Review: The Curious Voyage

I received an ARC of The Curious Voyage by Abigail Manning, which I believe is the final book in The Fairmyth Chronicles, a series that brilliantly combines fairy tales with Greek mythology. I was particularly eager to read this one because Alice in Wonderland and The Odyssey are such a clever combination! The book did not disappoint, weaving together elements of both stories to create something entirely new, complete with all the fun twists that Abigail Manning is known for. The story contains elements from other versions of Alice's story as well, including the romance of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and the battle against time from the live-action Disney sequel.


Alyssius has barely finished saying her vows to King Percival when she is called away on a medical emergency. Did I mention she's also a doctor? After healing the Queen of Underworth, she attempts to return home to her new husband, only to realize that she can't. Each time she gets close to home, time rewinds, sending her farther out to sea, where she seeks refuge on islands inhabited by bachelors who try to tempt her away from her marriage vows. Meanwhile, Percival notices the time distortions and is stuck with his own set of problems as women use magic to impersonate his wife.

The plot is similar to the movie Groundhog Day, with loads of references to both Alice in Wonderland and The Odyssey. A stowaway cat named Chesky takes on the role of the Cheshire Cat, and there is a clever reference to the Queen of Hearts, along with many others. It's been a while since I read The Odyssey, but the multiple suitors on both sides during the couple's long separation seemed spot-on. Alyssius's journey is both fascinating and arduous. I was shocked by how much time had passed for her by the end of the book.

Although this is a relatively quick read, Abigail Manning's vivid writing style allowed me to experience all the tedium of Alyse's journey without feeling repetitive. I felt so awful for her by the end of the book and really wanted to see her get home. Alyse and Percival have their love tested numerous times and wait so long to be reunited that they come off as almost superhuman in their patience and devotion. Despite the long passage of time, the book never drags, and the end is both surprising and satisfying.

The Curious Voyage is a brilliant story about love overcoming impossible odds and standing the test of time. Alice in Wonderland blends beautifully with The Odyssey to create a new and original story about a doctor trying to return to her husband. Though the obstacles are steep and the journey is long, it's all worth the wait. The Fairmyth Chronicles has quickly become one of my favorite series, and I hope to read the rest really soon!

I have always dreamed of being a writer and creating the next great fairy tale princess heroine. Princesses inspire us to be our best selves. While you're here, feel free to follow my page on Facebook, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and check out my books. I'm also on Instagram and X.

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