Twin crowns is amazing. It is fast paced from the very beginning if you're not having an action scene, you're having romance, mystery, thriller, family drama.
I could not put this book down. Each character is vivid and real the landscape also comes alive the authors our humorous yet can tug at your heart strings.
You go on a journey of growth and wisdom with these two sisters a journey of finding each other but also learning about themselves.
What you have planned for your life may not be the best plan who you think you are may not be all there is.
I'm very excited for the second book to continue this adventure.

I really enjoyed this book! The premise was so good and I loved the dynamic between the characters. Sometimes the dialogue fell flat, or felt a bit young for bathe situation, but I fell in love with so many characters so early in the book.

The world building was phenomenal, and I loved learning more about the world through the eyes of a princess as she learned more about her own world. This is going to be a fantasy YA release and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

This book bewitched me from start to finish! A dazzling tale in the vein of The Princess Bride and Serpent & Dove, Twin Crowns is everything I love in a YA fantasy, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel!

What is so impressive about this book is that it's written by two authors, with each author handling one of the two POV's. And yet, it flows SO seamlessly! Even though the two sisters have very different personalities, it reads as if the author is of one mind. I loved this and can't wait to add a finished copy to my collection!

This made me scream. Out loud, surprising my family who was next to me enjoying their movie..which is ALWAYS a sign of a great book. Wren and Rose put me through every emotion known, and I am all here for it. I CANNOT WAIT for the next book. I loved all of the details throughout. The curse of the sisters, the Forrest and how you relive the battle…everything was just so well thought through. It flowed evenly into the next chapter, nothing ever seemed out of place. I was able to live through everything as if I were there.

We can always tell who is going to end up being the romantic interest by the way the bickering and how the slow-burn develops. Rose and Shen challenge each other and truly grew together, and it’ll be great to see how it progresses. I absolutely loved the scenes where we truly got to see his skill as a warrior. Wren and Tor…the forbidden love is always a favorite of mine. When they finally accept it, it’s just magic. Tor broke my heart with his choice…but I think we all knew it had to happen that way. Elske staying…my heart! There are so many heartbreaking moments that I’m not ready to accept.

I’m curious to see how Banba will end up, obviously we hear of the horrors of King Alarik. No matter how handsome he may come across initially, I have to hate him. His entire demeanor and his beliefs about women…absolutely horrible. So yes, I hate him. But for Banba, the brutality he promises towards witches doesn’t fare well for her, no matter how powerful of a witch she may be.

4.75/5 stars

This book was amazing! The world was incredibly thought out and I adored Rose and Wren.

Rose and Wren couldn’t be more different but I loved them both. Reading Rose finally got the freedom she craved and dealing with her prejudices against the witches was amazing. And Wren attempting to take Rose’s place was kinda funny. I loved how determined she was to make the country better.

The couples in this book! I can not choose a favorite. I love them both. Shen and Rose were adorable, especially near the end. They care about each other so much and I can’t get over it.

Wren and Tor were the epitome of slow burn. They clearly wanted each other but couldn’t be with each other because of their nations. Their tension together was immaculate. I feel so bad for Wren at the end, I just want them to be happy.

When Wren and Rose met I had such high anxiety, but I loved how they worked together. While they still have a lot to go through, they created an amazing bond in such a short time.

Overall, I loved it and desperately want the sequel.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc!
If you enjoy magic, romance, and adventure, this book is for you! Definitely for readers of Sarah J Maas.

I was enraptured from the first chapter. The book is written in both main character’s perspectives, Wren and Rose. The chapters alternate which left me hanging because as soon as a chapter would end it was a mini cliffhanger! It’s written so well by both authors I couldn’t tell you which character I enjoyed more. Rose definitely had more character development and action, but Wren’s strength and cleverness is captivating as well.

Definitely a book to pick up! Waterstones also has signed special editions for pre-order with gorgeous stenciled edges! Two versions, one for Wren and another design for Rose. I had to buy both of course!

Btw, book ends well. Not a terrible cliffhanger but definitely leaves you waiting for book two!

Twin trope for the win! Sometimes, I sincerely love tropes - particularly when they are done well, like this one. The alternating chapters of each twin kept the story moving quickly, which is a great tactic to get to know each twin separately. The abduction was also well paced, giving Rose time to become less brainwashed? and find herself. Of course, the convenient placement of Shen and Tor were expected romance morsels that for did not disappoint. The twin trope may have sucked me in but the enemies to lovers had me staying up late reading way past my bedtime. I think I swooned a little when Wren and Tor got flirty. Wren was of course my favorite - she had purpose and spunk and skills, and I just loved her sense of self. Rose took a little longer to nuzzle her way into my cold and hardened heart, but watching her growth through the novel, and the subtle changes in her character as she progressed to the climax was endearing and relatable.
The world building was also well done. I could picture the palace and feel the sand while we ere traveling the desert into Ortha. I also really enjoyed the history of the novel that is woven tightly with the story line. The idea that magic was split into five different branches of magic in order to weaken witches was such a fun twist on the pentagram! Overall, this book captured me, held me, and put me under a spell! I can't wait for book two!

i knew i was going to like this book and was absolutely correct. it’s so fun, interesting, and fast paced and can easily see it becoming a big YA book.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. This has great cover art, I love the idea of twins battling for the crown, not knowing their history, and the premise really held promise. There are parts to this story that had good elements, but the flow and the characters were not relatable or enjoyable. There are twins involved, and even though I like that idea in making them such opposites, which makes sense, there's no real balance to either of them. They both had a difficult personality/character development that was hard to get behind and cheer for. The side characters were great, the magic was fun, but the execution of this book and the plot needed some work. The book didn't have a natural flow, and it was too choppy, alongside characters that were mediocre it was just an ok book. I do think some readers will enjoy this more, I was unfortunately not one of them. Reviewed for honest

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Twin Crowns is an absolute fantastic YA fantasy novel. Wren and Rose are twins who were separated at birth and proceeded to have two very different upbringings - one in the royal palace and the other in an isolated seaside village. As one twin prepares for her coronation, the other plots to steal the crown. I thoroughly enjoyed everything, from the characters to the world to the plot.

First, the characters are well-developed. While both Wren and Rose are great main characters, who are both extremely relatable, my favorites are the side characters. I especially loved Shen, Tor, and Celeste; although, Banba and Thea were great too. The dialogue and banter between the characters is well-done, particularly between Tor and Wren and Shen and Rose.

Second, the world that the authors create is quite exciting. The magic is well-defined and the places across the island are excellently described. I'm excited to learn more about the Gevrans and their country in the next book.

Finally, the story has everything: action, magic, romance, secrets. Because the plot is so interesting and the characters so likable, it's a very fast read. I definitely recommend Twin Crowns - it's an easy 5 star read! I can't wait for the sequel.

(4.5 stars, rounded up)

Content warnings: gaslighting, imprisonment, murder

Identical twins Rose and Wren were separated at birth. Princess Rose Valhart of Eana was raised to claim her birthright as queen after her parents King Kier and Queen Lillith were murdered. Wren Greenrock was raised in a secret colony of witches — her mother’s people — after the midwife snuck her out of the palace to her grandmother.

Eana was once a land where witches ruled, but the Great Protector stole the crown from the witch queens and established the Valhart line. Wren was raised and trained for the moment when she would switch places with Rose and become queen in her stead. Wren’s rule would see witches return to Eana as its people, not its hunted citizens.

Rose is kidnapped and brought to the witches to meet the family she never knew existed (minus Wren). She is terrified that her people are the witches she was raised to fear primarily because they murdered her parents.

Each twin has their own share of adventure and romance during their swapped lives, but when a threat to the kingdom proves too much for one twin, they must join forces to save Eana. The ending leaves us with a cliffhanger to be resolved in a future series entry.

Recommended for fans of YA fantasy. Adult fantasy readers looking for more female-centric stories will also enjoy this novel.

Representation: BIPOC, orphan, twins, gay marriage, lesbian

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: May 17, 2022)

“Twin Crowns” by Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber was one of the best YA novels I’ve read since “The Selection” by Kiera Cass! I try not to judge books by their covers, but this book’s cover was so exceptionally intriguing that I HAD to know what the story was about. The alluring synopsis about twin sisters separated at birth (one raised as the crown princess, and the other taken as an infant and raised to kidnap her sister, steal the crown, and avenge the parents' murders) was more than enough for me to immediately want to read this book!

The story ended up having everything I was hoping for and so much more! The writing between the two authors was so skilled and seamless that I completely bought into the characters and the world the authors created. I even found myself re-reading some chapters of the book, because the writing was so outstanding that I could visualize the scenes perfectly in my mind – and they were well worth a second or third read!

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any teen or adult wanting to read a spellbindingly well-written YA fantasy rom-com! I loved this book so much that I’m already dying for the second book in this duology to come out! Please don’t make us wait too long; I must know how this story will end for Rose, Wren, Shen, and Tor!

Great YA fantasy novel. The cover and description are what drew me in. I love YA fantasy and just thoroughly love getting lost in a different world. This was a very enjoyable read . The twins, Wren and Rose are fun to get to know and I found myself falling in love with both of them. Royalty, witches, magic, mystery, and romance made this book a very easy and fast read. I look forward to the sequel. Thank you Balzer and Bray and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Recommend.

Ahhh!!! I LOVED this book so much! It's been a hot minute since I've read a fantasy book that had me this invested in a story. The world was absolutely vivid and intricately depicted. The characters, particularly the sisters, were so strong in their own ways and added a layer of female empowerment to the story. Something I absolutely love and believe we need represented more in books. Anyways, solid 5 stars!

Twin Crowns is such a terrific read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the journeys of Rose and Wren. Each protagonist was developed well, forming both virtues and flaws, becoming relatable in unique ways. I found myself easily caring for both, and hoping their journeys would eventually find common ground. The plot is easily immersive, as one instantly finds themselves intrigued by its start and exhilarated by its continuous unfolding of action, comedy, political and magical mystery, and romance. Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber make an excellent team, and I simply cannot wait for the sequel! Until then, I’m eagerly awaiting the official publication of this book so I can have the hardcopy in my hands and onto the shelf.

While my enjoyment of this book did not cease, I also must admit to lamenting some unevenness within it. While the chapters evenly trade off between sisters, it seems Wren’s chapters hold more page time. Even by the end of the story, Wren held more knowledge about the main plot story, than Rose, creating somewhat of a power imbalance. I do think that could very well be done with intent to expand in the next sequel, but in this book, it further highlighted an imbalance between the twins.

I have no doubt Wren will be the readership’s favorite. She is very much a traditional YA heroine; we meet her with all her virtues: she is courageous, strong, witty, and we instantly feel her plight for revenge. It’s easy to like her because we meet her at her most likable, which for the most part doesn’t cease, if anything it increases. She is driving force for the plot, and through her story we learn much about the political and witch related plots. She is easy to love and root for from start to finish. A character I happily embraced.

Then there is Rose who awakens on the page as spoiled, vain, and prejudiced. She is anything but the typical YA heroine who sharpens steel, instead we see a character who sharpens her mind, and develops beautifully within the book. To me, Rose is the most intriguing protagonist— the one I felt my sympathy and loyalty tied the most to.

I’ve seen plenty of Wrens in YAs (and I love them all), but Roses are a rarer breed, and perhaps that is why I felt so fiercely protective of her as the story went on.

For all her conceit and judgement, Rose is also kind, gentle, loving, and so witty. She is not to be underestimated, yet constantly is.
If you judge her for her prejudice towards witches, then you miss the fact she has spent her entire 18 years living in deceit and fear, assuming witches are the reason her parents were murdered and her entire life derailed. She grew up unloved by all except her closest companion. She grew under the abusive thumb of a man who would shove her face into dirt as a child to “thoroughly” ensure she possessed no witch magic. She grew up isolated from the world, thus making it impossible to arm herself with the tools necessary to dismantle the lies that crippled her with such fear and misinformation.

I found her evolution in character the most interesting to watch. Wren is a strong character, and she, more than Rose, pushes the plot positively forward. Rose, on the other hand, is far more character driven. She has to dismantle lies, embrace truth, and determine future. When taken from her home, in which she is already isolated, she finds more of the same in a new place. She finds family, but remains (mostly) alone. Surrounding her are mentions of “Our Wren,” constant comparison, and talk of how her twin sister is meant for the throne, the only place that holds any sort of power for Rose, something she desired greatly to possess- power and agency. Rose is basically shown she has no place in this story. No place in the palace that isolated her, and no place amongst the witches she grew to fear.

She has major personal choices to make, and I found myself cheering her on, hoping she would eventually take the reins of her own life, rather than living like a puppet.

While Wren carried the main plot, Rose carried the romance. Both girls receive a romantic love interest, but it was the romance between Rose and her love interest that captured my attention. Wren’s romance felt underdeveloped by the time it reached its peak on page, whereas the romantic plot for Rose evolved more naturally and evenly throughout.
That said, I am intrigued more with how we leave the book on the subject of Wren’s romance. That will definitely have my attention in the next book. I'm so eager to see its potential explored!

In all, both protagonists bring much to the table-- and it's effortless to love them, because they're easy to get to know and root for.

I felt quite a lot throughout this book, many emotions were grasped from me. There were moments of frustrations but also moments of glee, and there was always excitement. I felt a lot, and to me that, that makes a book a winner. I didn’t just read through, I felt through out it all.

I leave this book wanting to recommend it to all looking for adventure, belonging, and a bit of romance too.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Balzer + Bray for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wren has grown up preparing for the day she can go into the palace and take down the man who killed her parents. Her sister Princess Rose Valhart wakes up in the desert with a kidnapper who takes her to the witches she once feared. Now she believes the witches could be the family she was missing.
I loved the world the author created. The characters were flawed in a way that makes you think they could be real people. Where the story lost me was with the romance that was forced and uncreative. I gave this book 3 stars because to me there was not a lot of unique characteristics to the book and no real twists. I did like the book enough that I would continue with the series.

This book is so dazzling!

Okay here is a small breakdown:

Characters:
Rose is such an interesting character, a 'sheltered' princess who has to learn and acknowledge that everything she was taught about her life is false, and that leadership of the country currently is harming it's citizens. She goes through a character arc where she learns more about herself, and learns to accept witches (who she was raised to fear and despise) and gains her own autonomy.

Wren, on the other hand, is Rose's identical twin sister who was raised outside of the castle by witches. She swaps places with Rose and must sneak around to accomplish her goals. I think the biggest part of her story, though it may not be as obvious, also has to do with her gaining autonomy and breaking free of her (somewhat verbally abusive) training/grandmother.

The love interests in this book are also so sweet. I kept swooning at all the situations and tropes!

I will also be claiming Elksie (the wolf) as mine. I'm staking my claim and placing dibs.


Plot:
I think the plot of this story is so intriguing. The exposition felt a little bit slow (because it was essentially two books/characters of exposition). But once you get past the introduction to characters/situation, the story goes so fast and feels like such a rollercoaster.


World Building:
The magic system of this world is not explained thoroughly, but the premise IS SO INTERESTING. I think the closest comparison is the different grisha. There are warrior witches, healers, enchanters, seers. I hope to see more types of witches in book 2 and I'm excited to explore the magic world more.

The court intrigue is also compelling! The mythology and lore of the different lands and countries feels so rich, without overburdening the reader with information. History, in this story, comes in tales and stories and it is so mesmerizing.


Miscellaneous:
Twin Crowns passes all my vibe checks: Strong women characters, who do not put other women down, compelling and non-problematic love interests and love stories. So, no red flags!

I'm so excited to see others' reactions to this book and so excited for book two! :)

Can we take a moment to admire the book cover because it is AMAZING 🔥

This story is everything you want in a YA book! Witches, danger, curses, villains and strong female leads!

Wren and Rose are the perfect opposites and twins. What one lacks the other males up for. Separate at birth due to unimaginable hatred, Rose grows up never knowing she has a sister and Wren grows up preparing to take her sister thrown.

Each have lived their lives believing two different things while only one was right.

This story is absolutely worth the read and the mystery is all part of the fun!

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced Copy in exchange for my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Twin sisters are separated at birth after their parents are murdered and the throne is stolen from them - one stays in the castle as the princess, the other goes into hiding with the witches. Before their 18th birthday, the witches enact a plan to restore themselves to the throne by kidnapping the princess, Rose, so the witch, Wren, can be crowned in her place.

I enjoyed this! I thought it was actually pretty funny and I liked all of the characters and their banter. The POV alternates between Rose & Wren and both stories are fun and easy to follow. It’s YA so the romance is mild but I liked both love interests and there’s even a bit of enemies to lovers. I also liked the relationship between Rose & Wren and seeing them come together after being apart for so long. This is the first in a series and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Fresh and fun, I found this YA read full of fairytale vibes, twists, and a deep, resounding message. Definitely hope for more from this writer duo.