Rachel Gillig has a cinematic writing style that makes you feel like you are sitting around watching your favorite CW show at 15. She will captivate you in a way that is nostalgic as fuck. Brings you back to a time when characters had big personalities, epic character relationships, and when you could follow a slightly immature, messy story packed full of adventure. The Shepard King series may not be winning any awards, but it's pure excitement to experience.

Much like book 1, All of the characters are provided with an excellent amount of story to follow to make them meaningful. Ravyn, Elm, and Nightmare take center stage here; but Ione and Elspeth get a ton of love too, and Ione in particular gets a radical expansion of her character. What has been great about this series from the first book is that while there is a romance, each character gets a ton of attention and an interesting backstory that gives them genuine stakes outside of their relationship to the main characters. Two Twisted Crowns far more than One Dark Window, because this is actually a book that puts those side characters center stage.

Elm's story is as compelling as I was hoping it would be, he was such a charming breakout character in the first book despite no POV, and his POV absolutely helped develop the characters in his view as well. Ravyn is still kind of boring, but his connection with a certain character made me a lot more sympathetic to him in the end. No, not his snoozy romance with Elspeth. It's still boring, still sucks. He is by far the least compelling of the bunch, but since Elspeth was taken out of the story physically, he is a necessary POV to move the plot forward.

Elspeth and Nightmare's relationship remain the crown jewel of the story, and it will not disappoint fans of them here. Nightmare is given a very key role in the story that did not go as I expected. I don't think Rachel Gillig expected that he would become the fan favorite, but she did a great job justifying that opinion in the book. Elspeth is present, but she does take a backseat to everyone else in this story. Her presence is moreso so act as a bridge of humanity to Nightmare and the other cast of characters.

The plot breaks into 3 different storylines: the otherworldly dream state of Elspeth and Nightmare, The hunt for the final Providence card, and the battle to keep Hauth from the throne. All three plotlines moved at a nice speedy pace and were a ton of fun to check in with. Once again, the magic system shines in this series, with so many interesting ways for the characters to interact with the cards. I rarely give two shits about magic in a book, and I got really invested in how the cards worked and how they related to their user.

This duology is just such a treat, and Gillig is now an insta buy author for me. I am convinced she cant write something boring. The duology could have easily gone downhill after the major events of book 1, but Gillig kept the story fresh and full of heart by making the right narrative choices and moving the focus to the side characters for the second book.

As a reader that is still fairly new to the fantasy genre, The Shepherd King series is one that I would recommend to anyone, even if fantasy might not be their cup of tea. I enjoyed One Dark Window so much, and I felt that the writing, story, characters, and romance was top tier. Obviously I was thrilled to be approved for the sequel, Two Twisted Crowns.

Two Twisted Crowns starts right where One Dark Window left off- with Ravyn and Elspeth desperately searching for the final Providence Card to unite the deck and cure the kingdom, The Twin Alders. But the only one who knows where it is is the Nightmare, the monster that shares both Elspeth's head and body.

I love that this sequel picked up right after the last events of One Dark Window. It ended on such a cliffhanger and I was desperate for more. I enjoyed this story, but not as much as the first. The events in this novel were much more high stakes, and I was feeling stressed! I missed a lot of what was in the first novel, which was the romance between Ravyn and Elspeth. We did get to see another romance bloom, which I loved, but it wasn't quite the same for me. This was definitely a thrilling sequel that I think a lot of readers will be happy with. I felt satisfied with the ending and I wish I could read more of these characters. I still love the beautiful writing of Rachel Gillig and I can't wait to see what she publishes in the future.

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have a review post for this book on my Bookstagram, linked below. I thought the book was good. I struggled with it but think it was me and not the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit, and Rachel Gillig for the eARC!

This was so so so good. Amazing, I loved the first book and I love this one just as much. My top favorites of the year so far. Absolutely incredible. I wish the this was 10 book series. I love the world and the writing in these books so much.

Absolutely stunning. This book was the perfect way to wrap up this incredible duology. It is complex, dark, and well executed. Can’t wait to do a reread of both and find all of things I inevitably missed when I read books as intricately woven as these. Five stars. Possibly my favorite read of the year!

As you guys know, I was utterly enchanted by One Dark Window earlier this year. This is one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I was so excited to have been approved for this arc. 🥹

Rachel Gillig does it again! The writing, as with ODW is so atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful. I loved the addition of the multiple POV’s and the new unexpected romance was chef’s kiss. The Nightmare stole the show for me in this one though. I loved learning more about him and his past.

Just like with the first, this book made me forget that I was reading. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I cried, I laughed, I gasped and swooned. Of course I didn’t want it to end but at the same time this was such a perfect conclusion to this story. These characters will live in my head for a long time to come.

If you like lyrical writing, dark/gothic vibes, spooky forests, unique magic, enemies to lovers, then this duology is for you!

"𝘉𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘺. 𝘉𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥."

Release date: October 17, 2023

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!

This book was everything I wanted to be. It was a great end to a lovely story. Gillig’s writing is phenomenal and I cannot wait to read more of her work. I loved everything about this novel.

**This review contains spoilers!**

I enjoyed the first book so much in this duology. I gave the first book 5 stars, but this conclusion disappointed me. It felt like a totally different book than the first one. The story became confusing and lost to me. I think this was mostly due to Elspeth not being in control of her own body and the Shepard King taking over. I completely forgot who she was an individual and maybe that was part of the point, but it made me care less about her chapters and more about Elm’s chapters. I loved Elm’s chapters so much more. I constantly was hurrying through Ravyn and Elspeth’s chapters to get to Elm and his story with Ione. This was so disappointing because I love Ravyn and Elspeth in the first book! I think I would’ve liked this more had Elspeth got her body back sooner. I wanted her and Ravyn’s relationship to deepen and progress further, but I just didn’t get that. Their relationship was put on the back burner and forgotten most of the book. Despite the issues I mentioned, I still would give the book 3.5 stars for Elm & Ione.

When I read One Dark Window back at the beginning of the year, I knew it was a top book for me. This one surpassed that one and left it miles behind. I loved meeting other characters, and while much of this wasn’t in the perspective I assumed it would be, it almost made it better. Honestly I might have to reread both of these once I have my physical copy in just to get the feeling of the entire story together. Wow. Just wow!

We meet back up with Elspeth right after the end of ODW. The monster has made a deal with the king to retrieve the final card in the deck so they can lift the mist. The rest of the book follows her journey with the monster, Ravyn, Elm, and the other characters in all the chaos that ensues. Beautifully written, I will now be recommending this to anyone and everyone.

A masterpiece!
Fast-pace, page turner, the sequel to the duology was an epic conclusion. Twist and turns with Gilig signature prose, each truth unraveled in such a seamless way that kept you at the edge of your seats and turning the pages until the very end.

Seriously a classic tale that I have come to love.
A duology I will cherish and reread because it’s everything I want in a fantasy.

Be wary. Be good. Be clever.

This book was absolutely amazing. The story that Rachel Gillig began in One Dark Window continues in this book with more revealed about the backstory of the Shepherd King and how he became “the nightmare”.

I don’t want to spoil the story so I’m just going to say this is the most beautifully written, unique fantasy I’ve ever read. I love reading fantasy but at times I have trouble remembering details from one book to the next because so many of them have similar plots. I will never forget One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns and I really can’t think of higher praise than that.

I would recommend this book to ANYONE who loves to read at all. I can’t imagine a single person who wouldn’t love it. It’s a perfect story for fall as it’s very spooky and atmospheric, there’s even a sentient forest!

Please read this duology. I don’t think you’ll be sorry!

4.75 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

OMG!! I am obsessed with this book. The sequel to one dark window was amazing!!

It was very epic to watch the nightmare and ravyn go on their journey to find the twin alders card. You realize the nightmare isn’t has horrible as he seems.

Also I loved the POV with Elm. You really fall in love with his story with Ione. The perfect romantic part of this story.

No joke, I did almost cry at the end when the nightmare says goodbye and the card is ripped. I’m so sad this story is over, I wish I could read more about what happens next.

I loved One Dark Window, but I was honestly a little worried for Two Twisted Crowns because I didn’t want it to suffer from second book syndrome. My expectations were not just met, they were exceeded. This picks up right where One Dark Window ends and it is just an absolute blast. I loved the deeper look we got at the Providence Cards/magic system. The pacing was so quick, but not too quick to where I felt like I was struggling to keep up with what was going on. I loved all the character development we got and honestly I shed a few tears towards the end. This was such a unique duology and I will be thinking about it for a really long time.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I'm really very impressed how much Gillig was able to put into this book and STILL kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! In fact, Gillig was almost mean with the alternating POV. We get POV from Elm, Ravyn, and Elspeth. Gillig would switch a POV RIGHT when I was getting into the other POV or it was a mini cliffhanger. I'd feel anxious as I try to forget the other POV to get back into the current one. It was a ride for sure, but it kept the book interesting the whole way and, yet, the threads between the POV were very cohesive. It didn't feel like multiple stories or disjointed. It somehow worked beautifully.

My one quibble about the book is how little Elspeth & Ravyn moments we get because of the end of One Dark Window. It continues through the entire book and I kind of missed that connection between them. We barely got to know them as as couple and we still didn't get it much in this book. Don't get me wrong, we do get some moments, but it's not the same as in book 1.

On the other hand, we get a new love story that you had inklings of in One Dark Window with Elm. I enjoyed that romance unfolding. I liked learning more about Elm too. He actually becomes a great counter to Rayvn and I liked that about him. I liked learning more about the Rowan bloodline/Elm's upbringing. We knew he had a terrible childhood and he has a streak of rebellion against Hauth and his father, but this brought you in more to connect with him. I really enjoyed his romance too because he definitely is not a skin-deep guy.

Ravyn is just as loyal, and steady as he is in One Dark Window, but you can see his facade is cracking a little at the beginning because of Elspeth and what needs to be done. He has an interesting twist that was both a surprise and not a surprise. I think I was subconsciously picking up on all the hints, but hadn't connected them till the reveal. I was surprised by the reveal and then immediately "oh, I expected that." I still think about it because it somehow just makes sense with his connection to Elspeth.

I think one of the interesting stories we got was the Nightmare's. We get all those questions answered of what happened to make the Providence cards and his death. Just like everything else, it's parceled out throughout the book. We don't get much of Elspeth because of the Nightmare (re: end of book 1), but we really didn't need much because her story was forefront in book 1.

In the end, I really enjoyed the conclusion. It was clever and it answered every question and even some you picked up mid-story of book 2. I can't believe how much was resolved. It either made sense or I was fine with the direction that Gillig took. This is one of the best duets I've read in a while. Excellent first book and probably better second book that resolved things in a way that felt organic and not rushed being a duet. I even found the end a little emotional as it took the duet full circle.

"Be wary. Be clever. Be good."

One dark window was so creative and full of action and adventure that I wasn't sure the sequel could be better. But this was the perfect ending to a magnificent and magical story.
I loved the characters and how the developed through the books. I was constantly wanting to know more and more and how it all fit together.
And when you are finally given those final bits to end the stories of each character you are completely in awe.
Amazing book. Loved this duology and am sad it's over!

This book sucked me in from start to finish. I cared so much for every single character and I was cheering the entire time for every single one. Some moments I found myself audibly gasping and sitting there just amazed or dumbfounded at certain events. I can confidently say that this is the best series I’ve read in a while. If you prefer a fast paced and exciting series then you definitely found the right place with this!

This is the second book in the Shepherd King duology. It picks up where One Dark Window left off. Ravyn, Elspeth, Elm and Jespyr are still working to find the last of 12 providence cards, the twin alders. According to the Old Book of Alders, uniting the deck is the only hope they have of curing those who are infected and lifting the magical, but sinister mist that holds their kingdom captive. But finding the card won’t be easy. And as we learned in the first book, everything comes at a price.

This series. I don’t even know how to properly put into words how much I loved this series. I shed actual tears at the end of this book, sad to be leaving these characters and their world. Gillig did such a masterful job of writing a story that spanned over 500 years. One that shows us that while we may not be able to right all of our wrongs, we can take the new opportunities that are given to us to do the right thing right now. The characters are strong and resilient, flawed but lovable.

Keep an eye out for my review on my Instagram account, which will be coming in October!

This is how you do a sequel. It was intriguing, entertaining & kept my attention the whole time I was reading. I enjoyed the characters & their growth. I loved the story line, and that it is complete. Fast-paced & fun, I really recommend this duology!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up Two Twisted Crowns on October 17, 2023.

I almost have no words to describe how this book made me feel. It was the perfect sequel and a fantastic end to the duology. I wish I could read 10 more books set in this world with these characters, especially given how it ended.

We learned so much more about so many people: Ravyn, Elm, Ione, the Shepherd King. Everyone's trials and triumphs blended seamlessly, creating a beautifully written book despite switching from just Elspeth's voice to multiple POVs.

Did I miss Elspeth a lot? Yes. I do wish we had more time with her and Ravyn. But we also saw a new blossoming romance between other characters, so I understand why their romance took a bit of a backseat. It didn't make their interactions any less swoon-worthy or bittersweet.

I already can't wait to reread this book so I can pick up on even more details. This series will be one I go back to over and over again, and I have to give massive kudos to Rachel Gillig for writing a stunning world, intricate magic system, and timeless characters.

Do not hesitate to pick up One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns! The Shepherd King duology will change your life for the better.

5/5 ⭐️
What an amazing ending to this great duology. I’m obsessed. I will admit, initially I wondered if maybe I should’ve reread the first book before starting this one, it had been year. But once I got a couple chapters in, I was hooked. I was only going to read a little before bed, I couldn’t put it down.
This book continues what book one did by creating this beautifully gothic story, but with a twist. It doesn’t feel gothic. But it is with its dark sentient woods and characters who fall deeper and deeper until they seem to be devoured alive by their monsters. The story carried the momentum of the first book wonderfully, sort of starting with the characters at their lowest and now crawling their way back up.
I loved Prince Elm in book one, adored him more here. I lived for his chapters. But I also liked seeing more of Elspeth and the Nightmare’s relationship. It was reminding me of the relationship seen in The Host by Stephanie Meyer.
Overall, I’m obsessed. This was amazing and the perfect fall read. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.