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the_chronic_bookworm 's review for:

The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night
5.0
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!