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The Chronicles of Alice #3
Looking Glass
In four new novellas, Christina Henry returns to the universe she created for Alice and Red Queen, where magic runs more freely than anyone suspects, but so do secrets and blood.
Lovely Creature
In the New City lives a girl called Elizabeth, a girl who has a secret: she can do magic. But someone knows Elizabeth's secret--someone who has a secret of his own. That secret is a butterfly that lives in a jar, a butterfly made by a girl called Alice.
Girl in Amber
Alice and Hatcher are just looking for a place to rest. Alice has been dreaming of a cottage by a lake and a field of wildflowers, but while walking blind in a snowstorm they stumble into a castle that seems empty and abandoned...at least until nightfall.
When I First Came to Town
Hatcher wasn't always Hatcher. Once, he was a boy called Nicholas, and Nicholas fancied himself the best fighter in the Old City. No matter who fought him he always won. Then his boss tells him he's going to battle the fearsome Grinder, a man who never leaves his opponents alive.
The Mercy Seat
Alice has a secret--a secret that not even Hatcher knows yet, but pretty soon she won't be able to keep it from him.
Lovely Creature
In the New City lives a girl called Elizabeth, a girl who has a secret: she can do magic. But someone knows Elizabeth's secret--someone who has a secret of his own. That secret is a butterfly that lives in a jar, a butterfly made by a girl called Alice.
Girl in Amber
Alice and Hatcher are just looking for a place to rest. Alice has been dreaming of a cottage by a lake and a field of wildflowers, but while walking blind in a snowstorm they stumble into a castle that seems empty and abandoned...at least until nightfall.
When I First Came to Town
Hatcher wasn't always Hatcher. Once, he was a boy called Nicholas, and Nicholas fancied himself the best fighter in the Old City. No matter who fought him he always won. Then his boss tells him he's going to battle the fearsome Grinder, a man who never leaves his opponents alive.
The Mercy Seat
Alice has a secret--a secret that not even Hatcher knows yet, but pretty soon she won't be able to keep it from him.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
About the author
Christina Henry
43 books6,328 followersCHRISTINA HENRY is the author of the CHRONICLES OF ALICE duology, ALICE and RED QUEEN, a dark and twisted take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, as well as LOST BOY: THE TRUE STORY OF CAPTAIN HOOK, an origin story of Captain Hook from Peter Pan.
She is also the author of the national bestselling BLACK WINGS series (BLACK WINGS, BLACK NIGHT, BLACK HOWL, BLACK LAMENT, BLACK CITY, BLACK HEART and BLACK SPRING) featuring Agent of Death Madeline Black and her popcorn-loving gargoyle Beezle.
She enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
You can visit her on the web at www.christinahenry.net, facebook.com/authorChristinaHenry, twitter.com/C_Henry_Author and www.goodreads.com/CHenryAuthor.
She is also the author of the national bestselling BLACK WINGS series (BLACK WINGS, BLACK NIGHT, BLACK HOWL, BLACK LAMENT, BLACK CITY, BLACK HEART and BLACK SPRING) featuring Agent of Death Madeline Black and her popcorn-loving gargoyle Beezle.
She enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
You can visit her on the web at www.christinahenry.net, facebook.com/authorChristinaHenry, twitter.com/C_Henry_Author and www.goodreads.com/CHenryAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews
November 4, 2022
And this is the end my beautiful and only friends as like Jim Morrison has sang.
Most of the readers have been disappointed after the second book which I read yesterday. (I devoted my three days to finish trilogy and the start was so impressive, at the second book we just startled by bumpy roads and disappointed by the direction and team Alcher’s absence because Hatcher turns into big bad bloody wolf and started losing his humanity parts)
So this book could be great conclusion of the story I fully invested and root for Alice and Hatcher a.k.a team Alcher forever! Or it could be another disappointment forced me howling to the moon and throwing eggs against my neighbors’ windows. (This is my hobby! They still have no evidence against me and any bad book ending can give me the motivation to avenge my noisy, prying neighbors anyways.)
At 58 pages I was a little pissed because we’re directly introduced to Elizabeth, the sister Alice forgot now replacing Alice in the family and surprise, surprise, Elizabeth is also a magician and she has powers like Alice.
Nearly half of the book is about her story and her meeting with Jabberwocky as a purple butterfly in a jar. I was a little frustrated at first because the book is already short and I needed more Alice and Hatcher time and their HEA or tragic ending (Whatever the author decided I was so ready to welcome it with open arms.) but after reading Elizabeth’s story, I liked her character and I understood connection of two sisters because they telepathically helped each other to fight against different kinds of monsters and save themselves. And I think this is a small indication that author is planning a spinoff about Elizabeth and we’re gonna see future stories of team Alcher as well.
Rest of the book was fast pacing. Alice and Hatcher’s adventures take an unexpected turn which means they’re so close to their HEA or be killed by a kind of cult a.k.a. a vicious council members. And there are some great news but I’m not gonna share it. Ending was a little fast and haphazard for me. I wanted to read more about this epic duo but I’m happy that the author gave us some glimpses from Hatcher’s Nicholas times.
So it was riveting, entertaining, bloody, moving, dark, unconventional read with Christina Henry’s unique, extra ordinary, amazing world-building. This is amazing trilogy and retelling of Alice’s adventures.
I gave Alice: Full four stars.
Red Queen: Three stars
This book keeps the first book’s Crazy train ride soul and promising writing but it was too short and seeing my favorite characters in the middle of the book was disappointing experience. So I gave 3.5 stars but I’m rounding it up 3.5 stars to 4!
OVERALL: I NEED MORE BOOKS OR A SPINOFF OF ELIZABETH ASAP!
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Most of the readers have been disappointed after the second book which I read yesterday. (I devoted my three days to finish trilogy and the start was so impressive, at the second book we just startled by bumpy roads and disappointed by the direction and team Alcher’s absence because Hatcher turns into big bad bloody wolf and started losing his humanity parts)
So this book could be great conclusion of the story I fully invested and root for Alice and Hatcher a.k.a team Alcher forever! Or it could be another disappointment forced me howling to the moon and throwing eggs against my neighbors’ windows. (This is my hobby! They still have no evidence against me and any bad book ending can give me the motivation to avenge my noisy, prying neighbors anyways.)
At 58 pages I was a little pissed because we’re directly introduced to Elizabeth, the sister Alice forgot now replacing Alice in the family and surprise, surprise, Elizabeth is also a magician and she has powers like Alice.
Nearly half of the book is about her story and her meeting with Jabberwocky as a purple butterfly in a jar. I was a little frustrated at first because the book is already short and I needed more Alice and Hatcher time and their HEA or tragic ending (Whatever the author decided I was so ready to welcome it with open arms.) but after reading Elizabeth’s story, I liked her character and I understood connection of two sisters because they telepathically helped each other to fight against different kinds of monsters and save themselves. And I think this is a small indication that author is planning a spinoff about Elizabeth and we’re gonna see future stories of team Alcher as well.
Rest of the book was fast pacing. Alice and Hatcher’s adventures take an unexpected turn which means they’re so close to their HEA or be killed by a kind of cult a.k.a. a vicious council members. And there are some great news but I’m not gonna share it. Ending was a little fast and haphazard for me. I wanted to read more about this epic duo but I’m happy that the author gave us some glimpses from Hatcher’s Nicholas times.
So it was riveting, entertaining, bloody, moving, dark, unconventional read with Christina Henry’s unique, extra ordinary, amazing world-building. This is amazing trilogy and retelling of Alice’s adventures.
I gave Alice: Full four stars.
Red Queen: Three stars
This book keeps the first book’s Crazy train ride soul and promising writing but it was too short and seeing my favorite characters in the middle of the book was disappointing experience. So I gave 3.5 stars but I’m rounding it up 3.5 stars to 4!
OVERALL: I NEED MORE BOOKS OR A SPINOFF OF ELIZABETH ASAP!
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April 1, 2021
Lovely Creature
She didn't want to be troubled with worries over a ghost sister...She wanted to pretend that all the uncomfortable knowledge she'd gained today was just some silly fancy...Elizabeth Violet Hargreaves is having a horrible day. There's voices in her head, magic is flowing through her fingertips and the world has suddenly become far more dangerous. Life looks bleak but she's bound and determined to fight her way through.
This one was a good introduction to this world and the magic system. I was really intrigued by this world and Elizabeth was an interesting main character.
Girl in Amber
Alice stared at him. "You're mad."Alice and Hatcher are on the run. One terrible storm and Alice becomes trapped...by a thing. A creature. She'll have to dive deep into her magician powers to escape - but what if she doesn't have it in her?
"Well, yes, I am."
Oh my gosh. I think I've just fallen in love with Alice and Hatcher. I absolutely HAVE to read the main series now!!
When I First Came to Town
I can't forget. Maybe I shouldn't. Maybe I don't deserve to.This one follow's Hatcher's origins and a bit of how he came to be. His life is rough, to put it mildly and each decision seems to bring him more misfortune. Is he doomed forever or is there salvation on the horizon?
This one really cemented Hatcher as one of my favorite characters - I really felt for him and I was so happy to get to the next story.
The Mercy Seat
"There is danger ahead for you. I can feel it."Hatcher and Alice have found a town - one that is besieged by the righteous and promises nothing but problems for the two of them. But traveling through is unavoidable - and the troubles associated with it as well.
I really liked the adventure of this one. I kind of predicted where it was going but I really enjoyed the journey!
With thanks to the author and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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April 9, 2020
I just love these novellas and how Christina Henry reinvents our favorite fairy tales with a dark touch. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories, and this was a fun, nostalgic treat for me, again with a spin. I’m excited to see what fairy tale or classic she’ll tackle next.
More thoughts to come.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
More thoughts to come.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2020
Looking Glass comprises 4 novellas set in the dangerous and distinctly grown-up world of Alice; a child's story turned on its head by talented author Christina Henry.
Each of the novellas are must-reads for fans of the duology (which features the fantastical horrors Alice, and Red Queen). Not only does this collection breathe new life into Alice but expands on the stories previously told in the full length novels whilst adding a little more to the broader continuity (I thinking about the novellas LOVELY CREATURE in particular here).
My favorite (though only just) is the novella in which we learn more about Hatcher's backstory in WHEN I FIRST CAME TO TOWN. I knew Hatcher's past was stained blood red, but, reading this puts everything into perspective and makes Hatcher more than a simple sidekick along for the muscle; he's a bona-fide star of the duology in his own right.
GIRL IN AMBER is perfect for the dangerous and dark world of Alice and serves as the singular most 'horror-like' novella in the collection. I won't spoil by going into detail but will say that this novella has some serious nightmare-inducing qualities.
The collection is rounded off with THE MERCY SEAT which felt more 'fantasy' to me than the previous three novellas. I liked this and thought it was a fitting way to end the collection.
Each of the novellas are must-reads for fans of the duology (which features the fantastical horrors Alice, and Red Queen). Not only does this collection breathe new life into Alice but expands on the stories previously told in the full length novels whilst adding a little more to the broader continuity (I thinking about the novellas LOVELY CREATURE in particular here).
My favorite (though only just) is the novella in which we learn more about Hatcher's backstory in WHEN I FIRST CAME TO TOWN. I knew Hatcher's past was stained blood red, but, reading this puts everything into perspective and makes Hatcher more than a simple sidekick along for the muscle; he's a bona-fide star of the duology in his own right.
GIRL IN AMBER is perfect for the dangerous and dark world of Alice and serves as the singular most 'horror-like' novella in the collection. I won't spoil by going into detail but will say that this novella has some serious nightmare-inducing qualities.
The collection is rounded off with THE MERCY SEAT which felt more 'fantasy' to me than the previous three novellas. I liked this and thought it was a fitting way to end the collection.
November 19, 2022
A nice end to the series I thought. Naturally with it being a collection of 4 short stories, the stakes never felt quite as high. Its also not my favorite format to read in however after loving the first two I wasn't quite ready to let the world go and I certainly enjoyed reading just that bit more in these shorts.
Read
May 4, 2020DNF'ed at pg 154
And it's with a heavy heart that I have to say this book wasn't for me/wasn't what I was expecting/maybe it wasn't the right time to read it... but as much as I have loved all books by Christine Henry and this one has bored me immensely.
I have read and loved all her books (minus the black wings series, which I haven't read) and the Alice retelling she did is one of my faves, so when this book was out I jumped into it without second thoughts, but... I just couldn't connect to it.
It's composed by 4 stories that somewhat connect/follow each other:
- lovely creature - about alice's sister getting into wonderland and being temped to free the jaberwock and spending the entire time saying she is not alice she is herself
- girl in amber - about alice and hatcher with alice entering in a very alien like house and with her spending all her time saying how she has to save herself
- when i first came to town - it's about hatcher past and when i stopped reading
- the mercy seat - i think it's about a place alice and hatcher encounter while traveling, but have 0 interest on reading it
The writting was somewhat repetitive, the characters took forever in coming to terms with their own actions and there were a bunch of boring internal monologues.
And it's with a heavy heart that I have to say this book wasn't for me/wasn't what I was expecting/maybe it wasn't the right time to read it... but as much as I have loved all books by Christine Henry and this one has bored me immensely.
I have read and loved all her books (minus the black wings series, which I haven't read) and the Alice retelling she did is one of my faves, so when this book was out I jumped into it without second thoughts, but... I just couldn't connect to it.
It's composed by 4 stories that somewhat connect/follow each other:
- lovely creature - about alice's sister getting into wonderland and being temped to free the jaberwock and spending the entire time saying she is not alice she is herself
- girl in amber - about alice and hatcher with alice entering in a very alien like house and with her spending all her time saying how she has to save herself
- when i first came to town - it's about hatcher past and when i stopped reading
- the mercy seat - i think it's about a place alice and hatcher encounter while traveling, but have 0 interest on reading it
The writting was somewhat repetitive, the characters took forever in coming to terms with their own actions and there were a bunch of boring internal monologues.
May 4, 2021
Dieser dritte und finale Teil unterscheidet sich ein wenig von seinen Vorgängern. Bei den beiden handelt es sich um Romane, hier erhalten wir vier Kurzgeschichten, die nahtlos an die Ereignisse des zweiten Bandes anschließen. Man bemerkt allerdings eigentlich gar nicht, dass es sich um einzelne Geschichten handelt, weil sie alle irgendwie doch miteinander verwoben sind. Sie wirken eher wie vier extrem lange Kapitel.
Die erste Kurzgeschichte erzählt von einem ungewöhnlichen Ausflug, den Alices' kleine Schwester macht. Dort erfahren wir auch mehr über ihr Elternhaus und die Gesellschaft, in der Alice aufgewachsen ist.
In der zweiten Kurzgeschichte ist Alice gezwungen die Nacht in einem mehr als mysteriösen Haus zu verbringen.
Die dritte Kurzgeschichte entführt in Hatchers Vergangenheit und beschreibt wie er vom jungen Nicholas zum verrückten Axtmörder wurde.
In der vierten Kurzgeschichte werden Alice und Hatcher auf eine weitere Probe gestellt.
Auch hier hat mich neben der phantastischen und magischen Welt sowie den beiden bereits bekannten Protagonisten wieder besonders der Schreibstil überzeugt. Dieser ist sehr metaphorisch und erschafft eine dunkle und oft beängstigende Atmosphäre, die definitiv nichts für schwache Nerven ist. Teilweise kommt die Geschichte auch ziemlich blutig und brutal daher, wie man es schon aus den Vorgängern gewöhnt ist.
Manch einer mag sich fragen: braucht man diese Kurzgeschichten? Bieten sie einen Mehrwert zum ersten und zweiten Band? Ich meine ja, wenn einem die Vorgänger gefallen haben. Denn sie bieten zusätzliche Informationen und geben Einblick, wie es weitergeht mit Alice und Hatcher bezüglich deren Beziehung, deren Kräften und ihrer Zukunft. Für meinen Geschmack machen diese Kurzgeschichten die Trilogie rund und geben ihr einen würdigen Abschluss.
Die erste Kurzgeschichte erzählt von einem ungewöhnlichen Ausflug, den Alices' kleine Schwester macht. Dort erfahren wir auch mehr über ihr Elternhaus und die Gesellschaft, in der Alice aufgewachsen ist.
In der zweiten Kurzgeschichte ist Alice gezwungen die Nacht in einem mehr als mysteriösen Haus zu verbringen.
Die dritte Kurzgeschichte entführt in Hatchers Vergangenheit und beschreibt wie er vom jungen Nicholas zum verrückten Axtmörder wurde.
In der vierten Kurzgeschichte werden Alice und Hatcher auf eine weitere Probe gestellt.
Auch hier hat mich neben der phantastischen und magischen Welt sowie den beiden bereits bekannten Protagonisten wieder besonders der Schreibstil überzeugt. Dieser ist sehr metaphorisch und erschafft eine dunkle und oft beängstigende Atmosphäre, die definitiv nichts für schwache Nerven ist. Teilweise kommt die Geschichte auch ziemlich blutig und brutal daher, wie man es schon aus den Vorgängern gewöhnt ist.
Manch einer mag sich fragen: braucht man diese Kurzgeschichten? Bieten sie einen Mehrwert zum ersten und zweiten Band? Ich meine ja, wenn einem die Vorgänger gefallen haben. Denn sie bieten zusätzliche Informationen und geben Einblick, wie es weitergeht mit Alice und Hatcher bezüglich deren Beziehung, deren Kräften und ihrer Zukunft. Für meinen Geschmack machen diese Kurzgeschichten die Trilogie rund und geben ihr einen würdigen Abschluss.
Shelved as 'not-released-tbr'
May 24, 2020
December 30, 2020
me, managing to finish a book???????? impossible.
and yet I did it, so take that Goodreads challenge
and yet I did it, so take that Goodreads challenge
August 13, 2020
Looking Glass, The Chronicles of Alice #3
C. Henry, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Endlich ein neues Buch zu den Chronicles of Alice! Ich konnte es kaum erwarten, dass das Buch endlich raus kommen würde, leider bin ich jetzt erst dazu gekommen, es zu lesen. Und wie man anhand der Lesedauer sieht, war es wirklich gut - so, wie ich es von Christina Henry nicht anders erwarten würde. Ihre Retellings sind einfach großartig und ich fand die Bücher Alice und Red Queen einfach nur unglaublich gut!
Dieses Buch hingegen bietet weitere Geschichten und Informationen, die nach den Ereignissen in den beiden vorherigen Büchern spielen. Und beginnen tut es, mit einer Geschichte über Elizabeth, die, wie sich rausstellt, Alice jüngere Schwester sein muss. Es war sehr gut geschrieben, so, als würde ich Alice im Wunderland oder ein ähnliches Buch lesen und es hat mir unglaublich Spaß gemacht.
Die Kapitel danach befassen sich mit Alice und Hatcher, die auf dem Weg sind, um sich ein neues Zuhause irgendwo aufzubauen, wo sie ungestört sein können. Außerdem gibt es weitere Informationen über Hatcher und ein Kapitel über seine Vergangenheit, wie er zu dem wurde, was heute ist und wie er seine damalige erste große Liebe getroffen hat. Im finalen Kapitel müssen die beiden einen finalen Kampf bestreiten, bevor sie für sich das Paradies finden, in dem sie zusammen bleiben können, ohne, dass sie wegen ihrer Fähigkeiten auffallen.
Es waren nur kurze Kapitel, da kann natürlich keine tiefere Geschichte daraus aufgebaut werden. Das merkt man allerdings auch, da vieles wirklich schnell passiert und es nicht sehr in die Tiefe geht. Aber das ist nicht weiter schlimm.
Wieso ziehe ich dann einen Stern ab? Die Geschichte von Elizabeth hat mich neugierig gemacht und als ich gemerkt habe, dass die Kapitel doch miteinander zu tun haben, dachte ich, vielleicht begegnen sich Alice und Elizabeth - so wurde es auch im ersten Kapitel angedeutet. Aber das passiert nicht. Das ist wirklich schade. Ich hatte mich sehr darauf gefreut, zu lesen, wie die zwei aufeinander treffen. Außerdem fand ich das Kapitel von Hatcher ein wenig meh ... ich lese ja grundsätzlich sehr ungern seitenlange Kampfszenen und hier ging es ja fast nur um sein Leben als Kämpfer und wie er sich auf diesen einen wichtigen Kampf vorbereitete. Ich persönlich fand das Kapitel daher ein wenig langweilig.
Aber dennoch, eine tolle Ergänzung und für mich als Fan auf jeden Fall etwas, das ich lesen wollte. Ich würde mich auch über mehr von Alice und Hatcher und Elizabeth freuen. Auch, wenn die Hoffnung auf einen weiteren Teil recht klein ist, gebe ich sie dennoch nicht auf und hoffe, noch mehr über die drei lesen zu können.
C. Henry, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elizabeth Violet Hargreaves trotted down the stairs in her new blue dress, her blond hair neatly done up in curls and ribbons. She couldn't wait to show Mama and Papa how pretty she looked. Elizabeth had spent several moments admiring her appearance from all angles in her looking glass, until her maid Dinah had told her enough was enough and that she should get downstairs else she would miss breakfast.
Endlich ein neues Buch zu den Chronicles of Alice! Ich konnte es kaum erwarten, dass das Buch endlich raus kommen würde, leider bin ich jetzt erst dazu gekommen, es zu lesen. Und wie man anhand der Lesedauer sieht, war es wirklich gut - so, wie ich es von Christina Henry nicht anders erwarten würde. Ihre Retellings sind einfach großartig und ich fand die Bücher Alice und Red Queen einfach nur unglaublich gut!
Dieses Buch hingegen bietet weitere Geschichten und Informationen, die nach den Ereignissen in den beiden vorherigen Büchern spielen. Und beginnen tut es, mit einer Geschichte über Elizabeth, die, wie sich rausstellt, Alice jüngere Schwester sein muss. Es war sehr gut geschrieben, so, als würde ich Alice im Wunderland oder ein ähnliches Buch lesen und es hat mir unglaublich Spaß gemacht.
Die Kapitel danach befassen sich mit Alice und Hatcher, die auf dem Weg sind, um sich ein neues Zuhause irgendwo aufzubauen, wo sie ungestört sein können. Außerdem gibt es weitere Informationen über Hatcher und ein Kapitel über seine Vergangenheit, wie er zu dem wurde, was heute ist und wie er seine damalige erste große Liebe getroffen hat. Im finalen Kapitel müssen die beiden einen finalen Kampf bestreiten, bevor sie für sich das Paradies finden, in dem sie zusammen bleiben können, ohne, dass sie wegen ihrer Fähigkeiten auffallen.
Es waren nur kurze Kapitel, da kann natürlich keine tiefere Geschichte daraus aufgebaut werden. Das merkt man allerdings auch, da vieles wirklich schnell passiert und es nicht sehr in die Tiefe geht. Aber das ist nicht weiter schlimm.
Wieso ziehe ich dann einen Stern ab? Die Geschichte von Elizabeth hat mich neugierig gemacht und als ich gemerkt habe, dass die Kapitel doch miteinander zu tun haben, dachte ich, vielleicht begegnen sich Alice und Elizabeth - so wurde es auch im ersten Kapitel angedeutet. Aber das passiert nicht. Das ist wirklich schade. Ich hatte mich sehr darauf gefreut, zu lesen, wie die zwei aufeinander treffen. Außerdem fand ich das Kapitel von Hatcher ein wenig meh ... ich lese ja grundsätzlich sehr ungern seitenlange Kampfszenen und hier ging es ja fast nur um sein Leben als Kämpfer und wie er sich auf diesen einen wichtigen Kampf vorbereitete. Ich persönlich fand das Kapitel daher ein wenig langweilig.
Aber dennoch, eine tolle Ergänzung und für mich als Fan auf jeden Fall etwas, das ich lesen wollte. Ich würde mich auch über mehr von Alice und Hatcher und Elizabeth freuen. Auch, wenn die Hoffnung auf einen weiteren Teil recht klein ist, gebe ich sie dennoch nicht auf und hoffe, noch mehr über die drei lesen zu können.
August 24, 2020
THIS!! ALL 4 OF THE NOVELLAS IN HERE WERE AMAZING! I LOVED EVERY ONE! MY FAVOURITE WAS DEFINITELY THE FIRST THOUGH I LOVED READING ABOUT ALICE'S LITTLE SISTER AND HONESTLY I WANT ANOTHER BOOK WITH HER TRYING TO FIND ALICE!!! ALSO THAT LAST STORY?? I?? OMG!! I HAVE NO WORDS
I JUST REALLY HOPE WE GET MORE IN THE ALICE SERIES I REALLY DO BECAUSE I LOVE THE WORLD FAR TOO MUCH TO LET IT GO JUST YET
I JUST REALLY HOPE WE GET MORE IN THE ALICE SERIES I REALLY DO BECAUSE I LOVE THE WORLD FAR TOO MUCH TO LET IT GO JUST YET
May 5, 2021
Christina Henry konnte mich mit den Chroniken von Alice bisher sehr begeistern, deshalb war klar das auch der dritte Band der Reihe der vier Kurzgeschichten enthält einziehen musste:
Alice und Hatcher haben dem dunklen Wunderland getrotzt und jegliche Gefahren überwunden. Zeit einen tieferen Einblick in die Figuren zu erhalten. So werfen wir einen Blick zurück in Hatchers Vergangenheit als er noch den Namen Nicholas trägt. Außerdem erfahren wir von einer gruseligen Nacht die Alice in einem Schloss verbracht hat und lernen ihre Schwester Elizabeth kennen die gerne mehr über ihre Schwester Alice erfahren möchte. Des Weiteren verrät Alice ihr dunkelstes Geheimnis das nicht mal Hatcher kennt...
Christina Henry hat mit ihrer dunklen Neuerzählung der Alice Saga bei mir direkt ins Schwarze getroffen. Ich mochte die düstere Stimmung im Albtraumland und die hier herrschende Brutalität. Für mich hat die Autorin hier ein wirklich geniales Setting geschaffen. Nach dem Ende von Band 2 hatte ich allerdings nicht das Gefühl eines Abschlusses der Geschichte. Dieser folgt nun in Form von vier Kurzgeschichten, ein sehr ungewöhnlicher Weg aber er funktioniert!
Ein bezauberndes Mädchen:
Die Geschichte um Alice Schwester Elizabeth ist das Highlight der Sammlung. Wir lernen Elizabeth kennen die durch einen Zufall in die Dunkle Stadt kommt, wo sie auf interessante neue Figuren trifft aber auch auf alte Bekannte. Eine sehr düstere und spannende Geschichte.
Mädchen in Bernstein:
In der Geschichte bricht Alice auf ins grüne Land und landet dabei in einem verwunschenen Haus in dem sie eine Horrornacht erwartet. Die Idee und zur Geschichte fand ich echt super aber hier hätte man Hatcher ruhig stärker einbinden können, der hat mir gefehlt.
Als ich zum ersten Mal in die Stadt kam:
Hier werfen wir nochmal einen Blick in Hatchers Vergangenheit als er noch Nicholas hieß. Es gab nochmal ein paar interessante Details aber vieles weiß man schon und so war leider keine Spannung gegeben. Für mich die schwächste der Geschichten.
Der Gnadenthron:
Die Geschichte bildet den Abschluss der kompletten Chronik, deshalb will ich gar nicht zu viel verraten. Mir hat sie aber gut gefallen und man kann sich damit gut von der Reihe verabschieden.
Die Geschichten sind alle miteinander verknüpft so das es immer einen schönen Übergang zur nächten Story gibt, das hat die Autorin wirklich toll hinbekommen. Der Schreibstil ist wie in den beiden Vorgängern meist spannend, düster und sehr bildhaft. So schafft es die Autorin die Geschichten lebendig werden zu lassen und den Leser ein letztes Mal ins Albtraumland zu entführen.
Dunkelheit im Spiegelland setzt nicht nur die Hauptgeschichte fort, sondern gibt auch nochmal einen tieferen Einblick in die Charaktere und das Setting. Auch diesmal konnte mich Christina Henry trotz kleinerer Schwächen wieder überzeugen. Ein schöner Abschluss für die Reihe und für Fans ein absolutes Must - Read.
4 von 5 Sternen
Die erste Geschichte
Alice und Hatcher haben dem dunklen Wunderland getrotzt und jegliche Gefahren überwunden. Zeit einen tieferen Einblick in die Figuren zu erhalten. So werfen wir einen Blick zurück in Hatchers Vergangenheit als er noch den Namen Nicholas trägt. Außerdem erfahren wir von einer gruseligen Nacht die Alice in einem Schloss verbracht hat und lernen ihre Schwester Elizabeth kennen die gerne mehr über ihre Schwester Alice erfahren möchte. Des Weiteren verrät Alice ihr dunkelstes Geheimnis das nicht mal Hatcher kennt...
Christina Henry hat mit ihrer dunklen Neuerzählung der Alice Saga bei mir direkt ins Schwarze getroffen. Ich mochte die düstere Stimmung im Albtraumland und die hier herrschende Brutalität. Für mich hat die Autorin hier ein wirklich geniales Setting geschaffen. Nach dem Ende von Band 2 hatte ich allerdings nicht das Gefühl eines Abschlusses der Geschichte. Dieser folgt nun in Form von vier Kurzgeschichten, ein sehr ungewöhnlicher Weg aber er funktioniert!
Ein bezauberndes Mädchen:
Die Geschichte um Alice Schwester Elizabeth ist das Highlight der Sammlung. Wir lernen Elizabeth kennen die durch einen Zufall in die Dunkle Stadt kommt, wo sie auf interessante neue Figuren trifft aber auch auf alte Bekannte. Eine sehr düstere und spannende Geschichte.
Mädchen in Bernstein:
In der Geschichte bricht Alice auf ins grüne Land und landet dabei in einem verwunschenen Haus in dem sie eine Horrornacht erwartet. Die Idee und zur Geschichte fand ich echt super aber hier hätte man Hatcher ruhig stärker einbinden können, der hat mir gefehlt.
Als ich zum ersten Mal in die Stadt kam:
Hier werfen wir nochmal einen Blick in Hatchers Vergangenheit als er noch Nicholas hieß. Es gab nochmal ein paar interessante Details aber vieles weiß man schon und so war leider keine Spannung gegeben. Für mich die schwächste der Geschichten.
Der Gnadenthron:
Die Geschichte bildet den Abschluss der kompletten Chronik, deshalb will ich gar nicht zu viel verraten. Mir hat sie aber gut gefallen und man kann sich damit gut von der Reihe verabschieden.
Die Geschichten sind alle miteinander verknüpft so das es immer einen schönen Übergang zur nächten Story gibt, das hat die Autorin wirklich toll hinbekommen. Der Schreibstil ist wie in den beiden Vorgängern meist spannend, düster und sehr bildhaft. So schafft es die Autorin die Geschichten lebendig werden zu lassen und den Leser ein letztes Mal ins Albtraumland zu entführen.
Dunkelheit im Spiegelland setzt nicht nur die Hauptgeschichte fort, sondern gibt auch nochmal einen tieferen Einblick in die Charaktere und das Setting. Auch diesmal konnte mich Christina Henry trotz kleinerer Schwächen wieder überzeugen. Ein schöner Abschluss für die Reihe und für Fans ein absolutes Must - Read.
4 von 5 Sternen
Die erste Geschichte
October 13, 2022
Like most companion material, this collection is wholly unnecessary except for the most diehard fans of this world. I don’t think the novella format is best-suited for any of these stories. Either they come off entirely too long for what they are (“Lovely Creature”), or they feel like disjointed pieces of a larger story (“Girl in Amber”, “The Mercy Seat”). “When I First Came to Town” is the only one that feels properly paced. They all have the same basic over-arching messages as the first two books: this is a wicked world, in Old City or out of it, and people will do anything to possess magic, especially if those magicians are women. Where I found it poignant in Alice, it’s tired by this point.
I lowkey hated “Lovely Creature” and its annoying, singsong narration. Child narrators are difficult to pull off with any degree of verisimilitude, and it doesn’t work here. “Girl in Amber” pulls a lot of its horror from Alien-style monsters, which feels somewhat at odds with the dark fairy tale vibe of the rest of the series. However, it does offer some tension in a locked-room horror kind of way. While I love Hatcher, I don’t care much for prequels, and I don’t feel like I needed the dip into his backstory with “When I First Came to Town” to understand his character. “The Mercy Seat” was probably my favorite story. Although it isn’t that strong plot-wise, I like seeing where two of my favorite characters end up. All together, they round out the universe a bit more but don’t provide anything vital.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
I lowkey hated “Lovely Creature” and its annoying, singsong narration. Child narrators are difficult to pull off with any degree of verisimilitude, and it doesn’t work here. “Girl in Amber” pulls a lot of its horror from Alien-style monsters, which feels somewhat at odds with the dark fairy tale vibe of the rest of the series. However, it does offer some tension in a locked-room horror kind of way. While I love Hatcher, I don’t care much for prequels, and I don’t feel like I needed the dip into his backstory with “When I First Came to Town” to understand his character. “The Mercy Seat” was probably my favorite story. Although it isn’t that strong plot-wise, I like seeing where two of my favorite characters end up. All together, they round out the universe a bit more but don’t provide anything vital.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
April 28, 2020
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/04/27/...
Novellas and anthologies? Typically not my thing. But since this collection was not only written by Christina Henry but is also part of her incredible Chronicles of Alice world, I knew I would make an exception. Looking Glass features four new stories set in the same universe as Alice and Red Queen, which reimagines Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland through dark horror lens. It is not a sequel per se, but seeing as this grim quartet of interlinked short tales serves as a continuation of the saga, it would be helpful to have read the previous novels.
Lovely Creature – 4 stars
This opening story was also my favorite of the bunch. It follows a young girl named Elizabeth who lives with her family in New City. The first time she heard the name “Alice” spoken in their house was after the news came that the asylum burned down, and Elizabeth was perplexed by the reaction. Her father was quick to dismiss it, while her mother seemed heartbroken, and it wasn’t until later that Elizabeth learned the truth: Alice was the name of an older sister she never knew, and it was because everyone thought she was mad so she was sent away.
Clearly though, the memory of Alice stayed. Everyone thinks Elizabeth reminds them of her, and she’s sick of hearing it…especially from the voices in her own head. The thing is, what nobody knows is that Elizabeth has magic. And though it has helped her get out of trouble in the past, now having the talent also draws danger to her.
This story was a great one to lead with, for several reasons, and not least because it was one of the stronger ones. Elizabeth was a charming character, full of the innocence and delight of a small child. But while she may be sheltered, she’s no dummy—she knows her world is not a nice place, and there are plenty of bad folk out there who would harm little girls…bad folk like Cheshire, Caterpillar, and the Rabbit. This story also introduces the harsh world of the Chronicles of Alice, and the wealth disparity seen between New City and Old City. Elizabeth is thrown into a situation where everything is new to her, and none of it is pleasant. But by using her magic and her wits, she not only manages to teach the villains a lesson, she also proves she is clever and can save herself.
Girl in Amber – 3 stars
Alice wakes up from a dream about her little sister at the beginning of this story, and we find out that she and Hatcher are between homes at the moment, looking for a place to settle down and put down roots. But before they can get too far, winter sets in and the two of them find themselves stranded in the middle of a blizzard. They decide to have Hatcher shift into his wolf form in order to scout ahead, though that does mean Alice will have to continue alone for a while. Freezing, she has no choice but to take shelter in an abandoned house full of strange horrors.
This story was probably my least favorite in this collection. For lack of a better term, it just seemed pointless—most of it was about Alice stumbling around in the snow and in the dark. Once inside the creepy house of horrors, it felt like this story was simply throwing any and all kinds of unsettling experiences at her, from scary visions to monstrous creatures, but the truth was none of it was actually all that frightening. I get what message Henry was trying to send here, but I wish she’d gone about it in a more memorable way.
When I First Came to Town – 3.5 stars
Before Alice, Hatcher had a very different life. His name was Nicholas, for one, and he also had a wife and child. When I First Came to Town is a story about how he met his beloved Hattie, flashing back to his teenage years working at a fight club trying to make enough money to get out of Old City. So when his boss sets him up to fight the hulking man known as Grinder—called that because he always leaves his opponents dead or injured so badly they never fight again—Nicholas has little choice but to accept, because the money was just too good. Luckily for Nicholas though, he has a trick or two up his sleeve. He realizes he has magic, which will give him an advantage in the ring, but will it be enough to keep in alive?
I love the character of Hatcher, and it was interesting to get this glimpse into this past, though it is difficult to reconcile the teenager in this story to the broken man he is now, since the two are so different. However, we certainly got to see where his gentle and caring side came from, and the way it led him to Hattie. Still, even in his youthful heart, Nicholas also had a steely resolve in him, which helped him face up to the pure evil in tale.
The Mercy Seat – 3.5 stars
This final tale was all right, not the best or worst of the collection, but I do feel it deserves special attention because of the way it brings closure to the series. Chronologically, it takes place shortly after Girl in Amber, following the harsh winter in which Alice and Hatcher finally finds shelter with a kind witch named Olivia. At the beginning of this story, Alice makes a startling discovery, and knows it’s a sign they must leave to find a permanent place to settle down.
But once more, Alice and Hatcher’s journey is fraught with peril. They come upon a seemingly peaceful village, only to find out that beneath its idyllic surface, a terrible secret is what keeps everyone in line. As the two of them fight to protect each other, Alice and Hatcher realize what they truly mean to one another, and what they both want out of this life. Given this, the central conflict in this tale seems almost incidental given the more significant revelations and other major themes at play here, but it does end on a happy note, which I think is ultimately what readers will latch onto. After all, these characters have been through hell and then some, and it’s high time they deserve some peace. The Mercy Seat, while short, gives Alice and Hatcher their perfect ending, and so as a collection, Looking Glass earns a thumbs up from me.
Novellas and anthologies? Typically not my thing. But since this collection was not only written by Christina Henry but is also part of her incredible Chronicles of Alice world, I knew I would make an exception. Looking Glass features four new stories set in the same universe as Alice and Red Queen, which reimagines Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland through dark horror lens. It is not a sequel per se, but seeing as this grim quartet of interlinked short tales serves as a continuation of the saga, it would be helpful to have read the previous novels.
Lovely Creature – 4 stars
This opening story was also my favorite of the bunch. It follows a young girl named Elizabeth who lives with her family in New City. The first time she heard the name “Alice” spoken in their house was after the news came that the asylum burned down, and Elizabeth was perplexed by the reaction. Her father was quick to dismiss it, while her mother seemed heartbroken, and it wasn’t until later that Elizabeth learned the truth: Alice was the name of an older sister she never knew, and it was because everyone thought she was mad so she was sent away.
Clearly though, the memory of Alice stayed. Everyone thinks Elizabeth reminds them of her, and she’s sick of hearing it…especially from the voices in her own head. The thing is, what nobody knows is that Elizabeth has magic. And though it has helped her get out of trouble in the past, now having the talent also draws danger to her.
This story was a great one to lead with, for several reasons, and not least because it was one of the stronger ones. Elizabeth was a charming character, full of the innocence and delight of a small child. But while she may be sheltered, she’s no dummy—she knows her world is not a nice place, and there are plenty of bad folk out there who would harm little girls…bad folk like Cheshire, Caterpillar, and the Rabbit. This story also introduces the harsh world of the Chronicles of Alice, and the wealth disparity seen between New City and Old City. Elizabeth is thrown into a situation where everything is new to her, and none of it is pleasant. But by using her magic and her wits, she not only manages to teach the villains a lesson, she also proves she is clever and can save herself.
Girl in Amber – 3 stars
Alice wakes up from a dream about her little sister at the beginning of this story, and we find out that she and Hatcher are between homes at the moment, looking for a place to settle down and put down roots. But before they can get too far, winter sets in and the two of them find themselves stranded in the middle of a blizzard. They decide to have Hatcher shift into his wolf form in order to scout ahead, though that does mean Alice will have to continue alone for a while. Freezing, she has no choice but to take shelter in an abandoned house full of strange horrors.
This story was probably my least favorite in this collection. For lack of a better term, it just seemed pointless—most of it was about Alice stumbling around in the snow and in the dark. Once inside the creepy house of horrors, it felt like this story was simply throwing any and all kinds of unsettling experiences at her, from scary visions to monstrous creatures, but the truth was none of it was actually all that frightening. I get what message Henry was trying to send here, but I wish she’d gone about it in a more memorable way.
When I First Came to Town – 3.5 stars
Before Alice, Hatcher had a very different life. His name was Nicholas, for one, and he also had a wife and child. When I First Came to Town is a story about how he met his beloved Hattie, flashing back to his teenage years working at a fight club trying to make enough money to get out of Old City. So when his boss sets him up to fight the hulking man known as Grinder—called that because he always leaves his opponents dead or injured so badly they never fight again—Nicholas has little choice but to accept, because the money was just too good. Luckily for Nicholas though, he has a trick or two up his sleeve. He realizes he has magic, which will give him an advantage in the ring, but will it be enough to keep in alive?
I love the character of Hatcher, and it was interesting to get this glimpse into this past, though it is difficult to reconcile the teenager in this story to the broken man he is now, since the two are so different. However, we certainly got to see where his gentle and caring side came from, and the way it led him to Hattie. Still, even in his youthful heart, Nicholas also had a steely resolve in him, which helped him face up to the pure evil in tale.
The Mercy Seat – 3.5 stars
This final tale was all right, not the best or worst of the collection, but I do feel it deserves special attention because of the way it brings closure to the series. Chronologically, it takes place shortly after Girl in Amber, following the harsh winter in which Alice and Hatcher finally finds shelter with a kind witch named Olivia. At the beginning of this story, Alice makes a startling discovery, and knows it’s a sign they must leave to find a permanent place to settle down.
But once more, Alice and Hatcher’s journey is fraught with peril. They come upon a seemingly peaceful village, only to find out that beneath its idyllic surface, a terrible secret is what keeps everyone in line. As the two of them fight to protect each other, Alice and Hatcher realize what they truly mean to one another, and what they both want out of this life. Given this, the central conflict in this tale seems almost incidental given the more significant revelations and other major themes at play here, but it does end on a happy note, which I think is ultimately what readers will latch onto. After all, these characters have been through hell and then some, and it’s high time they deserve some peace. The Mercy Seat, while short, gives Alice and Hatcher their perfect ending, and so as a collection, Looking Glass earns a thumbs up from me.
April 17, 2020
First of all, I love the dark and twisted take on Alice in Wonderland that Christina has given us so far and these just add to the hostile, creepy atmosphere that her stories ooze.
I always love when an author gives us more of a story, more of characters, more of a world that we grow to love and these give a depth to the characters that we might have missed without them.
I read this book pretty quick, each of the novellas are captivating and full of tension and I just had to read more.
A wonderful addition to The Chronicles of Alice.
I always love when an author gives us more of a story, more of characters, more of a world that we grow to love and these give a depth to the characters that we might have missed without them.
I read this book pretty quick, each of the novellas are captivating and full of tension and I just had to read more.
A wonderful addition to The Chronicles of Alice.
March 29, 2020
3.75 ✨
Liked it a lot but I may have to read the other novellas now!
TW: mention of pedophilia
Liked it a lot but I may have to read the other novellas now!
TW: mention of pedophilia
May 1, 2020
When Christina Henry writes a new book, and it doesn't even matter what kind of book it is, I know I want it and need it. When it is a new installment to her Alice series, I know I want and need to pre-order it and then when I find out that there will be a special edition with a signed book plate there is no way I will order the book anywhere else. And when that book comes in, there's is no way I will read another book before that one.
Once more Henry managed to write four very captivating tales about dangerous situations where women save themselves or are being saved, because they are not ready yet to save themselves. And all four stories have the same message. There is a strong power somewhere inside us, the power to survive the worst of days and to get out of the most dangerous situations alive. And yet, that message is never TOO obvious. It's not just about the message.
It's also about the journey, about Alice and Hatcher finally finding a place to settle down and to leave all their pain and worries and dangers behind. All four stories are in a way interconnected, even though it are very much four different stories. And all four they are building towards that one satisfying moment at the very end, when we know that if there will be more books set in this world, it will not be about Alice and Hatcher fighting darkness and monsters.
And apart from creating unique characters, true to the ones Lewis Caroll created and yet original too, Henry also managed to once more bring a little of the Wonderland magic into the story. When we return to the old city, in two of the stories, we are once more confronted with the harshness of the world and with the magic brightening it a little. And the adventures outside the city make the magic bloom and show us the dark side of power and the nonsense side of creation.
I know that Henry's other stories are just as amazing as her Wonderland ones, but if she ever writes another one you can be sure that once more I want to have that special edition, wherever I can get it.
Once more Henry managed to write four very captivating tales about dangerous situations where women save themselves or are being saved, because they are not ready yet to save themselves. And all four stories have the same message. There is a strong power somewhere inside us, the power to survive the worst of days and to get out of the most dangerous situations alive. And yet, that message is never TOO obvious. It's not just about the message.
It's also about the journey, about Alice and Hatcher finally finding a place to settle down and to leave all their pain and worries and dangers behind. All four stories are in a way interconnected, even though it are very much four different stories. And all four they are building towards that one satisfying moment at the very end, when we know that if there will be more books set in this world, it will not be about Alice and Hatcher fighting darkness and monsters.
And apart from creating unique characters, true to the ones Lewis Caroll created and yet original too, Henry also managed to once more bring a little of the Wonderland magic into the story. When we return to the old city, in two of the stories, we are once more confronted with the harshness of the world and with the magic brightening it a little. And the adventures outside the city make the magic bloom and show us the dark side of power and the nonsense side of creation.
I know that Henry's other stories are just as amazing as her Wonderland ones, but if she ever writes another one you can be sure that once more I want to have that special edition, wherever I can get it.
April 21, 2020
*ARC received from Netgalley in return for an honest review*
This four-part novella set captured me in a way I wasn't expecting. I went into these stories not realizing it was part of a bigger series but I still found myself captivated by the characters and the stories being told.
You get to meet Elizabeth, a young girl that now sits in Alice's place.
You see Alice and Hatcher traveling together.
You find out who Nicholas was before Hatcher.
Lastly, you see Alice and Hatcher continue their path to finding a home.
Each of these stories has a dark edge to them that reminds me so much of the original, chaotic Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I don't know much about the series this is attached to but now I want to go back and read them and see some of these connections fall into place.
This four-part novella set captured me in a way I wasn't expecting. I went into these stories not realizing it was part of a bigger series but I still found myself captivated by the characters and the stories being told.
You get to meet Elizabeth, a young girl that now sits in Alice's place.
You see Alice and Hatcher traveling together.
You find out who Nicholas was before Hatcher.
Lastly, you see Alice and Hatcher continue their path to finding a home.
Each of these stories has a dark edge to them that reminds me so much of the original, chaotic Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I don't know much about the series this is attached to but now I want to go back and read them and see some of these connections fall into place.
November 28, 2022
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 Stars ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I just added The Chronicles of Alice box set to my Amazon cart. So there’s that.
Christina Henry is a creepy genius. I don’t know how she can write so beautifully and yet make you feel so unbelievably disturbed.
“Any man who would do something like that to a woman is not a man”.
This last book of the series brings you on a journey to discover the pasts of Alice and Hatcher and the reason why they ended up in the Old City. It was exactly what I thought in my head but with some unexpected mingling of characters passing through. I would give anything to have this series be made into a movie or heck even a TV show series would be badass.
I had so many tabs marking important moments but as I am writing this I realized all those moments would give away too much of the story. So sorry, looks like you’re on your own on this one. Go out and start Alice (book 1) then thank me later.
I just added The Chronicles of Alice box set to my Amazon cart. So there’s that.
Christina Henry is a creepy genius. I don’t know how she can write so beautifully and yet make you feel so unbelievably disturbed.
“Any man who would do something like that to a woman is not a man”.
This last book of the series brings you on a journey to discover the pasts of Alice and Hatcher and the reason why they ended up in the Old City. It was exactly what I thought in my head but with some unexpected mingling of characters passing through. I would give anything to have this series be made into a movie or heck even a TV show series would be badass.
I had so many tabs marking important moments but as I am writing this I realized all those moments would give away too much of the story. So sorry, looks like you’re on your own on this one. Go out and start Alice (book 1) then thank me later.
April 21, 2021
War. Das. Toll. 😊
Ich liebe die düstere Erzählweise der Autorin - und das man dazu alte Bekannte wiedertrifft, hat mich fast selig gemacht.
Ein toller Kurzgeschichtenband, der einfach ein MUSS für Fans der Reihe ist!
Ich liebe die düstere Erzählweise der Autorin - und das man dazu alte Bekannte wiedertrifft, hat mich fast selig gemacht.
Ein toller Kurzgeschichtenband, der einfach ein MUSS für Fans der Reihe ist!
June 14, 2020
Nette Idee, allerdings ist mir viel zu wenig passiert, um "Looking Glass" als tolle Ergänzung zur Dilogie zu werten.
July 24, 2022
Really dissapointing. Half of the book is wasted on stories that don't matter. Why does Alice suddenly have a sister with 0 personality and why does she never appear again later in the book. Hatcher's backstory was so unneccesary. We already knew everything, this was just a boring retelling of what we already knew. I would have loved it if this book just had one overarching storyline like the other books in this series. The pure city was a really interesting concept that barely had the chance to be explored plus characters are added that leave within 5 sentences. Who is Olivia? What kind of person is Thora? If you're not going to write a lot about them maybe just don't include them at all? Honestly this book is such a mess and I really don't like how this story ended ugh
Spoilers
Litterally the whole book Alice is like "oh no Hatcher is half wolf half man and I want him to be 100% man and not wolf but that's unfair to him. Uh maybe explore that? I personally think that at least a conflict should have been present in the book. imo it would be a much better ending if Alice and Hatcher would grow apart and go their seperate ways. Loving eachother enough to let eachother go yk
Spoilers
Litterally the whole book Alice is like "oh no Hatcher is half wolf half man and I want him to be 100% man and not wolf but that's unfair to him. Uh maybe explore that? I personally think that at least a conflict should have been present in the book. imo it would be a much better ending if Alice and Hatcher would grow apart and go their seperate ways. Loving eachother enough to let eachother go yk
March 19, 2020
The Chronicles of Alice
Love Creature
Elizabeth live in the New City and discovers she has a secret. She can do magic and it's getting her into trouble.
Girl In Amber
Alice has to save herself from freezing to death in the cold. She does have Hatcher near by. He can be very wild and scary. She is learning to be self reliant.
When I first came to town
At one time Hatcher was younger. He was known as Nicklaus. Nicklaus was training to be a fighter. He was paired up with Grinder. Grinder was no match for Nicklaus.
The Mercy seat
Winter was over. Alice and Hatcher were walking in the woods. Hatcher has a Sight. He knew that Alice was with child; before any words were spoken.
During their travels Alice has strange dreams. She is much more confidant now that she is grown up. She and Hatcher find the perfect spot for their new home.
This book was a gift from Random House.
Love Creature
Elizabeth live in the New City and discovers she has a secret. She can do magic and it's getting her into trouble.
Girl In Amber
Alice has to save herself from freezing to death in the cold. She does have Hatcher near by. He can be very wild and scary. She is learning to be self reliant.
When I first came to town
At one time Hatcher was younger. He was known as Nicklaus. Nicklaus was training to be a fighter. He was paired up with Grinder. Grinder was no match for Nicklaus.
The Mercy seat
Winter was over. Alice and Hatcher were walking in the woods. Hatcher has a Sight. He knew that Alice was with child; before any words were spoken.
During their travels Alice has strange dreams. She is much more confidant now that she is grown up. She and Hatcher find the perfect spot for their new home.
This book was a gift from Random House.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
November 18, 2019OMG THERE'S GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK OF THIS SERIES I CAN'T EVEN but I'm also kind of scared 🙈
November 25, 2020
I just love these books--I love Alice, I love Hatcher, and I love Christina Henry's prose and the darkness and hopefulness that coexist and linger within the pages of The Chronicles of Alice books.
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
It's taken me a little longer than I'd hoped, but I finally got around to reading Christina Henry's most recent addition The Chronicles of Alice, a set of four novellas centered around some of our favorite characters (and a slightly newer one). The Chronicles of Alice is one of my favorite series (duologies?)--it's almost hard for me to describe just how much I love Alice, Hatcher, Henry's prose, and the stunning, brutal world created by Henry. I was thrilled to have some new stories set in this world to dive into, and I was not disappointed in the slightest by these stories.
Up first is Lovely Creature, which follows Alice's sister, Elizabeth, who lives back in the New City with her and Alice's parents. In this story, Elizabeth finds that many unexplained references to an "Alice" and her similarly rather unexplained magical abilities have a stronger connection than she could have realized. This story wasn't one I expected from this collection, but it's one that I'm really glad Henry decided to write and include. I loved getting a chance to look back at life after Alice her family and to see how life continued on for her family. I also enjoyed watching Elizabeth make her own discoveries and, as a reader, uncovering some of the connections that reach back to both Alice and Red Queen.
Next is Girl in Amber, which features our favorite couple Alice and Hatcher--though after the introduction, it is mainly Alice we follow. I have mixed feelings about this story. I mostly loved it and the mysterious, unpredictable house that Alice entered into, but at the same time I found the plot slightly random and I didn't fully understand why certain elements were chosen to be a part of the story. There almost feels like a subtle sci-fi slant that I found both interesting and perplexing. Nonetheless, I loved the theme of this story and how Henry decided to execute. The atmosphere was also excellently crafted and I had a hard time pulling myself away from this particular story.
Third is When I First Came to Town, which is essentially a short prequel of sorts all about Hatcher's backstory as a fighter before he was captured and met Alice. This story was really a delight to get a chance to read, as Hatcher is easily one of my favorite characters in fiction and I had been curious to get a glimpse of what his background was really like. It was heartbreaking to read about some of the things he saw and experienced and I think it also really helped to convey to the reader how his personality developed in the way that it did. Some seems natural, and some seems created.
Lastly is The Mercy Seat, which is another that I found ever-so-slightly odd, but overall enjoyable and that was a truly beautiful way to end this story. There are two main threads in this story, one of which focuses on the present in which Hatcher and Alice are on their way to find a new place to live, and the second that focuses on a rather momentous life change for the pair. The former story had some classic airs of mystery around an unknown town and its unpredictable inhabitants that gave them familiar vibes similar to some scenes in Red Queen, but this time there were some rather different things going on that Alice and Hatcher found themselves embroiled in. The other thread is one that I won't mention, but that I will say brings me a lot of joy and curiosity to see how it will all play out.
I think one of the things that I have loved about The Chronicles of Alice and that these stories captured particularly well is how much growth both Alice and Hatcher have exhibited. Alice has grown from someone who is mostly unsure of herself and the world around her to someone who, although will always have her struggles of that nature, has begun to see herself as someone capable and worthwhile, and I absolutely loved that. Hatcher, similarly, has discovered that many of the things he sees as weaknesses or negative are in fact strengths in their own ways and things that aren't necessarily "bad" at all, they are simply who he is, and there's nothing wrong with that. Alice has similar discoveries about herself that I loved.
Overall, I've given Looking Glass a total of five stars. I really loved this return to the world of Alice created by Christina Henry, as not only was it a joy to revisit these characters, but it was also a worthwhile extra look into the character development, lives, world-building, and magic of The Chronicles of Alice. I would love to see more in this world, but I assume this is the final installment from Christina Henry (still, I'll keep my hopes awake!). If you haven't read any of these books yet, I'd highly recommend them! If you have, but haven't read Looking Glass yet, I would encourage you to, as I do think that they offer some very worthwhile extras for this world.
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
It's taken me a little longer than I'd hoped, but I finally got around to reading Christina Henry's most recent addition The Chronicles of Alice, a set of four novellas centered around some of our favorite characters (and a slightly newer one). The Chronicles of Alice is one of my favorite series (duologies?)--it's almost hard for me to describe just how much I love Alice, Hatcher, Henry's prose, and the stunning, brutal world created by Henry. I was thrilled to have some new stories set in this world to dive into, and I was not disappointed in the slightest by these stories.
Up first is Lovely Creature, which follows Alice's sister, Elizabeth, who lives back in the New City with her and Alice's parents. In this story, Elizabeth finds that many unexplained references to an "Alice" and her similarly rather unexplained magical abilities have a stronger connection than she could have realized. This story wasn't one I expected from this collection, but it's one that I'm really glad Henry decided to write and include. I loved getting a chance to look back at life after Alice her family and to see how life continued on for her family. I also enjoyed watching Elizabeth make her own discoveries and, as a reader, uncovering some of the connections that reach back to both Alice and Red Queen.
Next is Girl in Amber, which features our favorite couple Alice and Hatcher--though after the introduction, it is mainly Alice we follow. I have mixed feelings about this story. I mostly loved it and the mysterious, unpredictable house that Alice entered into, but at the same time I found the plot slightly random and I didn't fully understand why certain elements were chosen to be a part of the story. There almost feels like a subtle sci-fi slant that I found both interesting and perplexing. Nonetheless, I loved the theme of this story and how Henry decided to execute. The atmosphere was also excellently crafted and I had a hard time pulling myself away from this particular story.
Third is When I First Came to Town, which is essentially a short prequel of sorts all about Hatcher's backstory as a fighter before he was captured and met Alice. This story was really a delight to get a chance to read, as Hatcher is easily one of my favorite characters in fiction and I had been curious to get a glimpse of what his background was really like. It was heartbreaking to read about some of the things he saw and experienced and I think it also really helped to convey to the reader how his personality developed in the way that it did. Some seems natural, and some seems created.
Lastly is The Mercy Seat, which is another that I found ever-so-slightly odd, but overall enjoyable and that was a truly beautiful way to end this story. There are two main threads in this story, one of which focuses on the present in which Hatcher and Alice are on their way to find a new place to live, and the second that focuses on a rather momentous life change for the pair. The former story had some classic airs of mystery around an unknown town and its unpredictable inhabitants that gave them familiar vibes similar to some scenes in Red Queen, but this time there were some rather different things going on that Alice and Hatcher found themselves embroiled in. The other thread is one that I won't mention, but that I will say brings me a lot of joy and curiosity to see how it will all play out.
I think one of the things that I have loved about The Chronicles of Alice and that these stories captured particularly well is how much growth both Alice and Hatcher have exhibited. Alice has grown from someone who is mostly unsure of herself and the world around her to someone who, although will always have her struggles of that nature, has begun to see herself as someone capable and worthwhile, and I absolutely loved that. Hatcher, similarly, has discovered that many of the things he sees as weaknesses or negative are in fact strengths in their own ways and things that aren't necessarily "bad" at all, they are simply who he is, and there's nothing wrong with that. Alice has similar discoveries about herself that I loved.
Overall, I've given Looking Glass a total of five stars. I really loved this return to the world of Alice created by Christina Henry, as not only was it a joy to revisit these characters, but it was also a worthwhile extra look into the character development, lives, world-building, and magic of The Chronicles of Alice. I would love to see more in this world, but I assume this is the final installment from Christina Henry (still, I'll keep my hopes awake!). If you haven't read any of these books yet, I'd highly recommend them! If you have, but haven't read Looking Glass yet, I would encourage you to, as I do think that they offer some very worthwhile extras for this world.
March 20, 2020
Series Info/Source: This is a collection of novellas that mainly takes place after the main Chronicles of Alice books. I got an eGalley of this from NetGalley to review.
Story (5/5): I loved this collection of novellas just as much as I loved the original series. There are four novellas here; one loosely relates to the main story, two follow Alice and Hatcher on their further journeys, and one is about Hatcher’s past. I loved the stories with Alice and Hatcher in them the best, but also really enjoyed the one about Hatcher’s past.
Characters (5/5): I love Alice and Hatcher and it was so fun to learn about what happened to them after the main events of the Chronicles of Alice. I really enjoyed having a bit more closure to their story. I also really enjoyed learning all the background on Hatcher.
Setting (5/5): The majority of the stories are set in “Wonderland” which I really enjoy. It’s such a dark setting but also very creative and magical in its way.
Writing Style (5/5): I am always a fan of Henry’s writing and have loved all of her books. This book was no exception; it was easy to read and the writing flowed very nicely. I enjoyed it a lot.
Summary (5/5): Overall this was a fantastic addition to the Chronicles of Alice series and I am so happy that Henry decided to release this. I absolutely loved it and it made me want to go back and reread the whole Chronicles of Alice series. I would definitely recommend reading this after you read the rest of the Chronicles of Alice for full impact. I would also recommend this whole series if you enjoy dark fantasy or Alice in Wonderland retellings.
Story (5/5): I loved this collection of novellas just as much as I loved the original series. There are four novellas here; one loosely relates to the main story, two follow Alice and Hatcher on their further journeys, and one is about Hatcher’s past. I loved the stories with Alice and Hatcher in them the best, but also really enjoyed the one about Hatcher’s past.
Characters (5/5): I love Alice and Hatcher and it was so fun to learn about what happened to them after the main events of the Chronicles of Alice. I really enjoyed having a bit more closure to their story. I also really enjoyed learning all the background on Hatcher.
Setting (5/5): The majority of the stories are set in “Wonderland” which I really enjoy. It’s such a dark setting but also very creative and magical in its way.
Writing Style (5/5): I am always a fan of Henry’s writing and have loved all of her books. This book was no exception; it was easy to read and the writing flowed very nicely. I enjoyed it a lot.
Summary (5/5): Overall this was a fantastic addition to the Chronicles of Alice series and I am so happy that Henry decided to release this. I absolutely loved it and it made me want to go back and reread the whole Chronicles of Alice series. I would definitely recommend reading this after you read the rest of the Chronicles of Alice for full impact. I would also recommend this whole series if you enjoy dark fantasy or Alice in Wonderland retellings.
May 23, 2021
Obviously you need to read the two previous ones before this one...
There are 4 novellas. In the first we meet a young girl, Alice's sister who finds out she has powers too. I liked it and I was unsure about it at the same time. Where is the story heading? Will there be more?
In the next one Alice finds refuge in a house in the woods and there be monsters.
Then we have Hatcher's past. Gods, this city is dark.
And then we end with another dark story when Hatcher and Alice finds a creepy village. I sure hope they can find their happiness. But then they haven't even found his kid!
All the questions, I guess there will be more.
Some stronger, some not. An interesting dark world that seems like pure hell to be honest. Very depressing where humanity shines in the worst possible ways.
There are 4 novellas. In the first we meet a young girl, Alice's sister who finds out she has powers too. I liked it and I was unsure about it at the same time. Where is the story heading? Will there be more?
In the next one Alice finds refuge in a house in the woods and there be monsters.
Then we have Hatcher's past. Gods, this city is dark.
And then we end with another dark story when Hatcher and Alice finds a creepy village. I sure hope they can find their happiness. But then they haven't even found his kid!
All the questions, I guess there will be more.
Some stronger, some not. An interesting dark world that seems like pure hell to be honest. Very depressing where humanity shines in the worst possible ways.
June 17, 2021
Ganze 3,8 💫
Diesmal haben mir diese 4 Kurzgeschichten gut gefallen. Ich liebe Elizabeth, von ihr hätte ich gern mehr gelesen. 🥰
Diesmal haben mir diese 4 Kurzgeschichten gut gefallen. Ich liebe Elizabeth, von ihr hätte ich gern mehr gelesen. 🥰
Read
February 18, 2022TL;DR I really liked it😃
When I read Alice I felt understood to a deep and intimate level and torn apart and given the strenght to put myself together and look at my traumas in the face with a different perspective, one that I knew of already of course, but knowing and realy feeling something are two very different things.
In this 3rd and last installment in The Chronicles of Alice, Christina Henry brings back that darkness that was so present and important in book 1 but faded away more than I liked in book 2 (side note - reading this last book made me understando book 2 and it's place and importance in all of this and appreciate what it did way more!).
We follow 4 stories that are still absolutely connected one to another, it feels like a complete and cohesive book, not like a short stories collections.
-We get to know Alice's sister and the end of the Jabberwock;
-we see Alice realizing the her "monsters" (aka traumas) are always there to get her and she needs to use her power to face them to be able to go on;
-we learn about Nicholas/Hatcher's past and what really happen in that fight (and let me tell you he is the best man I've read about in a long while);
-we see Alice and Hatcher getting at the end of their travel and at the beginning of their new path together and with the confidence and strenght to use their powers to not let anyone step on them anymore, but being always completely aware af their action coz they never want to become the monsters they were hurt by in the first place, learning to deal with their own isses in ways to always respect each other but never neglecting their own needs.
The growth of my beloved characters was too personal for me to explain in a review, it meant the world and the moon. The tratment of trauma is harsh and dark as it should be, it's raw and painful as it should be, it's more real even told in this fairytale-like form than what most 0h-so-knowledgable doctors/specialists patronize you with. I felt seen and understood and empowered.
I feel the same on the topic of family, treated again in an harsh but true way. The attention on not becoming anything similar to what your abusers were is always a topic that I must praise.
The treatment of magic is so close to IRL witchcraft as a concept - just wish for it, it's all about the intentions and believing in it.
This story is extremely character driven but also atmospheric and dark and hard hitting, but is inspirational, empowering and hopeful. This is officially one of my new favourite series of all times, some of my new favourite characters ever and words that I'm gonna store into my heart and go back to in time of need.
TW: abuse, trauma, mental health, PTSD, anxiety, abandonment, sexual abuse (implied), bad parenting, abusive family, violence, murder, "death sentence", religious craze, harassment.
When I read Alice I felt understood to a deep and intimate level and torn apart and given the strenght to put myself together and look at my traumas in the face with a different perspective, one that I knew of already of course, but knowing and realy feeling something are two very different things.
In this 3rd and last installment in The Chronicles of Alice, Christina Henry brings back that darkness that was so present and important in book 1 but faded away more than I liked in book 2 (side note - reading this last book made me understando book 2 and it's place and importance in all of this and appreciate what it did way more!).
We follow 4 stories that are still absolutely connected one to another, it feels like a complete and cohesive book, not like a short stories collections.
-We get to know Alice's sister and the end of the Jabberwock;
-we see Alice realizing the her "monsters" (aka traumas) are always there to get her and she needs to use her power to face them to be able to go on;
-we learn about Nicholas/Hatcher's past and what really happen in that fight (and let me tell you he is the best man I've read about in a long while);
-we see Alice and Hatcher getting at the end of their travel and at the beginning of their new path together and with the confidence and strenght to use their powers to not let anyone step on them anymore, but being always completely aware af their action coz they never want to become the monsters they were hurt by in the first place, learning to deal with their own isses in ways to always respect each other but never neglecting their own needs.
The growth of my beloved characters was too personal for me to explain in a review, it meant the world and the moon. The tratment of trauma is harsh and dark as it should be, it's raw and painful as it should be, it's more real even told in this fairytale-like form than what most 0h-so-knowledgable doctors/specialists patronize you with. I felt seen and understood and empowered.
I feel the same on the topic of family, treated again in an harsh but true way. The attention on not becoming anything similar to what your abusers were is always a topic that I must praise.
The treatment of magic is so close to IRL witchcraft as a concept - just wish for it, it's all about the intentions and believing in it.
This story is extremely character driven but also atmospheric and dark and hard hitting, but is inspirational, empowering and hopeful. This is officially one of my new favourite series of all times, some of my new favourite characters ever and words that I'm gonna store into my heart and go back to in time of need.
TW: abuse, trauma, mental health, PTSD, anxiety, abandonment, sexual abuse (implied), bad parenting, abusive family, violence, murder, "death sentence", religious craze, harassment.
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