Twin Crowns by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle (AARC)
Narrated ByL Anne Maire Gideon and Ell Potter
Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Witches, Dual POV, Slow Burn.

This is honestly one of the best audiobooks that I have listened to this year. The narration was on point and kept me entertained throughout.

Twin Crowns follows twin sisters, Rose and Wren, who were separated at birth. Rose is the heir to the throne and was raised to believe that witches were the enemy. Wren, on the other hand, was raised a secret, her destiny to take the throne and protect the witches.

This was a thrilling read. I loved how the sisters, each with their own narration, were so similar but completely different at the same time. The book was well written leaving me excited to jump into the next instalment.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio | Electric Monkey via NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to the first book of Twin Crowns by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle for a fair and honest review

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This book was a pleasure to listen to. Appreciated how the characters had slightly different voices. Well done to the readers!
Although the initial story plot didn't seem very original to me, I really enjoyed this book. Even more than I thought. The narration is very fluid.
Wren is smart and ambitious, but she seemed as blindly trustful towards her "family" as Rose at the beginning. Rose's first POVs with Shen were ridiculous (in a good way) which made them funny. Truly, I didn't expect so much humor. She is so brainwashed and arrogant that it sometimes gets annoying but it fits her story in a way. I was happy she didn't abandon the throne, showing the same determination as her sister.
I liked how the twins develop a relationship without being with each other and how the love interests aren't their priority. Both romances are introduced really fast which isn't bad because it doesn't let the reader get bored. I definitely had a preference for Wren and Thor because I loved Thor's personality (and the wolf!). However, both dynamics were good. I have to say the witchcraft might have been my favorite part. Celeste is a wonderful character and Anika, intriguing. I HATE Alarick (which was the authors intended, I think).
Multiple dialogues and scenes made me think this would make a good movie. I can't wait to read the next book.

(Will post a review on Instagram next week)

I have totally adored this story. I binged it in one sitting. It is a little more juvenile than I'm usually used to, but that made a nice change and I will definitely be recommending my 13yo daughter reads it.

I love that the dual perspectives of the 2 sisters was clear and precise, making the story easy to follow. The romance plots follow a nice timeline also and isn't rushed and heavy

I will definitely be reading the next book.

This was so good?? It started off pretty standard and I didn’t really care about the characters, I was also very sceptical about the dual timelines/POVs but omg???? It was surprisingly good, the romances were FANTASTIC, the sisters’ relationship worked so well and felt so natural the way it developed. The plot was pretty standard but it was a fun time I really enjoyed it- Wren and Rose both had surprising wit and their sarcasm made me laugh. I will definitely be picking up book2 when it comes out in audio also!

This was such an enjoyable experience. The story follows twin sisters. One who is oblivious to the truth of her and her kingdom's history and the other who was on a mission to set right the wrongs of the past.

The opening scene left me intrigued, and the banter throughout the book had me smiling. The characters (barr a few, who I won't name) were relatable and instantly likeable.

Told in dual POV only added to the story.

The narration was tip notch. It was easy to define who's POV I was hearing. Though they sounded similar in nature, it was clear from their personalities and how they spoke. The supporting characters also had clear voices that reflected their personality.

This book had the feel of a classic fairytale but also offered so much more!!

I just finished Twin Crowns audiobook and I LOVED IT!
First of all, the I loved that this story is told through dual perspectives with different voice actors for Rose and Wren. The sisters, although twins, share very different lifestyles and personalities which kept the story really interesting.

While I loved Wren's fiery nature and was invested in her mission to save the witches, I also really enjoyed reading about Rose's experience as her world is turned upside down and she goes on a journey of self discovery. I am invested in both characters now and already want to pick up book 2 to find out what happens and see if Rose becomes the badass I believe she will be!

Also, the romance for a YA book was *chef's kiss* so good! The yearning!! The fact that we get two love stories in one! Amazing

Twin Crowns is told through dual perspectives intertwined; one from Rose, an uppity sheltered princess who lives a life of plush four-poster beds and lavender bubble baths and Wren, her crafty and brash long-lost sister who was stolen as a baby and raised by a coven of witches.

Therefore, there are two coinciding love stories and journeys of self discovery. I definitely thought the fiery Wren was the more charismatic and interesting of the twins, as I found Rose' naivety a little irritating at times. I really appreciated that there were two narrators, each representing a different sibling. Both captured the essence of their FMC perfectly and the helped the story flow effortlessly.

I would have appreciated more time learning about the traditions and legacy of the witches, hopefully this is an aspect of the story that is explored further in the sequel.

This dialogue was a bit more juvenile than I was expecting, however I really enjoyed this enchanting tale full of lavish balls, doting animal sidekicks, ancient prophecies and palace secrets. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

This book started off very slow but picked up a lot at the end, I’m glad I stuck with it.
The plot was interesting however some of the characters just fell flat, and were kinda insufferable. I will be reading the sequel as the ending was interesting but I wish the first half of this book wasn’t so slow, I hope that some of the characters grow on me more.

4.5
I just finished reading Twin Crowns, and I have to say, I absolutely loved it! This book has everything I look for in a YA Fantasy Romance novel - swoon-worthy romance, a captivating plot, and dynamic characters.

Although I regret not reading it sooner, I am thrilled that the sequel is just a couple of days away from being released. I can't wait to continue this epic journey with the characters I've grown to love.

Overall, I highly recommend Twin Crowns to any fan of the genre. It's a perfect combination of heart-pumping action and romantic tension, and I'm sure it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me.
Maybe my time with YA is coming to an end but this just didn’t grip me the way others have.
I’m sure it’s a great read for many but I’ve tried a few times across audio and book format and couldn’t stick to this.

I had high expectations for this, and it was good, but not as good as I hoped. The setting didn't feel as vibrant as some of the other fantasy that I've read recently. I really liked the characters and the magic system though, so while I was a little disappointed, I really did enjoy the book.

One of the best things about this book was that I couldn't see what the characters would do next. The ending was completely unpredictable for me. I'm really interested to see what happens in the next book because the ending really changed things for the plot.

I think I liked Wren better than Rose, but I think that's because Rose is a bit more sheltered. I love a tough girl who can defend herself, it's just part of my preference. I think now that Rose knows more about the world around her, she'll feel a little less innocent.

A great read for people who like a good story and a good princess switch!

I really loved the story and the audiobook. Highly recommended it. The story is sweet and intriguing, the characters are great (tho I didn't like Rose) and I fell for Tor. Can he look at me and talk to me and want me like he looks at, talks to and wants Wren? Please??
Can't wait to continue with this series.

I had high hopes for Twin Crowns, but they were dashed and splintered to smithereens. The book reads as discount Black Trillium (the 1990s series by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Julian May, and Andre Norton) and frustrated me endlessly. Wren is a wretched, infuriating character, and although I like characters with flaws, it felt like narrative excused all of her poor, idiotic choices. Rose was my one saving grace, but even she could not carry this book for me. DNFed at 61%.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

"Twin Crowns" by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle is a captivating collaboration that delivers an engaging and enchanting tale.

The novel excels in its character development. The protagonists are multifaceted and relatable, each with their own distinct voice and personality. The authors invest time in exploring their growth and inner struggles, making them compelling and endearing to the reader.

The plot, while not groundbreaking, is well-executed. It weaves together elements of fantasy, intrigue, and romance, creating a harmonious blend that keeps the reader invested. The pacing is generally good, with a balance of action and character-driven moments.

Webber and Doyle's writing style is seamless, and their joint effort results in a cohesive narrative. The world-building is vivid, immersing readers in a richly detailed setting. The dialogue is sharp and emotive, enhancing character interactions and relationships.

However, there are moments when the plot feels predictable, following familiar fantasy tropes. While this may not deter fans of the genre, those seeking a wholly unique narrative might find it lacking in innovation.

In summary, "Twin Crowns" is a solid fantasy novel that benefits from strong character development, well-crafted writing, and a balanced plot. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it offers an enjoyable reading experience.

Narration was really good - but I felt Wren's was stronger than Rose (though I'm not sure if this is also due to their stories too - I much preferred Wren's chapters storywise).

There was a bit too much focus on romance vs plot at some points, which meant I lost interest and lost concentration when listening, when the romance elements took precedence it was easy to forget which twin's POV it was.

Good for romantasy readers who *really* enjoy YA but I felt it did just skew a bit too young and generic for me.

DNF it was not holding my attention at all. It was very slow start and I wasn’t interested in the characters at all. The felt very one dimensional and I guessed the whole plot within the first 10 chapters.

I really enjoyed this book, it was so full of action and excitement. I loved the two sisters especially Wren who was so kick-ass. I really enjoyed the magic and fun of the book and the relationships of the story. A really fun and thrilling fantasy book!

This is the first instalment in the Twin Crowns series.

Wren resides with the witches, in hiding from the crown and his soldiers, who would kill her people and abolish their practises. Rose lives inside the palace walls, believing herself in training to one day wear this crown but, in reality, as a pawn unwittingly involved in a game she didn't know she was playing.

The two do not cross paths but, instead, exchange them. The decision is made as the alternative, for Wren, is death but, for Rose, this results in her having to face that every facet of the life she has lived is based upon lies. Will she acknowledge the truth and the power within herself? Or will she return to the comfort she has been raised in, cushioned upon the backs of the oppressed?

I loved exploring the magic of this world. It was slow to reveal itself but it aided in my bonding with Rose's character, as both she and the reader often learned the truth in tandem. Wren was an individual immediately loveable for her feisty nature and fierce spirit, whereas Rose felt like a far tamer version and I needed this understanding in order for my love to grow as naturally as it did for the other perspective also presented.

Once this was established I could focus on the mechanics of the world. A political focus was presented with the magical one throughout and I loved garnering an understanding for the kingdom through the eyes of both those in power and those they feared and sought the demise of the most. It became a bleak and bloody read as it progressed due to this.

Romance flourished as blood bloomed. The couples I thought were obviously constructed ones, from the first moment they interacted, and whilst I did root for all I also found that my interests lay more in other areas. This did not impact my overall enjoyment and does have me yearning to return to all characters in the sequel, very soon.

Thank you for the audiobook I absolutely loved the novel and couldn't wait for audio.
It's perfect the narrator makes you feel like you're inside the novel! I loved it.

From the blurb I was pleased that the action starts from the first page and draws you into the world of Eana.
I loved the story telling and how each character is written. My favourite is Wren, I loved her ruggedness. I found myself wanting to read more and more about her.
I liked how each chapter went from Wren to Rose.
I would have liked a chapter with Shen and Tor's view.
I never expected any of the twists and my god the last few chapters.....I can't wait for the next book.

I found this to be a really enjoyable, fun fantasy rom-com. It acted as a nice break from the big trend of grim-dark fantasies. The writing is fun and paced well, and the two writer's voices have blended very well.
The characters are interesting and I think the split POCs worked well for advancing the story and keeping things interesting.
I also loved the romance part of the plot, it was super well written and kept me coming back for more!