Welp. I’ve found my favorite book of July. Hands down one of my newest Fantasy Favs. I was totally invested from start to finish. Loved both Wren and Rose, loved their separate stories, loved the writing style, the romantic interests, the side characters… everything. 👏🏻

I really loved Tor, the whole guard and... well that gets me EVERYTIME. The witty banter between the characters was also fun. The library scene with the large roses and a man with no shirt... LOVED that scene haha.

Unfortunately, it did read similar to every other YA fantasy, take the crown type. Also all the issues seemed to be pretty easily solved. I also didn't care for Rose's chapters at all and skipped quite a few and went back later to read them. I really just wanted to see what was going on with Wren and you know who.

Also for a magical book there wasn't that much magic happening.

Overall it was an interesting read but the only thing that would bring me to read the second one is Tor.

Twin Crowns is a fast-paced YA rom-com fantasy co-written by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber. The writing flows beautifully really drawing readers in. The story follows two princesses separated at birth - one raised as the crown princess and the other raised to enact a dark plot and kidnap her sister taking her place. This is such a fun, exciting fantasy. If you enjoyed The Selection or Three Dark Crowns, this is the one for you. Twin Crowns is a perfect start to a brand new duology sure to sweep fans of their feet. Highly recommended!

Ah! Where to begin? This is a madcap story that takes off running and doesn't stop. Doyle & Webber do a commendable job of blending their two voices and it is not obvious where one ends and the other begins. The story's tone stays consistent throughout the novel, flowing smoothly.

Rose and Wren are both strong and weak, flawed yet wise. One is outwardly righteous and pure with inner naivety and prejudice. The other is thoroughly, unapologetically morally grey, both inside and out. My hope is that we see substantial character growth over the course of the series and that they eventually temper each other.

I appreciated that the romance took time to build. While not "slow burn" -- we do see the characters fully paired up by the end of "Twin Crowns" -- but at least it wasn't an insta-love situation for either character. Another favorite point? The humor! There are some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments to be found throughout the story.

The fantastical/magic-heavy setting significantly helped offset the inclusion of witches. It comes off as one more fantasy aspect, with much of their pagetime spent casting spells. AKA, similar to any other magical race in a fantasy novel.

I was disappointed both by the abrupt ending and the number of incomplete tangents / unanswered questions. I'd hoped "Twin Crowns" would stand a little straighter on its own. With that said, it stops at a comfortable point, though with many Book 2 setup points and unfinished questions lurking in the shadows. This book may not end on a cliffhanger, but I'm pretty sure the two characters are relaxing on a bench next to said cliff.

Content Considerations:
* Main character m/f pairings, with one (flirting with the possibility of two) f/f side pairings and one m/m if I'm remembering correctly
* More or less "clean" though there is one scene in particular that included some pretty sensual groping
* Violence and injury on par with YA fantasy; it's there, but not painfully gory or gratuitous in most cases (see next bullet point).
* Lengthy scene that agonizingly shows how multiple individuals died over the course of a bloody history
* One minor character death in the present, plus emphasis on other past deaths, including parental death
* Multiple death threats across multiple characters

Wren and Rose are twins and the heirs to the throne. Rose doesn’t know Wren exists. Their country was taken over a long time ago in a war that annihilated the country’s witches. Wren was protected and raised by her grandmother Banba and the witches that survived. The plan is to kidnap Rose, switch her with Wren and have Wren take back the country and make it safe for the witches. Things don’t turn out exactly according to plan. Wren isn’t very good at impersonating Rose and Rose, in finding out the truth about her parents’ death, her guardian’s betrayal and the true history of her country, no longer wants to remain on the sidelines. The ending of the book is kind of messy and there will be a second book. I’m just not interested in reading it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This was a highly enjoyable read and I really liked this book a lot. The concept was cool, and the alternating points of view was really well done. The writing was well done and the characters were well fleshed out, as was the plot. A great book overall!

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

Twin Crowns is a YA fantasy that involves twin princesses, Rose and Wren, separated at birth. One raised as the princess, one raised to steal the crown.
I loved this book, the characters were well developed, my favourite was Celeste. I loved how she was able to notice the difference between Wren and Rose, only something a true friend would be able to do.
I will definitely recommend this book, and can’t wait for where the series goes next.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this eARC

Princess Rose Valhart has been raised for one thing: to become queen. Under her rule, she will continue to protect Eana from the machinations of the witches who lurk in its shadows. Or, at least, that was the plan. Wren Greenrock was also raised for one thing: to take her twin sister’s place, ascend the throne of Eana, and enact justice for the witches to whom the kingdom once belonged.

The switch is made mere weeks before Rose’s coronation. On Eana’s far-off coastlines, Rose comes face-to-face with her heritage, the lies she’s been fed all her life, and her unexpected feelings for the handsome battle witch Shen. In the palace, Wren discovers her sister’s impending wedding to the prince of a neighboring kingdom, while she herself falls for his stoic (and observant) bodyguard Tor. But there’s more afoot than any of them bargained for. Rose’s guardian, the scheming Kingsbreath, has plans in place for her; and there are some dark corners of history even the witches don’t discuss.

Twin Crowns succeeds where so many books like it trip themselves up. Both Rose and Wren are simultaneously noble and flawed, perfectly imperfect in their own ways. Neither is the “correct” one, no matter what they themselves may think. Their respective friendships, struggles, growing pains, and (especially) romances are equally exciting and evenly explored. For the young adult in your life who loves fairy tales, classic romance, and magic, it’s a perfect pick.

Grade: A

(Reviewed in the Fall 2022 issue of Sci Fi Magazine)

This was such a surprise. I loved it! It is such a joy ride. Perfect for YA fantasy fans. The cover is really cute.

Listen. I'm giving this book 5 stars for sheer enjoyment value. In terms of content, it was probably more of a 4 star, but I was so freaking into it that I'm going with 5. I do what I want.

I swear, this book checked every box for me - girl taking back her throne, 5 different types of magic, romance with a guard, loyal wolf companion, strong female heroines... all of the things. I genuinely looked forward to each time I was able to reopen the book and I'm so excited that this is a series and not a one shot.

As for what was lacking, the pacing seemed quick for me - everything seemed to happen immediately without much build up. On what hand, I do enjoy a quick fantasy because I am just done with the epic fantasy journeys that take forever to get to the meat of the story, but on the other hand, making things happen too quickly doesn't let you fully enjoy the conflict. That being said, I still loved it even with the quick pacing.

Definitely looking forward to the rest of this series.

I love a story about twins and the dynamic and rivalries between them. Twin Crowns is a good demonstration that the environment you're raised in has a lot of consequences for what your life is like. There's a ton of god worldbuilding here to explain the kingdom and magic system, and it doesn't come at the sacrifice of plot. Fast-paced and keeps you guessing.

**Thanks to Netgalley for the e-galley in exchange for a honest review**

Twin Crowns follows the tale of two sisters Rose and Wren in a post war fantasy world where witches have been forced into exile and are feared. The story is the classic twin swap with a twist and overall is a great story to follow along with. I really enjoyed it! The first half tonally is more rom-com and light hearted but the back half really fleshes out and makes the world more real. There are a few character moments that hold it back for me that hold it back from getting a full 5 stars. The novel ends in a way that gives room for a 2nd novel and I would look forward to it if it happened.

This was an e-arc provided to me at no cost through NetGalley.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, the first half was a little slow and the information was a bit to take in quickly. I really enjoyed the girls’ development as they were in their swapped places. This story is more of sister bonds and good over evil vs a true romance. It seems to be set up for a sequel which I would read.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this advanced copy for an honest review.
…….
I have been tracking this book since I saw the cover. The book did not disappoint either the fantastic cover and story are begging for a sequel that I can’t wait to read!!!!

My review can be read here: https://twincitiesgeek.com/2022/06/twin-crowns-delivers-in-its-plot-and-protagonists/

I can definitely see the Princess Bride inspo with this one! I loved the enemies to lovers aspect of this book as its my fave trope. This book was insanely fun and I can’t wait for the next one. I can see why this is getting so much hype!

I read this book in about a day because it was so hard to put down. I love all the tropes present in this book, and I I love how it never really gets slow in the plot line, but it does speed up quite a bit towards the end! I’m already eager for book 2!

Two sisters Rose and Wren, princesses, born to be sheltered loved and cherished, then tragedy strikes

Separated before they even knew each other Rose remains a princess, Wren is stolen away and lives in a world where magic isnt forbidden and is encouraged.

That is until Wren finds herself sneaking into the castle and watches her sister be kidnapped, taken to the only home Wren has known leaving her to take Rose's place in the Palace.

In this masterful tale of nature versus nurture we see how different the lives of these two sisters have been.

Each sister learning to live the life of the other, one by choice one by force.

Finding they can (in some cases) understand and even empathize with the choices the other has made, while also adding their own choices into the otherwise lives.

Will our sisters ever be united in location and belief?

Will they come to terms with all of the choices the other had made even when they don't or can't understand.

Beautifully written, this tale shows both sides of the world and makes you wonder which sister had it better and which will have their happily ever after.

A fantastic fantasy! Twins separated at birth?? Loved the premise from the moment I read it! This absolutely did not disappoint. Will highly recommend!