mamabirdgraph's review against another edition
5.0
So basically this is Alice in Wonderland Fanfiction? Yes. And it basically rocks. I could not put this book down! The characters are beautifully written and the worlds are believable. I felt a little confused the majority of the book. I don't think you have to have read the actual books of Alice in Wonderland or Huckleberry Finn to enjoy it, but I definitely want to after finishing the Collector's Society! So many great quotes. And I'm buying the paperbacks so I can have these on my bookshelf!
ladybugz410's review against another edition
5.0
such an amazing idea for a story. i think it's such an interesting way to tell a story. i can't wait to see what happens next. i am always impressed by heather lyons.
anollylollymolly's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I listened to The Collectors’ Society on audible. The story was fun! I thought the plot was creative- Heather Lyons’ idea to create a story in which characters from popular stories come together was clever.
I rated this book 2 ⭐️s because it took me two months to get through it; I wasn’t super motivated to continue. I’m not sure if I wasn’t very absorbed in the story because of the format or the story itself, so my rating is just a reflection of my experience and not the quality of the writing. However, I recall being underwhelmed with the visit to Wonderland and I didn’t love the end.
I rated this book 2 ⭐️s because it took me two months to get through it; I wasn’t super motivated to continue. I’m not sure if I wasn’t very absorbed in the story because of the format or the story itself, so my rating is just a reflection of my experience and not the quality of the writing. However, I recall being underwhelmed with the visit to Wonderland and I didn’t love the end.
lunasoleil's review
5.0
I greatly enjoyed The Deep End of the Sea (being a mythology geek) and when I found this (being an Alice geek) I was really excited to read it and it did not at all disappoint. While it was very possible that i could've read this book really quickly I found myself reading it more slowly because I didn't want to finish it too soon. And I was surprised, but in a very good way, to find that it was more than just your average Alice retelling. If anything it wasn't a retelling but moreso a sequel of sorts and even that isn't quite the right way to explain it. So I wouldn't tell anyone to go into the book thinking it's any of those things. One of the things I loved about it was (without spoiling anything) the entire concept of the Society and the people within it. I just thought it was a great idea that felt like a tribute to people who just love to read. But just everything about this book - the writing, story, and characters - was fantastic. I can't wait for the next one!
Also I have to highlight my favorite quote from it (difficult because I'd say the book has so many great quotes): “Let us, in this moment, focus on those who find books to be an escape or an extension of their imagination. These readers see, within their mind’s eye, the characters and settings in the pages below their fingers. They feel the emotions woven between worlds. They live through every heartache, every embrace, every terror. Books, to these people, become tangible, living things. The characters they read become genuine souls. – People like this are often accused of living within their fantasies. They’re said to have their noses stuck in books.”
Also I have to highlight my favorite quote from it (difficult because I'd say the book has so many great quotes): “Let us, in this moment, focus on those who find books to be an escape or an extension of their imagination. These readers see, within their mind’s eye, the characters and settings in the pages below their fingers. They feel the emotions woven between worlds. They live through every heartache, every embrace, every terror. Books, to these people, become tangible, living things. The characters they read become genuine souls. – People like this are often accused of living within their fantasies. They’re said to have their noses stuck in books.”
rlp78's review
5.0
This is not my normal kind of book but I found it and decided to take a chance. I am SO glad I did. The writing was incredible. I was sucked in from the first chapter and never once felt bored. This was a great setup for a series. The end was satisfying but clearly there is so much more story to tell. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long!
I also really hope someone options this for a movie or television show. The writing painted such a clear picture I could imagine a seriously amazing show based on the material.
I also really hope someone options this for a movie or television show. The writing painted such a clear picture I could imagine a seriously amazing show based on the material.
kspear22's review
5.0
I am a Disney fanatic, and Alice in Wonderland has been a favorite since I was a child. So, when I read the synopsis for this book, I was expecting something far different than what I got. A lot of people are into re-tellings of popular stories, and I assumed this would be yet another; perhaps more of a modern era re-telling as has been popular in the YA genre. Instead, Heather Lyons re-created our world as we know it and completely and utterly blew me away.
I've mentioned this several times before, but I've been an avid reader since an early age. I grew up reading everything, and have always adored the classics. The way the author intertwines modern literature with some of my oldest favorites is stunningly brilliant. And absolutely shocking in some instances. Books have always been an escape for me, allowing me brief relief from life's ups and downs.
“People like this are often accused of living within their fantasies. They’re said to have their noses stuck in books. But the reality is that some of these people actually do escape into books.”
Coolest thing ever. The term 'unique' is thrown around far too often today in regard to book plots. However, in this case, it is 100% true. The combination of our modern world with beloved stories of the past is something that's never been done before - at least not in this manner.
Alice is in an asylum after returning from her most recent trip to Wonderland. She has no intentions of returning, even refusing to leave the asylum in a few weeks' time. She doesn't believe herself ready to be re-integrated into society. And then, a mysterious man with an intriguing offer pays her a visit. He flips Alice's world upside-down, and completely blows our minds in the process.
"They are people who enter the worlds associated with books. We call them Timelines."
This is no normal re-telling. This is literature at its finest. It is rare nowadays for me to be consumed by a book, but The Collectors' Society has something for everyone. Classic literature is represented along with the 21st century's technology. Each appearance by a character had me gasping or nearly shouting in excitement.
“Each of us here has a story, but it’s not necessarily the one people think they know.”
Heather Lyons's novel is fantastically imagined - and will captivate you from page one. You may think you know these stories, but she puts a spin on everything and really makes you second guess all you thought you knew.
Captivating. Brilliant. Unique. Thrilling. Mysterious. Impeccable. These words describe the story, the writing, and compelling world Lyons has created. I cannot wait for the rest of the story to be told. I also wish this series would never end.
I've mentioned this several times before, but I've been an avid reader since an early age. I grew up reading everything, and have always adored the classics. The way the author intertwines modern literature with some of my oldest favorites is stunningly brilliant. And absolutely shocking in some instances. Books have always been an escape for me, allowing me brief relief from life's ups and downs.
“People like this are often accused of living within their fantasies. They’re said to have their noses stuck in books. But the reality is that some of these people actually do escape into books.”
Coolest thing ever. The term 'unique' is thrown around far too often today in regard to book plots. However, in this case, it is 100% true. The combination of our modern world with beloved stories of the past is something that's never been done before - at least not in this manner.
Alice is in an asylum after returning from her most recent trip to Wonderland. She has no intentions of returning, even refusing to leave the asylum in a few weeks' time. She doesn't believe herself ready to be re-integrated into society. And then, a mysterious man with an intriguing offer pays her a visit. He flips Alice's world upside-down, and completely blows our minds in the process.
"They are people who enter the worlds associated with books. We call them Timelines."
This is no normal re-telling. This is literature at its finest. It is rare nowadays for me to be consumed by a book, but The Collectors' Society has something for everyone. Classic literature is represented along with the 21st century's technology. Each appearance by a character had me gasping or nearly shouting in excitement.
“Each of us here has a story, but it’s not necessarily the one people think they know.”
Heather Lyons's novel is fantastically imagined - and will captivate you from page one. You may think you know these stories, but she puts a spin on everything and really makes you second guess all you thought you knew.
Captivating. Brilliant. Unique. Thrilling. Mysterious. Impeccable. These words describe the story, the writing, and compelling world Lyons has created. I cannot wait for the rest of the story to be told. I also wish this series would never end.
foxy_roxy's review against another edition
5.0
I literally stumbled upon this beauty by accident. I happened to see an image of Heather Lyons "The Forgotten Mountain" which is the 3rd book in the Collector's Society Series, and fell in love with it, immediately!
I started the Collectors Society not really knowing what I was getting myself into. What I do know is that Alice goes by Alice Reeves, and happens to be in an Asylum. There she is found by a Gentleman that goes by the name of Brom Van Brunt. He asks her to travel with her to New York City and that it is imperative for her to do so, to save Wonderland. That it is at risk.
"You are asking me to be selfish"
"Not at all" He towers over me. "I'm asking you to be strong and smart and brave, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Like Alice of any world, she takes everything in stride.
"Sometimes, we must deal with our problems head on in order to let them go."
"Sometimes life is more extraordinary than we might first imagine"
And I think that is why I fell in love with this Alice. Because yes, she was nuts, but she admitted it herself. She knew what she could handle and how much of it she could handle.
"Sometimes our pasts are chains we cannot let go of, even if the key is in our hands. They define us in ways we resent, and yet they are somewhat precious, too. Because, logically, we understand that our pasts have made us who we are, even if we want nothing more to close our eyes to them."
I think I cried when I read this. I read this part several times, just to make sure that I had read it correctly. And what it says is true.
I don't even think it is possible for me to describe the many ways in which this book spoke to me. I fell in love with Alice. I fell in love with Finn. I fell in love with Victor and Mary. I fell in love with The White King, because come on, how could you not. He sacrificed a lot once he realized that Alice had happiness in her life.
"I will always do everything I can to ensure your happiness. Your happiness is my happiness, even if it means your heart is held in another's hands."
I love that there is action in this book. I like that Alice can take care of herself. That she's not some fragile girl that needs to be taken care of.
I believe that this will be one of those books that will be a repeat for me. It's that good!
I started the Collectors Society not really knowing what I was getting myself into. What I do know is that Alice goes by Alice Reeves, and happens to be in an Asylum. There she is found by a Gentleman that goes by the name of Brom Van Brunt. He asks her to travel with her to New York City and that it is imperative for her to do so, to save Wonderland. That it is at risk.
"You are asking me to be selfish"
"Not at all" He towers over me. "I'm asking you to be strong and smart and brave, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Like Alice of any world, she takes everything in stride.
"Sometimes, we must deal with our problems head on in order to let them go."
"Sometimes life is more extraordinary than we might first imagine"
And I think that is why I fell in love with this Alice. Because yes, she was nuts, but she admitted it herself. She knew what she could handle and how much of it she could handle.
"Sometimes our pasts are chains we cannot let go of, even if the key is in our hands. They define us in ways we resent, and yet they are somewhat precious, too. Because, logically, we understand that our pasts have made us who we are, even if we want nothing more to close our eyes to them."
I think I cried when I read this. I read this part several times, just to make sure that I had read it correctly. And what it says is true.
I don't even think it is possible for me to describe the many ways in which this book spoke to me. I fell in love with Alice. I fell in love with Finn. I fell in love with Victor and Mary. I fell in love with The White King, because come on, how could you not. He sacrificed a lot once he realized that Alice had happiness in her life.
"I will always do everything I can to ensure your happiness. Your happiness is my happiness, even if it means your heart is held in another's hands."
I love that there is action in this book. I like that Alice can take care of herself. That she's not some fragile girl that needs to be taken care of.
I believe that this will be one of those books that will be a repeat for me. It's that good!
heatheray's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite styles of book is the retelling of favorite childhood stories or a book that extends on from what we know already from those stories. I read and loved The Deep End Of The Sea, where Heather Lyons created this incredible story with amazing characters who have grown up knowing from mythology. When I heard she was doing a book that takes us beyond Alice in Wonderland I was first in line to read it.
I don’t even want to go into too much detail giving a synopsis of the book because there are so many delightful and intriguing bits and pieces to this book and characters that come to life beyond what we know of them from before that I don’t want to spoil a single thing for you.
I even feel like if I say certain characters’ names that it will give some of those little things away and part of what I loved about this book was coming across these people and bits of information that made me have these a-ha! moments. It was amazing.
Between this book and The Deep End Of The Sea, I was left in awe of Heather’s knowledge of all of these subjects and books and bits and pieces and there and how she tied them all together (in each of their own stories, The Deep End Of The Sea is a completely different book …and I’m hoping series someday from The Collectors’ Society).
Though this is based on a story that we have all heard as children, this is not a story for children. I would classify it upper YA at the lightest (because I’m a prude about what I let my kids read (not about what I read) and there are some sexy moments, not graphically sexy, but I like to pretend my almost 16 year old son wouldn’t read any sex scenes. I prefer to think that YA books don’t have sex in them ever. I know ostrich head meet sand.)
Alice is a woman I would like to have at my back during a fight and at my side as a friend. The other characters (not spoiling it for you) were just as awesome and well written as she was.
The Collectors’ Society is absolutely amazing, enchanting, dramatic, well written, I could keep going. If you are reading this on my blog, if you look to the right, it is already in my sidebar as a favorite book. That is how much I loved it. I put it in my sidebar before I wrote the review.
There had better be a sequel. I want more more more! Please? With a cherry on top?
If I could give this one more than 5 stars I would. I am so glad I read it.
Thank you so much for my copy of The Collectors’ Society! <3 <3 <3
I don’t even want to go into too much detail giving a synopsis of the book because there are so many delightful and intriguing bits and pieces to this book and characters that come to life beyond what we know of them from before that I don’t want to spoil a single thing for you.
I even feel like if I say certain characters’ names that it will give some of those little things away and part of what I loved about this book was coming across these people and bits of information that made me have these a-ha! moments. It was amazing.
Between this book and The Deep End Of The Sea, I was left in awe of Heather’s knowledge of all of these subjects and books and bits and pieces and there and how she tied them all together (in each of their own stories, The Deep End Of The Sea is a completely different book …and I’m hoping series someday from The Collectors’ Society).
Though this is based on a story that we have all heard as children, this is not a story for children. I would classify it upper YA at the lightest (because I’m a prude about what I let my kids read (not about what I read) and there are some sexy moments, not graphically sexy, but I like to pretend my almost 16 year old son wouldn’t read any sex scenes. I prefer to think that YA books don’t have sex in them ever. I know ostrich head meet sand.)
Alice is a woman I would like to have at my back during a fight and at my side as a friend. The other characters (not spoiling it for you) were just as awesome and well written as she was.
The Collectors’ Society is absolutely amazing, enchanting, dramatic, well written, I could keep going. If you are reading this on my blog, if you look to the right, it is already in my sidebar as a favorite book. That is how much I loved it. I put it in my sidebar before I wrote the review.
There had better be a sequel. I want more more more! Please? With a cherry on top?
If I could give this one more than 5 stars I would. I am so glad I read it.
Thank you so much for my copy of The Collectors’ Society! <3 <3 <3
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
1.0
I was pretty into this one until about 70%. Once they went to Wonderland, I was out. I recognize that it's probably just a peculiarity to me, but I don't like it when it goes woo-woo. Usually it happens when characters go to heaven or to the fae world. I don't like it. I can't imagine it and I have little patience for it.
To be perfectly honest, in the beginning, after I realized what was going on, I really just wanted to see Harry Potter as a character here, but sadly, he didn't show up.
To be perfectly honest, in the beginning, after I realized what was going on, I really just wanted to see Harry Potter as a character here, but sadly, he didn't show up.