The Kingdom of Sweets
by Erika Johansen
Summary
Light and dark – this is the destiny placed upon Natasha and Clara, the birthright bestowed on them by their godfather, the mysterious sorcerer Drosselmeyer. Clara, the favorite, grows into beauty and ease, while Natasha is cursed to live in her sister’s shadow. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Natasha gets her chance at revenge. For Drosselmeyer has returned and brought with him the Nutcracker, an enchanted present that offers entry to a deceptively beautiful the Kingdom of Sweets. In this land of snow and sugar, Natasha is presented with a power far greater than the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is also a giver of gifts . . . and a maker of dread-filled bargains. As Natasha uncovers the dark destiny laid before her birth, she must reckon with powers both earthly and magical…and decide to which world she truly belongs.
My Review
This book is a dark and twisted retelling of The Nutcracker that completely took me by surprise. While I initially expected something more lighthearted, I was delighted by the gothic atmosphere that Johansen has created. The story is eerie, a bit creepy, and even gory at times, offering a refreshing departure from typical holiday-themed tales.
The audiobook narrator did an excellent job bringing the story to life, adding to the immersive and chilling experience. The world-building is incredibly creative and imaginative, and I loved how the narrative turned familiar elements of The Nutcracker into something far more sinister.
While the book definitely steers away from the usual holiday cheer, it’s a perfect read for those who enjoy dark fantasy and twisted tales. It’s not uplifting, but the mood fits the narrative well, making it an engaging, spine-tingling adventure. If you’re looking for something different from the typical holiday fare, I highly recommend giving this story a try!