Member Reviews
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!
I’m a fantasy and audiobook novice 🙈 I often struggle with the robotic sound of the narrators 😬 so this was completely outside of my comfort zone but I LOVED it.
I enjoyed the alternating chapters and getting to know both Rose and Wren. The sisters were both likeable in their own way and I found their lives and back stories fascinating. I loved the way their characters developed throughout the novel and the romance and friendships that were built. You really found yourself rooting for them!
The overall plot made for a great story and certainly leaves you wanting more. Can’t wait to get my teeth into the sequel.
An enrapturing YA fantasy tale with a touch of romance. At the heart of the story are twins separated at birth - one raised to become Princess Rose and one a witch raised to usurp her sister from the throne and save the witches. Yet, the sinster Kingsbreath, Willem is determined that neither sister will sit on the thone. He desires to marry Rose off to a Prince from faraway kingdom, ruled by a cruel king. The sisters find themselves launched into their sister's shoes and finding they have more in common than initially assumed. This is a light and well paced audiobook. The sisters are so well portrayed by Ann Marie Gideon and Ell Potter. One of the best fantasy listens this year. #twincrowns #katherinewebber #Catherinedoyle #netgalley #yafantasy #yaromance #romantasy
A tale of twin witches, separated at birth, and brought together in a fight for the crown. I loved the switching point of views, and as it would switch between the twins, it was really easy to keep up with. It kept me engaged the whole way through, and I found myself reaching for it more than I originally thought I would. Brilliant writing and I can't wait for the next instalment!
I absolutely loved listening to this audiobook. It is a magnificent tale of intrigue, mystery, trust and mistrust, fantastical beasts and warring nations intertwined with love and romance. I warmed more to the narrator of Wren's character than Rose's: I felt she was trying too much to talk like Queen Elizabeth II which grated slightly, but her voices of other characters made up for it. So glad that the second book in the series has just been published as I will definitely catch up with the next chapter in the lives of Rose and Wren.
3.5/5
Definition of a fun romp! This was the perfect fast-paced, delightful YA fantasy palette cleanser I needed
First of all I want to thanks Netgalley and the publishing house for this ARC!
I just finished reading Twin Crowns, first book in the series written by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber!
And let's talk about this book!
Let's start by saying that I had this book in my TBR for ages! Probably for a year! And in the last period I had a mad desire to read it, both because it inspired me a lot, and 'cause the sequel has just come out and I thought it could be the perfect YA!
The plot is very simple and can be said to be the classic plot of a YA fantasy: Rose is the princess of her kingdom waiting for her coronation. Suddenly one night she is kidnapped and taken away from her house, what she doesn't know is that no one will notice her missing because her twin sister will replace her, of which she obviously does not know the existence . The two sisters were divided at birth and raised apart, but Wren, the other twin, was well aware of her existence and is ready to do anything to take back what is rightfully hers: the crown.
So:
- Fantasy YA + romance subtraplot, but it's really littlelittle give me more
- Twin sisters - mistaken identity trope
- Magic, witches and witch hunts
- Politics and betrayals
Probably reading the plot, or my explanation, you could have some criticisms, you could say: yes but it's very simple! Yes. Exactly. But simple doesn't mean trivial or even boring, because writing a simple story is even more complicated since its simplicity must conquer the reader.
And it happened.
I probably read the first 300 pages all at once, aided by the simplicity of the writing, its fluency and the fact that I was totally curious to find out what was going to happen to the twins. Let's add the fact that when we have this kind of dynamic of mistaken identity it's always a lot of fun, with Wren trying to climb straws to avoid being discovered, and on the other side Rose having to get used to not being the little princess of the situation .
I really enjoyed it a lot but above all something happened that unfortunately happens to me less and less: I couldn't wait to have a moment to get there and read and find out what was going to happen in the following pages! This to me is better than any plot twist or intricate political plot, because if the book doesn't win me over, if I don't want to find out what's going on, what am I going to read it for?
The plot of this first book in the series develops beautifully between politics, love affairs, betrayals and the witch subplot. Almost 500 pages that fly as if they were just half. The characters are very well done, two twin sisters but completely different and you can see very well (and I appreciated the alternate pov certainly divided between the two writers), so as to give even greater clarity to the twins. Different in their nature as in their dynamics. Rose is our princess through and through, so even the dynamics connected to her were liked on the sweet side, but not boring. Wren is the rebel twin, so expect fireworks from her. The secondary characters and romances that are created are also interesting, but certainly the focus of this book remains our two protagonists and their struggle to regain what is theirs!
I conclude by saying once again that I really liked the book and that it is the first one I give 5 stars this year, because it was a really perfect read! I can't wait to read the second one!
This was a great read and I’m not sure why it took me so long to read! The audiobook is great and I loved the alternating perspectives of the two sisters. I cannot wait to read the sequel because this is just such an easy and fun world to sink your teeth into. I devoured the 500+ page book in just a couple of days and was constantly thinking about the characters. From the romance and the angst to the world building and the magic I was just drawn into this world!
I adored this book so much I jumped straight into the second part.
I simply loved all of the characters and how well the whole story flowed together. I am always a big fan of dual POV and this one worked so well.
I really loved the author q&a at the end. You could tell they had so much fun writing this and it really showed!
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio book of this title on exchange for an honest review.
Twin Crowns follows twins Wren and Rose raised apart with only Wren having knowledge of Rose's existence. Rose is heir to the throne and is marrying for her Kingdom.
Wren has been training all her life knowing that she would one day steal her sister's place in the palace where their parents were murdered. Her aim is to rise to power to protect the Witch community that she loves.
Wren switches places with Rose who ends up in the middle of the desert with a would be kidnapper. He takes her back to the Witch community where she learns of life outside the palace walls.
As coronation day looks who will ultimately wear the crown?
Overall this book wasn't for me I wasn't sure if it was the narration, the writing or both. I honestly thought I would love this witches, fantasy and romance are some of my favourite elements however this just fell abit flat.
The story seemed often surpassed by the ongoing romances with the plot taking a back seat. So much so that I found myself losing interest and missing bits of what had happened.
The characters while well written could have blended into one abit at points as they were abit generic.
I think overall the writing just felt abit juvenile which took away from the plot for me. Maybe that means I am just not the demographic, though normally I love a good YA story.
The narration while good generally just heightened that it felt juvenile to me and was abit cringey at points.
However I have got the sequel on order so I will give that a chance to see if I deem it any better than the first installment. Hopefully it just didn't work for me in audio form.
Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber is such a fun and intense story!
This is one of those books where everything has been done right. The characters are loveable, the plot exciting, the romance intoxicating and the ending leaves you desperate to jump into the next book.
The co-writing really helped the two main characters Wren and Rose seem like two completely different voices whilst still having those similarities that make you know they're twins. I also thought the two narration voice choices suited the characters amazingly and it made for a much more engaging story.
The love interests were also well suited and you were given enough romance to feel satisfied whilst still leaving room to be excited for the potential of more in the next book.
The plot was engaging and well-paced and the narrators voiced characters well which really helped the story feel fun.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who loves an exciting and quirky romance full of princesses, drama and a few daggers! I'm very grateful to the authors and their publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and to NetGalley for making this all possible!
5/5
A fun, well paced YA fantasy romance featuring witches, what’s not to enjoy?
We follow Wren as she attempts to steal her sisters place in the palace. Trained from birth to return to the palace, she will do anything to protect her community.
A beautifully written, captivating YA tale. I loved the main storyline and the romance subplots too. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series. I highly recommend.
8.5/10
There are two sisters who were separated at birth and brought up in completely different environments. One sister, Princess Rose, lives in royalty while the other, Wren the Witch, is a practitioner of magic in the wild and hidden land of forbidden witches.
Wren always knows that she should take her sister's place in the palace, but Rose has no idea about being kidnapped and discovering their witch grandmother in the wilderness beyond the palace walls.
Switching places was a new experience for both sisters and fun for me! They got to know each other slowly in funny ways.
Honestly, I was initially drawn to this book solely based on its cover. However, I am pleasantly surprised to find that it has exceeded my expectations. The twin sisters, despite not knowing each other, were not cruel and prioritized their family. They showed care and love towards one another.
Overall, this was an entertaining young adult romance book. The dual POVs are beautifully narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and Ell Potter. The audiobook even included an interview with the authors, which was a nice touch. I looking forward to listening to the sequel, Cursed Crowns, as well.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to the first book of Twin Crowns by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle. I have given my review solely based on my personal viewpoint and completely honest.
This book was fantastic! The premise of this one had me completely captivated from the start. It was the ideal combination of fantasy, action, and romance.
Eana was a fantastic location, and I like the descriptions in the world building. I appreciated the association with birds, and I thought the descriptions were tastefully integrated into the dialogue and plot without appearing overwhelming.
I assumed I'd feel a connection to one of the twins in particular and lean towards Wren because Rose is a little more spoiled, but I ended up liking both of our FMCS. Their personalities complemented each other wonderfully with the story's opposing themes. I thought both love interests were fantastic; I was completely immersed in both relationships; the tension between both couples was right on, and the balance between the romances and narrative worked well, given that there were two developments.
Overall, this was excellent audio. The narrator of Rose, in particular, did an excellent job of evoking the prissy and wealthy princess air.
The bonus content on the audiobook - an interview with the authors - was a really nice surprise I appreciated.
I can't wait to read book two!
Thank you so much @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for the arc
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.)
The audiobook is great, with different narrators for the POVs. I loved that the Rose narrator used a very posh accent!
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.
I was so happy to see that another book I wanted to read was coming out in audiobook format, so I jumped right into the opportunity to get my copy! I haven’t regretted it a bit! It was a wonderful experience and I cannot wait for book 2!
Wren Greenrock is a witch in a land where everyone hates them. The people holds them responsible for the death of their king and queen and they want to vanish them. They are are also afraid f witches. However, Wren knows this is not true. It was the day she was born that her parents were murdered and she knows that the witches are not to be blamed. Therefore, she is determined to claim her throne, even if it is from her own twin sister, so as to restore peace to the kingdom and the witches to their rightful place. Among the rulers of this kingdom and among the people. Not banished beyond the desert! When she decided to take her sister’s place, she didn’t expect to fall in love!
Princess Rose Valhart was the only newborn found that day in the queen’s chamber. She has been raised as a princess and she was taught to fear and hate the witches. She knows that a princess has many responsibilities and she puts her people first. She is determined to do what needs to be done, even if this means that she has to marry the prince of a brutal kingdom. If that’s what’s going to bring peace and prosperity, she will take her chances. But when she wakes up in the middle of nowhere and in the company of a rather handsome kidnapper, her life takes a different turn.
Oh, this one was so good! I liked the whole atmosphere in the book. The two sisters were separated in birth and even Wren knew of Rose’s existence, Rose had no idea! I expected the two of them to be arguing a little more, especially since their meeting was done under strange circumstances. But it seems that they both wanted what was good both for the people and for the witches and also to get revenge on their parents’ deaths.
I really liked that two main characters in this Young Adult Fantasy book. In the beginning it seems that Wren is the powerful and brave young woman. As the story unfolds, we see that her sister Rose has those qualities too. She just needed some time to display them. As twins, they may look alike, but their personalities are so different, which made so much sense! I like each of them for different reasons and I was glad of the ending.
I feel really lucky to listen to this audiobook. Not only was the book written by two authors, but it was narrated by two narrators as well and this only added to the experience. Both narrators did their best to bring their chapters and characters to life. It was awesome!
Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK Audio, Electric Monkey for an advance copy of this book. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.
I thought I would enjoy listening to this audio book. And after the first few chapters, which for me seemed a little dry, I really did enjoy the experience. Tongue-in-cheek fun, romance, twin princesses, villains, friends and enemies. Just an entertaining book from two talented authors. Thank you to Harper Collins Audio UK and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Reminiscent of the Man in the Iron Mask but with strong women, traitorous deceit, magic and a floundering Prince, such a fun read!
The tale of twins separated at birth, one raised by witches and one raised to fear and hate witches. In order to save the Kingdom and reunite the witches from banishment Wren has been trained to infiltrate the Kingdom posing as her twin sister, Rose. Which means Rose is kidnapped and taken away from the comforts of the palace and her life as a Princess, though her life hasn’t been as wonderful as it would seem.
Great character development, enemies to lovers, slow build romance and dark brooding characters, as well as a very silly Prince who made me laugh out loud at times. I really enjoyed the witch magic and the different abilities of each witch.
The audiobook was really good with each narrator playing the role of a sister. This made it really easy to keep up with the multiple POV. The Scottish accent of Shen made me laugh …was it Scottish, I’m not sure but it was certainly entertaining.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
‘Twin Crowns’ is a lively fantasy rom-com, complete with brilliant world-building and some of the best elements of ‘The Parent Trap’!
It follows twin sisters Wren and Rose, who were separated at birth. Wren has been brought up by witches, Rose by palace staff and the loathsome Kingsbreath. They have never met, nor have they experienced any aspect of each other’s lives. That is, at least, until Wren’s best friend kidnaps Rose, allowing Wren to take her place. Wren gets to see what life is like for her twin, and vice versa, allowing for some gorgeous moments of character growth. All the while, Wren and the witches carry out their plot to steal Rose’s soon to be given crown - and the title of Queen.
The two perspectives making up this story were as entertaining and intriguing as each other, and I greatly enjoyed finding out more about all the different characters. Even side characters like Prince Ansel and Celeste were fabulously developed! (Apologies for any misspelling of names; I was lucky enough to listen to the beautifully-read audiobook of this novel so didn’t see them written down!)
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys tropes like found families, enemies to friends and secret romances. It would particularly appeal to anyone with a soft spot for world-building too! The lore around the use of magic and the history of the witches was all fascinating and so well thought-out. The only thing stopping me from giving the book 5 stars is the fact I actually tried reading it a few months ago and put it down around chapter 12! I couldn’t get into it at all at first. With the audiobook though, my attention was grabbed by the fantastic narrators and I’m so glad it was! The rest of the novel was faster-paced and so much fun.