A review by missflyer
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was an enjoyable read, though it wasn’t the right time for my mood or amount of time I had to read it. Puns galore, but also some very heavy emotions and responsibilities to balance it out. What happens when Hex swears? Hilarious! The various uses of Christmas magic to make happiness and even jokes? Inspired. The way Holidays are royal houses, vying for power (measured in joy), with the various courts under that royal house having their own penchants and areas of expertise, was a fun way to interpret Holiday interactions and involvement in the world, while still having echoes of familiarity to the real world. But not too many – this book is an escape from reality, and a fun, casual one to skate around the rink with. 

 

There were a number of good lines and important messages, positive and supportive themes, but this was the only one I highlighted while reading: 

“I don’t think our purpose is to prevent all the bad things in the world,” [Hex] says. “I think our purpose is to help people endure those things.” 

“With that foundation you talked about? One by one by one, until they have something to stand on.” – chapter 11, page 178/374