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Alice Carroll hardly remembers life before the plague. When the undead first crawled from their graves, it was like a nightmare. When they killed her mother, the nightmare became shockingly real. Now her sister Dinah has contracted the ‘un-deadly’ virus and without a cure, soon she’ll be worse than dead.
She’ll be Momerath.
To save her sister, Alice must leave the safety of the Sector and venture into Momerath territory in search of an antidote - if it exists. Chasing a rumor about a mysterious doctor with a cure, Alice falls down the rabbit hole into Wanderland, where ravenous Momerath aren’t the only danger lurking.
She’ll be Momerath.
To save her sister, Alice must leave the safety of the Sector and venture into Momerath territory in search of an antidote - if it exists. Chasing a rumor about a mysterious doctor with a cure, Alice falls down the rabbit hole into Wanderland, where ravenous Momerath aren’t the only danger lurking.
288 pages, ebook
First published May 16, 2017
280 people are currently reading
2055 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Sullivan
9 books146 followersTeacher by day, award-winning author by night, J.M. Sullivan is a fairy tale fanatic who loves taking classic stories and turning them on their head. Although known to dabble in adulting, J.M. is a big kid at heart who still believes in true love, magic, and most of all, the power of coffee.
If you would like to connect with J.M., you can find her on her website www.jmsullivanbooks.com, on social media at @jmsullivanbooks, or by joining the fun at #AuthorConfession--she’d love to hear from you.
If you would like to connect with J.M., you can find her on her website www.jmsullivanbooks.com, on social media at @jmsullivanbooks, or by joining the fun at #AuthorConfession--she’d love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
June 7, 2017
After the plague broke out in Phoenix and people began to turn into the living dead aka momeraths Alice and her sister Dinah's lives changed considerably. The two were originally adopted but eventually their father walked out on them when Alice was still young. Their mother died from the plague out break. Now they live together in a community that has been fortified against the outside so that the momerath can't get in. When Dinah contracts the plague, Alice is desperate to find a way to help her sister. Alice has heard rumors of a doctor working on a cure for the plague so she sets out to look for the doctor and bring it back before Dinah changes. On her way she meets Chess who tries to help her and eventually she makes a deal with the Red Queen but Alice still has to find the antidote and get it to Dinah quick.
Also I don't feel like marking off spoilers so just stop reading if you don't want to know what happens.
I know there's been a lot of talk about diversity in books lately and so it was nice that Dinah's supposed to be black but the whole discussion was on my mind while reading and I couldnt help but roll my eyes because Dinah herself isn't involved that much in the story line. Both Alice and Chess are blonde and blue eyed though and they're the two the story mostly revolves around. It just felt annoying because it felt like one of those things where an author puts in a token minority character. I'm not trying to beat a dead horse it's just that both Chess and Alice who are ~special~ are still portrayed as being a certain way and so it's just like wow another attractive blonde protagonist who has special abilities and will save the world great.
Also that being said it felt so convenient how things worked out so well, that the plague broke out in Phoenix and that their adoptive father was partners with the person behind it and that he experimented on them so that Alice is the savior. Same thing with Chess and the story line tying back together with the Red Queen. I think the problem mostly for me is that I've read books with similar premises already and some were way better than this so I just couldn't help but compare and not enjoy it as much. I also couldn't get into the whole retelling of Alice in Wonderland angle of it for some reason, the allusions to the original didn't seem very impressive.
It's not terrible I would say it's at 3.5 stars I just think there's better books about zombie plagues and the retelling aspect really didn't do anything for me, I just didn't find anything special about the book.
Also I don't feel like marking off spoilers so just stop reading if you don't want to know what happens.
I know there's been a lot of talk about diversity in books lately and so it was nice that Dinah's supposed to be black but the whole discussion was on my mind while reading and I couldnt help but roll my eyes because Dinah herself isn't involved that much in the story line. Both Alice and Chess are blonde and blue eyed though and they're the two the story mostly revolves around. It just felt annoying because it felt like one of those things where an author puts in a token minority character. I'm not trying to beat a dead horse it's just that both Chess and Alice who are ~special~ are still portrayed as being a certain way and so it's just like wow another attractive blonde protagonist who has special abilities and will save the world great.
Also that being said it felt so convenient how things worked out so well, that the plague broke out in Phoenix and that their adoptive father was partners with the person behind it and that he experimented on them so that Alice is the savior. Same thing with Chess and the story line tying back together with the Red Queen. I think the problem mostly for me is that I've read books with similar premises already and some were way better than this so I just couldn't help but compare and not enjoy it as much. I also couldn't get into the whole retelling of Alice in Wonderland angle of it for some reason, the allusions to the original didn't seem very impressive.
It's not terrible I would say it's at 3.5 stars I just think there's better books about zombie plagues and the retelling aspect really didn't do anything for me, I just didn't find anything special about the book.
May 30, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, J. M. Sullivan, and the publisher, Pen Name Publishing, for this opportunity.
Alice Carroll lived her life lost between the pages of a book. That was until her sister, Dinah, contracted the deadly Momerath Virus and is slowly deteriorating into a zombie-like figure, intent on the destruction of all other humans. A cure has been hinted at and Alice decided she will do whatever it takes to procure it and save her sister.
Little does she know that this will mean journeying into the labrynths of Wonderland and obtaining the help of a mad doctor, a savage queen, and a mysterious boy who holds as many secrets as he does names.
This is a retelling of the classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and I loved how prominently features from the original where displayed in this modern re-imagining. Some lines of text were directly transported, but most features where slightly transmuted to give them both a nod to the former as well as relevance in the current tale. Reading this became a fun puzzle, trying to find evidence of all the similarities between the two, and this is probably why this is one of the most successful re-telling I have read.
So why only the 3 star rating?
I have come to realise that I think my love for urban fantasy might be waning. I have always preferred kingdom fantasies but have still had a desire to read both types. Recently, however, I have found myself giving neutral or low ratings to many popular books in similar settings, without being able to place exactly what I disliked about it. I think a city-space as a backdrop ruins much of the whimsy I love about more rural fantasy settings.
Numerous 4 and 5 tar reviews and ratings proclaim this a fast-paced and action-packed read, and I can't disagree. There was just... something I didn't wholly love about this. I have also had little desire to read many books centring around zombies before. They might form the basis for some of my favourite TV shows but, maybe because of the urban setting again, I am far less eager to want to read about them.
In all, this book was good at what it did and I thank it for making me realise something about my changing literary tastes.
Alice Carroll lived her life lost between the pages of a book. That was until her sister, Dinah, contracted the deadly Momerath Virus and is slowly deteriorating into a zombie-like figure, intent on the destruction of all other humans. A cure has been hinted at and Alice decided she will do whatever it takes to procure it and save her sister.
Little does she know that this will mean journeying into the labrynths of Wonderland and obtaining the help of a mad doctor, a savage queen, and a mysterious boy who holds as many secrets as he does names.
This is a retelling of the classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and I loved how prominently features from the original where displayed in this modern re-imagining. Some lines of text were directly transported, but most features where slightly transmuted to give them both a nod to the former as well as relevance in the current tale. Reading this became a fun puzzle, trying to find evidence of all the similarities between the two, and this is probably why this is one of the most successful re-telling I have read.
So why only the 3 star rating?
I have come to realise that I think my love for urban fantasy might be waning. I have always preferred kingdom fantasies but have still had a desire to read both types. Recently, however, I have found myself giving neutral or low ratings to many popular books in similar settings, without being able to place exactly what I disliked about it. I think a city-space as a backdrop ruins much of the whimsy I love about more rural fantasy settings.
Numerous 4 and 5 tar reviews and ratings proclaim this a fast-paced and action-packed read, and I can't disagree. There was just... something I didn't wholly love about this. I have also had little desire to read many books centring around zombies before. They might form the basis for some of my favourite TV shows but, maybe because of the urban setting again, I am far less eager to want to read about them.
In all, this book was good at what it did and I thank it for making me realise something about my changing literary tastes.
July 2, 2017
oh dear.
things that aren't original:
- alice in wonderland retellings
- zombies
- alice in wonderland retellings with zombies
- zombies caused by a Plague
- LOVE TRIANGLES
- love triangles where one boy is blond and the other is a brunette
- one dimensional villains
- the main character trying to save their sister
what this book had:
- all of those
of course, a book can make unoriginal concepts work if it's well-written. unfortunately, i found the writing very mediocre, and the love triangle (one of my ULTIMATE PET PEEVES) was completely unnecessary. i didn't think any of the characters had any personality, and the antagonist was 105% evil which is very boring. there was also some truly shitty representation with mental illness, with a character with PTSD being described as "crazy". nice one.
i'm not going to lie i did skim-read the last third because i just wanted it to be over already.
the only alice retelling i've liked is Alice in Brexitland so maybe i should just give up on the whole concept. i really loved tim burton's film so i've been trying to find more cool retellings but to no avail...
things that aren't original:
- alice in wonderland retellings
- zombies
- alice in wonderland retellings with zombies
- zombies caused by a Plague
- LOVE TRIANGLES
- love triangles where one boy is blond and the other is a brunette
- one dimensional villains
- the main character trying to save their sister
what this book had:
- all of those
of course, a book can make unoriginal concepts work if it's well-written. unfortunately, i found the writing very mediocre, and the love triangle (one of my ULTIMATE PET PEEVES) was completely unnecessary. i didn't think any of the characters had any personality, and the antagonist was 105% evil which is very boring. there was also some truly shitty representation with mental illness, with a character with PTSD being described as "crazy". nice one.
i'm not going to lie i did skim-read the last third because i just wanted it to be over already.
the only alice retelling i've liked is Alice in Brexitland so maybe i should just give up on the whole concept. i really loved tim burton's film so i've been trying to find more cool retellings but to no avail...
May 12, 2017
4.5 stars
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
“Always protect your Queen.”
I always love a good retelling—if it is a retelling with a dark and gritty twist to it, even better. For me, this novel checks off all the boxes. It is a wonderful reimagining of Alice in Wonderland that has plenty of its own creativity and uniqueness, while devotedly paying homage to the original work in clever ways. It even takes the classic zombie plague idea and turns it on its head as Sullivan puts her own intriguing spin on the idea. With a post-apocalyptic setting, a witty and resilient heroine, and an abundance of gory and riveting fight scenes, this debut novel is a magnificent addition to young adult literature.
In this novel, we follow a young girl named Alice Carroll, who is living in a fortified sector with her sister, Dinah, as the world around them succumbs to the Plague that has rapidly broken out. This virus has taken hold of many people, turning them into undead creatures that survivors have dubbed “Momeraths”—rage-filled zombie-like beings that ravage the land and many of the stragglers that remain unprotected in this post-apocalyptic society. The residents of the Sector do not dare venture past the safety of their borders into this frightful landscape.
When Dinah begins to show signs that she has contracted the Momerath Virus, Alice will go to any lengths to find a cure to save her life. After hearing a rumor that an antidote may exist, or at least be in progress, Alice decides to risk everything to venture out into Wanderland—still crawling with Momerath—in order to track down the doctor who purportedly has the one thing that can restore balance to her world. This journey won’t be an easy one, but Alice steps up to the plate, ready to tackle any challenges thrown her way.
I was pulled into this story right from the very start. It takes off at a fast pace and continues to hold on to that until the final page. It is impossible not to get completely wrapped up in this fascinating story, and I found myself tearing through it, dying to see what would happen next. Every single aspect of this novel is beautifully built up—it is easy to fall into the world and let it take form around you. You feel a part of the journey, running right alongside Alice as she navigates all the perils—those both expected and unexpected—of Wanderland.
One of the many reasons that made me fall in love with this novel was that is felt a lot like two of my favorite video games—Alice: Madness Returns and the Fallout series. It was as if these two settings fell together, which resulted in an absolutely incredible reading experience.
On a similar note, this felt very much like a game or a movie due to the wonderful descriptiveness in the narrative. Sullivan is a master at showing rather than telling. Her intricate details assist the reader in visualizing the settings and characters without hindering their own imagination. She achieves that perfect balance that allows each person’s experience with this novel to be a unique one—each mind will add its own little spin on things.
The creation and development of the characters was, by far, one of the strongest points of this novel. I personally adored the way Sullivan showed the key traits of the original works’ characters in their Wanderland counterparts. Alice is an incredibly solid and believable heroine. It was wonderful to see her continually find that strength inside her, and watch her sort of emerge from her shell into a snarky, witty, and strong fighter.
The cast of quirky characters, both villains and heroes alike, were very well-developed and three-dimensional. Though it is hard to choose, I’d have to say that my particular favorites were Chess, Bug, and Dr. Abbott. I thought that she connected them to Carroll’s classic characters in absolutely brilliant ways. It was aspects like this that really left me appreciating how much effort she put into staying true to the original story while making one that was entirely her own.
J.M. Sullivan is a fresh voice in young adult literature, and definitely one who is sure to go very far. Her immense talent for writing shines through in every aspect of the narrative. This novel was a deliciously intense ride through the world of Wanderland, as we follow some well-loved characters on a journey we have never before seen them take. Whether you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland or not, I would very highly recommend giving this novel a read. With twists and surprises around every corner, this is a book that I believe will have every reader finding themselves swept up into Alice’s adventures. I know that I am truly looking forward to reading future installments in this series.
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
“Always protect your Queen.”
I always love a good retelling—if it is a retelling with a dark and gritty twist to it, even better. For me, this novel checks off all the boxes. It is a wonderful reimagining of Alice in Wonderland that has plenty of its own creativity and uniqueness, while devotedly paying homage to the original work in clever ways. It even takes the classic zombie plague idea and turns it on its head as Sullivan puts her own intriguing spin on the idea. With a post-apocalyptic setting, a witty and resilient heroine, and an abundance of gory and riveting fight scenes, this debut novel is a magnificent addition to young adult literature.
In this novel, we follow a young girl named Alice Carroll, who is living in a fortified sector with her sister, Dinah, as the world around them succumbs to the Plague that has rapidly broken out. This virus has taken hold of many people, turning them into undead creatures that survivors have dubbed “Momeraths”—rage-filled zombie-like beings that ravage the land and many of the stragglers that remain unprotected in this post-apocalyptic society. The residents of the Sector do not dare venture past the safety of their borders into this frightful landscape.
When Dinah begins to show signs that she has contracted the Momerath Virus, Alice will go to any lengths to find a cure to save her life. After hearing a rumor that an antidote may exist, or at least be in progress, Alice decides to risk everything to venture out into Wanderland—still crawling with Momerath—in order to track down the doctor who purportedly has the one thing that can restore balance to her world. This journey won’t be an easy one, but Alice steps up to the plate, ready to tackle any challenges thrown her way.
I was pulled into this story right from the very start. It takes off at a fast pace and continues to hold on to that until the final page. It is impossible not to get completely wrapped up in this fascinating story, and I found myself tearing through it, dying to see what would happen next. Every single aspect of this novel is beautifully built up—it is easy to fall into the world and let it take form around you. You feel a part of the journey, running right alongside Alice as she navigates all the perils—those both expected and unexpected—of Wanderland.
One of the many reasons that made me fall in love with this novel was that is felt a lot like two of my favorite video games—Alice: Madness Returns and the Fallout series. It was as if these two settings fell together, which resulted in an absolutely incredible reading experience.
On a similar note, this felt very much like a game or a movie due to the wonderful descriptiveness in the narrative. Sullivan is a master at showing rather than telling. Her intricate details assist the reader in visualizing the settings and characters without hindering their own imagination. She achieves that perfect balance that allows each person’s experience with this novel to be a unique one—each mind will add its own little spin on things.
The creation and development of the characters was, by far, one of the strongest points of this novel. I personally adored the way Sullivan showed the key traits of the original works’ characters in their Wanderland counterparts. Alice is an incredibly solid and believable heroine. It was wonderful to see her continually find that strength inside her, and watch her sort of emerge from her shell into a snarky, witty, and strong fighter.
The cast of quirky characters, both villains and heroes alike, were very well-developed and three-dimensional. Though it is hard to choose, I’d have to say that my particular favorites were Chess, Bug, and Dr. Abbott. I thought that she connected them to Carroll’s classic characters in absolutely brilliant ways. It was aspects like this that really left me appreciating how much effort she put into staying true to the original story while making one that was entirely her own.
J.M. Sullivan is a fresh voice in young adult literature, and definitely one who is sure to go very far. Her immense talent for writing shines through in every aspect of the narrative. This novel was a deliciously intense ride through the world of Wanderland, as we follow some well-loved characters on a journey we have never before seen them take. Whether you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland or not, I would very highly recommend giving this novel a read. With twists and surprises around every corner, this is a book that I believe will have every reader finding themselves swept up into Alice’s adventures. I know that I am truly looking forward to reading future installments in this series.
December 14, 2017
“How cheerfully he seems to grin, how neatly spreads his claws, and welcomes little fishes in, with gently smiling jaws.”
A terrible plague breaks out in Phoenix, Arizona, spreading like wildfire, and people have been turning into vicious zombie-like creatures through out the entire area. When Alice Carroll's adopted sister Dinah contracts the virus, she decides to find a way to save her. Unless she can figure out how to cure Dinah, her beloved sister will end up being worse than dead - she'll be Momerath.
Hearing the rumor of a mysterious doctor who may be able to help her, she leaves her sister in the care of her closest friend Lewis and sets out. Alice must leave the safety of the sector and travel to the city - Momerath territory- to find an antidote, if one even exists.
During her travels she runs into all sort of trouble, meets a bunch of interesting characters and finds even more valuable information along the way. What will Alice do when she learns shocking secrets not only about the virus, but of herself? Out of all the people she's met in "Wanderland" who can she really trust? Can she save Dinah from a gruesome fate?
The Momeraths aren't the scariest things out there.
Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles by J.M. Sullivan is a YA horror / Sci-fi retelling of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.
When I first picked this book up I had a hard time getting passed the first couple of chapters. They weren't terribly written or anything, but they just weren't capturing my attention. So, I decided to put it down for a while and try again later. After I got passed chapter 5 or so I wasn't struggling anymore, but I didn't really get into the story until about 30% in.
I enjoyed the world building in this story - a zombie apocalypse in the desert. I thought the Momerath creatures were interesting but, unfortunately, nothing special. As the story progresses we learn that there are different "levels" of them, which got confusing at times. It isn't until "March" was introduced that things started to make a little more sense, but I was still confused on some things, honestly.
The writing was good but a little inconsistent? For example: There were lots of bloody fight scenes, full of gruesome details, which made the story intense and exciting for me. Then there would be some super cheesey dialogue, which I couldn't help but roll my eyes over, and made it feel a little too juvenile. Another thing that bothered me about the writing is the author used way too many Alice in Wonderland references that were just too close to the original story. Sometimes it felt like certain things were just copied and pasted. I can understand using the same or similar names for the characters, but there were tons of quotes through out the book that matched too closely to Lewis Carroll's story.
My favorite characters were Alice, Chess and Nate, and that's most likely because they were a few of the only ones that actually had any depth to them, besides the Red Queen and the mad scientists, of course. Most of the secondary characters got forgotten about. There were a few deaths in this book, but none of them really made me feel anything because I couldn't really feel anything for the characters themselves. Well, there was that one death that Ace caused, but I was more angry at him for being a jerk rather than being heartbroken over losing a character.
The author put in quite a few plot twists in this story, which I would have loved had some of them not been predictable. Alice has random flash backs through out the story - never explaining why her memories are so fuzzy, but I'll assume it was because she was young? Anyway, after her first flash back I was able to guess what a few of the twists were going to be. One of the twists I didn't figure out, ended up disappointing me a little. It was about Chess - I won't say what exactly, but it explains his "cat-like features" - if you're interested you can see my spoiler.
There's a bit of a "love-triangle" in this book, and I say it like that because no one really acts on their attraction. Thankfully, there's no insta-love, but then again those characters have only known each other for a couple of days, lol.
J.M. Sullivan concludes this book with a sort of open - ending. Its not a cliffhanger or anything, but its an ending that could either stay as it is or leave room for a sequel.
I don't hate this book, in fact I thought the plot was very interesting, I love that it has a kick-ass heroine, and its full of zombies and horror (which I'm a big fan of!), but I feel it was delivered poorly. If there was more character depth and a bit more originality in the writing, I probably would have liked this a lot more.
**** I received and eBook copy of this title via Negally in exchange for an honest review. ****
A terrible plague breaks out in Phoenix, Arizona, spreading like wildfire, and people have been turning into vicious zombie-like creatures through out the entire area. When Alice Carroll's adopted sister Dinah contracts the virus, she decides to find a way to save her. Unless she can figure out how to cure Dinah, her beloved sister will end up being worse than dead - she'll be Momerath.
Hearing the rumor of a mysterious doctor who may be able to help her, she leaves her sister in the care of her closest friend Lewis and sets out. Alice must leave the safety of the sector and travel to the city - Momerath territory- to find an antidote, if one even exists.
During her travels she runs into all sort of trouble, meets a bunch of interesting characters and finds even more valuable information along the way. What will Alice do when she learns shocking secrets not only about the virus, but of herself? Out of all the people she's met in "Wanderland" who can she really trust? Can she save Dinah from a gruesome fate?
The Momeraths aren't the scariest things out there.
Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles by J.M. Sullivan is a YA horror / Sci-fi retelling of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.
When I first picked this book up I had a hard time getting passed the first couple of chapters. They weren't terribly written or anything, but they just weren't capturing my attention. So, I decided to put it down for a while and try again later. After I got passed chapter 5 or so I wasn't struggling anymore, but I didn't really get into the story until about 30% in.
I enjoyed the world building in this story - a zombie apocalypse in the desert. I thought the Momerath creatures were interesting but, unfortunately, nothing special. As the story progresses we learn that there are different "levels" of them, which got confusing at times. It isn't until "March" was introduced that things started to make a little more sense, but I was still confused on some things, honestly.
The writing was good but a little inconsistent? For example: There were lots of bloody fight scenes, full of gruesome details, which made the story intense and exciting for me. Then there would be some super cheesey dialogue, which I couldn't help but roll my eyes over, and made it feel a little too juvenile. Another thing that bothered me about the writing is the author used way too many Alice in Wonderland references that were just too close to the original story. Sometimes it felt like certain things were just copied and pasted. I can understand using the same or similar names for the characters, but there were tons of quotes through out the book that matched too closely to Lewis Carroll's story.
My favorite characters were Alice, Chess and Nate, and that's most likely because they were a few of the only ones that actually had any depth to them, besides the Red Queen and the mad scientists, of course. Most of the secondary characters got forgotten about. There were a few deaths in this book, but none of them really made me feel anything because I couldn't really feel anything for the characters themselves. Well, there was that one death that Ace caused, but I was more angry at him for being a jerk rather than being heartbroken over losing a character.
The author put in quite a few plot twists in this story, which I would have loved had some of them not been predictable. Alice has random flash backs through out the story - never explaining why her memories are so fuzzy, but I'll assume it was because she was young? Anyway, after her first flash back I was able to guess what a few of the twists were going to be. One of the twists I didn't figure out, ended up disappointing me a little. It was about Chess - I won't say what exactly, but it explains his "cat-like features" - if you're interested you can see my spoiler.
There's a bit of a "love-triangle" in this book, and I say it like that because no one really acts on their attraction. Thankfully, there's no insta-love, but then again those characters have only known each other for a couple of days, lol.
J.M. Sullivan concludes this book with a sort of open - ending. Its not a cliffhanger or anything, but its an ending that could either stay as it is or leave room for a sequel.
I don't hate this book, in fact I thought the plot was very interesting, I love that it has a kick-ass heroine, and its full of zombies and horror (which I'm a big fan of!), but I feel it was delivered poorly. If there was more character depth and a bit more originality in the writing, I probably would have liked this a lot more.
**** I received and eBook copy of this title via Negally in exchange for an honest review. ****
Read
September 14, 2017Filled with danger, excitement, and of course, a bevy of references to Carroll's classic, Wonderland fans will be drawn into the thrilling world of Wanderland for a journey unlike any Alice has ever seen.
July 16, 2019
2.5 Stars.
February 21, 2019
Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher, Pen Name Publishing, via NetGalley for an honest review.
Opinion:
How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail…?
Apparently with a bleakness as black as night, and a book review that just says:
Fail.
Look. The first book in Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles isn’t necessarily bad…it’s just …not great. I found it boring, dull, overly dramatic and cheesy, and felt that I had already seen/read this same plot about thirty other times. With that ridiculous zombie movement that hit Hollywood and every book shelf a few years ago, it’s hard not to feel like you have read EVERY single zombie story out there. But when I saw this, I had to request it from Netgalley because I LOVE an Alice retelling.
I’ve read the twisted versions, and I’ve read the sweeter versions. I had even read another Alice/zombie version years ago, Alice in Zombieland, and absolutely loved it. So naturally, I assumed this was going to be another series to add to my love of Alice in Wonderland retellings.
I found Alice to be…okay. Her character felt simple and not fully developed, almost like the author was just riding the coattails of the Alice that we already know and love and assuming they wouldn’t have to put much effort into giving her a full-blown personality makeover. I found that I enjoyed how much she talked to herself, which reminds me greatly of the original character, because it gave another instance for the reader to find out what was happening instead of us just “sitting in her head” and “watching” through her eyes. But the constant moments of her jaw dropping when the moment BARELY called for a jaw drop, or her saying things like “awesome” and “how interesting” without being given a chance to see WHY those things were “awesome” or “interesting” was just…EXHAUSTING.
As I continued to read, it seemed that none of the characters really had much substance or excitement spewing from their made-up pores. Chess was a slightly interesting character, with a creative name, and I liked that his character was left shrouded in mystery for a good length of the story. In my opinion, he was probably the most interesting of all the characters just because it seems like he had the most thought put into him by way of snarky comments and pet-names for Alice. There IS a love triangle in this story that involves Alice, so if you’re ALSO starting to tire from these shapes, then beware. It’s a romance crammed into just a few days, so enjoy if that’s your sort of thing.
My grumblings and negativity aside, there were some positives in this story. You’ll notice while reading there are random bold letters in different words and paragraphs. If you want to take the time, like you KNOW I did, then it will spell out a little message. I found it a cute little touch for this story, and a little treat for the reader if they caught on…even if it didn’t spell out a clue to the story, I still found it intriguing. Another positive was the action and fight scenes that were spilling from the pages. There was a LOT of exciting moments for Alice to show off her skills, even though I’m still wondering how she learned all those deadly and murderous moves.
OH, SHE JUST KNEW HOW?!
For sure. I get it.
Anyways…I was hoping this story was going to blow me out of the water. Instead, it just blew up an inflatable water toy for me and I floated around a pond for a while. It wasn’t horrible, but it didn’t keep my attention or really grab me in at any time. I had little invested in the well-being of these characters by the end of the story and even went as far as skimming most of the last half of the book just to end it. Hopefully the next Alice story I read, which is waiting patiently on my Netgalley shelf, will be a little better.
Opinion:
How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail…?
Apparently with a bleakness as black as night, and a book review that just says:
Fail.
Look. The first book in Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles isn’t necessarily bad…it’s just …not great. I found it boring, dull, overly dramatic and cheesy, and felt that I had already seen/read this same plot about thirty other times. With that ridiculous zombie movement that hit Hollywood and every book shelf a few years ago, it’s hard not to feel like you have read EVERY single zombie story out there. But when I saw this, I had to request it from Netgalley because I LOVE an Alice retelling.
I’ve read the twisted versions, and I’ve read the sweeter versions. I had even read another Alice/zombie version years ago, Alice in Zombieland, and absolutely loved it. So naturally, I assumed this was going to be another series to add to my love of Alice in Wonderland retellings.
I found Alice to be…okay. Her character felt simple and not fully developed, almost like the author was just riding the coattails of the Alice that we already know and love and assuming they wouldn’t have to put much effort into giving her a full-blown personality makeover. I found that I enjoyed how much she talked to herself, which reminds me greatly of the original character, because it gave another instance for the reader to find out what was happening instead of us just “sitting in her head” and “watching” through her eyes. But the constant moments of her jaw dropping when the moment BARELY called for a jaw drop, or her saying things like “awesome” and “how interesting” without being given a chance to see WHY those things were “awesome” or “interesting” was just…EXHAUSTING.
As I continued to read, it seemed that none of the characters really had much substance or excitement spewing from their made-up pores. Chess was a slightly interesting character, with a creative name, and I liked that his character was left shrouded in mystery for a good length of the story. In my opinion, he was probably the most interesting of all the characters just because it seems like he had the most thought put into him by way of snarky comments and pet-names for Alice. There IS a love triangle in this story that involves Alice, so if you’re ALSO starting to tire from these shapes, then beware. It’s a romance crammed into just a few days, so enjoy if that’s your sort of thing.
My grumblings and negativity aside, there were some positives in this story. You’ll notice while reading there are random bold letters in different words and paragraphs. If you want to take the time, like you KNOW I did, then it will spell out a little message. I found it a cute little touch for this story, and a little treat for the reader if they caught on…even if it didn’t spell out a clue to the story, I still found it intriguing. Another positive was the action and fight scenes that were spilling from the pages. There was a LOT of exciting moments for Alice to show off her skills, even though I’m still wondering how she learned all those deadly and murderous moves.
OH, SHE JUST KNEW HOW?!
For sure. I get it.
Anyways…I was hoping this story was going to blow me out of the water. Instead, it just blew up an inflatable water toy for me and I floated around a pond for a while. It wasn’t horrible, but it didn’t keep my attention or really grab me in at any time. I had little invested in the well-being of these characters by the end of the story and even went as far as skimming most of the last half of the book just to end it. Hopefully the next Alice story I read, which is waiting patiently on my Netgalley shelf, will be a little better.
March 29, 2017
I received an ARC of ALICE on e-book from the publisher, Pen Name Publishing, for an honest review.
This is a definite 5 out of 5 stars!
~ As a reader, I was pulled in right from the very beginning. I can't even begin to tell you how many great filmed comparisons I have for this novel: Resident Evil, The Walking Dead, X-Files, 28 Days Later, Land of the Dead, etc. The reason for the film comparisons is because this novel reads like a fully produced movie. It has action, adventure, intensity, lighthearted banter, sarcasm, AMAZING scenery, well choreographed violence and just a hint of a love triangle. You are literally WATCHING this unfold in your mind, not just registering words. Oh, and the cascade of Easter eggs and nods to Carroll's original masterpiece were masterful (I'm still digging for them all). This novel took off running and never stopped... Which has me already itching for the next installment!
~ As a writer, I was enveloped in the world building. I feel that stood out for me the most, though every aspect was impeccably structured. The worlds are all so incredibly colorful, each one it's own unique variation, richly designed and built from scratch. The character building was impressive and rich. Alice's tone and snark was refreshing and on point. The pacing was high speed, forcing you to run right along with Alice as she stumbled and fought her way through each dynamic world. Everything was so florid and dark and intense, from the momerath to a myriad of villains to heroes & antiheroes.
I have already begun recommending this to pretty much everyone I know because I don't really know anyone who would NOT like this. It's such a modern, fresh take on a classic, while holding true to the feeling of the original. You're basically getting a brilliant amalgamation of old world fiction and modern day story telling.
Absolutely brilliant. More please!
K.
This is a definite 5 out of 5 stars!
~ As a reader, I was pulled in right from the very beginning. I can't even begin to tell you how many great filmed comparisons I have for this novel: Resident Evil, The Walking Dead, X-Files, 28 Days Later, Land of the Dead, etc. The reason for the film comparisons is because this novel reads like a fully produced movie. It has action, adventure, intensity, lighthearted banter, sarcasm, AMAZING scenery, well choreographed violence and just a hint of a love triangle. You are literally WATCHING this unfold in your mind, not just registering words. Oh, and the cascade of Easter eggs and nods to Carroll's original masterpiece were masterful (I'm still digging for them all). This novel took off running and never stopped... Which has me already itching for the next installment!
~ As a writer, I was enveloped in the world building. I feel that stood out for me the most, though every aspect was impeccably structured. The worlds are all so incredibly colorful, each one it's own unique variation, richly designed and built from scratch. The character building was impressive and rich. Alice's tone and snark was refreshing and on point. The pacing was high speed, forcing you to run right along with Alice as she stumbled and fought her way through each dynamic world. Everything was so florid and dark and intense, from the momerath to a myriad of villains to heroes & antiheroes.
I have already begun recommending this to pretty much everyone I know because I don't really know anyone who would NOT like this. It's such a modern, fresh take on a classic, while holding true to the feeling of the original. You're basically getting a brilliant amalgamation of old world fiction and modern day story telling.
Absolutely brilliant. More please!
K.
June 14, 2017
The idea of "Zombieland" would have been great if there wasn't already another author who wrote the chronicles of zombieland with an Alice in Wonderland full of zombies, but also I found the book didn't do a thing for me, sadly.
I guess the idea was good, Alice going to find a cure for her sister an ecountering a myriad of Wonderland characters converted to sit well with the Wanderland of the book, but there was something I didn't click with.
I guess the idea was good, Alice going to find a cure for her sister an ecountering a myriad of Wonderland characters converted to sit well with the Wanderland of the book, but there was something I didn't click with.
June 27, 2017
I probably enjoyed this book way more than I should have. It was fun, fast paced and the writing was pretty darn good for a debut YA author. But I think many will have mixed reviews...
Wonderland and I: a quick background
I love Wizard of Oz, my husband loves Alice in Wonderland (so much so he is working on half sleeve tattoos that are both Alice themed, awesome right?!). When I read Dorothy Must Die, a couple years ago, I hated it. Steampunk + Oz = me stoked; but I was sorely let down. BUT Oz is a childhood escape place and maybe it's a bit sacred to me. In contrast Wonderland is a place I know of that is fun but not really nostalgic for me personally. So to read a re-telling or inspired by Alice book with a bunch of things all weird and different was fun for me.
I'll confess my husband helped with many of the references to Wonderland places and characters (my personal favourite is Dr. Waite R. Abbott, both the name and the character were my favourite) and of course our lead gal is named Alice. There is a super cute easter egg throughout the text that I was amused by (be sure to highlight in your e-reader, have stickies for marking pages or keep track in notes on your smartphone; in order to easily 'get it'). There's lots of Lewis Carroll nods and I'm sure a scholared Alice fan would pick up more than I did. You'll have to read it if you want to discover them all. ;)
The weak points
I have given this four stars, but it's more a 3.5 for me. I appreciate that it was a fun, quick and action packed read. But I can't completely overlook some major faults that will possible cause others to give up on this book. This list is typical of a debut author, nothing here can't be fixed and I do think J.M. Sullivan likely has a career ahead of her as a decent YA novelist.
But here's the things that bugged me:
- the overall plot was fine, but a bit cliche. Alice goes out to find a cure for a plague/virus for her sister, runs into trouble on the way, is somehow important, blah, blah, blah
- Alice is able to randomly fight really well with a knife (though can't shoot a gun) and seems to miraculously get out of sticky situations with minimal harm (when you consider what she is fighting against)
- Convenience is certainly well used. While some of it is explained by a reveal or two near the end, overall it's just a lot to accept. If you're looking for realism this is not the place, it's Wanderland after all (haha)
- Our characters are somewhat one dimensional but have lots of room to grow which could be good if this becomes a longer series.
The positive points
These are big positives to me as they hit on a lot of my pet peeves. Convenience is a weakness that is on my pet peeve list however so you can start to maybe understand why this is such a mixed review. The good:
- The possible love interests, yes plural, are both intelligent, interesting, and there is ZERO INSTA LOVE. I can't tell you how big of a pro this is for me in YA books these days. Clearly there is opportunity for relationships to develop with Alice but it's set-up so that we don't go there in this book.
- Wanderland is clearly a world building set-up book and introduction to this alternate Wonderland, and the world building is pretty darn good. It's clever with it's Alice references, and overall well thought-out considering it's a 'zombie' YA book. Kudos to Sullivan for thinking about the science of a virus and giving us a clear idea of origin and even some basic genetics. It's very high level but enough to convince me that there was some thought that went into it and that's enough for me at this level of story
- It just reads fast. I dunno what it is but it's a page turner. I am crediting this to good writing. I didn't want to stop reading it and even put my other book completely aside to finish this. Not something that happens all the time. It was a nice to read, fun and exciting book. Maybe it fit my mood right now, which desperately needed escapism reading but I'm going to give the credit to Sullivan and her writing.
- It's a dystopian novel and I am a bit of a suck for them (lol)
Overall
If you want a fun action book that is written well, has lots of Alice/Wonderland references and don't mind some plot holes/conveniences or a couple one dimensional characters then I think you'll enjoy this book.
BUT if you love Wonderland and are a purist DO NOT read this book. I suspect you will hate it just like I hated the dystopian take on Oz. Some worlds for some people just cannot be revisited or used in a way that will pay homage or do justice to the world as we have built it up in our head. And that's okay.
If you know nothing about Alice then Wanderland probably won't hold up for you as a stand-alone world. A lot of the charm is how clever Sullivan is in her use of Wonderland and drawing parallels. Without this I'm not sure it holds up as a basic zombie dystopian novel.
I however enjoyed it and look forward to another book in this interesting Wanderland world. It hasn't been confirmed as a series but the Epilogue sets it up to be nicely and so I will watch for book 2.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Wonderland and I: a quick background
I love Wizard of Oz, my husband loves Alice in Wonderland (so much so he is working on half sleeve tattoos that are both Alice themed, awesome right?!). When I read Dorothy Must Die, a couple years ago, I hated it. Steampunk + Oz = me stoked; but I was sorely let down. BUT Oz is a childhood escape place and maybe it's a bit sacred to me. In contrast Wonderland is a place I know of that is fun but not really nostalgic for me personally. So to read a re-telling or inspired by Alice book with a bunch of things all weird and different was fun for me.
I'll confess my husband helped with many of the references to Wonderland places and characters (my personal favourite is Dr. Waite R. Abbott, both the name and the character were my favourite) and of course our lead gal is named Alice. There is a super cute easter egg throughout the text that I was amused by (be sure to highlight in your e-reader, have stickies for marking pages or keep track in notes on your smartphone; in order to easily 'get it'). There's lots of Lewis Carroll nods and I'm sure a scholared Alice fan would pick up more than I did. You'll have to read it if you want to discover them all. ;)
The weak points
I have given this four stars, but it's more a 3.5 for me. I appreciate that it was a fun, quick and action packed read. But I can't completely overlook some major faults that will possible cause others to give up on this book. This list is typical of a debut author, nothing here can't be fixed and I do think J.M. Sullivan likely has a career ahead of her as a decent YA novelist.
But here's the things that bugged me:
- the overall plot was fine, but a bit cliche. Alice goes out to find a cure for a plague/virus for her sister, runs into trouble on the way, is somehow important, blah, blah, blah
- Alice is able to randomly fight really well with a knife (though can't shoot a gun) and seems to miraculously get out of sticky situations with minimal harm (when you consider what she is fighting against)
- Convenience is certainly well used. While some of it is explained by a reveal or two near the end, overall it's just a lot to accept. If you're looking for realism this is not the place, it's Wanderland after all (haha)
- Our characters are somewhat one dimensional but have lots of room to grow which could be good if this becomes a longer series.
The positive points
These are big positives to me as they hit on a lot of my pet peeves. Convenience is a weakness that is on my pet peeve list however so you can start to maybe understand why this is such a mixed review. The good:
- The possible love interests, yes plural, are both intelligent, interesting, and there is ZERO INSTA LOVE. I can't tell you how big of a pro this is for me in YA books these days. Clearly there is opportunity for relationships to develop with Alice but it's set-up so that we don't go there in this book.
- Wanderland is clearly a world building set-up book and introduction to this alternate Wonderland, and the world building is pretty darn good. It's clever with it's Alice references, and overall well thought-out considering it's a 'zombie' YA book. Kudos to Sullivan for thinking about the science of a virus and giving us a clear idea of origin and even some basic genetics. It's very high level but enough to convince me that there was some thought that went into it and that's enough for me at this level of story
- It just reads fast. I dunno what it is but it's a page turner. I am crediting this to good writing. I didn't want to stop reading it and even put my other book completely aside to finish this. Not something that happens all the time. It was a nice to read, fun and exciting book. Maybe it fit my mood right now, which desperately needed escapism reading but I'm going to give the credit to Sullivan and her writing.
- It's a dystopian novel and I am a bit of a suck for them (lol)
Overall
If you want a fun action book that is written well, has lots of Alice/Wonderland references and don't mind some plot holes/conveniences or a couple one dimensional characters then I think you'll enjoy this book.
BUT if you love Wonderland and are a purist DO NOT read this book. I suspect you will hate it just like I hated the dystopian take on Oz. Some worlds for some people just cannot be revisited or used in a way that will pay homage or do justice to the world as we have built it up in our head. And that's okay.
If you know nothing about Alice then Wanderland probably won't hold up for you as a stand-alone world. A lot of the charm is how clever Sullivan is in her use of Wonderland and drawing parallels. Without this I'm not sure it holds up as a basic zombie dystopian novel.
I however enjoyed it and look forward to another book in this interesting Wanderland world. It hasn't been confirmed as a series but the Epilogue sets it up to be nicely and so I will watch for book 2.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
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February 11, 2020
Probably THE BEST Alice in Wonderland retelling I have ever read! Review to come!
September 16, 2017
Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Even though there are many out there, this is the first Alice in Wonderland retelling I’ve read. It was a good choice though, because it combines Alice with flesh eating zombies.
The biggest Alice references here were the character names, with some shared traits with their Wonderland counterparts but the story itself didn’t stick painfully close to the original, the author made this story her own and it was glorious! Alice herself is a little bit lacking self awareness but I loved the take on the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. The world building is wonderful, in a post-apocalyptic Phoenix where the world is overrun by zombies that we don’t call zombies.
I love the writing style and the action, there’s plenty of emotion and gore to keep a reader hooked. I would classify this book as a YA, as long as we can all agree that a little bit of decapitation and dismemberment is still acceptable… it was the teen moony-eyes between Alice and a couple of age-appropriate boys that made it fall into the YA category for me. There’s no romance in this book but as it seems like there’s a sequel not too far behind, I foresee some hand holding and light smooching in the future.
It’s the action and the gore that I stuck around for, both of which executed (heh, puns) very well. It wasn’t too graphic but the tension was there and there was a real sense that any character could be at risk of being killed off.
I had the e-book copy of this title, but I’d put my money on this being an absolutely beautiful title to own in print. So much so, that I may put that money on buying myself a print copy in the future…
Personally, I’m hoping that the next book in the series is told from the perspective of another character so we get a wider view of this world the author has created.
Even though there are many out there, this is the first Alice in Wonderland retelling I’ve read. It was a good choice though, because it combines Alice with flesh eating zombies.
The biggest Alice references here were the character names, with some shared traits with their Wonderland counterparts but the story itself didn’t stick painfully close to the original, the author made this story her own and it was glorious! Alice herself is a little bit lacking self awareness but I loved the take on the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. The world building is wonderful, in a post-apocalyptic Phoenix where the world is overrun by zombies that we don’t call zombies.
I love the writing style and the action, there’s plenty of emotion and gore to keep a reader hooked. I would classify this book as a YA, as long as we can all agree that a little bit of decapitation and dismemberment is still acceptable… it was the teen moony-eyes between Alice and a couple of age-appropriate boys that made it fall into the YA category for me. There’s no romance in this book but as it seems like there’s a sequel not too far behind, I foresee some hand holding and light smooching in the future.
It’s the action and the gore that I stuck around for, both of which executed (heh, puns) very well. It wasn’t too graphic but the tension was there and there was a real sense that any character could be at risk of being killed off.
I had the e-book copy of this title, but I’d put my money on this being an absolutely beautiful title to own in print. So much so, that I may put that money on buying myself a print copy in the future…
Personally, I’m hoping that the next book in the series is told from the perspective of another character so we get a wider view of this world the author has created.
May 19, 2017
"Twinkle, twinkle, Alice..."
I tend to be wary of retellings because it feels like authors just use the name of a beloved classic to better advertise themselves not minding the fact that their work doesn't bear any clear resemblance to its original canon. Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles was not in this category. The subtle hints to the original Alice in Wonderland made me squeal with absolute delight! I mean, we had Dr. Matt Hatta and Dr. Waite R. Abbott, how is that not brilliant?!
"In that direction is Hatta, and in that direction... March lives there; they're both mad."
The story follows a fallen society who's battling with a new virus that turns people into starving zombies, or momeraths. Alice's sister falls ill forcing Alice to find a cure. On her quest she meets Chess and Bug who put her on the path of the Red Queen, a tyrant who controls an army and who can grant her access to the facility from which the virus first broke free.
"Rule number one: Always protect your queen."
Here we have an Alice battling momeraths with a machete, collars that chop people's heads off, mad scientists and no cumbersome romance, what else do you need? The ending felt a bit anti-climatic though and left me with a quizzical look on my face but this doesn't mean that I wouldn't be interested in a possible sequel. This was an engaging story that was just so eerie as to make you want to discover what's next! Totally recommended!
I kindly received this book from its publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
On a completely different and silly note, the passage:
will never be forgiven because as long as there's this pretty boy in it
no episode of Criminal Minds is a bad episode! Rant's over.
I tend to be wary of retellings because it feels like authors just use the name of a beloved classic to better advertise themselves not minding the fact that their work doesn't bear any clear resemblance to its original canon. Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles was not in this category. The subtle hints to the original Alice in Wonderland made me squeal with absolute delight! I mean, we had Dr. Matt Hatta and Dr. Waite R. Abbott, how is that not brilliant?!
"In that direction is Hatta, and in that direction... March lives there; they're both mad."
The story follows a fallen society who's battling with a new virus that turns people into starving zombies, or momeraths. Alice's sister falls ill forcing Alice to find a cure. On her quest she meets Chess and Bug who put her on the path of the Red Queen, a tyrant who controls an army and who can grant her access to the facility from which the virus first broke free.
"Rule number one: Always protect your queen."
Here we have an Alice battling momeraths with a machete, collars that chop people's heads off, mad scientists and no cumbersome romance, what else do you need? The ending felt a bit anti-climatic though and left me with a quizzical look on my face but this doesn't mean that I wouldn't be interested in a possible sequel. This was an engaging story that was just so eerie as to make you want to discover what's next! Totally recommended!
I kindly received this book from its publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
On a completely different and silly note, the passage:
He started as a stranger who threw her into an empty van, like some bad episode of Criminal Minds
will never be forgiven because as long as there's this pretty boy in it
no episode of Criminal Minds is a bad episode! Rant's over.
March 29, 2017
Review of Alice, The Wanderland Chronicles
By J.M. Sullivan
Release date May 16, 2017
WOW!!!
Excellent retake on Alice in Wonderland! This is not your cute Disney kids show. Even for those who are not familiar with the classic story, this story is a run-away train with non-stop action, colorful characters and all the tension a reader could ask for. J.M. Sullivan is an author to watch for. Her writing pulls the reader into the story and you find yourself holding your breath one minute and cheering the next. I will definitely be watching for the sequel(s) to the Wonderland series. Don’t plan on getting much sleep until the final page.
By J.M. Sullivan
Release date May 16, 2017
WOW!!!
Excellent retake on Alice in Wonderland! This is not your cute Disney kids show. Even for those who are not familiar with the classic story, this story is a run-away train with non-stop action, colorful characters and all the tension a reader could ask for. J.M. Sullivan is an author to watch for. Her writing pulls the reader into the story and you find yourself holding your breath one minute and cheering the next. I will definitely be watching for the sequel(s) to the Wonderland series. Don’t plan on getting much sleep until the final page.
May 18, 2017
I love dystopian novels a lot though I admit I haven't read one in quite a while. Picking up this book, it was obvious from the beginning that it was going to be good. I loved everything about it from the first moment. Alice is a girl who is living with her sister is a haven/community in the aftermath of the Apocalypse brought on by cannibalistic monsters called Momerath (I still think of them as zombies). The Sector (the community they are) is a little town which is safe from the horrors of the outside. On a scavenging hunt with her sister Dinah, An encounter with a Momerath leads to the revelation that Dinah is a carrier of the virus and has little time left before she becomes one of the monsters plaguing humanity. Alice determined to save her sister leaves the community after hearing rumors of a doctor in Phoenix who has a cure. Her perilous journey from there on is a fascinating adventure which leads to her being in very dangerous situations and meeting certain intriguing characters such as Chess the undependable jokester with secrets, Nate the sturdy and steadfast protector, Dr. Abbott the doctor who created the virus, conspiracy theorist Bug, the erratic Red Queen etc. This book is an exciting ride of action, adventure, horror, mysteries and romance. Zombie books are not easy to pull of but the wonderful writing by J.M. Sullivan helped make this book awesome. Alice's journey through Wanderland from taking on a horde of Momeraths to all the many adventures she had is nothing short of being absolutely entertaining. Alice has many intriguing qualities that made her quite relatable such as her love for her sister and determination to save her, her love for books and her conviction. The revelations of the many secrets from her past was remarkably handled. Though I saw some of the twists coming, the result was still refreshingly original. The ending was absolutely perfect for building up anticipation for the next book (I know I certainly can't wait for it). I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read, it has a little bit of everything for everyone.
May 10, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alice in Wonderland meets The Walking Dead. There’s no other way to describe the plot.
This was great; the intrigue, the action, the pacing, the characters. It was very close to being perfect. It actually would have been if I had been able to truly fall for the characters. However, I felt a distance between me and Alice. I couldn’t truly make one with her. I still really liked her though as much as the other characters.
I loved how the author included some of the main characters from the original story into this retelling. The way it was done was very clever.
The writing was really great, it drew me in from the first chapter and I just couldn’t stop reading.
I also loved the “Easter Eggs” thing, the little surprises from the author. It was a fun plus.
I cannot wait to read more books from this author.
Alice in Wonderland meets The Walking Dead. There’s no other way to describe the plot.
This was great; the intrigue, the action, the pacing, the characters. It was very close to being perfect. It actually would have been if I had been able to truly fall for the characters. However, I felt a distance between me and Alice. I couldn’t truly make one with her. I still really liked her though as much as the other characters.
I loved how the author included some of the main characters from the original story into this retelling. The way it was done was very clever.
The writing was really great, it drew me in from the first chapter and I just couldn’t stop reading.
I also loved the “Easter Eggs” thing, the little surprises from the author. It was a fun plus.
I cannot wait to read more books from this author.
August 17, 2017
Disclaimer: Received this ebook from J.M. Sullivan for an honest review through Coffee Break- YA/NA
I have to say that this book was not my cup of tea. Zombies just seem like useless violent creatures. They have no purpose for their violence other than to be violent which is dumb in my opinion. I thought that I may get a better story with the inclusion of the Alice in Wonderland theme to a post apacolyptic zombie world but that wasn't the case here. The issue resides in the fact that this book wants to use a fantasy theme in a horror world which is what drew me to it in the first place. Unfortunately in order to do this successfully you have to take a page out the fantasy genre and do the one thing that will makes any fantasy book worth its salt...WORLD BUILD.
The complexity of world building varies the richness of the experience. With good world building your characters are able to develop into well rounded individuals and your suspension of disbelief can be held for longer. Were told that the world was ravaged by a plague ( when is never established ) and now the human population is surviving in multiple mini camps far from one another. The zombies reside in the in-between trying to feast on anything that passes through that space. The people appear to have reduced themselves to a barter system in these mini encampments but it is unknown how the everyday workings of the camp function. Now some people may say that this is not important to know but it is because it gives you an idea of people's motivations. Think about how you felt when Katniss volunteered for Primrose at the Reaping. You only felt that way because you knew how Katniss's life was in District 12. Think about Tris when she chooses Dauntless instead of Abnegation in Divergent. You feelings at that moment were supported by a solid understanding of the way the world works and functions from the jump. It helps you empathize and appreciate their character development as horrible things throughout the plot happen to them. This is what this book needed to do for Alice. When we meet her initially she is this introverted, self deprecating, thinks-she's-crazy-because-she-talks-to-herself bookworm and by the time that we hit chapter 6 she is a machete wielding badass with a weak stomach for gore and a mean right hook.....RIIIIGGGHHHTT. SMH.
Now say you believe this new Rambo Alice thats popped into existence about 30hrs into the book's storyline from the time that Dinah, her sister, gets sick with the plague. Okay I believe. She is now in the deserts of Phoenix aka Wanderland needing to find the cure for the plague from some random doctor after a street urchin mentions it once in the village square 48 hrs ago. She meets our white rabbit and follows him to a pharmaceutical building that seems to not only have a sophisticated security system but also appears to continue to use electricity to power fluorescent lighting per floor as if the electrical bill still shows up at the end of the month....UMMM okay. Seems a bit random that this place still seems to be able to tap into the grid when nothing else can and even more weird when you find out that this place was ground zero for the plague outbreak. When too many of these little blips appear in the world building for me it makes it hard to stay invested in the story. Add to this point that the pacing was also a bit slow in places and it became really difficult to continue each day.
The only part of the book I did like was the creative use of the names from the Alice in Wonderland story in this book. Like Alice and Dinah's ( Alice's cat's name from the Disney version of the story) father is Dr. Carroll which was the name of the author of Alice in Wonderland. Or Chess for the Cheshire cat or Bug for the caterpillar and of course Dr. Waite who was our white rabbit. This was a great way to integrate them without it being to literal.
I really believe that this concept can be done well but it needs to have a more fantasy type build to try to propel it past a standalone successfully in my opinion. I felt this book's focus was less on trying to cure Dinah and more about finding ways to get Alice involved in major zombie skirmishes to describe random hacking, slashing and gore. I was really hoping this book would change my opinion on the zombie genre but it just confirmed that its not for me at all and I am not interested in any sequels.
Happy Reading
Jo
I have to say that this book was not my cup of tea. Zombies just seem like useless violent creatures. They have no purpose for their violence other than to be violent which is dumb in my opinion. I thought that I may get a better story with the inclusion of the Alice in Wonderland theme to a post apacolyptic zombie world but that wasn't the case here. The issue resides in the fact that this book wants to use a fantasy theme in a horror world which is what drew me to it in the first place. Unfortunately in order to do this successfully you have to take a page out the fantasy genre and do the one thing that will makes any fantasy book worth its salt...WORLD BUILD.
The complexity of world building varies the richness of the experience. With good world building your characters are able to develop into well rounded individuals and your suspension of disbelief can be held for longer. Were told that the world was ravaged by a plague ( when is never established ) and now the human population is surviving in multiple mini camps far from one another. The zombies reside in the in-between trying to feast on anything that passes through that space. The people appear to have reduced themselves to a barter system in these mini encampments but it is unknown how the everyday workings of the camp function. Now some people may say that this is not important to know but it is because it gives you an idea of people's motivations. Think about how you felt when Katniss volunteered for Primrose at the Reaping. You only felt that way because you knew how Katniss's life was in District 12. Think about Tris when she chooses Dauntless instead of Abnegation in Divergent. You feelings at that moment were supported by a solid understanding of the way the world works and functions from the jump. It helps you empathize and appreciate their character development as horrible things throughout the plot happen to them. This is what this book needed to do for Alice. When we meet her initially she is this introverted, self deprecating, thinks-she's-crazy-because-she-talks-to-herself bookworm and by the time that we hit chapter 6 she is a machete wielding badass with a weak stomach for gore and a mean right hook.....RIIIIGGGHHHTT. SMH.
Now say you believe this new Rambo Alice thats popped into existence about 30hrs into the book's storyline from the time that Dinah, her sister, gets sick with the plague. Okay I believe. She is now in the deserts of Phoenix aka Wanderland needing to find the cure for the plague from some random doctor after a street urchin mentions it once in the village square 48 hrs ago. She meets our white rabbit and follows him to a pharmaceutical building that seems to not only have a sophisticated security system but also appears to continue to use electricity to power fluorescent lighting per floor as if the electrical bill still shows up at the end of the month....UMMM okay. Seems a bit random that this place still seems to be able to tap into the grid when nothing else can and even more weird when you find out that this place was ground zero for the plague outbreak. When too many of these little blips appear in the world building for me it makes it hard to stay invested in the story. Add to this point that the pacing was also a bit slow in places and it became really difficult to continue each day.
The only part of the book I did like was the creative use of the names from the Alice in Wonderland story in this book. Like Alice and Dinah's ( Alice's cat's name from the Disney version of the story) father is Dr. Carroll which was the name of the author of Alice in Wonderland. Or Chess for the Cheshire cat or Bug for the caterpillar and of course Dr. Waite who was our white rabbit. This was a great way to integrate them without it being to literal.
I really believe that this concept can be done well but it needs to have a more fantasy type build to try to propel it past a standalone successfully in my opinion. I felt this book's focus was less on trying to cure Dinah and more about finding ways to get Alice involved in major zombie skirmishes to describe random hacking, slashing and gore. I was really hoping this book would change my opinion on the zombie genre but it just confirmed that its not for me at all and I am not interested in any sequels.
Happy Reading
Jo
July 21, 2017
Have I gone mad?
Well, I believe if you read an Alice retelling or you're reading a zombie book - yes, yes on some level you have gone mad. But let me tell you something all the best readers are.
I was let down by a Zombie/Alice book before, Alice in Zombieland was not what I was hoping for, but this is a true zombie story. The Zombies are violent creatures and they are called Momerath's, they carry a virus and if they bite a person they will become infected.
The premise goes like this, a few years back a virus broke loose and since then there has been a zombie outbreak, there are those who are carriers of the virus, it'll remain dormant until their immune system is compromised and they will eventually turn into a zombie. Alice's parents are gone and all she has is her older sister, Dinah. When Dinah begins to show signs of the virus, Alice takes off to find a cure and along the way she meets the cast of Wonderland - except not how you remember them.
Sullivan has introduced Alice in the way that Seth Grahame-Smith introduced us to Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies. There are remnants of the actual story in there with hints of new and reimagined characters. All the while Alice is true to her curious self, who questions things at every turn.
There is a hint of romance but nothing that actually overrides the story or distracts you from the task at hand, and any questions you may have had on who, what, when, where and how are answered.
I give it 3.5 savvy crowns.
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Well, I believe if you read an Alice retelling or you're reading a zombie book - yes, yes on some level you have gone mad. But let me tell you something all the best readers are.
I was let down by a Zombie/Alice book before, Alice in Zombieland was not what I was hoping for, but this is a true zombie story. The Zombies are violent creatures and they are called Momerath's, they carry a virus and if they bite a person they will become infected.
The premise goes like this, a few years back a virus broke loose and since then there has been a zombie outbreak, there are those who are carriers of the virus, it'll remain dormant until their immune system is compromised and they will eventually turn into a zombie. Alice's parents are gone and all she has is her older sister, Dinah. When Dinah begins to show signs of the virus, Alice takes off to find a cure and along the way she meets the cast of Wonderland - except not how you remember them.
Sullivan has introduced Alice in the way that Seth Grahame-Smith introduced us to Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies. There are remnants of the actual story in there with hints of new and reimagined characters. All the while Alice is true to her curious self, who questions things at every turn.
There is a hint of romance but nothing that actually overrides the story or distracts you from the task at hand, and any questions you may have had on who, what, when, where and how are answered.
I give it 3.5 savvy crowns.
- Website - Facebook - Instagram -BookTube -
June 11, 2017
Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles was both my first retelling of Alice and my first zombie related book. It did not disappoint on either count.
While I tend to avoid horror stories in general, Sullivan manages to keep the balance between making it an enjoyable read, without shrinking away from the horrors of fighting the Momerath. She also masterfully adapted the characters to her story, in a blend that was both true to the original Alice story and also very much her own.
I absolutely loved Alice in this adaption. She is no damsel in distress. While not used to life outside the safety of the sector, she is willing to buck up and do what needs to be done to save her sister. The other characters, such as Chess, Abbot, Hatta, the Queen, were all well developed as well.
Sometimes I felt that Alice caught a few too many lucky breaks, especially towards the end. But then I thought, “She’s due for a few breaks” so I didn’t detract a star. I would have also loved to learn more about Dinah. She seemed to be a complex character, but she didn’t get as much screen time. I’m assuming that we will be seeing more of her in future books.
A masterful retelling and a strong story, I am very much looking forward to the next book!
While I tend to avoid horror stories in general, Sullivan manages to keep the balance between making it an enjoyable read, without shrinking away from the horrors of fighting the Momerath. She also masterfully adapted the characters to her story, in a blend that was both true to the original Alice story and also very much her own.
I absolutely loved Alice in this adaption. She is no damsel in distress. While not used to life outside the safety of the sector, she is willing to buck up and do what needs to be done to save her sister. The other characters, such as Chess, Abbot, Hatta, the Queen, were all well developed as well.
Sometimes I felt that Alice caught a few too many lucky breaks, especially towards the end. But then I thought, “She’s due for a few breaks” so I didn’t detract a star. I would have also loved to learn more about Dinah. She seemed to be a complex character, but she didn’t get as much screen time. I’m assuming that we will be seeing more of her in future books.
A masterful retelling and a strong story, I am very much looking forward to the next book!
August 7, 2017
DNF at 50%
The Alice in Wonderland references were way too close to the source material and the whole zombie thing. . . just not my thing!
The Alice in Wonderland references were way too close to the source material and the whole zombie thing. . . just not my thing!
June 29, 2017
I got this book to review through NetGalley. I was immediately interested in the fact that it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling. I was a bit unsure about the whole zombie theme to it. It ended up being an interesting blend of Resident Evil-like post-apocalyptic zombie tale and Alice in Wonderland re-imaging. This is the first book in a new series (I thought it was stand alone but it’s not).
This was a well written novel and overall I ended up enjoying it. I liked the characters and thought that the way the Alice in Wonderland content was blended in was well done and very tongue-in-cheek. It’s definitely a dark retelling and reminds a bit of the Alice: Madness Returns video game. You could also compare this series to Showalter’s Alice in Zombieland; I thought this book was much more well done than the Alice in Zombieland series.
The writing flows well and is engaging; I found myself drawn into the story and this ended up being a quick read for me. There were some inconsistencies that I struggled to get over. For example Alice is supposedly very bookish and introverted; yet suddenly when she gets to Wanderland she is able to sword fight and kick zombie butt...I was kind of like “Huh, where’d she learn that from”. Some of the reveals about Chess also bothered me.
The parallels between this book and the original Alice in Wonderland series are well done. Right away Alice is led through Wanderland by Chess, a nimble boy who frequently disappears and is cryptic. The doctor she chases through the city is named after the White Rabbit and another of the researchers is named Matt Hatta. I enjoyed hunting for the parallels and loved how they were hidden throughout the story.
I did not realize that this is the first book in a series, so this book has absolutely no resolution and pretty much ends right in the middle of things...just a heads up.
Overall while I did enjoy this book, I am not huge into zombie survival novels right now so I am uncertain as to whether or not I will continue with the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy post-apocalyptic zombie tales or are obsessed with Alice in Wonderland retellings.
This was a well written novel and overall I ended up enjoying it. I liked the characters and thought that the way the Alice in Wonderland content was blended in was well done and very tongue-in-cheek. It’s definitely a dark retelling and reminds a bit of the Alice: Madness Returns video game. You could also compare this series to Showalter’s Alice in Zombieland; I thought this book was much more well done than the Alice in Zombieland series.
The writing flows well and is engaging; I found myself drawn into the story and this ended up being a quick read for me. There were some inconsistencies that I struggled to get over. For example Alice is supposedly very bookish and introverted; yet suddenly when she gets to Wanderland she is able to sword fight and kick zombie butt...I was kind of like “Huh, where’d she learn that from”. Some of the reveals about Chess also bothered me.
The parallels between this book and the original Alice in Wonderland series are well done. Right away Alice is led through Wanderland by Chess, a nimble boy who frequently disappears and is cryptic. The doctor she chases through the city is named after the White Rabbit and another of the researchers is named Matt Hatta. I enjoyed hunting for the parallels and loved how they were hidden throughout the story.
I did not realize that this is the first book in a series, so this book has absolutely no resolution and pretty much ends right in the middle of things...just a heads up.
Overall while I did enjoy this book, I am not huge into zombie survival novels right now so I am uncertain as to whether or not I will continue with the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy post-apocalyptic zombie tales or are obsessed with Alice in Wonderland retellings.
May 8, 2017
Think Alice in Wonderland mixed with The Walking Dead. This will probably be my favourite retelling of Alice, ever.
Alice and her sister Dinah live in the Sector, a safe place where the Momerath (zombies) can't get in. When the sisters go on a scavenge hunt to a pharmacy and the library, they encounter a Momerath and barely escape. When Dinah falls ill and begins showing the signs of the virus that turns people into Momerath, Alice takes it upon herself to venture out on her own and find a cure for Dinah, before the virus takes her.
Alice was a really good main character. I liked her in the beginning, but I loved her in the end. Alice went from being the afraid little sister thats shy and likes book, to a powerful warrior thats not afraid to kill some zombies and encounter new groups of people if it gets her what she wants. She faced her fears and picked up a machete to kill zombies, somethings she's never done before and was able to fend them off all by herself, I was truly amazed looking back at her character development.
The plot of this story was really fast and intense. I love how the author didn't bore us with pointless details about the world, and had enough action to keep the reader entertained. From the reader's point of view, it was nice not to go over all the boring little details, but from the scientist's point of view, I would have loved to learn more about what the virus actually does to the body, and how it changes normal people into Momerath.
Since this was a retelling, all the classic characters are still here, even though they're slightly changed. My favourite, was probably the adaptation of the Red Queen, into a zombie killing warrior that brought her tribe together at the beginning of the outbreak, as well as Matt Hatter being the leading scientist to cause the outbreak, it was all so very creative.
While I was extremely impressed with the world that Sullivan created, it became a tad predictable at times. I know its very hard to make the story unpredictable when you're writing a retelling, but I would have loved to see more twists and surprises in this book.
The romance... I don't even know if you could call it that. While this book didn't exactly focus on the romance aspect, Alice was introduced to two boys, Nate and Chess. I'm sensing a potential love triangle in the future, but for now, this book remained love-triangle free. I'm definitely excited to see what the author does next with the romance.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. It is definitely something you should pick up if you're going through Walking Dead withdrawal, or if you love Alice in Wonderland, zombies, or really intense action stories. I look forward to seeing more from this author.
Happy Reading,
Aneta
Alice and her sister Dinah live in the Sector, a safe place where the Momerath (zombies) can't get in. When the sisters go on a scavenge hunt to a pharmacy and the library, they encounter a Momerath and barely escape. When Dinah falls ill and begins showing the signs of the virus that turns people into Momerath, Alice takes it upon herself to venture out on her own and find a cure for Dinah, before the virus takes her.
Alice was a really good main character. I liked her in the beginning, but I loved her in the end. Alice went from being the afraid little sister thats shy and likes book, to a powerful warrior thats not afraid to kill some zombies and encounter new groups of people if it gets her what she wants. She faced her fears and picked up a machete to kill zombies, somethings she's never done before and was able to fend them off all by herself, I was truly amazed looking back at her character development.
The plot of this story was really fast and intense. I love how the author didn't bore us with pointless details about the world, and had enough action to keep the reader entertained. From the reader's point of view, it was nice not to go over all the boring little details, but from the scientist's point of view, I would have loved to learn more about what the virus actually does to the body, and how it changes normal people into Momerath.
Since this was a retelling, all the classic characters are still here, even though they're slightly changed. My favourite, was probably the adaptation of the Red Queen, into a zombie killing warrior that brought her tribe together at the beginning of the outbreak, as well as Matt Hatter being the leading scientist to cause the outbreak, it was all so very creative.
While I was extremely impressed with the world that Sullivan created, it became a tad predictable at times. I know its very hard to make the story unpredictable when you're writing a retelling, but I would have loved to see more twists and surprises in this book.
The romance... I don't even know if you could call it that. While this book didn't exactly focus on the romance aspect, Alice was introduced to two boys, Nate and Chess. I'm sensing a potential love triangle in the future, but for now, this book remained love-triangle free. I'm definitely excited to see what the author does next with the romance.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. It is definitely something you should pick up if you're going through Walking Dead withdrawal, or if you love Alice in Wonderland, zombies, or really intense action stories. I look forward to seeing more from this author.
Happy Reading,
Aneta
July 23, 2017
Ms. Sullivan,
You are an excellent writer. I was unable to put down your book. Every turn of a page brought mystery, danger, and the common statement " just one more chapter" several chapters ago.
I am eagerly awaiting your next book!!!!!!!!
You are an excellent writer. I was unable to put down your book. Every turn of a page brought mystery, danger, and the common statement " just one more chapter" several chapters ago.
I am eagerly awaiting your next book!!!!!!!!
May 17, 2017
There are so many revisions on this tale. I liked this twist that author, J.M. Sullivan took for this book. Of course, there was the undead but it also had a bit of a dystopian feel to it that I enjoyed.
The world of "Wanderland" is not all mystical. In fact, you could call it "upside down". Things you thought you knew about your favorite characters are not the same in this book. For example: Rabbit is a doctor, Mad Hatter is know as Matt Hatta, a mad scientist. the Queen, she is more evil, and my favorite Cheshire Cat aka Chess, a boy. The way that Chess kept pushing Alice's buttons made me smile and laugh. Yet, as much as the momerath were supposed to be feared, I did not fear them as much as I did the evil Queen. You do not want to get on her bad side. Although, I don't think she has a good side. The ending was a bit of a surprise. It left me looking forward to the next book.
The world of "Wanderland" is not all mystical. In fact, you could call it "upside down". Things you thought you knew about your favorite characters are not the same in this book. For example: Rabbit is a doctor, Mad Hatter is know as Matt Hatta, a mad scientist. the Queen, she is more evil, and my favorite Cheshire Cat aka Chess, a boy. The way that Chess kept pushing Alice's buttons made me smile and laugh. Yet, as much as the momerath were supposed to be feared, I did not fear them as much as I did the evil Queen. You do not want to get on her bad side. Although, I don't think she has a good side. The ending was a bit of a surprise. It left me looking forward to the next book.
April 21, 2017
This was brilliant! I'm a bit of a weirdo and love gory things and this has the perfect amount gore. It was very witty and kept me on my toes as I read through. I can't wait for what's next!
May 12, 2017
Originally posted at The Regal Critiques: http://reading-is-dreaming-with-open-...
Huge thanks to J. M. Sullivan & the publisher for providing me with a review copy. :)
1. EPIC FIGHT SCENES
Honestly, Alice turned out a lot bloodier and gorier than I initially expected - which I, obviously, LOVED. I'm usually ready to skip most fight scenes, because they can quickly get boring, but not here! There were tons of badass fight scenes, and ALL of them were done in a way that made me pay attention to what was happening and with whom.
One tiny problem - I'm not quite sure how or when Alice learned to fight? She seemed to just know what to do, which is a bit over the top, in my opinion.
2. STRONG HEROINE
Alice was SO kickass. I loved loved LOVED her strength and stamina, and was rooting for her all through the novel. Her persistence was seriously something I totally wish I had, because, damn, did that make her one huge force to be reckoned with. She was ready to do ANYTHING to save her sister, and even when she wasn't the one controlling a situation, she was so aware of everything that was happening, her mind working on what to do next.
One problem I had was how completely dominant Alice's character was - as in, I felt like there was little to no chance of getting to know the other characters, as the emphasize seemed to always be on Alice, even when, say, another character was talking about their life. So yep, the supporting cast could have better, but I have hopes for the sequel, because most of the characters are rather promising.
3. JUST A PROMISE OF FUTURE ROMANCE
You guys know I love a good romance, but even I think that some novels are honestly better off without a significant romance - Alice is such a novel. As it tells the story of Alice, a young girl who, on the verge of losing her sister, is fighting with everything she has, it'd have seemed completely unrealistic to see her dive into a relationship, or develop serious feelings for someone. It was fantastic to find a book that finally concentrates on the story and on other relationships than the romance.
That said, there certainly is a suggestion of future love interests for Alice. Yep, you read that right, unfortunately, there may be a love triangle involved in the sequel, but everything I've seen so far made me trust in the author, so I'm not freaking out. Not totally, at least.
4. TOP-NOTCH WORLD BUILDING
The world building was just so freaking well-done. I was seriously in awe of how awesomely J. M. Sullivan managed to portray the dark, creepy atmosphere of Wanderland, aka a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. At this point zombies had been done so many times that it's kinda hard to create something new, but I certainly think that Sullivan managed to add her own ideas to the well-known mix.
5. WELL DONE RETELLING
Moreover, the retelling was fantastically done. I was rather worried after being disappointed in a Alice in Zombieland, another YA retelling of Alice, because that book? Definitely didn't feel like a retelling.
This novel, however, absolutely killed the Alice in Wonderland references. There were references to the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and her soldiers, and I could go on, but I'd rather if you guys found it out for yourselves. Also, J. M. Sullivan managed to mix the quirky, weird atmosphere of the original with the dark and frightening zombie-world she created.
ALL IN ALL
I'm super-satisfied with Alice. Sure, I mentioned a couple of problems I had, but overall, it was a wholly enjoyable novel with a fantastic main character and superb world-building.
The story idea: 4/5
The realization of the story: 4/5
The characters: 3.5/5
The cover: 4.5/5
Enjoy factor: 4/5
Final rating: 4/5
Huge thanks to J. M. Sullivan & the publisher for providing me with a review copy. :)
1. EPIC FIGHT SCENES
Honestly, Alice turned out a lot bloodier and gorier than I initially expected - which I, obviously, LOVED. I'm usually ready to skip most fight scenes, because they can quickly get boring, but not here! There were tons of badass fight scenes, and ALL of them were done in a way that made me pay attention to what was happening and with whom.
One tiny problem - I'm not quite sure how or when Alice learned to fight? She seemed to just know what to do, which is a bit over the top, in my opinion.
2. STRONG HEROINE
Alice was SO kickass. I loved loved LOVED her strength and stamina, and was rooting for her all through the novel. Her persistence was seriously something I totally wish I had, because, damn, did that make her one huge force to be reckoned with. She was ready to do ANYTHING to save her sister, and even when she wasn't the one controlling a situation, she was so aware of everything that was happening, her mind working on what to do next.
One problem I had was how completely dominant Alice's character was - as in, I felt like there was little to no chance of getting to know the other characters, as the emphasize seemed to always be on Alice, even when, say, another character was talking about their life. So yep, the supporting cast could have better, but I have hopes for the sequel, because most of the characters are rather promising.
3. JUST A PROMISE OF FUTURE ROMANCE
You guys know I love a good romance, but even I think that some novels are honestly better off without a significant romance - Alice is such a novel. As it tells the story of Alice, a young girl who, on the verge of losing her sister, is fighting with everything she has, it'd have seemed completely unrealistic to see her dive into a relationship, or develop serious feelings for someone. It was fantastic to find a book that finally concentrates on the story and on other relationships than the romance.
That said, there certainly is a suggestion of future love interests for Alice. Yep, you read that right, unfortunately, there may be a love triangle involved in the sequel, but everything I've seen so far made me trust in the author, so I'm not freaking out. Not totally, at least.
4. TOP-NOTCH WORLD BUILDING
The world building was just so freaking well-done. I was seriously in awe of how awesomely J. M. Sullivan managed to portray the dark, creepy atmosphere of Wanderland, aka a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. At this point zombies had been done so many times that it's kinda hard to create something new, but I certainly think that Sullivan managed to add her own ideas to the well-known mix.
5. WELL DONE RETELLING
Moreover, the retelling was fantastically done. I was rather worried after being disappointed in a Alice in Zombieland, another YA retelling of Alice, because that book? Definitely didn't feel like a retelling.
This novel, however, absolutely killed the Alice in Wonderland references. There were references to the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and her soldiers, and I could go on, but I'd rather if you guys found it out for yourselves. Also, J. M. Sullivan managed to mix the quirky, weird atmosphere of the original with the dark and frightening zombie-world she created.
ALL IN ALL
I'm super-satisfied with Alice. Sure, I mentioned a couple of problems I had, but overall, it was a wholly enjoyable novel with a fantastic main character and superb world-building.
The story idea: 4/5
The realization of the story: 4/5
The characters: 3.5/5
The cover: 4.5/5
Enjoy factor: 4/5
Final rating: 4/5
May 4, 2017
Seventeen year old Alice Carroll has been living in a safe zone with her older sister Dinah since the outbreak of the plague. Dinah was studying to be a nurse before the plague hit so now she's called on to help the locals so when there's a sick baby Dinah does what she can to help.
Dinah has Alice accompany her outside the fence and safe zone to scavenge for supplies but when returning things take a turn for the worse for Dinah. Alice knows immediately that while Dinah wasn't bitten she must be a carrier of the Momerath Virus and in danger of turning herself if Alice doesn't find a cure. Alice is determined to do whatever it takes to save her sister and finds herself heading to Wanderland.
Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles to me would best be described as a mix of Alice in Wonderland meets the Walking Dead. The plague in here sounds to be basically the zombie apocalypse has happened in the story shutting the survivors off and fighting from attacks. But when Alice takes off looking for a cure she finds herself meeting a version of all of the characters you would find in Wonderland.
I actually rather enjoyed this rather creative twist with this retelling where you aren't reading the exact story just redone but something entirely new happening to the characters. While there are zombie like attacks there's a whole plot of what brought on the plague and Alice fighting her way to a cure for her sister so the book was rather action packed and fast paced. If I had any complaint at all with this one is the end leaves room for perhaps there being another book so it's a bit of a cliffhanger if there isn't another one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
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Dinah has Alice accompany her outside the fence and safe zone to scavenge for supplies but when returning things take a turn for the worse for Dinah. Alice knows immediately that while Dinah wasn't bitten she must be a carrier of the Momerath Virus and in danger of turning herself if Alice doesn't find a cure. Alice is determined to do whatever it takes to save her sister and finds herself heading to Wanderland.
Alice: The Wanderland Chronicles to me would best be described as a mix of Alice in Wonderland meets the Walking Dead. The plague in here sounds to be basically the zombie apocalypse has happened in the story shutting the survivors off and fighting from attacks. But when Alice takes off looking for a cure she finds herself meeting a version of all of the characters you would find in Wonderland.
I actually rather enjoyed this rather creative twist with this retelling where you aren't reading the exact story just redone but something entirely new happening to the characters. While there are zombie like attacks there's a whole plot of what brought on the plague and Alice fighting her way to a cure for her sister so the book was rather action packed and fast paced. If I had any complaint at all with this one is the end leaves room for perhaps there being another book so it's a bit of a cliffhanger if there isn't another one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
finish-later
May 18, 2017I'll be interested in reading this in the future, but right now I'm just not getting into it.
May 25, 2017
This book was Alice in Wonderland meets The Walking Dead. Epic! We follow Alice as she makes her way through Wanderland in the search for a cure to a deadly mutation that her sister has contracted. She meets Chess, The Bug, Hatta and may more on her journey. I love how all the classic Alice in Wonderland elements are weaved throughout this dystopian style read. Five stars for J.M. Sullivan.
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