This was my most anticipated book of the year and I'm so glad to have finally read it! The world in this story is so dark and creepy and I absolutely love it. The cards, the mist and even the names being trees all compliment each other so nicely and create a world I'm so glad to have dove into and I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to.

This series is so different from other fantasy series that I devour in one sitting, but it pulls me in, in the same way that other series do. The romance while not essential to the story is beautiful and had me sighing at times. The men in this story quickly stole my heart and there isn't a trace of possessive and arrogant "love" that seems to be the only thing I can find in books lately. It was so nice to read something different and unique. Also I usually hate when books give character names unnecessary y's but Ravyn could add an extra two y's if he wanted.

The Nightmare was delicious. He reminded me of a creepy possessed cat, always prowling around and judging people and I absolutley ate it up. His rhyming and cryptic messages all added to his mystery. I thought that with The Nightmare taking over Elspeths body at the end of the last book he would lose some of his creepy factor. But picturing Elspeths who I grew to love in the last book with the haunting mannerisms of The Nightmare that I also grew to love was something I couldn't resist. And his soft spot and love for Elspeth really endeared him to me.

The ending was perfect. Very satisfying and left me feeling pretty emotional. I'm sad to say goodbye to this wonderful world but so happy that it got the amazing ending it deserved

This book was fantastic. I was blown away when I first read One Dark Window so I was very excited to read Two Twisted Crowns. To say it lived up to my expectations would be an understatement. This book kept all the things I loved about the first - the complex characters, the dark, gothic setting, the exciting storyline, the humor - and dove even deeper into the world.

This book is full of so many twists and turns and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. It kept me guessing all the way until the end and I truly could not put it down.

You get to learn more about some characters from the first book while still following the storylines of the main characters. I loved how Rachel Gillig was able to create a dark, haunting story and then lighten it up with some well-timed funny moments.

All in all, this was a fantastic end to the duology. I'm sad to say goodbye to the characters and the world but I'm really happy with where the story ended. Definitely worth checking these books out if you like fantasy, horror, gothic fairy tales, or are just looking for something new to read this fall.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!

Two Twisted crowns was by far my most wanted book releasing this fall and a HUGE thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for putting me out of my misery and sending me this eARC. I received this ARC ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two Twisted Crowns has everything I loved about the first one, the eerie atmosphere, the creepy rhymes, all our lead characters, and it was also FULL of the unexpected. The most exciting to me was to explore the Shepard King’s memories and find out what really happened 500 years ago.
In this book, we get the POV of Ravyn/Elspeth however they feel like side characters in this installment. I would say the lead characters are Elm/Ione + our Shepard King. I really didn’t like Ione in the first one (One Dark Window), but my opinion of her changed as I read this book. The Elm/Ione/Hauthe storyline was wrapped up well. I would have liked more Elspelth/Rayven in the epilogue. The epilogue was a little vague for my taste but ultimately everyone received an ending that I was satisfied with.
Overall, I recommend this duology. I will be seeking out the next book this author publishes.

I read this book in one setting, devoured it, actually. As my most anticipated read of the year, I often wondered how Rachel Gillig would close out this story. If it would even be possible to give it, and all of its characters the proper journey and ending… well, Rachel is a genius and I am a puddle on the floor.
This book is a floodgate to myriad emotions and I am still trying to process them all. Each character was handled so delicately yet masterfully. The story Itself, in all its haunting uniqueness, was delivered in such a wonderful way. I am so glad we got to see Ravyn and Elspeth again. Their chapters were nothing short of amazing. The Nightmare was eerie, fantastic, weird and hilarious as ever. Every time he was on page my face twisted into the exact same smile. I love him.
The real Break out stars were Elm and Ione. Elm’s chapters were brilliant, to say the least. Two books will never be enough time with these characters for me, but alas, all good things must come to an end. And Rachel executed that end perfectly.
My favorite read of the year, unsurprisingly. And what a story. I am already considering my reread!

Was a great follow up to the first book but a lot less interesting as the main character was gone as we knew her

Opening my email to find this ARC had me absolutely ecstatic! Having adored the first book, 'One Dark Window,' I was eagerly awaiting the sequel and finale, and it did not disappoint.

I won't reveal the plot to avoid spoilers, but let me tell you why you should dive into this series. It boasts a unique magic system. There are not one but two captivating romance storylines. Intricate family ties add depth. Political intrigue keeps you guessing. A lovable monster adds charm. Revenge fuels the plot. Multiple POVs enhance the narrative.
From the very beginning, 'Two Twisted Crowns' immerses you in its enchanting atmosphere, crafting a world teetering on the brink of darkness. Gillig's storytelling is masterful, weaving tension throughout, ensuring you're on the edge of your seat following Elspeth and Ravyn's perilous journey.

The pacing is impeccable, blending heart-pounding action with introspective moments that delve into characters' emotions and motivations. Elspeth's character development is a true highlight, mirroring the complexities of her world.
'
Two Twisted Crowns' seamlessly picks up where 'One Dark Window' left off, exploring the magic system, world history, side characters, and budding romances. The new POVs, especially Ravyn's and Elm's, add depth.

The romances are a highlight. The angst and drama are pitch-perfect, and a new romance adds to the intrigue.
The Shepherd King duology's well-crafted atmosphere and magic system shine. It delves into history, the Shepherd King, providence cards, and the enigmatic Nightmare.

While Elspeth takes a less active role, the dark and atmospheric elements persist. Elm's connection to Ione brings romantic tension but may not satisfy those invested in Elspeth and Ravyn's relationship.
In conclusion, Rachel Gillig has crafted an exceptional fantasy romance duology with 'Two Twisted Crowns' as a fitting conclusion. It's a must-read for those seeking a unique and emotionally resonant fantasy. Gillig's hauntingly beautiful writing style will leave you spellbound.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for sharing this fantastic fantasy book's digital reviewer copy in exchange my honest reviews.

Here are my chaotic thoughts - I basically have no words other than this was the perfect book. That is all. The character development, the romance, the story line and its ending was just PERFECTION. What a finish!!! I’m not great at eloquent reviews other than saying I FREAKIN LOVED IT PLEASE GO READ THIS DUOLOGY YOU WILL HAVE NO REGRETS.

- gothic romance perfection
- enemies to lovers
- friends to lovers
- forbidden love
- only one horse
- I saw you when you thought you were invisible
- character development through romance
- plot twists leaving you screaming

So grateful to have been able to read an ARC, thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books! This is a new favorite duology for sure that I have to have on my shelf and will be recommending for the rest of my life 👌🖤

I loved everything about this book. A great follow up and conclusion to the first book in the series.

I will be shouting about this duology until the end of time. It is the PERFECT spooky fantasy teeming with romance, tense action, lore, and magic. Seriously, if you're looking for a fall fantasy book to put you in the right mood, READ THIS SERIES.

I thought that One Dark Window was a masterpiece, so I had high expectations for this sequel. And it did NOT let me down! I was delighted when I realized Two Twisted Crowns has multiple POVs and that we get even more of Elm's story. I loved him as a side character in ODW, and he absolutely deserves the spotlight in TTC. This book balances his story with Ravyn's perfectly, and I love how their different paths converge.

There's so many more secrets discovered in this book—and so many more adventures and world building details that come to life. I couldn't help but devour it as quickly as I could. Rachel Gillig has such a way with words. The writing is incredibly atmospheric, and I felt so connected to all of the characters. I even cried at the ending. I don't want to leave this story behind!

Do yourself a favor and READ THIS DUOLOGY. I can't wait for Rachel Gillig's next book. She's solidifying herself as a favorite author for me.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the arc!
Release Date: October 17, 2023

Trigger/Content Warnings: possession, fighting violence and death, domestic violence, swearing, one and a half open door scenes

Literally could NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Unpredictable and beautifully written, this story felt like a speeding train. I loved the second romance plot and the characters were perfectly complex. Shepard king was villainous turned martyr that you grow attached to. I will recommend to everyone

First off let me say, I recently read the prequel book to this book One Dark Window and absolutely loved it and was so excited to be able to read Two Twisted Crowns as an ARC. Going into the book, I was nervous to read the conclusion the Shepherd King Duology since I know that there was going to be a lot of history to discuss regarding the mist and the providence cards and only one book to do it. OH, how my worries were wrong. Rachel Gillig did an outstanding job taking us through the past and present storylines. I thought the dialogue between Nightmare and Ravyn Yew was incredible especially after learning about the relationship between the two of them towards the end of the book. The only thing I was sad about was that we did not get to see a lot of Elspeth and Ravyn. For what we lacked in Elspeth/Ravyn, we got to see in Ione and Elm. By the end of the book, I loved them just as much. Rachels depiction of abuse was really hard to read because a lot of people can relate to the different forms of abuse at the hands of those you love but it was nice to see that there is strength in the things that break us and being broken does not mean being weak and we see that with elm and Ione alike. All in all I absolutely adore this book series and have been recommending to everyone in sight. Great conclusion to a fantastic duology.

I am not the target audience for this book, as I did wish there was more romance focus, but I had such a magical time reading this book! I think people who are the target audience will fall in love with the second book to this series just as much as they fell in love with the first one!

The way I squealed when I opened my email with this ARC. 🥳

I absolutely adored book one - One Dark Window - and was impatiently waiting on the sequel/finale to it, and it was everything I hoped for.

I can’t leave a synopsis without giving away the first book, but instead here’s why you should read it and what I loved about it.
🎴 Unique Magic System
🎴 Romance storylines (TWO of them)
🎴 Complicated family ties
🎴 Political intrigue
🎴 A loveable monster
🎴 Revenge
🎴 Multiple POVs

If you like fantasy and/or romantasy, you need this one in your life. You can thank me later.

Two Twisted Crowns begins where One Dark Window leaves us in the reckoning of the Shepherd King.

Time hovers suspended for Elsbeth and the Shepherd King, allowing kings and queens to rise. If One Dark Window was a story of barter and discovery, then Two Twisted Crowns settles debts as vengeance echoes throughout the kingdom of Yews, Rowans, Hawthornes, and Spindles. The cards emerge, and the king seeks the Spirit — but who will pay the ultimate price?

Crowns is an ode to family. It is a story of cousins fighting to liberate their world, having been abandoned by those before them. Cousins like Elsbeth and Ione, like Ravyn and Elm, who no longer tolerate sisters and brothers sacrificed to the Spirit.

Gillig is a master storyteller. Just like the turn of the Shepherd King from man into myth, the symphony she weaves is one whose cadence grows, shocking you with its final heft. You’ll cry salt as the end nears, and the girl and the monster settle their debts in the room with the window.

But, trees, don’t fret! Gillig isn’t done with you yet; she still has one more surprise, the best prize, for what’s left at the end, but one last thing to contend?

I had heard so many good things about the first book in this series that I requested this book (the second book) before I had even read the first book! And I am soooo glad that I did!

I have felt like a lot of the fantasy I've read lately follows the same sort of pattern, but this series was a refreshing new fantasy that I absolutely loved! I read this one faster than the first book, with a high intensity, action filled plot.

In this story, we get POV from Ravyn, Elspeth, and Elm. I loved being able to see this story from the various POV. I also loved getting the Shepherd King's story and the history of the cards through the memories that Elspeth gets pulled into. The romance, the angst from Elspeth's possession, and the dangerous turns... all done so well!

I highly recommend this series to fantasy lovers and this is one of my top reads of the year!

Thank you #NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

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This was utterly brilliant. I can't believe this duology is from a debut author. I haven't read a book that absorbed me like this in years. I read the previous book right before starting this one and I was completely hooked. Lots of twists and turns in a fully fleshed out fantasy world. Well plotted and satisfying. I will be recommending this to every fantasy reader I encounter. Can't wait for more from Rachel Gillig!

This was upsetting.

I read One Dark Window in May and was absolutely obsessed. With the way it ended, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel and was over the moon to receive an ARC of it. However, once I actually started it, I was so disappointed.

I actually started reading this two weeks ago and kept putting it off. I thought maybe I just wasn't in the mood for fantasy and didn't want to not enjoy the book, but I think it was just the book. I didn't actually get into the story until around the 70% mark. I didn't particularly enjoy the different POVs and I wasn't super invested in Elm and Ione.

And maybe this is all just me. I was confused for the majority of the book and maybe that affected my perception of it. I'm not typically a fantasy fan and the first book is more of an exception than a rule for me. But I didn't have any struggle with the first one. Not sure what happened with this story, but overall, I gave this a 3.5/5⭐ and rounded it up to 4⭐.

From the very beginning, the atmosphere of "Two Twisted Crowns" draws you in like an enchanting fog, immersing you in a world teetering on the edge of darkness. Gillig masterfully weaves an intricate tapestry of tension, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you follow Elspeth and Ravyn on their perilous journey.

The pacing of the story is nothing short of remarkable. Each twist and turn, every encounter with the unexpected, propels the narrative forward with a pulse-pounding rhythm. Gillig skillfully balances moments of heart-stopping action with introspective moments that delve deep into the characters' emotions and motivations. This balance creates a reading experience that is as dynamic as it is emotionally resonant.

Speaking of characters, the development that Elspeth undergoes in this installment is a true highlight. As she grapples with the consequences of her previous actions and confronts the darkness within herself, you can't help but be drawn into her internal struggle. The complexities of her journey mirror the complexities of the world she inhabits, adding layers of depth to both the plot and her character.

Ravyn, too, continues to evolve as a character, offering a sense of stability and camaraderie amidst the uncertainty that surrounds them. The dynamics between Elspeth and Ravyn are richly woven, their partnership a source of both tension and strength. Their growth as individuals and as a team is a joy to witness.

With atmospheric prose that transports you to a world of shadows and secrets, an impeccably crafted pace that keeps you hooked from start to finish, and characters who grow and change in ways that resonate deeply, this sequel will cast its spell on you and not let go until the very last page.

Such a great ending! I loved Ione and Elm’s character development. I’m so sad to say goodbye to these characters.

Reading something written by Rachel Gillig feels like falling into the warmest embrace.

The way that the world is crafted with such precision, with characters that are so easy to fall in love with, imperfections and all, and a plot that pumps the blood through your veins with vicious efficiency. It is a spectacular experience, the vividness that is brought into every single aspect, the way that love and passion and fear and heartbreak and pain are woven with efficiency that strikes right to the heart. Utterly romantic and decidedly monstrous, this book is as good, if not better, than its predecessor. My love for this duology runs deep; so beautifully, amazingly done.