Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered

Splintered 1

Author: A.G. Howard
Pages: 371 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantsay
Release Date: January 1st 2013
Review Source: Publisher

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Mentioning this cover first points out not only how amazing it is, but also perfectly it fits with this particular book. Whoever created this cover, captured A.G. story perfectly and really ensured that (at least for me) this would be read.

Alice in Wonderland has been a pretty popular story for people to re-tell over the years, and I really enjoyed this particular look into the story. A.G. put her own darker twist on the fun tale with her own character, Alyssa Gardner. I loved the familiar elements that we've come to know and love over the years, along with Alyssa's struggle with sanity.

A.G. also did a wonderful job with descriptions and bringing her particular wonderland to life. Taking something so well established and making it your own isn't easy, but she did and I really enjoyed it. Including Alyssa's friend Jeb and his determination to help her throughout her journey.

If you're looking for a story with adventure and struggles, with hint of insanity, then this would be for you. Plus, it's the first in a new trilogy so there will be more to these character's journey's.