The Looking Glass Wars

Frank Beddor
Dial Books (2006)
ISBN 0803731531
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (9/06)

There was more to the “Story of Alice in Wonderland” than C.S. Lewis ever shared.  Alice’s name was Alyss, the cat was actually an assassin, and the Madd Hatter was Alyss’ bodyguard.  Frank Beddor has brought us the true story in the first book of his trilogy, “The Looking Glass Wars.”

Alyss had been taunted for years.  No one believed her story; they all thought it a childhood fantasy.  When Reverend Charles Dodgson listened intently to her and requested to put her story to paper, Alyss was excited; finally someone was listening to her.  People would know she was really a princess and had to escape her kingdom because wicked Aunt Redd had killed her parents in an attempt to gain the throne.  But when Alyss opened the book and began to read, she was horrified.  Dodgson had taken her story and twisted it into a fairy tale.  No one would ever believe her now.

Frank Beddor has done a remarkable job rewriting a story many of us grew up on.  He’s managed to take a fairy tale and give it a whole new meaning.  I was hooked from page one.  I could hardly wait to turn the page; I couldn’t put it down. The story became so real it was as though I were part of it, running with Alyss as she barely escapes with her life.  All the characters you loved as a child are still here but their true roles have been revealed.  Beddor reveals Dodge and a friend, Madd Hatter is the daring bodyguard sworn to protect Alyss, and the cat with the sneaky smile is really an assassin.  True fans always knew there was more to that cat than just a smile.  I truly enjoyed “The Looking Glass Wars” and highly recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy.  But wait, is it fantasy or is it non-fiction? 

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