Wonderland

A Novel

By: Zoje Stage

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Shirley Jackson meets The Shining in this richly atmospheric and thrillingly tense novel from the acclaimed author of the "deliciously creepy" Baby Teeth (New York Post).

One mother's love may be all that stands between her family, an enigmatic presence — and madness.

After years of city life, Orla and Shaw Bennett are ready for the quiet of New York's Adirondack mountains — or at least, they think they are. Settling into the perfect farmhouse with their two children, they are both charmed and unsettled by the expanse of their land, the privacy of their individual bedrooms, and the isolation of life a mile from any neighbor.

But none of the Bennetts could expect what lies waiting in the woods, where secrets run dark and deep. When something begins to call to the family — from under the earth, beneath the trees, and within their minds — Orla realizes she might be the only one who can save them...if she can find out what this force wants before it's too late.

With an ending inescapable and deeply satisfying, Wonderland brilliantly blends horror and suspense to probe the boundaries of family, loyalty, love, and the natural world.

©2020 Zoje Stage (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Zoje Stage's Wonderland is a mesmerizing journey into the darkest realms of the supernatural; a family, escaping the perils of city life, discovers that the splendors of nature can mask a hidden face of savage, unnameable terror." (Kathleen Kent, author of The Burn)

"Memorable imagery.... Stage's darkly lyrical writing style shines." (Publishers Weekly)

"Oh, fright fans rejoice. That sure hand you're looking for? That relentless climb, that crescendo of cold sweat? It's all here. Deep in the woods, under a lot of snow, steeped in mad, unfamiliar nature. Zoje Stage is in total control of your nightmare. For those who live to be scared, Wonderland is the book you'll be glad you cracked open at home, alone, at night." (Josh Malerman, New York Times best-selling author of Bird Box and Malorie)

Pretty dumb but

I couldn’t put it down. Weird how the mom basically gets Sophie’s Choice’d and it’s kiiind of not a huge deal for her. Also— the tree was a dick from day one.

Not awful

Interesting idea, but it just dragged after a while. I also am not a fan of the narrator. I hate adults pretending to be children unless they can do it well. She also was very... I’m not sure of the word... her voice just seemed to pull every character down. I’d like her in a book with older characters but she just didn’t fit.

As advertised...Horror Psychological Supernatural

I really enjoyed the story. Takes place in a decollate cold place and I think the narrators performance perfectly captures that feeling and transfers the tone of the story to the listener. I love a good supernatural mystery and this kept me wanting to come back. It does start a little dreary, but I think that sets you up for the isolation of the main character and helps you feel what she would be feeling. Great story and performance! I immediately looked to see if there was a sequel, I'd love to know what happens next!

Disappointing

First half of the book I was certain she had ripped off The Shining. Second half dragged on forever and became repetitive. The ending was utterly unsatisfying. That’s 10 hours of my life I won’t get back.

Great book!

A spooky supernatural thriller! I'd love for there to be a sequel! Xe Sands, of course, performed it masterfully.

worth a listen

I wouldn't consider this horror. not much happens, but it is imaginative. needed more intrigue and malevolence to be considered scary. narrator did well with the exception of the most annoying 4 yr old voice ever

Engrossing and original story, well read

This isn't exactly what I was expecting from a few short reviews I read. I was looking for a horror story. and found this on some short lists, but I would call it a fantasy with some horror elements. None of that is the story's fault, of course, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have. The story is very good, well written, I liked the characters a lot, and the premise felt very unique and original. I've seen a lot of praise for this author, and their other book "Baby Teeth", which is supposed to be very creepy. Overall, I liked it, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.

Captivating!

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a good change from the typical murder mysteries I’ve been reading lately. Parts of it were predictable, but there were enough twists and turns to keep me interested.

Should’ve been listed as supernatural or fantasy

I found the book very tedious but had to get to the end to see what happened.

🖤

So many negative reviews for this book make me sad. There were some plot holes and yes the characters acted a bit helpless and illogical, but it was an exciting and spooky story which is what I signed up for. I was well entertained and enjoyed listening.