I liked this book so much more than the first book. And I don’t know why, to be honest. I think it was because I knew the characters better and I understood the plot better.

In this book Ivy needs to protect Croswald from the Dark Queen. After the Dark Queen came to the ball, Ivy isn’t safe anymore. She has to find the other two pieces of the Kindred Stone, before the Queen finds them. You follow Ivy in a series of magical events, fighting the Queen throughout the book, and you see the friendships growing with every page.

You see Ivy grow from a shy, poor maid to a rightful Queen. It’s beautiful to see how she accepts her faith and makes the best of it. And it’s amazing how her friends help her achieve her goals and keep her motivated. Also, the relationship between Ivy and Winsome Monocle is beautiful, and it was great to see how he helped her trough tough times.

Overall, I liked this book much more than the first one. And if you like magical school, with a unique magic system, this is a book for you. It was categorized as a middle-grade book, but I think readers of all ages can love this book.

This is the second book of a series to the number of books I don't know the amount of but I know there's 3 so far. I received this one from Netgalley and the publisher in return for a review.

We follow where we picked up directly after the first book and I like books that have done that so we have somewhat of a clear timeline but other than that there isn't a very well kept timeline.

I said in the last book review for this series that we need more Harry Potter themed books to get attention but some of the themes in this book sound like they were taken directly from Harry Potter or books like it and maybe we have to look over that or just use them as comparisons to who did the theme better.

I loved the first chapter art and I thought we were going to get more art like that and I got excited and then we went right back to the regular chapter art and I was less impressed but still very pretty to look at.

This one felt more like Ivy was rushed into doing things and it was a lot of the quill sport and you lose my attention at sports at all and I get disinterested. They hit me with a good little found family troupe though so I will give them that.

Honestly, the fact that nothing of importance with the stone happened until we were 70% in the book is a large reason this book does not have a higher rating from me. I understand that it's a middle-grade series but getting more done quickly would have been satisfying to me.

I'll be continuing the series, I love to support smaller publishing houses and authors so when I get the chance to sit down and buy the series on Kindle the whole series will be bought.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is the second book in The Crowns of Croswald series and picks up right where book one left off . . .

After having dealt with the Dark Queen at the ball and finding her family’s scrivenist - Derwin Edgard Knight, Ivy Lovely is swept off to the hidden town of Belzebuthe where she will continue her scrivenist/magic studies safely out of the Dark Queen’s reach.

However things do not go exactly as planned and Ivy ends back again at the Halls of Ivy on another adventure with her friends, her adorable scaldron Humboldt and a sinister shadow that seems to be following her.

I absolutely loved this book - the story is so whimsical and has this cozy vibe that makes you feel like you’re reading a fairytale. The characters are all lovable and I enjoyed getting to know each of them { I completely ship Ivy and Fyn } and meeting all the new ones that were introduced - I especially liked learning a bit more about Ivy’s scrivenist Derwin Edgar Night and hope to get even more info on him in the third book.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is a fantastic read filled with magic and mystery. I’ll definitively be reading book three and recommend that you add it along with book 1 to your TBR list - because you can never have too many books right?

The second book in this series follows directly the events of the first book. Ivy is set up to once again find a stone, but this time she gets the help of Derwin Edgar Night, a character that has grown on me. Call me weak, but yeah, I am weak for mentor figures. That, and for people whose memories are a bit misty and so it makes it harder for them to help, which is also the case of Night. But he does remember this town, whose name should stay a secret. The small town setting then really came to live, which is complete with a tour through the town and Ivy even having a summer job there for a short time. It is really interesting to read about how the magic works in this world, it never felt all over the place. On the contrary, it felt really planned out and I trusted the author with giving me information that was needed for the story to go further. What you see in most fantasy stories, is unfortunately, oversharing, which makes it as a reader hard to remember what is important and what isn’t. especially for me, since my memory sucks.

But it is as if this book and the author knew my memory does suck and so the book was only filled with information that turned out to be important. This doesn’t make the world building suffer, it only makes it better to understand and especially for people who are new to this genre!

The characters are once again a soft spot. Ivy learns from her mistakes, which is nice to read about, and wonders if what she is doing is right. Her struggle on page is only understandable and takes you as the reader on a journey that makes you wonder if you would have done the same. For the Dark Queen, her character still felt a bit flat for my liking, but slowly we get to know her better. There are more characters introduced, like students, and the adding of the club setting was really sweet to read about since it is a great way to explore how deep friendships can go. Or romance, which is really a slow burn and I’m also weak for those. The club setting also gave a more insight on how the magic works and because it came back multiple times, the book is great at reminding you how and why things work there.

The pacing of the story was a bit slower due all the set up that was done and made me sometimes wonder when the actions came. There were a few short-actioned moments, but overall they were set up for the last few pages, in which things went down for sure.

Overall, it is easy read, especially for people who want to read more fantasy but feel intimidated by it. I loved the mystery aspect of it as well, which had me guessing many times, as well as the magic system which we got to know more of, and even some more magical beasts. At the end, it is a sweet book about magic and friendship, two things I love to read about!

I will admit that I wasn’t in love with the first book in the series; mainly because I found myself making comparisons to other magical novels. Book two... it stands out in such an amazing, captivating way that I do not understand why everyone isn’t reading or talking about it!!

Ivy Lovely is our heroine and she is such a perfect main character, growing into her own and you really can’t help but love her. Our supporting characters can’t be forgotten either and I seriously adore them all for one reason or another. The Dark Queen is at times actually scary, along with her freaky entourage.

Once I hit that last 25% I just couldn’t draw myself away. I’m actually so excited about this book that I’m writing this review rather than getting some very much needed sleep. But I don’t want to give anything away, so just start on this series stat!!!

Thanks so much to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.

wow. I loved this book, dare I say, more than the first one. This one gets darker as the story continues. Instead of summarizing the girl with the whispering shadow, I'll just share my review this way. First, what I found interesting was how the first book ended with Belzebuthe and the first line of the prologue in the second books started with Belzebuthe (you need to read it to know what I mean). The mysterious girl made me thinking about her identity throughout the book. The way Ivy takes care of her friends and everyone else was what touched mt heart. The scrivinist, Night, his care and devotion towards his royal family (read it, read it) brought tears to my eyes. I am so much amazed and mesmerized with the new terms, words and terminologies that the author came up with in the girl with the whispering shadow. I hadn't forgotten the way hollow shaft affected me and winsome and all and here in second book I found more heart-gripping scenes and places. I was suspicious of each and every character and I was scared for Ivy's safety (uhh God how scared I was and how it caught my breath). When Ivy got the letter (again I'll say you need to read the book to know what I am talking about), I was both happy and scared for her. I have started to love the characters more than ever. Scriven this is my favorite one as it keeps us informed (if u know what mean). ohh and that black quill gave me a really creeps. And it was a surprise where Ivy stayed in the belzebuthe (shhh.. secret). Glistle really annoyed me though lolz. Loved Gretta. She is really a strong girl. I so so want Ivy and Gretta to be friends (Rebecca sorry, nobody can replace u). The starguster, star fishing and star casting made me go like yaaaaaaayyyy. I loved these more than the Quogo game (again read it, read it). I feel like I missed Winsome and felt sad about him more than Ivy did. The mettelers were so cool. ugh and I feel that Demaris is never going to be good, wait until she gets to know the truth (lolx). Invisitaurs! how can I forget Invisitaurs. I loved them. Please I want them too. Star solo is my most favorite. I liked Occulyst. I feel so so sad and I am Grieving for the events that took place along with the srivinist, Night's problem (if u have read it, then you know what I am talking about). Tearfully, I am stating this series is so so close to my heart and the author D. E. Night has done wonderful job. She is genius. 5 stars from my side (I would give more stars if there were any). looking forward to the third book now

I just finished the second book of the trilogy. Really, I cannot recommend these books enough. The story continues with the main character, Ivy, leaving for a quest and her confronting the Dark Queen again.

The book has action, suspense, adventure, humour, strong relationships between the characters and the plot reveals a lot cues of the past of the heroine. Generally, you feel the characters grow the further you read the story which is something that I admire and value in books.

The second book did not let me down a bit in all its length. On the contrary, it maintains a pace in sharing events and information that makes you want to fly through pages! Can’t wait to see what other adventures D.E.Night has for us in book 3!

Right after the first book's crazy ending, we pick up Ivy's story right where we left off and her story gets even more interesting as the 2nd book progresses. I love the world of Croswald and am so thankful that I was approved for all 3 books so I didn't have to wait to continue Ivy's story and her battle against the Dark Queen. I love that we can start to see the hints of a romantic relationship for her and that her confidence in herself starts to grow as the story progresses. Her friendships become even stronger as they are tested further by the Dark Queen. This story truly draws readers in from page 1 and keeps them there. Readers won't be able to put the book down and will be itching to get their hands on each book in the series. Great read and I can't wait to rejoin Ivy's story in the 3rd book!

Ok but this second book in the series was everything and more! If I didn’t have to work, it would not have taken me a week to finish! Gosh, it was soooo good! First off, Belzebuthe sounds amazing and I NEED to go there! Especially to see the stars. I loved when Ivy and Fyn were on the roof, they are adorable and I am totally rooting for them. I also NEED to go star fishing and make a wish! “We just have to see the stars inside us.” YES WE DO. Also, I may or may not have dropped my jaw when the title made sense.... (Internally screaming!!!!) I was STOKED to read about the Occulyst and the owls, because owls are my favorite animal - DUH. I probably would have cried if I had the opportunity to go there lol. Ivy’s friendship with Rebecca reminded me a lot of how I feel with this awesome book community, you all are so supportive and I appreciate it so much! And to see Ivy’s character develop even more, I am so here for it! I can’t wait to read the third book.

The second book to an amazing series. This book is hands down a great book that I couldn't put down, I will definitely be buying this series for my son. Everyone could use a great escape and this is that perfect escape.
D.E. Night did a phenomenal job writing this story and putting us into another sought out world we didn't know we needed.

Ivy’s adventure continues and it did not disappoint. Many times the second book has the”second book syndrome" and really not worth much but it is not the case with The Girl with the Whispering Shadow. The story continues with Ivy trying to find the pieces of the Kindred Stone and her rightful place as Queen. During this book you get to see a new part of the magical world, a hidden town, and a magic quill duel game called Quogo.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A high 3, whereas the 1st book was just a very steady, middle of the road 3. The concerns I had about Crowns of Croswald, mainly characterization and development, did definitely improve with the sequel! Ivy grew a lot, and we got to see her friends and their relationships develop too. I have a better idea of who Ivy is and who she could be. We also learn a lot more about the history of Croswald and the Dark Queen, which I liked. However, this time around it was the plot that suffered. While there were fun and sweet scenes or chapters like the Quogo matches and fishing for stars, for the most part I wasn’t very engaged with the plot. It moved really slow in terms of the big idea (finding the other part of the kindred stone and more about the Dark Queen, who let her into the Halls, etc.) and there seemed to be a lot of filler-y sub-plots. This book takes place over the course of a full school year, yet Ivy barely makes any progress on her task and the plot and action don’t speed up until maybe 65%-75% through the book. That last quarter or so I devoured! Additionally I loved learning about Derwin. However, a big part of Ivy bring back at the school and finding the Stone is the memory glanagerie, and we basically see the first and last glanagerie sessions. The pacing and balance of the plot was the weakest part o the book for sure. Showing Characterization, development, and relationships can happen alongside plot development, and if in separate scenes, they can still be better balanced.

I received this book from @Netgalley. This sequel really ties the series together. I can see where the author sets herself a part from other fantasy writers. We see the characters that we all love evolve into their respective roles and the reader feels a connection with each one. Making this story all the more enjoyable. This series keeps you wanting more and rhe storyline does not fade out and keeps the reader engaged.

In The Girl with the Whispering Shadow, we join Ivy Lovely once again on her whimsical adventures in this magical world. We start off in Belzebuthe, were Ivy finally feels like a part of a family while living with Fyn and his mom. In this wonderful place filled with twinkling stars, she makes new Quogo friends and gets a job as a potioneer. However, Ivy can't leave the town after summer since it's the only place she'll be safe from the dark queen.

Then Ivy receives a letter from the Selector and goes back to join her classmates later in the year, only to discover the Selector didn't send the letter and she's in danger. She meets her old friend Rebecca, and together with her new friends from Belzebuthe, they go on countless adventures together.

I loved getting to know more about this magical world and meeting the new creatures within it. The introduction of Quogo, a secret game playing with quills, was another interesting element. Although I believe Ivy could have used a bit more character development, I still enjoyed reading about her wonderful adventures.

I'd like to thank Stories Untold and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Girl with the Whispering Shadow: A Sneakily Wonderful Sequel

I was asked to read this book in exchange for an honest review by D.E. Night’s publicist, Daniela from Stories Untold, so thank you!

When I put down D.E. Night’s first book, “The Crowns of Croswald,” I wasn’t super excited to read the next one, but I was hopeful for a good follow up, and “The Girl with the Whispering Shadow” was exactly the kind of book I was expecting as a second installment—a world builder, deeper character development, and even more magic.

“The Girl with the Whispering Shadow” steps back into Ivy’s story after the events of “The Crimes of Croswald” as she ends her first year at school and is told life changing news. The book primarily focuses on the summer before Ivy returns to school and after she receives a letter saying she is safe to return. Things aren’t as simple as they seem though, and she quickly finds her and her friends at danger, and they must equip themselves for anything that comes their way.

While there were elements of the first book that I liked, I ultimately didn’t love it. But this book was extremely enjoyable and a nice addition to the series. Something that I loved about the last book was Night’s world building and how it sets her aside from other books that follow the same premise. This was no exception, as Night takes you to new parts of Ivy’s world, introduces new people and builds up even more about her family, the school, and just the world they live in in general.

Another thing that I found more enjoyable was the tone and seriousness of the book. The last one felt a little too over the top in appealing to a younger audience, but this one seemed to hit it spot on. It didn’t feel too childish and it felt much more serious than the first one. That does mean though, that the story is getting more serious and that there is much more to come, such as an impending battle of sorts with the Dark Queen, a potential romance with Fyn and even more.

The only aspect of this book that I wasn’t the biggest fan of was the cliches from time to time, and there were some moments where I began to zone out, but it wasn’t often. Towards the end, I found myself skimming the paragraphs and, I believe, sometimes missed some stuff, but it wasn’t too awful. And there were obviously moments of cliche middle school dialogue, but it wasn’t too bad. Nothing that took me out of the book.

The Verdict
I was extremely pleasantly surprised by this book! D.E. Night is proving herself to be a strong author and has a promising career in writing, especially writing that is popular with middle schoolers. While the first book didn’t catch all of my attention, I greatly enjoyed “The Girl with the Whispering Shadow” and it’s a fun read that will take you away to a magical land that has promise to grow and expand. Personally, I will be reading the next book and look forward to the circus theme that has been teased for the third installment. I highly recommend this book and am happy I was given the chance to read and review these!

This was fast paced and better than the first book. An enjoyable and fun read!

I enjoyed seeing Ivy develop as a character and am intrigued by where her story will go in the next book.

I had some issues with the time line as there seemed to be a big skip of time around the middle, it suddenly seemed to be a year later! But the story was easy to follow and understand.

I’m just so obsessed with this amazing little story! I never thought I would fall for a middle grade but here I am, falling and enjoying every second of it!

We pick up with Ivy still learning how to be a proper scrivenist and fumbling through her day to day life. But trouble of course always finds Ivy, or does she go looking for it? We are on a round trip to another whimsical, fun adventure with her and her classmates!

I love the bonds that were made stronger throughout this second book and I throughly enjoy the new creatures that we’re introduced to and I just eat up every new magical aspect that is added to this story! I also really enjoyed the introduction of the QQC, I thought it was so fascinating and had me really intrigued. I know I keep saying how much I love everything about this book, but something else I really LOVED was the stars and wishes that are linked to them, it was really just so heartwarming.

Once again, this is such a unique and WHIMSICAL, fun middle grade that I suggest to readers of any age that just want a fun, lighter fantasy read but still action packed and gripping! This one also had an air of mystery to it and I found myself not being able to put this down, much like the first one!

For fans of: Harry Potter like stories, friendship/bonding, magical, adorable creatures and evil queens!

When I was asked to read these books I was grateful that I could read the first two, since the first one ended on a cliff hanger for me. I was left wondering what life looked like for Ivy after all of the revelations at the end of the first one.
The second one was just as whimsical as the first! The story picked up right after the first and transitioned Ivy from a home that she loved to feeling like she had none. I know that this was considered middle grade, and would recommend to any girl between the ages of 11 and probably 14, but I wish that there was more between Flyn and Ivy. I think that both characters developed well over the course of the book.
It was a little predictable but that is what made it more of a comfort read. Personally, I want to read the third just to have a closing with these characters.

Spoiler-Free Review

Still magical as always!

The author’s wit and creativity in crafting this world? Incredible!

I mean, where do I begin?

The Town? I’d love to see it in person!

Lie Buries: A Library of All Things Fantastical? The name makes me grin, Lie Buries? Get what I mean about the wit there?

Pseudopen? I would do anything to own one!

Quogo? I wish I could play that game with all of the club members!

Casting and catching stars? I really love this one!

The spells? The magical creatures? The adventures? The stores? Places? I could name many things!
And of course, my forever favorite, that I wish I could do too in real life - an Hour of Discovery at school!

My question was finally answered! Who was the perpetrator? It’s….. I can’t say this is a spoiler-free review.

Ivy’s adventure in this book was fun and exciting, most especially those moments with her new found friends (oh I love that bunch!). Her and Fyn’s scenes were always the cutest and magical, both in danger and not. I mean, there’s nothing cute about being in danger but seeing the two of them work things out together puts a smile on my face.

It’s also a breath of fresh air that everyone in the Town knows who she is and not a big hidden mystery unlike most of the books that I’ve read about missing princesses.

This book still reminds me of a mix of Howl’s Moving Castle and Harry Potter, it just gives off that world vibe, you know? So if you love those books might as well give this one a go!

I fell once again into the magic of Croswald! This is the perfect 2nd story. The book picks up right where the 1st book left off. The unfolding of Ivy’s story is just enough to wanting more but not super frustrating that we might never find out certain details. D.E. Night does a wonderful weaving in more about the enchanting world of Croswald. The Invisitaurs are by far my favorites! The growth of Ivy & her friends has been beautifully paced to see how not only with age and experience but also with the help of friends, they have each come more into their own. The underlining lesson of how fear can stop us is done well and I believe appropriately done for this upper middle grade read. The ending gave me goose-bumps and I felt as if I was there with. I’m excited to dive into Book III.

Thank you D.E. Night, Stories Untold, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.