The Kingdom of Sweets is a dark, intriguing, atmospheric retelling of The Nutcracker. It was a bit too dark for my taste, but I enjoyed this vivid and creative story overall.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This is a dark take on the classic Nutcracker story told from Natasha's POV. While Clara is seemingly experiencing all the wonder of the realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Natasha, who wasn't expected, sees the dark underbelly hidden underneath the sugary sweetness. This also allows her to make a bargain of her own to get everything she thought she ever wanted. But you should always be careful what you wish for.

For me this book read like a slightly fantastical historical fiction, with most of the tale grounded in reality. Since I typically enjoy historical fiction, I loved that aspect of the story. And I felt very invested in Natasha's life after she struck a deal with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Overall I give The Kingdom of Sweets 4.1378 out of 5 stars.

The Kingdom of Sweets was darker than I expected, but I enjoyed it. I'm not someone who took ballet as a kid and grew up with The Nutcracker as a huge part of my traditions, so reading this twisted version of it wasn't offensive to me. These characters (the sisters) are not likeable. Neither are their parents or their brother, although I did feel for Fritz later in the book. I was only rooting for Natasha because the story is from her POV, and her early situation is pitiable. The ending was satisfying and I appreciated the Russian history that was woven in.

I would recommend The Kingdom of Sweets to anyone looking for a unique holiday read that isn't a romance. It's not a "feel-good" book, but it might be just what you need to balance out all the Hallmark-style Christmas books.

A dark, intricate reimagining of The Nutcracker, full of political intrigue and fantastical world-building. Atmospheric and richly imagined.

I was so excited to grab this one! I just love Nutcracker retellings and this one did not disappoint. Natasha and Clara are told by their Godfather that one of them is light and one is dark. Clara is the favorite leaving Natasha as the one that is forgotten. When Natasha is given the option to have power even if it might not be nice, it is no wonder she jumps at the chance with her whole self. Chaos ensues and Natasha has to decide who she wants to be. The story was so good and I did not want to stop reading. I would read more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Despite being a ballerina for the first decade and a half of my life, I am not actually all that familiar with The Nutcracker, so I couldn’t tell you how closely this adaptation stuck to the original story – my guess is not all that much, which I don’t think is necessarily a bad thing. What you have here is an insanely imaginative retelling that is, in my humble opinion, much more horror than fantasy.

This was a fine story, perfectly alright. Interesting enough whenever I picked it up, but I had no real draw to dive back in whenever I put it down. My biggest issue is that there are multiple MASSIVE time jumps throughout the book, which really made all stakes that did exist feel almost null and void – with years going by with nothing of note occurring (which must be true because the author chose to skip over them entirely), how am I supposed to remain invested?
The answer: I didn’t.

The writing was engaging and the creativity with the magic and its underlying meanings was quite fascinating; it just wasn’t enough to make up for what was an overall lackluster reading experience.

Content warning: body shaming, bullying, drug abuse, emotional abuse, misogyny, mental illness, violence, death, gore, miscarriage.

"The Kingdom of Sweets" by Erika Johansen is an enchanting novel that transports readers to a magical world brimming with adventure and the allure of confectionery wonders. Johansen's vivid storytelling and detailed descriptions create an immersive atmosphere, drawing readers into a realm where sweets are not just treats but gateways to extraordinary adventures.

The narrative follows a young protagonist who finds herself in the captivating Kingdom of Sweets, a place teeming with vibrant colors, fantastical creatures, and an array of delectable desserts. Johansen's world-building is exceptional, crafting a dreamy and immersive setting. From candy-coated landscapes to chocolate rivers, the Kingdom of Sweets is a feast for the imagination, inviting readers to savor every detail.

Character development is a highlight of the novel. The protagonist is relatable and endearing, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and courage as she navigates the challenges of this magical land. Johansen populates the story with a diverse cast of characters, each with unique quirks and personalities, adding depth and richness to the narrative. The friendships and alliances formed throughout the story are heartwarming and emphasize themes of loyalty and bravery.

The plot is engaging and well-paced, balancing whimsical moments with suspenseful challenges that keep readers engaged. Johansen skillfully intertwines fantasy and adventure elements, ensuring that the story is entertaining and thought-provoking. As the protagonist faces obstacles and uncovers the secrets of the Kingdom of Sweets, readers encounter unexpected twists and turns that enhance the overall experience.

Themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of following one's dreams are woven throughout the narrative, making it not just a tale of sweets and magic but also a story with meaningful life lessons. Johansen’s ability to convey these messages in a lighthearted and enjoyable manner makes the book suitable for readers of all ages.

In conclusion, "The Kingdom of Sweets" is a charming and imaginative novel that showcases Erika Johansen’s talent for storytelling. With its enchanting world, relatable characters, and engaging plot, this book is a delightful read for anyone seeking a whimsical escape. Johansen has crafted a magical journey that celebrates the joys of friendship and self-discovery, making it a perfect addition to the library of young readers and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Prepare to be swept away into a world where every page is a treat and every adventure is sweeter than the last!

I'm a sucker for a re-telling and I absolutely love The Nutcracker, so picking this one up was a no-brainer. It was very different then I was expecting. I've read another Nutcracker re-telling, which I absolutely adored, and maybe I thought it would be more like that one, but this one was VERY dark. Like VERY, VERY dark. To the point that it took me by surprise.

Starting with the characters, there really wasn't a character to root for. Initially, I was really interested in Natasha as a character, however, that interest quickly faded. Both Natasha and Clara are terrible people, and I found it hard to root for either.

I will say that the storytelling was really great. Johanson created a lush and imaginative world. The Kingdom of Sweets really came alive for me and every time we're plunged into that world, it felt immersive. I almost wish we had gotten more it.

I think that this book was just too dark for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a dark story, but I do need it to have something to balance out that darkness to make me feel invested. I was really into this book for about the first half, but then it began to feel like a slog to get through and without any levity, it made it more difficult to get through.

It wasn't the worst book I've read but I probably wouldn't recommend it. If you like extremely dark books with quite a bit of anti-feminist messaging, this may be a fit for you. Don't expect it to put you in the mood for the holiday season though.

I didn't realize this was a Nutcracker retelling when requesting this book. It was an okay book, but I didn't vibe with the writing style.

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen was a mesmerizing experience. This novel offers a dark, gothic retelling of The Nutcracker, delving deep into themes of envy, magic, and the complex bond between sisters.

The story centers on twins Clara and Natasha, cursed from birth by their enigmatic godfather, Drosselmeyer. Clara, embodying light, leads a life of beauty and privilege, while Natasha, representing darkness, exists in her sister’s shadow, grappling with jealousy and resentment. Their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets—a realm both enchanting and sinister—forces them to confront their intertwined destinies and the true nature of their desires.

Johansen’s prose is both lyrical and haunting, painting vivid imagery that brings the decaying yet alluring Kingdom of Sweets to life. The characters are intricately developed, each flawed and morally complex, making their struggles and transformations deeply compelling. The novel masterfully balances elements of fantasy, horror, and historical fiction, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, adding depth and realism to the narrative.

What I found particularly engaging was the exploration of the sisters’ relationship—their rivalry, love, and the impact of societal expectations on their choices. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and dark bargains, keeping me engrossed until the very end.

If you’re a fan of dark fairy tale retellings that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, The Kingdom of Sweets is a must-read. It’s a thought-provoking and atmospheric novel that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The description of the book was a bit off. This a very dark (horror even?) retelling of the Nutcracker. It was interesting in the beginning and then fell off for me. It was imaginative, but also very repetitive. Charming but twisted. It wasn't slow, but I think I just didn't love the characters in general.

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen is a mesmerizing dark fantasy retelling of The Nutcracker, centering on twin sisters Clara and Natasha, who are cursed at birth by Drosselmyer—Clara as the Light and Natasha as the Dark.

While I found it painful to witness their growing hatred for one another, this conflict added a compelling layer to the narrative. When a chance for revenge arises, the sisters seize it with fervor, propelling the story into an exhilarating direction.

Johansen’s writing style is a standout element of the book, enriching both the plot and character development. I was captivated from the first page and found it hard to put down. The blend of intricate prose and vivid character personalities truly hits the mark, making The Kingdom of Sweets an unforgettable read.

I think I just overall disagree with the concept of the book. It seems the concept is that sex workers are evil and married women are good. It's almost.. anti-feminist? The whole thing seems super disparaging.

This is a delightful fantasy that transports readers into a whimsical world brimming with magic, adventure, and, of course, an enchanting array of confections. The story follows a young protagonist who finds herself in a vibrant kingdom where sweets hold more than just culinary appeal—they are tied to the very fabric of the realm.

Johansen’s writing is both vivid and imaginative, creating a richly detailed setting that feels alive with color and flavor. The characters are charming and relatable, each with their own quirks and ambitions, making it easy for readers to become invested in their journeys.

I read this back in 2023. Apologies for sending the review now.

I read this along with one of the book club groups I am in. We all enjoyed this dark Nutcracker retelling. Most hadn't seen the movie, so I'm hoping they watched it after reading this book, so as to appreciate the dark elements that Johansen added (that were much darker than the movie).

For those who love horror and dark fantasy, this is a good book to read around the holidays. I think that's why we liked it so much, because there are not a lot of dark stories out there to read during the holidays, except Krampus type stories. A darker Nutcracker retelling was really everything we needed during the holiday season.

I love a good reimagining, especially a holiday one. This was great and I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the story!

The premise of this was great! A dark Nutcracker retelling?! I was so excited for it. It just wasn’t well executed. There were too many plot lines and the story felt rushed.

This was a strange version of the nutcracker one full of magic and unexpected turns. No one is who they seem to be and good and evil isn’t as cut and dry in this book over all I was intrigued and enjoyed listening to this book on audio over all I think I would give it a 4 stars not something I would normally enjoy be still not a new favorite.

I thought this was pretty good. I would even say scary if you’re looking for that. It was cleverly told and the toys fascinated me. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Thanks Penguin Group via NetGalley.

I just did not vibe super well with this book. I felt like it could have been pared down or expanded on, but as-is it felt a bit rushed and confusing.