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.

It’s pretty and atmospheric but this book was severely lacking in depth for me.
The pacing was very off in my opinion, and whilst I understand that the book needed to create the atmosphere it did I felt that was detrimental to the plot and the actual storyline really suffered due to the obsessive need to use confectionery to describe every single thing.
Not for me.

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.

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.