BOOK REVIEW
Two Twisted Crowns - Rachel Gillig
After reading the first in the Shepherd King duology, One Dark Window, a few weeks ago (check out that review here) I couldn't wait to start with this second and final part. I had been captured by the magic and story, and I wanted to know what was next for Ravyn, Elspeth, and Nightmare in their search to free Blunder from the mist, the curse, by finding the remaining Providence Cards to complete the deck.
In the luscious, dark conclusion to the series that began with One Dark Window, Elspeth must face the consequences of what she's wrought - perfect for readers of Hannah Whitten's For the Wolf and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one remains to be found. The Twin Alders.
If they are going to find it before the Solstice and cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it, they will need to journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom.
And the only one who can lead them there is the monster that shares Elspeth's head. The Nightmare. And he's not eager to share any longer.
MY REVIEW
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
I really enjoyed One Dark Window, and also gave it 4 stars, but Two Twisted Crowns blew it out of the water in many ways if I'm honest. Rachel Gillig built on the first book and created a compelling and gorgeous story that gave it life. Where the first book introduced the world and the magic this one shone a light on the characters, their individual stories, and gave me my "book boyfriend" in Elm.
The book has two separate storylines, interwoven with a common goal. While Ravyn (sexy Snape) and Elspeth/Nightmare search for the Twin Alders, Elm (Ravyn's cousin and son of the King of Blunder) and Ione (Elspeth's cousin) have their own quest, back home in Blunder. Ione used one of the Providence Cards which was then taken from her, so the magic stayed with her, taking more of her individuality with every passing day. Elm and Ione start working together to find the card and cease its hold on her.
Elm and Ione's developing relationship had me absolutely hooked from the start. Their banter, bickering, and longing were so exquisitely written that I couldn't wait for them to finally succumb to their feelings.
The character development for both of these characters was absolutely on point. From side-characters in the first book to absolute show-stoppers in this one, they both went through a tremendous arc (individually and as a couple). So much so that I entirely forgot about Ravyn and Elspeth during some parts of the book. Their relationship had been more based on a physical attraction and desire, whereas Elm and Ione felt deeper and a more real connection.
There's also much more development of the Nightmare character and I was afforded an insight into his past, his motives, and his desires. While Ravyn and Elspeth are still key characters, their romance is no longer the focus, which really showcased the brilliant storytelling and allowed me to focus on how the story was being woven around me.
The story followed a natural arc, with individual moments, successes, challenges and failures all moving the plot forward towards the conclusion. There are many "mini-challenges" (like side quests on a video game!) all connected to the one main goal, which slotted into my mind like episodes. In fact, This duology would make an excellent limited series with romance, suspense, magic, and drama. A perfect combination for a great TV show, which I would 100% watch!
The narrator again did an excellent job, giving the characters their own tone, manner, and personality. She does this evil chuckle whenever a "bad guy" laughs menacingly, which really suited the Nightmare character, though when it happened when any of the other unpleasant folks were laughing, I thought Nightmare was around. So brilliantly had she managed to make that laugh part of his character in the first book, that it almost took away from the other characters. Although, in all fairness, how many ways are there to laugh menacingly without sounding the same as someone else?
For me, this was a great introductory Fantasy/Romantasy series. The world-building was great - but with the world only comprising Blunder, with no unknown creatures to contend with, it wasn't of the epic proportions created in some other fantasy series This helped me to feel comfortable with, and grasp, the lore and magic which, in turn, allowed me to focus on the brilliant story.
I loved being part of their world and seeing their journey conclude. It put a great smile on my face!
For anyone who enjoys Romantasy, or anyone who is (like me) new to the genre, this is a great series to get your teeth in to. This second book really sealed the deal for me and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
Rachel Gillig has a new book called The Knight and the Moth, coming out in early 2025. It sounds incredible, all mystical and gothic, and if this duology is anything to go by, it will be worth the wait!
Check out my video review:
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