There’s were so many things about this book I should’ve liked. The time period, the whimsy, the almost steampunk aspect, Paris, and winter. Yet, nothing clicked for me. I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters. I never felt hooked into the story. I struggled trying to decipher what the real conflict was in 40 percent into the book. While I was intrigued and enjoyed the “other world,” that was about the only thing that hit for me. I can appreciate the writing and the creativity, but the pace was too slow for me.

There were many elements and plot point that I found enjoyable but there was something fundamentally missing from this book that kept me from becoming invested in any of the characters or the overall story. I struggled to get through this because all of the characters felt flat, yes we knew a little backstory but it didn’t feel like we really knew them.

I loved the timeframe and world jumping but it felt more clinical than fantastical. The world that they characters jumped into where they could create anything their minds could imagine was missing its magic. It didn’t feel as otherworldly, fantastical, or as magical as it was probably intended to.

The minor bit of romance was fine but didn’t make me weak in the knees. The villain of the story, his motivations, and what he was doing may have been time accurate felt lackluster and was tied up pretty quickly once revealed.

Fans of a darker shade of magic would probably really enjoy this.

I’ve been looking for a retelling of the nutcracker. This one used all the elements but placed them in such a way that it formed a completely new story out of it.
I loved the stories within the story, the fairytales Clara’s Godfather told her growing up and the truths they concealed. I loved all the details, like castles made out of marzipan, sugarplums, and the descriptions of Paris.
But the story itself didn’t draw me in. Clara is an interesting enough character, but the plot dragged and the end felt hollow to me. I’ll give it credit for its creativity, but the execution was lacking.
(Thanks to Netgalley for the arc)

Thank you Rowenna Miller, Orbit Books and Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for a review.

I wonder why she didn’t just write or telegram her godfather to ask about Nathanael, so she would know if he was who he said he was.

Despite that, I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure novel.