The story started a little slow for me, but I’m glad I didn’t stop. The plot keeps deepening right through to the thrilling conclusion.

The Firefly Crown is a magical story centered upon 12-year-old Yumi who narrates the tale. She and her parents are known as Crickets, ones who can communicate their magic through real insect crickets. Yumi finds that very boring and would much prefer to be one of the Fireflies whose magic is much more powerful. In the empire, magic determines your fate. Yumi is tired of being a failed Cricket, but she has no choice…or does she?

All the sorcerers are ordered to attend the young princess’s coronation. Nothing goes as planned as the Firefly Crown is stolen before the valuable piece can be placed on the head of the new princess. The crown’s magic can protect the empire from a Ghost Swarm of undead bugs who can kill everyone they fall upon. Things get worse when Yumi is blamed for stealing the crown. Her only hope is to find the real thief and save her family and empire. Good luck Yumi. You are going to need it.

The 27 chapters come alive with many exciting, action packed encounters. Yumi is an endearing character and you will be cheering for her right to the last decision she makes. THE FIREFLY CROWN will appeal to those who love a unique fantasy set in a palace based world.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: November 11, 2025 PAGES: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE FIREFLY CROWN by Yxavel Magno Diño

1. Yumi’s real passion is to become a metal worker, one who create marvelous pieces of artwork. It was a nice turn to see her more interested in that path than doing real magic. Follow your dreams is her way of dealing with life and what a good path that becomes!
2. Even the irritating crickets have a role in this story, and Yumi befriends a strong willed one in Ikko. A memorable sidelight.
3. You’ll be guessing as to who is the traitor and that helps propel the story forward. I was surprised when I figured out who the bad guy really was in the final chapters.
4. Yumi’s new friends help her along the way and they stick with her despite the dangers facing the group.
5. No cliffhanger at the end. All plot points are resolved and you find out what eventually happens to each of the characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yxavel 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. (Author Website)

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