AUTHOR: Heather Dixon Wallwork DATE RELEASED: October 23, 2018 PUBLISHED BY: The Wallwork Shop/Smith Publicity SERIES: Standalone SYNOPSIS (FROM GOODREADS): Clara Stahlbaum has her future perfectly planned: to marry the handsome pianist, Johann Kahler (ah!) and settle down to a life full of music. But all that changes on Christmas Eve, when Clara receives a mysterious and magical nutcracker. Whisked away to his world—an enchanted empire of beautiful palaces, fickle fairies, enormous rats, and a prince—Clara must face a magician who uses music as spells…and the future she thought she wanted. The Enchanted Sonata, a retelling of The Nutcracker Ballet with a dash of The Pied Piper, will captivate readers of all ages. ABOUT THE AUTHOR (FROM NETGALLEY): Heather Dixon Wallwork is a musician, animator and author. Working under Disney Interactive, she has illustrated for many popular franchises including Lucasfilm, Marvel and Pixar, and was the story lead for the Moana playset. She is the author of two novels published by Greenwillow Books -HarperCollins: Entwined and Illusionarium (you can find more of her stories and comics at Story Monster) Dixon Wallwork currently works as a freelance animation director and storyboard artist in Salt Lake City. When she isn’t playing the flute or piano or writing her next book, she is drawing her all-time favorite character, Mary Poppins. THE REVIEW: *Thank you to Ms. Katie Schnack of Smith Publicity (via NetGalley) for approving my request to read this eARC, in exchange for an honest review. This is a spoiler-free review. Every thoughts, feelings, and opinions about this review is solely MINE. * This novel tells about the story of Clara, a musician who dream to successful just like her handsome pianist crush, Johann Kahler. On the eve of christmas, she received a mysterious gift that ultimately leads her into a magical adventure. I have read so many retellings and this is one of those that really hit my bookworm heart; two retelling: The Nutcracker and Pied Piper are blended so beautifully. I love how the author describe both Clara and Prince Nikolai's worlds; and how the villain was so cunning that I have to curse him while reading. I like the pacing of the novel, definitely hard to put it down as page after page are full of adventures that I completely submerged into that world. The atmosphere throughout the entire story is so perfect for this christmas season. There are a few things that I find a bit off while reading. Though I like the pacing of the novel, I find that there are some scenes that I feel flat. Also since this is a retelling, it is obvious that the story will be predictable. I only wish that it will go deeper, explore more about the magic or enchantment, and of the characters (more). RATING: 4 out of 5 stars
This is a retelling of 2 tales set somewhere in Russia; so perfect for those who are looking for a light, christmas-y read.
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Meet DesA bookworm who loves dark chocolates, skincare, Japanese anime and tea but have an affair with coffee. Want to know me more? Click here. Reader's BadgeCategories
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