This is my most anticipated book this year.. When I read One Dark Window last year I devoured it. It was just so amazing and I have had to wait a year to see where it goes. Well now I have and I have to say Two Twisted Crowns was just as amazing if not even better!! Huge thank you for allowing me to receive this early copy!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. Wow.

In this second book, following One Dark Window, Rayvn, Elspeth/Nightmare, and a cast of characters race against time to save the Kingdom of Blunder from the mist that has been looming over the kingdom for 500 years.

This book was even better than the first in my opinion. Reading the book from the different perspectives of each character really expanded on the story. I loved that the magic system was explained more in-depth, as well, because it is just so unique compared to anything else I’ve read. There were a few parts that I wish had more time spent on them, but you can’t include every little thing in a novel without it just going on forever. Overall I loved this book.

I did still find Ravyn and Elspeth to be rather boring despite being the main characters of the books. I just didn’t feel attached to them in the way I felt attached to other characters.

Elm and Ione on the other hand…. I could have read a whole book just based around their story. And unlike Ravyn and Elspeth whose romance felt very rushed.. they actually had a slow burn romance that was so satisfying when it finally happened.

Two Twisted Crowns was amazing. And like I said above… I wouldn’t be mad about a book just from the perspective of Elm and Ione.

I absolutely adored the second installment in Rachel Gillig's duology. Where there some moments in the first book where the prose slipped, Two Twisted Crowns never misses a moment. I adore the introduction of the other perspectives and the way that it develops the characters that felt slightly out of sight in the first book. In all, Two Twisted Crowns was an amazing read, and such a spectacular end to the story.

Why am I crying! I am obsessed with this duology. So Two Twisted Crown starts right were One Dark Window ends with Ravyn and Elm panicing over Elspeth/Nightmare. With Elspeth/Nightmare we get to see the Nightmare really come out and play and finally learn most of his secretes and history. I absoutley loved the multiple points of veiw in this book, it was fun see things from Elm’s POV and seeing Elspeth in the Nightmare’s head for a change. I really love the Nightmare and Elspeth’s realtionship, its very fun and the Nightmare will forever be one of my favorite character’s who deserves everything good. I also loved seeing his relationships with Rayvne and the others change and just overall growth of his character. The journey to the elder forest was so fun but I could live in the Nightmare’s history, He needs a prequel story or sequel, we do get a lot of background on him and it was fun seeing him rewrite his own story. Overall 10/10 I would recommend. I am going back and rereading the duology right now, I don't want to spoil anything so I'm keeping this short and vague. so until next time be wary, be clever, be good.

3.5 stars. While this book is beautifully written and weaves the same magic as the first book I have to admit that it left me rather deflated at the end. One of my favorite parts of this book was how well she wrote the pining between Elspeth and Rayvn. It pulled at your heart and made you hold tight to the brief moments they have together only for the end of the book to come and we missed the entire reconnection moment. We are given a brief epilogue but it felt very rushed. I know this book is not a romance, but part of their journey together was finally dropping their masks and letting each other see who they truly were. I felt cheated as a reader that we never got to see that moment of reconnect.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc. I literally screamed when I received this because I loved the first book and this did not disappoint. I need a moment to process all that happened. Highly recommended this book! 5 ⭐️!

“She’ll grant what you ask….
But you’ll always want more.”

Two Twisted Crowns is everything I never knew I wanted from this sequel and so much more. After finishing One Dark Window and being left in despair at the loss of Elspeth to the nightmare, I had no idea that it would be the perfect lead-in to the dark and atmospheric inner struggle we were given in this book.

The Sheperd king is such a complicated character and he was written in a way that left me puzzled on if I were to love or hate him. Rachel Gillig is a master of weaving intricate POV’s following separate events that all come together to form a beautifully dark tale about staying true to yourself and your beliefs and being grateful for what you have. To be able to delve into the minds and backstories of so many characters and not have it feel rushed or chaotic is a skill not many have. I could not give you a favorite character as I am equally fond of all the POV’s. I was rather pleased we got to spend so much time in the minds of both Ravyn and Elm and to better understand their pasts and their fears as well as the struggles they face in their relation to the king. The spotlight given to Ione was great as well and gave us the perspective of one not willing to lose their free will.

From the unique magic system to the fully fleshed out characters this is a solid 5 stars for me.

Will I be recommending this to every single person I know? Absolutely! Rachel Gillig has quickly become an instant buy author for me and I look forward to what the future brings.

THANK YOU THANK YOU ORBIT FOR GIVING ME AN EARLY COPY OF THIS BOOK. This is the best duology I’ve read since Hannah Whitten’s for the wolf. Don’t sleep on this!!!

Out of all the fantasy books coming out in 2023, this was one of the ones I was the most excited about. I read One Dark Window as an ARC as well and was utterly charmed and enchanted by the way you feel enveloped by the misty forest atmosphere/vibes. The first half of this book was perfection, everything I was looking for and loved from the first book. All the vibes, mystery, pining, banter, and more.

There are also a new POV (or I believe new, it's been a while since I read the first book). And I really loved the new POV and their story, perhaps even more than some of the original main characters. The second half of the book felt a little wonky with the pacing for me and less atmospheric, hence the four stars rather than five. Overall, if you enjoyed the first book in the duology then I think most fans will be very happy with this conclusion! The duology format felt perfect for this story, everything concluded satisfyingly, and I am already ready for Gillig's next book!

A huge thanks to Orbit, Netgalley, and Rachel Gillig for the eARC, I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

After suffering though One Dark Window’s cliffhanger ending, I was eager to see how Rachel concluded this twisty, dark tale. Two Twisted Crowns picks up where ODW ends, and deposits the reader in depths of Stone’s frigid dungeon.

Gillig’s world building is exceptional - bringing additional mystery and enchantment to the foundation laid in ODW - and reading her words becomes an immersive experience. Her magic system is so unique and captivating without being overwhelming, and one cannot help by be bewitched by Gillig’s otherworldly writing. I loved these morally gray characters dearly (well, all but one… I’ll give you one guess), and their bravery, conviction, and sacrifices are so touching and admirable.

I was a little worried when the pacing for the first half of the book was quite slow, but as part two came to a close, Gillig opened the floodgates and everything started happening all at once. My stress level was through the roof, my heart was in my throat, and I scarcely drew breath for the duration of part three. I squealed over the multiple POVs! Having Ravyn and Elm’s perspectives assisted in propelling the story forward and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. I’m fully convinced Gillig tapped the Scythe Card because it was impossible for me to put this book down.

I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters and this enchanting world, but I truly loved every moment - even the moments of emotional turmoil. I really liked One Dark Window, but I loved Two Twisted Crowns even more. Absolutely brilliant.

Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

I'm genuinely ecstatic and so appreciative that I got this ARC. I've had the release date written in my calendar for months! Thank you to Orbit books for letting me read this early!

I received One Dark Window through my Fairyloot subscription, and it maybe took me a full day to complete. Probably less, though. I read this from literally 5 pm until 10 pm tonight. I could not put it down. It is phenomenal, Personally, I struggle with duologies due to the second novel usually falling short of my expectations. Two Twisted Crowns is the exception.

Two Twisted Crowns resumes where book one concluded with the Nightmare in complete control of Elspeth's body. The Kingdom is falling apart, the King is enraged, and Ravyn is trying to save Elspeth (Emory, his family, her family.. the list goes on and on). In addition to casually uniting the deck as well. There are several POV's alternating between Ravyn, Elspeth, and Elm. Elm's POV is my favorite, and his relationship with Ione? Speechless. I don't want to give too much away, but oh my goodness, the MAIDEN CARD?

I really enjoyed the first book in this duology when it came out and this sequel did not disappoint. I was pleased with the way it was wrapped up and I enjoyed getting answers to all my questions. I liked the new point of view characters. The plot moved along nicely and I was always eager to pick it back up and start reading again.

I only had two main issues with it. First, it was difficult to get back into the world and remember everyone and everything (like which powers each providence card had or who some side characters were). Secondly, the fact that due to the nature of the plot, the main character of Elspeth isn’t as in the forefront as in the first book was tough for me. I realize it was necessary for the plot, but I enjoyed her character and it was a shame not to get more of her. I missed the romance between her and Ravyn as well.

Thanks to Orbit for an early release digital copy.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. I enjoyed the first book and was very interested to see where this would go. Ravyn and Elspeth do take a back seat in this book; it's Elm and Ione's story, which I wasn't expecting, but I enjoyed discovering them more as characters, particularly Ione. The backstory behind how the magic system came to be was also really compelling and unusual.

My one issue with the book is that the villains - the main villain and his lackeys - were, frankly, boring. I like my characters to have nuance and complexity, and these guys were just mean for the sake of being mean. It might have been interesting to explore how using the cards made them what they were, rather than they just enjoyed violence.

Still, a very good conclusion to an unusual fantasy story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is so amazing! I loved all the different POV’s! It really helped me connect with all of the characters, and by the end I was crying over having to let them go! Rachel Gillig has created such a wonderful world in her books that I will come back to again and again! This book was a wonderful fantasy with a sprinkle of romance. The banter between Elsbeth and the Nightmare had me laughing out loud! This gothic fantasy was dark, sweet, beautiful, whimsical, and I want to start it all over again!

This was everything a sequel should be. I loved the new POVs, and thought the shifts between them were very well paced - once I got into this, I couldn't stop reading (although isn't that me with every book?). The characters I already loved continued to grow and learn, and we get a side of a fun, new romance. Rachel Gillig built out such a detailed world in just two books, and although I could hardly guess how things were going to turn out, all the loose ends were perfectly tied up. I just love a good ending.

4.5⭐️

I liked One Dark Window, but man, do I LOVE Two Twisted Crowns. Also, forget Ravyn. Elm is where it’s at! I absolutely loved getting to know more of the characters from the first book. Elm and Ione for sure have a place in my heart now.

One of the things I think helps make this book so good is that all the slowness of the world building and exploration of the magic system was in the the first book and with this one you really get to the meat of the story straight away.

I liked getting a better look into life at court and the politics that go along with it. Elm’s chapters were some of my favorites.

Every chapter seemed to leave on a cliffhanger and with alternating pov it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I wish more fantasies authors would take note that you don’t have to drag a series out to make it good. This was the perfect duology and had a wonderful mixture of magic, fantasy, romance, mystery, action and found family.

The only thing I wished for would be a good ending chapter from Elm’s POV. This book dived so much into his character that even though we get his ending it’s from the pov of Elspeth.

I have struggled to get into the fantasy genre, but Gillig has definitely made a fan out of me and I look forward to her upcoming books!

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh what an amazing follow up to One Dark Window! Two Twisted Crowns picks up right where we left off, and it starts the twists and turns instantly!

Rachel continues to be one of my favourite authors, I absolutely love her writing and find it so immersing and it instantly transports you to her world.

I loved the new POV's, I think with Elm's being my favourite! The romance in this one was so angsty and dramatic- perfection.

If you haven't read this series, please do yourself a favour and pick it up asap!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I have recommended this duology to everyone I know. Two Twisted Crowns was one of my most anticipated reads of the year as One Dark Window was my favorite read of last year. It was everything I could’ve wanted and more. The development of the characters and plot were incredible. I couldn’t put this book down. I’m sad to say goodbye to this world and the characters but all good things must come to an end. Thank you Rachel Gillig for sharing this story with readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for the chance to read and review Two Twisted Crowns.

Two Twisted Crowns was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Last October, I read One Dark Window and the beautiful world-building and writing style used to give the gothic fantasy vibes were so immersive that you felt transported to the world that the author created. Rachel Gillig did it again with Two Twisted Crowns.

Two Twisted Crowns transports you back into the world of Providence cards, mist, and magic. Elspeth and Ravyn have most of the Providence cards that they need to cure the disease ravaging the land and cure magic. However, in order to find the last and most important card, they will have to rely on The Nightmare in Elspeth's head. They embark on a journey to find the last card while Elm must stay behind as the new heir to the kingdom. Hauth is alive but just barely. The tyrant king has decided that Elm must become the new heir and choose a wife. Ione also returns to the castle but is not punished after Elm recommends using her to quiet any unrest with Hauth out. Ione and Elm partner together to manage the political side while their friends go on the hunt for the final card.

Rachel Gillig made me a fan with One Dark Window and has made it into my list of favorite authors following Two Twisted Crowns. Her writing and world building yet again transport the reader to this magical dangerous world. The writing is beautiful and the various verses spread throughout are so well done. Two Twisted Crowns leaned more into the multiple points of view of old characters, but also focused on some of the characters who were not a huge focus in the first book. Getting to see the growth of Elm and Ione's characters in the second book was very satisfying. One of the biggest parts of this book are getting to see more of the relationship between Elspeth and The Nightmare. With the background of The Nightmare's story, it really brought the story to a satisfying ending. The unique magic system in this book was further explored as well and we got to see more of the wild magic in the world instead of just the focus on the Providence cards.

Two Twisted Crowns was well worth the weight. I had extremely high expectations for the second book in this duology and it absolutely exceeded them all. The ending was bittersweet as I knew that I had to say goodbye to this world, although this is definitely a series worthy of a reread.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

And boy do I have lots of thoughts and opinions!!! This was just a stunning conclusion to this duology. I’ve finished this book in two days because of how hooked I was by what I was reading. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint me!

In this book you will find: he falls first and harder, touch her and die, creepy settings, mind/body control, self-sacrifice, interesting magic system, bodyguard/protector and love against all odds.

I’m not going to say anything about the actual plot of the book because I think going in blind is for the best with this book. But as soon as you can get your hands on this book you are on a wild and fantastical ride!