I love the Nutcracker and anything Tchaikovsky, and when I heard Tayler Marie Brooks had published a Nutcracker retelling, I jumped on it! Sugar Plum Princess had everything and more than I expect. It even had some Barbie Nutcracker vibes (my favorite of classic Barbie), and it was light enough to read in a matter of an hour. If I wasn’t in Puerto Rico, I would have read it beside the fire! If you haven’t heard about this book before, check out the blurb from Goodreads here:

Clara Stahlbaum lived a life of ease and comfort. That is until her father passed away and her family lost their social standing. Now in order to secure their futures, Clara must travel to Frostington and obtain the status of lady-in-waiting for the spoiled, selfish Princess Alice. Clara’s Uncle Drosselmeier has Clara escorted by a former soldier named, Peter Hoffman, whom Clara soon realizes is the rightful heir to the throne. Only he was overthrown by Arnold, a tyrannical ruler whom the people nicknamed, the Mouse King. Clara finally arrives at the palace and learns of a plot to capture and kill Peter. Can she get a warning back to him in time? And where is this mysterious Sugar Plum Princess Clara keeps hearing of and why isn’t she here to save the people?

Sugar Plum Princess, A Nutcracker Retelling, by Tayler Marie Brooks

Ratings

Story: 4.5/5

Worldview: 5/5

After the prologue introduced us to the state of the kingdom of Frostington, I had exactly the idea of what I was getting into. A legend come to life. We do get some character development from Peter (the nutcracker), as well as a good humbling for Clara. Another character was a nice surprise with their arc, too! I did have some qualms with being told the story more than actually experiencing it, but the plot and tension was there.

Worldview was surprising to me, actually. I was just expecting to read a quick nutcracker retelling, but the characters consider and pray to God. It was nice to see another character acknowledge God’s hand in the midst of the chaos. I’m hoping in the future to see some character come to Christ, as I think there would definitely be room for a certain family member.

Overall Thoughts on Sugar Plum Princess

I loved this book as an introduction to a four-book series (according to Brooks). I can’t say what comes next, but the ending teased a future installment with Swan Lake! My overall rating for this book rounds up to a 5, and I’m excited to see the next one!

I haven’t heard of any other Christian fairytale novels without magic, but if I do, I’ll definitely share them here!