Member Reviews

Firstly I’d like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc 😍❤️

This book was absolutely magical to read I loved everything about it, the premise the characters, the backstory of them all and the magical lands that I’ve been invented but, for me, the part that was most intriguing was the masterful way that the authors allowed us to almost think that we knew the story 😏😏 It might only be me but while I was reading the book it was so familiar (in the most amazing way), it felt comforting, like it was a fairytale that I already knew and Rose and Wren fable that I’d been told as a child, only that I was on a new journey with them and Shen and Tor were coming along for the ride ❤️❤️

I absolutely the opposite POV, gives an insight into both sides of what happened after the first couple of chapters and it allows us equal time to connect to both Rose and Wren. It shows both their adventure but also what the others life was like before the book.

It also features some of my favourite tropes - Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers and over throwing a crown 😍😍 What more could you want? If you love witches, brilliant romance, The Man in the Iron Mask, Dune and Frozen then I have a feeling you’ll like this book!! (I love how confusing my comparisons are 😂😏) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Of course!!

Was this review helpful?

Twin Crowns included every thing that I love when it comes to a fantasy book; the world-building, the plot, the storyline, etc.

I love the world-building so much. It feels like I'm watching a Disney movie (you know what I mean, right?). It just likes the mixing of Frozen, Tangled and Brave blend into one book (just imagine it!). And to be honest, it's been a while since the last time I read any YA fantasy book that gave me this Disney-kind vibes!

I am in love with this book already. The way the authors described everything keep making me amazed every time I read it, make me want for more.

Moreover, this book included every tropes I love: "I was supposed to hunt your kind" and "I should not fall in love with my handsome kidnapper" kind of enemies to lovers, Forbidden romance, Slowburn and forced proximity romance, witches and of course, handsome evil brutal king. Therefore, if you love the tropes too, I beg you to pre-order your copy of this book!

Hands down, everyone! Twin Crowns is my new favourite read of the year, and here you go into "my top favourite fantasy books ever" list! I can't wait for my Waterstones edition copy to arrive, so I can re-read it again (wanna join me, dear?).

Was this review helpful?

From the very first page this book had my heart and my full undivided attention. The way in which these two authors write together is as if it is one, physically as if they are both twin sisters writing together for a book which is ironic but also absolutely amazing. I have never come across a book with two authors writing together that have been so in sync and so in flow with each other.

The world itself is so well built, and I struggle to find words to describe how much I love this and every character that is involved in it. Even the villains within the story I love to hate. (Although I have to say I do have a favourite not main character…..cough…..Celeste….cough.) Every single character has a full personality which brings them to life in your mind as well as within the story themselves in full colour and emotions.

If you choose to read this book you’ll be taken into a world that your brain will not want to come out of even as you finish the last page. Even hours after I have finished I still feel as though I have left part of myself in that world. I cannot wait, and I seriously mean I cannot wait after that ending, for the next book to be released so I can envelop myself back into the world that is Eana and beyond again.

This story is definitely for fans of anyone who loves a young adult adventure, and loves the vibes of These Hollow Vows series, Once upon a broken heart, Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash.

Was this review helpful?

Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber

Rating: 3.7/5


The plot was original and I really enjoyed the whole lost twin concept. And anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for multi-POV books. Both authors added so many beautiful tropes like enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, royalty and witches.

I loved getting to know both Wren and Rose and learning who they are and how they’re entirely different but at the same time have so many admirable similarities. And their love interests deserve standing ovations because those 2 boys have my heart and nothing less.

The only reason I haven’t rated this higher is because the writing was slightly too simple for me. I would have loved to see more detail, description and slow development throughout. Everything felt slightly rushed, which may be due to my preference of slow-burns of everything. But don’t let this put you off because if you’re looking for a easy, original YA fantasy book definitely try this out!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and the publisher for an eARC of this book!!

Was this review helpful?

WHAT A BOOK! A brilliant, enthralling fantasy that ticks all the boxes. It had royals. It has hidden identities. It has romance. It has witches.
Doyle and Webber have created a world that completely captures you. Our protagonists are likeable, both unique but balance each other.
I particularly loved Shen and Tor - the heartthrobs. Shen with his witty humour and Tor with his serious nature both added extra fun to the story.

I loved following the story of Wren and Rose, feeling like I was reading a fantasy version of the Parent Trap but so much better (and without the whole "trying to get the parents to fall in love again" aspect).

If you want a fantasy book that's easy to read and not a massively complex world or magical system, this is the read for you.

Was this review helpful?

TWIN CROWNS is probably the most hyped summer YA fantasy release and it very much lived up to that. It's a funny, swoony fantasy about sisters with a lot to learn about each other and their world - and work out how to take down their horrible enemies.

It's got adventure and missing histories, magic and danger, and two love interests who both end up in the water with the girls in (deliberately) back-to-back scenes. It's such a fun book to read (or gulp down). I read it in a buddy read, and that honestly feels like the best way to read a co-written book about twin sisters, because then you can squeal and laugh and demand the death of characters you dislike together.

It's a dual POV, with each author writing a different POV. That different authorship helps give the two girls distinct voices so you can tell who's speaking (not to mention different cusses!) They also managed to get it to alternate naturally between their perspectives, rather than some scenes feeling out of place because that narrator needed a scene there.

They really are awful men the girls are up against, with the main man (Rathbone) being a controlling, manipulative man entirely out for his own power. King Alarik, who doesn't come in until later, looks like he's going to be a great villain for the second book, upping the stakes for the finale in this entry (and not really giving the girls any decent way out of the predicament.)

In some ways, this book reads a bit like a standalone (the primary threat is dealt with, and some major goals have been achieved.) However, it's also clearly part of a series as there aren't resolutions with the love interests, and there is one big threat (and also issue) to be overcome. It makes for a satisfying read, but also makes you desperate to read the next instalment.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle, and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Revenge is a cruel business, Tor. And for that matter, so is love."

As Sequoia said, I had tried to sign up for the Street Team, but I was declined. However, the authors decided to still send me an eARC to review. I thank them for taking pity on me because this book surprised me! I wasn't expecting to love it. It was so well written, and the fact that it helped me out of my reading slump when one of my favorite series (Throne of Glass) couldn't, tells you a lot. It gave me "Barbie: The Princess and the Pauper" vibes, which honestly isn't a bad thing because Barbie was one of my favorite things growing up.

First of all, let's talk about the characters. While they were twins, Wren and Rose were so unlike. This made them real to me and from page one, I was hooked on the story of them switching places (almost like a Goose Girl retelling, but not quite). Wren was fierce, independent, and clever. Rose was kind, naive (but NOT annoying), and diplomatic. AND Rose and Wren both grew as characters. Rose found her voice and Wren found her trust. Tor, Shen Lo, and Celeste even had personalities, despite not being the "main" characters in this book! Heck, even Elkse (Tor's wolf companion) had her own personality. Tor was loyal, but he also knew where he drew the line. Shen Lo was snarky (so much one of my favorite male characters, Keefe Sencen from Keeper of the Lost Cities) and a little arrogant, but it was perfect for the story. Celeste added her own dramatic and friendly flair to the story.

Secondly, the worldbuilding was exquisite! I felt fully immersed in this story with the witch history (as well as the history of Eana), the structuring of Eana's government, the magic system, and even the cultures in this book had their own flavor!

Thirdly, the EMOTIONS I felt during this book! There were moments of high stakes where I feared for the characters' lives and had me on the edge of my seat. There were moments of soft sweetness where the sisters began bonding (after they FINALLY met up). There were HILARIOUS banter moments between the two ships. There were hopeless moments where all seemed lost. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster lol.

Finally, the plot. I suppose this kind of goes with emotions, but I just wanted to talk about the structuring of the plot. There were climactic moments that fell back down that kept me reading. One of the most realistic things about this book was how Rose reacted to finding out the truth about her ancestry and her kingdom. How her parents were really killed and the other lies she had been told. I also enjoyed the tidbits of romance throughout the story (I will ship Tor and Wren, Shen Lo and Rose, forever!). Additionally, with the announcement of the twin prophecy at the ending, I eagerly await the sequel!

This book releases on May 17th in the US, and it releases TODAY in the UK! I highly recommend picking it up ASAP because this is a release you don't want to miss!

Was this review helpful?

Wren and Rose are two sisters, separated at birth after the murder of their parents, and they couldn't be less alike. Wren, raised by witches is wild and brash. She has been brought up knowing the truth of her birth and current situation. Knowing she has a sister out there who she has never met. Rose has led a more sheltered life. Raised by the man who murdered her parents, though she is unaware of this fact, she is the perfect princess, delicate and well mannered. But the witches have a plan, kidnap Rose and install Wren in her place, ensuring that when she is crowned the Kingdom will once again be friendly to the witches that live there, but as is usually the case, things don't always go to plan. There are multiple schemes a foot that could undermine Wren's plan, not the least of which is Rose who isn't quite ready to give up her throne. With danger coming from both within and without the Kingdom, the sisters will have to learn to work together if they are to bring down the man who murdered their parents and ensure a safe Kingdom for all.

Rose and Wren are seemingly polar opposites. One raised in a palace, with all the luxuries that entails and yet in some ways a gilded cage with someone always aware of her whereabouts and a total lack of privacy. Whereas the other was raised in a shack near the sea, but given total autonomy over her life, friends and time. Because of this, Rose and Wren have completely different ideas on how to get things done. For a good part of the book they don't meet & I enjoyed being able to see them both out of their comfort zones and exploring what it must have been like to grow up that way, as well as coming to realisations about themselves whilst living in the others shoes.

The authors also grace us with a brilliant cast of side characters, some of my favourites being Celeste, Rose's best friend; Shen, Wren's best friend and the witch that kidnaps Rose and Tor, a guard from a neighbouring Kingdom who Prince Rose is supposed to be marrying. All of these character's add something to the story, be it humour, depth or tension and I loved the scenes where they interacted with our two MC's.

If I had to use one word to describe this book it would be exaggerated. Everything in this book seems to be dialled up to 10 & very stereo-typey, be it the Princessy ways in which Rose behaves, the evilness of our antagonist, the simpering of the palace staff & I have to say I loved it. It took me right back to reading old style fairy tales when I was a kid, and even had the tongue in cheek, quirky style of The Princess Bride in some parts. It’s written as a very fast moving book, with very few lulls and plenty of character exploration, but the authors manage to do this while still giving us enough depth in world building to make sure we get invested in the story & the characters goals. I loved getting to learn about the other Kingdoms, as well as the history of the land, and how the Witches came to be persecuted.

The romance was incredibly swoon worthy. I loved the slow burn enemies to lovers we got with our two MC's, and I loved how Rose's and Wren's romances helped further their character arc's as well as give us a deeper insight into them as characters. With Rose and Shen, she had to overcome him being a witch, as well as her kidnapper and one of the few people who doesn't simper to her. He brings her down to earth, and helps her focus on what is really important. Wren and Tor have an almost forbidden romance, Wren slightly more eager to forgo the forbidden part than Tor. He is someone she can be herself with in a place where being herself could kill her. But as well as this, the romance also invites some humour into the story and creates some of the tongue in cheek moments I mentioned above.

As a whole I loved this book. If I had one sticking point, it would be that I found Rose a little annoying, and her need to constantly be treated like a princess grated on me a little. However, it wasn't bad enough to detract from my overall love of the book. If you like your fantasies troped to the max, with tongue in cheek moments and killer endings that have you grabbing for the next book, then look no further.

Was this review helpful?

A big thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with this eArc!

This was so amazing! I clicked for the cover and stayed for the content!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What the heck was that? I am a bawling mess😭😭 Why-😭 This book was so good😭💖💖
First of all, I was so invested from the first few chapters which is a very good sign of me liking a book😂 I loved loved loved the characters, not the villains😅 The history was great and the romance even more so! I just want to say that EVERYONE must read this book. The ending has me crying😭
*praying for the second book's ARC*

4.5 stars!💖

Was this review helpful?

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow…so I want to start off by saying this book was one of my most highly anticipated reads for this year & I LOVED it so much! 😍 What really intrigued me straight from the synopsis was the whole twins separated at birth concept, how one was raised by witches & one raised as royalty. We had action straight from the very first chapter & I felt like it was a very-paced read for me cause there always seemed to be something happening. I’m also very pleased to tell you all that we have not one but TWO swoon-worthy, slow burn romances in this book that are both so different but equally amazing! Obsessed.
Tor in particular was a real treat & I can’t wait for you all to meet him 😏

Rose and Wren were both amazing POVs to read from as we experience both of their journeys throughout this book. I loved reading how they both discovered new things about the homes they grew up in, about each other & about themselves. If I had to pick one twin who I related to more, it would be Wren. I feel like I can see a lot myself in her. 💚 #royalcoven

This has made it onto my all-time favourites list! The stories & legends woven throughout this novel are so beautiful & I think is really what made this book so special for me to read. I love books that are very whimsical and magical. I completely adored the incorporation of all the tales & histories of a fantasy land like Eana, the myths & legends of the witches & how they feed into the present timeline of the story. It creates such a depth, & for me, it makes it so much more real & like I can see, hear, smell & basically completely immerse myself in the story that’s unfolding. This is why it’s 5 star read for me because I felt like I was there & it made feel every emotion.

Finally, I would like to finish this review by saying a HUGE thank you to the gorgeous authors @kwebberwanders & @cat_doyle0 & the wonderful @electricmonkeybooks for having me as part of the Twin Crowns street team & sending me not only all the beautiful Twin Crowns themed items but both of the stunning ARC editions of this book! Going to treasure them forever 💗💚

Was this review helpful?

Loved this so much!! Addictive, fast paced with princess bride vibes. Just such a fun read, would recommend for any fans of YA fantasy, or for anyone going through a reading slump.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved Twin Crowns, the fantastic YA romantic fantasy from Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle. I was immediately drawn into Rose and Wren’s worlds and already cannot wait for book two - it can’t come soon enough!

Twin Crowns is the story of Princess Rose Valhart and Wren Greenrock, twins who were separated at birth. Wren has been trained from birth to avenge her parents’ murder and to usurp her sister’s throne. She’ll do anything to protect the witches she loves and calls family. Whilst Princess Rose knows that with power comes responsibility, and with it the need to marry into a brutal kingdom. She has been taught to fear the witches and the dangers beyond the castles walls. Soon, however, the sisters who have been raised in entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other’s lives a whole lot better…

Twin Crowns has duel POV narrative format, where we alternate between Rose and Wren, and it worked perfectly! As characters Rose and Wren are beautifully written, each with great depth and spirit. They are each very much their own person, with clear difference between them, likewise they are written with such distinct voices. I loved each of them as individual characters but especially loved the growth that Rose went through.

I thought the ensemble characters also worked brilliantly within the story. I really liked Celeste, Rose’s best friend, was mildly terrified of Banba, the twins’ grandmother, loved her wife Thea, and felt rather sorry for the hapless Prince Ansel. We also mustn’t forget the beautiful wolf Elske. I loved Shen and Tor as love interests both of whom, in their own ways, gave me Westley vibes from The Princess Bride. What with Tor’s ‘as you wish’ing and Shen’s bandit vibes - ah I loved it! The enemies to lovers and the forbidden love tropes burn strongly here.

The world building in Twin Crowns is spectacular. Eana really is a very special and indeed vast place. Through the journey the twins go through we are afforded glimpses into many different parts of Eana which were so beautifully described. I also loved the system of magic described within the book, which sees five different strands of witchcraft, with each witch possessing a singular strand. I can’t wait to explore more of Eana and see even more of the witches in book 2.

This was a fantastic fantasy book with magic, adventure, romance and danger. It was such a joyously fun read. You find yourself fully immersed in the twins’ worlds, rooting for them both in different ways. A brilliant read!

Was this review helpful?

This was such an enjoyable book. It's about twins who are split at birth; one being a princess and the other an orphan kidnapper taking her sister's spot to avenge for their parent's death. I know it kind of sounds like that Barbie movie we all think about but let me tell you that this book is amazing. Plus Sarah J. Maas recommends it so the queen knows what's good. This book is written by two authors and let me say that they did such an incredible job. Usually when it comes to co-authoring books, it's not so great because so much is going on but this one was perfect from the plot, world building, pacing etc. The world building was well structured with it being easy to understand and the plot was entertaining. The pacing was fast paced and perfect with many adventures along the way.

This book is written from both Rose and Wren's pov. I really enjoyed both characters. Rose is the princess who is kidnapped and learns about her sister/life. Wren takes Rose's place in order to get the throne. I really enjoyed both characters with Rose having the most character development compared to Wren. Wren had more of a Celeana story going on if you know what I mean and she was such a fun, brave character. There are some great side characters like the twin's love interests whom I absolutely enjoyed and warmed my heart. There is an enemies to lovers romance and "I want you but can't have you" trope. The romance is so cute and I'm excited to see more in the other book.

I really enjoyed the book as it gave me some Throne of Glass vibes with some amazing sibling bond. It was funny at times but also discusses how to heal relationships. I'm excited to read the second book just because I want to see more of the romance of the couples as that is my favorite part about books. I had no problems with this book and totally recommend this book. This book is perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and those who love switch at birth kind of stuff.

Was this review helpful?

This wonderful dual narrative story hooked me from the first page.

In a world where magic is a death-sentence, two twins separated at birth must fight for a crown that each believes is rightfully theres.

Wren has grown up with the witches, raised to steal her sister's identity and take back the throne, bringing an end to the brutal treatment of her friends and family. But palace life comes with unexpected twists and dangers, and becoming Queen won't be as straightforward as she expects.

Princess Rose knows nothing of her sister's existence, or the plots against her. But she does know that Eana is hers to rule and no one - not even her twin - is going to change that.

I loved both girls and their story lines. I pre-ordered the beautiful Waterstones Rose edition and am still really pleased with that choice after reading (although I think I should convince my sister to order the Wren version so we have a set between us!)

Twin Crows had everything I want from a YA fantasy: great romances, plenty of magic and in-depth world building. Eana is filled with legends, curses, secrets and lies, and I loved the way this world unfolded. There was also an adorable fluffy, loyal wolf.

Despite the newness of their connection, Rose and Wren have an excellent sibling dynamic, filled with both love and arguments.

The writing is brilliant, the individual story strands woven together seamlessly, with plenty of mirroring between the girls' narratives. It's cinematic (I could definitely see this as a film), filled with action and vivid descriptions, and the ending has left me desperate for the next book.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle, Electric Monkey and NetGalley for my copy of this. I originally applied to be in the Street Team and didn't make it but was happy to receive an early eArc copy!

I've not read anything by either author before but loved the premise of a twin swap fantasy where they are from different worlds and pitted against each other to be the next queen. This is a YA romance fantasy read all meshed in together with equal parts intrigue, action and politics.

In terms of characters, I instantly liked Wren and quickly warmed towards Rose as well. I loved the rough and ready spirited nature of Wren which counterbalances Rose's sense of propriety perfectly! The two narrative voices of Webber and Doyle worked seemlessly together too.

Whilst the twins are front and centre naturally as the two PoVs, there is also quite a good ensemble in this read too - not least Elksie the wolf! This worked really well in building mystery and making it more difficult to predict what was going to happen with so many parties involved.

All in all a really enjoyable and such a quick read for a fantasy which really appealed to me. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in good time now, particularly as we only really scratched the surface in terms of the world-building!

Was this review helpful?

Twin Crowns was anything but expected when I started reading it a few weeks ago (thank you to the publisher and authors for my gifted e-copy). The story is firmly in the YA Fantasy genre but manages to encompass so many different aspects: twins separated at birth, nations on the brink of war, feared witches in hiding, magic, animal companions, role swaps, kidnapping, love interests - the list goes on!

I LOVED the long lost separated twins, one living in riches and one, the opposite with outcast witches. Unraveling their family history was so well done within the narrative by the authors, who use a dual POV to tell the story. I’d find it hard to choose a favourite as I enjoyed both twins - Rose, as the twin expecting to take the crown, unite nations and take over the rule was headstrong, smart and despite living a sheltered childhood - very independent. Wren, on the other hand, has grown up with witches and harnesses her own power giving her a confidence and unruly personality. She has grown up knowing her history and so, after her friend kidnaps her sister to get her out of the way - she takes her place and attempts to integrate into the palace life while hiding her power.

This leads to several entertaining situations and a romance I was fully behind! I found the story moved quickly (although I did find it a slow start) and it kept me engaged. While the story interweaves several elements, it was easy to follow and doesn't overdo itself on surprises. Twin Crowns has given me my favourite romance of the year so far and some giggles too! Rose and Wren are so contrasting they fit well together. Both sisters strive to wear the crown and I must admit I changed my mind a lot throughout while I decided who I wanted to succeed - testament to the authors writing really, their styles blended so well for Twin Crowns and I can't wait to read more!

I am hoping for book two we get more diverse rep and more on the magic system and the world as it seemed there was so much to explore, we barely scratched the surface.

Was this review helpful?

I am so happy I got the chance to read this book! I have been waiting for l this and it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to continue! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Farshore and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

Twin crowns was my most anticipated book coming out this year. I’ve read the description last year and I’ve loved the idea of this story.

Two princesses get separated at birth; one will be raised by their grandmother and become a rebel, while the other will be raised in the castle as a sweet girl who does what she’s been told.

First of all, I think this story has a lot of potential and being written by two authors, who both write one of the POV’s takes it to another level because you can be in two totally different minds.

But to be honest, I am disappointed by this book. There is some humor and some characters are nice but the main characters felt annoying and flat. I found Rose too naïve most of the time and Wren too reckless. I think it is okay for a YA fantasy book but I was hoping for more than the obvious.

Overall, the writing style, world building and plot were good but it didn’t make up to my expectations.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley, Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle, and Electric Monkey for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had tried to sign up for the Street Team, I was declined but the authors had decided to still send me an eARC to review. I'm so so happy they took pity on me because this book is a masterpiece.

I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I highly recommend to anyone who has read The Princess Bride, The Other Merlin, and Grace and Fury. All really great books and worthy reads after and before you read Twin Crowns.

The humor is spot on. The romance is filled with tension and angst. The dual POVs of Rose and Wren are well developed and never blend in with the other. The chapters are short and move the pace along perfectly. I was worried about liking one sister over the other but I wasted time on that fear. Both sisters are their own person and have personalities that are fleshed out and developed well as the story progresses. I adore the romance with Shen and Tor, though I do hope both characters get more screen time just to add a little bit more to the story. I'm crossing my fingers that they will get a tiny POV chapter here and there for the sequel.

Man, I'm so excited for the sequel and the first book is not even out yet!

I do love the witches and hope to see more and learn more later. I'm super interested in how the curse will affect book two and how both Queens will rule.

5 stars!

Was this review helpful?