Nutcracker of Crystalfall

by Kay L. Moody

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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.

SERIES READING ORDER

Book 1: Flame & Crystal Thorns

Book 2: Shadow & Crystal Thorns

Book 3: Blade & Crystal Thorns

Book 4: Curse & Crystal Thorns

Book 5: Wrath & Crystal Thorns

Standalone: Nutcracker of Crystalfall

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Book Details

Genre

Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance

Subgenre

Action/Adventure, Fae / Elf, Fairytale, High Fantasy, Holiday (Christmas, Valentine’s, etc.), Medieval, Mythology-Based (Greek, Norse, Celtic, etc.), Royal

Series

Fae and Crystal Thorns, Standalone

Audience

New Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

November 30, 2022

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novella

Sensitive Themes

War or battle scenes

Representation

Disability representation, Neurodivergent representation (e.g., Autism, ADHD)

100% recommended

100% recommended, great

The branch never falls far from the tree.

First off I should mention I've never actually read the original nutcracker book, but I will have to now. This book is an astounding retelling of what sounds like a great story, the world building is beautiful and well implemented. I absolutely loved the characters, especially our main two, Revyn and Clara. I have to admit the best part about this book, was the end because it confirms that this is book 1 in a new series. More is definitely what I was hoping for as the book drew near to the end, and that's exactly what we will be getting. I fell in love with Revyn from the very first scene he appears in, I love his arrogant cocky side and his timid vulnerable side. Clara she's such a wonderful leading character, she's unfortunately got rotten luck but is hopeful and optimistic throughout the story. The pixies are exquisite and beautifully described, it reminded me of a slightly less temperamental Tinkerbell. I know one thing for certain, I will be pre ordering this entire series. I am looking forward to book two when it comes out. Absolutely fantastic, I definitely recommend reading this series.

Cute fantasy story that takes place in Faerie

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.

Sweet and simple love story

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!

an enjoyable read for all who love fairy stories.

A fairy story with some interesting twists that increase the enjoyment. The battle between evil tyranny and innocent goodness carries over from the human world into that of the Fae. Like all good fairy stories it has a happy ending but with sufficient loose ends to lead into future books in the series.