Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J Pepper

The Jack prophesied: If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…
Hearts would Break…
In the end, would it matter who Reigned?

Sarah J. Pepper specializes in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

 

And that is exactly what she gives us with Death of the Mad Hatter (available for pre-order).  This is a wildly imaginative book filled with rich quirky descriptions, strong characters and a believable romance line.

 

Death of the Mad Hatter answers the question of what happened after Alice's trip to Wonderland.  This isn't the Alice you know, she is now a teenager and has been drastically changed after multiple visits to Wonderland. Alice is but one of the many characters from Lewis Carroll's work that Sarah develops.  There's of course the Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts is still the nemesis and a book with Alice in it isn't complete without the White Rabbit.  However the book isn't about Alice, it's about falling in love, surmounting obstacles and defeating evil.  To do this Sarah adds her own characters. Ryley is a down to earth kid who's got a bit of a daddy issue, his friends Dax, Irwin, Mick, Becky and Courtney are each individual in their own way and help carry the story without spending too much time on them (because after all the book isn't about the minor characters).   

 

The romance line is more of a tug of war, none of that falling into each other's arms at first glance.  For those of you not keen on romance, don't count this book out.  Sarah balanced the romance line with action, rich descriptions (that are tight and concise) and her magical world.  It makes for a well rounded book.

 

"Wonderland was an intoxicating, magical world where the most farfetched dreams could come true and the impossible was possible.  Conversely, it was a realm where the most daunting nightmares could haunt us until the end of time." Sounds like love doesn't it.  I really enjoyed how Sarah mixed her magical story with real life lessons. 

 

This is a fun, must read for anyone that knows the story of Alice and Wonderland - boys and girls alike (and of course those adults who love Alice in Wonderland). 

 

Still undecided (how could you be!) check out some of the other reviews.  I think you will see a common trend, you should read this.