After reading the first book, I was really excited to read the second and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the first but this one is my favorite out of the two. It is action packed and had everything that I love in a fantasy. On top of that, I'm not going to lie I found it to be just a tad bit scary. For me, anything like shadows or even reflections freak me out, but, I was still invested. I loved how in this one Ivy is more comfortable and coming to terms with who she truly is. Overall, this was really great and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I am so happy to say that this second book in The Crowns of Croswald Series was just as intriguing and captivating as the first!

The first chapter I found myself immediately swept back into the enchantingly magical world that our main girl Ivy lives in. This new book brought with it an adventure to new exciting places, fascinating new characters and magical creatures, and more adventure than I could have ever hoped for.

I would also like to note how much growth and development our characters go through in this next instalment in the series. Ivy has struggled to find her place within her world, and D.E. Knight perfectly explores the feelings of inadequacy and highlights the importance of finding one’s self worth. Such an important message to be sending to the target audience, and it is executed perfectly.

Overall, The Girl with the Whispering Shadow was beautiful written, and carries incredible messages of loyalty, friendship, and the journey of finding confidence in yourself. It was just as magical as the first book, with the perfect balance between witty banter and serious plot thickening events. I was captivated from the very first page, and loved being whisked away on yet another magical adventure with Ivy and her friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stories Untold Press for gifting me a copy of The Girl with the Whispering Shadow.

(A big thank you to StoriesUntold and NetGalley for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!)

This book is the second in the "The Crowns of Croswald" series, and I have to say, I enjoyed it even more than the first. The author seemed to develop their writing style and the story itself was more complex, yet included helpful explanatory information.

This story follows the adventures of Ivy Lovely as she begins her second year at a magical school. She attends classes with her quirky friends, all while trying to escape the wrath of the Dark Queen.

I particularly noticed and loved:

- Ivy's character development: Her personality and actions were more fitting for her age in this novel. I connected more with her this time around.
- Explanation of magic: The author gives a more detailed explanation of magic and a scrivenist's role in the world.
- More relationship building: Ivy's friendships and interactions with others felt natural, and I felt I saw more the characters' personalities shine through in this book compared to the first.
- Creative ideas: I loved the concept of fishing for stars, "soggy jogs," and melted milkshakes (a treat that builds off actual melted milkshakes). These highly original concepts are what kept me reading.

Like the first book in the series, "The Girl with the Whispering Shadow" is extremely reminiscent of the Harry Potter books in some ways. I enjoyed the Harry Potter books way back when, but I would have preferred less similarities, simply due to being "Harry Potter-ed out." Young readers (the intended audience) may not notice (or care) as much, but I have no doubt most adult readers will immediately be struck with this comparison.

These similarities include the name of the students' favorite game ("Quogo" here, compared to Quidditch, although Quogo is an entirely different game), some crossover in plot points (overarching themes, characters' place in the story, etc.), and the glanageries' role (used to access memories just as the Pensieve was in the Harry Potter stories). I wouldn't let the Harry Potter influence turn you off the story, as there are large sections of the story that truly feel like the author has created an entirely new world.

The book was fun to read and created that perfect "cozy autumn ambience" that I love in fantasy stories. I will definitely keep an eye out for further books by this author!

This series is so whimsical and the world is so fun to be a part of. All of the creatures and world building is what really makes these a fun magical escape book. I do think I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. My only issue is that the characters act quite young despite the fact that they are supposed to be in their late teens. As this is targeted toward a more middle grade audience, I do think that the characters ages should have reflected that a little better, however, I will definitely be sharing these ones with my Grade 8's this year if any of them want a fun magical series and have already read the other big ones.

Thank you to D E Night, Stories untold press and Netgalley for a review copy.

This is book two of the Croswald series so I will try not to be spoilery about how book one ended.

After the events in book one, The Crowns of Croswald Ivy Lovely is hiding out in the secret town of Belzebuthe for her own protection. The residents of the town are all practitioners of magic and Ivy SHOULD be completely safe there as it is hidden from the outside world by a veil of magic which makes it always night time in the town. On the upside there are magical low hung stars and you can even fish for them and make wishes come true if you manage to snag one.

This book features magical shops, magical duels, social interactions with new friends and old. A sort of dragon and some really scary magical weather.

Things get pretty dramatic towards the end and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next....

The main character is I think 17? Now and at least one other major character is 19 but this series does feel decidedly middle grade rather then young adult.

Despite not loving this one as much as the first one, I still loved this book! We continue to watch Ivy on her new path with her friends, on this beautifully written magical world. I loved seeing how her character evolved from the first book, after knowing that she has royal blood, and how her relationships with others developed as well! Some new characters were introduced, who are as lovable as the previous ones introduced and I enjoyed seeing more of D.E.Night (the character) in this installment. The world-building is still very strong and I loved all the new locations. One thing that brought my rating a little bit down was the fact that I got confused at times, plot-wise, so I had to reread some paragraphs, but nothing major. Overall, I really liked this book and I can´t wait to see what the author has in store for us on the next novels!

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review✨

I was glad to see the world take on a unique spin of it's own, I found I compared it less to other well known school based magic stories this time around. It was nice to see Ivy start to mature and embrace her magic more. The pacing of the book was good too, it kept me reading and nothing felt rushed or forced.

Overall - 4 stars⭐

The writing for these books is just amazing. I always appreciate that it reads like a young adult novel so it’s perfect for adults to. I think this book is perfect for the fall time.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Okay the first book was amazing but this was even more so, it keeps getting better! Absolutely did not see those plot twists coming, I loved how the author just surprised us! The magic felt so real and beautiful. I am loving this series so much! As said in my previous review I loved the plot!👌
4.75 stars!🌟

"Ma says that the most wondrous things, the most impossible of things, are often just ordinary things doing what they are best at.”

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is book 2 in The Crowns of Croswald series and it picks up right where we left on book 1: The aftermath of the Ball, with Ivy wondering where she should head next. She decides to go to Belzebuthe, a secret Town that is a safe haven for scrivenists and bearers of magical blood, not only to keep her own safety far from the Dark Queen’s reach, but to keep looking for the missing pieces of the Kindred Stone, as advised by Derwin E. Night, her family’s scrivenist. Even at Belzebuthe, strange things start happening, like dangerous quills set loose from the Quill Keep and menacing shadows breaking through the town’s magical barriers.
As Ivy is summoned to return to the Halls of Ivy, she keeps on collecting more pieces of the puzzle from her past and shaping her future.

I loved returning to Croswald and finding even more about Ivy, Fyn, Rebecca and also new characters.
The introduction of Belzebuthe and the Quogo adds more layers to the main story, the former being a fascinating place and the latter such a great magical match.
D.E.Night is creating a wonderful book world, with great detail and cohesiveness.
I also love the writing style and that’s one of the features that, from my perspective, takes this middle grade series into a whole different level.
I can’t recommend this series enough and I believe that it captures both younger and older Fantasy readers. I’m looking forward to reading The Words of the Wondering, book 3 in the series.

As great as the overall theme and concept of this book is, but it isn't very engaging. It's too predictable and the feel that ties you to the book is missing.
My rating 2 stars.
Thank you Publisher and Netgalley for a copy.

The last two books I read before this was The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie and A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin, so reading this was definitely a much-welcome break from all the grimdark stuff. I'm really loving Ivy's blossoming relationship with Fyn, and one of my fave aspects of this book is Ivy's friendship with Rebecca. My only gripe is that I'm not sure what age they're supposed to be (teenagers?) but some of the dialogue and banter felt a bit too childish for my taste.

I admire how Ivy's character is slowly but surely beginning to grow, how she becomes stronger and more confident than she was as opposed to the shy, reserved girl she was at the start of the first book. I also loved how Belzebuthe was described, and wouldn't say no if I got swept into that town myself. Overall really enjoyed this and would highly recommend!

Thank you so much to the author, D. E. Night, and the publisher, Stories Untold Press for sending me the first two books of The Crowns of Croswald series in exchange for honest reviews.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow by D.E. Night is the second book in the The Crowns of Croswald series. It's a middle grade fantasy novel that follows the main character Ivy Lovely on her journey to defend the Dark Queen, and rescue all of Croswald.

Once again, this book drew me in from the very first page and I could not get enough of it. These books will be perfect for my seventh grade students. They are the perfect blend of Harry Potter and Disney which I know that my students will love! I cant wait to see their reactions to this series!

4.5/5 STARS

This one is better than the first one! Much stronger. You can see the writer’s confidence picking up as the series goes on.

Part of me knows I would enjoy this series better if I was younger. I love this magical world and the characters. I loved watching Ivy’s determination spark throughout the story. One thing, I have to mention is the friendship between Ivy and Rebecca! Its unmatched.

As far as magic goes, there’s plenty of potions, quills, and creatures in this story. The beginning of the story was slow but not stop action through the rest of the way. If you like fantasy then this story and series is for you.

The Dark Queen is on the hunt for the Kindred Stone but so is Ivy. Ivy is sent away to a hidden town for her safety. However even in this town Ivy is shadowed by something. Lucky Ivy has her friends to help her through the adventures.

I received this ebook in exchange for a honest review through Netgalley.

Uh I don't really know what I should say about this book. I liked it but didn't really love it😅

I found this book a bit more difficult than the first one. There were a lot of difficult words and I would have like to have a little explanation list. If you should ask me what's the story about I don't think I could explain what a scrivener is😅

Okay so now about the story. The story started a bit slow, from the start you knew what her goal was and you could actually predict that she would succeed. The real action also only came at the end when it only got more exciting. I also felt like there were certain parts in there that weren't necessarily needed. I don't think I'll remember much of this story, which I think is a shame because it means I don't really have empathize with the character.

I think I mostly read this book because I was interested in what was to come, but I didn't really feel the urge to read on. Also I kind of liked the first book more.

It was a very magical story in a wonderful world of which I could not understand or visualize everything. May I also point out that this book has incredibly beautiful and original chapter dividers!

And last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me a review copy.

In book one of the Crowns of Croswald series, Ivy Lovely discovered she is the fulfillment of the Moonsday promise. Now that school is over, with the help of an invisible creature, she catches a cabby to the Town. She has been sent to Belzebuthe to find the second piece of the Kindred Stone so she can safely return to the Halls of Ivy. While in Belzebuthe she becomes fast friends with the Quality Quills Club, learns to play Quogo, and even gets a job at Quinton’s Brews and Hodgepodge. After traveling back to the Halls, Ivy’s days are full of learning, mystery, and helping her scrivenist regain his memories. A mysterious shadow continues to haunt her until she discovers what it is, where it came from, and who it belongs to. In the end, Ivy learns to fight her fears and harness her magical powers to protect her friends and the inhabitants of Belzebuthe from the Dark Queen.

This book was amazing. Full of magic, mystery, friendship, magical creatures, and strength. It was fun to watch Ivy and her group of friends become closer and stronger. I can’t wait to read book 3 and see what adventures Ivy has next.

It took me a little while to get into this story, however, once I started to concentrate I fell in love with it. This bears no reflection on this book more to do with COVID and my job zapping my brain cells on a daily basis! D.E Night writes well and delicately, you definitely get the vibe that Ivy is dainty and lovely and spent her life oppressed in the slurry fields.

There is some new lingo to get your head around, much like the HP books when they started up, but its not too difficult to comprehend.

it was interesting to find out about the new interwoven side characters coming into play and their little quirks make you smile throughout the book, I was lucky enough to pick up book 2 and I am delving straight in.

I loved this book and cant wait for Ivy part 2

I adore Ivy and this sweet magical series has not disappointed me. I loved meeting new characters and seeing more development and growth in previous characters. I adored watching Ivy make new friends and get closer to Fyn. This book is a bit slower paced at first than the first book in this series, but it’s still a great read filled with magic, brave students, strengthening friendships, and quite the dangerous adventure!

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is the second book in the Crowns of Croswald middle grade adventure series. I loved this book even more than the first- all the world building pays off and there are so many new elements added! It gave me more Harry Potter vibes, with a magical sport, invisible creatures and secret-keeping owls, but all these elements feel original and add so much to the story! We also get a new group of characters to befriend and a magical secret town to explore and save...I can't wait to read the next one!

4.5 stars

This is a much stronger book than the first one, and even though parts of it were predictable because I couldn't help making comparisons to Harry Potter, there were enough parts of it that were unique to this world that kept it fresh and interesting. Usually, second books are hit or miss in terms of how they compare to the first book, but in this case, it felt like the author is really hitting her stride. I also laugh at how long it took me to figure out the connection between Ivy's scrivener's name and the author, lol! There's another series I read last year where the author uses her name as one of the characters and something about that really tickles me. This story is definitely geared to a younger audience than Harry Potter, but it's crafted together well. Sometimes there's a disconnect in the way the students act in this book and the ages they must be (15 for Ivy and Rebecca, 18 for Fyn and his friends), but I didn't mind that at all. I loved some of the imaginative elements in this story, especially Silius, and the way part of the stone was hidden (no spoilers) was really interesting. I love the growing friendship between Ivy and Fyn and Ivy and Rebecca and watching Rebecca's skills at shapeshifting develop was a lot of fun. I am looking forward to continuing with this series and if this second book is any indication, I'm going to be plowing through the rest of the books as they become available.

I received a review copy from the publishers for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.