Wonderland

A Novel

De: Zoje Stage

Narrado por: Xe Sands

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“If art imitates life, horror fiction is a great mimic, predicting and exploring the frightening and surreal realities of the contemporary world. Exhibit A: Zoje Stage’s mind-bending, trippy second novel, Wonderland. . . . The question of responsibility for the nightmare lingers as does the line between reality and imagination." —Danielle Trussoni, New York Times Book Review

"A beautifully choreographed and astonishing second novel from the author of the much-celebrated Baby Teeth . . . Eloquent and unflinching."—Booklist (starred review)

"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 bestselling author of Bird Box and Malorie

“Sublimely suspenseful . . . Stage is a literary horror writer on the rise. Her refined prose and knack for emphasizing small but disquieting details make Wonderland a standout summer suspense selection. Reader be warned: The woods will never look the same once you read Stage’s latest.”—BookPage

"A novel that's sure to leave you sleeping with the lights on."—PopSugar

"The tension builds steadily throughout . . . Reminiscent of the severe disorientation and trauma in Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves and the nature-seeking revenge theme of Stephen Graham Jones's The Only Good Indians."—Library Journal (starred review)

“Stage knows how to set a scene, ramp up the suspense and make you feel so trapped in it that the horror becomes palpable [and] undeniably creepy… This is a book about wish fulfillment, fear and faith.”—BookReporter

"Wonderland shows the terror lurking below the surface of domestic bliss, when we realize our familiar and cozy world may not be as it seems. Zoje Stage is one of the few writers who can make the supernatural feel totally, dangerously real."—Alma Katsu, author of The Deep and The Hunger

"Zoje Stage has a knack for unsettling atmospherics . . . Wonderland is a perfect, chilling parable for summer."—CrimeReads

“This was creepy, enthralling, and utterly engaging. I read it in half a day. Baby Teeth left me unsettled, and this one did exactly the same, despite how different the stories were. Loved it."—Karma Brown, author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife

"Wonderland is part ghost story, part family drama, part psychological thriller. And beyond that, it is beautifully written. I was captivated through the entire story."—T. Greenwood, author of Keeping Lucy and Rust & Stardust

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.

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.