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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed the world that was created in this book with Ivy discovering her magic and learning how to make friends after being bullied for the best part of her early years and being made to work really hard.
In the beginning I wasn’t too sure about it as the story was developing at a pace that I would have liked but it soon started to get me hooked and intrigued. Ivy is a well developed character who I can see only getting better as the stories progress and I’m excited to see how much magic she is eventually going to be able to master.
I would have liked a bit more back story about the Dark Queen as it felt she was introduced towards the end with a bit of a rush but I’m sure this will be evident throughout the next novels that are planned.
In the beginning I wasn’t too sure about it as the story was developing at a pace that I would have liked but it soon started to get me hooked and intrigued. Ivy is a well developed character who I can see only getting better as the stories progress and I’m excited to see how much magic she is eventually going to be able to master.
I would have liked a bit more back story about the Dark Queen as it felt she was introduced towards the end with a bit of a rush but I’m sure this will be evident throughout the next novels that are planned.
Crowns of Crowswald was an incredibly fun and sweet read that I really, really loved. It gave me all the nostalgic vibes of Harry Potter and magic school. I loved it's humor and nuanced characters. This felt like a read I'd love to recommend to my younger siblings or nieces or nephews. I don't even read a lot of middle-grade and I still though it did a great job with its plot and magic. The atmosphere is light and fun, but there are still stakes. Highly recommend this book.
⭐️2.5 out of 5⭐️
Ivy’s a castle kitchen maid who loves to sketch and listen to stories. When events involving a scaldron get her kicked out, her magic awakens. Being invited to attend the most prestigious magical school – the Halls of Ivy – was beyond anything she’d ever imagined and it's there that she learns the art of scriveny whilst also trying to navigate the politics of the classroom. But something bigger is at play that involves a mysterious man that no one but Ivy can remember and the powerful Dark Queen.
This story was bursting with magic with a whimsical tone. The system was interesting between the scrivenists with their quills and the royals with their crowns. And there is still so much of the world to discover. There was a strong, entertaining plot that kept me engaged to find out what was going to happen next.
But the passing of time and pacing was a bit jarring. I think including a change of season over the school year could have really helped with this. Initially you’d think only a couple of days had passed but it had been months. Or it would be very fast-paced and then suddenly slow down. For example
Also I felt that character development was sacrificed for plot and magic. Ivy didn’t feel fully fleshed out and although she’s 16, sometimes she behaved much younger. For one thing, given she’d spent her life as a servant, I can’t imagine why Ivy would constantly skip meals. There were just quite a few things that didn’t make much sense. Her relationships with Rebecca, Winsome, Fyn, Damaris, and the Selector were weak. Rebecca is meant to be her best friend at school but Ivy, for the most part, ignored her friend’s worries and own struggles. (Side note: why weren’t the school worried that they had a missing student for almost two days when she was locked in a cage?) Winsome is meant to be a mentor but there weren’t key defining moments shown to enhance this bond when they were training together. The fledgling romance felt forced. It would have been better if it was delayed till later books and instead focused on the build-up and strengthening of their connection. And I still don’t know why Fyn consistently popped up randomly at just the right moments, but I’m very suspicious. After the climactic end, where is the Selector?
Every moment felt like it was there to push the plot along rather than to grow the characters and their relationships. There were a few plot holes too but I’m hoping they will be resolved in later books. To be honest, my critique towards this book reminded me of how I felt about the first book in The Hollows series, Dead Witch Walking (a completely different story and genre so want to make it clear that I’m not comparing this aspect). I think perhaps both authors just had too many ideas that they wanted to squeeze into the first book because they had big plans for the series. Now, The Hollows is one of my absolute favourite book series. So although I wasn't completely swept away by The Crowns of Croswald, I do want revisit this world and find out what happens next with Ivy and Derwin Edgar Night.
Thank you to the publisher who provided me with a copy to review.
Ivy’s a castle kitchen maid who loves to sketch and listen to stories. When events involving a scaldron get her kicked out, her magic awakens. Being invited to attend the most prestigious magical school – the Halls of Ivy – was beyond anything she’d ever imagined and it's there that she learns the art of scriveny whilst also trying to navigate the politics of the classroom. But something bigger is at play that involves a mysterious man that no one but Ivy can remember and the powerful Dark Queen.
This story was bursting with magic with a whimsical tone. The system was interesting between the scrivenists with their quills and the royals with their crowns. And there is still so much of the world to discover. There was a strong, entertaining plot that kept me engaged to find out what was going to happen next.
But the passing of time and pacing was a bit jarring. I think including a change of season over the school year could have really helped with this. Initially you’d think only a couple of days had passed but it had been months. Or it would be very fast-paced and then suddenly slow down. For example
Spoiler
Ivy was about to go rescue Rebecca and then her friend flies in through the window. On the one hand I quite liked that Rebecca saved herself but then it didn’t make much sense why Rebecca got trapped in the first place. If it was so that she could provide the information about the shorehorse, then it was a clunky of way of doing it.Also I felt that character development was sacrificed for plot and magic. Ivy didn’t feel fully fleshed out and although she’s 16, sometimes she behaved much younger. For one thing, given she’d spent her life as a servant, I can’t imagine why Ivy would constantly skip meals. There were just quite a few things that didn’t make much sense. Her relationships with Rebecca, Winsome, Fyn, Damaris, and the Selector were weak. Rebecca is meant to be her best friend at school but Ivy, for the most part, ignored her friend’s worries and own struggles. (Side note: why weren’t the school worried that they had a missing student for almost two days when she was locked in a cage?) Winsome is meant to be a mentor but there weren’t key defining moments shown to enhance this bond when they were training together. The fledgling romance felt forced. It would have been better if it was delayed till later books and instead focused on the build-up and strengthening of their connection. And I still don’t know why Fyn consistently popped up randomly at just the right moments, but I’m very suspicious. After the climactic end, where is the Selector?
Every moment felt like it was there to push the plot along rather than to grow the characters and their relationships. There were a few plot holes too but I’m hoping they will be resolved in later books. To be honest, my critique towards this book reminded me of how I felt about the first book in The Hollows series, Dead Witch Walking (a completely different story and genre so want to make it clear that I’m not comparing this aspect). I think perhaps both authors just had too many ideas that they wanted to squeeze into the first book because they had big plans for the series. Now, The Hollows is one of my absolute favourite book series. So although I wasn't completely swept away by The Crowns of Croswald, I do want revisit this world and find out what happens next with Ivy and Derwin Edgar Night.
Thank you to the publisher who provided me with a copy to review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my exclusively my own.
This was a beautiful and whimsical middle grade novel that I loved. I really enjoyed being emersed in the world as it was built so well. The main character Ivy was so well written and I can’t wait to see where her story goes.
This book gave me all the Harry Potter and Nevermoor feels, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
This was a beautiful and whimsical middle grade novel that I loved. I really enjoyed being emersed in the world as it was built so well. The main character Ivy was so well written and I can’t wait to see where her story goes.
This book gave me all the Harry Potter and Nevermoor feels, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
I was lucky to be able to read this book. It was very intriguing and exciting. All the characters was well written and I really loved Ivy. It was vivid and beautiful the scenes just popped. I can't wait for book 2. I received a copy from the publisher/author for my honest review
4.5 stars!
I loved this book! I heard that it was like a mix between Harry Potter and Cinderella and at first I was nervous it was going to be a lot like Harry Potter, but it was totally different and had so many original twist and turns! I loved the whole idea of Ivy's family and the Dark Queen. I liked Ivy's unique classes and her friends. The prologue had me confused throughout the whole book and I'm so happy it came full circle at the end. I can't wait for the next book!
EDIT
After a reread of this book, I knocked the rating down a star. 3.5 stars.
I felt confused a lot of the time. The beginning is very fast. We don't get a lot of background on Ivy and all of the sudden she is picked up by a cabby and taken to a magic school that isn't really explained. It feels like facts are just thrown out without much explanation just to get the information out there. The middle was kind of slow, but really fun, and then the ending was really fast and kind of confusing.
I still absolutely enjoyed my time reading this for a second time. The book had a lot of Harry Potter-like elements, but there were also so many unique elements that it was still so much fun.
I loved this book! I heard that it was like a mix between Harry Potter and Cinderella and at first I was nervous it was going to be a lot like Harry Potter, but it was totally different and had so many original twist and turns! I loved the whole idea of Ivy's family and the Dark Queen. I liked Ivy's unique classes and her friends. The prologue had me confused throughout the whole book and I'm so happy it came full circle at the end. I can't wait for the next book!
EDIT
After a reread of this book, I knocked the rating down a star. 3.5 stars.
I felt confused a lot of the time. The beginning is very fast. We don't get a lot of background on Ivy and all of the sudden she is picked up by a cabby and taken to a magic school that isn't really explained. It feels like facts are just thrown out without much explanation just to get the information out there. The middle was kind of slow, but really fun, and then the ending was really fast and kind of confusing.
I still absolutely enjoyed my time reading this for a second time. The book had a lot of Harry Potter-like elements, but there were also so many unique elements that it was still so much fun.
The Crowns of Croswold by D.E Night is a magical, middle grade read and fantastic start to a series.
Thank you to Stories Untold, NetGalley and the author for this free digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ivy Lovely is a scullery maid who dreams of magic and a world she’s never seen. When she crosses the boundary between her world and the dangerous world of magic, she faces ridicule, challenges and adventures beyond her imagination. In a school full of royals and magical powers Ivy discovers her true self and the secrets behind her haunting dreams.
I enjoyed the magic elements of this story, the characters were likable and once I got past making mental comparisons to a famous, magical middle grade series I was able to appreciate it. The writing is well done and kept me engaged with quirky sidekicks, imaginative adventures, a brave heroine a whimsical world of creatures and let’s not forget, the evil queen.
This book was fun to read and great alternative to anyone looking for a new series to love and embrace. I just purchased the other three books and can’t wait to read the rest of the series to see what Ivy and her friends conquer next. Fans of HP will like this book.
Thank you to Stories Untold, NetGalley and the author for this free digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ivy Lovely is a scullery maid who dreams of magic and a world she’s never seen. When she crosses the boundary between her world and the dangerous world of magic, she faces ridicule, challenges and adventures beyond her imagination. In a school full of royals and magical powers Ivy discovers her true self and the secrets behind her haunting dreams.
I enjoyed the magic elements of this story, the characters were likable and once I got past making mental comparisons to a famous, magical middle grade series I was able to appreciate it. The writing is well done and kept me engaged with quirky sidekicks, imaginative adventures, a brave heroine a whimsical world of creatures and let’s not forget, the evil queen.
This book was fun to read and great alternative to anyone looking for a new series to love and embrace. I just purchased the other three books and can’t wait to read the rest of the series to see what Ivy and her friends conquer next. Fans of HP will like this book.
It has been quite a few years since I have read a middle grade book other than Harry Potter. I forgot how much I enjoy the fun and light weight tone in these books. If you like magic, adventure and a touch of romance, you will love the coming of age, adventure of our dear Ivy Lovely.
The world building and magic system of Croswald is really exciting and unique. There are royals and scrivenists - basically scholars who work with/for the royal families. I love that the school has both royals and scrivenists learning in the same classrooms, even though they have very different skills and need different lesson plans. The teachers do a great job of intertwining the lesson plans to include all. The stones of the royals are fascinating, I have seen that the fandom has quizzes to see which stone you would have if you were a royal, super fun!
I was a bit unhappy with the characters. I wish there was more depth to them. I just do not feel a strong connection to them. Perhaps the next book will rectify this.
I really enjoyed the way everything was explained, we learned about the world at the same time Ivy did, creating a good amount of mystery and a want to learn more about this magical system. However, at times I was really confused, a reread will hopefully help.
A truly enjoyable read with a few quirks, but I'm excited to read book two.
The world building and magic system of Croswald is really exciting and unique. There are royals and scrivenists - basically scholars who work with/for the royal families. I love that the school has both royals and scrivenists learning in the same classrooms, even though they have very different skills and need different lesson plans. The teachers do a great job of intertwining the lesson plans to include all. The stones of the royals are fascinating, I have seen that the fandom has quizzes to see which stone you would have if you were a royal, super fun!
I was a bit unhappy with the characters. I wish there was more depth to them. I just do not feel a strong connection to them. Perhaps the next book will rectify this.
I really enjoyed the way everything was explained, we learned about the world at the same time Ivy did, creating a good amount of mystery and a want to learn more about this magical system. However, at times I was really confused, a reread will hopefully help.
A truly enjoyable read with a few quirks, but I'm excited to read book two.
Often I think books need to be shorter, less detail and pointless events however this book I felt should and could have been longer. A lot happen in a short amount of time and it could feel a bit disjointed in places. That saying I throughly enjoyed my ride through Ivy’s adventures at her first year at school.
Gone were the days of being a maid with her little dragons (I now want a dragon that cooks my food in their mouths, thank you in advance), her world is now full of adventure, the forgotten room and a dark queen who seems to have an unusual interest in Ivy.
I understand why every review seems to reference Harry Potter due to the boarding school and magic, but there are differences and a lot more magical elements.
If your a fan of YA and after a nice light read then I would certainly give this book ago!
Roll on book 2!
I received this book from netgalley in return for an honest review
Gone were the days of being a maid with her little dragons (I now want a dragon that cooks my food in their mouths, thank you in advance), her world is now full of adventure, the forgotten room and a dark queen who seems to have an unusual interest in Ivy.
I understand why every review seems to reference Harry Potter due to the boarding school and magic, but there are differences and a lot more magical elements.
If your a fan of YA and after a nice light read then I would certainly give this book ago!
Roll on book 2!
I received this book from netgalley in return for an honest review
This novel is the first book in 'The Croswald Series", it is a middle-grade fantasy novel that takes place in the magical world of Croswald. The protagonist is a girl named Ivy, who is a simple kitchen-maid living among greater magical beings. Everything changes for Ivy on her sixteenth birthday, Ivy is forced to leave the only home she knows and soon becomes aware that she is of magical blood. Ivy travels to the Halls of Ivy, where she will learn to master her magic and learn a few things about herself and the family she never knew.
Excerpt from the novel: "For the first time in her life, she truly felt like a princess. Yes, Ivy: the same girl who spent her days below the grimy ground that royals walked upon. Rather than mingling scaldrons, Ivy would soon be mingling with royals and soon-t0-be srivenists. Standing in front of that mirror, Ivy felt more alive than ever before. She hadn't smiled like this in a very long time."
This novel is my first read from the author D.E. Night. This book definitely captured my attention from the start! Night did a great job with the imagery surrounding the magical creatures like hairies, and scaldrons. I loved the idea that descendants of royal families were entrusted with a bejeweled crown as a conduit of their power, and each and every stone was a source of a different magical wielding.
Ivy's character was well established, I loved her curiosity and her adventurous nature. I quickly fell in love with her character! The secondary characters (Ivy's friends: Rebecca and Fyn) were slightly less defined. I felt their personalities lacking and I would have liked to understand them better. They sort of had a mysterious air that, in my opinion, didn't appeal to the overall friendship Night was trying to create.
There were a few tropes that were similar to other popular titles such as the rags to riches trope like Cinderella. One aspect that I am critical about is how closely it related to Harry Potter, I LOVED Harry Potter, I think it was one of the best YA fantasy series ever written. This novel was extremely comparable to HP. I don't mind the similarities, but I found some parts to be so similar that I started to picture the scenes from HP rather than the creative world of Croswald. For example, I would picture Ivy walking around Hogwarts rather than the Halls of Ivy.
I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
This book was gifted to me on Netgalley on behalf of the author D.E. Night for my honest review.
[b:The Crowns of Croswald|34944590|The Crowns of Croswald (The Croswald Series, #1)|D.E. Night|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492996825l/34944590._SY75_.jpg|49943841]
[a:D.E. Night|15108914|D.E. Night|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1491939761p2/15108914.jpg]
Excerpt from the novel: "For the first time in her life, she truly felt like a princess. Yes, Ivy: the same girl who spent her days below the grimy ground that royals walked upon. Rather than mingling scaldrons, Ivy would soon be mingling with royals and soon-t0-be srivenists. Standing in front of that mirror, Ivy felt more alive than ever before. She hadn't smiled like this in a very long time."
This novel is my first read from the author D.E. Night. This book definitely captured my attention from the start! Night did a great job with the imagery surrounding the magical creatures like hairies, and scaldrons. I loved the idea that descendants of royal families were entrusted with a bejeweled crown as a conduit of their power, and each and every stone was a source of a different magical wielding.
Ivy's character was well established, I loved her curiosity and her adventurous nature. I quickly fell in love with her character! The secondary characters (Ivy's friends: Rebecca and Fyn) were slightly less defined. I felt their personalities lacking and I would have liked to understand them better. They sort of had a mysterious air that, in my opinion, didn't appeal to the overall friendship Night was trying to create.
There were a few tropes that were similar to other popular titles such as the rags to riches trope like Cinderella. One aspect that I am critical about is how closely it related to Harry Potter, I LOVED Harry Potter, I think it was one of the best YA fantasy series ever written. This novel was extremely comparable to HP. I don't mind the similarities, but I found some parts to be so similar that I started to picture the scenes from HP rather than the creative world of Croswald. For example, I would picture Ivy walking around Hogwarts rather than the Halls of Ivy.
I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
This book was gifted to me on Netgalley on behalf of the author D.E. Night for my honest review.
[b:The Crowns of Croswald|34944590|The Crowns of Croswald (The Croswald Series, #1)|D.E. Night|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492996825l/34944590._SY75_.jpg|49943841]
[a:D.E. Night|15108914|D.E. Night|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1491939761p2/15108914.jpg]