Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Alice by Christina Henry Series: The Chronicles of Alice #1
Published by Ace on August 4, 2015
Genres: Fantasy Noir, Horror, Paranormal
Pages: 291
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
A mind-bending new novel inspired by the twisted and wondrous works of Lewis Carroll...
In a warren of crumbling buildings and desperate people called the Old City, there stands a hospital with cinderblock walls which echo the screams of the poor souls inside.
In the hospital, there is a woman. Her hair, once blond, hangs in tangles down her back. She doesn’t remember why she’s in such a terrible place. Just a tea party long ago, and long ears, and blood…
Then, one night, a fire at the hospital gives the woman a chance to escape, tumbling out of the hole that imprisoned her, leaving her free to uncover the truth about what happened to her all those years ago.
Only something else has escaped with her. Something dark. Something powerful.
And to find the truth, she will have to track this beast to the very heart of the Old City, where the rabbit waits for his Alice.
I received Alice from Ace Roc stars and am finally getting to it, in the preparation of the release of book 2, The Red Queen in July. I have wanted to read it since I had the impression it was a mystery of sorts. I ignored the impressions of it being loosely connected to the Alice in Wonderland stories since I have never enjoyed them. I also paid no attention to the fantasy and horror labels.
Alice is DARK. I would classify it as fantasy horror, more than a mystery. It does have some of the same confusing feels of the Lewis Carroll book. The author has cleverly brought in some of the name and circumstances. It is well-written.
Surprisingly, I liked it. I read easily with my attention captured. I wanted to know more. However, it is dark and unpleasant. There are few good guys here. Murder and rape are everywhere. Still, progress is made and I will read onward.
About Christina Henry
CHRISTINA HENRY is the author of the national bestselling BLACK WINGS series (BLACK WINGS, BLACK NIGHT, BLACK HOWL, BLACK LAMENT, BLACK CITY, BLACK HEART and BLACK SPRING, Ace/Roc) and the two CHRONICLES OF ALICE books, ALICE and RED QUEEN (Ace Trade). 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.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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This one is a maybe for me. I love Dark but I am just not sure. I need to check my library 🙂
I’ve got this one on audio and had planned to listen and review it with Anne but didn’t have time to start it for the review. I’m saving it for when I’m in a dark mood which I think will be soon.
Jennifer – they are WAY dark. I just finished Red Queen. They are also clever and well-written and really good.
Felicia – There will be a giveaway for a print copy of Alice with my review of the next in the series July 12.
I do like her books so I am curious about this series
blodeuedd – I have yet to read any of her other work. I probably should. This is very well-written.
This sounds right up my alley. I love dark books. I haven’t read a dark fantasy in a while. Adds to wishlist. Off to check out the audio.
I have the audio but I’m waiting for the second book to come out and I’ll listen to them back to back.
Melanie – they are VERY dark, especially the first one. But it’s cleverly worked with the Alice theme. I never like Alice in Wonderland. But this all just fits and I really liked it.