The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: The Secret of the Realms: An Extended Novelization

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, the Secret of the Realms is an amazing take on a classic story. This book follows multiple perspectives, one is from Clara who receives a small egg-shaped box for Christmas from her late mother. Another is from Marie, Clara’s mother.

When Clara gets the box it’s locked. She can’t even open it with her tinkering skills, there is no key either. Every year on Christmas their “ Grandfather” holds a grand party. It was originally Marie’s idea. Clara soon finds the realms and discovers that they are in need of help.

Back in time, Marie’s parents and most of her belongings have been lost in a house fire. Her next option is to go to Drosselmeyer, a friend of her father’s. He takes her in and helps her learn to tinker and engineer objects. One day she stumbles upon a room that leads to the realms. Marie uses imagination and engineering to create the realm. Through the realms and the journey itself, Clara learns to enjoy life more and accept her mother’s death.

I loved this story because it expands into the original story of the Nutcracker. It had many twists and turns complete with a satisfying ending. I thought the cover and illustrations inside are beautiful. I would recommend this enjoyable book for ages ten and up.