Book Review- Splintered

Splintered by A.G. Howard
♦publisher: Amulet Books
♦release date: January 1st, 2013
♦hardcover, 384 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult

Review: Splintered is an enchanting read, capturing the grotesque madness of Wonderland’s creatures.

When I received this book I immediately and willingly dove head first into the rabbit hole, relishing with open eyes all that Wonderland would behold for me; and to tell you the truth, there wasn’t a moment that I was disappointed. Never has anyone captured so beautifully the tale that Lewis Carroll spun like a web into an innocent child’s heart like A. G. Howard.

I have been captivated by Alice in Wonderland for as long as I can remember and never has there been a tale to feed both the adult and young adult heart. Splintered is a breath of life for those fans of all ages. This story transcends time and generations and splendidly fills in the gaps of time.

What if Alice was still tied to Wonderland once she returned awakened from her curious dream? Did she pass the magic on from generation to generation? What would it be like to be Alice’s great- great- great granddaughter?  Would the pull from Wonderland still be able to stir in your heart? If you listened to that whisper, would it cause you to remain sane, or thrust you into the walls of a padded room gently nestled inside a mental hospital? This haunting tale answers these questions, spinning the reality of what you thought Wonderland was like and fills your head with a new and darker Wonderland.

I hope you take a leap of faith into the rabbit hole, trusting that A. G. Howard will guide you on a magical journey. You might just find yourself in love with Alyssa from the first page as I did. From the moment the bugs buzz their first word and flowers chastise Alyssa, I knew I would be hooked.

There is not one character left out, as the author gives each one its own rite and moment in the spotlight. Sometimes Alice’s tale got the story right and sometimes she got their descriptions morbidly wrong. Only to find your mind racing back to the classic tale, searching the recesses of your brain for every character, drawing up their description and anxiously reading for the new description.

 Alyssa’s beautiful, dark and magical love story grapples with you, as her conflicted feelings are divided between Jeb, who is flawed and often emotional and Morpheus, her Netherling guide who is dark mysterious and often seductive. Winding you into an unavoidable paradox of love and hate.

With adventure and love this story captured my heart. The mind of A. G. Howard is a fantastic thing. Even though this story took years to be penned, it was worth every moment.  I hope that we have only seen the outskirts of the magnificent web that she can weave.

 I delighted in the magical release of this tale and wait on the wings of a moth for another tale so sweetly wicked.

Watch for my review of the "Unhinged," the second book in the Splintered series.