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Cover of Unhinged

Unhinged

by A.G. Howard

Fiction FantasyYoung AdultRomanceRetellingsMagicParanormal

Book Description

Madness lurks behind every corner in the twisted world of "Unhinged." As chaos reigns, a young girl grapples with her mind tearing apart at the seams, drawing her deeper into a realm where nightmares bleed into reality. Dark secrets, betrayal, and forbidden desires entwine in a dangerous dance that threatens to consume her. Alliances are tested, and the line between sanity and insanity blurs with each shocking revelation. Can love endure when trust evaporates, and every choice could lead to oblivion? In this harrowing tale, what price will she pay to reclaim her shattered soul?

Quick Summary

"Unhinged" by A.G. Howard continues the haunting journey of Alyssa Gardner, a girl caught between the ordinary world and the madness of Wonderland. Haunted by visions and her inheritance as the descendant of Alice Liddell, Alyssa faces nightmarish trials where the borders between fantasy and reality dissolve. As Wonderland descends into chaos, Alyssa is forced to confront forbidden truths about her lineage, leading to betrayals from trusted allies and tensions within her heart. Her relationships with Morpheus and Jeb become more complicated, as love, loyalty, and the fight for sanity intertwine. Navigating treachery and the seductive allure of Wonderland's darkness, Alyssa must decide who she trusts—and what she's willing to sacrifice—to regain control over her fate before she loses herself forever.

Summary of Key Ideas

Blurred Lines Between Reality and Madness

Alyssa Gardner’s life spirals further into chaos as Wonderland’s influence grows stronger, seeping into her reality. Haunted by visions and mysterious symbols, she frantically tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the human world. Her mother’s return from the asylum only heightens Alyssa’s internal struggle, making her question her sanity and the boundaries between dreams and waking life. The tension builds as she senses both danger and temptation lurking in the shadows, threatening to pull her back into Wonderland’s twisted realm.

Betrayal and the Fragility of Trust

The bonds Alyssa shares with those around her are tested by dark secrets and the revelation of betrayals. Friends become foes as previously hidden agendas come to light, causing Alyssa to doubt her closest confidants. Her loyalties are put to the ultimate test when she uncovers the true stakes behind Wonderland’s unraveling. As trust erodes, she is forced to navigate alliances rife with deception, unsure who, if anyone, she can rely upon in her quest to protect both worlds.

The Power and Burden of Heritage

At the heart of Alyssa’s journey is her tangled heritage as Alice’s descendent. With each step deeper into the Wonderland madness, she learns more about the magical legacy she carries and the perilous responsibilities it entails. These discoveries come at a high price, as they force her to question her identity and confront the darkness tied to her family’s past. The power imbued in her blood offers both possibility and danger, demanding that Alyssa make difficult choices about how, and whether, to wield it.

Forbidden Romance and Desire

Romantic tension surges as Alyssa’s relationships with Morpheus and Jeb become more complex and fraught with forbidden desire. Morpheus entices her with the allure of Wonderland and magical power, while Jeb anchors her to the human world and offers genuine affection. Within the storm of passions and shifting alliances, Alyssa faces heart-wrenching decisions that shape her sense of self and influence the fate of both her loves.

The Cost of Sacrifice and Redemption

Ultimately, Alyssa is forced to choose what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves and reclaim her fractured soul. The journey through Wonderland’s nightmares is as much about internal battles—overcoming self-doubt, fear, and the seductive whispers of insanity—as it is about external foes. The cost of redemption proves high, but Alyssa’s courage and resilience guide her toward a fragile hope, even as she realizes that true healing may require accepting every piece of her maddening inheritance.