Review to come! 
 Update 3/12/17: 
 See more reviews on my blog Novels and Necklaces 
 "One to be a murderer. One to be a Martyr. One to be a Monarch. One to go Mad." 
 Let me just start by saying: 
 read this NOW 
 ! You won't regret it, even if you aren't the biggest fan of Alice in Wonderland. Marissa Meyer crafts an ingenious, fantastic story that takes you on a whirlwind adventure. You honestly never want to stop reading!! This was the first book I have read by Ms. Meye, but it certainly won't be my last. I have been meaning to check out her other novels, but Heartless is giving me the push I need to jump right into those others stories. There is a lot to love about this story, but warning...it'll make you pretty hungry for some baked goods while reading. 
 While I can't compare to previous books she has written, Marissa Meyer has achieved an excellently balanced story that is full of action, forbidden love, and that wonderfully weird essence of Wonderland. The beauty in this story is that you really don't need to enjoy the original story. You might say that's odd because why would you want to read a story set in the world of Alice when you dislike the original story? Well, let's put it this way...do you like strong characters, a unique plot, and a love for the slightly weird/nonsensical things in life? Then you're going to enjoy this novel! Obviously, there are ties to Wonderland and you never truly forget the setting while reading, but it is an incredibly original idea that just makes you lose yourself in the story. 
 "But hoping," he said, "is how the impossible can be possible after all." 
 Catherine, our MC and resident baker, just wants to open her own bakery and live out her dreams. But that's a no go when she has to be the future bride to the King of Hearts. The one thing I loved about Cath is her characterization throughout the story. Ms. Meyer did an excellent job at this and made the book be fueled by Cath's anger and frustration at not being able to love who she wants to AND not being able to achieve her dreams. Her frustration is palpable, and the pages are filled to the brim with tension. I loved watching Cath descend into that fierce and ferocious woman we know as the Queen of Hearts, and honestly, I would entirely believe that this is her backstory. 
 "The easiest way to steal something, is for it to be given willingly." 
 We have the requisite love interest...and boy did I fall for him! Every time he left, I was desperate for more scenes of him and Cath together. There was a interesting twist that I definitely didn't see coming with his character and his companion, and that just made the story even better for me. Some favorites are still in the story as well: the Cheshire Cat, the Jabberwock, the Mad Hatter, etc. It's important to note that every character has a very special role to play. 
 I would highly recommend checking out this novel if you have the chance because it is not one to miss! I was a little hesitant going in because stories that incorporate Alice in Wonderland can be pretty hit or miss for me, but Marissa Meyer did a phenomenal job and really won me over within a couple pages of her magnificent storytelling. With riddles, excitement, and treats that will leave your mouth watering, this book has it all and is a definite must read of 2017! And in the spirit of a Wonderlandian novel, I'll leave you with this: 
 "Why is a raven like a writing-desk?" 
 Happy reading :)