from the second novel of a trilogy. This being said, it doesn't get bogged down or suffer from Second Book Syndrome in any way.
The story is progressing forward quickly. There are BIG revelations and a great amassing of forces. We loom on a precipice, a large battle soon to commence, as Dinah will ultimately need to take on the King of Hearts for the throne of Wonderland.
The final few scenes in here...
As Villain Origin stories go, this one is top, top-notch!
I am so impressed with the character arc and growth that we are seeing in Dinah.
I am also going to shout, "SLYTHERIN BOOK RECOMMENDATION" from the rooftops about this one for years to come.
Dinah is absolutely Slytherin and as one myself, I just find it so satisfying to watch her grow into her own and to be able to find appropriate channels for her ambition and cunning.
In the first book, she comes off as a petulant child at times, but if you really think about where that is coming from, I think it can be forgiven.
The girl's father hates her. Absolutely despises her and she knows it. Not only that, he blatantly tries to replace her in front of the whole kingdom.
It's legit offensive and infuriating and as a child, I can understand how she may not be able to handle that as well as an adult would.
In this book, we get to see more of the events that are occurring that will ultimately shape her into the villain we all know and love: The Queen of Hearts.
In my most humble of opinions, this trilogy is GROSSLY UNDERRATED !
I'll just say it. I am now complete garbage for this series and this author.
I want Colleen Oakes to write more Villain Origin stories, PLEASE!
Can you even imagine if she were to take on the story of Maleficent, MY QUEEN?
I would die, go to heaven and PRAY Amazon delivered there because I would need that shit immediately.
That's it. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
This was fabulous. I loved it. On to the next book!!!!
September 29, 2014
4.5 stars
I read the first book in this series awhile back and I did enjoy it. I love some evil queen stories so I was intrigued to see where the author would go with this.
To read this book I honestly think you do have to read the first one The Wonder. This one takes up right where we left off in the first book. Diana has been exiled and is being chased by her asshole father the king.
It's hard to review this book without going all spoilery...and it's shaping up to be one of my favorite fairy tale re-tellings of all time so I want everyone to read it! So I'll just tell a couple of things that stood out to me.
Wonderland does come to life in this book. It's seeing it through new eyes and it works so very well. The descriptions are so imaginative that in my mind I stepped into that magical world.
And Diana..she started off in that first book as a bit of a spoiled brat. The reader gets to watch as she evolves in this book to a kick ass character.
I think I may go flipping fangirl..............
I can not wait to see what happens in the last book.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book in this series awhile back and I did enjoy it. I love some evil queen stories so I was intrigued to see where the author would go with this.
To read this book I honestly think you do have to read the first one The Wonder. This one takes up right where we left off in the first book. Diana has been exiled and is being chased by her asshole father the king.
It's hard to review this book without going all spoilery...and it's shaping up to be one of my favorite fairy tale re-tellings of all time so I want everyone to read it! So I'll just tell a couple of things that stood out to me.
Wonderland does come to life in this book. It's seeing it through new eyes and it works so very well. The descriptions are so imaginative that in my mind I stepped into that magical world.
And Diana..she started off in that first book as a bit of a spoiled brat. The reader gets to watch as she evolves in this book to a kick ass character.
I think I may go flipping fangirl..............
I can not wait to see what happens in the last book.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2019
*sigh*
I feel a rant brewing inside me.
RTC
I feel a rant brewing inside me.
RTC
November 15, 2019
No me canso de decirlo, esta saga es como un respiro de aire fresco.
El mundo del País de las maravillas es algo super usado y; a diferencia de muchas obras está contiene una mundo completamente nuevo, en el que nos cuenta la historia que ya todos conocemos de personajes como el sombrerero loco y a la propia reina de corazones, de una forma que nunca antes se nos hubiera ocurrido.
La creatividad de Colleen es maravillosa, porque le aporta muchísimo a un mundo que se supone ya está más que descrito, que incluso te hace conocerlo y descubrirlo todo con otros ojos.
El calabozo, los naipes, todo está tan lleno de formas y de naturalezas tan desconocidas que te sorprende en cada página ir navegando para entrar con todo hasta en el detalle más insignificante.
Dinah también, la reina malvada y horrible alguna vez fue tierna y cálida, estuvo enamorada, y no siempre fue la villana del cuento. Pasó por tanto, la destrozaron, trataron de apagarla, pero en esta entrega nos dejará ver que en ese corazón seco por la desilusión y el rechazo, comienza a emerger una líder que no está dispuesta a rendirse.
El mundo del País de las maravillas es algo super usado y; a diferencia de muchas obras está contiene una mundo completamente nuevo, en el que nos cuenta la historia que ya todos conocemos de personajes como el sombrerero loco y a la propia reina de corazones, de una forma que nunca antes se nos hubiera ocurrido.
La creatividad de Colleen es maravillosa, porque le aporta muchísimo a un mundo que se supone ya está más que descrito, que incluso te hace conocerlo y descubrirlo todo con otros ojos.
El calabozo, los naipes, todo está tan lleno de formas y de naturalezas tan desconocidas que te sorprende en cada página ir navegando para entrar con todo hasta en el detalle más insignificante.
Dinah también, la reina malvada y horrible alguna vez fue tierna y cálida, estuvo enamorada, y no siempre fue la villana del cuento. Pasó por tanto, la destrozaron, trataron de apagarla, pero en esta entrega nos dejará ver que en ese corazón seco por la desilusión y el rechazo, comienza a emerger una líder que no está dispuesta a rendirse.
November 5, 2016
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a YA fantasy story, which picked up where the previous book left off.
Dinah was an okay character in this, and I was surprised at how long she lasted in the woods on her own.
The storyline in this basically involved Dinah running away from her father’s men who were hunting her down in the woods, with a little bit of help from a surprising ally. We then got a couple of surprising revelations, and Dinah did start to act a little bit like a true Queen, but overall I felt like not a lot really happened in this book.
The ending to this was okay, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
6.5 out of 10.
“I am the Queen of Hearts, she thought, and I will take my throne.”
This was a YA fantasy story, which picked up where the previous book left off.
Dinah was an okay character in this, and I was surprised at how long she lasted in the woods on her own.
The storyline in this basically involved Dinah running away from her father’s men who were hunting her down in the woods, with a little bit of help from a surprising ally. We then got a couple of surprising revelations, and Dinah did start to act a little bit like a true Queen, but overall I felt like not a lot really happened in this book.
The ending to this was okay, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
6.5 out of 10.
February 17, 2018
oh my freaking god guys!
Blood of Wonderland did not disappoint. I'm obsessed with this series!
Dinah, aka THE QUEEN, is such a bad ass. A lovable bad ass. She learns how to fight and last long enough in the woods without dying. She is reunited with the love of her life only to have her heart stomped on repeatedly.
God, boys can be so freaking stupid sometimes.
You do you Wardley.
I need to see the evil side of Dinah now because people need to regret what they ever did or say to her. I just want sweet revenge! Also it would be cool with me if she had a new love interest and all. However, I won't have high hopes in the love department.
I want to see her destroy Wonderland.
I want her to say "OFF WITH HIS HEAD!"
God, I want revenge.
I can't wait for the dark side!
Besides all of that, I loved the flow of the story. I was kind of thrown by some twists and turns, like anything dealing with the Cheshire. I still don't like the king or vittiore either. I want them to die a slow and painful death. Then there's Wardley who is just.. ugh... I can't deal with him anymore.
I loved the overall flow. I loved see her character grow more and seeing how she can survive on her own. Hot damn! I'm in love with this book.
This review probably doesn't make sense but oh well!
I loved this book.
Blood of Wonderland did not disappoint. I'm obsessed with this series!
Dinah, aka THE QUEEN, is such a bad ass. A lovable bad ass. She learns how to fight and last long enough in the woods without dying. She is reunited with the love of her life only to have her heart stomped on repeatedly.
God, boys can be so freaking stupid sometimes.
You do you Wardley.
I need to see the evil side of Dinah now because people need to regret what they ever did or say to her. I just want sweet revenge! Also it would be cool with me if she had a new love interest and all. However, I won't have high hopes in the love department.
I want to see her destroy Wonderland.
I want her to say "OFF WITH HIS HEAD!"
God, I want revenge.
I can't wait for the dark side!
Besides all of that, I loved the flow of the story. I was kind of thrown by some twists and turns, like anything dealing with the Cheshire. I still don't like the king or vittiore either. I want them to die a slow and painful death. Then there's Wardley who is just.. ugh... I can't deal with him anymore.
I loved the overall flow. I loved see her character grow more and seeing how she can survive on her own. Hot damn! I'm in love with this book.
This review probably doesn't make sense but oh well!
I loved this book.
December 22, 2016
2.5 stars?
After the set up of of book one, I was pretty excited to get to this one. Sadly, it was a bit disappointing.
This book felt like filler disguised as background stories. My main problem is that I thrive on dialogue and this was a lot of being in Dinah's head. She's still working out how to become queen and not a petulant brat, but even recognizing that, I struggled to root for her and her journey.
Overall, it was a quick read with a couple of interesting points, but mostly quite underwhelming. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book.
**Huge thanks to Harper Teen and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
After the set up of of book one, I was pretty excited to get to this one. Sadly, it was a bit disappointing.
This book felt like filler disguised as background stories. My main problem is that I thrive on dialogue and this was a lot of being in Dinah's head. She's still working out how to become queen and not a petulant brat, but even recognizing that, I struggled to root for her and her journey.
Overall, it was a quick read with a couple of interesting points, but mostly quite underwhelming. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book.
**Huge thanks to Harper Teen and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
February 7, 2017
1.5 stars
In the future, when people ask me what I mean when I say a book suffers from Middle Book Syndrome, I’ll direct them to Blood of Wonderland. If there was ever a sequel which suffered from a complete lack of plotline, it is this one; not a single event that happened within this story did anything more than set up the finale. The entire plotline was a mess. The first 40% of this book is nothing more than Dinah wandering around the Twisted Woods with Morte (and later the Spade), occasionally meeting obstacles requiring a short-lived action scene to overcome. Dinah had no real purpose being in the woods in the first place, aside from waiting for Wardley to come and rescue her so watching her walk around aimlessly was dull. If there had been a destination for her to reach or a more defined end goal, I don’t think I would have been nearly as bored as I was, but it was infuriating waiting for something - really, anything - of significance to happen. It was even more disappointing that the author did not use this opportunity to further Dinah’s characterisation. I wanted Dinah to be forced to learn to survive by herself. She had no hunting skills so watching her have to figure how to life off the land would have been a great way to pass the time but the Spade’s arrival fixed this problem. Yawn!
When the story did take a different direction, the plotline did not really pick up. I would have liked to explore Yureki culture a bit more than we did but all we got were repetitive training scenes that did nothing for me. These scenes were too unbelievable and illogical for me to invest my energy into. I didn’t see how forcing Dinah to fight against their fiercest warrior would really teach her the skills she needed to defend herself, and I certainly did not understand why the supposed ‘enemy’ would insist she learn to fight. Would it not be more reassuring for them if they knew she could literally not fight them? Anyway, I found the entire plotline of this book was nothing more than set-up for the third book and that pissed me off.
I also had the same problems with the writing style and characterisation in Blood of Wonderland than I did Queen of Hearts: the writing is overly simplistic and quite juvenile, and the characterisation is lacking in general. I am just not a fan of Dinah. She is too bratty for me to truly care about her. I know that she grew up as a royal, but nothing excuses arrogance. The only characters I ever came to care about were Morte - who barely counts - and the Spade, who deserved way better!
The one positive aspect of this book - which really stuck out to me - was the romance, or rather, the lack of it. I had doubts about Dinah and Wardley’s relationship in the first book, and struggled to understand their dynamics as a couple, but this book really settled that issue. While it may not please some readers, I thought Oakes approach to Dinah and Wardley’s relationship was realistic. It’s actually the first time I’ve seen an author take this direction before, and I kind of loved it. I honestly believe that it is the sort of thing that would happen more often in real life than the typical lovey-dovey nonsense we see in YA these days. I have to tip my hat off to Oakes for having the guts to actually make that canon. For those that have read this book:
Overall?
Obviously, this sequel was a source of disappointment. This series did not start off very well but I had hopes that Blood of Wonderland would step it up… unfortunately, that was not the case. The plotline was messy and rather lacking. It was too busy building the scene for the third and final book to do much else. Bor-ing! I also had problems with the characters and writing style, although I was a fan of how the author tackled the romance. I have a practically no expectations for this series’ finale but I am hoping that it’ll be better than this book, at the very least.
In the future, when people ask me what I mean when I say a book suffers from Middle Book Syndrome, I’ll direct them to Blood of Wonderland. If there was ever a sequel which suffered from a complete lack of plotline, it is this one; not a single event that happened within this story did anything more than set up the finale. The entire plotline was a mess. The first 40% of this book is nothing more than Dinah wandering around the Twisted Woods with Morte (and later the Spade), occasionally meeting obstacles requiring a short-lived action scene to overcome. Dinah had no real purpose being in the woods in the first place, aside from waiting for Wardley to come and rescue her so watching her walk around aimlessly was dull. If there had been a destination for her to reach or a more defined end goal, I don’t think I would have been nearly as bored as I was, but it was infuriating waiting for something - really, anything - of significance to happen. It was even more disappointing that the author did not use this opportunity to further Dinah’s characterisation. I wanted Dinah to be forced to learn to survive by herself. She had no hunting skills so watching her have to figure how to life off the land would have been a great way to pass the time but the Spade’s arrival fixed this problem. Yawn!
When the story did take a different direction, the plotline did not really pick up. I would have liked to explore Yureki culture a bit more than we did but all we got were repetitive training scenes that did nothing for me. These scenes were too unbelievable and illogical for me to invest my energy into. I didn’t see how forcing Dinah to fight against their fiercest warrior would really teach her the skills she needed to defend herself, and I certainly did not understand why the supposed ‘enemy’ would insist she learn to fight. Would it not be more reassuring for them if they knew she could literally not fight them? Anyway, I found the entire plotline of this book was nothing more than set-up for the third book and that pissed me off.
I also had the same problems with the writing style and characterisation in Blood of Wonderland than I did Queen of Hearts: the writing is overly simplistic and quite juvenile, and the characterisation is lacking in general. I am just not a fan of Dinah. She is too bratty for me to truly care about her. I know that she grew up as a royal, but nothing excuses arrogance. The only characters I ever came to care about were Morte - who barely counts - and the Spade, who deserved way better!
The one positive aspect of this book - which really stuck out to me - was the romance, or rather, the lack of it. I had doubts about Dinah and Wardley’s relationship in the first book, and struggled to understand their dynamics as a couple, but this book really settled that issue. While it may not please some readers, I thought Oakes approach to Dinah and Wardley’s relationship was realistic. It’s actually the first time I’ve seen an author take this direction before, and I kind of loved it. I honestly believe that it is the sort of thing that would happen more often in real life than the typical lovey-dovey nonsense we see in YA these days. I have to tip my hat off to Oakes for having the guts to actually make that canon. For those that have read this book:
Overall?
Obviously, this sequel was a source of disappointment. This series did not start off very well but I had hopes that Blood of Wonderland would step it up… unfortunately, that was not the case. The plotline was messy and rather lacking. It was too busy building the scene for the third and final book to do much else. Bor-ing! I also had problems with the characters and writing style, although I was a fan of how the author tackled the romance. I have a practically no expectations for this series’ finale but I am hoping that it’ll be better than this book, at the very least.
July 27, 2022
I DIDN'T APPRECIATE THAT CLIFFHANGER. NO SIREE.
More into this world, and I'm unbelievably sucked in. With no end in sight. *sigh* I guess there's nowhere to go but further into the rabbit hole, huh?
More into this world, and I'm unbelievably sucked in. With no end in sight. *sigh* I guess there's nowhere to go but further into the rabbit hole, huh?
March 9, 2018
3.5/5
Dinah bothered me less than she did in the last one for the majority of this book. Around the end though, she took a turn for the worse with her selfishness, and I wanted to knock her out. Overall, I did like this one better than the first one (especially the second time around), but it still doesn't stand out to me in any major way. I've been underwhelmed with the first two books of this trilogy so far. None of the characters are all that memorable, and even though I just finished both books today, I already don't remember many of the smaller details. I'm usually the type to remember those, so this is a bad sign for me. I don't have terribly high expectations for the next one, but I'm hoping it doesn't get any worse.
Dinah bothered me less than she did in the last one for the majority of this book. Around the end though, she took a turn for the worse with her selfishness, and I wanted to knock her out. Overall, I did like this one better than the first one (especially the second time around), but it still doesn't stand out to me in any major way. I've been underwhelmed with the first two books of this trilogy so far. None of the characters are all that memorable, and even though I just finished both books today, I already don't remember many of the smaller details. I'm usually the type to remember those, so this is a bad sign for me. I don't have terribly high expectations for the next one, but I'm hoping it doesn't get any worse.
May 28, 2017
3.75/4 stars maybe?
2nd book in the Queen of Hearts Saga, an Alice in Wonderlad retelling
This was really good. Part of me likes the first one better, but this was alright. Dinah has somewhat improved as a character, but it wasnt much. She just got more violent.
I really enjoyed the description of the world and Wonderland sounds so beautiful. There was a "major plot twist" that I feel like I should've seen coming, but never did so it was amazing. But they way that twist layed out was....weird. It was almost too rushed? It included a classsic Alice in Wonderland scene that is my personal favorite Like, it felt as if the author needed a place to put that in and that was the only way. But the twit itsef was like "WHHHAAATTTTT?!?!" But it made SO MUCH SENSE!!!!
This dealt with more of planning for the war than the war itself which will be in the last book
The ending?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MY SHIP IS DOWN!!!!!!!!! NO NO NOOOOO!!!!
Overall solid. A few dislikes but a nice sequel read
#BloodofWonderland #ColleenOakes #Book2 #OnlyQueensWithHeartsCanBleed
2nd book in the Queen of Hearts Saga, an Alice in Wonderlad retelling
This was really good. Part of me likes the first one better, but this was alright. Dinah has somewhat improved as a character, but it wasnt much. She just got more violent.
I really enjoyed the description of the world and Wonderland sounds so beautiful. There was a "major plot twist" that I feel like I should've seen coming, but never did so it was amazing. But they way that twist layed out was....weird. It was almost too rushed? It included a classsic Alice in Wonderland scene that is my personal favorite Like, it felt as if the author needed a place to put that in and that was the only way. But the twit itsef was like "WHHHAAATTTTT?!?!" But it made SO MUCH SENSE!!!!
This dealt with more of planning for the war than the war itself which will be in the last book
The ending?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MY SHIP IS DOWN!!!!!!!!! NO NO NOOOOO!!!!
Overall solid. A few dislikes but a nice sequel read
#BloodofWonderland #ColleenOakes #Book2 #OnlyQueensWithHeartsCanBleed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2014
Bell, Book & Candle | The Wonder Review
I have been (impatiently) waiting to get my hands on this book. Although I had a lot to say in my lengthy tirade, most of it unpleasant, I still wanted to read just to find out what happens next. So here I am now writing this review. Book two of the Queen of Hearts trilogy picks up where it left off with Dinah, our protagonist- on the run from her father and deemed a traitor and murderer.
I was considerably less annoyed while reading this book, mainly because the protagonist, Dinah, was thankfully a lot less immature and childish. I had my fill of it in the last book so I am glad it was dialed down a bit (or a lot). Don’t be deluded though, Dinah still acts childish and rude at times; even going as far as to blindly insult someone offering assistance, but it was pleasant to see Dinah have an epiphany about her impulsivity and immaturity. I did feel bad for her when Wardley revealed that he doesn’t love her the way she wants him to. I wonder it’s all going to play out now that she has had a prophecy regarding herself told to her by the witch doctor. Ooooh, spooky!
Man, oh man, the revelations this book held took me by surprise! [Spoiler Ahead] I figured that Dinah possibly wasn't the King of Hearts’ daughter, but for her to be Cheshire’s daughter? My mind is blown. I was fascinated by his backstory, and how he came to be how and where he is. I still don’t trust him and I hope Dinah realizes this as well. My favorite backstory was probably Sir Gorran’s. His pain was real and visceral- and how he promises to avenge his departed family is relatable. Also, the history of the Wonderlanders and the Yurkei mirrors that of the Native Americans and the colonists, which made me think “typical”.
For the most part the book was more of a stepping stone to set the stage for what’s to come in the third and final book. It’s almost like filler; giving us readers the backstories of various characters and gearing us up for the impending doom, I mean war that is to happen when Dinah attempts ton takes her throne by force. An entertaining read all around, this book was- definitely better than the last!
I have been (impatiently) waiting to get my hands on this book. Although I had a lot to say in my lengthy tirade, most of it unpleasant, I still wanted to read just to find out what happens next. So here I am now writing this review. Book two of the Queen of Hearts trilogy picks up where it left off with Dinah, our protagonist- on the run from her father and deemed a traitor and murderer.
I was considerably less annoyed while reading this book, mainly because the protagonist, Dinah, was thankfully a lot less immature and childish. I had my fill of it in the last book so I am glad it was dialed down a bit (or a lot). Don’t be deluded though, Dinah still acts childish and rude at times; even going as far as to blindly insult someone offering assistance, but it was pleasant to see Dinah have an epiphany about her impulsivity and immaturity. I did feel bad for her when Wardley revealed that he doesn’t love her the way she wants him to. I wonder it’s all going to play out now that she has had a prophecy regarding herself told to her by the witch doctor. Ooooh, spooky!
Man, oh man, the revelations this book held took me by surprise! [Spoiler Ahead] I figured that Dinah possibly wasn't the King of Hearts’ daughter, but for her to be Cheshire’s daughter? My mind is blown. I was fascinated by his backstory, and how he came to be how and where he is. I still don’t trust him and I hope Dinah realizes this as well. My favorite backstory was probably Sir Gorran’s. His pain was real and visceral- and how he promises to avenge his departed family is relatable. Also, the history of the Wonderlanders and the Yurkei mirrors that of the Native Americans and the colonists, which made me think “typical”.
For the most part the book was more of a stepping stone to set the stage for what’s to come in the third and final book. It’s almost like filler; giving us readers the backstories of various characters and gearing us up for the impending doom, I mean war that is to happen when Dinah attempts ton takes her throne by force. An entertaining read all around, this book was- definitely better than the last!
March 2, 2017
*3.5 stars
There were some parts of the book that I found boring but I really enjoyed the magical aspects of Wonderland in this book. And, of course, I'm excited to see what occurs next.
There were some parts of the book that I found boring but I really enjoyed the magical aspects of Wonderland in this book. And, of course, I'm excited to see what occurs next.
February 4, 2018
This book was everything a sequel should be! It picks up right where the last book ended and you’re immediately thrown into an action packed story! It never slowed down for a minute and there were some really great plot twists thrown in there as well. And the character development.... you can see the way everything is shaping Dinah into the person she will eventually become and it is so great to watch!
I am beyond excited to read the final book in the series!
I am beyond excited to read the final book in the series!
April 20, 2021
why can’t women just be allowed to be horrible people without it having to, in some way, relate to a man doing her wrong?
ALSO HE DIDNT EVEN DO HER WRONG OMG SHE OVERREACTED COMPLETELY AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT IF A MAN HAD REACTED LIKE THAT WHEN A WOMAN REJECTED HIM THEN EVERYONE WOULD SEE IT AS A MAJOR RED FLAG SO CAN WE PLEASE STOP THIS NOW ????
ALSO HE DIDNT EVEN DO HER WRONG OMG SHE OVERREACTED COMPLETELY AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT IF A MAN HAD REACTED LIKE THAT WHEN A WOMAN REJECTED HIM THEN EVERYONE WOULD SEE IT AS A MAJOR RED FLAG SO CAN WE PLEASE STOP THIS NOW ????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2021
I just realized I have Dance Of Thieves and the first book to this series both 2.5. And honestly I would gladly raise DOT to a 3 Bc TQOH was so much worse😂
This was just straight up bad lol
Our girl Dinah gets rejected right? She cuts her hair in her anger🤭🤣 AND she decided to go storming off on a horse and is going to do something bad out of her anger Bc some guy doesn’t love her. Like I really don’t blame him💀
This was just straight up bad lol
Our girl Dinah gets rejected right? She cuts her hair in her anger🤭🤣 AND she decided to go storming off on a horse and is going to do something bad out of her anger Bc some guy doesn’t love her. Like I really don’t blame him💀
March 15, 2017
If she could not quench the fire burning within her , she would set Wonderland ablaze.
Yes, I decided to continue this series even though I had my doubts about it - mainly because I was a bit "meh" about the first novel but also because Alice in Wonderland was never my favorite fairy tale as a kid and retellings of this story have not suited me very well. So what made me continue this story? Actually it has to do with the fact that it's one I can get as audio books and the one reading it is quite good. And the ending of the first novel got me thinking that I could actually - finally - find a retelling of Wonderland that I liked.
How did it go? A bit "meh" again.
I'm still not a fan of Dinah. Even though she had spurts of interesting character development situations in this novel it felt a bit "two steps forward, one step back". I like the overall writing style and the version of Wonderland that Colleen Oakes creates, but I'm just not connecting with the main character, which is a problem. Once again the ending makes me interested in finding out what happens next and, as it is the last book in this trilogy, I'll most likely read/listen to it once it's out. But it won't be a priority book.
Yes, I decided to continue this series even though I had my doubts about it - mainly because I was a bit "meh" about the first novel but also because Alice in Wonderland was never my favorite fairy tale as a kid and retellings of this story have not suited me very well. So what made me continue this story? Actually it has to do with the fact that it's one I can get as audio books and the one reading it is quite good. And the ending of the first novel got me thinking that I could actually - finally - find a retelling of Wonderland that I liked.
How did it go? A bit "meh" again.
I'm still not a fan of Dinah. Even though she had spurts of interesting character development situations in this novel it felt a bit "two steps forward, one step back". I like the overall writing style and the version of Wonderland that Colleen Oakes creates, but I'm just not connecting with the main character, which is a problem. Once again the ending makes me interested in finding out what happens next and, as it is the last book in this trilogy, I'll most likely read/listen to it once it's out. But it won't be a priority book.
July 23, 2020
“There was a freedom in having nothing to lose”
Blood of Wonderland is the sequel to Queen of Hearts and about Dinah's journey after she fled the Wonderland Palace in that grand escape with the steed as her only company. I thought the story would drag her days as she traveled alone surviving in the woods but the pace was good without getting boring. Some of my answered from the first book were answered and left me surprised in a good way. I had NOT seen that coming!
I was a bit dissapointed about how Warley's character reacted to Dinah but I guess that was the last push she needed to become who she did. We could see that he was really trying to love her the way she wanted but you just cant force what's not there.
I must say I really enjoyed reading about Dinah and seeing her transform from a spoilt princess to a mature queen who commanded your respect. I'm looking forward to reading the finale and seeing how the story ends.
Blood of Wonderland is the sequel to Queen of Hearts and about Dinah's journey after she fled the Wonderland Palace in that grand escape with the steed as her only company. I thought the story would drag her days as she traveled alone surviving in the woods but the pace was good without getting boring. Some of my answered from the first book were answered and left me surprised in a good way. I had NOT seen that coming!
I was a bit dissapointed about how Warley's character reacted to Dinah but I guess that was the last push she needed to become who she did. We could see that he was really trying to love her the way she wanted but you just cant force what's not there.
I must say I really enjoyed reading about Dinah and seeing her transform from a spoilt princess to a mature queen who commanded your respect. I'm looking forward to reading the finale and seeing how the story ends.
March 2, 2017
Necesitó el tercero yaaa!!! Me gustó más que el primero, aunque el personaje de Dinah me desespera un poco a veces. Sin duda alguna no confío en muchos personajes
March 25, 2018
Blood of Wonderland is the second book to the Queen of Hearts Saga and it falls prey to the same problem the first one ran into, slow inducing boredom.
I was hoping that now that the plot had been set into action this book would have some more umph and excitement to that, but I didn't get that. Instead, I really began to dislike Dinah. REALLY BEGAN TO DISLIKE HER.
The ending??? I wanted to through my phone across the room because she was so annoying. There was literally so much woah is me in that last little bit that I couldn't handle it. I'm sorry you didn't get your way, Dinah, but you don't get to act like a spoiled little brat and throw a stupid temper tantrum about it and ruin things more because it's not how you wanted it.
UGH.
So basically, Dinah is horrible and the plot was still slow which lead to lots of boredom.
I was hoping that now that the plot had been set into action this book would have some more umph and excitement to that, but I didn't get that. Instead, I really began to dislike Dinah. REALLY BEGAN TO DISLIKE HER.
The ending??? I wanted to through my phone across the room because she was so annoying. There was literally so much woah is me in that last little bit that I couldn't handle it. I'm sorry you didn't get your way, Dinah, but you don't get to act like a spoiled little brat and throw a stupid temper tantrum about it and ruin things more because it's not how you wanted it.
UGH.
So basically, Dinah is horrible and the plot was still slow which lead to lots of boredom.
October 7, 2016
Simplemente ¡Wow! la evolución en Dinah es fascinante. La vemos transformarse de una niña asustada, tonta e ingenua a una guerrera sedienta de venganza, una reina en toda la extensión de la palabra. Este libro está lleno de secretos y misterios que se van revelando haciendo que literalmente te devores las páginas. Vemos las caras ocultas de muchos personajes importantes y las obvias referencias a Alicia en el país de las maravillas resultan emocionantes y muy bien adaptadas. Y el final, oh...un reencuentro que esperábamos con ansias y que no resultó como lo deseaba.
February 6, 2017
Check out this and other reviews on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Last year, I picked up Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes , and I thought it was one of the most impressive and exciting YA fantasy novels that I had read. Even still today, that book remains one of my favorites, so when I had that chance to read the sequel, Blood of Wonderland, I was super excited.
When I started reading, I quickly got engrossed in the novel and couldn't put it down - I finished it super quick and now I'm (im)patiently awaiting the next book.
Needless to say, I thought that this book was a great continuation to the series. I haven't really read a lot of other reviews on the book, but then again, I really loved the first book in the Queen of Hearts saga, while a lot of others found it ind of slower paced and not what they were expecting.
To be honest, I think that the first book did a good job of setting up the rest of the series. It didn't have as much action in it as some would have hoped, and there was a bit of a quiet lull in that book. The good news is, is that Blood of Wonderland seemed like it really picked up the pace and added quite a bit of new things (like an interesting twist that I never saw coming), and it really worked hard to create the perfect atmosphere and set up for the third book in the series.
I love how some of the characters from the first book are also in this book, such as Cheshire. The book also has a new cast of characters, as well, so we have the chance to see some old faces and meet some new ones. I really liked Dinah's character a lot better in this book - she seemed like she was a bit less of a needy young girl and more in-charge. She definitely seemed like queen material in this book. She has developed so much from Queen of Hearts.
The twist toward the end of the book between Dinah and one of the other characters was completely unexpected, and added quite a bit more depth to Dinah's story. I don't want to give any hints or spoil it, but I really think it tied into the story well and made it feel like things made a lot more sense.
Of course, there's also a moment between Dinah and other one of the characters from the first book that is really heartbreaking, and I really felt sad over that moment. It wasn't the direction I was expecting that part of the book to go in, so I wasn't expecting it at all.
If you're a fan of retellings, this is a great series to get into. The Queen of Hearts saga is way more like a behind the scenes kind of retelling, or even a prequel to Alice in Wonderland, because it tells the story of Dinah as a teenage girl. I truly think that Colleen Oakes has created a masterpiece with this series. The writing is genuinely captivating, the story is full of twists, turns, and exciting elements, and it's perfectly paced to make sure you can't put it down!
Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review - thank you, HarperTeen!
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Last year, I picked up Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes , and I thought it was one of the most impressive and exciting YA fantasy novels that I had read. Even still today, that book remains one of my favorites, so when I had that chance to read the sequel, Blood of Wonderland, I was super excited.
When I started reading, I quickly got engrossed in the novel and couldn't put it down - I finished it super quick and now I'm (im)patiently awaiting the next book.
"'Rise, Dinah, and become the Queen of Hearts. It is time to embrace your fate.'"
When we last left Dinah, the princess of Wonderland, she was stabbing the guy she loved and running off into the night to escape her father, who was trying to frame her for the murder of her brother and some of the people that lived in the castle. Now, Dinah is on the run, trying her hardest to avoid capture and stay alive. She goes through plenty of trials and obstacles in order to keep hidden as her father and his armies of cards search the lands for her.
One night, when she is about to get caught, she runs into a member of the cards that isn't happy with the way things are being run, and he wants to help Dinah take over the kingdom from her father. The two of them navigate the Twisted Wood together, and he helps her learn the way.
When things take an interesting turn and they are taken prisoners by the enemy of the kingdom, Dinah learns some interesting things about her past that she didn't expect to hear. This forces her to come to terms with way more than she bargained for - and not just that she must take her place as the rightful Queen of Wonderland.
"We become who we must to overcome pain and to make things right again."
Needless to say, I thought that this book was a great continuation to the series. I haven't really read a lot of other reviews on the book, but then again, I really loved the first book in the Queen of Hearts saga, while a lot of others found it ind of slower paced and not what they were expecting.
To be honest, I think that the first book did a good job of setting up the rest of the series. It didn't have as much action in it as some would have hoped, and there was a bit of a quiet lull in that book. The good news is, is that Blood of Wonderland seemed like it really picked up the pace and added quite a bit of new things (like an interesting twist that I never saw coming), and it really worked hard to create the perfect atmosphere and set up for the third book in the series.
I love how some of the characters from the first book are also in this book, such as Cheshire. The book also has a new cast of characters, as well, so we have the chance to see some old faces and meet some new ones. I really liked Dinah's character a lot better in this book - she seemed like she was a bit less of a needy young girl and more in-charge. She definitely seemed like queen material in this book. She has developed so much from Queen of Hearts.
The twist toward the end of the book between Dinah and one of the other characters was completely unexpected, and added quite a bit more depth to Dinah's story. I don't want to give any hints or spoil it, but I really think it tied into the story well and made it feel like things made a lot more sense.
Of course, there's also a moment between Dinah and other one of the characters from the first book that is really heartbreaking, and I really felt sad over that moment. It wasn't the direction I was expecting that part of the book to go in, so I wasn't expecting it at all.
If you're a fan of retellings, this is a great series to get into. The Queen of Hearts saga is way more like a behind the scenes kind of retelling, or even a prequel to Alice in Wonderland, because it tells the story of Dinah as a teenage girl. I truly think that Colleen Oakes has created a masterpiece with this series. The writing is genuinely captivating, the story is full of twists, turns, and exciting elements, and it's perfectly paced to make sure you can't put it down!
Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review - thank you, HarperTeen!
November 12, 2020
Definitivamente me gustó más que el primero, Dinah comienza a agradarme más y me sorprendieron mucho los giros que comenzó a dar la historia a partir de cierto punto. Ya quiero ver como termina esto.
October 30, 2016
Después de mucho tiempo por fin nos encontramos con la continuación de Reina de corazones, un retelling de Alicia en el País de las Maravillas centrado en los inicios de Dinah, la Reina de corazones mucho antes de ser considerada una villana. Si recordamos la reseña que escribí en Enero, el libro me gustó muchísimo y le dí cinco estrellas, realmente lo adoré. Y estaba muy emocionada de tener por fin entre mis manos la continuación, pero ahora les contaré por qué ésta segunda parte no logró una calificación tan buena como el primero.
En ésta segunda parte, nos encontramos justo donde el primer libro acabó, con Dinah huyendo del reino y perdida en el Bosque Retorcido junto a su mortífero corcel. Y la veremos intentar sobrevivir en el bosque con todas esas criaturas fantásticas que lo habitan (como feroces Osos blancos gigantes).
Es evidente que Dinah necesita ayuda, no sólo para sobrevivir, sino para llevar a cabo su venganza contra el Rey de Corazones, su padre al que tanto desprecia. Y esa ayuda llega cuando menos se lo espera y de quien menos se lo espera. No diré más porque no quiero hacer una reseña con spoilers.
Sólo diré que aquí veremos a Dinah prepararse para exigir lo que es suyo por derecho: El trono del País de las Maravillas.
En el primer libro, algo que me gustó mucho, fue leer sobre los inicios de un villano tan conocido como lo es la Reina de Corazones. Siempre he dicho que todos los villanos tienen un comienzo y una razón para ser malos, y estaba emocionada por saber cuál era la razón de éste personaje en particular. Y dan una idea bastante clara al inicio, y piensas que se desarrollará a partir de eso. Pero en ésta segunda parte, Dinah sigue sin ser mala, así que todavía no sabemos a ciencia cierta qué es lo que realmente corrompe a la Reina.
¿Me gustó el libro? Sí, no lo voy a negar. Tiene mucha acción y siempre está sucediendo algo, la pobre Dinah sufre mil problemas y siempre está herida. Pero el problema, es que la autora quiso abarcar demasiado en muy pocas páginas. Siento que si le hubiera dado más seriedad a su escritura, podría tener un libro perfecto, pero todo lo resumió demasiado. O sea, la clase de preparación y alianza que muestran en el libro, es digna de tener más de 300 páginas. Pero muy de noche a la mañana las alianzas estaban listas y Dinah estaba entrenada... y no, simplemente no. Si van a escribir algo así que se tomen su tiempo, que lo escriban bien. Y es simplemente por ésto que sólo le dí tres estrellas, no pude considerarlo realmente una lectura seria.
Ahora bien, en ésta segunda parte nos muestran a más personajes conocidos de los libros de Alicia en el País de las Maravillas, así que eso siempre es agradable (ir reconociendo personajes) al menos a mi eso me gustó mucho y me hizo la lectura un poco más disfrutable.
La portada del libro es hermosa, es igual de brillosa que la primera pero ahora en color verde, muero por ver cómo será la imagen del tercer libro. Tienen unas ediciones muy bonitas.
Y para finalizar la reseña, ¿lo recomiendo? Sí, claro que sí. Al final me gustó bastante, nada más me hubiera gustado que fuera elaborado con un poco más de contenido, pero de resto, se disfruta mucho. Ya quiero leer la tercera parte, espero no tarden tanto en publicarlo.
to-read-arc-or-galley
December 13, 2014I'm so legit excited for this book that I'm doing my own version of a happy dance. And it comes out the day before my 30th birthday, so you guys know I'll be picking this up to read at some point.
Thank you, thank you NetGalley.
Thank you, thank you NetGalley.
December 16, 2017
That ending tho!
September 13, 2017
3.5 stars
December 2, 2016
"Her life was like nightfire- a place that once burned with bright hope, now nothing more than a flickering blackness, her suffering invisible to the naked eye."
With the cover, I wasn't sure if we were reading about Wonderland or about to fight dragons in a Game Of Thrones novel.
In life, there are a few rules we live by.
1. Don't be a dick
2.Live your own life
3. Don't fuck with a classic.
This broke rule three and you should see the look of disgust on my face.
Dinah is running for her life. The first book left you off on one hell of a cliffhanger. She was framed and she is fighting for her life. Hurting the one she loves and stealing Morte, now she is hurtling through the Twisted Woods.
The King is not that far behind and he wants her gone for her betrayal.
Dinah will not give up easily. What gets her through this fighting and fleeing is Wardley. She will finally win his heart and she will rule with him beside her.
This is one of the slowest books to actually pick up and when it does, it was still a meh and that's it?
I wanted the two big twists to actually knock me off my heels and I wasn't. It was different, but nothing that I would brag about.
When it comes to Wonderland, you have to wow me and I wasn't even a little impressed with this one. The first one came out of nowhere and shocked me. This one... well, not so much. I will finish the series because I want to know how evil Dinah will become.
Protect your necks everyone!!
With the cover, I wasn't sure if we were reading about Wonderland or about to fight dragons in a Game Of Thrones novel.
In life, there are a few rules we live by.
1. Don't be a dick
2.Live your own life
3. Don't fuck with a classic.
This broke rule three and you should see the look of disgust on my face.
Dinah is running for her life. The first book left you off on one hell of a cliffhanger. She was framed and she is fighting for her life. Hurting the one she loves and stealing Morte, now she is hurtling through the Twisted Woods.
The King is not that far behind and he wants her gone for her betrayal.
Dinah will not give up easily. What gets her through this fighting and fleeing is Wardley. She will finally win his heart and she will rule with him beside her.
This is one of the slowest books to actually pick up and when it does, it was still a meh and that's it?
I wanted the two big twists to actually knock me off my heels and I wasn't. It was different, but nothing that I would brag about.
When it comes to Wonderland, you have to wow me and I wasn't even a little impressed with this one. The first one came out of nowhere and shocked me. This one... well, not so much. I will finish the series because I want to know how evil Dinah will become.
Protect your necks everyone!!
November 16, 2017
Have you ever read something and thought it should be at least a little boring, but it wasn't at all? Because there was a large chunk in the beginning, I think around 50+ pages, of Dinah wandering through the forest. And surprisingly it was so interesting! She finds a lot of interesting things, and some action happens and it completely worked. I was never bored the entire time I read this book. The pacing was perfect. The author managed to add little touches of weird plants and etc you might find in Wonderland. We get to meet more famous Wonderlanders and learn more of past characters. I definitely recommend this series based on both of these books. This book definitely did not suffer from second book syndrome and it was so good that I immediately started book 3.
Read
December 7, 2017“a dark smile crept across her face as she let the rage she had held back for so long consume her”
everyone is fucked now!
this was a lot better than the first book, albeit a little slower.
half into the book is when it gets real good. with all the twists, and surprises, I was like boooy! (JK ... maybe) I do want more rage from Dinah. make them suffer, girl!
but Wonderland is still wonderful as ever.
everyone is fucked now!
this was a lot better than the first book, albeit a little slower.
half into the book is when it gets real good. with all the twists, and surprises, I was like boooy! (JK ... maybe) I do want more rage from Dinah. make them suffer, girl!
but Wonderland is still wonderful as ever.
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