Reviews

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

hej97's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

chelseynhinkle's review against another edition

adventurous challenging inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.75

amandamorriscampbell's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

missgwest's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

worabora's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sewlivi's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

macijay's review against another edition

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

monalyna's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

pageboi31's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

It's been a long time since I've wanted (ahem, needed) to read the next book in a series/duology as quick as I have with The Shepard King duology. One Dark Window was an absolutely amazing book; The worldbuilding was simple yet robust, the characters loveable and the story/lore mysterious and interesting (plus I loved the Nightmare talking in Elspeth's head). Plus, with where the last book left off, I had to know what happens next.

Two Twisted Crowns changes narration between many of the characters in comparison to the first book. Instead of just Elspeth, we now get to see from the perspectives of Elm and Ravyn too! I enjoyed both of these perspectives a lot, as they both have separate journeys going on that build with tension as time goes on. There were a couple times where chapters ended on great cliffhangers and switched to the next perspective (which sometimes drove me crazy!).

The story is two-fold in this book; we get to see Elm and Ione fall in love and search for her missing maiden card, as well as Ravyn and the Nightmare (and crew) go off in search of the twin alders card. Both journeys were done well! At first I was sad to not have the Nightmare talking to Elspeth like the first book had, but instead we get to see Elspeth explore the Shepard King's old memories, which more than made up for it.

Hauth coming back into the fray was unexpected but very welcome (such a good, manipulative villain)

. I also loved that Ione got to redeem herself from what appeared to be a purposeful change in the first book. 

This book ended on such a happy note, which surprised me a little bit. I'm glad the Shepard King was able to right his past mistakes and his "death" was extremely heart-felt. Ravyn being related to the Shepard King (the Yews were originally the Taxus family) makes a lot of sense and was cool to see explained. I also loved that Elm became king and not Ravyn.

Overall, a great conclusion to a great duology! I think I like the first book just a little bit more (plus I was slumping at the start of the book), but both were amazing. I'm excited to see what Rachel Gillig comes out with next.

madisonrharder's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0