Nutcracker of Crystalfall: A Fae Nutcracker Retelling (Fae and Crystal Thorns) Paperback – Import, 29 November 2022

This standalone novella is a fun quick read and certainly entertaining. The fae realm it's set up in, all the creatures, pixies, sprites, trolls, etc and the high faes ofc, also the landscape, and everything, is truly entrancing and described very beautifully.Clara, a brave and talented mortal, was forced to keep her secrets for the sake of her parents and had its toll on her. But when she was released from that burden, she realised she has everything she needs within her and she no longer needs to shy away from anyone, she grew much more confident and powerful!Revyn and Clara are both really cute and the way their relationship blooms amidst all the chaos they have to deal with is sweet and magical!

This standalone novella is an entertaining addition to the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. The essence of this book could be felt in the starting as clara was introduced in such a way it left me sitting on the edge of my seat. And it's always fun to return to the enchanting world of Faerie and Clara is a strong and brave protagonist who is weighed down by a secret her parents have forced her to keep. Ugh! Her parents are awful! The shame they make her feel for something totally out of her control is so wrong. Even worse is the man they have betrothed her to. The arrogance and entitlement and viciousness he exudes make him the perfect antagonist and antithesis to Clara, who is kind, caring, and selfless.This year's Christmas party got so interesting for Clara as a total stranger in a strange uniform teaches her the proper way to a skill she thought she knew all about.This bewitching and fascinating novella will be the perfect read for this Christmas.I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alright so 2023 starts with a 5 star read for me. This is a perfect Winter story. It is warm, Cozy and filled with magic. The chemistry between Clara and Revyn was cute and the pixies were very naughty. This book is a standalone novella and is definitely very entertaining. This story is about Clara who while saving Revyn (The Nutcracker) from the trolls decides to accompany him to the Faerie Realm because she does not like the people who stay with her in the Mortal Realm. I really liked the character development of Clara. The way Kay L. Moody has described the Faerie Realm I could visualise everything infront of me like I was watching a movie. The author has done a great job.

I loved the magical Christmassy feel of this book and Clara’s and Revyn’s story, read it in one go, could not put it down. While Moody maintained most of the elements of the original Hoffman’s story, she weaved it into an utterly believable YA fae fantasy world. I especially loved the substitution of rats with trolls and absolutely loathed Fritz as a character, though even there Clara managed to garner some sympathy for him in her comments by explaining why he is how he is. Loved the slow burn romance and the fast pace of the book. The sentiment at the beginning over Clara’s secret elicited so much compassion that it was really easy to like her and I loved how her confidence grew in Faerie. And, of course, loved the HEA. Am definitely interested to read the rest of the series - to see if my hunch is right and this has a promise to turn into a sweet ACOTAR-like book as Clara’s and Ravyn’s adventures continue in different fae courts.Recommended for lovers of YA fairytale retellings, fae lore and diverse books with honour-bound heroines who overcome their disability.

Enjoyed book, read before fantastic

Such a cute story! Clara sees trolls in her yard and follows a Fae into Faerie where she agrees to help save a pixie tree. Unfortunately, her vile betrothed has also come to Faerie and has other plans. Hoping to help Revyn, Clara does what she can, hoping it will be enough.Loved diving into this world. Cant wait to read more!

The story started out strong with Jane Austen-style society issues (like arranged marriages), but I felt like the rest was better suited for a younger audience. The writing style seemed to change after the initial scene at the party, and the descriptions could be repetitive.The dyslexia rep and underdog trope were great. It was a cute story and the pacing kept me reading till the end, wondering what would happen next.Note: I received a copy and this is an honest, voluntary review.

Clara is a mortal who wants to run away from her life. Revyn is a fae who is trying to do the same. Together they great a deal to work together that will give them both what they desire most but it won't be an easy journey...This novella is perfect for people who are just beginning to entire the world of fantasy and fae worlds. It is simple to follow and understand. However, the writing style seems to be aimed more for young teenagers not adults who love reading YA Novels. The story line is fantastic and you root for the characters the entire way and hate the bad guys. The author knows how to engage you into the story and make you need to finish the book to find out what happens. I would recommend the book for those who don't mind reading novels with simple writing styles and who love good, sweet fantasy novels and novellas.I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.