What do you think?
Rate this book
Castle Glower #3
Thursdays with the Crown: Castle Glower, Book 3
Bloomsbury presents Thursdays with the Crown by Jessica Day George, read by Grace Andrews.
Thursday brings even more adventure in the third book of this delightful New York Times bestselling series from Jessica Day George.
Castle Glower has been acting weird, so it’s no surprise when two towers transport Celie and her siblings to an unknown land. When they realize that no one from home is coming to get them, the kids—along with Celie’s pet griffin Rufus—set out through the forest to figure out where they are and what’s happened to their beloved Castle.
Instead, they discover two wizards and an entire lost people, the oldest inhabitants of Castle Glower. And it seems they may know more of the Castle’s secrets than Celie. But do they know how to get her back home?
Don't miss these other stories from New York Times bestselling author Jessica Day
The Rose Legacy series
The Rose Legacy
Tuesdays at the Castle series
Tuesdays at the Castle
Wednesdays in the Tower
Thursdays with the Crown
Fridays with the Wizards
Saturdays at Sea
Dragon Slippers series
Dragon Slippers
Dragon Flight
Dragon Spear
The Twelve Dancing Princesses series
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass
Princess of the Silver Woods
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Silver in the Blood
Thursday brings even more adventure in the third book of this delightful New York Times bestselling series from Jessica Day George.
Castle Glower has been acting weird, so it’s no surprise when two towers transport Celie and her siblings to an unknown land. When they realize that no one from home is coming to get them, the kids—along with Celie’s pet griffin Rufus—set out through the forest to figure out where they are and what’s happened to their beloved Castle.
Instead, they discover two wizards and an entire lost people, the oldest inhabitants of Castle Glower. And it seems they may know more of the Castle’s secrets than Celie. But do they know how to get her back home?
Don't miss these other stories from New York Times bestselling author Jessica Day
The Rose Legacy series
The Rose Legacy
Tuesdays at the Castle series
Tuesdays at the Castle
Wednesdays in the Tower
Thursdays with the Crown
Fridays with the Wizards
Saturdays at Sea
Dragon Slippers series
Dragon Slippers
Dragon Flight
Dragon Spear
The Twelve Dancing Princesses series
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass
Princess of the Silver Woods
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Silver in the Blood
Audible Audio
First published September 2, 2014
183 people are currently reading
2755 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Day George
26 books5,911 followersJessica Day George likes chocolate, knitting, books, travel, movies, dragons, horses, dogs, and her family. These are all things to keep in mind if you ever meet her. For instance, you could bring her chocolate to make the meeting go more smoothly. You could also talk about how adorable her children are, even if you have never seen them. You could discuss dog breeds (she had a Maltese named Pippin, and grew up with a poodle mix and a Brittany Spaniel. Right now she has a Coton de Tulear named Sunny). You could talk about Norway, and how it's the Greatest Place On Earth, and Germany, The Second Greatest Place On Earth. You could ask her about yarn, and indicate a willingness to learn to knit your own socks, if you can't already do so.
And, well, you could talk about books. Jessica's books, other people's books. It's really all about the books. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: Friends, family, school, they were just obstacles in the way of getting more books.
She would like it if books came with chocolate to eat while reading them.
And, well, you could talk about books. Jessica's books, other people's books. It's really all about the books. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: Friends, family, school, they were just obstacles in the way of getting more books.
She would like it if books came with chocolate to eat while reading them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
July 8, 2025
Finished with copyedits, January 2014.
Read aloud to the kids, September 2014.
October 2014! It's finally out! If you have been wondering about that cliffhanger ending from WEDNESDAYS IN THE TOWER, you need wonder and worry no more! THURSDAYS picks up just hours after WEDNESDAYS, and we find out not only what's happened to Celie and her companions, but what's been going on with the Castle, and where the Castle is really from!
Read aloud to the kids, 2025. For . . . reasons.
Read aloud to the kids, September 2014.
October 2014! It's finally out! If you have been wondering about that cliffhanger ending from WEDNESDAYS IN THE TOWER, you need wonder and worry no more! THURSDAYS picks up just hours after WEDNESDAYS, and we find out not only what's happened to Celie and her companions, but what's been going on with the Castle, and where the Castle is really from!
Read aloud to the kids, 2025. For . . . reasons.
April 20, 2016
4.5 stars, rounding up. Final review, first posted at www.FantasyLiterature.com:
In this third installment in Jessica Day George’s middle grade CASTLE GLOWER series, Princess Celie, her brother Rolf, sister Lilah, and friends Pogue and Prince Lulath, have been magically transported by their capricious castle to an unfamiliar land where the castle was originally built, along with two towers of the castle and Celie’s griffin Rufus. After spending a cold night sleeping on the floor of one of the towers, the friends begin to explore the wild, forested land, trying to find the missing piece of a magical device called the Eye, which they believe will enable them to make the castle whole and return them back home.
The children run into wild griffins, the endangered descendants of the griffins that once protected this land. Less pleasantly, they also encounter not one, but two wizards, each of whom claims to be the rightful keeper of the castle. A poisonous lake whose slightest touch will give you a deathly plague, a few more griffin eggs and a dispute over who will be adopted by the newly hatched griffins, a wizardly feud, and the ongoing search for the missing piece of the Eye all add to the excitement of Thursdays with the Crown.
The main characters in this series have an appealing depth to their personalities, for a middle grade book. Celie is an engaging heroine with a deep love for her family, her castle and the griffins. She recognizes her fears but bravely chooses to face them head-on. She also has a slightly mischievous side to her character.
Thursdays with the Crown is the second half of a story begun in Wednesdays in the Tower, which really is necessary to read first. In fact, this entire series should be read in order.
Initial thoughts:
Princess Celie, her brother Rolf (the crown prince), sister Lilah and a couple of friends have been magically transported by the sentient Castle Glower to a strange land, to search for the missing piece of the "Eye of the Castle." Adventures ensue.
I think this may be my favorite book yet in this MG series. So much fun! I would definitely read this to my kids if they were still that age. :)
In this third installment in Jessica Day George’s middle grade CASTLE GLOWER series, Princess Celie, her brother Rolf, sister Lilah, and friends Pogue and Prince Lulath, have been magically transported by their capricious castle to an unfamiliar land where the castle was originally built, along with two towers of the castle and Celie’s griffin Rufus. After spending a cold night sleeping on the floor of one of the towers, the friends begin to explore the wild, forested land, trying to find the missing piece of a magical device called the Eye, which they believe will enable them to make the castle whole and return them back home.
The children run into wild griffins, the endangered descendants of the griffins that once protected this land. Less pleasantly, they also encounter not one, but two wizards, each of whom claims to be the rightful keeper of the castle. A poisonous lake whose slightest touch will give you a deathly plague, a few more griffin eggs and a dispute over who will be adopted by the newly hatched griffins, a wizardly feud, and the ongoing search for the missing piece of the Eye all add to the excitement of Thursdays with the Crown.
The main characters in this series have an appealing depth to their personalities, for a middle grade book. Celie is an engaging heroine with a deep love for her family, her castle and the griffins. She recognizes her fears but bravely chooses to face them head-on. She also has a slightly mischievous side to her character.
“Fitting that he got rid of it, the dishonest balagaha.”Lulath, a prince from a neighboring country who has been staying with Celie’s family, initially seemed foolish and excessively concerned with fashion, but gradually it becomes apparent that his funny way of speaking their language (a foreign tongue for Lulath) hides a sharp mind:
…”Balagaha?”
“Don’t use such foul language,” the old man clucked. “It’s unbecoming to a young lady, and a princess besides!”
Celie mentally stored the word away for later use.
He nodded firmly. “It is why I am studying the strategying when I am young. I am having so much the fear in the night, I think, I will learn all that is brave and very, and will also go forth with strongness!”The magical griffins continue to enchant me, and the various mysteries ― Castle Glower’s origins, the reasons it has been behaving so erratically lately, the role of the quarrelsome wizards, and the history of the griffins and their connection to the castle ― all come together in the end to a satisfying conclusion.
“Lulath, that is the most astonishing thing you’ve ever said. You continue to surprise me.”
“I thank you, friend Pogue,” Lulath said cheerfully. “It is because I am looking such a silly man. I am liking the clothes too much, it is a thing I know. You are not thinking that I am having much brain.”
Thursdays with the Crown is the second half of a story begun in Wednesdays in the Tower, which really is necessary to read first. In fact, this entire series should be read in order.
Initial thoughts:
Princess Celie, her brother Rolf (the crown prince), sister Lilah and a couple of friends have been magically transported by the sentient Castle Glower to a strange land, to search for the missing piece of the "Eye of the Castle." Adventures ensue.
I think this may be my favorite book yet in this MG series. So much fun! I would definitely read this to my kids if they were still that age. :)
September 3, 2014
Jessica is one of my favorite authors and it's sad that I can't give this book a better review. The thing that makes these books intriguing is the castle and it's quirky ways. The castle is almost a non existent character. The children who have always been cute and strong character were bland. I liked the griffins but even with them, the book lacked focus. They people in the book roam from one place to another in a far away land with disappearing and reapearing for no reason. I did finish reading the book and wanted to know the end but mostly due to the first two books
July 24, 2019
Note: I’ve been listening to this series on audio, so pardon any horrible misspellings because I haven’t seen the words or names on the page.
This third book in the Castle Glower series picks up exactly where book two left off. (Because of this, new readers should be aware that this is not the book you want to start the series with, or you’ll be very confused.) As always, the family dynamics were strong and I loved the sibling interactions (and friend interactions) and teamwork, as well as watching them delve deeper into the world in which these stories are set. Also, yay, more gryphons! Give me aaaaall the fantastical creatures, please! The adventurous bits were great, too, as well as the theme of using discernment, research, and logic, to decipher the truth when two different parties are telling you two different stories.
Unlike the previous book that left off on a cliffhanger, it was nice that this book wrapped up more tidily so the reader can be satisfied while also looking forward to the next adventure. And I am definitely looking forward to the next adventure. :) *whispers* Unicorns!
Content Advisory:
Violence: Nothing worse that what has been featured in the previous two books. The children and sometimes the gryphons are in peril through much of the story.
Poisoned water makes a couple of characters get boils and plague-like symptoms
A fire threatens the castle and the people in it.
There’s a tapestry the children see that features gryphons hunting and killing unicorns, as well as humans fighting, but there’s no graphic description of that.
There’s brief mention of blood when a character has to cut their arm and drip blood on the floor of the castle to
Magic: The castle is still sentient and can respond to humans, move its rooms, etc., as it was able to do in the previous two books.
Some characters are wizards who were born with their magical ability. Some of these wizards are good people and some are bad. It’s the choices they make that make them good or bad, not their magic, though the bad ones can certainly choose to use their magic for bad things, like poisoning a lake.
Sexual: Two of the teenage characters are slowly developing romantic feelings for each other and Celie observes how the two spend more time together and flirt a little bit while another character seems jealous.
This third book in the Castle Glower series picks up exactly where book two left off. (Because of this, new readers should be aware that this is not the book you want to start the series with, or you’ll be very confused.) As always, the family dynamics were strong and I loved the sibling interactions (and friend interactions) and teamwork, as well as watching them delve deeper into the world in which these stories are set. Also, yay, more gryphons! Give me aaaaall the fantastical creatures, please! The adventurous bits were great, too, as well as the theme of using discernment, research, and logic, to decipher the truth when two different parties are telling you two different stories.
Unlike the previous book that left off on a cliffhanger, it was nice that this book wrapped up more tidily so the reader can be satisfied while also looking forward to the next adventure. And I am definitely looking forward to the next adventure. :) *whispers* Unicorns!
Content Advisory:
Violence: Nothing worse that what has been featured in the previous two books. The children and sometimes the gryphons are in peril through much of the story.
Poisoned water makes a couple of characters get boils and plague-like symptoms
A fire threatens the castle and the people in it.
There’s a tapestry the children see that features gryphons hunting and killing unicorns, as well as humans fighting, but there’s no graphic description of that.
There’s brief mention of blood when a character has to cut their arm and drip blood on the floor of the castle to
Magic: The castle is still sentient and can respond to humans, move its rooms, etc., as it was able to do in the previous two books.
Some characters are wizards who were born with their magical ability. Some of these wizards are good people and some are bad. It’s the choices they make that make them good or bad, not their magic, though the bad ones can certainly choose to use their magic for bad things, like poisoning a lake.
Sexual: Two of the teenage characters are slowly developing romantic feelings for each other and Celie observes how the two spend more time together and flirt a little bit while another character seems jealous.
April 30, 2020
This is the third entry in the delightful "Castle Glower" series, and my favorite so far. There's no cliffhanger in this one, but it's clear we'll be treated to a new adventure in Book 4.
June 11, 2015
So, um, this one had an ending. That’s good. A definite improvement over the second book in the Castle Glower series. But the story gets convoluted and complicated, and in the process, loses much of the magic of Celie’s world.
One of the difficulties with science fiction and fantasy – and their requisite world building – is the author has to be starkly, brutally clear about the rules of the world. It’s one of the things I love about Harry Potter: I was never confused about what could or could not happen in the book. The internal logic that JK Rowling created in that world is awe-inspiring.
Thursdays with the Crown, on the other hand, feels timid and confused in places. All of the new details and backstory overwhelm the narrative. Way too much is introduced in 200 pages, doubly so since it’s the third book in the series. Not recommended.
One of the difficulties with science fiction and fantasy – and their requisite world building – is the author has to be starkly, brutally clear about the rules of the world. It’s one of the things I love about Harry Potter: I was never confused about what could or could not happen in the book. The internal logic that JK Rowling created in that world is awe-inspiring.
Thursdays with the Crown, on the other hand, feels timid and confused in places. All of the new details and backstory overwhelm the narrative. Way too much is introduced in 200 pages, doubly so since it’s the third book in the series. Not recommended.
Read
May 20, 2019this one was pretty exciting except that my sis who'd read these already spoiled it all for me?? lol. the first one was still the best.
LOVE RUFUS tho and his fam <3
LOVE RUFUS tho and his fam <3
February 8, 2017
In this third book of the series, Celie and her siblings and friends are whisked away to the mysterious land where the Castle came from. Evil wizards, poisoned lakes, and griffins abound, and Celie has to figure out what the truth is about the Castle's history to find a way to get back home, save the griffins, and heal the Castle.
I didn't like this book quite as much as the others, since there was a lot of confusion about who was lying and who was telling half-truths about the past. It made for a confusing plot, and I couldn't tell who was Arkish and who was Hathelocke, who had control of the Castle first or who first trained griffins.
Also instead of sneaking through secret passageways in the Castle for some whimsical fun, the characters are mostly trekking through forest, starving, and hiding inside a massive crypt/tomb. This book is a little darker than the others.
I did love seeing Celie and her friends rising to the challenge of their adventures, and the magical griffins are just delightful! Each of the characters has their own strengths and weaknesses, and they all rely on one another. I love how they all really respect the talents of the others. Each of them has their own voice, their own personal journey and growth. Excellent writing!
I didn't like this book quite as much as the others, since there was a lot of confusion about who was lying and who was telling half-truths about the past. It made for a confusing plot, and I couldn't tell who was Arkish and who was Hathelocke, who had control of the Castle first or who first trained griffins.
Also instead of sneaking through secret passageways in the Castle for some whimsical fun, the characters are mostly trekking through forest, starving, and hiding inside a massive crypt/tomb. This book is a little darker than the others.
I did love seeing Celie and her friends rising to the challenge of their adventures, and the magical griffins are just delightful! Each of the characters has their own strengths and weaknesses, and they all rely on one another. I love how they all really respect the talents of the others. Each of them has their own voice, their own personal journey and growth. Excellent writing!
September 5, 2014
I have not read the first two books in this series. So you might ask than why would I jump right in and check out book three. It is because I had a chance to read book three and since I have been seeing this book all over I thought I would not pass up the chance to read this book and see what this series is about. I am always on the hunt for more books for my nephews to read. I think reading for children is important and I want them to enjoy reading like I do.
First off, while I have not read the prior novels, I had no problems jumping right into this book and I don't think my nephews will have a problem either. This is because the author did a good job of making this story progress and not reference to the past events too much. The wording in this book is nice as well. There are not too big of words and it flows easy. So the younger readers can read this book on their own with little assistance. Celie, her friends and siblings were a fun bunch. They helped keep things entertaining. Rufus was awesome. I can just see my nephews wanting their own griffiths. Now that I have gotten a taste for this series, I will have to check out the prior novels.
First off, while I have not read the prior novels, I had no problems jumping right into this book and I don't think my nephews will have a problem either. This is because the author did a good job of making this story progress and not reference to the past events too much. The wording in this book is nice as well. There are not too big of words and it flows easy. So the younger readers can read this book on their own with little assistance. Celie, her friends and siblings were a fun bunch. They helped keep things entertaining. Rufus was awesome. I can just see my nephews wanting their own griffiths. Now that I have gotten a taste for this series, I will have to check out the prior novels.
January 23, 2015
I feel really bad to say this because I am a big fan of Day George's work, but I wasn't crazy about this one. Up until now I have enjoyed this Castle Glower series but this one fell very short of the mark for me.
The writing is technically sound, but my main issue is that the narrative thread is very confusing. The motivations of several characters aren't clear and a number of the descriptions felt jumbled. Throughout the majority of the book and just kinda sat there like "Wait, I have no idea what's going on here. None of this makes any sense."
On a side, nit-picky note, I also do not understand Lilah's sudden switch of affection from Pogue to Lulath which is never truly explained. I don't understand why the author choose to make this change.
Overall, I am rather disappointed with it.
The writing is technically sound, but my main issue is that the narrative thread is very confusing. The motivations of several characters aren't clear and a number of the descriptions felt jumbled. Throughout the majority of the book and just kinda sat there like "Wait, I have no idea what's going on here. None of this makes any sense."
On a side, nit-picky note, I also do not understand Lilah's sudden switch of affection from Pogue to Lulath which is never truly explained. I don't understand why the author choose to make this change.
Overall, I am rather disappointed with it.
Read
February 20, 2014Just as charming and adorable as the first two books in the series, but now with more griffins! These books are enjoyable for adults too, but if you have a kid around 8-10 years old you would be nuts not to get these for them.
January 27, 2018
3.5/5
This sequel follows the journey of the Glower family when they suddenly appear from their castle into a new and unfamiliar land. There are wild griffins and tricky possibly evil wizards to contend with who tell them of their magical castle's history. Who can they trust and how will they ever get back?
I feel the charm of the first book, lowered a little on the second book and now a little more on this one. Its still an interesting read but it felt a little less cohesive and the age group definitely shows. I enjoyed finding more about the castle's backstory, but overall it was rather too quick.
And in general less detail and the ending in rather a hurry to show there was an upcoming story.
Would recommend to age 7+
This sequel follows the journey of the Glower family when they suddenly appear from their castle into a new and unfamiliar land. There are wild griffins and tricky possibly evil wizards to contend with who tell them of their magical castle's history. Who can they trust and how will they ever get back?
I feel the charm of the first book, lowered a little on the second book and now a little more on this one. Its still an interesting read but it felt a little less cohesive and the age group definitely shows. I enjoyed finding more about the castle's backstory, but overall it was rather too quick.
And in general less detail and the ending in rather a hurry to show there was an upcoming story.
Would recommend to age 7+
February 11, 2015
Initial Thoughts: I've really enjoyed the Castle Glower trilogy from the beginning. Jessica Day George is a terrific writer and world builder, and her books are just fun. They make me feel like a kid again. Thursdays with the Crown was a good wrap-up to this Middle Grade series, if not a little too tidy.
Characters: Celie will always be a favorite Middle Grade female protagonist. She's spunky and adventurous and smart, and she gets tired of her siblings treating her like a child. I felt a little sorry for Rolf, Celie's brother and heir to the throne, and Lilah really became a strong character. Lulath is hilarious; I just love him to death, and poor Ethan!
The Romance: It continues to be light and sweet and doesn't get in the way of anything.
Plot: When one half of the Eye was placed in the Heart of the Castle, it transported Celie, Rolf, Lilah, Lulath, and unconscious Pogue, and Celie's griffin Rufus to the land where the Castle originally came from. Their only hope of returning home is if they find the other half of the Eye and restore the Castle its former glory. But the land they're in is wild and fraught with peril. Two warring wizards, both claiming to be the original keepers of the Castle, and endangered griffins - all of this the royal siblings will have to navigate while learning the history of their beloved Castle Glower. It's so awesome that we finally get to learn about the Castle's origins and about the griffins and how they all came to Sleyne! It's a bit of a convoluted history, as neither of the wizards are telling the whole truth - and no one can really be trusted. It made it that much more fun to sift through the lies and half-truths and try to figure it out for yourself. The plot moves along at a clipped pace, though it's rather predictable, but still really fun.
Believability: Not applicable.
Writing Style: Third person, past tense. You know, I actually wish it was a first-person narration from Celie's point of view. This wouldn't make the book better; this is just a personal preference. I would love for Celie to narrate something! The writing contains its usual humor and descriptive style.
Content: None.
Conclusion: The climax is a big moment where all the key characters show up, one after the other, and things are sort of explained in a bit of a convoluted way (but it does make sense in the end), and everything is solved and figured out just in the nick of time. It's a pretty tidy ending, though the lead-up is certainly fraught with peril and struggles. I'm sorry to have to leave Celie's world behind; it was a lot of fun, with lots of good characters and a simple, yet relatively complex, world.
Recommended Audience: Girl-and-boy read, seven-and-up, fans of fantasy and Jessica Day George's Dragon Slippers series.
Characters: Celie will always be a favorite Middle Grade female protagonist. She's spunky and adventurous and smart, and she gets tired of her siblings treating her like a child. I felt a little sorry for Rolf, Celie's brother and heir to the throne, and Lilah really became a strong character. Lulath is hilarious; I just love him to death, and poor Ethan!
The Romance: It continues to be light and sweet and doesn't get in the way of anything.
Plot: When one half of the Eye was placed in the Heart of the Castle, it transported Celie, Rolf, Lilah, Lulath, and unconscious Pogue, and Celie's griffin Rufus to the land where the Castle originally came from. Their only hope of returning home is if they find the other half of the Eye and restore the Castle its former glory. But the land they're in is wild and fraught with peril. Two warring wizards, both claiming to be the original keepers of the Castle, and endangered griffins - all of this the royal siblings will have to navigate while learning the history of their beloved Castle Glower. It's so awesome that we finally get to learn about the Castle's origins and about the griffins and how they all came to Sleyne! It's a bit of a convoluted history, as neither of the wizards are telling the whole truth - and no one can really be trusted. It made it that much more fun to sift through the lies and half-truths and try to figure it out for yourself. The plot moves along at a clipped pace, though it's rather predictable, but still really fun.
Believability: Not applicable.
Writing Style: Third person, past tense. You know, I actually wish it was a first-person narration from Celie's point of view. This wouldn't make the book better; this is just a personal preference. I would love for Celie to narrate something! The writing contains its usual humor and descriptive style.
Content: None.
Conclusion: The climax is a big moment where all the key characters show up, one after the other, and things are sort of explained in a bit of a convoluted way (but it does make sense in the end), and everything is solved and figured out just in the nick of time. It's a pretty tidy ending, though the lead-up is certainly fraught with peril and struggles. I'm sorry to have to leave Celie's world behind; it was a lot of fun, with lots of good characters and a simple, yet relatively complex, world.
Recommended Audience: Girl-and-boy read, seven-and-up, fans of fantasy and Jessica Day George's Dragon Slippers series.
September 7, 2014
Thursdays with the Crown by Jessica Day George is third book in the Tuesdays at The Castle Series. This series follows the plucky Celie who lives in a magical castle. In this book the castle as transported Celie, her friends and siblings and her pet griffin to the land where the castle originated. They have to find out how to save the castle and get home.
I adore this series and this book did not disappoint. Celie was strong and her griffin was wonderful and the castle remained the character that it has been in other books. I rushed through the book and can't wait to find out what happens on Fridays.
Appropriateness: This is a fantastic series that I'd recommend to elementary and middle school aged readers either as a read aloud or to read independently (for fourth grade and up). It's non-violent and without romance.
Review copy provided by Amazon Vine
I adore this series and this book did not disappoint. Celie was strong and her griffin was wonderful and the castle remained the character that it has been in other books. I rushed through the book and can't wait to find out what happens on Fridays.
Appropriateness: This is a fantastic series that I'd recommend to elementary and middle school aged readers either as a read aloud or to read independently (for fourth grade and up). It's non-violent and without romance.
Review copy provided by Amazon Vine
February 4, 2022
Thursdays with the Crown, Book 3 in Jessica Day George's Castle Glower middle grade fantasy series, takes up minutes after Book 2 ends. Princess Celie, siblings Rolf and Lila, friends blacksmith Pogue and Prince Lulath, as well as Celie's magical pet griffin Rufus are all trapped in another land which was the first home of Castle Glower. Their attempts to get home are hindered by a couple of dyspeptic old wizards who tell rival origin stories of the Castle, land and peoples. Along the way they acquire several other griffins and at least one actual friend. The series continues to reward the reader with good character development and clever plotting. It's worth reading for the charming and surprisingly deep Prince Lulath alone.
August 13, 2019
So far out of this series this one is my favorite. You really see the children growning up into adulthood, building stronger relationships with each other and learning how to deal with envy, frienship, and using discression when trying to find out the truth. The characters develop so well.
The children are stuck in the other Land where the Castle was built trying to find the othe half of the eye to the castle. There they find other griffins, wizzards who are fighting a 500 year war and destroying their own land/world. They have to find the eye and a way back home.
The children are stuck in the other Land where the Castle was built trying to find the othe half of the eye to the castle. There they find other griffins, wizzards who are fighting a 500 year war and destroying their own land/world. They have to find the eye and a way back home.
July 4, 2015
This is such a consistently great series. My 11-year-old and I had a delightful time reading it together, and it intrigued me every bit as much as it did her. Thank you Jessica for your fun characters (Lulath is our favorite), fresh and suspenseful story, and enabling excellent mommy daughter time. :)
March 26, 2018
210 pages. Book three in the series is very exciting with lots of unexpected traveling, new characters, more griffins and lots of drama. Celie continues to work her own magic as she tries to save her castle, griffin and family in a very explosive, fiery situation. Bravo! What great read! Highly recommended for grades 4-5.
March 15, 2025
This one also very good! It’s also very fun! I Think it’s one of my favorites so far! I loved how they were teleported to The Glorious Arkover or whatever they call it! ;) I’ve already started to next book and I’m 114 pages in only in one day! I LOVE these series! I recommend the series to any just looking for a fun book to read!
March 6, 2016
Such a fun story! I'd forgotten just how much I adored Lulath. I've got to get this series into the hands of some of my students. There's something for everyone to love!
December 28, 2020
3.5 stars
The beginning of the series was definitely my favorite. Because I already like the characters, I did feel invested in the story and I loved the added mystery in this one.
I just wished it was more clear; I didn't really finish the book understanding who was from what country, what happened to the world the castle was from, or even what the history of the war was (too many characters lying or telling half truths).
It was a little confusing, but I was able to look past that and enjoy the adventure they were on for the most part. I am going to continue the series and expect it to be enjoyable.
The beginning of the series was definitely my favorite. Because I already like the characters, I did feel invested in the story and I loved the added mystery in this one.
I just wished it was more clear; I didn't really finish the book understanding who was from what country, what happened to the world the castle was from, or even what the history of the war was (too many characters lying or telling half truths).
It was a little confusing, but I was able to look past that and enjoy the adventure they were on for the most part. I am going to continue the series and expect it to be enjoyable.
April 13, 2020
I'm sorry I had to rate this so low. I think the author just didn't know how to make it more adventurous, and just filled in the blanks with boring. It was hard to keep hooked in, a small dissapointment in one of my favorite series. I do recommend you continue and see what you think about this "adventure" for yourself, but it was slow paced and predictable for me. I would really rate this 3.5, but I rounded up. I understand this book was made with excellent intentions, I just don't think it met that. It was good enough, but not great. I still recommend you continue and decide for yourself.
November 21, 2020
I just finished reading this book to my 10, 8, and even my 3yo. We absolutely loved it. This author makes it easy and enjoyable to read aloud but she throws in more advanced vocabulary words. Exactly what I like in a read aloud. Some people complained about the ending but we already have the next book and can’t wait to jump in tomorrow evening. It did feel a bit abrupt is my only complaint. If you could call it a complaint. I don’t mind a good cliffhanger.
March 23, 2023
Book 2 of the Castle Glower series ended with a cliff-hanger. Celie, her griffin, and some family and friends had been magically transported away from their home country. Their first task in this new place is to find food and suitable shelter, and then figure out what it is they need to do to get home. In this book they discover quite a bit about the history of their beloved castle and why it behaves as it does. They also learn quite a bit more about griffins and why Rufus's egg appeared to Celie.
Celie continues to be a wonderful protagonist in this middle grade series. She takes the lead in many of the decisions that the group is forced to take, and even though she is the youngest of the group, they look to her to make decisions and "speak" for the castle and what it would likely want them to do. I look forward to the next book and seeing what the family will do with the new knowledge they've gained about their home.
Celie continues to be a wonderful protagonist in this middle grade series. She takes the lead in many of the decisions that the group is forced to take, and even though she is the youngest of the group, they look to her to make decisions and "speak" for the castle and what it would likely want them to do. I look forward to the next book and seeing what the family will do with the new knowledge they've gained about their home.
February 10, 2017
I really liked this trilogy. I think it's a perfect starting place for middle grade readers new to fantasy. Celie and her siblings (and Pogue! And Lulath!! Can there be a series of books just about Lulath?) are wonderful characters, and their adventures outside the castle reveal lies and ultimately truths about Castle Glower's origin. Celie as always is a great heroine, level-headed and brave.
January 25, 2021
So I've discovered that I have a different rating method depending on what kind(mostly age range) of book it is. So really its two stars but two stars seems harsh for an MG that I would probably have liked a good deal as a kid.
July 5, 2021
An excellent continuation of the series! This book is much better than the second book in the series. It has a more complex plot, with returns to the sophisticated storytelling that made the first book so good.
January 1, 2023
This one was better than book 2. Very entertaining. My daughter read it ahead of me and I trailed behind.
January 30, 2023
Cute! Maybe I should have reread the other ones though, it took me a bit to remember what was going on.
These children sure are vocal about the people they hope will die...
These children sure are vocal about the people they hope will die...
August 19, 2017
Too bad my library doesn't have the rest of the series..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews