This book had a lot going for it plot wise. I really liked the political take on this fantastical story. I think Oakes did a great job with the action and with creating new disturbing things about Wonderland. The end was action packed, and I really enjoyed the fast paced plot.

However, while the plot excelled, the character development and writing did not. I was expecting a strong female character (or at least developing into one) in Dinah. Instead we got a scared, spoiled, and stubborn girl that thought she was owed everything just because she was a princess. While I enjoyed the take on the traditional characters such as the Mad Hatter, Cheshire, and the rabbit (Harris), they weren't strong enough supporting characters to help carry the story for me. Oakes writing style is more tell not show, and she has a flare for the dramatics. Unfortunately, this style of writing just wasn't for me.

Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but did not live up to my hopes of what this idea could have been. Again, I think she had a wonderful idea, but the execution needed some work. I will probably continue the story at some point, just with a bit lower expectations than I went into this book with. If you love Alice in Wonderland, I recommend giving this one a quick try.

Started this one but wasn't gripped enough to continue. I like the premise and am intrigued by it--I may check out other books of Oakes to consider in the future.

A solid retelling of Alice in Wonderland told long before Alice ever made her appearance and focusing on the Queen of Hearts as a child and young woman with interesting twists that make the mad hatter her brother and the Cheshire cat an advisor to the throne.

I didn't get a chance to read this before it expired on my nook. I'm sorry! I did buy the first book from Harper and am excited to read this series in its new form!