The Real Wonderland

Title: ArchEnemy ~ book 3 of the Looking Glass Wars
Author: Frank Beddor
Genre: Young Adult, fantasy, speculative fiction, fairy-tale retelling
Source: I own it! And I'm desperately waiting to meet Frank again to get the book stamped and signed.

The Looking Glass Wars is the story of Wonderland that could be. What if the Wonderland story we all know was actually a second account? What if Lewis Carroll didn't dream up this story, but instead he heard it from the displaced princess of a war torn Wonderland, Alyss?

Frank Beddor creates a world where those theories are possible and more. With Imagination as the key, guide, and source of all possible things we are led into the heart of Wonderland where good is battling evil, right and wrong aren't always crystal clear, and those darn Caterpillar Oracles are meddling in everything. 

ArchEnemy summary from website:

The war for Wonderland has become a war for Imagination!

King Arch has declared himself King of Wonderland as Alyss searches wildly for the solution to the metaphysical disaster that has engulfed her Queendom. The power of Imagination has been lost!

Alyss's search for answers takes her to London where Arch's assassins threaten Alice Liddell and her family. But after coming to her adopted family's assistance, Alyss discovers herself trapped in a conundrum of evaporating puddles. The shimmering portals that exist to transport her home through the Pool of Tears are disappearing! What is happening in Wonderland? Deep within the Valley of Mushrooms the Caterpillar Oracles issue this prophecy: "Action shall be taken to ensure the safety of the Heart Crystal. For Everqueen." But who is Everqueen?

As the metamorphosis of Wonderland unfolds, enemies become allies, bitter rivals face-off, and Queen Alyss and Redd Heart must confront their pasts in this thrilling, no-holds-barred conclusion.

Overall: I adore this series! Beddor's version of Wonderland has had me in its imagination fueled grip for several years now. I got lost in book one.  I couldn't wait for book two to be released. The graphic novels made me squee in delight (in front of the author no less). This book earned my husband thousands of kisses when he made it appear on my bookshelf.  This Wonderland is new and exciting, but is still recognizable and comfortable for those of us who grew up with Charles Dodgson's verison.

**This novel fulfills a reading requirement for the speculative fiction challenge and the TBR challenge.**

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Genre: Young Adult, paranormal, fairy tale re-telling
Source: Free ARC received from Hachette Book Group in exchange for a honest response.


Love. From the awesome cover down to the last little detail of the book; I love it.  Months ago I got a glimpse of the cover and the title and just knew I wanted to get ahold of this book. You see, I've been interested in fairy tales and fairy tale retellings since I can remember.  I love it when an author gives me a new way to look at the characters...while still telling a tale I know and enjoy. Mr. Pearce has done this in spades!

Summary from the publisher:
Scarlet March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

Things I like: 
1. I really enjoy that the character of Little Red is split into the two March sisters. They both contain pieces of the original character while still being fully formed individual characters.

2. The big bad wolf is actually a werewolf.....or wolves....

3. All the elements are there...grandma, wood cutters, the red cloak, and a wolf (or more) that is clever and charming enough to lure young girls.


From another angle:
I just came back from a long weekend at the Phoenix Comicon. While there I attended several panels on Steampunk. I think the March sisters would make awesome characters to portray and with a red cloak (which I happen to have (Thanks, Grandma!)) could be some fun costumes to make and wear.