The Looking Glass Wars: Seeing Redd (Book 2)

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor is yet another look into Alyss' fantasic
thrill-ride Wonderland. Ever since I've read Alice in Wonderland and
Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, I keep on wanting
to go back into her amazing world where nothing makes sense. Beddor
makes that possible with his Looking Glass Wars trilogy, of which Seeing
Redd is the second. He takes on the risk of offending millions of Lewis
Carroll fans by writing this series, but as far as I'm concerned
Beddor's Looking Glass Wars trilogy is a great addition to
Alice-in-Wonderland inspired fiction. Seeing Redd was never dull, except
in very rare moments when King Arch got a little winded in his
semi-long monologues. There are some sequels that I've read that are not
as imaginative as the first, but Seeing Redd defies that stereotype and
takes us on a journey through the written word. The plot just keeps
getting better and better, such as a look into Hatter Madigan's family
life, Alyss and Dodge's continued relationship, and Redd's devious mind
at ceaseless work. If the second book is any indication, Archenemy, the
third and last of the trilogy, is going to be the best yet.

Reader reviewed by Lexie

The second book in Beddor's Looking Glass Wars trilogy picks up fairly
closely to the end of the first book. 3 lunar cycles (I'm guessing this
means months) later and Queen Alyss is doing her best to reassure the
people that White Imagination is once again dominate.

There is a
little bit of a mislead throughout the book as well, in who's actually
the source of evil and motives. King Arch, briefly mentioned and shown
in the first book, is a central character this time around (with all
his sexist views) and Jack of Diamonds, unfortunately, makes a return
appearance. His parents aren't the brightest ever. Redd is more cunning
then in the first book, using subterfuge as a way to win out. I admired
her, despite her evilness, because she didn't just whine about what she
lost (like Jack) or spout impossible ideas (like Arch), but had a solid
plan which would have worked.

Hatter Madigan, this poor guy, is
put through the ringer. He did take his leave, as he said he would at
the end of Book 1, and didn't plan on coming back. We learn more about
the civilian he loved, Weaver and what secrets she carried. Which all
relates back to Molly (I'm sure you can guess how) and has a surprising
turn of events. Doesn't last long however. Molly is also put through
the ringer--unsure of herself, prideful of her abilities but shamed by
her birth, young and basically self-trained, Arch takes advantage of
that weakness.

In the end I enjoyed this book moreso then the
first. I enjoyed learning more about the other lands surrounding
Wonderland (even if Borderland is...what it is) and despite the ending
leaving itself very open to a sequel, I can't be too upset over that.
The conflicts of THIS book were resolved and the ending opened the door
to a new conflict.

(reprinted with author's permission)