The first novel in Colleen Oakes's epic, imaginative series tells the origin of one of the most infamous villains-the Queen of Hearts. This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. 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.
This book was absolutely amazing. Queen of Hearts gives the audience a new perspective on the old tales of Wonderland (from Carroll, to Disney Animation and Tim Burton's adaptations). As an avid reader and a huge fan of both retellings and anything Wonderland-related, this was my perfect cup of tea. Colleen Oakes artfully weaves in hints of the original relationship between the Queen of Hearts and the White Queen from Carroll's stories while simultaneously creating a unique and wondrous backstory that endears readers to Princess Dinah. The main character's struggles with wanting her father's love, being a princess, jealousy, and young love make this an intriguing and complex narrative that pulls at your heartstrings from beginning to end. I cannot wait for the next installment! I give it 5 stars (or crowns, as the case may be).
Reading updates
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Started reading
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8 February, 2014:
Finished reading
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8 February, 2014:
Reviewed