— 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

Oh to be back in the world of one of your favorite books from 2022! A privilege and a pleasure! I had been waiting on this arc approval for seemingly forever.

The book picks up back right where the first left us off! Ravyn and his co-conspirators are frantic at the Elspeth’s stunning degeneration and seek evermore harder to find the last card- good thing that the nightmare is there to lead the way, even as the way is crooked and paved with unseen dangers and death.

Really loved that the story got into building up some characters from book one, turning them into POV characters ! Ione was one of my favorite characters from day one, so getting into her head and seeing her motivations and seeing her become more like her true self was so satisfying! Also getting to see the true nature of the second prince!

Two Twisted Crowns has some shocks and unexpected turns laid out for the reader but one of the things that really made me enjoy the first book was that shocking end! So I was expecting the conclusion to have some bittersweetness to it, unfortunately that wasn’t so, so I was a bit disappointed. However, I do think that most fans will be absolutely thrilled by this story and learning more about the nightmare and his heart-wrenching past!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I had an ARC of One Dark Window, read it, loved it, and told everyone to read this book because it's so good.
A year later, it seems like everyone finally caught on because I see so many people picking it up and also loving it, as well as people who had an ARC of the sequel that they all seemed to love even more. So that all made me really excited to pick it up myself, and I can firmly say that this is one of my favorite duologies of all time.

I didn't remember much from book 1 because it's been over a year since I've read it and I definitely plan to re-read both books in the future for a more cohesive experience than this one, but within 10-15% of Two Twisted Crowns, I felt like I had a good recollection of what was going on.

From that point on, I was hooked. Everything I loved about book 1 was even better in this one.
The characters and romances were just impossible not to root for, I loved all four main characters and the relations between them.
The writing is gorgeous and so atmospheric, it's the perfect story to read this time of the year.

But my favorite part are definitely the plot and magic system. I love that the magic is based on the Providence Cards, and the search for the Twin Alders was so good. I love a good quest, and this was so well done.
The duology has a trope I don't usually like (not a spoiler since it's in the synopsis for book 1: possession / the main character having someone else live in their head), but it's done so well here that I actually do love it.

Overall, I highly recommend this duology, it's eerie, it's gorgeously written, it's unique and it's just so so good!

👑🌲Two Twisted Crowns🌲👑

By Rachel Gillig @rmgillig

Description:

In the luscious, dark conclusion to the series that began with One Dark Window, Elspeth must face the consequences of what she's wrought - perfect for readers of Hannah Whitten's For the Wolf and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one 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 journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom.

And 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.

👑🌲👑🌲👑🌲👑

I loved One Dark Window when I read it earlier this year so I was excited to get an arc of Two Twisted Crowns from @netgalley

This book perfectly completes the duology. We get a lot more of Elizabeth’s cousin Ione and Prince Elm, which I was really happy about. A lot of the book is from Ravyn’s POV as well.

The magic system is delved into in more depth and is really clever.

Overall, the story comes together as more and more secrets are revealed and everything builds to an exciting conclusion.

I really enjoyed this duology from Rachel Gillig and will definitely be watching for what she does next!

Thanks to @netgalley and @orbitbooks_uk for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Two Twisted Crowns is out on the 17th of October.

This duology is going on my list of all time favourites! A fantastically dark and atmospheric fantasy filled with nightmares and magic, I was totally hooked from the start and couldn't have put either book down even if I'd wanted to. Completely blown away by it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Two Twisted Crowns is the desperately awaited sequel to One Dark Window. I loved the first book and was so excited to be given the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

I loved every second of this book, so much so that I wish I could erase the duology from my mind just to be able to enjoy it all over again for the first time.

Gillig is a phenomenal story teller, this book grips you from the first page. The magic system is so unique and I loved how it was used to further the story.

The characters are so well written, each having their own motivations and flaws. They are all so relatable and you can’t help but love them.

This series was absolutely incredible and I strongly recommend it. I can’t wait to read Gillig’s next duology.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with this arc.

Friends, book folks, we’ve gathered here to today to acknowledge how good The Shepherd King duet is. This is just *chefs kiss* masterpiece and I’ve so found a new fav author.

In this book, we get to follow Elm and Ravyn more as well as Elspeth. I’ve gotta be honest, I so thought Elm was a douche in the first book and in this one he’s my fav! I mean, outcast prince always dressed in black, secretly pining after a golden girl? Yes please! I loved his chapters, he’s PoV and his attention (bordering on obsession) with Ione. The nightmare is another one of my fav in this duet and I loved every bit of him.

The whimsical, dark, gothic feel is very much present in this book as well, we get to learn more about this so unique and amazing magic system, the history of everything and it was such a good read. Never once was it boring, I had to rein myself in so I wouldn’t finish it (because this was a buddy read and for once I didn’t mess it up).

Thanks Netgalley and Rachel Gillig for this ARC, I loved every second of it. Two twisted crowns releases on October 17, can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
.

Thank you so much, NetGalley & Little Brown Book, for approving me for this ARC. I was worried after how brilliant the 1sr book was that the 2nd might not be as good, but honestly, it was better!

We pick up exactly where we left off. Elspeth body/mind/soul has been completely taken over by the Nightmare, and she's 'lost' somewhere. Ravyn is in love with Elspeth and has to go with the nightmare to retrieve The Twin Alders cards for the king (while he is using Elspeth body!!!)

I loved that we got more of the origin, kingdom of Blunder and back story of the Nightmare/Shepherd King, I really enjoyed, and the flip of Elspeth being in his mind!

We also have multiple pov in this book which I love as we get alot from Elm and I just loved his chapters with Ione and also with the multiple POV we are kept up to speed with different times/areas of the story.

We still have the fast-paced story and unique magic system we loved in book 1, but this one just had so much more! I literally devoured in 48 hours!

I WANT MORE OF THIS BUT ALSO WHAT A GREAT WRAP UP TO SUCH AN AMAZING DUOLOGY.

I absolutely ADORED One Dark Window, like, loved and raved about, because it was just very different and had such an atmospheric vibe and yeah I just loved it.

Two Twisted Crowns did not disappoint, and in fact I think was better in some aspects!

My only so so feelings about book one was the romance between Elspeth and Ravyn (liked them, didn't love them, you know?) But the romance in TTC?! Yes, here for it.

I loved getting to know the Nightmare better, just ❤

My only negative with this book is the lack of Emory (but HUGELY made up for with Elm!)

Overall, amazing book, amazing duology, and I will continue being the annoying person I am by throwing this as a recommendation to every person I know. I am what I am 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

Thank you very, veryyyyy much NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for sending me an eARC. I'll just sit patiently waiting for my preordered physical copy to turn up now so I can caress it tenderly ❤

I was so happy when I saw I was accepted for an arc. I read one dark window earlier this year and absolutely loved it and was excited for this one. I did enjoy it, but it took me a little bit to get into it. But once that happened it was great.

I was fortunate enough to receive an arc of this novel, and I’m so excited to scream about it with everyone once it officially comes out! I loved the adventure and mystery with Ravyn and Elspeth, and the tension and ache with Ione and Elm— not to mention the plot twists and how the character’s stories entwined towards the end. The ending is so bittersweet and I think I’m going to have these characters in my head for a long while after. I didn’t expect myself to get attached to a character like The Nightmare, but in my opinion he was one of the best parts! Gillig’s style of writing is so lyrical and descriptive, and the world building is fresh and creative. I’d definitely recommend these books to anyone who likes that eerie, whimsical type of novel.

I absolutely adored One Dark Window so I was extremely excited to find out what happens in the conclusion to The Shepherd King duology. Like the previous book, Two Twisted Crowns is deeply atmospheric and is beautifully written. I absolutely loved the continued romance between Elspeth and Ravyn, as well as a secondary romance and new POVs. The magic system is phenomenal, as was the world building. The plot was very fast paced and highly suspensful- I was on the edge on my seat whilst reading certain parts!

Overall, a fantastic condition to an exciting duology! I shall definitely be keeping an eye out for future Rachel Gillig books If you loved One Dark Window, then you will absolutely adore this sequel, and if you haven't picked up One Dark Window yet, I highly recommend that you pick it up if you love gothic settings and complex characters!

3.5 * I think I liked the story and the romance in this book even more than I did the first book. The characters in this duology have so much depth and development to them especially Elm who truly has my heart in every way. I enjoyed seeing more of Ravyn and Elspeth but I really think the new couple stole the show and I was so desperate to go back into their POV that I became a little agitated when we had to follow the other story line which shocks me because I loved those two so much in the first book. The politics side of things in this book is very reminiscent to me of the Cruel Prince with all the royal family line drama and I really enjoyed that aspect. Even though I liked this book more than the first in many ways, I really struggled to lose myself in this story. It took me almost a week to read and I was picking up my phone mid chapter constantly which isn't something I regularly do. I was reading a few percent at a time before getting bored and not continuing. I have no specific reason as to why this was happening that I'm aware of other than sometimes I was getting quite confused, there were many revelations in this book that had me getting a little overwhelmed and by the end there were a few things I had missed but I got the main gist. I still wholeheartedly recommend this duology, it's brilliant and I did have a great time other than being easily distracted

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK, Orbit. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Two Twisted Crowns.]

Rating: 5/5

Two Twisted Crowns is the darkly rich conclusion to The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig. Following on from the heart stopping cliffhanger in One Dark Window, Elspeth faces the consequences of drawing from the dark magic that lives within her. In this book we go on a journey with Elspeth and Ravyn as they hurry to gather the remaining Providence Cards, and most importantly, The Twin Adlers. We also get to experience new POVs and another nail-biting romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.

I was unsure if this would live up to my high expectations as I loved One Dark Window so much and had grown quite attached to the characters. With high stakes and a bleak outlook, I wasn’t confident that the conclusion would satisfy me. Thankfully, my worrying was for nothing. Rachel Gillig has crafted a twisting, complex tale and with this book, the groundwork from book one leads to tense plot developments – some that I could see coming and some that completely caught me off guard.

Gillig’s prose in both books is genuinely stunning and so it’s very easy to get sucked into this dark and magical world. Blunder is so beautifully atmospheric and I could almost feel a chill when reading scenes set in the dark woods covered in mist. Also, by having more POVs to go between, we get a bigger picture of what’s going on in this world from the danger of the woods do the dangers in the castles. There are evil forces at every turn which leaves you in a constantly unsettled state.

One Dark Window introduces us to the blossoming romance between Elspeth and Ravyn which continues on in this story, but we are also introduced to a new romance between Elm and Ione. In books like these where the gothic nature can cast a dark light on everything, I can sometimes find it difficult to connect with these romances but I never had that kind of issue here. Both romances are unique in the hardships they face which adds a new level of stress to the story. With murderous siblings, tragic backstories and the ever-present threat of degeneration, the characters are able to work fairly independently to uncover truths before finally coming together during the brilliant conclusion.

One of my favourite elements of this book was The Nightmare and everything we find out about him in this book. As his story is revealed, perceptions change and I found myself becoming quite sympathetic to his character despite his morally grey nature. The manner in which he speaks to Elspeth can feel fatherly at times which makes it hard to dislike him, and there’s no denying that although he may not always have the main characters best interests at heart, he certainly has a protective streak that will tug at your heartstrings.

This is a book that is perfect to read during the darker months and I’m so thankful that I was able to read this as Autumn creeps in. Rachel Gillig has quickly cemented herself as a new favourite author for me and I can’t wait to see what else she brings out in the future. If you love dark, gothic romances then definitely check out this duology.

Oh my days… I loved this book!
I’m so glad a did a re-read of book one just before starting this because there were so many details I’d forgotten from first reading.
The magic system is so interesting and unique, the characters are wonderfully written and the setting is beautifully dark and gloomy - perfect for an Autumn/spooky season read!
This was the perfect conclusion to the story and I’ll be looking out for more Rachel Gillig books in the future!