Thank you Net Galley for this arc. If I could give this book 5 trillion stars, I would in a heartbeat. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The character development for all of the side characters was so well done and gave me a deeper connection to the story. Overall, this was a spectacular read and an amazing way to wrap up this duology! Rachel Gillig will be an auto buy author for me in the future.

If I could give this book 5 trillion stars, I would in a heartbeat. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The character development for all of the side characters was so well done and gave me a deeper connection to the story. Overall, this was a spectacular read and an amazing way to wrap up this duology! Rachel Gillig will be an auto buy author for me in the future.

This was truly and utterly fantastic. One of my favorite duologies/series hands down.

The writing is beautiful. The characters are amazing. The story was compelling.

This was a perfect end to the duology. It kept me on my toes and always wanting more.

And Elm. Where did you come from, sir? Holy heck, I was not expecting to be simping so much after him in this book. New book boyfriend unlocked.

Thank you to Orbit for the ARC!

There are so many things I could say about this book. It’s just as capturing as the first book but with new storylines, action filled adventure, heart break, and WOW moments. The love in this book was so deep. I truly feel like it’s one of the best sequels I’ve ever read. I actually enjoyed just as much as the first book. I would recommend this book to everyone. Just pick it up. Read it. If you haven’t read One Dark Window, then pick it up now and finish it so you can read this one when it comes out! I promise, you’re going to love it.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC in turn for my honest review.

A true masterpiece! The finale to an amazing duology that brought the same eerie setting from One Dark Window while giving the reader more from the characters they loved. I loved that Two Twisted Crowns didn’t feel rushed and gave closure to the duology in a natural and complete way. Character development was beautifully done and made me fall more in love with some characters and truly despise others. Truly a must read for any fantasy loving reader.

When I first picked this book up I had completely forgotten what all the cards were and the powers they held, but RG did an excellent job of reminding readers and continuing the story. I enjoyed all of the POVs and the way the story came together. I particularly love the rhymes 🤗 Great series. 10/10 recommend.

Absolutely no skips. I love the magic, i love the characters, I love the adventure i love it all!!! Rachel absolutely killed it and i will be reading anything she writes thank youuuu

“I know what I know. My secrets are deep. But long have I kept them. And long will they keep.”

Two Twisted Crowns is the highly anticipated sequel to One Dark Window and holy gods, does it not disappoint. It’s a gothic fantasy with a unique magic source that I haven’t seen done before. I daresay is inspired at least somewhat by tarot.

Where One Dark Window predominantly followed Elspeth and the Nightmare, Two Twisted Crowns has more from the perspectives of other characters that seemed like background characters, that I was surprised I ended up caring so much for by the end. I especially fell in love with Prince Elm and Ionne, which surprised the hell out of me after the first book. This book has two captivating romantic storylines, political intrigue, revenge, and of course, a monster... but can we trust him?

“Kings and monsters can be made, and butterflies can be crushed.”

The romance in the sequel is next level. Just *chef’s kiss* I want to roll around in the grass being whispered sweet nothings to.

“I can’t fucking breathe when you look at me,”

This is the most original, compelling and best-written book I’ve read all year. I know it’s too early to say for sure, but I strongly feel this is my favorite read of 2023. It’s a must-read for the October spooky season for optimum vibes, read near a forest during a particularly misty day for optimum vibes that would transport you into the world of Blunder.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!

Oh, my heart. What an incredible finale to this duology; I didn’t want it to end. This was such a stunning and heart wrenching conclusion. The characters really grew into themselves throughout this magical, dark story. I’m so sad that it’s over! But even more in love with this salt-filled, magical world.

I really enjoyed seeing how this story ended after the cliffhanger of book 1. I love the dark, gothic atmosphere and the magic system with the providence cards is so unique. I give it a solid 4.5 stars rating.

I LOVE the dual POVs and the story coming together from so many different perspectives. My one complaint is that we don’t get as much from Elspeth in this book and very little of her and Rayvn together. Now if I had just read One Dark Window and jumped right into Two Twin Crowns, I think that the lack of their romance and banter would’ve bothered me more. But because I read ODW months ago, and their relationship wasn’t fresh in my mind, I don’t think it hurt as bad to put them on the back burner, and instead focus on Elm and Ione. I understand why this had to happen to move the story along and I’m grateful we got to see another romance blossom, but I still wished for more Elspeth and Ravyn interactions.

I still really enjoyed the story, the Nightmare continued to be snarky (which I loved), and learning his past and the history of the mist was such a cool twist.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a phenomenal book!! I devoured both books back to back. And I’m heartbroken it’s over. I loved the different viewpoints in this book. Elm, I love you. I don’t wanna spoil anything, but if you loved the first one you will love this one even more!

5 ⭐️

This was such a good ending to the story. Ravyn and Elspeth, and all of the other characters got the endings that they deserved. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions while reading this, but I’m so happy that I got this ARC.

Two Twisted Crowns picked up right where One Dark Window left off, and in the most agonizing way! Readers are thrown into three separate narratives - Ravyn and the Nightmare’s journey to the Twin Alders card, Elm and Ione’s search of their own (cards & feelings), and Elspeth’s travel through the Nightmare’s mind and memories.

This felt like the perfect end to this exciting, fast-paced duology. Two Twisted Crowns introduces us to a new romance, which I was skeptical of at first, but it quickly proved to be my favorite. With just the right amount of cheesy and HEAs, I found myself tearing up at the end of this one.

Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC. Two Twisted Crowns jumps right in where the first book left off. Readers are thrust back into the creepy magical universe and the action continues throughout this book. The one thing I was pleasantly surprised about was the redemption stories of both Ione and Elm- in the first book I didn't understand why the other characters loved them but they are strong and resilient. I also enjoyed reading about the Nightmare's memories and how he became the Shepard King and the monster. I will definitely miss this and wish there will be more that takes place in this book universe. I loved the Spirit of the Wood, the mist, and the magical system. I'm not ready to let it go.

Two Twisted Crowns was a fantastic read, I really enjoyed the world building that the second book continued to have and how the author added new settings into the plot. One of my most favorite parts of Two Twisted crowns was the addition the author made to focus on a second love story. While we were given Ravens and Elspeth's story, I think that the plot needed more and thats exactly what we were given with book two. While I personally enjoyed the first book in this duet more. I think that the author wrapped the storyline up very nicely. I would definitely recommend reading it.

Be wary, Be clever, Be good

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC of this book and the opportunity to enjoy it!

For those of you who read the first book of this duology, you may want to re-read as a refresher, because we jump right into it with the beginning of this book. Our story is told through three viewpoints: Ravyn, Elm, and Elsepeth.

This series has such a unique and interesting magic system that still fascinates me, and we get a glimpse into the Shepard King's past, linked with the events of our book today. I really enjoyed this book and having the chance to see things from Ravyn and Elm's POVs brought a new level to the narrative.

This book was a wonderful compliment to book 1, and rounded off this series in the best ways. If you like the first book, you'll like this one too.

Finally had a few days to process this book lol and I would say that this is just me dumping my thoughts and not really a summary of the book.

Let me just start off by saying One Dark Window is my favorite read of 2023. I loved everything about this book - the magic system, the characters, the atmosphere, and the NIGHTMARE. That book was 5/5 for me.

Now moving into book 2 here, 3.75/4 out of 5 stars. I felt that it was lacking all that I mentioned... the atmosphere mainly. And Elspeth becoming a secondary character in here :( I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything... But it just felt different from book one.
Also, the different POVs. I don't mind multiple POVs, but when it jumps from first to third, it got a little confusing at times and that was kind of the deal breaker for me and giving it a full 5 stars.

Overall, between the 2 books... I would highly recommend to pick it up and read this duology because you will get answers and it's not a super long series where you have to keep waiting. Especially One Dark Window -- still my favorite read of the year for sure.

Also, thank you to NetGalley & Orbit Books for sharing an ARC in exchange my honest review.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig - eBook Version ARC

Imagine being in a hotel room, enjoying your vacation to be awoken by the screams of the guest staying next to you. Can you hear it, sense it, feel it? The worry and the thought process, of "what should we do, is she in trouble?" Now you know the people staying next to me at the Coronado Resort in San Diego felt when I awoke to the message that I had been approved for this ARC. It was the book I was most excited for in 2023. I wasn't even worried it would disappoint because Rachel Gillig set up the most beautiful assist for this story when she wrote One Dark Window. Wow, wow. wow....

The sequel is everything I want in a sequel... it starts off where you want it to. No major flashbacks or different story lines, it just kicks off right where it ended. If you haven't read Book One, it ends on an epic cliffhanger and so I think Rachel knew we would be after her had she made us wait too long to hear what happens next! LOL...

The vibe from book one still carries into book two. Gothic, atmospheric, a transient forest, magic cards, a blithe that is spreading across the land... Then Rachel added some amazing character arcs that I wasn't expecting. The main Characters are still the main characters, but we get to dive deeper into two of the most intriguing side characters from book one. Loved that aspect... I also loved the plot twisters and the villain, oh man I hate him. He's soooo vile.

The pacing of this book is faster than book one... it keeps you reading into the night. Rachel's writing is to date, some of my favorite fantasy writing to date. She has the ability to write lyrically and suspenseful at the same time. Her writing has a tension to it that just keeps you so engaged. Every page leaves me wanting.

This duology is my favorite Fantasy Duology I've ever read and will be my personality for the next few months because I can't stop thinking about it. I am so excited to hear she has signed on to do more work, she is an auto buy author for me and these books will be annual comfort reads for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for the opportunity to read this ARC. Such a beautiful story!

I almost don’t have the words to say what I would like to about this book. Two Twisted Crowns was the perfect ending to The Shepherd King duology. The story picks up right where we left off in One Dark Window and there is no lull. You’re straight into the thick of it. The story was captivating and gripping from the moment it starts. I really appreciated the amount of character growth and development Rachel gave each character. The characters are so lifelike it’s almost hard to remember that they are not real. I appreciated all of their banter and inner dialogue especially the Nightmare’s. He was always so funny to me. She made the characters so easy to love that it’s hard to realize their story is over. I won’t spoil anything as I believe everyone should read this for themselves but this was truly how I would have written the ending. It’s perfect. When I finished the story I had a good cry, not because of the story but because it was over. I’ll be picking this up for years to come. Rachel is the queen of sexual tension. While there isn’t much spice, the tension is EVERYTHING.

3.5/5⭐️

i thought this book was super entertaining! i LOVED Ione & Elm. i enjoyed watching their relationship develop. i wish we got more of Ravyn & Elspeth but understandably that wasn’t rlly in the cards.

i thought the family rivalry was so interesting. there was intense rivalry but also unwavering loyalty among some of the characters.

i found myself getting kind of bored near the middle unfortunately. but the ending was very good. i love the Nightmare. he was SO funny and ended up being so good.

read if you like dystopian, romance, monsters, magic, & family rivalry