Review: The Crowns of Croswald

Thanks to NetGalley and Stories Untold Press for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

When 16-year old Ivy Lovely leaves behind her life as a scauldrony maid and crosses a magical boundary, she learns that she is to attend The Halls of Ivy: the school of her actual dreams, where she will study to be a Scrivenist. Once there, she discovers that all is not what it seems and that it’s up to her to unravel a few mysteries…including the one about who she really is.

The Crowns of Croswald is a fun middle-grade fantasy. As the story went on, I found myself more and more invested in Ivy’s determination to find the truth that many seem to be hiding from her. I appreciated all of the descriptions of the more fantastical elements..but the glenageries in particular! They sound so cool that I want to take a trip into one! I will admit, it took some time for me to get into this story. The pacing felt rushed in many places. However, creativity shines throughout this book and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. I can definitely see this as a book many of my students will enjoy!! This is the first in a series and I am looking forward to reading more of Ivy’s magical journey as well as seeing how her friendships grow and deepen. I recommend this for younger readers and fans of middle-grade fantasies…also getting some Eva Ibbotson vibes!