Book Review: The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
Synopsis
Being normal was never Alice Liddell’s dream. She longs to find her missing parents and escape her mundane Oxford life. When her sister Charlotte is unexpectedly arrested for possessing the rare Wonder Gene, Alice’s life takes an unexpected turn. She’s invited to participate in the deadly Wonderland Trials, a mysterious game in a world where everything is possible yet nothing seems real. Missing players, deadly tea, and untrustworthy teammates await. Will Alice survive the trials, or will she fall victim to this twisted fantasy? Dive headfirst into a world where the white rabbit leads you farther from home, and the queen’s directions may lead you astray.
I stumbled upon Sara Ella’s The Wonderland Trials on Bookstagram, and couldn’t resist the temptation to give it a read. It was my first encounter with this author – something that added to the thrill of diving into a new literary world.
I got the physical book, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the joy of jotting down notes and thoughts on the margins as you go along! It took me about a week to journey through its pages, and what an incredible week it was.
Review of the book
Plot
From the very beginning to the final pages, this book had me completely enthralled! The plot unraveled with gripping intensity, keeping me glued to the edge of my seat. Unexpected turns caught me off guard, shattering my preconceptions of the story.
Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a masterful plot twist left me in a state of utter wonder. And that cliffhanger ending? It’s a gradual crescendo, leaving me eagerly anticipating the second book of the duology. The suspense is truly exquisite, making it utterly impossible to set aside.
Setting
I’ve got to say, the references to the original Alice in Wonderland series in this book are just on point. It’s like unearthing little Easter eggs dotted throughout the narrative, taking me back to my childhood. And the way Wonderland and the Normal world are described – it’s magical!
Sara has this knack for painting the most vivid of pictures with her words, immersing you right into the heart of the scene. It’s just the right amount of detail, never overwhelming, yet rich enough to fuel your imagination. It’s a unique writing style that I’ve come to appreciate, letting me visualize each scene perfectly.
Characters
The characters were so well-drawn and real, felt like I knew them personally. You know that feeling you get when you’re reading and you’re so into the characters that you actually miss them when you’ve finished the book? Yeah, it was THAT good.
Alice and Chess…well, they were just the cutest couple ever. Seeing their romance unfold was like watching two puzzle pieces finding each other. They just fit, you know? I mean, their love story just gave me all the feels.
And don’t get me started on the side characters. Each of them had their own unique story arc that was so engaging and added depth to the overall narrative. They weren’t just there to fill space; they had their own personalities, their own struggles, and their own triumphs. Seriously, this book was so good!
Themes
Its subtle Christian themes really warmed my heart, you know? The way it gently weaves in the power of belief and the strength of forgiveness is something truly special.
It was like uncovering hidden treasures in a story that was already loaded with gems. It’s not often that you find a book that can touch on such profound themes without feeling preachy, but this one nails it. It’s like the icing on an already delicious cake!
“But it is when we are not ourselves that believing in the impossible – in the unseen – becomes most vital. We must believe in something beyond you or I.”
― Sara Ella, The Wonderland Trials
My thoughts
Overall, I’ve got to say, I absolutely loved this book! Sara Ella did an outstanding job. As someone who has a soft spot for Christian fantasy, this book was like a breath of fresh air. The imaginative storytelling combined with the underlying Christian themes made the narrative not only compelling but also spiritually enriching.
And let’s not forget the Alice in Wonderland retelling. As a longtime fan of the classic, witnessing familiar elements woven into this uniquely spun tale was a delightful surprise. Sara Ella has found a way to retain the charm and whimsy of the original while reinventing it in a way that’s fresh and exciting.
In my opinion, this book is a must-read for everyone. I promise you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll be as captivated by it as I was. It’s the kind of book you finish with a satisfied sigh, knowing you’ve found a story to treasure.
About the author
Sara Ella, a fairy-tale enthusiast, homeschools her three children and enjoys Arizona’s sunny climate. Apart from writing, she loves photography and planning trips to California. Her Unblemished trilogy is a tribute to her love for classic stories, and her standalone novel, Coral, brings mental health issues into focus through a Little Mermaid reimagining. Her Alice in Wonderland-inspired book, The Wonderland Trials, is available now, and its sequel, The Looking-Glass Illusion, is due in September 2023.
If you loved The Wonderland Trials then go read this next!
So, you’ve made it this far and you’re hungry for more, right? Excellent! There’s a whole other world of Christian fantasy books just waiting for you to dive in. I’ve put together a blog post that’s got the scoop on some fantastic titles you might not have heard of yet.
Don’t miss out, go check it out right now! Trust me, your bookshelf will thank you. Read the blog post here.
