Curious about some of the hidden nods to the Nutcracker in A Noble Warrior?
Interested in the crazy behind the scenes to ANW?
Welp, you’re in luck! Today I’ve got a dive into some of my favorite “Christmas” Eggs from ANW.
Keep reading to the end for a non-spoiler list of my favorite moments from ANW!
There are a few subtle and not-so-subtle ballet references in ANW’s formatting.
The novella is split into two parts. Act 1, and Act 2.
The prologue, aka opening chapter, is titled Overture. ~ Overtures are the musical introduction to ballet, and serve to set the mood and introduce the main themes of the ballet. ~
The epilogue…well, if you don’t know what a finale is, I’ll leave you to research it.
And… the chapter, Divertissement, in the middle of the book. I will also leave you to read ANW, then research divertissements, because it is quite fun to put two and two together. *innocent face*
If you have read the original version of the Nutcracker, you’ll know that Clara’s original name was Marie.
In honor of that—even though ANW is partly from the POV of Clara’s older sister Louise—I named my character Marie.
Other nods to the original fairytale:
- Marie’s injury in Chapter 7 is a nod to when Marie fainted after the show down with the Mouse King and sliced her arm open in the original story.
- When you read Chapter 7, keep an eye out for what Marie uses from her shoe…and who her enemies are.
- Cassian has a wooden mask that he finds very important. And, then…well…remember what Fritz did with the Nutcracker in the original story?
- Eisyber is a land of snow and ice, that Marie would say is “magical.” And it is in part ruled by a council that all seem to dress and act like certain…sweets…
- The Mouse King’s loyal soldiers all wear black masks resembling horrifying mice to creep out their enemies.
Curious about a few of the council members based off of sweets?
In ANW, you will find…
Lady Karamell, a charming woman based off of caramel.
Sour as a lemon drop, Lady Törtchenza.
Based off of my favorite candy, and created by a friend, Lord Felssun.
And, like chocolate, Lord Schokolade.
And an honorary mention, because he lives in Ninaria and has a thing for peppermint stick colors…a very disgusting man whose name literally means disgusting…Lord Ekelhaft!
GUYS, H.S.J.WILLIAMS READ MY BOOK!
*screams*
It’s mind-blowing to have one of my favorite authors endorse my upcoming book, and it was so so amazing to get the endorsement from her.
So…yup. Share it! Look into ANW because of it! XD
There are only three days left to pre-order ANW!
*distant screams*
And remember! If you purchase the hardcover (with illustrations!) or paperback by Christmas Day, and fill out this form, you get free goodies!
And…because I promised it…my favorite non-spoiler moments of ANW!
Lulu’s Library 