Nutcracker of Crystalfall
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4.1 • 22 Ratings
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Publisher Description
A sweeping fae fairy tale retelling filled with adventure, magic, and learning one's worth. This standalone is an action-packed and heart-warming start to the Fae and Crystal Thorns series.
The annual Christmas party was going just fine… until the trolls showed up.
Clara is a young woman who is wickedly good at puzzles, but she also has a secret her parents have shamed her into hiding. The weight of that secret has ruined nearly every happy moment in her life.
At least this year's Christmas party gets more interesting once a mysterious stranger shows up. He teaches Clara how to crack nuts, wears a soldier's uniform she's never seen, and flashes a smile she'll never forget.
But then a cruel party guest destroys the only gift that matters to Clara. Even worse, trolls appear and try to kill the handsome stranger she only just met. The fight rages into the night. Soon, Clara has to make a choice.
She could finally escape her unloving parents and the dreadful life they have planned for her. It would only take a promise to join an even greater conflict in the magical and dangerous realm of Faerie—a land she previously didn't know existed.
If she stays home, her happiness will end forever. If she goes to Faerie, a great adventure awaits her…but it might kill her too.
***Note*** This standalone novella takes place in the same world as the Fae and Crystal Thorns series, but it takes place much earlier. Although it is technically a prequel, it can be read at any time throughout the series.
Customer Reviews
Makes me see the good in people
“she’d rather fight trolls than marry Fritz.” Twas the night before a wedding, and all through the house, Fritz was a-fretting and being a louse.
Unfortunately, this princess was too insecure to run away. Her parents were set on the marriage, and her father was equally uncaring. Clara had spent months creating a special gift that he destroyed within seconds. However, despite her demoralization, Clara finds a way to save the Nutcracker with a most humble skill. This gives her the motivation to escape her loveless home.
This is a coming of age story about a girl with an impediment who learns her strengths. For Clara, she cannot read or write; her skills are better in measurements [spacial analysis and math]. By asking Revyn to visit faerie, she finally finds her voice. And by helping him an some save a golden tree from harm, she shows her true spirit, as she says: her honor.
Well, I have to admit, Clara’s welcome from the pixies is a funny mix of impractical braids, silk dress, and comfortable golden slippers that somehow are warm enough for snow. Let me know when those are invented, please.
👯The fairy dancing and revels are so fun to experience, but fraught with perils. Then Clara finds that her arch nemesis, that hateful Fritz with whom she was supposedly engaged was here trying to take the magic for himself. In his efforts, he had made bargains with a troll tribe and with a king. The king wanted power too, over this kingless place, and the trolls wanted to..destroy. Clara’s fights with the trolls reminded me of whack-a-mole, and I was so amused.
If you want a fun, uplifting story of overcoming obstacles and finding love, this will really get you in the holiday spirit. Let the snow, jewels, and golden tree light your way.
• Young love
• Fairies, tinsel, and a tree
• A sword
• And a pixie in a pear tree (Hah!)