I was honestly not interested in this one, the premise sounded really good but I ended up not enjoying it. I'm sure others will though, the writing style was just not my favorite.

Although I've never really delved much into the original Alice in Wonderland books my absolute love of the first book in this series guaranteed I was going to check this book out no matter what. So when I was offered a copy to review for the blog I didn't even hesitate to accept it. Gama Ray Martinez's Queen of Wonderland proved to be an exhilarating and delightfully absurd story that captured all of my attention from the very beginning. In fact I became so engrossed in this book that I was over an hour late to work because I never even once thought to stop reading to check the time.

One of the things that I think surprised me most about Queens of Wonderland is how much more I enjoyed it over the first book.  I found that the exceptionally good story of Queens of Wonderland really drew me deeper and deeper into the story with each page I tured. I thought God of Neverland was ridiculous but Queens of Wonderland really propelled the series to unprecedented heights of absurdity. I also found myself pleasantly surprised by the amount of character development there has been since the last book. Michael, whom I previously perceived as somewhat whiney, showcased a much more commendable and mature side in this book. However, it was Vanessa's character that truly stole the how for me. Her increased prominence in the story and her undeniable badassery really heped make this book for me.

Overall, the writing, plit, and characters of Queens of Wonderland combined to create an immensely satisfying reading exerience that surpassed its predecessor in every way. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book, series, and author to anyone looking for something new to read and I'm really looking forward to seeing where Gama Ray Martinez takes this series next.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this book. I love fairy tales, retellings, all of it This book for one is not a stand alone book. You need to read the first one or you will have a hard time getting into this story.
This started out so slow for me. It was hard to get into the story, hard to care about what was happening. I wish I could give this book more stars but I just didn't enjoy it.

.Description
Enter through the looking glass into Queens of Wonderland, Book Two in the Defenders of Lore series, in which Knights of the Round Vanessa and Michael must follow Captain Hook into Wonderland alongside Alice to crush his treacherous plan and deal with an ongoing war between power-hungry queens

After saving reality and overcoming the numerous challenges that Neverland threw at her, Vanessa has been tasked to save Michael Darling from himself: he’s grown obsessed in his role as a Knight of the Round and will stop at nothing to find the ghost of James Hook, nearly getting expelled from the Knights in the process. It’s up to Vanessa to keep him safe, she can’t lose her partner to Hook’s sword.

So together it’s off to Wonderland in pursuit of the pirate.

Except, unlike Neverland, neither Vanessa nor Michael have ever been there before. But someone they know has: the Lady who leads the Knights…who turns out to be none other than the legendary Alice. Her extensive knowledge about the land could change the game and bring them one step closer to finding Captain Hook…and in a world where games are taken quite seriously—and no less than six queens are vying for power—it will take them putting all their heads together to make it through.

Or they just might find them lopped off.

Available Editions
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780063014688
PRICE $30.00 (USD)
PAGES 320

I just reviewed Queens of Wonderland by Gama Ray Martinez. #QueensofWonderland #NetGalley

Queens of Wonderland picks up a year after the events of the first book, with Michael determined to find and stop Captain Hook. He has fled to Wonderland and Michael, Vanessa and Will follow. It was interesting to see how the characters dealt with Wonderland and its nonsense. This was a fast read, very much like the first one was, and great continuation in the series.

Note: arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for honest review

I enjoyed getting to read book two in the Defenders of Lore series, it and everything that I was expecting from the series and from the author. I was glad I got to read this and the characters were what I was looking for. The fairy tale elements worked perfectly and I’m glad I was able to read this. I hope the series continues and that Gama Ray Martinez continues writing.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for allowing me this arc copy of the book.

This takes places months to a year after the first book. Michael has been on a solo mission to find and destroy Hook to the detriment of his standing in the Knights. Soon after, Vanessa, Michael, and Will discover a murdered white rabbit. But this isn’t an ordinary rabbit; this is a denizen of Wonderland. And so begins the next adventure with the three Knights into the realms of madness and reflection.

Okay, this book was better than the first book in my opinion. There was so much more substance and action and less of Michael - not whining per se - being angry petulant Michael. We get to see Wonderland in the dark tones of ridiculousness. The subterfuge and treacherousness of all the characters is intense. Who do they trust? Can they trust anyone?

The illogic of the place has its own logic but twisted on its head. Horseflies and rocking horseflies, the Cheshire Cat, the cards, Queens everywhere. It’s a ginormous cast of characters that paint their worlds in twisted fun.

Be warned its ends in a semi-cliffhanger! I was reading and then it was over! I was like ‘WHAT?!’

Thank you again NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this book.