Title: Queen of Hearts
Author: Colleen Oakes
First published February 12, 2014
306 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062409720 (ISBN10: 0062409727)
Rating: 3.68
Overview
In the land of Wonderland, only the ruthless can reign. This is not a tale of a curious girl falling down a rabbit hole.
Here, secrets hide behind every smile, and every sweet treat comes with a price. Dinah is the princess of Wonderland, and her heart yearns for the love of her father and the boy she adores.
But when a betrayal shatters her world and threatens her throne, Dinah is forced to step into a dangerous game of politics where every move could cost her everything. With enemies lurking at every turn, Dinah must use all her wit and cunning to stay ahead of the game and keep her crown.
But as evil begins to consume Wonderland, Dinah must confront the darkness within herself. This is not a story of a happy ending.
This is the story of the Queen of Hearts, and the price she paid for power.
About the Author
Meet Colleen Oakes, the accomplished author behind numerous best-selling books for both teenagers and adults. Her portfolio includes captivating series such as the Queen of Hearts, Wendy Darling, and Sister of the Chosen One.
She resides in North Denver with her husband and child, and when not engrossed in writing or planning her next literary masterpiece, Colleen loves to swim, travel, and indulge in all things nerdy. Her upcoming series, Second Favorite Daughter’s Club, is set to release in 2023 under the banner of Pixel + Ink.
To learn more about Colleen and her work, visit her website or follow her on Facebook (Author Colleen Oakes) and Instagram (Colleen Oakes).
Editoral Review
Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes is a young adult novel that takes readers on a journey through the fantastical kingdom of Wonderland. Published in 2014, the novel is the first in a series of four books that reimagine the classic children’s tale of Alice in Wonderland by adding a dark, political twist.
Colleen Oakes is an American author who has written several young adult novels, including the Elly in Bloom series and the Wendy Darling series. With Queen of Hearts, she puts her own spin on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland by telling the story from the perspective of the villainous Queen of Hearts.
The book is set in the kingdom of Wonderland, which is ruled by a cruel and capricious queen named Dinah. Born into the royal family as the daughter of the king and queen, Dinah is set to inherit the throne when her father dies.
However, her plans are complicated by the arrival of a mysterious stranger who claims to be her long-lost half-sister. As Dinah struggles to maintain her hold on the throne, she must also contend with a series of increasingly deadly threats to her rule.
Along the way, she is forced to confront her own dark past and the secrets that her family has been keeping from her. One of the strengths of Queen of Hearts is its vivid and immersive worldbuilding.
Oakes has created a lush and tactile version of Wonderland, filled with fantastical creatures, sumptuous feasts, and hidden secrets. The descriptions of the palace and its environs are particularly well-executed, making it easy for readers to visualize the setting.
The characters in Queen of Hearts are also well-drawn and compelling. While Dinah may be the villain of the story, she is also a sympathetic and complex character with understandable motivations.
The supporting cast, including the charming and enigmatic Cheshire, the dangerous and alluring Wardley, and the loyal and outspoken Harris, are equally interesting and multi-dimensional. Another strength of the novel is its exploration of power and politics.
Oakes does an excellent job of depicting the machinations of court life, as well as the personal toll that leadership can take on those who hold it. The book raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to be a leader, and whether power corrupts even the most well-intentioned individuals.
On the flip side, the pacing of the novel could be improved. The first half of the book is slow-moving, with long stretches of exposition and world-building that could have been condensed or integrated more smoothly into the narrative.
Similarly, some of the plot twists and climactic moments feel rushed or underdeveloped, leading to a sense of disappointment or confusion. Despite these flaws, Queen of Hearts is an engaging and enjoyable read.
It is recommended for fans of young adult fantasy, especially those who enjoy tales of political intrigue, complex characters, and lush world-building. The novel is appropriate for ages 14 and up, due to some violence and dark themes.
Overall, Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes receives a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars. While it has its flaws, it is a worthy addition to the canon of Alice in Wonderland retellings, and will leave readers eager to see what happens next in the sequels.
