Who doesn’t love The Nutcracker? Wait – that might be a stretch because I don’t necessarily LOVE The Nutcracker. I like the story well enough, but it’s not something I flock toward every Christmas. That said, when I heard about this book, I immediately wanted to read it. I love the idea of taking a beloved Christmas classic and putting a dark spin on it. I can say that the author has crafted a tale that pays homage to the beloved Nutcracker story while adding her own unique spin. My only problem was that I found the first half of the book to be much more engaging than the last half.

The story follows two sisters, Natasha and Clara, who are both under the spell of their godfather, the enigmatic sorcerer Drosselmeyer. The girl’s parents desperately wanted twins, and Drosselmeyer granted their wish, but naturally, it came with a price. One of the girls would represent light and basically obtain love and affection by all, while the other would represent dark and be shunned and even looked down upon by many.

As it goes, Clara, the favored one, flourishes while Natasha is sentenced to a life in her sister’s shadow. However, their paths diverge on one fateful Christmas Eve when Drosselmeyer brings an enchanted present to the family’s annual Christmas party. It is – you guessed it – the Nutcracker. This charming gift opens the door to the Kingdom of Sweets, a world that is stunning yet treacherous. By the end of the night, one sister’s dreams have all come true, while the other is left with nothing but vengeance in her heart.

As I said earlier, I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I enjoyed the lush descriptions of the Kingdom of Sweets. This is a land of snow and sugar that, at first glance, sounds amazing, but there’s an ominous undertone that makes it feel both mesmerizing and foreboding. The author strikes the perfect balance between beauty and darkness, creating an unsettling ambiance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

What stands out about The Kingdom of Sweets is the intricate web of power struggles and bargains that Natasha encounters. As she delves deeper into her own destiny, she must confront not only earthly forces but also the whimsical Sugar Plum Fairy, who holds unimaginable power. Johansen’s portrayal of these supernatural beings is both captivating and chilling, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems.

This all sounds great, right? I was completely engaged, but then, after that magical Christmas Eve came to pass, I felt that things started to falter a bit. The initial establishment of the characters and the unfolding of the plot build a strong foundation, but as the story progresses, it loses some of its initial momentum. The pacing began to feel uneven, and some plot points either dragged or were resolved too quickly, leaving me wanting more depth and development.

I can say that the characters are intriguing, particularly Natasha, who undergoes a poignant transformation throughout the book. Her journey from living in Clara’s shadow to discovering her own power and agency is the heart of the story and I really did feel for her. Johansen portrays her internal struggles and conflicted loyalties with nuance, making her a relatable and empathetic protagonist. I also liked that while Clara was everyone’s favorite, she wasn’t completely unlikeable.

While this book may not be a flawless masterpiece, it is undoubtedly a creative and unique take on a beloved classic. Johansen has definitely crafted a world that is equal parts enchanting and unsettling. While the book may lose some momentum in the second half, the first half, as well as the characters and the exploration of power dynamics, make it a decent read.