In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Reviewed by:
  • Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain Hill, and: Ensnared by A. G. Howard
  • Alaine Martaus
Hill, Katie Rain Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition; by Katie Rain Hill with Ariel Schrag. See review under Andrews, p. 297.
Howard, A. G. Ensnared. Amulet, 2015 404p ISBN 978-1-4197-1229-6 $17.95     R Gr. 9-12

Alyssa Gardner’s last showdown with Queen Red (in Unhinged, BCCB 2/13) ended with her mother trapped in a fast-decaying Wonderland and her two loves, Jeb and Morpheus, imprisoned in the treacherous mirror-land of AnyElsewhere. Now, in a desperate bid to save herself, her kingdom, and the people she loves, Alyssa sets out on a final quest, this time with her father in tow. Their first stop: AnyElsewhere, where former rivals Jeb and Morpheus have formed an unlikely bond, and from where Jeb seems strangely unwilling to depart. Unfortunately, the Queen of Hearts lurks nearby, ready to tear their hearts out for her ally Queen Red, while the deposed queen of Wonderland makes her own plans to retake the throne. Further complicating her mission is Alyssa’s own reluctance to choose between her netherling and her human destinies. Torn between two worlds, two selves, and two loves, Alyssa must find a way to make herself whole enough to defeat Red once and for all. Howard’s weird and wonderful trilogy comes to an excellent close in this final volume. Still a lively fantasy adventure, this novel sheds the family drama to focus more completely on Alyssa’s personal journey, while showcasing the logic puzzles, reimagined familiar characters, and playful creepiness that make the series work. The ties to Carroll’s fantasy classic are looser here, giving the author more room for original, largely successful world-building, and the novel benefits greatly from the change of scenery as new horrifying and fascinating characters are introduced. Various threads that connect Wonderland’s history to Dodgson and Liddell family legacies are tied up nicely, and a satisfying conclusion that will please fans of both romantic heroes gives this strong fantasy heroine the happy ending she deserves.

...

pdf

Share