The Chronicles of Alice

⭐ Book Review: The Chronicles of Alice by Christina Henry

A dark, gripping reimagining that pulls you straight down the rabbit hole—no apologies given.

If you think you know the story of Alice in Wonderland, Christina Henry is here to prove you wrong. The Chronicles of Alice—which combines Alice and Red Queen—isn’t a whimsical retelling. It’s a razor-sharp, blood-stained, psychologically rich dive into trauma, resilience, and the monstrous side of fairy tales. And honestly? It’s brilliant.

A Wonderland Reforged in Nightmares

Henry takes the familiar world of Lewis Carroll and twists it into something raw, unsettling, and intoxicating. Instead of tea parties and mischievous Cheshire grins, we’re met with a gritty, broken city ruled by violence, corruption, and men who think they’re gods. Wonderland becomes a cautionary tale for what happens to lost girls in dangerous worlds—and how they fight their way out.

Alice: Fragile, Fierce, and Unforgettable

This version of Alice is not the wide-eyed girl tumbling after a rabbit. She’s a survivor of horrific abuse, memory shattered, trying to claw her way back to herself. Henry portrays trauma in a way that’s honest but never gratuitous. Alice’s growth—from terrified girl to powerful, purposeful force—is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

Her relationship with Hatcher, her brutal yet oddly tender companion, is another highlight. It’s not a romance—it’s two broken people learning to trust, fight, and live again.

Atmospheric, Violent, and Beautifully Written

Henry’s writing is vivid and cinematic. She balances horror with dark fantasy, and even in its most violent moments, the story feels purposeful. The pacing is tight, the world-building layered, and the danger always feels real. This is a story that doesn’t hold your hand—it drags you headfirst through the shadows.

Who This Book Is For

• Readers who love dark retellings of classic stories

• Fans of gritty fantasy with emotional depth

• Anyone who appreciates strong, complex female leads

• Readers who want a series that is both haunting and empowering

Not for the faint of heart—there are heavy themes including violence, abuse, control, and psychological trauma. But if you can handle the darkness, this book shines.

Final Thoughts

The Chronicles of Alice is daring, disturbing, and utterly compelling. Christina Henry turns a childhood classic into a powerful exploration of survival and self-liberation. It’s a retelling that sticks with you long after the last page—and makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Wonderland.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — A dark fantasy masterpiece.