Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “The Collectors’ Society (The Collectors’ Society, #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

The Collectors’ Society

(The Collectors’ Society #1)

Heather Lyons (Goodreads Author)

4.16 · Rating details · 1,916 ratings · 408 reviews

After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that fa ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 355 pages

Published October 23rd 2014 by Cerulean Books

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Collectors’ Society, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Best Retellings of Alice in Wonderland

108 books — 521 voters

Unofficial UtopYA 2015 Award Eligible Books

424 books — 909 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.16 ·

Rating details

· 1,916 ratings · 408 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of The Collectors’ Society (The Collectors’ Society, #1)

Aug 04, 2014 Lady Vigilante (Feifei) rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Lady Vigilante (Feifei) by: Tricia Santos

Shelves: arc, cry-me-a-river, oops-let-s-do-it-again-romance, this-is-for-ana, alpha-heroes, i-love-my-friends, sweet-hero, special-and-precious, i-trust-my-friends, candyland-fantasy

5 stars!!

description

Earlier this year I went gaga over this author’s The Deep End of the Sea and thought that she couldn’t possibly write another book that could top it in originality but I was wrong. Out of all the books I’ve read, I have never read a story quite like The Collectors’ Society and I love that. Reading this book recaptures that ‘firsts’ feeling: The one where you’re reading a story and it’s completely fresh content, never been explored topic and you’re both giddy and anxious to see where it ...more

flag 78 likes · Like · see review

Oct 14, 2014 Rachel Reads Ravenously rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, new-adult-mania, ebooks, urban-fantasy, ya-fantasy, dystopia, paranormal-romance

4 Binary stars

“In pages we find worlds. In words, we find life.”

Do you think you know your literary characters? You might not know them as well as you thought.

Locked up in an asylum in Victorian London, Alice is hiding many secrets about her past. Upon a visit from a stranger with a mission, Alice is thrust into modern day New York City with a new purpose in her life. You see, Timelines were created out of our beloved books and tales, and the characters in them brought to life. They ca ...more

flag 51 likes · Like · see review

Aug 20, 2014 Pavlina Read more sleep less blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: want-to-read-soon, arc, best-cover

4,5 UNIQUE STARS

This book blew me away!It was such an interesting and unique story!I haven't read something like that!The plot is so brilliant,combining time travel and alternate universes with clasic literature!!The story developed slowly but this is perfect because you need time to understand what's going on!I really liked the fact that the characters was giving meaning to the story!!I don't want to give away anything!It's hard to talk about this book without mentioning spoilers...so I try to ...more

flag 43 likes · Like · see review

Oct 29, 2014 Brandi rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014-favorite

4.5 Stars

description

The Collectors' Society is such a creative story. Unique and thrilling, this story is unlike any other. I'm not sure how to even begin to review it...I'm going to have to think on it. I can say, I enjoyed it. While parts in the beginning moved a little slow, the story kept my attention, and around that 60-70% mark, I was hooked to my kindle. At one point I was in tears, the emotion was so visceral, I felt everything the characters were experiencing...(view spoiler) ...more

flag 40 likes · Like · see review

Oct 16, 2014 Didi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, magic, unable-to-put-down, suspense, best-of-2014, kick-ass-heroine, favorites, workplace-affair, pnr-uf

4.5 STARS

What a beautiful and fantastic book! It's part magical whimsy, part action and suspense, part romance, part fantasy but all original and addictive storytelling. The plot is so extensive yet so beautifully simple: Well loved characters from famous stories are actually real. They exist because the world loves them, therefore breathing life into them. Their books and all the subsequent characters in them are known as timelines. These timelines can range anywhere from hundreds of years ago 4.5 STARS

What a beautiful and fantastic book! It's part magical whimsy, part action and suspense, part romance, part fantasy but all original and addictive storytelling. The plot is so extensive yet so beautifully simple: Well loved characters from famous stories are actually real. They exist because the world loves them, therefore breathing life into them. Their books and all the subsequent characters in them are known as timelines. These timelines can range anywhere from hundreds of years ago till much recently.
The Collector's Society is an organization that's dedicated to preserving these timelines thus preserving all the people that exist within them. Famous characters like Huckleberry Finn, Sweeney Todd, Wendy Darling, Alice from Wonderland and many more truly live! The plot of this book surrounds Alice and her introduction to the Collector's Society. She's been back from Wonderland, now as an adult and must come to terms with her new surroundings. Getting offered a job to work with the Society starts out reluctantly but becomes her home, her true place in the world.

But there is someone out there deleting precious timelines thus deleting favored characters and the millions of people from those books. She's recruited to help find this person and prevent her own timeline from being erased forever. Working closely with the Society's members, she's partnered with Finn, a man that holds his own secrets and they slowly become close, finding a connection that truly binds them together through love.

This was so good, so addictive and so beautiful to read. The writing was incredible, the plot astoundingly original and the characters well fleshed out. The sexual tension between Alice and Finn was palpable. I thought the book really took off in the second half. It was good in the first half, don't get me wrong, but that part was more dedicated to world building and explanation. But the second half...WOW. Can I just say I loved Finn?! He was such a lovely man. Honorable, kind, giving, caring...he was heart-melting. And Alice, she was so reserved at first, not really feeling like she belonged, but slowly she found purpose and love, sigh.

It's best to just read this, explaining things that happened would spoil everything and probably wouldn't make sense anyway. I loved this and its originality. There's no cliffhanger but central plot threads are left open making me happy this is the first book in a series. This was intelligent fantasy, adult fantasy. Don't misinterpret Alice to be a young girl who fell into the rabbit hole. She's a grown woman with complicated feelings and a past that has scarred her. A past I must mention that contained a ridiculously wonderful man that made my heart bleed--there's a pun in there ;) You don't necessarily have to know all the history behind the books these characters are from, the author does provide a glossary of terms and timelines. But it was fun looking up characters I haven't visited in a while which made me appreciate how true to the real books this author was.

Did I mention I loved Finn? Seriously, he was such a breath of fresh air, such a strong and soothing presence. The things he said, did...ugh! Lovely.
This is highly recommended, and I have to thank Feifei for reading this gem or I probably wouldn't have found it. I can't wait for the next book in the series, loved it! ...more

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

Oct 16, 2014 [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

4 stars (some spoilers)

Remember Alice in Wonderland? Now an adult she gets a job offer and a new partner at the Collector's society she cannot refuse.

Without a doubt there was a few 5 star worthy moments. However there were a few things that didnt sit well with me. One: It was a bit slow, I didn't really get into the story until 40%. Two: The villain (view spoiler). Three: The white king (view spoiler) ...more

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

Jun 20, 2017 Irene Sim rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, 2017-readathon, 2017-read, romance

Buddy Read with witty Elena Salvatore.

More like 4,5 stars but due to some minor problems I won’t give it a 5 star rating.

For Readathon-2017: 38/52
In the category "A book with purple cover"

“Along with good there is always evil. It’s just the way it is.”

What an amazing world has Heather Lyons introduced to us in this book. I think I found myself a new fantasy universe to obsess over. And it’s based on BOOKS!!! Books, people. Some of our favorite characters come alive in this new world!

I must ...more

flag 19 likes · Like · see review

Mar 20, 2017 Inge rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, magic, new-adult, retellings

3.5 stars

This story does not do the Hatter justice, and, quite frankly, I could've gone my whole life without the image of him participating in a massive orgy. But, you know, it's New Adult so naturally there are lots of PENISES. (Also they always "came in unison" which is nice for them.)

Having said that, this was a really fun read. It's not just an Alice retelling, but features many (offspring of) characters from your favourite classics, binding them all together in a really intriguing concept ...more

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

Oct 22, 2014 Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads rated it it was amazing

Woooo.... I'm writing a review!
I'm actually sitting down to write a regular review.
I feel rusty... LOL! Sigh... really, really rusty. I actually messaged a friend and said, "Oh my God, I forgot how to write a review. It's so hard!!!"

So y'all will have to bear with me through my randomness as I try to lay my thoughts down for you. I want to do this book justice. It was so good.

My first thought...
THIS BOOK WAS EPIC!

I'm talking EPICCCC! Now let me explain a little something, we have a girl who mo ...more

flag 18 likes · Like · see review

Oct 31, 2014 Patrycja rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014, pnr-uf-sf

That was very intriguing and original story! Can't say I've read something like this before. Wow. ...more

flag 17 likes · Like · see review

Sep 22, 2014 Shelly Crane rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-books

I. Mean. WOW.

I received an ARC of this book by the lovely Mrs. Lyons and that ARC blew me away.

All you need to know is this: FINN

This book is DEF New Adult, so keep that in mind those who are looking for something YA. Alice in Wonderland is all grown up!!! :)

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Sep 24, 2014 Vilma rated it it was amazing

One of the most inventive stories I've ever read. Brimming with sexiness and romance, magic and lore, it's a modern-day fairytale adventure that is not to be missed!

Full review coming soon. ...more

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Oct 07, 2014 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, favorites

‘‘The book isn’t how Wonderland really is. The people there, the animals, the sights…None are silly and cartoonish, Finn. Wonderland has its mysteries and beauty, but there’s a lot of darkness there, too.’’

Actual rating: 4.5/5 stars.

First of all, I want to thank Yvonne (from A World Between Folded Pages , also known as my best friend) for recommending me this book! I have a challenge with Yvonne where we recommend 10 books to each other. We basically challenged ourselves to read the list of bo ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Jul 24, 2014 Heather added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: stuff-i-wrote

(author review)
I can hardly wait to share this one with you all!

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Jun 24, 2017 Elena Salvatore rated it really liked it

Recommended to Elena by: Irene Sim

Shelves: 1st-person-pov, ended-with-ship, don-t-remember, alice-re-tellings, beautiful-covers, jumping-time, swoonworthy-kiss, too-many-chapters, couldn-t-stop-reading, female-author

I had a blast buddy reading this book with the amazing Irene Sim.

But before I say anything else, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the cover.
description

This isn't one of your normal Alice retellings. Alice is still the protagonist but in it we also have other book characters who play a huge part in the plot.

The book begins with Alice beeing held in an Insane Asylum after her adventures in Wonderland.
We don't have the little girl from the Lewis Carroll books but a 25 year who just recently re

I had a blast buddy reading this book with the amazing Irene Sim.

But before I say anything else, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the cover.
description

This isn't one of your normal Alice retellings. Alice is still the protagonist but in it we also have other book characters who play a huge part in the plot.

The book begins with Alice beeing held in an Insane Asylum after her adventures in Wonderland.
We don't have the little girl from the Lewis Carroll books but a 25 year who just recently returned from Wonderland.
After a talk with her doctor a mysterious man visits her and tells her that Wonderland and all it's population is in danger of beeing erased.
When she follows him to a new "world" she finds out that she is a character from a popular book that an author wrote and she meets other characters from other books. Her entire life was a lie.
As she struggles to accept everything she learns about herself, people are on the lose whose mission it is to find the catalysts from each book and destroy it and with it the entire world that the book was surrounded in so Alice and the other members of the Society are on the hunt for the remaining catalysts and the people who seek to destroy them.

We don't get to see much of Wonderland in the first 3/4 of the book and Alice doesn't give anything away and because of that I was originaly give it a 3 Star rating.
We get snippets here and there from some memories of hers and it becomes clear that Alice didn't return on her own but was forced to but until very later we don't find out why she was sent away or who forced her.

What made this a 4 Star rating for me was Wonderland.
description

It was glorious and everything I hoped for. Alice fit right in with it and it containted some of the madness I was seeking.
description

I just wished the book was more focused on it. The other characters were well written and interesting as hell and I loved all of them but it didn't didn't contain enough Alice for me, the main focus is an entire different story that has more to do with books in general.

That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoyed the book. I did and I couldn't put it down because it's plot was so interesting and I needed to know more. What made it even more fun was to read it with Irene Sim. Can't wait to start the 2nd one. ...more

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

Oct 08, 2014 Nanna rated it it was amazing

Such an enjoyable read, review to come!

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Feb 19, 2015 Kelli Spear rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-perfection, more-than-5-stars, all-time-favorites, best-read-in-2015

I am a Disney fanatic, and Alice in Wonderland has been a favorite since I was a child. So, when I read the synopsis for this book, I was expecting something far different than what I got. A lot of people are into re-tellings of popular stories, and I assumed this would be yet another; perhaps more of a modern era re-telling as has been popular in the YA genre. Instead, Heather Lyons re-created our world as we know it and completely and utterly blew me away.

I've mentioned this several times befo I am a Disney fanatic, and Alice in Wonderland has been a favorite since I was a child. So, when I read the synopsis for this book, I was expecting something far different than what I got. A lot of people are into re-tellings of popular stories, and I assumed this would be yet another; perhaps more of a modern era re-telling as has been popular in the YA genre. Instead, Heather Lyons re-created our world as we know it and completely and utterly blew me away.

I've mentioned this several times before, but I've been an avid reader since an early age. I grew up reading everything, and have always adored the classics. The way the author intertwines modern literature with some of my oldest favorites is stunningly brilliant. And absolutely shocking in some instances. Books have always been an escape for me, allowing me brief relief from life's ups and downs.

“People like this are often accused of living within their fantasies. They’re said to have their noses stuck in books. But the reality is that some of these people actually do escape into books.”

Coolest thing ever. The term 'unique' is thrown around far too often today in regard to book plots. However, in this case, it is 100% true. The combination of our modern world with beloved stories of the past is something that's never been done before - at least not in this manner.

Alice is in an asylum after returning from her most recent trip to Wonderland. She has no intentions of returning, even refusing to leave the asylum in a few weeks' time. She doesn't believe herself ready to be re-integrated into society. And then, a mysterious man with an intriguing offer pays her a visit. He flips Alice's world upside-down, and completely blows our minds in the process.

"They are people who enter the worlds associated with books. We call them Timelines."

This is no normal re-telling. This is literature at its finest. It is rare nowadays for me to be consumed by a book, but The Collectors' Society has something for everyone. Classic literature is represented along with the 21st century's technology. Each appearance by a character had me gasping or nearly shouting in excitement.

“Each of us here has a story, but it’s not necessarily the one people think they know.”

Heather Lyons's novel is fantastically imagined - and will captivate you from page one. You may think you know these stories, but she puts a spin on everything and really makes you second guess all you thought you knew.

Captivating. Brilliant. Unique. Thrilling. Mysterious. Impeccable. These words describe the story, the writing, and compelling world Lyons has created. I cannot wait for the rest of the story to be told. I also wish this series would never end. ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2017 Laura (Kyahgirl) rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-alternate-history, fantasy, romance, sci-fi-fantasy, magic, humour, compelling-characters

4/5; 4 stars; A-

I really enjoyed this story. It took a bit to get going but once I was engaged I really found the characters out of 'classic literature' and the concept of trying to save their timelines very interesting.
i'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Aug 08, 2016 Grace rated it it was amazing

Frabjous. Simply frabjous.

Wildly creative, this story will capture the hearts of Wonderland fans and then transform that story into an adult book lovers dream. This is a book that needs to be read with an open mind, as what you've read prior has been altered but is no less special.

This book is very different from what I usually read. However, its been on my radar for awhile. As I was approaching a book rut, finding fault in books everyone else was loving, I knew I needed something special to get ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Sep 18, 2014 Yvonne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, favorites, ebooks-i-own, 5-stars-books, read-for-review

*Inkslinger PR kindly provided me with an ARC of the book*

Where do I even start? I want to officially and openly declare my love for Heather Lyons and "The Collectors' Society" - I loved it with all my heart and if I'm being honest it is definitely one of my favorite books of 2014, if not even of all time. I immediately fell in love with the writing style, the scenery, the overall background and the fact that it is about Alice in Wonderland was just the tip of the iceberg. Heather Lyons was ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jun 05, 2016 Monique V rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-and-paranormal, adult

Original and absolutely fantastic. This picture describes exactly how I felt while reading this book!

Summary:

Alice has entered her self in an asylum. After everything that she has been through in wonderland, she thinks that that is the best course of action. But then a mysterious stranger comes to talk to her and offers her a deal. Her curiosity gets the better of her and that is how she gets involved with the collector's society. As she gets more tangled with this society, she begins to find l

...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Sep 25, 2017 Kevin rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, ebook, books-about-books

How can you not love a novel that includes a bibliography. I liked the characters that classic authors created and that the author has re-imagined and now populate the tale. The story moves along at a furious pace in the beginning, but slows down once the Alice starts to wrestle with her feelings. I don't want to spoil the surprise of characters but one of my favorites is A.D. hopefully that character is obscure enough you won't guess the source. ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Oct 23, 2014 Misty Baker rated it it was amazing

** As posted on KindleObsessed blog **

I’ve always found that starting reviews is much harder than finishing them. More often than not I try to make them personal. Share an experience, or funny antidote. Something to draw my readers in, bring them down to my level. See the book from where I am sitting.

I’ve talked about my love of books. I’ve shared quotes that move me to tears. I’ve even ranted from a place of complete and utter annoyance, but I have NEVER been able to put down (eloquently) into ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 29, 2014 Tricia Santos rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-ultimate-favorites, supernatural-guilty-pleasures

**ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review**

There’s absolutely nothing I can say that will convey how much I absolutely love and adore The Collectors’ Society. I was in absolute awe the entire time I read it. Watching the story unfold made me realize how brilliant Heather Lyons is. The story is original, the writing is flawless, the details are intricate, the romance is beautiful, and overall, there is nothing about this story that you will not love. It’s obvious that Heather put l ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jun 16, 2015 Alexandra rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, book-boyfriend, favorites, fantasy, strong-heroine, ibooks, series, action

"Sometimes our pasts are chains we cannot let go of, even if the key is in our hands. They define us in ways we resent, and yet they are somehow precious, too. Because, logically, we understand that our pasts have made us who we are, even if we want nothing more to close our eyes to them."

OMG!!!! What a great book this was!!! Original and amazingly written - a different take on Alice in Wonderland entwined with other great and some forgotten/overlooked classic books - some we read in our ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Sep 01, 2014 The Book Trollop rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

So I have a confession to make...
Alice in Wonderland is probably one of my least favorite stories... I think it has to do with the way the movies portrayed this fantasy land, I always felt like I was on drugs while watching them...
Even Johnny Depp couldn't turn me on to it and I love me some him...

Don't throw things at me because even if I didn't care for this particular children's story, I did LOVE The Collectors' Society!!

I don't think LOVE is a big enough word for this story... It's more ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Nov 18, 2014 The BookWhisperer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I honestly do not think that I can do this book justice even if I were to write a fantastic review based on the plot, characters, action, drama, and love present in this book. Heather Lyons deserves so much praise for concocting such a brilliant world that revolves around our childhood stories. I have to admit that I was in awe the entire book, and I mean the entire book. While delving into the first chapter, I had no idea what was in store. The synopsis sounded intriguing and I really enjoyed L I honestly do not think that I can do this book justice even if I were to write a fantastic review based on the plot, characters, action, drama, and love present in this book. Heather Lyons deserves so much praise for concocting such a brilliant world that revolves around our childhood stories. I have to admit that I was in awe the entire book, and I mean the entire book. While delving into the first chapter, I had no idea what was in store. The synopsis sounded intriguing and I really enjoyed Lyons’ “The Deep End of the Sea” so I knew that I would like this book, but I didn’t know that I would absolutely fall in love with this book.

The Collectors’ Society is one of those rare books that pick you up and drop you down into a fantasy-woven world, mixed with some reality and that you become a part of and can feel the guttural emotions written on the pages. Lyons did an amazing job interweaving the fictional characters of popular childhood stories and turning them into factual being that I either immediately loved or tremendously hated. She also kept the surprises ever-present and held her cards close to her heart and played them at just the right time to keep this story uniquely entertaining.

I’m not going to say a lot about the plot or characters specifically because I want you, the reader, to be able to learn and love them like I did, which was blindly. Again, the synopsis sounded intriguing but I had no idea what a wonderful world I was about to step into. I will say that each character is written to be extremely different and rare than what you will expect. I found myself gravitating towards those at the Society and those in Wonderland (the White King especially) and falling in love with them. As for the plot, it was brilliantly mapped out and written to be seamless and thrilling.

This book doesn’t deserve just five stars – it deserves a heck of a lot more! Also, the two books that I have read from Lyons have both been rated five stars because she is a brilliant writer with an imagination that beyond compare. What does this mean? It means read her books because you will not be disappointed!

Let me leave you with a heartfelt quote from the book that touched my heart while I was reading.
“I think you are my north star. Wonderland doesn’t have one. The stars above move on a nightly basis. One night’s sky is always different from the next’s. It’s hard to anchor yourself when you can’t find a north star. Sometimes, you would feel like you’re floating, lost in space. I was lost, without purpose when I left Wonderland. I feared I would never find my footing again. Never find anything that would help me move past the confusion and desolation and helplessness of my past. But then I came to the Collectors’ Society. I met you. My feet found solid ground. A fixed star shines in my sky.” Truly beautiful.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~ ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 26, 2014 Andrea rated it it was amazing

I do not believe it possible for a person to encounter another that has not heard of Alice in Wonderland. Whether it is the classic story, a Disney version or even perhaps a modern take on the fairy tale, everyone has a version of Alice in their head. Until now….the Alice we meet in The Collectors’ Society is a sassy, modest, beautiful, confused and all encompassing heroine. At first glance you wonder how much of what Alice has experienced is real and how much of her experience is perhaps a hall I do not believe it possible for a person to encounter another that has not heard of Alice in Wonderland. Whether it is the classic story, a Disney version or even perhaps a modern take on the fairy tale, everyone has a version of Alice in their head. Until now….the Alice we meet in The Collectors’ Society is a sassy, modest, beautiful, confused and all encompassing heroine. At first glance you wonder how much of what Alice has experienced is real and how much of her experience is perhaps a hallucination. Regardless of that first impression, we soon find Alice to be nothing short of intriguing.

We first encounter Alice years after her departure from Wonderland. She has taken up residence in an asylum and it is there that she meets a man that will change her world. A simple offer of employment has never set into motion a stranger set of circumstances as it does for our Alice.

Writing a review of this book is one I have struggled with. Normally that comment would lead you to believe I didn’t enjoy the story. This is far from the truth. I almost cannot put into words the amount of affection and love I have for each of the characters introduced to us in The Collectors’ Society. The ability to review this story, one that encompasses fantasy, adventure, mystery, intrigue, humor and romance, without a spoiler is almost impossible. I will simply say, like Alice and her time in Wonderland, the adventure she takes us on in this story is a mystery, fantasy and the ride of a lifetime.

As a newbie to the world of fantasy I must say Heather Lyons continues to draw me in and make me ask for more. Not only does she give us an Alice that I want to be friends with but she gives us Finn. Oh Finn….what more can I say than he is quickly making his way to the top of the Book Boyfriend list! The witty banter between Alice and Finn and their friends is both funny and with an underlying sexual tension that is undeniable. The added splash of a few villains and the promise to keep the adventure going Ms. Lyons has me on pins and needles until the next installment of this series.

“Sometimes life is more extraordinary than we might first imagine, and today is going to test your limits of imagination and acceptance.” - The Collectors’ Society
...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Sep 24, 2014 Paula rated it it was amazing

Shelves: five-stars-2015

Absolutely wonderful!

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Oct 08, 2014 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, girl-crush, good-guys-are-best, favorite-authors, tough-heroines

Heather Lyons is an amazing author and I have loved every book she has written. I could not wait to delve into this story and had extremely high expectations. I would like nothing more than to crawl in Heather’s mind and look around. I have read over 200 books this year, and this is hands down the most unique one I have read. The book does not fit into any one genre; there is adventure, mystery, SciFi, and romance. Forget everything you think you know about Alice and Wonderland. Take a deep brea Heather Lyons is an amazing author and I have loved every book she has written. I could not wait to delve into this story and had extremely high expectations. I would like nothing more than to crawl in Heather’s mind and look around. I have read over 200 books this year, and this is hands down the most unique one I have read. The book does not fit into any one genre; there is adventure, mystery, SciFi, and romance. Forget everything you think you know about Alice and Wonderland. Take a deep breath and simply enjoy this intriguing journey!

“What say you, Alice? Are you up for another adventure?”

The story begins as Alice is recovering in a mental institution after her return from Wonderland. As she prepares to return home, she is approached about joining a “secret society” located in New York. Her beloved Wonderland is in danger and she must rely on The Collectors’ Society for assistance. The most accurate way to describe this eclectic group is: Justice League meets Classic Literature. To tell you anymore would simply spoil this unique world that Heather has so amazingly created.

“Each of us here has a story, but it’s not necessarily the one people think they know.”

Once I began this book, I could not stop reading and devoured it in one night. While I usually do not prefer single first person Point Of View, it works perfectly here. Alice is a badass heroine and she depends on no one to rescue her. The reader does not need anyone but Alice to tell them her story. She is quite unlike the timid and often, silly Alice from the storybook creation. She is the definite center of this book. She is her own savior. Of course, the story becomes more interesting with a possible love interest. Finn is fabulous and loved him more than I could imagine. (Do not tell anyone, but nearly trumphs Kellan as my all time hero from Heather Lyons.) He does not attempt to change Alice or make her be something she is not; he simply lets her be and has faith in her abilities. He has the potential to be her perfect balance, but could past events interfere with them?

“Sometimes, you have to take a chance. Sometimes, you have to step over the ledge and fall, even though you don’t know what’s underneath you.”

The adventure unfolds in different worlds and different time periods. There is a spectacular cast of supporting characters; both good and evil. Do not fret if you do not recognize them all, Heather has placed a detailed guide at the back of the book for assistance. While there is no cliffhanger, this story is far from finished. Heather has confirmed there will be at least one other book in the series. I can not wait to see what adventures lie ahead for Alice, Finn, and the Collectors’ Society! ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
What did you enjoy most about the book?	11	21	Aug 20, 2016 05:35PM
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish	1	1	Apr 13, 2015 10:23AM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Videos About This Book

The Collectors' Society Official Book Trailer

Add a comment

Add a comment

Genres

Fantasy

218 users

Romance

89 users

Retellings

61 users

New Adult

56 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

37 users

Fantasy > Magic

34 users

Young Adult

24 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

23 users

Fiction

20 users

Adult

19 users

See top shelves…

About Heather Lyons

Heather Lyons

774 followers

Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she's also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working the ...more