A Blade So Black is a thrilling and imaginative fantasy book that recreates Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with a modern twist. Set in Atlanta, the story is about Alice Kingston, a Black teenage girl struggling with grief, identity, and the hidden dangers of a mythical world that exists. In the beginning, Alice is mourning the loss of her father, making her feel vulnerable and disconnected from her everyday life. But everything changes when she faces a scary creature called a Nightmare- monsters born from human fear and trauma. She is rescued by Addison Hatta, a mysterious warrior from Wonderland, who recognizes that Alice has the potential to become a Dreamwalker- someone who can travel between worlds and fight Nightmares to protect the real world. Alice begins training to fight Nightmares, juggling her double life as both a regular high school student and a Dreamwalker.
I loved reading this book because it is a bold and new take on the fantasy genre, and it offers readers a world that blends magical elements with urgent real-life themes. I love how the author creates a story that feels both interesting and personal. I love how strong Alice is. She’s brave, sarcastic, loyal, and full of heart. Her grief over her father’s death is illustrated with honesty, and her journey through that grief adds real emotional depth. The story itself is captivating, with lots of action scenes and interesting twists and turns. Overall, this is an amazing story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and empowering books because it is an amazing combination of the two.