I can't help but be a little disappointed by this sequel. Yes, the atmosphere, world and plot are still compelling, but it was lacking some of the charm from book one... hence why I can only give it 4 stars

Elm and lone's chapters made the book for me, as well as the adventure and the high stakes. I was disappointed that our Main Girl from book one was hardly present in the sequel, and therefore that romance and dynamic from the first book was mostly absent. I also felt like the charm and intrigue of the world-building itself wasn't there in this book.

Everything was tied up very nicely and all of the unanswered questions were resolved. I am very excited to see what the author comes out with next.

Thank you to Orbit Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It is with great regreat that i must admit this one did not lived up to the expectations… I wanted more Elspeth and Ravyn and, unfourtnatly, that was not what I got.

I do see why, and I admire the effort it took to build the secondary characters and give them a storyline but it was not my cup of tea.

I finished the first one saying I would have liked there to be more of Jespyr and she continues to be in the background.

The other romantic relationship, that develops in this book, comes out of the blue and I didn’t buy it, it didn't felt real.

The are more POV, which I appreciate, but the switch between them was not to my liking. You can’t keep on switching every time the story starts to pick up! Instead of wanting to continue on reading I ended up frustrated because I wanted to know what happens with the other characters!

I can see so many ways this could have gone better and it makes me sad, because the first one is amazing!

I did liked the ending, it was good and there were some things I was not expecting.

Overall it’s not a bad book, it just that my expectations were very high..

✍️ Two Twisted Crowns Review Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre - YA Gothic Fantasy
Author - Rachel Gillig
Finished: 31st Aug ‘23

RELEASE DATE: 19th October 23

Thank you so much to @orbitbooks_uk @netgalley and @rmgillig for this arc!

Thoughts 💭

Ahhhh if you devoured One Dark Window like I did then you are going to EAT THIS UP!

I didn’t think this could get any better than the first book but this just blew my mind!

The release date is IDEAL for this sequel because I can’t imagine a more perfect read to get you in the mood for spooky season.

This time we get multiple PoVs and get to know some amazing side characters from one dark window a lot better!

We get all the jaw dropping twists and secrets, and so much more!

This will go down as one of my favourite duology’s ever and I can’t wait to see what else Rachel comes out with!

Do yourself a favour and devour this duology ASAP!

'The Twin Alders is hidden in a place with no time. A place of great sorrow and bloodshed and crime. Betwixt ancient trees, where the mist cuts bone-deep, the last Card remains, waiting, asleep.'

To say I was excited for this book is an understatement! I was obsessed with One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns did not disappoint!

I was so hooked! It was explosive, emotional, romantic, atmospheric and I lived for the back stories!

Rayvn: Captain of the Destriers. Highwayman. Traitor. 'He was alive. Beautiful and alive. And I could not touch him.'

Elm: downtrodden brother, son to the King. 'I’m a rotten Prince and a piss-poor Destrier.'

Elspeth: trapped, lost and takes a sort of back seat here but she plays her part well.

Ione: made into someone she's not, trying to find something she's lost.

The Shepherd King aka Nightmare, but he's also something else in this book, well 2 things really and the star of the show for me! I absolutely love him, he is grumpy and sarcastic, my type of person!

This was such a beautiful read, multi layered plot weaved together with different pov chapters.

I will shout from the rooftops about this duology until the end of time! This is now a firm fave for me, everyone needs to read it and I know this will be on my reread pile!

A brilliant sequel and such a clever and intricate story. This was so original and unique that even when I guessed at a possible plot point there were just so many other things happening that I could not have guessed at. I loved this!

Two Twisted Crowns picks up where One Dark Window left, with the Nightmare taking over Elspeth’s body.

In this book, Elspeth remains in the background to let the Nightmare, Ravyn, and two new POVs shine and enrich the plot.

I loved this story. I think it is beautifully written, with a great magic system, and by being a duology, it delivered two great, consistent and fillerless books (I am an enthusiastic duology fan - there should be more, instead of unbalanced trilogies).

I liked the political twist at the end, and I believe the plot was well-wrapped up. I enjoy happy endings, but in this case, I think it would have been more interesting if there was a steeper twisted price to pay at the end to better fit with the magic system’s balance and the eerie vibes of this book. However, this didn’t spoil my reading enjoyment.

Thank you to @rmgillig and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk , for the opportunity to read this ARC from @netgalley , in exchange for my honest review.

Two Twisted Crowns comes out on October 19th.
If you are looking for a new complete series for your spooky season, I think you should give this series a try!

Read this book if you like:
🦇 Gothic Fantasy
⚡ Curse
👫 Fake dating
🃏 Card Magic System
🗺️ Quest
👥 Multi - POV
📚 Complete duology

Be wary. Be clever. Be good.
Everything I loved about One Dark Window was cranked up in Two Twisted Crowns. The gothic atmosphere and the magic system is well crafted and the plot here progresses perfectly making this easily a 5⭐️ duology.

Urgh I love this duology so freaking much!
It gives the same vibes as the first book and I think that if you liked the first one you will also really like this one!

It is always so hard to write reviews for sequels, but just know that this was so good. It was everything I wanted it to be and it throws in some delightful surprise elements, and wraps up the story perfectly!

I highly recommend and I can't wait to read whatever Rachel Gillig writes next!

Omg .. just superb - rather frankly quite speechless !

I do not want to give anything away as everyone needs to read this book and it’s predecessor ( one dark window ) !

Intriguing superb characters , tropes , magic system , level of creepiness - just completely absorbs you from the start picking up exactly where the first book left off ! I devoured it in only a few hours could not put it down !

All the questions about Blunder , how the magic system was created the nightmare and why he was so present ..whilst still very dark and eery it had a comical side to it between the characters . Elm’s character developed and was just incredible …..

Please take a chance on something different and go buy this when it’s released ! Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and review !
This and ODW the best books I think I may have ever read !!

This is a beautifully written story that meets the expectations set by the first book in every way. Gillig continues to draw you further into the world of Blunder, it's mystery and history with a lyrical prose, riddles and vivid descriptions. In this book we see Elspeth move towards a deeper understanding of Nightmare's motives, Ravyn goes not only on a physical journey to find the Twin Alder card but also an internal journey to understanding who he truly is and finally, Elm is left to confront and overcome his demons. Along with One Dark Window, this has become a forever favourite.

This novel ensnares the reader in a deliciously dark spell and leave them desperately grasping for more. An evocative tale of romance, mystery and monsters, told with beautifully lush prose, and filled with treacherous magic. A tale of blood, rage and bitter choices were our heroine must face the consequences of what she has wrought.

Elspeth and Raven have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most elusive remains to be found: The Twin Alders. If they are going to find it before the Solstice and cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it, they will need to embark on another dangerous journey. This will lead them right into the heart of the dangerous mist cloaked forest that surrounds they kingdom.

And the only one who can lead them there is the monster that resides within Elspeth’s mind, The Nightmare, and it would seem that he isn’t eager to share any longer. A mist-wreathed forest and the monsters reside within aren’t the only things from keeping them for saving the kingdom, but they’ll have to contend with the monster inside her mind as well. They will have to fight monsters more vicious than they have known, especially ones that reside within their own minds and hearts. What are they willing to do to save their kingdom and themselves?

Thank you to Little Brown Book Group of an advanced reader copy via NetGalley of Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

That ending was a perfect close for the duology 😭🫶🏻 I love this so much.

Continuing from the events that happened in the first book, the search for the twin alders card continued. With a lot at stakes and time running out, they must be clever, wary, and good.

When I started this book, I was just so excited to be back in the world of blunder. Its magic, its whimsical and gothic aesthetic is truly one of a kind. When I got to the mid-point of the book I thought that maybe this one will not be a 5 stars for me but man was I so wrong. Towards the end the pace quickens and there are so many amazing action scenes and I was not able to put this down. I literally feel like I have to finish this in one sitting and I did.

The characters are so lovable (of course exception applies to some). But in this book I like Elm, Ione, and Jespyr more than I did in the first book. Also Nightmare’s character is one that I cannot help but keep thinking about. The way the author created this character will always do something to my brain. Learning more about his character is so fascinating because one moment you’re like so confused but the next you figured it out and it all made sense and it’s so satisfying.

The book is told in multiple povs which I actually really like for this book. It allows us as readers to know each characters stand point and it just fits so well. I adore Elm and Ione’s plot in this one!

Overall, I love this book, if you are into fantasy, high stakes, and magic that deals with cards; this duology is a must read!

Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc of this book to me <3

After reading One Dark Window a few months ago, this was one of my most anticipated sequels of the year and it did not disappoint! I read this book pretty much in one sitting on a flight home and I couldn’t put it down. It really delivers on everything you want from it after the first book, the stakes are high, the dark gothic fantasy atmosphere continues to pull you in and there’s two angsty romances to captivate you.

The main romance focus shifts onto a different couple in this book whilst the couple from book one is still there but takes more of a back seat and I actually really enjoyed it. I continued to love the characters in this series and enjoyed getting some new POVs. I forgot how much I love the unique magic system and we really learn a lot more about that in this sequel.

The last 25% of the book had me on the edge of my seat and I thought the ending was perfect.

I can’t say much more without spoiling it but I truly think this is a fantastic duology and if you haven’t picked up One Dark Window yet now is a great time to dive in!

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

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

This is multi-pov: the Nightmare, Ravyn, Elm, and - in short glimpses - Elspeth. However, this does mean that Elspeth is no longer the main character. In fact, she only really starts to have a feature in it after the half way point. This also means her and Ravyn’s ill-fated relationship has no time to blossom as she’s trapped in the Nightmare’s mind.

This allows for a bigger focus on Elm, and in particular Elspeth’s cousin, Ione.
Elm is just a sweetheart. Like a wounded golden retriever. He also provides glimpses back to the old, wide-eyed happiness and innocence of Ione in contrast to her stony Maiden exterior.

”I'd be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper."

I feel like this could have worked better either as a condensed standalone or a longer trilogy. The pacing just felt off and I definitely preferred book one.
I know duologies are much beloved though, so hopefully it will find the right audience!

Thank you to Orbit for providing an arc in exchange for a review!

Two Twisted Crowns was a beautiful continuation from One Dark Window. I remain enthralled by the magic system and find the ease of the writing and Gillig's ability to drag me into blunder exceptional. The cast of character's remain enthralling and I absolutely fell in love with Renelm in this book. I found the lacking of Elspeth and Raven disappointing, and therefore am withholding a star.

Such a delicious sequel to One Dark Window, this book managed to be even better than the first. A gorgeous read, it managed to be both terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

Absolutely loved it. As per the publishers request I will not post my review until within two weeks before the release date. At which point I will update my review and add a link to my Instagram book blog:
Update

📚BOOK REVIEW 📚
TWO TWISTED CROWNS - @rmgillig

I cannot tell you the pure book geek joy I felt when @littlebrownbookgroup_uk approved my @netgalley request for an #arc of this sequel to one of my favourite reads of 2022 #onedarkwindow.

This book is sublime. The magic system and world building are elite; it's immersive and complex and brilliant. Oh to be in the author's mind and see how such depth is conjured.
What's more, the characters are just as strongly developed as the world and I was really invested in their journeys.
This book brings with it new enemies to lovers storyline and it's one that I think I preferred to the first book!

I will be purchasing a physical copy of Two twisted crowns because it's a book worthy of rereads.
I highly recommend reading one dark window, if you haven't. This sequel will be published in the UK on the 19/10/23

Be Wary, Be Clever, Be Good.

Two Twisted Crowns
Author: Rachel Gillig
Pub Date: 19 Oct 2023
Rating: 4/5

This installment continues the exploration of every topic that was left unanswered at the end of One Dark Window. Elspeth and Ravyn's journey takes on progressively darker turns as they try to obtain the twelve providence cards.

Multiple points of view are present throughout the book. I don't mind numerous POVs, but when it switches from first to third, it may get a little confusing, and I was a little bummed by that. However, the world building is exquisitely done, and the pace is perfect. It still has the same atmosphere as book one.

Overall, reading this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Rachel Gillig gave it an epic ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There have been so many occasions where the second book in a duology has been a let down. Not living up the first book. But my god, this was EVERYTHING. I loved One Dark Window and wanted to know desperately what happened next and I was not disappointed at all.

The plot, the characters, the twists and turns. It was exactly what I hoped for and nothing like I expected. I’m not going to ruin the plot as I think this is a book that needs to be experienced by the reader. But all I’m going to say is I rushed through this book to find out what happened at the end and also savoured the development of the characters, the beautiful world building and the best outcome that could have happened in this book.

I think it’s safe to say I will read anything Gillig writes from here on out.

The wonderful new voice of Rachel Gillig is here to give us all the atmospheric, spooky, October vibes with her second and last instalment of The Shepherd King series, Two Twisted Crowns. Grab your blanket, get a hot beverage and immerse yourself in the adventures of The Nightmare, Elspeth and Ravyn, Elm and Ione and their twisted world of magic, wickedness and Providence Cards.

The stakes are higher. The magic deadlier. The Providence cards no child’s play. Everything in this book is darker, every decision made on a razor’s edge and the growth of all our favourite characters coming at the price of their suffering. Be prepared to suffer with them because the writing is so immersive that you follow the action with bated breath, page after page, chapter after chapter. You want them to find their happiness but you never want this book to end.

I am in agreement with the writer as she said that her favourite character will forever be the Nightmare. His character slowly unfolds in this book, Gillig unbinding the thick mystery around him to let us see beyond the veil of the monster at the actions and decisions that made him so and maybe empathise with him and root for his redemption. Following the Nightmare for me is Elm. He took center stage in this one and I, for one, am very glad for that. I loved Ravyn too, don’t get me wrong, but he never got my complete attention. I felt a bit put off by his detachment. His mask of coldness kept me at bay. I know it was deliberate and Elspeth along with the end of this book helped with that but…still. I couldn’t completely resonate with him. Elm on the other hand. A wallflower in One Dark Window, now in full bloom. Tormented by demons from his past and present but always playful and flirty. A character mix resulting in undeniable charm and irresistible flair. I loved seeing through his eyes and wished from beginning to end that I could end his troubles and give him his happy ending because he is so so worth it. And speaking of Elm… I must say that him and Ione got a delicious tension filled romance. With passion. Lots of that. And some spice that got me looking at Elm like…well…let’s just say that he is not always a good boy. *wink emoji

Everything was better in this book and I was really surprised by that because I already loved the first one! But here I was, a nervous wreck about how things will go for my favourite characters, cheering them on, hating others deeply (you know who I am talking about), reading action scenes like I was watching a movie with special effects, getting swept off my feet by extraordinary writing and a magical, dark atmosphere. I will miss all the characters and I cried a great deal at the end but I am really thankful that new authors like Rachel Gillig found my home with their books. Two Twisted Crowns was one of my favourite reads of the year.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me enjoy a free eARC of this book.