A new installment in this YA dystopian fantasy twist... The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella (Review & #Giveaway) #yabooks #yalit #newbooks #dystopian #fantasy #booktwitter @celebrate_lit @EnclaveBooks


Welcome! Check out book two of this YA dystopian/fantasy twist
on the classic Alice in Wonderland tale and enter the giveaway below...

The Looking-Glass Illusion
(The Curious Realities #1)
By Sara Ella
YA Dystopian, Fantasy, Retelling
Hardcover, Audiobook & eBook, 336 Pages
September 19, 2023 by Enclave Escape

Summary

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

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My Review

THE LOOKING-GLASS ILLUSION is another fun adventure through a fantasy underworld in a dystopian England. The characters continue to develop as part two in this duology unfolds, and as they try to make they're way through the trials and find the answers and people they seek. A perfect read for fans of YA fantasy and Alice in Wonderland.

I think I liked these characters even more in this second book. It's another crazy, upside-down adventure where nothing is exactly as it seems and there are clues everywhere. I liked the POV change from Chess to Alice and the way the story unfolds in their eyes. I also really liked the way friendship and family and a touch of romance all are weaved through the story. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this one! It's something fun and just a bit crazy with great characters and a very creative story.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my review.)

About the Author


Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). When she’s not writing, Sara might be found behind her camera lens or planning her next adventure in the great wide somewhere. She is a Hufflepuff who finds joy in the simplicity of sipping a lavender white mocha and singing Disney tunes in the car. Sara is the author of the Unblemished trilogy and Coral, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid that focuses on mental health. Her latest journey into the world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland feels like coming full circle after her time spent chasing the White Rabbit around Walt Disney World. Sara loves fairy tales and Jesus, and she still believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.” Connect with her online at SaraElla.com or find her on Instagram at @saraellawrites.

Tour Schedule
















Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Mindy)


Wishful Endings, October 13

Tour-Wide Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, a $15 Starbucks gift card, and a hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.


What do you think? Does this series sound like one you'd enjoy?

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