Bestselling author of The Queen of the Tearling, Erika Johansen journeys to a new kingdom in this brilliant standalone novel - a darkly magical take on the celebrated Christmas story of the Nutcracker...

'Delectably perverse and lushly written . . . the perfect gothic treat for a cold winter's day.' KATY HAYS, author of The Cloisters

'Dark in spirit and gothic in its atmosphere, this is The Nutcracker as you've never known it.' CULTUREFLY

Light and dark - this is the destiny placed upon Natasha and Clara, the birthright bestowed on them by their godfather, the mysterious sorcerer Drosselmeyer. Clara, the favourite, grows into beauty and ease, while Natasha is cursed to live in her sister's shadow. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Natasha gets her chance at revenge. For Drosselmeyer has returned and brought with him the Nutcracker, an enchanted present which offers entry to a deceptively beautiful world- the Kingdom of Sweets.

In this land of snow and sugar, Natasha is presented with a power far greater than Drosselmeyer- the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is also a giver of gifts . . . and a maker of dread-filled bargains. As Natasha uncovers the dark destiny laid before her birth, she must reckon with powers both earthly and magical . . . and decide to which world she truly belongs.