I loved this book. Such an awesome young adult epic. I loved how the magic system seemed both familiar and completely new. It was easy to comprehend and we jumped right in with both feet. The characters were well constructed (even side characters) and it was easy to fall in love with them. Love this type of adventure/romance/fantasy. Can't wait to read more from this author!!

A unique book with magic. Enjoyed the journey. Aria is a princess that seems to make a lot of mistakes. In an effort to avoid war, she goes to visit Lady Morton. Lady Morton has a thing against royals and curses Aria. Aria is unable to sleep for the next 100 days. She is unable to speak about the curse. However, she meets Baron and he with his magic is able to create a drink that helps her not be so tired. She starts to fall in love with him. The only problem with that is her father does not like people with magic and there is no way he will let her marry Baron.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for my favorite read of 2024 (and the one book that got me through the power outage that accompanied Hurrican Helene)

This book. This book. This BOOK! *Screams internally* I just. Love it so much! Expect me to re-read this every winter.

Casters and Crowns by Elizabeth Lowham is a YA fantasy novel set in a world where people with magic are considered cursed. When Crown Princess Aria sees her kingdom on the brink of war with the magic-wielding Casters, she takes it upon herself to speak with Widow Morton, the most dangerous Caster in the realm. If successful, Aria will not only ensure peace but also prove to her father that she is a worthy heir. But when her negotiations fail, Aria is dealt a terrible curse: Over the course of one hundred days, she will be unable to sleep, her body and mind doomed to waste away. And then the curse will pass to her sister, until every member of the king’s line is dead. Aria’s best hope for breaking her curse is to seek help from another Caster—the handsome and charming Baron Reeves. He may be entitled to a place at the court, but as a magic user, can he truly be trusted? She vows to not be fooled by his dimpled smiles or his devotion to his brothers, but as she spends more time with him, she discovers that her heart has other ideas. Baron has no desire to see the princess suffer—especially since she might be the key to changing the king’s opinion on Casters—but he has secrets to protect and ghosts of his own. The last person he tried to save using his magic died, and he’s not willing to risk harming someone he loves again. As the curse continues its deadly countdown, both Aria and Baron must risk their lives and their hearts to save each other and unite a kingdom.

This book. Is just. Utter perfection. Nothing compares to it. And I will forever be raving about it.

Really enjoyed this book! It was unique and engaging. The characters were well developed and smart. It was fun to get lost in this story!

This novel was incredible. I’m a bit lost if words to describe how much I liked it. I think it’s been a really long times since I liked the character growth so much. I was sad for this one to end. Fortunately, I believe there will be more books written in this world. I cannot wait! Please write more casters!
Things I loved: The magic system, the toe curling clean romance, the letters sent by crow, the twins, the side characters, lemon references, and some witty banter. It was all so cleaver and I absolutely COULD NOT put it down. Fair warning the first few chapters can be a bit overwhelming and I almost quit the book at chapter 4. If you push through and get a few more chapters in you will be absolutely hooked. Bravo Lowham.

3.75 stars 💖

this was such a surprise of a read and a hidden gem! well written, well plotted, and executed and i enjoyed it quite a lot especially because i have strayed away from young adult books for some years now but this brought back some faith in it <3

cant wait to read more from this author!

Great book! Storyline is engaging and well written. I am not usually a fantasy reader but I loved this book. The characters were relatable. I would recommend it to a YA audience and adults who enjoy a well written clean book.

I loved this book! I loved watching Princess Aria and Baron tackle their challenges and learn and grow in the process. All while getting to know one another and supporting each other. There are so many times I wanted to throttle some of the side characters and villains. It was engaging and well written!

Unfortunately this was just not for me. It just didn't grasp my attention the way I wanted it to. I will try this one again as a published book. I was gifted a copy of the finished edition and I will be reading it in the near future.

I really loved this one. As the crown princess Aria has a great weight on her shoulders. I love watching how she tackles challenges and grows in the the process. Baron has a weight of his own as he takes the lead in his family. I love how they turn to each other for help and find great support and strength in the relationship that develops. The world that Lowham has created is unique and engaging. I love the twist and turns and the insights from supporting characters. I hope some of those characters get stories of their own in the near future. I really couldn't put this story down as I was reading. Looking forward to more!

This book. Unbelievably could not put this down! The words gripped me. The audio fantastic! The hype legit. Go read it!

Summing it up: Princess Aria is determined to have her voice heard and heads into danger to negotiate with a dangerous Caster. Instead she returns with a curse. She asks the handsome Baron for help and they go on a quest for answers.

Thoughts: So much to love. So many marinating thoughts.

* the magic was totally interesting
* Leon and Corvin had my heart
* twists to keep me on the edge
* strong princess who learns from her mistakes “mark”
* thought provoking
* romantic swoony moments
* all the letters and carriers
* incredibly satisfying ending and yet I need more

Rhyme: Conquering hard things with steadfastness stretches Aria in unseen ways. Can she find the cure for the curse and wake to a love on the same day?

I loved loved loved this book.
First off, the writing is excellent. The world building is excellent. And you can't just help but root for Aria and Baron. I would love to see a tie in for Eliza, Jenny, Corvin and Leon. The only complaint I would have is the kissing was a little much at the end for me. Maybe a little less physical and more focus on what the magic was doing.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the wonderful story.

I found this novel delightful and original. I found that, while Aria and Baron were not trusting of anyone, they both needed help, but didn't know whom to trust. It was a larger than life chess game with lives at stake. I really enjoyed the story and the outcome. I had a hard time putting the book down. I would definitely recommend, especially if you want something new.

Thank you for NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Exciting magical romantic fantasy.
Feels like a fairy tale and has some similarities to Sleeping Beauty.

The title comes from a conflict between the Casters-those born with various magical abilities, and the Crowns-the royals. Princess Aria thinks she knows more than her dad (like many teenagers) but makes a huge mistake with serious consequences for herself, her family and ultimately her kingdom.

I liked it more than I thought I would and couldn’t put it down. I loved that Aria stands up for what’s right and wants to use the talents of everyone to make their community better. Themes of prejudice, mercy, and acceptance of others who are different and therefore seem scary. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

This was my first book by this author but I have been seeing this pop up over and over again in my bookstagram feed. I really enjoyed this one, the world building/magic system was interesting and the characters were complex and well developed. The romance was done well and I loved the twins and I just couldn’t put this one down. I would definitely recommend it.

This book was a delightful surprise! Loved it! The characters were will flushed out and believable = well as much as a magical book can be! I loved the way the magic was handled and crafted throughout the book! Well done and the swooning was perfection! I really enjoyed this book! I will read another by the author again sooner than later!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a feast for my imagination! I switched off between ARC and audiobook and anytime I couldn't be reading/listening, I was thinking about this book - in all the best ways! The world, curse, magic, politics, characters became such a real world in my head and I loved every bit of the adventure. I will be recommending this book to everyone - regardless of their book tastes because I think this book could suit just about anyone's fancy. The character arcs, love story, obstacles, twins (they were soooo fun!), and more were all so refreshing. I have read a lot of books this year, but few have caught and held my attention like this one. Hoping the author keeps writing masterpieces like this!

Not only did I have the book, but I grabbed the audio and listened to this one and wow–I was captivated and intrigued from the very start.

Aria is the crown princess and takes it upon herself to distance her country from the brink of war they’re facing–only to find herself cursed and things turn seemingly worse. I have a great appreciation for an author that can deliver something fresh and fun, with surprising twists and turns.

I really enjoyed all the characters and the roles they each played, and was fascinated to see the layers build and peel, revealing a delightful tale that left me in wonder. With magic, curses, and love, this romantasy is a winsome treat.

Elizabeth Lowham does a wonderful job of creating a story that I’m hoping will turn into at least a duology, if not more.

Content: mild violence; mild romance

Magical, historical, fantastical, and full of breathtaking world-building and twists and turns, "Casters and Crowns" is simply impossible to put down!

Firstly, this cover is so captivating!

Elizabeth Lowham's storytelling is incredible! From the first moment to the last, I was fully engrossed in this book, and felt myself swept away into a different land and time. I would so love for there to be more books set in this world, as it is truly gripping and like a fairy tale!

Princess Aria wants to help bring more peace to her father's kingdom, When she tries to come to an agreement with Widow Morton, whom is a Caster (those with magic), and things go wrong, Princess Aria is cursed, and soon finds herself working alongside Baron Reeves in order to stay alive and stop the curse. I don't want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will say, this novel has so much in it; magic, spells, adventure, moments that will have you on the edge of your seat, fairy tale elements, romance, and so, so much more.

Aria and Baron truly bring out the best in one another, and both have such hearts of gold. They help one another grow, and their character development throughout is so powerful and poignant. I hope to see them again in future books!

I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read what Elizabeth Lowham writes next!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the e-ARC of this book, and to Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me a beautiful physical ARC as well! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I LOVED this story! I wasn't so sure about it when I first started, because I haven't been on a magic kick for quite awhile now, but I am so glad I chose to read this book. The author does a wonderful job at world-building and bringing each of the characters to life. Definitely one that I had a hard time putting down.