REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE
Abstract: An interesting take on The Nutcracker drawing from both the original story and the ballet while expanding into its own story. The characters dynamics are enjoyable, and Stefan’s coming of age hits well from multiple angles, and there the author does a pretty good job with a variety of themes. On the other hand, the world doesn’t quite fit together and has a couple philosophical and theological problems. The author also allows too much sympathy with the villains for their motives, and the push for sympathy causes some issues towards the story’s end. Content warning (highlight to view): some violent imagery, questionable philosophy/theology, frightening descriptions, magic ——— Well, it’s Advent now, so what better time than now to look at Sherri L. Smith’s retelling of E. T. A. Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King ? The Toymaker’s Apprentice tells the story of Stefan Drosselmeyer, an apprentice to his toymaker father,...