Unhinged by A G Howard Series: Splintered #2
Publisher: Amulet Books (2013)
eBook (387 pages)
Via: Library
Rating:
Also by this author: Splintered
Also in this series: Splintered
Reading Challenges: 2015 Fairytale Retelling, 2015 Finishing the Series, Read 2015
Synopsis
Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she’s always dreamed of.
That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.
As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.
If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she’ll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.
Find the book: Goodreads
My Review
The most disappointing part of this was that there was no Wonderland. I missed the madness of that place.
Then there was the fact that Alyssa spent the entire book trying to decide if she wanted Jeb or Morpheus. I was kind of getting sick of it all. Everytime she thought of Jeb or was with him, it was Jeb. Everytime she was with Morpheus, it was Morpheus.
I didn’t like Alyssa as much in this book. She is incredibly self-centered. As long as she is safe in the human realm, she give much thought to Wonderland or anyone else. I just could not like her a whole lot.
Jeb was more focused on his career than anything, even Alyssa. He would give up time with her just to meet people important to his art career. At times it seemed like he was just using Alyssa.
Speaking of using Alyssa, there is Morpheus. He is definitely manipulative and rarely honest. At least he admits to the manipulation. However, if he actually told Alyssa the truth it might have helped. Then again, it might not have.
I loved Chessie and was so glad that he was back in this book. It was pretty cool to see him in the human realm. He is a pretty awesome little netherling.
So it wasn’t my favorite book. I, however, had the last one checked out from the library which leads me to…
Ensnared by A G Howard Series: Splintered #3
Publisher: Amulet Books (2015)
eBook (384 pages)
Via: Library
Rating:
Also by this author: Splintered
Also in this series: Splintered
Reading Challenges: 2015 Fairytale Retelling, 2015 Finishing the Series, Read 2015
Synopsis
After surviving a disastrous battle at prom, Alyssa has embraced her madness and gained perspective. She’s determined to rescue her two worlds and the people and netherlings she loves. Even if it means challenging Queen Red to a final battle of wills and wiles . . . and even if the only way to Wonderland, now that the rabbit hole is closed, is through the looking-glass world–a parallel dimension filled with mutated and violent netherling outcasts. In the final installment of the wildly popular Splintered trilogy, Alyssa and her dad journey into the heart of magic and mayhem in search of her mom and to set right all that’s gone wrong. Together with Jeb and Morpheus, they must salvage Wonderland from the decay and destruction that has ensnared it. But if they succeed and come out alive, can everyone truly have their happily ever after?
Find the book: Goodreads
My Review
Okay. I’ll be honest, this book wasn’t my favorite either. I think I’ll have to leave that honor to Splintered.
Alyssa is not as self-centered in this book. She has a mission and she won’t let anything get in her way.
I really like the backstory on Alyssa’s dad though it is rather confusing. I think I would like to see more of his London relatives. They seem like a very interesting bunch.
I really did not like Jeb in this book. He didn’t seem much like the Jeb of Splintered. I just couldn’t care that much about him and was all for leaving him in AnyElsewhere.
I liked Morpheus quite a bit more in this book. He really is doing everything he can for Alyssa and that really comes through. He obviously cares about her even if that means pushing her farther than she thinks she can go. He is always there.
I think the ending for this trilogy worked well. Sure, I could see it coming from the middle of Unhinged. It is the best ending for Alyssa.
Catholic Connections for Unhinged and Ensnared
*Spoiler Alert*
In order to analyze the text and make these connections, there may be some spoilers.
Please do not continue reading unless you have already read the book
or you don’t mind if you read some spoilers.
*Spoiler Alert*
These were a bit hard with these two books. The main thing that kep coming back was self-sacrifice. The self-sacrifice of Jeb to continue helping Alyssa even after she broke his heart. The self-sacrifice of Morpheus to keep Jeb safe because he knew how much it meant to Alyssa. The self-sacrifice of Alyssa’s father who reentered AnyElsewhere for Jeb and Allison. The self-sacrifice of Jeb who gave up his muse to keep human children safe from Sister Two.
I know that none of these comparisons are perfect. This is simply my own opinions and views on the matter.
Which Reading Challenges?
- You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
- Fairytale Retelling Challenge (Alice in Wonderland)
- Finishing the Series Challenge
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