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rebicon's review against another edition
4.0
I’m a sucker for retellings of the nutcracker story. I loved that Marietta knew who she was and what she wanted. Pursuing your dream when people are against you is always hard but Marietta held true. I liked the characters in the story and the friends Marietta makes along the way to support her. The relationship I was most invested in was the relationship between Marietta, Pirlipata, and Dellara. I wish their friendship was focused on more and Pirlipata and Dellara were given more depth. I felt like we got hints but not the full story. Same thing with Legat. I liked him but I wish we got more. Their relationship was also cute but felt rushed in a way.
The world she is transported had a lot of character itself because of how descriptive things were. Made me wish that where I live we actually experience a real winter. Sometimes it felt like some of the descriptions were redundant but it wasn’t bad. I know it’s a nutcracker retelling and it’s winter themed but it seemed like maybe too much of those type of descriptive words to describe everything.
As for pacing of the story, I thought parts were slow. I thought the beginning was strong up until we got a ways into Everwood. It seemed too slow to get to the climax of the story. Maybe not enough action was taken by the characters at this time?
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for leaving an honest review.
The world she is transported had a lot of character itself because of how descriptive things were. Made me wish that where I live we actually experience a real winter. Sometimes it felt like some of the descriptions were redundant but it wasn’t bad. I know it’s a nutcracker retelling and it’s winter themed but it seemed like maybe too much of those type of descriptive words to describe everything.
As for pacing of the story, I thought parts were slow. I thought the beginning was strong up until we got a ways into Everwood. It seemed too slow to get to the climax of the story. Maybe not enough action was taken by the characters at this time?
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for leaving an honest review.
katherina_lei's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sarahp85's review
4.0
Wonderful & magical. With both Nutcracker as well as Wonderland feels.
The previous dance instructor in me loved reading all the ballet related terms as I could picture everything in my mind so well. I would def recommend this book BUT I'd also say, wait for Christmas time, I think reading it then would make it even more magical ❤
The previous dance instructor in me loved reading all the ballet related terms as I could picture everything in my mind so well. I would def recommend this book BUT I'd also say, wait for Christmas time, I think reading it then would make it even more magical ❤
merelclaes's review against another edition
2.0
It's actually 2.5 stars
I liked this book, partly
In the beginning it was a nice vibe and I wanted to know what happened, the characters were nice. However, the character development wasn't fantastic and could be better.
When I got a little further in the book I found it to become a little bit boring. It was almost the same situation for 12 chapters or something. there were only small changes in the situation.
I also found some names a little bit hard to remember: Pirlipeta and Delara or something, I could not remember who was who.
In general, I found that the book was written a bit more difficult than other books (maybe that is because of the fact that my native language isn't English, but it was no easy read) I just found the language to be very difficult. I ca normally read English books effortlessly, but now I had to look up words every three sentences
The story was magical and a fun read for the holidays and it was a nice twist to the original story, but it was not as I expected it to be. It was rather disappointing. I could not relate to any of the characters (also because I could just not remember their names). The relationships between people were not believable…
Everything is describes by multiple words. And ok, it’s fun to have good descriptions and all and sometimes they are unique and all, but not for three hundred pages on end. It wasn’t just one thing, it was everything. Every color, every piece of food… All. And it was constantly repeated.
In the beginning it was a magical vibe and all, it was fun, but it took me too long to finish this book.
I liked this book, partly
In the beginning it was a nice vibe and I wanted to know what happened, the characters were nice. However, the character development wasn't fantastic and could be better.
When I got a little further in the book I found it to become a little bit boring. It was almost the same situation for 12 chapters or something. there were only small changes in the situation.
I also found some names a little bit hard to remember: Pirlipeta and Delara or something, I could not remember who was who.
In general, I found that the book was written a bit more difficult than other books (maybe that is because of the fact that my native language isn't English, but it was no easy read) I just found the language to be very difficult. I ca normally read English books effortlessly, but now I had to look up words every three sentences
The story was magical and a fun read for the holidays and it was a nice twist to the original story, but it was not as I expected it to be. It was rather disappointing. I could not relate to any of the characters (also because I could just not remember their names). The relationships between people were not believable…
Everything is describes by multiple words. And ok, it’s fun to have good descriptions and all and sometimes they are unique and all, but not for three hundred pages on end. It wasn’t just one thing, it was everything. Every color, every piece of food… All. And it was constantly repeated.
In the beginning it was a magical vibe and all, it was fun, but it took me too long to finish this book.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
3.0
I was expecting a lot from this book. I was actually expecting to fall in love with it, to feel sorry about already having made my wrap up lists with no way to fit this one in anymore. I thought that this was gonna be my new favorite book. The cover is beautiful. I was excited about this ballerina entering a magical fantasy world. I was looking forward to rediscovering the nutcracker tale and seeing it reimagined in an original and fresh way.
I'm not entirely sure why the story didn't work for me. It was not that I hated reading this book. I was not struggling through it. I could read it at a reasonable pace and I didn't dread picking up the book again after I had put it down. I was just not looking forward to it either. I was counting down the pages. I was planning to finish it as soon as possible. I was hoping to finish that early today that I could already start a new book, one I was also excited about.
I didn't have a click with this book. None of the characters really came to life for me. It felt liked they missed a certain kind of depth. They didn't have a rich enough life. They didn't have interesting enough feelings. They didn't have a captivating enough personality. Throughout the book I never had the feeling I bonded with them. I read about them. I witnessed their journey, but not once could I bring myself to really care about them.
Just like the world missed that little spark. Just like the plot missed that little extra. Just like the romance could have used a little more fire or passion. I can see the potential. There were moments I hoped the book would pick up and things would change for the better. But the book didn't. And it's a pity, because I think the tale of the Nutcracker is a beautiful one. I think the elements to make this a great story are there. It just never really comes to life. Damn it.
I'm not entirely sure why the story didn't work for me. It was not that I hated reading this book. I was not struggling through it. I could read it at a reasonable pace and I didn't dread picking up the book again after I had put it down. I was just not looking forward to it either. I was counting down the pages. I was planning to finish it as soon as possible. I was hoping to finish that early today that I could already start a new book, one I was also excited about.
I didn't have a click with this book. None of the characters really came to life for me. It felt liked they missed a certain kind of depth. They didn't have a rich enough life. They didn't have interesting enough feelings. They didn't have a captivating enough personality. Throughout the book I never had the feeling I bonded with them. I read about them. I witnessed their journey, but not once could I bring myself to really care about them.
Just like the world missed that little spark. Just like the plot missed that little extra. Just like the romance could have used a little more fire or passion. I can see the potential. There were moments I hoped the book would pick up and things would change for the better. But the book didn't. And it's a pity, because I think the tale of the Nutcracker is a beautiful one. I think the elements to make this a great story are there. It just never really comes to life. Damn it.
joana_stormblessed's review
3.0
3.5
this was a lot of fun. i wasn't feeling super great but i managed to read 250 pages of this because of how whimsical and beautiful it was . it was not ground breaking but just what i needed =D
this was a lot of fun. i wasn't feeling super great but i managed to read 250 pages of this because of how whimsical and beautiful it was . it was not ground breaking but just what i needed =D
kbkittyb's review
4.0
(*4.5 stars)
Although there are areas that I disliked - the magic was there. The old magic of childhood at Christmas. But in a slightly darker adult way. I loved it. It will stick with me. I read this in December, the perfect time for this reimagining of the Christmas classic.
Now on to the areas of dislike; it was a little 'too much' in relation to the ballet and sweets. I understand that these are key to the story but the constant desert descriptors and ballet jargon fell flat on occasion due to the sheer amount of them. I also found some of Marietta's speeches on her love of dance slightly cringey due to the exaggeration that us mere non-ballet-dancing mortals can't relate to. However, I love the instilled hope in our dreams.
The characterisation and setting descriptions are well done and often magical. (Althought the Drosselmeier sections could have been fattened up a but.) The plot it well thought out - i am not a lover of reimaginings but this was fresh and original while paying homage to the original. I loved the feminist messages to a degree - I did think at times it came across as forced and unnecessary. And I will NEVER not believe that women can follow the dream with the love of their life by their side. So in that vein, the ending annoyed me greatly. She could have had both - I stand by it.
Despite these niggles, I loved this book!! It is one of the better books I have read lately and will very likely be reread in the future. Magical. Would strongly recommend for Christmas.
Although there are areas that I disliked - the magic was there. The old magic of childhood at Christmas. But in a slightly darker adult way. I loved it. It will stick with me. I read this in December, the perfect time for this reimagining of the Christmas classic.
Now on to the areas of dislike; it was a little 'too much' in relation to the ballet and sweets. I understand that these are key to the story but the constant desert descriptors and ballet jargon fell flat on occasion due to the sheer amount of them. I also found some of Marietta's speeches on her love of dance slightly cringey due to the exaggeration that us mere non-ballet-dancing mortals can't relate to. However, I love the instilled hope in our dreams.
The characterisation and setting descriptions are well done and often magical. (Althought the Drosselmeier sections could have been fattened up a but.) The plot it well thought out - i am not a lover of reimaginings but this was fresh and original while paying homage to the original. I loved the feminist messages to a degree - I did think at times it came across as forced and unnecessary. And I will NEVER not believe that women can follow the dream with the love of their life by their side. So in that vein, the ending annoyed me greatly. She could have had both - I stand by it.
Despite these niggles, I loved this book!! It is one of the better books I have read lately and will very likely be reread in the future. Magical. Would strongly recommend for Christmas.
sophrolijkbooks's review
3.0
It took me a long time to finish this book. It's beautifully written, but in, for me, difficult English. I loved the ballet references and that it's based on the story The nutcracker. But I couldn't keep focused during reading. Don't know if it would have been an easier read at a different time.
nikawero's review against another edition
2.0
Ja naprawdę nie oczekiwałam dużo. Raczej głupi, ale wholesome i rozweselający retelling "Dziadka do orzechów", nic więcej. A i tak się zawiodłam.
Nie wiem, czy to kwestia tłumaczenia, czy tak jest też w oryginale, ale język wydaje się momentami na siłę dramatyzowany i ukwiecany, żeby zdawał się wznioślejszy. Słuchałam audiobooka, więc nie przeszkadzało mi to aż tak bardzo, ale momentami te wszystkie peryfrazy były już męczące. Ja naprawdę nie wiem, co znaczy "po twarzy Marietty przemknął cień miękkiego błękitu (...)".
W całej książce irytował mnie brak konsekwencji i jakiegokolwiek ciągu przyczynowo-skutkowego. Postacie robią, co mają robić, „bo tak“, nie z jakiegoś konkretnego powodu. Księżniczka jest waleczna, bo w jej królestwie kobiety walczą, ale przez cały czas zachowuje się jak potulna dziewczynka. Marietta, czyli nasza MC, cały czas powtarza, że nie chce wychodzić za mąż, bo jej przeznaczeniem jest balet. Autorka jasno daje do zrozumienia, że Marietta jest kobietą niezależną i nie potrzebuje żadnego mężczyzny... Dopóki ten nie jest niezbędny do wykonania wielkiego planu, wtedy Marietta bez mrugnięcia okiem rezygnuje ze swojej niezależności. Kiedy tylko pojawią się Marietta, wpada na pomysły, które nikomu nie przyszły do głowy od paru lat, jest niezwykle błyskotliwa, a przynajmniej to próbuje nam wmówić narrator.
Postacie nie mają więcej niż dwóch - w pokrywie do trzech - cech charakteru. Główny villain jest oczywiście Niemcem, dlatego ma niemożliwe do wymówienia nazwisko i co chwilę wtrąca losowe niemieckie słowa typu Schmetterling, bo dokładnie tak działa dwujęzyczność. Nie wiadomo, skąd się wziął, jest bogatym doktorem, podoba mu się młodziutka dziewczyna, która wyraźnie nie jest nim zainteresowana, więc najpierw próbuje ją kupić różnymi biblelotami, a potem, kiedy przekupstwo nie działa, używa siły. Dla mnie to po prostu Wokulski.
Ulubionym powiedzeniem głównej bohaterki jest „nigdy nie będę w stanie zrozumieć twojego bólu“ oraz powtarzanie, jak bardzo jest uprzywilejowana. Ktokolwiek zwierza jej się ze swoich trosk, kończy odprawiony z tym tekstem, bo Marietta jest bardzo niezależną kobietą i dlatego nie jest w stanie zrozumieć problemów swojej ciemnoskórej koleżanki oraz brata, który nigdy nie będzie mógł spędzić życia ze swoim ukochanym zaręczonym z jakąś typiarą. Zaraz potem kłóci się z nim, twierdząc, że ma znacznie gorzej, bo ona musi wyjść za mąż (zupełnie jakby jej brata nie czekało to w momencie, gdy tylko skończy studia).
Wątek romantyczny jest zrobiony na siłę, Marietta lubi faceta, bo ma ładne oczy. Nie zna go, rozmawiała z nim parę razy, ale wie, że go kocha. Jeśli ta książka miała mówić o niezależności i samodzielności, dużo lepiej by wyszła bez mało przekonującego wątku romantycznego.
Mamy tu silną, niezależną główną bohaterkę, rebelię rodem z YA z wczesnych lat dwutysięcznych, reprezentację wciśniętą po to, żeby Marietta nie mogła zrozumieć ich problemów - wszystko, co najlepsze.
Ta książka przypomniała mi, dlaczego nie lubię isekaiów.
SPOILER do prawie końcówki, ale bardzo śmieszny: główny villain, niezwykle potężny tyran, który terroryzował przez lata całe królestwo, został pokonany, bo MC rzuciła w niego butem.
Nie wiem, czy to kwestia tłumaczenia, czy tak jest też w oryginale, ale język wydaje się momentami na siłę dramatyzowany i ukwiecany, żeby zdawał się wznioślejszy. Słuchałam audiobooka, więc nie przeszkadzało mi to aż tak bardzo, ale momentami te wszystkie peryfrazy były już męczące. Ja naprawdę nie wiem, co znaczy "po twarzy Marietty przemknął cień miękkiego błękitu (...)".
W całej książce irytował mnie brak konsekwencji i jakiegokolwiek ciągu przyczynowo-skutkowego. Postacie robią, co mają robić, „bo tak“, nie z jakiegoś konkretnego powodu. Księżniczka jest waleczna, bo w jej królestwie kobiety walczą, ale przez cały czas zachowuje się jak potulna dziewczynka. Marietta, czyli nasza MC, cały czas powtarza, że nie chce wychodzić za mąż, bo jej przeznaczeniem jest balet. Autorka jasno daje do zrozumienia, że Marietta jest kobietą niezależną i nie potrzebuje żadnego mężczyzny... Dopóki ten nie jest niezbędny do wykonania wielkiego planu, wtedy Marietta bez mrugnięcia okiem rezygnuje ze swojej niezależności. Kiedy tylko pojawią się Marietta, wpada na pomysły, które nikomu nie przyszły do głowy od paru lat, jest niezwykle błyskotliwa, a przynajmniej to próbuje nam wmówić narrator.
Postacie nie mają więcej niż dwóch - w pokrywie do trzech - cech charakteru. Główny villain jest oczywiście Niemcem, dlatego ma niemożliwe do wymówienia nazwisko i co chwilę wtrąca losowe niemieckie słowa typu Schmetterling, bo dokładnie tak działa dwujęzyczność. Nie wiadomo, skąd się wziął, jest bogatym doktorem, podoba mu się młodziutka dziewczyna, która wyraźnie nie jest nim zainteresowana, więc najpierw próbuje ją kupić różnymi biblelotami, a potem, kiedy przekupstwo nie działa, używa siły. Dla mnie to po prostu Wokulski.
Ulubionym powiedzeniem głównej bohaterki jest „nigdy nie będę w stanie zrozumieć twojego bólu“ oraz powtarzanie, jak bardzo jest uprzywilejowana. Ktokolwiek zwierza jej się ze swoich trosk, kończy odprawiony z tym tekstem, bo Marietta jest bardzo niezależną kobietą i dlatego nie jest w stanie zrozumieć problemów swojej ciemnoskórej koleżanki oraz brata, który nigdy nie będzie mógł spędzić życia ze swoim ukochanym zaręczonym z jakąś typiarą. Zaraz potem kłóci się z nim, twierdząc, że ma znacznie gorzej, bo ona musi wyjść za mąż (zupełnie jakby jej brata nie czekało to w momencie, gdy tylko skończy studia).
Wątek romantyczny jest zrobiony na siłę, Marietta lubi faceta, bo ma ładne oczy. Nie zna go, rozmawiała z nim parę razy, ale wie, że go kocha. Jeśli ta książka miała mówić o niezależności i samodzielności, dużo lepiej by wyszła bez mało przekonującego wątku romantycznego.
Mamy tu silną, niezależną główną bohaterkę, rebelię rodem z YA z wczesnych lat dwutysięcznych, reprezentację wciśniętą po to, żeby Marietta nie mogła zrozumieć ich problemów - wszystko, co najlepsze.
Ta książka przypomniała mi, dlaczego nie lubię isekaiów.
SPOILER do prawie końcówki, ale bardzo śmieszny: główny villain, niezwykle potężny tyran, który terroryzował przez lata całe królestwo, został pokonany, bo MC rzuciła w niego butem.
cdmue's review
1.0
I DNF'd this book at 13% which is earlier than usual for me. I was about 50 pages into it and on Chapter 8, and still nothing was happening. I may try to go back to this another day but at the moment, not for me.