'Once you’ve entered the world of the artist Philippa Rice, you’ll never want to leave' Charlotte Runcie, The Telegraph
Pre-order the cosy, craft-filled fantasy where magic is in every ornate palace corridor and cobblestoned street . . .
-- Evnie Treedle makes magical things and for the last few years she has been selling them in magical knickknacks shop, the Magpie Nest.
But everything changes when one day Evnie’s crafting abilities catch the attention of the nearby Reignclowd Palace. She is asked to become their resident spellsmith… the original spellsmith suddenly ill under mysterious circumstances.
Evnie is soon put to work making and mending magical objects. Yet, problems start to appear when she realises there’s much more at stake than friendship or romance; a dragon looms over the kingdom looking for a soul to devour, and it’s eyes are set on their princess.
--
'Rice is immensely talented and versatile who works with sculpture and textiles and collage, and that smorgasbord of knowledge transmutes into her work' Zainab Akhtar - Comics & Cola
Philippa Rice is an artist and New York Times bestselling author. She works in a number of different mediums including comics, illustration, animation, model making and crochet.
Philippa grew up in London and now lives in Nottingham with her three children.
Reignclowd Palace is a whimsical cozy fantasy novel from Philippa Rice.
Orphaned by a freak storm that consumed her village when she was a child, Evnie Treedle has spent eleven years in the care of Granya, the proprietor of The Magpie’s Nest. Hidden in the backstreets of Quagton, the shop sells all kinds of unusual items and when she isn’t busy in the store, Evnie enjoys creating unique useful pieces for Granya to sell, tweaked with the magic she’s taught herself. It’s one of these items that earns Evnie an invitation to become an apprentice Spellsmith at the Reignclowd Palace, home to the rulers of the Kingdom.
Once in the Palace Evnie must contend with a comatose master, an enigmatic Oracle, a duplicitous Prince, and a few nasty peers, but she also makes friends, falls in love, saves a Princess, and eventually learns the truth about what happened to her family. Unfortunately I didn’t grow particularly fond of Evnie, I found her to be a bit passive and often negative. I did like her friends though.
Evnie’s adventure alternates with the voice of a mysterious chorus that provides much of the context for Rice’s imagined world. I liked the combination of magic, steampunk, and myth, which has cozy anime vibes, and some of the more creative elements.
The setting, scenes and characters are all easy to visualise, which isn’t a surprise given the author is an artist experienced in comic creation and animation. It might have been fun for the author to include some small sketches at the beginning of some chapters.
A quirky, imaginative novel, I did enjoy Reignclowd Palace, but not as much as I hoped.
2.5 Stars rounded up to 3 Stars. Fairly interesting plot but disappointing prose.
It took a long time for me to get into this book, and the first half is very low on plot and mostly character driven, but the ending scenes were nice and interesting. There are some parts to this novel I really like, especially the worldbuilding and the magic systems in this universe. I really loved the dragons and the way the author explains their existence, and there were some vague plot-twists about supporting characters that were cool. The dragons and the Reservoir were definitely my favourite parts of the worldbuilding. Evnie as a main character is okay, she's not the most interesting girl in the world and the way she's written meant I kept forgetting she's supposed to be an adult and not a young child, but that's likely just the YA style of the writing causing that. Other characters are interesting though not as fleshed out as I'd hoped they'd be, but in general as a YA book it's good and funny at times and the plot isn't stupidly complex which I appreciate in fantasy.
My main issue that stopped me getting into this book entirely was the writing style itself, and if I hadn't enjoyed the last 100 pages or so as much as I did I would have been tempted to rate this lower because of it. It's just tiring and uninteresting to read. Even for YA-style prose the sentences are excruciatingly short and simple, and the author just never lingers on describing any particular person, place or thing enough for me to really visualise the world, which is a big let down for a fantasy novel in my opinion.
Mostly the constant one or two word sentences made reading this book feel badly paced and exhausting. For example this section from page 98: 'Evnie stopped talking. There was no more crying. Her eyes, her feelings, were spent. She sat in silence. Remembering. She raised her shoulders, sighed, and let them drop down. She felt as if she could be sick.' Look, it's not the worst prose in the world, but the whole book is like this, with tiny sentences that could have been comma-spliced phrases worked into the sentences before or after them. It's painfully simple writing, even for YA, and it just makes reading it feel clunky and boring. One-word sentences can be good for emphasis every now and again but it felt like there was at least one per page which just takes away any impact they might have had. I also found it to be very repetitive at times, with characters repeating certain things about the worldbuilding and the magic Reservoir over and over to make sure the reader had understood.
Overall, it was enjoyable enough once I'd gotten myself into it, but it took a little too much effort to get through the clunky prose to really enjoy it. I'm giving it a three stars because it's a newly published book and I'd like it to get its chance to shine, but if I was able I'd probably actually rank it a 2.5 stars. Bonus points for the gorgeous cover though, I don't regret buying it just because it's so pretty on my bookshelf.
Reignclowd Palace is a beautifully crafted fantasy novel that whisks readers away into a dreamy world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Philippa Rice’s storytelling is both whimsical and immersive, drawing readers into a palace, where secrets unfold, and mythical creatures roam.
The novel’s worldbuilding is stunning, with vivid descriptions that make the kingdom feel tangible. The central character’s journey—whether it’s a coming-of-age tale, a grand adventure, or a quest for truth—keeps the reader engaged. The presence of the ethereal dragon-like creature on the cover hints at a deeper connection between magic and destiny, adding to the book’s intrigue.
Rice’s writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making it an enjoyable read for fantasy lovers of all ages. The novel’s themes—whether about courage, friendship, or the battle between light and darkness—resonate deeply.
Overall, Reignclowd Palace is a must-read for fans of atmospheric fantasy and enchanting storytelling. With its breathtaking imagery and compelling narrative, it’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
This book feels like a warm hug. From the very first page I was entirely enchanted by this cosy, fairytale-esque story.
The determined and fiercely loyal main character, Evnie is a maker of all things magical, recruited to join Reignclowd Palace as an apprentice to the grumpy and mysterious Spellsmith, who has taken mysteriously ill and lays in a coma. Evnie soon discovers that all is not what it seems at the palace, and a looming threat of dragons is putting the Princess, Reignclowd, and the entire kingdom in danger.
I completely fell in love with this book from start to finish and how nostalgic it made me feel - this very much gave me the feeling of a more mature equivalent of the sort of books I know I would’ve poured over as a little girl. An endless thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.
After the mysterious destrution of her entire village, Evnie Treedle has spent the past 10 years in the Magpie's Nest, a little shop in the city of Quagton, experimenting with and making magical trinkets. This talent attracts the attention of those high up on the hill in Reignclowd Palace. The resident spellsmith has fallen into a magical coma and they need a replacement. The palace is a beautiful but strange place; almost a completely different world set apart. But Evnie quickly learns there's more at stake than just learning how to make and mend magical objects - there are whispers of dragons. One is circling around the Princess, and another may just have its eye on her... I've seen reviews that compare this to a studio Ghibli movie, and I can see that. But, as much as I am a *massive* Ghibli fan myself, I do feel that it's beginning to be used as a too easy shorthand for... for want of a better description: "non-traditionally quirky." I don't get a Ghibli vibe from this book. The vibe it gives me- particularly as craft & making things (particualrly where this meets art) is SUCH a strong theme in the book - is of something made by Smallfilms - makers of Ivor the Engine, Clangers, Bagpuss & Pinny's House et al - or the picture book/cut-out animation style of something like Mr Benn & King Rollo. Basically I can see this as an animated film in the style of something drawn by David McKee. 😆 (I mean, 'Quagton' is only a few syllables off from 'Trumpton.' And the Owl really does remind me of the owl from 'Clash of the Titans 😆) Reignclowd palace is magical, whimsical, creatively inspiring and I Loved it!🥰 The story is a complete narrative in itself, but there's still so much of the world left to explore that I would be very happy if Rice were ever to return to this world and/or its characters. Even if that doesn't turn out to be the case, I am looking forward to seeing if she will write another book and, like Evnie, curious as to what would/could be. 😃
I'll be honest, I chose this book mostly for the cover cause honestly, it is so pretty.
The story itself left me a bit conflicted though. I quite enjoyed it, but the main character annoyed me and was quite immature. I just really didn't think she came off as that nice a person, the way she treated Jasper and Juno was pretty shit I thought. Making demands of them and getting annoyed if they vary in the slightest from what she wants. The whole complete urgency to find out about her family, like I do get it but doesn't mean you have to be a dick about it. I really don't get what Jasper even saw in her, other than she was something different. I don't know their interactions just seemed really immature. Even what happened to Juno at the end, the author was obviously setting it up throughout the book, but I still didn't think it made that much sense.
I so wanted to love this, and I still think the premise, magic, and protagonist are all wonderful. The first few chapters are great! But after that, the prose was so blunt and simple chat it sucked the joy out of it for me. Have you ever read a scene that felt like an info-dump? A really choppy, graceless one? That’s what Reigncloud Palace devolved into – with a language level that felt aimed at much younger readers, at that.
…I want to say it wasn’t actively terrible, but then I think about the scene that made me DNF, where the mc is attacked by her coworkers for suggesting their boss has anything to do with dragons, and it was so awfully RANDOM, there was no set-up for it, everyone was behaving so childishly despite allegedly being adults… I can’t think of anyone I’d recommend this to, sadly.
At first I thought I needed to see where the story was going to get invested in the story and feel for the main character Evnie. The story progressed and I got bored. I got frustrated by the actions and thoughts of Evnie and the other people. For me personally, it took a lot of motivation to read a chapter each day. The story didn't grasp me and it didn't feel alive. I did like the chapters in between from another POV. The crafts and machines where very cool. I loved the owl. The last chapters where more exciting and interesting so I'm glad I finished it. I would recommend this book to people who like shy and insecure young main characters and like a slow progression. There was a little bit of romance in this book.
If animal abuse is triggering to you it is good to know that there is a part where an animal gets mistreated/abused. It is a very short part (1,5 pages) but good to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a very well-crafted fantasy work, where I felt instantly transported into our main character Evnie's world. I think the worldbuilding and the magic system is really interesting, even though I don't feel like I quite had a grasp on everything going on with the "Reservoir" and the dragons. It's a very whimsical and magical read, with a labyrinthine palace and a clockwork owl and many other strange and wonderful ideas, but for some reason it didn't quite hit the level of cosy that I imagined it would. I'm very intrigued as to whether there'll be a sequel though after that ending!
This felt like a Studio Ghibli film, like the warmest hug, like the first bite into a fresh pastry, just completely and utterly magical, whimsical and so incredibly cute.
At no point did I know where the story would go, I was just happily along for the ride.
There's some mystery, alternate timelines, and a very, very light touch of romance.
The main character, Evnie, was lovely - shy and anxious, but so talented in her craft, curious, and kind & generous. I loved all the side characters too, and the found family aspect.
A truly wonderful book!
* thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book via NetGalley *
Absolutely whimsical. The way this book is written makes you able to imagine each scene as if they were illustrations in a childhood book, with characters to love and cozy friendships. I absolutely adore the crafting and love to details. The magic system is fascinating. I struggled a little with the platonic or not relationship of the main character with the Maxhobon and Jasper and got a little frustrated at points because it did not seem genuine from any of them, but in the end the book swept me away and made me fall in love with it. This author might become an autobuy if she keeps writing. Love the illustrations (both the ones I found on insta and especially the little ones in the book)
I really liked this; I'm surprised it has so few ratings and reviews here. I found it in a bookshop and took a punt because I loved the cover, but it was a surprising read. I think the cover made me expect a sweeter and cozier story, and there's plenty of coziness but also plenty of darkness and heartache. The stakes are real, and some characters morally dubious. The magic and creatures were different from anything I'd read before, and there wasn't a moment of slack in terms of tension in the story, so it was very readable. All in all, this book deserves a far wider readership and I'd love more stories like this.
I picked this up at the library because of the beautiful cover and I’m so glad I did!
A fantastic cosy fantasy story with an imaginative setting and magical inventions. I agree with another review that it has studio Ghibli vibes.
I really like Evnie’s character and how unpredictable the plot was. The minor romance plot was really cute and the mystery of Evnie’s village was engaging.
My only complaint is that I wish it were longer! I want more!
4.5 ⭐️ | this is deffo a book to judge by the cover - this was the reason I bought it as it had such a pretty cover! Gorgeous. The story is a fun story full of friendship and more a cosy fantasy which is a nice change up from all powerful queens I read. Loved it
Thoroughly enjoyed following Evnie on her journey of growth in not just herself but in her craft and her magic. This is very YA but I absolutely adored it.
I read this book because it was marketed as a cosy craft-filled fantasy. But to me, it wasn’t particularly cosy. There were crafts, but there weren’t lovely warm crafting scenes by the fire the only thing that came close was one scene where the friendship group got together to sew beads on a cape.
There was also the threat of the dragons. Now I’m not adverse to some threat in my cosy fantasy. Some of the best books I’ve read have a good balance. But this just didn’t have the cosy scenes in it to balance with the threat. You’ve gotta have the cosy part for it to be cosy fantasy!!
The story itself was okay though. I enjoyed it, though it didn’t really stand out as something special. The concept of the dragons were cool though and yeah I’d say it’s worth reading if you want to see a unique take on dragons. I also liked the mechanical owl.
But overall, this book just didn’t stand out for me.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk