A Clash of Queens by Michelle Bryan, L.J. Higgins Series: A Clash of Queens #1
Published by Self Publish on 2023-02-28
Length: 307 pages
Reviewing Kindle from My Book Shelf
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2023 New Release Challenge, COYER 2023
In the dark of night, by the moon’s silver light, her reflection will call her home.
She will return to her mother’s side, and must decide, who will rule the throne.My entire life I’ve been hidden away at my eccentric aunt’s country estate with nothing but the help and chickens to keep me company. Isolated and lonely, I’d spent my days wishing for something exciting to happen. I couldn’t imagine the adventures fate and an old mirror in the attic had in store for me.
Now, stranded in a foreign world, I’d give anything to go back. But, if the prophecy the oracle, the talking cat, and the red queen keep talking about is true, then I’m afraid I’ll never see my aunt or the estate again.
I am a sucker for all things Alice, and since this one is also written by one of my favorites it was a one-click purchase 😉 A Clash of Queens by Michelle Bryan, L.J. Higgins is the first book in a reimagined Wonderland featuring a curious and bored young girl who discovers a dark world full of adventure.
We first meet Alyce at her secluded home. She comes off as a typical teen, broody and a bit rebellious. Raised and schooled by her eccentric aunt, Alyce hasn’t had much chance for interaction beyond those who work at the estate. The closer she gets to being an adult, the more Alyce wants interactions with people her own age. After an argument with her aunt about what happened to her family and being allowed to leave the estate, Alyce stows away into the attic of their house, looking for answers to her questions. What she finds is a mirror and a portal to another world.
I’m not going to lie….Alyce is hard to like. BUT I think that is intentional. It gives her character a lot of room for growth. She’s immature, broody, and at times, a brat. She’s naive and impulsive which gets her into all kinds of trouble. However, through everything she experiences, she learns and grows into someone I liked and empathized with. I rooted for her and cheered on her successes while I rolled my eyes and talked to her (like she could hear me through the pages) when she was doing something colossally stupid 😂
The world building is so much fun. I loved the authors’ take on Wonderland. It’s interesting and unique, making the setting fall more into a portal fantasy world. I loved the characters that Alyce meets in this new world: Ora (who reminded me of the Caterpillar), Theo (the mad hatter), the twins, and Chester to name a few of my favorites. A lot happens in this book, but I think it sets up the series nicely.
Overall, I really enjoyed A Clash of Queens. Alyce’s adventures are just beginning, and I personally cannot wait to return! Highly recommend this one for fans of Wonderland, magic, and chaos.
About L.J. Higgins
L J Higgins writes fiction with an intriguing twist. Stories that make you question the world around you and open your mind and heart.
Hailing from Queensland, Australia, she is a wife and mother of two children that are growing up way too fast. Together they live in a tiny house on a property that has some of the most beautiful sunsets she’s ever seen.
Always intrigued by dystopian and fantasy worlds, L J Higgins enjoys creating stories that explore relationships and self-discovery while making you question the world around you. Her overactive imagination allows her to create worlds that suck you right in, then she throws in characters you can relate to and weaves them into fast paced stories you can’t put down.
About Michelle Bryan
Michelle Bryan is a USA Today Bestselling author of The Crimson Legacy Trilogy, Legacy of Light Series, The Bixby Series, and The Power of Fae series. She resides in Nova Scotia, Canada with her favorite guys; her hubby, son, and two fur babies, Garbage and Smudge.
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Wow, this sounds like a fantastic read! As a fellow Alice enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and unique takes on Wonderland, and A Clash of Queens seems to fit the bill perfectly. I love how the author has created a character in Alyce who is flawed and relatable, and whose growth throughout the story makes for an engaging read. The world-building and characters sound intriguing, and I can’t wait to dive in!
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While I wasn’t a big Alice in Wonderland fan growing up necessarily, I’ve pretty much enjoyed all the retellings I’ve read as an adult. This one sounds like a neat one! Thanks for sharing!
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