A fantasy nutcracker retelling? My perfect cup of tea!

Midnight in Everwood was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2021, with the the Nutcracker being one of my all-time favourite stories. That left MA Kuzinar's debut with a lot to live up to. 

Kuzniar's heroine Marietta is aged up from the classic ballet and story, as a young woman she is trying to forge her way in the world with ambitions to be a dancer, however her parents want her to marry, and don't see ballet as a suitable future for their daughter. In an effort to change their mind, Marietta is pinning her hopes on her final showcase at Christmas. But when their neighbour Drosselmeier turns up, along with prospects of a match, Marietta's future is threatened and as she tries to escape she is catapulted into a fantasy land, lost in a dark and snowy forest before she is rescued by the captain of the king's guard and escorted to the palace. 

This is where the book truly comes alive, with wonderful depictions of a magical palace, a court filled with fantastical balls, buildings spun of sugar, air filled with scents of cinnamon and so much more. Marietta's descriptions are delightful and immersive, but if at times they seem sickly sweet, there is good reason because all is not as it seems. Confined to rooms with Dellara and and Pirlipata, all three ladies are at the whim of frivolous King Gelum. When Marietta finds herself just as trapped and oppressed as she was in her old life, she realises she needs to escape, but also to help her new found friends. 

This book is a wonderful fantastical adventure as well as a coming of age novel with our protagonist finding herself, but also the importance of friendships, and forging her own path. The book does depart from the traditional story which may not be for everyone, but I love Kuzniar's unique take on this classic tale. Whether or not you love The Nutcracker, Midnight in Everwood is a fantastic winter fantasy.

Unfortunately I couldn't really get into this story even though I tried. I think it's my own fault, I've grown out of books like this in recent months. Thank you for the opportunity to read it, regardless of that.

Book Review | Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✨(4.5/5)

Marietta loves to dance, but her parents have other ideas for their daughter. They want Marietta to marry well and join society, and ballet is not a part of that plan. When Dr Drosselmeier, mysterious toymaker, moves to town, Marietta's parents begin to see her future mapping itself out. However, perhaps Dr Drosselmeier brings a darker magic than anyone has realised. On Christmas Eve, Marietta's last dance is drawing close, and Dr Drosselmeier seems to be drawing even closer, but Marietta finds herself in magical Everwood...Will she make it home? And what will her future hold?

I was looking forward to this novel, and the magic of Midnight in Everwood did not disappoint. Kuzniar creates a novel full of enchantment and intigue.

The setting of Everwood is rich, magical and Kuzniar transports you right there. I could see it all vividly in my mind, from the snowy woods to the sugary architecture.

Although the novel is set in the early 20th century, the feminism of the plot brings a more modern element and highlights the class and gender expectations Marietta and other character's face.

The characters are also well-crafted, many of them hiding secrets and more complex than they first appear.

I paritcularly enjoyed Marietta's character arc. When she first arrives in Everwood, Marietta wants to push back against constraints, perhaps prove what she is capable of, but sometimes this can lead to trouble. She learns many lessons during her time in Everwood, especially about standing up for yourself and fighting for what you believe in. These lessons are learned alongside, and thanks to, the friends that Marietta meets in Everwood. The female friendships stood out particularly, and I enjoyed seeing Marietta forming these bonds, learning from and supporting other woman.

If you're looking for a darkly magic, wintery tale, then this retelling of the Nutcracker needs to be on your tbr.

Fantastic concept, poor execution and a writing style that really did not agree with me. Not one I can recommend.

FIVE STARS

These are the reviews I love to write. This book was simply magical and will stay with every reader long after they put it down.

I finished it a while ago and I have been stuck in the biggest book slump since I out down, nothing compares to this story of magic and intrigue and I dare anybody not to enjoy it.

I could read this book over and over again!!

Midnight in Everwood is a beautiful and spellbinding read that sweeps you away in to a magical world. It's a book that leaves you feeling so happy and satisfied that you read it.

Such a beautiful retelling of the classic Nutcracker story that transported me back in time! Woven throughout are themes of female rights and dreams that are interrupted by patriarchal rituals. Marietta is a powerful, strong protagonist that always stays true to herself even when it may cause her trouble.

Midnight in Everwood is a magical fairytale for adults, although minus one scene, it could really be a young adult book. It makes you feel nostalgic and beings to the fore memories of being tucked up in bed when a child, and read tales full of wonder and enchantment.
I read this during the summer, although it would make an absolutely superb book to read during winter with tales of glistening snow, sparkling fir trees, cold crisp days, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and the excitement of Christmas.

It is quite a “girlie” book with lots of descriptions of dresses and sugary treats, it also included many ballet terms, although if these aren’t familiar to you it won’t distract from the story.
A slight criticism is the overtly obvious wokeness, it felt like a point was being made at times to score points, rather than just seamlessly being part of the tale.

Recommended if you are looking for something slightly different with a well crafted plot. The ending is fab, although it does leave you wanting a sequel and a return to Everwood.

With many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review.

The first reason this books jumped out at me was this gorgeous cover, the second reason being that it’s a retelling of the nutcracker!

The pacing was a bit slow, it definitely took a little to get in to. I enjoyed Marietta’s character and the magical features in this book, but I personally feel the pacing let it down for me.

Did not finish. The pace was a little slow for me. Nothing wrong with the book, the writing style was just not for me

Absolutely beautiful book. I loved it and could not put it down. Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in return for a review.

This was complete and utter cover love at first sight and sadly the beautiful cover doesn't quite match up to the slightly underwhelming story. An adult retelling of the Nutcracker is definitely an intriguing idea and there were fantastic aspects to the story but overall it was just a bit too boring in parts. As the main character is jailed for majority of the novel there wasn't any drama or action to keep me entertained.

Unfortunately Midnight in Everwood by M. A. Kuzniar just wasn't for me! I found it to be over-descriptive and sadly was not able to finish it!

Oh, how I wish I liked this book better. It was tiresome in some parts, though whimsical and magical, I couldn't care less for the characters and the plot. The language used here wasn't my favourite either, all fancy and formal. I don't know, maybe it wasn't the right time to read this book. I'll try to read other books by this author in the future.

This was a strange read for me, because I came to it later than others I’d seen a lot of hype, beautiful editions of the book and followed the blog tour. I started this last Christmas and it has taken me that long to get into we’re now in April! This has so many plus points: I loved subverted fairy tales and magic realism, and I’ve always been fascinated by Drosselmeier in the Nutcracker story. However, the opening chapters dragged so much that I put the book down. Every time I tried to pick it back up again I struggled to find momentum. Luckily for me as we reach Everwood it becomes like a different book and I really started to enjoy it. It’s not that Marietta’s earlier struggled aren’t relevant to the plot, it’s just the overly flowery language and descriptions feel overwhelming.
I really enjoyed the fact that the women in the book make their own choices, including Marietta. I loved the power of friendship and the way it has to hold our heroine up at times when she can’t do it herself, especially Pirlipata and Dellara. I thought Marietta’s personal growth was lovely hopeful message, that even though there are dark characters trying to control you, you can rise above it and become stronger. The idea of having a ‘star name’ was also lovely, that once you have discovered your authentic self you have a metaphorical rebirth or baptism and give yourself a name. This really appealed to me and is something I’ve used in writing therapy sessions. I’ve given the score I have because, despite the slow start, I really did enjoy these aspects of the book.

I would struggle to be able to review this book due to issues with the file/download. The issues stopped the flow of the book. The issues are:
- Missing words in the middle of sentences
- Stop/start sentences on different lines
- No clear definition of chapters.

Not sure if it was a file/download issue but there were lots of gaps, stop/starts which really ruined the flow. I would love the chance to read a better version as the description of the book appeals to me.

This is such an amazingly magical book. It grips you and keeps you hooked as you go on a journey through the pages.

Unfortunately this book was not for me. I found the writing style too heavily descriptive and often felt like I was drowning in the sea of words used to describe the sights and smells of Everwood. Whilst I can see this appealing to some - it just didn’t work for me. As a result my reading was slow and overall it took me over three months to want to read enough to get through it. It wasn’t all bad of course - there is a lovely theme of strong women relationships and of the main character finding strength and making her own way in the world. And the cover is beautiful, a fine addition to a bookshelf.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Midnight in Everwood is a gorgeous retelling of much-loved classic 'The Nutcracker' that expertly differentiates itself from the original. For fans of the original, you can see the inspiration throughout with the magic system and the worldbuilding while managing to breathe new life into the story.
Kuzniar's attention to detail with the worldbuilding and characterisation is breathtaking and truly carried this book. Marietta is a strong protagonist and following her journey and watching her navigate her friendships and blossoming romance is a true delight.
A wonderful read that will have you wanting to curl up by a fireplace with a hot chocolate in your hand!

Lovely book. Written very well with vivid descriptions. Can understand why people enjoyed and raved about it!