THESE BOOKS! What to even say!!!! I thing the magical systems are soooo unique in this world. I cannot wait to see what else Rachel comes up with in her upcoming book!

I loved this book so much. It was beautifully written, I could not put it down and was the perfect ending to that tale. 100% recommend

I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first. Pacing was great and i loved Elm and Ione's story

This duology is simply stunning. The magic system is so unique. The characters were unforgettable. Once I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down!

this duology is the epitome of mysterious romantic fantasies and is now one of my favs. the storyline and magic is so unique and all the characters are literally so cool. I usually hate multi-povs but this book was full of bangers. amazing magic system, good plot twists, great banter, talking trees, riddles and rhymes, wasn't predictable, will make you giggle and kick your feet, and not info-dumpy. in other words, a total bop.

the secondary characters stole the show and were absolutely amazing- i'm looking at you elm and ione. these two had me frothing at the mouth. also ravyn can (still) get it.

the nightmare is my bff and elspeth is my bby

all i can say is....... be wary. be clever. be good. (*insert me screaming*)

# Review: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Rachel Gillig's "Two Twisted Crowns" delivers a mesmerizing sequel that expands upon the dark fantasy world established in her debut while delving deeper into themes of power, identity, and the price of magic. This second installment proves Gillig is no one-hit wonder but rather a distinctive voice in contemporary fantasy.

## Brief Summary
"Two Twisted Crowns" continues the story of Elspeth Spindle as she navigates the treacherous politics of the Witch Lords and her own evolving magical abilities. Following the revelations of the first book, Elspeth finds herself caught between warring factions, uncertain alliances, and the growing darkness within herself. As ancient magic resurfaces and long-buried secrets come to light, Elspeth must determine who to trust while confronting the true nature of the power she wields and its connection to the twisted crowns of legend.

## What Works
Gillig's atmospheric prose creates an immersive experience, vividly bringing the haunting world of the Witchwood to life. Her descriptive language evokes all the senses—you can almost feel the mist curling through ancient trees and hear the whispers of forgotten magic. The worldbuilding expands organically, introducing new elements of magic and mythology that feel like natural extensions of what came before.

Character development shines particularly bright in this sequel. Elspeth's internal struggle with her growing powers creates genuine tension, while supporting characters reveal new layers that complicate previously established relationships. The political machinations between the Witch Lords are intricate without becoming convoluted, creating high stakes that drive the narrative forward.

The magic system continues to be one of the novel's greatest strengths – mysterious yet internally consistent, with costs and consequences that feel earned rather than arbitrary. The titular twisted crowns provide a compelling central mystery that ties together personal and political storylines.

## Personal Thoughts
What impressed me most about "Two Twisted Crowns" is how it avoids the common middle-book syndrome that plagues many trilogies. Rather than merely setting up a finale, this installment delivers its own complete emotional arc while deepening the overall narrative. The pacing strikes an excellent balance between character moments and plot advancement.

As someone who appreciates fantasy that explores the moral ambiguity of power, I found the ethical dilemmas presented genuinely thought-provoking. Gillig doesn't offer easy answers, instead allowing characters to grapple with difficult choices in ways that feel authentic to who they are.

## Recommendation
"Two Twisted Crowns" will delight fans of the first book while raising the stakes in meaningful ways. Readers who appreciate atmospheric dark fantasy with complex characters, political intrigue, and haunting magic will find much to love here. While newcomers should definitely start with the first book, this sequel rewards readers' investment with richer worldbuilding and deeper emotional resonance.

Gillig has established herself as a formidable voice in fantasy with this captivating sequel that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the conclusion while providing a satisfying experience in its own right.

*Product details: Hardcover, 384 pages. Published by Orbit Books.*

This book was the perfect end to this duology. I fell in love with all of the characters. The writing is beautiful and the magic system is one of the most unique magic systems I’ve read about. One dark window took me out of a reading slump but two twisted crowns is going to put me in one because I don’t know how to top this duology! 5/5 stars!

A fantastic sequel and ending to this duology! I loved the first book and am so happy to have a sequel that lives up to my expectations and continues the growth of the story and characters that made the first so fantastic. I enjoyed learning even more about this unique magic system of tarot cards and following the romance continuing between Elspeth and Ravyn, but I was very happy to see two background characters, Elm and Ione, have more prominence within the story. The story was fast, emotional, wrenching, and packed with action and intrigue that made it a fast-paced story that held my interest throughout. The ending was touching and wrapped up everything well; I only wish it wasn't the end.

An absolutely stunning sequel to an already incredible first novel. This duo duology sucks you in and never let's go. While there has been a trend lately of sequels letting down their predecessors, this one does NOT disappoint. Every character has their own growth and journey, and the people you think you're rooting for swap places with the people you think you hate!

Highly recommend, and I'm on my way to the book store to get myself a copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Rachel Gillig’s *Two Twisted Crowns* is a mesmerizing sequel that masterfully weaves dark fantasy, gothic ambiance, and unforgettable characters into an enthralling tale. Returning to the cursed kingdom of Blunder, the story immerses readers in a hauntingly atmospheric world filled with danger and enchantment. Gillig’s poetic prose shines as she explores themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice, all while delving deeper into the fates of Wren and Lowry. The dual perspectives offer a compelling dynamic, highlighting the complexity of their choices and the intricate web of relationships binding them.

What truly sets *Two Twisted Crowns* apart is Gillig’s ability to balance heart-pounding tension with emotional depth, ensuring that every twist feels earned and impactful. Fans of the first installment will revel in the expansion of Blunder’s lore and the gripping resolution to its tale. This is a must-read for lovers of dark, emotionally rich fantasy that lingers long after the final page.

5 ⭐️ I started this yesterday and spent my entire Saturday DEVOURING this book - I couldn’t put it down, I was kicking my legs, squealing, gasping in shock. I wasn’t surprised by the revelation at the end (I guessed it in the first book) but it was still so satisfying how it all unfolded. This duology will probably be one of my top recommendations for 2023 for people to read. I’m happy that I waited to read it until October on a “misty 😏”, spooky, cloudy Washington day. Absolutely loved it! 💕

ate and left no crumbs

this was an amazing sequel/conclusion to the story. it not only expanded on the characters from the first book, but also added new povs and a new romance plot. the switching back and forth between the two plot lines was infuriating (in the bestttt way) because right when i was getting drawn into the story, it switched to the other plot line so i physically couldn’t stop reading. i loved everything that happened in this. it all felt so important and intentional. also this made me cry?? i was not expecting that at all

"Be wary. Be clever. Be good."

The follow up to the incredible One Dark Window and the matching bookend to this breathtaking duology, Two Twisted Crowns exceeded all expectations I can dream of for any book.

I finished this book last year, and I still think about it almost every day. Rachel is a powerful writer who can conjure lush and exquisite dark fantasy imagery and characters who hold your heart like no other. I was screaming, crying throughout this perfect storm of adventure, magic, romance, and heroism. The story of Elspeth, Ravyn, Elm, lone, and especially our enigmatic Nightmare, will always hold a special place in my heart
The Shepherd King duology is easily in my top reads of all time, and this is one of those that I will continue to recommend to every reader looking for their next favorite story.

A great sequel to the first book. I loved how it solved some mysteries from the first story but also laid out new ones to solve.

Absolutely stunning and incredible book. This duet was one where I HAD to read the second book right away. The mystery, magic, history…so many different elements woven together to make a fabulous book.

Two Twisted Crowns was an amazing ending to a beautifully written story with one of the most interesting magic systems i've ever read. For me, sequels are very hit or miss and this one was firmly a "hit" honestly surpassing One Dark Window. The story felshed out characters with less background information from the previous book while also still letting readers understand the three main characters from book 1 on an even deeper level. Blunder was encased in intrigue as well as a fascinating magical system that left me thinking about which providence card I would choose to wield and why. For me, this book really let Elm shine. I was so happy to get to delve deeper into his mindset and how he fit into the monarchy. The story ended on a note that felt satifying while still leaving an air of mystery that the entire village of Blunder was known for.

5 stars!

I knew this was going to be good because of how much I loved the first one, but I was surprised but how much I liked this second installment. Honestly, thank you to Rachel Gillig for bringing back the fantasy duology because I ate this up. I was stressed, I laughed, I burst into tears, and I giggled because despite the darkness in this world the characters still had time for goodness. IM SO EXCITED for more from Rachel Gillig because I know she'll be a favorite player of all time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was an amazing sequel to One Dark Window. I loved the focus switching to other characters. Seeing more of the Shepard king was fascinating. I loved that this stayed as a duology, it was the perfect length.

Two Twisted Crowns delivers a fresh twist on the battle for power. The story deftly combines political intrigue with personal drama, ensuring that every chapter brings unexpected turns. The characters feel real and relatable, and the vivid settings deepen the sense of urgency and high stakes. Overall, the novel is an engaging mix of action, betrayal, and unlikely alliances that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

I was really looking forward to reading about one couple but the majority of the book ended up being about someone else. I felt a lack of connection to the characters and was disappointed in it as a whole.