Twins Clara and Natasha couldn’t be more different. Beautiful Clara is given everything, while Natasha must make do with her discards. One night when their strange godfather comes to visit, a magical journey is unlocked. The classic story of the Nutcracker unfurls, but with ominous twists. As the twins are swept away to a mysterious land, the Sugar Plum Fairy will grant their wishes- for a terrible price. Natasha must decide how far she will go to achieve her dreams and what sacrifices she will make along the way. 

The Kingdom of Sweets is a rich and entrancing retelling of the Nutcracker. There is a sense of old and timeless magic that permeates the pages. I really enjoyed the malevolent figure of the Sugar Plum Fairy and how twisted her interactions with Natasha became. I also really liked Orlov, though I wish he had a little more page time. The most important and fascinating relationship is undoubtedly the complex love and hatred between the two sisters. The push and pull of their dynamic was realistic and haunting. 

Johansen writes a dark take on this traditional story, where magic comes with a heavy price. The writing is filled with tension, making it impossible to put this book down. Readers who enjoy writers like Ava Reid, atmospheric writing, and compelling characters will devour The Kingdom of Sweets. 

Thank you to Erika Johansen, Dutton, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.