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Chronicles of Blood #3
Dying Wonderland
At the declaration of the Second Purging by the Bloody Queens, Mal and her coterie know it's time to step up their game. After some quick but thorough planning, the group head off on their first true mission: to visit the Kingdoms of Dymund, Klubb, and Wyte in search of support.
With the addition of Wally completing her seven - although none of them are convinced of the Knave’s true intentions - Mal is ready to start truly taking on the task of amassing enough magic and support to bring down the Queens.
As their journey heats up, so do her relationships. You’d think that having so many men to love, there wouldn’t be time for anything else. But tensions rise, jealousy sparks, and no one is comfortable, or so much as acknowledges, their emotions! It’s a Laddenworn thing… something Mal needs to get under control before it tears their group apart.
**This is a full-length new adult, reverse harem, dark romance novel with a #whychoose ending, meaning the main character gets a happily ever after with more than one man (eventually). It contains magic, demons, shifters, nonsense, explicit sex scenes, blood, violence, murder. There are references to past emotional abuse. This is a MMFMM book with a STRONG focus on the woman (although there is some MM and MMF in here, too). This is book 3 of 4 in the series.
With the addition of Wally completing her seven - although none of them are convinced of the Knave’s true intentions - Mal is ready to start truly taking on the task of amassing enough magic and support to bring down the Queens.
As their journey heats up, so do her relationships. You’d think that having so many men to love, there wouldn’t be time for anything else. But tensions rise, jealousy sparks, and no one is comfortable, or so much as acknowledges, their emotions! It’s a Laddenworn thing… something Mal needs to get under control before it tears their group apart.
**This is a full-length new adult, reverse harem, dark romance novel with a #whychoose ending, meaning the main character gets a happily ever after with more than one man (eventually). It contains magic, demons, shifters, nonsense, explicit sex scenes, blood, violence, murder. There are references to past emotional abuse. This is a MMFMM book with a STRONG focus on the woman (although there is some MM and MMF in here, too). This is book 3 of 4 in the series.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
67 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Crea Reitan
114 books1,116 followersCrea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 38 reviews
September 28, 2020
I think this third book is my favourite so far. They just keep getting better with each new addition to the series. The writing is fantastic and fully submerged me in the story. I'm here for the long haul. There is such a mystery to this story that I'm dying to see solved. So many puzzle pieces have been found over the course of these three books and finally some are getting put together to figure out what is truly happening in Laddenworn and what caused Wonderland's downfall. The introduction to Wally in this book was a game changer. I liked that he sits down to think about every option that they have and the possible scenarios that come with the decisions they make. I feel like anything they do now will have a more solidified plan, it won't be just winging it and hoping for the best. The group as a whole seems to be working a whole lot better this time around as well. You could really tell this with how they acted after Wyat got hurt and how everyone stayed around to comfort him as he healed. It really showed how far this group has come. There was never any real fighting between the guys but there wasn't this kind of bond before. It was heartwarming to see them there for each other. Even Ryph was less annoying this book, but he still had ways of irritating me with the way he acted when Eagy wasn't around. There still needs to be a lot of communication between him and Eagy or something crazy is going to happen, and not the good kind of crazy. The relationship between Mal and Chesh has deepened, finally. He has been waiting for too long in my opinion, worried about her not being ready, but it was something he just assumed she needed when she didn't. I'm glad it all worked out though. Even her relationship with TL is *teehee* blossoming. Kav is still a huge question mark, but it seems like overall things are finally going in the right direction. At least for their plans..but that ending..umm..I could be wrong?? I'm excited to see how this story comes to a conclusion. There seems to be a lot that needs addressed. Maybe one thing is the cause to many others and caused a snowball effect. I'm hoping the answer to one problem is also the answer to many others.
March 30, 2022
2.5 stars
This series has started to get better. Even though there's still mistakes and editing and plot errors its less than the first 2 and the story has gotten a bit more interesting.
I do hope the the end book will continue to improve and that the ending makes sense as I feel like the author has added ideas when they came to her without thought of continuity or plot logic.
This is the first book where I've seen a hint of character development so I hope that the last book builds more on that as well as plot points and information delivery.
This series has started to get better. Even though there's still mistakes and editing and plot errors its less than the first 2 and the story has gotten a bit more interesting.
I do hope the the end book will continue to improve and that the ending makes sense as I feel like the author has added ideas when they came to her without thought of continuity or plot logic.
This is the first book where I've seen a hint of character development so I hope that the last book builds more on that as well as plot points and information delivery.
September 22, 2020
Dying Wonderland by Crea Reitan is the third book in Chronicles of Blood series. This book continues our journey in this twisted version of wonderland. It picks up where the last book left us, and I was excited to hop back to this series.
This book is very well written, and the storyline is amazing. Many things are happening in this book, and we learn lots of new info. The world-building is amazing as usual. I like how the author describes their journey through the book.
There are many mysteries and secrets. We get some answers in this book, but there are many things left to discover in the next book. I love how the mysteries just keep building up, and can't wait for them all to be exposed and to see how this all ends.
This book has many twists and turns, and they kept me intrigued throughout the book. I couldn't put this book down after starting and read it in one sitting.
Love how badass Mal is in these books. She isn't weak or play the damsel in the distress character. I still love most of her men.
There is one that I'm not sure about, but I'm anxious to see what his role is in all of this.
I hope we get to see more of some of the characters introduced in the previous books. I loved a few of them and would love to see what their faith is going to be in the end.
Loved the character growth in this book!
The ending, OMG!! I want the next book now. This ending is definitely one amazing cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
I would totally recommend this series and book. They are amazing.
I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
This book is very well written, and the storyline is amazing. Many things are happening in this book, and we learn lots of new info. The world-building is amazing as usual. I like how the author describes their journey through the book.
There are many mysteries and secrets. We get some answers in this book, but there are many things left to discover in the next book. I love how the mysteries just keep building up, and can't wait for them all to be exposed and to see how this all ends.
This book has many twists and turns, and they kept me intrigued throughout the book. I couldn't put this book down after starting and read it in one sitting.
Love how badass Mal is in these books. She isn't weak or play the damsel in the distress character. I still love most of her men.
There is one that I'm not sure about, but I'm anxious to see what his role is in all of this.
I hope we get to see more of some of the characters introduced in the previous books. I loved a few of them and would love to see what their faith is going to be in the end.
Loved the character growth in this book!
The ending, OMG!! I want the next book now. This ending is definitely one amazing cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
I would totally recommend this series and book. They are amazing.
I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2020
I feel like this series gets better with every book and I’m so sad that it’s almost over. We continue learning about Laddenworn’s history and politics, even if it’s cryptic and in nonsense riddles at times. The Ten Children still have my interest peaked, especially Lily and Nine, along with the other queens of Laddenworn.
I adored Wally and was so glad we were finally able to meet him- he’s my second favorite of her men after Chesh of course! Some dark secrets were revealed from some of Mal’s men and placement of who is who in the original tales still aren’t solidified, but I think I might know who the Huntsman is now. Easy and Ryph are still somewhat annoying to me because jealousy just doesn’t sit well with me after a certain point, but maybe it’ll die down in the finale? I think the toves are my favorite creatures and possibly want one of my own even though I know I don’t have enough food to keep it happy and sustained.
Crea continues to add her own twist onto the classic tale and I don’t think I’ve really read another Alice retelling like this one. It’s refreshing, intriguing, and horrifying all at once with amazing broken characters that keep you wanting to see their happily ever after. I love seeing Mal’s memorandum at the end of every book and it’s a nice summary of what we outsiders continue to learn about Laddenworn.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I adored Wally and was so glad we were finally able to meet him- he’s my second favorite of her men after Chesh of course! Some dark secrets were revealed from some of Mal’s men and placement of who is who in the original tales still aren’t solidified, but I think I might know who the Huntsman is now. Easy and Ryph are still somewhat annoying to me because jealousy just doesn’t sit well with me after a certain point, but maybe it’ll die down in the finale? I think the toves are my favorite creatures and possibly want one of my own even though I know I don’t have enough food to keep it happy and sustained.
Crea continues to add her own twist onto the classic tale and I don’t think I’ve really read another Alice retelling like this one. It’s refreshing, intriguing, and horrifying all at once with amazing broken characters that keep you wanting to see their happily ever after. I love seeing Mal’s memorandum at the end of every book and it’s a nice summary of what we outsiders continue to learn about Laddenworn.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
September 19, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better!!!
Dying Wonderland is the third book in the Chronicles of Blood series and this book sees Mal and her coterie travelling through Laddenworn trying to find allies in her fight to stop the Queens. We meet several new characters during this journey, including Wally, the Cards and the mysterious Croc.
This book also delves into more of the history of Laddenworn/Wonderland which is fascinating. The world building in this series is just amazing!!!! There are revelations about Wyat and Wally’s role in the original Culling of Laddenworn and we learn a lot more about both of their pasts. There seems to be an overtone of anxiety in this book as Mal struggles to find a way to defeat the queens and warn everyone about the Second Purging before more people die. There are still questions about Kav’s loyalty, but it seems like TL might finally be starting to thaw when it comes to Mal. Chesh is still totally my favourite character in the series.
This book ends on another cliffhanger so I am anxiously waiting for the next book to come out so I can find out what happens next.
Dying Wonderland is the third book in the Chronicles of Blood series and this book sees Mal and her coterie travelling through Laddenworn trying to find allies in her fight to stop the Queens. We meet several new characters during this journey, including Wally, the Cards and the mysterious Croc.
This book also delves into more of the history of Laddenworn/Wonderland which is fascinating. The world building in this series is just amazing!!!! There are revelations about Wyat and Wally’s role in the original Culling of Laddenworn and we learn a lot more about both of their pasts. There seems to be an overtone of anxiety in this book as Mal struggles to find a way to defeat the queens and warn everyone about the Second Purging before more people die. There are still questions about Kav’s loyalty, but it seems like TL might finally be starting to thaw when it comes to Mal. Chesh is still totally my favourite character in the series.
This book ends on another cliffhanger so I am anxiously waiting for the next book to come out so I can find out what happens next.
September 21, 2020
Ugh I can't get enough of this series! Every book casts a spell on me. I'm addicted. It's so damn unique and enchanting. The characters, the plot, the mistery, the riddles, everything is amazing. I dread the end of every book and, at the same time, can't wait for the next. I love every character (even though I'm still a bit worried about Kav), they're so fascinating. With all their quirks and eccentric personalities, they're beautiful. I'm sad that the end is near, but, at the same time, so damn excited to see them succeed in their journey ❤️
September 16, 2020
I don’t even know where to begin sorting through my feelings on this book, I can’t get enough of Mal and her Coterie.
Following the events of the last book Mal and her men continue their mission to Fix our twisted fairytale starting with ridding the kingdoms of the monstrous Queens before they can carry out a second Culling, this time ridding the lands of anything not people. As this includes most of Laddenworn and all of Mals Men, if she doesn’t find a way to stop Queens Redd and Hart everyone she loves will be lost forever.
We are introduced to plenty of new characters along the road and a large helping of steam. It appears Mal has found her 7 but I’m not entirely convinced they will be her final 7. We will have to wait and see.
As this is book 3 of 4 you can expect a lot more questions than answers but don’t worry I’m sure all will be revealed in the final book.
Following the events of the last book Mal and her men continue their mission to Fix our twisted fairytale starting with ridding the kingdoms of the monstrous Queens before they can carry out a second Culling, this time ridding the lands of anything not people. As this includes most of Laddenworn and all of Mals Men, if she doesn’t find a way to stop Queens Redd and Hart everyone she loves will be lost forever.
We are introduced to plenty of new characters along the road and a large helping of steam. It appears Mal has found her 7 but I’m not entirely convinced they will be her final 7. We will have to wait and see.
As this is book 3 of 4 you can expect a lot more questions than answers but don’t worry I’m sure all will be revealed in the final book.
September 21, 2020
Again, if you haven't read books 1 & 2; you need to!
This is a great version of this classic tale. I am so happy that Mal was able to add to her "Seven", although I am curious about one of her Seven. Is he or isn't he?? Time will tell, I would like to believe better of him but you never know. I am also mad at one of the characters, I mean seriously what is going on with him??? I hate being mad at characters but with the way that Crea is writing them you can't help but develop feelings and opinions. I am really enjoying the character development.
Bring on Book 4!!
This is a great version of this classic tale. I am so happy that Mal was able to add to her "Seven", although I am curious about one of her Seven. Is he or isn't he?? Time will tell, I would like to believe better of him but you never know. I am also mad at one of the characters, I mean seriously what is going on with him??? I hate being mad at characters but with the way that Crea is writing them you can't help but develop feelings and opinions. I am really enjoying the character development.
Bring on Book 4!!
September 23, 2020
Bloody Fabulous!! I have been sucked into this series since the beginning and this book is even better. Mal and her men continue on their journey to solve the mysterious red queen problems. But Kav......... what the heck is up with him? 🤨 Anyways, the growth of the characters is fantastic and the puzzle pieces falling into place are giving us answers to the many questions that are still hanging out there. I cannot wait for the next book! 💜🖤
September 22, 2020
She’s done it again.
I was so excited when I got this book. It’s answers some questions but raises so many more. The Developments in relationships are amazing.
You start to understand why some of the characters are the way they are and you hear some of the stories from the past. Personally it’s my favourite one yet. Bring on book 4!
I was so excited when I got this book. It’s answers some questions but raises so many more. The Developments in relationships are amazing.
You start to understand why some of the characters are the way they are and you hear some of the stories from the past. Personally it’s my favourite one yet. Bring on book 4!
October 30, 2023
This story just gets better and better. I am extremely invested in the characters, they are diverse lovable and really make this story come to life. The series is packed full with every emotion under the sun bought to the reader, this writer has the magic touch and I am desperate for the next in series
September 23, 2020
This book from the moment that I started reading, had me and would not let me go. This book moves along at a comfortable pace. The characters seem so real that you feel as though you know them and the story keeps your interest all the way from the beginning till the very end. This is a must read, no doubt about it.
September 28, 2020
What a great third book for this series! Wrapping questions from the other books into new mysteries to be solved. The depth of the characters keeps growing, and the story does right along with them, AMAZING!
March 6, 2024
Fantastic
This is the third book on this series and I was still completely hooked from start to finish. The continued world building is absolutely fantastic. The characters are so unique and original. Mal and her men are just wow! I’m excited to read book four.
This is the third book on this series and I was still completely hooked from start to finish. The continued world building is absolutely fantastic. The characters are so unique and original. Mal and her men are just wow! I’m excited to read book four.
September 22, 2020
Such an amazing series! I love Mal and all her men except Kav. This series will pull you in and not let go, it is a great retelling of Alice and wonderland!!
September 24, 2020
Such a great continuation of Mals story. Book 3 of 4 - this is a whimsical and crazy entertaining story! Lots of steam and jealously and twists and turns! Highly recommend this series.
September 19, 2020
OMG that ending! What is that?! Haha. Dying Wonderland was so good and it’s just gotten more interesting as the story has progressed. Things have gotten even more magical with her men and I love all of them. Well except Kav of course. They’re getting closer to finding answers and putting a bunch of puzzle pieces together. I can’t wait to see what happens in Bloody Wonderland!
September 16, 2020
I loved reading more back stories for Mal’s men. All the characters are making growth (except for the Knave, what is up with that dude?) and I’m enjoying reading about them coming into themselves and growing their relationship with Mal. I’m excited for the conclusion!
September 25, 2020
Good continuation
In this book we get more of the backstory of the world of “Laddenworn” and its kingdoms. I like that the books are in different perspectives so t hat we can connect with each of the main characters.
In this book we get more of the backstory of the world of “Laddenworn” and its kingdoms. I like that the books are in different perspectives so t hat we can connect with each of the main characters.
October 21, 2020
Continues to get better and better and we keep learning more about each character. And more join in, the story is so unique I love it, never quite read something like this before. Mal has truly endeared herself to me and want to see her succeed. Can't wait for book 4
September 30, 2020
5 stars
I don’t think there’s a single thing I didn’t like in this book. What a pleasure to get back to Mal’s and her coterie’s adventures!
They continue to try and solve Wonderland’s mysteries and manage to piece a lot of things together, it’s all getting very exciting.
I really love watching Mal’s relationships evolve throughout the books and this one has some of the most satisfying developments yet. The characters are fleshed-out, deep, nothing is all black or white, they all come with a past and we get to know and understand them all a little bit better in this installment.
The world-building is still excellent; I think part of the genius of it (and what keeps it fascinating to me) is that there is an underlying tension between the parts of the weirdness that are going to be explained and the parts which we need to just accept as part of the nonsensical atmosphere.
I’m now torn because I desperately want the next book, but I’m really sad it will be the last one…
Oh, and spoiler:
I don’t think there’s a single thing I didn’t like in this book. What a pleasure to get back to Mal’s and her coterie’s adventures!
They continue to try and solve Wonderland’s mysteries and manage to piece a lot of things together, it’s all getting very exciting.
I really love watching Mal’s relationships evolve throughout the books and this one has some of the most satisfying developments yet. The characters are fleshed-out, deep, nothing is all black or white, they all come with a past and we get to know and understand them all a little bit better in this installment.
The world-building is still excellent; I think part of the genius of it (and what keeps it fascinating to me) is that there is an underlying tension between the parts of the weirdness that are going to be explained and the parts which we need to just accept as part of the nonsensical atmosphere.
I’m now torn because I desperately want the next book, but I’m really sad it will be the last one…
Oh, and spoiler:
December 28, 2020
My heart! It's breaking!
Once again, a really well written book. I loved watching characters grow into their strengths and also becoming closer as a cohesive unit!
I've loved the questions that have been answered and seeing how things are tying together.
I can't wait for book 4 because it will be just wonderful as it's predecessors!!!
Once again, a really well written book. I loved watching characters grow into their strengths and also becoming closer as a cohesive unit!
I've loved the questions that have been answered and seeing how things are tying together.
I can't wait for book 4 because it will be just wonderful as it's predecessors!!!
April 14, 2021
My favorite in the series so far
I have loved every book in the series so far but this one is my favorite. There seems to be so much information revealing itself and the pieces are coming together. Even though a lot is happening, it isn’t overwhelming or makes the story convoluted. My theories from book 1 are slowly being ruled out and new theories are popping up in my head. I cannot wait to finish out the series to see how things end.
The development of Mal’s relationships with her men are all progressing. Like I’ve said before, they each appear to be in different stages but that’s expected since she has known some of them longer than others. I really enjoyed the uncertainty of who exactly will end up in her harem. There have been a few characters that could go either way by the time the story comes to an end.
Usually I find myself hesitant to start a final book of a series that I really enjoy because I’m rarely ready to say goodbye to the characters and the world. Lucky for me, I hear there is a spin off series with the same characters but different plot line and story arc. I’m curious to see how this story arc will be concluded.
I have loved every book in the series so far but this one is my favorite. There seems to be so much information revealing itself and the pieces are coming together. Even though a lot is happening, it isn’t overwhelming or makes the story convoluted. My theories from book 1 are slowly being ruled out and new theories are popping up in my head. I cannot wait to finish out the series to see how things end.
The development of Mal’s relationships with her men are all progressing. Like I’ve said before, they each appear to be in different stages but that’s expected since she has known some of them longer than others. I really enjoyed the uncertainty of who exactly will end up in her harem. There have been a few characters that could go either way by the time the story comes to an end.
Usually I find myself hesitant to start a final book of a series that I really enjoy because I’m rarely ready to say goodbye to the characters and the world. Lucky for me, I hear there is a spin off series with the same characters but different plot line and story arc. I’m curious to see how this story arc will be concluded.
August 17, 2021
Mal didn't think the situation in Wonderland could get any worse than it already was, and she had no idea if she could fix it. Then the Bloody Queens declared that there would be a Second Purging. Now all she can do is travel throughout Wonderland with her coterie and look for allies for their fight to overthrow the Queens. She will find the last member of her seven, and they still haven't discovered the Knave's true intentions.
Fascinating and sometimes demented characters that are all very well interested in this twisted retailing of a classic. Magic, mayhem, and bloody murder with a cast of fairy tales creatures kept me engrossed in these pages. Plenty of twists in the plot make it almost impossible to put this book down.
Fascinating and sometimes demented characters that are all very well interested in this twisted retailing of a classic. Magic, mayhem, and bloody murder with a cast of fairy tales creatures kept me engrossed in these pages. Plenty of twists in the plot make it almost impossible to put this book down.
January 27, 2023
the notes at the end are EVERYTHING
Spice: 3/5
Sooo what’s up with Kav? Bad guy orrr? He was a coldlander but obviously didn’t succeed? Can’t wait to get juicy details.
Obsessed with this retelling. Love the similarities and the modern language. I love the characters, and the plot. Cannot wait to see ending! But dreading the ending because I’m so in love with these characters
Spice: 3/5
Sooo what’s up with Kav? Bad guy orrr? He was a coldlander but obviously didn’t succeed? Can’t wait to get juicy details.
Obsessed with this retelling. Love the similarities and the modern language. I love the characters, and the plot. Cannot wait to see ending! But dreading the ending because I’m so in love with these characters
August 1, 2021
Great story
Sometimes I lose my interest after book 2 or after 3 more times than I could count, but this story keeps me entertained and I want them to succeed, I feel for them all when something bad happens to Laddenworn, I'm mad on behalf of the harem and everything they have been through but I love it so much I can't stop reading.
Last book coming up
Sometimes I lose my interest after book 2 or after 3 more times than I could count, but this story keeps me entertained and I want them to succeed, I feel for them all when something bad happens to Laddenworn, I'm mad on behalf of the harem and everything they have been through but I love it so much I can't stop reading.
Last book coming up
February 27, 2022
Amazing book. I love the story can wait to find out if she gets more men, also what up with Kev!?? And Zach what an ass. The only thing I didn’t like, is that I couldn’t read any of her notes on my kindle. And kind of sucks because you can see what she is writing. 🥺 maybe the last book will be readable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2022
Did not know I was missing this type of book in my library. I have never read RH before, and I am so glad I was recommended these books! Love her versions of these fairytales, and I can not wait for more! Loving the stories written by her and my husband loves the fact that I am so invested in these books! (He gets more action whilst I'm reading these books! 😂😉🥵🔥😂
June 2, 2023
Fantastic Story
Holy guacamole! Crea Reitan delivered a fantastic tale once again with the third installment from the Chronicles of Blood series. Mal and her men continue to try to save Wonderland in this book and they are getting oh so close! Their adventure keeps pulling me back in, I can't wait to read book 4!
Holy guacamole! Crea Reitan delivered a fantastic tale once again with the third installment from the Chronicles of Blood series. Mal and her men continue to try to save Wonderland in this book and they are getting oh so close! Their adventure keeps pulling me back in, I can't wait to read book 4!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 38 reviews