I didn’t want to read this book.
I wasn’t a fan of the book that’s the inspiration behind The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella. But the plethora of positive marks by other clean-read reviewers convinced me to give it a shot. After ordering it, the volume sat collecting dust for a bit. When I finally popped it open, I was yanked into a fantastic world that this escapist had no wish to escape.
Right away I met Alice, a sixteen-year-old pick-pocket and card-shark being raised by her much-more-responsible older sister. Would you believe this Alice is based on the blond, pinafore wearing child in Alice in Wonderland?
Unlike its source material, The Wonderland Trials isn’t a children’s storybook or even a grown-up fairy tale. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic England, but with a wildly creative, magical world built right on top of it. Weird when you think about it. An enchanted, dystopian world. But it works.
The primary reason it succeeds is the author is an ace at not only mind-blowing world building, but larger-than-life characters. Most are based on creatures you’d meet in Alice in Wonderland. For example, Alice’s love interest is a scoundrel modeled after the Cheshire Cat. Theirs is a slow-burning romance that’s as comical and frustrating and sweet as I wish every YA romance could be.
To touch on the plot, the reason it’s called “Wonderland Trials” is that’s the name of the series of escape-room type games Alice and her team must complete. There’s more going on than just a wildly popular annual competition, though. Behind the scenes is the mystery surrounding the strange disappearances of former contestants that Alice is desperate to solve.
This book flames with color and creativity, and turns a few frightening corners, reminding me a bit of the Harry Potter series. I’d turn every other page and say, “Aha, that’s so clever.” I’d give The Wonderland Trials six stars if I could. I’ll be over here, drumming my fingers and awaiting the sequel.