I wanted to absolutely love this book. I was so excited to get an ARC, because that meant I didn't have to wait as long to find out what happened. I still love Rachel's writing style. I plan to read future books by Rachel but this one fell a bit short in comparison to ODW:

I missed having Elspeth / the Nightmare as POV. I just didn't care enough for Elm and Raven to have them as POV.

I preferred Elm as a supporting character, as he was written in the first book. I thought the romance with him felt a bit like instalove. Towards the end I thought it was sweet, but for a while I wanted him to end up with someone else.

I did like the ending of the book. The pacing was great for this part.

4.75 ⭐️⭐️ I am still processing this masterpiece.

I loved One Dark Window but I LOVE the sequel. It is very rare to find a sequel that is better than the first but Rachel Gillig did it. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint.

Be wary. Be clever. Be good.
Ahhhhhh

This duology had the most unique magic system based on a deck of twelve cards, a slow burn romance, great adventures to save a kingdom, and a dad in the form of the Nightmare in Elspeth’s head.

Incredible! This duology was fantastic! Second books usually aren’t as good as the first but this is definitely an exception.
These characters are so lovable and well written, not once was there a lull in either book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC

Thank you to Net Galley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*Be wary. Be clever. Be good* 4.5/5

I did not want to leave this world of characters and atmospheric writing. Sequels always feel hard, especially in duologies but Gillig does an amazing job wrapping up this complex tale. I thought I would hate the multiple POVs but I appreciated the nuances it added to the story and getting to know other characters better. While there were small things I might change, overall very satisfied with this ending.

What a finale. I literally cried because I did not want this to end. This book was packed with action, revelations and so much character development it was perfect. I loved the multiple POV of this one as it let us see into other characters and I think it really added to the story. I grew attached to Ione and Elm which I did not think I would, I finally got to understand more about the Nightmare and my heart broke and glued back together for Elspeth and Ravyn. There was never a dull moment in this one, there was always an intrigue on the go, revelations, development and twists and it kept me on my toes. It is definitely a duet I highly recommend and Two Twisted Crowns was the perfect finale to this adventure. I am sad to see it go but what I ride.

This book was such a good follow up from the first book. I loved the learning so much more about Ione and Elm. Understanding the relationship between the nightmare and Elspeth was really satisfying too. The main characters were so likeable, but truly the author did a great job of allowing us to get a glimpse into everyone’s true sense of self throughout the book. I really enjoyed this read!

“In the wood, the spindle is slight. A delicate tree against hail, wind, and might. But how the tree carries, and how the roots dig. She weathers all storms, no matter their bite.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This duology is brilliant. Seriously, it is everything I wanted and THEN SOME. The depth and complexity of this story was incredible and I found myself so immersed that I didn’t want it to end.

The first book was spectacular and I was nervous that this one would fall short. It absolutely DID NOT. I loved this one even more, and that is a huge statement given how much One Dark Window impacted me.

There are so many small details within both books that tie them together so well and really round out the story to bring it full circle. The character development, for Nightmare and Elm in particular, was so well done. I truly love the way Nightmare communicates; I love his thinking and his motivation for his actions.

I really appreciated that Two Twisted Crowns answered lingering questions I carried over from One Dark Window, but it also still left me breathless and I didn’t have the full picture until Rachel Gillig wanted me as a reader to have it.

I have so much more to say and I could dive deep and divulge my every thought, but spoilers would absolutely ruin the journey with these books and I refuse to do that. If you have even the smallest interest in what these books offer, do yourself a favor and read them. Soak it all in and enjoy the ride. It was so worth it to me and I will personally be revisiting this duology often.

I absolutely adored One Dark Window, and the sequel did not disappoint! I feel the character development was far better than the first book. I loved how we learned more about the Monster as the group took on the task of trying to break the curse. While in search of the remaining cards, I grew to love some characters I once disliked and felt pity for some that seemed like monsters before. A few places seemed to drag on a bit in my opinion, but ultimately, I can see how they added to the overall story. The ending made up for any weak points the duology had. I highly recommend this novel! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Outstanding conclusion to The Shepherd King duology. The complexity of the characters, beautiful writing and mood, and exciting story made The Shepherd King books among my favorites this year. I look forward to what Ms Gillig writes next.

I really enjoyed this one, although the beginning took me a bit to get into. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I reread book 1 closer to reading book 2 so I could remember every little detail. I thought at times the Shepherd King/Elspeth dynamic was a little confusing, but it became more clear as I kept reading and I really liked how it played out. I so wished we had more moments with Elspeth and Ravyn, but their romance was based on so much emotion that I couldn’t help but love them.

“Time to be strong, Ravyn Yew. Your ten minutes are up.”

I LOVED Elm and Ione in this book. Who knew simple lines like this could just BREAK me?

“See you in the woods,” he murmured.
“Mud on my ankles.”

The little details were *chefs kiss*. I love that so many seemingly small things from book 1 came back to create a full circle moment. The ending was an incredible 5⭐️ and really made this duology for me. It’s such a unique magic system and fantasy world, and I’m absolutely a fan!

This was the best finally that could happen to the masterpiece that was one dark window. The emotions and the Rollercoaster that you go on during this, the trauma and the trauma bonds that are forged are amazing. I was walking around me working, and trying not to crying when thinking about this book! I can not recommend enough!!

*5 stars*

This was everything I hoped it would be and more. Just as engrossing and moody as the first book, it picked up right where One Dark Window left off and wrapped up the story perfectly. I really like that we got to know Elm, Ione, and the Shepard king more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this work. All opinions in this review are my own.

The first book in this duology pulled me in with whispers from the Nightmare and teases of dark magic from the Providence Cards. But the real treat and depth to this duology was found in Two Twisted Crowns. This story took my breath away as it brought us access to even more characters in the world and uncovered the full plot behind the origin of the Providence Cards.

Elm and Ionne’s story fractured my heart and Elm is now one of my favorite “book boyfriends” with his undying loyalty. I enjoyed seeing more of Elspeth and Ravyn’s story as well, but the real treat was watching the Nightmare prowl about and reveal his past bit by bit.

I absolutely love when the second book in a duology steals the show and this book exceeded all of my expectations. I’m looking forward to seeing what Rachel Gillig releases next!

5 stars

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for an E-ARC copy of this book.

A great follow up to an already atmospheric debut. This duology is the perfect spooky season read.

Book two adds in some new POVs and a second love story that is swoon worthy. I enjoyed the adventure side, of searching for the providence cards, as well as those who remain in the castle.

Big shoutout to the nightmare for being a sassy king. I loved getting more information on his background and seeing all of the pieces of the story click into place.

I am sad we got less Ravyn and Elsbeth in this one, but the other romance made up for it.

Is this the best book ever written? No, but it was a lot of fun. There’s quite a few moments I found cheesy and that made me roll my eyes. But this is one of those series where you just roll with it.

I thought the ending was maybe a bit too tied up with a bow, but it was still satisfying.

5 stars! Thank you netgalley for the ARC. This was the perfect ending to the duology! I feel it was even better than the first books. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to rip hauths face off! It was full of love, heartache, longing, family, action, and even a hint of spice. I definitely recommend this duology. Look forward to more by this author in the future for sure.

This book is just as good as the first one. The pacing is amazing. I loved the story development and the character development. The relationships were just so dang good. This is a great fantasy read. Pacing in this book is PHENOMENAL. I will say it is right up there with JLA and SJM writing). Very well done. I didn’t want to put it down.

To be honest, this series just isn't for me. I struggled with the first one and this wasn't much different. I enjoy the plot and storyline, but somehow it comes across as too much of a YA because of the characters. Elsbeth constantly came across as whiny, even when she was doing something that should've been heroic.

I know I'm in the minority here so I'm glad so many are enjoying this series, it's just not for me and that's ok.

‘To anyone who’s ever felt lost in a wood. There is a strange sort of finding in losing.’

This duology is utter fantasy perfection, and Rachel Gillig has fast become one of my most anticipated new authors. What a perfect read for spooky season. Deeply haunting vibes, ancient riddles & rhymes, and of course the high stakes of saving the world - what’s not to love??

‘Nothing is free, the trees called after them. Nothing is safe. Magic is love, but also it’s hate. It comes at a cost. You’re found and you’re lost. Magic is love, but also—

‘“For mercy’s sake.” The Nightmare spat phlegm onto roots. “Shut the fuck up.”’

Although we all love Elspeth and Ravyn (and now Elm and Ione too!), the Shepherd King was really the main character of Two Twisted Crowns. Especially in this second book, the plot revolves around reversing the mistakes made in his reign - and his personal life - over 500 years ago. His salty but lovable personality really shone in his POV chapters, and we got to know him as much more than just the Nightmare inside Elspeth’s head. The many parallels between his life and Ravyn’s made the reveal not much of a surprise, but still satisfying.

‘”He has looked pain in the eye—and refused to let it make a monster of him.”’

I was pleasantly surprised by Elm’s storyline in this book! But after my reread of book 1, I could see the seeds were already there. Having so many POVs and parallel storylines can easily get complicated, but Rachel handled everything masterfully and maintained a level of suspense for both storylines (I didn’t want to switch back and forth! 😂).

‘To bleed is the first step—drop your blood on the stone. The next is to barter—match her price with your own. The last is to bend—for magic does twist. You’ll lose your old self, like getting lost in a mist. The Spirit will guide you, but she keeps a long score. She’ll grant what you ask... But you’ll always want more.’

In my opinion Rachel Gillig is fantasy’s newest rising star… I’ll definitely be preordering whatever she writes next! Many thanks to her, Netgalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

A great follow up to the first book, I love the dark mood of these books. A unique concept and a good execution. Sometimes the characters got hard to juggle because there’s so many, but generally I really enjoyed the book and the creepy fairytale vibes.

One word to describe this book: MASTERPIECE.

It has every single thing you want for an ending of a duology. It had all loose ends tied up, no plot holes. It has HEAs all around. It has love found and found family for multiple people. It has a rightful king crowned, lives saved, lives lost, adventure, so much.

Genre: Romantasy

Tropes:
Slow burn
Touch her & d*e
Touch him & d*e
Found family

It also has Multiple PoVs, so you get to see into Ravyn’s, Elspeth’s, and Elm’s minds and lives.

Elm I honestly could not stand much in the first book, I could tell he was a good person, but all of the contempt he showed towards Elspeth irked me and was an ick. But in this book, he definitely redeems himself imo.

& him & Ione? I saw that one coming from the first book, but omg to actually read it? Dude, I was OBSESSED with them. I love them together so much.

I feel like Ravyn & El’s ending left much to be desired though, however that is just my personal opinion and I can see why it ended the way it did, to show that the journey was mainly for El & Taxus, not a love story, that was just a side quest if you will, lol.

So yeah, that’s as much as I will say without spoilers, but I loved it, and was absolutely obsessed from start to finish. Do NOT sleep on this duology if you like a Romantasy with mainly plot, but a nice slow burn romance behind the scenes.