I just reviewed Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. #NetGalley
It's starts where the first book leaves off. The group og friends and family is split. Two story develop and the action/suspense kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. I love how we learn more about family history and even more about the providence cards. I was honored to be chosen to read it ahead of its release. I cannot wait for the physical copy to add to my home library.

An amazing sequel that continued what I loved about the first book. The writing, the atmosphere and the strange nightmare with his magic. I absolutely love how this story continues were we left off. However, we switched the character focus and it worked so well. Yet, we still got little glimpses of Elspeth and the Nightmares relationship, as well as his past. The new things we learn about the magic system and the characters had me turning the page. I ended up finishing this in less than a day. (Like the first one).

It did feel like the first half of the book was nothing but talking and repeating some things. There are a lot of pov switching, but it was done in a that was easy to follow. I think that lead to the first half being mainly talking. However, things did start happening at about 50%.

I absolutely enjoyed the second half of the book and how it ended.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for an advance copy of this title for my honest opinion.

3.75 ⭐️

I loved book 1. Thought it was brilliant, the world building was amazing! And it makes me kind of sad that this one did not bring the same kind of feeling.

Multiple POVs which is typically fine by me. I think it added to the story but I don’t think it persuaded me too much. I feel that with how the world was, it’s a dark, dreary town covered in mist, book 2 felt even colder. I don’t think I was able to connect with any of the characters much this book.

Book 1 held a lot of feelings, development in the characters. Development in coming together. Book 2 felt kind of fractured. Each character had ample time, but i didn’t really feel much connection.

It did pick up for me in the last 1/3 of the book though, but I don’t think it held up as book 1 did.

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

I absolutely devoured this masterpiece of a sequel! The spooky, gothic, and moody atmosphere is continued in this installment, as is the fast-paced, tension-filled plot. I wasn't sure what to expect for the conclusion of this story, but I am so satisfied with what it turned out to be! The unique magic system and angsty romances are present again and easily place this book among my favorites this year.

I am so content with the magic system and its portrayal as the stakes are raised in this sequel. The providence cards were thoroughly developed and defined in book one, resulting in a clear understanding for the reader of advantages and limitations and leaving room for additional development in Two Twisted Crowns. Not only do we get additional depth behind the cards, but we also explore what it means: What does the history mean? How does one become a villain? Can reputations change? This sequel also explores themes of morals and balance.

Additional characters are further explored and take center stage in this sequel. It becomes evident that Gillig had interwoven plans for her characters from the start, and she wonderfully concludes their connected paths. Elm and Ione become the focal point, and we get to know them both so well through their struggles and growing relationship. Ravyn's self-inflicted guild, sadness, and angst are revealed, and Gillig paints a vivid picture of his emotions. His dialogue with the Nightmare is so well-written, providing some comical relief in a dark world facing a grim quest. As with the first book, I was really enjoying the Nightmare and his savage commentary! The romance in this sequel continues from the first book, but also provides another unexpected and equally satisfying couple. Gillig managed to write not one, but two, utterly romantic relationships in a single series, and I couldn't have asked for more!

I will not be able to stop myself recommending this duology to all readers. It is certainly a must-read for any fantasy reader, especially as we are getting into the spooky fall months!

So so good!! Almost a perfect conclusion. The only thing holding me back from absolutely loving this is the lack of reunion scene between Elspeth & Ravyn! Even Ione and Elm had a moment to reunite and they were only separated for half the time Elspeth and Ravyn were. Just a few emotional lines would have hit the spot. Feel a bit duped after the spam zing building up with all the angst!

the first book in this duology was so captivating. while i was desperate to know what happened next after the cliffhanger, two twisted crowns was a bit of a letdown. i enjoyed getting to know nightmare (aka the shepherd king) and his background story. the father/daughter vibes i sensed in the first book was definitely present in this sequel, and i loved it a lot. reading from ravyn's pov was awesome, because he was so miserable without elspeth and we all love that. however, the new romance between elm and ione didn't sit right with me. i didn't particularly like the both of them in the first book, so naturally, i wouldn't have appreciated their romance. i wished this book focused more on elspeth and ravyn, or at least made their relationship more of a slow burn because i need more.

but to echo what i said about one dark window, the magic system is so cool. playing cards? whoa.

thank you, thank you netgalley for the arc. i went crazy when got approved. you don't even know.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this ARC!

Just like the first book, it took me forever to get into this. I’m not sure why. However, it was a great book once it clicked for me. I loved seeing the character development for some of the other people in the book like Elm, Ione, and Nightmare. It definitely gave them more depth and I loved learning about their backstories.

The sequel continued the story from the first book and it wrapped up nicely. It also answered some questions that I didn’t even realize I had! 4.5 stars!

I AM OFFICIALLY SAYING IT: best book (out of 147) I’ve read in 2023 (tied with One Dark Window). 🐺

GILLIG HAS GIVEN THE WORLD 24K GOLD in writing the Shepherd King duology. Just gold on a silver platter, like here you go, sheer perfection.

Bullet points:
- I’m quite certain TTC has the most emotionally charged (and beautifully rendered) sex scene I’ve ever read, in fantasy, in historical fiction, in romance, in ANY genre. ANY. It’s not spice. It’s PASSION.
- Saying it again, PERFECT dialogue for a fantasy. THANK YOU, Rachel, for writing fantasy that does not have modern speech patterns!! The characters’ language never pulls you from the story. The reader is always right there with them.
- I said it in my review for ODW and I’ll repeat it - stellar magic system, so original!
- TTC has a CRESCENDO of a conclusion, high stakes, bloody action, supernatural imagery, bittersweet goodbyes and lovestruck tenderness. Satisfying to the very last syllable. BE STILL MY HEART!
- TTC maintains that glorious gothic feel from ODW! All the dark, smoky vibes, all the thorns and only a little bit of roses, making the roses extra sweet when we get a hint of them.
- Gillig does not shy away from pain and nihilism in her characters (which makes their determination to do the right thing all the more admirable, much more so than a typical fantasy MC with an exhausting missionary complex). I love this about her! Way to WRITE!! The jaded way Elm sees himself and his world really stands out particularly in TTC, as does the heavy burden Ravyn has always borne. And Elspeth’s shadowy strange, lonely (but not alone! 🐺) outlook that won us over in ODW is still present. And while we never get to fully step into Ione’s POV, her scenes are each a marvelous gift of believable virtue/grace under fire.

ALSO 🎺🥁 DRUMROLL and FANFARE please: ODW/TTC are officially my all time favorite fantasy reads. 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

I KNOW that’s dramatic. This may be a Vegas wedding chapel decision but I don’t care. Cue the Elvis and hand me the cheap veil. Let’s do this. Because I know it IN MY SOUL. I’m allowed these passionate choices because at 36, I know my own mind!! I don’t count Narnia/LOTR/Redwall/Harry Potter/The Once and Future King, etc. as I read those during highly formative years and ACOTAR/TOG is like pizza, everyone loves it (if you don’t, relax, no judgment, shh, honey it’s ok, you’re very special). There are no other books like this IN EXISTENCE.

One Dark Window was one of the most unexpected reads, I stumbled upon in 2022, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have the opportunity to read its sequel early. The first book, "One Dark Window," had left me pleasantly surprised, and I was curious to see how the story would unfold further in this much-anticipated follow-up.

To my delight, Two Twisted Crowns managed the seemingly impossible task of one-upping its predecessor, delivering a richly layered narrative that exceeded all my expectations. It took everything that made the first book great and amplified it to new heights.

One of the standout aspects of this sequel was getting to know more of the secondary characters from the first installment. Getting to know them better added a new dimension to the story. Additionally, the romance, which had already been a slow burn in the first book, took an even more further backseat in this one. Surprisingly, I found myself preferring this approach, as it allowed for a deeper focus on character development and world-building. The meticulous attention to detail and beautifully crafted prose brought the story's vibrant world to life. The character development across the board was exceptional.

Two Twisted Crowns, much like its predecessor, is a beautifully written book. It has secured its place as one of my favorite duologies, and I'm secretly hoping for more books set in this enchanting world. I'm not ready to let go of the characters and the world just yet.

Thank you, Orbit Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

One of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. The pacing was solid and engaging. I loved the new POVs of Ravyn and Elm and I really enjoyed all of the character dynamics. A satisfying ending to an incredible gothic fantasy duology.

Gosh, I loved this book so much!! After One Dark Window, Two Twisted Crowns was one of my most anticipated releases this year and it most definitely exceed all my expectations. Easily one of my top reads of 2023.

The multiple POVs, the character development, the relationships, the continuation of world building, spectacular writing from Rachel and the LOVE--all of it was just perfection. I'm honestly so sad that it's over. This is a sequel I'll be re-reading for years to come.

Thank you so much to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC!!

So often I’m disappointed in sequels that I give the first book five stars too. I’m so happy to say this book beat the curse! (Pun intended.) I knew the end would be a HEA because it’s YA. But the journey, my god she had me by my seat.
Let me start by saying if you want a focus to be on the subplot romance of the first book you will be disappointed. This book is really about Elm and Rayven on their journeys. And honestly I’m not at all mad with the switch. It felt refreshing to see a new side but not to be overwhelmed with a ton of characters we don’t know. The first part I really was frustrated with the lack of Elspeth’s POV. But quickly I was interested in Elms story.
Yes there is a new romance and it’s slow burn. But again it’s more of the subplot of the story like the first book. Ione’s story created more depth that absolutely wrecks your heart out. Discussing the price of beauty and the ability to turn off emotions. I feel a lot of girls can relate.
Which this story really does talk alot about the price and balance of having this magic system. Was there some plot holes? Absolutely but I didn’t really care. The storytelling really keeps the reader captivated by the prose. The atmosphere is a character in itself. Not many debut authors can write at such a level. You can tell Gilling put her heart and soul into this project. I felt like she always intended for this story line and had made the decision from the beginning to having a duology. It’s not full of filler and every chapter no matter how small really helps you understand characters or furthers the plot.
Where the first story talks about found families and how they form into one. This story talks about the love for family and how far you are willing to go for the people you love. It felt true to the original story and ended with me feeling like the story was complete.
I always wish for more but I know it wrapped up where it should have. I’m so thankful to have had a chance to read this early! Thank you NetGalley and Orbits!

After being left wanting something a little more from the first book in this twisted fairytale-like world, Rachel Gillig gave readers that something extra/more with the second installment Two Twisted Crowns. Immediately picking up where the first left off, we continue the mission for the missing Twin Alders card, while dealing with the fallout from the previous book's events and getting to know a bit more about your dear friend the Nightmare. Just as with the first book, Two Twisted Crowns was incredibly atmospheric, bringing a feeling not unlike the famous Brothers Grimm fairytales. I enjoyed One Dark Window, but this second installment stepped up, fleshed out and enhanced the story, and I enjoyed it even more.

Im so grateful to have been given an ARC of TTC!

One Dark Window was one of my top reads of last year so I was highly anticipating book #2 and let me tell you, it delivered! This book did not at all suffer from ‘second book syndrome’ it was truly as beautiful and well-written as the first. There was great character development across the board and all questions from book #1 are answered. Beware, you’ll become even more obsessed with the Nightmare and angsty Elm while reading.

My only complaint is that I wish we had more epilogue time with everyone, especially Elspeth and Ravyn! After everything they went through I would read a million pages of them just being happy.

Be wary, be clever, be good 🤍🥹

I really liked One Dark Window but Two Twisted Crowns takes the cake! This is definitely one of the best books I have read in 2023 and this was such a perfect way to end off the duology. Rachel Gillig is a master at story telling and Everything that she puts out in the future I will be reading. The character growth in this book compared to the first is absolutely astounding. I have not had such a visceral reaction of wanting to yell in anger at a character like I did with Hauth in this book. The Nightmares growth was literally my favorite his strive to help his family and right the wrongs that he made in the past were just so beautifully well done. Ione and Elm have my whole entire heart and watching the two of them grow together and their love blossom was just so heartwarming in all the darkness that was happening around them. Ravyn Yew is a top notch book boyfriend, his POV was something that I wanted in One Dark Window and getting it in Two Twisted Crowns was such a treat. Elspeth learning to help the Nightmare while also staying true to herself was so fascinating to see, and the end of this book hit me right in the heart I was in actual tears. I cannot recommend this book enough and it will probably take me a couple days to recuperate. But this story, the world, and the characters hold such a special place in my heart. Wonderful ending to a fantastic duology.

I was so excited to get an eARC of this book. If you loved the first book of this series, you will not want to miss out on how this story ends. This was such a thrilling read and I couldn’t put it down.

The events in this sequel begin where the first book left off. I would describe this book as being darker than the first, with more violence. There is a little bit of spice, but not so much that it’s out of place or takes away from the story in any way. With multiple points of view, you learn much more back story about several of the characters. At the end of this book, I found myself heartbroken to be saying goodbye to these characters. Such a well written book, and a perfect fall read!

OMG THIS. WAS. PERFECT! I loved One Dark Window and this was just as amazing and the absolute perfect way to end the story. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, but the last 30% really took the stakes up to a fever pitch. Getting more backstory on The Nightmare was both needed and wonderful. I really loved the character and relationship development we got for Elm and Ione. I ended up completely loving them both. Do I wish we got more Ravyn and Elspeth? Of course! Though given the end of the last book I knew that would be a separation we would have to deal with for this book.
All in all, this was exactly what I wanted from this book and I am screaming about how amazing it was. I got emotional at the end as the conclusion neared.
Gillig has become an auto-buy author after this duology and everyone should read it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy to review. All opinions are my own.

Firstly, thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for early access to Two Twisted Crowns. It was an amazingly beautiful read. This series probably has one of the most unique magic systems I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to own the special edition! Elspeth and Ravyn’s story continues and my heart was so heavy for most of the book. I’m not going to give anything away, but it was an emotional read for me. Basically GET THIS BOOK!

Omg!!!! SPEECHLESS. I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS! I won't say anything specific about the plot cause no spoilers from me. 🤐 but it was AMAZING! I soaked in every minute of this brilliant fantasy that is just written so beautifully. You can feeeeeeel the magic! And don't get me started on the romance! SO GOOD!!!! We got a new romance too and I loved it. I will say I wanted more of our other couple but I was still happy!

I legit am just speechless! All the emotions and I did not expect to feel so emotionally invested in this story. Yes, I even shed some tears! Like who knew I would fall how so in love with the Nightmare and all these wonderful characters! It gave me CHILLS!

I can't wait to discuss this with people!!!! Highly recommend this book which comes out in October but read the first book when you wait! This is what I was looking for! Perfect Fall book! I just want more! I don't know how to get over it!

Excellent follow up. The first book set the stage, now we meet more of the players, learn the secrets of the cards, the mist and The Shepherd King. Elspeth is given to us in glimpses as the story is mostly told from Ravyn, Elm and the Shepherd King POV. It moves quickly, the palace intrigue abandoned. There's some very sad parts but it sticks true to the themes of magic (to get you must give and that it all has a cost). And some Tolkien inspiration (the trees).