I’m not going to lie to you my friends, this duology bent me, tore out my soul, and sacrificed it to the Spirit of the Woods. I found myself crying at the end and I’m still not sure if that was because the ending or for the realization that it was over. I loved this world and I will happily re-enter the mist on release day for a reread. The writing was beautiful and the story progression/character development was unparalleled.

100/10 recommend.

When I got the email from Netgalley that I had been approved for an arc of Two Twisted Crowns, I was ecstatic. I fell irrevocably in love with Rachel Gillig's prose and world in One Dark Window, and Two Twisted Crowns cemented that love.

This book handles the aftermath of One Dark Window, weaving together the events that took us to the end flawlessly. There are many things I'd love to say about this book, but those thoughts will have to wait until it's release. I'd be doing everyone a disservice by spoiling even a single moment of this beautiful book.

We are introduced to more POVs in this book and it worked perfectly. The second half of this story was more than just Elspeth's, it was Ravyn and Elm's as well. Each character, from overlooked Ione to the oily Nightmare, grew and changed and BECAME in this book. I laughed, I cried, and I raged with these characters.

If you enjoy dark, eerie, and whimsical stories woven together with beautiful imagery and poetic words, this duology will tick every box. It built on the beauty of the first book and left me feeling content at the end, as if I'd slipped into a warm bath. The Shepard King duology gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me, and is a perfect spooky season read.

This was an awesome conclusion to The Shepard King Duology. I had waited to read One Dark Window until closer to the release of this one and I’m glad I did because I just wanted move from the first book into the next and it flowed so nicely.

Not only did this story continue to be engaging, but the character growth was excellent. I absolutely loved Elms point of view. And to see how his character managed to keep all of the good parts of himself, even when he was dealt such a bad hand. I enjoyed Ravyn discovering himself. And witnessing Elsbeth navigate the situation she was in.

I loved the multiple point of views.

Iones story was heartbreaking. Getting to see what she went through….made me cry. I also really appreciated how Elm appreciated Ione’s natural imperfections without her maiden card. It was really beautiful.

Hauth got off easy. I would have liked to see him suffer more. And Linden too. Their deaths were too quick for my liking.

I found the ending to be perfect. I got everything I wanted, even though there was some sadness to it.

I loved this story but really wish that we could have had a better conclusion to the romance between Ravyn and Elspeth. I wish we could have experienced their reunion since the entire book was a build up to that moment, Ravyn risking everything to reunite with her. Otherwise the story was fantastic and I loved getting to know Elm better.

I was thrilled to get this book as an ARC from NetGalley, so I could dive right in after finishing One Dark Window. This book is so good!! We get Elspeth’s perspective - trapped inside her mind with the monster that has taken over and we also get alternating perspectives from Ravyn and Elm! I really enjoyed getting to know more about these characters and loved what the multiple perspectives added to the story.

Overall I liked the romances in the book, although my one complaint was that parts of the romantic scenes felt a bit “cringey”. But I tend to be super picky about this. I didn’t feel this took away from the overall story though.

The plot is so so good and so is the character development. We get to learn more about the Shepherd Kings background, Blunder’s history, and the Providence Cards. The world building is so well done and doesn’t feel boring, as it’s given through flashbacks of memories.

This duology is so unique and atmospheric. Once again this is the perfect Fall read. Fair warning, at around 50-60% the story really picks up and you may not be able to put it down!

Between One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns, the duology was perfectly balanced.

The title is cohesive. The cover art came to life in my mind when I was reading. Not to mention, it is a perfect fall release book.

All the other reviews that say that this is a perfect ending to the story and that it's incredibly written are spot on. The ending was complete and so satisfying. I am confident in Blunder's future. The riddles and rhyming add a dynamic element to the story. I could go on all day, but ultimately this is a must read story.

I loved the plot and I loved the romance. But what I loved the most is that both elements felt like they carried the same weight. This is neither a romance with a fantasy side story nor a fantasy plot with a romance side story. The two elements were perfectly interwoven.

As soon as I finished it, I immediately wanted to go back and listen/read these two books again. To put it in perspective, I realized that I wanted the physical book too even though I bought/pre-ordered the audiobooks. When I went to order the physical book, I realized I also bought the ODW Kindle book. That is how much I enjoyed the duology. I inadvertently wanted it in every format

ARC Review

Story: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Be wary, be clever, be good. The highly anticipated sequel to One Dark Window, Two Twisted Crowns follow Ravyn and Elspeth on their search for the last remaining Providence Card, The Twin Alders. They need to find it before the Solstice to cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it. To do that they'll need to venture beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds the kingdom. The only one who can lead them there is the monster that shares Elspeth's head. The Nightmare. And he's not eager to share any longer. But time is ticking. Will they make it?

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Since the summary spoils it for you already I'm so glad Elspeth didn't disappear forever after the first book! I was so wrecked after the first book. Gillig does a wonderful job incorporating the different POVs in this story, allowing us to learn more about each character through the eyes of other characters. The new POVs of Elm and Ione are a wonderful addition as well as their romantic storyline, although for those diehard Ravyn and Elspeth fans will leave more to be desired. Of course, as with the previous book, the magic system is intricate and one of a kind. There are numerous plot twists throughout the story that you won't see coming and not for the faint of heart. Gillig definitely kept me on my toes! This was a fantastic resolution to the Shepherd King Duology, although made me a little sad to say farewell to the characters that Gillig made us fall so in love with.

Rachel Gillig's writing is so hauntingly beautiful and gothic. She is an auto-buy author for me. Everything she writes has been nothing short of PERFECTION. I will most certainly read anything she writes! Thanks again for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC! I definitely screamed (internally, I was in a meeting, but def stopped paying attention) when I got the approval.

***I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the Orbit Books and Netgalley for this opportunity!

Usually sequels are not as great as the first one, but Rachel blew me out of the water. This one was like 20x better than the first one. And that's saying something because One Dark Window is one of my favorites. I really enjoyed the fact that the first book was only one perspective and that this one was multiple perspectives. Like it just elevated everything so well. The story coming together in the end and secrets were revealed. And oh my goodness was I happy to get more in depth character development from characters I only saw a glimpse of in the first one. This felt like an experience I won't ever get to have again. Loved it. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for granting me early access to this one. It was beautiful.

I enjoyed the story and the journey of the characters and looking deeper into the past of the Shepard King. I enjoyed the multi povs and seeing more into those characters and where the story was going. I did feel the main FMC from book 1 was more of a side character this time around. I would have liked to see Elspeth and Ravyn’s love story enfold more and get more page time. They didn’t actually talk much in this 2nd book. Their story didn’t feel as finished.
But I loved the gothic, moody feel of Two Twisted Crowns. Love the magic system as well. Thank you NetGalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

Two Twisted Crowns was a perfect sequel. Everything I wanted it to be and more. It follows up directly after One Dark Window.

When I TELL YOU I SCREAMED when I got the email that said I was approved for this! I was halfway through One Dark Window and knew I would be absolutely feral for the sequel. Thus, in one day I finished ODW and then BINGED the ENTIRE sequel in about 6 straight hours.

We're following Elspeth, Ravyn & Nightmare in their continuing quest to complete the deck of twelve Providence cards which will help them heal Blunder of the Mist - the infectious fog Spirit of the Woods cast in retaliation for people no longer turning to her for blessings, and instead turning to magical cards.

This gothically atmospheric and romantic tale is fast paced, keeps you on the edge of your seat (cannot turn the pages fast enough) while following the different POVs of Elspbeth, Ravyn and Elm. I really enjoyed the dual storylines which merge into an explosively action packed, heart wrenching and beautiful ending.

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

If you didn’t read One Dark Window what are you even doing with your life? Anyway, received the ARC of the second book in the series thanks to @orbitbooks_us and it did NOT disappoint. I have no interest in summarizing a plot in any review - Google is free after all - so I’ll just say it is good in the exact ways the first is good. It ends very satisfyingly (and definitively, no sneaky 3rd book coming) and y’all should read it. 5⭐️

This book tied up everything together so nicely. The multiple POVs were great. It makes sense to do this considering how the first book ended. I really enjoyed getting to know Elm and Ione better. This book had me on the edge of my seat 80% of it. So many little twists, which I really enjoy. My questions from the first novel were answered. I love the magic system and the scene this is set in.

Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for the ARC!!! I was so happy to see I got it! This was a really great duology and definitely one of my top favorite reads so far this year.

Thank you to Orbit for the eARC of Two Twisted Crowns in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Rachel Gillig has done it again with book 2 of The Shepherd King series.

We pick up right where we left off with book 1, and boy is it a wild ride. In the beginning it was hard for me to fully immerse myself back into this worldbuilding as it had been a while since I read the first, however once I relearned the characters and their world; I was awestruck.

Two Twisted Crowns tied up lose ends, brings together those you would not expect, and answers what were previously unanswerable questions.

This book had me crying happy tears. The relationship between Elspeth and Taxus in the end was wonderful. I am absolutely beyond words with this book and encourage all to read it.

This was a nice conclusion to the series! I think the author's writing really improved with the sequel but I do wish we had more of the atmosphere and Elspeth's character that was present in One Dark Window. I wasn't too interested in the relationship between Elm and Ione and found myself dreading his POV.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tremendous.

One Dark Window was my first- in-a-long-time ecstatic five-star read. Of course Two Twisted Crowns would be good. It had to be. Yet, it exceeded all expectations.

The characters are nuanced, the plot is well crafted, the pacing is tightly controlled; my only complaint is that our time in Blunder is finished.

Ms. Gillig is now among my handful of auto-buy authors. I will read whatever she writes, and I look forward to more from her soon.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

“The two were together, so the two were the same: The girl, the King, and the monster they became.”

Elspeth is gone, degenerated to a place she cannot breach, leaving a monster in her place. The mist remains over Blunder, and the infection continues to claim more victims. Ravyn, Elm, Ione, Jaspyr, and the cast of others must overcome their distrust of the Nightmare which took the body of Elspeth Spindle in order to find the Twin Alders card and finally release Blunder from it’s five hundred year old curse. They must defeat old foes and new to save those they love most, but evil has it’s own motivations, and things are not always as they seem.

Five stars, of course. I expect nothing less of Rachel Gillig after reading One Dark Window, and Two Twisted Crowns does not disappoint! She maintains her phenomenal voice, twisting Blunder into a lyrical image of magical cards, lingering mist, and yellow eyes. Between the magic system, setting, and cast of characters, this book has left me nearly breathless. I could not imagine a better end to this duology.

We gain new perspectives in the second book, and even in Elspeth’s absence, the new POVs add a layer to the story. Reading the story through Ravyn and Elm create a new depth and, as every chapter went by, I was constantly conflicted by who’s perspective I wanted more. Each were equally compelling.

The romance is amped up in book two. We get bits of Elspeth and Ravyn, and the possession of the Nightmare adds a new level of angst. A second romance also begins to bloom, which was hinted at in the first book.

Nightmare, Monster, The Shepherd King. We learn more about our beloved Nightmare and the monster he became. As he compels the body of Elspeth Spindle, he is more eerie and unnerving, and dare I say, endearing. What shocked me the most about this book is that Gillig still manages to make me laugh. The dynamic between the Nightmare and everyone— friend or foe— creates a startling hilarity that contrasts the otherwise somber scenes.

Gillig also expands on the magic system, giving more detail to the cards which adds a degree of intrigue. The Maiden card creates a new perspective to the idea of beauty, offering some commentary on the danger of it’s dismissal due to the seemingly frivolity of women. Through Ione and her treatment, we see the sacrifice for beauty, but we also see the necessity of choice.

The final 25% of the book was absolutely phenomenal. It was perfectly set up, and when everything finally came together, there wasn’t a single piece missing. Every detail came with intention and was masterfully done. I read this book in one day, and The Shepherd King Duology has easily become one of my favorite fantasy series.

Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

One Dark Window was one of my favorite books of last year. When I started this it was with such excitement and I have no words but so many words. It is so hard for a second book to outdue the first and this book was everything I could have asked for.

Friends, Rachel Gillig has done it again.

Five stars and beyond.

Two Twisted Crowns was just as deliciously dark and twisted as One Dark Window, and dare I say better than its predecessor. Gillig masterfully crafts a tale brimming with fierce magic, enthralling rhymes and riddles, and an atmosphere so seductive you never want to leave its pages.

At first, I was a bit taken aback by the POVs since I wasn’t expecting to spend so much time in Elm’s storyline, but little did I know how invested I would become in his character. Effortlessly, Elm weaved his way into my heart, and I’ll love him eternally.

Elspeth and Ravyn both developed excellently as characters. Although there was less romance than I anticipated, watching them grow as individual people was heartening and inspiring.

As for the Nightmare, he was the most intriguing character and felt like an enigma to me at the beginning of the book. But through each of his memories, I would come to understand him better, as well as the history of Blunder.

While I felt enraptured by the story and compelled to devour its pages, I so desperately didn’t want to reach the end. It was a bittersweet conclusion, and Gillig did an astounding job of tying everything together.

Altogether, Two Twisted Crowns was a beautiful, unique story that will always stay with me. I can’t remember the last book that moved me as much as this one did that made me feel the magic emitting from its pages.

As much as I wish there was more story to be told, especially for the Nightmare, this was the perfect end to the duology. I will certainly be returning to this world and these characters time and time again. But for now, I’ll be eagerly anticipating Gillig’s next novel.

Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books, for sending me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic end to the One Dark Window duology! I loved that this book added new POV’s and elevated the stakes and drama established from book 1. The way everything wrapped up was so detailed and full-circle. Truly a great ending!

😢😢😢 It was just as good as the first! Truly captivating until the very end!! It’s gothic. It’s spooky. It’s romantic. It’s triumphant. It’s your perfect October read!! This series will forever hold a place in my heart!! It was treerrific.
Thank you NetGalley for supporting my Ravyn Yew addiction.