This is a retelling of The Nutcracker, updated for adults with a sinister undertone. I found it fun and whimsical, but ultimately forgettable.

I received this eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

Using set pieces and characters from The Nutcracker, this story mainly focuses on Clara’s twin, Natalie, and explores opposites, dark and light, good and evil. The Kingdom of Sweets is set in late 19th century and early 20th century Russia as the modern industrial age drives rapid change that leads to the Russian Revolution. Rasputin makes a small appearance, and even Lenin pops up. The characters’ actions and choices within that world supports the exploration of right and wrong and our understanding of where the line exists in the moment, and outside the moment.

The book’s connection to The Nutcracker is regularly acknowledged, but at the beginning of each Act the book is divided into there is a stanza from T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland”. There are common themes explored.

The overall strength of the writing is building and describing the worlds–Russia and the Kingdom of Sweets–the story is consistently atmospheric. The character development doesn’t really hit its stride until the second half.

There is so much to like here. Johansen creates vivid images. The world comes alive around her characters. I liked the dark twist on the nutcracker and the historical fiction weaved in. I like the plot and what the author created. Parts of the character development fell a bit flat for me and I couldn't figure out why. I liked the book and I like the intricate world. I even like the nuanced morally grey characters but I wanted them fleshed out a bit more. More interaction between them perhaps and connections between them throughout the story.

Overall it was still a fun read though and a great escape if you like dark retellings.

3.75

I found this book to be an interesting take on the Nutcracker. Much darker than I expected it to be. It took me quite some time to collect my feelings about this book.

It was filled with unlikable characters, including the main character, and I found that to be quite intriguing to follow. I really liked the exploration of sibling jealousy and parents playing favoritism.

The writing was very readable and not overly flowery. The setting was vivid but I wished it was even more whimsical. For a Christmas centric story, it didn't quite feel as such. I struggled with the plot a little bit as it felt like it lost its purpose at some point along the way, but overall, I enjoyed this book.

Thank you to Penguin Group and Dutton for providing an advanced reading copy!

This is a dark take on the beloved The Nutcracker, where darkness and magic soon take over the family. The premise was really interesting and the story kept my attention for the first half! I am a reader who enjoys dialogue and felt that there were pages of just narration that I couldn't get past. The timeline was a little wonky for me too. I thought it was interesting to throw in some actual history, but felt like this could have been incorporated more into the story to make it more interesting to me!

Some of my fondest winter memories are of going to the ballet to see the Nutcracker. Granted, it’s been a few years since I’ve seen it, but I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the basics of the story. Then I was offered the opportunity to read this, and it just felt like the perfect holiday read.

I didn’t get very far before realizing that while this is based on the events of the Nutcracker, Johansen has taken the liberty to make this story her own. The plot is imaginative, the writing is lyrical and transportive, and I couldn’t put this book down. I was absolutely loving it, and when I had to stop reading, I found myself thinking about the story.

The story centers on twin sisters who given a birthright by their godfather, Drosselmeyer. Clara was blessed with “light,” while Natasha was cursed with “dark.” Consequently, Clara grew up viewed as beautiful with everything handed to her, while Natasha is seen as plain and is constantly overlooked in favor of her sister. But despite their strange birthright, Natasha never sees a problem with this, and loves her sister, who she sees as her best friend.

However, one Christmas, Drosselmeyer comes with a Nutcracker doll for their younger brother Fritz, and a ballerina doll for Clara, who practices ballet. Fritz becomes enraged and throws the doll, breaking its arm. One of Drosselmeyer’s boys fixes it, and later that night, it manages to transport both Clara and Natasha to the Kingdom of Sweets, which is ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Kingdom of Sweets was where the story really started getting interesting. Everything was described so beautifully that I was able to visualize it, and while everything seemed so wonderful, there was also an undercurrent of menace. Anyone who has read any fairy tale knows that anything that looks too good to be true is probably hiding a dire threat.

And that’s where the Sugar Plum Fairy comes in—she’s one of those characters that fascinated me in this story. She’s a much more intriguing antagonist that Drosselmeyer, in that she manages to indirectly manipulate the characters throughout the story. While I could completely understand Natasha finally reaching a breaking point with Clara, and having it out with her, the Sugar Plum Fairy’s influence is more than obvious, and you can see her influence in Clara’s actions as well.

Finally, I loved how it all worked out—that we got to see more of the story play out. It was consistently paced and so engaging all throughout the book, and thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite how much it diverged from the original story. I actually liked the direction that Johansen took it, and made it completely her own, while still retaining enough elements of the original story to make it recognizable.

As someone who remembers next to nothing about the plot of The Nutcracker, I experienced the book as its own story. I'm honestly not sure if having actual knowledge about The Nutcracker would've made this a more enjoyable experience, as the overall book was extremely mediocre.

Johnansen is absolutely amazing when it comes to vibes and prose. Her writing is immaculate. The dark vibes were vibing. But that was about it for me.

Natasha--the biggest Not Like Other Girls girl--was nothing without her self loathing, and the constant repetition of Clara being the "light" and beloved by everyone was a bit much. I understand this was an important with building the characters and plot, but I felt it made the story drag on. That being said, none of the characters were likeable. Again, I understand that was the point, but if I don't care about any of the characters or their outcomes, why am I taking the time to read a book about them.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an copy of this book.

The Kingdom of Sweets is a dark retelling of The Nutcracker. The story follows twins, Natasha and Clara and their lives after being cursed as infants. Their godfather, Drosselmeyer, cursed the girls with the worlds, “light and dark.” Clara got the light and became a charming beauty that everyone loved. Natasha got the dark and was relegated to the shadows. She also has a gift for seeing the truth of things.

Natasha has lived her life in Clara’s shadow. When the only boy she’s ever loved is promised to marry her sister, Natasha is devastated. When the gift their godfather gave to Clara takes her to a secret world, Natasha tags along. Once in the Kingdom of Sweets, Natasha can see that this magical world is not what it seems. When she is greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy she makes a bargain that changes her life forever.

When Natasha re-emerges from the Kingdom of Sweets, she takes over the life of her beloved sister. She can finally have the life she’s always wanted. However, sometimes getting your wish is not what it’s cracked up to be. Her life takes a darker turn when the Sugar Plum Fairy returns intent on killing Natasha.

I really liked this dark Christmas fantasy. It was not what I was expecting, but I did enjoy it nonetheless. Nothing happened as I expected it would, which definitely kept me guessing to the end. It’s more of a melancholy Christmas tale, but every Christmas story doesn’t have to be a happy one.

Honestly, I felt that this was trying to wrap things up and be a standalone so hard without being so long. I would have loved a longer book to feel that second half fleshed out more.

A dark take on the nutcracker. Was a bit slow at times but overall a good holiday story for those looking for something different. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks so much for the review copy. I also bought a physical copy for my collection. I enjoyed this retelling of The Nutcracker.

Twin sisters Clara and Natasha, born on Christmas and cursed by their powerful godfather grew up keeping to their assigned roles of light and dark. But things change one Christmas Eve when an enchanted nutcracker opens a portal into a magical world that let's Natasha step into Clara's light and have the life she's always dreamed of. But dreams aren't as rosy in the light of day and nightmares can creep in when least expected.
I was really looking forward to a story set within the framework of The Nutcracker, but that is such a minor part of the story and not even fully integrated. It honestly could have been any random magical alternate world and played out identically.
Then there's the fact that I'm sick and tired of books about the shining sister and the dark sister and how they both have hidden depths. I might have forgiven that if it had solid plot points to distract me, but it relies so hard on dark tropes and piling things on top of each other that I found the story exhausting.
Plus, I'm mad that the one interesting character barely gets any page space or the exploration he deserves. I would have liked more of him and less of the sisters.
Not even the fact that it's set in a very interesting timeframe and Johansen set things up beautifully to coincide with historical events could save this one for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the read!

Very dark re-telling of the Nutcracker - with a bit of fortelling of what is happening in the world today. I liked it, but this book is certainly not for everyone. The story weaves in the magic of twins, the desire in each of us to have more than we need, and the darkness that is present in our world that can suck us under at any time. my favorite quote: "For I understood now that there was no one in the wide world who did not want something they couldn't or shouldn't have - Humanity aspired, but it also coveted".
Natasha and Clara are twin sisters - cursed at birth by an evil magician. Clara is given the gift of light, and Natasha is dark. Envy will begin to eat away at the twins' relationship, and on their 16th birthday, when Clara becomes engaged to the man that Natasha loves, a reckoning will take place. Clara's gift of a magical Nutcracker will take the sisters into a land that seems like a storybook, but really is a sugar-coated hell. Lots of references to Russian history in the book.

Given the description of this book I had such high expectations. The Nutcracker? Check. Creepy? Borderline horror? Yes please and more.

The book started with so much potential. The author describes two twin sisters with differing looks and personalities. Clara is blonde, superficial and loves clothes and dancing. Natasha is a brunette who loves to read and converse at an intellectual level. The girls were born on Christmas and at their christening they are doomed to "light" and "dark".

The author did a great job of developing the animosity and resentment that Natasha feels towards Clara. I was on a roll to absolutely love this retelling when the sister drop into the land of the Kingdom of Sweets. This is the part of the book that should've just propelled the reader forward wanting more and to never put the book down. Instead the reader never quite understands what is going on. We're being told of things that are happening around the characters but it's never understood what is happening and what the purpose was. I found myself completely bored. I'd put the book down. I'd look at my phone. I'd scroll Bookstagram or check my BookThreads account. Then I'd slowly return to the book in hopes of understanding who some of the characters were and what purpose they served.

The character of Grigori, brother Fritz and Orlov were introduced and I STILL have no idea what we were supposed to gain or add to the story with these characters.

I enjoyed some of the descriptions of the Sugar Plum Fair and how she looked when she would change from a good character to an evil antagonist. The description was close to a Glenda the good Witch flair to a horrific Wicked Witch of the West with crazy eyes. Sadly this was the smallest amount of development in the alternative world of the Kingdom of Sweets that I enjoyed. Everything, yes, everything else was never described well nor organized well.

The sections of the book that I enjoyed were the interactions with the sisters Clara and Natasha both before and after the Kingdom of Sweets. Everything else was Candyland's Molasse Swamp.

3.5. I disagree with reviewers who are upset that this is such a dark take on The Nutcracker--the original short story is, itself, dark and morbid--but I do wish Erika Johansen had provided her readers with a better grasp on the worlds she built. It's also tough to categorize this as either a YA or an adult novel; thematically it may fit both, but the span of years makes me think this would fare better as an adult novel.

The idea of this book really sucked me in and made me want to read it. A fantasy Christmas centered novel focusing on The Nutcracker? Count me in. I loved the start of this book. I thought it was really unique and interesting. The second half is where it lost me. I lost interest in the plot and I was really hoping the whole book would have went in a different direction.

Overall, a unique storyline but didn’t live up to my expectations. I’d love to read more by this author, though!

(Actual: 3.5⭐) I never knew I needed a dark/twisted re-telling of The Nutcracker, but here we are! I feel a bit conflicted about rating this the way that I am but, then again, I guess this is one of those stories that won't be for everyone. The themes of jealousy and greed are put on display front & center here, with the author making us both aware of and question the unspeakable things human beings can (and perhaps will) do to one another when backed up against a wall. While I did enjoy how atmospheric and whimsical it all was, I couldn't discern whether or not this was meant to be geared toward a YA or adult audience. The subject matter presented definitely points toward the latter, while the overall writing leans toward the former. In the end, I didn't love nor hate it, so I would still recommend others to give a shot!

This was such a fun holiday read! Each December, I am sure to squeeze a few holiday romances into my line-up, but I've never really read any holiday fantasy novels as part of my end of year TBR. I am so glad that The Kingdom of Sweets was my first, and I will absolutely be looking for more in the future.

With enchanting, lyrical writing and an immersive atmosphere, The Kingdom of Sweets transports the reader right into the world of the nutcracker.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A sinister retelling of the Nutcracker through the story of twin sisters whose envy reaches a fever pitch one fateful Christmas Eve.

Cursed by their godfather, Drosselmeyer, Clara and Natasha were the embodiment of light and dark. Clara was beautiful and bright, doted on by her family and society, while Natasha was relegated to a life in shadow, dismissed by those around her. On Christmas Eve, Drosselmeyer gifts Clara an enchanted nutcracker and announces her engagement to Conrad—the wealthy heir Natasha loves. Betrayed and seething, Natasha follows Clara and her nutcracker prince into the magical Kingdom of Sweets.

Natasha quickly realizes not everything—and everyone—is what they seem in the saccharine Kingdom of Sweets, and in a moment of anger and desperation, Natasha strikes a wicked bargain with the Sugar Plum Fairy. As she delights in the fruits of that vengeful covenant, Natasha begins to uncover the nefarious intentions of both Drosselmeyer and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Natasha must grapple with what she’s done, facing the darkest parts of who she is, if she’s to escape a future still cast in shadow.

Johansen delivers a unique dark fantasy that’s deeply immersive and nuanced—a grim exploration of envy, accountability, and female rage. While the plot somewhat slowed halfway through, I found myself utterly absorbed by the lushness of Johansen’s world and the horror-tinged story she wove. The KINGDOM OF SWEETS was incredibly imaginative and creepy, feeling like a sweeping gothic nightmare from which you couldn’t wake.

A holiday must read for fans of horror and Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

What if Clara had a sister? What if Drosselmeyer was an evil sorcerer instead of a fun-loving magician?

In the Kingdom of Sweets, The Nutcracker is no longer a magical fairytale. Erika Johansen has created a complicated sister-sister relationship within a dark, foreboding world.

At the eve of their christening, the sorcerer Drosselmeyer bestows the gift of Light upon Clara and Dark upon her twin sister, Natasha. Clara’s destined for everyone to fall in love with her, to receive anything she wants. Natasha’s shunned by everyone and is cursed to be alone.

But Natasha gets a chance for revenge when she and Clara find themselves in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Kingdom of Sweets. Natasha must decide what she really wants and what she’s willing to do to get it.

Be ready for a dark read with this retelling. You won’t find likable characters, and while there is a part of the book set in The Kingdom of Sweets, most of the plot takes place in the real world.

The entire story is told from Natasha’s perspective; we’re looking at Clara from her point of view. I wished we would have some chapters told from Clara’s perspective. Clara was written as a selfish, spoiled character, although occasionally I could see glimpses of something more. I just wish her character would have been more well-rounded.

If you enjoy fairytale retellings, I’d recommend picking up Kingdom of Sweets. It’s original plot, atmospheric writing and character relationships makes it a great read!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.