sam_riccio's review against another edition
3.0
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.
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.
sam_riccio's review against another edition
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.
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.
irish_bookfairy's review against another edition
4.0
I got the chance to read the second Crowns of Croswald book thanks to NetGalley. After reading the first one I was curious about Ivy's future's adventures.
After last year's ball Ivy Lovely was warned not to come back to school, the only place that had her feeling like she belonged. She goes in search of a place to call home for a while, with only an address given by her newly found family's scrivenist as a destination. Somehow she needs to go to the town with the secret name and location, so nobody can find it. Especially the Dark Queen.
After a very confusing and exciting trip she's met with a big surprise once she arrives, one that makes her summer stay instantly better.
I'm going to try not to give anything away, wouldn't want to spoil things for other readers.
Compared to the first book, "The girl with the whispering shadow" is action packed from the start. We get to follow Ivy around the hidden town and joining a secret club with old and new friends. Places, objects and people are described in such a way, you can practically see it.
Still had some moments where I got a lot of Harry Potter vibes, but it was less than the first book. For instance the situation around The Town and how it's hidden unless you know about it. The Town is basically the 'Room of Requirement'.
But all in all I wasn't bothered with any similarities, I guess that has to do with the fact that the story grips you right away, so you just want to keep reading.
When I finished the first book, I was very curious to read the second one and the author did it again. The books end in such a way that you expect there to be more once you turn that last page. But alas.
On to the next!
After last year's ball Ivy Lovely was warned not to come back to school, the only place that had her feeling like she belonged. She goes in search of a place to call home for a while, with only an address given by her newly found family's scrivenist as a destination. Somehow she needs to go to the town with the secret name and location, so nobody can find it. Especially the Dark Queen.
After a very confusing and exciting trip she's met with a big surprise once she arrives, one that makes her summer stay instantly better.
I'm going to try not to give anything away, wouldn't want to spoil things for other readers.
Compared to the first book, "The girl with the whispering shadow" is action packed from the start. We get to follow Ivy around the hidden town and joining a secret club with old and new friends. Places, objects and people are described in such a way, you can practically see it.
Still had some moments where I got a lot of Harry Potter vibes, but it was less than the first book. For instance the situation around The Town and how it's hidden unless you know about it. The Town is basically the 'Room of Requirement'.
But all in all I wasn't bothered with any similarities, I guess that has to do with the fact that the story grips you right away, so you just want to keep reading.
When I finished the first book, I was very curious to read the second one and the author did it again. The books end in such a way that you expect there to be more once you turn that last page. But alas.
On to the next!
bolttasreads's review against another edition
5.0
After her acceptance into the school where she can develop her till now hidden magical powers, something strange and unexplained is following Ivy.
After reading the first book I was so happy of the chance to read the second one. As I started to read I noticed better character and a world development. I love how its easy to read and easy to follow what's happening with the main girl - Ivy. This time, #thegirlwiththewhisperingshadow is more detailed than the first book, author includes more action as well. Strangely I also loved that this book doesn't have romantic atmosphere ( even you can slightly feel it).
While reading its so easy to imagine everything that sometimes it feels like you're watching the movie - its so vivid !!!
My recommendation:
Everyone who loves easy magical reads, fairytales, action and ( I would say - a bit of mystery) will love this book.
jessicat10's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! This book was even better than the first one. The chapters involving the town were my favorite. It was so nice to move away from the school and get to know more about this incredible world. I enjoyed this story so much I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. I could not wait to pick it up again. I highly recommend this series.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
michela_h's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
shelvesofstarlight's review against another edition
4.0
Another fast paced magical adventure filled with excitement and fun!
This sequel answered questions and left others still open, I desperately need to get my hands on the next installment of Ivy's story.
This book was just as wonderful as the first and I once more fell into the world of Croswald, onto this time the stakes were a little higher as The Dark Queen was a much more visible threat!
I cannot wait to see where Ivy's story goes next.
This sequel answered questions and left others still open, I desperately need to get my hands on the next installment of Ivy's story.
This book was just as wonderful as the first and I once more fell into the world of Croswald, onto this time the stakes were a little higher as The Dark Queen was a much more visible threat!
I cannot wait to see where Ivy's story goes next.
escaping_with_books's review against another edition
4.0
The crowns of Croswald 2 - The girl with the whispering shadow
- Detailed World building - check
- Likeable characters - check
- Interesting and unique magic system - check
- Found family - check
- Strong, smart and hardworking MC - check
The world building continues with greater detail in book 2, taking note of even the smallest elements of a town or building allowing me to really picture where Ivy is in my mind.
The descriptions of the magic system are easily embedded into the story so I’m able to collect more and more information about this new world which I find myself enjoying. I love receiving the information and descriptions of this world as Ivy does, as it helps me to feel like we are journeying together.
Watching Ivy welcomed into the belzebuthe community with open arms is so heart warming as she’s suffered so much throughout her life. Then seeing the amount of supportive adults both in the town and at school who genuinely care for these teens is something that is often lacking in a story where the young person is stepping into their gifts and I love watching it within this book.
I particularly enjoyed the unique fantasy elements within the story; the invisitaurs, the cabby rides, the all day night time of The town, the forgotten room, the compass startus which seems like a great way to remember everything you’ve ever learned and The fishing for stars was an extra special magical experience. But the magic quills and magical drawings are extra special! I could go on and on about these magical elements as they really support full immersion into this world but it’s best if you just jump in yourself to have a read.
When the story moves to the big events I feel as though Ivy and her friends are navigating their way through them in a realistic way, making choices that are believable for teenagers who are bold yet inexperienced. This is something I really appreciate, magical but believable.
This is a Middle grade fantasy book which is a fun read for any age. As an older reader I feel like I go back in time to experience my teenage years as a scrivenist and as a mum I am eager to take my daughters to this magical world when we read the book together.
I am so looking forward to reading the next two books.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and willingly offer my honest review**
- Detailed World building - check
- Likeable characters - check
- Interesting and unique magic system - check
- Found family - check
- Strong, smart and hardworking MC - check
The world building continues with greater detail in book 2, taking note of even the smallest elements of a town or building allowing me to really picture where Ivy is in my mind.
The descriptions of the magic system are easily embedded into the story so I’m able to collect more and more information about this new world which I find myself enjoying. I love receiving the information and descriptions of this world as Ivy does, as it helps me to feel like we are journeying together.
Watching Ivy welcomed into the belzebuthe community with open arms is so heart warming as she’s suffered so much throughout her life. Then seeing the amount of supportive adults both in the town and at school who genuinely care for these teens is something that is often lacking in a story where the young person is stepping into their gifts and I love watching it within this book.
I particularly enjoyed the unique fantasy elements within the story; the invisitaurs, the cabby rides, the all day night time of The town, the forgotten room, the compass startus which seems like a great way to remember everything you’ve ever learned and The fishing for stars was an extra special magical experience. But the magic quills and magical drawings are extra special! I could go on and on about these magical elements as they really support full immersion into this world but it’s best if you just jump in yourself to have a read.
When the story moves to the big events I feel as though Ivy and her friends are navigating their way through them in a realistic way, making choices that are believable for teenagers who are bold yet inexperienced. This is something I really appreciate, magical but believable.
This is a Middle grade fantasy book which is a fun read for any age. As an older reader I feel like I go back in time to experience my teenage years as a scrivenist and as a mum I am eager to take my daughters to this magical world when we read the book together.
I am so looking forward to reading the next two books.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and willingly offer my honest review**
strangecandy's review against another edition
4.0
Great follow up book to The Crowns of Croswald. Fast paced read is hard to put down. I really enjoyed the world building in this series. The hidden town Ivy is spending her summer feels like a Diagon Alley permanently stuck in a winters night. There is still a heavy influence in my opinion from Harry Potter but again, not enough to dissuade me from thoroughly enjoying the story.