If you love dark young adult fantasy with a dash of romance and suspense, Splintered by A.G. Howard is one you won’t want to miss.
A dark twist on Alice in Wonderland
Splintered takes the familiar world of Alice in Wonderland and flips it into something deliciously dark and twisted. A.G. Howard’s series follows Alyssa Gardner, a descendant of Alice Liddell (the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s heroine).
In this version, Alice’s adventures left behind a curse that haunts all her female descendants. Alyssa and her mother hear flowers whisper and bugs speak, and the only way to end the curse is to venture into the eerie, dangerous Underland.
Why This Story Hooked Me
I’ve always loved Alice in Wonderland. My Kindle cover even has an Alice design, and the 1951 Disney film is my all-time favourite. So when I heard about a YA fantasy series that reimagines Wonderland, I knew I had to read it.
Even though I’m not a big YA reader, I couldn’t resist downloading Splintered on Kindle while studying for my A-Levels.
I was hooked immediately and finished it in under a week—which, given how busy I was, says a lot!
Will Alyssa be successful in reversing the damage that Alice caused to Wonderland?
Howard’s writing is wonderfully vivid. Her version of Wonderland (or Underland) is full of rich, unsettling details that make the familiar feel dangerous and strange. The setting alone kept me turning the pages.
I don’t usually go for romance in books, but I found myself invested in Alyssa’s relationships. There’s Jeb, her protective best friend, and Morpheus, a mysterious figure from her past. Both bring depth to the story—and yes, I’m firmly #TeamMorpheus. If you liked the romantic tension in Twilight, you’ll enjoy this dynamic.
The book itself is gorgeous. The cover art perfectly captures the dark, whimsical vibe, and even the chapter pages have intricate patterns and a beautifully chosen font. I loved it so much that I’m planning to buy a hardback copy.
This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys spooky and suspenseful stories. I feel like if you’re a Neil Gaiman fan, you’ll probably like Splintered.
It’s hard to express how much I enjoyed this book, and I really can’t wait to start the second book of the series, Unhinged.
2021 Update: I’ve since read the whole Splintered series, and A.G. Howard’s most recent books: Roseblood and Stain. I still love her writing, and always look forward to her latest releases!
All the best,
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