A review by badwomenbooks
The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen was a gothic fairytale that swept me away into the fantastical world that the author imagined. It subverted expectations with its deeply imperfect, sometimes vicious, main characters and its fierce exploration of love, jealousy, and betrayal.

This sickly-sweet tale honored the classic elements of the Nutcracker story that inspired it while adding dark, unexpected twists. It was atmospheric, compelling, and the perfect read for a blistery winter night.

I gave this story a four-star rating because it was beautifully written, completely unexpected, and resonated with me long after I’d turned the last page. This story isn’t for the faint of heart as it was oftentimes gruesome and bitter—and equally lyrical and thrilling. I enjoyed every minute of it.