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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?
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2025
3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Yxavel Magno Diño
2 books28 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 - 11 of 11 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
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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.
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.
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.
Want to read
November 3, 2025I received a free copy from libro.fm as part of the educator audiobook listening copies. All opinions are my own. #librofm #bloomsbury
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.
February 24, 2026
Review to come!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews