Thank you Netgalley and Electric Monkey books for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cursed Crowns is the sequel to Twin Crowns and it starts right where we left off with Wren and Rose agreeing to rule together as Queens. While Rose is all for it and is trying to keep the peace among witches and humans, Wren is more worried about their grandmother being in the hands of their enemy.

Twin Crowns was one of my favorite reads of 2022 but I think my expectations were a little too high while reading Cursed Crowns.

I had a hard time staying focused and the pacing felt off to me. Wren was frustrating to follow as all her decisions were almost always bad and impulsive. Rose was okay and I preferred her chapters to Wren's.

I did like the romance and the unexpected love triangle. There was tension and some steamy moments that were entertaining to read.

I think a lot of readers will enjoy the sequel with its twists and intriguing new characters.

Sadly, my expectations were too high and Cursed Crowns fell a little short for me.

4 stars

I was so excited to be approved for this ARC. I fell in love with Wren and Shen in Twin Crowns and couldn't wait to read their next adventure. I think Cursed Crowns was a very good second book in a series. I often find there are two outcomes for second books: 1. the second book is just a place filler to move the story along and all of the action happens in the third book; 2. the second book actually has action and an interesting plot. I was very pleased to see that Cursed Crowns falls into the second category. It was nonstop action from beginning to end. Wren goes off to Gevra to rescue Banba and Rose and Shen travel to find the Sunkissed Kingdom for help defeating the witch hating revolution cropping up in Eana. As you can imagine if you read Twin Crowns, there is drama at every turn. Shen reconnects with long lost family who dredge up his past in ways he couldn't have imagined. Wren discovers that her freedom is going to come at a cost she didn't bargain for. Laced throughout all of the drama is a undercurrent of romantic tension between Shen and Rose and Wren, Tor, and Alarik. Yes you read that write, there is a love triangle forming with the KING OF FREAKING GEVRA. I'm telling you, you need to read this book to find out how the heck that happens. I'm serious you are not ready for that side of the story! The only gripe I had was with Rose's character. I didn't care for her in Twin Crowns and she didn't improve all that much in Cursed Crowns, She just became more whiny and rigid. Although, I will say she absolutely made up for her behavior at the very end. Again you'll just have to read it to find out :)

So… idk what it is about this one, but it just isn’t keeping my interest.

I made it about 25% of the way in, and felt like everyone is just annoying me, unfortunately….

Writing: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5

Themes: Fantasy, Witches

Cursed Crowns continues right where Twin Crowns left off. Wren is trying to figure out how to get their grandmother back and Rose is trying to keep their country together. But there is a group called The Arrows who would rather hold on to the old ways and hates the two witch queens. I thought this book was good. Yet again Wren is my favorite and I enjoyed where her story is going. There were times Rose annoyed me, but overall I still enjoyed it. I really hope they continue on with this series.

I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review.

Definitely delivers as the follow up to Twin Crowns! And with further plot twists, storyline building AND character development this series is sure to be one folks talk about. It opens up new worlds for the Queens. It answered as many questions as it left to be answered as well. Each area explored is detailed so your mental picture carries you along for the journey. Excellent book! (Even for a girl who does NOT like books about witches.)

I really wanted this to work, but sadly, it did not. I found Rose to be extremely frustrating and Wren to be the poster child for bad choices. It was just one thing after another for both of them and not in a way that moved things along or brought growth. I think I could have read it easier with a little faster pace, but I just struggled to sink into it.

The second books picks up perfectly where the fiest book ended. I was on the edge of my seat to see what happens to the twins and Banba. I love how these authors write together. They flow together like its one person. The characters even the bad guys make you like them for the most part. I can not wait for the next book! I need it!

Cursed Crowns is the thrilling, high-stakes sequel to Twin Crowns. Cursed Crowns picks up right where Twin Crowns leaves off, with Rose and Wren claiming the crown of Eana together and Banba still a prisoner of King Alarik. While Rose is determined to start their reign on a high-note, with a royal tour, Wren is distraught over Banba and determined to save her. In addition to Wren's protestations to the royal tour, Rose is faced with rebellion from those who do not want to see the witches returned.

Ultimately, Rose sets off on the royal tour but is interrupted by an ambush and a surprising rescuer. This sets in motion an adventure that takes Rose, Shen Lo, and the stranger to hidden realms and lost kingdoms. Wren, dead set on saving Banba, flees to the north to face King Alarik; however, even Wren is not prepared for what King Alarik has in mind. What is Wren willing to risk to save Banba?

Once again, the author does a tremendous job with both main characters/POVs. Wren and Rose are two very distinct characters with their own strengths, weaknesses, personalities, and quirks. I relate to various aspects of both characters. The journies that the two go on in Cursed Crowns further develop the characters - they are forced to look inside themselves (at what they like and don't like). In addition to Wren and Rose, all the other amazing characters from Twin Crowns return in book two. I was especially happy to dive deeper into Shen Lo's past; his story arc in Cursed Crowns may be my favorite. I also enjoyed getting to know King Alarik better.

The book is fast-paced, with plenty of action, adventure, and romance. The sequel definitely lives up to the first book. I can't wait for book three! Cursed Crowns is an easy five stars!

Cursed crown picks up right where Twin crowns left us and takes us on a wild ride.

Rose and Wren want the same thing for their kingdom to be united and to live in peace but how can that happen when everyone is divided including the two Queens? The sisters may be united but can their differences help or hinder them?

Through the story we watch both Wren and Rose struggle and fight and grow. Kathrine and Catherine bring a richeness to this world the imagery is magical and these characters became people I looked forward to meeting with each day. I could taste the heat of the desert, feel the chill in Gevra, and the darkness each person and or place needs to battle. I could picture everything so vividly.

I found with the second book the characters continue to developed even more deeply. Each one has a journey and purpose they need to figure out and an inner demon they need to battle.

There were moments of passion and anger and magic sometimes all at once that pull you in and leave you wanting more and more.

I was emotionally attached to this story and these characters and look forward to what comes next.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. There were so many elements I loved in theory, but somehow I couldn't care about any of it.

There was a twist toward the end that really made things interesting (I had a suspicion about it but had given up hope that it was correct). For that alone, I'll definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.

Twins Wren and Rose have finally won their kingdom back from a legacy of hatred towards witches. While Rose looks to win over the lingering hatred, Wren is distracted by the kidnap of her grandmother. Leaving Rose, Wren attempts to sneak into the neighboring kingdom of Gevra, only to be discovered and given a terrible bargain. In Wren's absence Rose does her best to keep the country together as civil war brews. This second book in the Twin Crowns series brings with it more world building and character development. There are some instances when the characters make decisions that seem more based on plot development than character development, but the writing is compelling enough that readers should be able to stay immersed.

I loved all of the adventure, action, romance, and characters that we gained more insight into (especially Alarik). That ending broke my heart multiple times. Full RTC!

Update:
Cursed Crowns was a lovely sequel that takes places right where Twin Crowns left off. I will note that this did feel on the younger side of YA, but still enjoyable nonetheless. Which leads me to the characters, whom came off very juvenile, especially in the first half or so. Although, I will say during the latter half the characters, especially Wren and Rose showed growth. There was plenty of adventure and action along the way to keep you enthralled until the very end. Some did not enjoy the twins being parted throughout the book, but I actually loved getting the Dual POVs of the twins while in different locations. How about that love triangle that was blooming near the end? I stan Alarik. As much as this book made me laugh it also made me tear up multiple times. That ending ripped my heart out and stomped on it a few times. Last, but certainly not least...ELSKE! Oh, how I missed you my furry friend. I will be looking forward to a happy ending for all of these characters, fingers crossed.

Thank you to Harper Collins & Netgalley for an eARC!

The plot for this one was even better than the first! If you had told me that I would be rooting for and even growing to like King Alarik at the end of the second book I would have told you that you were out of your mind. But honestly he has become one of my favorites. There is some loss and grief portrayed in this book and it had me bawling my eyes out. I thought this was just a duology but now it looks like it will be a trilogy. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thank you to Netgalley and Balzer&Bray/ Harper Collins for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins Children's Books for my eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cursed Crowns picks up right an the end of Twin Crowns. The action never stops as Rose and Wren race to save their kingdom and their grandmother. But will their dream of ruling together end in tragedy ?

This YA fantasy will pull you in from the first page. I suggest reading Twin Crowns first (I went back and read the last 5 chapters) so everything was fresh in my mind. Catherine and Katherine have also sprinkled some humor throughout the book and I had strong Princess Bride vibes. I enjoyed this one very much.

This one covers all the bases:
Action
Adventure
Young Love
Family
Betrayal
Witches
Magic

After that ending I can only assume. And hope. There will be another book.

What a story! I really enjoyed Twin Crowns and had no idea what to expect from this one. Btw…the story isn’t finished after the second book. Maybe that’s obvious and everyone knows it. 😅 To avoid spoilers, I’ve stayed away from reviews or mentions of this series. Hence, why I didn’t know each book is left open-ended to make way for another book.

Wren. She’s my favorite although she’s brash and makes selfish decisions. Rose and Shen are amazingly sweet, their relationship just makes my heart ache it’s so lovely.

I literally have no idea what’s going to happen and what will happen with Wren. I’m super excited for it!

Really enjoyed this series so far and am going to keep it on my watch-list to keep an eye out for the next book. 😁

Warning: this one had more steam with hints to sleeping together—I’d say closed-door since nothing graphic was mentioned and it was all very vague.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really wanted to like this book,
but I didn't.

I had received the ARC for the next book in this series "Cursed Crowns," so I went into this book with all the hopes of loving it. I found it hard to even begin to get through and only pushed through for the sake that I was given the ARC, otherwise I would've DNF'd this book.

I found that all the characters are unlikeable and just so whiny, that while reading or listening I just kind of zoned out, I am shocked Ansel didn't die sooner I could not go through another pet name or him whimpering, it was good he was put out of his misery, alas put me out of mine.

The only character I found to be at all intelligent and likeable was Celeste, but even she seemed to get on my nerves.

all in all I think I may have to opt out of the next book.
it's so hard to tell from the "adult ya" to the actual ya and this is truly more for 13-14 year old's,
although, my daughter probably wouldn't even enjoy it.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Cursed Crowns is the exciting followup to last year’s Twin Crowns, and it’s just as good. One of my critiques regarding the marketing of this series still stands, in that I don’t find this particularly romcom-esque, but I did feel like the fun and humor shined through a bit more this time around.
The authors have a knack for crafting fast-paced, intriguing stories, and this is no different. In spite of the length of the book, I was constantly immersed in the story and found it unputdownable. There’s constant action and intrigue, and the slight injection of humor that helps to maintain a light touch.
While the first book followed the separated twins finding each other, this book sees them again parting ways. While it’s a shame to lose out on more of the dynamic between the two, as that is the strongest aspect of the book, their bond still shines through in spite of this separation. Seeing their challenges, individually and collectively, as they navigate their new roles as queens is absolutely a highlight of this book.
Both Wren and Rose have a lot going on, and grow a lot over the course of this installment. Rose in particular really comes into her own, evolving from the haughty girl she was into a more mature leader who truly wants to do the best for her people. She also goes through some great romantic developments with Shen, who also has become an intriguing character this time around. As for Wren, she makes some reckless choices and has a bit of a temper, and it’s been interesting how that guides her arc this time around.
I really enjoyed these books so far, and am eager to see what either or both authors do next. If you’re a fan of YA/NA romantic fantasy, I recommend checking this series out!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eArc!
I enjoyed reading the first book, and I was so excited to get an early copy of the second. I think there is so much growth and development with Rose and Wren. The first book does a fantastic job of setting up the character's personalities and flaws and the second one does a great job of developing them. I really loved the premise from the first book especially seeing Rose understand the history of her family. Everything comes to ahead in this book and there were a lot of unexpected decisions from Rose and Wren that I really enjoyed reading about.

I absolutely LOVE the sisterly bond between Rose and Wren. It’s always great to see females working together as opposed to against each other.

This one gets a little spicier in the romantic sense.

I think both girls have shown tremendous growth from when we first met them. It’s truly done so well!!

I will update the review with the link to on our blog closer to publication date.

I'd like to thank the publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, Balzer + Bray and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review