Midnight in Everwood
Midnight in Everwood is Kuzniar’s first novel for adults, having previously published for children. The fact that the author writes for children and that this novel is based on the Nutcracker fairy tale might fool a reader into thinking that it is a sweet, romantic fantasy. But that is not the case. This book is a dark exploration of desire, destiny, and the restrictions on women in the early 20th century.
Marietta lives to dance, but as she grows to adulthood her parents feel that it’s time to quit that, and instead focus on finding a husband. A new neighbour, a toymaker Dr Drosselmeier, pursues her and charms her family, planning an elaborate set for Marietta’s final dance on Christmas Eve. However, a dark magic transports Marietta to a frozen land where she is offered the chance to dance forever, which could be a dream or a curse. Perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber or Alex Bell, this is an enchanting dark fantasy filled with winter magic.
