Scan barcode
A review by bree_of_the_woods
The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I wish Johansen had wrapped this book up maybe 50 pages sooner than she did. I loved this novel until the end— its is such a unique, dark version of The Nutcracker. Very no-holds-bar, Johansen featured twisted characters, jealousy, vengeance, and even murder in her version that has me flipping pages at a rapid pace.
The ending however felt like she tried too hard to bring in an almost historical fiction later that I found boring and out of place, and then wrapped up abruptly after. I see the use for the ending and the completion of our character’s story and emotional arc, but after the ominous tone of the novel, it fell flat for me and tanked my over all feelings. But man! I really loved the rest of it!!
The ending however felt like she tried too hard to bring in an almost historical fiction later that I found boring and out of place, and then wrapped up abruptly after. I see the use for the ending and the completion of our character’s story and emotional arc, but after the ominous tone of the novel, it fell flat for me and tanked my over all feelings. But man! I really loved the rest of it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder