I was obsessed with this book when I finished reading it. It’s one of the best duologies I’ve read in a long time! I didn’t want it to end. This is not to exaggerate but I have recommended this book(s) so many times. I was giddy reading it the entire time AND I stayed up until 3am without noticing to finish it. Rachel Gillig does no wrong. I can’t wait for her future book, it actually releases on my birthday, May 22. lol. :)

The atmospheric writing of Rachel Gillig is unmatched. I really enjoyed this second book in the duology, however I wish Elspeth and Ravyn were more central to the story. There were a lot of additional POV's which were fun .. but I ended up missing E&R. Overall, a strong conclusion to this duology. I can't wait to read future books of Gillig.

Read if you like atmospheric darker fantasy novels. Gothic vibes.

“I’ve wanted to know you since I saw you all those years ago, riding in the wood, mud on your ankles.”

I really struggled to rate this book. I loved the first book in the duology, but this one just didn't hold my interest like the first. I really like Gillig's characterization and unique plot lines, but the dual POV's of this story really had me struggling to read on. Every time the story would get exciting, we would switch back over to Elspeth's POV and I would lose interest again. I was hoping she'd be more of a main character in this book, but she seemed pushed to the back burner. Still really enjoyed the banter and the magic system though.

I think I tend to struggle with second books in a duology/series, and this just fell into that category for me again. Overall, I really enjoy this author's writing style and ideas, so I'm sure I'll be gobbling up whatever she writes next.

If you enjoy: dark fantasy, found family, beautiful writing, romantasy, unique magic systems.

3.5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this ARC.

Such a good sequel! Picks up right where we left off with that cliffhanger and all the questions boiling in our minds. Everything I loved in the first one and with multiple POVs, including Elms who became one of my favs. And of course more of the nightmare whose story we finally get to unravel piece by piece. All the magic, all the tension, and such a fun gothic time!

Two Twisted Crowns was a satisfying continuation and end of One Dark Window. We get the same gothic, eerie atmosphere, the same incredible magic system, and the same level of mystery. I love how complex the story is, how we think we know so much yet every time there's a new layer to the mystery and the history of this world.

I gave it a 4.5 stars only because unlike the first book in the series, this felt like the romance was either equal to or a little more the focus of this book. Additionally, it was a completely new couple while we were still in the unknown regarding the couple from the first book.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig is the sequel to One Dark Window. This is a wonderful sequel that continues the story of Elspeth/Nightmare and Ravyn. I really enjoyed this novel.

In my opinion, this book was even better than the first! The magic system remains one of the most unique I’ve read and the romance in the book was *chef’s kiss*.

This was the perfect wrapup to the shepherd king duology! I loved getting to know more about elm and ione and their love story, while still getting POVs from Ravyn and Elsbeth. The nightmare was such an intricate character and I loved learning his backstory. Well-done, bravo Rachel!

Two Twisted Crowns picks up right where its predecessor left off, delivering an equally gripping continuation that doesn’t disappoint. The book dives deeper into the fascinating magical systems, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the world-building. The romance evolves in unexpected ways, adding both tension and emotional depth to the plot. Political intrigue also plays a significant role, with shifting alliances and power struggles that keep the stakes high. The pacing is perfect, and the character development is just as strong, making this sequel a must-read for fans of action, magic, and compelling relationships. Truly an exciting follow-up!

Realized I never wrote a review of this when I finished it last year! I’m quite behind. But I truly loved this series and has been my fav duology I’ve read in such a long time. I’m so looking forward to reading her new book coming out next year.

A fantastic sequel to One Dark Window. I've been anticipating this for about 2 years, and it did not disappoint. The ending went in a different direction than I expected, but can't complain.

This duology restored my faith in the romantasy genre. The characters are delightful and fun. The magic system in this was unique and I wished we had gotten more about it (there were other cards!!!).

In this book specially I fell in love with Elm and Ione. Both looking to trying to heal a world that’s mistreated them and the people they love. And then finding each other even though Ione had every reason not to look at another Rowan man again.

Lastly, thank you thank you for writing a series that actually had an ending and wasn’t open for a million more books. I want to get to an ending and not feel like the rug is going to be pulled out from under me with another four books added on. You gave us an ending that felt like a fairy tale that I needed.

Thank you to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the chances to read and review this book!

First I want to thank NetGalley and Orbit books for this arc of one of my most anticipated reads this year. I requested this arc on a whim and I might have cried a little when I saw the approval email a few weeks ago.

A sequel can be a dangerous territory, especially in a duology but TTC superseded my expectations. This world’s unique magic system a lore of the Shepard king was something I hadn’t expected to enjoy as much as I did but the deep dive further into the Shepard king’s backstory might have been the highlight of this read for me. Somehow the author managed beautifully to give the nightmare back a bit of humanity he’d lost a long time ago. Overtime I found myself hoping for a peaceful ending for the nightmare, at least for the sake of the man he once was and the family that still held the same hope for him that I had developed. I also loved complicated relationship between elspeth and the nightmare and the strange protective nature he had over her. My one complaint might just be that I wish we had seen more of their dynamic in this one; I couldn’t get enough!

I was worried that with Elspeth being absent for a majority of the beginning I would hit a lull in the exposition but it was quite the opposite. Elm’s arc quickly became one of my favorite parts of the book right behind Ione’s. I’m not sure yet what it was about Ione in this book that made me fall so in love with her but I just wanted to give her a hug. I found her to be so brave, that she welcomed all of that pain that came along with her suffering back into her life knowing that feeling nothing would be a far worse fate. She easily became one of if not my favorite character.

I’m trying to keep my spoilers to a minimum for now but i left it feeling empty inside and wanting to read it again the minute I finished. (Which for me means an automatic five stars). I’m sad to leave this world but immensely excited to see what Rachel Gillig has next because anything she writes I will be reading.

Absolutely amazing, a great sequel to an AMAZING first book! My book club is currently reading this and I cannot wait to discuss it with everyone else when they finish. I loved the story, loved the characters and I definitely need to look into what else Rachel Gillig has written.

Full review and links to social will be posted as soon as possible.

I'd like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

So mad at myself for not getting to this sooner, because I KNEW I would love it and I did!! The world building, the characters, everything just comes together so nicely. I would absolutely read more in this world some day!!

Review from Goodreads September 29th, 2023:

This was such an incredible read! I received an e-arc of this book and I have nothing but good things to say about it.

The story this time follows multiple POVs. Elspeth/Shepard King, Ravyn, and Elm. Elspeth/Shepard King, Ravyn, and his sister Jesper are on a quest to collect the Twin Alders Providence Card to unite the deck and lift Blunder of the mist and heal people of the infection. During the journey Elspeth begins to learn more of the Shepard Kings past and how the Providence Cards were created.

Elm’s POV chapters follows his and Iones relationship. We find out that Elm has cared for Ione long before she was betrothed to his brother Hauth. Their quest involves Elm helping Ione find her Maiden Providence Card that Hauth tricked her into hiding. Since she has been using it for so long the side effects of the maiden have made Ione lack any emotion but Elm sees past the beautiful mask Ione is stuck behind.

This was a beautifully written duology and I cannot wait to read new books from Rachel.

what's that noise? me screaming


this is the *perfect* conclusion to the duology and I absolutely devoured it! this book gave us everythingggg— multiple POVs, action, romance, drama, betrayal and suspense. and the world building 🤌🏼🤌🏼

getting inside the Nightmare’s head was honestly a real treat. I had some guesses about his storyline, but the way it all played out was just amazing. I found myself kicking my feet and giggling as everything came together.

Elm. the man that you are. our soft protector 🥹 the way he was with Ione, constantly and consistently making her feel wanted. THE WAY HE PROVED IT TO HER *dramatically faints*

I did wish for more Elspeth and Ravyn, but I totally get why Elm and Ione were the focus of this book. the overall balance among all the POVs was really well done and I didn’t feel like anything was missing.

Honestly, I’m truly sad that I finished this book.
I can't wait to see what Rachel comes up with next!


DEATH TO THE ROWANS. LONG LIVE THE KING.

This series was amazing. Enjoyed it all. the way it was written to the prose style. Loved the FMC, MMC and the demon in her head. Found the plot to be what did me in.

Thank you to Orbit for providing me with a finished copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

WHY did I wait so long to finish this duology??? I think I was afraid of not liking the second book as much as the first. But honestly, Rachel Gillig knocked it out of the park. How she sidelined the main character from One Dark Window was unique and worked for the continued storyline. I really enjoyed having Elm, Ravyn, and the Nightmare's points of view because they each brought something more to the story.

I can't recommend this duology enough, it has a little bit of everything, unique magic, fantasy setting, royalty, quest, vengeful goddess, and romance.