The Clock Master's Apprentice: A Nutcracker Retelling

by Coco Nichole

Marisol Hoffman dreams of becoming a clock master just like her Uncle Drosselmeyer. On the eve of Winterfest, she meets his latest invention – a clockwork soldier that can break nuts.

While the house sleeps, the dolls come to life, unlocking a world of clocks, juju, and sugar. From traversing secret fey gardens, to battling flying monsters, to uncovering the mystery of the Sugarcane Fairy, Marisol will test the limits of her clock mastery. Together with the Nutbreaker, she must find a way to overcome the Bat King or remain frozen in time with her dolls forever.

195 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2025

About the author

Coco Nichole is a multi-genre writer of web novels and serialized fiction. She loves pushing the boundaries of magical realism, human relationships, and the supernatural.

Coco enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and appreciating different forms of art. You can find more of her ongoing and completed works on Patreon: www.patreon.com/coconichole

Reviews

[The Archives of Brodie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good and so incredibly sweet that I’m sure it’s rot my teeth out. Coco, wow, you stole my heart with these characters!