Winterspell by Claire Legrand
September 30, 2014
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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The clock chimes midnight, a curse breaks, and a girl meets a prince . . . but what follows is not all sweetness and sugarplums.

New York City, 1899. Clara Stole, the mayor’s ever-proper daughter, leads a double life. Since her mother’s murder, she has secretly trained in self-defense with the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

Then, on Christmas Eve, disaster strikes.

Her home is destroyed, her father abducted–by beings distinctly not human. To find him, Clara journeys to the war-ravaged land of Cane. Her only companion is the dethroned prince Nicholas, bound by a wicked curse. If they’re to survive, Clara has no choice but to trust him, but his haunted eyes burn with secrets–and a need she can’t define. With the dangerous, seductive faery queen Anise hunting them, Clara soon realizes she won’t leave Cane unscathed–if she leaves at all.

Inspired by The Nutcracker, Winterspell is a dark, timeless fairy tale about love and war, longing and loneliness, and a girl who must learn to live without fear.

Why I’m waiting?

I NEED THIS BOOK. I HAVE THREATENED TO MAIM SOMEBODY TO GET THIS. (There were witnesses to my statement. I stand by it, sort of.)

I’m a huge fan of Claire Legrand. Sure, I’ve read one book by her so far, but it was enough to convince me that her writing is fucking kickass, and I should read all her books. Also, friends, Winterspell was inspired by The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker. (I can already hear the music in my head.) How can I not want to read this? Like most people, I have a big affection for the ballet. Plus, Clara was secretly trained in this, and there’s a wicked curse. Can you feel my excitement?

Winterspell is an absolute must!

What books are you waiting on?