Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for an ARC of Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. I read One Dark Window last month and loved the story. It's unique, and Rachel Gillig's writing style is so beautiful and descriptive.
Two Twisted Crowns picks up where One Dark Window leaves off. I won't go into the plot because of spoilers. But I'm excited to say this book is multi POV, which I love. You get a much more in depth look at the characters thoughts and reasons behind their actions.
Like One Dark Window, the world building is descriptive and draws you in from the first page. It's the perfect read to add to your spooky season line up!

The second installment of The Shepherd King series picks up where the first book left off, but I struggled to immerse myself in this narrative. I felt lost, which hindered my ability to connect with the characters. I had to meander through the narrative until a morsel of information clicked, and by that point, I was contemplating giving up. Consequently, it took me over a week to complete the book, and only in the final sixty percent did the story coalesce and captivate my interest.

At times, the narrative presented challenges in following the storyline because the chapters were dedicated to various characters, all depicted in the third person, except for Elspeth, who received the privilege of the first-person perspective. Fortunately, the chapters were helpfully titled with the character's name, which aided navigation.
While intriguing, the magical cards in the story played a diminished role compared to their prominence in the first book. Some of these cards were meticulously described in terms of their appearances and powers, while others were scarcely mentioned or mentioned not at all. The author devoted more attention to the cards in the first book, and it would have benefited them to receive the same level of care in this sequel.

My big issue with this book was the lack of Elspeth in the mix. A big chunk of the story focused on Elm and Ione to give us a satisfying ending. It kind of felt like a consolation prize because we didn't get to see any Elspeth and Ravyn moments. Now, don't get me wrong, I like Elm and Ione as characters, but they're not the main reason I loved "One Dark Window," and I wasn't really looking for that in this book.
And let's talk about the romance – it felt a bit forced. I might be in the minority here, but it seemed like the author knew we were hungry for some romance, and she had to serve it up somehow. With Elspeth and Ravyn out of the picture, she went all-in on the Elm/Ione romance. It just didn't feel as natural to me.

Overall not my cup of tea

This book came out just in time for Halloween.
This book was very detailed and I feel that the author has done a very good job at pulling it together. I was a little surprised that Elspeth was shifted from being the main character though. However, the main characters of this book more than made up for it. In fact, I actually liked them better.
My feelings for the nightmare shifted around a lot. In book 1, I wasn't sure how to feel about him. At the start of book 2, I really hated him but as a book started going on I grew to like him. And I really think this was by design.
Props to the author for making super complicated characters, a unique magic system, and amazing writing. I will be recommending that duology to others.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC of Two Twisted Crowns, the second and last book of The Shepherd Kings story.
This story follows Elspeth and Ravyn as they embark on their journey to find the last Providence card and save the kingdom. It’s a dangerous journey and the only one that can guide them is the monster living in Elspeth’s head.

This book was so good, and the perfect wrap up to the first book One Dark Window. It was full of adventure and magic, I couldn’t put it down!

Thank you netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I mean...this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Was it worth the wait and the anticipation? A resounding yes. What an emotional and beautiful and wonderful ending duology. I loved it so much.

5/5 ⭐

Two Twisted Crowns was the perfect ending to the Shepherd King’s duology, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

I forgot quite a bit about book one (One Dark Window), but I thought that Rachel Gillig blended reminders/recaps in beautifully with the new storyline. I remembered what happened and who did what pretty quickly!

I don’t want to spoil the amazingness in book 2, but I will say that I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with Ione and I was pleasantly surprised by her storyline.

If you read One Dark Window you MUST READ THIS! You won’t regret it. And if you love gothic fantasies but haven’t read either book. you definitely need to get both ASAP!

I enjoyed One Dark Window but this book blew it out of the water. It made me laugh, cry, yell and cry even more. I rarely love the last book in the series because there’s usually at least one thing about it that I don’t like. Not in this case. I loved every. Single. Thing. The plot, character development and pacing was absolutely incredible.

I had two favorite things about this book:

First, Elm. I loved his chapters. Seeing his pov and all his struggles was truly the best part of the entire book. I’m so so happy with how he found his happily ever after.

Second, Elspeth and the Nightmare’s relationship. We got to see an entirely different side of it and I was here for it. I can’t even tell you how much I cried at the end when he said how much she meant to him.

I still can’t get over how much I loved the ending. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at once. Rachel Gillig is a phenomenal author and I plan on reading all her future books.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first one it had me hooked from the beginning. The plot the style of writing everything was perfect!!

I received a digital advanced readers copy of this book and I am so glad that I did.

After reading One Dark Window, I knew I needed to get my hands on a copy of this book. The poetry, the romance, the mystery, dark magic... THE NIGHTMARE. Absolute perfection. I took my time reading this book simply because I did not want it to end. I loved following Ravyn and Elspeth's journey, but then Elm and Ione came in, and I fell in love with them more. This book broke my heart and then picked up all the pieces. The ending was everything it needed to be. I wish it wasn't over 😭

>multiple POV
>court intrigue
>touch her and you die
>Gothic fantasy
>unique magic system
>completed fantasy duology
>add a little bit of spice🌶
>perfect spooky season read!!

"There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King—a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: The girl, the King… and the monster they became."

"Be wary... Be clever... Be good" and do yourself a favor and go read this book!!

This story is not what I expected, or really even what I hoped it would be, but ultimately it was better than I could have imagined. The history of Blunder and origins of the Providence Cards and the Shepherd King are all explored and explained in this book, creating the perfect dark fantasy/fairytale setting and vibe.

I love that this story gives readers additional POVs from Ravyn and Elm. Both characters are put through the ringer in this novel, and I love the emotional depth that is portrayed through their internal and external conflicts.

Elspeth and the Nightmare had a lot of really good page time, too, and I think the Nightmare is just one of the coolest characters I've ever read.

There is a good romance in this book (not what I thought it would be, but still well done), and so many great moments that focus on family, loyalty, duty and love.

I cannot say enough good things about this duology. It is definitely now one of my new favorites!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Adult
Content: violence, some strong languge, 1.5 open-door

This sequel was so well done. The ending of the first book really had me wondering what was about to happen with the Nightmare being in control and I don’t think I could’ve imagined where the story would lead me. The concept of the story is so unique. I loooved Elm and Ione in this book and was so so so happy with the ending. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like it and will be on the look out for any upcoming stories written by the author.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gilig left me satisfied but maybe a little disappointed after such a strong debut. On one hand, I was completely enamored by Gilig's exceptional storytelling prowess. She masterfully crafted a world that exuded an opulent and gothic ambiance, shrouded in mystery. The setting perfectly complemented the unfolding narrative, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. The magic system still is the standout feature, with the Providence cards and their unique role in shaping the story's events. It added a layer of intrigue and innovation that I found thoroughly engaging in both this book and its predecessor. Moreover, the internal conflicts and struggles Elspeth faced, particularly her battle against the Nightmare within her mind, were portrayed with remarkable nuance and care. I appreciated the depth of character development in this regard.

However, there were moments when Two Twisted Crowns fell short of the high bar set by Book 1. The first book had me absolutely hooked and obsessed, but the second installment didn't quite capture my attention in the same way. My biggest gripe was the noticeable absence of Elspeth, which felt jarring given the intense conclusion of the first book. While I understood the necessity of exploring other character arcs to lead us back to the overarching issues and plot, I couldn't help but wish for a more prominent focus on Elspeth, Ravyn, and their journey. Although I love Ione and Elm, I wasn't thrilled about the part they played book. This is definitely because their relationship felt forced and not because I don't like them together. I just wish there was more time to develop their story instead of it being a rushed B-plotline in what I think is Elspeth and Rayvn's story.

Despite these reservations, the book managed to wrap up the story in a satisfying manner, leaving me content and eager to see what Gilig will write next.

As a fan of One Dark Window I was excited to read the conclusion of the duology. Expecting the book to be centered around Elspeth and Ravyn, I was thrilled to dive in to a new couple while they found their way back to eachother. I found myself rooting for Elm amd Ione early on - the were very believable and I loved their relationship dynamic.
The book itself felt a bit slow at the beginning but picked up about 1/3 in. The journey undertaken is harrowing and well thought out but the end is intentionally rushed as part of the story line. Unfortunately it did make me feel like everything was being hastily tied up.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and the duology as a whole and will continue to recommend them!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a beautiful, captivating end to this duology by Rachel Gillig. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year after devouring One Dark Window and it did not disappoint. Two Twisted Crowns begins seamlessly right where ODW left off with Ravyn, Elspeth & the Nightmare on a mission to find the last Providence Card: the Twin Alders. In order to set their kingdom of Blunder free from the mist and its people free of infection, they must unite the deck of cards before Solstice. However, their journey to reclaim the Twin Alders is their most dangerous one yet. The only one who could lead them through the mist-cloaked forest is the monster that shares Elspeth’s head.

Gilligs writing is so clever with her rhymes and added banter between some of the characters, multiple twists and incredibly vivid world-building. I love that this book added view points from Ravyn and Elms perspectives. And although Elspeth was a bit in the background this time around I didn’t find it bothersome. The character development was amazing and perfectly played out from beginning to end. You learn a lot more about Ravyn in this one as he continues to be a strong force who fights to get Elspeth back as well as doing anything in his power to keep his family and friends safe. Loved the conversations between him and the Nightmare and the development of them together.

Getting to know both Elms and the Nightmares pasts and journey to who they are in the present was dark and deep and riveting. The Nightmare has always been a top character for me but I felt very connected to Elm as we learned what he had gone through. Watching him work through past trauma and current issues totally took you on an emotional roller coaster! I also enjoyed a bit of the slow-burn romance between him and Ione and how their characters grew together and helped heal one another. But the Nightmare 🥹 how beautifully he was written! Their was so much depth to his character which ODW touched on a bit but Two Twisted Crowns gets into all the details regarding how the cards were made, the sacrifices the Shepard King made, regrets, and overall redemption to be better and do better for the people he loves and for Blunder. Two Twisted Crowns couldn’t have ended anymore perfectly!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

What You Get:
✨Unique Magic System
✨Dark Gothic Fantasy
✨Romantasy
✨Multiple POVs
✨Touch Her & Die
✨Twists
✨Moody/Spooky Vibes

“𝓑𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝔂. 𝓑𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻. 𝓑𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭.”

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Orbit Books for sending me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 -⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

"You will learn, just as I did, what it feels like to lose yourself in the wood."

Two Twisted Crowns is the second novel in the NA Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance series, The Shepherd King. Following the events of book one, One Dark Window, Elspeth has brought her companions one step closer to bringing together the Providence cards with the hope of clearing Blunder of the mist. Yet it came with a high cost and she, alongside them, must bear the consequences. Saving Blunder is still in reach...but time is not on their side and each much sacrifice to see it to the end.

This series takes you through quite the journey in such nuanced ways as you navigate multiple character POVS and the different plots they face. Elspeth's story is an internal struggle as she must find a new way to exist with the monster while uncovering his past and the clues to saving her land. Ravyn is distraught at the state of things but continues to push forward in the name of saving his family, yet still clings to hope as he is forced to risk everyone around him. There are these beatifically angsty moments between the two (three if you count the monster) and it tugged hard of my heartstrings.

We also get some unexpected POVS with Elm and Ione which added more thrill and tension to the story to shake things up as we also continue a lot of the same story elements from book one for Elspeth and Ravyn. I really liked being able to dive into their perspectives as it highlighted the struggles of each character and gave me more to invest in. I felt for Ione in a completely new way and admired the steps Elm was willing to go against his family.

There is some spice in the book but it follows the same vein as the previous book - one spicy pepper out of five spicy pepper. You know spice is happening but it isn't detailed. The romance in this book follows two couples and I enjoyed this, especially with one romance being much more angstier than the other for reasons the characters cannot control. The new romance is predicated on an instant attraction but there is a medium burn to it that drew me in. With so much at stake their romance added to the tension and risk. I also felt it helped soften the heartstring pulling tension and uncertainty Elspeth and Ravyn gave me.

"Tell me, Hawthorn - does it make you feel something, toying with me like this?"

In terms of world building, the world of Blunder continued to grow and draw my interest. We get a lot more lore around the earlier days of Blunder which I loved hearing about (the history student in me is obsessed with information gathering). We also get to unpack the cards in a bit more and the costs of them. Ione really helped flesh this out for me in her journey. The story then draws on this vivid world and ups the tension by emphasizing the risks if things fail. I did wish we got more of Elspeth and Ravyn in this book but Ione and Elm were characters that helped build the story with their mystery, quests, and romance. With the slowness of the overarching story having these smaller ones helped keep pace and draw me in. The ending itself is bittersweet as I want to stay in the world but it is fitting for the characters.

If you love fantasy world that gritty with costs to magic, quests, political intrigue, and romances that tease you then this series is one I highly recommend. I could not put this book down once I started and I will never forget the magical world Gillig created for us.

Thank you Orbit for this e-ARC.

I was extremely shocked when I received the notification that I was approved for an arc for Two Twisted Crowns. This book was one of my most anticipated books of 2023. Rachel Gillig writing style is hauntingly beautiful. I love reading anything that is dark and eerie. I still enjoyed reading and learning more about the Nightmare especially as his backstory was explained. Elm and Ione were amazing characters and I definitely enjoyed their ending. Elspeth and Ravyn are still my favorite characters but I felt their story together was cut short. I wished we had more of them in book two. I needed more of my favorite couple. Overall I would still highly recommend this duo-logy. Rachel Gillig is a talented writer and I will continue to read anything she writes in the future. Thank you so much NetGalley for giving me this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to have a physical copy for my library.

What a satisfying end to a duology! Evocative prose, a fast placed plot, and a card based magic system I loved to see in action.

I would inject the vibes of this story into my bloodstream if I could: an eerie, gothic and mist-cloaked delight~

But wow when I started this I quickly realized I had absolutely 0 recall of the first book. Took me a second to get back into the swing of things but if you liked the first I think there’s a really good chance this will hold up for you. There’s a little side lining of our og main characters but other POVs that I adored just as much got to take up the torch.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc!

I loved this so much! There is something about this duology that worked so well for me!

At first, I was a little hesitant starting this as I usually don't have luck with the second book in duologies, but this one sucked me right back into the world. I loved these characters and how we got to learn about a certain characters back story. The writing is so well done, and I devoured this in just a couple days. This was fast paced and so fun and I'm so happy that I was able to read it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!

I have been waiting the sequel for months and it did not disappoint. Two Twisted Crowns was the perfect finale to the Shepherd King duology. I devoured it within a matter of hours.

I wasn't sure I would enjoy the multiple POV, especially with Elspeth relegated to more of the background, but I did. The other characters shined. The Nightmare and Ravyn's chemistry was superb. Ione captured my heart. Long live the King of Elms!!

I'm only sad this was the end.

4.5⭐️

I was immediately hooked when I started this and was on the edge of my seat for the last 100-200 pages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading multiple perspectives, I think that brought a lot more depth into the story line and the characters. I think the multiple POV’s would’ve been interesting to have in the first book as well. There were so many details regarding the cards and history of the King and his family that I can’t believe this is a set duet. Even while things were resolving, I still wanted more.

I was happy to read more about Elm and Ione’s story and their relationship. I wish we had a book just for them cause the banter and tension between them was divine. Don’t get me wrong, Elspeth and Ravyn were great, but Elm and Ione are such a stronger pair.

I think the only minor thing I didn’t like, hence the half star reduction, was that two of the POV’s were written in third person and the other one was in first person. I wasn’t a fan of how it was broken up like that, but like I said, a really minor thing!

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for sending an arc for my honest review! I can’t wait to go buy a copy the next time I’m at my local bookstore.