Helpful Score: 8
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
I have a confession to make. I have never particularly cared for Lewis Carroll's (aka the Reverend Charles Dodgson's) ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Although I've read those stories, once, they have never even come close to being one of my favorites. With Frank Beddor's THE LOOKING GLASS WARS, however, I can easily say that I was drawn into the story from the first page--and have found a new book to add to my list of favorites.
THE LOOKING GLASS WARS begins in 1863, in Oxford England, with eleven-year-old Alyss Heart having told her story to the Rev. Charles Dodgson over a matter of months. After four years of living in this world, Alyss is sure her story is about to be told. Unfortunately, the "liberties" that college scholar Dodgson took with her telling of her life in Wonderland have been turned into a parody, a fictional tale that resembles nothing like the life she had previously led. The events that led to her living in England have become nothing but a foolish story, something to be read to privileged children by their pampered parents.
Alyss's story actually begins long before that day she is given a bound copy of ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND by Dodgson. While Alyss was celebrating her seventh birthday in Wonderland, plans were being put into action to overthrow the Queen, Genevieve, Alyss's mother. Genevieve's evil sister, Redd, has grown tired of being exiled from Wonderland--and her powers have grown strong. She stages a coup that begins with the death of the King, Genevieve's husband, Nolan. And it doesn't end until Genevieve is dead, as well, and Alyss is forced to escape through the Pool of Tears.
This is only the beginning of Alyss's toils, and the troubles and woes that come to all Wonderlanders who refuse to recognize the new queen. As the other houses (Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs) take sides, as battles are waged, Wonderland fades from the beautiful, prosperous city that it once was. And Alyss, who was destined to be Queen, is forced to live a life of lies in an alternate world.
Frank Beddor has come up with a wonderful story that draws upon Lewis Carroll's original characters and turns them around to bring them to vivid life. From the Chessboard Desert to the bodyguard Hatter Madigan, from the scholar Bibwit Harte to the young Dodge Anders, from the Generals Doppel and Ganger to The Cat and the Glass Eyes and The Cut, it's all there, in wonderful, splendid glory. This is definitely one story that will stay with you, and have you turning pages long into the night. If you're like me, you'll also be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series, SEEING REDD.
I have a confession to make. I have never particularly cared for Lewis Carroll's (aka the Reverend Charles Dodgson's) ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Although I've read those stories, once, they have never even come close to being one of my favorites. With Frank Beddor's THE LOOKING GLASS WARS, however, I can easily say that I was drawn into the story from the first page--and have found a new book to add to my list of favorites.
THE LOOKING GLASS WARS begins in 1863, in Oxford England, with eleven-year-old Alyss Heart having told her story to the Rev. Charles Dodgson over a matter of months. After four years of living in this world, Alyss is sure her story is about to be told. Unfortunately, the "liberties" that college scholar Dodgson took with her telling of her life in Wonderland have been turned into a parody, a fictional tale that resembles nothing like the life she had previously led. The events that led to her living in England have become nothing but a foolish story, something to be read to privileged children by their pampered parents.
Alyss's story actually begins long before that day she is given a bound copy of ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND by Dodgson. While Alyss was celebrating her seventh birthday in Wonderland, plans were being put into action to overthrow the Queen, Genevieve, Alyss's mother. Genevieve's evil sister, Redd, has grown tired of being exiled from Wonderland--and her powers have grown strong. She stages a coup that begins with the death of the King, Genevieve's husband, Nolan. And it doesn't end until Genevieve is dead, as well, and Alyss is forced to escape through the Pool of Tears.
This is only the beginning of Alyss's toils, and the troubles and woes that come to all Wonderlanders who refuse to recognize the new queen. As the other houses (Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs) take sides, as battles are waged, Wonderland fades from the beautiful, prosperous city that it once was. And Alyss, who was destined to be Queen, is forced to live a life of lies in an alternate world.
Frank Beddor has come up with a wonderful story that draws upon Lewis Carroll's original characters and turns them around to bring them to vivid life. From the Chessboard Desert to the bodyguard Hatter Madigan, from the scholar Bibwit Harte to the young Dodge Anders, from the Generals Doppel and Ganger to The Cat and the Glass Eyes and The Cut, it's all there, in wonderful, splendid glory. This is definitely one story that will stay with you, and have you turning pages long into the night. If you're like me, you'll also be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series, SEEING REDD.
Helpful Score: 6
First off, the edition of this book that I read was beautiful. The cover was glossy, the pages thick, and the little extras like the hearts/diamonds, etc on each page a nice touch. Also included were some beautiful illustrations of Alyss as a child and adult, Hatter, and Bibwit among others.
This book had quite a slow start for me. I really had to make myself keep reading, but once I got about 50 pages in I couldn't put it down. And thank goodness because this was the only book I took with me while in the car today driving back and forth half of Texas and I finished it in just a few hours.
I really enjoyed the plot of the book. I found it imaginative, fast paced, and childlike in it resolution of conflicts. I loved how the characters imagination came to life, and was used in all manner of life. That Wonderland was the origin for so many inventions, thoughts, and theories that they spread throughout the universe.
The characters were wide spread in terms of personality but did hold tightly to some cliques. Especially Hatter and Dodge. One was the typical loyal warrior who can do anything, defeat anyone, and is always in control. The other is the typical man bent on revenge to the exclusion of all else who is proud, relentless, and cold. Alyss seemed to really grow and transform throughout the book from a sweet yet spoiled and naive child, to a cold and resolutely imaginable young woman, to a strong, fighting queen.
My issues with the book though was the rushed pacing. Years pass within chapters with only the smallest of glimpses into what is passing in the lives of the characters. This rushed style of writing also affects the plot in the way situations are easily overcome despite 300+ pages of buildup. I think that this is a reflection of the fact that this book is written for teens possibly. Also, the description were sometimes lacking, especially when it came to technology and weapons used. I have trouble imagining what these weapons, places, and outfits really looked like.
Despite this, I do want to read the next book in the trilogy and find out what the future has in store for Alyss, Dodge, and the Wonderlandians.
This book had quite a slow start for me. I really had to make myself keep reading, but once I got about 50 pages in I couldn't put it down. And thank goodness because this was the only book I took with me while in the car today driving back and forth half of Texas and I finished it in just a few hours.
I really enjoyed the plot of the book. I found it imaginative, fast paced, and childlike in it resolution of conflicts. I loved how the characters imagination came to life, and was used in all manner of life. That Wonderland was the origin for so many inventions, thoughts, and theories that they spread throughout the universe.
The characters were wide spread in terms of personality but did hold tightly to some cliques. Especially Hatter and Dodge. One was the typical loyal warrior who can do anything, defeat anyone, and is always in control. The other is the typical man bent on revenge to the exclusion of all else who is proud, relentless, and cold. Alyss seemed to really grow and transform throughout the book from a sweet yet spoiled and naive child, to a cold and resolutely imaginable young woman, to a strong, fighting queen.
My issues with the book though was the rushed pacing. Years pass within chapters with only the smallest of glimpses into what is passing in the lives of the characters. This rushed style of writing also affects the plot in the way situations are easily overcome despite 300+ pages of buildup. I think that this is a reflection of the fact that this book is written for teens possibly. Also, the description were sometimes lacking, especially when it came to technology and weapons used. I have trouble imagining what these weapons, places, and outfits really looked like.
Despite this, I do want to read the next book in the trilogy and find out what the future has in store for Alyss, Dodge, and the Wonderlandians.
Not a bad book in my opinion. Worth a read if you have the time. The premise is great and the author has fun with the original Alice, but maybe too much fun. The book didn't follow the original story like I expected it to, instead only used it as a reference point. Descriptions and visualizations were rather dry, especially for a title wanting to focus on the power of imagination, and with the illustrations and such included in it, seemed like it was written with the sole purpose of it being made into a movie one day.
That said, I did enjoy the book. It was a relaxing, fun read. The characters were easy to warm up to and the weapons were imaginative. This isn't a book to praise until the end of your days, but its worth opening up if you wish to fill a dull afternoon.
That said, I did enjoy the book. It was a relaxing, fun read. The characters were easy to warm up to and the weapons were imaginative. This isn't a book to praise until the end of your days, but its worth opening up if you wish to fill a dull afternoon.
Helpful Score: 2
I have just finished reading this novel. There are no words to accurately describe how much I loved this book. Frank Beddor has reinvented the world of Wonderland. He has added his own wildly imaginative spin on Lewis Carroll's classic story and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy.
Barbara F. (mama2timmy-daphne) reviewed Seeing Redd (Looking Glass Wars, Bk 2) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor is an interesting take on the Alice in Wonderland story. This interpretation contends that Alyss Heart, Princess of Wonderland, is the Alice of the Lewis Caroll story. When her evil Aunt Redd attacks and kills her parents, Alyss flees to the outside world. Separated from her escort and bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, Alyss finds herself an orphan in London who is eventually adopted by The Liddells. Her adoptive family dismisses Alyss' stories of her life in Wonderland as flights of fantasy. She gives up her memories of Wonderland when a family friend publishes her stories under the pen name Lewis Carroll. Alyss is hurt and angry because she feels her life has been trivialized and turned into a fairy tale. She becomes determined to be the ideal daughter and truly becomes Alice Liddell. She is set to marry Prince Leopold when a figure from her past arrives and brings her back to the ruins of the Wonderland where she grew up. Redd has destroyed the city and all those who support White Imagination, that of the former King and Queen. She and her followers practice Black Imagination, which is destructive and evil. In order to restore Wonderland to the peaceful land of her childhood, Alyss must learn to hone her imaginative skills and defeat her aunt.
This book took a long time for me to read. I kept getting hung up comparing it to the original story. I was also distracted by the semblance to the real life story of Alice Liddell and the fabricated parts created for the character of Alice Liddell. In fact, at one point, I put the book down and left it for over a month. I read quite a few other books before I came back to finish it. However, I did come back to finish it. I enjoyed the adventure of the story, and the change and development of Alyss' character. It makes an interesting statement about how much is lost when imagination is discouraged. It furthers the statement with the power Alyss has once she begins to hone her imagination as an adult. The characters were interesting, particularly Alyss' childhood friend Dodge, but many of them were weakened by being based on characters in the original story. For example, Hatter Madigan may have appeared as a stronger hero figure if I weren't thinking of him as the Mad Hatter.
I can't even decide if I liked this story or not. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed it more if it hadn't been based on Lewis Carroll's Alice. Of course, being based on the famous work is part of what drew me to the book in the first place. I'll say this--The Looking Glass Wars is an interesting adventure filled with some familiar characters in a familiar land. Will I read the sequel, Seeing Redd: The Looking Glass Wars, Book Two? Probably, if I come across it on a book exchange site, but I won't be paying to download it.
Follow my reviews at readerbarbara.blogspot.com
This book took a long time for me to read. I kept getting hung up comparing it to the original story. I was also distracted by the semblance to the real life story of Alice Liddell and the fabricated parts created for the character of Alice Liddell. In fact, at one point, I put the book down and left it for over a month. I read quite a few other books before I came back to finish it. However, I did come back to finish it. I enjoyed the adventure of the story, and the change and development of Alyss' character. It makes an interesting statement about how much is lost when imagination is discouraged. It furthers the statement with the power Alyss has once she begins to hone her imagination as an adult. The characters were interesting, particularly Alyss' childhood friend Dodge, but many of them were weakened by being based on characters in the original story. For example, Hatter Madigan may have appeared as a stronger hero figure if I weren't thinking of him as the Mad Hatter.
I can't even decide if I liked this story or not. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed it more if it hadn't been based on Lewis Carroll's Alice. Of course, being based on the famous work is part of what drew me to the book in the first place. I'll say this--The Looking Glass Wars is an interesting adventure filled with some familiar characters in a familiar land. Will I read the sequel, Seeing Redd: The Looking Glass Wars, Book Two? Probably, if I come across it on a book exchange site, but I won't be paying to download it.
Follow my reviews at readerbarbara.blogspot.com
Helpful Score: 2
I am a die hard wonderlander and I really enjoyed this book. The characters were wonderfully mysterious and mr. Beddor twisted the real story just enough to be amusing. They are however a bit on the dark side so I would not recommend them for children of a very young age.
Can't wait for the next ones!!
Can't wait for the next ones!!
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first in a fantasy trilogy based on the Alice in Wonderland stories, a YA book that tells about the "real" Wonderland and how Princess Alyss Heart came to tell the story to Lewis Carroll, who wrote it down and published it. It wasn't quite as engaging as I expected it to be, but still enjoyable and with some humorous and very cleverly done bits. I will be reading the second in series, Seeing Redd, when it comes out, but I'll use the library rather than rushing right out to buy it.
Helpful Score: 2
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I was waiting to read it until I got the second book in the series. I am a long time fan of Alice and Wonderland and wondered how a re-write of it would go. All-in-all this is a very good book.
Alyss Heart is the princess of Wonderland, she is exiled when her Aunt Redd takes over the throne killing Alyss's mother and father. It takes many years for Alyss to find her way back to Wonderland but eventually she does and it is torn by war and desolation.
There were some things I really liked in this book. What if the real world was the made-up place and Wonderland was Alyss's reality? I love the creativity of the world of Wonderland. I love the characters Beddor has made out of General Doppleganger and the Hatter. This was an entertaining read and a very creative idea.
The book itself is easy to read and is well-written. It is very griping and engaging and full of non-stop action. I have two complaints about it. The first is that the character's (though interesting in a creative way) seem bereft of any emotion. They all seem a bit 2D to me. I don't think that was intended but none of the characters really came alive for me. The second thing would be how Wonderland is portrayed. The original book Alice in Wonderland is mostly about Alice wandering through a fantastic landscape where nothing is what it seems. This book puts aside a lot of that creativity and spends more time discussing wars and rebel factions. I would have liked it if a bit more of the neat aspects and features of Wonderland were detailed and less time had been spent on Alyss as Alice in London and on war strategy and planning.
Despite these complaints this was a great book and I look forward to reading the next one. Anyone heard when the final book of the trilogy will be released?
Alyss Heart is the princess of Wonderland, she is exiled when her Aunt Redd takes over the throne killing Alyss's mother and father. It takes many years for Alyss to find her way back to Wonderland but eventually she does and it is torn by war and desolation.
There were some things I really liked in this book. What if the real world was the made-up place and Wonderland was Alyss's reality? I love the creativity of the world of Wonderland. I love the characters Beddor has made out of General Doppleganger and the Hatter. This was an entertaining read and a very creative idea.
The book itself is easy to read and is well-written. It is very griping and engaging and full of non-stop action. I have two complaints about it. The first is that the character's (though interesting in a creative way) seem bereft of any emotion. They all seem a bit 2D to me. I don't think that was intended but none of the characters really came alive for me. The second thing would be how Wonderland is portrayed. The original book Alice in Wonderland is mostly about Alice wandering through a fantastic landscape where nothing is what it seems. This book puts aside a lot of that creativity and spends more time discussing wars and rebel factions. I would have liked it if a bit more of the neat aspects and features of Wonderland were detailed and less time had been spent on Alyss as Alice in London and on war strategy and planning.
Despite these complaints this was a great book and I look forward to reading the next one. Anyone heard when the final book of the trilogy will be released?
Helpful Score: 1
This book looks at the Alice in Wonderland story from a completely different angle. Although I think that it was meant for the YA age group I really liked it as an adult. It is very well written and had alot of action and adventure. I look forward to reading the other two books in this trilogy.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the second book (out of three) in the Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. I really wanted to love this series. Somehow I found this book even more boring than the first one. These books just focus too much on strategic war than on what makes Wonderland awesome; imagination.
In this book King Arch is plotting to overthrow Wonderland but his plans are interrupted when Redd returns and, once again, causes issues for new Queen of Wonderland, Alyss Heart.
This story was okay. I am a little irked that Alyss only seems to use her Imagination as a weapon, and that she uses it in such limited way. Redd actually seems quite a bit more creative with her Black Imagination. I loved that Beddor tried to expand and give more dimension to the character of the Hatter. Unfortunately it fell short for me; I thought the Hatter's character was actually weakened by the fact that he wandered somewhat aimlessly through his own personal issues.
I guess, just like the first book, the characters seemed more like outlines than actual characters to me. I had trouble reading this book. At points I found it outright boring and skimmed through sections. When the goal of reading a book becomes solely to finish it; I start to say that the book wasn't all that great.
The story was okay, the characters have potential, but the book didn't excite me and I only marginally enjoyed reading it. I am beginning to think that me and Beddor's writing style just don't get along.
This book is not as contained as the first one...it kind of stops in the middle of things. So, I will most likely read the third and final installment, Everqueen, but after that no more Beddor for me.
In this book King Arch is plotting to overthrow Wonderland but his plans are interrupted when Redd returns and, once again, causes issues for new Queen of Wonderland, Alyss Heart.
This story was okay. I am a little irked that Alyss only seems to use her Imagination as a weapon, and that she uses it in such limited way. Redd actually seems quite a bit more creative with her Black Imagination. I loved that Beddor tried to expand and give more dimension to the character of the Hatter. Unfortunately it fell short for me; I thought the Hatter's character was actually weakened by the fact that he wandered somewhat aimlessly through his own personal issues.
I guess, just like the first book, the characters seemed more like outlines than actual characters to me. I had trouble reading this book. At points I found it outright boring and skimmed through sections. When the goal of reading a book becomes solely to finish it; I start to say that the book wasn't all that great.
The story was okay, the characters have potential, but the book didn't excite me and I only marginally enjoyed reading it. I am beginning to think that me and Beddor's writing style just don't get along.
This book is not as contained as the first one...it kind of stops in the middle of things. So, I will most likely read the third and final installment, Everqueen, but after that no more Beddor for me.
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed Seeing Redd (Looking Glass Wars, Bk 2) on + 486 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Looking Glass Wars is a new take on the Lewis Carroll books Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. In this series princess Alyss is training and is destined to have the strongest imagination in the family. Imagination is how the people in Wonderland use to fight against bad guys like her Aunt Redd. They also use imagination for other menial things.
The Looking Glass War is a very creative series. I love how they tied in the real life people of the original Alice in Wonderland. Alyss gets lost in the real world, adopted by the Liddells she loses her imagination and begins to believe that there is no Wonderland until... she is found again many years later.
I can not think of anything I disliked about this first book in a series. I loved the new twist on old characters and some new characters as well.
I really like this start of the series I dont know why left it on my shelf to read for so long. I also have the next book Seeing Redd and I will be reading it. It is a good Young Adult book with much action. You can also read it without have read the original books by Carroll.
The Looking Glass War is a very creative series. I love how they tied in the real life people of the original Alice in Wonderland. Alyss gets lost in the real world, adopted by the Liddells she loses her imagination and begins to believe that there is no Wonderland until... she is found again many years later.
I can not think of anything I disliked about this first book in a series. I loved the new twist on old characters and some new characters as well.
I really like this start of the series I dont know why left it on my shelf to read for so long. I also have the next book Seeing Redd and I will be reading it. It is a good Young Adult book with much action. You can also read it without have read the original books by Carroll.
Helpful Score: 1
A great spin on Carroll's creation. A very imaginative look into Wonderland
Very entertaining read, I liked the different take of the story. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I did!
I wish that this book was better than it was. The premise was a good one, but the story fell short. I held on until the end, waiting for something redeeming, but it never came. It was an ok book, and had many parallels with the most recent Disney live action version of the story, but I don't think it interested me enough to finish the rest of the series.
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
I was very excited to read this book after I met the author at the Denver Comic Con. He was very witty, charming and fun. I figured if he put any of that into his books, they have to be awesome. Problem was... I didn't really see any of that in this book.
The book is a different take on Wonderland. Supposedly the truth since Lewis Carroll did a more "disneyesque" version of the story the Alyss told him. According to this booK Looking Glass Wars is Alyss's true account.
The premise was good, the storyline was inventive, the execution was okay. My biggest problem with the book was the characters. There was nothing at all that made me like them or hate them. I felt nothing for them. I couldn't care less about what happened to them. I greatly wanted to like them but, alas, I just couldn't.
To me, that is one of the most important things in a book. Without it, who cares if the bad guys win. I know I didn't. I think stronger characterization would have made this quite an enjoyable read. Hopefully there will be improvements in that are but not sure if and when I'll go to the 2nd book.
The book is a different take on Wonderland. Supposedly the truth since Lewis Carroll did a more "disneyesque" version of the story the Alyss told him. According to this booK Looking Glass Wars is Alyss's true account.
The premise was good, the storyline was inventive, the execution was okay. My biggest problem with the book was the characters. There was nothing at all that made me like them or hate them. I felt nothing for them. I couldn't care less about what happened to them. I greatly wanted to like them but, alas, I just couldn't.
To me, that is one of the most important things in a book. Without it, who cares if the bad guys win. I know I didn't. I think stronger characterization would have made this quite an enjoyable read. Hopefully there will be improvements in that are but not sure if and when I'll go to the 2nd book.
I guess this would qualify as a steam punk book, since a lot of it happens back in the 1860s. Probably more teen than pre-teen.
A wildly skewed take-off on Carroll's ALICE IN WONDERLAND, but the strange characters tend to grow on you. You end up caring very much how the tale will turn out.
From back cover:
The Myth: Alice Liddel was an ordinary girl who stepped through the looking glass and entered a fairy-tale world invented by Lewis Carroll in his famous storybook.
The Truth: Wonderland is real. Alyss Heart is the heir to the throne, until her nurderous aunt Redd steals the crown and kills Alyss' parents. To escape Redd, Alyss and her bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, must flee to our world through the Pool of Tears. But in the pool Alyss and Hatter are separated. Lost and alone in Victorian London, Alyss is befriended by an aspiring author, to whom she tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Yet he gets the story all wrong. Hatter Madigan knows the truth only too well, and he is searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess and return her to Wonderland so she may battle Redd for her rightful place as the Queen of Hearts.
From back cover:
The Myth: Alice Liddel was an ordinary girl who stepped through the looking glass and entered a fairy-tale world invented by Lewis Carroll in his famous storybook.
The Truth: Wonderland is real. Alyss Heart is the heir to the throne, until her nurderous aunt Redd steals the crown and kills Alyss' parents. To escape Redd, Alyss and her bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, must flee to our world through the Pool of Tears. But in the pool Alyss and Hatter are separated. Lost and alone in Victorian London, Alyss is befriended by an aspiring author, to whom she tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Yet he gets the story all wrong. Hatter Madigan knows the truth only too well, and he is searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess and return her to Wonderland so she may battle Redd for her rightful place as the Queen of Hearts.
This is the story of "Alice in Wonderland" told from a different slant. Alyss and the Alyssians must save the Queendom from her evil Aunt Redd. This is a very imaginative telling of the story. Even my 14 year old son liked the story as it has a lot of action!
I have just finished reading this novel. There are no words to accurately describe how much I loved this book. Frank Beddor has reinvented the world of Wonderland. He has added his own wildly imaginative spin on Lewis Carroll's classic story and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy.
Jolene O. (esmestohelit) -
What a wonderful book! Alice in Wonderland has always been one of my favorite books. For that reason, I put off reading this for a long time. As with all retold stories, the author took some liberties but stayed true to each character. It was truly a joy watching Alyss grow up from a over privileged like brat into someone you could see as a possible queen. I loved all the characters accept the one you were supposed to hate. The world was so very detailed that you could see the everything clearly in your mind. And unlike some authors, Mr. Beddor didn't have to go on for the pages for you to get the picture.
I would argue this being a YA book. While the story that inspired this book was a children's book, this one is not. It's full of politics, blood baths, love, and revenge. It reminds us that even if you are a full grown adult, you have the power to change your life and the world. All you need is a little imagination
I would argue this being a YA book. While the story that inspired this book was a children's book, this one is not. It's full of politics, blood baths, love, and revenge. It reminds us that even if you are a full grown adult, you have the power to change your life and the world. All you need is a little imagination
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
A very odd rendition of the Alice in Wonderland story but with a really creative world and interesting characters. Even so, I found this version to be rather boring and really had to force myself to finish reading it. Definitely for the younger set as it just doesn't have enough juice to keep us older people interested.
The first in an unexpected spin-off series to the legendary Alice in Wonderland tales, The Looking Glass Wars offers an insider's look into what really happened that wasn't recorded in Lewis Carroll (a.k.a. Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson)'s children books. Part one of the intense adventure tells of how Heart Palace fell to the evil rule of Princess Alyss Heart's aunt, Redd. Part two commences where the attention-grabbing prologue leaves off, in which Alyss becomes miffed for Reverend Dodgson's conversion of her life story into a light-hearted anecdote, changing the names and identities of several of her Palace friends into lovable, huggable characters and even misspelling her name. And the action only speeds up from there...
Beddor provides interesting insight into Carroll's previous accounts, making the characters more real and vulnerable. Though Alice in Wonderland fans will surely love this thrilling piece of literature, it probably isn't suited for youngsters - realism is implanted into the vicious wars and battles 'The Cut' and 'Alyssians' face, conjuring a vivid image of blood-spattered combat, both in the favor of White Imagination (the power followers of the Queen of Hearts use) and against.
I was particularly thrilled to start this book a few days back, only having the chance to read a few of the short chapters a night. The suspense built up deeply within me as the tale led Alyss, her protectors, and attempted captors from the expanse of the Chessboard Desert (multi-colored patches of sand included) to the beast-infested grounds of the Volcanic Plains. Beddor shows the expanse of his imagination in this tale, and I am sure will do the same in its recently released follow-up, Seeing Redd, which is what I'll be diving into next.
Beddor provides interesting insight into Carroll's previous accounts, making the characters more real and vulnerable. Though Alice in Wonderland fans will surely love this thrilling piece of literature, it probably isn't suited for youngsters - realism is implanted into the vicious wars and battles 'The Cut' and 'Alyssians' face, conjuring a vivid image of blood-spattered combat, both in the favor of White Imagination (the power followers of the Queen of Hearts use) and against.
I was particularly thrilled to start this book a few days back, only having the chance to read a few of the short chapters a night. The suspense built up deeply within me as the tale led Alyss, her protectors, and attempted captors from the expanse of the Chessboard Desert (multi-colored patches of sand included) to the beast-infested grounds of the Volcanic Plains. Beddor shows the expanse of his imagination in this tale, and I am sure will do the same in its recently released follow-up, Seeing Redd, which is what I'll be diving into next.
Kimberly B. (gladeslibrarian) -
It seems that Beddor has uncovered the truth. Children all over the world have been told only the "nice historical version" of Alice's adventures as written by Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland - and what a fantastical tale it was! But as we all know, there comes a time when adults must push the happy children's tales aside and reveal to their maturing children the truth of the matter. Unless, of course, they'd prefer that their children learn the truth on the streets! Children will not be duped forever. Now, for the first time, the whole truth of Alice's adventures comes to light.
First of all, Alice's name is really Alyss Heart. It seems that someone went to great lengths to conceal Alyss's identity - for her own good, I'm sure. Now, you finally get to read the full scope of Alyss's adventures from her forbidden childhood romance, her willful nature, her struggle and loss of control of Wonderland, her escape to our world, her troubled childhood as an orphan in both worlds, her struggle with her destiny as Wonderland's rightful queen and her eventual return and fight to reclaim her rightful place as the new Queen of Hearts.
So, you think I told you too much? You think I spoiled the ending? Ah, but that's the beauty of this book. You can't know the outcome of this tale until you get there. This story is even more fantastical in its telling than the well-known children's version we all grew up with.
First of all, Alice's name is really Alyss Heart. It seems that someone went to great lengths to conceal Alyss's identity - for her own good, I'm sure. Now, you finally get to read the full scope of Alyss's adventures from her forbidden childhood romance, her willful nature, her struggle and loss of control of Wonderland, her escape to our world, her troubled childhood as an orphan in both worlds, her struggle with her destiny as Wonderland's rightful queen and her eventual return and fight to reclaim her rightful place as the new Queen of Hearts.
So, you think I told you too much? You think I spoiled the ending? Ah, but that's the beauty of this book. You can't know the outcome of this tale until you get there. This story is even more fantastical in its telling than the well-known children's version we all grew up with.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
You thought you knew the story of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland well, think again. Frank Beddor brings an exciting new glimpse into the much darker world of Wonderlandia, full of intrigue, mystery, dark magic, treason, and rebellion.
Princess Alyss Heart is 7 years old when her aunt Redd leads a rebellion to overthrow her parents' queendom over Wonderlandia. Black Imagination reigns, and followers of White Imagination must struggle to hide and survive or else be destroyed. The royal bodyguard Hatter Madigan, he with the famous top hat weapon, is charged with protecting Alyss in the world that lies beyond the Pool of Tears, but the two lose each other in the chaos.
Alyss, parents murdered, all friends lost, ends up in mid-19th-century London, where she is placed in an orphanage and then adopted by the well-meaning Lidells, who change her name and hush her ravings about the fantastic, magical world of Wonderlandia, until even Alice herself does not believe in her imagination.
On her wedding day, however, the now 20-year-old Alice Lidell's world is suddenly turned upside down yet again, when phantoms from her past bring her back into Wonderlandia, into the midst of a war to kill her and end the Hearts' right to the throne forever. Alyss meets up with all her old friends, including Dodge Anders, the guard who had been more than just a best friend, who was so scarred by the events of that fateful uprising day that he has allowed hate and revenge to feed him for years and years. In between relearning how to use her potent imagination, fighting off Redd's armies, and then ultimately defeating Redd and reclaiming the throne for herself, Alyss must also try to reconnect with herself, her past, and the changed Dodge, in the hopes that their sacrifices of the past and present will make for a brighter, safer tomorrow in Wonderlandia.
Anyone who enjoys high fantasy and excellent retellings of classics will enjoy THE LOOKING GLASS WARS trilogy, of which this is the first. The action is fast-paced, the characters intriguing, the story and plot unique and mesmerizing. I am looking forward to reading this book's sequel, SEEING REDD!
Princess Alyss Heart is 7 years old when her aunt Redd leads a rebellion to overthrow her parents' queendom over Wonderlandia. Black Imagination reigns, and followers of White Imagination must struggle to hide and survive or else be destroyed. The royal bodyguard Hatter Madigan, he with the famous top hat weapon, is charged with protecting Alyss in the world that lies beyond the Pool of Tears, but the two lose each other in the chaos.
Alyss, parents murdered, all friends lost, ends up in mid-19th-century London, where she is placed in an orphanage and then adopted by the well-meaning Lidells, who change her name and hush her ravings about the fantastic, magical world of Wonderlandia, until even Alice herself does not believe in her imagination.
On her wedding day, however, the now 20-year-old Alice Lidell's world is suddenly turned upside down yet again, when phantoms from her past bring her back into Wonderlandia, into the midst of a war to kill her and end the Hearts' right to the throne forever. Alyss meets up with all her old friends, including Dodge Anders, the guard who had been more than just a best friend, who was so scarred by the events of that fateful uprising day that he has allowed hate and revenge to feed him for years and years. In between relearning how to use her potent imagination, fighting off Redd's armies, and then ultimately defeating Redd and reclaiming the throne for herself, Alyss must also try to reconnect with herself, her past, and the changed Dodge, in the hopes that their sacrifices of the past and present will make for a brighter, safer tomorrow in Wonderlandia.
Anyone who enjoys high fantasy and excellent retellings of classics will enjoy THE LOOKING GLASS WARS trilogy, of which this is the first. The action is fast-paced, the characters intriguing, the story and plot unique and mesmerizing. I am looking forward to reading this book's sequel, SEEING REDD!
I checked this out of the library, after reading a thumbnail description of it as grimdark steampunk Alice in Wonderland, thinking 'Hey, I liked Lullaby, I ought to give this a look.' And since I enjoy reinterpreted fairy tales and good steampunk, I thought this would be entertaining.
Well, I tried it. Didn't care for it all. Why?
First, why do I care about these characters? Or why should I care about them?
Second, Mr. Beddor, you ought to know, SHOW DON'T TELL! Sorry for the shouty bits.
Third, this has the feel of a screenplay that's been re-edited into a novel. Which might account for a lot of the sloppy storytelling, lack of depth and details.
Didn't finish it and decided it wasn't worth the time.
Well, I tried it. Didn't care for it all. Why?
First, why do I care about these characters? Or why should I care about them?
Second, Mr. Beddor, you ought to know, SHOW DON'T TELL! Sorry for the shouty bits.
Third, this has the feel of a screenplay that's been re-edited into a novel. Which might account for a lot of the sloppy storytelling, lack of depth and details.
Didn't finish it and decided it wasn't worth the time.
The untold adventures of Alice - excuse me, Alyss - in Wonderland continue in Frank Beddor's second novel, Seeing Redd, in The Looking Glass Wars series. While Alyss's devilish Aunt Redd was banished to the oblivion found in the Heart Crystal, the reigning queen of Wonderland has begun to reconstruct her fallen land and bring peace to her people once again. However, as with every good-and-evil story, darkness lurks in the corners of light, waiting to pounce at the least expected moment.
But this time, that darkness (I am speaking of Redd here, by the way) is gathering a few comrades to help make a cleaner sweep of the kingdoms.
In attempt to return to her place at Queen of Wonderland (and perhaps pick up a few more lands along the way), Aunt Redd begins seeking an entrance into the Looking Glass Maze, which, upon completion, delivers to the victor a great increase to their imagination's strength. However, unable to access the Maze through her own means, she seeks, and unexpectedly finds, the knowledge she needs to gain the power she seeks.
Meanwhile, the distant droves of Boarderland is being ruled by the devious King Arch, who, in attempt to bring Alyss's former bodyguard Hatter Madigan under his allegiance, kidnaps Madigan's newly-discovered daughter, Molly, who also used to serve as Alyss's protector.
The story takes unexpected turns and twists as Redd recruits Earth residents that possess unusual and plain creepy Black Imagination-powered abilities and techniques, including the control of skeletons and the (and I use this term loosely) art of live autopsies. With a scarily expanded army backing her up, Redd vows her return to the throne, even with Alyss's powerful imagination standing in the way.
Beddor masters the art of suspense in this book, leading the reader through a series of paths that give the reader not one clue to how the book will close. The expanded knowledge on Redd's past and her removal from the inheritance of the throne develops the character to her fullest extent, but not necessarily in her favor. The more developed her character is, the more wicked she becomes. The book ends with a few select, unexpected losses, but on a note of future continuation. But with Beddor currently working on bringing the current books to the silver screen, it may be a while until the war truly sees an end.
- T.C. Robson
myspace.com/tcrobson
But this time, that darkness (I am speaking of Redd here, by the way) is gathering a few comrades to help make a cleaner sweep of the kingdoms.
In attempt to return to her place at Queen of Wonderland (and perhaps pick up a few more lands along the way), Aunt Redd begins seeking an entrance into the Looking Glass Maze, which, upon completion, delivers to the victor a great increase to their imagination's strength. However, unable to access the Maze through her own means, she seeks, and unexpectedly finds, the knowledge she needs to gain the power she seeks.
Meanwhile, the distant droves of Boarderland is being ruled by the devious King Arch, who, in attempt to bring Alyss's former bodyguard Hatter Madigan under his allegiance, kidnaps Madigan's newly-discovered daughter, Molly, who also used to serve as Alyss's protector.
The story takes unexpected turns and twists as Redd recruits Earth residents that possess unusual and plain creepy Black Imagination-powered abilities and techniques, including the control of skeletons and the (and I use this term loosely) art of live autopsies. With a scarily expanded army backing her up, Redd vows her return to the throne, even with Alyss's powerful imagination standing in the way.
Beddor masters the art of suspense in this book, leading the reader through a series of paths that give the reader not one clue to how the book will close. The expanded knowledge on Redd's past and her removal from the inheritance of the throne develops the character to her fullest extent, but not necessarily in her favor. The more developed her character is, the more wicked she becomes. The book ends with a few select, unexpected losses, but on a note of future continuation. But with Beddor currently working on bringing the current books to the silver screen, it may be a while until the war truly sees an end.
- T.C. Robson
myspace.com/tcrobson
Alyss of Wonderland's rule has only just begun and already those who prefer chaos to peace are threatening to destroy everything worth imagining. Trailed by newly appointed Royal Bodyguard Homburg Molly, Alyss does her best to keep pace with the spiraling, non-stop demands of being Queen while attempting to evade Molly for a few private moments with Dodge. Alyss's life is already a challenging mix of duty, love and imagining when a series of phantom sightings set fire to an urban myth of her Imperial Viciousness's return and have everyoneâ¦Seeing Redd. Has Redd somehow freed herself and her chief assassin, the Cat, from the confines of the Heart Crystal to challenge her niece once again? If not, then who has resurrected Redd's brutal footsoldiers, the Glass Eyes, and set them loose to attack Wonderland on all sides? Battles rage, looking glasses explode and the Alyssians are once again uniting to defend White Imagination in this fast-paced second book in The Looking Glass Wars trilogy.
(from Amazon)
I really enjoy this series. It stays just close enough to the true story to please die hard wonderlanders like myself but has enough of an edge to be new and entertaining.
A bit on the dark side I would not recommend these books for children under the age of ten or twelve.
(from Amazon)
I really enjoy this series. It stays just close enough to the true story to please die hard wonderlanders like myself but has enough of an edge to be new and entertaining.
A bit on the dark side I would not recommend these books for children under the age of ten or twelve.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
The evil Redd Heart has disappeared into the Heart Crystal, and Alyss is now the rightful queen of Wonderland. But there is lots yet to be done: buildings to repair, morale to strengthen, relationships to mend... And Alyss is so busy with politics and using her White Imagination to make sure the queendom is running smoothly that she barely has any time to spend with Dodge, her best-friend-turned-true-love guardsman.
But people are not going to make her life as queen easy. King Arch of the neighboring kingdom Boarderland has some sinister plans up his sleeve. First he kidnaps Homburg Molly, Alyss' teenage bodyguard; then he messes with the emotions of the best Milliner in all of history, Hatter Madigan, who is suddenly forced to decide between family and duty as he has never had to do before. All the while, Arch is planning the unleashing of a formidable weapon, one that, if properly completed, can wipe out the entire country of Wonderland and all surrounding countries.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Redd is back, more dangerous and vengeful than ever. She is determined to complete her Looking Glass Maze, achieve the full potential of her imaginative powers, and reclaim Wonderland, destroying Alyss in the process. The giant army that converges upon Wonderland at the command of Redd and Arch seem on the path to the obliteration of Alyss' world as she knows it. Is there anything to be done that can put off the seemingly inevitable end?
SEEING REDD has more sit-and-wait political discourses and emotional chapters than the first book in the trilogy. However, Redd's villainy will be sure to keep fans attracted to this series. All the characters are wonderfully created, the world flawlessly imagined and detailed. This is a tale of high fantasy that you won't want to miss.
But people are not going to make her life as queen easy. King Arch of the neighboring kingdom Boarderland has some sinister plans up his sleeve. First he kidnaps Homburg Molly, Alyss' teenage bodyguard; then he messes with the emotions of the best Milliner in all of history, Hatter Madigan, who is suddenly forced to decide between family and duty as he has never had to do before. All the while, Arch is planning the unleashing of a formidable weapon, one that, if properly completed, can wipe out the entire country of Wonderland and all surrounding countries.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Redd is back, more dangerous and vengeful than ever. She is determined to complete her Looking Glass Maze, achieve the full potential of her imaginative powers, and reclaim Wonderland, destroying Alyss in the process. The giant army that converges upon Wonderland at the command of Redd and Arch seem on the path to the obliteration of Alyss' world as she knows it. Is there anything to be done that can put off the seemingly inevitable end?
SEEING REDD has more sit-and-wait political discourses and emotional chapters than the first book in the trilogy. However, Redd's villainy will be sure to keep fans attracted to this series. All the characters are wonderfully created, the world flawlessly imagined and detailed. This is a tale of high fantasy that you won't want to miss.
I have just finished reading this novel. There are no words to accurately describe how much I loved this book. Frank Beddor has reinvented the world of Wonderland. He has added his own wildly imaginative spin on Lewis Carroll's classic story and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy.
This book was a good take on the Alice in Wonderland story. I liked how Alyss and Hatter have to navigate in this world and how they and their friends work together to confront Redd. I look forward to reading the next book, Seeing Redd.
I found this book surprisingly interesting. I do feel that someone who is very familiar with Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland will get more enjoyment out of it.
read the first few pages got bored.. maybe I will try again another time but for now.. it was boring.
Kind of an Alt-Right take on Through the Looking Glass (or is it Alt-Left? I'm not sure. Anyway, I was entertained for a while.
How to put it delicately.. Worst book I've read in years. Piggybacks on the Alice and Wonderland stories, and while the direction the writer took may have been interesting, it's killed by painful, uninspired writing, and plot devices which make no effort to be original or distinct from the Lewis Carrol book.
