Okay! Now this is what I expect from a retelling. First I have to comment on the cover which I think is completely beautiful! Not only do I love the cover but I absolutely loved Howard's version of Wonderland. Alyssa is a spunky, skateboard riding girl, with semi- dreadlocks and a family curse to break. She's so easy to love. She's got spirit and she's smart. She's not one of those characters where you are constantly shaking your head wondering what she's thinking the whole time. She's got it together and she's determined. Jeb is a character to love too. He genuinely wants to look out for Alyssa without getting in her way- even if she doesn't always understand that.

My favorite character was Morpheus, the childhood playmate Alyssa always thought she'd made up. It's hard to tell if Morpheus is to be trusted or not. It seems at times he is helping Alyssa and at other times he's leading her astray. He's sneaky, crafty, and mysterious. Even I found myself falling for his charms!

Howard's version of Wonderland is dark, mysterious, creepy, and totally fantastic. I found myself completely immersed in it. Howard paints a vivid picture of a very different Wonderland than what I grew up with. She weaves the original Alice story and this new Wonderland together in some very clever and inventive ways. She explains many of the mysteries of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland in the most awesome ways!

The book is fast moving and doesn't mess around. I got this book from the library but it is one I would gladly add to my collection. Loved it.