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.

If you’ve loved the first book, you won’t be disappointed with the sequel. This is such a good duology!

When finishing the first book, I wasn’t sure what to expect and how the story would continue.
And I was so pleasantly surprised by the multiple POV’s. I never would have expected to love Elm’s POV so much. Like SO MUCH 😍 For me those were the best parts in the story.
In the first part of the story I wasn’t too sure about the Elspeth/Nightmare’s POV, I couldn’t really get invested (that’s the reason I gave 4 and not 5 stars).
But once I reached the parts where all the action would pick up a pace… Trees! I loved it!

I felt everything: happiness, sadness, laughter, pity, anger, surprise, shock,… what an emotional roller coaster 🎢 and it all came to a beautiful ending, I couldn’t expect something better.

Conclusion: add them to your TBR! Now is even the perfect time to pick them up with the fall/spooky vibes! 🍂

This tale comforted me the same way a cup of tea does after a cold winter walk. It’s a rare thing to find a duology that takes up so much space in my mind, but I found myself living and breathing this story from the start until the end, even when I wasn’t actively reading it.

For those of us who adored Elsbeth and Ravyn in One Dark Window, the addition of multiple POVs and the switch between Elsbeth’s first person and Ravyn and Elm’s third person might deter or disappoint some readers. I was overjoyed to discover, however, that I was as much in love with Elm and Ione’s story as I was with Elspeth and Ravyn.

Elsbeth’s first person chapters gave her story a watery, dreamlike quality which worked really well within the context of the story, and really emphasised the distance between her and the others. It also made her memories and The Shepherd King’s easily intertwine.

The third person chapters allowed us to get closer to our secondary characters as well as driving the plot forward, without us losing that intimate link we had with Elspeth throughout book one.

The tension and connection between our new couple was completely dreamy. I need romance intertwined with my fantasy plot and this absolutely delivered. I am also not one keen on spice, and prefer it when beautiful prose is used to detail exploits between characters. If you’re looking for smut level spice as so many readers are at the moment, be aware that you’ll be getting less of that and more of delicate look in. However definitely will not feel the relationship lacking or like you’re starved for intimate connection, there’s plenty of tension to go round.

I was so pleased with how the story developed, the twists and turns and slow reveal of how Blunder came to be was beautifully done. It was drip fed throughout the story enough where it kept me really engaged without dragging it out. The concept of the Providence cards is really refreshing and quite unique take on magic and gave this story a folklore quality I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

Other little details I really enjoyed is the flora themed names. Elm, Rowan, Yew, Taxus and even Ione all have roots in trees and flowers. I also love how The Nightmare quite often speaks in nursery rhyme, it really adds to the gothic and romantic feeling of the book.

If you enjoy being immersed in a world and it’s inhabitants, this one is for you. A story about love, fate, greed and growth, this duolgy will join others in my favourites shelf.

Two twisted crowns is the perfect follow up to one dark window. As the magic system and world building was done so perfectly in book one, this instalment really concentrated on the plot, and I actually preferred the live story in this instalment to that of the first book (we love Elm!

It’s hard to get into specifics for a second book without adding spoilers but I will say the character development, immersive writing and excellent pacing only continues in Two Twisted crowns, and it had me gripped from the first page.

If you loved one dark window, you will definitely love this!

(I was provided with an arc copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I was beyond thrilled to be given access to an eArc from Netgalley (thanks guys)
This did not disappoint. Stunning sequel that I couldn’t put down.
Loved Elms POV.
All the stars.

I loved the first book, and this one too. This is the second book in a fantastic dark, inventive, original gothic fantasy duology. The first book ended in a cliff hanger, now we can find out what happens. The nightmare knows what he wants. Revenge! Read and find out the consequence for all the users of the Providence Cards as the search for the Twin Alders continues. Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I absolutely loved the first book, and this was one of my most anticipated sequels!! This did not disappoint!

I loved the spotlight that other characters got, particularly Elm and Ione. In the first book we only saw them through Elspeth’s eyes, but here they were pushed into the action fully, and were given the chance to be fully developed characters. Ravyn also undergoes an incredible development, and I gained a bigger appreciation for him!

It’s a huge strength of this book that I enjoyed all the pov’s; I never felt any dread when I saw whose chapter it was. My only wish was that I had a little more of Elspeth because I really loved her in the first book, and I missed her.

The insight into relationships between characters like Ravyn and Elm were so beautiful to read, and gave so much more depth to the story. My favourite part will always be the Nightmare and Elspeth, and this sequel did not disappoint with their interactions.

And the plot!! It was so exhilarating to see all the pieces fall into place. I particularly loved reading the parallels between the Shepherd King’s past, and the present action in the book. It’s such a powerful read, and I loved how everything came together in such a satisfying way!

I’m so sad that this series is over but I enjoyed every moment of reading!!

Today I'm here to share my thoughts on one of the books I was most looking forward to this year, the sequel to the excellent "One Dark Window," namely "Two Twisted Crowns." It will be released on October 19th, and I had the chance to read it thanks to NetGalley (thank you so much!!)

We find ourselves in a dark world filled with mist just after the events of One Dark Window. The Shepherd King has taken complete possession of Elspeth's mind and body and seeks to exact his vengeance against the Rowans' lineage.

❤️ What I loved:
• The plot here changes compared to ODW, with Elspeth taking a secondary role, allowing the Shepherd King to take the spotlight. Elspeth/Shepherd King, Ravyn, and Elm are the three point of view (POV) characters we have in this book, and I really liked how the story shifted to other characters, exploring how their destinies would intersect and intertwine, and delving into their emotions and past.
• The world remains as dark as ever, with the writing staying just as fluid and addictive, featuring beautiful prose once again.
• The Shepherd King. I became quite attached to this character, his backstory, and what he has been through, including the loss of his family and his connection with Elspeth. In the previous book, he appeared more malevolent, but in the end, he reveals himself as a rather paternal figure, living up to his name of 'shepherd. for the characters. I loved his interactions with Ravyn, lots of banter here.
• The romance between Raven and Elspeth takes a back seat, almost nonexistent, but we are treated to another romance that I preferred and adored.
• The ending, which I found touching, almost brought a tear to my eye.

A sequel as addictive as One Dark Window for this book with a dark universe and an original magic system, all leading to a touching conclusion.

OMG. I don’t know what to say.


I’m always wary going into sequels. You never know if it’s going to live up to the first book but this…. this, in my opinion, was perfection!


The story picks up where it left off in One Dark Window with the addition of another POV: The flow and progression of the story is just so seamless. It’s not jarring; there’s no whiplash. It just makes sense.


We get treated to another romance, the hints of which I noticed in One Dark Window. Ahhhh…it was soooo good!


I will end my praise her as I could keep going on and I don’t want to add any spoilers. You need to experience this duology for yourselves!!


I will be picking up anything Rachel Gillig writes in the future and I have already preordered my copy for Two Twisted Crowns, as it deserves a place on my shelf!!!!


Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Honestly the last 24 hours of reading this book have just been great!

I applied for this ARC before I had even finished ‘One Dark Window’ and I can honestly say that this book, did not disappoint.

Two Twisted Crowns picks up where we left off in book one, and instantly throws you back into the world of Blunder. And although, we do not see as much of Elspeth (for obvious reasons), she is still very much a vital part of the story, that helps us to learn more about the Shepard King and his past involving the providence cards.

I also loved that we had multiple points of view in this book, which added depth to characters such as Ravyn and Elm, that had not been given previously.

Much like ‘‘One Dark Window’ this book was beautifully written and Gillig managed to keep the same gothic atmosphere throughout. It is not often that a duology impresses me as much as this one has. To me, it was perfect, and the ending bittersweet.
I wish i could read it again for the first time.

Love love loooooved it. I had sort of forgotten how much I enjoyed the charming prose and grim fairytale vibes of One Dark Window and the sequel does not disappoint. It's somehow richer and dives deeper into many of the supporting characters. It's very rare I get invested in the sub plots/stories of the non main characters but Ione & Elm's story almost stole the whole book for me. I love Gillig's writing stye, adore the rhyming verses, the secrets and haunting themes. I'm not sure what this is classified as but I'd put it under New adult rather than YA for some of the more mature themes & explicit content. If you love Grimm's fairytale, a good mystery fantasy page turner, then you won't be disappointed.

Special thanks to Little Brown Group UK and Netgalley for providing me an advance copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Excited does not even begin to describe how I felt when I got approved for this book via NetGalley. I applied for this ARC after finishing One Dark Window at the beginning of September and was eager to dive back into that world and find out what happened to the characters that I had come to know and love.
Now this does not mean that I wasn't apprehensive as to whether this would meet the standards set by One Dark Window but once I started reading it I was happily mistaken. The quality of Rachels writing amazes me, It quickly immersed me back into the world and picked up straight where it left off. The character growth. insight and challenges had me hooked and anxiously turning the page to see what would happen next. A part of me is devastated that this was only a duology but the rest of me is grateful for the exquisite ending and cannot wait to see what else Rachel writes in the future. Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

— 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King— a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: The girl, the King, and the monster they became."

📖 | 368 pages
👤 | author Rachel Gillig
🏢 | publisher Orbit, UK
📅 | release date 19 October 2023

What you can expect:
— Third-person POV
— YA Gothic Fantasy
— Book two in a duology
— Multiple-POVs
— Reluctant-allies
— Found family
— Unique magical-system
— Political scheming and intrigue
— Touch-her-and-you-die

Trigger warnings include: adult language/profanity, possession, sexual content, alcohol consumption, violence, gore, body horror, vomiting, mention of violence against children, parental neglect, mention of suicidal ideation, grief/loss.

Two Twisted Crowns is the second and final instalment in The Shepherd King duology by author Rachel Gillig, which picks up immediately where book one One Dark Window left off. Elspeth Spindle is out of time. The Nightmare has taken over her body and mind, and is keen to continue forward with the plans to obtain the final Providence Card: The Twin Alders. Elspeth's companions and loved-ones need to navigate working alongside The Nightmare on their dangerous journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom. The stakes are higher than ever as time is running out. Solstice is upon them, and they need that final card to unite the deck of twelve Cards and defeat that mist that plagues Blunder. Join familiar faces including Rayvn, Elm, Ione and more in this high-stakes, multiple-POV Fantasy as we learn the truth surrounding The Shepherd King and his Curse.

As a reader I always consider squeals to be risky going in. If a series has a strong introduction in book one, often that can be difficult to uphold in future books. However, I am happy to claim that this is not the case in Two Twisted Crowns. Gillig's rich and compelling way with words continues in the much-anticipated conclusion to The Shephard King duology as we're thrust back into the dark and gothic tale filled conflicts like no-other. Two Twisted Crowns is everything I hoped it would be and more. As book one was written strictly in Elspeth, and the Nightmare's POV, the additional POVs in book two were appreciated and welcomed. I embraced the insight of Rayvn and Elm, particularly when the pair find themselves on differing paths throughout the story. You really see individual growth across all characters in this final instalment, and these characters endure a great deal of anguish and pain to get there.

I really felt for Ravyn throughout this book. Determined to save his younger brother from his Degeneration and having to work alongside the Nightmare who resides in the body of the woman that he loves. Ravyn undergoes many tasks and conflict throughout his journey in this book, and you cannot help but feel and sympathise for all he has lost and sacrificed. He faces many conflicts and challenges throughout his character ARC in this story... and is also forced to face some new, hard truths. Ravyn is determined to not only save his brother but also Elsepth. No matter the cost. And as we already know in the world of Blunder... magic is not without its cost.

I feel this may be an opinion of conflict amongst readers... but I loved being fully immersed into the Nightmare's mind. It was different having Elspeth in the background and the Nightmare in the forefront for a chance but for me this added a deeper insight into an aspect of the story that I don't want to spoil. We really get to further explore the complicated companionship that Elspeth and Nightmare share, and just how deeply they truly care for one-another. The point-of-view of the Nightmare offered an unexpected humour and wit throughout a dark and twisted journey, and his snarky comments and battle-of-wits with Ravyn definitely left me smiling. I never expected to root for a villain as much as I did this one. The Nightmare is one of my absolute favourite characters who, whilst is absolutely perceived as a villain, has his moments that I vote to slot him within the morally-grey category.

Two Twisted Crowns delivered everything I hoped for and more. I fear saying too much and run this risk of spoiling the brilliance that is author Rachel Gillig's storytelling. Questions left unanswered in book one are finally revealed. Origins are unravelled and many challenges are presented. Join Elspeth, Rayvn and more in this hauntingly dark and magical final journey to obtain the last Card in hopes of saving Blunder... or die trying. The Shepherd King duology is an unmissable gothic Fantasy that will leave you captivated as Two Twisted Crowns offers an epic conclusion to a much-anticipated sequel... and readers should anticipate being unable to put this book down.

And remember: Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

Thank you to Orbit, UK and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw Two Twisted Crowns was available on Netgalley, I had to request it. One Dark Window was one of my favourite reads, so when my request was approved I was really excited . I started reading it immediately and as the first one it was also a page-turner.
This book is everything that I wanted from a sequel. The story continues perfectly and we dee how the characters developed. The world-building and the magic system is still excellent and I really loved the author's writing style, which gives the book an atmospheric feel.
The book is medium -paced, dark, adventurous, mysterious and emotional, with lovable characters.

Spoilers below!



How Rachel weaves such intricate and wonderful stories is fascinating. The story was slow to begin with, but the change of perspectives from Elspeth, Elm, Ravyn was very well done. She takes the reader on a perilous journey through Blunder, twisted family trees and fates long ago set. Although this story is over, I do not believe our time with Blunder and the spirit in the wood is over. There are too many mysteries surrounding the magic and for me, the spirit in the wood surrendered far too easily.

I found Rachels use of language to be at times poetic and beautiful-“pretending she was not sewn into him” but on occasions was also repetitive. Her characters developed well and I enjoyed the gentle arc of the nightmare and how it felt like it became more human as the story went on. How by the end, I was so sad for him to leave, but also so desperate for Elspeth and Ravyn to reunite. It was bittersweet.

I look forward to Rachels next story, if it is as tense, thrilling and adventurous as this, we’re all in for a real treat!

Never have I ever read a book more perfect than this one. And I mean from beginning to end - literally, because the last sentence of the epilogue is the most perfect thing to end this dilogy.
I had been taken by surprise with book 1, and was really anxious to see if part 2 could live up to the hype in my head. Yes, it does, a thousand times.
I cared so much for these characters and felt for them and feared for them. It has a triple POV (although one is a double POV itself so I'm not sure what the math is there) and there was no POV I liked less than the others. We also follow characters who were bit of sidekicks in book 1, and they got fully and beautifully developed.
Plot, structure, pacing, everything is just super engaging and intriguing, and there's not one sentence that is filler.
Even though I couldn't have endured more fearing for these kids without biting my nails bloody, I'm still sad to leave this world. But I do so satisfied. And it's safe to say I'll follow @rmgillig wherever she leads me next.
6/5 stars (I know this is not a thing, but it's a thing now)
Thank you so much @netgalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for the eARC!

Two twisted crowns was an incredible read. I had found the first book to have slightly dark/gothic vibes and I'm so glad it continued on into book two! The book picks up right where we left off and of course, the story is still based around the providence cards which to me was something that I found so interesting in the first book. I have to say, the magic system in this duology feels so unique and the story itself is so different to anything I ever read - Rachel deserves a massive congratulations for being able to achieve something so original in a space where books tend to feel much the same. I feel like in this second book. we get a lot more information and it's all so expertly drip fed to us. We get so much more knowledge not only about the cards, but about the mist as well. I loved how this was written, how we wander further and further into the mind of the nightmare and uncovering some truths as you go deeper into the story. The book felt almost whimsical but in a dark and delicious way and I'm sad that this was just a duology. I'd highly recommend if you are looking for a fantasy book that is dark and different, reminiscent of tarot cards being brought to life.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK and Orbit for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Even better than the first book. Couldn’t put it down glad I had the day off so I could binge.

Well worth a read, I’m always apprehensive when it comes to the second book in a series where I loved the first as I’ve been burned plenty. This book proved me wrong it was a great read. I won’t divulge any spoilers but be prepared for a book you won’t be able to put down the second you start. I love a book that’s isn’t just romance but magic and fantasy all in one. Rachel Gillig is an amazing writer and I look forward to the next book she releases