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Lucy's Crypt #1
The Invitation
On the island kingdom of Meta Emery, a young queen, Abigail, wakes in the middle of the night to a terrifying realisation; hostile wizards from the rival kingdom of Archmond have finally done what they've been threatening to do: bring a girl, Lucy, into this world to destroy the queen and all she has worked for. Hundreds of miles west, in Archmond itself, a great feast unfolds in the castle to celebrate Lucy's arrival. Soleman, one of the wizards and a co-ruler of Archmond, has spread the news to his people that Lucy is the heroine an ancient prophecy predicted; he promises that the discord throughout their world will soon be over. But his fellow ruler Ronald remains dubious that this apparently meek and troubled girl could really overthrow Abigail, or whether she is ever likely to want to.
This highly imaginative and original novel is the first in an exciting new fantasy series, Lucy's Crypt.
This highly imaginative and original novel is the first in an exciting new fantasy series, Lucy's Crypt.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2020
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Katie Webster
2 books6 followersMy love of language took me into the profession of law, but my love of the surreal and mysterious, and my over-active imagination that played on those things, took me to writing at a young age.
I have been writing the series, 'Lucy's Crypt', since I was seventeen. In the sixteen or so years I have been in this world I created, the story has grown and evolved, to me almost naturally, while all the while at its core - remaining the same.
While I never wrote the books with a view to publication, instead wanting only to be true to the characters and their history, I have decided to share this epic journey with others in case it may bring the same escapism and joy to them as it did for me.
I have been writing the series, 'Lucy's Crypt', since I was seventeen. In the sixteen or so years I have been in this world I created, the story has grown and evolved, to me almost naturally, while all the while at its core - remaining the same.
While I never wrote the books with a view to publication, instead wanting only to be true to the characters and their history, I have decided to share this epic journey with others in case it may bring the same escapism and joy to them as it did for me.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 7, 2021
I loved how intriguing this read was! The mysterious notes, the dreams, prophecies – everything a good fantasy needs. The imagery and locations within the book are gorgeous. From the isolated small Scottish town to the bizarre and colourful Archmond and the toxic wastelands. Lucy is thrown into a world that she doesn’t understand and is forced to find her way, all with the weight of the prophecy on her shoulders. There is a hint of Alice in Wonderland magic to this book, but I did want more of that. I also wanted more background added to the world building and more chapters from the alleged villain’s perspective, as it felt very quick. However, I am excited to see where the series goes next! A solid start to what I am sure will be a brilliant series. Thank you to @annecater14 for my copy for the tour!
February 8, 2021
Welcome to my stop on the The Invitation blog tour! Huge thanks to Random Things Tours for giving me the opportunity to take part in this! I was provided a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Domestic violence, child abuse
After reaching her breaking point, Lucy decides to run away with her dog, Crumbs. However, she didn’t expect to end up in a completely new world, the kingdom of Archmond, after being summoned there by wizards. At the same time, young Queen Abigail wakes after the terrifying vision that her archenemies have finally, successfully, brought the girl into their kingdom who is prophesied to destroy everything she has built. However, Lucy doesn’t know how she feels about being this kingdom’s heroine or even if she wants to be…
Our protagonist Lucy is accompanied by her dog, Crumbs, on her unique journey. Within the first couple of chapters we learn so much about Lucy and her home life which immediately endeared me to her. I also liked her initial reaction when she arrived in a mysterious new place as it felt very real and in keeping with her character. Although I thought I knew the important thing about Lucy from the revealing opening chapters, I was pleasantly surprised to see that towards the end her character is developed even further with some great twists which I wasn’t expecting at all.
For me, this novel has an Alice in Wonderland feel to it: we are introduced to many characters throughout Lucy and Crumbs’ journey. However, although many of the characters we’re introduced to are very interesting and do a lot to illustrate the different areas of the world and the different societies within it, but some seemed to disappear just as you were beginning to connect with them. As this is the first instalment of a new series, I am very hopeful that they might make a reappearance in future novels.
Following on from the Alice in Wonderland feel, it isn’t just the array of characters that we’re introduced to that gives the novel this feel, but the smaller stories that they bring as Lucy journeys across the land. This really helped with the pacing in the second half of the novel as it felt like there was more happening and we got to see a lot more of what this world has to offer. Although we meet a lot of characters and Lucy finds herself in along the way – I did like the recurring narrative of knowing what was going on in both kingdom whilst Lucy was travelling. This also was great for reminding the reader of the purpose of Lucy’s quest.
The second half of the novel was definitely my favourite and has me excited for the next book in the series, especially with the new knowledge we gain at the end of the novel. The world that Webster has created is certainly large and varied and I’m looking forward to learning more about it. We are given certain bits of information but not always in a lot of detail, however this is generally because Lucy is new to everything and, for the most part, the reader is learning along with her.
Despite the slightly slow start to the novel, I found myself really enjoying the stay by the end and was completely invested in Lucy and, of course, Crumbs. I also can’t wait to learn more about Bear!
CW: Domestic violence, child abuse
After reaching her breaking point, Lucy decides to run away with her dog, Crumbs. However, she didn’t expect to end up in a completely new world, the kingdom of Archmond, after being summoned there by wizards. At the same time, young Queen Abigail wakes after the terrifying vision that her archenemies have finally, successfully, brought the girl into their kingdom who is prophesied to destroy everything she has built. However, Lucy doesn’t know how she feels about being this kingdom’s heroine or even if she wants to be…
Our protagonist Lucy is accompanied by her dog, Crumbs, on her unique journey. Within the first couple of chapters we learn so much about Lucy and her home life which immediately endeared me to her. I also liked her initial reaction when she arrived in a mysterious new place as it felt very real and in keeping with her character. Although I thought I knew the important thing about Lucy from the revealing opening chapters, I was pleasantly surprised to see that towards the end her character is developed even further with some great twists which I wasn’t expecting at all.
For me, this novel has an Alice in Wonderland feel to it: we are introduced to many characters throughout Lucy and Crumbs’ journey. However, although many of the characters we’re introduced to are very interesting and do a lot to illustrate the different areas of the world and the different societies within it, but some seemed to disappear just as you were beginning to connect with them. As this is the first instalment of a new series, I am very hopeful that they might make a reappearance in future novels.
Following on from the Alice in Wonderland feel, it isn’t just the array of characters that we’re introduced to that gives the novel this feel, but the smaller stories that they bring as Lucy journeys across the land. This really helped with the pacing in the second half of the novel as it felt like there was more happening and we got to see a lot more of what this world has to offer. Although we meet a lot of characters and Lucy finds herself in along the way – I did like the recurring narrative of knowing what was going on in both kingdom whilst Lucy was travelling. This also was great for reminding the reader of the purpose of Lucy’s quest.
The second half of the novel was definitely my favourite and has me excited for the next book in the series, especially with the new knowledge we gain at the end of the novel. The world that Webster has created is certainly large and varied and I’m looking forward to learning more about it. We are given certain bits of information but not always in a lot of detail, however this is generally because Lucy is new to everything and, for the most part, the reader is learning along with her.
Despite the slightly slow start to the novel, I found myself really enjoying the stay by the end and was completely invested in Lucy and, of course, Crumbs. I also can’t wait to learn more about Bear!
March 15, 2023
The cover design caught my eye, and I thought this book looked interesting.
This was a fantasy novel, and initially, it had a kind of simplicity that I enjoyed, reminding me of the kind of book that I might have chosen as a child.
For the most part, the writing style was nice. However, I didn't warm to the protagonist, Lucy, as much as I should have done. I also found some parts of the story a little bit bizarre, and there was some profanity and crude language in places, which for me, just didn't seem quite right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a fantasy novel, and initially, it had a kind of simplicity that I enjoyed, reminding me of the kind of book that I might have chosen as a child.
For the most part, the writing style was nice. However, I didn't warm to the protagonist, Lucy, as much as I should have done. I also found some parts of the story a little bit bizarre, and there was some profanity and crude language in places, which for me, just didn't seem quite right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
July 14, 2023
Alice in Wonderland meets Wizard of Oz covered in trauma sprinkles.
It took me a while to pull this review together because I tried to be as objective as possible. In the end I picked up and restarted The Invitation three separate times before managing to finish it. Now I love a good 'chosen one' story as much as the next YA reader, but this was nothing like I had expected based on the synopsis alone.
Teenage girl, outcast, unwilling heroine, a splash of Celtic inspiration- sounds like fun, right?
This story ended up being the opposite of fun by definition. Within the first thirty pages there were at least three separate calls for trigger warnings and none of them ended up being relevant to the larger plot. Our main character is awash with very real trauma in a world that feels as fantastical as Wonderland or Oz leaving the reader very uncertain how to feel. Are we sad, or whimsical? Honestly, the answer was never clear. Add in an annoying first person narrator and a predictable plot- this one was not for me.
I did appreciate Webster's ability to paint a scene, on the other hand. Her ambient prose was beautiful and really put you on the scene. I hope the series will improve as it goes on, but I do not plan on returning to Archmond any time soon.
[Thaank you to NetGalley and Conrad Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
It took me a while to pull this review together because I tried to be as objective as possible. In the end I picked up and restarted The Invitation three separate times before managing to finish it. Now I love a good 'chosen one' story as much as the next YA reader, but this was nothing like I had expected based on the synopsis alone.
Teenage girl, outcast, unwilling heroine, a splash of Celtic inspiration- sounds like fun, right?
This story ended up being the opposite of fun by definition. Within the first thirty pages there were at least three separate calls for trigger warnings and none of them ended up being relevant to the larger plot. Our main character is awash with very real trauma in a world that feels as fantastical as Wonderland or Oz leaving the reader very uncertain how to feel. Are we sad, or whimsical? Honestly, the answer was never clear. Add in an annoying first person narrator and a predictable plot- this one was not for me.
I did appreciate Webster's ability to paint a scene, on the other hand. Her ambient prose was beautiful and really put you on the scene. I hope the series will improve as it goes on, but I do not plan on returning to Archmond any time soon.
[Thaank you to NetGalley and Conrad Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
April 1, 2023
An epic fantasy that gave me Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz vibes. Lucy has accepted an invitation unbeknownst to her that transports her to another world after she has witnessed a traumatic event. A world with wizards, an evil queen, and a prophecy that relates to her and this queen. She agrees to help these wizards and with their plight in order to return home. She departs on this journey meeting friends along the way. Unsure as what to do, but willing to learn along the way.
It really starts to pick up towards this end when Lucy enters an unforgiving climate and it’s uncertain if she will survive. Here is where she is confronted with deep repressed memories that she must acknowledge in order to proceed. Will she stop lying to herself to see just how she fits into this prophecy? Do these wizards really have her best interest in mind or their own twisted motives?
Looking forward to reading the next book!
It really starts to pick up towards this end when Lucy enters an unforgiving climate and it’s uncertain if she will survive. Here is where she is confronted with deep repressed memories that she must acknowledge in order to proceed. Will she stop lying to herself to see just how she fits into this prophecy? Do these wizards really have her best interest in mind or their own twisted motives?
Looking forward to reading the next book!
January 31, 2022
Enjoyed this book thoroughly! A well written story with good characters, a well fleshed out and ingaging world with enough mystery and intrigue to get you excited for book 2.
February 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this tales of wizards, realms, magic, talking bears all wrapped up in a coming of age story.
This is an easy read for someone just entering the fantasy genre as the world isn’t too over complicated and the characters are well developed. There are plenty of twists and turns in the story as well to keep one’s attention.
The fact that the story started in Scotland meant I was drawn in from the beginning (totally biased I know!) and the home life that Lucy comes from was not what I was expecting when I picked up the book. It shocked me actually. But the subject was tackled in a way that was sympathetic to Lucy’s character. I can totally understand the hiding under the table scene having done it myself once growing up. I enjoyed seeing Lucy’s character evolve as the story continues, begins to question what’s around her and the people in it.
Lucy find herself dragged into another world, that of wizards, magic, and an evil Queen. Lucy is the person a prophecy has spoken off, it will be her that will defeat the Queen and restore peace and harmony across their world. But Lucy is only 17, very shy and has no knowledge at all that could help her here. What is she meant to do?
This is the first book of a planned trilogy and I would say it left the story at a great point. There has been a huge revelation and there is still a long way before she can think about managing her quest. The idea of a talking teddy bear does freak me out a bit so I try not to visualise him I’m afraid. But Lucy is well formed in my conscious and I want to find out what happens to her after this book.
This is an easy read for someone just entering the fantasy genre as the world isn’t too over complicated and the characters are well developed. There are plenty of twists and turns in the story as well to keep one’s attention.
The fact that the story started in Scotland meant I was drawn in from the beginning (totally biased I know!) and the home life that Lucy comes from was not what I was expecting when I picked up the book. It shocked me actually. But the subject was tackled in a way that was sympathetic to Lucy’s character. I can totally understand the hiding under the table scene having done it myself once growing up. I enjoyed seeing Lucy’s character evolve as the story continues, begins to question what’s around her and the people in it.
Lucy find herself dragged into another world, that of wizards, magic, and an evil Queen. Lucy is the person a prophecy has spoken off, it will be her that will defeat the Queen and restore peace and harmony across their world. But Lucy is only 17, very shy and has no knowledge at all that could help her here. What is she meant to do?
This is the first book of a planned trilogy and I would say it left the story at a great point. There has been a huge revelation and there is still a long way before she can think about managing her quest. The idea of a talking teddy bear does freak me out a bit so I try not to visualise him I’m afraid. But Lucy is well formed in my conscious and I want to find out what happens to her after this book.
March 16, 2023
This was recommended by a colleague, and I'm grateful or I wouldn't have found it.
This book is a bit different in parts. That is to say there was a mix of concepts that sometimes seemed light (and pretty familiar in a fantasy book) and other parts that were a bit abstract, dark and / or weird. But I really enjoyed the originality and novelty of some of those weird concepts - particularly the spooky floating Bear.
The story follows the protaganist Lucy, and we see things certainly for the most part, unfold through her eyes. She is a shy teenager from a troubled home in Scotland. She is brought into a new world by rulers of a kingdom who believe she will be the hero a prophecy predicted and solve their conflict with another kingdom.
Lucy is troubled by being in the new world, and remains shy, submissive, and confused for a lot of the book - but I was endeared to Lucy because of how relatable this reaction was from a girl of her age, and in a way this way quite refreshing from the standard trope. By the end of the book though Lucy was beginning to find her voice and that was nice to see.
There were glimpses to other characters in other areas of the fantasy world - which made me curious about the world and wonder about where the story was really going.
By the end I was questioning what Lucy had been told in the beginning - and realising what more there might be to the story. And so I'm excited to read the next book, Poison and Exile!
This book is a bit different in parts. That is to say there was a mix of concepts that sometimes seemed light (and pretty familiar in a fantasy book) and other parts that were a bit abstract, dark and / or weird. But I really enjoyed the originality and novelty of some of those weird concepts - particularly the spooky floating Bear.
The story follows the protaganist Lucy, and we see things certainly for the most part, unfold through her eyes. She is a shy teenager from a troubled home in Scotland. She is brought into a new world by rulers of a kingdom who believe she will be the hero a prophecy predicted and solve their conflict with another kingdom.
Lucy is troubled by being in the new world, and remains shy, submissive, and confused for a lot of the book - but I was endeared to Lucy because of how relatable this reaction was from a girl of her age, and in a way this way quite refreshing from the standard trope. By the end of the book though Lucy was beginning to find her voice and that was nice to see.
There were glimpses to other characters in other areas of the fantasy world - which made me curious about the world and wonder about where the story was really going.
By the end I was questioning what Lucy had been told in the beginning - and realising what more there might be to the story. And so I'm excited to read the next book, Poison and Exile!
January 25, 2021
From the first page we are introduced to the main character 17 year old Lucy who lives in Lockerby, Scotland. To say that her home life is not ideal would be an understatement as we learn from the outset. We continue to see glimpses of Lucy’s life as the story progresses. Lucy keeps finding mysterious notes and then a big gust of wind appears with a mysterious stranger and Lucy finds herself in Archmond with her dog Crumbs. Archmond isn’t in Scotland but the world of Escallia Wimbers.
There she meets Solomon and Ron and is told that she has been summoned to fulfil a prophecy to defeat Queen Abigail and restore peace and harmony to the land. Lucy is a normal teenager and doesn’t understand why she is there and how she has the skills required to fulfil the prophecy. Lucy’s stay at Archmond is short lived before she is required to leave the castle and begin her journey to find answers to the questions she can’t answer. During her journey Lucy also unearths memories that she didn’t know were there.
This was a good fantasy novel and an ideal first read for those wanting to delve into the fantasy genre as it isn’t too heavy. It was really interesting to learn both Lucy and Queen Abigail’s backstory. Although both were from different worlds the connecting factor in both of their stories is violence. One aspect that I liked was that Lucy learned about the royal family’s history through a dream that included a talking bear, which was definitely a unique feature. The book stopped at the perfect point paving the way for the story to continue in the next book.
If you like stories full of fantasy, realms, wizards, magic and prophecies or are considering delving into the fantasy genre for the first time then this is the book for you.
I received a gifted copy for an honest review.
There she meets Solomon and Ron and is told that she has been summoned to fulfil a prophecy to defeat Queen Abigail and restore peace and harmony to the land. Lucy is a normal teenager and doesn’t understand why she is there and how she has the skills required to fulfil the prophecy. Lucy’s stay at Archmond is short lived before she is required to leave the castle and begin her journey to find answers to the questions she can’t answer. During her journey Lucy also unearths memories that she didn’t know were there.
This was a good fantasy novel and an ideal first read for those wanting to delve into the fantasy genre as it isn’t too heavy. It was really interesting to learn both Lucy and Queen Abigail’s backstory. Although both were from different worlds the connecting factor in both of their stories is violence. One aspect that I liked was that Lucy learned about the royal family’s history through a dream that included a talking bear, which was definitely a unique feature. The book stopped at the perfect point paving the way for the story to continue in the next book.
If you like stories full of fantasy, realms, wizards, magic and prophecies or are considering delving into the fantasy genre for the first time then this is the book for you.
I received a gifted copy for an honest review.
February 25, 2023
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whoever wrote in the description that this is “highly imaginative and original” must not have ever read or seen “The Wizard of Oz.” This book even includes the phrase “I’m not in Scotland anymore, am I?” Lucy is a high school student with a very bad living situation: her parents are constantly fighting (physically) and she doesn’t know what to do. At school, other students make fun of her because she can’t afford to buy nice clothes. She spends her afternoons just wandering around, not wanting to stay at school, not wanting to go home.
Then, she is mysteriously swept up and sent to the kingdom of Archmond (which is when we get the stolen line from Wizard of Oz), where the sorcerer Soleman has brought her between worlds to be used for his own purposes in the war against Meta Emery.
This book was disappointing for so many reasons, not just that it’s an obvious ripoff of The Wizard of Oz. It’s also very poorly written, and lacks any kind of realistic characterization for anyone. Lucy is sad, woeful, helpless, confused, and nothing else. I have no idea what she’s like or what’s important to her. Just nothing.
Whoever wrote in the description that this is “highly imaginative and original” must not have ever read or seen “The Wizard of Oz.” This book even includes the phrase “I’m not in Scotland anymore, am I?” Lucy is a high school student with a very bad living situation: her parents are constantly fighting (physically) and she doesn’t know what to do. At school, other students make fun of her because she can’t afford to buy nice clothes. She spends her afternoons just wandering around, not wanting to stay at school, not wanting to go home.
Then, she is mysteriously swept up and sent to the kingdom of Archmond (which is when we get the stolen line from Wizard of Oz), where the sorcerer Soleman has brought her between worlds to be used for his own purposes in the war against Meta Emery.
This book was disappointing for so many reasons, not just that it’s an obvious ripoff of The Wizard of Oz. It’s also very poorly written, and lacks any kind of realistic characterization for anyone. Lucy is sad, woeful, helpless, confused, and nothing else. I have no idea what she’s like or what’s important to her. Just nothing.
September 18, 2020
Alice in Wonderland meets Game of Thrones...
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this fantasy/YA novel by new author Katie Webster. This novel begins the story of Lucy, a Scottish teenager who is mysteriously drawn into a journey through the fantasy Kingdom of Archmond. The depth of politics in the colourful kingdom of Archmond is intriguing and mysterious and from Lucy's vantage point it get the sense that we are seeing only the tip of the political iceberg. Lucy, it seemss, is at the centre of a prophecy, but all is certainly not what it seems in this world. It is a joy to experience the colourful cast of characters who Lucy meets along her journey to return home/fulfil the prophecy.
This book takes us on a trip through an entertaining, colourful, fantasy world but at its heart we see the the struggles of Lucy to grow from a teenager from a small Scottish town into an adult and a heroine. I recommend this book to fans of fantasy and young adult books and I can't wait to read more of the series!
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this fantasy/YA novel by new author Katie Webster. This novel begins the story of Lucy, a Scottish teenager who is mysteriously drawn into a journey through the fantasy Kingdom of Archmond. The depth of politics in the colourful kingdom of Archmond is intriguing and mysterious and from Lucy's vantage point it get the sense that we are seeing only the tip of the political iceberg. Lucy, it seemss, is at the centre of a prophecy, but all is certainly not what it seems in this world. It is a joy to experience the colourful cast of characters who Lucy meets along her journey to return home/fulfil the prophecy.
This book takes us on a trip through an entertaining, colourful, fantasy world but at its heart we see the the struggles of Lucy to grow from a teenager from a small Scottish town into an adult and a heroine. I recommend this book to fans of fantasy and young adult books and I can't wait to read more of the series!
December 30, 2022
This is a charming fantasy and adventure tale that will appeal to both adult readers and some young adults. Teenager Lucy is lured from her Scottish town during a gale into a secret world through an underground chasm by a series of notes.
She is unaware she has been chosen by wizards to depose the queen of an island kingdom. While concerned about getting home, she first of all faces a series of perilous challenges.
This beautifully crafted novel at times reminded me a little of The Wizard of Oz in which Dorothy and Toto meet a variety of characters while searching for a way home. Like Dorothy, Lucy’s constant companion is her little dog. A magical, compelling journey into a mystical world. Highly recommended.
She is unaware she has been chosen by wizards to depose the queen of an island kingdom. While concerned about getting home, she first of all faces a series of perilous challenges.
This beautifully crafted novel at times reminded me a little of The Wizard of Oz in which Dorothy and Toto meet a variety of characters while searching for a way home. Like Dorothy, Lucy’s constant companion is her little dog. A magical, compelling journey into a mystical world. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2023
The Invitation had a very much ‘Alice in Wonderland’ vibe, which reminds me of a lot of fantasy books I read as a child.
Lucy and her animal companion Crumbs are both very adorable At the start, we follow Lucy, who comes from a poor family and lives in a judgemental society. She has been whisked away to another world where she is their protagonist who needs to go on an adventure while discovering and growing as a person.
There was a lot of showing of imagery, but not a lot of telling. Despite the slow start, this book has a lot of potential, and overall it was a sweet fantasy that a lot of young readers will enjoy!
Thank you, NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an ARC, in return for an honest review!
Lucy and her animal companion Crumbs are both very adorable At the start, we follow Lucy, who comes from a poor family and lives in a judgemental society. She has been whisked away to another world where she is their protagonist who needs to go on an adventure while discovering and growing as a person.
There was a lot of showing of imagery, but not a lot of telling. Despite the slow start, this book has a lot of potential, and overall it was a sweet fantasy that a lot of young readers will enjoy!
Thank you, NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an ARC, in return for an honest review!
January 30, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC. Here’s my honest take:
I’m not sure where to begin. Lucy’s journey with Crumbs is a Tolkien-ish spin on a savior from another world trope. Webster’s story building is words, words, and more words and it somehow works and brings the reader through. As an adult, I didn’t have the patience for this style of writing, but the plot is strong and I think many of my students wouldn’t mind the prose. The many chapter subsections also help the narrative not feel quite so rambling.
I enjoyed the destination, but not the climb.
I’m not sure where to begin. Lucy’s journey with Crumbs is a Tolkien-ish spin on a savior from another world trope. Webster’s story building is words, words, and more words and it somehow works and brings the reader through. As an adult, I didn’t have the patience for this style of writing, but the plot is strong and I think many of my students wouldn’t mind the prose. The many chapter subsections also help the narrative not feel quite so rambling.
I enjoyed the destination, but not the climb.
February 4, 2023
I received this book as an arc through net galley.
First there were a lot of formatting errors with the ebook. Spaces within words, improper Spacing of sentences, and barely any paragraphs.
The story, if you could call it that, was one of happenstance. The author spent so much time painting wonderful imagery but then told you nothing of what happened. Everything just happened by coincidence. Lucy was lead on this quest but did absolutely nothing. I wish the author spent less time going over what Everything looked like and focused more telling us what is happening.
First there were a lot of formatting errors with the ebook. Spaces within words, improper Spacing of sentences, and barely any paragraphs.
The story, if you could call it that, was one of happenstance. The author spent so much time painting wonderful imagery but then told you nothing of what happened. Everything just happened by coincidence. Lucy was lead on this quest but did absolutely nothing. I wish the author spent less time going over what Everything looked like and focused more telling us what is happening.
September 10, 2023
I really wanted to like this one but it kind of fell flat. When I originally read the description I was really excited, it sounded really neat; but it was far too similar to The Wizard of Oz.
Lucy and Crumbs were cute and Katie Webster can paint a really detailed scene but there felt like some big gaps that could be improved upon.
The Invitation is the first book in the trilogy, curious to see where Katie takes it next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Katie Webster, and The Conrad Press for the ARC, the book was received for free but the opinions are my own.
Lucy and Crumbs were cute and Katie Webster can paint a really detailed scene but there felt like some big gaps that could be improved upon.
The Invitation is the first book in the trilogy, curious to see where Katie takes it next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Katie Webster, and The Conrad Press for the ARC, the book was received for free but the opinions are my own.
September 18, 2023
The Invitation is just that - an invitation into Lucy's strange new world where large wizards loom and strange jungle tribes hunt. I thoroughly enjoyed meandering through Lucy's new existence. 'Bear' was a fun character that added colour to the story. The descriptions of the various landscapes was compelling and mystical. I found that it was easy to lose myself in Lucy's new world, especially when I read large junks at a time. Looking forward to seeing how the political tensions in the background play out, and whether everything is as it seems...
February 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this one.
The world building was interesting and although this feels like a long introduction I am eager to see where the story will go.
Lucy is a likeable character and her companion adorable.
A bit slow at the beginning but overall a good introduction into this fantastic world.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The world building was interesting and although this feels like a long introduction I am eager to see where the story will go.
Lucy is a likeable character and her companion adorable.
A bit slow at the beginning but overall a good introduction into this fantastic world.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2023
I love fantasy, but this one wasn't for me. It reads like a children's book, but then again, the flowery language contradicts that. The numerous descriptions also make it confusing to read and difficult to follow the plot. The book could be much shorter, because many things happened, but also really nothing happened. This is the first book in the Lucy's Crypt series, but for me, the journey ends here.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2024
A wonder-full read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this world.
I got caught up in the world building and meeting these new and unusual people and places.
I was more than happy to follow along with Lucy and Crumbs on their journey (with Bear popping in, I sooo hope he is a good guy !!). The people, the landscapes, the plants, the animals were all unique and new. I became quite invested in Lucy and Crumbs and am most looking forward to continuing on with them.
I got caught up in the world building and meeting these new and unusual people and places.
I was more than happy to follow along with Lucy and Crumbs on their journey (with Bear popping in, I sooo hope he is a good guy !!). The people, the landscapes, the plants, the animals were all unique and new. I became quite invested in Lucy and Crumbs and am most looking forward to continuing on with them.
July 22, 2023
This is a general review of the two books I read: a well plotted and entertaining story.
A classic fantasy which starts slowly and introduce us to a magic world full of intrigue.
The first book is slow building, the second one faster and more entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A classic fantasy which starts slowly and introduce us to a magic world full of intrigue.
The first book is slow building, the second one faster and more entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this light read, there was a little something for every fantasy lover. It had an easy flow and i read in one sitting. Lucy the lead character is a shy teenager who is bullied and finds her way into the fantasy world of creatures and prophecies. A nice read for any fan of the genre.
January 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Super imaginative, intriguing and quite different from anything I have read for a while. The second half of the book gives glimpses of how vast the world can become and what else the series has to offer and I am all in! Looking forward to reading the second book.
May 4, 2023
The wizard of oz meets Alice in wonderland. Overall entertaining, but didn’t completely absorb me. The worldbuilding is well developed and easy to follow. This is the first of a trilogy so more to come! Overall worth the read.
April 23, 2023
A well written and easy to read start to this fantasy series. The book picks up pace in the last third and I’m excited to see where the story goes.
September 19, 2023
A wonderful read. Like Lucy, we're thrown into a strange and wonderful world which we slowly discover. Looking forward to book 2 & learning more about the 'bad guys'
August 25, 2020
I started reading this book as the title piqued my interest. An invitation to read “The Invitation” and I was quickly drawn into the intricate story lines that switched between worlds. I am already asking my mother to read it so we can discuss the story. I can’t wait to see where the fantasy takes me!
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