I want to say thank you to netgalley and the author for giving me a copy of this book.

Where to start. This book was awesome. I have heard that it is a lot like Harry Potter and that is 100% true. I tried to read this with my 4th grader that liked Harry Potter but some of the names that the author uses (like harry potter) are almost made up? So it was hard to read out loud for that reason. I ended up switching to just reading it by myself and reading it in my own head, made me like this book even more.

This book has everything I love- Magic, boarding school, mystery and good friends. I really liked this book and I cant wait to read the next ones!

The first in the series follows the main character Ivy as she is swept away from her current life to a school of magic. She learns about her new life, makes friends, and gets into a series of mishaps that eventual lead to her learning about her past.

Readers of fantasy, magical worlds, and mischief will enjoy this.

Overall, a decent fantasy read for middle school aged readers. I likely would have enjoyed more if I were younger. I really enjoyed the female lead and the world the author created. The main thing I didn't like was how similar it seems to the Harry Potter world. The writing is also sometimes confusing or goes from different peoples points of view quickly. I am interested in how the series continues.

This was a truly magical read. If this was around when I was younger, I would have been OBSESSED with it. It follows Ivy, who has always wanted to study magic at the prestigious Ivy school. One day her dream comes true. If you enjoyed Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Cinderella, then this is the read for you!

We follow Ivy Lovely who doesn’t know her background and works as a scaldron maid. She wishes daily for a different life for herself. She is then thrust into enrolling in a school and learns of a world of magic and enchantment. Through her journey there is mystery, adventure and a touch of romance. She learns about herself, making friends and finally discovers her past. While doing all this the evil Queen threatens the world of Croswald and everyone in it!

I highly enjoyed this book!! The story is magical in a way that touches my heart. It’s similar to Harry Potter in some ways but has a female leading character. The story was a bit predictable but I am unsure if it’s because I’m in the older age range. Regardless the writing style is easy to follow, the plot is well written, and the creativity and intrigue of the book was great! I highly recommend this book for those that are fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Narnia and The School for Good and Evil.

Trolls meets Harry Potter is how I would describe The Crowns of Croswald. It starts with 16-year-old Ivy living as a "scaldrony" maid (think Bridget the scullery maid from Trolls). She cooks food in the mouths of miniature dragons and never has any fun. One day she is whisked away to magic school where she will hone her drawing and writing skills to become a scrivenist. As in Harry Potter, Ivy encounters her own versions of Draco Malfoy and Voldemort. but with the help of her friends and her newly discovered talents, she just might be able to come out on top. Despite the similarities to these other stories, The Crowns of Croswald is a pretty unique tale. I liked the main character a lot, but there were times when the story seemed to be missing key details. It jumped around a bit and was hard to follow at times. I would still recommend it to my students, but probably wouldn't use it as a read-aloud. "

Thanks to the publisher (Stories Untold) and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this book.

The Crownss of Croswald is the first book in a middle grade fantasy series by D.E. Night and I have to say I loved it! If a world filled with magic beasts, a magic academy, a heroine who comes into her power, a wicked queen and a lot of adventures doesn't do it for you, then I don't know what else would!
Ivy has lived and worked in a castle for 16 years and her magic has been dampened by the slurry that surrounded it. When she leaves it behind after being kicked out, her powers come to her in a rush and it works as a beacon to all supernatural creatures! She finds herself recruited as a student to a famous magic academy, where she will learn how to properly control her magic while trying to find out more about her past, her parents and the weird things that always seem to happen around her!
Obviously, Ivy isn't alone in her adventures, because she is quick to make new friends (and enemies) and, personally, I loved Rimbrick the dwarf! He was so kind to Ivy, like a father in a way, to a girl who grew up with no family or friends.
I really liked the story and all the characters, so I would definetly recommend this book, especially to all Harry Potter fans.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Stories untold for this ARC 💚

Wow!! This book was brilliant!!! Although it’s aimed at a middle grade audience, the writing style is just as suitable for adults too.
Ivy is an absolutely brilliant lead character and I loved watching her enter a world that she had spent so much time dreaming about.
I’m a huge fan of fantasy fiction and I loved the whole vibe of this book. You can’t go wrong with stories about magic and castles can you?? I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series

I wasn’t sure about this book in the beginning, since there were a lot of similarities to Harry Potter. I’m glad I hung in there tho, this turned into a really entertaining read. I really enjoyed the main character and her bestie, Rebecca. Positive, strong girls who are good roll models for young girls today. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

Synopsis: When Ivy is banned from her home she discovers she has magical powers. Attending a boarding school for studying magic she slowly unravels secrets and mysteries surrounding her identity. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What I liked⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Ivy, Rebecca, Fyn and the other characters are very like-able.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Although definitely not a Harry Potter rip off The Crowns of Croswald is similar enough to be instantly loved. ⠀⠀⠀
- The royal aspect to the story made me enjoy it even more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Left me wanting to read the next book!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What I didn’t like ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- It took a little while before the puzzle pieces fell into place and the story became truly interesting to me.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in return for my honest review.

A young girl finds out that she has magical powers and can join the Halls of Ivy. There, she makes friends, learns magic, and finds her way. She discovers that something terrible happened to her family and that she is in grave danger.

The world in this book is very unique with critters and magical ideas that will make you smile. There are some sections that were a little rushed and disjointed, however the quick plot kept my interest going.

This is a great book for middle schoolers, full of imagination and adventure. This is the first book in a series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Stories Untold, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I had a great time reading this book! Such a fun middle grade novel. The magic system is so unique and I loved reading about the spells, potions and creatures. Ivy’s friendship with Fyn and Rebecca was a great part, especially Fyn, I just love him.
Definitely would love to continue with this series.

I received a copy of The Crowns of Croswald in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! This was such a fun read. I felt like I was stepping into another world. If you like magical places and characters, then this is the book for you.

I think this would be a perfect midgrade to teen book. I wish this was around when I was that age!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

The story itself had a solid concept with lots of elements that did blossom into an enjoyable narrative. The mix of royalty, magic and school was novel; alongside the exploration of forgetting / forced forgetting of events and people. That element of the book was probably the most unique; and it was an interesting concept that was well executed. I find myself wanting to know more about the history behind this book after finishing – which is a large part of the draw to read the next one.
I feel like this was a slow burn sort of read. It began a bit jolty, and too focussed on providing you with information about the world. I like fantasy where I just end up knowing things about how the world works, but in this book it was very clear I was being told; and I’m not a fan of that.
I felt like some plot points were rough i.e. characters and fears being introduced from nowhere, when they could have been hinted at or mentioned earlier, which would have made the introductions a bit less jarring. I am a person who has read Harry Potter – and this isn’t that. However, what it is, is a magical story about a school that centres women and girls. Every main character in this book (give or take a couple) is female and they are powerful young / middle-aged women who are self-possessed and skilled, and you do not always know their motives.
I feel Ivy could have been 12 / 13 and this book would have worked a bit better (sans hints of love interest, which didn’t really add much in my opinion). This book seems to be very much setting the groundwork for the rest of the series – which is likely to get better as it goes on.

The Crowns of Croswald is a middle-grade fantasy series that sort of suits anyone who wants to read something whimsical and magical. This is book #1. ⠀
In the story you follow Ivy Lovely a sixteen years old girl who did not know she had magic within her. Grew up in a place called The Castle Plum behind the enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. All she knew was cleaning and cooking under an angry head chef called Helga. She basically was bullied all her life until she gets kicked out of that castle. ⠀

In Croswald, magic is familiar; it’s no a secret. Ivy is a very curious young girl; After receiving a letter and being accepted in the school of magic called the Hall of Ivy, She slowly discovers the magic within her. Her curiosity puts her in tough situations and sometimes trouble.

As you go along in this journey with Ivy you discover with her all those hidden gems in croswald and when she was threatened by the Dark Queen, she uncovers the big secret that saves her life, her friends and everyone else. You got the quills, pet dragon, magical bottles that takes you to a different world, potions, magical crowns and more. 💎

Thank You @netgalley and @danielastoriesuntoldpress for this copy ⠀♥️
**I recommend you share this story with your children 8+. Those who are starting to read fantasy. I enjoyed reading it. Loved The characters. Ivy, Fyn and Rebecca.

I received this book from the publisher (NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! The world of Croswald is very interesting and draws you in wanting to know more about it.

Ivy Lovely is a maid who ends up going to the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. Through many adventures Ivy learns more about the magical world and about her true identity.

I love all the mystery and adventures that happen in this book. Along with finding out about things as Ivy herself is learning about them. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to learn what is happening with Ivy!!

🌻 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖 🌻
🇬🇧 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗱 • 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟭
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 • 5 / 5 ☀️

🖋 « You, Ivy Lovely, are magic. »

📝 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 📝
A delightful story filled with magic, whimsical worlds, mystery and adventures! This first book from this middle grade fantasy series is full of twists and wonders that will not leave its readers indifferent!

We follow the young Ivy Lovely who enters the school of magic where magic-wielders royals and Scrivenist with their magical quills are it’s worthy students. As her destiny unfolds beneath her feet and through the chapters of this story, Ivy discovers a secret she never expected and may well explain her childhood and the destiny of the world of Croswald. With her new friends and her adorable little dragon, she sets out on an adventure that will not be without danger.

With an incredible whimsical writing and beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, the author plunges us into her simply fascinating imagination. A colorful, funny and well-written world-building ; the enchanting world of Croswald and Ivy's adventures will enchant the reader from the very first pages.

In the prologue and throughout the story, we can see a character named "Darwin Edgar Night", which is none other than the initials and surname of the author. I find it genius to be kinda part of her own novel!

Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Nevermoor or Keeper of the Lost Cities with a Dark Academia aesthetic, this book is for you !

If you are a fan of YA fantasy, this book is definitely for you. It's often compared to Harry Potter and Cinderlla but I found it so different and hold It's own.

The author has done a brilliant job with characters and the word building is simply amazing.

The story is beautifully written about coming of age of a young woman named Ivy Lovely. She lives in Plum Castle and works as a scaldrony maid. Everything changes on her 16th birthday. She discovers she has magic abilities and finds herself whisked off to the magic school known as the Halls of Ivy. Ivy's past and her family's past come together and help Ivy to discover herself and her purpose.

I really enjoyed reading about the Old Still Lane and its residents. I found myself wanting to read more towards the end of the book.

I don't want to spoil it for you so you'll have to read it and find out. I am now looking forward to reading the second book.

Very similar to the kinds of books I used to read as a young teen. It is classed as YA but is definitely more on the young side even though our main character is 16. I'd recommend it for kids in their early teens or adults looking for an easy relaxing read, with magical schools and mysterious places. Each chapter has a lovely illustration such as my favourite for chapter fourteen. The book follows the main character Ivy Lovely who initially works as a Scaldrony maid but when she tries to help one of the unwell Scaldrons is kicked to the kerb. She then embarks on a journey within a magical school. With characters such as the dragon Humboldt, her best friend Rebecca and a friend who I'm guessing is a future love interest Fyn, she learns more about herself while dealing with daring situation and her school rival Damaris and an evil queen. I also noticed the insertion of the character named “Derwin Edgar Night,” and I am curious If it purposely is similar to the author's name that we will find out in later books or is just a hidden  Easter Egg. The dedication at the beginning of the book "To my husband, who has proven fairy tales aren’t only in books." It's just adorable. I love seeing dedication like this. Overall a lovely read.

I was lucky to be gifted a copy of this book from the publisher to review. This is a great fantastic world that has taken some serious imagination to create. I loved going into the pages of this story, with a new magical world to explore. Fans of the chosen one trope and books set at magical schools will really love this story.

I will say that it took a little longer to get into than I wanted it to. There is a lot of world building that is needed at the beginning of this story, and that dragged a little bit for me. But once we really got into the main plot of the story, I was hooked. I can’t quite wrap my brain around how the author could create a world so intricate, yet gives you that whimsical feeling you want from a middle grade fantasy. And the characters are so easy to fall in love with, and you really root for them by the end of the story. There is really a little something for everyone in this book.

This was a magical experience, and I can’t wait to continue on with this story! This author is truly a hidden talent.

The Crowns of Croswald is a middle grade fantasy book about an orphan girl that discovers her magical abilities. She is invited to attend a magical school after she is kicked out her home in which she discovers some mysteries and makes some interesting friends.

There were definitely a lot of similarities between this and other magical school books that have been written before. The world that D.E Night created though is very bright and imaginative and was fun to experience.

Our main character is likable enough. She doesn’t know much about the magical world aside from strange dreams she seems to be having and through books that are gifted to her to read.

Overall, I feel the demographic that this was intended for would love it. It’s a fun magical world with a sense of mystery to get lost in for a little while.