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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A middle grade fantasy read heavily influenced by the Harry Potter series. In fact, this will read as female led Harry Potter fan fiction for some readers. The plot is fun and fast moving, but things aren't as well-developed as I would have liked. There is a lot left unexplained and quite a bit of "coincidence" happenings in the plot. The basis for the novel is interesting and it will likely be a good read for the younger middle grade set if they have not prior been introduced to the Harry Potter world, but adult readers will likely find it lacking. Not a bad read by any means, just not enough creative exploration and thoroughness for me to be hooked.
I believe this was my first middle grade book read as an adult and I it makes me feel like maybe I’ve outgrowned this writing style ?
Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t by any means a bad book but I wasn’t enthralled neither by the writing or the plot. I do however plan on gifting this book to my little sister because I think it would be the perfect book to introduce someone to fantasy books.
The story line was interesting, the magic system and boarding school vibe and of course the « chosen » trope really can’t miss. Ivy is lovely heroine and it’s easy to relate to her and get impetuses with her on journey.
At the end of the day I think it’s a perfect book for it’s targeted audience so I’d recommend if you want to gift it to someone younger or if you feel in the mood to feel nostalgic about your own childhood
Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t by any means a bad book but I wasn’t enthralled neither by the writing or the plot. I do however plan on gifting this book to my little sister because I think it would be the perfect book to introduce someone to fantasy books.
The story line was interesting, the magic system and boarding school vibe and of course the « chosen » trope really can’t miss. Ivy is lovely heroine and it’s easy to relate to her and get impetuses with her on journey.
At the end of the day I think it’s a perfect book for it’s targeted audience so I’d recommend if you want to gift it to someone younger or if you feel in the mood to feel nostalgic about your own childhood
The author provided me a copy in exchange for an honest review. This story had me captivated from the very start. Each chapter has beautiful sketches that match the theme which I felt added to the excitement.
I’m a sucker for a magical school setting, and this did not disappoint. I was invested in Ivy from the start with her far-from-ideal living situation. Seeing her swept away to the Halls of Ivy, shopping for supplies, and making friends was so fun and nostalgic.
The mystery of who she is and what happened to her family kept me glued to the pages. The action seemed abrupt at some points, but I didn’t mind it too much. That was the only pacing issue I had.
If you’re a fan of Keeper of the Lost Cities or Harry Potter you will love this!
I’m a sucker for a magical school setting, and this did not disappoint. I was invested in Ivy from the start with her far-from-ideal living situation. Seeing her swept away to the Halls of Ivy, shopping for supplies, and making friends was so fun and nostalgic.
The mystery of who she is and what happened to her family kept me glued to the pages. The action seemed abrupt at some points, but I didn’t mind it too much. That was the only pacing issue I had.
If you’re a fan of Keeper of the Lost Cities or Harry Potter you will love this!
If you’re a big fan of HP and magic filled stories like it, then you’ll enjoy this middle grade fantasy novel by DE Night!
Synopsis: Ivy, who has never left the wall of Castle Plum, is just your average 16 year old who has known nothing but hard work in her short life. She works as a poorly treated scullery maid for a wealthy family, but ends up being cast out after a mishap in the kitchens. What seems like the end of the world for Ivy is just the beginning, and she is thrust into a new world full of magical creatures, evil queens, and adventure. Ivy learns that she’s not so ordinary after all, and that not everyone in this world has her best interests in mind...
Thoughts: The Crowns of Croswald is a fun and imaginative coming of age story with wonderful world building and interesting characters. While it is meant for younger readers, it’s a good fantasy story for all ages. I did get a little flustered with how confusing the story gets towards the end, but I understand that is the first book and all the questions I’m left with will be answered in the other books. Overall not bad!
Full disclosure: the author’s PA reached out to me about reading this story, and I did reactive an ARC of it through netgalley for reviewing purposes!
Synopsis: Ivy, who has never left the wall of Castle Plum, is just your average 16 year old who has known nothing but hard work in her short life. She works as a poorly treated scullery maid for a wealthy family, but ends up being cast out after a mishap in the kitchens. What seems like the end of the world for Ivy is just the beginning, and she is thrust into a new world full of magical creatures, evil queens, and adventure. Ivy learns that she’s not so ordinary after all, and that not everyone in this world has her best interests in mind...
Thoughts: The Crowns of Croswald is a fun and imaginative coming of age story with wonderful world building and interesting characters. While it is meant for younger readers, it’s a good fantasy story for all ages. I did get a little flustered with how confusing the story gets towards the end, but I understand that is the first book and all the questions I’m left with will be answered in the other books. Overall not bad!
Full disclosure: the author’s PA reached out to me about reading this story, and I did reactive an ARC of it through netgalley for reviewing purposes!
The mere moment I dipped into D.E. Night’s Crowns of Croswald, I was drawn into a timeless universe of magic I couldn’t wait to share and would read time and time again.
In a world unexplainable to the untrained eye by its magical characters of dwarfs, Scauldrons, Harries, handsome Scrivenists and the horrors of a haggled cook, I alongside ivy dreamed of becoming a scribe.
fantastical settings of mysterious caves, darkened shores, hidden staircases and partaking in sorcery studies from Ivy’s point of view, we unravel the mystery that is Darwin Edgar and how his and ivy’s past is intertwined.
D.E. Had me turning pages with every clue she gave, I was desperate to seek the answers given in Ivy’s daydreams, much inspired by Harry Potter a book any reader who seeks a magical fantasy filled universe would find unique and stunningly captivating.
Along the journey we made friends with Rebecca and Fyn.
Rebecca was a gem to get to know, I was fascinated with her character and, her charming friendship with ivy held true throughout the book. I could always rely on Rebecca.
Fyn had me second guessing his character throughout the novel, up until his charm and sarcastic wit however had me hooked, his continued friendship with Ivy throughout the story will have the reader overjoyed and attached to every page of the book.
The imagery immerses throughout the book of things such as Boysenberry Bubbly (my new favorite name for a concoction), darkened shores, and pearl covered ballrooms captured on the essence of romance and underlining fear lingering in the halls.
The snarl of the Dark Queen her character although lengthily anticipated was so marvelously evil and compelling we had long awaited her reveal and her cruel powers did not disappoint.
Once the mystery was solved I was itching for more Croswald! I’m eager to see how Ivy enchants things in the town of....Read the continuation to find out!
My one honest tip for The Crowns of Croswald would be shoot for the stars! the books are made for a higher level reader, I felt more than once Crowns of Croswald with its immense vocabulary and characters belonged in a YA Genre and that’s a beautiful thing! I felt as though Ivy’s story was aimed at a Harry Potter middle level ground, which I loved but this mystical world belongs in a YA It allows the novel to expand on more in depth to the YA side.
I look forward to reading more of Croswald and exploring D.E's beautifully written expansive arts.
In a world unexplainable to the untrained eye by its magical characters of dwarfs, Scauldrons, Harries, handsome Scrivenists and the horrors of a haggled cook, I alongside ivy dreamed of becoming a scribe.
fantastical settings of mysterious caves, darkened shores, hidden staircases and partaking in sorcery studies from Ivy’s point of view, we unravel the mystery that is Darwin Edgar and how his and ivy’s past is intertwined.
D.E. Had me turning pages with every clue she gave, I was desperate to seek the answers given in Ivy’s daydreams, much inspired by Harry Potter a book any reader who seeks a magical fantasy filled universe would find unique and stunningly captivating.
Along the journey we made friends with Rebecca and Fyn.
Rebecca was a gem to get to know, I was fascinated with her character and, her charming friendship with ivy held true throughout the book. I could always rely on Rebecca.
Fyn had me second guessing his character throughout the novel, up until his charm and sarcastic wit however had me hooked, his continued friendship with Ivy throughout the story will have the reader overjoyed and attached to every page of the book.
The imagery immerses throughout the book of things such as Boysenberry Bubbly (my new favorite name for a concoction), darkened shores, and pearl covered ballrooms captured on the essence of romance and underlining fear lingering in the halls.
The snarl of the Dark Queen her character although lengthily anticipated was so marvelously evil and compelling we had long awaited her reveal and her cruel powers did not disappoint.
Once the mystery was solved I was itching for more Croswald! I’m eager to see how Ivy enchants things in the town of....Read the continuation to find out!
My one honest tip for The Crowns of Croswald would be shoot for the stars! the books are made for a higher level reader, I felt more than once Crowns of Croswald with its immense vocabulary and characters belonged in a YA Genre and that’s a beautiful thing! I felt as though Ivy’s story was aimed at a Harry Potter middle level ground, which I loved but this mystical world belongs in a YA It allows the novel to expand on more in depth to the YA side.
I look forward to reading more of Croswald and exploring D.E's beautifully written expansive arts.
♡ This story is good. Like REALLY good. I enjoyed Ivy and the mystery as to who she is and why she’s been having these mysterious dreams for so long.
♡ However.. only 3 ⭐️s should definitely be explained.
This is a middle grade and maybe that’s where I struggled a bit. The story was really so so good, I struggled with the details though.. It felt like reading Harry Potter if they didn’t explain Hogwarts, how they learned their magic or even what Diagon Alley is. The story would only scratch the surface of something that could be so much more. If this was maybe a little longer and more detailed it would be a 5 ⭐️ read for me, hands down!
♡ However.. only 3 ⭐️s should definitely be explained.
This is a middle grade and maybe that’s where I struggled a bit. The story was really so so good, I struggled with the details though.. It felt like reading Harry Potter if they didn’t explain Hogwarts, how they learned their magic or even what Diagon Alley is. The story would only scratch the surface of something that could be so much more. If this was maybe a little longer and more detailed it would be a 5 ⭐️ read for me, hands down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
Thank you to @author.denight for this book. I had not heard of this one previously!
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I enjoyed this fun, fantastical story! This one started off a little slow for me, and I worried that it was a little too similar to Harry Potter. As an avid, HP fan, I was making a lot of comparisons. Eventually, the story picked up, and I began to enjoy the unique, magical elements of this story. I was impressed by some of the witty details and connections woven throughout. I was hooked by the end and found the twists and turns fun and exciting. I am curious to know what happens next on Ivy’s journey and will probably have to find out!
•
This book will likely be added to my classroom library, and I would recommend it to kiddos who are a little young for Harry Potter or kids who have finished Harry and are looking for something similar. The fact that it’s a series is a plus for young readers (especially the ones I know)!
•
Thank you to @author.denight for this book. I had not heard of this one previously!
•
I enjoyed this fun, fantastical story! This one started off a little slow for me, and I worried that it was a little too similar to Harry Potter. As an avid, HP fan, I was making a lot of comparisons. Eventually, the story picked up, and I began to enjoy the unique, magical elements of this story. I was impressed by some of the witty details and connections woven throughout. I was hooked by the end and found the twists and turns fun and exciting. I am curious to know what happens next on Ivy’s journey and will probably have to find out!
•
This book will likely be added to my classroom library, and I would recommend it to kiddos who are a little young for Harry Potter or kids who have finished Harry and are looking for something similar. The fact that it’s a series is a plus for young readers (especially the ones I know)!
I’m torn on this one. There were parts that I really enjoyed and other parts that I did not enjoy. It’s like the author took the structure of the first Harry Potter book and just changed the details.
Young girl in unfortunate circumstances. Leaves home to find she’s actually magical. Goes to magic school. Finds out she’s way more than she thought. Toss in a Draco Malfoy double, and it’s almost identical.
You also got an unexpected antagonist in the last few chapters that felt unnecessary since the rest of the book set someone else up to be the bad guy.
I want to read more in the series, but only to figure things out. Does that make sense?
Young girl in unfortunate circumstances. Leaves home to find she’s actually magical. Goes to magic school. Finds out she’s way more than she thought. Toss in a Draco Malfoy double, and it’s almost identical.
You also got an unexpected antagonist in the last few chapters that felt unnecessary since the rest of the book set someone else up to be the bad guy.
I want to read more in the series, but only to figure things out. Does that make sense?
I really wanted to love this story. I wanted to love it so much that although I struggled to read it over a period of 2+ months, I still persisted in the hopes that it would get better or something about it would click for me. I'm really sad to say that it never happened and it was with a great resounding sigh of relief that I finally came to the last page of this book. I feel terrible leaving a low rating, especially when the author's team did reach out to me to read it, but I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and an honest review I shall give it. It does seem that I'm very much in the minority with my feelings about this book though so perhaps it just really wasn't for me! 2 stars.
One of the first things you'll notice about this book, whether it's when actually reading it or when reading reviews about it, is how much it's compared to Harry Potter. There are definitely a lot of similarities from our protagonist, Ivy, growing up mistreated and living in a cupboard, to being magically sought-out one day and receiving an invitation to a prestigious magic school, to various elements of the school itself and the teachers as well. But while there were similarities, I think there's still enough difference in the magic, world-building and plot for it to stand out on its own, and I personally didn't feel that it was *that* similar. Although I had some issues with the writing, I have to acknowledge that there was a lot of wondrous creativity that went into the world-building. I thought the concept of scrivenry was so unique and something that I've never seen before. I liked the use of gem stones to differentiate magical abilities, and I also thought the different abilities were cool, especially the shapeshifting. I thought the magical creatures like hairies, the scaldrony dragons, and the shorehorse, and magical contraptions like the cabbie was also a very unique aspect of the story and they're things that I've never seen in other fantasies (so far as I can recall).
There was actually a lot to enjoy about the world that Night introduces in The Crowns of Croswald but it was the execution that I felt was underwhelming.
We're introduced to this world as if we should already be familiar with it, such as with how the world is laid out, how the magic works, the societal structure, etc., and I found that initially quite confusing though I was willing to read on in the hopes that the world-building would eventually clear things up. And while we do get more information, it felt very patchy and this world never clearly formed in my mind, which didn't help me situate myself or really feel "into" the story as events unfold at a very fast pace. As I read on, there were many inconsistencies in both the plot and the characters that kept jarring me out of the story and it ended up becoming quite frustrating as it persisted until the end. Put plainly, I found myself feeling lost and confused through the majority of the book and couldn't really latch on to the plot or the direction it took. I really wish that we got more scenes with the scrivenry magic because although a large part of the story was about scrivenists and what they can do, we don't really get to see it in action.
What also made it difficult for me to get into the story was the lack of connection to the characters. Ivy came across as much younger than 16 and I found most of the characters fell flat. I was disappointed that the one aspect I usually love in MG fantasy, which is the strong friendships, was sorely lacking in this one. Ivy grew up without friends and that individualist mentality persisted throughout the book so that she ended up doing a lot of things by herself, and that's totally understandable. However, there were times when her "friends" would show up at random, and they would act like they had a closer relationship to Ivy than what we've been shown. That disconnect would always throw me off because we don't really *know* these characters although the sudden closeness in their interaction makes it feel like we should. The author seemed to rely a lot on telling instead of showing and that also had a big impact on how connected I felt to everything--it was all just a little underwhelming.
Ultimately, it was the lack of investment in both the story and characters that made it such a struggle for me to get through this book. I was honestly surprised by how long it took me to read it and I'm quite sad that I didn't enjoy it more; but as mentioned, my opinion seems to be the minority so perhaps it's a case of "it's me and not the book". That said, I do believe that the target audience of young readers will surely delight in the magic and creativity of the world that Night created in The Crowns of Croswald!
Special thanks to the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
One of the first things you'll notice about this book, whether it's when actually reading it or when reading reviews about it, is how much it's compared to Harry Potter. There are definitely a lot of similarities from our protagonist, Ivy, growing up mistreated and living in a cupboard, to being magically sought-out one day and receiving an invitation to a prestigious magic school, to various elements of the school itself and the teachers as well. But while there were similarities, I think there's still enough difference in the magic, world-building and plot for it to stand out on its own, and I personally didn't feel that it was *that* similar. Although I had some issues with the writing, I have to acknowledge that there was a lot of wondrous creativity that went into the world-building. I thought the concept of scrivenry was so unique and something that I've never seen before. I liked the use of gem stones to differentiate magical abilities, and I also thought the different abilities were cool, especially the shapeshifting. I thought the magical creatures like hairies, the scaldrony dragons, and the shorehorse, and magical contraptions like the cabbie was also a very unique aspect of the story and they're things that I've never seen in other fantasies (so far as I can recall).
There was actually a lot to enjoy about the world that Night introduces in The Crowns of Croswald but it was the execution that I felt was underwhelming.
We're introduced to this world as if we should already be familiar with it, such as with how the world is laid out, how the magic works, the societal structure, etc., and I found that initially quite confusing though I was willing to read on in the hopes that the world-building would eventually clear things up. And while we do get more information, it felt very patchy and this world never clearly formed in my mind, which didn't help me situate myself or really feel "into" the story as events unfold at a very fast pace. As I read on, there were many inconsistencies in both the plot and the characters that kept jarring me out of the story and it ended up becoming quite frustrating as it persisted until the end. Put plainly, I found myself feeling lost and confused through the majority of the book and couldn't really latch on to the plot or the direction it took. I really wish that we got more scenes with the scrivenry magic because although a large part of the story was about scrivenists and what they can do, we don't really get to see it in action.
What also made it difficult for me to get into the story was the lack of connection to the characters. Ivy came across as much younger than 16 and I found most of the characters fell flat. I was disappointed that the one aspect I usually love in MG fantasy, which is the strong friendships, was sorely lacking in this one. Ivy grew up without friends and that individualist mentality persisted throughout the book so that she ended up doing a lot of things by herself, and that's totally understandable. However, there were times when her "friends" would show up at random, and they would act like they had a closer relationship to Ivy than what we've been shown. That disconnect would always throw me off because we don't really *know* these characters although the sudden closeness in their interaction makes it feel like we should. The author seemed to rely a lot on telling instead of showing and that also had a big impact on how connected I felt to everything--it was all just a little underwhelming.
Ultimately, it was the lack of investment in both the story and characters that made it such a struggle for me to get through this book. I was honestly surprised by how long it took me to read it and I'm quite sad that I didn't enjoy it more; but as mentioned, my opinion seems to be the minority so perhaps it's a case of "it's me and not the book". That said, I do believe that the target audience of young readers will surely delight in the magic and creativity of the world that Night created in The Crowns of Croswald!
Special thanks to the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.