This weeks Indie Book of the Week is truly unique and full of the strange and the wonderful
Sit back,. buckle in and get ready to take a trip down a rabbit hole my friends because you are in for quite the adventure!
Title: Death of the Mad Hatter
Author: Sarah J. Pepper
Series: Stand Alone
Published: November 29, 2013
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Author
Genre: YA Fantasy Adventure
Book Description:
The Jack prophesied: If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.
Heads would Roll…
Hearts would Break…
In the end, would it matter who Reigned?
About the Author:
I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn’t only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn’t always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn’t mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?
"Warning: Addictive passion erupts from her mouthwatering descriptions" - recent review.
Sarah J. Pepper lives in South Dakota with her real-life prince charming. At a young age, she fell for paranormal books and now incorporates that genre with romance that thrives in the hearts of us all. When she’s not storytelling, she’s most likely biking, hoarding chocolate, or taking a bubble bath. Get a glimpse inside her head at www.peppersreadingcorner.com
"Forbidden Beloved" - Not everyone falls for the murderous prince charming with killer good looks, but Roxy hasn't ever been very lucky.
"Devil's Lullaby" -Cat craved his addictive kiss as much as she ached for his death.
My Thoughts and Review:
I love retellings, I always have. I know not many people do because why mess with a classic, they are a classic for a reason right? Okay, true but, I can't help it. I like seeing the spins that authors come up with. Imagining a favorite in a whole new world or a whole new light. Where the innocent become the guilty and the dark become the light.
Even with my love of retellings, I can honestly say that I have only read one other spin on Alice in Wonderland and while I loved and adored it, I was ready for another. So much can be done with the crazy messed up world that Lewis Carroll created, what is not to love about someone else turning it even more dark, even more scary and messed up than it already was?
What I didn't expect was to get a read riddled with the funny as well as the strange. The author truly did come up with a completely new, completely original take on an old classic. One that was a fun ride and one I would happily take again.
I really liked how the story of the Mad Hatter, Ryley's father and Alice were told in flashes (visits from Alice to Wonderland) from the past into the present day. It was done well and made the story more interesting getting those first interesting looks into the Queen (Hearts) and into Wonderland itself not to mention Chez, M.H., the White Rabbit (Mr. Ruth), Genevieve and the Joker.
I loved how crazy Alice was. She was eccentric and smart and so very clever.
This was such a fun tale, such a fun storyline. I really enjoyed how chaotic (in a good way) and crazy it all was. The twists were wonderful and the characters even more so.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author. I was not compensated for this review.*
Unlike you, I generally avoid retellings because I don't like fairy tales to begin with, but Alice I love. I also love it when an author surprises you with a great sense of humor, so I'll keep this in mind, I really will.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Ali, thanks for sharing.
I usually avoid retellings like Maja, but for another reason. Fairy tales were a huge part of my childhood and it'll be hard for anyone to reach the love I have for them. Still this one sounds interesting and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Great review Ali :)
ReplyDeleteThe Mad Hatter is one of my favorite characters in Alice in Wonderland. I love that this had humor and am curious about the past to present telling. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteI don't read retellings real often, but I haven't read an Alice one and this sounds wonderful! I hadn't heard of it yet, so thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteoo retellings, yes please. totally love those, have not read many though! this one sounds exciting <3 going to have to keep an eye for it to come out.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kindlemom for taking the time to read a bit of my imagination!!! So glad that you enjoyed the story of Alice Mae and the Mad Hatter! I'm tickled pink that you liked the messed up creepiness and the riddles. It means a lot!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you again!
Sarah J. Pepper
Strange and wonderful, eh? Sounds like my kind of book. I enjoy retellings .. the more creative twist, the better.
ReplyDeleteI can see you liking this one Christy!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so much fun. Alice and Wonderland the original was never my fav but i loved the book I read by it last year,,, I forgot the name of it... Anyway this is a book I should take a crack at! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I don't know why, I have just never gotten into Alice in Wonderland - which seems sacrilegious or something. I am glad you enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteI also love retellings, and Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite childhood stories of all time, so I know I must give this one a try! Riddles and creepiness are always a win in these sorts of stories too. Great review!
ReplyDelete