The Girl With the Whispering Shadow is the second book in The Crowns of Croswald series and it starts off shortly after the events of the first book. It was wonderful being back in the world of Croswald and rejoining Ivy and her friends in their adventures. Just like the first book, The Girl With the Whispering Shadow begins with a great prologue and a mystery that hooks you right in. We got to spend more time in the Town which was really neat. There's also additional world-building where we got to explore more of the magical concepts of Croswald. I very much enjoy the world-building in this series. It's whimsical, magical, and well-thought-out.

We got to see old friends and we're also introduced to new characters and new magical creatures. If I have to criticize, I wish some of the side characters were more dynamic. This book also explores more of Fyn and Ivy's blossoming friendship and I'm very curious how it will continue to develop. Ivy really comes to her own in this book but what I love about her character is that she's still very much a kid. She's impulsive and still gets into quite a bit of mischief. I think it's a realistic portrayal of her age.

The ongoing conflict with the Dark Queen progressed in this book but I do wish we'll get to hear more of her side of the story. Right now, she just seems like an evil entity. I hope that there will be more to her character.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I'm very impressed by this series. I can't wait to pick up the third book.

The best part about this book is definitely THE TOWN. Wow just wow. The magical and unique description of Belzebuthe town was beautiful and amazing. I loved the whole concept of wishing stars and catching them, it's what inspired this picture. You'll have to read to find out more.
Another thing I absolutely loved is the Quogo matches. These are like magical duels.

I loved how the overall plot turned out. The villain remained the same but danger comes in another form. Lot of significant events happened in this book.

I had a hard time concentrating on this book than the first. I found shifting POVs in a couple of places a bit confusing again. As far as character development goes there's hardly any from the first book, it felt like the characters didn't learn anything from the events in the first book. Though I must say there was definitely development in the relationships.

The thing I found most irritating was that Ivy's identity is apparently not a secret and yet I don't understand why the secrets are a big deal when she herself goes a divulges her life story 🙄 There wasn't much suspense in this book.

Thankyou to the publisher #StoriesUntoldPress for providing with the eARC in exchange for my honest review

This was a great sequel! It included all the great characters from the 1st book and some new great characters in the Town and the QQC. The pacing was good and I literally can't wait until I get the final book.

This is a great YA series for a few reasons:
1. I really appreciate that the characters seem like realistic teenagers. They aren't superhumans who are never scared. They do risky things and get freaked out when things go wrong. They are also adorably awkward at times like most teenagers.
2. I love how Rebecca and Fyn support Ivy. They really are the greatest best friend and friend/more ever! They don't get jealous of her abilities and they just want to make sure that she is safe and happy. When they have the group hug at the end I almost cried.

I 100% recommend this series!.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the free copy!

I received this e-book for free from the publisher (Stories Untold) in exchange for an honest review.
Ivy Lovely, fresh out of her first year at the Halls of Ivy is now homeless. An orphan, banished from her school, this second book on the series finds her in the town of Belzebuthe. A magical town found only by those who know it's name, and merely "The Town" to everyone else. This girl is on a mission to find the second segment of the Kindred Stone and defeat the Dark Queen. Or maybe not defeat, just stay alive until graduation?
The growing friendship between Fyn and Ivy was a highlight. D.E. Knight expands Ivy's circle in this book and introduces so many fun characters. World building is clearly a strong suit for her.
I would recommend for upper grade to young adults. A wonderful alternative to the HP series by a lovely author who is also a woman of color!

The last time we were with Ivy Lovely, she had just been told she could not return to the Halls of Ivy as the Dark Queen knew where she was there. The Girl with the Whispering Shadow brings us to the Town. Ivy’s journey is just as entertaining as her journey was to the Halls of Ivy. Somehow Ivy always gets into some kind of trouble when she leaves the Hall and this is no different.

I found The Girl with the Whispering Shadow to be even more entertaining than D.E. Night’s Crowns of Croswald, which I absolutely loved. I think that it’s because we get to know more about Ivy’s friends, such as Fynn’s background, we get to know where he comes from, who his friends are and we get to know a ton about The Town.

Speaking of The Town, or the name I can not speak because right now it’s a secret to all of you readers. what a great place! To me, it feels a bit like Seattle or London with its low cloud cover, but what an adventurous way to get to know it. Ivy ends up taking the serendipitous route to arrive at the address that her Scrivenist gives her before she leaves the Halls of Ivy.

Where she ends up is a pleasant surprise! My favorite part of this adventure is the amazing places Ivy has to visit to further the education and learning of her power and the backstories that give even more depth to where Ivy comes from besides as a Scullery Maid.

What I won’t tell you is whether evil or good prevails and how the adventure proceeds. I will tell you though that if you have fallen in love with Ivy, with her friends and the adventure, then you definitely need to read this second book in the series! I look forward to reading the next book in the series that came out in May 2020- The Words of the Wandering!

D.E. Night has done a wonderful job at creating tension and terror at the hands of the Dark Queen and her cohorts and has continued building darling Ivy into the heroine that we love and cheer for. Ivy has her challenges, she has her weaknesses, but she also has the strength to keep fighting for her heritage, her friends, the people of The Town, and her role into the future.

Buy this book from your favorite Indie book shop in-store or online, or if your shop doesn’t have a website and you need to buy online buy from http://www.Bookshop.org and support your favorite book shop by linking your favorite shop to bookshop.org’s option to do so.

I plan on reading this series to my granddaughters when they are older. I see myself reading this series over and over. The Crowns of Croswald series is definitely a fairytale that will become beloved by current and future readers all because of a girl named Ivy Lovely!

Thank you Netgalley, D.E.Night, and Untoldstories for the opportunity to read and review this book!

5 stars!!

This is the second book in the Crowns of Crowald series, back with all of our favourite characters, and some new ones. ⁣
⁣
We continue to follow Ivy along her journey and see a lot of character development not just with her, but those around her. It was really good to see more of the world building, and learn more about the magic of Croswald. I absolutely adored the concept of wishing on a star, and being able to fish for a wish 😍⁣
⁣
A lot happens in this book, but I’m also left feeling like the overall story didn’t progress very much. I felt like it was a long book to progress the story to where it is at the end of book 2 (ultimately left me with the feeling of a filler book in a series). ⁣
⁣
If you’re looking for a HP alternative, this series might just be the one for you. Thank you to Netgalley and D.E. Night for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. ⁣

The Girl With the Whispering Shadow by D.E. Night is the second book in the Crowns of Croswald Series. For my opinion on book one, please see my earlier reviews.

Following the exciting events at the end of book one, the school year has come to and end. Having been firmly advised that she is unsafe at the school halls, Ivy plans to spend her summer in a secret magical town, at the guided instructions of the one adult she knows she can trust – her family scrivenist.

On arrival, Ivy sets out to the accommodations she was provided an address for, and not much else. She is more than surprised to discover it is also the home of one of her fellow students and they are just as surprised to see Ivy. But Ivy isn’t there simply to lounge around and have fun (not that she doesn’t also partake in both). She also has a task that has been set for her – she must find a missing item and she doesn’t know where to begin to look. Furthermore, it has been broken into parts and they are each hidden separately!

When all of the other students head back to school, at the end of the break, Ivy stays put. While remaining at the job she secured during the summer, Ivy continues to try and figure out where the parts of the missing item might be.

Then the day comes when she receives a letter from the school inviting her back and letting her know that the halls are once again safe for her. She finally gets to go back to the only real home she has ever known, be reunited with her friends and family scrivenist, and enjoy being able to attend classes again. The only thing is, she hasn’t found the missing item yet and danger is actually still lurking.

This second instalment in this series introduces some new characters and experiences for Ivy. It sets up a dynamic between Ivy and some of the characters that wasn’t yet developed in the first novel and continues the fight against the Dark Queen.

Although there are many differences, the atmosphere in these books feel like they are inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter. Based on this, I believe that the same group of readers, both young and old, will find something enjoyable in D.E. Nights series as well.

While I admit that there are a few points that could perhaps benefit with tweaking, there are others that would no doubt think I am being fussy. I can say that the world is full of action, loveable characters and a well thought out magical format that will appeal to many creative minds. If you’ve not already done so, The Crowns of Croswald is definitely worth checking out.

A well earned 3.5 stars out of 5 from me.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an impartial review.

First of all, I'd like to thank netgalley and Daniela (@danielastoriesuntoldpress) on Instagram for providing me with the ARC version of this book in exchange of an honest review.

The second book of the Crowns of Croswald series picks up right where the first book left off, Ivy Lovely, the chosen one, fights the Dark Queen and saves all of her classmates at the ball, but now has to go in hiding to magically protected and secret city, The Town, after being tasked with finding an important stone. Also because The Town is the only place safe for Ivy.

The story is almost extremely slow for the first three quarters of the story. The author spends a little too much time on Ivy's misadventures in The Town, including some unnecessary plot holes with the whole dwarf Hodgepodge stint, etc. Once she goes back to school however, it speeds up only a little. But then again, a little too much is left for the last few pages, making it all seem very hushed up.

There are some new characters introduced in the book, but of course, with little character depth. A new romantic angle for the lead, Ivy, is also introduced, but to my utter disappointment, the only thing that happens in the romance is that the characters 'blush' and get jealous. No flirting, kissing or anything else. This comes as a surprise because the characters are 16ish, so one would assume that this book should be targeted towards teens. But the childish way in which the book written makes it more middle-grade, so the ages of the characters don't really match.

I did love the emphasis on the titular character though- the girl with the whispering shadow. It takes a bit of the centre stage a bit away from Ivy, who seems like an extremely self-absorbed girl.

What I really don't understand however is that Rebecca, being Ivy's best friend and all, gets very little attention until almost the end. When you read the book, you'd understand what I'm saying. In many scenes, the author describes many different characters, classmates of Ivy but leaves Rebecca out inspite of her actually being in the scene.

In the last book, Derwin seemed like an extremely interesting yet mysterious character. Somehow, he loses his touch in this one and seems very unimportant.

Overall, I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first one. The first book made it seem like there's a lot more the story could offer... This one didn't live up to the expectations and was a tad bit annoying.

But I must admit, I'm an adult and perhaps middle grade books aren't something I'd enjoy. I particularly find all the rhyming and alliteration of names and things very funny. But I can see how the targeted age group would actually appreciate this and it might even help them remember all the names.

I want to thank Netgalley and Stories Untold Press for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book is settled right after the battle with the Dark Queen right at the end of the last book so we see how Ivy has to go out of the school having the Dark Queen right after her. For this reason, she is sent to The Town, the only place the Dark Queen won't be able to arrive. There she will start living with Fin and her mother and will meet a lot of students from other years of the Halls of Ivy.

I found the book really slow at the beginning, the action happens just in the last few pages and everything is so fast that changes a bit the tone of the book in a weird way. For these reasons it was difficult for me to get that much into the book and the characters, I feel there was quite too much emphasis on things that would be important at the end which made possible surprises not that unexpected, which was the case with Quogo and Gretta.

My favorite part of the book was how the title "The Girl with the Whispering Shadow" was introduced in the book and Gretta character, this was the part I was more excited about but it was all easy solved at the end, I think more conflict would have given the book more appealing.

There are the characters, there is a new romantic interest for Ivy, who will be Gretta's brother, Glistle, apart from Fin. I am totally into the romance in all the books but I still don't get why this matter gets that amount of attention. I mean there is not even a little bit of flirting, Glistle talks to Ivy, Fin gets jealous, end. This all the book around. If you want to give the protagonist a romantic interest, fine, two of them, fine, but make something happen please, because if not just don't put them there, they are giving nothing to the story.

This gets me to my second point, which is: if you love the girl why do you try to get her killed. There was a simple message to Ivy, DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CASTLE, YOU WILL BE KILLED. Okay, taking this into account and the fact that Fin KNEW from first hand this information, why, WHY, will he take her out and WHY DID SHE GO WITH HIM? OMG, you are supposed to be 17 now, do you even know what is the meaning of "killed"? Clearly no, because then you will realize there is no one, not even a boy, not even a f****ng game that will be worth the risk.

In my last review I told you that although there were Harry Potter feels, the story was quite different and didn't give any sort of copied vibes. I am afraid this didn't happen in this book... sorry, I feel like the secret club Fin and his friends have around and Dumbledor's Army are exactly the same and although the sport of the magic world has nothing to do with brooms and more with dueling, the attitude around was too similar.

To sum up, I wanted to love this book as much as I loved the one before it but it was difficult for me to finish it. I INSIST that this is my opinion, there are lots of people who say that this book was even BETTER than the last one, so like everything in this world, there are different opinions and I encourage you all to give it a try and make your own opinion.

Just like the first, the second book did not disappoint as I enjoyed the continuation of Ivy's story. In the previous book Ivy faced the evil Queen, but the darkness and her broad are not vanquished yet.
This series is a must read for fans of Harry Potter, especially young girls so they can see themselves in the protagonist. D.E creates the story world with Ivy’s scrivenist journeys of finding yourself, recognizing the power within you, and finding your inner being. I could not stop reading this book once I started and I cannot wait to see where Ivy's journey goes next.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is the second book in a four-book series full of conjuring, creative creatures, and colorful characters. Book 3 is out now and Book 4 will be released this year. If you follow D.E. Night on Instagram, you have already gotten a sneak peak of her writing the fourth book.

A novel that is a thoughtful, action-driven fantasy and will leave you clamoring to find out what happens next.

Just like the first book, the second didn't disappoint. I love the continuation of Ivy's story. This series is a must read for fans of Harry Potter. Especially young girls as it allows them to see themselves in the protagonist.

I couldn't stop reading this book once I started and I cant wait to see where Ivy's journey goes next.

I will say despite following a slightly older protagonist (16) this story does read more like a middle grade novel. As an adult, I still greatly enjoyed the book regardless.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow (Book 2, The Crowns of Croswald) – D. E. Night

I was given a copy of this story by the publisher in order to provide and honest review of the work.
D. E. Night is an American author who writes fantasy, particularly young adult fantasy. She has written just two books “The Crowns of Croswald”, (you can see my page and Goodreads for that review!) which is book one in the series and this book – “The Girl with the Whispering Shadow” and the third book in the series being “The Words of the Wandering”, which I hope to get my hands on.

Ivy Lucky has just discovered who she really is and why the Dark Queen is determined to see the end of her and the Halls of Ivy. Ivy is a descendant of Princess Isabella, a member of the true bloodline – rightful Queen, and the only one who can truly wield the Kindred Stone. The stone in which Princess Isabella’s full power lies.
Yet there are many hurdles lay in Ivy’s way. She knows she must find all the pieces of the Kindred Stone in order to stop the Dark Queen remaining in power forever, yet she has no idea where to find them. Her family’s scrivenist is not much help himself, having been kept in a glanagerie bottle for many years, his memories surrounding the terrible events that took place all those years ago. Therefore, all his memories of what really happened to Ivy’s parents and where the pieces of the Kindred Stone are, are lost to him, yet they are exactly what needs to be found and reunited if they have a hope of stopping the Dark Queen.
Luck is yet on their side, the Dark Queen does not know that the Kindred Stone is in pieces or where they are hidden, and she is yet to discover who Ivy Lucky truly is.
Moreover, Ivy must still keep up with her studies and classes in the Hall of Ivy, which is easier said than done when she is told she must not return there and is to stay in the Town, the secret Town which is the only place that is hidden and kept secret from the Dark Queen.

“The Girl with the Whispering Shadow” is a light and enjoyable fantasy story, that much like the first one, is like a fairy tale. You have the poor downtrodden maiden, who is really something more than she appears to be and must overcome the evil queen. Who with the help of her friends, seems like she will discovery who she truly is and stands a fighting chance of retaining what is rightfully hers and conquering the evil in the land. Thought I am curious as to how the author plans to have this all come to a head.

Book Two of the Crowns of Croswald series was just as magical as book one!

While it reads more like a MG, the characters are 16ish. That aside, I still really enjoyed the story and it’s wide range of characters with fun names.

I loved the new creatures we meet (hello, invisitaur) and the addition of a magical game (Quogo sounds far more dangerous and exciting than Quidditch!). The friendships presented in the book are great and I was rooting for them throughout the book.

It brings the magic and mystery that fans of Harry Potter will love, with a female protagonist that’s quickly coming into her own.

I really enjoyed this continuation of Ivy’s story and am excited to see how her journey unfolds with the next installment.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow
Discover the enchanted world of Croswald with our young scrivenist Ivy Lovely.
In the previous book Ivy faced the evil Queen, but the darkness and her broad are not vanquished yet. For her safety and for the town of Croswald Ivy has been whisked away into hiding in the town of Belzebuthe, however this time a shadowy presence is shaking the town of Belzebuthe and bringing along with it havoc for our young heroin Ivy Lovely.
Ivy’s friendship with Fyn is definitely one piece of the book I cherished the most and we got to expand on it in fyn’s wonderous hometown of Belzebuthe. Right before Ivy is drawn back to the Halls of Ivy, she forms new friendships with Fyn’s members of The Quality Quils Club, a secret Quogo society. While new friendships formed, we learned more about the history of the scrivenists, how powerful a quill can truly be and the crown and it’s legacy in Croswald.
Ivy and her friends Rebecca and Fyn evolved immensely as characters throughout the book which give Ivy the strength and guidance, she needed to find her true powers and face the Evil Queen.
D.E lights the story world with her scrivenist journeys of finding yourself, recognizing the power within you, and finding your inner being.
As I mentioned in my previous review for The Crowns of Croswald if you love the universe of Harry Potter, the vivid magic, the friendships, and the adventures in The Crowns of Croswald series will light you with scrivinist passion. the intrigue of the mysterious shadow and the shining magical experiences in Belzebuthe made this book my favorite so far out of the series and I’m eager to see how Ivy fairs in the Halls in the next book without Fyn, and where the challenges of the Dark Queen will take her.
Thank you to the Publishing Team – Stories Untold and the author D.E Night for the opportunity to review yet another brilliant Croswald chapter.

*ARC received in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine*

What I liked

It was really nice to be back in the world of Croswald! This is a strong sequel to a first book that really surprised me and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought.
The setting and the magic system are, in my opinion, the strong points of the series. I just want to visit this world sometimes, it really is that magical.
This second book had so much more plot and felt more high stakes. Ivy has found her place, she knows who she is and she knows what she has to do in order to win (spoiler alert: friendship is important!)
Nothing can stop Ivy and I love this about her! It’s so fun to follow her through all the mischiefs and adventures. It keeps reminding me of Harry Potter and I love that!

What I didn’t like

I realised that I didn’t mention this in the review of the first book, but the only critique I would give to this series is the age of the characters and the genre of the book. The characters are between 16/18 years old and they act like children because it’s a middle grade. It really bothers me sometimes. I also feel like sometimes they can’t get the depth they deserve because of the genre. Either the characters should have been younger or the genre should have been YA so they could act their age.

Final thoughts

This is a strong series that I’m really liking and would definitely recommend. I’m for sure continuing reading Ivy adventures!

This is the second book in The Crowns of Croswald middle grade fantasy series. This book continues with Ivy Lovely after the intense battle that took place at the Halls, banished from school for safety and stuck in a town she mustn’t mention. She must use her new found skills on a mission to restore the magical world to its old glory and to keep those around her safe for good. And what’s a mission without some fun, like a secret game (Quogo) where scrivenists can hone their skills in the real world...without the danger of course.

Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5. While I did find the Quogo matches intriguing and the character dynamics fun, it reminded me a bit too much of another magical world. That being said, I would like to finish this series to see how it rounds out.

Thank you to D.E. Night, @netgalley and @danielastoriesuntoldpress for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's time to go back to the world of Croswald with this second installment of D.E. Night's series.
The story starts off right after the events of Book 1, with Ivy going to a secret town with no name, protected from the outside world, with scrivenists living in safety to practice magic.
But her summer vacations won't be as peaceful as Ivy thought at first because a series of mysteries are developing arount the town and the ever-crescent shadow of the Dark Queen is getting closer over Ivy...

These books are perfect for Harry Potter fans and whimsical atmoshper. We get to know a larger roast of characters that I'm sure we'll get to know better in the next book. Although the execution was fine and the plot is fun to read, I consider the first book to be better cause it was more addictive and complete.

I received this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange form my honest review.

I'm reading this series along with my son and he absolutely loves it.

This book is fantastic, it picks up exactly where we left off. The school year is over and Ivy needs to stay hidden in the town for her own safety. We get to learn a lot more about living there and we also spend a lot of time with Ivy, Flyn and the gang.

Ivy has matured a lot since the first book. She's goal oriented and determined to find the missing pieces of the kindred stone. She makes awesome new friends and realizes what it feels like to be part of something.

I got to say I loved the Quogo matches. The whole idea of a ghostly magical duel is fantastic.

We spent quite a lot of time in the town. Learning the layout, it's history and getting to know the people.

I can't wait to keep reading this series with my son.

This series gets better and better the magical aspect will keep you enthralled throughout your time reading it.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
The characters are enchanting.
Ivy really comes into her own in this book showing how she is a perfect heroine. Delving deeper into characters we already know but also ones that we meet along the way.

I will be recommending this middle grade series to people who are looking for a some escapism.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this arc.

I was given a copy of the second Crowns of Croswald book, The Girl with the Whispering Shadow, from the publisher, just like I did with the first book. It was pretty good, but I didn’t like it as much as the first book, so I gave it four stars! I felt like the pacing was off. There wasn’t much that happened that during the summer and yet a good chunk of the book was spent in The Town during summer. Then at the school, again not much happened, and then suddenly it was the end of the year and the book was over. I am still curious to see what will happen in the third book, but I just wish the pacing in this book had been a bit better!⁠