Be wary, be clever, be good!

Rachel Gillig does it again!

Two Twisted Crowns was darker, twistier and steamier. Gillig's writing is gorgeous and pulls the reader along through this gothic tale.

This book picks up right where the last left off, with the Nightmare in full control of Elspeth's body and dealing with the fall out of his "attack" on Hauth. While we still get her POV, there is a shift in focus and we spend much more time with Elm, which is a welcome shift. The spare, the rebellious second son is a trope I eat right up. We also get a lot more Ione in this one.

The pacing in this book was a great continuation of the weaving tale that was started in book one, but I do have to say the resolution came on faster than I was expecting. Not in a bad way, or in a way that left me dissatisfied, I simply wanted more.

I would read any spin off tales in this world, I'm invested! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I would read Rachel Gillig's grocery list.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rachel Gillig for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In Two Twisted Crowns, Rachel Gillig masterfully concludes her dark and enchanting duology, 'The Shepherd Kind.' This richly woven tale of magic, romance, and monsters immerses you in a world brimming with treacherous secrets and moral complexities. Gillig's prose, lush and evocative, is a perfect companion for crisp autumn nights, making it an ideal choice for fans of Gothic fantasy. As we delve deeper into the characters' morally gray complexities, the narrative unfolds, leaving us spellbound. The central characters, both endearing and morally ambiguous, draw you into a world where magic serves both their purpose and their peril. Elm, the "rotten Prince," captivates with his complex relationships, while the monster within, Nightmare, adds depth and humanity to his character. Gillig's portrayal of the shared mind is brilliantly executed, and Nightmare's snarky remarks resonate long after you've turned the final page. Two Twisted Crowns is a riveting conclusion, leaving you with a desire for more from this captivating author.

As you embark on this atmospheric journey through dark forests and twisted destinies, you'll find yourself eagerly turning pages to uncover the truths concealed in the mist and the magic. Gillig's vivid storytelling and intricate world-building elevate this duology, making it one of the standout fantasy series of the year. A compelling blend of dark fantasy, Gothic romance, and enchanting monsters, this is a series that lingers in your thoughts, leaving you eager to explore more of Gillig's imaginative worlds in the future.

When I read One Dark Window, I really didn’t feel that it lived up to the hype. However, I was still so excited to read Two Twisted Crowns to find out what happens!
I think the reason I struggle with these books is because they feel very much like they’ve been written as children’s books even though they are adult. The plot itself is good and much more interesting than ODW, where a few parts feel lazy and too convenient at times, but generally it feels different to other books out there and that’s what I really like about it.
As for the characters, I really liked Rayvn in the first book, and I’ve just never felt a connection to Elspeth. I actually found myself skim reading her chapters in this book because I didn’t really care what happened to her (and not much can really happen where she is in this book). I think what really saved this book for me was Elm’s chapters. I found reading what was happening to him and Ione at the castle more interesting than the main plot and I’d get excited every time it would switch back to Elm’s POV! Overall I’d say I still really enjoyed this book so I’m giving it 3.5 stars but I will round up to 4!

A worthy and utterly fantastic successor to One Dark Window, Two Twisted Crowns ups the stakes, expands the story and reveals ancient secrets like Blunder's mist reluctantly releasing a lost soul.

Without revealing too much, our heroes were left in a horrible place at the end of the last book but they have a plan - and that is as it always has been; to unite the Deck and hopefully restore the kingdom to a place where the wielding or infection of magic doesn't exact such a huge price on its people. Ravyn has his own perilous quest to complete but I was very happy to see Elm's storyline become more important as he was one of my favorites from the first book. Gillig has added a secondary romance to this book and I was obsessed with the growing feelings between the two unexpected soulmates.

The skill of of the author in this series is keeping the magic system and plot relatively simple, yet complex enough to have unexpected revelations and twists surprise the reader. The writing is beautifully moody and brooding, yet filled with a longing that hurts the heart. Violence, pain, trauma, loss and death are all explored through the characters' lives but this is balanced with love, friendship, family bonds and a strong desire for the moral good.

This will be one of my fave fantasy reads of the year.

If you’ve seen this book and wondered if you should read it? Yes. No further context. Just for the love of fantasy READ IT.

Ok I am providing context.

One Dark Window was so good and I always have an apprehension for second books not living up to the first, I like to spoil things in my own mind in advance.

This is not the case. The driving pace of book one continues. With all the twisting tribulations as you find out all the whys. More backstory. Why is the mist is mist-ing and the magic magic-ing.

Less Rayven and Elspeth in this book for obvious reasons (if its not obvious go and read ODW FFS) but there is still them and their connection but also don’t close your eyes coz…. it’s another book boyfriend.
I ain’t going to spoil anything for you but you’ll know when you see him. And the romance of this book was just as good as the last.

The mission is missioning. The resolutions are resolving. The plot is twisting so hard even I couldn’t see round the corners and I’m annoyingly good at guessing exactly what will happen next.

The only bad this about this book is that it’s not suitable for reading on the quiet carriage of a train because they will throw you out the window. I was gasping, screaming, telling my husband what was happening even though he really doesn’t care. I just couldn’t contain myself.

Best book of the year - along side One Dark Window for me. I don’t even need the next two months to decide. All I’ve done is daydream about this book and its characters ever since I started book one.

Describe book in a sentence: How the hell will they get out of this one…..wait they do what in the throne room?

You may like this book if: You enjoy things so much you get a new personality.

You may not like this book if: I dunno maybe you like misery.

Reviewed for Netgallery.

I absolutely loved this book, the world building was amazing and easy to read. There was never a dull moment in this book, it was extremely thrilling. The romance between Ione and Elm had me on a chokehold, I wish they were the main characters! I would love to read a novella about Elm and Ione.

»Two Twisted Crowns« is the second and final installment in the »The Shepherd King« duology, and while I was a bit hesitant to pick this up because of what happened at the end of the first book - I didn't understand how we should continue without our main character, you know? - I'm glad I gave it a chance picked this up because it was a very satisfying read.

While »One Dark Window« mostly follows Elspeth and Ravyn, the second book focuses more on Elm and Ione too, and I honestly didn't expect to love those two together so much, but oh boy, they had chemistry! This series is definitely one I read more for the characters and writing than for the plot. Rachel Gillig just has a beautiful, magical writing style that I adored, and I am already very curious to see what she comes up with next!

This book is an excellent example of how a sequel should be written. It was most definitely worth the wait. As one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 I was super nervous to get stuck into this book in fear of it disappointing me, but Rachel really did an outstanding job.

This book is beautifully written, it's captivating, charming and I wish I could experience it again for the first time.

The romance... Wow. Electrifying.
The plot? Delivers on everything promised within One Dark Window.

This duology has been a pleasure to read and I am very much excited to see what Rachel Gillig does next. It'll take me a little while to recover from this book I think!

What a conclusion to an outstanding duology! If you've read and loved One Dark Window, pick up Two Twisted Crowns now. And if you haven't yet read One Dark Window, now is the perfect time because you can binge the complete duology.
I absolutely adored The Shepherd Kind duology and found Gillig's prose lush and immersive. It makes a perfect read for autumn nights: a dark, twisted tale of romance, magic, and monsters with strong gothic vibes.

Gillig struck the perfect balance between characters - while Two Twisted Crowns focused on a different central couple, the romance between Ravyn and Elspeth which started in book one integrated beautifully into the plot, which was centered around Elm and Ione in Two Twisted Crowns. The central characters were of my favourite shade - all somewhat morally grey, willing to use magic when it served their purpose.

'I wish we could have had those hundred years, Hawthorn. I wish you could have been Queen.'
Elm, the spare to the Rowan throne, 'rotten Prince, and a piss-poor Destrier at that', was one of my favourite characters in this sequel. His relationship with his family and found family was complex, and I always have a weak spot for a character who uses nicknames.
The other less obvious contender for favourite character was Nightmare. His flashbacks made the history on which Blunder was built come alive, and they made the monster he perceives himself to be more humane. Gillig very cleverly navigated the depiction of the shared mind, and Nightmare's dry and snarky comments have left a lasting impression.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little Brown Group and Orbit for providing me with an eARC. It's an easy five stars from me - and I'm excited to find out what we'll read next from Rachel Gillig.

An excellent sequel to an amazing duology. Following straight on from One Dark Window’s ending, the story follows the aftermath, jumping mostly between Elm and Rayven.

Elm is fleshed out more, I found myself caring for him this time round. He’s reluctant to rule as king, but he knows that he’s the king that his people need. He doubts himself, makes mistakes, is careless, but he’s devoted to the people he loves.

Rayven is the medieval version of the terminator with the goal to get his girl back and also heal the kingdom.

The Shepherd King’s story was heartbreaking; despite his wicked and cruel ways he would turn into the grumpy fed up dad who was just trying to stop his kids from getting hurt.

The plot was high paced, if I was able to I would have read this book in one sitting.

I absolutely loved this book. I have been looking forward to reading it since I finished the first book in February.

The story picks up where it left off but there is a more romantic note to this book in my opinion, love is blossoming with other characters but there's a different level of love and care with the two main characters. I don't want to give much away in case you haven't read the first book, if you have not then please read it before this one.

I love the development of the characters and the whole world is just beautifully described. There are parts of the book that kept me up late because I had to see what happened at the end of the next chapter.

The world of magic is beautiful.
The writing is almost artistic and conjures up beauty, pain, sadness and love perfectly.

One of my favorite reads this year

*Arc provided by Netgalley*
Have I mentioned I love duologies a lot? I love them even better when they keep me so entertained. I LOVED one dark window and I just knew this would sweep me off my feet right away. This was great. Go read it. Right now. Perfect for the spooky season. Or for every season for that matter. ALSO gorgeous cover. Buy it for the cover and stay for the plot. That’s how it was for me with this series🥰 Elspeth proved to be one of my favourite main characters EVER because of her vibes and personality and everything else. Also her name!!! Such a pretty name. Such an amazing book!

I loved Two Twisted Crowns a lot more than One Dark Window. I love multiple POV books, so this was such a pleasant surprise. I'm happy that Elm and Ione got more attention in this book. The Nightmare's backstory is very interesting and I'm glad that we got to know more about him, even if that meant less Elspeth.

This is such a great duology and the author's writing is incredible. I'm so sad to see it come to an end but excited for what we'll read next from Rachel Gillig!

This is an amazing conclusion to a unique and intriguing duology. I think I loved this more than One Dark Window. I'm glad that we got to see more of Elm.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Featured: Multi-POV, Fantasy, YA, Gothic, Spooky, Magic

This book was the perfect conclusion to this duology, although I wish I could keep myself in this world for longer I loved the length of this story.

If you loved the first book you will love this even more. It is darker than ODW but the more time Spent on Elm and Lone in this book was amazing. Reading Elms POVs was great I enjoyed the sassiness and it really made this book.

This book is perfect for autumn with it's dark and Gothic elements and I am so lucky I got to read this so soon. I need to pick up the physical copy for a re-read.

The world that the author has created is magical and beautiful. She has an amazing way with words, describing and setting the scene and creates a real connection with the characters so you really care what happens to them. The relationship between Elspeth and Nightmare is my favourite; it’s like they’re unexpected best friends but you can tell how much they truly care about one another. Although I knew how their relationship would end, it still broke my heart a little!
Overall, I really wanted to love this book as much as I loved the first one but I just didn’t find it as gripping. The author has created an intricate and beautiful word but I just found at some points there were parts of the book that I felt didn’t add much to the story and so I struggled through them and it slowed the pace of the book for me personally.
I’d rate this 3.5/5 ⭐️ but would still rate the duology as a whole 4/5 ⭐️❤️

It has been a book that has had me hooked from the first moment, the story develops well along with the first one, but keeping the dark and gothic atmosphere of this one.
I liked the ending, the development of the characters and the multiple perspectives from which the story is told.

Wow. I am absolutely speechless after reading this incredible book. What a credit to the writer, and an absolute gem overall. The plot is very well written, I became fully engrossed in this beautiful world. The characters where spectacular. Just amazing.

The nightmare has taken over and as Solstice nears, Blunder is in great peril. Can those who remain work together to lift the mist and heal the infected, or will enemies past and present prevent Blunder from ever being free?

This read was absolutely amazing! I am so in love with this duology and sad to see it come to an end.

The story truly feels like a fairytale for adults. The imagery and characters are all so vivid. The blurs between good and evil. There isn’t a single two-dimensional character in sight.

I love it when the sequel is even more outstanding than the first book and as I loved One Dark Window so very much, Two Twisted Crowns had an awful lot to live up to. Thankfully, it delivers and then some on every single level.
I really don't want to give any spoilers for book one in my review. This duology has so much to love and admire and I'm sure it will become a firm favourite for so many readers.
It's written in a beautiful narrative that raises the hairs on the back of your neck with its poetic tone, but it never slows down the pace of the story. This is a stunning, dark and gothic novel, set in a fantastic, dark magical world. I loved every part of the unique world building in these books.
The characters are rich and vivid. Elspeth and the nightmare, sharing their one mind will forever be some of my favourite characters. The romances are just so perfect and make your heart ache. I truly don't want to say goodbye to these characters.
Quite simply, this is gothic fantasy at its best. I honestly can't find any fault with it. I had book one sat on my shelf for so long and could quite literally kick myself for not getting to it sooner. Read it...just read it!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review. A solid 5 stars from me.