Review: Dance of the Nutcracker

I was excited to receive an ARC of Dance of the Nutcracker by Ashley Mendoza because I haven't read many adaptations of "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Though this was not an exact adaptation of the E.T.A. Hoffman story, it stays true to the spirit of the fairy tale and incorporates fun winter and Christmas lore. The book reminded me a little of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland since it follows a girl and a boy traveling through a magical land to rescue her love. It was a light-hearted and whimsical adventure that ended in a twist that I didn't see coming.

Princess Clara lives in a magical fae kingdom and is eager to form a marriage alliance with Prince Nicholas, who plays the dual role of the Nutcracker Prince and St. Nicholas, known to us as Santa Claus. She expresses her disdain for his twin brother, Jack, when she learns that Nicholas has been kidnapped, and she must work with Jack to save him. The duo embarks on a journey together through a winter wonderland, where they encounter some obstacles and discover a treasure trove of magic snowflakes that transform into unexpected items when broken.

Over the course of her journey, Clara starts to develop feelings for Jack that make her question her loyalty to Nicholas. The book presents a loose love triangle, but everything works out in the end. As it turns out, Clara didn't know either brother very well until her adventure began. Jack is a spirited and energetic companion, while the more straight-laced Nicholas is absent for most of the book. Jack and Clara have some fun banter, and their chemistry grows throughout the story. I enjoyed following along on their adventures and was not disappointed by the twist ending.

The setting reminded me of the music and aesthetics of the holiday season, so I was a little surprised to see that it was a summer release. The story contains many fun characters from "The Nutcracker," including the Mouse King, Mother Ginger, and the Sugar Plum Fairies. Nicholas taking on the role of Santa Claus adds some fun whimsy to the tale, making it perfect for the holiday season. The worldbuilding is also fun, since Clara is a princess of a fantasy world that exists parallel to the real world. It contains a few pop culture references from the characters' limited knowledge of our world.

Overall, Dance of the Nutcracker is a light and cozy Nutcracker retelling that captures the spirit of the holiday season. It's a great read for anyone trying to get into a wintery mood. I especially enjoyed the magic snowflakes because I never knew what might pop out of them next. Though not a direct retelling of "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," It contained enough references to satisfy fans of the fairy tale or the ballet. The love triangle added a fun new twist to the story, making it a refreshing experience for readers seeking something new.