Am so excited about this book!
When I got my copy I devoured it! If you haven't read book one in the series, you must read it first. Book two us even better than book one in my opinion
It picks up right where book two leaves off and continues the story.
I was so angry with the characters when they kept making bad decisions.
At times I screamed at them at others I cheered. I even found myself laughing. A whirlwind of emotions, twists and turns

Ready for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in return for my honest opinions.

Recommend.

YES YES YES. Now that is a sequel. I liked the first book, but didn't love it so much I'd want to re-read it (which is what I hold my 5-star ratings for). I would rate it like a 3.5-4. But this sequel? It's just on that edge of 5 star for me, I would most likely read this again within the year, it was that good. These two authors work magic together, and I was so very lucky to be able to read this ahead of time to review, so thank you NetGalley, and the publishers for that opportunity. I loved the characters more (I had some trouble with connecting to Rose's POV in book 1), and those TWISTS. I can't rave enough, give me all of Ms. Doyle and Ms. Webbers books here-on out please, I need them desperately!!

Well, they’ve done it again…

I loved this sequel even more than the first book!

My only complaint after finishing Twin Crowns was that we didn’t get to see more of the world. This book definitely delivers in terms of exploring the continent, meeting new characters and developing the world as a whole!

I loved learning about the Sunkissed Kingdom, though I definitely found myself partial to Wren’s plot line and her time in Gevra.

As someone who was head over heels for Tor in the first book, I may or may not have switched my allegiance.

King Alarik delivered with the enemies to lovers tension and I really don’t fault Wren for falling for him. Tragic, swoon worthy villains with soft hearts are my weak spot too.

Overall, I found the plot super engaging, the romance well developed and am super excited to read a third book soon!!!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to both Netgalley and the authors for getting to read the sequel to one of my favorite books of 2022 early!

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was thrilled to receive an e-arc for book 2. I found the story relatively easy to pick back up, despite the time span since reading the first book. Like the book 1, this book is told in alternate POVs--that of Rose and Wren. I liked the variety, and I felt that the style kept the story moving. Both sisters experienced significant character development, as did a few of the other returning characters.

There were a few interesting twists that I thought the author did a good job building into her story, some more predictable than others.

I look forward to the third book in this installment. Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is a great choice for teens interested in high fantasy.

This book starts off almost immediately after the ending of book 1, and imo, the way the plotlines happened also felt like a nod to book 1. It was fun to see the adventures and the very cool new characters (I especially enjoyed all the fun banter).

I was not expecting the twist with the "curse"?

Also, the ending made me cry a lot 😭 like [redacted] deserved so much better

A perfect sequel to Twin Crowns! I loved how much the world expanded in this story - we got to explore places only mentioned in Twin Crowns (no spoilers) and we got to know about Eana’s history. Plus, Wren and Rose are such well-written main characters. Though they may look alike, they are so different from each other - their thoughts, their interests, their personalities - which makes complete sense given how differently they were raised. Rose is initially going to be more politically savvy and Wren will be more confident in her use of magic. I found their individual thoughts and actions to be entirely plausible and believable based on their personalities.

Cursed Crowns picks up right where Twin Crowns ends, and even with the new threats and adventures, the focus isn’t taken away from the main threat - Oonagh’s curse that now lives in the twin Queens. That foreboding is a running thread throughout the entire novel, which was action-packed with self-discovery, questions of morality, familial bonds/sacrifices, and even a dash of romance (Tor who?).

I mistakenly thought this was duology, as only two books have been officially confirmed, but there are too many loose threads to tie up for there not to be a third book. I’ll be impatiently awaiting the announcement. In the meantime, I highly recommend picking up Twin Crowns/Cursed Crowns to begin your next fantasy adventure!

A swoon worthy follow up! I absolutely adored the first book in this series and there was no sophomore slump to be seen here. This book took what the first build and continued to make it even better.

Thank you @balzerandbray for the e-arc of this fantastic sequel.

Spoiler Free thoughts about what I loved:
• the writing is fantastic
• sisterhood
• wit and heart
• the ROMANCE
• I loved the twists!

This sister-in-law duo is AMAZING and I love the characters and world they have created. I can’t wait for more from them!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: closed-door
TW: possible spoilers -dm for details

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and Balzer + Bray for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: 09 May 2023)

I’m completely head over heels in love with this book! I’ve been dying to read “Cursed Crowns” ever since I read book one of this Twin Crowns series last year - which was one of the best YA novels I’ve read since “The Selection” by Kiera Cass!

Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love a sequel more than the original, this exceptional book came into my life and blew me away. All of my favorite characters were back (Wren, Rose, Shen, and Tor), but an unexpected love triangle took me by surprise in the best way possible! And I was equally surprised to find myself rooting for this unexpected coupling!

Aside from the outstanding cover art, the writing between the two authors is so skilled and seamless that I completely bought into everything they created. This is one of the few books where I literally laughed out loud a few times while reading it as well (the attic scene in particular had me in stitches!). I’ll be eagerly awaiting my return to Anadawn as soon as this book is available – which I have already pre-ordered!

My only small complaint was that Shen, who is one of my favorite characters in this series, acted a bit out of character a couple of times – which shocked me since all the other characters were in top form. I loved the addition of the mysterious hand mirror you can see in the cover art. I won’t give any spoilers, but I thought its use was very clever for this story.

I absolutely recommend this book to any teen or adult wanting to read a fantastically well-written YA fantasy rom-com. I thought the series was a duology, but this book had a huge twist at the end, so I know there will be at least one more book in this series – which I’m ecstatic about, because I must know how this whole series will end!

The only reason why I did not give this five stars was because Rose is annoying and immature.

I feel like the girls being separated for so long in this book make it very difficult to believe how close they are. They've spent such little time together between the two books, but are incredibly close. The mirror somewhat helped with that, but I wish there would have been some more interacting with them.

I loved Wren's chapters so much more though. Her bantering with a newish character and the chemistry they had really made me look forward to their chapters. They held this book on their back.

I was glad to see Rose and Shen's relationship grow, but they both have issues that make me worried. The twist sort of helps most of their issues-but the fact that this twist helps them avoid the fact that Rose didn't want to be with Shen because he was low ranking. It unsettled me.

Overall, I was satisfied with this sequel. I have a feeling that the next book will be even better though!

This was such a great read! I absolutely loved this story and characters which is why I flew through this book. The plot was exciting and full of twists and turns. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinion was not affected by the free copy.

I hate to do this, but I'm putting this book on the DNF pile. I enjoyed the first well enough but I just can't really get into this book. I haven't gotten very far with it, so take my judgments with a grain of salt. I don't want to judge the editing too much since this is an uncorrected proof, but I couldn't help noticing some errors right away. Right at the beginning, there were so many sentences that went on and on. A period or semicolon would have done wonders.

But that's a technical issue. My other issue was with the story itself. The readers were left with these two queens newly crowned, their grandmother captured and Wren's lover rejecting her. Their kingdom is in an uncertain time now because the girls want to reintroduce witches to society, when for years the people have been taught witches are evil and have terrifying powers. The girls learn that one noble in particular is stirring up dissent, so they bring him to the palace.

And what, you may ask, do these new queens do in their first act of diplomacy? Mock this dissenter and threaten him rather than talk to him, listen to his complaints, offer any sort of negotiations or concessions on their part. At one point he suggests that Rose marries him to help settle country and they act disgusted at this. Like, sorry he isn't young and handsome, but this is what it means to be a ruler. Marrying a non-magical nobleman would have indeed done wonders in stabilizing their kingdom and showing that non-witches still matter. But no, they basically just go "do what we say or else". Way to act like dictators. But it gets even more stupid as Rose suggests they send gift baskets to everyone in the country. Are you kidding me? Thankfully Wren thought this was equally stupid, but even so. How could Rose have been trained all her life in diplomacy and politics and think that gift baskets was a reasonable solution? Her letter to the king who took their grandmother was pretty awful, too. Though Wren's was even worse as she, again, threatened him rather than show any sort of tact. If it was the authors' goal to illustrate that neither of these girls know how to be rulers, then well done. They just refused to listen to anyone who wasn't a witch, in turn proving the point of all the people who were afraid of witches taking over the country.

It doesn't really help that the reply Wren gets to her threat is basically "come and say that to my face". Is that king five years old? What is happening?

So yeah, I can't really finish this book if this is how things start off. It really bothers me when YA authors have their characters be rulers, but then show them without any sort of competence in ruling. Or have them be completely ignorant about what's going on in their country/having on blinders, and making terrible decisions without any counsel trying to steer them in a more reasonable direction. Now, maybe the idea is that these girls learn how to be better rulers as the book goes on, but it's hard to go with that when the text wants me to believe Rose is a natural leader. I guess if you don't take it too seriously you might enjoy it, but I just couldn't turn my brain off enough for that.

This book felt a lot slower than the first one but I still enjoyed it! I liked seeing how Rose grew more independent and Wren realized things aren’t always as they seem.

One of my most anticipated read!! It came here to serve, and it did. This sequel followed right after the book 1. Here, we happen to see the further exploration into the world that author has weaved. I loved how far these main characters have come since book 1. Their growth and arc has been superbly done without making it come across as rushed or false. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This is my personal opinion of the book.

Book 2 has great progression in the story and character arc. I enjoyed it much more than book 1. The plot seems a little scattered but comes together. I found Rose's story line a little lack luster compared to Wren's. The sister dynamic doesn't seems to a subplot and it focuses more on their relationships with others which is a slight disappointment, since they are suppose to rule together. The character development is great for supporting characters and one twin more than the other. Over all the book was a fun read and seems open ended for more adventures.

I loved the previous book on the series and I highly loved and enjoyed this one too. It was quite a fast paced read for me. I loved how amazingly simple yet engaging the word building was. The romance and elements were fire. Along with that, I really loved how exceptionally done, the characters’ growth and development was; that’s something I very much look forward to in my reads. Can’t wait enough for the next instalment already!

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

I had an arc of the first book Twin Crowns, the writing was solid in that and this was even better!

Wren and her sister Rose have been coronated and are going to rule Anadawn together. But the curse of the original twin Queens Ortha and Ooonagh Starcrest remains, twin queens who once rules together- but one sister Oonagh turned to forbidden blood magic and against her sister, cursing the witches and fracturing their magic forever.

Rose is still and demure, perfect ruler in all appearances as she was raised that way, diplomatic, articulate, patient, well groomed and mannered. While Wren is still reckless, hotheaded and impulsive the opposite of her sister. Punch first, ask questions later.
But the ingrained animosity for witches has been ingrained in the people of Anadawn for years since the death of their parents by Rathborne, his ilk and greasy hatred still remains- despite his removal.

Dissent is brewing and it's only their first day on the job. The sisters are separated, Rose on a journey with Shen Lo to locate The Sunkissed Kingdom, his lost people and city. While Wren stows-away to Gevra to rescue her grandmother Banba. Meanwhile at homes rebellion is mounting and the Queens could lose everything if they don't find a solution soon, they may not have a palace or country to even come back to.

Great adventure, solid plot, a wild curse, magic, romance, fantastic tension (I'm looking at you King Alarik). This one was even better than the first book. I can't wait to see how this journey goes in the next book.

a whirlwind of enchantment, misfortune, romance and adventure, book two of the twin crowns series is as fast-paced and entertaining as the first.

wren and rose return in cursed crowns, this time both as twin queens, ruling a divided kingdom side-by-side. they’re up against a whole host of foes, from opponents who wish to see the kingdom restored to its anti-magic ways to brooding kings in icy fortresses to envious family members to ancient curses dwelling in mountainsides.

just like book one, I found myself deeply invested in wren’s storyline and less engaged with rose’s POV. whether it’s her penchant for mischief or tendency to act first, think later, there’s something about wren that makes her a more relatable and likable MC. she is selfish, but fiercely loyal to those she loves. she is relentlessly brave, but also exceedingly reckless. she battles against her own darkness, but sometimes loses.

rose is a little too reliant on those around her, a little too idyllic about the nature of people and the world, which often borders on deeply naive, and overall just too wholesome and perfect and good. (we like an MC with layers!!!)

now on to the best part of the book — wren’s budding romance. without saying too much, I am absolutely LOVING her new love interest addition (enemies to lovers is without-a-doubt my favorite trope)!!! I wasn’t big on what she had going on romantically in book one, so I was eager for a new ship and WHEW did the authors not disappoint. (hello to that magic blizzard make out?!?!) needless to say, I can’t wait to see what happens next with these two!

thank goodness for the tension and development in wren’s POV with a certain someone, as I did not feel even close to the same intrigue and investment reading about rose and shen. shen in particular did some extremely out-of-character things in this book — and I’m no longer as much of a fan of the two as a result. plus, there were some segments with them that just stretched on and on and on. (we want sizzle!)

the conclusion left the story in a fascinating place — there was a cliffhanger, but it’s cleverly positioned to set up some stakes going into the next book. which transitions perfectly into my main gripe about this one. aside from rose’s POV being, at times, a bit dull, the biggest drawback of the cursed crowns is a lack of clarity around what edition of the series this is. I went into the story expecting it to be a duology, and it wasn’t until about halfway through that I realized there was no way it could be, as so much was being left unresolved. (that absolutely altered my reading experience.)

above all, cursed crowns is a delightful dive into a world depicting the pressures of royalty, of ill-advised rescue missions, of the pull of forbidden magic. it is heavy and light, tackling grief with points of humor, and the romance quickly seduces you.

*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.*

I enjoyed the second book in the Twin Crowns series. The continued world building and further exploration into the magic system was very good! I appreciated some of the character development of the antagonists. I will say that the love triangle was stressful and I hope it resolves well in book 3!

The saying “be careful what you wish for” is exactly what I felt about this book. I have been in a book slump the past 6 or 7 months. I have had to force myself to push through almost every book I have read during this time. Only a few of these books have made me feel something. I have been telling my husband that I just want to pick up a book and be completely lost in it. I want it to make me feel something. I don’t care if it is anger, frustration, sadness, or happiness. I just want to feel something. Let me tell you, I got my wish!

Cursed Crowns picks up where Twin Crowns left off. Rose and Wren are trying to navigate their new life as sisters and queens. Rose is desperately trying to bring together the witches and the rest of the kingdom. Not everybody is happy with this, and group called “The Arrows” are stirring up discord throughout the villages. Wren is distracted with getting Banba back and eventually this leads to the sisters taking different paths. Wren hatches a plan to rescue Banba and sneaks out while everyone is sleeping to go to Gerva. Rose feels betrayed but still leaves on the Royal Tour to hopefully gain the trust of the people and stop the rebellion before it starts.

Throughout the book, the characters kept making horrible decisions. I found myself yelling at the characters like they could actually hear me. Wren still hasn’t learned to slow down and think things through. She is controlled by her emotions which leads to several horrible decisions that has long lasting consequences. I kept yelling at her to use her freaking brain! Several times I had to put the book down and take a break. Granted, during the break, all I could think about was how this choice was going to end and how much damage will be done. My breaks usually only lasted 5 or 10 minutes because of this. Then there was Rose. Her ego needed to be taken down a few notches. Like girl, did you not learn the first time to not expect people you have never met, in a place you never heard of, to bow to you? Did you think it was going to go any better? These two, never need to be separated again. They provide much needed balance to each other. I know this sounds like I didn't like the characters or the book. I promise you this is not the case. I love when I connect to a book so much that I take their actions personally. To me, it shows that the author has done their job.

Both Shen and Tor made appearances. Shen had a change of character towards the middle of the book. I’m not really sure how I feel about it. I loved seeing Tor again. I’m a little worried where Wren and his relationship is going. It was one of the only things I did not like about the book.

If you were like me, you went into this thinking it was a duology. There are too many things unresolved for it not to have another book though. I would have liked if they had some information on how many books will be in this series. On that note, please, I'm begging everybody involved with this book, to make an announcement soon on book three. At least let us know there will be a book three!!
Thank you Netgalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and Balzer + Bray for this eArc