
Member Reviews

On that fated morning, when Ivy Lovely drags her feet down the stairs to feed the castle scaldrons, she has no idea what awaits her. Forced to leave the Castle Plum for protecting Humboldt, a sick scaldron, kind and brave Ivy Lovely scurries across the slurry fields and into the wide world with Humboldt in tow. Armed only with her meager belongings along with a bag of money and three books left to her by her dear friend and dwarf, Rimbrick, Ivy had no idea what adventures awaited her. After exiting the slurry fields, she sees a rapidly approaching storm, which turns out to be a cabby drawn by a rather persnickety beast named Parsley headed to the famous Halls of Ivy, where those with magic in their blood, and royals whom they will serve, live and study. Thrust into that world of sqwinches and royals, chased by an army of scrivenist's quills, and perplexed by a castle and a man that continue to disappear, Ivy struggles to make sense of her new life and her newfound magic powers. Growing up tucked away from the outside world, Ivy Lovely has a lot to learn when hustled into the Halls of Ivy, but she is a quick study, and with the help of a few friends, Ivy might just be able to find the answers that she seeks.
A little bit of magic, a lot of adventure, and a whole bunch of beautiful hopes and dreams make up this thoroughly enchanting tale. What an imaginative and fun book!! I highly recommend it! The world that D.E. Night has invited her readers to enter is intriguing with interesting new creatures, like scaldrons and hairies, and an army of lovable, and not-so-lovable, characters. I can hardly wait to know what happens to Ivy next - I'm definitely excited to read the next installment in this enthralling tale!!
I absolutely love this story!! Highly recommend for middle grade readers.
This book was provided free of charge through NetGalley from JKS Communications Stories Untold Press. All opinions above are my own.

I was extremely honoured when the publisher of this book reached out and asked if I would like to read and review this story. Although it wasn’t exactly my type of book, that does not mean to say that it is not worth the read. It had some intriguing characters and a cool magical system in it, perhaps more ideal for a younger audience than myself.

I read this book last month and there's only one thing I have to say: "I LOVE IT"
Writing style 10/10
Story 9.5/10
Characters 9/10
Cover 10/10
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
This is about the journey of Ivy Lovely discovering who she really is. Living in a world of enchantment and mystery she has to battle evil. This is a fast-paced book. It is a perfect magical book. It wasn't boring at any point. This was a fun roller coaster ride for me. It is very entertaining and is somewhat similar to Harry Potter maybe because both are set in magical schools. But apart from that, the story is unique in its way.
And yes, I love FYN!!!
This is just the first book of a series and I can't wait to read the other books.
If you loved the Harry Potter series, this is for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book; the world-building was creative and immersive, the characters felt vibrant and multidimensional, and the plot was not only compelling but also easy to follow. The writing style was impressive, elevating the story even further.

This is perfect for Harry Potter fans who are looking to follow a female main character in a world of magic!

Couldn't finish.
The story sounded amazing, but it just wasn't written well.
The writing style was all over the place and not well paced.

I went into this book blind, not really knowing what it was about apart from it being a middle grade and based around magic. I felt like this book started very quickly to the point i didnt really understand what was happening untill we got further into the book. Even though this made it hard to want to pick up for the first 50% i then got more invested and enjoyed the story. It was quite fast paced and always something happening after the half way mark and alot of characters to keep up with. I liked our main character and how she handled what was happening well though i think my favourite character was Rebecca. i thought she was very unique and i like the powers that she had. The love interest fyn was very sweet and i liked the banter that he and Ivy had. This book does remind me a bit of Harry potter which i enjoyed but also has its own unique twist.
I feel if i was younger i would have enjoyed it more then i did now which shows in my rating. I gave this book 3 stars. I will read the next book as im interested in where it will go and if the love story goes further.

I don't really think this book is for me. I was not really able to get into it. There wasn't anything that was glaringly wrong with it. I was just having trouble connecting with it.

✨The Crowns of Croswald✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I was blessed with this e-book and voluntarily and happily give my review which has no bearing on the gift.
The Crowns of Croswald is an adorably clever upper middle grade novel that is fast-paced, witty, and wholesome. It is full of unique ideas, found family, hilarious dialogue, and a sweet budding romance.
Ivy is an orphan and a kitchen maid who finds herself at a school of magic seeking answers to unbidden dreams and strange magic happenings. She is a kind hearted, thoughtful, 16 year old who finds out she is something more! Her friends, Rebecca and Fyn (who I LOVE and want to see more of), join her on her adventures of discovering the long lost and forgotten Wandering Family.
Night did such a whimsical job with her magic system, world building, and characters. I honestly loved every side character that entered the pages, even if it was just once. They typically made me laugh. It all very much reminded me of a less dark Harry Potter if it were a female lead, but all in its own unique way.
I am most definitely interested in reading the sequel. This book is one that I find perfect for my shelves where I know my kiddos can reach. I found nothing negative within its cover.

This book was not for me. I could not get
Into it. I did not finish it. I think it was more of a me problem than a book problem. Wrong timing for the book.

An enchanting fantasy novel that deserves recognition for its imaginative world-building and delightful storytelling. While it took me a bit longer to finish and connect with the story, this may simply be a matter of personal taste, and there are several commendable aspects worth highlighting.
D.E. Night has crafted a vivid and magical universe that will captivate any fantasy lover. The protagonist, Ivy, is a relatable and endearing character whose journey is filled with intrigue and adventure. The detailed descriptions and whimsical elements of Croswald bring the story to life, making it a captivating read.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its exceptional world-building. Night’s descriptive prowess paints a rich picture of the magical realm, complete with unique creatures, artifacts, and settings. The magical school environment is particularly charming, adding depth and interest to the narrative.
Though I found it took some time to fully immerse myself in the plot and characters, I can see how *The Crowns of Croswald* would be a hit for younger readers or those who enjoy intricately detailed fantasy worlds. It’s a promising beginning to what appears to be an engaging series.
In conclusion, The Crowns of Croswald is a delightful read for fans of magic, mystery, and adventure. While it may not have been a perfect fit for me, I appreciate the creativity and effort that D.E. Night has put into crafting this whimsical tale.

Book review - no spoilers.
The Crowns of Croswald by D.E.Night
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For sixteen years, Ivy Lovely, an orphan, has grown up as a maid. She lives in the middle of a slurry field. One day as she crosses over the border of the slurry field, her magic, long hidden, is rediscovered. As a result, she is sent to school, the mysterious Hall of Ivy, to become a Scrivenist.
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Scrivenists, magical humans, protect and guide the royals they live with. They also track history and make new discoveries. The royals, who they protect, have magical crowns given to them.
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As Ivy settled into her new school, something about it seems very familiar to her. Who is the man she sees in her dreams? Why is the Dark Queen, who usually hides away, being seen near the school?
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First of all, I want to thank @danielastoriesuntoldpress and @netgalley for my copy of this ebook. I have been asked for my honest opinion, so here goes!
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I believe this book is aimed at 8-12 year olds. For me, as a 30 year old (shush don’t tell everyone), I felt this was definitely for a younger audience. As an avid reader of fantasy, I do have high expectations. Unfortunately, this one fell short.
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The first third of the book was like a ‘data dump’, with a lot of information to absorb. This meant it took a while for me to really get into the story.
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Once it got going, the story was fun, with a fair bit of action, and some interesting characters. I thought it was fun, that a character was called Derwin Edgar Night, aka the authors initials and surname!
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Ivy as a main character was likeable, but I would like to see a bit more depth to her character, but as this is the first book in a series, there is room for development. I did love Rebecca and Winsome and would’ve loved to see more of them!
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Overall, there were some promising ideas, and nostalgia due to similarities to Harry Potter (when you read this you’ll notice a lot). If I was younger I would probably like it more.
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Favourite Quote
“One thing I learned in school, which I will pass onto you, is not let fear stop you from doing what you want most”.
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Rating ⭐️⭐️.5/5

Due to unforseen circumstances and family tragedy, I was not able to fulfill my commitment to read this in the requested time frame. I will not be publishing a review.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity.

When I heard this book was compared to Harry Potter I thought it would be very up my street. However I was a little disappointed. Some of the names were very far-fetched and a bit too try hard. Also I found the last 25% the book more thrilling than the first 75%

[ The Crowns of Croswald ] ★★★★☆
This book is a delightful and enchanting tale that transports readers into a magical world filled with mystery, adventure, and a touch of whimsy. The story follows Ivy Lovely, a determined and endearing young heroine, as she discovers her true identity and navigates the fantastical realm of Croswald.
Night's world-building is truly captivating, with intricate details and imaginative elements that bring Croswald to life. The magical school setting, with its unique classes and mystical creatures, adds a charming layer to the story, reminiscent of beloved fantasy classics yet infused with its own originality.
The plot is well-paced, weaving together themes of self-discovery, friendship, and bravery. Ivy's journey is both relatable and inspiring, as she grows from a humble maid into a figure of significant importance in the magical world. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader eagerly turning pages.
Character development is another strong aspect of this book. Ivy is a lovable protagonist whose courage and curiosity make her easy to root for. The supporting cast, including quirky teachers and loyal friends, enriches the story and adds depth to the magical community of Croswald.
However, the novel does have a few minor drawbacks. Some plot points feel a bit predictable, and certain aspects of the magical system could benefit from further elaboration. Additionally, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, though it does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, "The Crowns of Croswald" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. D.E. Night has crafted a whimsical and engaging tale that promises to captivate readers and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Despite a few minor flaws, the book's charm, creativity, and heart make it a standout addition to the fantasy genre.

The Crowns of Croswald is compared to Narnia, Harry Potter, and Alice In Wonderland.
When I started reading the book I got Harry Potter and Studio Ghibli vibes with the main character having low self esteem and will eventually build their self esteem as the story goes on.
The main character Ivy is very relatable to the middle grade audience. Ivy's journey is to find where she belongs.
The descriptions of the story being told reminded me being thirteen again reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Having to ask my mom how to pronounce all the character's as well as magical creatures.
This book put a smile to my face. Thank you for contacting me and letting me review the book.

This was a fun YA story with magic and schools! I really enjoyed the writing and even though it is aimed at a younger age range as an adult I still really understood the characters and driving forces behind them.
Would recommend!!

The Crowns of Croswald" by D.E. Night
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Crowns of Croswald" is a magical journey that captivated my imagination from the very first page. D.E. Night weaves a whimsical tale filled with enchanting characters and a richly detailed world that I couldn't help but get lost in. The storyline is both charming and adventurous, making it a delightful read for fantasy lovers.
A special shoutout to the author for making an effort to connect with me on Instagram; I appreciated that personal touch immensely! It added an extra layer of magic to the reading experience. 🌟📚✨

The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night is a perfect fit for young adult readers who crave a thrilling adventure filled with magic, mystery, and self-discovery, as they follow Ivy's journey through the enchanted halls of a magical school, where she uncovers her hidden powers and battles to save the mystical world of Croswald.

this was such a fun fantasy!!! not too complex and easy for your brain to follow, would recommend this if you’re in a slump - it helped get me out of one!