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Coming from Darkness #1
The Nutcracker King
How far will you go for your ‘Happily Ever After’?
It has been eight years since the Nutcracker has defeated the Mouse King, and he is still a cursed doll. The Nutcracker’s one desire is to break the curse, allowing him to take his rightful place as King and make Marie his queen. But nothing has worked.
The Nutcracker grows more and more desperate as time runs out and Marie begins to move away from him. One day, he uncovers a dark secret about his kingdom and decides to use the knowledge to reverse the curse and claim his destiny. The Nutcracker will do anything to reach his goal and have Marie rule by his side. This will be his happily ever after.
But will it be Marie’s?
This story is a roughly 30,000 word novella.
It has been eight years since the Nutcracker has defeated the Mouse King, and he is still a cursed doll. The Nutcracker’s one desire is to break the curse, allowing him to take his rightful place as King and make Marie his queen. But nothing has worked.
The Nutcracker grows more and more desperate as time runs out and Marie begins to move away from him. One day, he uncovers a dark secret about his kingdom and decides to use the knowledge to reverse the curse and claim his destiny. The Nutcracker will do anything to reach his goal and have Marie rule by his side. This will be his happily ever after.
But will it be Marie’s?
This story is a roughly 30,000 word novella.
115 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2015
43 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 13, 2023
First things first, I’ve never seen or read anything about the original story of the nutcracker. From what I gathered, the story goes something like this: a prince got turned into a nutcracker doll due to a curse and ultimately defeated the mouse king in the original story, Marie helped him break the curse and they got married. Unfortunately, in this sequel, they never got that happy ending. The prince is still a cursed nutcracker doll. But he wants to be king. And he wants Marie. Badly. He will do anything to have her by his side, no matter the cost. The nutcracker quickly begins his descent into madness, taking the reader on quite a wild and bloody ride.
This is quite a well-written dark fairy tale that quickly managed to hook me and I would recommend it but I think the experience would have been elevated had I known more about the original story.
This is quite a well-written dark fairy tale that quickly managed to hook me and I would recommend it but I think the experience would have been elevated had I known more about the original story.
June 30, 2020
This wasn't what I was expecting at all. I had thought that it would be just another fairy tale retelling, I hadn't expected it to be so dark!! Delusional king, murders and kidnappings??? I really did enjoy the plot because when the covers were lifted, BAM shit gets real. I had honestly expected a very quick wrap up, but am glad that she didn't hastily finish it up and thus giving the story a more satisfying end. So I guess it's like The Lunar Chronicles except is isn't sci-fi.
While the plot was well paced and over all pretty solid, I thought that the characters felt very flat and flimsy. I'm not sure how else to give them more "weight", but that's what I thought. Perhaps it was because of the Victorian era kind of speech that was off putting for me. Then again since it's only the first book of a series, I am hopeful that the characters will grow and be more unique or at least more real in the coming books!!
While the plot was well paced and over all pretty solid, I thought that the characters felt very flat and flimsy. I'm not sure how else to give them more "weight", but that's what I thought. Perhaps it was because of the Victorian era kind of speech that was off putting for me. Then again since it's only the first book of a series, I am hopeful that the characters will grow and be more unique or at least more real in the coming books!!
June 10, 2019
Fairy tales and young adult material are not in the usual genre I subscribe to. But, my online friend, Eustacia Tan, wrote this novella and I was curious where she would take the characters from the Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Well, she takes us for quite a ride.
At first, I was not sure what age group this story aimed for, especially with the murders and blood and all. But, in today's "John Wick 3" entertainment world, Tan's book comes off light-hearted. Besides, violence and mayhem are essentials of many original children's stories that Disney hadn't edited for the G-rated audience. Even our dearly remembered little boy-puppet Pinocchio stomped all over his cricket friend!
In this iteration, the Nutcracker is obsessed with making Marie his princess and bringing her into his fairy tale world. She resists and hopes to marry another. But, the Nutcracker refuses to take "no" for an answer, resulting in the deaths of several from the human world for their apparent or imagined interference.
Tan brings the characters to life through extensive and imaginative dialogue and, although I was not really very interested in fairy tales, I am now hooked and look forward to the next installment of this continuing saga.
My only criticism is based upon my lack of knowledge about the original Nutcracker and Mouse King relationship. A more extensive introduction that gave the characters additional context would've enabled me to navigate the early chapters without the necessity of researching what might have happened before blindly diving into the story.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Good job, Eustacia!
Well, she takes us for quite a ride.
At first, I was not sure what age group this story aimed for, especially with the murders and blood and all. But, in today's "John Wick 3" entertainment world, Tan's book comes off light-hearted. Besides, violence and mayhem are essentials of many original children's stories that Disney hadn't edited for the G-rated audience. Even our dearly remembered little boy-puppet Pinocchio stomped all over his cricket friend!
In this iteration, the Nutcracker is obsessed with making Marie his princess and bringing her into his fairy tale world. She resists and hopes to marry another. But, the Nutcracker refuses to take "no" for an answer, resulting in the deaths of several from the human world for their apparent or imagined interference.
Tan brings the characters to life through extensive and imaginative dialogue and, although I was not really very interested in fairy tales, I am now hooked and look forward to the next installment of this continuing saga.
My only criticism is based upon my lack of knowledge about the original Nutcracker and Mouse King relationship. A more extensive introduction that gave the characters additional context would've enabled me to navigate the early chapters without the necessity of researching what might have happened before blindly diving into the story.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Good job, Eustacia!
November 24, 2024
This was an amazing dark Nutcracker story.
It takes place eight years after the original Nutcracker story. Marie is getting older and is starting to lose interest in the Nutcracker and his world. The Nutcracker Prince is still a nutcracker and he believes the only way Marie will stay with him is if he lifts the curse, and that Marie’s family is keeping them apart. So basically the Nutcracker goes on a killing spree as he thinks this is the only way to get Marie and change himself back into a human.
I loved how gory this was, it had some great body horror and it was incredibly unsettling at times. I liked that it was written in different perspectives; it would switch from Marie to the Nutcracker. It was interesting to see Marie growing up and becoming more interested in her world, and it was really fun to see the Nutcracker become delusional.
The Nutcracker King is part of a series that has other dark fairytales and it looks like they’re all connected. So I’m excited to see how it all plays out, since the Nutcracker King ended on quite the cliffhanger.
I highly recommend checking this one out if you love dark retellings, and if you’re like me and have been looking for a horror version of the Nutcracker for quite some time.
It takes place eight years after the original Nutcracker story. Marie is getting older and is starting to lose interest in the Nutcracker and his world. The Nutcracker Prince is still a nutcracker and he believes the only way Marie will stay with him is if he lifts the curse, and that Marie’s family is keeping them apart. So basically the Nutcracker goes on a killing spree as he thinks this is the only way to get Marie and change himself back into a human.
I loved how gory this was, it had some great body horror and it was incredibly unsettling at times. I liked that it was written in different perspectives; it would switch from Marie to the Nutcracker. It was interesting to see Marie growing up and becoming more interested in her world, and it was really fun to see the Nutcracker become delusional.
The Nutcracker King is part of a series that has other dark fairytales and it looks like they’re all connected. So I’m excited to see how it all plays out, since the Nutcracker King ended on quite the cliffhanger.
I highly recommend checking this one out if you love dark retellings, and if you’re like me and have been looking for a horror version of the Nutcracker for quite some time.
April 25, 2024
I had no idea just how dark this retelling would be and was not ready for it.
I'm not very knowledgeable about the original play and the characters, besides the basics, so I had a rocky start deciphering who was who. But as I went, it got a bit easier. It was a very interesting and unique story, very dark, like I mentioned, and quite bloody.
2.5 stars. I don't see myself continuing the series. It's just not for me.
I'm not very knowledgeable about the original play and the characters, besides the basics, so I had a rocky start deciphering who was who. But as I went, it got a bit easier. It was a very interesting and unique story, very dark, like I mentioned, and quite bloody.
2.5 stars. I don't see myself continuing the series. It's just not for me.
November 26, 2024
WhAT!!!! tHE!!!! ACtuALlY!!!!! F!!!!???!?? I don’t even know how to explain this short story but maybe disturbing?!?!? The writing was atrocious, the plot I think was there somewhere, the characters unlikable and the execution…..was all over the place. I went into this hoping it was a dark retelling. It was definitely dark and kind of a retelling I guess.
February 24, 2016
Well, that was fun! I'm a sucker for dark fantasy/fairy tales and sociopathic-men-in-love in my fiction, and this little novella gave me both.
Picking up eight years after the Ballet/Original Story of The Nutcracker leaves off, this novella takes the classic dark-reimagining method of starting us off with: "The story you know is a happy ending to make people feel better. But that's not how it really happened."
Though, it probably would have helped if I was more familiar with The Nutcracker and the Mouse King when it comes down to it. I've seen adaptions, and I read a quick summary before starting this book, but I still found myself squinting at a few characters, trying to remember who they were, or if they were new. But aside from that, it was all pretty straight forward and I enjoyed it quite a bit!
From there, we get a delightfully dark sequel with a Candy Kingdom thriving off a supply of , and a Nutcracker Prince determined to be King at any cost.
The Nutcracker's descent into sociopathy as his hands become bloodier and bloodier with the deaths of his "enemies", is easily the highlight of the book. I rather adored his still loving dedication to Marie (despite her horror with him growing and growing), and how well he maintained a certain sense of charisma despite it all. One particularly favorite scene involved his one-sided chats with the captive
His endless love for Marie, despite being twisted and drowning in personal delusions, was also rather captivating. I almost felt sad for the poor man, even as he turned into a total monster.
Speaking of Marie, it was hard not to feel for her. Her little dream world and nightly wonders transformed into a nightmare, and you really got a feeling for her helplessness. What was she supposed to do? Tell people that the nutcracker toy was killing people? They'd think her mad, and the story did a great job of portraying that without coming straight out saying that word for word.
Even when she did get Fritz and her new suitor Heinrich on her side, it's rather fun to see them all caught off guard. Speaking, Heinrich played the part of our alternative suitor for Marie, and despite still crossing my fingers a little bit for Marie & Her Nutcracker (I know, I know--Dark Alternate scenarios do little to break my hopeless romantic interior), I did think he was a good match. I'm looking forward to his heroics in the sequel.
All in all, a great first part to this dark Prince and his kingdom. Since it's part one, it wasn't really surprising that this Novella didn't have the happiest of endings. But it was a dark, violent ride with a fantastic sociopathic prince and a heroine who's not going to give up.
I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
Picking up eight years after the Ballet/Original Story of The Nutcracker leaves off, this novella takes the classic dark-reimagining method of starting us off with: "The story you know is a happy ending to make people feel better. But that's not how it really happened."
Though, it probably would have helped if I was more familiar with The Nutcracker and the Mouse King when it comes down to it. I've seen adaptions, and I read a quick summary before starting this book, but I still found myself squinting at a few characters, trying to remember who they were, or if they were new. But aside from that, it was all pretty straight forward and I enjoyed it quite a bit!
From there, we get a delightfully dark sequel with a Candy Kingdom thriving off a supply of , and a Nutcracker Prince determined to be King at any cost.
The Nutcracker's descent into sociopathy as his hands become bloodier and bloodier with the deaths of his "enemies", is easily the highlight of the book. I rather adored his still loving dedication to Marie (despite her horror with him growing and growing), and how well he maintained a certain sense of charisma despite it all. One particularly favorite scene involved his one-sided chats with the captive
His endless love for Marie, despite being twisted and drowning in personal delusions, was also rather captivating. I almost felt sad for the poor man, even as he turned into a total monster.
Speaking of Marie, it was hard not to feel for her. Her little dream world and nightly wonders transformed into a nightmare, and you really got a feeling for her helplessness. What was she supposed to do? Tell people that the nutcracker toy was killing people? They'd think her mad, and the story did a great job of portraying that without coming straight out saying that word for word.
Even when she did get Fritz and her new suitor Heinrich on her side, it's rather fun to see them all caught off guard. Speaking, Heinrich played the part of our alternative suitor for Marie, and despite still crossing my fingers a little bit for Marie & Her Nutcracker (I know, I know--Dark Alternate scenarios do little to break my hopeless romantic interior), I did think he was a good match. I'm looking forward to his heroics in the sequel.
All in all, a great first part to this dark Prince and his kingdom. Since it's part one, it wasn't really surprising that this Novella didn't have the happiest of endings. But it was a dark, violent ride with a fantastic sociopathic prince and a heroine who's not going to give up.
I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
September 4, 2023
I give this 3 out of 5 stars. Giving it the extra star because it's the Nutcracker.
I've been a fan of the Nutcracker story for years, ever since I was a little girl and performed in the ballet.
When I found this story, I was excited because I love reading darker retellings of my favorite stories. I added it to my Kindle and settled myself in for a long afternoon for what I hoped would be my new favorite dark retelling.
Dark retelling? Yes. But not in the way that most would think of when you hear of a dark retelling. The only thing dark about this is a Nutcracker who comes alive at night and goes on a killing spree.
I was disappointed when I found out that this book was less than 120 pages. The rest of the book includes the first 3 chapters for the next book in the series. (Yes, I know that this is a novella, as I can see on the good reads cover, but the book I was reading had no mention of it being a novella)
I found the Nutcracker to be extremely spoiled and arrogant. This made me sad because I loved the Nutcracker in the original tale and wanted his curse to be broken and have a happily ever after. I understand that after 8 years, he would be desperate, but his actions took things too far.
This Nutcracker, I was desperately hoping that Fritz would burn him and end this story once and for all.
Marie, I felt, was vapid, despite her original character being brave to protect a simple Nutcracker under a curse. I hope that by the end of the series, Marie gets a well-deserved rest and happily ever after.
I haven't decided if I'm going to read the rest of the books. I might, just to ease my morbid curiosity.
I've been a fan of the Nutcracker story for years, ever since I was a little girl and performed in the ballet.
When I found this story, I was excited because I love reading darker retellings of my favorite stories. I added it to my Kindle and settled myself in for a long afternoon for what I hoped would be my new favorite dark retelling.
Dark retelling? Yes. But not in the way that most would think of when you hear of a dark retelling. The only thing dark about this is a Nutcracker who comes alive at night and goes on a killing spree.
I was disappointed when I found out that this book was less than 120 pages. The rest of the book includes the first 3 chapters for the next book in the series. (Yes, I know that this is a novella, as I can see on the good reads cover, but the book I was reading had no mention of it being a novella)
I found the Nutcracker to be extremely spoiled and arrogant. This made me sad because I loved the Nutcracker in the original tale and wanted his curse to be broken and have a happily ever after. I understand that after 8 years, he would be desperate, but his actions took things too far.
This Nutcracker, I was desperately hoping that Fritz would burn him and end this story once and for all.
Marie, I felt, was vapid, despite her original character being brave to protect a simple Nutcracker under a curse. I hope that by the end of the series, Marie gets a well-deserved rest and happily ever after.
I haven't decided if I'm going to read the rest of the books. I might, just to ease my morbid curiosity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2019
Let me say up-front that I have corresponded with the author, Eustacia Tan, back when we were both trying to make a go of our current book-in-progress with Kindle Scout; and further, Eustacia has left a review of my 1st book, Wild Thing. This IS an honest review, however.
I enjoyed the book, even though I’m not very familiar with the original fairy-tale which serves as its inspiration. This story slides into darkness, with some definite horror scenes, towards the end – although the horror is not gloried in, but more under-played. I felt the gradual change in the Nutcracker’s personality as the years passed was very well handled, and as disturbing as one would hope.
I found the main characters – Marie, her brother Fritz, the Nutcracker, and Heinrich, well-realised, and the secondary characters also distinct. Although the story built slowly, after the Nutcracker’s sister Clare reveals to him their dark family secret, I was both shocked and drawn in. From that point on I was pulled straight through to the end in a single sitting.
I found a few small typos, and a few sentences I felt could have been tightened a little, but no continuity errors or occasions where characters acted ‘out of character’ just to suit the plot. I thought the climax was gripping, and the ending surprised me. I’ve bought the next volume to read on to learn what happens next. What I especially liked was how Eustacia has woven her tale in and around existing fairy-tales while showing us what ‘really’ happened.
I rate this as very close to 4 stars and I’m planning to read the next one soon!
I enjoyed the book, even though I’m not very familiar with the original fairy-tale which serves as its inspiration. This story slides into darkness, with some definite horror scenes, towards the end – although the horror is not gloried in, but more under-played. I felt the gradual change in the Nutcracker’s personality as the years passed was very well handled, and as disturbing as one would hope.
I found the main characters – Marie, her brother Fritz, the Nutcracker, and Heinrich, well-realised, and the secondary characters also distinct. Although the story built slowly, after the Nutcracker’s sister Clare reveals to him their dark family secret, I was both shocked and drawn in. From that point on I was pulled straight through to the end in a single sitting.
I found a few small typos, and a few sentences I felt could have been tightened a little, but no continuity errors or occasions where characters acted ‘out of character’ just to suit the plot. I thought the climax was gripping, and the ending surprised me. I’ve bought the next volume to read on to learn what happens next. What I especially liked was how Eustacia has woven her tale in and around existing fairy-tales while showing us what ‘really’ happened.
I rate this as very close to 4 stars and I’m planning to read the next one soon!
December 18, 2022
This Nutcracker retelling is a horror story the likes of Criminal Minds
What if the death of the Mouse King didn’t end the Nutcracker’s curse? What if 8yrs passed and the human girl started taking interest in other boys? What if there was a terrible sinister secret to what actually sustains life in the Nutcracker’s kingdom and Nutcracker wasn’t as noble as you thought? After the first toothachingly sweet middle-grade-like 24pages of the book, I thought I’d stop reading, but then a deliciously dark secret transpired and it all spiralled into horror territory. Think psycopathic MMC, abduction, forced marriage to a fae, nearest & dearest of the MMC aiding him in his kills, the lot. Tbh, although I didn’t like the writing style - things were too 2D and the author kept skirting over emotional responses of characters to horrors that were happening, I kept reading coz I wanted to find out how it all ends. Well, I found out. Now I’ll go find something sunny and happy to read. This is for fans of darkest of the dark alternate fairytale retellings harsher than Holly Black’s and Candace Robinson’s books.
What if the death of the Mouse King didn’t end the Nutcracker’s curse? What if 8yrs passed and the human girl started taking interest in other boys? What if there was a terrible sinister secret to what actually sustains life in the Nutcracker’s kingdom and Nutcracker wasn’t as noble as you thought? After the first toothachingly sweet middle-grade-like 24pages of the book, I thought I’d stop reading, but then a deliciously dark secret transpired and it all spiralled into horror territory. Think psycopathic MMC, abduction, forced marriage to a fae, nearest & dearest of the MMC aiding him in his kills, the lot. Tbh, although I didn’t like the writing style - things were too 2D and the author kept skirting over emotional responses of characters to horrors that were happening, I kept reading coz I wanted to find out how it all ends. Well, I found out. Now I’ll go find something sunny and happy to read. This is for fans of darkest of the dark alternate fairytale retellings harsher than Holly Black’s and Candace Robinson’s books.
June 11, 2025
2.75 rounded up
From the very first line I new I was going to love the writing. It immediately transported me decades back and into the magical world of the Nutcracker, and was (to my mind) suited for my favorite type of horror: slow and eerie, creeping up on you and only revealing the full story in the end.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the case. The plot suddenly jumped from slow and proper conversations over dinner to human sacrifice and bloodbaths. Surprisingly, it did not take its time with gory descriptions, quickly going back to what resembled a regency romance. It felt slow and rushed at the same time, sometimes making me wonder if I missed a paragraph or even a whole chapter.
The characters were fine but not really fleshed out (I think I would've cared about them more if I had read the original Nutcracker right before going into this one) and often it felt as if things were happening to them rather than the characters progressing the plot.
Overall lovely writing (except for some repetition) but rest was just meh.
From the very first line I new I was going to love the writing. It immediately transported me decades back and into the magical world of the Nutcracker, and was (to my mind) suited for my favorite type of horror: slow and eerie, creeping up on you and only revealing the full story in the end.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the case. The plot suddenly jumped from slow and proper conversations over dinner to human sacrifice and bloodbaths. Surprisingly, it did not take its time with gory descriptions, quickly going back to what resembled a regency romance. It felt slow and rushed at the same time, sometimes making me wonder if I missed a paragraph or even a whole chapter.
The characters were fine but not really fleshed out (I think I would've cared about them more if I had read the original Nutcracker right before going into this one) and often it felt as if things were happening to them rather than the characters progressing the plot.
Overall lovely writing (except for some repetition) but rest was just meh.
December 2, 2016
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was not a sweet little Christmas story. Instead, it was a deliciously dark and evil tale It has been 8 years since the Nutcracker killed the Mouse King, but he remains a nutcracker and not a man. He decides that he is running out of time and will loose Marie if he doesn't break the spell soon.Thus begins his decent into madness. I do not know if his sudden decent began because of his fear of loosing Marie, but I suspect that the seeds of depravity were there all along and were triggered by his fear of loosing her. This story had an alternating POV that actually made it easy to understand the story. The story line flowed well and was easy to follow. The end of Part 1 is a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read Part 2.
This was not a sweet little Christmas story. Instead, it was a deliciously dark and evil tale It has been 8 years since the Nutcracker killed the Mouse King, but he remains a nutcracker and not a man. He decides that he is running out of time and will loose Marie if he doesn't break the spell soon.Thus begins his decent into madness. I do not know if his sudden decent began because of his fear of loosing Marie, but I suspect that the seeds of depravity were there all along and were triggered by his fear of loosing her. This story had an alternating POV that actually made it easy to understand the story. The story line flowed well and was easy to follow. The end of Part 1 is a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read Part 2.
October 16, 2020
Got this for free on Kobo, so tried it on out a whim. Remarkably good! The language, plot, and characterisation are pretty simple, but given it's inspired by a children's fairy story, that's to be expected. I do like the main character, especially when she gets to interact with people other than the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker himself is deliciously unhuman. I didn't expect some of the specific turns the story took as well.
It came with a teaser chapter for the sequel, which I think I am getting.
It came with a teaser chapter for the sequel, which I think I am getting.
March 5, 2020
The story has an interesting twist that caught me by surprise. There were parts that took me a little more effort to understand (but I think this is due to the fact that I've never read the original story), but the effort was worth it. The book's also a quick read, it's a little dark as well. I found myself rooting for the main character a lot. Also read the prologue to the next book- it feels even more exciting and I cant wait to start on it!
January 6, 2025
Dark and twisted tale which captured the authenticity of the original tale but elevated it in a classy yet dark way. I like the prologue to the next book available to see how this story fits into the following and I am intrigued to see the story threads throughout and look forward to reading the rest.
I don't think the note to reader that the letter "u" may be used due to different English is necessary but then again, I'm sure there are too many ignorant people out there.
I don't think the note to reader that the letter "u" may be used due to different English is necessary but then again, I'm sure there are too many ignorant people out there.
December 29, 2025
eBook
Fiction / Fantasy / Christmas / Retellings / Dark Fantasy / Horror / Holiday / Fairy Tales / Gore
⭐⭐⭐/ 5
Well, this was disturbing! I love dark fantasy. This was something else! I am tempted to continue the series to see what happens, but I likely won't.
It did give an "off with their heads" feel with all the murder. So that's a plus!
Fiction / Fantasy / Christmas / Retellings / Dark Fantasy / Horror / Holiday / Fairy Tales / Gore
⭐⭐⭐/ 5
Well, this was disturbing! I love dark fantasy. This was something else! I am tempted to continue the series to see what happens, but I likely won't.
It did give an "off with their heads" feel with all the murder. So that's a plus!
July 29, 2017
This is quite a dark and evil story that keeps you intrigued until the end. TheNutcracker kills the mouse king in hopes of breaking the spell. He can't marry Maria until this happens and time is running out. Kept me reading to find out the outcome.
December 22, 2018
Wonderful
This is a beautiful tragedy based on one of my favorite tales. It has quickly become one of my favorite s and I look forward to reading more of the series to find out how it ends
This is a beautiful tragedy based on one of my favorite tales. It has quickly become one of my favorite s and I look forward to reading more of the series to find out how it ends
August 25, 2020
Not suitable for children.
A freebie. I hope this novel doesn't give me nightmares. Murder, blood, human sacrifice and a sort of cannibalism. A sequel to the Nutcracker, that goes to the dark side. Eustacia is a real cutie, damn shame she's so crazy.
A freebie. I hope this novel doesn't give me nightmares. Murder, blood, human sacrifice and a sort of cannibalism. A sequel to the Nutcracker, that goes to the dark side. Eustacia is a real cutie, damn shame she's so crazy.
March 21, 2021
I liked this book. I wouldn't say it's the best Nutcracker story ever but it is pretty interesting. I admit I do prefer Marie with Nutcracker than Heinrich though I do hope she and Heinrich manage to get together.
November 3, 2025
What a read😏✍️
I haven't read dark fairytale retellings in quite a will ....
It is surely a little bit weird in an Asian setting, but in a good way....I liked it a lot , can't wait to continue on the story jn book 2
I haven't read dark fairytale retellings in quite a will ....
It is surely a little bit weird in an Asian setting, but in a good way....I liked it a lot , can't wait to continue on the story jn book 2
Read
December 4, 2023Idk what to rate this one tbh. The best way I can describe it is a Yandere fic with the Nutcracker ballet characters
December 3, 2025
I see why this was free on Kindle, there were a lot of holes to this story.
December 4, 2015
When this novel begins, it feels like a simple tale of magical whimsy where everything will end happily and everyone will enjoy eating candy and the spirit of the holidays. This image is quickly cast aside, however, as the story progresses and shows us that there is a dark side to the happiness. Our heroine enjoys life and is trying to find her place in it, but the Nutcracker King is willing to do anything to get her and keep her, and Eustacia leads us down a dark road with a lot of twists and turns that will shock and horrify as they entertain.
The one truth of this story is that, if there is a life at the end of the tunnel, it is going to be a difficult journey to reach it. We are left with a little bit of hope that things might work out in the end, but the ever-present sense is that things are going to get much worse before they can get any better. Eustacia is a master at setting up suspenseful situations and then launching the reader into the middle and let them flounder under the horrors of what they find. The truth about the Nutcracker, the hidden reality of how their world is brought to life, the sheer casual evil locked in the 'prophecy'. All of these are exposed and the main character is left to pick up the pieces and decide if she will be able to fight back. I highly recommend this story, because despite the power of the emotions, it never gets disgusting or provocative for its own sake. Eustacia walks a fine line of challenging our sensibilities without embracing the grotesque.
The one truth of this story is that, if there is a life at the end of the tunnel, it is going to be a difficult journey to reach it. We are left with a little bit of hope that things might work out in the end, but the ever-present sense is that things are going to get much worse before they can get any better. Eustacia is a master at setting up suspenseful situations and then launching the reader into the middle and let them flounder under the horrors of what they find. The truth about the Nutcracker, the hidden reality of how their world is brought to life, the sheer casual evil locked in the 'prophecy'. All of these are exposed and the main character is left to pick up the pieces and decide if she will be able to fight back. I highly recommend this story, because despite the power of the emotions, it never gets disgusting or provocative for its own sake. Eustacia walks a fine line of challenging our sensibilities without embracing the grotesque.
April 25, 2016
So, I saw the cover and the title of this novel and was SO excited to read this book. If there's a story that I love and cherish deeply, it's the Nutcracker. I grew up with this fairy tale - and it's something that my Mother and I would go see often. So when I had the chance to read this novel from the author herself, I was even more excited. Needless to say, my excitement was not for naught. This was a very interesting version. I will say the first part of the novel was a bit ... off? But the second, was just fantastic. I was glued to the pages. Some things seemed a bit misplaced, or some things kind of seemed out of character. X was very complex. But the second part - I'm ready for more of that!
I think this book has great potential - and I can't wait to see what the series brings in the coming books. I recommend this to anyone who loves the Nutcracker and Fairy Tales.
I think this book has great potential - and I can't wait to see what the series brings in the coming books. I recommend this to anyone who loves the Nutcracker and Fairy Tales.
August 14, 2021
I cannot tell you how dark and deeply Disturbed this book is. It's vague in the description which is why I picked it up in the first place.
I don't Venture away from fluffy fantasy Regency romances and cozy kid mystery for nothing. The imagery described in this book although littered with typos was enough to make me shudder. Which I suppose is the intentions and is the reason this book is three stars instead of say one. I don't think I'll be continuing this series
I think the next time I'll touch horror anyting is the interview with the Vixen novel I have yet to buy or read. Archie branded horror is the only horror for me.
I don't Venture away from fluffy fantasy Regency romances and cozy kid mystery for nothing. The imagery described in this book although littered with typos was enough to make me shudder. Which I suppose is the intentions and is the reason this book is three stars instead of say one. I don't think I'll be continuing this series
I think the next time I'll touch horror anyting is the interview with the Vixen novel I have yet to buy or read. Archie branded horror is the only horror for me.
January 3, 2016
The Nutcracker King is a indeed a good read (pun intended).It was interesting how Eustacia took a twist on a Christmas classic and put on darker aspects in to the story.The story brings you down to the darker side without being too abrupt(applauds because some authors do that too much) but at the right pace.Although I must say our protagonist,Marie needs to grow a backbone instead of succumbing to the wants of a broken(mentally) wooden toy.I can't wait to read the sequel and hopes that Marie plays a part in saving herself instead of waiting for another prince to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2016
The Nutcracker King. Wow, that was unexpectedly excellent. I nearly missed my flight cause I was too busy reading to listen to the announcements, my heart clenching and unclenching in the hopes of a happy ending. To be honest, this story is really well-written. It is easily the kind of book that will be finished in one sitting. The author manages to bring the reader into another world, making characters come alive through her writing. I adore it! Very much looking forward to reading the second book!
June 20, 2016
I am not too familiar with the tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (just the quick summary) but this book was soooo interesting and captivating too! I couldn’t put the novella down once I started ... I just needed to know how it all went down: the garden filled with blood to the Nutcracker’s descend to sociopath king and how Marie was stuck in a continuous nightmare loop. I really enjoyed the well-crafted dark twists and suspense as it definitely shock as well entertained me :D
I CAN’T wait to read the sequel!
I CAN’T wait to read the sequel!
January 11, 2016
I love how the story gets more and more interesting as I read. The dark twist in the story got me hooked and the suspense was very well crafted. It is interesting to see how far a person would go to save someone they love and the methods they use. I must say that I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing and I CANNOT wait for the sequel! Excited to read more about HH’s character. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone!
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