Alice in Zombieland
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: White Rabbit Chronicles #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Horror
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
My Rating:
Forever.
Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.
Her father was right. The monsters are real.
To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.
First Sentence: “Please, Alice. Please.”
My Review:
Let me start my review with this: if you’re looking for some kind of Alice in Wonderland retelling with zombies in it, then Alice in Zombieland is not the book for you. Don’t be fooled by the cover or the title. There are very very few references to the original fairytale, which is disappointing since I was looking forward to reading Wonderland with zombies. However, Alice in Zombieland manages to hold on on its own.
What caught my attention was the title and the cover. When I first saw Alice in Zombieland, I was like woah there. The title sounds intriguing and the girl on the cover looks exactly how Alice from Alice in Wonderland would look like if she was a regular teenage girl and not a television pixel. That light blue dress she’s wearing is also so adorably princessy, which fits the Alice from the movie.
To start off, the zombies in Gena Showalter’s Alice in Zombieland isn’t like all the other zombies you’ve read about in other books at all. No, these zombies only appear in spirit form and feed on people’s spirit when they die. Yes, they still rot and stink, and yes, they will come after you.
Despite my disappointment with Alice in Zombieland having nothing to do with the original Alice in Wonderland (other than Ali’s name, the chapter titles, and the rabbit cloud), the book managed to pull me in. Why? Well, the characters are awesome. Alice has a witty sense of humor that managed to gain a little chuckle out of me now and then and I just love her best friend Kat. Seriously, that girl is gold. She’s always there for Ali (although Ali is barely there for her), stands up for her, and truly has Ali’s back. I want a Kat with me at all times in real life.
I love how Gena Showalter also spiced up Alice’s powers. Killing zombies, the ability to get into spirit form, seeing visions of the future…and I should stop mentioning any more or I’ll ruin the entire book for you.
I also adored Cole, although I still don’t trust him completely. He’s big, bad, and furiously protective. Who wouldn’t adore a guy with thick jet-black hair that’s almost blue and violet eyes? The only problem I had with him though is that I just don’t trust him after his past relationship with Mackenzie. He didn’t give Ali a good reason on why they broke up – just said something along the lines of eh, we got bored of each other. There’s something more to that story, I can tell.
There are also a couple of flaws in Alice in Zombieland. One main flaw that constantly stood out was where is Reeve? Reeve is supposingly part of Kat’s group along with Wren and Poppy, but after that party episode, she never appears ever again. It’s like Gena Showalter just completely forgot about her.
I will definitely read Through the Zombie Glass as soon as I get my hands on it. Why? Well, I’m praying that Kat would be well and okay and I want to know more about Cole. (I think at this point, Ali might as well be a minor character to me.)
nice review. i’ve been looking forward to read this one since i like zombie books. but honestly,the zombies arent seem to be real zombies for me:( and thats dissapointing.
Thanks!
And I was disappointed too, Alice in Wonderland + zombies = epic. Maybe someone would write about that in the future? Hopefully they do!
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Glad you liked this one! I’ve heard about so many people being disappointed.
Yeah, this book is definitely a hit or miss. If you don’t want to read about high school drama, then definitely skip this one.
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Thanks for the review! I’ve been wanting to read this one for awhile now. Thanks for the warning that it’s not the fairy tale! I’ll still read it since I like her other books. :)
-Amber
I hope you enjoy Alice in Zombieland, even though it’s not like Alice in Wonderland. :D
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
The more I read about this book, the more curious I am. I don’t read a lot of books with zombies but this one has been stalking me lately. And now that you’ve warned us that it has nothing to do with Alice in Wonderland (since I was a bit scared of reading a retelling of Alice), I might give this one a try :)
Great review, btw ^_^
XX Ner
Alice in Zombieland is definitely everywhere these days.
I can’t wait to see what you think, but don’t worry, it’s definitely nothing like Alice in Wonderland.
Thanks! :D
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Thanks for the review! I’ve heard such mixed things about this book that I don’t even know if I want to read it or not! o.o I’m very glad you listed both, the good and flaws of the story. It really bugs me when the authors seemingly forget about the characters. >.>
Yeah, I get so annoying when authors forget about their own characters. That’s a huge downside to authors when they create TONS of characters in their book.
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
I can’t wait to read this one! I love Gena and I know she did amazing with this one. Plus, I love Alice books (even though it’s not a re-telling), and by reading this it would be my first zombie book! YAY! :D I’m glad you you enjoyed this, despite the issues you had!
Brilliant review! :)
This would be your first zombie book? Whoa. o:
Thank you! (:
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Awesome review. I read this a couple of weeks ago and I got a bit annoyed by Ali to be honest. Haha. Yeah, she was kickass and everything but she’s just annoying for some reason. Anyway, I do think it’s an entertaining read and I might just read Through the Looking Glass when it comes out.
Now that I think about it, Ali can be somewhat annoying. It’s hard to pinpoint why though…maybe it’s because she’s somewhat dramatic?
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Through the Zombie Glass too! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
I’ts nice to see you liked the book. I feel this book is a hit or miss sort of book… Still worth checking out though. Loved your review.
Alice in Zombieland is definitely a hit or miss book. You’ll love it if you don’t mind that it’s nothing like Alice in Wonderland, but you’ll hate it when you’re expecting something like Alice in Wonderland.
Thanks! (:
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Great review! I keep seeing a lot mixed reviews on this one. I personally really liked it. I thought the take on zombies was interesting, and I agree with what you thought about Cole. Glad you enjoyed this one too! I’m looking forward to the next one!
Thanks! (:
I’m quite eager to see what Cole has up his sleeves in the next book. For some weird reason, I have a feeling that I’ll dislike him in it. o:
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
I am a little disapointed about there being no references to the original Alice in Wonderland, but it does sound very interesting!
Hmm Cole Just saying they got bored of each other is really suspicious):
Great review!
Yeah, you’re not the only person disappointed about that Katie. :l
Thank you! (:
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Her zombie take doesn’t sound as gruesome as I thought. Sounds like a good read. I do want a friend like Kat also. :)
The zombies in Alice in Zombieland is totally different from other zombie books I’ve read in that they don’t try to eat people.
And yes, we really need a Kat in our lives! :D
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
I actually don’t mind the look of this book. I’m quite interested in seeing what Showalter does with zombies, your description sounds actually pretty damn cool. I am a little disappointed there isn’t more references to Alice in Wonderland, I mean it certainly is deceiving but I’d still give it a good go!
What Gena Showalter did with her version of zombies is pretty unique.
You’re not the only one who is disappointed about that; I was expecting an awesome Alice in Wonderland retelling. Well, at least we got Splintered, although it doesn’t have zombies in it.
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Love the review. Can’t wait to read this book.
I still waiting my book to coming.
I hope you enjoy it when you get it! :D
Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: Do You Have A Book Buying Problem?
Well, I guess I will still read this…Like you I was hopeing for an Alice in Wonnderland spin-off. Oh well. nice review!
Jamie recently posted…Anna to the Infinite Power (review), Mildred Ames
Thanks Jamie! (:
It’s so sad that it’s not a Alice in Wonderland retelling though. D:
Kelly recently posted…Series Overview: The Revenants Trilogy – Amy Plum
Hi! Thanks fo the review.
I love Gena Showalter! She’s one of my favorite authors.
I haven’t read Alice in Zombieland yet, and I cannot wait to read it.
I’m surprise that book is not a retelling of Alice in Wonderland… buuuuut ok. I still want to read it.
=D
Hi there Kassi! :D
Yeah, it’s shocking that Alice in Zombieland isn’t a retelling of Alice in Wonderland right?
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: School Spirits – Rachel Hawkins
Loved this review.I expected so much from this book :/ but then from the moment I started to read this I found the main character annoying :S
I can definitely see why you think Alice is annoying. She is a little dramatic. o:
Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Wasteland – Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan
Great review! I really liked Alice in Zombieland! I’m excited for the next book!
I’m ready too! :D
Except I don’t really like the cover for the next book… ):
Kelly recently posted…Debut-a-Thon: Goals + Updates
Really? :/ I haven’t seen it yet. I’ll have to go check it out.
It’s called Through the Zombie Glass. You can see the cover on goodreads.
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Wallbanger – Alice Clayton
I might actually like this one, because to be completely honest, I can’t stand the original Alice in Wonderland, and I think I am the only person in the world who feels that way. Anyway, glad to see you enjoyed it, I know many did not!
Actually, you’re not the only one who feels that way Rachel. Just look at the other comments on this review. o:
Alice in Zombieland is no way close to the actual Alice in Wonderland story. :P
Yeah, many people didn’t enjoy this book sadly. :l
Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 1 – Class Orientation + Teaser Tidbits
It is definitely disappointing to know that there aren’t too many similarities between this and in the original tale, but I am still definitely looking forward to this story. And it sounds like it is worth a shot, even though it seems a bit misleading!
The book is worth a shot. I think it was a cute and fun story to read, even with the minor problems it has.
Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 4 – Tears On My Pillow + Book Spine Poetry
Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me. I had such high expectations but it was completely off. Just could not get into it at all. There were just too many problems for me.
Aww, that sucks Vivien. ):
Kelly recently posted…New Blog Design + A Giveaway
I get scared of zombies huhu but great review. its actually hard to get a copy of this :(
The zombies in Alice in Zombieland isn’t scary at all Chyna. :P
And aww, that sucks! D:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Throne of Glass – Sarah Maas
Too bad this book has nothing to do with the original Alice in Wonderland but other than that it sounds like a great read. Hopefully I can get my hands on it soon. :)
Thanks for the review!
Stephanie Verhaegen recently posted…Stacking The Shelves #34
I hope you’ll enjoy this one Stephanie! It’s unique, but it’s not quite like Alice in Wonderland.
Kelly recently posted…Series Overview: The Unraveling Duology – Elizabeth Norris
Great Review. It do portrays the gothic version of the wonderland as described in the “SPLINTERED” by A.G. Howard. I'[m not a zombie fan but I’ll read it for the adventure thing.
Sana recently posted…Book Blitz + Giveaway : You Are Mine (Mine#1)
Don’t worry Sana, the zombies in Alice in Zombieland isn’t scary at all. :P
Kelly recently posted…Summer Giveaway Hop 2013
I am a zombie fan, but I just can’t picture them with Alice in Wonderland…. think I will pass on this one
Alice in Zombieland isn’t like Alice in Wonderland at all, that’s why. :P
Kelly recently posted…Summer Giveaway Hop 2013
Right now i read this book, Alice in Zombieland, but i still haven’t got the mood i want. I still have a long way to finish this book :)
Aww, I hope you’ll enjoy the book later on Filia when you’re in the right mood for it! D:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [44]
Thanks for sharing your review. I have been thinking about reading this one and I hadn’t decided yet, I think I will give it try. evamillien at gmail dot com
I hope you enjoy it Eva! (:
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Wish Could Have Had Sequels
Thank you for reviewing this book! I’ve been dying to get my hands on this book the moment I read its plot. :)
I hope you like it as much as I did Celine! :D
Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Thornhill – Kathleen Peacock
I love the premise on the book and I feel like it originally creates a twist on the fairytale :) Also, lovely review! Definitely going on my TBR list!
I hope you’ll enjoy it when you get to it Fatma! :D
And Alice in Zombieland isn’t like Alice in Wonderland in so many ways. o:
Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Thornhill – Kathleen Peacock
Thanks for the review! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw the title and cover. It sounds like a good novel though. Plus Gena Showalter is a pretty decent author!
Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…Vamps VS Zombies Giveaway Blog Hop Link
No problem! :D
Alice in Zombieland was a pretty enjoyable read.
Some of Gene Showalter’s books are misses for me though. D:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
Thanks for the review.Although I only read one book of hers I kinda love Gena Showalter.I think I will enjoy this one too.
If you liked Gena Showalter’s other books, then I think you’ll enjoy this one too Say! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
I’ve wanted to read this one for a while now! I’m a little disappointed that there isn’t more Wonderland, but it still sounds great. Awesome review :)
Yeah, I wish this one is more like Wonderland. I wanted to explore that world.
Thanks! (:
Kelly recently posted…Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop
Wow…this book has a high rating on goodreads. But I’m not sure about the dramatic Alice. Currently I’m in no mood with dranatic character. Thanks for the review :))
Yeah, to enjoy a book, you must be in the right mood for it. Maybe you should wait awhile before you try this one! (:
Kelly recently posted…Teen Thrill Book Signing
This book sounds awesome! I’ve seen it around and obviously the title is a giveaway but I’ve never really read what it’s about. I need to add this to my TBR pile. Thanks for the review
I’ll have to warn you though – although the title makes the book sound like it will take place in Wonderland or be about Alice in Wonderland, the book is sadly not about that at all.
Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!
This is one I’ve been wanting to read, and your review really helps me see even more what it is going to be about. Didn’t realize the zombies wouldn’t be “real” zombies per se. So now I’m even more intrigued!
Lisa Mandina recently posted…Storm (Swipe #3) by Evan Angler
Yay, I hope you’ll enjoy this one too Lisa! :D
Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!
I love Gena soooooo much!!! I’ve been meaning to start this series for quite a while and now I finally found the right motive… :)
Sofia T. recently posted…Review: Simple Perfection (Perfection #2) by Abbi Glines
Yay! I hope you’ll love this one as much as I do Sofia!
And I believe the sequel came out this week. ;D
Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!
I have been reading a lot about the followup novel lately and admit I was drawn into this series by the beautiful cover art. I am not sure this series is for me, but I am open to giving it a try, especially since book two is available ;) Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Yeah, the cover art is definitely the best part of the series. It’s GORGEOUS. I don’t like the cover art for the sequel though. I think the cover model looks like a guy. :l
Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!
Hi!!
I’ve started reading this book yesterday so I haven’t finished it (I’m at the party scene) but I’m loving it so far! Ali is a great character and Cole is so misterious and intriguing! Even if, just as you, I’m not convined of the reason why he and Mackenzie broke up… I guess I’ll find out more in the second book!
Ps. I just started a blog, it wouls be great if you wanted to check it out! :)
Pps. I love your blog! Obviously, new follower!
Hi Frannie! :D<3
Ha ha, I'm glad you're loving it so far! I have Through the Zombie Glass with me, but sadly haven't started it yet. ):
Just so you know, you posted your website link wrong. It's "blogspot" and not "blogpost." :P
And thanks for the lovely follow! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
I love zombies and I’m always a little disappointed when the zombie part doesn’t live up to my expectations. Great review. I have this book on my shelf and I can’t wait to read it. Love the inside flap on the hardcover. So pretty.
I hope you love the zombies in this series! :D
The entire book is gorgeous, especially with the green creepy skulls. Whoever designed this book is a genius. It’s like the perfect book for Halloween. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
Alice in Zombieland is one of those books that I know I have to read soon or I’m never going to get to be on the booknerds bandwagon. I’ve heard so many good things about it and I can’t wait to start reading this one and the sequel :)
October is the best month to read Alice in Zombieland and Through the Zombie Glass because of Halloween. It’s now or never Hillary. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
This seems like an interesting book. I always see this book at Barnes and Noble, but I’m always hesitant to pick it up.
Don’t be hesitant to pick it up Ellen – Alice in Zombieland is a really fun read! (:
Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Wild Cards – Simone Elkeles
Thanks for the suggestion!
Great review. I am glad you told us that it doesn’t have much to do with Alice in Wonderland. I thought it was a complete retelling.
Thanks Cali! (:
No, Alice in Zombieland is definitely not a Alice in Wonderland retelling, but it’s a great book in its own way.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
This book was in my TBR, but I’m not so sure to read it. Although it seems good, I -as well as you- was expecting to be more of a retelling. But we’ll see if I read it at some point. Thanks for the review.
Yeah, the not-a-retelling aspect of Alice in Wonderland disappointed me too. I can see why you’re really skeptical about starting this one. :l
I hope you’ll enjoy Alice in Zombieland if you ever read it Frida! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
I am REALLY glad you put in there that it’s not like the original at all :) That was a great review because from the name and cover of the book I would have assumed it was a little bit like that, and I do want to read this even more now after reading your review of it :)
Yeah, I’ll say that the cover and title of the book tries to trick you into thinking that’s VERY similar to Alice in Wonderland when it’s not.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [54]
I totally know what your talking about, I expected an Alice in Wonderland (with zombies) retelling! But I was still happy with the result. Great review :)
Chloe Lee recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #25
I’m glad you’re happy with the result too Chloe! (:
I can’t wait to start Through the Zombie Glass.
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
I think I should give Alice in Zombieland another try. I couldn’t get through the first three chapters the first time I read it – somehow, Alice’s attitude was a major turn-off in my opinion, and I didn’t see any point in continuing a book in which I disliked the protagonist. I was a little confused by the concept of zombies in this book, but it does sound pretty interesting. :)
Yeah, some people disliked Alice too. You’re not the only one to. o:
The zombies in Alice in Zombieland live and fight in another realm if I remember correctly. It’s been so long since I’ve read this one; got to re-read it again soon. :P
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
This is a great review! I’ve been on the fence about reading this, but based on your review, I’ve decided to give it a go!
Yay! I hope you’ll like this one Anna! :D<3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [57]
I have really been wanting to read this book. I’m appreciate the warning about the non-Alice in Wonderland issues; I was expecting it to follow the old storyline (with zombies), too. I do like this author’s work, so I want to read it, and now I won’t be disappointed about having my expectancies shattered.
I read Alice in Zombieland when it came out and am a big fan. Zombies are under-represented in YA, and I loved how Gena Showalter managed to portray them in a different way. Your review points out some things that I missed, but at the same time, I like the limited references (maybe because I expected that) and squeal whenever there is one.
Isabel recently posted…Thanksgiving Giveaway!
i really have to read this!
hmm, I have been meaning to buy this but now, I’m not so sure. Will give it a try though!
Great review!
lillian recently posted…Bookish Army: 50 Shades of Disgraceful Books with Eve
I think my cousin would love that book. Thanks!
This book has always intrigued me. I, like you, thought it was a retelling of Alice in Wonderland with Zombies. I’m not that into Zombies, but I really enjoy the story of Alice in Wonderland so thought it would be a good book to read… maybe not. I have seen so many good fairytale retellings lately. My favourite has to be Sweety. I have to read some of Jackson Pearce’s other retellings. Have you read any of Pearce’s books?
Alice? with zombies?! Okay that’s sounds interesting >_<
Well, after I finished reading the review, the story becomes more interesting! and it made me curious! I want to try to read this book :)
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!