Cue the maniacal laughter y'all... I jumped straight from One Dark Window into this beauty and I have no regrets. In the first book, I found myself captivated by Ione and Elm (even though we were supposed to be focusing on Elspeth and Ravyn, I know). So I was overjoyed when we got Elm's point of view in this book, as well as all of the answers to questions from the previous book - some of which I didn't even know I had!

The tension ramps up as we approach the solstice and try to unite the deck, gloriously so. You won't be able to put this down until the end, even if there are a few moments in the middle where you may throw it across the room and then scuttle across the floor like a night creature to pick it up and keep reading. Trust me on this though... It absolutely sticks the landing.

*Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This is an incredibly satisfying second book in the Shepard King Duology. It kept the same gothic fairytale like fantasy tone, digging even further in to the interesting magic system. And for readers who may worry about a missing character given the ending up book 1, rest assured Gillig handles that in a super interesting and satisfying way. One of my favorite reads of the year. This is going to be an absolute must read for fans of One Dark Window.

A glorious conclusion to the Shepherd King duology. The stakes keep getting higher and higher, with every character in gripping peril. The magic system grows while still feeling authentic to what was established in book one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
**may contain spoilers**
This book was a 4.5 for me. It was a super anticipated sequel and it lived up to the hype. I really enjoyed the politic-ing amongst the brothers, and the delving into the romantic relationships of the “side” characters. Throughout reading, I thought that the world building was strong without being tedious. I could keep track of what was happening without having to stop to remind myself of the magic system and how it worked.

The only thing I was missing was more of Elspeth. While it was nice to get to know the surrounding cast I missed the main character from the first book being the true focus. I could have read another 50 pages if it meant more details on the “after”.

Overall, very happy with this book and so grateful I got to read it early!

I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't get into it...

I was really intrigued to find out what happened with the cards and how Gillig would wrap it up but I found myself not caring what happened to the characters, and I felt like there was a lot of inconsistent character development within the story. For example, in book one I got the message that Elspeth and 'the monster' were enemies because of the ending. But I got a different message in this book. Perhaps that's part of the character growth? It just confused me. I found myself having to flip back and forth between pages to reread/figure out what was going on.

I did really enjoy reading about Elm's side of the story which surprised me! At first I wasn't interested at all about Elm but his story really begins to pick up about halfway through the book. I also loved watching Ione grow into the badass FMC she is.

I would have loved more POV from Elspeth and Ravyn but... that's just now how the story played out. Overall I would say it's an okay read. It ties up the story and doesn't leave any lose ends. I love the world that is built within these two books. I just wish there had been more depth so I could feel more immersed in the story.

Two Twisted Crowns in an enchanting nightmare that you’ll never want to wake up from!

If you liked One Dark Window you will be blown away by this sequel! The multiple point of views from Ravyn, Elm, and Elspeth take this story to another level! We get more magic, more mystery, more romance and it is unforgettable! I love that we got more from all of the characters that I wanted more from in book 1! The nightmare is still the star of the show to me and I loved getting more of that back story! This duology has one of the most unique magic systems I have ever read about and I loved every second of it!

I am so sad that this story has come to an end but I cannot wait to read more from this author!

To no surprise, the sequel was every bit as good as the first book. I fell in love with the characters and the world of Blunder that much more in book 2. It was absolutely everything we could've asked for! It picked up where book 1 leaves off and the pace just stayed consistent throughout! It was really hard to put it down. The story just pulls you in.

I loved the multiple POVs and how well the story flowed. I really enjoyed how we learned about the past and how everything came to be. Elspeth and Ione are amazing FMCs, and both show such amazing strength. All the character dynamics were perfect. I loved the twists and turns and how the last 25% had me holding my breath. It was an amazing sequel, and much like One Dark Window, this one will also deserve every once of hype it gets!

What a great ending to a great story! I had been saving one dark window to read closer to the release of this book and was so excited to have been approved for an ARC! The story as a whole has so much depth without being confusing and I loved the magic system used in this world. Duologies are underrated in my opinion so I love finding one that has all the things I love about a series while still keeping a story concise and to the point. Def a 5 star read for me!

This book was so good!

It had a slow start but after chapter 8 or so, it really picked up and I was on a ride! I was sitting on the edge of my seat reading holding my breath several times in certain scenes!

The plot, the character developments, the magic systems, how Rachel Gallig written this book and how it ended was all well thought out.

I loved everything about this book and I am honored to have received an arc of this book.

I rate this 5 stars!

I did not expect to cry from this book. What an incredible finish to this story. I don’t think I could have imagined a better ending. Thank you Rachel for bringing Elspeth, Ravyn, The Shepherd King and all these amazing characters to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC of this book.

I was a little let down by the first book, but too intrigued to not move forward with book 2. And I’m SO glad I did because this one has been much more my speed. And maybe I need to do a reread and had too many distractions to appreciate book 1. Idk.

Anyway, The character development and inner dialogue is great. The additional POV added in this book is what I’m here for. I liked Elm in book 1, but I’m in love in book 2 and enjoyed his added storyline.

When I read One Dark Window I absolutely fell in love with the world of Blunder. With the intricate and unique magic system, the beautiful characters, the chilling story, and of course the monster inside it all. It was my first 5 star book for the year and the anticipation I had for Two Twisted Crowns was enormous!

When I received the arc for Two Twisted Crowns I was brimming with joy. I immediately began reading without hesitation. Unlike the first book, this book was written between 3 POVs: Elspeth, Ravyn, and Elm. I wasn't sure how it would play out but I was not left disappointed. If I could give this 10 stars I would.

The story picked up where it left off and was an absolute page turner. I was engaged and eager to keep going from the very beginning. Almost every chapter left me with goosebumps and by the end I was on the edge of my seat, unable to see what would come next. To have the word twisted in the title fits 2 ways, not only in the story itself but in the twists and turns you take throughout the story.

I absolutely LOVED this book and can't recommend it enough. The ending had me in a chokehold and left me in tears... (in a good way.)

There was definitely a lot more romance in this book than the first and it started off strong with lots of it... but leveled out after the first half to make this book a fantasy and not a romantasy. (Which I was personally relieved by)

I highly recommend The Shepard King duology to anyone who loves fantasy and beautiful creative writing. Rachel Gillig has a way with words unlike any writer I've ever read before. At times it's almost poetic. I will cherish these books for many years to come. My only wish is that there were more books about this wonderful world and beautiful characters.

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book and thank you Rachel for writing such an amazing story.

First, I would like to thank Rachel Gillig, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Two Twisted Crowns was absolutely incredible!! The story moved along until every thing came together beautifully. I enjoyed getting to see more of the unique magic system in this book, learning more about the Nightmare, the journey that Elm and Ione were on, the conflict and action, and seeing the growth for the characters. The tension build up and spice in this book was great for me as well. Two Twisted Crowns was a beautiful sequel.

💫 ARC Review 💫
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️s

Themes:
🍥Magic system
🍥Spirits
🍥Barters & Deals
🍥Fast-paced
🍥Multiple POV

Two Twisted Crowns was part two of the Shepherd King Duology, by Rachel Gillig. Part one ended on a cliffhanger so I was really excited to jump back in to this story. I was not disappointed! This story was fast-paced and well told.
The story jumps right in where book one concluded. The nightmare that lives in Elspeth’s mind has taken root, leaving Elspeth a prisoner in her own body. The nightmare will go on a journey with Ravyn and others to find the last Providence card and unite the desk. In doing do, they plan to unseat the tyrannical king and free Blunder from the magical mist.
The story focuses deeper on supporting characters Ione and Elm. I loved getting a closer look at them as characters and liked seeing their relationship blossom throughout the story. This story does not try to be a romance novel, with the love seat taking a backseat for the fantasy story-telling.
I really enjoyed this story and thought it was a solid ending to this series. The story is fast paced and will leave satisfied with the stories ending. I think Rachel Gillig is a powerful story teller and I would be interested in reading her future works!

Oh WOW. I am going to cry forever that ending was absolutely perfect. I LOVED this duology!!!! It had the best gothic atmosphere and the writing?! AMAZING. I could not stop reading this book. Highly recommend.

4.5/5 🌟

This might be the most satisfying duology I've ever read. The setups and payoffs were incredible, and at no point did the story feel pointlessly stretched out or not fleshed out enough. Two books was the perfect amount to tell Elspeth and the Nightmare's story.

Rachel Gillig's writing is just so impressive. Her control over the atmosphere made for such a perfect fall vibe, especially if you like mildly spooky but not straight-up scary reads. I highly recommend picking these books up on a rainy night with a hot cup of tea.

Her cast of characters were also very compelling in their own right. I was initially skeptical at the expansion of POVs in this book, and I do think Elspeth took a little but more of a backseat in this installment than I would have liked, but I genuinely enjoyed getting to know the other characters better and I think the finale was all the more satisfying for it.

The payoffs for all of the plot elements Gillig set up in book 1 were so satisfying, and the deeper dive into the history and lore of Blunder, the Spirit of the Wood, and the Providence Cards was fabulous. Overall, Two Twisted Crowns wrapped this story up really nicely.

Absolutely loved this duology and I can't wait to see what Rachel Gillig does next!

Two Twisted Crowns is an amazing conclusion to this duology!
This world is vivid and immersive with an awesome magic system. The writing and characters drew me in and didn't let me go until I turned the last page.
I loved that we got to see more of The Shepard King, and we ventured into the Alder Forest where normal people fear to tread. As we get to see that reputation is completely deserved, there are definitely nightmarish things that live in there. I loved the romance and banter, and getting more from Elm and Ione.

This was everything I was hoping for and I can't wait to see what Rachel Gillig is going to come out with next.

Oh how to write a review when the duology has come to an end. I don't think I've ever read 2 books that have left me wanting more and so completely happy and satisfied at the end.

Two Twisted Crowns is a book of twists and turns. Love and hate. Fear and romance. Rachel Gillig has truly won my heart with her characters and story telling. She had a unique vision and magic system. She brought it to life through 2 magical books, One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns. The development between Elspeth and the Nightmare, Elm and Ione, Rayvn and the Nightmare left me wishing their stories would never end. A story steaped in history that the more you discover, the more you want to know. I don't wish to spoil the book for anyone as trust me it's wroth the read and the wait. So I'll leave you with the quote that has stuck with me most from this read:

"Human life is short. You are not as a tree, stoic and unyielding, but a butterfly. Delicate, fleeting. Inconsequential."

If you want to read a duology this is the one for you.

I was so excited to read this one after One Dark Window! I love the magic system and the characters. I feel like she went as deep as she could in the two books as far as character development went. There were clear evil characters and clear good guys except maybe the nightmare. I won’t spoil anything, but the journey they take in this book is incredible. Add in a “side character” love story and it was perfection. Wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t wait to see what else comes from this author’s mind!

ℬℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓎, 𝒷ℯ 𝒸𝓁ℯ𝓋ℯ𝓇, 𝒷ℯ ℊℴℴ𝒹.

This is such a perfect ending to this duo-logy. I was very happy to read about Elm and Ione loved getting to know them and that slow burn was so real.

This one had me so nervous and excited the entire time.
The ending had me crying 😢
Easy 5 star duo-logy.