Review #448
I bought Splintered by Howard because I love retellings. I give this one a 3.9/5 stars. Honestly, I was confused quite often.
Written in one point of view, first person present tense, I enjoyed the use of strong action words throughout but sometimes it felt choppy.
The chapter headings were unique and creative which I usually feel indifferent towards so that was fun.
Here are my random notes while reading (some spoilers):
Purple text!!! Beautiful! One of her other books had all crimson text.
Premise: Alyssa can hear plants and bugs speak to her. But the last thing she wants is to end up in a mental asylum like her mother. She’s had to keep so many secrets for years and wants to escape her hometown asap.
Three similar names of Alice, Alison & Alyssa are confusing. And the her crush calls her Al to add a fourth.
Around page 100, or I guess when they entered Wonderland, I got a bit bored. Things became confusing where it was hard to picture what was happening.
Page 150: there are too many side characters. It’s starting to feel a bit aimless.
In chapter 10 I’m wanting to know the point of everything. The world is whimsically unique, sure, but why is she there? The plot needs a clear direction.
At the halfway marks it feels too coincidental that Alyssa already completed 2/4 tasks without knowing them.
In chapter 14 I’m frustrated that so many things feel random, too unrelated.
My favorite part is that she has two guys going after her.
In chapter 17 I think I’m finally figuring out why I’m not connecting. The story feel disjointed. Sometimes there are unexplained hops or something happens and I’m confused how we got there or what’s happening and have to reread. It’s a bit of a whirlwind.
SPOILER:
The climatic scene was pretty cool but I don’t like memory loss as solutions to problems. She also didn’t seem to have a good resolution conversation with her mom, which was needed.
I wont be reading the others in this series but am glad I gave this a try. I liked Roseblood better by the same author and recommend that one.