This book is everything I ever wished for and more. I love ballet, strong female characters and magic and this novel blends all of those elements perfectly. Highly visual, the scenes appear fully formed in the mind from the start but they become technocolour when Marietta arrives at Everwood. The words capture the musicality and gracefulness of ballet and The Nutcracker ballet, from which is based takes on a darker, haunting and thrilling form with powerful characters to remember and an unforgettable story to be cherished and reread over and over. I can't wait for a physical copy to hold and have on my forever bookshelf.

Wow! Such a wonderful book. We all know the story of The Nutcracker and this is the first time that I have ever seen a book based upon the tale. There are so many elements that are recognisable from the story, but they have been given an delicious twist.
The story is set in Nottingham in the early 1900s when times are beginning to change for women - there is a reference to the suffragettes within the narrative. Marietta is the daughter of the Baron and is expected to do her duty and make a good marriage. However, Marietta's passion is ballet and her father has indulged her to allow her to attend weekly lessons but at Christmas on her 21st birthday - he has decreed that she will dance no more.
The house opposite the family home gains a new occupant, an inventor - Dr Drosselmeier (think Clara's godfather in the original story) He delights the family with his magical gifts - even a nutcracker -and becomes enamoured of Marietta to the delight of her parents, telling her that he will create a magical set in the family ballroom for Marietta's final performance - the ballet Sleeping Beauty in which she will be dancing the principal part. Marrietta discovers that Drosselmeier's 'magic' is darker than she believed and she finds herself walking off the set into a magical, sugar frosted land where a sugar palace is full of secrets and she must find a way of returning home.
I loved this, the magical landscape that Marietta finds herself in is so sumptuous and delectable. This is a sugar coated land where even the elaborate gowns worn by the guests in the palace shimmer and sparkle, covered with scenes that change. I was totally invested in the characters and found that I cared about Marietta and the dangers that surrounded her in this frosted land where nothing was quite as it seemed.
This has everything, magic, adventure, a villain, heroes, friendship, secrets, ... I could go on but I don't want to give spoilers away. Marietta is a young woman who is wanting to gain her independence and to step away from the path that her parents are wanting to force her down and you are with her, crossing your fingers and toes as she plots to return home.
This is a perfect book for wintery evenings curled up under a blanket with a mug of foaming hot chocolate.

An adult retelling of The Nutcracker, Midnight in Everwood follows passionate ballerina Marietta as she enters a magic world for her final performance before her parents force her to give up dancing.

The cover of this book is stunning, and I was so excited to fall into the world! Unfortunately, however, I found it a bit difficult to get through. The prose is very flowery and I found it difficult to connect to the story as a result, since it didn't hold my attention. Only a personal preference though - I'm sure there are others who will love it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3.5stars

An enjoyably enchanting reimagining of The Nutcracker, partially set in Edwardian era Nottingham and filled with dazzling settings and magically festive delights—Christmas can’t come soon enough!

Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina, but her dancing days are almost will be over after Christmas (which is to be her last performance.) At the wishes of her family, Marietta must give up ballet (the most treasured thing in her life), marry a suitable husband and take up her place in society.

But the arrival of the mysteriously handsome toy maker (and new neighbour) Dr.Drosselmeier, heralds the arrival of magic and wonders that Marietta has never seen before. Though, Drosselmeier’s magic is far Darker than she could ever have anticipated....

When the toy maker constructs an elaborate theatre set— worthy of her final performance, Marietta discovers it carries a magic of it own. For when the clock strikes midnight, Marietta finds herself in an unfamiliar land of snow topped trees and frozen sugar palaces filled with sugar spun webs of lies and secrets—though the sweetness only seeks the mask the kingdoms’ decay under the rule of a tyrant.

Midnight in Everwood was such an enjoyable and charmingly inventive take on a well loved classic, though I do have to warn the deliciously tempting descriptions will leave you craving the sugar laden comfort foods of Christmas.

The writing had a lyrical quality that was really enjoyable and the whimsy of Everwood was exceptional, if you loved the clever blend of historical fiction and magical realism in The Night Circus then I’m pretty sure you’ll love this.

The characters were very nicely written, and I loved the strength Marietta showed when faced with a troubling situation.Marietta’s unrelenting naïveté in the first half of the book, however was a little annoying.

The pace was spot on and the plot undeniably compelling, I just couldn’t put it down-the only thing that hindered my enjoyment was the continuous ballet jargon (the names of particular moves,etc.), I know absolutely nothing about ballet besides how incredibly difficult it is and how elegant it looks,so I couldn’t really picture what the dances mentioned or decribed looked like without having to search online. Though,this isn’t really a problem with the book and more with my lack of ballet knowledge.

Overall a really enjoyable and fun read, I’d definitely recommend to fans of Erin Morgenstern, Stephanie Garber and The Nutcracker.

And also a massive thank you to HQ and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

As soon as I saw the cover for this book I juat knew I had to read it. I love fantasy stories and was completely drawn to this. It is stunning!

The story was not at all what I expected. Although, having never read The Nutcracker, I didn't really know what to expect. The world of Everwood was a different and 'sweet' surprise. It really does sound magical!

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read more by the author.

Midnight in Everwood
by M.A. Kuzniar
61683182
Julie Kelly's review Aug 04, 2021 · edit
really liked it

I will reread this in the Winter. I can imagine curling up in a cosy armchair in front of a roaring fire with this festive novel in one hand and a hot chocolate in the other. A retelling of The Nutcracker set in 1906 in Nottingham, this is a sumptuous tale blending fantasy, feminism, and gothic romance. What’s not to like?!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC. My views are unbiased and independent.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Midnight in Everwood was an utter delight from page 1. Admittedly, I was relatively unfamiliar with the Nutcracker so was unsure how the original plot would weave its way into the retelling, but Kuzniar seamlessly wove the story into Edwardian England. The comparison titles of The Night Circus, Caraval and The Bear & the Nightingale were spot on. This book combined the lyrical, atmospheric writing of Erin Morgenstern, the whimsical, tricky magic of Caraval and the headstrong, confident MC of the Bear & the Nightingale. Needless to say Midnight in Everwood was nuanced mix of gorgeous description and compelling plot. Fast paced, intriguing and mysterious, I fell in love with determined Marietta and her love of dancing. She quickly forms an unbreakable friendship with her two female companions in Everwood and their relationship quickly became one of my favourite parts. Kuzniar is a master of visceral, beautiful prose so distinct I felt like I was in Everwood right alongside Marietta, tasting the sugary confections and admiring the artful dresses. Midnight in Everwood has been one of my favourite reads this year and I’ll can’t wait to own a hard copy of my own. Would highly recommend for fans of whimsical world building, atmospheric writing and compelling characters. Five stars!

Firstly, thank you to Net Galley and HQ for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

'It was a rainy day that the magic came, and once magic has entered your life, you stay in its glittering clutch forever'. A retelling of The Nutcracker.

1906. Nottingham. Marietta has spent the majority of her life indulging in ballet, but hse knows his is coming to an end, as her priggish and controlling parents want her married off asap, and preferably to the crem de la crem of society. Enter handsome, mysterious toy inventer, Mr Drosselmeier. All the well to do families are vying for his attention and throwing invitations to dinners at him, like Pride and Prejudice's Mr Darcy. However, he has set his heart on Marietta and will go to any lengths to make her his, including magic. As Marietta escapes him, she finds herself in a strange new winter wonderland, where all is not as it seems. The magic, the enchanted mice, the confectionary, the luxury, and the attention Marietta gains through her dancing from King Gelum, all hide a much darker, sinister underbelly.

I'll admit - I don't know the story of The Nutcracker, so I don't know how much is from there, and how much is Kuzniar's story, so I might talk about things that have nothing to do with the author. So, I think the premise for this was great, and it was that that drew me in. The book initially reminded me of several other books, including (but not limited to!) P&P, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and The Magic Faraway Tree, which is no bad thing! I felt sorry for Marietta, being stuck in a life where society expected nothing more from her than a good husband and children. She was trapped and unable to pursue her passion. But I didn't really like her as a character. I don't know if the dialogue was parhaps partially to blame for this - I found it to be quite formal and stilted and a bit of a barrier to getting to know Marietta better. I also felt that the descriptions of both dancing and Marietta's surroundings were a little bit repetitive and in-depth, I found myself skimming over them in the end. These factors did lessen my enjoyment of the book unfortunately, so although I've given 3 stars above, it would probably only be 2.5.

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

This book started off really slow for me, halfway through was when it finally interested me more. I didn’t feel the magic until then either. But the storyline and plot was really interesting, something I haven’t read before.

The characters were so good, actually liked all of them and how well they’ve been written. The slow burn romance was such a big YES!

Was hoping for a different ending but I’m still quite happy with it.

From the magical cover and interesting description I knew I was going to like reading this one! A beautifully written story that evokes the period so well. A lovely winter read that makes me want to curl up by the fire with snow outside!

Midnight in Everwood is an enchanting retelling of The Nutcracker. I really enjoyed the world building and the strong female friendships, however, the writing was extremely lyrical, and while I do enjoy this style of writing, sometimes it was a bit too much for me, especially the scenes in which Marietta first arrives in Everwood.

With such whimsical writing I agree that this will be perfect for fans of Caraval and The Night Circus

Thank you HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I was so looking forward to this book but unfortunately I really struggled to engage with it. I liked the writing style to begin with but then felt like the story needed to get going a bit more.
I know the story of the nutcracker is pretty dark but I guess I was hoping for something with more of a Christmassy feel. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me.

I adored this book - it thrilled in all the right places. Very much a grown-up Nutcracker, I loved the darkness of Drosselmeier in this version and how he has set his sights upon marrying Marietta, something which her parents are in full support of. There were other elements too such as the theme of mice within the world of Everwood, the soldiers, snow forest and so on. And of course, the central role of ballet.
Marietta's journey and growth was an interesting one and one which felt very authentic. I loved how feminism and female friendships were important in the changes to Marietta, and whilst there is a love interest, it is never the end-game for Marietta - she stands firm in her desire for dance to be her everything.
The ending suited the book perfectly. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves reading or watching the Nutcracker - this is just a stunning version to enjoy over and over again.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Many Thanks to #Netgalley and #HQStories for the review copy of this book by M. A. Kuzniar.
I have to be honest here so I’ll keep this one short. I REALLY struggled to read this book. It literally took me over 2 weeks of trying to get through it and constantly wondering if I should just give up.
The concept is good, the idea was good, but I unfortunately thought the execution was bad.
The adjectives were far too many and I’m not a reader who can skim through parts. I constantly found myself pausing to wonder what is “whisper-thin black lace” and how thoughts can be “sticky as caramel”?! Describing words that just didn’t make sense to me. All the way through the entire book.
I also struggled with the relationships in this book. I know in the end it’s supposed to show empowerment of women but I just don’t think that came across well at all. Yes the main character got her happy ending but she was so scared all the way through but somehow achieved winning battles, once with a ballet shoe that somehow she was wearing just a bit later….
I don’t like to say it but this book really didn’t do anything for me except wind me up, a lot.

Midnight in Everwood transports you to another world; one of ice, sugar, ballet, fear, love and friendship but through a dark and gothic filter. There's a vague similarity to Narnia with the majority of the tale taking place in another world, only accessible through hidden portals. The theme of mice running throughout links the two worlds in a subtle way. I really enjoyed the escapism and fairytale elements of this book which captures a broad range of situations and emotions making it ideal for adolescents and adults alike.

“Only the most magical things happen at midnight. When mortal folk are dreaming, safe in their beds, it is then that the sprites and goblins creep out and the air crackles with wild magic.”
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It’s safe to say I am in love with Midnight in Everwood. (My e-ARC is certainly covered in highlights.)
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I’m so glad I enjoyed this and so glad I got early access to it because it was one of my most anticipated books of the year being full of everything I expect to love. I mean, feminism and friendship, dancing and cake, and a fairy tale retelling - whats not to like?
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Marietta was a perfect heroine. She challenged what it meant to be a woman in a world in which it’s disappointing that women want to follow her dreams. I loved that she had her morals and things she stood for, but also that she recognised her privilege. Her drive towards and love of dance was inspiring.
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I thought the side characters were no less well developed for only being side characters. The romance took its time and allowed the characters to develop genuine feelings for each other, so much so that my heart ached by the end. Family was also a huge thing in this (I really liked Frederick as a brother) but I liked how Marietta’s opinion towards friendships grew as they developed and became more important to her. It was what allowed her to grow as a character, and Dellara and Pirlipata were such interesting characters for her to play off.
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The world building in this was incredible. I could imagine myself there, see everything playing out. It felt just like a modern fairy tale.
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The writing style in this was magical. It was rich and beautiful and I loved every second I spent in the story.
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I cannot recommend this enough: 5❄️

Thanks to #Netgalley and #HQ for an ARC of #MidnightInEverwood by #M.A.Kuzmiar in return gor am honest review.

This isn’t my usual read, but it’s always good to try something new.

This book finds us in 1906 Nottingham. Marietta is a ballet dancer, planning her final performance before she turns 21 and her family force her in a different direction.
A mysterious stranger moves in next door and starts to build a set for Marietta’s final performance….. and that’s where the magic begins.

This is essentially a retelling of The Nutcracker, with a gothic twist and a bit of Disney thrown in for good measure.

As I said, this isn’t my usual read, but, just WOW!
This book is beautifully written, with some exceptional characters. Marietta is determined not to be pushed into the life her parents want for her. She is easy to like, feisty and confident.

There is of course romance. Which although bittersweet, is also wuite beautiful and moving.

The descriptions of sweets and treats in this book will make your mouth water.

Overall, this book will captivate you, enchant you, empower you and keep you turning those pages until the very end.

A magical five stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the first book for many years that I’ve actually given up on.
I found the line between dreams and reality in it extremely confusing and there was not enough of a pace or storyline to keep me interested.
Sadly I am unable to recommend.

Oh my I was totally blown away by this book. I was sucked in from the front cover! Really can’t recommend this book enough

What begins as a promising read becomes a chore to read thanks to a highly florid and archaic writing style which the author struggles to manage throughout. It is very clear that while the concept, characters and plot do have potential and offer a whimsical take on a well loved story, the writing style lets the novel down. Though this style feels cohesive with the world, it feels forced, crammed with so much detail that it detracts from the world building and character connection.

With this being said, the characters never quite realise their full worth and are left two-dimensional at best.

Overall, it is not a title I would recommend or reread.