A review by amanda_reads13
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

emotional hopeful 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

4.5

Elspeth's mind is now completely taken over by Nightmare. We follow the group as the continue to search for the Twin Adler card. 

I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. First off, I am so glad that it switched to multiple POVs. It added so much more to the story and character development. Also, I really liked that there was a lot more world building and history of the magic throughout the book. For those who found the first book slow, the pace was a lot faster in this one. 

I am so glad we got Nightmare's POV. That was exactly what I was looking for. In the first book, I found it was lacking information about his story and motivation. In book two, we got all that and so much more. We learn about the creation of the cards, his family, and the truth of what happened to him.
He was betrayed by his captain, Brutus Rowan. Brutus murdered his entire family and took the crown for himself.
He is definitely the most interesting character for me. We see how the magic completely twisted his priorities. 

In this book, we also get Rayvn and Elm's POVs. We get to see the development of Elm and Ione's relationship. They are so cute together.
I thought it was a smart choice to make Elm king over Rayvn. Though still within the Rowan line, he was so unlike any king before him.


Adding Ravyn's POV added a lot of emotion to the story. We see his story reflecting that of
The Shepherd King. Yet while Nightmare is willing to sacrifice anything for magic, even his sister, Rayvn is only willing to  sacrifice himself. Though I did see this coming, we find out that Rayvn is a descendent of the Shepherd King. The King's eldest son escaped Brutus' slaughter and went on to change his last name to Yew.


I love how they ended up using Hauth's blood to unite the deck. Justice. 


Tropes: found family
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