4.5 stars

I read this a few years ago but didn't remember anything, so I reread to decide if I wanted to continue. And I do. Rereading was definitely worth it.

Before I get into my thoughts, I want to address something problematic I found while reading - cultural appropriation. In the beginning and throughout close to the full first half of the book, Alyssa wears dreadlocks hair extensions. I've only recently learned many smaller details of appropriation, but I was able to identify this. Dreadlocks are a part of black culture. They're gone completely in the second half and only an accessory, but I still thought it was something I should mention. That doesn't make it right.

So now I want to say that my main issue was with both of the love interests. Jeb came off as controlling and overprotective immediately after he was introduced. He didn't relax or back off at all, even in almost 400 pages. I got really tired of him really quickly, even though his actions in the last 100 pages redeemed him somewhat. I liked Morpheus at first, because he was like Rhysand and Noah Shaw combined and put in Wonderland. But then it was revealed how manipulative he was, and his involvement in … things, and I just couldn't get behind that.

But contradictory to what I just said, in the end I found myself liking both of them. While it was hesitant, it was undeniably there. Hopefully the second book doesn't completely butcher this love triangle.

I found the story interesting early on, and I loved it once Alyssa entered Wonderland. The darker twists on the story I grew up with were really unique and intriguing. I read the entire second half today alone, because it was just that good. However, I did find a couple of issues with the ending. One - it was kind of predictable. Some of the smaller details were unexpected, but for the most part there wasn't much that surprised me. Except that one return in the final pages. I wasn't expecting that, even though I knew it would happen in some form since there are 2 (or is it 3?) more books in the series. Pretend that makes sense.

Now that that's out of the way, I just want to say that I really liked this book. It's definitely one of the more unique retellings I've read. I like the idea of a descendant having to go back and fix their ancestor's mistakes. Especially if there's a curse involved. Also, I appreciated that this book talked about sanity and its boundaries without being condescending or harmful, at least as far as I could tell. It made me question. Who's to say what's real and what's not?

A.G.'s Wonderland was darker, more twisted, and definitely more grotesque. Bits and pieces bothered me, but I just skimmed over them and continued reading. For the most part, I loved it. The balance of whimsy and horror reminded me of the Tim Burton movie remake, only on page rather than screen. One of my favorite things about this was the revelation that Alice's childhood innocence led her to telling Lewis Carroll partial truths, and therefore disguising the worst parts of Wonderland.

Alyssa was a great lead. She messed up and had moments of using her emotions instead of her head, but that's normal for a teenager. I appreciated it. I know a lot of people my age that do that. I do that. She wasn't perfectly rational. I also liked that her artistic passion had a twist to it, that being her use of dead insects in her mosaics. It was creepy, but also kind of fascinating. But to be honest, my favorite thing about her was that she was driven by her family. Sure, they weren't present for most of the story because they were in the human realm while she was in Wonderland. Nevertheless, her driving force throughout all of her quests was saving her mom and returning to her parents. Not either one of the guys that wanted her. Not pride or bragging rights or some other personal motive. Her parents. Can we have more of that in YA, please? It's great.

Lastly, I just want to talk about the ending. I won't say much because I don't want to spoil it, but it was great. It showed development in all three leads, that things paid off, and perfectly set up at least one conflict for the sequel.

I did have a couple of problems with this book, but overall I enjoyed it. I'm glad I chose to reread, and hopefully I'll get my hands on the next book soon.

Also, these covers are GORGEOUS. 😍