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_pipreads_ 's review for:
Two Twisted Crowns
by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Sheperd King duology reads like a retelling of a dark fairytale. If you told me this was based on an old Grimms Brothers story, I would believe you. And that really works for me. The atmosphere is palpable throughout both books, but especially this one. The story isn't incredibly intricate, and the "plot twists" are all very predictable, but it's reads to me like that is the intention of the story. In the same way the plot twists in a lot of old fairytales are very predictable. The highlights of this story is the relationship between the characters and the journey they all go on. For me, the strongest journey/relationship is that of Elspeth and the Nightmare. Their ending had me in tears at 3 in the morning. Even the slight mention of The Shepherd King in the epilogue made me well up slightly. The journey that they both take as individuals, but also their relationship with each other feels so real. The love they have for each other by the end leaps off the pages of the book. The Nightmare balances being both gentle and cruel depending on what he thinks Elspeth needs. And Elspeth learns her bravery and strength through the support of the Nightmare. I think their relationship will stick with me a long time after reading.
The relationship between Ione and Elm was also fantastic. I think I almost prefer their romance over Elspeth and Ravyn. The tension was fantastic without ever having to rely on the usual romantasy tropes. The use of the Maiden card gives their whole relationship a completely unique twist that, when undone, is so satisfying.
My one qualm is that I think Elms importance to the story feels a little out of nowhere. I was so surprised to see he would be getting POV chapters when I opened the contents page. While it makes sense why he needs these POV chapters, I think if we had his POV in the first book too, it wouldn't have felt so out of place. And I think his POV in the first book would have only added to my enjoyment of it.
This duology has for sure made its way into my favourite fantasy books list. I look forward to reading more from Gillig in the future!
The relationship between Ione and Elm was also fantastic. I think I almost prefer their romance over Elspeth and Ravyn. The tension was fantastic without ever having to rely on the usual romantasy tropes. The use of the Maiden card gives their whole relationship a completely unique twist that, when undone, is so satisfying.
My one qualm is that I think Elms importance to the story feels a little out of nowhere. I was so surprised to see he would be getting POV chapters when I opened the contents page. While it makes sense why he needs these POV chapters, I think if we had his POV in the first book too, it wouldn't have felt so out of place. And I think his POV in the first book would have only added to my enjoyment of it.
This duology has for sure made its way into my favourite fantasy books list. I look forward to reading more from Gillig in the future!