Umberland (The Everland Trilogy, Book 2) (Volume 2)

Our granddaughter was thrilled to get this for Christmas - she loves it!

I give this book a 3.5 star review. I just couldn't get into it. The first one was pretty good and interesting but I don't know, I just couldn't engage in this one. I only finished it because it is so short. First of all, I was more than disappointed in Gwen and Peter. Peter is such a jerk to Doc who doesn't deserve to be treated that way and is doing all he can to help find a cure for the virus and where does Peter get off acting so high and mighty and blame Doc when he himself has done absolutely nothing. Plus he was constantly punching things and has a temper which is a major turn off for me. Total red-flag! ***slight spoiler*** And Gwen falls into the stupid trope where they have to break up because it would be too painful otherwise when he dies from the virus. I hate when characters do that because honestly would it really be any less painful just because you broke up? You still love them and why would that change just because you aren't together? Why not enjoy the last moments you have. If they were married would she have insisted on a divorce? It's stupid! ***spoiler over*** the romance between Alyssa and Maddox Hadder is eye-roll worry in its obviousness and I just couldn't connect to either one of them. The writing was still excellent and I think young teens would enjoy this trilogy, but as an adult I found it lacking and doubt that i will be finishing up the trilogy.

{My thoughts} – I truly enjoyed reading this book and following Gwen, Jack, Bella, Pete and Hook into their newest adventure. There is a lot to be learned about the story within these pages and because of that I’d learned that there wasn’t a dull moment to be found.It was packed with lots of emotion, adventure and indescribable lessons. Unlike the first book that was mostly based on the story of Peter Pan or Hook, this book was based on Alice in Wonderland.I am a huge fan of retelling books and this series so far has not disappointed me. I look forward to reading the third book when it comes out early next year.I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys retellings, however I do suggest reading the prequel and the first book first or you might be a bit lost in the storyline. It is a highly enjoyable series that I’m sure you won’t regret picking up and reading.

The Good:- It is a retelling! Which, I always enjoy. It's a unique take on the Peter Pan tale, with steampunk elements, an apocalyptic London - all sorts of cool stuff going on.- I like most of the characters.The Bad:- Just like with the first one, the writing is a bit awkward and the story flies by. (And it doesn't fly by in a good way.)

Wendy Spinale hits it out of the park again! It's a very engaging read - no spoilers, but definitely a strong part 2 of the trilogy. No sophomore slump here. I can't wait to see how the adventure ends in Ozland... after this series there's no telling what stories Wendy will tell, but I have a feeling she's just getting started.