Book Review for Nickolai of the North by Lucy Daniel Raby

This is a Christmas adventure filled with fantasy, magic, reindeer, fairies, elves, goblins, monsters, demons, and wolves. It is based on legends, myths, and customs about Christmas and Santa Claus. The story has a young male protagonist and is filled with action and adventure. This story begins many centuries ago on Winter Solstice Eve in a fictional, secret, underground elfin kingdom near the north pole. It is the story of the young boy who eventually grows up to become Santa Claus.

After the protagonist’s mother disappeared when he was just one year old, Nickolai was secretly delivered to the home of an elderly couple, Joe and Hannah, by reindeer. The couple brought him up as their own. Nick has pointed ears, blue eyes, and likes to wear his red cloak.

Nick enjoys making things, has a passion for adventure, invented Splodging races, and likes to help others. He has a desire to fit in with the rest of the children. He is devastated to learn that he isn’t human and feels a need to find his people. Eventually, he leaves the home where he was raised hoping to find his kind. He becomes wanted as a dangerous criminal and must fight to survive. He becomes the hero of this story, defeating the evil queen, saving his kingdom, giving the children an opportunity to experience childhood, and providing gifts for them.

Nickolai is accompanied on his adventures by Elvina. She is a Light Fairy assigned to be Nick’s companion. She has a nervous disposition, makes agitating twittering noises, and often hides in Nickolai’s tunic. She tends to make her rare appearances at the most inconvenient times. She snores, squeaks, buzzes, squeals, chirps, and spells. She is helpful when navigating the labyrinth and restores the ability to fly to the reindeer. Nick is also accompanied on his adventures by his friends—both human and reindeer.

Queen Magda is the wicked antagonist in this story. She is an evil witch who was banished for her sorcery. However, she returns because she wants the power of the lights for herself. She creates the Golden City to draw people in and places herself in the position of Monarch. She steals the youth from children to make herself look younger and more beautiful. She has pointed ears like Nick, but she also has a large black hole radiating a dark force where her heart belongs. She is assisted in her evil efforts by her advisor Dr. Volpo and anyone else she can recruit with the help of goblins, monsters, demons, and wolves.

I really enjoyed this story. The author does an excellent job at combining fantasy with adventure. I love the world she created. The story was written for children of all ages. It kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, and Christmas. I rate this book 4 stars.