Splintered (Book 1 Of The Splintered Series)

Description: Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers, precisely the problem that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. Surely, she tells herself, it has nothing to do with the fact that she is directly descended from Alice Liddell, the real life inspiration for Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. But when her mother takes a turn for the worse and the whispers grow too strong to bear, Alyssa learns that she's not mad but she must find the origins of a secret family curse. A series of clues leads her through a cracked mirror into the real Wonderland, a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There she must decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy-but-suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland who may have dark motives all of his own. A high-concept romantic YA with huge potential.

Author Biography: Anita Grace Howard is a writer and a library clerk at a middle school. Splintered is her first novel.

Carroll's Alice books are perennially popular among kids and adults (as Tim Burton's recent film adaptation proves, as well as the success of our own Alice colouring book). This new take on a classic uses the elements of Wonderland in new and surprising ways.; YA fantasy is a huge segment of the market and this title has a strong hook, appealing characters and an understanding of its core teen audience which will make it stand out among its competition.; The sparks fly between Alyssa and her long-time crush, Jeb. There's a hint of a love triangle, too, with her attraction to the mysterious, otherworldly Morpheus.; We are bringing this title in both Hardback and Paperback, it is a sure fire winner in the young adult market with fantasy and romance themes, plus a strong heroine to boot.