One of my blogging goals this year was to share more book reviews. I love reading and have really begun avidly again so I think it’s high time I start sharing my thoughts on the books I read with you. I hope this is something you will all look forward to.
You might have noticed from the bookish content I have shared in the past that I like historical fiction, thrillers and romance. I’m also beginning to delve into the genre of magical realism and fantasy, and even horror to some degree.
The first book I read in 2022 was Midnight in Everwood by M.A Kunziar and it was enchanting.
Synopsis for Midnight in Everwood
There’s nothing Marietta Stelle loves more than ballet, but after Christmas, her dreams will be over as she is obligated to take her place in Edwardian society. While she is chafing against such suffocating traditions, a mysterious man purchases the neighbouring townhouse. Dr Drosselmeier is a charming but calculating figure who wins over the rest of the Stelle family with his enchanting toys and wondrous mechanisms.
When Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate set for Marietta’s final ballet performance, she discovers it carries a magic all of its own. On the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, she is transported to a snowy forest, where she encounters danger at every turn: ice giants, shadow goblins and the shrieking mist all lurk amidst the firs and frozen waterfalls and ice cliffs. After being rescued by the butterscotch-eyed captain of the king’s guard, she is escorted to the frozen sugar palace. At once, Marietta is enchanted by this glittering world of glamorous gowns, gingerbread houses, miniature reindeer and the most delicious confectionary.
But all is not as it seems and Marietta is soon trapped in the sumptuous palace by the sadistic King Gelum, who claims her as his own. She is confined to a gilded prison with his other pets; Dellara, whose words are as sharp as her teeth, and Pirlipata, a princess from another land. Marietta must forge an alliance with the two women to carve a way free from this sugar-coated but treacherous world and back home to follow her dreams. Yet in a hedonistic world brimming with rebellion and a forbidden romance that risks everything, such a path will never be easy.
Review
There was something truly magical about Midnight in Everwood. The thing that most stands out is the beautiful writing. The descriptions in this novel are truly delicious. You honestly feel as though you are in a winter wonderland in a land when the air is scented with sugar and gingerbread. I loved that about this book; the balls were described with exquisite detail as was every meal they ate. Which, as you might imagine, generally was a meal of sugar plums and chocolate and gingerbread.
However much I liked the writing however, I also really admired Marietta’s character. An English girl expected to conform to the expectations of both society and her parents, Marietta dreams of being a ballet dancer. She longs to break away and live a life for herself, not for others. And her bluntness and ability to ire her father really demonstrated her courage and determination. But Marietta is also proud, defiant to the point of foolishness and she pays the price of those flaws Everwood. She also learns and grows in Everwood and falls in love.
Her time in Everwood isn’t magical, it’s horrible. But she learns great courage and falls in love and returns to her own world changed. I loved the ending and thought the novel was quite novel in many respects. See what I did there?
I hope to read more from this author, although I do believe this was her debut novel, so I’ll likely have to wait a while.
Have you read this book? Do you think you will? Share in the comments below!
SOUNDS like a book I’d like to read.
If you do, tell me what you think!
This is such a lovely booK review. The story sounds super MAGICAL and It gave me lots of holiday vibes.
Riyah Speaks recently posted…04 Bad Habits To Unlearn To Becoming A Better You
Yes, it’d be prefect to read around Christmas/New Year’s, which is when I read it.
Oooh wonderful review! This sounds like a fantastic read; I was instantly drawn in by the cover and the tag line. I’ll be adding this straight to my tbr list!
Jenny in Neverland recently posted…5 Amazing Charities To Consider Supporting in 2022
Thanks Jenny! So glad you enjoyed the review 😀
Talk about spectacular timing! I just added this book to my TBR a couple of weeks ago because the plot sounded so interesting to me. It was wonderful to read your review and it certainly made me even more excited to pick it up soon. It really sounds right up my alley!
Stephanie recently posted…Book Review: Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q Sutanto
Thanks! It was a very good book I thought. Hope you like it too!
Although I’m not a fan of this genre, you’ve made the book sound interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Jodie recently posted…Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
My pleasure!!
This book sounds like it is rIght up my street! I will be definitely reading this soon. Lovely review x penny/ whatdidshetype.com
Thanks Penny! Hope you like it.
I love the strong female lead and enjoy knowing that she grows through her time with the women she meets! It is not the story I was expecting from the cover or title, but I love that it is unexpected. 🙂
Jaya Avendel recently posted…‘Wrong Time’ Published at Songs of Eretz Magazine!
Unexpected is good!
This sounds like a fab fantasy read, Giulia, very much the sort of book I’d pick up and devour in a day or two – thank you so much for the review and recommendation!
Lisa recently posted…How to Get an Authentic Taste of Spain – 15 Easy Spanish Food Recipes *
Oh my pleasure Lisa!
Good review! been planning on reading this book as I have seen it around on the blogosphere for a bit now and it looks so interesting. And today I found it at one of my libraries which is a delightful surprise given how much they focus on Dutch books~ So i will be reading it soon.
Mehsi recently posted…First Chapter First Paragraph Thursday Intros ~ Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Glad you were able to find it! I hope you enjoy it 😃
Excellent review! I always like reading book rEviews. I had not heard of this one yet, but I do like magical realism and this one soundS really good!
Sarah recently posted…Easy Soft Pretzel Board (perfect for game day!)
It’s really delightful!