As much as I love the Nutcracker (it is literally the best thing about Christmas) I just didn't realize that this was actually horror rather than a historical fantasy retelling, etc. Lots of triggers and dark moments that I didn't expect would be included. Just not my cup of tea.

This book was just not for me. I expected more since I enjoyed Erika Johansen other books but this one did not work for me. I did not enjoy the story.

I wanted to love this since I really enjoy nutcracker folklore and collected nutcrackers growing up. But I did not. Instead of being fantastical, this book just seemed nonsensical. I couldn't understand the motivations or actions of the characters because I couldn't even keep the basic plot straight. The ending where the author talked about what happened to the twins as it related to the war seemed the most interesting. I've heard great things about the Queen of Tearling trilogy and would definitely give it a try, but unfortunately The Kingdom of Sweets was not a win for me.

This was a dark horror fantasy, but also stayed surface level enough where I couldn’t envision the fantasy aspect at all. I think the author had a good idea, a fantastic foundation of writing and prose, but the execution was a bit all over the place. It didn’t read fluidly which was probably my biggest struggle. I do think it was unique for a retelling!

*the ending chapter was sooooo unnecessary. Definitely took the story down 1/2 a ⭐️

I am really torn on how to rate this. I liked it, I didn't hate it, but it was nothing like what I expected. Which I think I should have seen coming from Erika Johansen given the Tearling series (which I loved). I think Guillermo del Toro would have field day making a film adaptation if that says anything about the tone and content. It is DARK.

This book is described as a darkly magical take on The Nutcracker, and I couldn't resist.

I expected The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen to be your basic good vs. evil dark fantasy adventure, but the story took so many turns I did not see coming. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the Stahlbaums’ troubled family dynamic and garish lifestyle, the questionable intentions of Drosselmeyer, and the sisters’ precarious relationship. But, it's the deceptions of the sweet and the horrors of the magical that truly make this book stand out. Visions of sugar plums will turn into nightmares of murderous toys and rotting confections.

There are no innocent characters in The Kingdom of Sweets. Most all of them do things that are despicable or just plain evil, including the main character. I think, at some point in our lives, a lot of us could relate to Natasha. The outcast. Giving all of yourself to someone who carelessly casts you aside. Feeling powerless. And, I really appreciated her disregard for the upper class. But, do these things make her character redeemable? I liked that this book gave me so many themes and moral dilemmas to contemplate. Also, I think the excerpts from T. S. Eliot’s Waste Land included throughout the book enhanced the overall experience and gave the reader even more to consider. I feel like some unnecessary repetition should have been left out and replaced with more of the magic’s backstory and how it worked. Still, The Kingdom of Sweets is a dark and delectable dance between fantasy and reality, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Dutton for the opportunity to read and review this book.

3 star

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

This one was enjoyable! A little dark, but in a good way. Especially if you like darker books.

I'd recommend to anyone who likes a quick read and a retelling of The Nutcracker.

why did I request this? I did enjoy The Queen of the Tearling, but could not stomach The Invasion of the Tearling. I also don't know why I would request a holiday based novel? Weird shit

I've always loved "The Nutcracker" and have watched the ballet several times. I also really love fairy-tale retellings, so this book sounded right up my alley! I don't think I've read a re-telling of this story before, so I went in with a lot of anticipation. Unfortunately, while I did enjoy aspects of it, it didn't quite live up to everything I was hoping for.

I did enjoy the way the story centered around the relationship between the two sisters, and I think the book worked best when focused on this part of the story. I also appreciated how dark and, at times, violent the story way. Frankly, I was a bit surprised by this, as I think I had it my head that this would be a lighter tale! Nope! But I think that this greater depth ended up helping the story, ultimately.

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect to the characters and style of writing. Especially in the first half of the story, I felt like I was having to work to keep my attention focused on the story before me. Luckily, things did pick up towards the second half, but by then my reading experience had already been hampered. I also didn't find myself overly invested in the characters themselves; several of them were incredibly unlikable, and the others were just kind of...there.

Overall, this was a mixed read for me. There was potential here, for sure, but ultimately much of my reading experience felt like work. Fans of "The Nutcracker" may still want to check this out, but I do think there was room for improvement.

2.75/5✨

First, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book. I want to state upfront that I did DNF this at 60%

The Kingdom of Sweets is a retelling of The Nutcracker from the perspective of Natasha, Clara’s “cursed,” lesser known sister who is the shadow to Clara’s shine. Their godfather declared one sister light and the other dark, and so it has been ever since. While her sister is the golden girl, Natasha is strange, forgotten, and solitary. On Christmas eve, Natasha is given the chance at freedom and revenge.

I was initially very curious about this story. I have never seen The Nutcracker before, nor do I know much about the original story. But I’ve been in the mood for retellings lately, especially those that are fairy-tale-esque. I enjoyed the initial setup of the book: two twins that are opposites in every way, but still have a strong bond. I think the atmosphere of the story was dark and whimsical, and I think this had potential.

However, this ended up not being quite my taste. I recently read a Nutcracker retelling that I really loved (The Soldier Prince in Leigh Bardugo’s collection of short stories, The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic), so this had a hard job of trying to live up to that. I think where this fell flat for me was some of the character work. I felt generally estranged from every single character, and couldn’t find anyone to root for. I’ll admit, I don’t always have to like a character to love them, but after reading more than half of this, I was mostly just disinterested.

While this wasn’t for me, I definitely think this story could work for those who like morally grey characters, a dark fairytale vibe, and revenge stories. Do check trigger warnings, and I hope this story finds its audience.

This book has such a cute and fun premise but it was badly in need of a stronger edit. However, I think if you go into reading this just wanting something seasonal and fun- this is it!

The Kingdom of Sweets takes the story of the Nutcracker Ballet and turns it on its head. Imagine if the Sugar Plum Fairy was not so nice and sweet. Imagine if Clara was vapid and foolish and full of herself. Imagine if Drosselmeyer had cruel intentions for giving the Nutcracker to Clara. Better yet... what if Clara had a sister that was the dark shadow to her brilliant light? These questions are all answered and addressed by Erika Johansen in the Kingdom of Sweets.

This is not your Nutrcracker Ballet Christmas Romance of the Nutcracker Prince and Clara. Far from it. Instead this is a story of the power of twins, what happens when a dark sister is ignored, and the power of claiming your own nature without shame or dispute. The Rat King is but a glimmer in the story while Natasha, the Dark Twin is our main character while Clara is but a side character. To be honest I kinda preferred it that way.

Johansen introduces us to the twin sisters of Clara and Natasha where in this story Drosselmeyer is more like the dark fairy Maleficent who curses the twins to be known as Light and Dark. Of course Clara is adored and given everything and can do no wrong while Natasha is left to be shunned and ridiculed. However where the Nutcracker Ballet leaves off in the Kingdom of Sweets well this is where the story truly begins. Natasha decides to follow Clara to the Kingdom of Sweets and trust me not all is as it seems.

The Kingdom of Sweets is truly just a gauze for what is truly on the inside. There is revenge and retribution and darkness. The world beneath the Kingdom of Sweets and its true heart is dark and cruel and the Sugar Plum Fairy is more a Nemesis then a dear.

While Natasha delves in the nature of what the curse holds between her and her sister , she also discovers the revenge that the Sugar Plum Fairy plots against Drosselmeyer . From here the story unfolds to one of a mother's love, the bond and loathing between siblings, pivotal moments in Russian history, and the desire of what one will do to be truly seen.

The Kingdom of Sweets was more then I expected it to be. It was deliciously dark and at times violent, other times heartbreaking. It was difficult for me to find myself liking Clara, who I have always loved in the Nutcracker Ballet, but in the Kingdom of Sweets she was vapid and annoying. I followed Natasha's story earnestly and loved every moment of it. As one that has also known what it is like to the be the Wallflower and the Dark sort, I found myself rooting for her throughout. While her decisions were not always ones I would have agreed with, I found myself endeared to her.

Johansen has a talent for presenting all the characters we have known and loved along with new characters in such a bewitching light that I found myself sucked in. The Kingdom of Sweets was nothing more then a pretty facade for an otherwise dark Fae world and I absolutely loved it. If you have a desire for a darker tale and take on the Nutcracker then I highly recommend the Kingdom of Sweets. I loved it and cannot recommend it enough. Not just for the holiday season but any time at all. Until next time, happy reading!

I’m stumped on how to review this book.

Confession: I almost gave up between the 15-20% point. I was bored, and I didn’t like the characters.

I persevered, which I’m mostly happy about. The second half of the book gets weird in a fun way. Parts held me riveted. Yet, other parts dragged.

Overall, I think the story had more pages than necessary, with some repetition and filler. But the essence is brilliant and beautiful.

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

"The Kingdom of Sweets" by Erika Johansen is a captivating retelling of the classic tale of "The Nutcracker" that brilliantly weaves in darker elements from the original story. Johansen beautifully explores the relationships between the characters, particularly Clara and the Nutcracker, adding depth and complexity to their interactions.
I was impressed by Johansen's ability to blend the sweetness of the original fairy tale with a darker, more sinister undertone. The author's vivid descriptions painted a rich and atmospheric world that was both enchanting and eerie. The Kingdom of Sweets felt both inviting and foreboding, adding an extra layer of mystery to the narrative.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Johansen's exploration of the relationships between the characters and the inclusion of darker elements, I felt that the pacing of the story was a bit uneven at times. Some parts felt rushed, while others dragged on a bit too long. However, overall, "The Kingdom of Sweets" is a captivating and imaginative retelling that fans of the original Nutcracker story are sure to enjoy.
In conclusion, I give "The Kingdom of Sweets" 4 out of 5 stars for its beautiful prose, intriguing relationships between the characters, and the masterful way in which darker elements from the original story were incorporated. Johansen's retelling is a mesmerizing read that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic tale.

I got a widget for this book and I waffled on whether I really wanted to give it a try, but in the end I thought the premise sounded interesting and I'm a sucker for retellings and reimaginings. Sadly this did not end up being for me and took some turns that did not work for me.

A darkly fun retelling of a classic story. I appreciated the addition of Natasha and the sibling dynamic, which added a depth that wasn't present in the short story original. I also appreciated the older protagonists and more mature perspectives. Lots of fun to read!

Wow, this book was nothing like I expected. In some ways that was a good thing, in others not so much. I thought it was cool to do a light vs dark sister angle. The setting and writing were really well done, but I wasn't sure what message the author was trying to get across. Some of the shaming had a very anti-feminism vibe. Overall, an interesting book with a plot that's definitely memorable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

I am so happy I was able to read this dark and twisted retelling of The Nutcracker. This was well worth the time! My only criticism is that I would have liked more of the questions I had about the story answered by the end of the book. It would have been just that bit more satisfying.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC! I will be reviewing and/or showcasing this book on my social media accounts when I can. Thanks again very much appreciated and looking forward to this book!