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Taking Wonderland #2
Truth and Transformation
Wonderland Just Got Darker – and the Truth Changes Everything
Ali’s problems multiply as she tries to escape from Wonderland and rescue her father. Who can she trust in this world of exotic, vulnerable creatures? How can she enlist their help without putting them at risk from the brutality of the Jabberwocky in this new world, and the agents of the White Rose back in her own?
Inside the Madness – An Excerpt from Truth and Transformation:
‘Someone came through with me,’ said Ali, ‘I think she’s dying.’
‘Is that so?’ The Hatter stared at the water for a moment. ‘How badly is she dying?’
‘How badly? She’s in a lot of pain if that's what you mean?’
‘No. A bad death can be painful, certainly, but dying is difficult to manage over here. Her body will try to repair itself, but what form that mending takes will depend on her.’
‘What form?’ Ali grabbed his elbow. ‘Is this what triggers the transformations? You get injured and your body starts adapting to save you?’
‘Exactly so.’ The Hatter sat to pull his boots on. ‘Our bodies will do everything in their power to mend. Don’t press me for details. None of our palace scholars can agree on the subject, except for one thing – do NOT get badly injured.’
---
Truth and Transformation is Book 2 in the Taking Wonderland trilogy — a dark, genre-blending journey of science, identity, and survival in a reimagined Wonderland where the truth hurts and transformation is not just an expression.
Don’t miss your chance to slip further into the madness. The final book in the trilogy is due out in Nov 2026 - “To Kill A Jabberwocky”
Ali’s problems multiply as she tries to escape from Wonderland and rescue her father. Who can she trust in this world of exotic, vulnerable creatures? How can she enlist their help without putting them at risk from the brutality of the Jabberwocky in this new world, and the agents of the White Rose back in her own?
Inside the Madness – An Excerpt from Truth and Transformation:
‘Someone came through with me,’ said Ali, ‘I think she’s dying.’
‘Is that so?’ The Hatter stared at the water for a moment. ‘How badly is she dying?’
‘How badly? She’s in a lot of pain if that's what you mean?’
‘No. A bad death can be painful, certainly, but dying is difficult to manage over here. Her body will try to repair itself, but what form that mending takes will depend on her.’
‘What form?’ Ali grabbed his elbow. ‘Is this what triggers the transformations? You get injured and your body starts adapting to save you?’
‘Exactly so.’ The Hatter sat to pull his boots on. ‘Our bodies will do everything in their power to mend. Don’t press me for details. None of our palace scholars can agree on the subject, except for one thing – do NOT get badly injured.’
---
Truth and Transformation is Book 2 in the Taking Wonderland trilogy — a dark, genre-blending journey of science, identity, and survival in a reimagined Wonderland where the truth hurts and transformation is not just an expression.
Don’t miss your chance to slip further into the madness. The final book in the trilogy is due out in Nov 2026 - “To Kill A Jabberwocky”
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2025
5 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Martin Baynton
42 books24 followersMartin Baynton is a British Author, Illustrator and TV producer. His latest novel, Truth and Transformation (Taking Wonderland #2), is book two in a fantasy trilogy, Taking Wonderland. Best known for his children’s books, his Jane And The Dragon series was adapted and produced for television by Weta Workshop. His books have been widely published in the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia, and he has illustrated books written by authors such as Russell Hoban and Kenneth Grahame.
Martin has also written for the stage and television and has created award winning TV shows including The WotWots, the Kiddets and The Book Hungry Bears.
Born in London, Martin was educated at Hereford Cathedral Prep, Ledbury Grammar School and Hereford Art College. He studied electrophysiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London University and the Institute Of Child Health. In the mid 1970s, he joined St Bartholomew Hospital's medical electronics department to develop biofeedback technology with biofeedback pioneer Dr Ann Wooley-Hart.
Martin moved to New Zealand in 1987 with his young family and became a New Zealand citizen.
Martin has also written for the stage and television and has created award winning TV shows including The WotWots, the Kiddets and The Book Hungry Bears.
Born in London, Martin was educated at Hereford Cathedral Prep, Ledbury Grammar School and Hereford Art College. He studied electrophysiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London University and the Institute Of Child Health. In the mid 1970s, he joined St Bartholomew Hospital's medical electronics department to develop biofeedback technology with biofeedback pioneer Dr Ann Wooley-Hart.
Martin moved to New Zealand in 1987 with his young family and became a New Zealand citizen.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 17, 2025
this was a strong sequel in the Taking Wonderland series, it had that element that I was looking for from the first book. I thought the Wonderland elements worked well with the characters and how it worked with in the first book. The characters felt like they were supposed to in this universe and was written well. Martin Baynton has a strong writing style and am excited to read more from him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2025
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this second installment in the trilogy. Although it's been almost a year since I read the first book, it didn't take me long to get pulled back into the world of Ali, both in our world and Wonderland, with all its myriads of villains and allies. While some series suffer in the second book, I thought this was a strong entry and I had a hard time putting it down. Truth and Transformation is a perfect title for this story as it is all about Ali and her friends dealing with both the truth of the past and present, as well as the science behind the ability to travel between the worlds. But it's also about transformation, both for those who transform when going into Wonderland, but also for Ali herself, as she discovers truths about herself and her family.
The author did a great job of bringing to life the original characters from the Wonderland stories. I loved the rabbit, and I found the queen to be a very interesting character. The caterpillar was creepy as heck and the Mad Hatter was fun and I liked what the author did with him. I also liked the mystery of who some of these characters were before their transformations, and of course I loved Waxstaff! There were times I wanted to hug her! I also loved Ali's grandparents--I loved their interactions with each other and with some of the other characters/authority figures. There were quite a few moments of levity in those scenes. King was quite the villain, especially at the beginning, but Nurse Potts was absolutely one of the worst (even, I daresay, worse than the Jabberwocky), and some of the scenes with her in it were what I would say is too much for sensitive readers. While King may have been evil, she had a reason for the things that she did. Potts was one who reveled in causing others pain, not necessarily because she wanted something out of them, but because she just enjoyed causing pain.
When I first started this story, I thought it might be appropriate for middle school and up. But after reading this installment, I think some of the scenes might be a bit too intense for younger or more sensitive readers. But like the Harry Potter series where it started out as a story that even an elementary school child could love, as Harry and his friends grew up, things became more intense and dangerous, and my five-year-old who grew up reading and reading the first book of Harry Potter had to wait a while before she could move ahead in the series. So too do I think the first book might have been fine for a 6th grader, but there are some deeply disturbing scenes of torture in this story that might be too much for the same reader.
But I think the story is just fine for teens and above, so that's where I would put my age recommendation. Overall, I absolutely loved this installment, and I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this second installment in the trilogy. Although it's been almost a year since I read the first book, it didn't take me long to get pulled back into the world of Ali, both in our world and Wonderland, with all its myriads of villains and allies. While some series suffer in the second book, I thought this was a strong entry and I had a hard time putting it down. Truth and Transformation is a perfect title for this story as it is all about Ali and her friends dealing with both the truth of the past and present, as well as the science behind the ability to travel between the worlds. But it's also about transformation, both for those who transform when going into Wonderland, but also for Ali herself, as she discovers truths about herself and her family.
The author did a great job of bringing to life the original characters from the Wonderland stories. I loved the rabbit, and I found the queen to be a very interesting character. The caterpillar was creepy as heck and the Mad Hatter was fun and I liked what the author did with him. I also liked the mystery of who some of these characters were before their transformations, and of course I loved Waxstaff! There were times I wanted to hug her! I also loved Ali's grandparents--I loved their interactions with each other and with some of the other characters/authority figures. There were quite a few moments of levity in those scenes. King was quite the villain, especially at the beginning, but Nurse Potts was absolutely one of the worst (even, I daresay, worse than the Jabberwocky), and some of the scenes with her in it were what I would say is too much for sensitive readers. While King may have been evil, she had a reason for the things that she did. Potts was one who reveled in causing others pain, not necessarily because she wanted something out of them, but because she just enjoyed causing pain.
When I first started this story, I thought it might be appropriate for middle school and up. But after reading this installment, I think some of the scenes might be a bit too intense for younger or more sensitive readers. But like the Harry Potter series where it started out as a story that even an elementary school child could love, as Harry and his friends grew up, things became more intense and dangerous, and my five-year-old who grew up reading and reading the first book of Harry Potter had to wait a while before she could move ahead in the series. So too do I think the first book might have been fine for a 6th grader, but there are some deeply disturbing scenes of torture in this story that might be too much for the same reader.
But I think the story is just fine for teens and above, so that's where I would put my age recommendation. Overall, I absolutely loved this installment, and I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 20, 2025
Thanks to Book Sirens for an ARC of this book, the second in the Taking Wonderland series. I'm not sure why I didn't think about it in book one, but as I read this one, I realized it's similar to the rewriting of The Wizard of Oz. It's a completely new take on a children's classic, for adults—dark, sinister, and at times, gory. It's intelligently written from the POV of Ali, a young girl who thinks like a scientist and is smarter than the average adult. I enjoyed it so much, I tried to prolong my reading of it, but I can only go so slowly.
I highlighted some words from the story that I particularly liked.
“They sat, perching on bar stools like exhausted pigeons recovering from a long flight.”
“The caterpillar had an odd voice, as if the air was climbing its way up from a deep and very damp well through layers of mucus or slime.” Ewww!
“Knowledge is power; it is also a threat to cherished beliefs and a challenge to those who profit from perspectives born of deceit.”
“Smoke from a fireplace coiled up through the moonbeams, the moats of ash flickering silver as they danced their way in and out of the light.”
In Wonderland, the scholars are all men and they believe that women are ill-equipped to join them in their studies. Ali asks the queen, ‘What do you think? Are men better equipped for study?” the Queen's response made me laugh.
“They are certainly more in need of it… It is my experience that we have a native intelligence that most men lack, so they need to work that much harder to keep up with us.”
And there’s this: “Our cells contain genetic ghosts of every creature who came before us on our evolutionary journey. And we know stem cells can be switched on inside us that can repair and replace every damaged cell in every organ of our body. We can repair ourselves, theoretically, but we don't. Death of the individual and passing on our DNA is essential for evolution."
And here's another gross one: "Dozens of cuts and bite marks covered her face and body. Every inch was a confusion of dried blood and dirt. Strips of clothing were meshed with strips of skin, all of it a grey brown colour, as if blood and soil had mixed with dry leaves to form a new skin."
I was pretty sure this was going to be book 2 in a three-part series, until I got to the last chapter. It seemed as if everything had been resolved. And then came the Afterward. And now, we have new questions. I'm not complaining because I'm loving this series, and I'm excited to read more. But it kills me that I'll have to wait until the end of 2026 for the next book!
I highlighted some words from the story that I particularly liked.
“They sat, perching on bar stools like exhausted pigeons recovering from a long flight.”
“The caterpillar had an odd voice, as if the air was climbing its way up from a deep and very damp well through layers of mucus or slime.” Ewww!
“Knowledge is power; it is also a threat to cherished beliefs and a challenge to those who profit from perspectives born of deceit.”
“Smoke from a fireplace coiled up through the moonbeams, the moats of ash flickering silver as they danced their way in and out of the light.”
In Wonderland, the scholars are all men and they believe that women are ill-equipped to join them in their studies. Ali asks the queen, ‘What do you think? Are men better equipped for study?” the Queen's response made me laugh.
“They are certainly more in need of it… It is my experience that we have a native intelligence that most men lack, so they need to work that much harder to keep up with us.”
And there’s this: “Our cells contain genetic ghosts of every creature who came before us on our evolutionary journey. And we know stem cells can be switched on inside us that can repair and replace every damaged cell in every organ of our body. We can repair ourselves, theoretically, but we don't. Death of the individual and passing on our DNA is essential for evolution."
And here's another gross one: "Dozens of cuts and bite marks covered her face and body. Every inch was a confusion of dried blood and dirt. Strips of clothing were meshed with strips of skin, all of it a grey brown colour, as if blood and soil had mixed with dry leaves to form a new skin."
I was pretty sure this was going to be book 2 in a three-part series, until I got to the last chapter. It seemed as if everything had been resolved. And then came the Afterward. And now, we have new questions. I'm not complaining because I'm loving this series, and I'm excited to read more. But it kills me that I'll have to wait until the end of 2026 for the next book!
August 27, 2025
To take Lewis Carroll's timeless "Alice" books and a selection of their uniquely bizarre and unsettling elements and craft them into something which has the same rich taste but a new author's seasoning is the move of a bold writer, I think.
Has Martin Baynton carried it off? Well, I would say from my point of view, yes. I mean, this is a very different book to Carroll's but it's a really good read with excitement and tension and some very dark moments indeed that have the flavour and essence of the original Alice; however, this book is something quite different, quite modern, a 21st century Alice book with science references and modern vernacular and it's all the more enjoyable for Baynton's insertions; I would add, though, continuing the food analogy, that it has a bitterness, a tang which the original "Alice" books may have had traces of but which were not so concentrated and which adds a darkness and less frivolous edge which will please modern readers.
This is the second book in Baynton's vision of Wonderland and we are following Ali, who is not Alice but her great niece, as she re-enters this other world to find her father and help her mother's friend, Waxstaff. She is in danger as are her associates in the outside world - Peter, Aunt Martha, Uncle Bertie, Dovecot - as well as those who help her in Wonderland - the Rabbit, the Hatter, the Queen.
This is fast-paced action from start to finish. I've not read the first so I will admit that the initial chapters required me to focus and try and thread together who the characters were, their relationships to each other and the back story which had obviously already been established in book one, but it wasn't hard to work out who to trust and who are the bad guys.
Baynton has imagination in spades and is able to create characters who are smart and likeable and brave, who are resilient in the face of danger and give you a warm feeling as you are invested in them and their success. There are chases, tension, mysteries, riddles and reveals. There are some nice touches too, such as the identities of the boys (no spoilers here), which I rather liked.
I'm looking forward to book three, but first, I think I will make time to visit book one!
Has Martin Baynton carried it off? Well, I would say from my point of view, yes. I mean, this is a very different book to Carroll's but it's a really good read with excitement and tension and some very dark moments indeed that have the flavour and essence of the original Alice; however, this book is something quite different, quite modern, a 21st century Alice book with science references and modern vernacular and it's all the more enjoyable for Baynton's insertions; I would add, though, continuing the food analogy, that it has a bitterness, a tang which the original "Alice" books may have had traces of but which were not so concentrated and which adds a darkness and less frivolous edge which will please modern readers.
This is the second book in Baynton's vision of Wonderland and we are following Ali, who is not Alice but her great niece, as she re-enters this other world to find her father and help her mother's friend, Waxstaff. She is in danger as are her associates in the outside world - Peter, Aunt Martha, Uncle Bertie, Dovecot - as well as those who help her in Wonderland - the Rabbit, the Hatter, the Queen.
This is fast-paced action from start to finish. I've not read the first so I will admit that the initial chapters required me to focus and try and thread together who the characters were, their relationships to each other and the back story which had obviously already been established in book one, but it wasn't hard to work out who to trust and who are the bad guys.
Baynton has imagination in spades and is able to create characters who are smart and likeable and brave, who are resilient in the face of danger and give you a warm feeling as you are invested in them and their success. There are chases, tension, mysteries, riddles and reveals. There are some nice touches too, such as the identities of the boys (no spoilers here), which I rather liked.
I'm looking forward to book three, but first, I think I will make time to visit book one!
March 17, 2025
Taking Wonderland: Truth and Transformation by Martin Baynton was a fantastic journey through a new and inventive reimagination of the original version of Alice's Wonderland.
I strongly recommend reading the first book in the series (Taking Wonderland: The Secret of Safe Passage; currently available in Kindle Unlimited) prior to delving into this one.
In several ways, I enjoyed this second book of the series more than the first. Looking back at the two of them, the first book was a lot of setup for the rest of the novels. In Truth and Transformation, we finally get to venture into Wonderland with Ali. And what strange and enchanting place it is!
Like the first book, there is a lot of science tied into the explanations of the oddities of Wonderland. Ali is quite a clever character. I also enjoyed the world building and variety of creatures encountered.
4/5 stars. I really liked the growth and development that Ali goes through in Truth and Transformation - from her being angry at everything to becoming determined to care for and rescue others that are in vulnerable places. Looking forward to book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I strongly recommend reading the first book in the series (Taking Wonderland: The Secret of Safe Passage; currently available in Kindle Unlimited) prior to delving into this one.
In several ways, I enjoyed this second book of the series more than the first. Looking back at the two of them, the first book was a lot of setup for the rest of the novels. In Truth and Transformation, we finally get to venture into Wonderland with Ali. And what strange and enchanting place it is!
Like the first book, there is a lot of science tied into the explanations of the oddities of Wonderland. Ali is quite a clever character. I also enjoyed the world building and variety of creatures encountered.
4/5 stars. I really liked the growth and development that Ali goes through in Truth and Transformation - from her being angry at everything to becoming determined to care for and rescue others that are in vulnerable places. Looking forward to book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2025
I was surprised that I loved this book even more than the first. Martin Baynton does an incredible job with the mystery surrounding what is going on in Wonderland. He has created a retelling where the characters are so different from their original counterparts and fit well into the story he is telling. My favorites are the Hatter, the rabbit, and the Queen. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the Hatter was depicted here.
One of the major plot points of the book is most of the characters searching for truth, whether that be Ali trying to figure out how to help everyone in Wonderland and what Alice’s plan’s were, the detectives back in England trying to discover what happened with Ali, and everyone in Wonderland trying to find their true identities. It is also a story of transformation. We see many characters who have been transformed in Wonderland and how this occurs.
This is a dark take on the world of Wonderland that I cannot wait to see more of, especially after that ending. I have read a lot of Wonderland retellings over the years and this one stood out to me. I will definitely be getting a copy for my collection.
*Thank you to Martin Baynton and NetGalley for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
One of the major plot points of the book is most of the characters searching for truth, whether that be Ali trying to figure out how to help everyone in Wonderland and what Alice’s plan’s were, the detectives back in England trying to discover what happened with Ali, and everyone in Wonderland trying to find their true identities. It is also a story of transformation. We see many characters who have been transformed in Wonderland and how this occurs.
This is a dark take on the world of Wonderland that I cannot wait to see more of, especially after that ending. I have read a lot of Wonderland retellings over the years and this one stood out to me. I will definitely be getting a copy for my collection.
*Thank you to Martin Baynton and NetGalley for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
June 17, 2025
Ali goes back to Wonderland to help save a friend. As she navigates this new land with its array of characters, she discovers startling secrets from her past and realizes she must get back to her own world to find her father and uncover the truth.
Truth and Transformation is the second book in the series, and it is even better than the first, if that’s possible. The banter between characters is clever, engaging and funny. Learning about the transformation process added much more dimension to the original Wonderland characters and compels me to go back and read the two Carroll stories again while I wait for Baynton’s next installment in the series. Truth and Transformation is beautifully written and the only disappointing moment I experienced was when it ended.
This review is based on a free advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Many thanks to BookSirens for providing the ARC and Mr.Baynton for the opportunity to join the adventure.
Truth and Transformation is the second book in the series, and it is even better than the first, if that’s possible. The banter between characters is clever, engaging and funny. Learning about the transformation process added much more dimension to the original Wonderland characters and compels me to go back and read the two Carroll stories again while I wait for Baynton’s next installment in the series. Truth and Transformation is beautifully written and the only disappointing moment I experienced was when it ended.
This review is based on a free advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Many thanks to BookSirens for providing the ARC and Mr.Baynton for the opportunity to join the adventure.
March 18, 2025
I love a good Alice in Wonderland retelling, and this is no exception. Ali, a descendant of the original Alice, is able to cross between the real world and Wonderland. She's on the run from some dangerous enemies, and plenty of people would kill to have the secret of safe passage. I think it's a different twist on some of the other retellings out there, and it's definitely worth a read. The characters are likable, there's a flair of mystery, and lots of amusing antics. I would definitely recommend to fans of Wonderland!
March 22, 2025
I read this as an ARC.
I always enjoy a well-done fairy tale reimagining, and I think this falls into that category as a spin on Alice in Wonderland. Truth and Transformation is the second book in the Taking Wonderland series; and I hadn't read the first book before reading this. None the less, I was able to pick up on the story lines right away and was instantly drawn in. This book is told with two parallel storylines that intersected from time to time, but I found both to be interesting. It was full of whimsy and wisdom!
I always enjoy a well-done fairy tale reimagining, and I think this falls into that category as a spin on Alice in Wonderland. Truth and Transformation is the second book in the Taking Wonderland series; and I hadn't read the first book before reading this. None the less, I was able to pick up on the story lines right away and was instantly drawn in. This book is told with two parallel storylines that intersected from time to time, but I found both to be interesting. It was full of whimsy and wisdom!
April 22, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! My only complaint from the first novel was the lack of the fantastical elements, and this one definitely brought more of that. You got to see more of both worlds and delve more into the story and each character. I cried for them, gasped for them, laughed, worried, and rolled my eyes. I felt so many things and was so so happy to get to read this.
I cannot wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I cannot wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book The Secret of Safe Passage (Taking Wonderland), so was excited to read this. But I just wasn't vibing with the first half of the book. It was utter chaos (which I suppose is to be expected with all things Wonderland and villains coming after Ali) but I just can't put my finger on what wasn't working for me. About halfway through it got really good, with mysteries and riddles and Ali being brilliant like in the first book. And some secrets and bombshells revealed! Overall I am enjoying the series and will want to continue.
March 22, 2025
I love the direction this goes as a retelling, where it uses the source material as clues to help find who the characters really are. Book two does well at continuing the story from book one. I’m so curious where this is going and look forward to more in the future. (Side note: the new covers are wonderful!)
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
Imaginative. A take on Alice in Wonderland. Liked the humour and the interplay of the chsracters. Strong female characters lead (obviously). Thank you to the author. Thank you to # NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
March 5, 2025
This is the second book in the series. It's a wonderful addition to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews