Books matching: reimagining of wonderland
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- #1
Save:A high-energy, inventive retelling of Alice in Wonderland that swaps whimsy for war and steampunk spectacle. It’s not for Carroll purists, but it’s perfect for fans of dark fantasy and bold reimaginings.
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor is a reimagining of the Alice in Wonderland story, where Wonderland is depicted as a real place with Princess Alyss as the rightful queen who is forced into exile after her parents are murdered. The plot follows Alyss as she navigates through different worlds, including Victorian London, while facing challenges and battles to reclaim her throne. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and imaginative, with a focus on themes of grief, war, and the power of imagination.
THE QUEENDOM had been enjoying a tentative peace ever since the time, twelve years earlier, when unbridled bloodshed spattered the doorstep of every Wonderlander. The civil war hadn’t been the longest...2004•370 pages - #2
Save:A blast of fun, action, and representation - a modern, urban, Alice-inspired fantasy that's more Buffy than Carroll. It may not be a perfect retelling, but it's an original debut with heart, perfect for readers who like their portal fantasies fierce and fresh.
Alice, a high school student, is recruited by Addison Hatta to become a Dreamwalker after being attacked by a Nightmare. She navigates a double life between our world and Wonderland, where she fights Nightmares to protect both realms. The story is a modern and dangerous retelling of Alice in Wonderland, with fantastic world-building, emotional moments, and genuine peril.
Alice ran her fingers over the ivory handles of the daggers on the desk in front of her. Cold light filled the blades, their surfaces more like silvered glass than steel. You’d think after three month...September 2018•393 pages - #3
Save:A visually captivating, whimsical spin on Wonderland with lots of pretty faces and playful drama - great for fans of reverse harems and offbeat romance, but those seeking deep storylines or a true-to-original Alice may want to look elsewhere.
Alice in the Country of Hearts, Vol. 1 introduces Alice Liddell, who is kidnapped by Peter White and thrust into a chaotic Wonderland filled with handsome male characters vying for her affection. The plot presents a reverse harem scenario where Alice navigates a world at war, meeting reimagined versions of classic characters like the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, whose motivations and interactions are often bizarre and disconnected.
While the manga captivates readers with beautiful artwork and a unique twist on the original tale, the execution of the story lacks cohesion and depth. Many readers find the dialogue awkward and inconsistent, especially with characters like Peter White, whose rhyming speech pattern doesn't hold throughout. Ultimately, the series gives off a feeling of potential, leaving fans curious about where Alice's journey will lead in future volumes.
February 2010•288 pages - #4
Save:A unique, grown-up steampunk take on Alice in Wonderland that’s both fun and unexpectedly dark - great for fans of reimagined classics and those craving Victorian mischief!
'Curiouser and Curiouser' by Melanie Karsak is a unique twist on the classic Alice in Wonderland story, blending elements of steampunk and Victorian Gothic fiction. The book introduces a reimagined Alice character set in a steampunk lifestyle, with new faces and stories to tell while keeping familiar names from the original story. The plot follows Alice, now a former thief turned badass, as she embarks on a heist story set in Victorian London, encountering adapted versions of iconic characters like the Mad Hatter, the Jabberwock, and the Queen of Hearts.
The writing style of 'Curiouser and Curiouser' is praised for its blend of modern and vintage elements, flawlessly blending historical references with dark imagery and blood and gore. The author, Melanie Karsak, expertly combines well-known phrases from the original story with a clever naming convention for characters, adding a level of realness to the fantastical retelling. The book is commended for its unique take on the source material, offering a mature and dark twist while still retaining elements of wonder and whimsy reminiscent of 'Alice in Wonderland.'
“Curious.” I strained to look out the window of the carriage at the crowd thronging toward Hyde Park. A man on a Daedalus steam-powered buggy motored past. The well-dressed ladies in the back seat, th...2017•230 pages - #5
Save:A Court of Hearts and Hunger by Rebecca F. Kenney is the captivating sequel in the Wicked Darlings series, featuring a unique retelling of Alice in Wonderland. This dark fantasy centers around Alice, who is held captive in the Unseelie Court by the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat, who have nefarious plans for her. Clara and her partner, Finias the Sugarplum Fairy, embark on a thrilling mission to rescue Alice, navigating a world filled with striking characters and perilous challenges. The book interweaves multiple points of view, delivering intense encounters and emotional connections, although some readers wished for more depth in character development.
Kenney's writing style is engaging, with quick dialogue and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers hooked. The balance of fantasy and spice is evident, though the sudden shifts from tension to steamy moments caught some readers off guard. While many appreciate the fantastical elements and strong character dynamics, they noted some rushed plot points and limited world-building. Despite these critiques, the story remains hard to put down, drawing fans into its thrilling and provocative narrative, leaving them eager for the next installment.
His mother, a slim fawn-colored Fae noblewoman, keeps lassoing him and drawing him back to his chair with tendrils of vine-like magic. He bursts into giggles every time, like it’s a game. Like he’d be...March 2023•443 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wicked Darlings ) - #6
Save:A wildly creative, bookish adventure for grown-ups who love classic stories with a twist - just be ready for a slow burn and lots of literary crossovers.
In "The Collectors' Society" by Heather Lyons, readers are taken on a fantastical journey where classic fairytales and literature are reimagined and brought to life in a whole new way. The story follows Alice Liddell, who is taken from an asylum to join the Collectors' Society in order to protect the various Timelines from being destroyed. As Alice and her comrades delve into Wonderland to recover its catalyst, they encounter familiar characters with new twists, all while facing the threat of erasure for this beloved world. The narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, adventure, romance, and mystery, creating a captivating tale that breathes new life into well-loved stories.
The book is praised for its unique premise of blending urban fantasy with fairy tales, creating a fresh and adult take on familiar characters and settings. Heather Lyons' writing style is commended for its smart, whimsical, and well-crafted narrative that offers readers a much-needed breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. With intricate world-building and character development, the story unfolds as a fascinating exploration of alternate realities, time travel, and the power of literary characters brought to life.
THE CEILING ABOVE ME is a mysterious map of cracks and chipped paint, nearly undecipherable in origins or destinations. Voids unsettle me, though, so night after night, as I stare up at it, tracing th...October 2014•355 pages - #7
Save:A modern fantasy classic with imaginative worldbuilding and quirky charm; a magical, slightly dark adventure beneath the city – as long as you’re not looking for a hard-boiled action hero.
In "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a fantastical journey through the parallel worlds of London Above and London Below. The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, finds himself invisible to the people of London Above after helping a woman named Door, leading him to navigate the dangers and mysteries of London Below. The book is described as a dark fantasy filled with creepy and atmospheric elements, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and a captivating storyline that delves into power struggles and hidden realms beneath the surface of the familiar city.
SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was...1996•418 pages - #8
Save:A beautifully crafted, sometimes convoluted riff on Wonderland - best for diehard Maguire fans or those who delight in wordplay and literary pastiche. Others may want to peek down a different rabbit hole.
'After Alice' by Gregory Maguire is a retelling of Alice in Wonderland through the eyes of Alice's friend Ada Boyce who follows her down the rabbit hole. The story alternates between the real world and Wonderland, providing a parallel narrative to the original tale. Maguire's writing style mirrors Lewis Carroll's with whimsical dialogue, imaginative characters, and nonsensical charm, making it an engaging read for fans of the original Alice in Wonderland.
Were there a god in charge of story—I mean one cut to Old Testament specifics, some hybrid of Zeus and Father Christmas—such a creature, such a deity, might be looking down upon a day opening in Oxf...October 2015•298 pages Wonderfully imaginative and full of charm - an absolute must for Alice devotees, poetry lovers, and adventurous readers who enjoy a twist on a beloved classic.
'Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland' by J.T. Holden is a collection of rhyming poems that delve deeper into the world of Alice in Wonderland. The book explores familiar characters and events from the original Lewis Carroll story, offering a new perspective and answering questions that readers may have had after reading the classic. The writing style is described as clever, imaginative, and in line with the whimsical nature of Wonderland, making it a must-read for fans of the original tale.
2009•112 pages- #10
Save:A delightfully creepy, imaginative tale that’s sure to stick with you - "Coraline" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys clever, spine-tingling stories, no matter your age!
'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and twisted children's tale about a young girl named Coraline who discovers a parallel world that mirrors her own but is filled with eerie and unsettling differences. As Coraline navigates this strange world, she encounters an Other Mother and Other Father who seem loving and caring, but she soon realizes their true intentions are malevolent. With the help of a talking cat, Coraline must summon her courage and wit to save herself, her real parents, and other lost souls trapped in this nightmarish alternate reality. Neil Gaiman's writing style effectively combines elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure to create a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps readers on edge.
Miss Spink and Miss Forcible lived in the flat below Coraline's, on the ground floor. They were both old and round, and they lived in their flat with a number of ageing Highland terriers who had names...May 2001•197 pages
