Ratings34
Average rating3.4
Verdict: Not the classic Wonderland, but not the best re-imagining of it, either.
Rationale: I didn't enjoy the writing as much as the concept of this book. It gets a bit annoying when the author has a tendency to connect phrases with a comma, instead of using a proper conjunction.
By far, the most intriguing character is Hatter Madigan of the Millinery. I'd read more about him, as I found him more interesting and believable than Alyss, herself. SpoilerBeddor makes some pointed remarks in the beginning of the book about Alyss's Black Imagination tendencies, but these observations don't yield anything (unless this evolves later in the series). I actually question how Alyss became so pure of heart – perhaps due to her upbringing in the Reverend's family? - when she shows some signs of rebellion in her youth.
Final Thoughts: Beddor drops a few interesting hints as to where the story might go; I wish I had enjoyed his style of writing more, but at the moment I am not sure I will continue to the end of the series.