Title: War of the Cards
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series/Standalone: Queen of Hearts Saga (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retelling
Pages: 342
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own it)
First Line: "Dinah chased a white rabbit, just beyond her reach."
"The final book in the twisted YA trilogy re-imagining of the origin story of the Queen of Hearts.
Dinah has lost everyone she ever loved. Her brother was brutally murdered. The wicked man she believed was her father betrayed her. Her loyal subjects have been devastated by war. And the boy she gave her heart to broke it completely.
Now a dark queen has risen out of the ashes of her former life. Fury is blooming inside Dinah, poisoning her soul and twisting her mind. All she has left is Wonderland and her crown, and her obsession to fight for both. but the war rages on, and Dinah could inherit a bloodstained throne. Can a leader filled with love and rage ever be the ruler her kingdom needs? Or will her all-consuming wrath bring Wonderland to its knees?
This is not a story of happily ever after.
This is the story of the Queen of Hearts."
My Rating: 4/5
This is my favourite book in the series. I expected that this story would focus more on the battle and war that was among the people but it was equally that and then the aftermath. I was happy to see the nods to the original literature as well as to the author. I was impressed by the author's ability to show such rage and anger in one story. I loved it overall, the only reason it wasn't a higher rating for me was that the beginning of this story seemed to drag a bit for me.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
I've finally finished this series that I was supposed to reread through last month and I can't believe it took me so long. I really enjoyed this last instalment. I expected it to lead up to the battle and that be the end of it, but I appreciated that the author put the action closer to the middle and wrapped the story with important plot points. There were times where the main character just seemed to be a little too naive even for me. That being said I was proud when she would realize something or research it for herself. I loved the different world and the notable nods to the original literature. Especially the end one.
Characters:
Dinah: I think the fact that she has that deeply embedded rage really makes the story what it is. The idea that she could just snap at any moment is terrifying both to her as well as the reader. It makes you wonder how she would be capable of ruling at some points and at others helps you acknowledge her fear of being on the throne at some points.
Wardley: My heart broke so soundly for him. I do wish that he had just told her. As per usual lack of communication lead to the death of someone's loved one. That being said, it would be safe to assume that she would have reacted the same way. Also if he can't even look at her how did they make 3 children....?
Cheshire: This scheming mother f**cker really twisted his way right into power. I'm not terribly surprised just disappointed. Wouldn't it have been easier to just manipulate the king and Vittorie? Not to mention did he not think that she would ever find out like she's a little naive but not dumb.
Mundoo: I liked his character, his strength for his people really came through. Overall their culture was so interesting to me.
Bah-kan: I actually bawled when he died and I didn't expect that at all. He might have been my favourite character in this series.
Vittorie: I felt for her, but really to lay with Wardley was asking for it. Like you couldn't resist and just try to leave the palace to get away from him. I just didn't understand that choice tbh.
Sir Gorrann: His story just hit me right in the heart more so than Alice and Wardley. It was far more important to me.
Final Line: "But for her daughter's sake, Dinah prayed that this time, love would be enough to quench the flame."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
