Lost in Wonderland

Lost in Wonderland by Nicky Peacock

The Story:
This is not the Alice in Wonderland story you knew as a child. Wonderland is a vigilante operation—set up in memory of dear Alice—which targets serial killers. And Kayla is the bait. When her lunatic brother, Shilo, escapes from the asylum babbling dire warnings for her life, Kayla must decide if she wishes overcome her fears or remain lost.

The Characters:
The main protagonist, Kayla A.K.A Mouse, was put in foster care after her parents were murdered and her brother went mad. She is utilized by the King and Queen of Hearts as bait due to her child-like features which help draw targeted serial killers out of the shadows. Kayla is no-nonsense, loves shoes, and is trained for fighting. But under the toughened exterior is the lost young girl who let go of her brother’s hand in the woods and is terrified of being lost again.

Shilo saw the Kushtaka kill their mother at a young age. He ran and ran, losing his sister on the way, and now sits in an asylum with only Mr. Custard for company. The problem is, not one person believes his story of the monster with long talons who feeds on the lost.
Shilo is an amazing character. We alternate believing him insane and genius, and hope against hope that he will find forgiveness, and forgive himself. The dialogue between Shilo and Mr. Custard is both humorous and heart-wrenching.

As well as the main protagonists, there are characters who have parallels to the classic tale of Alice and Wonderland. We have Rabbit, the albino woman who also acts as bait for serial killers. Hatter the FBI infiltrate who targets their next hit. The King and Queen of hearts, who lost their daughter Alice and swore vengeance on murders worldwide. Then there is Cheshire, the tracker with the wide grin, and red-italian shoes.

The World:
A very clever remake of a classic world. Wonderland is now edgier and dangerous, yet still retains the quirks of the original wonderland in the characters and plot. This side of the world-building draws the reader in absolutely.

We get a sense of a large forest in an otherwise normal world. On occasion this setting and the location of the main protagonist was hard to picture. But this blurriness almost added to the authenticity of the lost theme.

The beautiful unrealism of the classic version has been captured.

The Readability:
This author has a unique style; descriptive and rhythmic. Not a word is wasted. And the words used are a great reflection of the classic Alice and Wonderland world. Her dialogue is perceptive of human-nature and its intricacies. In some instances, more depth into the developing plot could be warranted. Ultimately, the character depictions and the fresh take on a tried and true story glue the reader to the book, as well as a few well-executed twists.

Lost in Wonderland is professional and edited. Due to some of the serial killer scenes, which have some mild sexual content and moderate violence, the book is suitable for 14-15 years +

Final Verdict:
An exciting world and intricate characters written with beautiful style.

Favorite Quote:
“You’re such a grouch. You used to be much more … muchier. You’ve neglected your muchness, Mouse.”