New Fantasy Trilogy Based On Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
When I first heard about the book, I was curious but leery. The idea of a new take on Wonderland was intriguing, but I was left wondering what an author could really do with it. Apparently a lot, but I was left asking why it was necessary. But I picked it up anyway.
Frank Beddor, the author, has a vivid imagination, but everything he does truly springs out of Lewis Carroll's novel. He has some amusing twists and capricious renderings of characters, events, and hardware in Wonderland, but ultimately I was disappointed with this one. There just really wasn't enough of a difference, and the differences that were there flew in the face of everything I loved about the book.
The idea of an adult Alyss (see, Carroll gave us the incorrect spelling after schoolteachers forced Alyss to change her name to Alice) going back to Wonderland to lead a revolt against Queen Redd was interesting, but just didn't really come to life. Beddor's world-building seems good, and his pacing is excellent, but I would have liked to read something wholly original by him. He's a good writer, but being enamored of Wonderland doesn't do him justice in some ways.
The book is readable, and if you're truly curious I'd suggest waiting for the paperback. Amazon.com has already slated the book for a deep discount ($5.49 for the hardcover, which is cheaper than most paperbacks, as of this writing), so that might work out for you too. I'd be interested in hearing any comments other readers might have on the book.
And I'll be looking for Beddor's first original work. Although that might be a ways off given the fact that there's a movie, an RPG game, comics, and other avenue in the works on this one.
3 comments:
It was good. Moved quick... but it when you've finished it and thought about it... it feels as if there isn't a lot there. I liked it, I'll read the next one... but it didn't feel like YA it felt younger than that except for all the chopping of heads and cat punctures.
I don't think I will. The second one is out now. Too many books to read. I just picked up BALTIMORE by Christopher Golden and Mike Mignola. Looking forward to that one.
I sent you an email the other day, praising your article on reading. I didn't know if you knew you were getting published on Boston Globe On-Line with that one.
I'm very proud of you. I talk about you all the time, and my Intro to Professional Writing class knows who you are. Because of you and your hard work, I don't accept slackers.
I didn't get that e-mail! :( I'm glad you liked the article though. I was really proud of that one. And a lot of people read it too. That was kind of scary actually.
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