Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
If you are looking for a story that has whimsy, magic, adventure and suspense then this is the book for you. The Crowns of Croswald is the first installment in the series by the same name and is a fun middle-grade fantasy story that follows a spunky, young female protagonist through a magical world that presents her with adventure and obstacles at each and every turn.
This book introduces you to magic in a school setting, a whimsical world, fantastical creatures, long lost princesses, evil queens and so so much more. It is truly a tale for all ages.
Just shy of being 250 pages in length, this book packs A LOT in without the burden of information dumps or overwhelming the reader. My only complaint is that there are a few times where the plot feels quite cluttered as it tries to weave all of the pieces of the puzzle together and it made for a slightly confusing read where I needed to backtrack and carefully reread passages to ensure I was grasping the meaning and fully understood what was going on. I feel like that could potentially make this a slightly challenging read for younger readers...but despite that, it is still a fun and enjoyable read that is definitely worth giving a shot!
While it may seem slightly cliche, I would venture to say that if you enjoyed the Harry Potter series then this is a tale that will captivate you and leave you wanting more.
Personally, I found this to be a fantastic read and I plan to continue forward with this series at some point. I would give The Crowns of Croswald a solid 4 out of 5 star rating and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a magical escape.
This book introduces you to magic in a school setting, a whimsical world, fantastical creatures, long lost princesses, evil queens and so so much more. It is truly a tale for all ages.
Just shy of being 250 pages in length, this book packs A LOT in without the burden of information dumps or overwhelming the reader. My only complaint is that there are a few times where the plot feels quite cluttered as it tries to weave all of the pieces of the puzzle together and it made for a slightly confusing read where I needed to backtrack and carefully reread passages to ensure I was grasping the meaning and fully understood what was going on. I feel like that could potentially make this a slightly challenging read for younger readers...but despite that, it is still a fun and enjoyable read that is definitely worth giving a shot!
While it may seem slightly cliche, I would venture to say that if you enjoyed the Harry Potter series then this is a tale that will captivate you and leave you wanting more.
Personally, I found this to be a fantastic read and I plan to continue forward with this series at some point. I would give The Crowns of Croswald a solid 4 out of 5 star rating and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a magical escape.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this so much! This book was so magical from start to finish. It was very Cinderella-esq at the beginning but once the story picks up and Ivy is trust into a magical environment the pace really picks up.
I don't think I have felt so nostalgic reading a book with a magical school setting with different creatures since I read Harry Potter. Ivy is such a fun character and watching her get herself into more predicaments as more secrets are revealed was very entertaining. This book has everything a younger reader (and myself) is going to love. Adventure, mystery, a slightly dark academia vibe, friendship, queens and dragons! did I mention the dragons! I have been in such a middle grade mood lately and this book a was perfect addition.
Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this so much! This book was so magical from start to finish. It was very Cinderella-esq at the beginning but once the story picks up and Ivy is trust into a magical environment the pace really picks up.
I don't think I have felt so nostalgic reading a book with a magical school setting with different creatures since I read Harry Potter. Ivy is such a fun character and watching her get herself into more predicaments as more secrets are revealed was very entertaining. This book has everything a younger reader (and myself) is going to love. Adventure, mystery, a slightly dark academia vibe, friendship, queens and dragons! did I mention the dragons! I have been in such a middle grade mood lately and this book a was perfect addition.
Highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and D.E. Night for the ARC!
- I think some people who are looking for a middle grades magical school series may like this, but it missed the mark for me.
- it felt like it was trying really hard to emulate a certain wizard school, and it kept taking away from the story.
- I struggled with the characters. They were 16 as first years, but they acted more like younger kids and spoke like they’re very proper adults. I didn’t feel like the motivations made sense all the time. There’s a big reveal at the end, and Ivy’s reaction just didn’t feel like it fit.
- I’ve always struggled to understand what “show, don’t tell” looks like in a book, but there was a ton of showing in this book. It definitely took me out of the book.
- I think some people who are looking for a middle grades magical school series may like this, but it missed the mark for me.
- it felt like it was trying really hard to emulate a certain wizard school, and it kept taking away from the story.
- I struggled with the characters. They were 16 as first years, but they acted more like younger kids and spoke like they’re very proper adults. I didn’t feel like the motivations made sense all the time. There’s a big reveal at the end, and Ivy’s reaction just didn’t feel like it fit.
- I’ve always struggled to understand what “show, don’t tell” looks like in a book, but there was a ton of showing in this book. It definitely took me out of the book.
Ivy Lovely had grown up as a maid in a forgotten away castle in a world of royals galore. She escapes in her drawings and dreams of a mysterious place only to return to the dull repetitive daily drawl. This is all broken when a kitchen disaster sends her on the run and stumbling into a prestigious school tailored for the magic-infused crown baring royals and those that are being trained to magically create things with their drawings for one of the royal families. Here is where Ivy's journey begins as she strives to become the best scrivener in the land and on the way perhaps decipher her dreams of this familiar place and just maybe find out about the parents she lost before she can remember. If she's very lucky, she might just manage it all before the Queen's dark plans blossom. Or at least by the end of term.
In a post Harry Potter world, the magical school motif is not uncommon. The crux of this setting's success is inevitably on how creative or unique the world around the school is. The Crowns of Croswald is bursting with creativity. It has a loose magic system that is delightfully quirky if not adherent to any particularly stated pattern or laws. There are crazy critters, mischief abound, and a school that is grand in scope and secrets. Without a doubt, the atmosphere is the most successful aspect of the book, and one that I enjoyed very much.
As someone far removed from the target audience for a novel like this, I always try to adjust my expectations. It's unfair to demand a developmental level of an young adult or adult novel for one made for younger readers, it is reasonable to look for how such books utilize the elements of the story presented and how you can foresee a potential reader being invested. In the case of Croswald its form doesn't really fit its face.
The story is very whimsical. The fairy tale like nature of its wistfulness is charming. But it's done in a way that feels much younger than I picture the author intended its readers to be. Amazon suggests that it is best for children ages 8-12. For someone at the beginning of the age range this could be the magical adventure that is perfect for them.
But as an older reader I had a very difficult time adjusting my head to the fact that our main character was supposed to be 16, but had a narrative voice of someone much closer to the top of that age range to my ears. While there are dark elements to the narrative, this very well could be a family friendly rated story. There is nothing wrong with that, but there's also nothing wrong in having younger protagonists in books for younger readers. I also feel like the writer sometimes didn't give enough credit to her readers. She has a wonderfully lush world, but the character interactions and reveals are much more early 90s Disney. As a 90s Disney girl, again not a bad thing, but I was a young person in the age range that this felt appropriate for at the time. And that's not taking into account that kids that age today are practically the teenagers of my day. Additionally I was almost disappointed when the plot twists I thought were completely obvious actually weren't ahead...but what was ended up feeling even less climatic than what I had anticipated. Though I do give a nod to characters who speak to one another instead of letting things hang in silence.
I generously received this book as part of a giveaway. And I did really love how creative the world was. I simply wish that the author had trusted themselves and their readers more. There is a plethora of potential in this story. But I kept wanting just a little bit more. I want this to be the next immersive fantasy world for young readers.
In a post Harry Potter world, the magical school motif is not uncommon. The crux of this setting's success is inevitably on how creative or unique the world around the school is. The Crowns of Croswald is bursting with creativity. It has a loose magic system that is delightfully quirky if not adherent to any particularly stated pattern or laws. There are crazy critters, mischief abound, and a school that is grand in scope and secrets. Without a doubt, the atmosphere is the most successful aspect of the book, and one that I enjoyed very much.
As someone far removed from the target audience for a novel like this, I always try to adjust my expectations. It's unfair to demand a developmental level of an young adult or adult novel for one made for younger readers, it is reasonable to look for how such books utilize the elements of the story presented and how you can foresee a potential reader being invested. In the case of Croswald its form doesn't really fit its face.
The story is very whimsical. The fairy tale like nature of its wistfulness is charming. But it's done in a way that feels much younger than I picture the author intended its readers to be. Amazon suggests that it is best for children ages 8-12. For someone at the beginning of the age range this could be the magical adventure that is perfect for them.
But as an older reader I had a very difficult time adjusting my head to the fact that our main character was supposed to be 16, but had a narrative voice of someone much closer to the top of that age range to my ears. While there are dark elements to the narrative, this very well could be a family friendly rated story. There is nothing wrong with that, but there's also nothing wrong in having younger protagonists in books for younger readers. I also feel like the writer sometimes didn't give enough credit to her readers. She has a wonderfully lush world, but the character interactions and reveals are much more early 90s Disney. As a 90s Disney girl, again not a bad thing, but I was a young person in the age range that this felt appropriate for at the time. And that's not taking into account that kids that age today are practically the teenagers of my day. Additionally I was almost disappointed when the plot twists I thought were completely obvious actually weren't ahead...but what was ended up feeling even less climatic than what I had anticipated. Though I do give a nod to characters who speak to one another instead of letting things hang in silence.
I generously received this book as part of a giveaway. And I did really love how creative the world was. I simply wish that the author had trusted themselves and their readers more. There is a plethora of potential in this story. But I kept wanting just a little bit more. I want this to be the next immersive fantasy world for young readers.
A magnificent world of magic, detailed narration and unique magic system. I love books revolved around books and writing. However I hope I can dive deeper into who Ivy really is, I barely know her by just her action, decision and other characters' describing her. There's a distance between the me (the reader) and Ivy. Since it's the first book, everything seems randomly summoned, like some unrelated things being told one after another which don't really connect to the end of the book. So hopefully everything gets better by the next book. Also, I feel that everything is being overpowered by the great world building, especially the characters.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
There are some fun things in this book, things I wouldn't have thought of myself. As in the creatures and how they used them.
This book really reminded me of the Harry Potter books a lot. There are a lot of similar things in it. I'm still not sure if it bothered me or not. Maybe a little.
It's definitely a book for younger people and maybe that's why I wasn't completely sold on it myself.
I wasn't a big fan of the writing style either and because of that I had a hard time keeping my focus on the book.
Something that also bothered me was the really obvious clues since the beginning. I wasn't surprised about anything in the end and I do like to be a little surprised at least.
I think for younger people this book is definitely a good one. But for me it just wasn't it.
This book really reminded me of the Harry Potter books a lot. There are a lot of similar things in it. I'm still not sure if it bothered me or not. Maybe a little.
It's definitely a book for younger people and maybe that's why I wasn't completely sold on it myself.
I wasn't a big fan of the writing style either and because of that I had a hard time keeping my focus on the book.
Something that also bothered me was the really obvious clues since the beginning. I wasn't surprised about anything in the end and I do like to be a little surprised at least.
I think for younger people this book is definitely a good one. But for me it just wasn't it.
i think i’m a bit too old for this book. it was really well written, and had a super interesting plot but it felt a lot like a kids book despite the main character being 16. Additionally, i was very confused by all of the fantasy language used, which i felt had very little explanation as to what it meant. the writing was good though, and i think the plot was a great idea! i might retry it someday.
I really enjoyed this book! It reminds me of Harry Potter and A Deadly Education but still holds its own. I will definitely reading this again.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been living the life of a lowly scaldrony maid. Until one day, tired of being shut away from the world, she tries to run away and crosses a magical boundary she didn't know existed. The moment she crosses the boundary her world begins to change. Powers within hey awaken and she is brought to the Halls of Ivy a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald's gems. When Ivy's magic-and her life- is threatened by the Dark Queen she must scramble to unearth the mystery of her past before it's too late.
This book captured my attention right from the start. It has a Cinderella meets Harry Potter vibe to it. The world building was excellent and pulled me in right away with its enchanting creatures and magical atmosphere.
Ivy is a character many can relate to as she is both timid about the changes in her life and brave as she sets out on this new adventure. The friends she meets along the way add intrigue and fun into the mix including a bit of a flirtatious relationship.
As a lover of middle grade fantasy I devoured this book! Its captivating storyline kept me entertained and I was sad when it was over. I can't wait to read book two!
This book captured my attention right from the start. It has a Cinderella meets Harry Potter vibe to it. The world building was excellent and pulled me in right away with its enchanting creatures and magical atmosphere.
Ivy is a character many can relate to as she is both timid about the changes in her life and brave as she sets out on this new adventure. The friends she meets along the way add intrigue and fun into the mix including a bit of a flirtatious relationship.
As a lover of middle grade fantasy I devoured this book! Its captivating storyline kept me entertained and I was sad when it was over. I can't wait to read book two!
I really enjoyed this story. It was like Harry Potter mixed with The Magicians, from a female perspective. I love a good magic school story and this one did not disappoint. So many twists and questions that I finished it and instantly had to go buy the next one to see what's going to happen next.
Night does a fantastic job of creating a unique and magical world filled with interesting creatures and endearing characters. There is SO MUCH to this world.
Ivy's story has taken such unexpected turns, and I truly enjoyed watching her grow into a strong, capable young woman over the course of this book.
I'm very curious to find out more of her story. I just have so many questions! I need to know more about her life, her family history, how she's going to handle the Dark Queen, if she and Fyn will actually get together!
10/10, highly recommend.
Night does a fantastic job of creating a unique and magical world filled with interesting creatures and endearing characters. There is SO MUCH to this world.
Ivy's story has taken such unexpected turns, and I truly enjoyed watching her grow into a strong, capable young woman over the course of this book.
I'm very curious to find out more of her story. I just have so many questions! I need to know more about her life, her family history, how she's going to handle the Dark Queen, if she and Fyn will actually get together!
10/10, highly recommend.