Genre: Magical Realism
Published: November 28, 2023
Pages: 365
Twin sisters, divided by envy and magic, set against one another on a fateful Christmas Eve
Light and dark—this is the cursed birthright placed upon Clara and Natasha by their godfather, Drosselmeyer, whose power and greed hold an entire city in his sway. Charming Clara, the favorite, grows into a life of beauty and ease, while ignored and unloved Natasha is relegated to her sister’s shadow.
But the opportunity for revenge announces itself one Christmas Eve, when Drosselmeyer arrives at their family gala with the Nutcracker, an enchanted gift that offers entry into an alternate world: the Kingdom of Sweets.
Following Clara into the glittering land of snow and sugar, Natasha discovers a source of power far greater than Drosselmeyer: the Sugar Plum Fairy, who offers her own wondrous gifts . . . and deadly bargains. But as Natasha unspools the truth about a dark destiny crafted long before her birth, she must reckon with forces both earthly and magical, human and diabolical, and decide to which world she truly belongs.
Light and dark—this is the cursed birthright placed upon Clara and Natasha by their godfather, Drosselmeyer, whose power and greed hold an entire city in his sway. Charming Clara, the favorite, grows into a life of beauty and ease, while ignored and unloved Natasha is relegated to her sister’s shadow.
But the opportunity for revenge announces itself one Christmas Eve, when Drosselmeyer arrives at their family gala with the Nutcracker, an enchanted gift that offers entry into an alternate world: the Kingdom of Sweets.
Following Clara into the glittering land of snow and sugar, Natasha discovers a source of power far greater than Drosselmeyer: the Sugar Plum Fairy, who offers her own wondrous gifts . . . and deadly bargains. But as Natasha unspools the truth about a dark destiny crafted long before her birth, she must reckon with forces both earthly and magical, human and diabolical, and decide to which world she truly belongs.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.
This is a dark take on the classic Nutcracker story told from Natasha's POV. While Clara is seemingly experiencing all the wonder of the realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Natasha, who wasn't expected, sees the dark underbelly hidden underneath the sugary sweetness. This also allows her to make a bargain of her own to get everything she thought she ever wanted. But you should always be careful what you wish for.
For me this book read like a slightly fantastical historical fiction, with most of the tale grounded in reality. Since I typically enjoy historical fiction, I loved that aspect of the story. And I felt very invested in Natasha's life after she struck a deal with the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Overall I give The Kingdom of Sweets 4.1378 out of 5 stars. - Katie
Erika Johansen grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She eventually became an attorney, but she never stopped writing. She lives in England.
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