The Kingdom of Sweets

 By: Erika Johansen 

Location: FIC JOH

Genre: Fantasy, Retelling of Christmas, Historical Fiction, Nut Cracker

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 the Kingdom of Sweets.In this land of snow and sugar, Natasha is presented with a power far greater than 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.

 Review by Melki

When he placed one hand on each of our foreheads in the old pagan sign of blessing, our mother began to weep.

"Light," Drosselmeyer said, looking down at Clara. And then, turning to me: "Dark."

Cursed as an infant at her own christening, Natasha grew up in her twin sister Clara's shadow. While her sister hogged the spotlight, Nat preferred a quiet life surrounded by books and her imagination . . . until Clara took the ONE THING Natasha valued most of all. And, when given a chance for revenge, she decided to finally claim what she desired, no matter the cost.

Anyone looking for a cheery, holiday feel-good read should open another book. This is a VERY DARK fantasy where bad things happen to people and hapless gingerbread men. Some readers may not like Natasha, our narrator. True, she is not a good person, but neither is anyone else in this bleak tale. I found her fascinating, and was rooting for her, even as she indulged her darkest dreams. Be warned - the author is willing to travel to some pretty scary places, and you may not want to take this trip.

"Should you happen upon my nutcracker again, I would leave it be . . . The finished item holds a great danger for one as poorly used as yourself."