Playing Hearts

Summary: It begins the way it has always begun: with a card on Mabel’s pillow. But Mabel has been in Underland before, and she’s not so anxious to go back. No matter what name it takes, Underland is always bizarre, always mad, always dangerous.

There’s the Queen of Hearts, terrifying, powerful, and possibly insane. There’s Hatter, purple-eyed and undoubtedly mad. March Hare has always been one sandwich short of a picnic, and Sir Blanc is missing his wits.

And then there’s Jack. Jack the aristocratic son of the Queen. Not quite mad, but not far off. Disinclined to help anyone but himself. A liar. And, thanks to an ancient ceremony performed by the Queen, Mabel’s fiancé.

Fall into the rabbit hole with Mabel as she climbs through tea-pots, battles the Jabberwock, and attempts to overthrow the Queen of Hearts herself.

Don’t lose your head.

And whatever you do, don’t be late...

Thoughts: As mentioned previously, I love retellings, especially of Alice in Wonderland. Also, in case you didn't pick it up in previous posts (here and here) I really love W.R. Gingell's writing style, she manages to capture a great sense of humor along with some very real and loveable characters. This story is no different and masterfully weaves a new take on an old story that had me pretty captivated the whole time. I really appreciated the world-building in here, despite not being a big book, Playing Hearts does a good job of shaping Wonderland and it's systems of rules and madness. I really loved it and highly recommend for any and everyone who wants some a new twist on Alice and her Wonderland. 

Content: Magic and violence, clean for most ages but will probably be most enjoyed by teens and adults.