I was so thankful to receive this ARC as I had just finished “One Dark Window”, which was part one to this sequel. It picks up right where the prior book finished. Highly recommend to read the prior again or right before picking up this sequel. It took me a bit to get remember the details of the storyline and side characters (like Elm which is important). Rachel’s writing drew me right back into this universe. Could not put this down! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this copy in return for my honest review.

One Dark Window was my favorite book of 2022 so I admit I was trepidatious that Two Twisted Crowns would not be able to live up to it's predecessor. I should have trusted Gillig because if anything, TTC was even better than One Dark Window. We dive deeper into the origin of the Providence cards and the magic system and the Nightmare's characterization was utter perfection. I loved how Gillig was able to separate the two personalities between the Nightmare and Elspeth and each voice was distinct. Elm continued to be my favorite character and his arc was unexpected for me. The stakes were high throughout the entire book and the Gillig never lost the rhythm of the story. I can't wait to reread Two Twisted Crowns to see what I might have missed the first time.

Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for the arc for review purposes.

LOVE!

This duology was incredible and I liked the second installment even better than the first. Such a unique magic system, amazing atmospheric vibes and the romance was really lovely

Two Twisted Crowns was spectacular this book puts this duology as one of my favorites.

The premise and plot was clear unite the deck of Providence cards to lift the mist and cure the infection.

I loved the pace of the book, it wasn’t the fastest but everything had a purpose, even when something felt like it happen way earlier it had significance.

The relationship between the Nightmare, Ravyn, and Elspeth. The banter was just incredible, there were moments when I cackled because the dialog was well executed.

Elm, at first I was confused as to why Elm had a POV, as the story progressed and we get into the thick of the plot, I understood why. I can’t ask for it to be any other way. Incredible.

The Nightmare’s background story, it was enraging, tragic, and sad. I frowned often when details came to light.

The last 25% of the book had me in a state of disarray I honestly believed that everything bad was going to happen, then finding tiny slivers of joy when the bad thing went away, it gave me whiplash, the good kind.

Overall, I would recommend this book.

Two Twisted Crowns is one of those rare sequels that picks up right after the first book ends and keeps the story going. No time jumps, no drama, just more of adventures with the characters we've come to know and love. Going into this book, I was worried that we'd see Elspeth sidelined in her own story and while we don't get as much of her as I would've liked, she is involved (just not physically). I would've liked to see a little more of her and Nightmare other than the two of them bickering. It would've been interesting to see their meeting from his perspective because I would like to know more about what he thought of her and their time together. But honestly, I didn't even need Elspeth and Ravyn in this book because the best parts were about Ione and Elm. I love that this book made me care as much, if not more, about their characters. It kept things interesting and was a great way to split the story.
The only disappointment comes with the ending. Don't get me wrong, I love a happy ending, but everything was wrapped up a little too nicely. In a book about magic and its costs it would've been nice to see some lasting consequences. Even a little tease at the end of something sinister lurking underneath would've made me happy.

I loved this book even more than the first one, the multiple points of view really add an element I enjoyed. It did read a bit like YA but it didn’t bother me to much, made it easier to understand while still thoroughly being invested in the plot. And of course the romance! It was just as cute as the first book if not better, definitely a great read!

I had went into this a little nervous because of how obsessed I was with One Dark Window, but this absolutely held up and was an incredible conclusion to the duology. The relationship between Nightmare and Elspeth was so unexpectedly loving and heartbreaking. I just wanted so much more of Nightmare’s backstory, I could have read a whole book of that alone it was engrossing! Really enjoyed more of Elm’s perspective and getting to know him more. Overall, going to miss these characters and I’m a Rachel stan for life!

Rachel Gillig is one of the best authors ever probably. Her stories are so encapsulating and refreshing and dark and wonderful. I believe that elspeth and ravyns story is beautifully written and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and immediately reread it. This story is even better since we got the multiple pov's. The magic system is insanely unique and so interesting to watch play out and learn about.

This story had a very well thought out plan of action in the writing sense. It was atmospheric and charming while also being dark, which i loved. Overall the entire shepherds king duology was a massive hit for me. Both books were 5 star reads and i was obsessed with them. Will 100% be recommending to my audience!

GREAT sequel to One Dark Window 🤌. I gave ODW three stars, but this is a 4-4.5 from me. This duology is complex without being overly confusing, and does something new for me -- both stories have a romance element, and I didn't buy into ODW's. I preferred TTC's main lovers & they made me care a lot more about this world. The fantastic elements are just top tier, this world is so dark and creepy, and the story is so satisfying. Lots of love from me!

Once again, Rachel Gillis has woven a masterpiece of words.
Following Elspeth, Raven, Elm, and more, the journey picks up almost immediately where One Dark Window ended. The vivid imagery used to paint each scene within the reader’s mind was done so well, didn’t feel forced and clunky, that it was easy to feel immersed between the pages.
Definitely a great way to close out this duology, and worth every minute!

Dude. *Dude.* DUDEEEE. This was truly EVERYTHING.

I don't think this review is actually very helpful because my brain is all over the place with how much I LOVED this sequel. Like, I genuinely have zero complaints. None. Second book syndrome does not exist here because this was perfection from start to finish. I was so curious to see how the narrative of this would play out considering what happened with Elspeth, but never did I expect to get multi-POVs from her, Ravyn, AND Elm?

Every character is exactly what they need to be for me to enjoy the book, but Elm—protect him at all costs. I liked him well enough as a secondary character but getting his POV made him my favourite character of the whole series alongside the Nightmare. I was basically reading for his chapters. His plotline with Ione had me absolutely squealing in a way Elspeth and Ravyn didn't quite get me to do. Obsessed. Also fk Hauth with the heat of a thousand suns, but what a fabulous villain he makes.

I'm never getting over this duology. It is so strong, well-written, and doesn't get bogged down by heavy exposition or info-dumping. The magic system with the Providence cards is so cool, and I love the extra layers that were added to it all this time around. Everything is just so wonderfully thought out and it's made me an instant fan of Rachel Gillig.

It's been awhile since a series has consumed me the way this duology has. The hype is real! I won't go into detail on the plot because if you're as obsessed with the first book as I was then it doesn't matter and you just go right into reading haha. Below I'll highly my favourite things:

- The magic system was so cool and interesting. I had to get all nerdy and search fan art to get more visualizations.
- The found family aspect had me feeling all warm and cozy, especially Elm and Ravyn. Ravyn was the big brother Elm deserved.
- Ione's story broke my heart and I was so happy she got her happy ending, I was especially worried for her in the first book after she took on the Maiden card. I loved that we saw glimpses of the real her even while under the spell.. gave me both stress and hope until her arc was complete.
- Two great love stories - Elspeth and Ravyn were just perfect. I won't spoil the second couple!
- The Monster's humour was a fun addition - especially when he kept ribbing on Ravyn lol
- I'm a sucker for dual or multiple POV so that was a nice addition to the second book. I don't think it was needed in the first book and only hearing Elspeth's side was perfect as characters were introduced to keep the layer of mystery.

My only complaint - I wanted so much more Raven and Elspeth scenes in the end. Like an extended epilogue would complete me.

I loved this book possibly more than the first one. It was so good and I was so glad I got to start it early thanks to Netgalley! I never read ebooks but made myself for this because I was so excited.

After the cliffhanger of the first book It really pushes the story forward with a lot of tragedy in this book. You get a lot more of the nightmare and action in this one which I really liked. And the eerie fairytale feeling. I also loved getting Elm’s pov. I liked him okay in book one, but this really makes you fall in love with his character and where the story goes. I’m sad it’s over but I loved the journey and can’t wait to see what else this author writes.

This book was beyond all my expectations. A perfect ending to a wonderful pair of books! Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read it.
After the ending of the first book it was tough to guess how this one would go. With our main character from book one seemingly out of commission we finally got to see through the eyes of a few of the others. Fracturing our main group into two for a large portion of this book. A structure that had me wary at first, but was so grateful for by the end. It gave us the ability to see the full arc of so many of the characters I had begun to love, not just Elspeth. This separation also gave them the space to grow and triumph on their own, no longer able to use the others as a crutch. This series was at times so wondrous and magical and even a bit cruel. But beautiful by the end. Not leaving our characters or their lives perfect, but instead leaving them hopeful and happy under the sun for the very first time.

This is a darker and more atmospheric sequel to One Dark Window. There is an urgency in this book that kept me enthralled. There are multiple points of view, and each of them moved the story forward. I was especially intrigued by the monster and was excited to learn more about his and Elspeth’s relationship.

Many of the characters had to make great sacrifices and decide what was most important to them. They all go through a difficult journey to save their kingdom. I love that nothing was easy or convenient. I had no idea how this story would end especially with some of the twists.

The villain in this story is truly evil and adds to the darker feel. He is ruthless. His darkness is offset by a new romance. The romance grew on me as I got to know the characters better and saw their depth.

This book contains scattered strong profanity and vaguely descriptive love scenes. I felt like there was more profanity and an overall darker feel in this book compared to the first.

In the sequel to One Dark Window, Gillig does not disappoint!
I was hooked from the beginning by the multiple POVs, high stakes, and lightning pacing. We pick up right where we left off, diving headfirst (pun totally intended) into Elspeth's and Ravyn's quest to end the sickness. Gillig cleverly shares our Nightmare's history while remaining committed to the quality worldbuilding we've come to expect.
I loved the complexity of Elm's and Ione's characters as we see them face off against the monsters who run the kingdom while Elspeth and Ravyn search for the Twin Alders.
If you enjoyed One Dark Window, Two Twisted Crowns is a must-read!
Thank you Netgalley for sending me this ARC.

I was very excited for this sequel. I absolutely devoured the first book in the series and was very excited when I was able to start reading this book. This book had multiple point of views that the first book did not have. It also had a point of view of one of the side characters from the first book, and it felt like his story became more of the main story versus Elspeth and Ravyn, who were the center of the first book. The book had a very slow start and then all the action then occurred in the last 70ish pages, and it felt so rushed. I felt like I was getting whiplashed and was confused about how fast the story started going. I feel that if there was less focused on that side character and more focus on Elspeth and Ravyn, then it wouldn't have been rushed. I did enjoy the book and happy that read the duology, but was still just slightly disappointed with the ending and what my expectations were.

Thank you Netgalley for the book!

Do you love gothic romantasies? Bad ass female main characters? Unique magic systems? Then Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig is for you! This phenomenal follow up in The Shepherd King duology continues the story of Blunder - a kingdom where magic is confined to twelve Providence Cards whose holders can harness their power, at a cost. This story follows Elspeth, Ravyn, and the Shepherd King, among a cast of characters, as they attempt to free Blunder from its evil king and the mist that confines them by finding the last Providence Card - the Twin Alders. Follow along in their dark, but fantastical adventures (with a side of romance) in this five-star read!

This was amazing. I was so invested I read it in 1 day. The duology is so well fleshed out, each character has depth, the storyline is well considered and unpredictable. Just gorgeous and lush characters and world building.

This is such a great fantasy and fairytale! I went back and read the first when I got approved for this book on netgalley because I had applied not knowing this was the second. I cannot stop thinking about this series and I am obsessed with the audio narrator as well. I have already recommended this to friends. If you like grims fairytales and have wanted more in depth books of the the creepy fantasy variety, you will love this series. Enjoy!