Be wary, Be clever, Be good *Holding back the tears*

5 Stars

Allow me to bid 'see you soon' to this enthralling duology. Rachel Gillig's sequel, 'Two Twisted Crowns,' has far exceeded my wildest expectations. Much like the vice grip of a scythe card, the characters - Elspeth, Ravyn, Elm, Ione, and our beloved Shepherd King - have maintained an unrelenting hold on my heart. Rachel Gillig has skillfully woven their narrative into a tapestry of exquisite beauty. I implore those who have yet to embark on this duology to dive in without hesitation.

Two Twisted Crowns' artfully brings our cherished characters full circle, and I found myself utterly engrossed throughout the entire journey. Gillig's storytelling prowess shines brilliantly, making this duology an unforgettable literary experience that will linger in my heart for a long time to come. I am now and forever will be a Rachel Gillig stan, forever grateful for the gift of her storytelling.

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review

4.5/5 - loved this book and this duology!!

Two Twisted Crowns picks up almost directly after the events of One Dark Window, with some new POV's. The storytelling is gripping, and I was extremely stressed reading this book (in a good way).

We don't follow Elsepth as much as book 1, but the new POVs are just as captivating and the new romance plot is 10/10. I didn't think much of Elm in book 1 but he truly comes into his own in the book and is possibly now my favourite character.

It was so satisfying seeing how everything ended up interlinking -- reflecting back, there were several subtle hints throughout book 1 and book 2 that were leading towards the revelations made in this book.

The writing was gorgeous and I had such a good time reading this. Looking forward to other works by this author!

This was a perfect sequel and end to the duology.

Two Twisted Crowns picks off right where One Dark window ends, which is great because we're not left wondering about the fallout from the events in 'Window.' I loved the gothic atmosphere of the novel. Unlike 'Window', 'Crowns' gives us alternating points of view which made for a great addition to the story. I enjoyed being aware of what was going on in the different locales since the party was split up. Ravyn and Elm POV's added a lot of background and depth to the characters and the story. The magic system was expanded upon by descriptions of how the providence cards were created.

The relationships in book are expanded on in a way that made me happy. I loved seeing more of the sibling connections between the Yews. Elm's connection to his father and brother, made me quite sad, but I appreciated the way he was willing to break free of them. As for the romance, Ravyn & Elspeth navigating their feelings with her being possessed by the nightmare made for a great angsty love story.

Over all I enjoyed this novel and devoured it in 2 sittings. I think this is a great duology and is one that I will revisit in the future. I'm looking forward to what Rachel Gillig publishes next.

Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for the ARC

Arc review Two Twisted Crowns

I was so grateful to get a copy of this ARC Two Twisted Crowns was one of my most anticipated releases of the year following One Dark Window and boy did it live up to the hype.

Rachel’s writing transported me back into the story immediately I am continually amazed by how well she describes the story and characters.

Going into this book I was worried the story would lack with elspeth our main character taking more of a back seat but Rachel did an excellent job growing some of the minor characters Ione and Elm and their relationship and they have quickly become one of my favorite book couples. Major shoutout to chapter twenty I literally couple read that chapter repeatedly it was so good.

I often measure fantasy books by how they move me emotionally. And I was in tears for the majority of this book. In the best way happy tears, roller coaster tears, plot twist tears, goodbye tears. I couldn’t get enough of it. I will be recommending this to everyone I know until the end of time. Seriously amazing work.

Thank you to orbit books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this arc. All opinions are my own.

First a huge thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an e-Arc of Two Twisted Crowns.

This one was highly anticipated for me and it did not disappoint. I might have liked it more than the first book.

We finally have Ravyn’s POV and it was everything I wanted it to be. Not only that, but Elm also has his own POV and I can’t get over his character arc and development throughout the story. Honestly having this from multiple characters was needed and the author did an amazing job.

I still loved Elspeth and Ravyns relationship, if not more here than on the first book. Possibly cause I wanted them to reunite and for the king to release Elspeth. The angst, and suffering was 👌🏽 perfect and it made me adore these two even more, given how much they’ve gone through here but still making it to the other side. The addition of the Kings/Shepherd and what we see through Elspeth was absolutely needed for the story and it wouldn’t have been the same without those insights.

We dive deeper into the world, the magic, the cards (which some can do way more than we thought) & their backstory. The stakes are way higher this time around, given the ending of the first book and how Two Twisted Crowns picked up immediately after.

Also there is another romance that I did not see coming but I was eating it up the whole time they were together and the progression was 🙏🏽🙏🏽 I won’t say between whom, as I don’t want this review to contain spoilers but O.M.G.

“If it does, you and I are the same kind of wicked”

“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.” 😭

This was the perfect book for fall and everything and more I wanted to see for this conclusion of The Shepherd King Duology.

Synopsis- Gripped by a tyrant king and in the thrall of dark magic, the kingdom is in peril. Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last—and most important—one remains to be found: the Twin Alders. If they’reiu going to find the card before Solstice and set free the kingdom, they will need to journey through the dangerous mist-cloaked forest. The only one who can lead them through is the monster that shares Elspeth’s head: the Nightmare.

And he’s not eager to share any longer.
_______________________________________

First, I’d like to thank Orbit, Rachel Gillig and NetGalley for the incredible honor of reading and reviewing an ARC of Two Twisted Crowns in exchange for my honest review.

Okay, now that the that’s out of the way… I loved this book beyond words. To say I devoured it… well that’s an understatement. This book picks up right where the first left off and there isn’t a moment of reprieve until the very last sentence. The continued world building, which was already extensive from the first, really helped shape the image of many of the characters but, most importantly, of Nightmare. The human element of him comes out so beautifully in this book, we get his back story and really are with him throughout the whole arc of his character. He is wonderful, maddening and nightmarish, but ultimately human and flawed. Beautifully so.

All our other characters had fantastic development, a few I would have liked to know more about but I don’t see that as an issue with the writing; in fact I see it as a positive as I just wanted to stay in that world and be immersed longer. I enjoyed the magical element, the continued understanding that everything comes with a cost and seeing the repercussions of those who wanted more, more and then even more.

To me, at its heart this series is simply about being able to accept one’s self as they are. This includes the strength, weakness and desires one has while also holding space for the balance of it all. We have seen the ugly side of always searching or needing more as well as the beauty of those content with what they have or who they are. That acceptance.

Read the book. You love it as much as I and hopefully, be just as changed.

Getting the email notification that I was approved to be an ARC reader had me so happy (going to try and avoid any spoilers)! I couldn’t wait to read the second book. This series has an amazing and unique magic system, captivating romance story lines, while also having political ties, and multiple POV’s. The storytelling is so well crafted you feel immersed in the world. Would definitely give this book a read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for letting me get my hands on this ARC! <3

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC of this book.

I read One Dark Window back in June and it became one of my favorite books this year. I had been anxiously awaiting Two Twisted Crowns and when I saw the ARC approval, I shrieked. I was hesitant to start it though just because I was scared it wouldn't live up to One Dark Window, but that was all for naught because it was BETTER.

One Dark Window starts off slow and doesn't really pick up until halfway. Two Twisted Crowns started off fast, throwing you right into the middle of everything that's going on, because all the world building is done. You are in the mind of The Nightmare as he inhabits Elspeth's body and you're learning bits and pieces of what happened in the past with the creation of the Providence Cards, the fall of the Shepherd King, and the rise of the Rowan King. You're also getting the story from multiple points of view across the kingdom as Ravyn and his party are in search of the Twin Alders card.

This book had me feeling all the things... I was screaming obscenities at the things that were going on, my anxiety skyrocketed as things kept looking worse and worse for the good guys, and then finally I was in tears over what has to be one of the most perfect endings I've read. This might just be my favorite book of the year, and I'm going to need everyone to read it.

I was honored to receive an ARC of Two Twisted Crowns. I wanted to sit down and do nothing else but read this book from the moment I opened it. We’re immediately pulled back into Elspeth’s world and the strange, ingenious creation that is Blunder’s magic. I’d like to take a moment to praise Gillig’s ability to craft a story with crisp descriptions and imagery that has no match. There is an inherently “safe” feeling while reading Gillig’s words, knowing that you’re in good hands and there is not a single unnecessary sentence in this book — which is also by virtue of the editors. This is a rare delight in today’s literature.

First and foremost, I was blown away by Elm’s character development. As much as I love Ravyn and Elspeth and their journey, I found myself craving Elm’s perspective the very moment I left it. He was such an experience. Ione and Elm have my heart forever. Their scenes were handled in such a sexy, but tasteful way, so tenderly, and so sweet. I loved every second.

This sequel was even more heart-racing and mind-altering than the first. Bravo!

Two Twisted Crowns is a dark fantasy masterpiece! Gillig truly outdid herself with the second book in this duology. I first fell in love with her writing style in One Dark Window, which was was so captivating with its unique concept, and I simply couldn't wait to read more about Elspeth's fate.

Two Twisted Crowns exceeded expectations and has easily earned itself a five-star rating , enchanting me from the very first page. Gillig's writing felt effortless in this second book, creating a vivid, fast-paced story with amazing action sequences. I really enjoyed Elm's character development and the *tension* TTC offered as opposed to the first book.

Readers can look forward to learning more about the Nightmare's origin story, as well as the relationship dynamic between him and Elspeth. Readers will also experience Ravyn's physical and mental turmoil during his efforts to find the Twin Alders, save Emory, and free Elspeth. And lastly, readers can look forward to (drool-worthy) Elm's point of view, which adds some much needed spice to the book.

Two Twisted Crowns is the perfect blend of dark magic, romance, mystery, action.... it really has it all!

Two Twisted Crowns was everything I wanted for the sequel to One Dark Window. This duology is the perfect fall read, with dark, gothic, fairytale vibes. I loved getting to know Elspeth, Ravyn, Ione, Elm, Jespyr and the other characters in One Dark Window, and the author did a great job of expanding on them in Two Twisted Crowns. We also get to see more perspectives here, which for most of the book is actually split between two different settings. This was a satisfying conclusion to the duology and a really accessible fantasy series I feel for those who are newer to the genre. Can't wait to see what Rachel Gillig writes next!

Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit for this e-ARC.

This had everything I thought ‘One Dark Window’ lacked!! The pacing was much better, the writing felt stronger and not just meant to feel eerie, the romance was really there for me this time, and I understood what the plot was the second I started reading. When I tell you once I hit the 60% mark I could not put down this book, I truly could not. I loved having the multiple pov’s and different storylines that all weaved together at the end. I loved having more background and insight into who these characters really are, something that I just didn’t get in the first book. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT IONE AND ELM!!!!!!! They had everything I wanted Elspeth and Ravyn to have in the first book times a thousand.

As a whole, this duology is so clever and smart. I feel complete, the two books truly complement and complete each other so well. I think that if you loved ‘One Dark Window’ you’re gonna love this, but if you were kinda on the fence about it like I was, you’re gonna love this book even more.

First I want to give a big BIG thank you to Orbit, netgalley and Rachel Gilling for allowing me to read an ARC of one of my most anticipated sequels of the year!
I absolutely loved this sequel! We get an expansion on the already amazing world building from the first book. We also get so many POVs that I adored. Elm, Ione, and Ravyn definitely shine brightest in this novel and I thought that was amazing. Seeing the growth in all theses characters felt so satisfying and well deserved.
Elm and Ione are my babies their progression together felt so natural and beautiful. Had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time!
You can really tell how much Gilling loves this world and her characters to have them so fleshed out and distinct.
The fact that this series was a duology makes it even more amazing nothing felt too drown out or short lived it was the perfect amount of time to tell the story of theses characters. I loved this world and Gilling's writing I would love to read any more books she comes out with!
The ending felt well earned and satisfying, this duology felt like a storybook tale, I will think of theses characters often and hope to re-read it sometime!
If you are looking for a gothic storybook tale, with an amazing magic system and fleshed out characters I highly recommend this duology for this spooky season!

All my free time was spent reading this! And when I wasn't reading I was planning when to read!!
Excellent pace, attention to detail and such a crazy ride!
I usually have one pov I like more than others but these were all equally interesting and intense!Loved every moment!
I do wish there was a bit more to the ending as a wrap up. But I also wished it would never end...

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I cannot wrap my wee brain around how this masterpiece was allowed in my hands pre-release. The book gods must have been shining down on me, because it was an absolute MASTERPIECE that I was allowed to witness. Two Twisted Crowns was the best sequel that I have ever read. I am not lying when I say that I was originally taking my time reading it so it would never end, just to detour and put all life events on hold to finish the end (as a sobbing mess I might add). It wrapped up so beautifully, and unrushed. It was an honor to have been a part of Elspeth, Nightmare, Elm, Ione and Ravyn's journey. It switched POV's but in the smoothest, even transitions I've read, and I loved every second of it. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
Book 2 of The Shepherd King Duet

Genre: Gothic fantasy, young adult
Pub Date: October 19, 2023

Rating: ALL THE STARS.


I have never felt as lucky as when I finished One Dark Window then opening my email to the ARC for book two.

One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns will be in my top reads of the year. The conclusion was everything I wanted it to be! It was atmospheric and perplexing, leaving you with more questions the deeper you dive but wrapping it up in a nice, neat bow at the end.

The main difference in this book from the first is that it is multiple POVs, which I LOVED. The character arcs and their development are SO strong. The way that Rachel goes into detail with her visuals, you can picture everything perfectly and leaves you with all the emotions.

It was dark, gripping and bold. This duology is top tier from beginning to end.

First, thank you so much for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review!

Absolutely fantastic and possibly even better than the first!

We get to see the story through so many people's eyes as the story twists and turns through both the past and present. You get the full back story of The Nightmare, in pieces, and its both frustrating and heartbreaking. Ione and Em get their chance to shine and I Absolutely love their interactions with each other as well as those around them.

And then Elspeth and Ravyn. Their story is so well done in this book. I love that even though one of them "isn't there," they are still able to find one another.


Fantastic series. Loved the ending. Loved the character development

One Dark Window was one of my favorite reads this year, and this sequel did not disappoint. The world Rachel Gillig has created is so unique and her writing is very fast paced. This book introduced Ravyn's and Elm's POVs which I really enjoyed. I'm so happy this was a duology and not a trilogy because it was wrapped up perfectly with the ending of this book. I think I’ve found a new favorite genre in gothic fantasy and I look forward to reading anything else Rachel Gillig writes!

This book was SO good. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!!!! Was everything a sequel should be and more. Thank you NetGalley, Little Brown Book Club UK and Orbit for providing this ARC.

Two Twisted Crowns did not hesitate for one second to jump into things with Ravyn and Elspeth and Elm and Ione and the crew, who, are not doing so well as we know from One Dark Window!

I appreciate this so much, and this is personal and not a criticism of other authors, but I can't stand the first 1/3 of a book recapping and dropping subtle hints as to what had happened previously… if it is next in the series, I know what has already happened. So thank you, Rachel Gillig.

Two Twisted Crowns was fabulous (unlike my headache from reading this through the night) and the ending, (before the epilogue) was absolutely cruel and lovely and poor Ravyn is all I can say without spoilers. The Shepard King absolutely pulled a fast one. While Ravyn & Elspeth were obviously my favorite characters going into this… Elm & Ione came out the triumphant winners in book two (Elm, is, the absolutely most-precious and we must protect him).

I… don't have any criticisms or areas of contentment for Two Twisted Crowns. It was an absolutely well-written and satisfying continuation and ending to a duology. I can't wait for Rachel's next book, whatever it may be!