Read this book in one day, not something I have done recently. Yes, it had dark moments (I'm not a fan of death but in certain genres and novels it is necessary) but I felt that everything related to the plot and the characters. 
 Beddor had an inventive approach, an imagination that fit in with Wonderland. I loved how he took the original story and the actual history and created a fresh take on the story. 
 Alyss was a realistic character who grew throughout the story but was not perfect. For a book out of the young adult section of the library, I found it refreshing for a heroine of a fantasy novel not to be driven by a guy. 
 Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!