Splintered Review

Splintered (Splintered #1)
By A. G. Howard
Published January 1st, 2013
371 pages

4.5 stars - Absolutely Captivating!!
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.

Review:

WOW! This was definitely a stunning and captivating start to an interesting series. Howard's story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was awesome. I loved how the original story was the base for this series but Splintered was able to bring something totally unique to it. 

The characters were amazing. I loved Alyssa and I loved watching her grow throughout the book. She was able to find herself in Wonderland and realize who she really is. She didn't have an easy childhood with her mother being away because of mental reasons and having to grow up as Alice Liddel's family member. There were times when she wasn't sure of herself but I enjoyed reading about her accomplishing her trials. Jeb was a great friend and I loved him from the very beginning. He's just plain awesome. Morpheus is definitely unique and it was difficult to tell when he was being genuine. He had quite a few plans and many secrets but I think there is something else to be told about him. I'm looking forward to learning more about his character and why he does the things he does. The Wonderland inhabitants were freaky and grotesque but they made sense in that world. I loved how the rabbit wasn't really a rabbit and how Alice got quite a few things wrong about the world she visited. 

This book was filled with adventure and captivating scenes. I wasn't bored for one minute because there was always something going on. I could picture Wonderland and all it's craziness and I enjoyed it. It was a fun and entertaining read and I definitely want more! This darker version of Wonderland is intriguing and stunning and I recommend you check it out  now! I can't wait to be able to read the next book. If you haven't read Splintered yet, then what are you waiting for? 

Vanessa