I'm not sure that I want to review this book. Doing so feels like an official end to this amazing story and I'm not sure that is a fate I can accept. Much like the first book in the duology (One Dark Window) Two Twisted Crowns is dark, atmospheric, chilling, adventurous and unique. It DEEPLY saddens me that this is the end of this epic journey. Gillig has solidified her place as an auto buy author for me and I will read anything that her beautiful mind has to offer. I will miss these characters as if they were my own. The dynamics between The Nightmare and Elspeth are *chefs kiss*. Elm and Ravyn are gentleman that any woman would want in their corner. Jespyr is courageous. Ione became a favorite. The magic system is unlike anything I've ever heard of or read about and I enjoyed every aspect of it. The concept, the plot, the backstory all genius! I need more and I'm not sure yet if I'm ok with this being the end. This will be a top read this year. If not, my favorite read. It is my Roman Empire and I will think about for the rest of my life.

In the luscious, dark sequel to One Dark Window, Elspeth must face the consequences of what she's wrought - perfect for readers of Hannah Whitten's For the Wolf and Alexis Henderson's The Year of the Witching.

The first book was great. This was nearly perfect.

I'm not gonna lie, I was so nervous about this book. I really loved the first one and devoured it in a day, but I was worried the second book would be a disappointment, which has been happening more and more frequently in fantasy series lately.
HOWEVER
This book was absolutely fantastic! I absolutely ADORED the whole thing and was constantly surprised by the twists and turns. Absolutely fantastic

Never in a million years did I think I would love Two Twisted Crowns more than One Dark Window. But here I am.

Two Twisted Crowns is a heart racing epic finale to the duology. I had no idea what was going to happen until it was too late to emotionally prepare myself.

I cannot WAIT to see what Rachel Gillig comes up with next.

This picked up exactly where we left in the previous book, and I am so happy! I've been waiting for this book to come out and I'm so happy to have gotten an ARC.

The feeling I got while reading and finishing this book, I wish I could describe.

Wow! This book was soo good. I literally could not put it down because I just needed to know what was going to happen next. I did not wanted the book to end at all. Never have I ever read a book with this specific type of magic system of the providence cards, such a fresh and new way of writing a fantasy book. I will be recommending this book to my reading pals! I rate this book 5 stars, one of my top reads of this year so far.

If you need an eerie, gothic fantasy book this Fall: pick up this book. You won't regret it.

I was hesitant going into this sequel, namely because I had mixed feelings about One Dark Window. But this book utterly blew its predecessor out of the water.

Picking up right where ONE DARK WINDOW left off, Elspeth/The Nightmare are one step closer to uniting the Providence Deck, but it's come at the expense of Elspeth's complete degeneration to the Shepherd King. Now seen as a traitor to the crown after maiming the heir to the throne, the stakes are higher than ever to unite the deck.

With Ravyn, Jespyr, and Elspeth/Nightmare departing to unite the deck, Elm is left behind to prepare to become the next king. Faced with a hostile family, Elm turns to Ione (Elspeth's cousin) to navigate the court, while also trying to unite her with her lost Maiden card.

Compared to the first installment, TWO TWISTED CROWNS takes an arguably sharp turn from the events of the first book. Here, there is just as much focus put on the blossoming relationship between Elm and Ione as there is to find the Twin Alders with Ravyn/Elspeth. Further, where the first book was told entirely from the perspective of Elspeth, this book navigates perspectives between Ravyn, Elspeth, and Elm, which was unexpected to me.

I have much appreciation for how much ONE DARK WINDOW set up TWO TWISTED CROWNS. I see now why a lot was left vague in book one, but I nevertheless stand by my opinions. There's a lot more lore, especially in regard to the Shepherd King, in this book that I really enjoyed.

Overall, I'm utterly grateful to Netgalley, Rachel Gillig, and Orbit Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

A satisfying end to an awesome duology. I was so invested in Elm, I wanted more and more and more of him. This second book has multiple pov which I enjoyed and gave me the extra Elm time I was desperate for. If you’re an Elm Stan especially you’ll love this one. I greatly enjoyed this book and I binged it in 24 hours.

This was an excellent ending to the series. I thought that the pacing, atmosphere and conclusion were on point. I had a hard time buying into the romance in this book and I wish she had included more from certain characters. But the vibes and heart of this book were perfect. Overall I’d recommend this duology to any romantasy, fantasy, horror, or fairytale retelling fans.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I was really looking forward to this one and was NOT disappointed.

That last line from the first book had been still ringing in my ears for over a year. One year later, I've finally read it and the last line from the first book has been clarified.

It's hard to review your most anticipated release of the year, especially when you're used to crushing disappointment by books that you're so hyped for that you wait for them so eagerly for so long. Not being disappointed is a new feeling to me, and to all those nervous about whether this will overcome or succumb to the Curse of Sequels I say: take heart, you won't be let down.

Two Twisted Crowns picks where One Dark Window left, with the Nightmare taking over Elspeth mind. What is he like now? The same lovable bastard as always, but a new side of him emerges that I can assure you that you'll love even more. We learn the true story of the Providence Cards, the price paid for them, and what happened to and with the Shepherd King. I can only say, avoiding all spoilers, that now I want a prequel that covers this period, because so much that's left unsaid is intriguing to me.

And Elspeth? Our dear girl is relegated to the background here, it's true. But there's a reason for it, and I don't think most readers will object to this when they see how the others are moving the plot forward. The two sets of POVs, a pair showing us one side whilst the other two POVs show us the other side is a brilliant play; I believe a few will be huge Elm fans by the end, if they weren't already.

And a few will also become fans of Ravyn, even if grudgingly like me. I've never made it a secret that I don't particularly like him, but here . . . boy, was he good. I can't say I'm a fan, but his chemistry and banter with (view spoiler) is even better than Elspeth had with the same, in my opinionated opinion.

And speaking of chemistry, this is very much a personal preference, but I really would've wished for the finale to be different, for the resolution to "the maiden, the King, and the monster they become" to be different. Part of it, the smaller part, is because of the superb chemistry between the involved characters; I never say this, but in this case I'd have preferred them to be in a happily complicated tangle rather than disentangle. And the other part of it, the bigger part, is that one thing I loved about this story is that magic has a price in this world. Magic costs you. Magic comes with degeneration. Magic isn't free. But with this resolution, I feel like the cost has been lifted.

I'm not saying it shouldn't have been lifted but that there should've been a price for lifting it, and that price should've been paid for those that lifted it. Otherwise, it's too neat for me, everything is tied up and mended up too tidily. There should've been something left that couldn't be fixed, some scar, some ugly soreness from the price paid. But only Elspeth seems to feel it, and not quite in full. And that, for me, is the one small bit of dissatisfaction that doesn't go away.

Is it enough to mar my happiness with this final installment? No, of course not. I'm very happy with the Elm arc here, I'm pleasantly surprised by the Ravyn arc here, I'm satisfied with the Shepherd King story here, I'm tickled by the little Beauty & Beast imagery throughout the story here and in the previous book, I'm amused that I got half of my crackpot theory debunked but half of it confirmed. I'm overall happy, and no nitpicks and no sunk ships can measure up to this deep satisfaction. And, if Rachel Gillig were to ever write a prequel, life will be complete.

Actual Rating: 4,5 ⭐️

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This duology is so good and this book was an awesome way to conclude it.

Plot

The country is under danger because of a tyrannical monarch and sinister sorcery. The majority of the twelve Providence Cards have been collected by Elspeth and Ravyn, but the final and most significant card is still missing: the Twin Alders. They must travel through the perilous mist-cloaked woodland if they hope to discover the card before Solstice and rescue the country. The monster with Elspeth's head, the Nightmare, is the only one who can guide them through.

And he no longer wants to divulge.

The plot of this book was really good. It was full of action and suspense. I love how I could see different POV from different characters. I loved the twists and now I think I will miss these characters very much.

Characters

Elsepth

I didn't see so much of Elspeth as I would like, but considering how the first book ended, that's understandable. However, I still love her character and even in this book, the reader can see how much strong and brave she is.

Ravyn

Ravyn is one of the best characters in this novel. He wants to save his younger brother and his kingdom and he will do everything he can do to do it. He is very brave, intelligent and kind. I loved his POV.

Elm

I was surprised when I saw Elm's POV, but I truly loved it. Elm is a very honorable person. He suffered a lot in the hands of his older brother, but he always try to do what is best for the kingdom and for the people he loves. Alongside Ravyn, they most be my favorite characters.

Ione

Elsepth's cousin has a bigger role in this sequel and I adore her. She is way different than the first book. She is so strong and intelligent as well. The reader can also see how much she loves her cousin. She is also a very caring and kind person.

Hauth

I hate his character so much. He is ruthless, terrible, mean. He has zero good qualities. I'm happy that he got what he deserved at the end of the novel.

Shepherd King/ Nightmare

I was surprise by his character. I had in mind a completely different version of him. I really like the way the author portrayed his character. He is a very complex one, who made a lot of mistakes in the past, but is trying to rectify them.

Writing

I really love Rachel's writing. This book is beautifully written. I love the dialogues between the characters and her descriptions are also really good.

World-Building

The world-building is really good. I think the author explains it well. It isn't boring. While in the first book I was confused by some concepts, I think this novel explained my doubts very well. I also think is very unique.

Romance

Again after the way the first book ended I can understand why the book didn't have more moments between Elspeth and Ravyn. However, I really liked their romance in the first book and I wish I could have seen more interaction between them.

On the other hand, Ione and Elm romance wasn't one I was expecting, but I ended up loving the couple. Their chemistry is brilliant. I love how their love grew during the novel and I honestly think they are perfect for each other.

Final Thoughts

An amazing conclusion for this duology. Really recommend.

Thank you NETGalley for sending me an ARC of Two Twisted Crowns.

This book series has my whole heart! The story picks up right where One Dark Window ended, and it hits the ground running. I absolutely loved the new story line between two of the characters in the book (I don’t want to give any spoilers!) but I absolutely hate it up. I really enjoyed that the book showed some different perspectives of other characters due to how One Dark Window ended. The author does an amazing job of ensuring we know the feelings and inner thoughts of all of our characters. The writing can be very poetic at times, which was a little hard to follow sometimes, but I know this adds to the plot, and the mystery of the story. Two Twisted Crowns did an incredible job of wrapping up the plot and the characters. Although I was sad for it to be over, it truly leaves you feeling satisfied with the story!

Struggling to find the words to describe how exceptional and heart wrenching and heart warming and deep and perfect and wonderful this book is. The duology is amazing, but this may be the best book I’ve read this year. Or like ever? Just ..wow. Do your soul a favor and read these two books IMMEDIATELY
Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. I will never be the sameeeeee

"For even dead, I will not die. I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream. The nightmare in the night."

Well, this book had a lot of ups and downs for me, unfortunately I think the downs won out. Maybe it was a combination of really high expectations bc I loved ODW so much and I had built this sequel up so much in my head, but I was left really disappointed with how the story played out.

What worked for me.
-The writing was beautiful. It was still atmospheric like ODW and probably even more dark and eerie and I really enjoyed it.
-The Nightmare. He has always been the star for me, and I loved getting into his backstory and his more human side.
-The Banter. It's so funny and smart. The Nightmare and Ravyn, Elm's interactions with pretty much anyone. It's just really funny.
-Getting answers. We get all the history of what happened, and it was satisfying.

What didn't work for me
-The way Elspeth was completely ignored in her own book. She is the main character, yet she is barely a whisper in this entire story and honestly non-essential. You could erase her entire part until the epilogue, and it wouldn't have changed any outcome. I have never seen this done before and I didn't love it.
-Elm and Ione become the new main characters of the book and the romantic center piece of the story. Again, I wasn't a fan of this. I love Elm but it felt very insta-love and the investment in them as a couple wasn't there for me bc it felt a bit forced and I really wanted more Ravyn and Elspeth which we never actually get in any substantial way.
-The pacing. Every time, something exciting was happening in the woods with Ravyn and the Nightmare the next chapter (or few chapters) would cut back to Elm in another place, and it would slow down the momentum. Also, bc what was happening with Elm and Ione, I didn't find very exciting.

ODW is still one of my favorite reads of this year and I still think Rachel Gillig is an amazingly talented writer and I will continue to read her books, this one just fell short for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Publishers and Rachel Gillig for the gifted arc.

What an absolutely enthralling conclusion to The Shepherd King duology. This book had everything I wanted from a One Dark Window sequel and more.

Guys. We get POVs for both Elm & Ravyn and it’s incredible. This one’s got vengeful side plots, romance, a wicked magic system, and a quest to undo the sickness that the spirit of the wood’s magic has brought to their kingdom.

This one is out October 17th and you NEED it on your tbr. The perfect moody fantasy read heading into spooky szn.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for the chance to read this one ahead of its release in exchange for an honest review.

“The girl, the King, and the monster they became.”

⭐️ Quest
⭐️ Court Politics
⭐️ Betrayal & High Stakes
⭐️ Plot Twist
⭐️ Sentient Forest
⭐️ Ancient Magic
⭐️ Romance & Tension


One of my absolute FAVORITE reads of the year!!!! This first book was absolutely incredible and this one may have even topped that!

One of the strongest parts of this story for me was to see how history began to repeat itself and the quest they venture on to rewrite the wrongs of the past. The parallels were so well done!

I also really enjoyed getting to see a new and beautiful romance blossom between two characters that I liked in the first book but fell in love with in the second book. It made my heart melt and confirmed why fictional men will always do it better.

Getting more insight and backstory on our Shepherd King was also a highlight for me in this story. It had me so invested and eager to learn all that I could.

This world completely draws the reader in and is one of those “just one more chapter” type of books that has you staying up until 2 AM unable to put it down. I’m so sad that this story and characters are at a close but what an amazing ride this was!

**thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review

Thank you NetGalley, Rachel Gillig, and Orbit for the e-ARC.

As someone who loved One Dark Window I had high expectations for the next book in the series and this book did not disappoint!

I was completely enamored from the start of the book till the end. I stayed up way past my bed time to finish this book 😅

Just like the first book in this series I loved the unique magic system, romance, and just the general dark gothic feel of it. The realness from the characters was top notch in this book. I loved how we got Elm & Ravyn’s POV. It was a great chance to fully explore their relationships with the people around them, and what was behind the trained face. I, of course, also loved how we got to deep dive into the Nightmare. His story was riveting and cruel.

I am sad to see these characters go and I will be crossing my fingers for a novella where we can see Ravyn & Elspeth’s life after this book.

(This review will be posted to Goodreads under the name Ashley Nightshade separately due to me posting spoilers and not being able to mark it as such from NetGalley)

"𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤. 𝘏𝘦'𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘺, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 - 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩, 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘸."

"𝘉𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘉𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘉𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥."

Two Twisted Crowns seamlessly picks up where One Dark Window left off, but now in Multi POV - getting Ravyn and Elm's POV's added so much more depth and emotion to the story. I can't get into too much of the story without spoiling it, so I will just say that I loved this book and I am very sad that it ended. I seriously could have gladly followed this story for another 5 more books. This story is unique with just the right amount of romance, angst, drama, dry humor and adventure to keep you invested. As a reader who normally prefers adult fantasy books with spice, I am so glad I gave these books a chance. Please do not sit on this duology - It truly is one of a kind!

Thank you to Netgalley, Orbit Books, and Rachel Gillig for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Just like the first this book has everything I need and love in a book, creative magic system, creepy forest, gothic ambience, gripping world building, found family, and beautiful prose.

This was the absolute perfect ending to this duology, getting to spend so much time with Ravyn truly fed my soul. I also felt bits of my heart healing watching Ione and Elm's relationship. Rachel will be an auto buy author for me until the day she stops writing!

I didn't enjoy book 2 as much as book 1. I struggled to finish the read. I appreciate the short POV's between the characters - it helped to make the book seem fast-paced and encouraged me to continue.