I DNF'd at around the 30% mark, so please take my feedback with a grain of salt. I'm a big fan of cosy fantasy, but unfortunately, I found the Reignclowd Palace less cosy and whimsical, and more like it was written with a much younger audience in mind. I found the main character particularly jarring, and had to go back and double-check several times how old she was (it's not stated specifically, but she is implied to be in her early twenties, although she could easily be read as around 12). With some tweaks, I think the Reigncloud Palace would be a great book for Middle-Grade Readers or younger. You wouldn't even need to change the cover. I'm honestly confused as to why this was published as an adult fantasy.

4 stars

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of Reignclowd Palace by Philippa Rice in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for reading or reviewing this book—everything expressed here is my own opinion.

Evnie Treedle has lived a quiet, reclusive life since the tragic fire that destroyed her home, family, and community. She’s found a fragile sense of peace running a curious little shop on the edge of town with Granya, an elderly woman who trades in secrets and rare magical ingredients brought in by loyal adventurers.

That peace is soon disrupted when Evnie is summoned by the Kingdom to take up an apprenticeship at the palace with the renowned Spellsmith. But upon arrival, she discovers the Spellsmith is in an induced coma, leaving her to navigate a world of powerful magic, palace politics, and ancient secrets on her own. As she deepens her knowledge of folk magic and uncovers mysteries surrounding the Reservoir and the kingdom’s unstable fate, Evnie must confront long-buried truths and rebuild broken bonds—both magical and personal.

Evnie is a strong and assured protagonist. From the outset, she tackles magical challenges with intuition and confidence, often speaking her mind with a blunt honesty that can come across as selfish or even abrasive. These traits, however, serve the plot well and give her a compelling edge. Her interactions with Jasper (the Oracle’s apprentice) and Maxhabon (the kingdom’s timekeeper) hint at a potential love triangle, though Jasper’s warmth and earnestness complement Evnie’s fire in a particularly satisfying way.

The world-building is immersive, with atmospheric storytelling woven through enigmatic interludes narrated by Waeye and Drynth. As the plot unfolds, revelations about the Reservoir, the Oracle, and the manipulation of time and dimension bring clarity to the story’s trajectory. The evolving lore around the Dragons added a touch of wonder and tension that elevated the narrative even further.

All in all, Reignclowd Palace is a light-hearted yet thoughtful standalone fantasy with rich magical elements and endearing character dynamics. Perfect for readers who enjoy gentle world-building with a whimsical touch.

Thoroughly enjoyed following Evnie on her journey of growth in not just herself but in her craft and her magic. This is very YA but I absolutely adored it.

I adored absolutely everything about this book.

This felt like a Studio Ghibli film, like the warmest hug, like the first bite into a fresh pastry, just completely and utterly magical, whimsical and so incredibly cute.

At no point did I know where the story would go, I was just happily along for the ride.

There's some mystery, alternate timelines, and a very, very light touch of romance.

The main character, Evnie, was lovely - shy and anxious, but so talented in her craft, curious, and kind & generous. I loved all the side characters too, and the found family aspect.

A truly wonderful book!

Do you ever see a cover and you want the book to match it exactly? That was this book for me and I got what I wanted! This a lovely fantasy that really pulls you into a dreamy magical world that feels whimsical and immersive and doesn't let you go

A fluffy confectionary of a book, and one I found quite delightful. This is one for the dreamers! My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance.

When reading this book I felt like it was giving me a little warm hug. It is so atmospheric and cosy and warmed my soul. It is very much a YA Fantasy but sometimes its good to step away from the heaviness of other Fantasy books and dive into a whimsical tale.
4 stars.

DNF at 40%

This book is deeply confused as to what it wants to be. Evnie reads like a child despite being ostensibly 21 (I went back several times to check and I don’t think I saw anywhere that said she hadn’t aged in her 11 years with Granya) and characters that are meant to be her peers are mostly described as “boy” and “girl”, but then there’s the occasional indicator they’re older too; the narration and worldbuilding is deeply twee in the style of a middle grade book too, but then includes long dry passages of history that are at odds with this. I just kept finding myself more and more annoyed with the ambiguity to the point that I really couldn’t get into the story.

Such a beautiful and whimsical world that we get to experience through this book! Was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint!

What a cosy crafty read!

Thoroughly enjoyed following Evnie on her journey of growth in not just herself but in her craft and her magic. This is very YA but I absolutely adored it.

Reigncloud Palace is a beautifully crafted fantasy novel that whisks readers away into a dreamy world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Philippa Rice’s storytelling is both whimsical and immersive, drawing readers into a palace, where secrets unfold, and mythical creatures roam.

The novel’s world-building is stunning, with vivid descriptions that make the kingdom feel tangible. The central character’s journey—whether it’s a coming-of-age tale, a grand adventure, or a quest for truth—keeps the reader engaged. The presence of the ethereal dragon-like creature on the cover hints at a deeper connection between magic and destiny, adding to the book’s intrigue.

Rice’s writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making it an enjoyable read for fantasy lovers of all ages. The novel’s themes—whether about courage, friendship, or the battle between light and darkness—resonate deeply.

Overall, Reigncloud Palace is a must-read for fans of atmospheric fantasy and enchanting storytelling. With its breathtaking imagery and compelling narrative, it’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

This book feels like a warm hug. From the very first page I was entirely enchanted by this cosy, fairytale-esque story.

The determined and fiercely loyal main character, Evnie is a maker of all things magical, recruited to join Reignclowd Palace as an apprentice to the grumpy and mysterious Spellsmith, who has taken mysteriously ill and lays in a coma. Evnie soon discovers that all is not what it seems at the palace, and a looming threat of dragons is putting the Princess, Reignclowd, and the entire kingdom in danger.

I completely fell in love with this book from start to finish and how nostalgic it made me feel - this very much gave me the feeling of a more mature equivalent of the sort of books I know I would’ve poured over as a little girl. An endless thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.