Loved the magical setting. Will be looking out for more from this writier.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the main character and the feminist themes that run throughout this book but I couldn’t connect to the other characters or invest in the romance. The plot started off fairly slowly but picked up and the magical setting was well described and easy to picture. The world building was also well established. I’m not too familiar with The Nutcracker so I wasn’t sure what would happen! I did feel the ending was a little too rushed too but I enjoyed the lyrical writing style.

A huge thank you to HQ and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I'd like to disclaim this review with the fact that I have a slightly difficult relationship with historical fiction. Whilst some of my all time favourites - 'The Night Circus', 'The Once and Future Witches' - are historical fantasy books, it's a particularly hit or miss genre for me. Overall, 'Midnight in Everwood' is an enjoyable read - but the writing style isn't one that works for me, and it isn't fully engaging until it leaves Edwardian England for the fantasy realm of Everwood.

Marietta lives for ballet - but after one last performance, she will be required to cease ballet and marry someone of appropriate status in Edwardian society. Her family favour the secretive Dr Drosselmeier - a toymaker of some wealth - but all Marietta sees is the loss of her hopes and dreams. When Drosselmeier proposes, she turns him down - only to find herself trapped in another world. Somehow, she's been transported to Everwood - a world filled with gingerbread houses and sweet delights, but also monsters lurking under the exterior. Now, she's at the mercy of sadistic King Gelum. She finds herself a prisoner with two other women - Dellara, a woman of sharp words and even sharper wit, and Pirlipata, a princess from another land. Marietta must forge an alliance in order to escape - but in an unfamiliar world brimming with secrets and rebellion, that prospect is far from easy.

The first quarter of the novel is a slow burner around Marietta, her family's quest to find her a husband, and her dreams of escaping and becoming a ballet dancer. Here, Marietta comes across as somewhat spoilt and sheltered - unaware of the realities of the world for her dancing contemporaries, who are of lower class than she. However, she also comes across as persistent, kind-hearted, and stronger than she might seem. In many ways, she's naive - especially around men such as Dr Drosselmeier - but in others she's more cunning than you might expect. These early passages clearly try, in style and substance, to set the historical fiction scene - but the detached and verbose writing style is a detraction rather than an asset. There's no engagement until the scene shifts and the reader is introduced to Everwood.

In Everwood, the writing really comes to life. Beautiful descriptions paint a gorgeous picture of this unfamiliar world - sugar and spice and all things nice on the outside, but rotten within. Rather than a plodding historical novel, it starts to feel like a fairytale - which, for a story inspired by 'The Nutcracker', is clearly the intention. There's still a degree of detachment from all characters other than Marietta, leaving them fairly two-dimensional, but the plot and descriptions have enough to hold the attention.

The plot is solid, slow in pacing but allowing time for each lavish scene to be savoured. I haven't read 'The Nutcracker', so can't speak to its accuracy as a retelling, but familiarity with that tale is not required to enjoy this one. There is a fairly unnecessary romantic subplot - which due to the degree of separation between the reader and the characters, never quite feels fully believable - but otherwise, the subplots are complimentary.

The ending is, perhaps, predictable, but well written and satisfying. It leaves a degree of open-endedness so the reader can decide things for themselves.

Overall, this is an enjoyable enough story which will appeal to other readers far more than it does to me. Recommended for fans of plot rather than character driven fantasy, fairytale retellings, and fans of beautiful descriptive writing.

I found this story lacking.
The world is magical, enchanting even, and described so well you can imagine yourself there. The author does a fantastic job of using smell and taste to use multiple senses to describe things.
However, the main character isn't loveable at all. She acknowledges herself that she is selfish and lots of her decision making is infuriating.
The world building is great, the magic is intriguing but the characters and plot are lacking.

Unfortunately I couldn't connect properly with this one. Maybe it was the fantasy element as the premise itself sounded really good

I loved the idea of the story, but the book didn't quite live up to my expectations. I didn't ever feel connected to the main character, and I found myself getting a bit annoyed with food being used to describe everything.

2.5 stars

Note - I read the audiobook but was given an eARC of the novel.

Marietta Stelle loves her ballet lessons and dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. However, after Christmas Marietta's parents expect her to quit ballet and marry well.
When the Stelles meet their new mysterious neighbour Doctor Drosselmeier, they are all charmed by his exceptional toys.
On Christmas Day, Marietta is due to dance in her final ballet performance on an elaborate stage created by Drosselmeier. But, when the clock strikes midnight while Marietta is practicing, she is transported to a far away land.
This new land has a frozen sugar palace, magical sweet treats and gingerbread houses. However, this new world is more dangerous than it appears and Marietta finds herself in the clutches of the devious King Gelum. The king keeps Marietta locked away with other women he has collected - Dellara and Pirlipata.
Marietta must work together with her fellow captives in order to escape King Gelum and find a way home.

The cover and blurb for this book both intrigued me, especially as I think it's a Nutcracker retelling, which I don't know much about.
Marietta was a likeable and relatable protagonist. Living in Edwardian England, she was expected to conform to certain rules, and she didn't want to marry as her parents were determined for her to. While I did feel for Marietta, I didn't feel that I really connected with her or any of the other characters.
The settings of both Edwardian England and the sugar world that Marietta was transported to were interesting.
The plot was enjoyable overall, but it didn't grip me and I didn't feel invested. If I hadn't been listening to the audiobook, and had been reading a physical copy instead, I'm not sure I would have finished the book as I did get a little bored.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.

Overall, this was a mixed read.

Bringing all the sparkle of the Nutcracker, the glamour and grace of the ballet, and the darkness of classic fairytales, midnight in Everwood is a festive feast of twists and turns.

Retelling the Nutcracker, this novel brings to life Nottingham, and later the fantastical world of Everwood, in devastating detail, from the boutiques and gorgeous fashions, to the sugarcrafted architecture and twisting meringue turrets.

Marietta, the protagonist, wants nothing more than to dance. Already a talented young ballerina, she dreams of a life on stage. But her parents want her to be dutiful and marry, preferably an eligible (rich) man, and along comes Mr Drosselmeier. A fiendishly talented artisan, architect, and seemingly magician, he is able to construct elaborate scenery and detailed miniatures, and perhaps even worlds? Marietta can’t help but smell a rat though, and she does everything she can to avoid him. But when she inevitably falls into his trap on Christmas Eve she finds herself lost in frosty Everwood, a town like a snow globe come to life, where magic is everywhere.

As a midlands girl, I instantly loved the Nottingham setting and it conjured up Christmas feelings for me. My family often used to visit the city around the holidays, often to see a show at the theatre, do some Christmas shopping and see some nativity displays. Also, up until taking up lessons recently, the only ballet I’d done myself had been in Nottingham so I really enjoyed the ballet aspect and I adore anything about The Nutcracker. Everwood brought another dimension and the beautiful descriptions of the costumes, magical foods, elaborate balls, and the scenery were wonderful to read and painted a glittering picture in my mind. Those cakes and sweets! 🤤
I started this last year but didn’t have enough time so due to my allergy to all things Christmas outside of December (😅) I left it and picked it up again this year.

A really magical, gorgeous, slightly haunting and totally gripping read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

I have had this book on my shelf for some time and I saw a gorgeous, sprayed edge copy in the bookshop and I just had to buy it.
When I picked it up, I was engrossed in this beautifully written story from page one, and I loved it all.
This was the perfect book to read on the lead up to Christmas. I little bit of magic, with an evil king, heroic soldier and female lead who learns to overcome adversity. What more can you ask for. I may have to re-read this book on the lead up to future Christmas's.

Marietta Stelle loves to dance. Her heart's desire is to become a ballerina but it is 1905 & the daughter of a good family is not permitted to follow such a path. She is expected to make a good marriage & do what her father says. As Christmas approaches Marietta & her ballet class are to perform at the family ball. Dr. Drosselmeier has recently moved into the area. He is an inventor & designer. His arrival has all the local ladies in a tizzy & he becomes quite a regular visitor in the Stelle household. He offers to make the set for the ballet- but insists it will be a surprise. Marietta doesn't trust him & when it transpires that he has asked for her hand she is horrified! She sneaks into the ballroom & is discovered by Drosselmeier & in efforts to escape she hides in a grandfather clock that transports her to another world.

This is a variation on 'The Nutcracker' Everwood is a world ruled by an evil sadistic king. He spends his days throwing elaborate balls & Marietta's dancing makes him add her to his collection. She finds herself locked in a luxurious room with two other women who also have their tales to tell. All is not well in this exquisite castle of sweets & magic & Marietta along with her companions & the handsome leader of the guards seek away to break the king's hold on the kingdom.

I don't often read fantasy & YA books, but I was totally enthralled by this book (although I could probably done without quite so many confectionery details!) It was the perfect book to read this time of year & I loved it! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

I wasn't sure about this book at first, but it captivated me. The writing is absolutely beautiful and the story was really lovely. A perfect escapist winter book.

Midnight in Everwood is a whimsical, magical retelling of the Nutcracker. You absolutely fall into the world of this story, which is beautifully written. Recommend you read it in a cosy chair with a cup of hot cocoa.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and HQ for approving me for an ARC of this book, I had heard so many great things about this book but kept putting it off. This was largely due to whether the book would love up to the hype or not but I decided to give it a go and see what I thought.

The Nutcracker is a story that I remember from my childhood and I have vague recollections of watching the film quite a bit however it has been years since I revisited the story so my memory is some what hazy. What I will say is this book made me want to read the original story again.

I love retelling and this story was done beautifully. The scenery, characters and ballet elements were described to perfection but it was the food that had me salivating. Be warned, do not read this on an empty stomach or at least have some sweet treats and hot chocolate to accompany you whilst you do because the delicious food described in this book is sublime! The nods to the original story were delicately placed

Our story starts with Marietta trying to break away from the societal rules that her mother and father expect her to follow. She is to give up her ballet dancing, find a suitable husband and live forever in his shadow. When Drosselmeier asks for Marietta’s hand she flees through one of his creations into the world of Everwood.

The land of Everwood is a world of snow, sculptures and delicious treats where there are balls and celebrations galore. It is also a world where mineral disease is plaguing the poor and the residents feel suppressed by the King. Marietta finds herself in the palace and is once again a prisoner of a different kind.

The world of Everwood was filled with wonders and creations but it was the characters that I loved. From the formidable Dellara and kind Pirlipata to the stoic Captain Legat, Marietta soon found herself in the company of allies, their final battle together was a thrill to read.

This book absolutely lived up to the hype. It was lyrical, atmospheric and the perfect retelling. The perfect winter read for those cold and chilly nights.

Really lovely book and I enjoyed the characters. The pacing of the book is hit or miss but I got through it in the end

Thank you publishers and netgalley got letting me read this

Took me a long time to read this book. Sorry to say i did not enjoy it. Nothing against the authour, its just not my thing.

Not my usual read but I certainly enjoyed this magical tail. This is a delightful read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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.