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Croswald #4

The War of the Woods

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In The War of the Woods, the cataclysmic finale of the Croswald Series, Ivy battles her way to the Dark Queen, but she may be too little too late... Mythical dragons, powerful stones, family curses, new worlds, and ancient magic populate the series finale in a rich fantasy world perfect for middle grade readers. In the final battle between good and evil, there can only be one Queen.


With her third year of school interrupted and canceled, Ivy Lovely is trapped inside the Halls with the growing sensation that she must break free. Through an elaborate network of dwarf tunnels that no human has ever walked, she hopes to find the mythical Dwarflin and regain the final segment of the Kindred Stone. The nature of her friendship with Fyn shifts with sudden news and, at every turn, the evil and peril grow. It will take everything that Ivy has learned about magic (and herself) and more to defeat the Queen in her forest stronghold.


For those who wished that Narnia, Harry Potter, and Alice in Wonderland could go on forever, Croswald opens a whole new world of magic. Recommended as a read-aloud for families and an independent middle-grade fantasy read, The Crowns of Croswald is an award-winning, four-book series that will carry readers to a whimsical world that they won’t want to leave.

Unknown Binding

Published May 13, 2022

37 people are currently reading
294 people want to read

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D.E. Night

11 books675 followers

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5 stars
104 (61%)
4 stars
45 (26%)
3 stars
13 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Fiction Frog.
10 reviews14 followers
December 3, 2023
4-4.5 stars

Night doesn't slack on the world building just because this is the final book. In fact, she builds on it even more. There is such beautiful imagery and imagination put into this whole series, but something about the description in this final book makes me want to live in this world even more.

For a while it doesn't quite feel like the last book, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In a way, Night leads us on just like the main characters, anticipating the final battle and carefully taking calmer moments as they come. So I think the pacing is realistic. All the threads come together in a way that doesn't feel forced or rushed (only rushed in the way a final climax is meant to feel).

The final climax - wow. Everyone had a shining part, which I love to see. The resolution was well-fought for - not easily handed over. It was tense and even had some small twists and turns that I enjoyed very much.

Though this series took me a while to finish (nothing to do with it and everything to do with me), I did not have much trouble remembering characters, spells, and locations because of how fleshed out they were. I will remember this series fondly for a long time. Thank you for sharing your world, D. E. Night! 🐸💕

Profile Image for Megan.
328 reviews19 followers
March 9, 2022
4/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

*Spoilers for books 1-3 ahead*

This book picks up right where book 3 left off. With the Dark Queen's power growing by the day, Ivy begins preparing for a final battle against her.

This was a great ending to a series that I have really enjoyed reading! Ivy's journey throughout these books was amazing, and I loved getting to witness her adventures!

The world-building was spectacular, as I've come to expect from these books! In this book, we're introduced to the dwarf tunnels as well as the home of the dwarves. D.E. Night excels at writing lovely and atmospheric settings, and I enjoyed getting to see even more of Croswald!

I did have a few issues with this book, hence the four star rating. I felt like the first half of this book moved a little slowly, though the pacing did pick up later on. I also disliked how almost all of the side characters from books 1-3 barely appeared in this one. I enjoyed all of Ivy's interactions with them. Lastly, the ending was satisfying though it seemed a little abrupt.

Overall, this was a wonderful ending to the series! I will definitely be reading future books by D.E. Night! I would recommend this series to fans of middle-grade fantasies and fans of the Harry Potter and KOTLC series!
Profile Image for Kaycee Sterling.
329 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2022
The beginning of the book lacked adventure but the last half of the book more than made up for it! Although, to be clear, I was still enjoying the story. I really loved the entire series. I love any type of story with a fun and extensive magical system. So happy with how everything came together at the end and all the little puzzle pieces that added to the story along the way!
Profile Image for Cody.
320 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2022
The final piece of the stone.. I mean series! What a full moon.. I mean circle we have come! 🤭
This series is known to me via @netgally and @storiesuntold and I couldn’t be more grateful. It is easy reading, suited at all ages, with a beautiful magical realm to get lost and caught up in as the story unfolds.
Within pages I was enchanted and drawn back into the adventures of Ivy. Like all the books, it starts off with a predicament and sense that Ivy is trapped and needs to find her way. In this case, her and Finn are trapped within the school. Irony has it that it’s overgrown in Ivy! It’s thinking caps on for planning their way out!
They are on a mission to get to Dwarflin via a route unknown the human kind! With a scrap of a map and backpacks loaded with supplies, it’s full steam ahead to regain the final piece of the kindred stone and put a stop to the dark queen for once and all!
This one has a whiff of amplified urgency throughout which I expected, given that it is the final piece of the series. Just when you feel it’s all come to a head it backs off and eases you into a warm happy filled ending.
The whole series has a lot of concepts with two sides. Light vs shade. Humans vs dwarves. Royal vs scrivinist. To name a few! I really have immensely enjoyed this contrast. It will be interpreted differently by all readers too which broadens the audience captured but is just pure clever writing!
My favourite thing from all the books is the magic of teledetecting! With inklink and her proof pad, Ivy was able to unlock and relive memories of the past to help her understand her future ✨ she would draw away a scene and then dive in to find out more!
I was right in my hunch at end of book 3 that a bombshell would drop of someone close to her who isn’t quite who they say they are! But enough on that matter - you will have to read to find out!!
This whole series, now complete, was truly a step back in time to childhood moments of enjoying fairytale stories yet this is served with an edge of its own. From book one to now we have ce full moon circle.. that is.. we have finished up right where we originally started! A lot can be said for the power of a glanagerie bottle.. but from hidden in the slurry fields, to defeating the dark queen and saving Croswald, Ivy’s magic conquers all.
The princess in me loved all of these!
Be charmed, be entranced, be filled with wonder.
Profile Image for Kassyreadsalot.
1,130 reviews56 followers
January 23, 2023
Title: The War Of The Woods

Author: D.E. Night

Synopsis: Ivy battles her way to the Dark Queen, but she may be too little too late...

With her third year of school interrupted and canceled, Ivy Lovely is trapped inside the Halls with the growing sensation that she must break free. Through an elaborate network of dwarf tunnels that no human has ever walked, she hopes to find the mythical Dwarflin and regain the final segment of the Kindred Stone. But at every turn, the evil and peril grow. The nature of her friendship with Fyn shifts with sudden news and Ivy doesn’t know if she has what it takes to defeat the Queen in her forest stronghold.

Review: There is such a bitter sweet feeling when you finish a series where you are very attached to the world that has been created along with all of the characters who I have followed along in their journey! The writing alone is just so perfect and detailed! A lot of love was put into it! There was so much action and poor Ivy did not catch a break! I happy where it ended but I could defining envision another book with Ivy back in school with her last year of school and seeing her graduate! I couldn’t get tired of Croswald! However, I do know there will be another book in the croswald world which I am so excited for!
Profile Image for Huda Al-Mossalli.
369 reviews22 followers
April 29, 2023
A great conclusion

I heard of this series because I got offered free copies of the 1st and 2nd books to review … and months after that I felt like I was missing something, and remembering this cozy story.

Because I read other magical schools books I forgot where those memories were from, but then I remembered and bought myself the whole series to own.

This is such a well crafted world and well written story. I just loved being immersed in the setting of the towns, school, and natural places.

The characters were all fun as well.


⚠️SPOILERS⚠️

as you might have noticed my favorite thing in this series was the atmosphere and setting, so I absolutely loved The dwarf land.

And I thought the way Ivy defeated the queen was satisfying.

So happy about Fyn’s father .

Profile Image for Cheyenne Mcdonald.
685 reviews36 followers
June 30, 2022
I really liked the first three in this series and had high expectations for this one but it was just super underwhelming to me.
1 review
May 6, 2022
Crowns of Croswald the War of the Woods was an incredible closing to an absolutely captivating series. This series takes you to a world with magic like no other and a heroine you love to root for. In the final book, you are able to explore the magical world in new ways and are transported to a new realm. The characters are forced to grow and change as they embark on their final adventure. The ending was so satisfying and each character stays true to themselves until the very end. I cannot recommend this series more. I tell everyone I know to read it and usually buy it for them to boot. Made for YA this book is dynamic and captivating in that way that has you finishing each one quicker than the last. As an adult, it keeps you coming for more with a unique world you get to partake in. It’s a great series to lose yourself in for hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ChaoticReaderLife.
109 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2022
The finale of this amazing middle-grade series comes out in May(13th April on the author's website DENight.com), and I can't be any more excited for people to finally read how it all ends. I am thankful to the amazing author D.E. Night and StoriesUntold Press for sending me the proof copy of 'The War of the Woods'.


For those of you, who haven't read the series or are new to the Croswald world, I've reviewed book 1 here, which explains a bit into the world and the story. Those who have read the series, you guys are my people.


So as I said before, The War of the woods is the finale to Ivy's story and the war between the evil Queen and Ivy. Ivy's trying to find the last bit of Kindred stone in order to defeat the Evil Queen, whose powers are growing by the day. Will she defeat her? And what will be the cost...?


To be honest, of all the 4 books in the series, I enjoyed book 4 the most. It has a lot of adventure from the very start. There's always one or the other thing happening (which I like in a book). You will not get bored at any point as there's so much happening throughout.

As always, you can expect a lot of magical elements which will astonish you (like the Dwarflin). I have loved and enjoyed the magical elements in all the books and am a big fan of D.E. Night's world-building.


The QQC members and my dear dragon (Humboldt) were as always just the perfect gang. When reading a story, I always feel that it's important to have a great MC, but it's more important to have much more amazing side characters, as they bring so much more flavor to the story. Crowns of Croswald wouldn't disappoint you in that sense. All the side characters have unique and amazing personalities (Rebecca being my favorite).


The relationship between Fyn and Ivy shifts in the story, which was totally unexpected for me. I was hoping and rooting for them from the start, but the ending was surprising (in a good way).

Talking about the ending, the main battle between Ivy and Evil Queen was really good. I love the twist of "ending things where it all started" (minor spoiler hint :P).


Needless to say, book 4 was really the perfect ending to the series, and I hope to read more about Ivy's adventures and more books set in the same world in the future.

Full review: https://divyakaushik1010.wixsite.com/...
Profile Image for Anna T.
98 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2022
I can't believe this series is already over. I don't want it to end. 😭

The book featured is War of the Woods, the fourth and final volume in the Crowns of Croswald series by @author.denight, along with an official print featuring Ravenshollow, one of the series' major locations. I have absolutely loved this series all the way through. As I've gotten older, I've struggled to find more middle grade books to love. However, this series has recaptured all the magic I've ever felt with middle grade and grown it even more.

This final book was super exciting. It flowed from the book 3 cliffhanger so well, resolving it quickly but not too quickly. After missing Fyn's continued presence in book 3, I loved having the majority of the plot in book four center around just him and Ivy as they fled the Dark Queen, although the main source of tension between them (no spoilers!) fell a little flat for me. I also did miss the other regular characters, who don't really have a presence in the book until the climax. But still, Ivy's adventures with Fyn often distracted me, since they were expertly packed with action. The new settings in this book, especially Dwarflin, were beautifully described and I was enraptured by happy moments and chilling moments just the same.

Even characters who weren't introduced until this book, like Wisdom and Abister, were well written and endearing, and really loved spending more time with the magical dwarf culture that's been hinted in the previous books. I do feel like the final confrontation between the terrifying Dark Queen and Ivy felt a little duller compared to their other battles, but it was still a satisfying ending.

Overall, this was fantastic end to what will forever be one of my favorite book series, and I'm so sad the story of Ivy's journey ends here. The Crowns of Croswald is endlessly charming while sparing none of the intense danger and action that makes a hero's journey so great.

#crownsofcroswald #thecrownsofcroswald #middlegradereads #middlegradebooks #middlegrade #middlegradefiction #middlegradefantasy #fantasybooks #fantasy #harrypottervibes #bookseries #bookreccomendations #bookrecs #bookreview #bookreviews #bookstagram
Profile Image for germie_reads.
199 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2024
Wow, what an unforgettable magical book series! "The Crowns of Croswald" truly delivered an extraordinary journey of friendship, self-discovery, bravery, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

D. E. Night's dedication to the final book of the series, "The War of the Woods," was nothing short of exceptional. The world-building was so masterful that I initially thought there might be another book after this one. Night’s vivid descriptions of magical creatures and enchanting places like Dwarflin and the Layered Lakes transported me to those fantastical realms alongside Ivy and Fyn, all from the comfort of my home.

While I missed seeing more of Fyn in the third book, I was delighted that Fyn featured prominently in "The War of the Woods." D. E. Night skillfully developed his character through numerous challenges and personal struggles, culminating in a well-deserved and satisfying conclusion. Although I had some inkling of what was written in Fyn’s Deed of Service chapters before he confessed to Ivy, it was still fun to read Ivy's reaction when she discovered the truth.

Ivy, too, is a character I cherished throughout the series. She endured countless hardships and emotional and physical pain, and I deeply empathized with her losses. Yet, I was comforted by the conclusion she received, which brought a sense of justice and fulfillment to her journey.

"The War of the Woods" serves as the perfect finale for the series. While the characters seem to mature in this installment, the adventures and challenges they face are nothing short of perfection. The inclusion of dragons and dwarves adds to the many reasons why "The Crowns of Croswald" is an ideal middle-grade read.

I wholeheartedly recommend "The Crowns of Croswald" to readers beginning their venture into magical fantasy or those who delight in tales of magical creatures, dragons, dwarves, and fairies. The books are engaging, making them ideal additions to my daughter's mini library.

D. E. Night did an outstanding job, and I am grateful to have experienced her first series.
Profile Image for June Louise.
115 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2023
This was such A wonderful series
A feel good academia fantasy adventure
Lost family, evil queen who wants to take over the world, magic, fantastic creatures and magical friendship.
It gave me the wonderful Harry Potter vibe, even if it’s also very different.
Ivy is an orphan. Grown up in a kitchen where she does not know where she comes from and has no living family.
Only person in her life is a strange dwarf who tells her story and teaches her the wonders of magic.
And what a cool magic system.
Where schrivenists gets quills and magical teaching at a university.
They are bound to given work that is appointed after graduation.
Also royals have magic through magic stones.
When ivy gets a place at this school she understands there is so much she does not know about her past.
She soon meets new friends, and enemies, and learns how she will contribute to saving the whole world she has never known.
As the story progress she must face immense dangers, sorrow and hardship.
But she also discovers her lost family, friendships and maybe even a hint of love ❤️
The storyline has some amazing twists and turns🤩
And it has dragons 🤩 cmon, dragons!

I read all books these last days and it left me all warm inside.
It was such a wonderful and exiting tale.
Ya-fantasy.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
214 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2023
I LOVE this series. It was all so magical.

Book 4 was extra special. The magical view, the ending, and the special story from Lie Buries. Ugh why did it end!!! I will re-read this series(and I don't re-read books). Ivy wakes up to Fyn taking care of her in the Ivy Halls. The ivy has been growing around the school since school is closed. Ivy wastes no time setting up a plan to face the queen but first she has to listen to Rim(in the form of a poem). He said to seek Abister. So that's what she Fyn and Ivy will do. We get to explore the tunnels underground that lead to the magical place of Dwarflin. Then with a team, Ivy and Fyn make their journey to the Dark Queen. Will Ivy surrender and let fate decide the future? Will she ever reunite the Kindred Stone? Dive into the magic to find out!!

Take an adventure if you love
Magic
Harry Potter esq scenery
Battling evil queens 👑
January 1, 2025
To be honest, I can think of multiple books and series and that are much better than this. (Although I did love the romance bit) As a fellow young reader (I’m 12), The Crowns of Croswald series reminds me of a knock-off Harry Potter, to say the least. The world building is great, but the characters and overall story are not. Had this not been gifted to me, I would have looked at it, and put it down without giving it a second thought. It doesn’t make the reader feel anything, the character development is not the greatest, and character deaths felt…well, compared to the deaths in Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, or Keeper of the Lost Cities, I didn’t even feel the slightest bit sad. I could see why people would enjoy this series, but I was not exactly one of them.
Profile Image for Loey.
43 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2022
I can’t explain how sad I am that this has ended. I’m well and truly sad.

I read this within a couple of hours, I was so eager to finish it but it was bittersweet. The experience I mean. The story itself was absolutely amazing and I’m hoping there is room for a second series with Ivy, Fyn & Co’s travels and adventures. I especially want to read more on the development of Ivy and Fyn.

However, I just never wanted it to end.

Although I only read books 1 & 2 through the generosity of NetGalley, I’m incredibly grateful that they introduced me to this series. Without them I would never have known this truly amazing and underrated series.
Profile Image for Nel.
711 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2022
👦My 14-year-old son adores fantasy, but has very discriminating taste, so not many books meet his criteria. He's struggled to find a series worth his time UNTIL he found this one! With themes of magic, contending with evil, and self-discovery, 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖘𝖜𝖆𝖑𝖉 rivals the best-selling series out there... and it has a female protagonist to boot! Though marketed to a YA audience, he thinks adults will enjoy it if they liked Harry Potter.

✍️𝑴𝒀 𝑺𝑶𝑵'𝑺 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: "This novel reminds me of Harry Potter, with a school of magic and scriveny (instead of wizardry). It is an enjoyable series with an interesting storyline, and I really liked all the different characters (aside, of course, from the Dark Queen). Ivy, the main protagonist, is a lovable person, who is always wrapped up in some sort of trouble with her best friends Fyn and Rebecca. One of my favorite characters is Rimbrick, who stood apart from the other wise dwarves to make the adventure even more exciting. In this series, Ivy must race to beat the Dark Queen in a battle of power and wit to get magical stones with awesome power."

RELEASE DATE: 4/13/22 at www.shop.denight.com & 5/13 on Amazon!

🙏Many thanks to D.E. Night and Daniela at Untold Press for gifting us with this awesome ARC!

For more of my reviews please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread/ .
Profile Image for Ems.
97 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2022
The War of the Woods is an action-packed completion of the Crowns of Croswald

Right from the beginning of the book it got me thinking if they really got out of the last situation from the last book and if it's true 🤣 (this book really triggered my trust issues jk🤭)

D.E. Night gave the feeling that I was included in Ivy and Fyn's adventure all the time even when I read it by parts due to my sleeping pattern it makes me in sync with the story immediately after reading a few paragraphs which is what I truly love about her way of writing.
Profile Image for Courtney Shapiro.
1,349 reviews61 followers
June 26, 2022
4.25
I adore this sweet series and this final installment was a great way to close the series. I love how much Ivy has developed as a character since readers first met her. Her relationship with Fyn and the other characters was really enjoyable to watch as well. I loved the magic and the quest vibes in this book. It's definitely a fantasy series that I was able to fully immerse myself in. It was also so whimsical and light and I appreciate that in a fantasy world. I love this series so much and this book was super fun and delightful.
Profile Image for Hairi.
397 reviews13 followers
April 17, 2023
Finally we are done with crowns of crosswald series. It was one of the best series I have ever read. I loved it. It's one of my comfort read.
I must say the war of the woods is my favorite in the series. It was so magical and beautiful. There was so much going on.
It was just the type of book I needed.
Ivy and Fyn did manage to make me annoyed as heck. At some point, both were making mistakes in turns.
I loved the ending.
But I'm so sad this series ended. I hope author will write some more about crosswald.
Profile Image for J.
188 reviews
May 2, 2022
I can't believe The Crowns of Croswold is finished! I have loved getting to know Rimbrick, Ivy, Fyn, Rebecca, Derwin and the whole gang! This series is so special and I'll cherish it and re-read it every so often to be taken in by the magic. And I might just look up at wishing stars a little differently.

Fantasy is so powerful because it prompts creativity and imagination. In this world, that is its own important magic. Thank you for this!!!
140 reviews
September 5, 2022
I rate this 4.5. Love the magic in this, the ups and downs, back story, I enjoyed it. Most of all, I am the tin meals they have really piqued my interest. Perhaps one that Crowns of Croswald series will be made into TV/Movie and we can experience the magic world of Crowald. The short story right at the back also tugged at my heart string a little more, just to finish this book on an emotional but hopeful tone.
Profile Image for Tia.
36 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2025
Absolutely loved this series. The ups and the downs and things happening that you may not have thought would have happened. I also really want a follow up of the series following the next adventures of Ivy and Fyn and the rest of the QQC. Would highly recommend this book series! I also think that all of the illustrations are just sooooo beautiful that I may just need to get the physical copies, I loved it that much personally!
Profile Image for Mary Marie Brown.
121 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2023
Epic Ending

I have been enchanted by this entire series and was happy with the way the story progressed, the characters and how the series ultimately ended. It is a highly recommended read.
8 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2021
Very satisfying finale for a series that was fun to read with my kids.
Profile Image for Jade Doodes.
708 reviews16 followers
July 18, 2022

Another brilliant addition to the The Crowns of Croswald series. Whilst it started a little slow it soon got filled to the brim with adventure! I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t stop reading.
Profile Image for Eveline Niesz.
95 reviews
July 22, 2022
Beautiful ending to the most magical series ✨

Love love loved this book with all my heart ❤️
Profile Image for Allison.
172 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2023
Absolutely love the world of Croswald in these books and wish there were more to come in the series as I’ve grown to love these characters. Looking forward to what comes next for this author.
14 reviews
February 20, 2023
i absolutely loved this series and the final book is no exception. The ending fit perfectly with the story and i enjoyed being in the world the author created. I was sad to see it end.
Profile Image for Kelley 🌙✨.
85 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2023
Slow start, but after it picked up I’d have to say this is my favorite out of the series.
Profile Image for Tiny Maus Boots.
19 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2023
I loved every moment of Dwarflin. I could read a whole series about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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