Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton, Dutton for the advance copy of this book.

While I do love both the Nutcracker and fantasy books, this one wasn't for me. I absolutely LOVE a dark take on a traditional topic, and also really like how this was organized into acts like a ballet. I don't think I'll be able to watch this ballet the same way again after reading this! Some of the ideas/topics were repeated too much (I think to drive the points home), none of the characters are likable, and overall I felt that it was too long. This one is for you if you're into sinister retellings and fantasy + mystery/thriller genres.