Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Alice in Zombieland (The White Rabbit Chronicles #1) by Gena Showalter

Series: White Rabbit Chronicles #1
404p.
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Available Now
Source: TBR pile (pressie!)
She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever. 
Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone. 
Her father was right. The monsters are real… 
To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies…

"I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.
I wish... Yeah, I wish."
My thoughts:
 Zombies? Alice in Wonderland retelling? Okay, where do I sign up?

Yes, can you tell I wanted to get to this book? I already knew that there would be some sad moments in the book and yes, there were but not enough to deter me from wanting to read it. The book's characters are interesting. The main character, Alice, is one who came from a sheltered background, had a horrific experience that turned her world on it's ear and still came out fighting. I enjoyed that and the fact that it could have made her quite timid but she learned to kick arse metaphorically and literally. Cole could have been the bad boy I hated but just barely skated to the good side for me. I can see why so many girls swoon for him but his possessiveness almost made me not like him. The fact that he truly respects Ali is what swayed me toward liking his character.

As far a the retelling... it is very light on that aspect. So, those who don't like retellings might enjoy this one while those that do and expect one might be disappointed. I wasn't in the least and enjoyed how she twisted some small aspect of Alice in Wonderland to fit the story. I did enjoy the worldbuilding even though I did have some questions left that were specific to this world. However Ali is learning as we do so I do think some of those answers will be forthcoming.

I give this book 4 stars. I now need the second book and... of course the 3rd. :) I enjoyed my time in this world of zombies and am curious to the direction she will take these characters. I recommend it to those that like YA and a simple book about a girl fighting zombies. :)

25 comments:

  1. Oh yes I also really enjoyed this one. I read it a while ago when it was released but I really need to try book 2 and 3 now!

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  2. I really liked this book, but for some reason I never picked up the second one in the series. I should look for it!

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  3. YEP. This is another one that's been on my TBR since it came out. I'm pretty sure I have both a physical copy and the kindle version. I do like a good retelling, but I don't think it will bother me that this one is light on that aspect. SO . . . next time I'm in a zombie mood . . . ;)

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    1. It is an interesting and different take on the zombie.

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  4. I'm not a fan of Alice in Wonderland or zombies, so this series just isn't my cup of tea. I'm glad you're enjoying it to much, though, and I hope the rest of the series is just as good for you, Melissa! :)

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    1. Well, it is light on the retelling, but not on the zombies so no, don't think this one is for you. :)

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  5. I love this series. I'm excited to read the last book. I think it comes out soon.

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  6. Thanks for the reminder to read this series... it looks totally cool! I am a big fan of both Alice and zombies so I'm sure this book will suit me well. Thanks for the review!

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  7. I have the 2nd book, but not the first. I guess I need to get it!

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  8. I loved the beginning of this book. LOVED! But then it kind of fell apart for me with the romance. It ended up being very generic and not so much an Alice in Wonderland retelling.

    I keep wondering if I should give the 2nd one a try though.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  9. As much as I'm not a zombie person, I really want to try this series. :) I love the sounds of it. :)

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  10. I was absolutely itching to read this series then I read mixed reviews, but your review has me curious again, I still do want to read this as I like zombies :)

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  11. I've tried several books by this author but none of them were stellar. I have a feeling this one is going to be the same for me plus I don't do well with zombies. *shudders* Glad you enjoyed it though!

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  12. YAY!!!! So glad you enjoyed this one Melissa!!! I agree, Cole is possessive for sure, but I'm glad he won you over with his respect for Ali:) Can't wait to see what you think of book 2!!!

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  13. I have yet to read a book by Showalter, but I'm strongly tempted to start with this series. I LOVE all things Alice in Wonderland, and the zombie angle is definitely a bonus. Great review!

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  14. Asma, my co-blogger, DNF'ed this one, and now I'm re-thinking my decision not to read it. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and Wonderland with zombies sounds pretty intriguing. Great review, Melissa!

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  15. The different approach to zombies on this book was quite refreshing. I haven't touched the next book, though. But I really enjoyed this one!

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  16. This is one of those books that I've been wanting to read really bad, but haven't got around to yet. I'm glad to hear you liked it!

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  17. I need to get these books, I keep hearing so much Cole gushing I need to know what all the fuss is about! :-) Glad you enjoyed it enough to get the next two books!

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  18. Can you believe I haven't read this yet? Having zombies in Wonderland is just so unique an intriguing, and I know it's something I'd enjoy. Lovely review, Melissa! :)

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