Casters and Crowns is a slow-burn romantic fantasy.

At the center of the story are Aria and Baron. Both are facing futures they weren’t expecting, and it’s only when they learn to trust each other that they are able to turn things around.

In Casters and Crowns, Author Elizabeth Lowham has crafted a compelling plot and a complex, but accessible, magic system. Her main characters are well developed, and her supporting cast, though not as well considered, are interesting and help fill out the story.

Casters and Crowns is a standalone read that readers will find satisfying.

Casters and Crowns is an enchanting cosy fantasy that’s well written and plot driven. The world building and magic system is simple and easy to understand which is fantastic for readers who are new to the fantasy genre. The writing is beautiful and filled with vivid imagery which made the reading experience pleasant.

Our main characters Aria and Baron are adorable, and I loved watching their friendship blossom into a very sweet romance. Whilst there is a romance highlighted in the book, the author explores other themes which many younger readers can relate to.

Princess Aria is full of self doubt and often “tally’s” up her faults mentally. She is also facing the challenges of ruling a Kingdom and proving herself to her father the King, who does not trust Casters (people with magic).
Baron is a kind and loving soul with magical abilities. He wishes to unite the kingdom and let other casters live freely, without fear and treated as equals.

I thoroughly enjoyed this stand alone novel. It was a sweet, clean read with a fantastic cast of loveable characters.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the e-arc.

👑 If you love cozy, unique & immersive Fantasy Tales that feel like a Fairy Tale then you need to put Casters & Crowns by Liz Lowham on your TBR!

✨ The plot is absolutely amazing, and the world building is literally out of this world incredible! I don’t want to give too many details away, just know that this book is a must read! The plot was fast faced and so intriguing, I couldn’t imagine how Aria could possibly get to her Happily Ever After! It was hard won, that’s all I can say!

👑 I loved how this unique story had a few details that nod at Sleeping Beauty & The 12 Dancing Princesses without it being a retelling! Liz has lovingly crafted her own masterpiece here which reads more like an epic fantasy with fairytale flair.

💖 I loved all of Liz’s character’s, but especially Princess Aria, the FMC! She’s a perfectionist with a heart of gold, and watching her grow up and gain more confidence in herself was inspiring! I also loved her relationship with her sister, more YA books should be like Liz’s, showing healthy, positive & loving familial relationships. Then there was Aria’s relationship with Baron! Their slow-burn romance was sweet, clean, and so endearing!! Baron was a wonderfully kind, sweet & compassionate cinnamon roll MMC! I especially loved his relationships with his brothers, and the way their antics lent some comic relief to the story! I loved the world building and the mystery in this story, but the relationships were my *favorite*  part of this read!

If you love stories with.. 

🪶📜 Beautiful Lyrical Prose
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💕 Strong Familial Bonds
✨🌙 Mysterious Sleeping Curses
💖💙 Dual POV Slow Burn Romance
🍋🌿 Gorgeous, Intricately Detailed World Building

…Then you need this book for your shelf! As if the story itself wasn’t already amazing enough, the Hardcover version of this book has artwork underneath the Dust Jacket which is just breathtaking!!

✨ A Huge Thank You to Elizabeth Lowham & Shadow Mountain Publishing for the gorgeous gifted Hardcover & character art, and thank you Netgalley for the Ebook Arc!

I loved this YA Romantasy and would rate it:

🍋✨🍋✨🍋

…and highly recommend it to everyone who loves clean fairytales & epic fantasy!

I genuinely struggled to get through this book in the beginning but as the storyline progressed I found myself intrigued by the plot. I started to relate to Aria more and more and instantly fell in love with Baron. What a sweetie.

A sleeping curse, magic, crows, romance, adventure… this book had it all. It was a fun read for sure. I also LOVED the twins. They were hilarious.

The king drove me crazy. He was stubborn and selfish and I wanted to jump in the book several times to punch him in the nose lol. Regardless, I liked the book. The kissing scenes made the book for me 😍

As Crown Princess, Aria's aim is to bring peace to the kingdom. Unfortunately, those without magic (a majority) fear those who possess it - and sometimes with good reason. As a result, when the son of a powerful Caster is killed as a spy in the palace, she rebels against the king, calling all Casters to join her. And when Aria goes clandestinely to try to broker a peace, she finds herself cursed. An unexpected meeting with another Caster, Baron Reeves, seems to hold the potential to break the curse - but as she gets to know him, though they come no closer to success, a new viewpoint and true acceptance open before her. Baron is in a precarious position, as a feared Caster who only wants to protect those under his care, but his interactions with Aria lighten his days and show him a different picture of himself. But time is running short - can they break the curse before it's too late? And what will their failure or success mean for the kingdom?

This took me a while to get into, and for the first 10% or so of the book I could just as easily have put it down. But somehow, as I kept going, I became deeply invested in Aria's quest, her growing relationship with the Reeve family and her developing self-awareness - not to mention Baron's plight and that of his brothers. I loved both Aria and Baron as characters - flawed but good at heart, and better in seeing good in others than themselves. The twins were also entertaining, though I suspect they could be wearing to live with! The picture of how magic worked was hazy in some areas but overall seemed to hang together reasonably well. I'd be interested to see more from this author and this world - surely Aria must have another crisis sometime, or maybe one or both of the twins needs a turn as lead? All in all, an intriguing and touching read with very relatable characters, some humour, and a very satisfying and well managed ending. Looking forward to seeing what the author writes next.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

as pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t my usual genre but it really held my interest from start to end. I want sure how the author was going to end it in a satisfactory way but she did. It was well written and fun!
I thought the plot was unique and fantastical. I loved all the magic and the dashes of romance added in. This is a book an adult and a teen would enjoy reading.
I read the book and then got to listen to it on audio as well. The narrators were just amazing!
It was even better the second time “reading”it.
I can’t wait for more from this author- I’m hoping there will be more books for some of the side characters.

This is such a great fantasy! It has fairytale vibes, which I loved, and the writing sweeps the reader away and transports them into the story.

The character development in this book is so well written! I loved seeing Aria and Baron grow, and it was beautiful to see their romance blossom. I adore letters in books, so their letters to each other made me really happy!

This book has many familiar fantasy aspects, which made it feel comforting to read, but it also has many twists and turns, which make it feel very original as well. I’m not sure quite how to explain it, but it made me feel nostalgic for fantasy books I’ve read in the past, while also making me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

The romance is so sweet, the side characters are well written (I loved the twins!), the story is compelling, and I really enjoyed reading it! I happily recommend it to people who enjoy reading clean fantasy books, and I am looking forward to reading more books by Elizabeth Lowham!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved everything about this book. It's been a while since I have read a fantasy book but this book makes me want to read more. Aria and Baron's characters are fantastic but I seriously love the twins, Leon and Corvin bring so much humor to the book. Overall, I definitely recommend this book!

Water and stone casters, Affiliates (shape shifters) and even a portal caster! This book was so imaginative!

I LOVE this book, and cannot wait to share it with my teen! It was engaging and suspenseful and magical and romantic! Thank you for a good, clean adventure story of a very tired princess intent on saving her kingdom!

I received an arc via @netgalley, but all enthusiastic opinions are my own!

Happy (belated) Pub Day to "Casters and Crowns"! Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do if you're a princess trying to live up to your father's standard, but you know you can be a better queen than he is a king? What would you do if you're an orphan trying to protect your magical brothers while yourself is also an exceptional magic user feared by the kingdom? And what would you do if you two meet when one of you is under a curse?

This book is a cup of lemon tea in a breezy morning, not too hot and never cold, warming you up just right. I enjoyed every bit of it until the last sip. From the beginning I could see how Aria and Baron would make such a cute power couple, but it didn't lessen my excitement to follow their journey. I liked that many of their intimate moments happened through letters and their relationship was built based on trust and vulnerability, besides adoration and physical attraction. Especially when Aria and Baron hyped each other and helped each other believe they can be a better person (they're already good people). The twins are lovely, Silas is intriguing, even Henry with his limited screentime is cute! The villains' ending were satisfying. I also liked Aria's complex relationship with her parents and her half sister, Jenny. The cover describes the story very well with its ornamental illustrations and beige-black-gold color palette—regal, hopeful, and somehow snuggly.

With calm atmosphere, this book surprisingly has twists and turns with reveals that I wasn't expecting. Like just when I thought I have gathered all the information, another clue showed up and connected the forgotten link. The writing was smooth, swoony, and humorous at times, but didn't feel too modern at all. Though the description indicated that the setting is Old Europe, time when it took place isn't really signified, so if you're looking for a historical fantasy I doubt this is for you. It's good if it's chronologically true, but I just kind of ignored it and enjoyed the kingdom-esque vibes it offers.

"Casters and Crowns" is a YA cozy clean romantasy that its fans (me, I'm the fan) have been waiting for and I heard there will be BOOK TWO starring Silas and Aria's sister, Eliza?!? Let's get seated until the next pub date.

"To the Crown, I offer two options: His Majesty will either gift freedom of magic in Loegria, or I will buy it in blood.”

I love a good fantasy read every once in a while. And make it a romantic fantasy? (I know, it's called romantasy but I just can't. Why must we combine all the words? 😅) Yes, please!

If you like magic, witches, curses, kingdoms, world building, funny side characters, and heroes and heroines, definitely read this one! Plus, no language or explicit content! Wahoo!

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC of Casters and Crowns in exchange for an honest review.

This was truly a pleasure to read. Lowham knocked the ball out of the park on this clean romance. Yes, I did use the word clean. This is not the book to read if you are searching for ‘pay off.’ It is, however, the book to read if you are searching for a new spin on the classic cursed princess archetype, a mad king, an equally stifling yet intriguing social system, a Princess who is every bit the classic image of royalty while also tough as nails, and a uniquely beautiful star-crossed romance. Lowham crafted a unique magic system, provided world-building in well-paced doses, and rendered well-developed characters that had me kicking my feet at the sweetness of it all. This entire story felt like living in a dark lullaby: hypnotic and unsettling. The ending, however, did take me by surprise. I had expected a tumultuous downfall, chaos, and potentially assassination, yet the conclusion devised by the leading lady, Aria, fit her leadership style in such a way that it felt well done even though it didn’t conform to my expectations. If you need a cozy rainy-day novel, read this. If you’re going on vacation, take this with you. If you need a romance heavy on the tension and build-up, read this. But it doesn’t really matter what you need—Casters and Crowns delivers.

“Casters and Crowns” is a YA fantasy book. It has a slight spin of sleeping beauty to it. This book was creative and kept me guessing until the end. I also was happy to see pov of both Princess Aria and Baron. It was sweet to see their emotions and backstories. I liked the side characters and hope there will be more stories in the future, especially the twins they were entertaining! This was a clean read overall. Definitely recommend this book for any fantasy lovers!

I was given a copy of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review.

I was engaged with this fantasy romance novel, it had that curse that I wanted and enjoyed the adventure of this type of book. I thought Elizabeth Lowham wrote this in a way that was a classic and enjoyed how the characters belonged in this world. It works with the magical element and was glad I enjoyed the way this finished. It left me wanting to read more as this was so well written.

Aria believes that she must be the perfect princess, in order to become the perfect monarch like her father. Taking it upon herself Aria sets out to resolve the conflict between the powerful Caster Clarissa Morton and her father. She must do this before the imminent war breaks out between the Casters and her father. However ever since her visit to the Caster Aria has been cursed and unable to sleep for one hundred days. She must find a cure quickly. So when she meets the bruting yet striking Castor Baron Reeves who seems to have an elixir that helps her overcome her tiredness she must decide whether or not she can trust him. Together they must form a bond in order to save both their kinds and the kingdom. Can they find the cure and save each other?
This book would be a great pick for young adult readers! With little to no spice, it’s a perfect story for a wide range of audiences. The dynamic characters immediately draw readers in with their stories revolving around love- whether it’s finding it, navigating family conflicts, or learning self love. While the middle felt a bit drawn out and lost me for a moment, it really picked up towards the end. Delivering a satisfying HEA and an overall strong heartfelt message about love in all forms!

*Thank you to Elizabeth Lowham, Shadow Mountain Publishing | Shadow Mountain and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A hint of sleeping beauty fairy tale, magical fantasy, YA, lite romance. Princess Aria is trying to prove herself to her father. She wants to be prepared and ready for the day that she takes over the crown. Unfortunately, she still is making choices that get her into trouble. One is to make a deal with the head of the Casters. Her options to find answers to her problems is to put her trust in another Caster. I thought the characters were very well defined. I enjoyed the addition of the antics of the twins. The storyline was well planned out and intriguing. I like that it is a young adult fantasy with a touch of sweet romance. I’m not sure where I would trim things down, but I do think it was just a little bit long, not boring, but just longer than I’m used to reading for a novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Calling all Fantasy fans! This book pulled me in completely! Definitely one I recommend if you love a good Fantasy story. I can't wait to have my teens read it. Fabulous characters, captivating storyline, coming of age for several of the characters and a sweet love story that will have you cheering for their happily ever after.

Crown Princess Aria is an endearing character. She's trying to improve herself and trying to care for her people but feels like she just isn't doing it right. I loved watching her journey of self-discovery, in realizing her worth and importance and goodness and powers (not necessarily magical ones). I love how the author wove this throughout the story. And not just for Aria but for many of the characters. This is one of my favorite aspects of reading books. I love seeing characters learning who they are and figuring out how to stay true to themselves but not stay stagnate in their lives. You're going to love this one!

Baron. What can I say about him? So much! And yet, so little. I want you to experience his character for yourself. In a good way! I loved his character just as much as Aria's. They complement each other very well. Especially in their insecurities and shortcomings. But, never fear, they persevere and are wonderful together. *Happy Sigh* Oh, my heart!!! Love them!

There are twists and turns and interesting revelations and things brought to light that I never would have imagined. You won't want to stop turning the pages because there are many great surprises and goodies throughout the book. I love the relationships and the championing of each other! This is one that will leave you very happy and hoping for more!

Content: Clean. This book has nothing more than a couple of kisses. There are mild moments of peril. It is a Fantasy book so there are elements of magic and such.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Inspired by The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Casters and Crowns is a brilliant standalone YA Romantasy that I could not put down. Princess Aria is terrified of making mistakes, yet with the weight of the monarchy on her shoulders, she cannot seem to do anything right. Seeking a peaceable solution to a brewing civil war, Aria becomes condemned by a blood curse with a terminal deadline and must search for an unlikely ally in her quest for a cure, leading her to the complicated and obviously very handsome magic-wielding Caster, Baron. I loved every chapter of this book with a slow burn romance, letters exchanged, brotherly banter, magic, love, and familial duty. There is a quality of double mirrors in the text: twin boys, two very important deaths before the book begins with grieving families, two youngest daughters without any say in their fates. All add complexity and depth to the story that I savored. My only regret is I wish to have seen more of Jenny's personality and background.
I switched between the audio and the ebook. The dual narrators were perfect for this dual POV narrative, both speaking slowly, which I love as I can speed up to my preferred listening tempo. Both were pleasant to listen to as well.
Reading this novel felt like eating dessert: fun, rich, and enticing. I'd absolutely read more by this author in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC!

This book is absolutely epic! Casters and Crowns has to be one of my favorite fantasy/fairytale retellings yet! I loved this uniquely subtle, clever twist on two favorite fairytales! Reading this book reminded me of when I read Harry Potter for the first time. It has fantastic world building, amazing characters you want to cheer for, a lovely heartfelt slow build romance, and a plot that completely drew me in. Part Sleeping Beauty, part 12 Dancing Princesses, I loved the nods to these two favorite fairytales while being completely unique.

Crown Princess Aria’s kingdom is on the brink of war between the Casters, those gifted with magical abilities, & the non-magical. To prove her capabilities to her father the King, Aria seeks out the Widow Morton, a powerful Caster who is pushing for war, to try to negotiate peace. But instead of finding a willing ally, she is cursed for the next 100 days to be unable to sleep until she wastes away and dies, then the curse will pass to her sister and so on until the King’s entire family is dead. Not able to tell anyone about the curse, Aria tries to find a powerful Caster to break the spell.

Baron Reeves is a talented Caster whose kind gentleness, and love of his brothers definitely wins Aria over. But can he be trusted? Baron’s hiding a terrible secret of his own. Though he has great abilities, he was unable to save someone he loved & worries he’ll be unable to help the Princess. As they race against time to break the curse, they grow closer together, but will they be able to save the Princess in time & unite the Kingdom.

Elizabeth Lowham has created such a brilliant book with beautiful prose, endearing characters, and a storyline that was impossible to put down. I loved Aria who’s so relatable. She’s a perfectionist who beats herself up for every little mistake. I loved seeing her recognize her capabilities and become more confident in herself. I adored Baron & his mischievous younger brothers. He was such a kind, thoughtful person. I loved the notes he sent & the way he believed in Aria’s mission & goals.

The twists in this story were so good. I enjoy a morally gray villain whose motives are sympathetic even though the way they go about things is completely wrong. I loved the dramatic tension leading up to an exciting magical conclusion.

Highly recommend to romantsy, fantasy, and fairytale lovers. It was such a delightful story. I hope to see this world continue! I can’t wait to see what adventures Aria & Baron will get up to next. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

I LOVED Casters and Crowns! This book was so well written, and the story never lulled. The dual POV and fairytale curse aspect were great. Both main characters were relatable and loveable and I found myself rooting for their happiness. The ending was absolutely perfection.