Utter perfection. This might just be the best sequel I've ever read - all of the might and magic of the first book is still here, this time with fresh character POVs and exciting story dynamics. I even managed to sort-of get over a character being called Ravyn, like some embarrassing rebellious and edge-lord ex-Mormon, and that was very big of me. Two Twisted Crowns just felt like a natural progression of the first book without being predictable. I loved every second of it.

9/10

The anxiety I felt in the last 20% was unmatched. Two Twisted Crowns was the perfect ending for The Shepherd King Duology and as someone who has forever loved an anti hero the Nightmare was a wonderful character. At first I felt myself waiting for every Elspeth chapter but Ione and Elm really came into their own. It would be nice to see them pop up in another book one day!

This was so good! I loved One Dark Window so my expectations were high.
It did not disappoint. The pacing was great, the world building was lush and the slight change on leading characters was immersive and exciting.
It gave strong tortured gothic vibes. There's more lore and explanation for some of the Providence cards which I really enjoyed. More back history for the Shepherd King which was excellent and extensive. The love story that develops between two characters was hot and honest and illicited all the emotions. There was a bigger feeling of urgency in this book which was relevant and engaging, I couldn't put it down. I feel the story was wrapped up brilliantly, I'll take all the spin offs in this world please!

I absolutely loved this book. Perfect for the spooky season, just like the first one, and I really enjoyed it a lot. I loved being inside the nightmare's head, delving into their past, understanding everything that led them to become who they are now. It was fascinating to see how both the protagonist and everyone around her interact with the entity possessing her body. I also loved Elm's storyline, who remains my favorite character in the whole series, even though Ravyn gained many points. The writing continues to be a strong point, and the setting is just dark enough without crossing into horror. Truly a book I would recommend, especially during this time.

Follows on days from the end of One Dark Window, Two Twisted Crowns sets a blistering pace through Blunder and into the Mists to find the Twin Alders card.

The same characters, though differing storytelling in book 2, the book is absolutely fantastic, and I found it hard to put down. The story was tense and kept me hooked. Again, the magic system was fresh and different, and I loved how it was expanded upon.

I enjoyed seeing more of Ravyn and Elm, and of course Elspeth. I loved the Nightmare so much in this one, especially as his back story began to unravel. The expansion of Ione's story was very well done and to be honest it was just a fantastic read.

A very satisfy conclusion to a hauntingly beautiful story.
I loved that we had even more characters points of view and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent on Elm and Iones relationship.

I didn’t think it would be possible but I loved this book more than one dark window, we still follow Elspeth but we are given pov’s from the other characters, although theirs are in 3rd person but I didn’t find that hard to follow as Elspeth’s are still in first, we find out so much more about the Shepard King in this book and it’s a lot darker than the first but I couldn’t put it down.
This has got to be the easies 5* I’ve given and I can’t wait to read more from Rachel Gillig. I will definitely be rereading this duet again

I loved this book ,in short it's amazing,I expected this book to follow the main 2 characters as the first one did ,even though it was they're story ,other characters were rounded out which was really nice to read.
I love the plot ,the characters are loveable, j would definitely read this series again and any other future books from this author.
If you love unique magic systems ,creepy woods ,character development and an immersive world read this book

A great conclusion to this duology. I really love the tone of these books, very dark and magical. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Unfortunately the formatting made it very difficult for me to read.

4,5 / 5

I liked One Dark Window way more than I thought so naturally I had to keep reading and Two Twisted Crowns did not disappoint!

It was even better than book 1. I really really enjoyed the writing and the atmosphere of the book. I am a sucker for a good rhyme and both books delivered on that front paired with a very intriguing story.
Do I dare to say that the characters of book 2 were almost more interesting than from book 1 ? Maybe.

While One Dark Window was entirely from Elspeth’s perspective, Two Twisted Crowns is told from several pov’s and I am happy it is, because after the end of ODW, I was curious how the story will progress from there.

We got the full backstory on the Shepherd King’s past and how it connects with the present. Some of the things you could guess from book 1, but nothing that would ruin the story.
Did I cry at some parts ? Yes. Obviously I did.

Besides the Shepherd King, Ione and Elm (loved them together!) and even Hauth, to some degree, turned out to be very interesting characters.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this duology and I am excited for any future Rachel Gillig books.

Two Twisted Crowns, the highly anticipated sequel to One Dark Window was a satisfying conclusion to Elspeth, Ravyn and the gang’s intense journey to solving the mist and the torment the Providence cards have ensued.
After a dramatic ending to the first book, Elspeth is now imprisoned in the palace after Nightmare, or the Shepherd King took over her mind and body entirely. Ravyn is trying his best to get Elspeth back, but the only solution appears to be collecting all twelve cards, although Nightmare keeps saying she’s gone for good.
What I enjoyed the most in Two Twisted Crowns was Elm and Ione’s chapters. I was definitely more invested in what was happening with them. After Ione’s betrothed, Hauth, was critically injured at the hands of Elspeth, she is being kept on a tight leash in the palace as the King suspects she was aware of Elspeth’s infection. Elm, the other Rowan prince is on edge since the King had turned his attention to him in case Hauth doesn’t recover and Elm will be expected to be heir. Ione and Elm find friendship in each other as they hunt for Ione’s Maiden Card. It was strange seeing Ione with no emotion to anything really, but it appeared she had a tiny reaction to Elm’s charms. It was awful seeing how she was manipulated and abused at Hauth’s hands, and I really hoped she would escape that marriage.
Meanwhile, Ravyn and the Nightmare leave the palace on the hunt for the Twin Alder cards. These chapters focused on Ravyn, Nightmare, Jespyr and a few others as they followed clues to find their destination. I struggled with these chapters. Not much was happening, and I ended up skimming at points.
Elspeth did have her own P.O.V as she was in some sort of dreamscape with the Nightmare’s deceased children which was strange. Again, it was all a bit boring.
I think the penultimate moment between Ravyn and Elspeth was really dismissed and happened so quickly that I honestly don’t remember much of it.
Elm and Ione’s story was spicier and more interesting for me but overall, it was a good conclusion to this duology. I look forward to seeing Rachel Gillig’s next work.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to read the eARC Two Twisted Crowns. I absolutely devoured the first book and regretted not picking it up sooner.
This book was amazing and once again had me drawn into this magical fantasy world that the author created. The multiple POV’s were great, I especially loved the new POV that we got as I felt that it added great depth and a new perspective to the story.
The POV’s were Elspeth/Nightmare, Ravyn, & Elm. Elspeth takes more of a back seat in this book compared to book one. Elm was such a delight to read and understand. I loved that stories wove perfectly together and I felt that the romance was perfect too!

I really love the authors writing style and found it flowed so nicely throughout the book. The world building was woven perfectly with the magic system and I loved learning the history of the magic cards and the system.

The plot had a good steady pace throughout the book and I love that nothing felt rushed or unfinished to me.

This was such a beautiful duology and I can’t recommend it enough.
It was such a unique fantasy that I will definitely have to reread in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I AM SO SAD THIS DUOLOGY IS OVER.
Rachel Gillig has created one of the most unique magic system and world ever existed! Two Twisted Corwns is the perfect disclosure to The Shepherd King duology and it was perfectly delivering action, darkness, love and redemption.

I loved that in this second book Jespyr, Ravyn and Elspeth/The King went on the journey to find the last card from the deck and they had to face a lot of hardships, danger and riddles from the Spirit of the Woods. We were also able to follow Ione and Elm’s shenanigans in the castle and their blooming alliance.

All in all, this was fantastic, I flew through the pages and wish there would be more! OBSESSED WITH IT.

Thank you so much the publisher for this eAr!

Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

This book had me clasped by the throat from the very start and did not let go until the end. The perfect October read - lush, atmospheric, gothic, TERRIFYING.

This has everything a second book needs - the stakes were higher, the story unwinds further, and the reveals leave you reeling. We get to know certain characters so much more in this one, and it adds a great new perspective to the story. The pacing stays consistent, with equal care being given to exciting plot points and action sequences, as well as introspective character development and relationship development. Overall, I’m left completely satisfied (and also slightly broken - I was crying by the end…) with how the duology comes to a close.

My only complaint is a nitpicky one, and not enough to tarnish the 5 stars this book wholly deserves. However, I would kill for just one more chapter - paragraph, sentence, anything. I felt like the book was building and building towards a certain scene, and there was zero pay off in this regard, and I’m slightly heartbroken about it.

Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

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.