This was not my cup of tea. Apparently, I just have really bad luck with NetGalley books. As always, thank you for sending this my way, NetGalley.

A new romance and main perspective are introduced in this sequel. This makes sense after the end of the last book. Unfortunately, I didn't like any of this. The romance kind of gave me the icks, and I liked Elm a lot better when I didn't know as much about him. This all really put me off because it's such a big part of the book.

I was hoping this would be better than the first, but I just really didn't like it.

This was an incredible sequel. Beautifully written, kept me guessing with moments of laughter and crying.

A loved this duology ending. Elm is added as an alternate POV in this book and that is what really makes the book feel so complete. This book doesn't have the same spooky feeling that I loved about the first book. However, the Elm plot and Raveny and the Nightmare banter in the book was so good. highly recommend this duology

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.

Another incredible book by Rachel Gillig. What a great conclusion to this duology. I loved getting into Elm’s head. Overall it felt so unique and romantic. I’ll read anything Rachel writes in the future.

this book was amazing start to finish! the character development, the magic system it all was so good!

Loved it! It was the perfect ending to the duology. I really enjoyed Elm’s POV. I didn’t think that I would want to read his chapters, but it tied the story together.

After a year of anticipation, "Two Twisted Crowns" brilliantly continues the saga, addressing the lingering mystery from the first book. The Nightmare's takeover of Elspeth's mind introduces a new layer to his character, while revelations about the Providence Cards and the Shepherd King's fate add depth. The narrative unfolds through dual perspectives, showcasing a captivating dynamic between characters like Ravyn and the Nightmare. Despite Elspeth taking a backseat, the plot moves forward seamlessly.

While the character arcs impress, the resolution to "the maiden, the King, and the monster they become" left me desiring a more nuanced conclusion to the magic's cost, missing an opportunity for a profound impact. However, this minor dissatisfaction doesn't overshadow the overall satisfaction derived from the intricate storytelling, charming imagery, and surprising character developments. "Two Twisted Crowns" delivers on its promise.

4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I'm late writing the review because I was on vacation but this book was SO GOOD.
The first one in this series was the first 5 star review I had given in months and I have been not so patiently waiting for this with baited breath because lately, sequels have been so disappointing. Let me tell you this did NOT disappoint! Everyone had purpose, there was new POVs introduced and a new romance that was so lovely! I loved this duology so so much and I will definitely be re-reading it in the future!

This is how you write a sequel. Wow.

Thank you Orbit Books and NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this story. I couldn't wait for my special edition to arrive and needed to read this.

One Dark Window, in my opinion, was a perfect debut novel. It was unique, chilling, and remained in my thoughts for the year before Two Twisted Crowns' release. I was hopeful that this book would live up to it and it did.

Having the main POVs of this book not be the main character of the first one was a bold choice by the author. The fact that she pulled it off so well was a testament to her writing ability. At first I was a little disappointed that we had less of the characters I loved so much in book one but I quickly got over that.

I loved living through The Shepherd King's past, learning about what Ione was experiencing along the timeline of book one, and getting to experience more of Elm. Plus, I'm a sucker for a found father/daughter relationship and loved receiving a lot of scenes around that this book.

Some of my favorite quotes from this:

"For even dead, I will not die. I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream. The nightmare of the night"

~

"For nothing is safe, and nothing is free. Death follows all men, no matter their plea. When the Shepherd returns, a new day shall ring. Death to the Rowans. Long live the King"

~

"I thought I was the father she deserved. That I could carry her through this terrible, violent world."

To me, this story only had two flaws. The first was that there was not enough of my favorite character, The Nightmare/the Shepherd King. The second was that the romance had more of a plotline in this book than in the first one which was more subtle. But it made sense for these characters so it was fine. But those are just preference based and hold no weight.

Otherwise, I loved this story whole heartedly and was engrossed every step of the way. I cried, I became anoxious in fear, I felt bursts of love. The whole shebang. Wonderful book.

Can't wait to read Rachel Gillig's future works.

I enjoyed the second book in the series. The system of magic and kingdom is so captivating and intriguing it was difficult to put down. I would have liked to see more of Ravyn and his relationship with Spindle but the prince and her cousin's story was also hard to put down.

I could not put this book down! It had everything, romance, mystery, thrill, twists, and very unexpected funny moments. I enjoyed it so much and loved how both books were written, everything blending together so perfect. The ending did not feel rushed like with so many other books. I loved reading from Elm’s perspective! I will definitely recommend this book to others and will be reading them multiple times to relive the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for allowing me to read this advance copy! And to Rachel Gillig for this amazing sequel!

While I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it as much as I loved One Dark Window. I enjoyed the additional POVs, but I feel like the relationship between Elspeth and Ravyn took a back seat to the finding of the twin alders card and the romance between Elm and Ione.

This book was amazing the first was so good and this one was even better this series is a most read!

The perfect way to finish off this duology!

Two Twisted Crowns picks where One Dark Window left, with the Nightmare taking over Elspeth mind. What is he like now? The same lovable bastard as always, but a new side of him emerges that I can assure you that you'll love even more. We learn the true story of the Providence Cards, the price paid for them, and what happened to and with the Shepherd King. I can only say, avoiding all spoilers, that now I want a prequel that covers this period, because so much that's left unsaid is intriguing to me.

It's more angsty, painful, nerve-wracking, and even scary, I would say. We got to see more action packed, which was so good.

I AM SO SAD!! ITS OVER! I loved this duology so much.

10/10 stars, this was beyond perfect

Gothic, creepy and eerie. Add in some magic and a dash of romance. It all works out to be a dark ride!

I really enjoyed the magic system in these books and found it very unique! The Nightmare is monstrous villian you can't help but root for.

Between books one and two, I liked the character growth of our MCs and I loved the multiple POV we get in book two. I liked the riddles and puzzles which helped tease out the overall background plot piece by piece.

My only criticism is that I found the ending a tad rushed but otherwise, I'll be recommending this duology over and over again. And definitely looking forward to what this author does next!

THIS BOOK IS A TOP 5. I thought I was obsessed with this series in One Dark Window (which I was), but the way this book has me OBSESSSSEDDDDDD!! In ODW, I knew I loved everyone but I wanted more of Elm and who he was. RACHEL GILLIG YOU DELIVERED. You will still be obsessed with Ravyn and Elspeth, but this new journey will make you obsessed with Elm and Ione they are amazing. Also, seeing this found family find its conclusion is heartwarming and the ending is so brilliant I wouldn’t have wanted to change a single thing. The King Shepherd Duology is in my top 10 series and it will take A LOT for me to find something to kick it off.

When book 2 in a duology hits harder & better than book 1, how can I not give it a 5 star rating?

I love how book 1 set the scene but in this book, you dug deeper. You got to explore more, was provided with deeper knowledge of the world, and built a better scene with character development that honestly left me speechless.

A wonderful and intricate gothic fantasy/romantasy that is perfect for those beginning to step into the genre. Hell, it’s perfect for long-time avid readers of the genre like myself. A book, storyline, and characters that are forever scarred into my person.

4.75⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !!!

All I can say is, WOW! The Shepherd King duology has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year and this 2nd book did NOT disappoint.

Two Twisted Crowns is the incredible series-finale in a dark fantasy duology with romance, mist, and monsters. The multiple-POV unravels plot lines and develops characters in a way that had me itching for more.

After the cliff-hanger ending of book 1, Two Twisted Crowns picks up right where it left off, with Elspeth’s soul trapped inside of the Shepherd King’s mind. As Ravyn and his supporting team go on a quest for the Twin Alders card with hopes to lift the mist, chaos ensues at the palace, revealing another mystery for Elm to solve.

Two Twisted Crowns is perfectly paced and absolutely lives up to the hype (and maybe surpasses) the first book. The magic system continues to expand and is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Once I hit the 40% mark, I could NOT put this down. The only reason it did not get 5 stars is because of the (slightly) slower start and a rushed ending for Elspeth & Ravyn. Otherwise, it was perfect.

This duo was epic & will be one I read again and again! I’m just sad it’s over 😭

Huge thank you to NetGalley for the copy to review.

Two Twisted Crowns is a fantastic conclusion to the Shepherd King Duology! The history and character development was on point and immersive just as the first book was. Mentioning the romance, I really wanted to see more of Ravyn and Elspeth towards the end but I couldn't be happier with Elm and Lone. Their chemistry and adsorbable banter was such a joy to read as they developed.

What an absolute banger of a sequel. I don’t think I’ve read a better sequel since ACOMAF. Loved. Rachel Gillig has my heart.