One Dark Window was one of my favorite reads from 2022!

I had been anticipating this arc approval for seemingly forever.

The story continues from right where the first left us off!

Ravyn and his co-conspirators are frantic at the Elspeth’s stunning degeneration and seek evermore harder to find the last card- good thing that the nightmare is there to lead the way, even as the way is crooked and paved with unseen dangers and death.

Really loved that the story got into building up some characters from book one, turning them into POV characters !

Ione was one of my favorite characters from day one, so getting into her head and seeing her motivations and seeing her become more like her true self was so satisfying! Also getting to see the true nature of the second prince!

Two Twisted Crowns has some shocks and unexpected turns laid out for the reader but one of the things that really made me enjoy the first book was that shocking end! So I was expecting the conclusion to have some bittersweetness to it, unfortunately that wasn’t so, so I was a bit disappointed. However, I do think that most fans will be absolutely thrilled by this story and learning more about the nightmare and his heart-wrenching past!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This dark and twisted sequel was the perfect ending to this dark ya fantasy duology. The book gives off Grimm Fairytale/creepy horror vibes as the world has a rich history of magic and lore and I loved delving deeper in the world's sinister past. I could really see how much the author worked on developing the world and magic and enjoyed learning how it all worked.

The book does follow our main characters from book one but also adds additional characters and perspectives which I enjoyed and felt that it added more dimension to the story. All the characters were lovable and had good backstories with some slight character growth. There was some steamy romance in this one but I didn’t like the chemistry as much as the first book.

The writing was easy to read and follow and had fun riddles and rhymes throughout the story. The book was a little predictable which is typical for YA but the author almost fooled me at certain tense moments. I had a hard time putting the book down and finished it in two days. I enjoyed how the ending wrapped up the story and thought it was the perfect ending for this dark duology.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Orbit for providing me with a digital ARC for my honest review.

One dark window was one of my favorite reads of this year so I could not wait to get to Two Twisted Crowns. First off I loved all the new POVs. I especially enjoyed Elm and Ione’s story I was rooting for them and couldn’t wait to get back to their POVs. I wanted more from Elspeth and Ravyn especially their reunion. Additionally I don’t know that I loved Elspeth having a POV when she wasn’t physically present. Overall I loved this book and this duology is incredible. Rachel gillig will be an auto buy author for me for sure because the uniqueness and the way I was able to get lost in her story is unreal!

This was such a great book!! I love the characters in this duology and love that you get to hear from multiple POVs. The character development in this book was phenomenal. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. I wish there was more from Elspeth at the end, but overall it was great!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of TWO TWISTED CROWNS by Rachel Gillig. I don't know that I can say I quite enjoyed this one as much as the first book, but that's a pretty high standard. I did definitely still enjoy it. Adding in a new POV from Elm and inserting a romance between him and Ione was brilliant, and definitely increased the draw of this storyline a lot, especially with Elspeth not being as present in this book. I also liked learning more about the Nightmare's back story. The misty alder forest was super creepy. There were plenty of little twists along the way, and it has a nice and satisfying ending. Definitely an enjoyable duology!

Five stars and there is no doubt about it. Rachel has a way of writing that captivates me from the first page. It also helps that I absolutely loved the first book, One Dark Window, so it wasn’t that hard to get sucked in. (Yes, this is a series and yes, you must read the first book first.)

This book is told from the POV of Ravyn, Elspeth, and Elm and it picks up right where One Dark Window left off. That said, if you forgot what happened in ODW, I suggest you read a synopsis or a spoiler on it before heading back into Blunder with Two Twisted Crowns. It’s hard to write a review on a sequel without giving away any spoilers, so I’ll keep it vague and general- its action-packed, there are twists I never saw coming, and yes, Hauth is still a horrible human being. That’s all I will say. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!

Oh my gosh you guys, it’s wonderful! It’s everything I wanted it to be and more. When I finished One Dark Window, I was absolutely desperate for the second book. I thought the wait might kill me. For those of you that are eagerly awaiting this read, you will not be disappointed.

This duology has clawed its way into my heart much in the manner that Nightmare lives within Elspeth. I’m a little sad that this series is finished but I can’t wait to read more Rachel Gillig books in the future!

Elspeth's story takes a bit of a backseat in the sequel to One Dark Window but don’t worry because Ione and Elm keep things interesting! This book jumps back and forth between Ravyn, Elspeth and Nightmare’s quest for the Twin Alders card and Ione and Elm at Castle Stone dealing with the King.

I really enjoyed it! This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I was excited, happy, sad, mad, scared. The storytelling is incredible and I was swept away in the magic of this book. Highly recommend!

What a SATISFYING story! I fricking LOVED these books! Omg did I love all the characters so much!!! This was an amazing magical story! I would absolutely recommend these to everyone and I would especially say these are great for people who are new or hesitant toward fantasy reads! This story was so easy to get lost in and I just am so grateful I was able to read the concluding sequel right away! Love loved this book! Seriously everyone read this!

Thank thank thank youuu netgalley and orbit books for letting me read this one early! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for what comes next from this author!!!!

*** SPOILERS BELOW ***

I had the amazing opportunity to read Two Twisted Crowns after getting an ARC of the book, and can I just say that it exceeded expectations! I really loved One Dark Window and I wasn't sure if the second book would live up to its predecessor, but it definitely did.

My favorite thing about this book was learning about The Shepherd King's past and how the Providence Cards came to be. My only critique on this was that I wanted to read more about his family and children, but we really didn't get too much of that. I kind of wish the epilogue had a scene in it of The Shepherd King reuniting with his family.

My only other critique was that I did guess the plot twist as there were a bunch of hints throughout the book leading up to it, but I was still excited when I read that part because it confirmed all of my suspicions!

Ending this review with one of my favorite quotes:
- "Men like you do not take pleasure in yellow flowers when there are roses in your garden." - Ione Hawthorn ... This one comes full circle at the end when the yellow irises are given out at the wedding :')

This was a fitting end to this duology, and one I enjoyed immensely! The plot doesn’t skip a beat, and we’re drawn in with new POVs. The romance remains top tier, of course. Sad to see this series end but pleased with how it wraps up.

One of the easiest 5 ⭐️’s I think I have ever given.

I do not know where to start with this sequel. I started it and finished it in the same day, if that says anything at all. Now that I’m through, I don’t know what to do with myself. How do I leave Elspeth and Ravyn behind? This entire series is captivating, enthralling. So incredibly dark, twisted, and unique, and I didn’t know how to put it down.

The relationships and POV’s that were developed in this sequel were riveting, and without spoiling anything, a shiny black ribbon MUST be tied around this book, because the ending was wrapped up in absolute perfection.

Oh Rachel Gillig, let me sing of your praises. This was somehow BETTER than One Dark Window. I don't know how; I wasn't sure how that was possible and yet, here we are.

The new romance is excellent and sexy and tension filled; Ravyn and Elspeth and the Nightmare's relationship is so complicated, but my belief in Ravyn & Elspeth's love never wavered. Not to mention the magic system unraveling and the court politics and just jesus christ.

And that doesn't even get into all the little easter eggs if you're the kind of person who reads wikipedia about tree and celtic lore symbolism (*cough cough* couldn't be me) who loves to pick up on shit like that.

This is probably my favorite book I've read this year.

10,000,000/5 stars.

In my review for One Dark Window I mentioned wanting to see more from the Nightmare, and Two Twisted Crowns absolutely delivered on that. Out of a cast of great characters, he is definitely my favorite. Any questions left from One Dark Window are answered here, and the Nightmare reveals even more than I expected to know.

Two Twisted Crowns follows the characters from One Dark Window in their attempt to reunite the deck of magical cards in order to drive the sickness out of Blunder. The pace is really snappy, and the plot kept me on my toes. Even when I thought I knew what was coming I found myself shocked and surprised at some of the events. I would have preferred to see more of Elspeth, but I understand the nature of the book didn’t allow for it.

If you were a fan of One Dark Window, then this is a must-read and a truly pleasing finish to the duology.

What a strong, beautiful & mesmerizing finish to this fantastic duology! Two Twisted Crowns picks up right where things left off in such a seamless manner. The characters are riveting. The setting is dark and mysterious. The writing is poetic. In addition to following along with Elspeth, Ravyn and the Nightmare, we are gifted with another storyline featuring with Elm and Ione. Some of my favourite moments were of Elm & Ione. It was wonderful getting to know them better.
The Shepherd King duology is mysterious, lush, and completely enchanting. It is exactly the dark fairytale we all need to read.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Honestly my feelings on this book are a little all over the place. I am going to mention some of the things that I didn’t like as much but before I do I have to emphasize how much I loved this story! It’s one of the best stories I read this year and I fell really hard for some of the characters. *Ahem* Elm. We get more from the Nightmare’s perspective (okay it’s really Elspeth’s but they’re tied together so perfectly it feels like his) in this one and he is one of the most interesting and layered characters I’ve read about in a long time! I loved that the magic system felt unique and new and I would love a prequel story for even more details on how it came to be. I’m also a big fan of the world itself. It’s dark and mysterious and Gillig’s writing made me feel like I was in the story which is always something I am looking for while reading!

My issues with this installment were mostly with the violence and the romance. Obviously these things are mostly about personal preference but I want to share just in case it’s helpful to anyone looking to pick them up.

I am a reader who is super effected by how the book I’m reading makes me feel and the abusive/manipulative violence in this made it harder for me to settle in and feel comfortable reading. The story was worth it to me though so I took breaks when needed and kept going.

And the romance… because of where the characters end up at the end of the first book I understand that Ravyn and Elspeth couldn’t be together for this book and the author had a desire to include a romantic storyline. Which is great. I love romance. This one just felt like it came out of nowhere. I had the same problem with the first book where it felt a little too insta love to me. BUT I did think the romance in this one developed better over time than in the first book and I ended up really loving them together by the end.

So there it is. I felt all the feelings and even though I struggled with some aspects of it I still highly recommend this duology to anyone who loves gothic fantasy with unique world building and beautiful character arcs!

Content: romance is open door, language, abuse, torture, death.

First and foremost, thank you so much to Netgally, Rachel Gillig, and the Publisher for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 after finishing One Dark Window. It was a beautifully done second installment of the duology. Rachel has a way of writing that sucks you in, it is very poetic and the depth is there. You can feel the emotions the characters face as if it was your own.

I was a little disappointed that Elspeth took a backseat within this, but having POV's from Elm and Ravyn allowed me to see more than just the standard FMC POV. The tension was there and it made me crave the next page. I demolished this book and I wouldn't have it any other way. I cannot wait to see Rachel's next project!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ //5
Two Twisted Crowns
by Rachel Gillig

THOUGHTS:

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This sequel was everything I had hoped that it would be. I sat down and KNEW this was going to be a one sitter because there was no way I would be able to put this down. Front to back and I devoured it. Being left on the cliffhanger we were sitting with from One Dark window, I was prepared to dive head first into this adventure and find all my answers. There is so many twists and turns and tension and the banter and angst within all of these characters really fueled the story.

You have so many POV’s throughout this story including Ravyn which I was most excited about. Elspeth and Ravyn will always be my favorite relationship. Hands down! I have already put this on many of my book loving friends TBR’s for when it releases and I cannot wait to keep sharing my love for this duology.

The sequel to One Dark Window. It was excellent. It is a great continuation of the world we were introduced to in book 1. This is a dark, Gothic story , and there are not many happy moments in it! So be prepared. There is the subplot of 2 romances, which is necessary. There is lots of intrigue and deception as well.
The story of the Shepherd King is much more developed in this second book, and we learn a lot more of where he came from and how he came to be. Also, why, and how he created the magic cards that are used throughout both stories. The story of his children and how they are looking and needing him now.
This aspect of the story is extremely interesting and added another layer to the entire series. I also enjoyed the relationship between the other characters to the Shepherd King, because through their travels to find the last card they had to rely on each other, and trust each other, above, and beyond what you can expect after reading book 1. So I enjoyed that part of the story the most. The love story between the characters is also deeply ingrained in this second book, and we are hoping for great , happy results all the way up until the last page of the book. It kept me wondering and reading, and hoping and wishing for good things to come to these characters. Obviously, I liked it and I greatly suggest that you pick this one up as quickly as you can. You don’t have to reread book one, but I do recommend refreshing yourself because book 2 doesn’t give us a whole lot of the history of book one. I would refresh your mind, but if you don’t, that’s OK you’re reminded pretty quickly after you get through a few chapters of this new book. Also the prose is exceptionally good and doesn’t disappoint. Worth every minute. Thank you Orbit Books and Netgalley for this book.

In the follow up to One Dark Window, Ravyn, Elm and Ione are on a mission to rescue Elspeth from the Nightmare, free Blunder from the mist and destroy the Providence cards. Will the Nightmare get his revenge? Will Elspeth survive?

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was a brilliant sequel. I am so happy that there is some focus on Elm and Ione in this one! It was nice to have two couples to root for! If you liked One Dark Window then you will love this one too. It’s wonderfully written and the characters were interesting and layered.It is beautifully dark and magical. You will not be able to put it down, until you have devoured it.

Thank you so much to Orbit books and NetGalley for the ARC!