The Crowns of Croswald Book Review

The Crowns of Croswald

Author: D. E. Night

Pages: 249 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Published: July 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis:

This is a page-turning fantasy in the tradition of fairy tales, whimsical worlds, and coming-of-age stories.

The Crowns of Croswald invites young readers to explore themes of stepping into their own magic, discovering their true selves, and battling evil head-on. Hailed by Kirkus Reviews as “an action-packed treat […] with a relatable heroine facing challenges in a vivid world of magic and mystery,” and called a new classic by readers, The Crowns of Croswald series is a magical romp through a fully formed universe with dragons, magical quills, potions, and mythical creatures.

Ivy Lovely is 16 and she has no idea who she is—or what her powers could be. When she crosses a magical boundary, she discovers a whole new world of enchantment and mystery. Making friends that will last a lifetime—and save her life—she steps into her own abilities and discovers more about her hidden past, magical blood, and the power of Croswald’s mystical stones. But all is not well: a dark history and an evil Queen threatens all that is good. Will Ivy’s bravery and wit be enough?

Curious and whimsical, both shy and brave, Ivy is a hero that connects with readers of all ages. For those who wished that Narnia, Harry Potter, and Alice in Wonderland could go on forever, Croswald opens a whole new world of magic. Recommended as a read-aloud for families and a first middle-grade fantasy read, The Crowns of Croswald is a four-part series that will carry readers to a whimsical world that they won’t want to leave.

My Review:

Thank you to the author, Stories Untold Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Crowns of Croswald was the first Middle Grade Fantasy book I have read in a while, and I loved it. It was such a beautifully written coming-of-age story.

After leaving the place she grew up in, with a scauldron (dragon) in hand, Ivy attends a boarding school to learn how to control her powers. This boarding school is called the Halls of Ivy, which led me to believe something else was astray. The Halls of Ivy is a school for royals and scrivenists learning about their magic and how to work together. I loved the world that the author has created as it felt refreshing in terms of magical boarding schools! At the beginning I was thinking it felt very similar to Harry Potter, but it quickly becomes its own tale.

‘To not let fear stop you from doing what you want most.’

Ivy attends this school but unexplainable things keep happening to her, with the help of her new friends, she starts investigating the situation. In one of her first lessons, something goes wrong and soon Ivy is the only one to remember what happened. I don’t want to spoil anything else in this book as it is such a fun read. Ivy meets various characters who all play a part in her experience at the school. My favourites were Rebecca and Fyn. Rebecca is a very likeable character and she has been sent to the school as a royal to learn about the power she has from her crown. However, she decides to rebel against her mother’s wishes and train to become a scrivenist instead. Fyn is already a student at the school and seems drawn to Ivy. I loved their little friendship/relationship thing that was going on, and knew that it would have been something I would have adored if I was reading this at 12!

‘For years I have waited! But you’re finally home!’

Despite being a Middle Grade book, The Crowns of Croswald transcends ages and I believe that those that love Harry Potter would devour this. It was a timeless read filled with adventure, friendship and learning about yourself. The ending also had a little twist that I wasn’t expecting!

Have you read this book? If not, I recommend it!

Keep reading,

Georgia x