So this book has completely (no doubt about it) confirmed for me that I am a big, big fan of the way Colleen Oakes writes; in particular, retells old children's stories (i.e. Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan) for the YA age group. 
 Going into this I wasn't really sure what to expect, because while Peter Pan lends itself well to darker retellings without loosing its charm, Wonderland, I've found not so much. And there are A LOT of "dark political" Wonderlands out now. And in itself, this book isn't THAT good. It's just your typical "Previously oblivious and somewhat selfish Princess learns she's in danger because of politics" trope through and through. 
 As I was reading, there were a few moments I was moaning inwardly praying I wouldn't end up completely annoyed with this book and its one-dimensional stock characters (such as "the evil, power-mad king everyone is scared of" and "the nice, supportive love interest" and "the fusty old but lovable tutor" and "the pretty bastard half-sister"). 
 Luckily, now that I've finished the book, I don't. 
 Phew. 
 What really saves this book's otherwise one-dimensional hide is the beautiful and believable way Oakes approaches writing it -- it really does keep you wanting to read even when nothing particularly interesting is happening. 
 I also liked how in this book Oakes kept all the limited 3rd person descriptions consistent with the way Dinah would see the world (because it actually makes me even more impressed with the difference in style in Wendy's world in "Stars" as it shows she can handle writing the world AROUND her main characters as individuals and that her prose isn't generic from series to series). 
 Not to mention, I have to give this book a pass for having not only to make the reader interested in Dinah but also have to handle the entirety of the world-building. Does it make parts of this book read like an over-long prologue rather than a story in its own right? Yeah, a little. But I'm not sure that was ever fully avoidable in this tale anyway. 
 Oh, and while this book may not be the best STORY I've ever heard, full marks for sheer creativity has to be given here! I love how the Mad Hatter is the princess of heart's brother, and the "late late late" bloke (not a rabbit here) is the aforementioned tutor. That was neat. Even the name Dinah for the main character is pretty cool, considering its taken from Alice's cat. I wasn't sure how all this would work and thought maybe this wouldn't read like a Wonderland tale at all but a YA Game of Thrones knock off with Wonderland names and terms thrown in, but for the most part it really doesn't! Colleen Oakes pulls it off. 
 So while I don't love this book like I did "Stars" I did still enjoy it and am curious about what's going to happen to Dinah now (blast it all, Oakes, MUST you always end on a cliff hanger?). So I imagine I'll check out the next book when I can get my hands on it. 
 An interesting and clever read, recommended.