Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard

Title: Splintered
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Splintered, #1
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publish Date: January 1, 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Retellings

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.

Splintered was a whimsical yet dark retelling of Lewis Caroll’sAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

I’m such a fan of those mysterious yet mischievous and odd stories, especially those that creep me out! Miss Howard definitely has a way with words. She twisted Wonderland in to a place that you would want to escape, but the all the magic and wonder would just suck you in.

I’m really into creepy tales with unique creatures, settings and storylines. Splintered had all of these! There were all sorts of monster/animal-like beings that added to the Wonderland-ish feel of the book. For settings, the Hall of Mirrors was probably my favorite (you’ll know when you read it!)

The overall story was great–as magical as the original Wonderland, but darker and with more meaning. I can’t really say the same for the characters, though. They were interesting, but not that likable. Alyssa, our heroine, was okay. I thought her character could’ve used a little more development. Hopefully she’ll be more kick-ass in the sequel, Unhinged.

We have our two love interests, Jeb (Alyssa’s human crush and close friend) and Morpheus (a resident of Wonderland and Alyssa’s sort-of childhood friend). Between the two, I would personally (unlike so many others) pick Jeb. He’s sweet, caring and protective. Morpheus, on the other hand, was seductive (in a really creepy way), deceiving and dark. Anyway, I have a thing for good boys. They seem much more realistic.

Characters aside, the book was great! I really loved how it felt like I was in Wonderland while reading. Definitely worth the read for those who want to give this book a shot!