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The Rat King
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26Save the Kingdom. Break the Curse. Don't fall in love.
When Clara Seibert unwittingly humiliates a boy with a limp the first day of her senior year, she doesn't expect him to become one of her closest friends. But when befriending Jakob Ratowitz leads to things she can't explain, circumstances spiral into something much more sinister with Jakob at its heart.
As their friendship deepens, Jakob's bone degeneration condition worsens, and so do the secrets surrounding him. When they're thrust into the Land of Sweets-a magical realm of ancient danger-they must face a harrowing journey, insurmountable odds, and a growing attraction that could have deadly consequences.
Worst of all is a vengeful queen from Jakob's past who will stop at nothing to see Jakob and everything he loves destroyed. With time running out and a kingdom at stake, can Jakob and Clara save the endangered realm and each other? Or will the Rat Queen's curse descend on the Land of Sweets forever?
When Clara Seibert unwittingly humiliates a boy with a limp the first day of her senior year, she doesn't expect him to become one of her closest friends. But when befriending Jakob Ratowitz leads to things she can't explain, circumstances spiral into something much more sinister with Jakob at its heart.
As their friendship deepens, Jakob's bone degeneration condition worsens, and so do the secrets surrounding him. When they're thrust into the Land of Sweets-a magical realm of ancient danger-they must face a harrowing journey, insurmountable odds, and a growing attraction that could have deadly consequences.
Worst of all is a vengeful queen from Jakob's past who will stop at nothing to see Jakob and everything he loves destroyed. With time running out and a kingdom at stake, can Jakob and Clara save the endangered realm and each other? Or will the Rat Queen's curse descend on the Land of Sweets forever?
340 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
A.J. Skelly
40 books183 followersAJ Skelly (also writing as April J. Skelly) is an author, reader, and lover of all things fantasy, medieval, and fairy-tale-romance. And werewolves. She has a serious soft spot for them. As an avid life-long reader and a former high school English teacher, she's always been fascinated with the written word. She lives with her husband, children, and many imaginary friends who often find their way into her stories. They all drink copious amounts of tea together and stay up reading far later than they should.
You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.
You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet story (pun intended)!
This re-imagines The Nutcracker in a whole new way, and I love it!
Clara is a girl in her senior year of high school who can see magic, and Jakob is a cursed prince banished from his world. His curse manifests in our world as a genetic disorder that causes his joints to fuse together.
I love that Clara takes the time to see the real Jakob, as a person, not just his disorder. There's a fine balance here between her sympathy for what he's going through and not treating him as if he is incapable. Their love story is very sweet.
I also loved Addie! She was a really fun character! She's such a great best friend to both Jakob and Clara.
The worldbuilding on the Land of Sweets was really fun too! I loved how they had pretty normal food (as opposed to all candy or something), but everything was sweet (like ham with a sweet glaze, for instance), and the snowflakes are sweet and have unique flavors!
If I had one complaint, it was that I wish the book was a bit longer. Once they go to the Land of Sweets, the story's pace feels much faster, and I wish we got to spend more time there. The main thing I wish had more time spent on it was Prince Gilbreath, I thought he could have been a really interesting secondary villain instead of a pretty minor side character if he were given more scenes.
Content warnings:
*Jakob experiences a lot of bullying in the human world, both verbal and physical.
*There are battles, and some parts are a bit descriptive - rats threatening to put people's heads on pikes and a giant cat killing a giant rat (it mentions the entrails).
This re-imagines The Nutcracker in a whole new way, and I love it!
Clara is a girl in her senior year of high school who can see magic, and Jakob is a cursed prince banished from his world. His curse manifests in our world as a genetic disorder that causes his joints to fuse together.
I love that Clara takes the time to see the real Jakob, as a person, not just his disorder. There's a fine balance here between her sympathy for what he's going through and not treating him as if he is incapable. Their love story is very sweet.
I also loved Addie! She was a really fun character! She's such a great best friend to both Jakob and Clara.
The worldbuilding on the Land of Sweets was really fun too! I loved how they had pretty normal food (as opposed to all candy or something), but everything was sweet (like ham with a sweet glaze, for instance), and the snowflakes are sweet and have unique flavors!
If I had one complaint, it was that I wish the book was a bit longer. Once they go to the Land of Sweets, the story's pace feels much faster, and I wish we got to spend more time there. The main thing I wish had more time spent on it was Prince Gilbreath, I thought he could have been a really interesting secondary villain instead of a pretty minor side character if he were given more scenes.
Content warnings:
*Jakob experiences a lot of bullying in the human world, both verbal and physical.
*There are battles, and some parts are a bit descriptive - rats threatening to put people's heads on pikes and a giant cat killing a giant rat (it mentions the entrails).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charm, wit, and a perfect fairytale-type curse make this an enthralling Nutcracker meets Beauty and the Beast retelling. I read it in just a few settings, staying awake far too late into the night because I couldn’t put it down. Skelly’s The Rat King is sure to become a Christmas classic in its own right.
I love when a book sucks me into its pages, and I get lost in its world. The Rat King was one of those books. Skelly has a soft spot for determined and plucky heroines along with cinnamon-roll (strong but kindhearted) heroes, and this one did not disappoint. I loved how both Clara and Jakob have strengths and weaknesses which allowed them moments to shine and help each other. I absolutely loved the way Skelly worked Jakob’s repeating a senior year in high school into a curse. I was like… yep. Sounds like a curse to me!
I also loved the way Jakob was not the typical hero at first, at least on the outside, thanks to his curse. Clara had to see the hero inside past his cursed exterior. There was a Beauty and the Beast backbone to this one (although I’m not sure if that was intentional). But you do get to see glimpses of Jakob’s true self, and it is quite spectacular.
This one lands squarely in the young adult category with no spice, some sweet kisses, and a lot of action and adventure fighting the rat army in the Land of Sweets.
With an absolutely charming cast of characters, including sidekick Addie, and villains you’ll love to hate, this is a definite must read.
* I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my unbiased review.
I love when a book sucks me into its pages, and I get lost in its world. The Rat King was one of those books. Skelly has a soft spot for determined and plucky heroines along with cinnamon-roll (strong but kindhearted) heroes, and this one did not disappoint. I loved how both Clara and Jakob have strengths and weaknesses which allowed them moments to shine and help each other. I absolutely loved the way Skelly worked Jakob’s repeating a senior year in high school into a curse. I was like… yep. Sounds like a curse to me!
I also loved the way Jakob was not the typical hero at first, at least on the outside, thanks to his curse. Clara had to see the hero inside past his cursed exterior. There was a Beauty and the Beast backbone to this one (although I’m not sure if that was intentional). But you do get to see glimpses of Jakob’s true self, and it is quite spectacular.
This one lands squarely in the young adult category with no spice, some sweet kisses, and a lot of action and adventure fighting the rat army in the Land of Sweets.
With an absolutely charming cast of characters, including sidekick Addie, and villains you’ll love to hate, this is a definite must read.
* I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing in every way, this book is one you'll stay up all night to finish!
Everything about The Rat King is amazing. The emotions, the characters, the plot, everything drew me in and kept me turning pages. If Clara's kindness and willingness to support Jakob despite the curse and everyone's treatment of him captured my attention, then Jakob's self-less determination to save his homeland and protect Clara held it. Addie was such a delightful character with the optimistic fiery personality necessary to balance out the the cast. Their emotions felt real and helped me connect to them and invest in their story.
Every plot twist kept me spellbound, and I fell more in love with the Land of Sweets with each description. I thought the pacing was perfect for the book, taking time to show us the school and the realities of Jakob's curse, then sweeping us into a fantasy adventure in the Land of Sweets where the adventure started to pick up the pace to match the tension. And, oh yes there is definitely tension accompanied by high-stakes throughout this book.
I highly recommend this book. It has no profanity and is no spice, kisses only. I could feel the love that went into crafting this beautiful story of magic, hope, and determination. The Rat King book is officially my new favorite Nutcracker retelling!
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Everything about The Rat King is amazing. The emotions, the characters, the plot, everything drew me in and kept me turning pages. If Clara's kindness and willingness to support Jakob despite the curse and everyone's treatment of him captured my attention, then Jakob's self-less determination to save his homeland and protect Clara held it. Addie was such a delightful character with the optimistic fiery personality necessary to balance out the the cast. Their emotions felt real and helped me connect to them and invest in their story.
Every plot twist kept me spellbound, and I fell more in love with the Land of Sweets with each description. I thought the pacing was perfect for the book, taking time to show us the school and the realities of Jakob's curse, then sweeping us into a fantasy adventure in the Land of Sweets where the adventure started to pick up the pace to match the tension. And, oh yes there is definitely tension accompanied by high-stakes throughout this book.
I highly recommend this book. It has no profanity and is no spice, kisses only. I could feel the love that went into crafting this beautiful story of magic, hope, and determination. The Rat King book is officially my new favorite Nutcracker retelling!
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you to the author for this early copy of THE RAT KING! I received this in exchange for a review, and all opinions are my own!
This was my first Nutcracker retelling and A.J. Skelly book, and I was not disappointed on both counts! I've always loved The Nutcracker story, and this was such a unique and great twist to it. The actual nutcracker was not really present (it sort of was concerning Jakob's curse), and I noticed that when I was already halfway through the book--and didn't mind! Clara and Jakob were positively cute, and I was giggling so hard during their romantic moments. I would have loved to be in the Sweets land much longer because I loved it! I really appreciated how she took the time to build the friendship between Clara and Jakob, so we weren't dealing with any insta-love connection. And I loved Addie too! From the get-go, I was curious about what she was to Jakob, and when I found out, I was like, AW! The descriptions and details of the curse, the land, and everything to do with it were fleshed out so well. This was such a great read, and I will definitely be picking up more by A.J.!
My only complaint is that it felt a little long, but only when we were based in our world.
Content:
No language, and two innuendos. Violence was a little descriptive as rats were killed and we hear about blood spraying, entrails are seen, and such like that.
This was my first Nutcracker retelling and A.J. Skelly book, and I was not disappointed on both counts! I've always loved The Nutcracker story, and this was such a unique and great twist to it. The actual nutcracker was not really present (it sort of was concerning Jakob's curse), and I noticed that when I was already halfway through the book--and didn't mind! Clara and Jakob were positively cute, and I was giggling so hard during their romantic moments. I would have loved to be in the Sweets land much longer because I loved it! I really appreciated how she took the time to build the friendship between Clara and Jakob, so we weren't dealing with any insta-love connection. And I loved Addie too! From the get-go, I was curious about what she was to Jakob, and when I found out, I was like, AW! The descriptions and details of the curse, the land, and everything to do with it were fleshed out so well. This was such a great read, and I will definitely be picking up more by A.J.!
My only complaint is that it felt a little long, but only when we were based in our world.
Content:
No language, and two innuendos. Violence was a little descriptive as rats were killed and we hear about blood spraying, entrails are seen, and such like that.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a wonderful modern-day YA retelling of The Nutcracker. Clara is spending her senior year as the new kid again. At least this time she is living with her Uncle Ross who is like a second father to her. And it is only a year until she is off to college anyway. But then the strange magic she has points her straight to two unlikely friends: Addie with her literal glittery personality and Jakob with his inner strength and kindness despite his weak body. Little does she know that her new friends are royalty in the Land of Sweets, and Jakob is under a terrible curse that only Clara might break.
This book was so good. I didn't want to put it down. Clara just wants to help her friends, and even when she has self-doubt, she always believes in Jakob and Addie. Jakob is so sweet and loyal even when he is dealing with a body that can't do what he wants. Addie is wonderfully bubbly while still playing a serious role in the story. And then there is Uncle Ross who always has Clara's back. He was a delightful side character.
Overall a wonderful story about friendship, family, and finding love when you least expect it.
This book was so good. I didn't want to put it down. Clara just wants to help her friends, and even when she has self-doubt, she always believes in Jakob and Addie. Jakob is so sweet and loyal even when he is dealing with a body that can't do what he wants. Addie is wonderfully bubbly while still playing a serious role in the story. And then there is Uncle Ross who always has Clara's back. He was a delightful side character.
Overall a wonderful story about friendship, family, and finding love when you least expect it.
October 14, 2026
I absolutely loved this no spice YA fantasy! With a Nutcracker retelling, a hidden identity, a friends to more romance including a curse, a disability, portals, and royalty, what more could I ask for? I need this book on my shelves and I cannot wait until my kids are old enough to read it! I’ve only read one Rat King retelling before and it was pretty dark, so I was wary going into this but it was perfect! I can’t say how much this book captured me. I stayed up late and constantly wanted to return to it. My heart rejoiced and aches and stuttered and stopped. This romantasy had it all. The perfect blend of fairy tale with a balance between multiple realms. There was family and friendships, high school dynamics, and a sweet first love romance, and so much more. I want to reread it! The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
Content Notes (may include spoilers):
Blood, Death, War, Curse, Death, Attempted Murder, Injuries
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Content Notes (may include spoilers):
Blood, Death, War, Curse, Death, Attempted Murder, Injuries
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 🙂
This book was amazing! Best Nutcracker retelling ever! I extremely enjoyed reading this one! From page one I was hooked! Jakob was so sweet! He was a definite Cinnamon Roll and White Knight. I fell in love with him along with Clara. Our FMC, Clara, was so likable and I loved reading from her POV. The story starts in the modern world but eventually switches over to the magical Land of Sweets, where the stakes become even higher. Once you start you'll be unable to put it down until the very end! You won't regret reading this one! If you want a no spice romance retelling of the Nutcracker with high stakes in a magical world then this one is for you.
This book was amazing! Best Nutcracker retelling ever! I extremely enjoyed reading this one! From page one I was hooked! Jakob was so sweet! He was a definite Cinnamon Roll and White Knight. I fell in love with him along with Clara. Our FMC, Clara, was so likable and I loved reading from her POV. The story starts in the modern world but eventually switches over to the magical Land of Sweets, where the stakes become even higher. Once you start you'll be unable to put it down until the very end! You won't regret reading this one! If you want a no spice romance retelling of the Nutcracker with high stakes in a magical world then this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A.J. Skelly truly knows how to enchant her readers from the very first page! The Rat King is a magical journey filled with charming teenage characters, portals between different worlds, incredible magic, clever rats, and an abundance of delicious sweets.
It is an absolutely adorable tale that makes a perfect, cozy holiday read around Christmas time, though its warmth and magic can easily be enjoyed all year round. Whimsical, captivating, and sweet—it’s impossible not to fall in love with this story!
Thank you A.J. Skelly for an early e-copy.
It is an absolutely adorable tale that makes a perfect, cozy holiday read around Christmas time, though its warmth and magic can easily be enjoyed all year round. Whimsical, captivating, and sweet—it’s impossible not to fall in love with this story!
Thank you A.J. Skelly for an early e-copy.
October 6, 2026
I received the ebook as an ARC. I was amazed by this nutcracker retelling. There was magic, adventure, plot twists, romance, and action. I loved this book. AJ Skelly has such a unique way with writing her books. I was hooked from the moment I read the first line. The book far exceeded my expectations and I am so glad I got the chance to read it! If you love the nutcracker, you’ll love this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet sugar plums! This is such a good story! I love The Nutcracker and this story made it come alive in a fresh way. Great, loveable characters and magic and portals and adventure galore! Love it! Couldn't put it down! Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews