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4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The magic system in these books is absolutely incredible—unique, atmospheric, and so deeply tied to the world and its lore. It’s the kind of magic that feels mysterious in the best way, slowly unraveling as the story progresses.
Even though the series is often labeled as fantasy romance, I’d say the romance is more of a quiet undercurrent than a central theme—and honestly, that worked in its favor. The plot leans heavily into rich world-building, dark intrigue, and layered character arcs, which kept me turning pages. The romance is there, but it's subtle and doesn't overshadow the bigger story.
Overall, I’d give it a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐. It’s beautifully written, immersive, and full of that moody, lyrical energy I love in fantasy. I’ll definitely be reading more from Rachel Gillig—her storytelling has a grip.
Highly recommend if you’re into character-driven fantasy with a side of shadowy magic and slow-burn tension.
Even though the series is often labeled as fantasy romance, I’d say the romance is more of a quiet undercurrent than a central theme—and honestly, that worked in its favor. The plot leans heavily into rich world-building, dark intrigue, and layered character arcs, which kept me turning pages. The romance is there, but it's subtle and doesn't overshadow the bigger story.
Overall, I’d give it a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐. It’s beautifully written, immersive, and full of that moody, lyrical energy I love in fantasy. I’ll definitely be reading more from Rachel Gillig—her storytelling has a grip.
Highly recommend if you’re into character-driven fantasy with a side of shadowy magic and slow-burn tension.
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
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
Actually enjoyed this one more than the first!! Love nightmare and elspeths relationship 💗
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
This series deserves so much more attention. Impeccable writing, great storyline & fantastic characters. I'm so sad to finish it & can't wait to see what other books this author has in store for us
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
Two Twisted Crowns is the final book in the Shepard King Duology. This review will contain spoilers for One Dark Window as it is the sequel. This review also contains spoilers for this book’s relationships and who is and is not around at the start of the book, but not plot points.
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I feel this book likely deserves better than what I am giving it as I was really struggling in general while reading this book (thank you capitalism). As a result, I know some of my struggle to focus on the book was outside of its control. However, I will say, something both good and bad shifted in this book. I can’t say I really cared about Ravayn or Elspeth in this book, which is a shame because I adored them both in ODW. I think there are several reasons for this.
- I was obsessed with Elm. Ione was fine, and I liked her well enough, but because of the effects of the Maiden card it was hard to really connect with her (and I already didn’t love her character before the Maiden Card). Elm though, really ticked the boxes. Good, clever, tragic, and funny? Really, the perfect MMC, which made him overshadow Ravyn.
- The POVs were a little….strange. Elspeth were all first person (even when they weren’t her’s, IFYKYK), but all other POVs were third person, making the reading experience a little jarring at times.
That being said, I think the plot was great and the pacing was perfect. The vibes were also just as strong as in ODW. Gillig did a great job pulling things together from beginning (of book one) to end (of this book). I’ll likely pick up anything she writes.
adventurous
dark
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed it, but it didn’t pull me along as much as the first one did. I think it was too many narrators for me to clearly track with on audio (and the voice for Elm wasn’t working for me). Still, a fun world to inhabit (especially when present political reality aligns with the bad guys).