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W. R. Gingell
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Playing Hearts Kindle Edition

by W.R. Gingell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 267 ratings
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It begins the way it has always begun: with a card on Mabel’s pillow. But Mabel has been in Underland before, and she’s not so anxious to go back. No matter what name it takes, Underland is always bizarre, always mad, always dangerous.

There’s the Queen of Hearts, terrifying, powerful, and possibly insane. There’s Hatter, purple-eyed and undoubtedly mad. March Hare has always been one sandwich short of a picnic, and Sir Blanc is missing his wits.

And then there’s Jack. Jack the aristocratic son of the Queen. Not quite mad, but not far off. Disinclined to help anyone but himself. A liar. And, thanks to an ancient ceremony performed by the Queen, Mabel’s fiancé.

Fall into the rabbit hole with Mabel as she climbs through tea-pots, battles the Jabberwock, and attempts to overthrow the Queen of Hearts herself.

Don’t lose your head.

And whatever you do, don’t be late...
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  1. Print length
    185 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    March 10, 2016
  5. File size
    1117 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BD0Y9MU
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 10, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1117 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 185 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 267 ratings

About the author

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W. R. Gingell

W. R. Gingell

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W.R. Gingell is a Tasmanian author of urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and madcap science fiction who doesn’t seem to be able to write a book without a body suddenly turning up. She solemnly swears that all such bodies are strictly fictional in nature.

W.R. spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and slouching in front of the fire to write. Like Peter Pan, she never really grew up, and is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.

You can sign up to W.R.'s Newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/d8f4w6 to receive free content, publishing news, and first look at giveaways!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
267 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kathryn S
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick and Thoroughly Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
Gingell provides yet another entertaining read in this Alice in Wonderland-influenced novella. The indomitable Mabel, drawn into the intrigues of Underland as a child, discovers through repeated visits that she and this otherworldly landscape are connected to each other in more ways than one.

True to this author's style, familiar story elements take an innovative twist. This is not Alice's Wonderland because Mabel is not Alice. The topsy-turvy kingdom (or queendom, really) takes a unique form for each of its visitors, a condition which lends nicely both to its connection with madness and to a sense that the reader is peering into the distorted images of a carnival mirror. What you see does not exactly correspond to prior expectations, but it makes delightful sense in its own way.

I adored Jack. I would have liked a bit more of his singing, if only for how well it put the usually calm and composed Mabel off her game. Mostly, I just wished that the story was longer, but I signed up for a novella, so I won't complain.
12 people found this helpful
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Sara
4.0 out of 5 stars Jack and Mab are All Kinds of Fun
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2023
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Not-Alice in Underland is a fun almost-parody of Alice's Wonderland gang. I have never before read W.R. Gingell, but the premise intrigued me, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. Mag is kidnapped by the Queen of Hearts at the age of 3 and betrothed to the Queen's son, Jack. Jack is a bit of a stuffed-shirt, but not altogether terrible. Mab threatens him with violence enough to mostly keep him in line. As an Otherworlder, rather than and Underlander, Mab goes back and forth between foster homes in her home world and Underland as she grows up, having adventures with Hare and Hatter, the man who painted white roses, and Cat Cheshire himself. It's completely ridiculous and mimics the Lewis Carroll's nonsensical writing beautifully. I will certainly be reading Gingell again in the future.
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K
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and fast read
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2021
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A unique take on Alice in Wonderland—with a romance bent. I honest loved this one. It had adventure, pain, danger, and a happily ever after. Lots of wit and plot twists. Recommended for those who like uniquely twisted fairy tales.

Rated PG-13 for some violence/gore
—clean romance
—some violence
—mild gore (some bleeding)
—little to no language
One person found this helpful
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Callen-wisdom
5.0 out of 5 stars Seeing differently
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2021
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What a fun story,a little twisted but highly entertaining. Mabel and Jack have an interesting relationship as she learns travel to in underland. Seeing through the mirrors and ripples. Learning to become more than you were. Very good story.
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Cheyenne
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a lark!
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021
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This is fun, twisty tale which is definitely fitting for a Alice in Wonderland retelling, and also a hallmark of W.R. Gingell's writing. I don't think I understood everything that occurred, but I fully expected that and was just along for an enjoyable, if somewhat perplexing, journey. Definitely recommend!
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars A quick, unique read
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2021
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Cute, quick, clever. It was violent at times (Queen of Heart and all that), but that’s typical for this author.

I liked the magic system, and I liked thatJack wasn’t stereotypical. He had a very unique personality which is hard to describe.

With that being said, everything happened almost too fast. I could have seen this as a series rather than a standalone. It went so fast that it felt too easy at times, though there was great tension.
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Jayne
4.0 out of 5 stars Too short but oh so sweet!
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2020
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Confession: I have a soft spot for Alice and Wonderland things. That being said, I really enjoyed Playing Hearts! I just wish it was a bit longer to really explore Gingell’s Underland. The world was really interesting and a bit more building time would’ve made it even that much better.

Mabel was whisked away to Wonderland as a child, and now finds herself pulled in every now and then. Why? The Queen of Hearts has decided that her son, the Jack of Hearts, will marry Mabel for... some reason. Mabel doesn't necessarily agree but has a love/hate relationship with Wonderland, so even as she tries to hide she also can't stay away. But with all the political turmoil in Wonderland, what's a girl to do?

Mabel and Jack have an interesting relationship and their exchanges were amusing. Again, I really like what’s here, but oh! A longer story would’ve shown more character development and really deepen our appreciation for these too! I'd love to know more about Jack who's a touch conceited but has a sweet side that peeks through here and there.

The story is reminiscent of Disney's live-action Alice in Wonderland film, but still uniquely its own. The workings of this Wonderland are so fluid but only for those with true power. The Queen of Hearts here is actually quite like Snow White's stepmother in that she rules with vanity (her own) and fear (the people's). I'd love to get a bit more information on how this world fully functions.

Overall, a really fun story. Not sure how likely it’d be, but if this would were revisited and expanded as a duology, I’d be all over that!
6 people found this helpful
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Sherri
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2020
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This book is a keeper! I've read it twice now and it just get better and better. I love how the sass is so strong in Mabel! I love the character growth in Jack. And it's so fun to find out little by little what exactly their blood bond really means. And of course, as in all good fantasy, things work out the way they should. It is a very satisfying read. Treat yourself!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Leah Christopher
5.0 out of 5 stars Short Yet Sweet
Reviewed in Canada on August 10, 2019
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W.R. Gingell has become one of my go to authors. This novel, like many of them, is fast paced in that it takes for granted the fact that you already know all the rules to this world. Loosely based on Alice Through The Looking Glass, it is an amusing jaunt (being shorter than a lot of the other works) through the world of reflections.
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Christine O'Malley
5.0 out of 5 stars The Knave of Hearts shows his true colours
Reviewed in Australia on March 8, 2020
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I loved this story.
I loved it so much, I started it at afternoon tea time and kept reading to made sure that I finished it before lights out.
The Hatter and the Hare are marvelous characters with depth and more influence on the story than I first thought. The Queen of Hearts is tricky and unpredictable. Her son Jack, the Knave of Hearts, is both charming and the most annoying boy that could inhabit a story. I especially loved Mab, who despite have such interesting adventures never seems to understand how special she is to everyone else. The ending took me by surprise, which is always a delight.
I have added this to my list of favourites by this author :)
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B. Douglas
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly Polished
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 10, 2016
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A little gem. Only a short book, or possibly a novella, but a delight to read. It is a witty take on the world of Alice in Wonderland. It is also a fairly original growing-up story. Neither main character is particularly admirable, but they are entertaining, and develop in quite believable ways. The spare writing reminds me of Diana Wynne Jones.
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Lisa Whitehead
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2019
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This is a great re write of Alice’s looking glass; mad hatter and all.
Jack and Mabel, enjoyable protagonists, glad they find their way in the end!
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