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Splintered (Splintered #1)

by A.G. Howard (Goodreads Author)

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 · rating details · 4,497 ratings · 1,129 reviews

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Car...more

Hardcover, 371 pages

Published January 1st 2013 by Amulet Books

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Jan 29, 2013 Melissa Marr rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book enough that I'm posting my first ever detailed Goodreads review.

The writing is gorgeous--lyrical and evocative without ever descending into unnecessarily purple. The story is compelling (& the twist was unexpected), and the characters felt like they were real enough to have heartbeats. The author is also one of those wonderful creatures whose pre-finished books are clean enough to read. I read this in manuscript, pre-galleys, and the writing was so polished that I only not...more

145 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Sam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Sam by: Kirkus

Shelves: best-covers, arc-or-galley, ultimate-favourites, fantasy-or-paranormal, fantasy-or-pn-favourites, favourite-boys, romance, fantasy, 2013-favourites

4.5 stars

The book description, for once, is perfect. This is a stunning debut, and it does capture the grotesque madness of a magical and much-loved world.

A. G. Howard puts her own delightful twist on the story behind the story, and begins her adventure with the mystery of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. With this dash of originality, we are introduced to a contemporary fantasy, one that involves another tumble into the rabbit hole, this time...more 4.5 stars

The book description, for once, is perfect. This is a stunning debut, and it does capture the grotesque madness of a magical and much-loved world.

A. G. Howard puts her own delightful twist on the story behind the story, and begins her adventure with the mystery of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. With this dash of originality, we are introduced to a contemporary fantasy, one that involves another tumble into the rabbit hole, this time with Alyssa Gardner and her good friend Jeb. There are the echoes of familiar characters, from the White Rabbit, to the Caterpillar and his hookah. We have the kings and the queens, and the remnants of Alice’s tears. There is even a splendid nod to the tea party and the Mad Hatter. Howard's rendition is not lacking in creativity, and features a sea of tears, giant spider-women, an octo-walrus and many, many other outrageous and wild things. It is exciting and mad, in exactly the way I expect all Wonderland retellings to be.

Without distracting from the splendour of the story, a romance builds between Alyssa and Jeb. While not without complications and teenage angst, it is a sweet and modern romance, filled with satisfying tension and emotion. Be warned, this is not a perfect romance between perfect people. It is dramatic, sometimes very much so, and if that is not something you can tolerate, or remotely enjoy reading about, tread carefully with Splintered. There is also – cue the groans – a light love triangle. I live to bitch about love triangles (really, I do) but, surprisingly, I was happy to accept (too strong a word?) the situation in this book because I knew I would get my way in the end. Let me put it this way. If you enjoyed Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo regardless of the love triangle, then I have no doubt you will be tolerant of the romantic plot in this book too. If it is any consolation, it does not take anything away from the magic of the overall story. If anything, it adds to it.

The main characters, Alyssa, Jeb and Morpheus, are all likeable, or at least, intriguing. Alyssa’s initial quirkiness sprouts from her ability to hear the whispers of insects and the flutter of wings. While her decisions are not always easy to appreciate, she is a delightful and brave protagonist and not difficult to warm to. Morpheus is seduction and mystery, expertly wrapped into a dark, enticing package. He is the other love interest, a constant enigma, and his role not quite as exasperating as you might imagine. Jeb, however, is my favourite. While he is evidently ruled by his emotions, and sometimes not in the most positive of ways, it is testament to Howard’s characterisation skills that he remains appealing throughout, despite the obvious flaws. Admittedly, his protectiveness over Alyssa is, at times, constricting and unrealistic, but not so much so that I failed to enjoy the story because of it.

I initially, perhaps too soon, rated this book 5 stars. Upon reflection, however, I realise it is not faultless and do have to admit that the ending is... not quite what I needed. Regardless, I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed A.G. Howard’s debut novel and could not have hoped for a better renewal of a favourite classic. This is a book best suited to readers who do not tire of adventurous plots, and who are inclined to decent-sized portions of romance. And, of course, this is a book for those longing to hurdle head-first into the surreal madness of Wonderland.

(This review also appears on my blog)(less)

52 likes · like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 fяσzєη rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: covergasm, netgalley-or-edelweiss, 2013-faves, all-time-faves, amazing-authors, books-i-want-to-marry, creatively-original, faves, love-triangles, made-me-smile, deserves-the-hype, fairytale-retellings

This review is also available over at my blog.

To see my interview with the author, click here!

________________________

Two words: Hell. Yes.

From the moment I first set my eyes on that cover and read that blurb, I needed this book in my hands right then. I had high expectations for it, and they were all met. I can safely say that this is THE ultimate YA retelling of Alice in Wonderland, and I'm not sure any other will top it.

The story follows Alyssa, a girl who can hear the whispers of bugs and f...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Giselle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, fantasy

Splintered seems to be another instance where I appear as the black sheep. I've seen numerous positive reviews of the novel before I went into it, and came out feeling pretty disappointed. A book I even thought at first I would absolutely love, ended up being just a little too drawn out. I had little love for the characters, and the fascinating twists came a little too late to grab a higher rating.

I will say, the novel is not a complete let-down, especially for Alice in Wonderland fans. I, mysel...more Splintered seems to be another instance where I appear as the black sheep. I've seen numerous positive reviews of the novel before I went into it, and came out feeling pretty disappointed. A book I even thought at first I would absolutely love, ended up being just a little too drawn out. I had little love for the characters, and the fascinating twists came a little too late to grab a higher rating.

I will say, the novel is not a complete let-down, especially for Alice in Wonderland fans. I, myself, have never been a junkie of classic fairy tales, but out of all, Alice remains one of my favorites. Thus, I was instantly taken by the plot in Splintered. It has great connections to the Alice story we've known for years, taking us into the lives of Alice's very own great-great-granddaughter--Alyssa. By 20%, I was fully enraptured in this tale by which time I had incredibly high hopes for, thinking it a for sure winner. Sadly, when the initial high of this exciting plot peaks, it quickly crashes into an adventure filled with so many detours and a tiresome love triangle. It made it hard for me to even finish it.

To draw a picture of this love triangle: we have Jeb, a jerk who Alyssa is head over heals in love with. The boy next door who inadvertently becomes Alyssa's sidekick in this twisted wonderland, Jeb is not likeable at all. Mostly, he's boring, and any personality he does have includes him being irritating in his behaviour towards Alyssa. Sure I've seen worse love interests, he's hardly even in my least favorite, but his character is simply not attractive in the least. His obvious denied love for Alyssa, and their "we love each other but we can't because (insert lame reason here)" relationship is exhausting. Then comes Morpheus, a Wonderland native who is also madly in love with Alyssa and trying to win her over. I actually did not mind him. Sure he's a wanker, but he's abruptly honest about his personality so you can't help but just accept that he is who he is. We're not "supposed" to like him, so, as usual, I loved to hate him. :D

Honestly, I don't abhor love triangles as much as most, but I need to understand why it exist, and in this case it felt too much like the romance was there just because. It took too much attention off of the plot, which is by far the best modern Alice story I've read. The middle section could have easily been cut in half. Alyssa is taken on so many runarounds without getting any answers that it takes a lot of patience to get through this book. I'm not known for my patience…

I will have to say, however, that at the end I was thoroughly satisfied with the way the story played out. Cut out the romance, the long winded deviations, a boring protagonist, and we have ourselves a 5-star! (…crickets…) In all honesty, the main plot is fantastic. The plays on the original Alice, and the way the author makes it her own with unique twists is worth the read for that alone! I loved how we get a completely new "no, this is what actually happened" story. It's brilliant! This leads me to recommend this novel to any Alice fan, regardless of my issues with the less endearing parts of this novel. Just, be patient.

--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.

For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

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Apr 27, 2013 Megan (Book Brats) rated it 2 of 5 stars

I sure wish now that I'd taken the blue pill and not read this book...

On paper, a book might seem like many things. Some might seem like rage-inducing snooze fests directed at sexist people with a death wish. Incredibly epic, of course, is the preferred synopsis of choice. When I picked up SPLINTERED, glossed over the synopsis a few times, and took it in with a final hard look, I saw one word flash across my eyes – AWESOME. And that was what I took when I opened my Kindle and started this one. Sometimes, though, a synopsis misleads you. For me, SPLINTERED seemed epic in a Tim Burton-esque way. In reality, it was a one way trip to Hot Topic where they were having a blowout sale on Alice in Wonderland merchandise with Johnny Depp’s face plastered everywhere.

SPLINTERED is the story of Alyssa, the daughter of a woman afflicted with severe psychiatric issues, and the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of others similarly affected. Alyssa herself can hear bugs and flowers speaking to her. With her love interest Jeb, a brooding artist currently dating the high strung and stereotypical enemy Taelor, Alyssa goes on a hunt to destroy the curse, leading her down the rabbit hole right into Wonderland.

The first 20% of this book is a tedious exposition on Alyssa’s current life. Her mother is at Soul’s Asylum, where she eats only out of tea cups among other strange things. Alyssa skateboards and listens to music while mooning over artist Jeb, a boy who draws her in his sketchbook and dreams of going to London – on the dime of his girlfriend Taelor’s father, sadly – to start his career. There is a strong focus on the fact he has a garnet-studded labret piercing.

This was my first warning that I might not like this book. I never was into the goth, emo, Hot Topic-type scene other than secretly listening to Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson on my iPod occasionally. SPLINTERED’s focus is not so much on a strong, well-plotted story as much as it is on concentrating on imagery that Tim Burton might be proud of if Tim Burton put in fake dreads and made Edward Skateboardhands instead of Scissorhands. SPLINTERED tries too hard to be cool, and loses itself in the process.

I never connected to any of the characters, including our heroine Alyssa. The rest of the cast became a massive blur punctuated by the occasional strange character that never was developed. By the time the book ended after a meandering course of wild goose chases and strange trips that made no sense, many of the characters became a singular mass of boring and blah. Likewise, the plot was muddled, confusing, and at times the imagery – remarkably well thought out, if a little too obnoxious in the descriptions – became lost in confusing schpiels about mooning and being angry with Jeb and Morpheus, the extremely jerky other love interest/man-moth hybrid thing. I’m still not sure about that.

SPLINTERED suffers heavily from an over emphasis on the romance and being different and loses itself in the process. We are drawn into a love triangle that I found to be rather unappealing, seeing as how I didn’t like Jeb or Morpheus. In fact, I quite hated Morpheus and didn’t see what Alyssa saw in him other than the moth that she was BFFs with when she was little, which wasn’t creepy at all. Oh, and the psychiatry in this book? It seemed like Tom Cruise at times was lecturing me. I must be glib.

VERDICT: Sometimes, a book and a reader just don’t mesh. This happened to me with SPLINTERED sadly. Too much romance and not enough plot make Megan a dull girl.

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Oct 15, 2012 KM rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-debuts, netgalley-edelweiss, kindle-books, favorites, best-villains, best-love-triangles, swoon-worthy-boys, signed

For this review, I will be utilizing the gloriously expressive face of Tom Hiddleston.

To Splintered, I would basically just like to say one thing:

When I saw the blurb for this book, I was a little unsure. I love Alice in Wonderland (both the book and the Disney movie...along with like, every adaptation there's ever been). But the bit about Alyssa maybe being crazy sounded weird, and I'd also heard some negative things about Alice in Zombieland, so I was sort of wary of any YA take on this classi...more

44 likes · like · see review

Dec 13, 2012 Kaede rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: judge-a-book-by-its-cover, gimme-gimme-gimme, netgalley-arcs-edelweiss, books-i-own, 2013-publication, a-best-of-the-best, extreme-fangirling, fantastic-characters, fantasy, males-done-right, so-insanely-in-love-with

OH MY GOD I ~~WANT~~ NEED THIS.

Excessive fangirling. 'Cause I'm cool like that.

~~SPLINTERED, YOU WILL BE MINE.~~

IT'S MINE. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I TOLD YOU IT'D BE MINE. ARC due to arrive in a week. Dying of happiness. <33

11 likes · like · see review

May 10, 2013 Ian rated it 3 of 5 stars

★★★☆ 3.5 Stars

Splintered is part sequel, part homage to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Since childhood, bugs and flowers have spoken to Alyssa. She has always thought she was mentally ill like her mother, but when she discovers her true heritage––that she is a descendent of Alice Liddell, she embarks on an adventure to return to Wonderland and correct the mistakes her great grandmother made.

Splintered didn't really work for me. There are so many references to Alice's Adventur...more

8 likes · like · see review

Sep 16, 2012 Ashleigh Paige rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, could-have-been-so-much-better, creepy-and-i-love-it, damn-i-wish-i-could-write-like-that, i-screamed-at-it, stupid-love-triangles, such-a-disappointment, the-shameful-shelf-of-get-rid-of-it, wrong-brand-of-creepy, e-arc-via-netgalley

See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

If you liked Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Splintered will be your new best friend. If you are like me and did not love Shadow and Bone, Splintered will not be your book.

Howard's take on Wonderland reminds me of a toned-down version of the video game American McGee's Alice, which turned Wonderland into a terrible place full of killers, deformed monsters, and twisted creatures that turn out to be the...more

40 likes · like · see review

Dec 07, 2012 Molli (at Once Upon a Prologue) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy-must-haves, young-adult, read-in-2012, 2013-debut-authors, received-for-review, books-that-changed-me, i-have-too-many-fictional-crushes, how-you-doin

I finished Splintered almost a month ago at the time of writing this review, but as I searched the pages for a quote to share with y'all, I found myself falling in love with A.G. Howard's debut novel all over again: with the ethereal setting, with the beautiful writing style and imagery conjured while reading snippets, and with the amazing characters. I went on a journey while reading Splintered, and it is one of the few books that I immediately went online to pre-order once I finished. Splinter...more I finished Splintered almost a month ago at the time of writing this review, but as I searched the pages for a quote to share with y'all, I found myself falling in love with A.G. Howard's debut novel all over again: with the ethereal setting, with the beautiful writing style and imagery conjured while reading snippets, and with the amazing characters. I went on a journey while reading Splintered, and it is one of the few books that I immediately went online to pre-order once I finished. Splintered took me to Wonderland - a different Wonderland than I imagined - and truth be told, I left a part of my heart there.

Somewhere between the first and last page, I fell in love: with Alyssa, with Jeb, with Morpheus, and with the Wonderland A.G. Howard has imagined. Picture, if you will, a scared Alice who came back from Wonderland, and got some of the important details wrong. This isn't the Wonderland Alyssa's classmates tease her about. This is Wonderland turned inside out, painted entirely different in its macabre, vivid reality than in the book written around Alyssa's ancestor's stories. Everything Alyssa thought she knew is wrong or false - more horrifying than she imagined, darker, more lush and sinister, or seductive. Splintered's world-building is fabulous and flawless - a sensual place I never wanted to leave.

If asked to choose a favorite character, I'm not sure I could, with any certainty. The characters are all stand-outs - terrifically fleshed-out people who feel real in their complexities. Alyssa is independent, and her fears of ending up like her mother are so genuine; she's easily a sympathetic character. Jeb is swoon-worthy by definition (mine at least): protective, a loyal friend, sensitive, honest; his disbelief at finding himself in Wonderland translates well to the reader, and I wish we could have seen a few things from his point of view! I fell immediately for Jeb - we're talking can't-eat-can't-sleep, head-over-heels, drawing-his-name-in-my-notebook love. But there's also Morpheus. Oh, Morpheus: sly, sexy, tricksy, mischevious...with hos own way of caring. I won't say there's a love triangle to Splintered, but there are definitely two amazing boys - the kind I wish were real!

If you're looking for a thrilling, un-put-downable novel, then you must read Splintered. I didn't know whether to clap in geeky joy or gasp in fright throughout this book. Through Alyssa's tests, and her journey of self-discovery, as well as unraveling her family's secrets, I felt like I was right there with her, walking just a step behind her, shadowing her journey. I loved the familiar Wonderland elements, but I also loved how A.G. Howard continually took my breath away with one thing meaning another, and each new plot twist. A very few I saw coming, but mostly, I sat amazed, turning the pages as fast as I could. I cheered for Alyssa when she succeeded, and wanted to jump into Splintered to help her at times. But it was her quest, her mission, and it warms my heart that she did it all out of love for her mother and father, and in the process, learned who she really was.

The bottom line: read this book. I don't think you'll regret it. Even if you aren't an ALICE fan, there's a heart-pounding adventure, and an unforgettable romance, not to mention a story I'll be thinking about for a long, long time.

Also? I DARE you to read Splintered and NOT picture Sebastian Stan as Morpheus. ;)

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Jan 16, 2013 Steph Sinclair rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of retellings and Alice in Wonderland

Shelves: fairy-tales, young-adult, pretty-covers, ebook, netgalley, e-arc, amulet, 2013-release, i-liked-it, original-and-creative, superb-world-building, triangle-of-love, fantasy

More of a 3.5 star rating.

Okay, so here is a little truth for you: There is no other children's tale that scared me most as a child than Alice in Wonderland.* I will never forget the first time I heard the story. It was by way of my grandmother and these cassette tapes she bought me called Porch Swing Stories. It was very generous of her, but let me tell you, those tapes were the devil. Pretty much all of the stories were purposefully cranked up in the creepy department and I'm convinced that th...more

31 likes · like · see review

Sep 21, 2012 Madeleine marked it as to-read

Shelves: covers-i-love, have-but-haven-t-read-yet, books-i-own

seeing the cover

seeing it's another Alice in Wonderland idea

seeing that it actually sounds amazing

fangirling with everyone on goodreads

seeing the release date

42 likes · like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Monika rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, inne

EDIT 25/05/2012: OH.MY.GOODNESS.

description

Look at that spectacular and colourful cover. Yeaa... It has kinda creepy but yet intriguing side.

EDIT 27/07/2012: Everytime I see cover I fall in love with this book even more. Truly.

Gosh, I had such high hopes, but sadly I did not like Splintered. Mainly, I had a problem with the three main characters. I did not care about them, I had no connection with them. Nothing.
The beginning of the story was so boring, it got interesting as Alyssa went to Wonderland. And e...more

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 24, 2013 Jennifer Archer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-novels

I can't WAIT until this book hits the shelves. I read an early, early draft and it is incredible. An Alice in Wonderland spinoff unlike anything you've ever read/seen before! So rich in sensory detail you'll feel as if you've fallen through the rabbit hole yourself!

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 08, 2013 Demi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Can we take one moment and wonder how much better this book would have been if Jeb wasn't in it? CAN WE?!

This guy was a major douchebag! Besides the fact that he was as good as useless to the entire plot, he had no respect all for Alyssa's opinions or decisions. "Jeb, I think--" "Shut the fuck up. I decide what you can and can't do."

Protective was not even how I would describe him. Controlling is still an understatement. He treated her like a fucking puppy. Its not even like I'm reading too much...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Rebekah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fan-girling-ly-fabulous

Splintered is why I love the blogging community. If I hadn't started a blog, chances are that I would have stayed in my little bubble and missed picking up a gem like this. That, my friends, would have been a travesty!

Splintered is the most unique take on a childhood fave that I've ever read. You know the big scary hype monster that comes along with books such as these? Well, main character, Alyssa, easily chases it back under the rock it came from. IT. WAS. AWESOME.

I'm going to step away from m...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Nobonita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE IN THIS PLANET!!!!!!......Well,as long as you like fantasy.

Recommended to Nobonita by: myself :D

Shelves: arc-paperback, autographed-copy, hardback-review-copy, signed-by-author, abrams, 2013-d-a-c

So I just came home from school to find something pretty waiting for me.Take a look a the beauties!Aren't they gorgeous?!(I meant the book along with the locket and bookmark) XD

*UPDATE ON 26/10/12*
You guys!This is awesome!!!! Will read again and again.Full review to come December-ish.Check out my blog for a giveaway during that time as well! ;)

*UPDATE ON 12/08/12*
Full Review: [Also cross-posted at my blog: http://perrytheplatypus1102-3daydream...]

SPLINTERED is probably one of my best 2012 reads....more

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Mar 24, 2013 Stephanie ♥Loves Adrian Ivashkov and Warner!♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: giveaway-wins, favorites, 2013-release

Once upon a time (which would be a few months ago in april or may 2012) I entered a giveaway to win an arc copy of Splintered. I never would've guessed that I would actually win this. To me winning Splintered was mind blowing.

Just one look at the cover and you get pretty much sucked in already, right? So it wasn't until august that I received my copy but it was so worth the wait. Not only that but the author was also really nice, always letting me now what was happening and when the arcs were be...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Kevin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-arc, reviewed, to-buy

4.5 Stars

description

And I'm overdue for a review...!

Here's a fun fact, "Alice In Wonderland" has never actually been exciting for me. There I said it! That all changed with a little book called Splintered.

I have never connected to the story or cared in the least bit about its unique and at times freaky characters. But this version of the classic tale, was different enough and twisty enough that I just kept coming back for more.

If you thought you knew what was going to happen next with this book,...more

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, fantasy, netgalley, owned, young-adult, romance

Check out more of my reviews at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

Splintered was possibly the best classic retelling I have ever encountered in my life. It wasn't just about Alice in Wonderland and it was retold differently, but the protagonists were aware of the story, but it was like Alice: Reincarnated.

It was as if the story of Alice in Wonderland slowly unfolded, starting from Alyssa's unawareness of how her life was dependent on the fantasy story, and then progressing to the point where...more Check out more of my reviews at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

Splintered was possibly the best classic retelling I have ever encountered in my life. It wasn't just about Alice in Wonderland and it was retold differently, but the protagonists were aware of the story, but it was like Alice: Reincarnated.

It was as if the story of Alice in Wonderland slowly unfolded, starting from Alyssa's unawareness of how her life was dependent on the fantasy story, and then progressing to the point where she could make the connections between the story and how her life was going. Alyssa was basically charged with the task of reversing the spell that made all her family members go insane with memories of Wonderland and nightmares of the dark creatures roaming around in the forest, and none of it was pretty.

Having not read the original Lewis Carroll Alice in Wonderland, I had no idea what to expect from Splintered. Was it going to be a lot like Alice in Wonderland, the cartoon movie? Or was it going to be like the modern rendition of Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp? I had no idea, but from what I remember from both movies, it incorporated the ideas of both the movies into one magnificent novel with twists and turns, and it left me with a strong urge to actually read the original book to make the connections myself between Alyssa's Wonderland and the original Alice's Wonderland.

In Splintered, we come across the very classic love triangle, with the boy-next-door and the bad, mysterious boy. Of course, I fell for the aloof love interest almost immediately, and later changed my mind and went head-over-heels for Jeb, our boy-next-door. His devotion for Alyssa was phenomenal, and even though their relationship seemed to be like a brother-sister dynamic, it soon progressed into something much more sentimental and intimate. Something I thought was really sweet about their relationship was the way they would sacrifice everything for each other. From their own lives to their possessions, these two characters knew how to keep us on our toes, wondering if they would really go that far to keep each other safe. (They did.)

The world of Wonderland will blow you away and you will be breathless by how the innocent tale of Alice in Wonderland could morph into something so dark, so sinister, and so enticing. Fans of an original, fresh fantasy and any time of classic retelling will completely adore this one.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 01, 2013 Hannah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-boys-alert, the-classics, the-pile-of-favourites, supernatural-ya, 2013-releases

For my full review, including the part where I gush in GIFs, check out my blog here:

From the moment I heard about this book, I was enraptured. A re-imagining of the Alice in Wonderland tale in a modern day setting with not one but two hot guys, made complete with an amazing cover. Really, what more could you want? From the moment I started reading, Splintered had me completely taken in. I have to admit, I was a little nervous starting. I've had experiences in the past with books where you are so...more For my full review, including the part where I gush in GIFs, check out my blog here:

From the moment I heard about this book, I was enraptured. A re-imagining of the Alice in Wonderland tale in a modern day setting with not one but two hot guys, made complete with an amazing cover. Really, what more could you want? From the moment I started reading, Splintered had me completely taken in. I have to admit, I was a little nervous starting. I've had experiences in the past with books where you are so giddy and excited to begin, and then it's a let down read. Let me get this out the way now - Splintered will in no way disappoint.

Splintered is not so much a retelling of the Alice tale, but a continuation of the story with A.G. Howard's own unique stamp upon them. Alyssa can hear bugs and flowers whispering to her, and she starts believing that she's as crazy as her mother, who is currently in a mental institute. When Alyssa learns that Wonderland is in fact a real place, she must go through a series of tests to prove herself and ultimately save her mother from the Liddell curse. I really can't do the novel any justice by trying to describe it, so you'll just have to trust me when I say that this is a truly brilliant piece of work.

Anita has such a beautiful style of writing that you are never left bored or wondering when the good bits are going to come. While the story rolls out in the traditional format that most novels about first discovery follow, Anita sets the scene perfectly. We're introduced to pretty much all the major players in the novel and get a little 'taster' of what they are all like. Alyssa was a breath of fresh air as the main character, a girl driven by the love she has for her family and for Jeb, the boy who has been her best friend for years, but also a secret love. What I loved most about her was that Alyssa had a backbone, she had strength and a wise mind. She loves fiercely and I felt a real connection when reading her, and could sympathize with everything that she was going through.

I can't write this review without mentioning the boys. Oh, the boys! Okay, so love triangle. But this is one love triangle you will love! Both boys, Jeb and Morpheus, have their own deliciousness and charm that will leave you head over heels for one or the other. Or, if you are like me, in love with both. Yes, I am totally Team Jebpheus! Jeb is quintessentially the guy we all want. The best friend, the one that makes you laugh, smile, cry. He's kind, caring, fiercely loyal and protective and ruled by his heart - which may be a bad thing, but oh swoon! Then you have Morpheus. The complete opposite of Jeb, but just as lovable. I like to think of them as the Stefan and Damon of Wonderland (okay, so I'm a little Vampire Diaries obsessed at the moment!). He's cunning, a little vindictive, seductive and charming. He's got the idea of cyrptic down to a fine art, and the 'M' doesn't just stand for Morpheus, but also mysterious. He kind of takes on the role that the Catepillar plays in Alice, a guide of sorts for Alyssa. But don't let him fool you. I seriously swear that villanry (if that wasn't a word before, it is now!) is taking over YA - think Cole from Everneath, Warner from Shatter Me. But, like, even better!

One of the best things too about the book is the twist near the end. Obviously I'm not going to give it away, but if you think you know what you are getting with this novel, then think again, because there is so much more to expect with this!

And of course, now I saved the best for last. Sure, characters may be at the centre of a novel, but for me the be all and end all is the setting that the novel is placed in. And this is where Anita brings out the WOAH! factor. I simply cannot begin to put sentences together describing the world that she has created. Sumptuous. Dark. Mysterious. Compelling. Thrilling. Twisted. Delicious. Mad. Exciting. And they are just all of the words I could think of from the top of my head. Anita has crafted such a beautifully delicate world, one that pays real tribute and homage to Lewis Carroll in ways that I can't even begin to fathom. Every step, every turn that Alyssa, Jeb and Morpheus make feels like you are there alongside them.

Splintered was a truly thrilling and compelling story that I could not simply put down until I finished, despite the time of night - or should I say day, considering I finished it at 6:30 in the morning. One of the most highly original and completely unique stories that you'll read, Splintered will have you hanging to every word.(less)

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Mar 10, 2013 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: waiting-on-wednesday, buy-gifts-2013, won-in-a-giveaway, owned-books, read-2013, reviewed

The cover is so pretty! It's torture to wait so long :o

edit: I'm not sure.. 3.5 or 4 stars. review comings soon.
Edit: 4 stars it is.

Also on http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.com

Summary
Alyssa’s mother has been locked away in a special institute. They are descendants from thé Alice in Wonderland and every woman suffers from the same mental problem. They hear insects and flowers talk. When Alyssa is starting to hear the voices too, she is worried that she might end up like her mother. Her father i...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Sabriena rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think I may have found my new favorite book. I finished reading Splintered by A.G. Howard and I can't get this book out of my head, it is really that good. A.G. Howard takes Alice in Wonderland and makes you focus on if it was actually real and the fairy tale was based on more than just someone's imagination. The writing in this story is beautiful and well done. You feel like you are Alyssa and have travelled to Wonderland to save your family from the curse.

Read the rest of the review at Infe ...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Dori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: clean-your-shelf-challange

4 stars... I had the intention of giving it only 3 almost all the way through the story up until the very end! And when the book ended and i found myself smiling like an idiot and my arms were on goose bumps, i had to give it 4. I mean, Jeb is so worth it! I LOVE JEB!!!!

Okay, so Alyssa is a Texas girl who is a freak. She's the descendant of the original Alice of Carroll's Wonderland. Her mother is locked up in an asylum but that's not where it ends. Alyssa can hear flowers and insects talk too....more

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Oct 01, 2012 Ashley Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-netgalley-edelweiss, purchased, favorites

I was provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley and Amulet Books.

I freakin' LOVED this book!!!!! A very magical, romantic, thrilling, and well written book. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book! I loved this way more than the original Alice in Wonderland (I know.. and I'm sorry but I do). Howard has a very dark and interesting take on the 'Real Wonderland.' I LOVED both romantic interests, Jeb and especially Morpheus (the Caterpillar that really looks like...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amulet, mythic-and-fairy-tale-ish, young-adult, 2013-publication, january, read-2013

3.5 stars I liked so many things about this book, but I had trouble adjusting to others. Sorting out my thoughts, but review to come.

Definitely worth checking out if you're curious, though.

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 28, 2013 Jenelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mindblowingly-amazing-books

UPDATE

THERE IS A SEQUEL! WOOHOO!

I can't wait for Unhinged!!! (Even the title's awesome!)

END OF UPDATE

Huh. BE is still out of commission, but good thing I still have Goodreads to post reviews! :) Anyway...

My Opinion

You know how some books have lame-ass summaries that don't even cover one half of the book's awesomeness? Summaries that are so cliched, or too vague, that you just wrinkle your nose and put the book down?

I am so happy that this wasn't the case with Splintered. Even from the cover, to...more

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May 12, 2013 Ruth**Off With Its Head!** rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst, bad-boy, death, fae, female-pov

I would say 3.5 stars but I'll round it to 4 for Goodreads :)

There were elements of this story that I loved and others that I wasn't a fan of.

I loved the creepiness that the author managed to get across, I think I actually shivered at one stage and may have had a nightmare or two.

This, for me, was something a bit different then your normal YA fare. Though it is based on Alice in Wonderland and some reviewers see it as a bit of a fan fiction, I thought it was fresh and interesting & held my a...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I received this book I immediately and willingly dove head first into the rabbit hole, relishing with open eyes all that Wonderland would behold for me; and to tell you the truth, there wasn’t a moment that I was disappointed. Never has anyone captured so beautifully the tale that Lewis Carroll spun like a web into an innocent child’s heart like A. G. Howard.
I have been captivated by Alice in Wonderland for as long as I can remember and never has there been a tale to feed both the adult and...more When I received this book I immediately and willingly dove head first into the rabbit hole, relishing with open eyes all that Wonderland would behold for me; and to tell you the truth, there wasn’t a moment that I was disappointed. Never has anyone captured so beautifully the tale that Lewis Carroll spun like a web into an innocent child’s heart like A. G. Howard.
I have been captivated by Alice in Wonderland for as long as I can remember and never has there been a tale to feed both the adult and young adult heart. Splintered is a breath of life for those fans of all ages. This story transcends time and generations and splendidly fills in the gaps of time.
What if Alice was still tied to Wonderland once she returned awakened from her curious dream? Did she pass the magic on from generation to generation? What would it be like to be Alice’s great- great- great granddaughter? Would the pull from Wonderland still be able to stir in your heart? If you listened to that whisper, would it cause you to remain sane, or thrust you into the walls of a padded room gently nestled inside a mental hospital? This haunting tale answers these questions, spinning the reality of what you thought Wonderland was like and fills your head with a new and darker Wonderland.

I hope you take a leap of faith into the rabbit hole, trusting that A. G. Howard will guide you on a fantastic journey. You might just find yourself in love with Alyssa from the first page as I did. From the moment the bugs buzz their first word and flowers chastise Alyssa, I knew I would be hooked.
There is not one character left out, as the author gives each one its own rite and moment in the spotlight. Sometimes Alice’s tale got the story right and sometimes she got their descriptions morbidly wrong. Only to find your mind racing back to the classic tale, searching the recesses of your brain for every character, drawing up their description and reading anxiously for the new description.
Alyssa’s struggle with her own heart’s desires, grapple with you, as well as you wanting to help her decide between following the matters of this world’s heart or fall for love in Wonderland.

With adventure and love this story captured my heart. The mind of A. G. Howard is a fantastic thing. Even though this story took years to be penned, it was worth every moment. A. G., I hope your mind is still spinning new tales and that we have only seen the outskirts of the magnificent web that you can weave. I look forward for the magical release of your tale and wait on the wings of a moth for another tale so sweetly wicked.
(less)

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Apr 04, 2013 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-books, favourite-books, fairytale-retellings

5 stars.
Curiouser and curiouser…

Whimsical Wonderland, tea parties and light-hearted madness has always made me smile. I feel nostalgic, like I’m five years old and playing dolls and dress ups with my cousin again. But there’s that other side of me, the one that’s grown up and seen more in life that wants to know what secrets lay behind the pretty, cheerful façade of Wonderland.
My dark side.

In A.G. Howard’s Alice retelling, Lewis Carroll was misled. The real Wonderland is darker, funkier, creepie...more

3 likes · like · see review

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Splintered Fan Club : Sequel for Splintered (Unhinged)	72	116	May 20, 2013 09:02pm
Splintered Fan Club : *VOTE FOR YOUR GUY!!*	23	16	May 20, 2013 08:58pm
Morpheus, anyone? spoilers here	16	91	May 20, 2013 03:12pm
Is Anyone else DYING for a sequel?	15	67	May 19, 2013 08:26pm
YA Buddy Readers'...: Splintered by A.G. Howard - Starting 22/04	54	28	May 15, 2013 04:02pm
Addicted to YA: Splintered	11	76	May 07, 2013 03:50pm
Fun Reads & R...: Movie Cast?	1	5	May 06, 2013 08:15am

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About A.G. Howard

A.G. Howard is most at home when weaving the melancholy and macabre into settings and scenes, twisting the expected into the unexpected. She was inspired to write SPLINTERED while working at a school library. She always wondered what would’ve happened had the subtle creepiness of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland taken center stage, and she hopes her darker and funkier tribute to Carroll will inspi...more

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Quotes from Splintered

“Jen said some guy asked you but you didn't want to go. Why not?"
I shrug. "I have this character flaw? Called dignity?” — 82 people liked it

“Tearing down the rest of the world won't make you happy. Look inside yourself. Because finding who you were meant to be? What you were put into this world to do? That's what fills the emptiness. It's the only things that can.” — 71 people liked it

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