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The Firefly Crown
An unlucky sorcerer must learn to wield her insect magic in this charming middle grade fantasy that's perfect for fans of Impossible Creatures and Witchlings.
In the empire, magic determines your fate. But Yumi is tired of being a failed Cricket. Their magic is lousy and boring. She dreams instead of the sparkling magic of Fireflies, whose powers rival the sun. If only she could harness her talents like other magicians. . . For now, Yumi is ignored by even the crickets who are supposed to follow her spells.
Then, Yumi gets a chance to prove herself sooner than expected when all sorcerers are summoned for the princess’s coronation. But everything falls apart when the Firefly Crown is stolen, leaving the empire defenseless against the Ghost Swarm, a horde of undead bugs. Worse, Yumi is blamed. Suddenly this lowly Cricket is the empire’s most wanted. To clear her name and protect her loved ones, Yumi must find the real thief. But can a Cricket really save the day?
In the empire, magic determines your fate. But Yumi is tired of being a failed Cricket. Their magic is lousy and boring. She dreams instead of the sparkling magic of Fireflies, whose powers rival the sun. If only she could harness her talents like other magicians. . . For now, Yumi is ignored by even the crickets who are supposed to follow her spells.
Then, Yumi gets a chance to prove herself sooner than expected when all sorcerers are summoned for the princess’s coronation. But everything falls apart when the Firefly Crown is stolen, leaving the empire defenseless against the Ghost Swarm, a horde of undead bugs. Worse, Yumi is blamed. Suddenly this lowly Cricket is the empire’s most wanted. To clear her name and protect her loved ones, Yumi must find the real thief. But can a Cricket really save the day?
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2025
About the author
Yxavel Magno Diño
2 books30 followersYxavel Magno Diño was born in the Philippines before moving to Australia at a young age, where she soon discovered that almost nobody there knew how to say her name. To make up for it, she spent her time daydreaming about fantasy worlds filled with characters who had more unusual names than she did.
Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. When she's not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea, or getting lost in the pages of a book.
Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. When she's not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea, or getting lost in the pages of a book.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 11, 2025
Bad content: mentions of dark magic, creature made of dark magic, mentions of people be sacrificed to get the magic in the past and present. Child called lazy.
Other than that, this book was great! I love the magic and how it would be like an insect. Yumi was a sweetheart and she was always trying to be better and she knew what she loved doing. I liked her friends and how they helped her when things were going down hill. I did not expect that twist at the end and while it did make me sad, it was very good. All in all, great book, just be wary of the dark magic stuff. Also Ikko was amazing! I wanted more of him!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book!
Other than that, this book was great! I love the magic and how it would be like an insect. Yumi was a sweetheart and she was always trying to be better and she knew what she loved doing. I liked her friends and how they helped her when things were going down hill. I did not expect that twist at the end and while it did make me sad, it was very good. All in all, great book, just be wary of the dark magic stuff. Also Ikko was amazing! I wanted more of him!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book!
January 2, 2026
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A fast-paced adventure of magic, mystery, and friendship.
Yumi was born into a family of Crickets. Unfortunately, she hasn't quite figured out her magic. But when a surprise invitation leads her to the capital, she sees it as an opportunity to hone her metal working skills. That is, until the Firefly Crown goes missing during the princess' coronation... and Yumi is blamed for it. Now Yumi must work to clear her name and find the real thief before the Ghost Swarm destroys the empire.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this story. The Crickets, Fireflies, Dragonflies, and others worked well together and made for unique dynamics.
Nice messages about confidence, utilizing your strengths, and the importance of everyone's efforts coming together.
Such a cool concept. Great world building and character development. All around just a fantastic story. Looking forward to reading more adventures from Diño.
A fast-paced adventure of magic, mystery, and friendship.
Yumi was born into a family of Crickets. Unfortunately, she hasn't quite figured out her magic. But when a surprise invitation leads her to the capital, she sees it as an opportunity to hone her metal working skills. That is, until the Firefly Crown goes missing during the princess' coronation... and Yumi is blamed for it. Now Yumi must work to clear her name and find the real thief before the Ghost Swarm destroys the empire.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this story. The Crickets, Fireflies, Dragonflies, and others worked well together and made for unique dynamics.
Nice messages about confidence, utilizing your strengths, and the importance of everyone's efforts coming together.
Such a cool concept. Great world building and character development. All around just a fantastic story. Looking forward to reading more adventures from Diño.
December 27, 2025
The Firefly Crown is a charming and imaginative middle grade fantasy with a wonderfully original magic system and a relatable underdog heroine at its heart. I was immediately drawn into a world where magic determines status and where even insects have hierarchies, expectations, and power.
Yumi’s struggle as a so-called “failed Cricket” feels very real. Her frustration at being overlooked, underestimated, and blamed for things beyond her control makes her an easy character to root for. The contrast between the dull, overlooked Cricket magic and the dazzling Firefly magic adds emotional depth to her journey and highlights the book’s themes of self-worth, identity, and finding value in what others dismiss.
The stakes rise quickly with the theft of the Firefly Crown and the looming threat of the Ghost Swarm, creating tension that feels exciting but still age-appropriate. I especially enjoyed the concept of undead bugs and how cleverly the author uses insect magic to shape the story’s conflicts and worldbuilding.
Overall, The Firefly Crown is a fun, heartfelt fantasy that balances adventure with meaningful themes. It’s a great pick for middle grade readers who enjoy stories about unlikely heroes, magical worlds, and discovering strength where you least expect it.
Yumi’s struggle as a so-called “failed Cricket” feels very real. Her frustration at being overlooked, underestimated, and blamed for things beyond her control makes her an easy character to root for. The contrast between the dull, overlooked Cricket magic and the dazzling Firefly magic adds emotional depth to her journey and highlights the book’s themes of self-worth, identity, and finding value in what others dismiss.
The stakes rise quickly with the theft of the Firefly Crown and the looming threat of the Ghost Swarm, creating tension that feels exciting but still age-appropriate. I especially enjoyed the concept of undead bugs and how cleverly the author uses insect magic to shape the story’s conflicts and worldbuilding.
Overall, The Firefly Crown is a fun, heartfelt fantasy that balances adventure with meaningful themes. It’s a great pick for middle grade readers who enjoy stories about unlikely heroes, magical worlds, and discovering strength where you least expect it.
December 24, 2025
The Firefly Crown is a truly wonderful middle grade fantasy filled with heart, courage, and hope. At its core, this story follows a young girl who struggles with insecurities about her magic because others have convinced her it is too small to matter. That doubt feels deeply relatable, especially for young readers who are still learning to believe in themselves.
What I loved most is the message that power does not have to be loud or flashy to be meaningful. Just because others underestimate her magic does not mean she cannot make a difference or help save the empire. The story beautifully explores self worth, resilience, and the idea that strength often comes in quiet and unexpected ways.
The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the emotional journey is just as compelling as the fantasy elements. This is the kind of book that leaves readers feeling empowered, seen, and hopeful.
A perfect choice for middle grade readers who love magic, adventure, and stories about discovering that who you are is already enough. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.
What I loved most is the message that power does not have to be loud or flashy to be meaningful. Just because others underestimate her magic does not mean she cannot make a difference or help save the empire. The story beautifully explores self worth, resilience, and the idea that strength often comes in quiet and unexpected ways.
The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the emotional journey is just as compelling as the fantasy elements. This is the kind of book that leaves readers feeling empowered, seen, and hopeful.
A perfect choice for middle grade readers who love magic, adventure, and stories about discovering that who you are is already enough. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.
March 15, 2026
Let me start by saying this: I loved everything about this book.
The Firefly Crown is a fast-paced magical adventure that completely pulled me in. From the first pages, I felt like I was right there beside Yumi, cheering her on every step of the way. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for the hero wholeheartedly.
One of my favorite parts was the magic system. The details with the crickets, fireflies, and dragonflies made the world feel unique and imaginative, yet it never felt complicated or overwhelming. Everything was thoughtfully crafted, and it added so much charm to the story.
I’m always drawn to books with meaningful messages, and this one delivered beautifully. Themes of confidence, self-worth, and discovering your inner strength shine throughout the story. That timeless reminder that good can rise over evil made the whole reading experience feel warm and heartening—one of the reasons I adore middle grade stories.
The friendships in this book were another highlight. Watching bonds grow into a found family was truly special, and even the unexpected friendship with the cricket, Iko, brought so much joy to the story.
Yumi’s character development was wonderful to watch. Seeing her rise above her insecurities and step into her own strength was inspiring. The themes of identity and self-belief are woven naturally through the pages, making her journey feel both meaningful and relatable.
As the story unfolds, the stakes rise quickly. Yumi finds herself caught between solving a theft, clearing her name, and facing the looming danger of the ghost swarm—which kept me turning the pages.
The Firefly Crown is a story that I think both middle grade readers and adults will enjoy. After all, who can resist a tale filled with unlikely heroes, a unique magical world, and the discovery of courage when you least expect it?
I definitely can’t.
The Firefly Crown is a fast-paced magical adventure that completely pulled me in. From the first pages, I felt like I was right there beside Yumi, cheering her on every step of the way. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for the hero wholeheartedly.
One of my favorite parts was the magic system. The details with the crickets, fireflies, and dragonflies made the world feel unique and imaginative, yet it never felt complicated or overwhelming. Everything was thoughtfully crafted, and it added so much charm to the story.
I’m always drawn to books with meaningful messages, and this one delivered beautifully. Themes of confidence, self-worth, and discovering your inner strength shine throughout the story. That timeless reminder that good can rise over evil made the whole reading experience feel warm and heartening—one of the reasons I adore middle grade stories.
The friendships in this book were another highlight. Watching bonds grow into a found family was truly special, and even the unexpected friendship with the cricket, Iko, brought so much joy to the story.
Yumi’s character development was wonderful to watch. Seeing her rise above her insecurities and step into her own strength was inspiring. The themes of identity and self-belief are woven naturally through the pages, making her journey feel both meaningful and relatable.
As the story unfolds, the stakes rise quickly. Yumi finds herself caught between solving a theft, clearing her name, and facing the looming danger of the ghost swarm—which kept me turning the pages.
The Firefly Crown is a story that I think both middle grade readers and adults will enjoy. After all, who can resist a tale filled with unlikely heroes, a unique magical world, and the discovery of courage when you least expect it?
I definitely can’t.
March 30, 2026
In the direst of situations, the bravest of hearts will always make its way out of the dark, and their light hidden under the bushel will shine through.
That is what happened to Yumi in The Firefly Crown by Yxavel Magno Diño. She may have doubted her worth as a Cricket mambarang but she stepped up when it mattered and saved people.
What she did created a domino effect. Although it seems that she’s placed in a grave situation at first, she found a band of misfits in Kaiya, Talim, First Daughter Eyrin, and Ikko, an endearing cricket who loves dumplings, who worked together with her to show that even small lights cannot be put out, and can even conquer the worst villain.
Just like The Serpent Rider, The Firefly Crown features feared folkloric people or creatures, this time mambabarangs, and paint them in a positive light. And I love how this makes us see them in a different manner, giving them the recognition we don’t often give them.
This is one of the facets that make The Firefly Crown a great read for any age. It may be classified as a middle grade book but it is one that will resonate with anyone who has been told they’re different or that they have not been living up to their potential.
That is what happened to Yumi in The Firefly Crown by Yxavel Magno Diño. She may have doubted her worth as a Cricket mambarang but she stepped up when it mattered and saved people.
What she did created a domino effect. Although it seems that she’s placed in a grave situation at first, she found a band of misfits in Kaiya, Talim, First Daughter Eyrin, and Ikko, an endearing cricket who loves dumplings, who worked together with her to show that even small lights cannot be put out, and can even conquer the worst villain.
Just like The Serpent Rider, The Firefly Crown features feared folkloric people or creatures, this time mambabarangs, and paint them in a positive light. And I love how this makes us see them in a different manner, giving them the recognition we don’t often give them.
This is one of the facets that make The Firefly Crown a great read for any age. It may be classified as a middle grade book but it is one that will resonate with anyone who has been told they’re different or that they have not been living up to their potential.
August 31, 2025
ARC provided by the publisher
Yumi lives with her parents in the country, where they work using their mambabrang powers to control crickets and stop them from eating farmers' crops. Yumi's powers are still developing, and she lacks the skill to compel crickets to do her bidding that her parents have. There have been problems in the empire for a while, since the Empress Hara has been ill, and there have been instances of Ghost Swarms plaguing the area. Ghost Swarms came about after people without magic tried to sacrifice sorcerers like Yumi's family, but this backfired when they came back as Ghost Swarms. When it seems that crowning a new empress, the princess Eyrin, seems imminent, the rajah summons all of the mambabarang's to the capitol city, Tinanglawan, for the ceremony. Yumi isn't invited, and is supposed to stay on her own for a few days, but she stows away on the rajah's battleship that is taking people to the city. During the journey, she uses her metal working skills to repair a cannon and save the ship from a Ghost Swarm, although she is injured in the attempt. She was saved by the Dragonfly Mira, who was bringing mambabarangs to Tinanglawan on the rajah's behalf. The group is saved by another ship. Yumi wants to explore the city, and comes across the Master of Metals apprentice. She offers to help, and to take a shipment of gold to the palace. Everyone has heard of her and her heroics. She makes friends at the palace, like fellow mambabarang Talim, but is late for the ceremony. Eyrin is poised to take the crown, but Yumi falls into a pond, causing a disturbance, and the Firefly Crown goes missing. Yumi is thrown in jail but later rescued by Talim. Trying to get out of the dungeon, they run into Eyrin, who offers to keep them out of trouble if they help her find the crown. They start their investigation, and Yumi once again manages to defeat a Ghost storm, getting injured yet again. With the help of a cricket, Ikko, that she accidentally brought from the country, Yumi manages to help Eyrin find out who stole the crown. Will they be able to get it back in time?
Strengths: When I realized that the crown was lost, I was fully prepared to go on a long and arduous trek across the kingdom (including going underground, through a cursed forest, and up a mountain) to retrieve it with Yumi and her entourage. It was a nice change of pace to find that this was more about palace intrigue. It was also refreshing that Yumi wasn't really looking to strengthen her magic or develop her powers of speaking to crickets; she just wants to apprentice herself to a metal worker and do what she loves. Once she gets to Tinanglawan, she just happens to save the day before getting to settle down. This wasn't overly long, and the fantasy world was not too complicated, making this a good choice for readers who want to try some fantasy without having to dedicate the next several months to a hugely long series. Yumi is an engaging character, and it was also nice to see that her parents weren't in danger, and supported her all along. There's a happy ending as well, which is rare in middle grade books these days.
Weaknesses: Yumi doesn't seem to have any particular powers that make her the savior of the kingdom, and I kept waiting for some clarification as to why she was able to defeat the Ghost Swarms. I loved that at the end of the book she was able to choose her own path, but that left me even more confused. Young readers won't mind this, and it is nice that this is a stand alone fantasy book.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked this author's The Serpent Rider, or novels that include a lot of palace intrigue in a fantasy setting, like Splinter and Ash or Durham's The Shadow Prince.
Yumi lives with her parents in the country, where they work using their mambabrang powers to control crickets and stop them from eating farmers' crops. Yumi's powers are still developing, and she lacks the skill to compel crickets to do her bidding that her parents have. There have been problems in the empire for a while, since the Empress Hara has been ill, and there have been instances of Ghost Swarms plaguing the area. Ghost Swarms came about after people without magic tried to sacrifice sorcerers like Yumi's family, but this backfired when they came back as Ghost Swarms. When it seems that crowning a new empress, the princess Eyrin, seems imminent, the rajah summons all of the mambabarang's to the capitol city, Tinanglawan, for the ceremony. Yumi isn't invited, and is supposed to stay on her own for a few days, but she stows away on the rajah's battleship that is taking people to the city. During the journey, she uses her metal working skills to repair a cannon and save the ship from a Ghost Swarm, although she is injured in the attempt. She was saved by the Dragonfly Mira, who was bringing mambabarangs to Tinanglawan on the rajah's behalf. The group is saved by another ship. Yumi wants to explore the city, and comes across the Master of Metals apprentice. She offers to help, and to take a shipment of gold to the palace. Everyone has heard of her and her heroics. She makes friends at the palace, like fellow mambabarang Talim, but is late for the ceremony. Eyrin is poised to take the crown, but Yumi falls into a pond, causing a disturbance, and the Firefly Crown goes missing. Yumi is thrown in jail but later rescued by Talim. Trying to get out of the dungeon, they run into Eyrin, who offers to keep them out of trouble if they help her find the crown. They start their investigation, and Yumi once again manages to defeat a Ghost storm, getting injured yet again. With the help of a cricket, Ikko, that she accidentally brought from the country, Yumi manages to help Eyrin find out who stole the crown. Will they be able to get it back in time?
Strengths: When I realized that the crown was lost, I was fully prepared to go on a long and arduous trek across the kingdom (including going underground, through a cursed forest, and up a mountain) to retrieve it with Yumi and her entourage. It was a nice change of pace to find that this was more about palace intrigue. It was also refreshing that Yumi wasn't really looking to strengthen her magic or develop her powers of speaking to crickets; she just wants to apprentice herself to a metal worker and do what she loves. Once she gets to Tinanglawan, she just happens to save the day before getting to settle down. This wasn't overly long, and the fantasy world was not too complicated, making this a good choice for readers who want to try some fantasy without having to dedicate the next several months to a hugely long series. Yumi is an engaging character, and it was also nice to see that her parents weren't in danger, and supported her all along. There's a happy ending as well, which is rare in middle grade books these days.
Weaknesses: Yumi doesn't seem to have any particular powers that make her the savior of the kingdom, and I kept waiting for some clarification as to why she was able to defeat the Ghost Swarms. I loved that at the end of the book she was able to choose her own path, but that left me even more confused. Young readers won't mind this, and it is nice that this is a stand alone fantasy book.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked this author's The Serpent Rider, or novels that include a lot of palace intrigue in a fantasy setting, like Splinter and Ash or Durham's The Shadow Prince.
March 12, 2026
A solid 3. It's very cute and young readers will enjoy it.
Synopsis:
In an empire where mambabarang control insects and arachnids, Mayumi can barely control a cricket. When all the mambabarang are summoned to the city to witness Princess Eyrin’s coronation, Yumi can’t wait to go. But the Firefly Crown goes missing, and somehow Yumi is to blame? She has to find a way to clear her name.
Thoughts:
Yumi is an accident-prone little Cricket mambabarang who has a lot to prove. In the course of the story she meets Talim, a young Wolf Spider mambabarang, and Kaiya, a young Cicada mambabarang. It was cute to see their friendship even though I wish we had more time to see their relationship grow.
Yumi also meets Ikko, a cricket highly motivated by food. His role in the story is pretty important, and highly entertaining.
This book is really fast-paced with an easy to read writing style. The theme is the typical good versus evil with a hero arc. I can easily envision this as a wholesome cartoon for kids.
My personal struggle was that it read younger than I expected (for me it felt even younger than the author's first book). I had to suspend a lot of disbelief about how the adults were reacting, especially those in royalty.
How I found out about this: I read The Serpent Rider and really enjoyed it. So when I saw that the author had another book and is doing a bookstagram tour with my book club, I signed up!
Who should read this: Young readers and the young at heart who want to read a fun fast-paced little adventure.
Synopsis:
In an empire where mambabarang control insects and arachnids, Mayumi can barely control a cricket. When all the mambabarang are summoned to the city to witness Princess Eyrin’s coronation, Yumi can’t wait to go. But the Firefly Crown goes missing, and somehow Yumi is to blame? She has to find a way to clear her name.
Thoughts:
Yumi is an accident-prone little Cricket mambabarang who has a lot to prove. In the course of the story she meets Talim, a young Wolf Spider mambabarang, and Kaiya, a young Cicada mambabarang. It was cute to see their friendship even though I wish we had more time to see their relationship grow.
Yumi also meets Ikko, a cricket highly motivated by food. His role in the story is pretty important, and highly entertaining.
This book is really fast-paced with an easy to read writing style. The theme is the typical good versus evil with a hero arc. I can easily envision this as a wholesome cartoon for kids.
My personal struggle was that it read younger than I expected (for me it felt even younger than the author's first book). I had to suspend a lot of disbelief about how the adults were reacting, especially those in royalty.
How I found out about this: I read The Serpent Rider and really enjoyed it. So when I saw that the author had another book and is doing a bookstagram tour with my book club, I signed up!
Who should read this: Young readers and the young at heart who want to read a fun fast-paced little adventure.
December 29, 2025
Dino, Yxavel Magno, The Firefly Crown. Pgs. 288. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025
In a world filled with sorcerers who can control and communicate with insects, 12-year-old Yumi is a cricket unable to wield her powers. Longing to go to Tinanglawan so she can learn from fireflies how to wield light. When the rajah calls all sorcerers to Tinanglawan for the crowning of the First Daughter, Eyrin., Yumi eagerly answers the call. En route, the party she’s in gets attacked by a swarm of insect ghosts. Created by dark magic, the only thing that can defeat the swarm is the Firefly Crown. The crown gets stolen and Yumi is accused of its theft. Thrown into the dungeons, it’s up to Yumi to make friends, learn to use her magic, and find the crown. Will she succeed? Who is behind the swarm?
The plot is well written, engaging, and full of magic and mystery. The characters are well developed, enchanting, and believable. The world building is well drawn and pulls readers into the story. Readers who like mystery, animals, and magic will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
Recommended Age Range: Grade 4 to 7
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
In a world filled with sorcerers who can control and communicate with insects, 12-year-old Yumi is a cricket unable to wield her powers. Longing to go to Tinanglawan so she can learn from fireflies how to wield light. When the rajah calls all sorcerers to Tinanglawan for the crowning of the First Daughter, Eyrin., Yumi eagerly answers the call. En route, the party she’s in gets attacked by a swarm of insect ghosts. Created by dark magic, the only thing that can defeat the swarm is the Firefly Crown. The crown gets stolen and Yumi is accused of its theft. Thrown into the dungeons, it’s up to Yumi to make friends, learn to use her magic, and find the crown. Will she succeed? Who is behind the swarm?
The plot is well written, engaging, and full of magic and mystery. The characters are well developed, enchanting, and believable. The world building is well drawn and pulls readers into the story. Readers who like mystery, animals, and magic will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
Recommended Age Range: Grade 4 to 7
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
January 13, 2026
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
12yo Yumi hates slogging through the rice fields with her parents every day, especially because her Cricket powers are so weak, the crickets don’t bother listening to her. When all of the mambabarang are summoned to the capitol city to witness the crowning of the rajah’s daughter as the new Hara, the only person with enough power to wield the Firefly Crown to hold off the murderous Ghost Swarms, Yumi stows away. Yumi just wants to explore the city and find a metalwork apprenticeship, but her bravery and quick-thinking may be all that stands in the path of total disaster.
Yumi’s talent to save the day is quite exaggerated, as the action takes place over such a short time - her meteoric rise from lowly, inept Cricket to Savior of the Country is a bit clunky at times. As the story progresses, the action and danger start to feel more realistic. I think this is a stand alone fantasy - it is always nice to have one-offs to balance out the long series.
I listened to the book narrated by Jensen Olaya, provided by libro.fm.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
APPEALS TO: SOME
12yo Yumi hates slogging through the rice fields with her parents every day, especially because her Cricket powers are so weak, the crickets don’t bother listening to her. When all of the mambabarang are summoned to the capitol city to witness the crowning of the rajah’s daughter as the new Hara, the only person with enough power to wield the Firefly Crown to hold off the murderous Ghost Swarms, Yumi stows away. Yumi just wants to explore the city and find a metalwork apprenticeship, but her bravery and quick-thinking may be all that stands in the path of total disaster.
Yumi’s talent to save the day is quite exaggerated, as the action takes place over such a short time - her meteoric rise from lowly, inept Cricket to Savior of the Country is a bit clunky at times. As the story progresses, the action and danger start to feel more realistic. I think this is a stand alone fantasy - it is always nice to have one-offs to balance out the long series.
I listened to the book narrated by Jensen Olaya, provided by libro.fm.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
December 15, 2025
Very cool world building, the humans have affinity with specific animals not only they can speak to them, they share some abilities like jumping really far or walking up walls. The crown has been stolen and this is an open door for many demons and trouble to come. Fast pacing, adventurous, amazing cover art, characters and lore.
December 31, 2025
Still prefer The Serpent Rider, but will always look forward to Yxavel Magno Diño’s stories. I love reading reworkings of Filipino mythology.
May 8, 2026
THOUGHTS & SNIPPETS 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 ―𓏲⋆ʚɞ┈ᯓ★๋࣭⭑.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.☘︎ ݁˖
Who would have thought that a simple cricket, could ever be a hero?
In the empire of Tinanglawan, your magic determines your fate. Yumi is a cricket mambabarang, who specializes in being a cricket and command one. However, she is a failure at being one. After given an opportunity to visit the empires capital for the crowning ceremony, she vowed to show everyone what she got. However, fate gave her a different course and was blamed for the Firefly Crown’s disappearance. Now, Yumi is left with no choice but to find the real thief to clear her name and protect her loved ones. Would a Cricket be able to save the day?
I am absolutely captivated by sheer well crafted story. The setting was very familiar as someone who lives in the outskirts of the city that imagining how the story unfold did not break a sweat. I absolutely love Yumi’s character, and the people around her.
Although there times where scenes would cringe me, especially when poor Yumi being a child is forced to prove herself when clearly, she’s still learning. However, given the setting of the story, I understand.
The friendship that was built and the journey they went through together tug the strings in my heart and just warms my very being. I love how this shows us that despite everything we are going through, there will be people who’s going to stand beside us, that we are not utterly alone in this world.
And of course, my favorite character out of them all would be Ikko, he’s a charmer and a show stealer for sure! Thank you @yxavel_writes for this magnificent journey. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the future.
Additionally, I love how the author incorporated Filipino words into the book! Now I’m craving to eat sinigang with rice! 🌾
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.50
𐔌՞. .՞𐦯˚ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ . ★⋆.
. ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ . . ˚ . ✦
Who would have thought that a simple cricket, could ever be a hero?
In the empire of Tinanglawan, your magic determines your fate. Yumi is a cricket mambabarang, who specializes in being a cricket and command one. However, she is a failure at being one. After given an opportunity to visit the empires capital for the crowning ceremony, she vowed to show everyone what she got. However, fate gave her a different course and was blamed for the Firefly Crown’s disappearance. Now, Yumi is left with no choice but to find the real thief to clear her name and protect her loved ones. Would a Cricket be able to save the day?
I am absolutely captivated by sheer well crafted story. The setting was very familiar as someone who lives in the outskirts of the city that imagining how the story unfold did not break a sweat. I absolutely love Yumi’s character, and the people around her.
Although there times where scenes would cringe me, especially when poor Yumi being a child is forced to prove herself when clearly, she’s still learning. However, given the setting of the story, I understand.
The friendship that was built and the journey they went through together tug the strings in my heart and just warms my very being. I love how this shows us that despite everything we are going through, there will be people who’s going to stand beside us, that we are not utterly alone in this world.
And of course, my favorite character out of them all would be Ikko, he’s a charmer and a show stealer for sure! Thank you @yxavel_writes for this magnificent journey. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the future.
Additionally, I love how the author incorporated Filipino words into the book! Now I’m craving to eat sinigang with rice! 🌾
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.50
𐔌՞. .՞𐦯˚ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ . ★⋆.
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Want to Read
March 1, 2026I received a free copy from libro.fm as part of the educator advanced listening copies. All opinions are my own. #librofm #bloomsbury
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