For those of you eagerly awaiting the release of the latest installment of The Looking Glass Wars series, the date is quickly approaching. While we haven’t heard from Redd, Queen Alyss and gang since 2007, we’ll finally find out what becomes of the war on Imagination on October 15.

While many people have criticized the series—including myself, before reading it (“How could anyone re-write Carroll’s incredible books? It’s sacrilegious!”)—they really do present a fantastic story. There are ingenious creations and additions to Carroll’s world, perhaps not making it darker—as the original had quite some darkness to it, after all—but making it more gritty and perhaps more scary.

Some have even criticized the characters, claiming that they are two-dimensional and not interesting enough to follow; and while Alyss sort of got on my nerves at first herself, that doesn’t change that the series is made up of some wicked-riveting storytelling, which is what should bring you to a novel in the first place, right?

Frank Beddor’s latest book, Arch Enemy, will finally answer the question on everyone’s minds: what will happen to Wonderland? According to the official website, King Arch—a misogynist that, if brought to his demise in this book, I’m sure few of us would weep over—has declared himself the king of Wonderland. Not only that, but the power of Imagination has been apparently lost. If you recall from Redd’s devious yet cunning tactics in the previous book, Seeing Redd, Wonderland saw quite a bit of destruction the last time we visited. It would seem that Queen Alyss has a full plate.

She also has Arch’s assassins to deal with. They have taken an interest in Alice Liddell and her family, which leads Alyss back into London. Though she comes to the rescue, she discovers it to be a trap—a ploy to keep her from returning to her rightful throne in Wonderland.

Then there is the latest cryptic prophecy from the Caterpillar Oracles from the Valley of Mushrooms: “Action shall be taken to ensure the safety of the Heart Crystal. For Everqueen.” I’m sure fans everywhere are wondering what I’m wondering—who the hell is Everqueen?

At the site, we’re told that “enemies become allies, bitter rivals face-off, and Queen Alyss and Redd Heart must confront their pasts.” Sounds like a fun ride! Without Imagination, we’re also told that this novel will be focused quite a bit on artillery. I wonder what new creations Beddor will come up with this time around?

Critical acclaim or none, I’m excited about this latest piece of Wonderland. If you haven’t read the series but are into fantasy novels, I highly recommend it.