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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Potentially one of the worst books I've ever read.
Uber-possessive (but "it's OK because he's super dreamy") love interest: check
A love triangle where the girl is THE DEFINITION of manic-pixie-whiny-dream-girl: check
Writing which, over and over again, made me groan and plead for mercy: check.
Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite books of all time. This book doesn't even deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence.
Uber-possessive (but "it's OK because he's super dreamy") love interest: check
A love triangle where the girl is THE DEFINITION of manic-pixie-whiny-dream-girl: check
Writing which, over and over again, made me groan and plead for mercy: check.
Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite books of all time. This book doesn't even deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence.
Madness runs in Alyssa Gardner's family. They are the descendants of Alice Liddell, the young girl who inspired Lewis Carroll's classic 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. Alyssa pretends that she can't hear the plants and insects that talk to her for fear that she will end up in an asylum like her mum. Neither does she speak of her curious dreams of danger in a place that seems much like Wonderland. Alyssa soon discovers that the only way to break her family's curse is to go down the legendary rabbit hole and right the wrongs of her great-great-great grandmother. She unwittingly brings along her real-world crush and once-best-friend Jeb, and together they must complete a series of seemingly impossible challenges with the aid of Alyssa's mysteriously dark Wonderland guide Morpheus. But this is not the Wonderland of Lewis Carroll's tales, and not everyone is as they seem.
Words cannot begin to describe how much I was surprised by this book. I had read Lewis Carroll's novel for the first time earlier in the year, but didn't love it as much as I'd wanted to. Add to this the fact that one reviewer on Amazon compared Splintered to Twilight, I naturally was apprehensive going into it. However, any concerns about this evaporated within the first few pages, and by page thirty, I was convinced that I was in love with it.
Alyssa for starters is not someone who is willing to let everything be done for her. She is strong willed, determined and instantly likeable. As the book is written in first person POV, this was definitely a good thing, because let's face it, sitting through a 400 page book with a feeble, monotonous narrator isn't quite the same is it? Alyssa's narrative is fairly snarky and fun to read at times, and very serious at others, which keeps the story interesting as the novel progresses. I found the scene in the Mad Hatter's hideout completely hilarious! Alyssa does however matures a fair amount over the course of the plot. She starts off as a quirky and impetuous teenager, desperate for a plan to save her mother, yet changes with almost every experience in Wonderland, becoming more perceptive and aware that the actions of others aren't necessarily always noble. Perhaps what is most interesting though, is that there is also a darker side to Alyssa that resurfaces every now and again that makes her seem more believable on the whole. She is conflicted about herself and emotions at times, though does not complain, and I think that's something that quite a few people could identify with.
Jeb is the literal boy next door in this story. He was Alyssa's best friend until shortly before the novel begins, when an argument with her dad and his relationship with Alyssa's lifelong tormentor Taelor, distanced them. It's clear from the offset that Jeb still cares a lot about Alyssa, despite what's happened, and their journey into Wonderland only reinforces that bond. Jeb is a great character: caring, funny, and is quick to jump to Alyssa's aid, even when she appears not to need it. Some of these characteristics end up with him being often compared with a knight, both elfin and in shining armour for that matter. He often brings out the light in Alyssa and is the main feature in many of the heartwarming moments that take place.
Morpheus on the other hand, is a netherling who can change form, and is Alyssa's guide through Wonderland. He also tends to have the opposite affect on her to Jeb, constantly goading her to show her dark side. To say he is mysterious would be an understatement, as Alyssa can only remember flashes of him in memories as a child. One way that he presents himself in the human world is also downright creepy. He seems to know Alyssa, but won't tell her how, and it's clear that he holds all of the cards to her past, present, and future. I was constantly on the fence about Morpheus: sometimes he can come across as cruel and arrogant, and other times kind and protective. Which of these is his true self, only time will tell.
The interaction between these three main characters is phenomenal. Jeb clearly hates Morpheus's guts, while Morpheus remains calm and collected pretty much the whole time, which only infuriates him more. Alyssa acts like the peacekeeper, but isn't afraid to tell either of them if she thinks that they're overstepping the mark. She is understandably unsure about Morpheus and his actions, but likes the fact that he finds her strong and independent in comparison to Jeb's insistence on protecting her. Yes there is a love triangle, which I'm normally not fond of, though in this instance for the most it isn't in the forefront of the plot and seems like more of a trust triangle. Should Alyssa trust Morpheus with his wicked charms and necessary knowledge, or Jeb, her rock, who only wants the best for her?
Also the cover is pretty breathtaking, don't you think? This is what attracted my attention in the first place, the vibrant tones and ensemble of plants and insects alike surrounding Alyssa. The cover under the dust jacket (I got the hardback edition) is also really cool, and all the text inside is purple!
The plot in general is fantastic, with plenty of plot twists, lots of incredible imagery that make you feel like you're actually in Wonderland with Alyssa and co, and some heart and gut wrenching moments thrown in for good measure. A few loose ends are left at the end, which leads on to Unhinged (coming out January 7th), and hopefully some further books in this Wonderful series (pun intended).
Words cannot begin to describe how much I was surprised by this book. I had read Lewis Carroll's novel for the first time earlier in the year, but didn't love it as much as I'd wanted to. Add to this the fact that one reviewer on Amazon compared Splintered to Twilight, I naturally was apprehensive going into it. However, any concerns about this evaporated within the first few pages, and by page thirty, I was convinced that I was in love with it.
Alyssa for starters is not someone who is willing to let everything be done for her. She is strong willed, determined and instantly likeable. As the book is written in first person POV, this was definitely a good thing, because let's face it, sitting through a 400 page book with a feeble, monotonous narrator isn't quite the same is it? Alyssa's narrative is fairly snarky and fun to read at times, and very serious at others, which keeps the story interesting as the novel progresses. I found the scene in the Mad Hatter's hideout completely hilarious! Alyssa does however matures a fair amount over the course of the plot. She starts off as a quirky and impetuous teenager, desperate for a plan to save her mother, yet changes with almost every experience in Wonderland, becoming more perceptive and aware that the actions of others aren't necessarily always noble. Perhaps what is most interesting though, is that there is also a darker side to Alyssa that resurfaces every now and again that makes her seem more believable on the whole. She is conflicted about herself and emotions at times, though does not complain, and I think that's something that quite a few people could identify with.
Jeb is the literal boy next door in this story. He was Alyssa's best friend until shortly before the novel begins, when an argument with her dad and his relationship with Alyssa's lifelong tormentor Taelor, distanced them. It's clear from the offset that Jeb still cares a lot about Alyssa, despite what's happened, and their journey into Wonderland only reinforces that bond. Jeb is a great character: caring, funny, and is quick to jump to Alyssa's aid, even when she appears not to need it. Some of these characteristics end up with him being often compared with a knight, both elfin and in shining armour for that matter. He often brings out the light in Alyssa and is the main feature in many of the heartwarming moments that take place.
Morpheus on the other hand, is a netherling who can change form, and is Alyssa's guide through Wonderland. He also tends to have the opposite affect on her to Jeb, constantly goading her to show her dark side. To say he is mysterious would be an understatement, as Alyssa can only remember flashes of him in memories as a child. One way that he presents himself in the human world is also downright creepy. He seems to know Alyssa, but won't tell her how, and it's clear that he holds all of the cards to her past, present, and future. I was constantly on the fence about Morpheus: sometimes he can come across as cruel and arrogant, and other times kind and protective. Which of these is his true self, only time will tell.
The interaction between these three main characters is phenomenal. Jeb clearly hates Morpheus's guts, while Morpheus remains calm and collected pretty much the whole time, which only infuriates him more. Alyssa acts like the peacekeeper, but isn't afraid to tell either of them if she thinks that they're overstepping the mark. She is understandably unsure about Morpheus and his actions, but likes the fact that he finds her strong and independent in comparison to Jeb's insistence on protecting her. Yes there is a love triangle, which I'm normally not fond of, though in this instance for the most it isn't in the forefront of the plot and seems like more of a trust triangle. Should Alyssa trust Morpheus with his wicked charms and necessary knowledge, or Jeb, her rock, who only wants the best for her?
Also the cover is pretty breathtaking, don't you think? This is what attracted my attention in the first place, the vibrant tones and ensemble of plants and insects alike surrounding Alyssa. The cover under the dust jacket (I got the hardback edition) is also really cool, and all the text inside is purple!
The plot in general is fantastic, with plenty of plot twists, lots of incredible imagery that make you feel like you're actually in Wonderland with Alyssa and co, and some heart and gut wrenching moments thrown in for good measure. A few loose ends are left at the end, which leads on to Unhinged (coming out January 7th), and hopefully some further books in this Wonderful series (pun intended).
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Very exciting plot, but weak characters.
I really wanted to know what happened because the plot was so good, but Alyssa really irritated me. I couldn't identify with her at all. It's too bad, because I do want to know what happens next, but I'm not willing to suffer through another bookfull of these unpleasant characters, so I'm not going to bother.
I really wanted to know what happened because the plot was so good, but Alyssa really irritated me. I couldn't identify with her at all. It's too bad, because I do want to know what happens next, but I'm not willing to suffer through another bookfull of these unpleasant characters, so I'm not going to bother.
Sarah J. Maas has ruined me for all other winged bad boys.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Trying to rate this book is a frustration matched only by trying to read it.
The start of the book was great (except the mental health representation)… but everything went downhill once Morpheus was introduced. The love triangle was soooooo boring and angsty, and every option was a control freak patriarchal man. The segments where neither of them existed (and when our protagonist wasn’t obsessing over them) were great… everything else was bleh!!
Both of the options are equally as terrible. So, pairing up with our underaged protagonist is the 19 year old, excessively possessive man Jeb, who mandhandles her the ENTIRE book, constantly grabbing her waist, yanking her about, claiming she can’t do anything. (Also the lovely line by Jeb about Alyssa “losing an important part of yourself” when she joked about losing her virginity. Yikes)
Our second choice is the at least 75 year old immortal netherling who is ALSO possessive, manipulative and constantly upsetting our protagonist (but she likes that about him). At one point he slides a flute in between Alyssa’s breasts, and it’s just this casual sexually charged scenarios that make the book uncomfortable to read.
I wanted both of the ‘love interests’ to just die. The love triangle taking precedence over the actual interesting story ruined everything for me. Shame too, was enjoying the earlier parts, and I even enjoyed the later parts when Alyssa was finally alone.
The author’s portrayal of the (reminder 16 year old) protagonist herself also doesn’t help matters. At one point Alyssa gets drugged by some pie and all she can do when drugged is act super sexual and starts trying to undress and hump Jeb (who is 19)… I had to put the book down and just force myself to continue another day.
Throughout the book she is oh so very torn between these two men, and it just overshadows everything else. Who cares about mum and the family issues when there’s boys to be abused by!
This is even ignoring the blatantly harmful and over-exaggerated depictions of mental health. Nurses carrying needles chock full of drugs, straitjacket, padded cell? Non-consented shock therapy!? (Even assuming the mother’s moments of clarity are only during the weekly visits, she is still the one who would need consenting not the husband who lacks medical power of attorney! Especially when sheis faking the mental health the entire time!
In addition to the part about the nurses carrying loaded syringes, the book also vilifies the nurses as being trigger happy with their medical sedations, and overall just making the mental health facility (the asylum) cartoonishly evil. Not good when such places (nowadays) are often helpful to those struggling.
So ahhh… if the book didn’t have the rubbishy love angst and abusive men, it might be a 4/5, but as is I can’t go above a 2. When a book makes me (an obsessive person) consider not finishing, that’s not a good sign. And there were multiple parts that made me put the book down and take a break.
The start of the book was great (except the mental health representation)… but everything went downhill once Morpheus was introduced. The love triangle was soooooo boring and angsty, and every option was a control freak patriarchal man. The segments where neither of them existed (and when our protagonist wasn’t obsessing over them) were great… everything else was bleh!!
Both of the options are equally as terrible. So, pairing up with our underaged protagonist is the 19 year old, excessively possessive man Jeb, who mandhandles her the ENTIRE book, constantly grabbing her waist, yanking her about, claiming she can’t do anything. (Also the lovely line by Jeb about Alyssa “losing an important part of yourself” when she joked about losing her virginity. Yikes)
Our second choice is the at least 75 year old immortal netherling who is ALSO possessive, manipulative and constantly upsetting our protagonist (but she likes that about him). At one point he slides a flute in between Alyssa’s breasts, and it’s just this casual sexually charged scenarios that make the book uncomfortable to read.
I wanted both of the ‘love interests’ to just die. The love triangle taking precedence over the actual interesting story ruined everything for me. Shame too, was enjoying the earlier parts, and I even enjoyed the later parts when Alyssa was finally alone.
The author’s portrayal of the (reminder 16 year old) protagonist herself also doesn’t help matters. At one point Alyssa gets drugged by some pie and all she can do when drugged is act super sexual and starts trying to undress and hump Jeb (who is 19)… I had to put the book down and just force myself to continue another day.
Throughout the book she is oh so very torn between these two men, and it just overshadows everything else. Who cares about mum and the family issues when there’s boys to be abused by!
This is even ignoring the blatantly harmful and over-exaggerated depictions of mental health. Nurses carrying needles chock full of drugs, straitjacket, padded cell? Non-consented shock therapy!? (Even assuming the mother’s moments of clarity are only during the weekly visits, she is still the one who would need consenting not the husband who lacks medical power of attorney! Especially when she
In addition to the part about the nurses carrying loaded syringes, the book also vilifies the nurses as being trigger happy with their medical sedations, and overall just making the mental health facility (the asylum) cartoonishly evil. Not good when such places (nowadays) are often helpful to those struggling.
So ahhh… if the book didn’t have the rubbishy love angst and abusive men, it might be a 4/5, but as is I can’t go above a 2. When a book makes me (an obsessive person) consider not finishing, that’s not a good sign. And there were multiple parts that made me put the book down and take a break.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, War, Classism
Minor: Ableism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes