GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Book Review: Down the Rabbit Hole by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, R.C. Ryan | I Smell Sheep

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Book Review: Down the Rabbit Hole by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, R.C. Ryan

Down the Rabbit Hole
by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, R.C. Ryan

September 29, 2015
432 pages
Publisher: Jove
Some of your favorite New York Times bestselling authors present five all-new stories told through the looking glass—including a new Eve Dallas novella!

You’re late for a very important date...

Enter a wonderland of mesmerizing tales. It’s a place that’s neither here nor there, where things are never quite as they seem. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece, ranging from the impossible to the mad to the curiouser, these stories will have you absolutely off your head.

Don’t be afraid to follow them…

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Down the Rabbit Hole is a short story collection of Alice inspired works. Each story has fantastic elements; some more directly connected Lewis Carroll’s story than others. Overall, the collection is bookended by its two strongest works, J.D. Robb’s “Wonderment in Death,” and R.C. Ryan’s “Fallen.”

“Wonderment in Death” opens the collection. The story is part of J.D. Robb’s futuristic Eve Dallas series and was my first encounter with the detective. I quite enjoyed her character and those in supporting roles. The concept for the curious murder-mystery story was incredibly Alice-based, so of course it was my favourite. From there, the stories were more or less “rabbit-hole-like adventures” where characters are thrust into unknown and fantastic territory. The collection wraps up with "Fallen", a romantic fantasy set in the Scottish Highlands. There’s time travel, talking animals, and a passionate affair with a kilt-wearing Scottish lord. Need I say more? It was an energizing, captivating read, especially after the fourth story, “A True Heart.”

The stories in the middle are satisfactory, but nothing overwhelmingly wondrous. “Alice and The Earl of Wonderland” is lovely and delicate, “iLove" quirky and cute. I found the reading process to lag particularly during “A True Heart” by Mary Kay McComas. The concept is creative and intriguing, but the roll out, and odd creative choices, feel awkward.

Definitely check out the beginning and end to this collection, though you need not do it immediately. This date can wait.

3 Sheep




Bianca Greenwood

3 comments:

  1. I have long been a J.D. Robb and Eve Dallas fan. I might have to check this out just for that story. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, check it out if you're looking for a cool, quick read. The story made me want to explore Eve Dallas further.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ahhh Robb. Yeah that one was a lot of fun and such a good series. I like that one and Ryans but whew iLove had me grrrring. But a good beginning and end for sure :D

    ReplyDelete