Step into the twisted, enchanting world of the Splintered series, where Wonderland is darker, stranger, and far more seductive than you remember! Written by A.G. Howard, this young adult gothic fantasy reimagines Alice in Wonderland with a haunting blend of romance, adventure, and self-discovery. Follow Alyssa Gardner, a descendant of Alice Liddell, as she dives down the rabbit hole to break a family curse that drives the women in her lineage mad. With a punky vibe, grotesque creatures, and a love triangle that keeps you guessing, Splintered is a wild ride for fans of fairy tale retellings.
From its vivid world-building to its heart-pounding stakes, this series captures the madness of Wonderland in a fresh, contemporary way. Whether you’re drawn to Alyssa’s artistic spirit or the dangerous allure of Morpheus, there’s something irresistible about this gothic wonderland.
How Splintered Began
Anita Grace Howard, a Texas-based author, crafted Splintered while working in a school library, inspired by her lifelong love for Alice in Wonderland and gothic romance. Drawing from Lewis Carroll’s classic, Howard imagined what would happen if Alice’s adventures left a lasting curse on her descendants. Published in 2013 by Amulet Books, Splintered debuted to praise for its dark, imaginative take, blending Tim Burton-esque visuals with YA sensibilities. Howard’s passion for sensory prose and bittersweet storytelling shaped a series that’s as unsettling as it is captivating.
The Heart of Splintered
The Splintered series spans three main novels—Splintered (2013), Unhinged (2014), and Ensnared (2015)—plus novellas like The Moth in the Mirror and Untamed. In Splintered, Alyssa, a skateboarding teen who hears bugs and flowers whisper, learns her family’s madness stems from Alice’s missteps in Wonderland. To save her mother, she enters a nightmarish Wonderland, facing tests like draining an ocean of tears or taming a bandersnatch, all while torn between her protective crush, Jeb, and the enigmatic Morpheus. Unhinged sees Alyssa balancing both worlds, while Ensnared delivers a climactic battle to save Wonderland and her heart.
The series shines with its gothic aesthetic, blending horror, magic, and romance. Themes of self-discovery and independence resonate as Alyssa embraces her identity as both human and netherling. Howard’s Wonderland is a grotesque masterpiece—think flesh-eating flowers and zombie-like creatures—yet it’s lush and immersive, with prose that paints every scene vividly. The love triangle, though divisive, adds tension, while Alyssa’s artistic, rebellious spirit grounds the fantastical chaos.
Why Splintered Resonates
Splintered has carved a niche in YA fantasy for its bold reimagining of a beloved classic. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and X praise its dark creativity, comparing it to American McGee’s Alice for its unsettling edge. While some critique the romance or complex plot, the series’ vivid imagery and Alyssa’s journey of empowerment have inspired a dedicated following. Its influence lies in proving fairy tale retellings can be daringly original, encouraging readers to embrace the weird and wonderful.
- Publication Years: 2013–2015
- Books: 3 novels, 2 novellas
- Genre: YA gothic fantasy
Ready to fall down the rabbit hole? Grab Splintered and dive into A.G. Howard’s mesmerizing, madcap Wonderland!