Frank Beddor's The Looking Glass Wars reimagines Lewis Carroll's classic with a dark, action-packed twist. Readers appreciate the inventive world-building and dynamic characters but feel its frenetic pace and complex plot may overwhelm. The novel is praised for its creativity yet criticized for straying far from the whimsy of the original.

Fans of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Gregory Maguire's Wicked will relish The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. This imaginative retelling appeals to readers who enjoy dark, twisted takes on classic tales, filled with adventure and fantasy elements. Ideal for YA and fantasy enthusiasts.

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor reimagines Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, following Alyss Heart’s struggle to reclaim her throne from Redd. After fleeing Wonderland, Alyss lives as Alice Liddell on Earth for 13 years. Upon her return, she must harness her imaginative powers to defeat Redd and restore peace. The novel includes themes of violence and familial loss.

Fantastical / Adventurous / Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful

- The Looking Glass Wars is a reimagining of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, presenting the story from what Beddor suggests is Alice's true perspective as Alyss Heart.
- When Frank Beddor was inspired to write The Looking Glass Wars, he was not only an author but also a former world champion freestyle skier and a Hollywood film producer.
- Frank Beddor initially pitched the concept of The Looking Glass Wars as a film, but when that didn’t materialize immediately, he decided to develop the story as a book trilogy.

**Alyss Heart**  
The protagonist who navigates between her dual identities as Princess Alyss Heart of Wonderland and Alice Liddell in Victorian England. Her journey involves reclaiming her throne and mastering her powerful imagination.

**Redd Heart**  
The antagonist who seeks power and revenge, clashing with her sister and niece for control of Wonderland. Her reign is marked by tyranny and the enforcement of Black Imagination.

**Dodge Anders**  
Alyss's childhood friend and love interest, who is driven by a desire for revenge after the loss of his father. He joins the fight against Redd but struggles with his darker emotions.

**The Cat**  
A formidable warrior and assassin loyal to Redd, with the ability to take on multiple lives and forms. He pursues Alyss and her allies throughout the narrative.

**Hatter Madigan**  
The head of the Millinery, serving as the personal guard to the queen and a skilled warrior. He dedicates himself to protecting Alyss and finding her after she goes missing.

**Bibwit Harte**  
The royal tutor of the Heart family, known for his intelligence and long, sensitive ears. He aids Alyss in her journey by providing guidance and knowledge.

**General Doppelgänger**  
The leader of the Alyssian army who can split into two separate individuals, General Doppel and General Gänger. He plays a key role in the resistance against Redd.

**Jack of Diamonds**  
A member of Wonderland's royal court known for his selfish and opportunistic nature. He uses his status to serve his own interests, often switching allegiances.

**Queen Genevieve**  
Alyss's mother and the queen of Wonderland at the story's outset. Her influence and legacy shape Alyss's path and serve as a guiding force throughout the narrative.

**Reverend Charles Dodgson**  
A kindly Oxford professor who listens to Alyss's story during her time in England. He is based on the real-life author Lewis Carroll, providing themes of imagination and storytelling.

**Quigly Gaffer**  
The leader of a group of orphaned children in London who becomes a brief friend and teacher to Alyss. He represents lessons in empathy and survival during her time on the streets.

Frank Beddor

Novel

The Looking Glass Wars

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Looking Glass Wars reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Looking Glass Wars | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Looking Glass Wars and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Looking Glass Wars Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

The Looking Glass Wars Prologue Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 1-9

The Looking Glass Wars Part 1, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-18

The Looking Glass Wars Part 1, Chapters 10-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-22

The Looking Glass Wars Part 2, Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 23-30

The Looking Glass Wars Part 2, Chapters 23-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 31-37

The Looking Glass Wars Part 3, Chapters 31-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 38-45

The Looking Glass Wars Part 3, Chapters 38-45 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 46-49

The Looking Glass Wars Part 3, Chapters 46-49 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 50-56

The Looking Glass Wars Part 3, Chapters 50-56 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Looking Glass Wars Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Looking Glass Wars Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Looking Glass Wars Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Looking Glass Wars Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Looking Glass Wars Essay Topics

The Looking Glass Wars Further Reading & Resources

The Looking Glass Wars Teaching Unit

Introduction

The Looking Glass Wars Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

The Looking Glass Wars Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

The Looking Glass Wars Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

The Looking Glass Wars Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

The Looking Glass Wars Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

The Looking Glass Wars Activities

Essay Questions

The Looking Glass Wars Essay Questions

Exam Questions

The Looking Glass Wars Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

The Looking Glass Wars Exam Answer Key

The Looking Glass Wars

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Looking Glass Wars?

Reading Age

Book Details