What a beautiful ending to this duology. Two Twisted Crowns follows not only Elspeth and Ravyn as they seak to unite the deck of province cards and banish the mist from Blunder's land, but we get to see things from Elm's perspective as well. Elm was a character I was very curious to understand and loved watching his story unfold. The authors builds a great atmosphere and you feel like youre really there, at the edge of your seat, watching the story play out. Read this duology if you enjoy good, dark fairytale fantasy stories.

This book has been hands down my favorite read of this entire year. I cannot stress enough to everyone to go and read it. It is extremely rare for me to get hooked on a book and think about it while I'm not reading it. I can only think of like 5 or 6 books that hooked me up like TTC did.
The scenery, the story, the plot and the characters are MAGICAL. At first I wanted more from Elspeth and Ravyn but trust the process because it will pay off like chef's kiss. The balance of each point of view was impecable. Rachel will be an auto buy for me forever. Her world building and imagination are exactly what I want from a fantasy author. The gothic scenery is still so vivid in my mind I even dreamed about it (call me crazy but I did).
I will forever have Elspeth and the Nightmare in my heart. Did I cried? Yes I did! Because I didn't want to say goodbye to these amazing characters.
Congratulations Rachel, you became one of my top favorite authors.
5 stars is not enough I would've given this book a thousand stars.

I often find it hard to make a professional coherent review for a book that touches me as deeply as this one has. I absolutely adored One Dark Window and it’s proving to be my top read this year, with this sequel closely following. If I can get anyone to read just one book I recommend, please read One Dark Window then savor this amazing sequel and wonderful wrap up of this duology.

I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll keep this brief. We continue the harrowing journey that began in One Dark Window to unite the deck and cure the infection from Blunder. Steeped in fairytales and folklore, Two Twisted Crowns delivers exactly what I expected from the brilliant Rachel Gillig. Action, romance and magic abide in this thrilling novel. I urge you to read One Dark Window in preparation for when this book releases on the 17th of October. I cannot wait to have it in my hands.

I leave you with one last request: be wary. Be clever. Be good.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed One Dark Window, the first book in this duology. I hoped that Two Twisted Crowns would at least give me the same level of enjoyment. My expectations were exceeded—this novel was darker, scarier, and more interesting than the first.

While there are definitely some plot holes and the romantic relationships lack depth and development, overall, this duology was unique and intriguing, and I couldn't put it down.

Great for fans of ACOTAR & Fourth Wing. You won't have to work too hard to enjoy the story, and I really liked that about it. The writing was also really lovely and the world build, visually, had me wishing I could see these places in person.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I am TORN into pieces by how much I loved this series and how sad I am that it’s over!

Rachel Gillig absolutely delivers is this brand new world of magic and passion. This is every fantasy readers dream!! These books had the most straightforward and easy to understand world building, an intricate magic system, absolutely lovable characters and beautiful romances. I am such a freaking fan. The first book was amazing but the second book was also perfection. This story had my mind occupied all day while I waited for bedtime to come around so I could read it. The amount of balance in this story was just perfect. I can’t say enough good things about this series!!!

Although there were only two, I’d read 10 books in this series if that was the case!

It’s a must read, y’all! One of my all time favorites I’ve read!

Book two releases October 17th!
Book one: One Dark Window

Thank you so much to @netgalley for the arc! I was ecstatic when I was approved for this one and it exceeded every expectation I had!

Two Twisted Crowns picks up right after One Dark Window as we follow Elspeth's journey and provides a great conclusion. Overall, This duology is fantastic and Rachel Gillig did an amazing job with a unique magic system, descriptive and engaging world building, political plots, and romance. We get the added bonus in this book of additional POV's that add a new few and depth to the story.

I was so excited to be approved for the ARC. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley!

This series is definitely one of my new favorites. I’m sad that it was only a duology. I loved that this story focused more on Ione and Elm and their personal journeys. There were so many suspenseful parts and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong. I will have to come back and add my favorite quotes to this review once it has been published because there are SO MANY GOOD ONES. I really liked the multiple POVs and felt like it made me not ever want to put it down. This book was so good that I will probably be in a bit of a slump for a while. If you haven’t preordered your copy yet here’s your sign to do it now!!
Thank you Orbit Books and Rachel Gillig for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

The second book in The Shepard King series follows Ravyn as he tried to unit the Providence card deck and Elm as he navigates the responsibilities of being a prince. I absolutely adored the second book, we got to see more adventure from the main characters, more magic, and I felt like more was at stake in this book. I found myself audibly gasping multiple times in the book, anxious to know whats next. I cannot recommend this series enough. The vibes of the book is one of my favorite parts about it, dark, spooky, magical - I love it.

One Dark Window was one of my favorite reads last year, so when I was accepted for an ARC of TTC, I was ecstatic. While it has a lot to live up to, Two Twisted Crowns stands as an extremely satisfying and successful sequel.

TTC departs from ODW by incorporating 3 total POVs throughout the book: Elspeth, Ravyn, and Elm. I was initially concerned with how I would like Elm as a core pov, since I liked him in ODW but he wasn’t my favorite by any means. Surprisingly, I loved getting to know our rotten Prince better, and found his storyline and backstory one of the more captivating plot lines. Ravyn was great, especially in his interactions with the Nightmare. Much of what Elspeth interacts with is done through the eyes and mouth of the Nightmare. I loved that mirror of the first book, and Rachel Gillig did a fantastic job of portraying Elspeth's connection to Nightmare as both touching and chilling.

Truly, I loved every word of this book. I don’t think anything I can write will do it justice. The setting, the characters, the vibes are all immaculate. Even with several plots moving, I never felt that one dragged, and was enthralled the entire way through. The story did not go the direction I was expecting, but the end result is an organic ending that feels extremely truthful to the characters. This duology will be in my head for a long time. If you liked ODW, then I HIGHLY encourage picking up this sequel. You will not be disappointed.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Orbit US and all opinions are my own.

I'm a simple person. I hear the faintest whispers of centuries-old lore, magic-based tarot cards and ancient spirits and creatures that hide in the dark, I will instantly put aside what I'm currently reading to devour that book.

Rachel Gillig really does have some of the most incredible writing I have ever read. Two Twisted Crowns has everything I loved about One Dark Window, plus more. I love how side characters in the first one were main characters in TTC. It brought so much more life to the story and helped expand this already extensive world that has been created. There was so much character development and I truly loved how everything came full circle in the end. The atmosphere was wonderfully gothic and twisted. I could go on and on. Gillig’s way of telling a story-telling sucks you in and doesn't really let go. The Shepard King duology feels like something timeless, beyond age. With every page, the book kept blooming and blooming inside me until there was absolutely no room left for anything else. I think there is a part of me that will always remember the Shepard King and I will never forget the way these two books have made me feel.

This duology is everything I wanted from a story and I have not one single bad thing to say about it. It will be so perfect for an Autumn read. Officially consider me as a Gillig fan.

Stop what you are doing and RUN to your local bookstore to get One Dark Window. Then, do yourself a favor and preorder Two Twisted Crowns.

This book was so so so so so so so GOOD.

Truly this is one of the best duologies I have read in a long time. The story line and magic system was unlike anything I have read. The writing plunges the reader into the misty, damp world of Blunder and holds you captive like a monster in your mind.

I don't know if I will ever recover from finishing this series. I can't believe there is only two books in it. I am HIGHLY anticipating Rachel's next novel and will be preordering as soon as it is available.

Thank you NetGalley for the early copy.

This is one of the best conclusions to a duology I have read in a long time. I absolutely adored One Dark Window and I will admit that I was worried going into this book that it would not live up to the first book. I should not have worried at all because, and I did not think it was possible, I loved Two Twisted Crowns even more than One Dark Window.

With virtually no gap between the cliffhanger that was the ending of One Dark Window and the start of this book, I was instantly sucked right back into this beautifully created world. It was high tension in the best possible way from the very first page.

I have read many sequels where new romance is introduced and it falls flat compared to the romance of the previous book. That was not the case here and I absolutely loved the relationship that developed between Elm and Ione. There was an incredible amount of depth to both characters individually and to their relationship.

It was not just Elm and Ione’s relationship that had great depth, every character and relationship was complex and intricate in a way that just felt like an honest reflection of the complexities lofe.

The conclusion to this story was everything I could have asked for an more. Rachel Gillig is officially an auto-buy author for me and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

I loved the first book in this series so much and the second part of this duology does NOT disappoint. I absolutely enjoyed getting to know some other characters through their POV and some of the history of the magic in this world.

I think it progressed perfectly and it was honestly so hard to put down once I started. It truly has it all, family, drama, action, romance with palpable tension and a darker atmosphere that doesn't overtake the storyline but pulls you in further into their world. I give this book (and entire duology) a 5 star easily!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I really liked the first book and was nervous the second book wouldn’t live up to it. I actually liked it MORE.

The pacing in this book is really good. The length fit the story really well. I found myself constantly thinking about this when I wasn’t reading it.

I loved that we got so much more Elm and that the relationship focus was more on him. I do think some people might be bummed about the general lack of Elspeth and Ravyn interactions, but I was so thoroughly entertained by the action that I didn’t miss it.

Overall, I think this series is so cool and the magic is really uncommon. The action, political intrigue, and romance are all great. I couldn’t put it down.

IM SO EMOTIONAL. I absolutely adore this duology. When I got accepted to review this book I honestly hadn't even read one dark window yet, so I immediately was like better get to it. Going in I didn't have any idea what to expect from it and let me tell you I was not prepared for what I got. Both of the books have such a unique story line and magic system, It was paced super well, The characters are all lovable and so important to the story. Two twisted crowns had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I honestly can't think of a single thing I didn't enjoy or would want to change about these books. I love a happy ending and I think this wrapped up so nicely. The writing was beautiful, the concept was amazing. I'm so so so glad I got approved for this book because I don't know how long it would have taken me to read it otherwise. I started reading the first one and hadn't even gotten half way through before I preordered two twisted crowns, I knew I would love it just as much. Forever going to rave about these two books!!!! Thank you Rachel and Netgalley!!

✨ I received an arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ✨

I’ve been having such a good book streak, and Two Twisted Crowns only continued it! I absolutely devoured this arc. The writing was gorgeous, all of the pov’s in the book were so well done, and the way the duology ended left me feeling satisfied. I loved learning more about the Shepard King, Blunder’s past, and the rest of characters (Elm 🫶🏼). The intricacy of this book world feels real, which I don’t always feel like I can say with fantasy books. I was not disappointed with this one, and I am definitely getting myself a copy when it’s out!
I will also be recommending this to everyone I can.

ARC by NetGalley and the publisher.

When I tell you I screamed receiving this arc it is in no way an exaggeration. I adored One Dark Window last year. It was such an honor and pleasure to be able to read Two Twisted Crowns.
Two Twisted Crowns starts right where we were left off in One Dark Window. Elspeth and Ravyn continue their journey to complete the Providence Card deck. Racing against time to find the ever mysterious Twin Alders card before Solstice.
Rachel Gillig has done such an enchanting job creating a cohesive duology. Every decision in this series is so beautifully intentional that it really shows how much thought, time, and care Gillig had while writing. The new addition of multiple povs in this book was a great addition and enhanced not only the story but also the character developments as well. I found special enjoyment in Elm’s chapters with his tension, angst, and game playing he firmly solidified himself as one of my favorite characters in this duology. The creation of the Providence Cards and the history of their enigmatic creator, our Nightmare gave such depth and completion to the story, not to mention that the magic system as a whole is like nothing I have ever read before in previous fantasy books. I was engrossed every second I spent reading this book and can not wait to read more from Gillig.
If you are looking for a dark gothic fantasy with a unique magic system and romance then you will most definitely enjoy this book as much as I did.

Two Twisted Crowns comes out October 17th, 2023.

Thank you again NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Gillig has crafted a world so lush and riveting that I desperately didn’t want to leave it, just as I rushed to finish it. Two Twisted Crowns is so beautiful that while I’ve just finished reading the final page, I find myself overcome with emotion - I’m sad to have finished but also relieved in that it ended so perfectly. I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters yet, but Gillig has crafted their journey so thoughtfully and in such clever ways, that I can rest easy in the closure Gillig provides. Two twisted crowns is a perfect gem of a book - beautiful, clever and filled with love and other passions. I truly can’t wait to see what Gillig writes next.

5 stars!
The sequel to One Dark Window was just as wonderful. Two Twisted Crowns has all of elements of One Dark Windows and continues the story seamlessly. The stakes feel high, the action is steady and the story wraps up well. I did anticipate Nightmare’s plan but it didn’t take away from the ending.
I flew through the book and could not put it down. I absolutely loved Elm and Ione’s story and character growth. The twist on one of the cards was a nice addition.
Overall, I felt intrigued with the world, characters and plot and felt annoyed any time life got in the way of reading time.

two twisted crowns is such a wonderfully dark, page-turning sequel!
much like the first of the duology, the intensity of the sequel is addictive and equally hard to put down.
the main characters race against time, searching for the twin alders card, in order to banish the mist and ultimately save the kingdom.
elm is an emotionally complex character and his ambition is what makes the story special.
also, i just adore how shrewd the nightmare and elspeth's interactions were! very venom-esque.

although i am sad to say goodbye to the shepherd king duology, i am incredibly excited to see what's next in store.

many thanks to orbit and netgalley for the arc.