From Wonderland, With Love
by Jeffrey Westhoff

Summary
Once again, Alice gets swept away into the world of whimsy known as Wonderland.
This time as a spy! And spying is a curious business
When the nefarious Knave of Hearts steals T.A.R.T.S. (a very powerful and very secret weapon) from Wonderland, the King and Queen send the White Rabbit to recruit the most qualified person they know for a recovery, Alice. Just like that, she is sent into Looking-Glass Land with her super spy gadgetry and her knack for getting into trouble – what could go wrong?
My Review
I’ve read many Alice in Wonderland retellings and reimaginings, but this one is by far one of my favorites. It’s brilliantly written and truly feels like a natural sequel to the original. The story is bursting with creativity and imagination, blending the whimsical charm of Wonderland with the intrigue of a spy thriller—think Alice in Wonderland meets James Bond.
I loved how the author seamlessly wove together elements from both Wonderland and Looking-Glass Land, bringing back familiar characters while staying true to Lewis Carroll’s tone and atmosphere. The characters felt authentic to the original, yet thoughtfully updated in a way that enhanced rather than diminished them. I also appreciated the clever use of time—while a few years had passed for Alice, only weeks had gone by for those in the fantasy realms, adding an intriguing layer to the story.
While this book continues the story of the original Alice novels, I highly recommend reading the classics first to fully appreciate it. What sets this sequel apart, however, is that it introduces a structured plot—something the originals largely lacked. Instead of simply wandering through Wonderland in a series of whimsical encounters, Alice now has a clear goal and a mission to accomplish. She may not be the most efficient at carrying it out, but that only adds to the charm—it wouldn’t feel like Alice if she had everything under control!
What a fun ride! I couldn’t stop wondering what would happen next, which familiar characters from the original books would make an appearance, and how the story would unfold. It captured the nostalgia of the originals while feeling excitingly fresh and new. The witty and clever passages had me grinning throughout—so many delightful moments! I do wish the story had illustrations like the originals, as they would’ve added an extra layer of magic. I’m already excited for the next installment! Highly recommend!
