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What if sixteen-year-old Alice fell into that famed rabbit hole and discovered Wonderland is actually a dystopian world? A place where you must survive the annual and deadly Wonderland Trials, then confront The Looking-Glass Illusion? Sara Ella, author of these two whimsical fantasy adventures, joins Lorehaven to explore how fictional stories reflect curious realities.

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middle grade • teens + YA • adults • onscreen • author resources • gifts • guild

Episode sponsors

1. Enclave Publishing: The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella
2. The Pop Culture Parent by Ted Turnau, E. Stephen Burnett, and Dr. Jared Moore
3. The Lorehaven Guild

Introducing guest Sara Ella

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). When she’s not writing, Sara might be found behind her camera lens or planning her next adventure in the great wide somewhere. She is a Hufflepuff who finds joy in the simplicity of sipping a lavender white mocha and singing Disney tunes in the car. Sara is the author of the Unblemished trilogy and Coral, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid that focuses on mental health. Her latest novels are The Curious Realities duology, starting with The Wonderland Trials (2022) and finishing with The Looking-Glass Illusion.

1. What ideas and pictures led you to Wonderland?

2. How may literary ‘foolishness’ point to real truth?

3. What are readers saying, and what’s next for you?

Mission update

• New review: Wrought of Silver and Ravens
• New book quest: Konig’s Fire (starting in October)
• New article: How to Help Your Teens Engage Dystopian Tales
• Subscribe free to get updates and join the Guild

Next on Fantastical Truth

Vincent is so done with Art and all that. But his mom and uncle just won’t stop going on about the amazing colors and composition of great masters like his namesake. Then his little sister disappears into a famous painting. What’s a lad to do? Join us for this fantastic journey Beneath the Swirling Sky with homeschool mom and middle-grade author Carolyn Leiloglou!