I unwittingly read this, overlooking it was the 2nd book of a duology, but have to say this made no difference to my enjoyment.

It has a different magical edge to it, in the use of providence cards with given powers, set in a dark and atmospheric world. There is much built into the story from political intrigue, power, big trust issues, as well as complex family relationships, a bit of romance and lots of mystery and intrigue.

I thoroughly enjoyed the lore and story that is weaved in, with its layered meaning. It gave it a haunting fairy-tale effect. Depicting how things were as in "the two were together, so the two were the same. the girl, the king, and the monster they became” I found the relationship between the Nightmare and the girl to be fascinating- how they are intertwined in an etheral way, but influential in an auspicious way nonetheless.

There is cruelty and brutality all from a corrupt place of power and fear to control and inhibit others. There is much to keep up with. The characters have great traits, some you are behind and some you are not. It is a complex plot made clear by how things end as they did and what was needed to bring it to its denouement. Nothing I could have ever guessed. There is loads of tension, good pace and immersive depictions of all that is going on. I remained intrigued from beginning to end.

This was better than book 1 in my opinion! The action and plot really picked up, balanced well with the sweetest romance storyline in Elm’s POV
I think I liked the romance between Elm & Ione even more than Rayvn and Elspbeth! I could have read this as a standalone and been happy with the fast pace fantasy plot and tortured hero side plot romance!
While this book really worked for me and was enjoyable I am still not in love with the magic system, I can appreciate the card magic and how unique it is but its just not to my taste.

The dark, mysterious, sentient woods was definitely a vibe and overall I would recommend this duology

Two Twisted Crowns is a hunk of emo, goth romance goodness and I loved every page of it. The mist is still making people sick, Elspeth has been possessed by a magical entity that has been hunkered down in her mind since she was a child, Ravyn is losing his shit about it so Gilligs focus turns to Prince Elm, often overlooked always underrated. It’s tightly plotted the writing flow and all the ends are neatly tied for a satisfying conclusion. Loved it.

The second and conclusive book for this series was extremely tightly written. The plot is emotional and still manages to add something to the world we already think we know (or so we were led to believe in the previous one).
In the first book, the hidden nightmare has now been freed and is in charge of leading the rebels and/or the king to the last missing card that might result in the final victory between the mist and the rulers. I say and/or because there are double-crossers on each side (in some form or the other), and the one-upmanship will only be decided in someone's favour when they are the last person standing.
I loved the additional voices we have access to in this book. In the previous one, the second son of the king and Elsepeth's cousin are but side characters whom the central people rely on for emotional support while they are having their own mental turmoils. This time around, their own hopes and dreams, as well as their romance, take centre stage. It is the focal point as the other pair struggle to make their way back to each other.
The romance is strong but does not take away (in this and the first, which should be read in order) from the world-building and the struggle of the people within the world.
The book does not even feel long despite all the things that happen within its pages and its almost five hundred page count.
I would highly recommend the author and these two books to fans of the fantasy genre or even romance fans who do not mind delving into the fantasy genre.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this eARC of Two Twisted Crowns.
I'm deeply amazed by this book. It was the conclusion you could wish for. I'm in love with the world's characters. The story is full of twists and turns. And I loved how it ended. A good conclusion for his duolology.

3.5

Two Twisted Crowns continues directly on from the dramatic finale of One Dark Window, as the sequel explores the repercussions of the choices made from the first book and the pursuit of the Twin Alders cards.

It had been sometime between reading One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns and I was initially confused with who was who (other than Elspeth, Rayven and The Nightmare) and having to remember certain parts of the plot from the first book, so I recommend reading these books close together. Because of this, it initially took some time to get into this book, although Gillig’s prose continued to captivate and the creepy and ominous atmosphere was a joy to read.

I appreciated the expansion of The Nightmare’s characterisation, who continued to be one of the more engaging and intriguing characters. I also enjoyed learning more about Elm and Ione individually and what was explored (from their backstories, to costs and weight of using the maiden card, and to the emotional arc that these characters brought to this book), but I wasn’t as invested in them together. As for the protagonist from One Dark Window, Elspeth featured less in this story than the first, although I understand why this was the case. As a result, Elspeth and Rayvn’s relationship felt less developed in this book.

Although there were exciting action scenes and moments, sometimes the shifting of POVs at those moments disrupted the urgency and flow, skewing the pacing for the stakes introduced in this book.

I still have questions regarding the cards and their use, and a few unresolved plot aspects, but I still found the magic system and worldbuilding engrossing. However, despite being a little disappointed in the end with the finding of the Twin Alders cards (because it ended up feeling a tad too easy), overall I enjoyed the ending, especially the father–daughter-type moment between Elspeth and The Nightmare, which was a touching goodbye and made for a good wrap up to the series.

I look forward to reading what Rachel Gillig writes next.

What a sequel!! I sometimes find it difficult to enjoy the sequel as much as the first books in duologies/Trilogies but I can safely say that this lived up to everything that I hoped it would! The pacing, the characters and their further developments and everything in between just makes this a stunning finale!

An amazing conclusion to an amazing duology! Though I did miss Ravyn and Elspeth interacting, we got lots of other content and character development instead. I still wish we'd seen more of their romance though! I loved Elm's story in this book and that he got a more prominent role here as well as his own POV. I adored the world building and getting a glimpse into how the Shepherd King came to be, the magic system was unique, which we knew and loved from the previous book but I still appreciated seeing more of it, and the last chapters had me laughing, crying and gasping. I couldn't put it down for the life of me! Definitely a perfect fall/ winter read and now one of my favourite duologies out there.

"And though it had taken slow, painful time, I knew who I was without him. I was more than the girl, the King, and the monster of Blunder's dark, twisted tale. I was its author."

There are certain books and series that you know, within the first chapter, will be a lifetime favourite for you - and this series is one of them for me. I finished this series a few days ago, and I'm still thinking about it and the characters.

This is how you do it - THIS is how you write a sequel.

The first thing to say is that Rachel Gillig can WRITE. Her use of language, storytelling and pacing could not be more spot on - and her characterisation is just brilliant. I loved this duology - more than I ever thought I would. It's gothic, its dark, but its full of light and life too - I loved every part of it.

The sequel to One Dark Window is everything it should be - immediately drawing the reader back into the unique gothic fantasy world of Blunder. I loved the different POV's - I thought they really added dimension to the story.

For certain, I will DEVOUR anything this author puts out in the future.

Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC

This book... This is how you write a sequel!
Fast paced with a brilliant magic system and well written and well developed characters with different story lines that keeps you wanting to keep reading

I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked and read the entire thing in one sitting. I loved the action and the relationship between the nightmare and Elsbeth!

This duology has restored my faith in romantic fantasy!

Dark, creepy, and atmospheric, this felt so rich with ideas and the relationships were forged so deftly, I couldn't put it down. I slept on One Dark Window, and as soon as I read it, I had to read the sequel, feeling very lucky that I had an e-arc ready to go!

Unlike some of the hyped romantasies I've read, I didn't have to switch my brain off for this one, the conversations, plot, and relationship development made sense to me. The unpicking of emotional baggage and past trauma didn't feel contrived, and there was one particular part of this that actually made me cry and feel so much for the characters, I haven't had that in a while and I think that's a pretty big achievement given that this book still has some of the same popular tropes we see elsewhere, they're just done in a more natural and interesting way, at least to me personally. After recommending this to a couple of my friends, they have felt the same way. I have now ordered a special edition of this, this book deserves to have some great artwork, and special editions, there's some great imagery in the dark forests, the mists, the castles, and the providence cards.

I know there's not much here about the plot, or characters, but this is a sequel, and I really don't want to spoil One Dark Window for anyone who stumbles across this review first, but kudos to Rachel for making me care about the main characters in this book in particular!

I'll be looking out for more by Rachel Gillig.

Now this is how you write a sequel in a duology! The world building was properly done in the first book but I love how this continued to build the world and atmosphere of the series. There's a lot of duologies out there that don't feel like duologies at all, like the second book is just a #1.5 instead of a #2 and I am so happy Two Twisted Crowns didn't become like that. Every decision Rachel made for this book was perfectly chosen. I saw each character grew and learned by the end of the book. I hope Rachel Gillig continues to write more cause this is amazing!

The captivating and enigmatic two-part series delves into a town plagued by a curse, where magical cards and enchanted trees hold secrets. This novel flawlessly blends elements of gothic, mystery, and eerie ambiance, unraveling the enigma of the twin alders card and the Shepherd King's enigmatic past. With its clever dialogue, heart-pounding action, and irresistibly passionate romance, it offers an irresistible combination of thrills and allure.

“Be wary, Be clever, Be good”

Six words and I’m all choked up.

This was a fantastic conclusion to The Shepherd King duology. This second and final instalment expanded our time spent with our favourite secondary characters while Elspeth took a back seat with her BFF the Nightmare. She deserved a bit of a break after the chaos she instilled at the end of book one. To put it mildly. But by the end of Two Twisted Crowns I felt like I had joined the gang and would happily fight any battles for Elspeth, Jespyr, Elm (omg he stole a piece of me), Ravyn, Ione and even the Nightmare (got to love us some sassy, prickly kings with a soft heart learning from their mistakes- even if they might still murder one or two people…). Found family is my weak spot.

Due to switching POVs and settings, as well as keeping track of past flashbacks and magical lore, there was definitely a lot to take in but the short chapters and fast pace meant it was hard to put down for long. I loved the exploration around magic and sacrifice and consequences. It was something that really stood out while exploring the effects faced by the Maiden and, of course, what the Shepherd King actually lost that we began to see in the first book. I loved the dynamic between the Nightmare and Elspeth, how he took care of her in his own way and how their relationship developed but also the struggle over access to her own body. I saw Rachel had written about her idea of the Nightmare coming from that dark voice in your head and that duality and struggle that brought about reflection and kindness as well as conflict really stood out to me.

The book continues to be haunting and atmospheric, with more chilling rhymes and riddles that stick with you throughout the journey to lift the mist. Especially when you learn the history and cost behind each card! I loved that every piece of information in this series felt like it had a point and purpose. The emotion behind every subplot and character arc was dense and developed and packed full of emotion- the growing relationship behind Ione and Elm and the struggles she faced dealing in the aftermath of being bartered, used and now having the effects of a card herself just hit me so hard. Although it feels mildly overt at times, Rachel tackles so many important issues including misogyny, toxic masculinity and the expectations placed on women and men.

I feel like I could constantly reread the series and get more from it each time. I can’t wait to see what Rachel writes next!

4.5⭐
"Two Twisted Crowns" is the second and final volume of Rachel Gillig's "The Shepherd King" dilogy, a sequel absolutely worthy of the first volume.
The book is set four days after the epilogue of "One Dark Window", but this time it is not only Elspeth who narrates her story in the first person, but we also follow Ravyn and Elm. I really appreciated the choice to include multiple points of view, in fact I will always be a great supporter of multi-pov, especially when the secondary characters have strong potential, as in the case of this dilogy, and if in the first volume I had become fond of Elm, in the I think I'm in love with it.
These characters move along two different narrative lines, in fact Ravyn, aided by the Nightmare, and Elm have two very distinct tasks and for this reason they are separated for much of the volume. I admit that I missed the interactions between Ravyn, Elspeth and Elm a little, but I think that the plot was developed really well and that in this way the author managed to give enough space to everyone.
As for the romance, in this second volume the story of Elspeth and Ravyn doesn't have the same resonance as it had in the first (for obvious reasons), but we have a new ship, which I preferred.
There were several really interesting plot twists and turns, and I really appreciated how the dilogy ended, I was also moved, but perhaps I would have expected a little more from the epilogue. I don't know, I always need much longer epilogues in fantasy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with this ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my arc of this book!

It took me a while to get through because I was in a slump - which was not the books fault but once I got into the book god did I love and devour it!

The concept of this is so different and unique and I think the length of this duology and the conclusion was perfect. Everything wrapped up nicely and I have no questions left unanswered!

I will read everything Rachel Gillig puts out in future.

A massive 4.5 stars

“𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒆𝒘, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍.”

In the enchanting realm of dark fantasy, Rachel Gillig's "Two Twisted Crowns" unfolds as a narrative masterpiece, guiding me through a mesmerizing journey filled with magic, intrigue, and profound choices. It's the perfect blend of big personalities, epic character relationships, and a slightly messy, adventurous plot that kept me hooked and wanting for more.

“𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒙. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆.”

The way One Dark Window ended, I had no idea how the author would continue the story but she used such a smart way to do it 💖 The plot is mainly following three gripping storylines – the otherworldly dream state, the hunt for the final Providence card, and the battle for the throne. Each plotline moves at a brisk pace, keeping the excitement alive. The magic system continues to shine and we learn a lot more of it through this book, adding layers of intrigue and making me care about the cards and how they interact with the characters. Elspeth and Nightmare's relationship remains the crown jewel of the story. Nightmare's role in the story surprised me in the best way possible, and Elspeth, while taking a backseat at times, acts as a crucial bridge between humanity and the captivating cast of characters.

Gillig's characters shine as the pièce de résistance of the story. She crafts her villains with a brush steeped in the pure essence of malevolence, while her heroes become an intricate tapestry of flaws and redemption. The spotlight on characters like Elm and Ione, especially after the gripping cliffhanger of One Dark Window, exemplifies Gillig's audacious approach to defy conventions and infuse her tale with layers of depth.

“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒅𝒆, 𝒍𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓.”

This book is a whirlwind of emotions, beautifully captured through Gillig's evocative writing. At every twist and turn, it intricately weaves darkness with beauty, and hope with despair. She nailed the gothic vibes, and it's easily the most atmospheric book I've read in a while. The entire setting is dripping with the kind of dark, mysterious energy that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and get lost in the story. While the trajectory of the narrative may have been anticipated, Gillig's brilliance lies in her presentation—dark, twisted, poetic, and metalinguistic. The predictability of the outcome doesn't diminish its impact; instead, it enhances the journey, making each moment all the more poignant.

Two Twisted Crowns not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them. It's not just a sequel, but a magnum opus in its own right. It addressed all the small issues I had with the first book and Gillig penned a tale that's both hauntingly beautiful and intensely gripping. It stands as a testament to her talent, weaving a finale that is hard to forget and impossible not to love and I couldn't have imagined a better way to end the series.

The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig just joined my all time favourites list. I finished the conclusion, Two Twisted Crowns, today and when I say it gave me everything I wanted and more I really mean it! I absolutely adored One Dark Window and I’m so happy that Two Twisted Crowns lived up to the precedent set in book one.

I was initially nervous going into this that there was so much weight on characters that were prevalent but not the main characters in book one. I was left so pleasantly surprised and completely wrong in my worries because Rachel Gillig blew it out of the park and the characters I wasn’t even wholly sure I wanted to know more about might have somehow become my favourites!

Such an amazing follow up to an incredible first book. Loved this one! The gothic vibes were perfect and I loved the new romance.