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The Kingdom of Sweets (Hardback)
Erika Johansen (author)Published: 30/11/2023
'Captures the whimsical nature of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, whilst at the same time exploring a more sinister thread . . . dark in spirit and gothic in its atmosphere, this is The Nutcracker as you’ve never known it.' CULTUREFLY
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 favourite, 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 which offers entry to a deceptively beautiful world: the Kingdom of Sweets.
In this land of snow and sugar, Natasha is presented with a power far greater than Drosselmeyer: 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.
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
ISBN: 9781787632363
Number of pages: 368
Weight: 580 g
Dimensions: 238 x 162 x 40 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
An irresistible alternative history, Johansen's THE KINGDOM OF SWEETS invites readers to indulge in the darkness that simmers below the glittering surface of a universally beloved fairy tale - The Nutcracker. Delectably perverse and lushly written, Johansen's reimagining will be devoured by fans of Tim Burton and readers of Katherine Arden. The perfect gothic treat for a cold winter's day. - KATY HAYS, author of The Cloisters
The Kingdom of Sweets is a deliciously dark fairy tale that transports one to a world of magic, fantasy and family intrigue. Erika Johansen has written one of the most wonderfully original novels I've ever read, a story so imaginative, so filled with dangerous beauty, that you will never forget it. - DANIELLE TRUSSONI, author of Angelology
Fantasy, history, and horror make an incredible confection in The Kingdom of Sweets, a terrifying and sugary take on The Nutcracker that you'll devour as quickly as you can. - HANNAH WHITTEN, author of For the Wolf
The Kingdom of Sweets drags you headfirst into its world of horror and whimsy, where the lines between reality, dream, and nightmare are far thinner and more porous than you think. Dark, twisty, and delicious, Johansen will keep you guessing until the curtain falls. - VAISHNAVI PATEL, author of Kaikeyi
In this gripping reimagining of the holiday classic, Erika Johansen shatters the sugar plum surface of the original Nutcracker to plunge deep into the shadows beneath . . . entwines love and hate, jealousy and pity, vengeance and forgiveness so tightly, it's impossible to decide which twin to root for . . . gives readers the gift of a compelling and richly imagined story that will keep them turning pages until the last, fully realized twist. - LIZ MICHALSKI, author of Darling Girl
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“Fun, dark and intriguing”
A fun weekend read for the countdown til Christmas. Overall I enjoyed the retelling. It was a fun and interesting take on one of my favorite stories of all time.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.
“A dark gothic fairytale that is a stunning retelling of The Nutcracker”
Although a retelling, The Kingdom of Sweets is unique from the traditional story due to the dark and horror elements intertwined in the plot. The novel centres around twin sisters who are cursed at birth and are... More
“A Nutcracker Twist”
A slightly darker take on the nutcracker tale that sees two sisters get tangled up in a magic much greater than them. This is beautifully written with some great character ideas but unfortunately the rest seems to... More
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