The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is the second book in 'The Crowns of Croswald' series by D.E. Night. I have loved this middle-grade magical story (reviewed here) and definitely enjoyed the second one as well.
In the second book, Ivy continues her journey to get the next pieces of the kindred stone that helps defeat the dark queen. After the first year ends at Ivy Halls, Rebecca and Ivy go back to their home for the summer. Ivy has been advised by Derwin to go to this "secret" town to hide. The major focus of this book is on “The Town” I.e Belzabuthe, which I absolutely loved and adored. Belzabuthe is a secret town that is hidden from the evil queen and is the safest place for Ivy to hide. She finds this is the hometown of Fyn and is invited to live with them by Fyn's mother. After spending a long time in the town, she is invited back to continue her studies at the Ivy Halls, where she discovers more about her past and about the kindred stone pieces, with the help of Derwin. She has to find these stones before the dark queen does. Would she do it? Or would she get into trouble?
The book did felt just a tiny bit stretched at the beginning as it was mostly about world-building, which was useful later in the story. But as usual, loved the ending. Also, it had a dragon(spoilers.! Sshhh) so you have to love it.
There were multiple elements that I loved about this book: Firstly, the storyline.! Second, I loved how they shifted from school to a whole new location building a whole new magical world. Third, introduction to 'Quogo', a sport with quills and it was cooooool.! And of course, there's Magic.... and Dragons.!
In regards to characters, there are new additions like Fyn's Gang, people of Belzabuthe, and many more introductions from Derwin's past. As I said before, it is not a YA or coming-of-age as the characters still feel much younger than a 16-yo would.
The Girl with the Whispering Shadow is about new friendships, new romances, love, trust and hope, and loads of ..... Magic.! I loved the second book and can not recommend this series enough. So go, and read it.!
