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Wonder
It all came down to me.
The one who followed the rules, never went looking for trouble – I kept to myself. I just wanted to take care of my family. To not constantly look over my shoulder, worried about the things that went bump in the night.
I just wanted to survive.
But that wasn’t meant to be.
As luck – or fate, or something – would have it, the trouble found me.
I followed a rabbit through the wreckage of a half-ruined world to get back what was mine, and wound up at the end of it.
In Wonderland.
But there’s nothing magical about it.
(While Wonder does feature a central love story, it is not a contemporary romance novel)
The one who followed the rules, never went looking for trouble – I kept to myself. I just wanted to take care of my family. To not constantly look over my shoulder, worried about the things that went bump in the night.
I just wanted to survive.
But that wasn’t meant to be.
As luck – or fate, or something – would have it, the trouble found me.
I followed a rabbit through the wreckage of a half-ruined world to get back what was mine, and wound up at the end of it.
In Wonderland.
But there’s nothing magical about it.
(While Wonder does feature a central love story, it is not a contemporary romance novel)
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
528 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
April 9, 2023
Wonder was a pleasant surprise! I almost stopped listening to this book several times because, the storyline is not something I would typically read. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone but, Wonder turned out to be a really good book. I loved the urban grown folk, post-apocalyptic take on Alice in Wonderland. The mystery, suspense, and heated moments between Allie and Maddox were just so intoxicating! I absolutely loved them as a couple! The supporting cast of other characters were as equally entertaining. I hope there's a part two so, we can follow up with Nadia and Mosley. This book was everything! I would go as far as calling it an intellectual read. You won't be disappointed!
March 10, 2020
CCJ is Putting Herself in GOAT Status!
Just when I thought I had CCJ pegged and knew what to expect of her, she gives us this! The creativity of this work is mind boggling! Aly is like so many of us, going about our life but doing it at status quo, not challenging or asking questions. Maddox lived the complete opposite but his life experiences unfortunately caused that. Their encounter turned the light on for both of them, not just Aly. Maddox needed an awakening just as much as she did. I love the layers to Ruby. Who you thought she was is not really who she is at her core. Vice versa, Ches was not what she seemed either. I see the series here, even if CCJ denies it. Wonder is just the first project of a series of many. She gave us Mahogany Heights. Now we have the Burrows.
Just when I thought I had CCJ pegged and knew what to expect of her, she gives us this! The creativity of this work is mind boggling! Aly is like so many of us, going about our life but doing it at status quo, not challenging or asking questions. Maddox lived the complete opposite but his life experiences unfortunately caused that. Their encounter turned the light on for both of them, not just Aly. Maddox needed an awakening just as much as she did. I love the layers to Ruby. Who you thought she was is not really who she is at her core. Vice versa, Ches was not what she seemed either. I see the series here, even if CCJ denies it. Wonder is just the first project of a series of many. She gave us Mahogany Heights. Now we have the Burrows.
January 19, 2022
If I could give it 10 stars I would. Wonder was so damn good! This isn't typically a genre I would read but, I really loved the post apocalyptic take on Alice in Wonderland. The dynamics of the characters made this book such an intriguing read. Aly and Maddox are completely adorable. You can't help but fall in love with both of them. Wonder was a phenomenal book. It was beautifully written and I couldn't get enough. The storyline left me wanting more. I know it's been three years but, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a book two with Nadiah and Mosley.
July 19, 2022
I'm giving it 10 stars because, that's what it deserves! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bravo CCJ!!!
October 11, 2025
Courageous Love
Wonder was such a different read. I completely understand the Author's note from CCJ, because it is so far from what we are used to from her and it worked. I appreciated the futuristic almost political or classist story line.
Imagine the world as you know it...ruined. The political system as you know it..demolished. Instead of one President, three leaders emerge to take over what is left of the state. Alyson aka Aly was a hair stylist doing her best to take care of the family she had left. She was following all of the rules and staying out the way to ensure they had bare necessities. One day all of that changes and she is ready to put everything on the line for her sister. She ventures into a forbidden town and meets Maddox, a man that leaves a lasting impression on her even when she returns home. Maddox is equally impressed by Aly. She's courageous and loyal to her family. The dynamic of their relationship is what guides the story as they navigate the rules of the new world. I appreciated how different the "future" was while recognizing the technology of the past.
Wonder was such a different read. I completely understand the Author's note from CCJ, because it is so far from what we are used to from her and it worked. I appreciated the futuristic almost political or classist story line.
Imagine the world as you know it...ruined. The political system as you know it..demolished. Instead of one President, three leaders emerge to take over what is left of the state. Alyson aka Aly was a hair stylist doing her best to take care of the family she had left. She was following all of the rules and staying out the way to ensure they had bare necessities. One day all of that changes and she is ready to put everything on the line for her sister. She ventures into a forbidden town and meets Maddox, a man that leaves a lasting impression on her even when she returns home. Maddox is equally impressed by Aly. She's courageous and loyal to her family. The dynamic of their relationship is what guides the story as they navigate the rules of the new world. I appreciated how different the "future" was while recognizing the technology of the past.
May 27, 2023
Loved this dystopian style book. Allie and Maddox was too adorable. I wonder if there’s going to be a spin-off with the sister
March 21, 2019
😻😻😻
Wow!!!!! What an amazing well written book!!! Wow! I'm lost for words...what did I just read again!!! I'm having a moment you guys!!! At first I was undecided on reading this book I meant the cover speaks for itself it drew me in the book is called Wonder and that's just what I was feeling curious!!! I'm so glad I decided to read this book it not only took me out of my comfort zone but added to it!!!!! The mystery, suspense, and heated moments between Aly & Maddox was just so intoxicating! I hope a part 2 will be in the making! Christina Jones u did that periodt!!!!🔥🔥
Wow!!!!! What an amazing well written book!!! Wow! I'm lost for words...what did I just read again!!! I'm having a moment you guys!!! At first I was undecided on reading this book I meant the cover speaks for itself it drew me in the book is called Wonder and that's just what I was feeling curious!!! I'm so glad I decided to read this book it not only took me out of my comfort zone but added to it!!!!! The mystery, suspense, and heated moments between Aly & Maddox was just so intoxicating! I hope a part 2 will be in the making! Christina Jones u did that periodt!!!!🔥🔥
February 3, 2021
2020 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Music
Really love dystopian sci-fi with fantastical elements. The Alice in Wonderland nods worked so well. I wish this was a series!
Really love dystopian sci-fi with fantastical elements. The Alice in Wonderland nods worked so well. I wish this was a series!
February 2, 2019
This story's setting held my attention to see what Aly would encounter next. Good connection of characters as their activities and actions told of a different time. Enjoyable read
August 9, 2024
I didn’t think I was going to finish this book at the beginning. I glad I pushed through because it was a good book.
April 9, 2023
4-4.5 stars CCJ’s range just 🤯!
December 22, 2024
I love a dystopian novel! I love a dystopian novel that includes a sexy romance even more! Ally as essentially black Katniss gave me everything I needed. I loved Ally and Maddox down! The Post apocalyptic version of The Heights & Blackwood was interesting. This was a fun, entertaining read with good pacing. I love an author that will switch it up just when you think you’ve figured out their formula. That is the Christina C. Jones! This book will become a comfort read for me, I highly recommend.
August 4, 2022
No Words
The story was uniquely amazing. It was different, devilish, and an utterly delight to read. A sexy tale with a twist unlike anything I've read by this author. As a reader, I sometimes Wonder what's inside the minds of great artist to be able to create and craft works of this caliber. The theme, and characters... Wow!
The story was uniquely amazing. It was different, devilish, and an utterly delight to read. A sexy tale with a twist unlike anything I've read by this author. As a reader, I sometimes Wonder what's inside the minds of great artist to be able to create and craft works of this caliber. The theme, and characters... Wow!
January 24, 2019
Genius.
This book was everything. A movie. I literally invisioned every district in the Americas. Everything transitioned effortlessly. Aly & Mad are apocalyptic bae goals. Like seriously! The writing, the vision, the vibe. I loved it.
This book was everything. A movie. I literally invisioned every district in the Americas. Everything transitioned effortlessly. Aly & Mad are apocalyptic bae goals. Like seriously! The writing, the vision, the vibe. I loved it.
January 10, 2020
I was looking for Black Romance novels when I came across this author. And after this, I can't wait to read her other books!
May 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved that it was dystopian but BLACK. I loved how CCJ built this world.
But I LOVED!!!! how she incorporated Alice in Wonderland without actually retelling that story. Alison falls into the rabbit hole of just realizing she had been indoctrinated and that everything she knew about the world was a lie. The cheshire cat, the mad hatter, the red queen, the caterpillar, the white rabbit, even tweedle Dee and tweedle Dum were all included and if you didn’t know this was a reimagining of the fairy tale you wouldn’t. But yet if you did know, you recognize these characters roles in this version of that story. This was just so well done to me.
But I LOVED!!!! how she incorporated Alice in Wonderland without actually retelling that story. Alison falls into the rabbit hole of just realizing she had been indoctrinated and that everything she knew about the world was a lie. The cheshire cat, the mad hatter, the red queen, the caterpillar, the white rabbit, even tweedle Dee and tweedle Dum were all included and if you didn’t know this was a reimagining of the fairy tale you wouldn’t. But yet if you did know, you recognize these characters roles in this version of that story. This was just so well done to me.
January 2, 2023
So there was a lot (in my opinion) to unpack from this book. If you don’t have the time, some of the important parts won’t make you stop and ponder a bit; I had the time. What I felt like the author was trying to do fell a bit short. There were multiple times where I felt like I had read something similar to it before. It was a futuristic, dystopian,
hunger-games vibe with modern day issues…? There was a lot. If there was a decent story with a bit more depth to it I’m sure I would’ve liked it better. The story fell a bit flat and I couldn’t get behind Aly’s character development.
It’s not a 4 in my book but I also don’t think it’s just a 3 because of the many points I highlighted while reading. So I’m giving it a 3.2.
hunger-games vibe with modern day issues…? There was a lot. If there was a decent story with a bit more depth to it I’m sure I would’ve liked it better. The story fell a bit flat and I couldn’t get behind Aly’s character development.
It’s not a 4 in my book but I also don’t think it’s just a 3 because of the many points I highlighted while reading. So I’m giving it a 3.2.
January 24, 2026
A Different Kind of Good
I’ve had this book for awhile, but I kept putting it off. I just wasn’t attracted to the premise of a post apocalyptic Alice in Wonderland. I kept seeing such great reviews. I’m a huge fan of CCJ’s books. So I went in with an open mind. I’m so glad that I did. This was such an interesting story. The action and suspense were great. The romance wasn’t the focus of the book, but it was such a wonderful addition to the story. Alyson was so strong and resilient. She was everything that I like to see in a leading lady. Maddox was the total package. He was strong, loving, and sexy. I absolutely loved him! Christina really delivered with this book.
I’ve had this book for awhile, but I kept putting it off. I just wasn’t attracted to the premise of a post apocalyptic Alice in Wonderland. I kept seeing such great reviews. I’m a huge fan of CCJ’s books. So I went in with an open mind. I’m so glad that I did. This was such an interesting story. The action and suspense were great. The romance wasn’t the focus of the book, but it was such a wonderful addition to the story. Alyson was so strong and resilient. She was everything that I like to see in a leading lady. Maddox was the total package. He was strong, loving, and sexy. I absolutely loved him! Christina really delivered with this book.
April 17, 2022
This book was soooooo good!! I’m a sucker for a good post apocalyptic themed movie/book. This was the perfect mix between the walking dead (minus the zombies) and Y: The Last Man ( minus the male gender wipe out). Then when you mix in the razzle dazzle of spice…… you’re in for a great read. I didn’t know what to expect based off the cover but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not the typical story that you get from Christina but this definitely attests to her versatility as a writer. Bravo!
September 20, 2025
I love dystopian books, so I was surprised (in a good way) when this turned out to be one. The way the author mixed in Alice in Wonderland vibes was a fun touch.
Some parts felt a little slow or dragged out, and I was hoping for a bit more action from the Apex and APF. But once I reminded myself that romance was a big part of the story, it made more sense.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I’d recommend it and definitely wouldn’t mind reading it again.
Some parts felt a little slow or dragged out, and I was hoping for a bit more action from the Apex and APF. But once I reminded myself that romance was a big part of the story, it made more sense.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I’d recommend it and definitely wouldn’t mind reading it again.
January 27, 2019
This was a good read, very different! So different I dreamt about it last night thinking I was on a whole other planet when I woke up this morning 🤦🏾♀️!! So yea it definitely had an impact on me. I’ve never read a book like this and I just really enjoyed it!
July 20, 2024
I love a good retelling and CCJ did the damn thing with Wonder. I loved the characters and the storytelling was phenomenal.
April 22, 2025
If you love a post apocalyptic/dystopian read then you’ll enjoy this one. I’m a fan of CCJs romance books but I’m glad she stepped out and wrote this book. In the beginning I was a bit confused because I couldn’t see where the story was going but as I got further into it the more I couldn’t put it down.
October 3, 2022
This was a pretty good read.
February 4, 2019
Alyson is an ordinary girl living in...a not so ordinary world. When life is comprised of keeping your head down and just existing, Aly finds her life flipped upside down when she seeks to protect her sister. But when she stumbles into the unknown, will she survive or will she find what she never thought she was looking for?
First of all, bow down to the imagination and creativity of the talented, Christian C. Jones! She has not only tackled every trope imaginable , she has also created a story so out of the box that it can't be defined by a genre! Listen, the awe and overwhelming sense of nostalgia I felt reading this book could not be contained. It's almost as if she pays homage to the classic, 'Alice in Wonderland' in the most prolific ways! Her cunning use of doomsday antics mystified my mind and had me imagining how our real world would be in years to come. That's how plausible the plot truly is; like though it's fantasy it could actually happen! Mind totally f*cked and I love it!
The characters were fully developed and had me guessing who they could have been had this been in Wonderland. Aly grew by leaps and bounds by the end of this story! The young woman met in the first chapters is NOT who you will encounter by the end of this read! Omg, she is my shero!!! And let me tell you, I love me some Maddox! Brawny and just downright dangerous, you will want him down your hole...ummm I mean, you would want him on your team. Especially when facing the likes of what Aly faced! Whew chale, the suspense and action had me throwing my own fists and biting my nails!
I'm so proud of Jones for this one! She has never disappointed me with anything she has conjured up in that mind of hers and I'm here for all of the literary magic she can muster! I can't wait for whatever she pens next!
First of all, bow down to the imagination and creativity of the talented, Christian C. Jones! She has not only tackled every trope imaginable , she has also created a story so out of the box that it can't be defined by a genre! Listen, the awe and overwhelming sense of nostalgia I felt reading this book could not be contained. It's almost as if she pays homage to the classic, 'Alice in Wonderland' in the most prolific ways! Her cunning use of doomsday antics mystified my mind and had me imagining how our real world would be in years to come. That's how plausible the plot truly is; like though it's fantasy it could actually happen! Mind totally f*cked and I love it!
The characters were fully developed and had me guessing who they could have been had this been in Wonderland. Aly grew by leaps and bounds by the end of this story! The young woman met in the first chapters is NOT who you will encounter by the end of this read! Omg, she is my shero!!! And let me tell you, I love me some Maddox! Brawny and just downright dangerous, you will want him down your hole...ummm I mean, you would want him on your team. Especially when facing the likes of what Aly faced! Whew chale, the suspense and action had me throwing my own fists and biting my nails!
I'm so proud of Jones for this one! She has never disappointed me with anything she has conjured up in that mind of hers and I'm here for all of the literary magic she can muster! I can't wait for whatever she pens next!
March 1, 2020
Edit 2020: I finished the audiobook last night and it is just as *fantastic* and I'm so very deeply in love with this story. It was perfect for me from beginning to end and I'm still hoping and hoping that we'll get more books by CCJ set in this universe.
[...] One thing I have to admit is that I got just as invested in the story surrounding their budding romance. And I’m not saying Ruby is the most intriguing side character I’ve read in forever and stole the show, but y’all. I was *invested* in this character’s story arc. I wanted to know everything about her, and I would pay very good money to one day read her very own book. It’s not that her feud with Chez, the story arc surrounding them took away in any way or form, it just made the whole reading experience that much richer and more intense for me. Because at the heart of it this book is a story about power. Who has it, who keeps it, who can handle it. It’s as much about romance as it is about betrayal, loyalty, trauma and absolution.
Find my full review here.
[...] One thing I have to admit is that I got just as invested in the story surrounding their budding romance. And I’m not saying Ruby is the most intriguing side character I’ve read in forever and stole the show, but y’all. I was *invested* in this character’s story arc. I wanted to know everything about her, and I would pay very good money to one day read her very own book. It’s not that her feud with Chez, the story arc surrounding them took away in any way or form, it just made the whole reading experience that much richer and more intense for me. Because at the heart of it this book is a story about power. Who has it, who keeps it, who can handle it. It’s as much about romance as it is about betrayal, loyalty, trauma and absolution.
Find my full review here.
October 18, 2020
Wonder tells the story of Ally, a young woman trying to survive in an apocalyptic world. Danger is everywhere and romance too. There are several "adult" references to Alice in wonderland in the book, thus the title- Wonder.
This book was unfortunately not the book for me. I love natural and realistics romances, with a build up and engaging charaters. In this book the romance was not too porny but it was definitely very sex-y right from the start and the dialogues and some situations didn't feel natural for me. Last but not least, Maddox wasn't my cup of tea.
This book was unfortunately not the book for me. I love natural and realistics romances, with a build up and engaging charaters. In this book the romance was not too porny but it was definitely very sex-y right from the start and the dialogues and some situations didn't feel natural for me. Last but not least, Maddox wasn't my cup of tea.
February 25, 2021
4.5 rounded up!
This dystopian 'Alice in Wonderland’ retelling is fantastic. I loved the world-building, and the unique take on characters we already know. I loved how fiercely Aly loved her family. I loved all of it, and good news, Christina is writing more in this world!
Highly recommend.
This dystopian 'Alice in Wonderland’ retelling is fantastic. I loved the world-building, and the unique take on characters we already know. I loved how fiercely Aly loved her family. I loved all of it, and good news, Christina is writing more in this world!
Highly recommend.
April 22, 2023
I am not a huge Alice in Wonderland person so I am 100% sure I didn't get all of the character comps, but this was a really interesting adaptation of a children's story into a very adult dystopia. I did think it drug in places, but my reading mood has also been a bit off for reasons, so that was also probably part of it. Glad to have given this one a try for book club.
January 17, 2024
loved this
I read this from a rec I got from a fellow book club member and it didn’t disappoint. The unique take on Alice and wonderland kept me thoroughly entertained. I loved the fact that Aly wasn’t soft and fought when she needed to. I loved how caring Mad was but he was equally tough. Great writing.
I read this from a rec I got from a fellow book club member and it didn’t disappoint. The unique take on Alice and wonderland kept me thoroughly entertained. I loved the fact that Aly wasn’t soft and fought when she needed to. I loved how caring Mad was but he was equally tough. Great writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews