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Fae and Crystal Thorns #0.5
Nutcracker of Crystalfall
The annual Christmas party was going just fine… until the trolls showed up.
Clara is a young woman who is wickedly good at puzzles, but she also has a secret her parents have shamed her into hiding. The weight of that secret has ruined nearly every happy moment in her life.
At least this year’s Christmas party gets more interesting once a mysterious stranger shows up. He teaches Clara how to crack nuts, wears a soldier’s uniform she’s never seen, and flashes a smile she’ll never forget.
But then a cruel party guest destroys the only gift that matters to Clara. Even worse, trolls appear and try to kill the handsome stranger she only just met. The fight rages into the night. Soon, Clara has to make a choice.
She could finally escape her unloving parents and the dreadful life they have planned for her. It would only take a promise to join an even greater conflict in the magical and dangerous realm of Faerie—a land she previously didn’t know existed.
If she stays home, her happiness will end forever. If she goes to Faerie, a great adventure awaits her…but it might kill her too.
***Note*** This standalone novella takes place in the same world as the Fae and Crystal Thorns series, but it takes place much earlier. Although it is technically a prequel, it can be read at any time throughout the series.
Clara is a young woman who is wickedly good at puzzles, but she also has a secret her parents have shamed her into hiding. The weight of that secret has ruined nearly every happy moment in her life.
At least this year’s Christmas party gets more interesting once a mysterious stranger shows up. He teaches Clara how to crack nuts, wears a soldier’s uniform she’s never seen, and flashes a smile she’ll never forget.
But then a cruel party guest destroys the only gift that matters to Clara. Even worse, trolls appear and try to kill the handsome stranger she only just met. The fight rages into the night. Soon, Clara has to make a choice.
She could finally escape her unloving parents and the dreadful life they have planned for her. It would only take a promise to join an even greater conflict in the magical and dangerous realm of Faerie—a land she previously didn’t know existed.
If she stays home, her happiness will end forever. If she goes to Faerie, a great adventure awaits her…but it might kill her too.
***Note*** This standalone novella takes place in the same world as the Fae and Crystal Thorns series, but it takes place much earlier. Although it is technically a prequel, it can be read at any time throughout the series.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2022
164 people are currently reading
1048 people want to read
About the author
Kay L. Moody
35 books860 followersKay L. Moody is the YA fantasy author of COURT OF BITTER THORN and THE ELEMENTS OF THE CROWN. Her books feature rich world building, slow burn romance, mythical creatures, and twisty plots.
As a lover of strong female characters, books, and the color pink, she enjoys diving into magical worlds where characters can overcome even their darkest struggles. She lives in the western United States with her husband and four sons. Connect with Kay directly when you follow her on social media @kaylmoody
Visit her website to learn more.
www.KayLMoody.com
As a lover of strong female characters, books, and the color pink, she enjoys diving into magical worlds where characters can overcome even their darkest struggles. She lives in the western United States with her husband and four sons. Connect with Kay directly when you follow her on social media @kaylmoody
Visit her website to learn more.
www.KayLMoody.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 15, 2022
This is a standalone Young adult. I found this book very entertaining. Just like several of Kay l Moody's books that I've already read from her. It's a wonderful nutcracker retelling.
December 7, 2022
This standalone novella is an entertaining addition to the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. It’s always fun to return to the enchanting world of Faerie, and Clara’s story captivated me from the beginning. She is a strong and brave protagonist who is weighed down by a secret her parents have forced her to keep. Ugh! Her parents are awful! The shame they make her feel for something totally out of her control is so wrong. Even worse is the man they have betrothed her to. The arrogance and entitlement and viciousness he exudes make him the perfect antagonist and antithesis to Clara, who is kind, caring, and selfless.
When Clara meets a mysterious man named Revyn at her parent’s Christmas party, her life is irrevocably changed. She chooses to go with Revyn to Faerie to escape her fate and find adventure on her terms. There are so many great messages about acceptance, friendship, and taking control of your future, which I loved.
Revyn’s story is interesting too, as he is fighting to rescue his brother. And the love story between Revyn and Clara is sweet and magical. There’s one dance scene that had my heart melting. And there’s a surprise revelation at the end that I adored.
The story also has a ton of action. It’s a fast-paced read filled with danger, magic, trolls, pixies, fae, and more. If you read the other books in the series, you’ll love this one, and if you haven’t, this is a great one to start with! Special thanks to Kay L. Moody for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
When Clara meets a mysterious man named Revyn at her parent’s Christmas party, her life is irrevocably changed. She chooses to go with Revyn to Faerie to escape her fate and find adventure on her terms. There are so many great messages about acceptance, friendship, and taking control of your future, which I loved.
Revyn’s story is interesting too, as he is fighting to rescue his brother. And the love story between Revyn and Clara is sweet and magical. There’s one dance scene that had my heart melting. And there’s a surprise revelation at the end that I adored.
The story also has a ton of action. It’s a fast-paced read filled with danger, magic, trolls, pixies, fae, and more. If you read the other books in the series, you’ll love this one, and if you haven’t, this is a great one to start with! Special thanks to Kay L. Moody for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
December 6, 2022
“she’d rather fight trolls than marry Fritz.” Twas the night before a wedding, and all through the house, Fritz was a-fretting and being a louse.
Unfortunately, this princess was too insecure to run away. Her parents were set on the marriage, and her father was equally uncaring. Clara had spent months creating a special gift that he destroyed within seconds. However, despite her demoralization, Clara finds a way to save the Nutcracker with a most humble skill. This gives her the motivation to escape her loveless home.
This is a coming of age story about a girl with an impediment who learns her strengths. For Clara, she cannot read or write; her skills are better in measurements [spacial analysis and math]. By asking Revyn to visit faerie, she finally finds her voice. And by helping him an some save a golden tree from harm, she shows her true spirit, as she says: her honor.
Well, I have to admit, Clara’s welcome from the pixies is a funny mix of impractical braids, silk dress, and comfortable golden slippers that somehow are warm enough for snow. Let me know when those are invented, please.
👯The fairy dancing and revels are so fun to experience, but fraught with perils. Then Clara finds that her arch nemesis, that hateful Fritz with whom she was supposedly engaged was here trying to take the magic for himself. In his efforts, he had made bargains with a troll tribe and with a king. The king wanted power too, over this kingless place, and the trolls wanted to..destroy. Clara’s fights with the trolls reminded me of whack-a-mole, and I was so amused.
If you want a fun, uplifting story of overcoming obstacles and finding love, this will really get you in the holiday spirit. Let the snow, jewels, and golden tree light your way.
• Young love
• Fairies, tinsel, and a tree
• A sword
• And a pixie in a pear tree (Hah!)
Unfortunately, this princess was too insecure to run away. Her parents were set on the marriage, and her father was equally uncaring. Clara had spent months creating a special gift that he destroyed within seconds. However, despite her demoralization, Clara finds a way to save the Nutcracker with a most humble skill. This gives her the motivation to escape her loveless home.
This is a coming of age story about a girl with an impediment who learns her strengths. For Clara, she cannot read or write; her skills are better in measurements [spacial analysis and math]. By asking Revyn to visit faerie, she finally finds her voice. And by helping him an some save a golden tree from harm, she shows her true spirit, as she says: her honor.
Well, I have to admit, Clara’s welcome from the pixies is a funny mix of impractical braids, silk dress, and comfortable golden slippers that somehow are warm enough for snow. Let me know when those are invented, please.
👯The fairy dancing and revels are so fun to experience, but fraught with perils. Then Clara finds that her arch nemesis, that hateful Fritz with whom she was supposedly engaged was here trying to take the magic for himself. In his efforts, he had made bargains with a troll tribe and with a king. The king wanted power too, over this kingless place, and the trolls wanted to..destroy. Clara’s fights with the trolls reminded me of whack-a-mole, and I was so amused.
If you want a fun, uplifting story of overcoming obstacles and finding love, this will really get you in the holiday spirit. Let the snow, jewels, and golden tree light your way.
• Young love
• Fairies, tinsel, and a tree
• A sword
• And a pixie in a pear tree (Hah!)
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice escape from the reality of a sometimes harsh life. I like how the heroine had spurts of energy and empowerment as she discovered her self worth and importance after a hard childhood. She’d fight trolls in loo of getting married to someone she couldn’t stand. I received a free advance copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2022
I literally fell into this story and didn’t want it to end it was that good! The author has done an incredible job retelling this classic fairytale and fitting into her amazing faerie world. Clara is such a great character who’s been shamed by her own awful family and when the trolls turn up she escapes away to the land of faerie with the mysterious stranger Revyn. It’s a cracking adventure, with good guys versus bad guys, fantastical beings, fae and even a little romance.
January 6, 2025
Tf did I just read?? It felt like that Arthur meme where DW yells at a sign labeled “no girls allowed,” “this sign won’t stop me because I don’t know how to read!”
Example of how bad the prose is: “She felt the kiss everywhere inside her, but mostly in her heart.”
I’m dead.
Example of how bad the prose is: “She felt the kiss everywhere inside her, but mostly in her heart.”
I’m dead.
December 15, 2022
I loved the main characters of this book, and how we're able to go over the rules of Faerie again without slowing things down. This was such a fun look at Crystalfall for the first time, and after that ending especially, I am so excited for the next book in the main series (Fae and Crystal Thorns)!
Will we see repeat characters from this standalone story? I sure hope so! Can't wait! This book was awesome and I highly encourage you to give it a try, even if you don't normally go for holiday books or even fae books!
Will we see repeat characters from this standalone story? I sure hope so! Can't wait! This book was awesome and I highly encourage you to give it a try, even if you don't normally go for holiday books or even fae books!
January 6, 2023
I don't know how she does it, but Kay Moody strikes again. Or her fairies do. And together, she and her fairies bring us a delightful retelling of the Nutcracker like it's never before been told. It was lovely and exciting and felt like a taste of Christmas - Christmas meets Crystalfall. I already miss the world she created for us.
On earth, many years ago, a girl who loves extravagantly but has never been loved in a way that is worthy of her discovers a portal that leads her to endless wonder, the likes of which she never wants to leave. She is also given a task that only she can do. And so with love and magic and a little help from her friends, Clara just might rewrite her future...and maybe even change the world.
The story had heart and hope, perseverance and patience (sometimes). It will make you believe that no one is too small or insignificant to make a big difference. And you will be right to believe it.
Disclosure #1: Kay Moody gave this book as a Christmas gift to her fans. Disclosure #2: I had the privilege of editing it, which in no way takes away from my Kay Moody super-fan status. Read the book. You will love it.
On earth, many years ago, a girl who loves extravagantly but has never been loved in a way that is worthy of her discovers a portal that leads her to endless wonder, the likes of which she never wants to leave. She is also given a task that only she can do. And so with love and magic and a little help from her friends, Clara just might rewrite her future...and maybe even change the world.
The story had heart and hope, perseverance and patience (sometimes). It will make you believe that no one is too small or insignificant to make a big difference. And you will be right to believe it.
Disclosure #1: Kay Moody gave this book as a Christmas gift to her fans. Disclosure #2: I had the privilege of editing it, which in no way takes away from my Kay Moody super-fan status. Read the book. You will love it.
December 27, 2022
Enchanting!
The authors note at the beginning touched me deeply having lost my parents at an early age as well. I love how she used tragedy to find strength in herself and fight for a better life.
Cannot wait to read the entire series.
The authors note at the beginning touched me deeply having lost my parents at an early age as well. I love how she used tragedy to find strength in herself and fight for a better life.
Cannot wait to read the entire series.
December 6, 2022
Let me start by saying if you haven't read any of Kay L Moody's books yet, you are missing out.
Nutcracker of Crystalfall takes place in the 7th Court of Faerie. We only learned of existence in Shadow and Crystal Thorn.
This book is very well written, smooth flowing and easy to read. The author does a fabulous job portraying the characters, their emotions, their experiences. The imagery is so vivid you can picture every scene.
I love the characters. Clara is a mortal, with an embarrassing secret. She is betrothed to an awful man named Fritz who will make the rest of her life a living hell. While many people look down on her for what she can't do, nobody has ever valued or appreciated her for what she can do.
Revyn is a High Fae from Faerie. Typically Fae only care about themselves. He is not quite as selfish as most but I wouldn't call him selfless either. In the end he learns a lot from Clara.
While I will not spoil it, I can say for certain I was not expecting the ending. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book so I can find out what happens next.
Nutcracker of Crystalfall takes place in the 7th Court of Faerie. We only learned of existence in Shadow and Crystal Thorn.
This book is very well written, smooth flowing and easy to read. The author does a fabulous job portraying the characters, their emotions, their experiences. The imagery is so vivid you can picture every scene.
I love the characters. Clara is a mortal, with an embarrassing secret. She is betrothed to an awful man named Fritz who will make the rest of her life a living hell. While many people look down on her for what she can't do, nobody has ever valued or appreciated her for what she can do.
Revyn is a High Fae from Faerie. Typically Fae only care about themselves. He is not quite as selfish as most but I wouldn't call him selfless either. In the end he learns a lot from Clara.
While I will not spoil it, I can say for certain I was not expecting the ending. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book so I can find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2022
This is a good tale.
Enjoy reading this story. It seems that life can be very hard for some but those who try can have things turn out very well.
Enjoy reading this story. It seems that life can be very hard for some but those who try can have things turn out very well.
February 1, 2023
A very sweet, beautiful retelling of The Nutcracker. Vaguely reminded me of A Court of Thorns and Roses, except without the steam.
The world building was fantastic, most of the characters lovable. What a great introduction to the world & author! I can't wait to read more by her.
I received an advance review copy for an honest review.
The world building was fantastic, most of the characters lovable. What a great introduction to the world & author! I can't wait to read more by her.
I received an advance review copy for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
Alright so 2023 starts with a 5 star read for me. This is a perfect Winter story. It is warm, Cozy and filled with magic. The chemistry between Clara and Revyn was cute and the pixies were very naughty. This book is a standalone novella and is definitely very entertaining. This story is about Clara who while saving Revyn (The Nutcracker) from the trolls decides to accompany him to the Faerie Realm because she does not like the people who stay with her in the Mortal Realm. I really liked the character development of Clara. The way Kay L. Moody has described the Faerie Realm I could visualise everything infront of me like I was watching a movie. The author has done a great job.
December 10, 2022
What a lovely lovely story! Brings the warm and fuzzy feeling right to the very end of my toes. It's very uplifting and inspirational and beautiful, it shows how resilient one can be, that one can overcome even the most difficult situations and hurts. Although, it was far from warm and fuzzy to start off with and left me wanting more of Revyn and Clara! But that's just something Kay excels at, drawing one in, captivating one with the story and leaving one with a desperation only another book will erase....
The despair that Clara felt, the impending doom of her upcoming nuptials to an arrogant, selfish pig, flies off the pages. Resigning herself to her fate, with no means of escape, Clara's world is about to change the moment Revyn enters the picture. And before she knows it, she's in another Realm, a realm I am always ecstatic to read about. So maybe Clara does have an impediment, one she's been hiding for fear of ridicule but her skill and talent lies elsewhere, which no one had ever bothered acknowledging. And wow does she use these skills! I love how she slowly comes to realise that she has nothing to be ashamed of, that, in fact, her talents help her get out of some very hairy situations and that she's not "lesser", she's just different.
Revyn is an unusual Fae, he actually HAS feelings. His need to escape the court of Fairfrost, not only for himself but deeply motivated to get his younger brother out, led him to the mortal world where he meets Clara and their adventure together beginnings. And goodness is it an adventure of note, fighting trolls, trying to help the Pixies, trying to keep from getting killed, makes for a lovely read. I love how he questions himself and his feelings, his sense of right is strong and motivated and he's just lovely. Lovely too is the budding romance between Clara and him.
This is another fast paced, lovely book by Kay, set in a lovely familiar world, one I highly recommend to anyone wanting a lovely, uplifting and inspiring book. If you've read my review to the end, you're might be annoyed or confused at my prolific use of the word "lovely" and no, it's not because I couldn't come up with another word but because this book IS so lovely, I needed to reiterate that feeling it left inside me.
The despair that Clara felt, the impending doom of her upcoming nuptials to an arrogant, selfish pig, flies off the pages. Resigning herself to her fate, with no means of escape, Clara's world is about to change the moment Revyn enters the picture. And before she knows it, she's in another Realm, a realm I am always ecstatic to read about. So maybe Clara does have an impediment, one she's been hiding for fear of ridicule but her skill and talent lies elsewhere, which no one had ever bothered acknowledging. And wow does she use these skills! I love how she slowly comes to realise that she has nothing to be ashamed of, that, in fact, her talents help her get out of some very hairy situations and that she's not "lesser", she's just different.
Revyn is an unusual Fae, he actually HAS feelings. His need to escape the court of Fairfrost, not only for himself but deeply motivated to get his younger brother out, led him to the mortal world where he meets Clara and their adventure together beginnings. And goodness is it an adventure of note, fighting trolls, trying to help the Pixies, trying to keep from getting killed, makes for a lovely read. I love how he questions himself and his feelings, his sense of right is strong and motivated and he's just lovely. Lovely too is the budding romance between Clara and him.
This is another fast paced, lovely book by Kay, set in a lovely familiar world, one I highly recommend to anyone wanting a lovely, uplifting and inspiring book. If you've read my review to the end, you're might be annoyed or confused at my prolific use of the word "lovely" and no, it's not because I couldn't come up with another word but because this book IS so lovely, I needed to reiterate that feeling it left inside me.
December 19, 2022
I really loved reading this magical short story about a young woman who was to be married the following day to a man she detested for his evil and cruel ways, so during her parents party she avoided him at all costs, and hoped something would happen to keep her from him. Clara had a secret which her parents had reviled her for throughout her young life, she could not read, so she felt very inferior to others. During the party a stranger turns up and Clara likes him straightaway but soon after the trolls turn up too and wreck havoc. She is offered a choice by the stranger, Revyn the soldier, to leave with him or stay to be married. She decides to leave and embarks on an adventure like no other. Through a portal she finds herself in the land of fairy and Ms. Moody describes this land of beauty as though she is painting, and using a full palette of colours, to bring this world of magic and wonder to life for us, the readers. However not all is beauty in fairy, there is conflict and many are suffering, and then Fritz, her mean fiancé turns up too, having made a bargain with the trolls no less, and things take a turn for the worse. However Revyn believes in Clara, more than anyone has done before, and she suddenly realises she is not stupid and good for nothing, but has strengths she could put to good use and so she does. I love it when a character suddenly comes into her own as Clara does and the romance works wonders for her. Her leap of faith turns her life around and sometimes its what all of us should be ready to do, take that leap of faith! Beautiful as all the crystal thorns books are!
December 9, 2022
Nutcracker of Crystalfall caught my attention. I’ve been on a Nutcracker retelling kick.
This is a fun quick read - it also gives us a taste of a world of books created by Moody (and yes my TBR just got even bigger).
Clara is young woman who is betrothed to a horrid man child - I call him a man child because he acts like a toddler. Clara also had a learning disability that’s stopped her from learning how to read, but she is mighty in so many other ways. She had what she sees as a hindrance but we see that it is actually a strength in other areas of her life that greatly come into play in Crystalfall.
I won’t go into all the details but a Fae named Revyn takes Clara to his world and an adventure begins.
I would have liked to know about more about their world, but this is a novella in a bigger series, so I would have more base knowledge with that series - BUT you can read this as a stand alone. We are given all the details we need.
I liked that this was a loosely based retelling of The Nutcracker and that it was not smutty and that we got our happy ending. A younger reader can safely read this - but I also greatly enjoyed it!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fun quick read - it also gives us a taste of a world of books created by Moody (and yes my TBR just got even bigger).
Clara is young woman who is betrothed to a horrid man child - I call him a man child because he acts like a toddler. Clara also had a learning disability that’s stopped her from learning how to read, but she is mighty in so many other ways. She had what she sees as a hindrance but we see that it is actually a strength in other areas of her life that greatly come into play in Crystalfall.
I won’t go into all the details but a Fae named Revyn takes Clara to his world and an adventure begins.
I would have liked to know about more about their world, but this is a novella in a bigger series, so I would have more base knowledge with that series - BUT you can read this as a stand alone. We are given all the details we need.
I liked that this was a loosely based retelling of The Nutcracker and that it was not smutty and that we got our happy ending. A younger reader can safely read this - but I also greatly enjoyed it!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2022
First off I should mention I've never actually read the original nutcracker book, but I will have to now. This book is an astounding retelling of what sounds like a great story, the world building is beautiful and well implemented. I absolutely loved the characters, especially our main two, Revyn and Clara. I have to admit the best part about this book, was the end because it confirms that this is book 1 in a new series. More is definitely what I was hoping for as the book drew near to the end, and that's exactly what we will be getting. I fell in love with Revyn from the very first scene he appears in, I love his arrogant cocky side and his timid vulnerable side. Clara she's such a wonderful leading character, she's unfortunately got rotten luck but is hopeful and optimistic throughout the story. The pixies are exquisite and beautifully described, it reminded me of a slightly less temperamental Tinkerbell. I know one thing for certain, I will be pre ordering this entire series. I am looking forward to book two when it comes out. Absolutely fantastic book by one of my favourite authors, I definitely recommend reading this series.
March 6, 2023
I received a free ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I love a good Nutcracker retelling but I can’t say there was much here that caught my interest. It’s not badly written, but I simply couldn’t find anything that really stuck out about it.
I never really felt we got to know Clara and I really can’t say there was a ton compelling about her. We learn a lot about her circumstances and we see her go through a lot but I never felt like I got to know HER.
I did like the ND representation here though! It was done well and without falling into stereotypes. Those were my favorite aspects.
Honestly, I think part of my issue may just be that there is a lot of telling in this book. It made me feel a bit distanced from the character. But this might just be a me thing.
There’s still a fun adventure here and the fantastical environment will continue to impress. I just found it lacking with the protagonist.
I love a good Nutcracker retelling but I can’t say there was much here that caught my interest. It’s not badly written, but I simply couldn’t find anything that really stuck out about it.
I never really felt we got to know Clara and I really can’t say there was a ton compelling about her. We learn a lot about her circumstances and we see her go through a lot but I never felt like I got to know HER.
I did like the ND representation here though! It was done well and without falling into stereotypes. Those were my favorite aspects.
Honestly, I think part of my issue may just be that there is a lot of telling in this book. It made me feel a bit distanced from the character. But this might just be a me thing.
There’s still a fun adventure here and the fantastical environment will continue to impress. I just found it lacking with the protagonist.
December 13, 2022
Lovely Retelling
Clara's life is turned upside down when the trolls come. She runs away to Faerie with a mysterious stranger and finds adventure and love.
I absolutely loved the beginning of this story. I was captivated right away and cared about Clara immediately. She was someone I could relate to and I felt for her and her situation.
I also liked the loose Nutcracker retelling and the unique spin on the story. Revyn is also a great character but their romance felt a little lacking to me.
I was also confused by some action and wanted to know more about the world. However, this is a novella set in an established world already so I'm sure I'd have more answers if I read more. The ending with Fritz threw me off but again, the author promised answers if you read more of her books.
Otherwise, this was a great little fantasy read I needed for the holidays.
Clara's life is turned upside down when the trolls come. She runs away to Faerie with a mysterious stranger and finds adventure and love.
I absolutely loved the beginning of this story. I was captivated right away and cared about Clara immediately. She was someone I could relate to and I felt for her and her situation.
I also liked the loose Nutcracker retelling and the unique spin on the story. Revyn is also a great character but their romance felt a little lacking to me.
I was also confused by some action and wanted to know more about the world. However, this is a novella set in an established world already so I'm sure I'd have more answers if I read more. The ending with Fritz threw me off but again, the author promised answers if you read more of her books.
Otherwise, this was a great little fantasy read I needed for the holidays.
December 8, 2022
If you like Holly Black, SJ Maas and Christmas stories, you’ll love this amazing retelling
I loved the magical Christmassy feel of this book and Clara’s and Revyn’s story, read it in one go, could not put it down. While Moody maintained most of the elements of the original Hoffman’s story, she weaved it into an utterly believable YA fae fantasy world. I especially loved the substitution of rats with trolls and absolutely loathed Fritz as a character, though even there Clara managed to garner some sympathy for him in her comments by explaining why he is how he is. Loved the slow burn romance and the fast pace of the book. The sentiment at the beginning over Clara’s secret elicited so much compassion that it was really easy to like her and I loved how her confidence grew in Faerie. And, of course, loved the HEA. Am definitely interested to read the rest of the series - to see if my hunch is right and this has a promise to turn into a sweet ACOTAR-like book as Clara’s and Ravyn’s adventures continue in different fae courts.
Recommended for lovers of YA fairytale retellings, fae lore and diverse books with honour-bound heroines who overcome their disability.
I loved the magical Christmassy feel of this book and Clara’s and Revyn’s story, read it in one go, could not put it down. While Moody maintained most of the elements of the original Hoffman’s story, she weaved it into an utterly believable YA fae fantasy world. I especially loved the substitution of rats with trolls and absolutely loathed Fritz as a character, though even there Clara managed to garner some sympathy for him in her comments by explaining why he is how he is. Loved the slow burn romance and the fast pace of the book. The sentiment at the beginning over Clara’s secret elicited so much compassion that it was really easy to like her and I loved how her confidence grew in Faerie. And, of course, loved the HEA. Am definitely interested to read the rest of the series - to see if my hunch is right and this has a promise to turn into a sweet ACOTAR-like book as Clara’s and Ravyn’s adventures continue in different fae courts.
Recommended for lovers of YA fairytale retellings, fae lore and diverse books with honour-bound heroines who overcome their disability.
March 13, 2024
Yo entiendo que te inspires en otras historias populares del mismo género pero esto a veces quiere ser GoT, a veces quiere ser ACOTAR y hasta me recuerda a Trylle. Tomas elementos representativos de otras historias en lugar de crear los tuyos, y hacer cosas ridículas como estipular que el tiempo no existe en tu mundo es una tontería. Clara tiene que ser de los personajes más insípidos que me he encontrado igual que Revyn que lo único que tiene es ser el protagonista de cabello oscuro y muy seco que tiene un soft spot por la protagonista. Ni un gramo de química en este pairing. Realmente se necesita de muy poco para que me enganche con un dúo pero aquí no hay absolutamente nada. Si tienes la oportunidad de descargarlo gratis durante stuff your kindle, desaprovéchala.
December 20, 2022
I absolutely love The Nutcracker and love reading retellings so when Kay L Moody had this as a free story in her newsletter I had to download it.
This is the perfect Nutcracker retelling I've ever read. It's beautifully created and the bonus part is it's based in the same world as the Crystal Thorns series.
As a fan of that series I was pleasantly surprised to see our main Fae character Reyven - I just love him.
I loved our main female Character Clara, though mortal she showed more bravery and courage. Her character was created perfectly and I loved how her "downfalls" perceived by others didn't define who she was.
The whole story concept I just loved, the richness of descriptions and the fast pace of the story just created a whirlwind of images in my head as I read.
I was secretly hoping Clara would become Crystalfalls Queen but alas she's not Fae!!
To say I loved this story would be an understatement, I can't wait to head back to Faerie.
This is the perfect Nutcracker retelling I've ever read. It's beautifully created and the bonus part is it's based in the same world as the Crystal Thorns series.
As a fan of that series I was pleasantly surprised to see our main Fae character Reyven - I just love him.
I loved our main female Character Clara, though mortal she showed more bravery and courage. Her character was created perfectly and I loved how her "downfalls" perceived by others didn't define who she was.
The whole story concept I just loved, the richness of descriptions and the fast pace of the story just created a whirlwind of images in my head as I read.
I was secretly hoping Clara would become Crystalfalls Queen but alas she's not Fae!!
To say I loved this story would be an understatement, I can't wait to head back to Faerie.
December 27, 2022
A great story for Christmas time. An adventure to faerie is always exciting and in this story our
dyslexic heroine is trying to get away from an arranged marriage and finds herself saving a very special tree using her skills of measurement. Want a fast read and a good short story I recommend!
dyslexic heroine is trying to get away from an arranged marriage and finds herself saving a very special tree using her skills of measurement. Want a fast read and a good short story I recommend!
January 3, 2023
This was an interesting clean fantasy story that follows Clara as she travels to the fae realm. The story is fast paced and well written. I really liked the characters and their interactions. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 11, 2023
Loved the fae twist to the story of the nutcracker!
December 5, 2024
This was a really neat prequel but I'm honestly more interested in seeing how the characters here will influence the last book of the series
December 30, 2024
It was whimsy and had minor notes of the Nutcracker story. Wished, I'd read it Christmas Eve, but oh well.
December 30, 2022
An enjoyable read for all who love fairy stories, and this one has some interesting twists that increase the enjoyment. The battle between evil tyranny and innocent goodness carries over from the human world into that of the Fae. Like all good fairy stories it has a happy ending but with sufficient loose ends to lead into the future books in the series.
January 5, 2025
This was a lovely little holidayish trip back into the Fae world Moody has created and makes me want to read more.
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