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A review by spongebobbiii
The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Check our my blog for this review! It sure looks better with pictures :)
https://www.literarypawspectives.com/post/the-kingdom-of-sweets-a-nutcracker-story-with-a-dark-twist
Regardless of my personal feelings about "The Kingdom of Sweets," any story that draws on the world of "The Nutcracker" is bound to evoke warm and nostalgic feelings. My intimate knowledge of "The Nutcracker" stems from a cherished holiday tradition – attending the San Francisco Ballet's performance with my grandfather each year. These performances are a treasured memory, making any book that reminds me of them worthwhile.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of "The Kingdom of Sweets" by Erika Johansen. Imagine "The Nutcracker," but with a twist of darkness – that's the essence of this novel. The premise revolves around Clara, the beloved protagonist of the original story, and her evil twin Natasha, who is cursed by their Godfather Drosselmeyer. Each character from the original tale is reimagined with exaggerated traits – Drosselmeyer as a sinister magician, Fritz remaining eternally childlike, and Clara depicted as extremely pretentious. Natasha, overshadowed by her sister, embarks on a quest for revenge.
The first third of the book is masterfully crafted, weaving seamlessly into the original Nutcracker narrative. As a frequent attendee of the ballet, I could vividly picture the Stahlbaum's festive opening party scene. However, as the story shifts to The Kingdom of Sweets, the enchantment of the ballet gives way to a more ominous setting.
In contrast, the latter half of the book seemed to lose momentum. The departure from the classic Nutcracker storyline was a bit disappointing, and character development appeared somewhat lacking. However, the conclusion of the story was satisfying. While "The Kingdom of Sweets" may not top my list of favorites, it was a journey worth taking.
https://www.literarypawspectives.com/post/the-kingdom-of-sweets-a-nutcracker-story-with-a-dark-twist
Regardless of my personal feelings about "The Kingdom of Sweets," any story that draws on the world of "The Nutcracker" is bound to evoke warm and nostalgic feelings. My intimate knowledge of "The Nutcracker" stems from a cherished holiday tradition – attending the San Francisco Ballet's performance with my grandfather each year. These performances are a treasured memory, making any book that reminds me of them worthwhile.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of "The Kingdom of Sweets" by Erika Johansen. Imagine "The Nutcracker," but with a twist of darkness – that's the essence of this novel. The premise revolves around Clara, the beloved protagonist of the original story, and her evil twin Natasha, who is cursed by their Godfather Drosselmeyer. Each character from the original tale is reimagined with exaggerated traits – Drosselmeyer as a sinister magician, Fritz remaining eternally childlike, and Clara depicted as extremely pretentious. Natasha, overshadowed by her sister, embarks on a quest for revenge.
The first third of the book is masterfully crafted, weaving seamlessly into the original Nutcracker narrative. As a frequent attendee of the ballet, I could vividly picture the Stahlbaum's festive opening party scene. However, as the story shifts to The Kingdom of Sweets, the enchantment of the ballet gives way to a more ominous setting.
In contrast, the latter half of the book seemed to lose momentum. The departure from the classic Nutcracker storyline was a bit disappointing, and character development appeared somewhat lacking. However, the conclusion of the story was satisfying. While "The Kingdom of Sweets" may not top my list of favorites, it was a journey worth taking.