'Delectably perverse and lushly written . . . the perfect gothic treat for a cold winter's
day.' KATY HAYS author of The Cloisters 'Dark in spirit and gothic in its atmosphere this
is The Nutcracker as you've never known it.' CULTUREFLY Light and dark - this is the destiny
placed upon Natasha and Clara the birthright bestowed on them by their godfather the
mysterious sorcerer Drosselmeyer. Clara the favourite grows into beauty and ease while
Natasha is cursed to live in her sister's shadow. But one fateful Christmas Eve Natasha gets
her chance at revenge. For Drosselmeyer has returned and brought with him the Nutcracker an
enchanted present which offers entry to a deceptively beautiful world: the Kingdom of Sweets.
In this land of snow and sugar Natasha is presented with a power far greater than
Drosselmeyer: the Sugar Plum Fairy who is also a giver of gifts . . . and a maker of
dread-filled bargains. As Natasha uncovers the dark destiny laid before her birth she must
reckon with powers both earthly and magical . . . and decide to which world she truly belongs.
