What I didn’t know when I planned this party was that the Ensnared (Splintered #3) cover reveal was happening this week. Talk about epic timing!
Because I’m wholly invested in this series, and this is our frabjous week, it’s time to do a little hypothesising on what will happen in Ensnared. But before we jump in, here is the official blurb (and cover) for Ensnared.
from Goodreads:
After surviving a disastrous battle at prom, Alyssa has embraced her madness and gained perspective. She’s determined to rescue her two worlds and the people and netherlings she loves. Even if it means challenging Queen Red to a final battle of wills and wiles . . . and even if the only way to Wonderland, now that the rabbit hole is closed, is through the looking-glass world—-a parallel dimension filled with mutated and sadistic netherling outcasts.
In the final installment of the Splintered trilogy, Alyssa and her dad journey into the heart of magic and mayhem in search of her mom and to set right all that’s gone wrong. Together with Jeb and Morpheus, they must salvage Wonderland from the decay and destruction that has ensnared it. But even if everyone succeeds and comes out alive, can they all truly have their happily ever after?
NOTE: This may contain MILD spoilers for Splintered and Unhinged. I obviously haven’t read Ensnared, so you’re safe there.
1. The frabjous ensnarement of Alyssa and Morpheus. This I vote for. Very strongly. If we’re going to be strictly honest, neither Jeb or Morpheus are nice guys. Jeb is controlling and Morpheus is manipulative. SO. To pick between two weevils, you have to take risks. Morpheus is six hundred times better for Alyssa because (yeah, he nearly let her die a couple of times) he believes in her abilities.
Let me put it this way: if Alyssa needed to learn to fly, Jeb would tell her she couldn’t do it and fly for her. Morpheus would push her off the cliff.
2. Little Morphlings.
THIS ISN’T MY FAULT. I blame the author! She put this snippet in Unhinged (note: this is just a dream/vision…nothing that actually has happened):
There’s movement at the banquet hall’s entrance. A child with my eyes tumbles in — all wings and blue hair and giggling innocent. (UNHINGED pg. 278)
Little blue-haired devils of Morpheus and Alyssa? How about: yes.
3. Alyssa will stay in Wonderland.
Look our world has lots of wonderful things: like internet. BUT. Wonderland?! I would pick Wonderland. (Even if your meals are served live and you must catch them to eat them. I was rather disturbed in that scene.) Literally anything could happen, plus Alyssa could rule it all, plus she’s crazy already so why not go the whole hog?
Also: flying.
If Alyssa has wings in Wonderland, why would she leave?! Okay, I understand the REASONS, but I still have my opinions.
4. Jeb can die nobly.
After losing his memory in Splintered and spending half of Unhinged unconscious, Jeb is going to have to work hard in Ensnared to impress me. SO. What better way to solve this love-triangle then lobbing off one of the participants? Jeb. You’re nice. You can sacrifice yourself nobly or something. Why has no one been beheaded exactly yet?
Or, alternately to ALL of this: How about Jeb and Alyssa and Morpheus just all go look for new Matches Made In Heaven? They all actually fight more than they get along…quite awkward.
5. Bring out the Jabberwocky.
Let’s face it: minimal slaying has happened. The Jabberwocky poem is my favourite of Lewis Carroll’s works, and I’d love to see A.G. Howard’s spin on it. Is the Jabberwocky a creature? A monster? Fiend or friend? Or another person?
It could be a love square! I’m joking.
1. Jeb will redeem himself.
‘Scuse me, I’m just going to go glower in the corner. It’s just Jeb’s face is on the cover of Ensnared. I hardly thing he’s going to skip out of the picture as smoothly as I wish. As much as I refuse to believe it…I secretly think he’ll prevail in the love-triangle.
I WILL BE HAPPILY PROVEN WRONG THOUGH.
2. More Netherling costumes.
This I’m freakishly excited for! One thing these books do with glorious precision is: description. I feel like I can really see Wonderland. Everything from Alyssa’s clothes while in Wonderland, to her prom dress, to Morpheus’ hats…it’s exquisite and I love it. I’m sure we’ll see more.
3. Jeb will embrace his Wonderland side.
Look at him on the front cover! Just look. He’s got to have something going on with the Red Queen there…
4. A battle of wits.
If there’s a showdown (I reckon between Alyssa and the Red Queen) I think it won’t be so much a full-fledged-battle…but more of a battle of intrigue, deception, and wits. This is Wonderland after all. And seeing what other tid-bits of Lewis Carroll’s poems and books the author has twisted into the storyline, I know it’ll be insane and amazing.
5. Lots of bad luck.
How many mirrors have been broken so far? Please. Nothing is going to go specifically right in the near future.
Oh, this deliciousness. This is, of course, why I’m reading.
But when it’s all over? And the Splintered series is finished? I’m sure I’ll be like this:
And then, um, this…
Thank you SO much for joining in our party! We’re so happy it was a success and we got to “meet” so many of you for the first time.
what are your predictions for the final Splintered book?! do you agree with any of mine? and tell me what you think of the new cover! i love it, but it IS jeb…
Cait is off to take a snooze and a day or two off blogging. Phew. That was the best party ever…but exhausting. She has lots of your blogs to catch up on reading anyway. Also, she’s deciding whether to start City of Bones or Cruel Beauty next. Life is full of ridiculously tough decisions.
This has been an epic blog party. You guys really know how to celebrate. Thanks for the awesomeness and definitely catch up on some sleep. I have no idea how you've fitted this much blogging into your week, let alone anything useful (unless you were like me and didn't do anything useful.) I need to get me these books and read them now. I know they're in my library somewhere. I even borrowed one once. And then sent it back unread because my grabby hands were too greedy… But I adore the covers!
Eeee! So glad you had fun. XD I had fun, so that counts, right? (Sleep is mostly just for the week, but HEY, the odd nap or two is nice.) And nope, I didn't accomplish much in the way of reading books or writing this week. All my freebie time went into the blog. BUT THAT'S OKAY. I hope you do get a chance to read Splintered someday. It is epic. I recommend it.
Nooo I had to skip most of your post for fear of spoilers for the series but WOAH THAT COVER IS SO BEAUTIFUL. Especially next to the other two! Total cover love <3
AREN'T THEY A GORGEOUS MATCHING SET?!! I want to own them all.
Awesome blog party, Cait and Mime!! It was so much fun to read your posts!! =D Umph, now I need to grab the whole series… you make this so intriguing. =) Thank you.TW Wrightravensandwriting.blogspot.com
Yes yes! Do read them all!! I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM. They are stamped with so much approval I literally can't even squee enough.
I really like the last cover, it might just be my favourite but I do love the Splintered cover. I haven't read on from Splintered but I am intrigued to see who prevails as the love interest in the end. I'll be on the lookout for your review when it finally comes out! Awesome blog party!!! 🙂
My favourite is a split between book #1 and #2….I THINK I like #1 best because it started this whole thing and originally got me going, "Woah, that's an awesome cover." x)
Nooooo, Jeb mustn't prevail! GO MORPHEUS.I'm really ridiculously excited for the looking glass world. I think A G Howard's take on it will be incredible. And, yes, the Jabberwocky would be awesome! I love this series so much and I can't wait to see how many of these predictions are true 😛
I love how the first covers have more quiet, dreamy colors (especially unhinged) and the last one is a fiery red. It's an awesome color for the concluding book! I really want to read this series now I love the Alice books to death!!! I had tons of fun at your party 🙂
You know, I'd been tempted by this series for way over a year now, if not longer, maybe two years, but you know what Cait, you've won me over, I'm going to try it! I'm going to go the library mid June and try and find it, it's official, and if it's not as good as you say, off with your head I say! (kidding!) No, I mean, everything about this story sounds fantastic and I might not have liked Alice in Wonderland, but I'm hoping I can be swayed, here's hoping! You've had great celebrations this week, so well done! 🙂
My prediction is that Morph and Jeb need to work together to save Wonderland and that they end up liking each other. If the forecast of White is true (I still think it is one of those underhanded Wonderlandish-favors they do for each other), I think they will have gained enough respect for each other that Morpheus will make space for Jeb and Alyssa to have their life together, and patiently wait for his nether-life turn. I also don't think that the little boy is Moth Man's. I think he is Jeb's and because Jeb has also found some respect for Morpheus he is comfortable with Alyssa and his son visiting "Uncle Mothy" for the same Wonderland lessons Alyssa had. Finis. 🙂
AWESOMESAUCE. I haven't read Unhinged yet, but I am on Team Jeb! Mwahahaha! Manipulative characters aren't my thing. 😛 Again, I haven't read Unhinged so your little Morphling snippet hurt my heart! </33 I would love Jeb to embrace his Wonderland side AND THEN Alyssa will stay with him there! Yaaaay! 😛 Awesome party guys. I hope for more blogging years to come for you! 😀
I seen it yesterday morning and swore like a mother. Well played Ms Howard. She's deliberately made Jeb hot and tortured so we'd turn, NO! I don't care how smouldering he looks, MOTH MOTH MOTH. I'll make a placard if I have to. I vote love square. Alyssa and Morpheus and Jeb can have his sister.Err. Wait, that's not right.As long as it's Alyssa and our MOTH, I don't care what kind of story lands Jeb on 60 Minutes. Viva la MOTH!
They seriously have the best covers. Let me put it this way: if Alyssa needed to learn to fly, Jeb would tell her she couldn't do it and fly for her. Morpheus would push her off the cliff. Oh God, hahaha, I shouldn't be laughing but it's true. I'm on both teams okay, because I'm slutty like that. I can't believe I just said that, but anyway. Jeb can die nobly That's just mean, Cait, mean. 😉 The Morphlings would push each other off the cliff. I'm not predicting anything right now, I just can't wait for the twistedness to begin. But, look at all of them side by side, they are pretty, oh so pretty.Happy 3rd anniversary you two! 🙂
You girls always write such epic posts! Every time I visit this site, I always find something to giggle at. And that's a good thing – I promise! *grins* And your party was magnificent! Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite tales, and did you know I've never heard of A.G. Howard's books before?? If I'm any sort of Wonderland fan, I may just have to check these out! Happy 3rd Anniversary! Here's to another *wonderful* year!!
Those covers. So epic and creepy, I love them!! I wish my library had the books. Bad bad library
Oh my gosh, I love this post so much!! I didn't realize the new cover was out and I love it! These three covers are some of my all time book covers! Hmmm, I'm also rooting for Morpheus on the love triangle front-Jeb's kind of a dweeb. Maybe it's not Jeb on the third cover though, but Alysa's dad when he was younger, since it seems that will be a large part of the plot, in Ensnared? And yes please-bring on the Jabberwocky!
Thanks for the awesome blog party! It was lots of fun 🙂 I especially liked the Alice in Wonderland theme!!!!!!I LOVE the book covers. I need to check if my library has them or not….otherwise I'll have to put a hold on them 😛
Amazing blog party! The books sound really good. Going on my already huge To Be Read list.Carly
Thank you so much for the fun posts, ladies! I haven't read this series yet but I still had a lot of fun reading it! And come on, who hasn't heard of Alyssa, Jeb, and Morpheus by now? *snort* I see them everywhere! Although I have to say, my favorite cover would have to be the third. I'm not really a fan of the color red, but Jeb there makes it sassy and beautiful and awe-inspiring. Seriously. I'll have to reconsider my favorite color from now on…and honestly I noticed most of the fans are more Morpheus. Whoa. :))Faye at The Social Potato Reviews
I really like how they remembered that Jeb had a lip piercing. Small details I know, buuuut, I notice things like that 😉 ADORE the smeary heart thingy round his eye! And the cards under his shirt?! ASDFGHJKL I read Splintered back earlier this year and thought it was okaaay. But when I was reading it at the time we were away on holiday and had other things on my mind, so I'm thinking of getting it out of the library again to reread it 🙂 Because, y'know, IT'S ALICE IN WONDERLAND.I got the BEST NEWS EVER in my email inbox today!!!! It's going to be up in my Stacking the Shelves post tomorrow!!! Can't wait to spill the juice!!!
This has been so well done!! Blogs can be so difficult to make these coherent-type posts and it seems to be a bit of a struggle we face with blogging, but this really has been super impressive and inspired me for my one year anniversary….which is 9 months from now…. R x 🙂
See? A Jabberwocky would be BRILLIG. Fingers crossed. You and me both about Jeb. 😐
They look soooo good together, right?! I need them all on my shelves just so I can stare at them and love them. I'm SO glad you enjoyed the party!! HUZZAH.
HOLY MOLY GORGEOUSNESS! What a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL cover! I CANNOT WAIT to begin the series (I own Splintered, so I should probably do this soon), and just…OH MY GOSH. They look so beautiful all together! Also! I'm late to your blog party, but a BIG BIG BIG congratulations and I love your tag, so I will be posting my own answers on Sunday.
*strokes laptop screen again* I need ALL of these. Just to own and love and keep forever. I'M SO HAPPY YOU LIKE OUR TAG AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT.
I'VE DONE IT. WOOT WOOT. Seriously go go go, you won't regret it. (Unless you do, and then you'll think I'm super strange. x) I'm glad you enjoyed the party, though. I always get nervous doing something different but, huzzah! It worked out well. xD
Oh gosh, I like your predictions. I can totally see something happening with White. BUT NO MORPHEUS AND ALYSSA MUST GET TOGETHER. And I can't see how the little boy is Jeb's because he has blue hair. Otherwise, maybe. Haha!!
WHAT. GET OUT. Hehe…juuuust kidding. I understand the Team Jebbers. (Can that be a Thing? "Jebbers" should be a Thing). And oh, that snippet is JUST A DREAM just remember that. Haha. So it's not concrete or anything. I think Jeb needs to embrace his Wonderland side. That would not only be awesome, I might even be converted. (But probably not. xD) OH. And I think it must happen because he looks kind of Wonderland-ish on that cover, right?!
YOU CANNOT BE TURNED. I NEED YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS. But I agree. Gah, this cover. *strokes laptop* I need to own it on my shelf ASAP. Come on! We need to bring in a Jabberwocky for this love-square! IT COULD WORK. #vivalamoth
Why do we have to pick, honestly? I WANT ALL THE SHIPS. Heeeey…Morpheus AND Jeb could die nobly and Alyssa could rule life as a very independent young woman. That could also work. 😉
Eeeh! THAT IS SO GOOD TO KNOW. XD *dances wildly* OMG, you must must must read these books if you love AiW already. x) They are intense and crazy. Like Tim Burton's version but in book form.
Bad bad Jack's library. It needs a talking to. x) All the same, I hope you get a chance to read these someday!
AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?! You and me both for Morpheus. But maybe Jeb will change in this book because he sure does rule that front cover. x)
Eeeh! I'M GLAD YOU HAD FUN. I totally do hope you get a chance to read them. xD I feel like the best part of this party is the fact that so many people are going to read this series now!!
YAAAAHOOOOO!!!! I hope you like them!!! (But I get what you mean about the ginormous TBRs. Gah. Mine is just manageable atm, though, so I'm happy.)
Oh, they do seem to be everywhere at the moment, don't they? These troublesome threesome. x) I do have to admit I'm very in love with the Ensnared cover. But no. NOOOOO. I AM TEAM MORPHEUS.
Eeeh! I noticed that too. Small details ROCK. (Actually I usually forget them when I'm reading anyway…but whatever.) I had a bit of trouble in the confusing-category with Splintered, but I'm way too in love with it to ever let that stop me. x) ALICE FTW. I THINK I KNOW WHAT YOUR NEWS IS BECAUSE I SAW IT ON GOODREADS. OMG I AM SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
Eeeh! I'm so glad you had a good time at my party! And also that it wasn't too uber confusing! I get what you mean. I don't like confusing blog parties, lol! XD
Ohhhhh, that COVER! *stares*
It is so precious and beautiful.
My hope is that Morpheus and Alyssa have little morphling wonderful babies and be done with it (c'mon! the vision!!!!). I think Jeb is going to play a huge part in this, but I don't know, the second book kind of made me not like Jeb. I felt like he was way too controlling, Alyssa was such a doormat when she was with him. If it comes to choosing between the lesser of two evils, she should just stay alone. I think the only way the triangle can be resolved is by killing off one of the characters. Cause… they're both committed to Alyssa and they would both go to the ends of the Earth for her. Also, Alyssa has every reason to stay in Wonderland. Her parents are already accustomed to it (except her dad, but…), and truly, she doesn't have to have so many secrets and feel ashamed in Wonderland. Plus, hello FLYING! Great post! Once again, happy blog birthday! 🙂
*whispers* That's what I reckon, but I just don't think it's going to happen…*weeps* I think Jeb is going to do something that sways my opinion of him, too, because he's got all Hearts and stuff on him and looks quite eerily Wonderland-ish. I can live with that. BUT TEAM MORPHEUS FOREVER.
I haven't had a chance to read this yet (and I'm a bit hesitant to, after the girls at my bookclub completely slated it lol). Man, though, COVERS. And you know I'm not a fan of people taking up space on book covers (hehe) but these are gloooooooooooooooorious!!!!!!
Ouch! lol! Well, I totally recommend it. 😉 The covers could totally go on my WALL. I could just stare at them.
I AM SO GOING TO COLLECT THESE FABULOUS SERIES! I already ordered the hardcover for Splintered, I'll get the others soon. I wish JEB WILL PREVAIL! I mean, seriously, NOT ANOTHER SHATTER ME! Please, please, please! Jeb+Alyssa <3
Eeeeeeh! I don't own Splintered yet (just Unhinged) but I'm absolutely 100% buying it ASAP. Isn't it beautiful? AREN'T THEY ALL BEAUTIFUL? BUT I LIKED SHATTER ME….
Sign me up for the "5 things I want to happen in Ensnared" section, because I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see those happen. Team Morpheus *high fives* My thoughts exactly about that cover, I was like nooooo can't they just put Alyssa and Morpheus together on the cover instead of Jeb? But I have (blind) hope that Jeb is on the cover because he will maybe make a noble sacrifice *cough* 😉
Yaaaay! I'm glad you liked my predictions. I'm SO for all my predications. I was kiiiind of hoping Morpheus and Alyssa would get the cover, but pfft. That books' going to make us suffer for it, isn't it? BUT I HAVE HOPE. Warner got the girl.
I still have yet to read Unhinged (I just received a notification that it's ready for me at my library, so I'll have to get on that pronto!) But, from Splintered, I'm sorry to say that…*gulps*…I'm Team Jeb. *Cait screams* I'm sorry Cait! I am! But you and Kelly have told me I'll be on team Morpheus upon finishing Unhinged, so don't hate me just yet, okay? ;)But yes! BRING OUT THE JABBERWOCKY! I'm surprised it hasn't made an appearance yet, but I suspect Howard is saving the best for last, no? ;)And a battle of wits between the Red Queen and Alyssa would be great! Really interesting, too!Thanks for sharing Cait! <3 I love your enthusiasm for this series! 😉
GO TO YOUR LIBRARY RIGHT NOW. AND THEN LOVE MORPHEUS. AND THEN COME BACK AND WE'LL TALK. Okay. I'm kidding. If you don't like Morpheus, that's okay. More for me. Also: JABBERWOCKY. It would be awesome, right?!! I'm not sure if it'll happen, but my hopes are high. x)
I read Splintered and while I loved the way she used Alice as an inspiration, that love triangle was just not for me. The covers are fantastic, though!PS Was away for a few days and need to go back and read the rest of the blog party posts!Jen @ YA Romantics
Ok i couldn't read the post because you said the anti-magic word of SPOILERS! And I have yet to read the books – which I most definitely much rectify soon. But ehhh that last cover – I'm a might scared of it…what is that smudge on his face and that not so great looking under lip piercing. Tell me the books redeem the cover
Haha, looks like it. Me too! Especially when there was that future prediction where they would be together and have a child 😀 And YES. I did not expect him to get her, I had totally resigned myself to Adam xD
I am behind on reading my blogs… so I almost missed all the party!!! I didn't read a lot of the post because of spoilers (thanks for marking) but I love love the covers soooo much! Going to check out the other party posts!