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Book Review of The Looking Glass Wars (Looking Glass Wars, Bk 1)

The Looking Glass Wars (Looking Glass Wars, Bk 1)
reviewed on + 55 more book reviews
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.