The second i have read from D.E.Night series, The Crowns of Croswald. As expected it was a amazing, whimsical read that really dragged you into the book with the characters. It was fun to jump back in and follow ivy on her quest, very relatable characters, an cant wait to start the third book. I initially read this books to see if they were suitable for my 9 year old, now i cant wait to introduce her to Ivy and Rebecca, Ravenshollow and Belzebuth!

This book is magical, mystical, transcendent and filled with adventure!

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is the second book in The Crowns of Croswald series. In this book, the story and adventure of Ivy continues as she finds the rest of the Kindred Stone while trying to elude the Dark Queen.

This series keeps getting better! I'm already soo invested in the story!
After reading the first few chapters, this nerd in me who wanted to figure out things already have a hunch as to who the girl with the shadow would be but I wasn't able to confirm it yet 😂. A couple of what and who questions arise as I continued reading which piqued my interest to read more.

Along the way, new otherworldly creatures (the fun part for me) and new characters were introduced in the story - another reason to read this book. Not just that, D.E Night also presented the readers with new magical powers, mysteries and adventures which I'm sure everyone who loves magic and adventure will love!

Also, can I just mention this? It amazes me how D.E. Night has managed for the attraction and chemistry between Ivy and Fyn to be very subtle but also noticeable at the same time. I find it cute because it pops up in the story when you least expect it, it will bring a smile on your face and maybe a few giggles 😉.

Overall, I loved this book! I was just a bit hung up at the end, but I think that's good because as a reader it made me curious and want to read book 3 right after finishing book 2. I questions I needed to be answered.

Can't wait to know how the rest of the story will unfold in book 3 and 4. I'm thrilled and excited to read book 3 and already waiting for book 4 to come out, especially now that D.E. Night has revealed book 4's title. Sooo excited!!! 😁

Lastly, I guess this book teaches us how important it is to be brave and to trust ourselves, that we can. Also, it teaches us the importance of friendship, how it helps us get through tough times - that no man is an island. 😊

Pick up this book! Highly recommended, even for kids. 😁

Thank you Stories Untold, author D.E. Night, publicist Daniela Barrera and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!

I enjoyed reading the first book in the series, and the second one was even better!

We really see Ivy coming into herself in this installment and get a deeper look into her relationships with Rebecca, Fyn, and Derwin. Night also introduces us to several new friends, including the ever charming Glistle!

Night continues to expand Croswald for us with wonderful new additions---Belzebuthe chief among them. What I could say about it without spoiling anything wouldn’t do it justice, but suffice to say that it makes my shortlist of fictional places I’d love to visit! With Quogo, Night has invented a magical form of recreation both more appealing and interesting than Quidditch. Should the world of Croswald ever end up on screen, I would look forward to these scenes with great anticipation.

I don’t want to spoil anything plot-wise, but (unencumbered with the task of worldbuilding from scratch) Night really delivers this time. I devoured this one in a day!

Ivy’s journey is a little darker this time and by the end of the book, she has matured more than a little. Younger fans of the series can grow up with her as a role model of courage, tenacity, and ingenuity.

Star Rating : 7/10

Would I recommend? Yes
Similar Titles? Harry Potter, The Paper Magician, The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

I didn’t enjoy this book, I think the writing style just didn’t sit well with me. I couldn’t seem to find any flow to it.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Thank you to @danielastoriesuntoldpress and @author.denight for the opportunity to read The Crowns of Croswald, along with NetGalley.⁣

While reading The Girl With the Whispering Shadow I kept thinking "This is much better than the first one". Actual action, world building, new characters and powers, along with the most interesting town till date.

Ivy has had room to grow from the naive girl she was, to someone who knows she has a mission and that there is danger out there. Along with Fyn and Rebecca they make the cutest friendship, but this time we get some new friends.

I specially loved the imaginary in the Quill Club, the game itself is like nothing I have heard before in a fantasy novel. The personality and knowledge of every Squinch who owned it is inside the quill itself, and that gives way to many fun matches.

Every character and monster has a reason to be, something that bothered me in the first one, and it's one of the main reasons I loved it. Some characters are suspicious, while others look harmless, and at the end we learn that looks can deceive you.

The adventure is exciting, new powers to discover, an actual mission with dangers and a new squad to fight with.

The four stars are absolutely earned for this exciting adventure!

“We just have to see that star inside of us. I think that’s why the stars hang above Belzebuthe. They remind us that even in our darkest times, the bright spot in each of us can never be totally extinguished.”⁣⁣
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One of the quotes that really stood out for me. Such a beautiful writing. ⁣⁣
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The second book of the series to The Crowns of Croswald. The magical feeling of reading this friggin’ series continues. I had really high expectations of the second one and it did NOT disappoint! ⁣⁣
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The friendship in the book especially between Ivy and Rebecca is just so sweet.⁣⁣
The setting is as magical as the first. The names of the places in the book made me smile while reading, like ‘Lie Buries’?! I’m sure you can figure that out. 😍⁣⁣
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I love how the author took her time in introducing new characters AND places in the story without rushing it. You get to visualise the places and get to know the characters with some backstory. ⁣⁣
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The love aspect between Ivy and Fyn is sweet and realistic that it didn’t distract from the main storyline. ⁣⁣
The writing is beautiful and the magical creatures continue to fascinate me! ⁣⁣
I could go and on but I rather not spoil the magic for anyone. ⁣⁣
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It’s not the end though, the eviillllll is still lurking around. ⁣⁣
Really looking forward to the third book. ⁣⁣
I’ve decided that this series is now a favourite of mine!⁣⁣
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If you enjoy reading about magic, dragons and other magical creatures, I highly recommend this lovely series! ⁣⁣
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Thank you NetGalley, D. E. Night and Stories Untold Press for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. ⁣⁣
All opinions are my own. ⁣⁣

This is the second in the Croswald series and like the first I really enjoyed this book. Written so that all ages can enjoy I particularly liked the world-building of Belzebuthe.

In Book 1, the world building was just being set up, so at times, it was a bit hard to understand, but in book 2, it was solidified and I really enjoyed reading this. Ivy, the protagonist, is a lot more developed and I really enjoyed reading about her adventures. And I have to say, the Dark Queen really scared me at many points in the book. The climax was pretty intense too, and I was on the edge of my seat while I was reading it.

Now, I'm excited to get into the rest of the series!

After everything that happened in the first book, I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going to go with this one. I must say I was very pleasantly surprised by the direction it took! I felt like this one went in more of its own unique direction. Ivy seemed to grow a lot as a character throughout and I enjoyed getting to learn more about The Town and all the unknown connections it has to the plot. I think the best part of this series is that it holds a certain intrigue that’s good for any level of reader, from a middle school level up to adulthood this is a story that everyone can find some magic and enjoyment in.

I actually liked this book better than the first one. It had higher stakes, and was packed with adventure. Again it follows our protagonist Ivy, but unfortunately, she gets kicked out of her dream magic school and adventure ensues.

Another brilliant whimsical fantasy, picking up where the first book left off. This time, we travel with Ivy Lovely to new places and meet amazing new characters.

Really enjoyed the idea of the game 'Quogo' and how they use their quills. In this book you can see how the characters have grown and developed their own style.

From the first chapter, the plot was fast moving and you'll get sucked into the story right away. I really don't want to giveaway too much.

I liked the way how the book was split up between Belzebathe and the Halls of Ivy. The chapters were small and I think that helps. You can't help but compliment the author on her writing skills and narration.

This book was full of adventure, danger and mystery. I can't wait to introduce this series to my daughter.

I want to thank Netgally and @storiesuntoldpress for giving me this ebook to read in exchange for my honest review.

Title: The Girl with the Whispering Shadow.
Author: D. E. Night.
Publisher: Stories Untold.
Publishing Date: 23rd January 2019.
Genre: Middle Grade/ Fantasy.
Goodreads Link:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3867462163

Thank you to NetGalley and Stories Untold for the opportunity to review this book.

This is the second book in the Croswald series , it picks up the morning after the events of book one's ending. Ivy is leaving the Hall's of Ivy to travel to the Town (Belzebuthe) a secret town for people with magic blood. Here she must locate another piece of the Kindred Stone in the hope's of for-filling the Moons-day promise. Even though she is told that she will be safe here all is not as it seems and Ivy may need all for her natural magic and her friends to be able to return to the Halls of Ivy in time.

At the start of this book i was kind of confused, I didn't understand why if Ivy was in so much danger she was left to get to the Town by herself ? IT also felt like Ivy did not learn anything from her experience in the first book, not telling people what she is doing or going alone and her friends coming after her.

All that aside I did really enjoy the new world building, especially the Town. It was easy to imagine the Town through the beautiful descriptions and the experiences that Ivy had their were fun.As for the whispering shadow if felt like revisiting J. M. Barry's Peter Pan as the shadow caused so much trouble, but unlike in Peter Pan things only became more dangerous later. I also loved the node to Care of Magical Creatures in this book as it was one of the best subjects in Harry Potter too.

I can see that there is so much more world building that can be done and can not wait to read the next installment

@storiesuntoldpress @author.denight & @netgalley, thank you so much for the gifted copy of the next book in The Crowns of Croswald series - The Girl with the Whispering Shadow.
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I didn’t think the first book could be topped but this was even better - the world outside the Halls of Ivy was even more intriguing and intense and I just couldn’t stop reading to find out more
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Ivy is a formidable character and I loved her growing friendship with Fyn and his friends, they make a perfect duo and gang.
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I genuinely loved this book and I cannot wait to read the next in the series.....
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#bookstagram #ukbookstagram #bookstagrammer #thecrownsofcroswald #denight #storiesuntoldpress #netgalley #magic #thegirlwiththewhisperingshadow #booktography #bookphoto #lovereading #bibliophile #lovebooks #stars #magicbooks

5⭐️

“He, she, who dare dart a quill,
Swears be the silence,
Or blood will be spilled.”

I really enjoyed the first book in this series...and I absolutely loved the second!

Once again I was thrown into the magical world of Croswold, following Ivy Lovely through the highs, lows, adventures and dangers of being the last in the Queenly Line. Ivy develops so much as a character in this book, she is so strong and so selfless, the ultimate young heroine, willing to take on the Dark Queen to save the world.

There was a great introduction of side characters in this, who join Fyn and Rebecca in supporting Ivy. They each bring a new dynamic to the story, sharing such a loyal and beautiful friendship. And of course, not forgetting the intriguing scrivenist, Derwin Night!

I am desperate to know what happens in book 3, can’t wait!

Plot - 5/5
Character Development - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Escapism Factor - 5/5
Emotional Connection - 5/5

How would you like to spend a day under the Belzebuthe sky, nibbling on cracker hats, renting out stargusters? Or ride an Invisitaur to go star fishing on your birthday? Round it all of with a feast at Bramble's Fritter & Nosh or get a WInky Drink, that chases away the foggy blues. Hm? No? Yes? What's it gonna be?

If it doesn't sound appealing, you need to read this book. Or your kids need to read it. Or both of you together!

We continue where we left off, following Ivy through all her adventures. Navigating summer without school, staying away from the Dark Queen, stumbling into danger, learning about new things and creatures, getting to solve a few more mysteries, but also have some fun along the way.

Ivy as the characters was again, adorable, inquisitive, kind...But I felt she was even more shy in this book. She was scared all the time, filled with self-doubt, hesitation and insecurity. But, at the same time, she was constantly curious, going down dark alleyways and dark stairwells when she was curious, even tho it was obvious that danger was looming at every step. I expected a bit more growth in that sense, but maybe in the next book?

If I were to say what I didn't like is that I felt like Derwin would play a bigger role in her life. I feel like we only got a superficial insight into who he is and what he is doing in this book.

I also expected the whole book to be a quest for the parts of the stone, which it was, but in the middle part there was no talk of it, but mostly talk of the shadows. While I liked that the plot was multilayered, I also felt like for a while there, we completely drifted off from the main track and goal.

Unfortunately, I also felt like the story had so many similarities to HP, and although not obvious at first glance, but it was definitely there. It's not that big of a deal, but the whole Quogo thing, along with the diving into glanagerie to live through memories, the whole Gretta situation was similar to the Ginny situation... I hoped it would be a little bit more authentic, and not reminiscent of the Harry Potter world.

Anyways, brownie points for this book showing us that we have to overcome fear to shine and thrive. I will definitely read the next book, because I can't but not follow through with Ivy until the very end.

Book Review:

The Girl With the Whispering Shadow by D. E. Knight
⭐⭐⭐⭐
She range 10-13

Book 2 of The Crowns of Croswald sees Ivy Lovely's adventures continue. She has one piece of the kindred stone but there are two more to find. The Dark Queen believes that Ivy has the stone and is determined to take it from her. After the events at the ball showed that the Dark Queen could gain access to the school, Ivy is sent away to The Town for her own safety. The Town is not only protected by magic but is also impossible to find unless you know it's name. A name only known to those with magical blood. But is Ivy safe from the Dark Queen's machinations any where?

If anything I enjoyed The Girl With The Whispering Shadow even more than The Crowns of Croswald. I feel the author writes more confidently and the world building is excellent. I enjoyed watching Ivy develop, make friends and become more confident in her magic, as well as her new found identity.

I loved The Town with its eccentric shops and it's own weather system. The descriptions of the permanently night sky and it's stars was delightful. Who could help being entranced by the idea of fishing for stars? Or that catching one means that a wish comes true for the person who placed it in the sky? Then there is Quogo a game played with quills that has some unexpected outcomes.

All in all this is a lovely book with enough danger and adventure to keep the reader turning the pages until the very last one. I look forward to reading book 3 of the series.

Thank you to NetGally and Stories Untold Press for my E copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

Thanks again to storiesuntoldpress and Netgalley for providing a free copy for me to review. This is the second installment in the Crowns of Croswald series, and like the first, this book did not disappoint! In fact, I actually thought this book was a bit better than the first! The characters are just as layered and well-developed as the first novel, and it’s fun being able to follow Ivy and Fun and Rebecca and the others through their journeys. This book still has those strong, strong Harry Potter vibes (like the game Quogo), but there’s also places where it is a little different which I really appreciate. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan so I don’t mind books that have similar vibes, but I also like it when each book takes paths of its own to achieve it’s own original story. So although there were a lot of HP feels, the book was also unique in its magic and characters which was needed. The love story, although not in the forefront of the book, is also super cute, and I really like Fyn and Ivy’s slow-burn relationship. There’s adventure and magic and great character development, so if you liked the first, I think you will absolutely love this. Consensus: 4.5/5

I just finished this book 2 of Crowns of Croswald and I am in love! This series is amazing. In this book Ivy has learned the secret of who she really is and what happened to her family but she is still in danger from Dark Queen. Because of this danger she isn’t allowed back at school right away and has to stay hidden in a secret town. She also needs to find the missing pieces of her stone. This world is so whimsical and magical and we experience a lot more of it in this book. I just adore everything about this book and this series. I love the characters and really enjoyed getting to know more characters and also getting know some characters even better (Fyn). I can’t wait to see where this story goes and how things develop. So excited for book 3 now! Also just a side note I think these books would be so cool to do illustrated versions of.

In the second book of the wonderfully whimsy world of Croswald, the story seems to branch out and really add more flesh to the world whilst still retaining all the magical feels of the 1st book. The story starts to become it's own with more depth, rather than being affiliated with another story (cough, cough, Harry Potter). As a reader we really get to travel more deeply into the story and the world. It takes place exactly where the first book finishes off. The author has such a whimsical with words and names that make them so one of a kind! We get to see Ivy Lovely flourish and grow as main character whilst still remaining as the likeable protagonist. The imagery is vivid and magical, and the pace is more progressive than previous. A fun and fantastical read.

Plot includes: a magical game called Quogo, a runaway luggage, a secret society called the Quality Quills Club, a Dark Queen, and heartwarming friendships. An all round solid sequel to the series.

First, I want to thank @author.denight @danielastoriesuntoldpress and NetGalley for the free digital copy of this book in return for my honest review.
The Girl with the Whispering Shadow, Book 2 in the Crowns of Croswald series...."You can be trapped in a castle, trapped in a scaldrony. Trapped by people. But the worst is being trapped by fear." This book was so good! Roo stayed up super late to finish this book! This book was entertaining from the minute that I picked it up to the minute I put it down. D.E. Night has an incredible talent, she can transport her readers right into the story! I honestly feel that readers of all ages will love this series! I cannot wait to see what happens with Ivy next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars I recommend this book to everyone! If you want to be taken away on an adventure, this book is for you. You will most definitely fall in love with Ivy and her friends.