Review: Splintered

Splintered (Splintered, #1)
by A. G. Howard
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My summary:
Alyssa is somewhat of a skater girl. She also makes art with dead bugs, which is a way for her to escape their voices. Yes, you heard that right. She can also hear flowers speak and can communicate with both, not that she does. Her mother has always been able to do this as well. She was prescribed as mentally insane and resides at an institution. Alyssa is afraid that she will turn out the same way, so she doesn't tell anyone about what she hears and hides her secret from everyone. However, Alyssa, her father, and her mother are still a close family.

Jeb has been Alyssa's best friend and neighbor for years. They've been through some tough times together. Lately their relationship has been strained since Jeb is dating one of the popular, rich girls that Alyssa despises. It's worse since Alyssa wants to be with him herself.

She used to think that Alice's adventures in Wonderland weren't real, but then some things happen. Now, to save her mother she will do anything, including going down the rabbit hole. Jeb falls in with her by accident. Morpheus, her childhood guide in Wonderland, is tangled up in her journey as well. She is pulled in two directions: one towards Jeb and one towards Morpheus. However, things aren't always as they appear and that is especially true when in Wonderland.

What I thought:
I thought the characters were really well fleshed out. There are definitely some unique personalities. I liked Jeb and Morpheus. They contrast well with each other, even though they both are somewhat bad boys. Jeb is just more of the usual type, with his pierced lip, longer hair, and skateboard. Morpheus is more seductive and sophisticated. I pretty much knew which way Alyssa would end up going though, which is fine since I'm not huge into love triangles

Alyssa has to travel through Wonderland fixing what Alice did when she was there. There is also the question as to why Alyssa can hear the bugs and flowers. It definitely made sense. I figured out what happened, but I enjoyed seeing Alyssa working through things herself.

I loved the spin off of Alice in Wonderland that the author created. It is definitely a darker retelling. Some of the things grossed me out a little, so I tried to not really visualize some of them. The creatures she comes up with! Definitely no sweet and nice fairies in this one, although I guess the sprites and the royalty of the courts would be the closest. They were also the only fairies remotely human-looking.

Overall, a very intriguing world and story. I'm curious to see what happens in the following books. I'd recommend it to those who like fairies and fans of Julie Kagawa.

Content: Quite a bit of innuendo, a few substitute swear words
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication date: January 1st 2013 by Amulet Books
Source: Library
Rating:









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6 comments

  1. One of my favorite reads of last year. And this is one of my all time favorite covers. Can't wait for the sequel!

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    1. It was good! Very creative and the story flowed well. That is one thing that I forgot to mention - the cover. I love it! It definitely snagged my attention the first time I saw it!

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  2. I am actually not a fan of Alice in Wonderland at all so I don't know if I will like this book, but I still want to try it because it seems like everyone has enjoyed it.

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    1. Hmm. I'm not a huge Alice in Wonderland fan either, but I think this would be a little more similar to Julie Kagawa if you like her. If you don't and you don't think you'd like the darker setting and strange creatures, then definitely skip it. :)

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  3. Ive had this one on my wishlist for a while now. I'm glad to know that its worth the read. I've always liked Alice in Wonderland, so this is probably right up my alley. :) Thanks!
    -Amber

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    1. I just love the cover and the creativity of the plot and characters! I think it was worth the read.

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