The Outerlands

by Jared R. Lopatin

Alex didn’t want to die, but he just couldn’t take it anymore. Dwight’s pills seemed to promise escape… and escape is exactly what he gets. He ends up in a world reminiscent of his childhood Wonderland, but nothing is as it was in Alice’s day. The Outerlands are a twisted version of his favorite story, with strange characters and unnatural dangers. Before he can get used to his new home, it’s threatened by an outside force. Will Alex ever find a place where he feels safe?

Genres: Fantasy

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2015

About the author

Jared R. Lopatin grew up in Philadelphia with great dreams of becoming a veterinarian or muppeteer. Naturally, he ended up performing on a stage for years. His debut novel, RISING SIGN, was started while he was backstage between scenes. Following a similarly warped trajectory, he now works in Deaf education as a teacher and theatre director.

The STAR CHILD TRILOGY is now complete and two standalone novels, LET's PLAY IT BY EAR and THE OUTERLANDS have joined the trilogy on his shelf.

Visit his website for forthcoming books and ongoing short stories!

Reviews

[Paula M · Rating 3 out of 5]

 

If there's one word to describe The Outerlands, I would choose the word CREATIVE. I was lost inside of this book, and if I'd be the one to choose.. I will not go out.

I read Alice in Wonderland a long time ago. I even watched the Disney movie. But even with all of that, I admit that I forgot most of the things that happened. The Outerlands is an incredible take of Alice's Wonderland. Like I said, it was creative. It was also magical, enthralling and written in the most impressive way. Its a bit hard to believe that this is a debut novel.

The characters are the gem of this book. They're all well written. Insane. You can't help but love them all. Alex is our hero, and my heart just totally feels for him. He's a fifteen bookish boy that is being bullied by Jack and his minions. The first chapter was so hard to read since I'm not fond of bullying scenes. Though I do not agree with all of Alex's decision, I understand the feeling of wanting to disappear. And with the help of Dwight and his pills, he got what he wanted.

The Outerlands is an interesting world to get lost into. While reading, I got the feeling of being transported to a whole new world. From every chapter, you will notice some things that will remind you of Alice's adventures. But Jared put his own twist in every chapter and it came out impressively. I cannot wait for more from this author.

Read below to get to know the characters and the world of The Outerlands!!

[Michelle (Adventure in Bookland) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Alice and Wonderland and when I read the summery for The Outerlands, I knew I needed to read it. It is always interesting reading someone else’s take on a fairy tale; most people have come to love. Alice in Wonderland is a bit insane to begin with and this story takes it to a whole new level.
Jared R. Lopatin takes his readers into a world full of twisted people and creatures. His take on Wonderland is quite interesting and I liked seeing all the different characters. I was definitely interested in all the characters and was rooting for our hero, Alex, the whole time.
The only thing is I had a very hard time getting into this book, I am not sure why though. I liked the concept and all the characters but something was just lacking for me.

[Kelly Akemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off let me say that I do not support the use of random pills that you have clue on. So now that my nurse-side can chill, let me also say that I liked this book. I liken it to Alice in Wonderland but more chaotic and crazy and messed up. He needed to fight a lot to be able to survive - much like anyone's life honestly. I really feel that some will connect with this version of a classic story we all love. I mean, I have an Alice poster on my wall for crying out loud. Overall, I would give this one a solid 3 star rating.

[K.C. Riley-Gyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but then I enjoy the books from this author. He is an amazing story teller, I love his writing style and will always jump at the chance to add his works to my collection.