Author: M.A. Kuzniar
Publisher: HQ
Publication Date: 28 October 2021
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy
Source: ARC from Publisher
Nottingham, 1906
Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina but as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered. At the wishes of her family, she will be obligated to marry and take up her place in society in the New Year. But when a mysterious toymaker, Dr Drosselmeier, purchases a neighbouring townhouse, it heralds the arrival of magic and wonder in her life. Although Drosselmeier’s magic is darker than Marietta could have imagined…
When he constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance, Marietta discovers it carries a magic all of its own. As the clock chimes midnight, Marietta finds herself walking through a land of snow-topped fir trees leading to a frozen sugar palace silent with secrets and must find a way to return home.
Midnight in Everwood is an enchanting adult retelling of The Nutcracker which takes the familiar tale, casting it in a different light and giving it a more empowered heroine in Marietta. If you've ever wanted to see someone win a fight with ballet moves, this is the book for you! Marietta comes across wonderfully as a character. We really get a sense of her thoughts and feelings and we see her grow as the story progresses and she is forced to navigate an unfamiliar world, not only to find her way home but also to find herself and her inner strength once she gets there. The supporting cast were all memorable and well drawn, and the world building was nicely handled. You could read this book with no knowledge of the story that inspired it, but you will get an added layer of enjoyment if you are already familiar with The Nutcracker. Overall, it is a delightful fantasy tale that will sweep you away to a magical, sugarcoated world while offering a new take on a childhood favourite. It gets 4.5 stars from me, which I will round up to a five.
I received this book as a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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