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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
The Crowns or Croswald by D.E. Night
Ivy Lovely has had a hard life. Stuck as the lowest kitchen maid working the fires, she has few friends, few free time, and even fewer comforts. One day after an unfortunate event in the kitchen, Ivy finds herself alone and kicked out of the only home she has ever known. As she leaves the castle grounds to find her way in the world, her magic awakens and Ivy discovers a world she never knew she belonged in.
Ivy is admitted to a magical school, the Halls of Ivy, and begins to learn about herself and what she is really capable of. The Crowns of Croswald immerses you in a whole magical world, complete with magical terms that you learn as you read the book. I found as I was reading I did have a lot of questions, but the author did a great job of answering a lot of those during the last couple of chapters. The book contains some fun twists and I am excited to keep reading as this is the first in a series! Recommended for any and all fans of middle grade fantasy.
I was gifted this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ivy Lovely has had a hard life. Stuck as the lowest kitchen maid working the fires, she has few friends, few free time, and even fewer comforts. One day after an unfortunate event in the kitchen, Ivy finds herself alone and kicked out of the only home she has ever known. As she leaves the castle grounds to find her way in the world, her magic awakens and Ivy discovers a world she never knew she belonged in.
Ivy is admitted to a magical school, the Halls of Ivy, and begins to learn about herself and what she is really capable of. The Crowns of Croswald immerses you in a whole magical world, complete with magical terms that you learn as you read the book. I found as I was reading I did have a lot of questions, but the author did a great job of answering a lot of those during the last couple of chapters. The book contains some fun twists and I am excited to keep reading as this is the first in a series! Recommended for any and all fans of middle grade fantasy.
I was gifted this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was given to me for free by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Derwin is sent to a royal family and his excited for what he will find, he dreams of a gigantic library to organize and lose himself on reading. But something terribly wrong happened and he must find a way to save and change the history. I enjoyed the writing in the book I felt that the story is very compelling and fast pace.
This book evolves around Ivi lovely, she is alone works at the kitchens and draws on her free times, at her birthday she receives a letter that takes her to a magic school to become a scrivener. Ivi starts to see hope on her future, but strange things always happen to her and she must find a way to discover why.
This book gave me very warm and nostalgic feelings I loved ivi and her strength, between funny and dangerous situations she finds true friendships and fights to uncover her unknown past.
Derwin is sent to a royal family and his excited for what he will find, he dreams of a gigantic library to organize and lose himself on reading. But something terribly wrong happened and he must find a way to save and change the history. I enjoyed the writing in the book I felt that the story is very compelling and fast pace.
This book evolves around Ivi lovely, she is alone works at the kitchens and draws on her free times, at her birthday she receives a letter that takes her to a magic school to become a scrivener. Ivi starts to see hope on her future, but strange things always happen to her and she must find a way to discover why.
This book gave me very warm and nostalgic feelings I loved ivi and her strength, between funny and dangerous situations she finds true friendships and fights to uncover her unknown past.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
I’m giving this book 3.7 stars so I am rounding up. I enjoyed this book. I personally felt that it did have a lot of similar parallels to Harry Potter but had its own fun magic systems. It is a whimsical and fun read. I really like the magic quills and the idea of the magical crowns. All of the animal creatures were really interesting. I always enjoy when the MC is kind to animals. I really liked Ivy’s story and the mystery surrounding her life. Ivy was kind even after having a tough beginning of her life. I also really appreciated that the author made the books that Ivy loved have the same author initials as herself. That was a really fun touch. The book dragged a little bit during the middle when ivy was at school. But then it picked up in the second half. The end chapters I flew through and by the end I wanted to know what would happen next. I think many younger readers will be able to connect with Ivy and will really enjoy this book.
I’m giving this book 3.7 stars so I am rounding up. I enjoyed this book. I personally felt that it did have a lot of similar parallels to Harry Potter but had its own fun magic systems. It is a whimsical and fun read. I really like the magic quills and the idea of the magical crowns. All of the animal creatures were really interesting. I always enjoy when the MC is kind to animals. I really liked Ivy’s story and the mystery surrounding her life. Ivy was kind even after having a tough beginning of her life. I also really appreciated that the author made the books that Ivy loved have the same author initials as herself. That was a really fun touch. The book dragged a little bit during the middle when ivy was at school. But then it picked up in the second half. The end chapters I flew through and by the end I wanted to know what would happen next. I think many younger readers will be able to connect with Ivy and will really enjoy this book.
Disclaimer: this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book follows a girl named Ivy who gets whisked away to a magical school, the Halls of Ivy so she can learn to master her powers. When the Dark Queen threatens her life she goes on an adventure not only to learn about her own history but to save Croswald.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It’s whimsical and gave me a sense of nostalgia. It reminded me a lot of when I was younger and I would pick up a book and whisked off to some magical far away land. It was a lot of fun and really magical which made it a fun read to dive into between all my college classes.
The writing was beautiful, very descriptive. Personally I enjoyed the writing style though there were moments where it felt a little bit like an info dump but considering that the author has to build up this new world for readers I think it’s worth it. Being descriptive means it’s to me that it’s more immersive and vivid than if those small details had been left out. I will admit if you’re not reading closely you can get confused, I did a few times and had to go back to make sure I understood part of the story. I can see why some people would get discouraged by this but the overall story benefits from all the details. The way D.E. Night writer makes it feel less like an overflow of information and more lifelike. I’ve always been a fan of descriptive/ flowery writing so I enjoyed it more than anything.
I’m giving this book a 3.5/3.75 just because there were a few moments where I wanted to skip ahead to get more towards the plot and Ivy as opposed to learning about the world though that could come down to my own impatience. It does have a few kinks with pacing, some parts are super slow while others go much faster and for a while I thought Ivy was a lot younger than what she actually was (16). For a good portion I thought she was about 11. Other than that though it was a fun read. The magic system was amazing and I have a love for the best busses we see a lot in the beginning. If you’re a fan of magic schools, evil queens, and adventure this book will be amazing.
This book follows a girl named Ivy who gets whisked away to a magical school, the Halls of Ivy so she can learn to master her powers. When the Dark Queen threatens her life she goes on an adventure not only to learn about her own history but to save Croswald.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It’s whimsical and gave me a sense of nostalgia. It reminded me a lot of when I was younger and I would pick up a book and whisked off to some magical far away land. It was a lot of fun and really magical which made it a fun read to dive into between all my college classes.
The writing was beautiful, very descriptive. Personally I enjoyed the writing style though there were moments where it felt a little bit like an info dump but considering that the author has to build up this new world for readers I think it’s worth it. Being descriptive means it’s to me that it’s more immersive and vivid than if those small details had been left out. I will admit if you’re not reading closely you can get confused, I did a few times and had to go back to make sure I understood part of the story. I can see why some people would get discouraged by this but the overall story benefits from all the details. The way D.E. Night writer makes it feel less like an overflow of information and more lifelike. I’ve always been a fan of descriptive/ flowery writing so I enjoyed it more than anything.
I’m giving this book a 3.5/3.75 just because there were a few moments where I wanted to skip ahead to get more towards the plot and Ivy as opposed to learning about the world though that could come down to my own impatience. It does have a few kinks with pacing, some parts are super slow while others go much faster and for a while I thought Ivy was a lot younger than what she actually was (16). For a good portion I thought she was about 11. Other than that though it was a fun read. The magic system was amazing and I have a love for the best busses we see a lot in the beginning. If you’re a fan of magic schools, evil queens, and adventure this book will be amazing.
Rating: 3/5
A whimsical middle-grade fantasy with familiar, yet unique elements. I've heard this compared to Harry Potter in regards to the magic, school, etc - however, still unique enough and I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
I loved the world-building and whimsical feel and so reminiscent of childhood stories. Ivy is a character that could be frustrating at times, but overall just a lovely, lovely story.
My only complaint was the pacing. It just seemed to be too much at times and too much going on,
Regardless, I will be continuing this series and can't wait to return to this world!
A whimsical middle-grade fantasy with familiar, yet unique elements. I've heard this compared to Harry Potter in regards to the magic, school, etc - however, still unique enough and I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
I loved the world-building and whimsical feel and so reminiscent of childhood stories. Ivy is a character that could be frustrating at times, but overall just a lovely, lovely story.
My only complaint was the pacing. It just seemed to be too much at times and too much going on,
Regardless, I will be continuing this series and can't wait to return to this world!
They have offered me a NetGalley copy for an honest review. This novel is so entertaining and joyful, reminds me of Harry Potter's world, yet the magic system is imaginative and original.
I recommend this for each reader who wishes for a break from reality to escape to fantasy-lands.
I recommend this for each reader who wishes for a break from reality to escape to fantasy-lands.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was such a wonderful breath of fresh air. The Crowns of Croswald is the beginning to a middle grade series about a magic school. After the author of my favorite series about magical schools turned out to be extremely problematic, I was more than excited to give this one a try. It definitely delivered. This book has many wonderful characters, solid world building, and some really interesting magical concepts. Our main character Ivy is a fascinating character who really starts to come into her own over the course of this book. I loved her perspective and seeing the world through her eyes. It's also such a fast read, it just flies by. I will definitely be picking up the next books in the series, and I can't wait to see where this one goes.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Books like these are why I'm so happy my inner child never fully grew up. (That being said, I did not at all feel babied or condescended while reading like can happen with many books meant for younger audiences). First off, what a beautiful, beautiful cover! It matches Night's writing from the very beginning. A descriptive, *fairy-tale* town is built which is a wonderful and accurate basis for the rest of the book. Fascinating details are woven throughout to anchor your immersion and connection to the places and characters without taking up too much inappropriate space. There were a few instances where the situation seemed random or out of character or lacking in description, but these were brief and could've just been my understanding (or lack thereof). My immersion quickly returned. And honestly, this may speak to the great expectations Night set with her writing, that little instances stuck out. And in her *first* book, such little instances are about as little as they can get!
The main character, Ivy, is likeable and believable as a young and shy but friendly girl. She worked as a great proxy for my own wide-eyed wonder. Most of the fleeting side characters are rather stereotypical, but for good reason and they are still handled well. The secondary characters really grew on me once they were given some time in the spotlight, and I hope to see them shine brighter in the rest of the series. Some of the circumstances or overcoming of obstacles felt a bit like lazy writing, but as it led to bigger obstacles and bigger pictures, I didn't really mind!
A beautiful journey, written with the very passion and magic found within its pages. I received a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Ivy, is likeable and believable as a young and shy but friendly girl. She worked as a great proxy for my own wide-eyed wonder. Most of the fleeting side characters are rather stereotypical, but for good reason and they are still handled well. The secondary characters really grew on me once they were given some time in the spotlight, and I hope to see them shine brighter in the rest of the series. Some of the circumstances or overcoming of obstacles felt a bit like lazy writing, but as it led to bigger obstacles and bigger pictures, I didn't really mind!
A beautiful journey, written with the very passion and magic found within its pages. I received a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
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
This book is a whimsical tale of magic and secrets. We get to follow our main character, Ivy, as she is torn from the only life she’s known and swept away into a mysterious palace she has only visited in her dreams. She learns to use her newfound magic alongside the friends she has made. You’ll surely be enchanted as Ivy works to uncover many secrets, forgotten things, and figure out her place in this world.
The world-building was excellent and the magic system is very unique. The plot kept me interested and invested in the characters. I would definitely recommend this book for advanced middle grade readers as well as YA readers looking for a first taste of fantasy.
Overall, it was a fun read and a good introduction to fantasy as well as the author’s magical realm of Croswald. It contains many good components and is with checking out if you enjoy magic schools, secret pasts, and cute pet dragons.
Thank you to Stories Untold and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.