Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
I'll have to come back and put my thoughts together in a meaningful way- because right now I can only think about how much I loved the book

Absolutely incredible! I inhaled this book!

I was nervous it wouldn’t live up to book one but it was perfect in every way.

I adored the writing style of this author, the way she can tell a story and portray characters so beautifully had me hooked.

She somehow made this incredibly fast paced but it flowed wonderful from every scene and every chapter to every character.

A wonderful story from start to finish

This book does not suffer from being part 2 of this duology. It traps you, it entertains you, it makes you read and read in order to find out what happens next. The romance is more of a back story, not over sweet or distracting. The heist is the center of the story, and I loved it. Cannot wait to have my hardcover copy in my hands!

This series was amazing from start to finish. Rachel Gillig has created a fantastical world within these two books and the second/final book in this duology did not disappoint. I was hooked on every word from page one and couldn’t put it down.

This book has an intricate magic system that is so unique to anything I have ever read. The gothic atmosphere and the romance really set the scene and created a world that I will never be able to forget.

I also can’t forget the plot. There was constantly and consistently a high tension and fast passed plot that I wanted to read more and more.

My only critique is that I would love more insight into this world because I’m sad that it is over.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars. A solid improvement compared to One Dark Window, and a satisfying conclusion to end the duology with.

Whereas I went into book one with sky-high expectations and came away disappointed, I approached book two warily and came away pleasantly surprised! I think a lot of readers might disagree with me, but book two remedied all the issues I had with book one, such as lack of characterisation, vague magic system and a bland romance.


Two Twisted Crowns is multiple POV, so whilst you do get the occasional chapter told from Elspeth perspective, she's understandably not the main narrator due to being trapped in the Nightmare's consciousness. I personally dislike first person POV, so not having Elspeth as a narrator any more was a welcomed loss.
The downside to the multiple POVs is that we see little growth in Elspeth's characterisation. Her chapters felt either like fillers or she was lost in the Nightmare's memories. By the end of the novel, I still felt like I didn't know her. However, what the multiple POVs allowed for is a glimpse into Ravyn and Elm's head (all third person, thankfully) which I loved. It made Ravyn so much more likeable for me, he no longer felt like a flat character but someone full of fears and emotions. I enjoyed reading about his longing for Elspeth, and we were shown his love for her, rather than told of it. Still, Elm was my favourite POV - he's painted somewhat cold and mistrusting in book one, and we see him grow and develop so much! Him and Ione become main characters here and we also get to find out why Ione was acting the way she was in Window (which I was dying to know)

We find out a lot of other things that Window hints at. The origins of the Shepherd King/The Nightmare. His bargain with the Spirit of the Wood. More particulars and rules about the Providence Cards. To me, reading these chapters was like a sigh of relief because I found the first book frustratingly vague and slow. By comparison, there's a lot more urgency and action in Crowns and I was happy to get a lot of questions answered.

Now, I must warn if you're a big Elspeth/Ravyn fan you'll probably be disappointed. Their romance gets very little page time in this book. But I welcomed the introduction of Elm/Ione's romance by far. Their banter was a lot more fun and their teasing was ... sexier? I'm not saying it's the best romance I ever read but I enjoyed immensely. Also, this time the romance felt a lot more like an undercurrent due to the multiple POV style of the book, so it didn't predominate over the plot (like in Window).

Overall, the fact that I devoured this book in a matter of two days shows just how much better Gillig built the tension here. The last 20% had me screaming at my Kindle (inviting some strange looks from my husband). If you're unsure about whether to read the sequel after finishing Window this is your sign to give it a go! I was really glad I did.

It's rare to see a 5 star book.live up to it, but it does happen as evident here.
Usually I'm not a big fan of dual POV and I still enjoyed Elsbeth's povs the most, but I didn't mind any of the others.
Furthermore as a duology this book doesn't suffer second book syndrome, the suspense is there from the start and everything is wrapped up perfectly.
If you enjoyed the first one you will most definitely won't be let down by this grand finale!

Sequels for a book you've loved are always scary, especially when it's also the conclusion to the duology.

This book goes slightly different from book one, where we have a lot more POVs. This took a bit of getting used to as we spent the whole first book with Elspeth and the Nightmare but the other POVs were a great way to see more of this story and the world.

It picks up right from the end of book one and Elspeth and Ravyn are still trying to unite the deck, with the Nightmare now leading the charge

However, they now have a deadline for the next Solstice and a lot needs to be done between now and then to set things right.

We also spend a lot more time with Elm and Ione and I loved getting to know both of them better.

Amazing story, amazing conclusion to the series. I'm going to miss this world as really fell headfirst in love with it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown/Orbit books for the chance to read and review this book early, albeit I know my opinions would be exactly the same regardless.

No spoilers !!!!!

Absolutely brilliant book !
I loved one dark window , and this sequel did not disappoint at all ! It had everything it in , unique magic system , great character’s, great story and plot , good world building ! Just all round a great book

This is a hard one to review before release because WOW I cannot trust myself with the spoilers. This is one of those stories that has you hustling your fellow readers along, simply to gush over every twist and turn!

What I will say is this is a duology that it most suitable with back to back reading as it is direct continuation from the first installment. I had to go back and reread the first to catch myself up. However, they're not long, they're fast paced reads and there is so much action concisely put together by our beloved author.

If you're into strong character dev, this is for you, they're vivid, I was invested and I was along for the joy/pain ride, whatever they were being out through!

5 stars EVERY DAY 👏 would reread again and again.

Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for sending me a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Two Twisted Crowns follows the suspenseful narrative set by its prequel, One Dark Window, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. The stakes are higher, the mysteries deeper, and the characters more enthralling in this sequel.

Ravyn Yew and his friend remain on their quest to find all 12 Providence cards, the key to dispelling the ominous mist and curing the fever plaguing their world. Yet, the enigmatic Twin Alders card, seen only by the elusive Shepherd King who made it, proves to be their most formidable challenge.
But things are not the same as they were. Ravyn has a lot more on to loose now other than his brother.

The story revisits the history of Blunder, shedding new light on its past, particularly the fascinating life of the Shepherd King. Racheal Gillig's choice of naming the first Rowan King Brutus, which may be a reminiscent of the famous betrayer from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.

As the plot unfolds, the dots connect seamlessly, drawing readers deeper into the story. The multiple points of view provide an engaging and multifaceted perspective. If you found One Dark Window captivating, Two Twisted Crowns elevates the narrative to impressive heights. It's a tale that leaves you yearning for more, yet the ending is perfectly satisfying.

Rachael Gillig's storytelling prowess shines in this installment, delivering a conclusion that feels just right. I can't help but wish I could experience the story afresh to relive those moments of pure literary bliss.

In the end, Two Twisted Crowns brilliantly weaves together the story of a girl, a king from the past and two kings each by their right in the present.

"The girl, the king and the monster they became."
And this monster saved the day

I really enjoyed this series, this book an excellent conclusion, perfect pacing with small reveals along the way to keep you enthralled and intrigued. Think I loved ione and elms story more than ravyn and Elspeth. The way that they had quietly noticed each other for years.
Such a unique magic system which I thought was really clever.

I loved the first book and the sequel; Two Twisted Crowns didn’t disappoint!

It has two captivating romance storylines, intricate family ties that add depth to the story, political intrigue that keeps you guessing. This book has multiple POVs to enhance the narrative, which also helps to add more depth to the characters.

The pacing of the story is great, it blends heart-pounding acting with introspective moments that delve into characters’ emotions and motivations. The character development of Elspeth is a true highlight, which also mirrors the complexities of her world.

The sequel seamlessly picks up where ‘One Dark Window’ left off, and continues to explores the magic system, world history, side characters and budding romances. With the new POVs, there’s an added depth to the characters, especially Ravyn’s and Elm’s.

Rachel Gillig has created an amazing fantasy romance duology with ‘Two Twisted Crowns’ as a fitting conclusion.

Arc generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Two Twisted Crowns' by Rachel Gillig.

I’m so happy that I was able to read the history of Elsbeth and Ravyn so fast after finishing the first book.
Rachel Gillig’s writing style is exceptional. I was a little bit disappointed that Elsbeth POV wasn’t the main one, but chapters from Elm’s perspective was valuable and perfectly completed the plot from the 1st book.
It’s always sad to finish the series that you love so much, but I’m really satisfied with book ending and the way our characters changed during this journey. Thank you, Rachel Gillig, for this amazing and heart touching story.

Elspeth has finally succumbed to her degeneration. The price she paid for the help from the Nightmare. While she remains trapped in her own body. The rest of conspirators against the Rowan crown must search out the Twin Alder Card. The last card that is needed to unite the deck and lift the mist from the Kingdom of Blunder.
Unlike One Dark Window, this book follows three POVs between Raelm, Rayven and Elspeth. Each has their own part to play in locating the Twin Alders, all while playing into court politics to cover their treachery. Now that the Shepherd King has control, the story of what truly happened 500 hundred years ago slowly falls into place.
This book completely matches the dark, misty mood, slow-burn romance and mysterious magic that we all loved from One Dark Window. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the different points of view, the more that we learn about the providence cards and their story.

Rachel Gillig has SECURED her spot in my favourite authors list! When I got approved for Two Twisted Crowns I literally screamed - it was my most anticipated book of the year and let me just say that it did NOT disappoint!!

I reaply enjoyed the new POV's, with Elm's chapters stealing the show for me. The tension, the growth, the romance! *Chefs kiss*

This duology deserves all the hype, and I am so happy that Rachel is receiving all the praise because she absolutely deserves it!

Everyone needs to pick up Two Twisted Crowns as soon as it comes out - its the perfect fall read with the spooky gothic vibes. Loved it!

The day I got approved for the NetGalley proof, I speed read through the rest of my book so I could start this as soon as possible. The first book has been on my mind constantly since I finished it and thankfully, this sequel was exactly what I was hoping for and more.
Watching the characters develop from where we left off in the first book and seeing them try to find their places in this whole messed up story was so fun (and a little heart breaking). Especially at the beginning with all the characters still coming to grips with their whole Nightmare/Shepherd King/Elspeth situation.
I really enjoy the magic system in this world and was very happy to see more about the providence cards, how they work and where they came from, and from other sides of the story.
This duology has definitely shot up to be one of my favourite series of this year and I already suspect I’ll be going back to reread them at some point in the future. The only problem is I got so attached to the characters and want to see more of them. Especially Elspeth and the Taxus’ relationship. Their interactions and the ones between Taxus and Ravyn were always so fun and sarcastic.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Two Twisted Crowns' by Rachel Gillig.

'Two Twisted Crowns' by Rachel Gillig is the final book in the duology and I will say, it is must better than book 1. The writing style and the way the characters interact with eachother is just stunning and although this story is done and closed, I am excited to see where Gillig goes next.

As soon as I started this book I remembered how much I loved the first one.
Just such a dark and real feeling world. I love the magic system and the law. The imperfect characters.
I look forward to reading more by this author!

Having ADORED One Dark Window I was so excited when I got approved for an arc of this book from netgalley!

This didn’t disappoint. I thought it would annoy me more than it did not to actually have Elspeth as one of the main characters, but I really love how we got her and how she was able to discover things about the Shepherd King while she was trapped. And then when he was able to let her out a bit she actually got to interact with her loved ones. One thing I would’ve liked is to have a longer ending after Taxus was gone and to see her reunion with Ravyn as they both deserve all the happiness in the world 😭🥰.

One thing I didn’t see coming was how much I grew to like the Nightmare/Taxus. He did bring on everything he did with his own greed but he knew that and all of this was to make amends to the world and to his family. I loved finding out how and why he bartered for the different Providence Cards. He’s very much the anti hero and doesn’t do things to gain favour, but you can see in his own way he does truly care for Elspeth and when they said their goodbyes to each other it did choke me up a bit.

I adored getting different POV’s from both Ravyn & Elm who brought so much to the story. I loved them both in the first one and so finding out more about them and how things were in their heads was so interesting. Ravyn’s unrelenting love for Elspeth, Elms love for his family and then growing romance with Ione - it all just brought together such an amazing story.

The ending was so intense and just not what I expected but I loved it all the same. Hauth got what he deserved and everyone got their happy ending which was needed after having so much happen to each one of them.

Like the first one, this book was creepy, kept you on your toes, never knew what was going to happen and the things these cards could do was so surprising. I adore this duology and do kind of wish it could’ve been longer just purely because I love these characters, but it was perfect as a duology. Rachel Gillig is very much on my radar and I would read anything else by her now!

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved One Dark Window when I read it last year, I expected the same when I reading Two Twisted Crowns! The atmosphere, the writing was amazing.

I loved that we got POV’s from Ravyn and Elm, their perspectives really immersed you more into the story.

I would’ve liked if there was more of Elspeth and Ravyn together because their chemistry in the last book was just so good