Heart: A Visceral Fantasy
By C.M. Bratton
We all know the story of Alice in Wonderland, but retold through author C.M. Bratton’s eyes, the reader
is never transported to a world of happy curiosities, but to a much darker realm of mystery, fear, sorrow
and (occasional) absurdity.
Monsters stalk the unwitting villagers of Bratton’s wonderland. These poor folks are slaughtered by a
cannibalistic queen and hunted down by a soulless Knave. Will the death continue on infinitely? What
can satiate the murderous urges of this ravenous duo?
Bratton is a master storyteller. As the plot unfolds, the thrills increase. Despite the craven tendencies of
the two main characters, one is moved to pity and root for them. Likewise, the reader can’t help but
grow fond of the Cheshire cat, even though he blindly ignores the devastation taking place around him.
I absolutely loved this book. It is my first introduction to C.M. Bratton’s work, and it’s made me a
diehard fan. Her writing hits the reader on multiple levels. I know that I’ll be going back to read my
copy for a second, or even a third time just to decipher some of the hidden meaning in the story that I
missed my first time through. Although the themes in the book are serious, and at times, downright
gory, she manages to infuse a good amount of humor into the dialogue.
Five Stars
Yvonne
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