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
THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS
Title: Blood of Wonderland
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series/Standalone: The Queen of Hearts Saga (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 336
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The former Princess of Wonderland was lost."
"The queen will rise.
Dinah has been exiled from Wonderland. The vicious father she always feared has framed her for the brutal murder of her brother and turned the kingdom against her.
Now hiding in the lush and mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice. She could leave Wonderland forever or return and fight her father for her throne- a fight she knows would only result in bloodshed.
When a chance encounter with one of her father's long-lost enemies brings Dinah more allies than she ever could have imagined, war starts to feel inevitable. But before Dinah can lead her people into combat, she must confront certain truths about her heart and her destiny- no matter how dark those truths may be.
Revolution is rising in Wonderland.
Dinah's battle has begun."
My Rating: 3/5
I remember really liking this book the first time that I read it, but upon rereading it I found that this book was just a bit of a filler book for the trilogy. And that's something that happens during most trilogy series in YA or just trilogies in general. I was curious to see how someone who had everything handed to her would survive in the wild and she just wouldn't have if there weren't people who wanted things from her. I suspected that was the case both times, but I totally forgot about how Cheshire made his appearance and announcement. He's so unbelievably power hungry and he just creeps me out. All these things being said I think that this retelling is really interesting in the way that it brings aspects of the original tale to life in a new light (the caterpillar).
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This post contains spoilers.
Title: Queen of Hearts
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series/Standalone: The Queen of Hearts Saga (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retelling
Pages: 306
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2014
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "'Oh, my future queen, you're late!'"
"Only queens with hearts can bleed.
This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. There is no all-knowing cat with a taunting smile. This is a Wonderland where beneath each smile lies a secret, each tart comes with a demand, and only prisoners tell the truth.
Dinah is the princess who will one day reign over Wonderland. She has not yet seen the dark depths of her kingdom; she longs only for her father's approval and a future with the boy she loves. But when a betrayal breaks her heart and threatens her throne, she is launched into Wonderland's dangerous political game. dinah must stay one step ahead of her cunning enemies or she'll lose not just the crown but her head.
Evil is brewing in Wonderland and maybe, most frighteningly, in Dinah herself.
This is not a story of happily ever after.
This is the story of the Queen of Hearts."
My New Rating: 4/5
This is such a fast-paced retelling and one that I didn't think would hold up as well as it did. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the setting. I will say at times that the characters were a little lacking, but as far as I remember that really changes in the second book. I also found that at times the pacing seemed to be a little off at times as more time would pass than was seemed likely. I did appreciate the relation to the original story the use of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and Harris are just a few. I can't wait to continue on with the series.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Blood of Wonderland
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series/Standalone: Queen of Hearts Saga (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retellings
Pages: 336
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The former Princess of Wonderland was lost."
"The queen will rise.
Dinah has been exiled from Wonderland. The vicious father she always feared has framed her for the brutal murder of her brother and turned the kingdom against her.
Now hiding in the lush and mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice. She could leave Wonderland forever or return and fight for her throne- a fight she knows would only result in bloodshed.
When a chance encounter with one of her father's long-lost enemies brings Dinah more allies than she ever could have imagined, war starts to feel inevitable. But before Dinah can lead her people into combat, she must confront certain truths about her heart and her destiny- no matter how dark those truths may be.
Revolution is rising in Wonderland.
Dinah's battle has begun."
My Rating: 4/5
This is the second instalment in the Queen of Hearts Saga and it was very interesting to see where the story left off based on the dramatic ending of the first novel. I loved this retelling because it was so different than other retellings I've read and it follows the making of a "villain" (I think). Which is something that I'm always down for! At some points, it was a little cringeworthy (some cliches were a little over the top) I really enjoyed the changes in the characters throughout this book and the introduction of new characters to the Wonderland world. I also enjoyed the further exploration of Wonderland and seeing different aspects of the topsy turvy world.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
I finally picked up the second instalment... way to go me.
This series is going in such an interesting direction. While the Queen of Hearts Saga is obviously a retelling, it has elements of the story worked in in clever ways. This being said, this middle novel just seemed like it was trying to make a bridge to the end of the story.
And while I understand the need branch out from the castle and explore the tipsy-topsy world of Wonderland and to see a change in our main character. These two changes are what really carried the story for me. Aspects of this story reminded me of the journey tales in other fantasy novels.
Characters:
Dinah: She has changed so much as a character throughout these first two books. Changing from a spoiled brat who was more than a little naive. To learn how to be skeptical of those around her and continuing on a journey to become a warrior and a leader. I'm interested to see how she handles a war as well as relations with those she's met along the way.
Wardley: I kind of forgot about him. I know that we're supposed to love him, but I don't really care about him all that much. That being said, when he broke Dinah's heart you could see the distinct change in their relationship and her demeanour I see how that was necessary for her to become who she was meant to be.
Morte: Not really an animated character. He proved a good point about most of the things in Wonderland, you can't own them. They are of their own nature.
Sir Gorran: I like him. He's feisty and loyal and a little crazy. That being said, I'm worried that I am putting too much faith in him. I think that he would make a top advisor if he's not a scheming jerk.
Mundoo: I really liked the way he held his ground with Dinah, letting her know that he would not kneel to her and let her be their leader of his people was a strong power mood.
Cheshire: I still don't trust this crazy freak. I don't think that he's her dad. I really think that he's manipulating her and he needs to go if she's gonna win this war.
Moments to Remember:
Pg. 92
"'Let me stand. I said, let me stand!' She rolled over quickly, which caused him to lose his balance. Then she grabbed hold of the Spade's leg and dug her teeth into his calf.
He let out a yell and hopped away. 'Yeh bit me! Who bites someone?'"
Moments to Remember: "The question was who would she be when she got here."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Queen of Hearts
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series/Standalone: Queen of Hearts Saga (Book #1)
Genre: Retellings, Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 306
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2014
Format: Hardcover Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: "'Oh, my future queen, you're late!'"
"Only queens with hearts can bleed.
This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. There is no all-knowing cat with a taunting smile. This is a Wonderland where beneath each smile lies a secret, each tart comes with a demand, and only prisoners tell the truth.
Dinah is the princess who will one day reign over wonderland. She has not seen the dark depths of her kingdom; she longs only for her father's approval and a future with the boy she loves. But when a betrayal breaks her heart and threatens her throne, she is launched into Wonderland's dangerous political game. Dinah must stay one steap ahead of her cunning enemies or she'll lose not just the crown but her head.
Evil is brewing in Wonderland and maybe, most frighteningly, in Dinah herself.
This is not a story of happily ever after.
This is the story of the Queen of Hearts."
My Rating: 4/5
I'm not a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland and while I know the story and am interested in the world it creates, I want to start this review by saying I'm not here to critic this book for its alignment with the original classic. I think that retellings are something that you have to take with a grain of salt, which means you have to both respect the fairytale in its original aspect, but also be willing to give up some ideas you might hold it to. And if you do these things I think that you would really enjoy Queen of Hearts. This story is not one for the faint of heart. The author brings together violence and beauty in a way that is both poetic and startling to read about. And while this is a short first instalment in the Queen of Hearts Saga it is a powerful one. The world painted by Colleen Oakes is one of mystery, political intrigue, horror and wonder, after all, what would Wonderland be without that. I think that this book was very well done, but wished that the twists and turns hadn't been quite so predictable. There were points in this book where I could guess what was going to happen next and found that to be extremely frustrating. I look forward to continuing the series and following Dinah in her quest for the crown.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
These retellings are really starting to grow on me. This book follows our main character Dinah, Princess of Wonderland soon to be Queen of Hearts. Or at least that's what we all thought. Dinah goes through quite a few struggles in this book, dealing with the loss of her mother, the hatred of her father, the madness of her brother and the introduction to a new sister. One who seems to be favoured by the majority of the people, including her father. I really enjoyed the twists this book had on the classic, making some characters more relevant in palace life by changing their appearance and ranking in Wonderland. I also loved how Colleen Oakes created a beautiful palace, as well as the towers filled with horror. Amazing writing. I did not enjoy the love interest very much but understood why it was necessary. I also wasn't a huge fan of the twist of her crown being taken (um duh, saw that one coming a mile away). I also have some theories concerning the rest of the book. One being that Faina was Vittore's mother.
Characters:
Dinah: She is a strong character, but at the start of this book very much does what she pleases when she pleases which was frustrating to read about. Especially with the naive attitude that everything in Wonderland was good. It was great in fact. It was sad to watch her go through so much and not know who to trust. As well as getting to know the fact that her father was the real villain in all of this, or was he?
Vittore: I honestly think that she was abducted and being used to get rid of Dinah and give the kingdom an heir so they didn't have to worry about Dinah leaving. I also think that we'll get to know so much more of her backstory in the next book. Can hardly wait.
Faina: I strongly believe that Faina was Vittore's mother. And she suffered for her daughter, and her daughter suffered for her. What will her death mean for Wonderland? What whispering did she hear?
The King: I don't know if he was always this way or someone corrupted his thoughts. At this point anything is possible. But he is an evil man and I can't wait to see Dinah go to battle with him.
Harris: I hoped that he survived the interrogation that I'm sure he got after Dinah's running away.
Charles: He met a horrible end, but I wonder about his life as well. What did he know? What did he want from life? Were his riddles predictions? I also wonder if he got some sap from the Black Towers fed to him to add to his madness.
Wardley: He was an amazing main character and love interest. I wonder what he will do without Dinah there? Or was he helping a darker cause? Will he be in the towers? Ahh!
Davianna: Once again I want her story. How did she end up with the King and what was her life like?
Cheshire: I don't know what to think of this asshole. I think that he's on the king's side, but what if he was the guy in the bedroom... ugh.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "'How fine you look when dressed in rage.'"
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
