This book was so insanely well written and well plotted I’m actually blown away. The way that this book was a million times better than any of those viral mediocre fantasy books on tiktok and will probably not reach even an ounce of popularity of those books physically pains me. This is one of my favorite Netgalley arcs I have ever reviewed and I have reviewed a ton of them over the past few years. This one I’m going to remember.

I’m a simple girl. I see the word “princess” in the synopsis and I want to read it. Sure this is not technically a fairytale (which is more of my thing) and is a fantasy, but seeing that this is about a princess made me perk up. Though this is technically a fantasy, it very much felt like a fairytale (that isn’t a retelling) rather than a fantasy EXACTLY WHAT I LOOK FOR as that is the only kind of fantasy I typically like. There are definitely fairytale elements in this (namely sleeping beauty) with a deadly curse that reminded me somewhat of sleeping beauty’s curse. The curse itself is so unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read in a fairytale or fantasy, where instead of sleeping for 100 years, Princess Aria is cursed to be unable to sleep over the course of 100 days, until she wastes away and dies. Which, after that, it would pass onto her sister and everyone else until her entire family on the King’s side is dead. And worse, the curse forbids she tells anyone so she can’t even ask for help. The story itself was so creative, I had zero clue how she was going to get out of this.

I am really iffy when it comes to fantasy because it’s not my thing, but fairytales 100% are. Yet, I never fully write off fantasy because some fantasy feels like a fairytale does, but it’s like playing Russian roulette trying them sometimes because you never really know for sure from the synopsis, but I had a great feeling about this before starting this one and I was right. From the get go this very felt like a fairytale that just happens to not be a retelling (a fairytale doesn’t have to be a retelling to be considered a fairytale!) I could tell after the first few pages that this book was going to be my sort of thing! The magic is not overly complicated, and you get a taste of royal life of a princess just like you would in a fairytale. The world building is done well and is not overly complicated like some fantasy tends to be.

Princess Aria is so likable, which is refreshing because I have disliked about 80% of all heroines in the fantasy novels I have tried. It just goes back to the fact that to me, this felt more of a fairytale than a fantasy which is why I liked it so much, and that even applies to the characterization of the heroine. I’m so sick of the females in fantasy being all blood thirsty and trained to be violent fighters and “I’ve killed 12 men before the age of 16” with all aggression and bite. Sure that’s ok every now and again but why does almost every mainstream fantasy character have to be that way? It’s not relatable, an old and tired way of writing female characters, and frankly annoying. Bring back soft characters in fantasy like Aria!

Aria felt more like a fairytale princess than a commercial fantasy princess, which is a good thing because it makes her far more likable. She is far more relatable than other heroines in those mainstream fantasy books, because while those characters tend to be overly confident and bulldoze over everyone to have their way, Aria has doubts about her worthiness to be a good ruler and feels like she needs to prove herself. She is timid about standing up for what she thinks is right, but pushes through not because of a “I’m going to do what I want so fuck you” attitude, but because she wants to prove herself to the council and her father despite her self doubts. Sure it all goes wrong and sets off the events of the curse, but what I like about her is that she struggles with talking herself out of ideas she has to help her people, because like everyone else in the world, she has self doubts. She isn’t all overbearing confidence and physical aggression, aka the most annoying type of character ever. Aria is a character I would actually get along with irl and want to be friends with.

This book rides the line between the fairytale and fantasy genre, so I think people who don’t normally enjoy fantasy could like this one. The magic system is unique but not complicated or overly confusing. This is one of the few fantasy’s that I’ve enjoyed and one of the rare occasions I’ve given one anything above 3 stars. I like Elizabeth Loham’s writing style and I have her books on my radar now. Now can we get a sequel about Princess Eliza?

Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review!

✨They fit together like lemon and leaf, like sword and sheath, like two halves always meant to be whole.✨

Casters and Crowns was my first Elizabeth Lowman book and I enjoyed this magical royal fantasy.

Princess Aria has spent her life trying to one perfect, but the mental marks she gives each mistake are nearly innumerable. Her father demands excellence, not excuses or failures. When the Widow Morton’s son is murder by order of the king, she devises revenge on those who are not magically gifted, especially the castle’s inhabitants.

Aria believes that harmony can be found and attempts a truce, but her efforts result in a curse. A curse that will eventually take her life. Seeking answers to her predicament, she enlists the help of Baron, a Fluid Caster, the very type of magic that cursed her to begin with. She never dreams that she will fall in love with the so-called enemy.

She must overcome her fears and failures, and find strength and confidence in her ability to right the wrongs of her father.

A sweet and swoony clean romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This was very cute! I enjoyed the romance a lot. Baron and Aria are both nice people who complement each other well, and their correspondence was charming and well done. But the heart of the book was definitely Baron's younger siblings, who were clever and obnoxious and full of life. Much of the plot is dedicated to their defense and rightly so. As a romance, I think it was well paced, but the curse plot lacked urgency in the first half. Aria was still occupied with concerns of court and it was not often clear what she was doing to mitigate her circumstances until she secures Baron's aid. As a result, Baron's chapters felt stronger as his primary concern was clear: he wants to hold a place in court and to protect his brothers. It helps also that he has to deal with a direct menace in Huxley whereas Aria's menace is relegated to the abstract.

But where Baron's brothers shined, Aria's sisters fell flat for me. Almost every conversation with Eliza is concerned with courtship, hers or Aria's, and it's not until nearly the end of the book that we get an opinion on the politics out of her. Jenny is quiet and considerate, but they don't really talk or joke or interact on the page the way Baron's family does. We're told they do. Aria thinks about how she loves her sisters and wants to talk with them like normal again, but we don't see it. I recognize that "young woman excited to be introduced to society and only talks about boys" is a common trope, but I still find it exhausting and reductive, especially from one of our only female side characters who isn't a villain.

Speaking of tropes, the book relies heavily on your sense of the genre to establish its setting. The main detail we have about the palace is the stained glass windows. What period is this? Baron wears tailcoats. Regency perhaps? But later there is a joust. Are we medieval? Renaissance? They're writing on paper. A neighboring country is pioneering germ theory. I do not believe that a fantasy world must exactly map to a real world time, but I do believe that the world should be intentional in its construction. I did not have a strong sense of place at any point during the story, and the conflicting details about what time period I should be supposing confused the issue. Everything is a day's ride from the palace despite drastically different climates.

Tropes are useful tools: they let readers make inferences and guide expectations, so the author can build upon that shared foundation. I do not at all object to the use of tropes. My concern is that they were used less as building blocks but as ways of eschewing explanations. We all know what a palace looks like, so there is no need to elaborate past the polished granite floor. We've all seen an official courtship before, so no need to elaborate on Aria's responsibilities, or how this world's courtship differs from our own where women did not generally inherit. The first is an issue of place: there is a great variety in palaces that evoke different moods and a sense of purpose. The setting is vaguely European, so there's a vague sense of stone, probably, but the openness of a Spanish castle with its gardens is a far cry from a stuffy British castle or a fortress, and all still different from Regency era palaces. The second an issue of stakes. How much more interesting would it have been to have specific courtship rules that interfered with Aria's investigations? Or that posed a greater threat to her budding relationship with Baron? Lack of specificity leads to a lack of tension.

Now, that said, I think it executes the romance tropes very well! I'm quite critical here but I had a good time, and would not hesitate to offer this to a teen interested in romantasy. I think with a little more attention to the work these tropes are doing, this could have been a 5* read for me. As is, it lingers around a high 3, with characters I enjoyed and a lot of potential. I would be interested to see what Lowham does next.

How very dare you, Elizabeth Lowham. Wonderful characters? Check. Unique world? Check. Powers and fantasy? CHECK. Twists and turns? You betcha. Thank you so much, for making this a novel that I just couldn't put down. Please write more of this world. We need it. Thank you to NetGalley and to Elizabeth Lowham for the opportunity to read the ARC of this and review it.

So good! I love royalty books and this one is fantastic. Really glad this published picked this one up because I think they need more in this type of category.

Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Elizabeth Lowham’s “Casters and Crowns” is a captivating and cozy fantasy that offers a fresh take on magic and royalty. This standalone novel follows Princess Aria and Baron Reeves, two characters on parallel journeys of self-discovery, both grappling with the legacies left behind by their fathers. Set in a world reminiscent of the regency era, with a magic system that flips traditional power dynamics, this book delivers a heartwarming and immersive experience. I absolutely loved the cozy vibes of this fantasy book as well as the found family aspect, which is my favorite troupe. While this is a standalone and everything is wrapped up nicely, I would love to explore this unique world even more!

Princess Aria is the heir to a kingdom divided by prejudice, where magic-wielders are the oppressed. Raised under the rigid rule of her father, she carries the weight of living up to his expectations while keeping a meticulous record of her own mistakes. Meanwhile, Baron, a caster who has recently lost his father, must fight for his right to protect his family in a court that views magic-users with suspicion. When their paths cross, they find themselves on a journey to break a deadly curse, learning that they have much to teach each other about leadership, compassion, and the importance of making mistakes.

Lowham’s world-building is refreshingly simple yet effective. The magic system is easy to understand but layered with history and depth that gradually unfolds throughout the book. I really liked the simplicity of the world-building, as this allowed Lowham to develop it in a satisfying way without becoming too complex. Fans of YA would definitely find themselves engaged in this world building as well as with the magic system. The setting, though lightly described, provides a perfect backdrop for the adventure without overwhelming the narrative. The dual perspectives of Aria and Baron add richness to the story, with both characters’ struggles reflecting each other’s in meaningful ways.

One of the book's standout themes is the idea of self-compassion, particularly in the face of failure. Both Aria and Baron are haunted by the legacies of their fathers, but through their experiences, they learn that mistakes are a natural and necessary part of growth. This theme is subtly woven into the story, making their journeys feel authentic and relatable. The romance between Aria and Baron is light yet well-crafted, adding warmth to the story without overshadowing the plot. Their relationship develops naturally as they face their respective challenges, and their dynamic is refreshingly grounded. Their relationship felt very realistic and relatable with its development as well as with the characters themselves. Baron, in particular, is not your typical heroic male lead—he’s reserved, guilt-ridden, and filled with self-doubt, making him a flawed yet realistic character. Aria, meanwhile, is fiercely loyal, flawed, and unafraid to stand up for her beliefs, giving you a well-rounded, strong female protagonist.

“Casters and Crowns” also shines in its portrayal of sibling bonds. Both Aria and Baron share heartwarming relationships with their siblings, adding humor and emotional depth to the story. The twins, in particular, provide some of the book’s most entertaining moments, with their witty banter and endearing personalities. I could read an entire book about the twins; they definitely were an unexpected highlight of the book, as well as the found family troupe.

Overall, “Casters and Crowns” is a delightful fantasy with a perfect balance of adventure, romance, and personal growth. Its unique magic system, engaging characters, and heartfelt themes make it a standout in the genre. While the story wraps up nicely without any loose ends, there’s still potential for further exploration of this intriguing world, and readers will no doubt be eager for more. For anyone seeking a cozy, character-driven fantasy that’s easy to follow yet emotionally resonant, “Casters and Crowns” is a must-read.

I really enjoyed this fantasy - the world was interesting yet familiar with a few plot points that reminded me of various classic fairytales, which made it super approachable and easy to get into. I liked how distinct the characters were - I felt like I really hated the villains and loved our protagonists. The romance between Aria and Baron was so sweet and I loved their letter writing to each other, not to mention I loved how they grew and developed throughout the book and really changed! The side characters were so fun and their personalities (especially Corvin and Leon) brought perfect comedic relief to this book. Overall a great cozy fantasy (perfect for people who don't read a lot of fantasy or are new to the genre), with just enough romance woven in and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I can't wait to see what other fantasies Shadow Mountain might put out, because this first one was a hit in my books!

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC of this book!

Completely unputdownable!!!

Princess Aria's efforts to negotiate peace with the casters, or those who have magic, backfires in the worst way: she is cursed to be unable to sleep for the next 100 days, slowly losing her mind. After the hundred days, she will die and the curse will spread to the next member of her family.

In desperation, she seeks out Baron Reeves, another caster that she hopes can help to break the curse but as they spend time together, she realizes he may also break her heart.

Baron wants to help Aria but he is haunted by his past and the limitations of his power. As his heart becomes entangled with hers, however, Baron and Aria risk everything to break the curse and save a kingdom on the brink of war.

What you'll love:
fantasy
forbidden love
dual POV
a magical curse
slow burn
the letters
twists and turns
"Kiss me."
Leon and Corvin
traitorous plots
suspenseful moments
character growth
Sleeping Beauty vibes
adorably swoony romance!!

I think I just found a new must-read fantasy author! This book was fantastic - a unique and captivating plot, an easy to understand magic system, endearing characters with depth and heart, and a sweet and swoony romance that made my heart sign with happiness. I loved every moment watching Aria and Baron fall in love!

I was captivated from first chapter to last and read the entire book in one sitting - I could not put it down!! There were so many layers to the characters and the story and as each one was revealed, I became more entranced. The whole book was just so well-crafted and entertaining!

This reads like a stand-alone with no cliffhangers but there were openings for another book and oh, I would be so happy if there were a sequel. This one gets a very enthusiastic 5 stars from me!

CW: some fighting but nothing graphic or overly violent, talk of character getting hanged and characters getting branded with a mark, no swearing, kisses only

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review is required.

What a fun story of fantasy, magic, showing that the is good and bad on each side, some loveable but troublemaking twins, a curse, some love letters, and a romance that is so cute!

This story is light fantasy (not too complicated) with fairytale vibes!

Really liked this book. Such a different approach to magic and royalty. Really liked the characters and settings. Had interesting twists and turns. Highly recommend.

Such a great book. It’s a great YA fantasy romance but it had depth and richness at the same time. The writing I thought was excellent and flowed well, and I loved the main characters of Aria and Baron. I so enjoyed the peripheral characters as well - I find quite often good supporting characters that are given adequate page time make the story so much richer, and this had it in spades.

The story line took on a great focus of friendship, seeing that differences make us better, and learning to accept that our mistakes make us human and help us learn and have compassion. It did well at contrasting shame and failure, prejudice and revenge and pride, and what all that does to your soul and to those around you when not held in check, versus the effect of mercy, courage, perseverance and love.

Just so many good nuggets along with great characters and writing. Well done.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

“With you, I can be myself. No, it is more than that — with you, I see the self I want to be.”

“Funny that a man could be so insightful regarding others and so blind concerning himself.”

* Oooh
* Loving the sleeping beauty vibes
* Ah I love the twins!
* The letters!
* Aww, Baron
* No he didn’t!
* Oh, I love love love them
* Ahh I knew it would be a kiss!
* Oh wow! That’s now how I thought that would go!

Awww I really loved this one! Aria and Baron are so good! I looove Baron. He’s so sweet and kind and tender. And I loved the letters they wrote back and forth. Aria was strong and I loved her growth in regards to making mistakes and then being okay with that.

All the characters were just so good. Leone and Corvin and Eliza and Silas and just everyone were so delightful! They all made me laugh.

The magic system was interesting and I also enjoyed the political/kingdom aspect of it all as well. The story was so fun and I enjoyed it immensely!

Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

This book is so good! I'll admit the cover and name caught my eye but the story itself really lived up to expectations.

Casters and Crowns follows the story of crown princess Aria who has always lived to the strict code of rulership outlined by her father the King . His word was the law and it was always right , so much so that Aria has spent her life keeping a mental record of every mistake she's made. She is heir to a country that is prejudiced and divided into those that have magic and those that do not , however this book flips the narrative where magic-wielders are the people who are oppressed. Then a tragedy shakes the court and sparks a revolution by a magic wielder called Widow Morton who takes revenge by cursing Aria and her family line. At the same time the story introduces Baron a caster who has recently lost his father and has to petition the king to allow him a 'magic-user' to hold his title at court in order to protect his brothers. When their worlds collide they both discover that they have much to learn from each other and they have to find a way to save Aria and the entire country from the threatening war.

Reading this book was so much of fun. The world was reminiscent of the regency era and the magic system was so unique, but what I loved is that the reader got adventure and world-building but also humor and emotion. Both the main characters had such strong bonds with their siblings , it was heart warming. I adored the twins and their dialogues *chef's kiss*. I also liked the fact that the author gave brief descriptions of the settings of a scene rather than spending paragraphs describing every detail which I know alot of fantasy books do. The romance as well wasn't overwhelming and the characters got to know each other and developed their feelings through their adversities. Baron wasn't the usual type of MMC either, he was reserved and guilt-ridden and second guessed alot of his choices making him more realistic. Aria was flawed and learning and she allowed us to see all the characters in both a positive and negative light so there was no clear cut villain, she was fiercely loyal and stood up for her beliefs to the very end. The book also left no loose ends or cliffhangers which was a relief. But again the magic system set up was so incredibly unique that I hope the author continues to write in this fictional world.


***Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.***

This charming, short yet adventure-packed book comes in at 4.25/5 stars for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this YA read that packed in all the fantasy elements we’ve grown to love: an intriguing magic system, a tense faction, endearing main characters, and a sweet romance to boot.

I really enjoyed following the character growth of Aria and Baron who through the book struggle to accept what they feel are their own mistakes. It was beautiful to read how they complemented one another as they both realized and grew from adventures and others throughout this book. The book holds themes of pride, redemption, self-compassion, and growth and manages to explore these themes in really approachable ways.

I would have loved to have more depth to some of the peripheral characters to enhance the story just a bit for me, but overall I had a great time reading this and would absolutely recommend for a quick, adventurous read.

Thank you NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Elizabeth Lowham for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a solid YA fantasy that does a lot of things right. Told from interchanging POVs of the two main characters, Baron and Aria, the book dives into a world of those without magic, i.e. the ones in power, and those with magic, i.e. the ones persecuted. The book does a good job of building out this world, at least as far as the magic system works. There's two main groups: stone casters, or those who can control solid material, and then fluid casters, those who can control fluids (including blood). But there's also other types, including shapeshifters, which are viewed with even more animosity by those without magic. This is a pretty common trope in YA fantasy (using magic as a stand-in for race, sex, etc.), and while it never really delves into the complexities of how such discriminations actually work, it does at least avoid treating the topic too casually, I thought.

I also really enjoyed the growing romance between Baron and Aria. No instalove here! There's initial attraction, but it's clear it starts as just that and deeper feelings come after a believable developing relationship. And Baron truly came off as a believably good guy - I loved how he often responded to rude characters.

I did have some issues. The book got off to a slow start, and honestly I don't think the curse ever really made sense. Also, this is a VERY Anglo-influenced world setting. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing (although certainly overdone), but the author did seem to rely on this instead of providing details of what the physical world was like. I would have liked more description to help me picture what it was like.

But mostly I enjoyed it, especially once Aria and Baron actually started communicating with each other more.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.


Casters and Crowns is a delightfully fresh, fantasy novel. It's light on romance, and most of their courtship is in written letters. Which was extra sweet.

Aria is the crown princess, she's lived her entire life trying to be her overbearing father's - perfect heir. And failing at every turn. Her father lives with the belief that one can never go back on a decision and that the crown is always right. Failure is not an option.

Magic and the people that perform it- Casters are treated as second class citizens, branded at the age of 12, and treated with general distain by the non magic class.
Baron Reeves is a Caster, a Fluid Caster- that meaning that he can transform any liquid into poison if he wishes, but wouldn't. His father has passed and as the eldest should receive his father's title of Lord, and be a member of court.

In the middle of all this a Caster has been killed by the direction of the King for spying, a young boy of just 15 years old. Setting off an ultimatum with the Caster Faction, lead by an angry, grieving mother.

And really it's about living under extreme pressure, and learning how to navigate yourself, how these characters handle the pressure. One that feels the crushing weight, one that is so torn down they curse a kingdom, and another who knows their father would want them to be better even with all the obstacles. It's about the imperfections of family and how they try to protect each other, even when it's wrong.

Aria and Baron's genuine connection really make this story something special, even with their differences, Baron's wild twin younger brothers constantly brawling with each other, Aria's impending curse with a countdown, they support and rally one another, and overcome their personal roadblocks to meet in the middle, and that it turns out they had the means to heal the kingdom all along.

First of all, this cover is stunning. I love all the details. Second, Aria and Baron are the best. I loved watching their understanding of each other grow. The letters! And Baron’s brothers were great side characters. This is a lower angst fantasy that would be great for newbie fantasy readers. I do think there could have been more world building. More about the country and the magic, so the curse and the reasons for the rebellion would have been better explained. A little more buildup to what was happening. Overall, a sweet love story that I really enjoyed.

I adored this book! A light but captivating fantasy, with easy to follow world building and magic system. All of the characters were fun and engaging. I thought the main characters growth and  development as both individuals and together was so enjoyable to read. I love this world and hope there will be a sequel to explore other characters and their stories!

Would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy, all thoughts are my own!

This enchanting fantasy novel is a breath of fresh air, offering a cozy, immersive experience that captivates from start to finish. The dual perspectives of Aria and Baron are particularly engaging, with each character's struggle to live up to their father's legacy providing a rich narrative foundation. Their parallel journeys of growth and self-discovery are exquisitely portrayed, underscoring a poignant theme of self-compassion and the acceptance of the essential nature of mistakes in the learning process.

This novel's world-building and magic systems are refreshingly simple yet effective, creating a story that is easy to follow without sacrificing depth. This makes it an ideal read for those seeking a more accessible entry point into the fantasy genre. The expertly balanced pacing ensures the story unfolds naturally while keeping the reader thoroughly engaged.

Romance is woven lightly yet effectively into the narrative, adding just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the plot. Princess Aria's quest to break a deadly curse, coupled with Baron Reeves' internal struggle to unite a kingdom, creates a compelling storyline that grips the reader's attention.

Should Lowham choose to explore this universe further, it will undoubtedly be met with anticipation. This novel is a true gem for anyone seeking a well-crafted, standalone fantasy that resonates long after the final page.

Thank you to Elizabeth Lowham, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and the NetGalley team for providing me with this e-ARC!

This book was a very difficult book to read and understand. She’s cursed to not be able to sleep, but several times she falls asleep. There’s so little description that I’m confused about who the characters are and how they develop the way they do. It’s lacking any emotion or excitement.