Author: Robert McKay - http://mckaymanor.com
Format: Kindle ebook. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Amazon link here.
Did it feel like a full novel: yes
Cliffhanger: No; satisfactory end for the book though there is a planned sequel.
Genre: sci fi, young adult
Dates Read: Sept 9-Oct 1, 2015
Official Blurb: Teenage Alice didn’t mean to end up on Wonderland, but the living spaceship she commandeered had other plans, and he was very late.
Abandoned on an unfamiliar planet, Alice’s first day as a space pirate has fallen into madness. Caterpillars? Mad hatters? A Jabberwock? A queen known for chopping off heads? Alice must face all Wonderland can throw at her if she’s to take back possession of The White Rabbit and leave Wonderland in one piece.
One sentence: Delightful re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland who's main character grows up while not wanting to grow up!
Review: When I started this book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The first quarter or so is a little slow and awkward, where you aren't sure how old Alice is (even later, she has a tendency to act like an 8 year old instead of 13). The minimal action feels rather predictable initially as well.
However, after that little bit of a hump, then the story really starts rolling! You aren't annoyed so much by Alice. You follow her and hope she's going to get out of these cascading messes! You start getting really fascinated with these versions of the classic Wonderland characters (I never thought I'd have so much love for Lyla the dormouse, Cheshire, and Tweedle Dum & Teedle Dee!). And the action feels just right, with enough pauses to balance out when they gotta figure out a plan. Alice matures in learning how to cope with people, but not to the extent where she loses who she is at heart (an awesome space pirate captain!).
The style of sci fi is lovely, where you can really imagine a neon and shining world that would match the many stylistic countryside versions of Wonderland. The technology has quite a bit of a fantastical feel so it's both sci fi and true Madness. I used to enjoy the Wonderland mythos a fair amount, but I must say I think McKay did such an excellent job, that I think I prefer his version!
There are little parts here and there that I had to wonder if it's really a young adult book, or actually for older young adults, but nothing graphic or detailed. I am quite curious about the next part, based on the setup at the end of this novel. There's so much room for growth, once it reaches a point where it's not so much going to be led by the original story.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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