ArchEnemy a Disappointing Finale

When critics cried out things like one dimensional characters in regards to Frank Beddor’s Looking Glass Wars series, I always turned a deaf ear while enjoying the writing—and then defended the work after. This time, I could do neither.

After coming to the series as a skeptic, thinking how on earth could someone take Carroll’s classic and warp it so much—and then being captivated into the vibrant and creative story—I’m now feeling quite disappointed having finished the series.

And it’s not simply because it’s over.

I have no idea why he did it, but it really seems as if Beddor wrote this last book—ArchEnemy—of the Looking Glass Wars trilogy as if he cared nothing for his characters—or his story. For once, they really were one dimensional—so much, in fact, that I felt nothing for any of them and, despite feelings from the previous novels, rooted for no one in particular, even until the end.

Everything that drew you in—the amazing battles, the viciousness of Redd, the imagination of Alyss, the terror of The Cat and Arch’s henchmen, the coolness of Hatter and Molly—was missing. Even Dodge’s strength and sweetness, Bibwit’s doting guidance and Doppelganger’s firm presence were all either so faint they were barely recognizable or not even in the text. It was as if Beddor felt he’d already developed all of the amazing quality of his characters and needed to do no more—leaving them pale husks of the characters we fell in love with to begin with.

The storyline was passable at best, but not all that enjoyable to read. There were very few surprises along with quite a bit of overdone clichés and unoriginality—which, in this series, is practically sacrilegious. Yes, it’s based on a work created by another—a splendid work indeed—but its first two books were crammed with original ideas, amazing new creations and overall excitement. Instead, this one was filled with a lengthy, drawn-out pre-war idle followed by a rushed, uneventful ending.

There was nothing remarkable in this novel. Even the moments of humor we’ve come to expect were gone with dull, sometimes annoying lines. I’m truly baffled at the result; what happened? Perhaps Beddor was sick—or, faced with a tight deadline, made do with a quick turnaround instead of his usual wild ride? Whatever the reason, I’m still saddened and disappointed by the book I had been eagerly anticipating.