The Three Sisters (The Krampus Chronicles #1)

Every once in awhile, someone comes up with a truly original book idea that contains elements from different places that fit together in ways that make you think, “I wonder why no one thought to put this together in a story before now.” This book is like that.

The story begins with a typical family gathering for the Christmas holidays at the home of Clement C. Moore. (He is famous for writing the poem, Twas The Night Before Christmas.) The book takes an intriguing turn when Henry, the son of a man who knew Clement’s wife, shows up and accuses Moore of plagiarizing his famous poem. Later that night, Henry breaks into the house looking for proof, and along with a granddaughter of Moore’s, ends up under New York in a village called Poppel. There they meet Krampus. (According to German-speaking Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned figure who punishes children during the Christmas season who have misbehaved. )

I found it interesting how the author pulled together all these elements of Christmas and made a fascinating book from them.

A Steampunk, wickedly fun Holiday novel, The Three Sisters begins a series that I think will become one I need to read every holiday season. The mystery around a very famous poem as well as the creativity in the design of the world we are transported to is full of images that put you in the mood to celebrate. I recommend this one to anyone looking for an off the wall Christmas story and am looking forward to continuing my adventure.

The Three Sisters is a wonderfully whimsical and wholly imaginative Christmas tale that starts with the real-life controversy over the authorship of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (Clement Clarke Moore versus Henry Livingston) and then spirals into a Christmas Eve adventure that leads the grandchildren of the two authors in question on a not-so-merry, and sometimes scary, chase.

There’s a lot going on in this book. I mean A LOT. We have the debate over the author of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, the drama within the Moore family, the underground village of Poppel (complete with a bunch of Dutch words for things that many readers will probably be unfamiliar with), the tale and backstory of Nikolaos, the legend of The Three Sisters, and the addition of Krampus – it’s pretty easy to get a bit overwhelmed. Add in the fact that, while Livingston’s grandson Henry and Moore’s granddaughter Maggie are the most central characters to the story, Moore’s six other grandchildren also join in on the adventure, plus all the people of Poppel both good or bad, no matter how minor their part is, are all called by name – it’s a bit hard to keep the whole cast of characters straight at times.

I will admit that I chose this book because of the mention of Krampus in the title – I was a little disappointed by how little Krampus is in or even mentioned in the book. The name “Krampus” doesn’t even come into play until Chapter 17 (about 2/3 of a way into the story) and is only really part of two scenes – with a name like “The Krampus Chronicles” I was expecting more.

Overall, although it gets a bit complicated and hard to keep up at times, The Three Sisters is a fun magical Christmas adventure with the feel of a Christmas classic and well worth a read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series next holiday season – crossing my fingers for more Krampus next time though.

Maggie knows that her grandfather is famous for writing the poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, but she has never understood why he refuses to read it … even to his own family. When she meets Henry Livingston on Christmas Eve in 1854, he makes a bold claim. He believes his own grandfather was the actual writer of this poem. Maggie and Henry take an unexpected trip within the fireplace and discover an underground town that has survive under New York City. There they discover the legend of The Three Sisters and together they must try and overcome the sinister actions of the residents of Poppel.

The Three Sisters is the first book in The Krampus Chronicles. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will never again been seen in the same light after readers explore the twisted truth behind the childhood tale. The characters begin with very little information, yet they must tackle the magic and mystery far older than the city they live in. Halbach’s world building was seamless and complete. Readers will fully fall into this more innocent New York City and discover the rich secrets woven throughout. The Three Sisters was an interesting read and readers will be looking for the next book in the series.

I just finished "The Three Sisters" by Sonia Haibach. Sonia took an American Classic Tale of Christmas and gives us an alternative history for this iconic poem. It is the first glimpse of Krampus prior to his appearance in the upcoming movie. I found myself wanting more scenes with Krampus. There is such mystery surrounding him.. This is however only the first installment of the Krampus Chronicles.

The adventures in the alternate universe existing under New York City was fun and exciting. Lest I reveal too much. We are left with wanting more. What is in store for those who have caught Krampus' eye? We will have to wait and see.