Review of 'Midnight in Everwood' by M.A. Kuzniar
Review of Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar
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This is without doubt one of the most captivating, imaginative and colourful fantasies inspired by The Nutcracker I have ever read or seen. And I say seen because I could visualise everything in this beautiful haunting story by M.A. Kuzniar. (It would make an amazing movie!) You know a novel is great when there are no true words to describe its effects on you. It is so magnificent it must be read and experienced to be appreciated.
Midnight in Everwood displays the incredible richness and depth of true fairy tales (such as the adult ones by Brothers Grimm which are frequently mentioned in the story). Although we cringe at the sinister horror, torturous control and twisted evil of Drosselmeier and King Gelum characters, their darkness pales against the snow white hope and courage of our charming bold heroine, ballerina Marietta, who faces mind numbing challenges in both Nottingham and Everwood. But this is a story about growing up and despite the obstacles, she matures through it all aided by the discovery of love, poetry and ecstatic beauty that surrounds her. We follow her every step with wonder and cheer her on to victory. Keep an eye on Legat, the King’s captain! For Marietta is not alone on the journey. Friendship is the glue that holds her wits together and later transports her to freedom in and beyond this magic realm. With Dellara and Pirlipata at her side, she finds strength. And together they combine their talents to break the fiendish spells and control of the evil king.
Of course, there are some similarities to other fantasy stories. Entry into this magical world reminded me of the doorway to Narnia Chronicles of C.S. Lewis. Here is a world where time passes generously while ours barely moves at all. It seems Everwood exists between the seconds of earth’s time (if you can get your head around that concept!).
A few other lovely things: Marietta learns how each of her friends in Everwood possess a starname that they gift themselves once they truly understand who they are. As Dellara says, ‘It’s an empowering act, stepping into your own identity, forging a deeper empathy with yourself.’ This story explores the discovery of self, embracing who you are and having the courage to be yourself. Sometimes that means stepping outside of man-made, conforming time/era traditions. Of course, that brings conflict but trials and tribulations tend to burn away the dross and free the gold within. Fears are faced. Big ones! But victory comes, though not without a cost, but it comes in unexpected ways. For Marietta: she leaves Everwood a changed young woman with more courage and skill than she had before entering that realm. These experiences sharpen her vision and give her the fortitude to make the right decisions for herself.
This is a story I will never forget. Beautiful, enchanting, mesmerising, magical. 5 Plus stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I highly recommend this brilliant novel.
