Thank you for my copy of this book to review.

It took me a little while to get through this book due to work commitments but when I finally managed to sit down and read it, I devoured it!

This is the second book in the Crowns of Croswald series and picks up right after the end of the first book.

Ivy Lovely is a great character, I genuinely love her character development.

D.E. Night does a great job at world building, I’m probably not the target audience being 29 but I still thoroughly enjoyed the writing and story.

I would happily read this series again with my little sister and I think it’s a great book for kids who are interested in fantasy without it being overly complicated but still painting and absolutely beautiful picture of the world and story.

Part way through this book, I fell into a bit of a reading slump and didn't have the focus for anything. So it took me an alarmingly long time to finish not because the book was not good, but because I just stopped reading all together...

The book was a good sequel, really. Catch up with the characters we're familiar with and some fun new characters. We learn a fair bit about Ivy and her history, and get some fun new aspects of the world.

Love all the interesting creatures that pop up in this one. And the "villain" was an interesting one.

The world building really continues to shine, but where this book fell a little short for me was character development... I wanted a bit more growth with Ivy/Fyn/Rebecca. The new characters were great, but they took away from our established characters a bit. You can tell Fyn and Ivy care for each other by their words and actions, but they lack chemistry in most of their scenes.

Thank you to the publishers for sharing the second book with me, because it didn’t disappoint! I enjoyed this story just as much as the first book.

I still had a distinct impression of Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor, and the whole series so far has been very readable, with new dramas around every turn of the page.

In this second book we join Ivy Lovely after the events of the first book. Ivy travels to The Town, a place unmentionable for fear of being discovered by the Dark Queen. She’s on the hunt for the other two pieces of the Kindred Stone, but this is only part of the plot of the book. From the prologue you get the impression that something else nefarious is going on, and you get hints of this throughout the book. I felt there were two plotlines going on at the same time, and they connect together at the end of the book.

I truly enjoy the unique world building. We had more of it in the second book, with the game Quogo and other fantastical creatures, which were introduced to us through the learning at the school and at The Town.

The story was easy to follow, just as the first book, and I did find myself wondering what was next on more than one occasion, which was a surefire way to keep me on my toes. Wondering what was next kept me reading, and I would say that although I guessed Ivy would discover the answers to the shadow plot, there was still a lot happening that I didn’t guess, so that was a big tick for me.

I still enjoyed the character of Ivy. I feel she’s - quite rightly - becoming more confident as the stories go on. I missed Rebecca a bit in the story, as she has quickly become one of my favourite characters in the series. I like Fyn, but there were a few times I was considering his appearance at certain plot scenarios as a definite device intended to bring both Ivy and Fyn together, with the lead up to potential romance at a later date/book. Now he has graduated, I do wonder who will fill that plot device gap or whether the author will bring Fyn in, in some way.

Overall, I enjoyed the book a lot. I give it 4 stars out of 5.

Ivy, rightful Queen and heir of Croswald, must find the second piece of the long lost Kindred Stone. But with the Dark Queen out to get her and a shadow that seems to be lurking everywhere she goes, can Ivy find it before someone she cares about gets hurt or even killed?

This is the second book in “The Crowns of Croswald” children’s fantasy series and I was so thrilled to return to this magical, snow filled world! In this novel, I loved visiting the secret town of Belzebuthe where it is always night and you can literally “fish” for lowly hung stars (to make a wish on). How amazing is that?

I adore Ivy’s friends but Fyn and Rebecca are my favorites, and this time, Rebecca won me over because she can turn into a dragon! I also loved the new creatures we meet in this one. The Invisitaurs are so cool and I love the fact that they are invisible!

Honestly, this second book was superior to the first! It was full of adventure, danger, and mystery! You get to learn all about a new magical sporting event, called Quogo, and the tournaments are much like attending a football game with family and friends!

I thoroughly loved this story and highly recommend it if you are looking for a wintery, magic school, middle grade series! The characters are lovely, the settings are beautiful and the Dark Queen is mysterious! I can’t wait to see what happens next in this amazing fantasy world!

Thank you so much Netgalley, Stories Untold, and D.E. Night for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The first book... wasn't my favorite. Even though I've never read Harry Potter, it gave off such strong similar vibes that it felt hard to distinguish. Book 2 did a better job at making a name for itself.

I had to keep reminding myself that it was a middle-grade book as it definitely felt like one.

Ivy and Rebecca's journey to the town with no name was interesting and I was excited to read more about the Dark Queen and how that meet-up would end.

Overall wasn't a bad book, nothing that drew me in or really made me want to continue reading the series. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Ivy Lovely’s adventures continue in a magical place known as The Town and the Halls of Ivy. Only those with the actual name of the Town can find and gain access to it. Ivy is on a mission from her family’s scrivenist, Derwin, to find the other two parts of the Kindred Stone. The Dark Queen wants the stone more than she wants Ivy...but how can Ivy keep the stones safe and all of Croswald?

Goodness!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Never a dull moment and it was entirely unique. Ivy makes new friends in this story that become a big part of her life and helping protect the magical world. It’s just a book with so much detail and the story comes alive for you as you read it.

Rarely is a sequel to the first book in a series like this just as good, and yet here we are!

Picking up right after the first book, we follow Ivy through her second year of studies and search for the Kindred Stone, whilst trying to stay safe from the Dark Queen. We meet some wonderful new characters, and return to some favourites from the first book too. This book is just as whimsical, magical, and fun as the first, and now I'm desperate to read the third.

There were some elements that were a bit predictable, though this happens in nearly all books as its impossible to make everything a complicated mystery all the time, but there were far more that weren't particularly predictable! It's exactly the sort of magical escapism I love to read.

I'm kind of in awe of the author's imagination after two books like this, so I hope the third lives up to my expectations (I have no doubts that it will!).

It's a rare occasion for me to find a second book in a series that is better than the first one. I thoroughly enjoyed the Crowns of Croswald, and was so excited for the second book in the series. I am so thrilled to say that I loved every single second of it.

Ivy Lovely is back for her second year of magical instruction at the Halls of Ivy. After the disastrous ending of her first year, she has not yet been invited back, much to her dismay. She spends her summer in Belzebuthe, the most magical town I have ever read about and would give anything to spend time in. Shortly after the school year starts, however, Ivy has been invited back by the Selector and she is thrilled to be able to join her friends once again. Once she gets there, however, she realizes that perhaps it wasn't the Selector who invited her back, but the Dark Queen in an attempt to capture her and part of the secret treasure Ivy keeps with her. There is a lot at stake, but Ivy, along with her friends, must do what they can to save Croswald and the Halls of Ivy from a dark fate.

D.E. Night does such a great job pulling the reader right into the story. She expands on the world she built in the first book, and it's really where she shines. Croswald becomes more immersive and more enchanting. Ivy and her friends are wonderful characters, and Night also shows Ivy's life learning magic within the Halls of Ivy but never lets the reader forget that there is a dark presence lurking underneath Ivy's daily life. This book is clean and wholesome YA, with no profanity, romance, or violence. It is pure magic, pure fun, and pure joy. I can't wait to read book 3!

I've enjoyed this one considerably more than the first one. I was correct in my assumption that side characters would be fleshed out. They are more realistic and I was invested in them the entire story. I liked the additions to the world. Croswald now has a sport and in The Town they have lore about shooting stars. I can appreciate that everything is being fleshed out with unique ideas. There were still a lot of HP references but I noticed them less. I think the addition to the world and the character development make it fade to the back. "The Girl with the Whispering Shadow" is considerably more fast paced once it takes off. I think this would be a great series for a middle school aged kid. This is incredibly fun and attention grabbing. I'm still interested enough to continue with the series which is rare for me.

The second book in the Croswald series only made me love it even more! I truly love these characters and I absolutely enjoyed the new elements like the QQC and the Town (if you know, you know). I also really liked that we got to see more of Ivy at school and all her new adventures with her friends. Honestly can’t wait to carry on with the series and discover all the secrets and see how it will all turn out!

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is a great second instalment of The Crowns of Croswald series. This series is perfect for middle graders, and even the younger reader. The world DE Night creates is unique and fun. While reminiscent of other magical novels this book carries its own personality, quirky language and interesting plot. I enjoyed it and found it easy to read.

This book was received as an ARC from Stories Untold in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved the first book The Crowns of Croswald and had high expectations for The Girl with the Whispering Shadow since I have not found my fangirl YA series since P.C. and Kristin Casts' House of Night Series and after reading The Girl with the Whispering Shadow, I could not be more happy and excited than I am right now. The drama, suspense and exhilaration was all the more reason to stay in the book and stay in the zone. I love books that take you alongside the journey and you can feel Ivy's dilemma and how she wonders the mystery behind this shadow and what it wants from her as well as all of her friends she meets at the Hall of Ivy and the adventures she entails. I can't wait to read The Words of the Wandering and will love that one too and be in high anticipation of a potential book 4.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

“The wanderers no longer wander.”

Scaldrony maid-turned-scrivenist-turned-royal is back in the second installment of D.E. Night's infamous work. After meeting new friends, discovering her own great prowess and engaging in adventures unimagined---Ivy Lovely's character has improved and continues to. She's become more confident, more powerful and stronger after weathering the Dark Queen's wrath in book 1.

We see more original devices, ideas and systems in the second book. I love the Suitcasery System, the quogo matches, programs, the idea of the Star Shoppe and...oh let's just say all of Belzebuthe? This girl is especially fond of the description for moonsday milkshakes and dying to try one! Very creative.

On the other hand, I was surprised to find very little emotion in most of this book. It felt detached and hasty, if that makes a single sense: especially the starguster parade. The scene indeed fed my imagination. My feelings? Not so much.

The plot has took so many dazzling turns. The Wandering family's history is slowly unfolding, the events leading to Ivy's complicated life unfurling.

Like many decent writers, D.E. Night gives her readers puzzles to solve, mysteries to answer and thoughts to ponder.

5/5

- I enjoyed this more than the first book, it wasn't as hard to follow and there wasn't an overload of information.
- We really get to learn more about Ivy and we are introduced to more magical aspects and even a new magical sport. It was all extremely fantastical. We also learn more about Croswald.
- The writing flowed well and the plot was a rollercoaster, leaving you wondering what could happen next!
- This novel is not as fast-paced but it does pick up in a few chapters, but mostly it's a relaxing and fun read, especially in the more serious chapters, there is always something to lighten the mood.
- Ivy is an absolute sweetheart and a great bookish role model for young girls who read this book, like a Hermione Granger. And Fynn is a great male bookish role model for young boys who would read this.
- I like that it included some silliness on the part of the characters because it keeps the target audience (middle grade) enthralled and makes the weight of the events that occur easier to digest.
- Definitely recommended for middle-grade students and anyone feeling nostalgic for that familiar magical feeling.

Okay, first things first: I need to air my grievances. Or, just one, rather.

I miss the anxious, flatulent porcupine.

There. I said it. And I meant it. That little ball of noxious gas provided some well-needed comic relief in the first book and was a critter I was most anxious (pun not intended) to see brought back in this book. Oh, well… I guess some things just aren’t meant to be.

Now that that is out of the way, I will move on.

So… we know the name of the Town now. I, however, will keep its name a secret in this review (partly to retain its mystery if you haven’t read these books and partly because I am utterly convinced that I am–mentally–mispronouncing the name and would like to spare myself the indignity of it). I really liked that the beginning of the story took place here because, as readers, we knew about the Town and–vaguely–what it is like, thanks to the prologue of the first book. But Ivy? Our trouble-attracting heroine? This was her first trip there and that was exactly the experience we got.

At first, I was a little afraid that Ivy would spend the entirety of what was supposed to be her second year at the Halls of Ivy–in the Town, but that fear righted itself out not too long after I’d had that thought. I mean, how else was Ivy supposed to get into near-death situations while developing her budding romance with a certain fourth year sqwinch? Oh yeah, speaking of said sqwinch, you’ll never believe where Ivy stays when she goes to the town. I may or may not have squealed when that certain someone opened the door. But seriously, all of their interactions are that cute and it’s just not fair.

Before I move on from the Town, I just wanted to quickly mention (because I don’t really think that this counts as a spoiler, so you can uncover your eyes) that I loved the realism of Ivy needing–and acquiring–a job shortly after the beginning of her summer vacation. I’ve read so many stories like this where the protagonist somehow never runs out of money (though it was stated that they were not of wealthy means) and somehow manages to always buy the biggest and the best of everything. I don’t know, I guess I just liked that little detail thrown in there.

And the dwarf war? Amazing.

So, when Ivy arrives back at the Halls, everything was pretty much as you’d expect: an escaped quill wreaking havoc, a shadow lurking around without it’s human, and a fun, yet entirely illegal, club of sqwinches battling it out in the dungeons with, yes, even more stolen quills. Ahhh… fun times.

Also, Professor Night? Yes, please. We all know the poor man deserves it by now.

Since this brings us to roughly the middle of the book-ish (?), I should probably refrain from speaking any more about plot-related things. *nervous laughter* But I can–and will–tell you that Silius is the cutest little huge invisible creature I’ve never seen! We get exactly three scenes with the sweetheart and that is more than enough to make you love him. Speaking of lovable creatures, our beloved Humboldt, is back and the lazy little lizard is as content as can be (I say with the utmost affection).

You may be wondering about the cutest (this is indisputable) almost-couple to ever grace the halls of the Halls of Ivy (pun… unintended). It wasn’t until the *beeeeeeeep* of the book when Fyn finally confessed his feelings. To himself.

I screamed. My family worried–it was a whole thing, but don’t worry.

And then this little *beep* *beep* *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep* had the nerve to just up and graduate? I have half a mind to not read the next book out of spite because ya girl needs some Fyn Greeley. Though, at the same time, I kinda need to read the next book because… same reason. But if he’s not there, ooh!

*deep, calming breath* Okay, I’m better now; moving on.

The Dark Queen is just as evil as she was when we last left her and she’s just as, if not more, keen to reclaim the Kindred Stone. Poor Ivy. She just can’t seem to catch a break. Between the beautiful baddie on her tail, the thing with Winsome (which I am still not over, thank you very much!), and her friend-hopefully-soon-to-turn-sweetheart graduating, it’s just been a lot.

“Empathy is drowned out by fear, leaving only self-interest. Courage is suffocated by fear, leaving only cowardice. Doubt and self-loathing grow stronger, larger. Anger, too, has its roots in fear.”

All in all, I genuinely enjoyed this sequel. You know how sometimes the first book is the best and every book that follows pales in comparison? I am thrilled to say that that is not the case here! Night’s craft is more finely honed and the effort clearly shows in the pages of this book. So, if you want a potion war between feuding dwarves, an inevitable swan, and, yes, even more evil unicorns, I’d say you came to the right place.

The Book Stats:

Feels: yeah… some

The Funnies: Fyn and Ivy are an incredible sarcastic duo, so, yes.

Continue-the-series-ness: OF! COURSE! If nothing else, I, for one, need to see what happens between my ship *ahem* the kingdom of Croswald, of course… *nervous sweating*

Cute Things: all of them.

My rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.

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!!