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The Shepherd King #2
Two Twisted Crowns
In the dark, spellbinding sequel to One Dark Window, Elspeth must confront the weight of her actions as she and Ravyn embark on a perilous quest to save the kingdom—perfect for readers of Hannah Whitten's For the Wolf and Alexis Henderson's The Year of the Witching.
Gripped by a tyrant king and in the thrall of dark magic, the kingdom is in peril. Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last—and most important—one remains to be the Twin Alders. If they’re going to find the card before Solstice and set free the kingdom, they will need to journey through the dangerous mist-cloaked forest. The only one who can lead them through is the monster that shares Elspeth’s head: the Nightmare.
And he’s not eager to share any longer.
Praise for One Dark Window:
"Enthralling from beginning to shocking end." —Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf
"Pulse pounding, darkly whimsical, and aglow with treacherous magic." —Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
Gripped by a tyrant king and in the thrall of dark magic, the kingdom is in peril. Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last—and most important—one remains to be the Twin Alders. If they’re going to find the card before Solstice and set free the kingdom, they will need to journey through the dangerous mist-cloaked forest. The only one who can lead them through is the monster that shares Elspeth’s head: the Nightmare.
And he’s not eager to share any longer.
Praise for One Dark Window:
"Enthralling from beginning to shocking end." —Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf
"Pulse pounding, darkly whimsical, and aglow with treacherous magic." —Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
430 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2023
About the author
Rachel Gillig
6 books12.1k followersRachel Gillig was born and raised on the California coast. She is a writer, with a B.A. in Literary Theory and Criticism from UC Davis. If she is not ensconced in blankets dreaming up her next novel, Rachel is in her garden or walking with her husband, son, and their poodle, Wally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34,119 reviews
October 2, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is how you write a sequel:
You make me care about the secondary characters so much than when I pick up a sequel and half the chapters follow them, I become excited.
You give me a new romance plot involving them, instead of creating unnecessary conflict between the couple we followed during the first book, and instead give them something important to do, now that we've already stablished they're in love, not questioning it again but not leaving us (me, really) without the fun of a new one.
You expand on the lore without having a character info dump or have flashbacks, and instead create an interesting reason as to why we're able to see the past now.
The last step to creating a great sequel is being Rachel Gillig, honestly.
The Taylor playlist:
-Out of the woods
-evermore
-Slut!
-Haunted
Now for spoilers out of context
Elspeth and The Nightmare in the cell
The nightmare insisting on carrying Jespyr
Emory talking to grown-ups after getting his grove back
Elm getting on a horse when Ione showed up in another grey dress
Everyone seeing Elspeth's eyes
You make me care about the secondary characters so much than when I pick up a sequel and half the chapters follow them, I become excited.
You give me a new romance plot involving them, instead of creating unnecessary conflict between the couple we followed during the first book, and instead give them something important to do, now that we've already stablished they're in love, not questioning it again but not leaving us (me, really) without the fun of a new one.
You expand on the lore without having a character info dump or have flashbacks, and instead create an interesting reason as to why we're able to see the past now.
The last step to creating a great sequel is being Rachel Gillig, honestly.
The Taylor playlist:
-Out of the woods
-evermore
-Slut!
-Haunted
Now for spoilers out of context
Elspeth and The Nightmare in the cell
The nightmare insisting on carrying Jespyr
Emory talking to grown-ups after getting his grove back
Elm getting on a horse when Ione showed up in another grey dress
Everyone seeing Elspeth's eyes
December 1, 2023
ate, devoured, feasted, and licked the plate clean! now that’s how you write a mfing sequel. this book was so good now i wanna stare into a solar eclipse ‼️
my teeth are scraping on cement because this book gave us more povs, romance, action, drama, tension, suspense, world building, sassy dead kings, questionable hygiene practices, characters that get everything coming at them, and plot that actually caught my attention and basically took me out like an assault rifle 🫴🏽
the sequel picks off a little after the events of the first book. the plots starts kicking in immediately. we get Ravyn, Elms, and Elspeth's/Nightmare's pov and it was the best decision this author made. didn't think i'd latch this hard onto Elm's pov like i was a newborn baby gorilla taking the beast's tit for the first time. 🦍
Elms is hard yet soft. compassionate and gentle and loving and delicate and poetic and grumpy and MINE🧍🏻♀️ the way he so effortlessly protects Ione. like his next breath depends on it. lays down the entire kingdom for his girl and ain't even his girl yet. moved mountains, drew her(picaso🤌🏽), healed her, and made her feel wanted... forget getting destroyed, that man thoroughly atomized me; not even my shadow remains.😶🌫️
this book was men clawing at the ends of the earth for their women, rewriting history, and sacrificing anyone in the way of their happily ever afters. reading this book felt like turning into a werewolf. this authors writing style is a force to be reckoned with. so fucking good 🤩
my teeth are scraping on cement because this book gave us more povs, romance, action, drama, tension, suspense, world building, sassy dead kings, questionable hygiene practices, characters that get everything coming at them, and plot that actually caught my attention and basically took me out like an assault rifle 🫴🏽
the sequel picks off a little after the events of the first book. the plots starts kicking in immediately. we get Ravyn, Elms, and Elspeth's/Nightmare's pov and it was the best decision this author made. didn't think i'd latch this hard onto Elm's pov like i was a newborn baby gorilla taking the beast's tit for the first time. 🦍
Elms is hard yet soft. compassionate and gentle and loving and delicate and poetic and grumpy and MINE🧍🏻♀️ the way he so effortlessly protects Ione. like his next breath depends on it. lays down the entire kingdom for his girl and ain't even his girl yet. moved mountains, drew her(picaso🤌🏽), healed her, and made her feel wanted... forget getting destroyed, that man thoroughly atomized me; not even my shadow remains.😶🌫️
this book was men clawing at the ends of the earth for their women, rewriting history, and sacrificing anyone in the way of their happily ever afters. reading this book felt like turning into a werewolf. this authors writing style is a force to be reckoned with. so fucking good 🤩
November 5, 2023
4.5⭐️ this book has showed me that I don’t think I’ve been reading quality fantasy LOL. THIS WAS QUALITY. THE CHARACTERS, THE WORLD, THE STORYLINE?!?
So freaking smart to focus on Elm more in this book. I didn’t even know that’s something I would have wanted until I read a few of his chapters and I was like “DEAR GOD I HOPE THIS DOESNT STOP”
So freaking smart to focus on Elm more in this book. I didn’t even know that’s something I would have wanted until I read a few of his chapters and I was like “DEAR GOD I HOPE THIS DOESNT STOP”
November 14, 2023
4.5!!!! Perfect perfect way to finish off this duology!!! Adding Elm’s pov was THE power move 🤭
November 10, 2024
I wish this duology was longer, I wanted more!! I thought it tied up all of the loose ends perfectly. If you’re new to fantasy like me, this was great! Neeeed more recs like this
November 14, 2024
5 ☆
"The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, the King, and the monster they became.”
Now, this is how you write a sequel! To say that I'm not ready to say goodbye to the unique magic premise of this duology and its characters is underestimated.
Two Twin Crowns is the last book in The Shepherd King series. It is written with three POVs that I ate up. We get Ravyn, Elm, and Elspeths with two storylines that are easy to follow. It is a dark, gothic fantasy with magic, tension, banter, forced proximity, and action that had me engaged from page one.
This picks up right where One Dark Window had left off after all turmoil had broken loose in the kingdom of Blunder. Ravyn joins Nightmare on the journey of finding the remaining card of the 12 providence cards to unite the deck. The catch is that they must locate it by solstice to relieve them of the dark magic and the infection that comes with it. Will they be able to complete the task at hand in time?
Nightmare is still his snarky and humorous self, and I loved every bit of it. We got to see more about his backstory and the person he once was as he let Ravyn, Elspeth, and Jespyr see the jagged edges of his pain that he had endured. I love the way he protected them even though he pretended that he didn't want to help them. What we also got was more information about the cards on what their magic does and how they worked. I loved learning more about them. The bond that he built with Ravyn was one of a kind even if they were bickering, which had me often times laughing out loud. I somehow loved him more than before and found myself shedding some tears for him in the end.
“Elspeth says if you do not get up, she’ll never kiss you again.”“That’s—not—what she—said.”“Get up, Ravyn.” The Nightmare’s oily voice echoed through the wood. “Get up.”
Ravyn Yew is so strong, resilient, and protective. He proved his protectiveness of those he loved over and over again as he sacrificed his own life and endured the mist, the spirit of the wood, and its barters to find the remaining card. Gosh, this had me swooning over him.
"You and I are Blunder’s reckoning, Ravyn Yew. Not its peace.”
Ravyn and Elspeth weren't the main love interest in this, and at first, I was saddend by it. They were still a big part of this. We still see glimpses of Elspeth outside of her shorter chapters through the nightmare. She is still so strong and clever, and I love her. I loved still being able to see their love for one another through Ravyn and the Nightmare. I do hope that we get more of them someday.
"Ravyn? Yes, Elspeth? Don’t die. I won’t. Because if you do, and we never get the time we’re owed, I’ll hate you, Ravyn Yew. I’ll love you and hate you forever."
Elm Rowan is intelligent, kind, strong, and yet broken, and he needs to be protected at all costs. The things that we found out that his brother did to him growing up were just so awful. This man had me literally melting for him. The way that he saw the true Ione and wanted to protect her from all the horrendous things that had been done to her. He cared for her so much that he went to her house and got some of her dresses to wear so that she didn't have to wear the attrocious ones his father made her wear.
"I’m going to change things. I’m going to be the worst Rowan King in five hundred years.” The tips of his lips curled. “I might even enjoy it.”
Ione Hawthorn surprised me in this because in book one, I wasn't sure how I felt about her. I didn't trust her in a way, but here she proves herself. We get an understanding of why she was acting that way and the tragic things that happened to her, and it broke my heart.
“What would you have me do? Burn the castle down with everyone in it? “That would be a start.” Trees, Hawthorn. What a Queen you’d make.”
Elm and Ione are the main love interest here, and I didn't hate it. We actually got more romance with their story. They are each others missing, broken piece and together are a whole with helping to mend and heal each other the way no one else could. I was happy that they found one another and to see more of them.
“I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper. “Think about it, Hawthorn.”
There were a few supporting characters that I loved and one that I still loathe. I love Jespyr so much! I did enjoy the Ivy brothers Petyr and Wik, though we didn't see much of them. The duo had me cackling with their banter. Lastly, we have Hauth, who, in my opinion, deserved so much more than what he got.
I know that I said before and will say it again that I'm going to miss these characters, Elspeth and Nightmare the most. These two were so unique in the way they shared her mind and had me laughing so much throughout this duology. I loved that ending so much with all of its action and the emotion within. This is where I shed some tears. I will say that there is a particular scene that I had guessed from the riddles that gave hints, but it honestly didn't bother me. One thing is that the ending did feel rushed to me, or maybe I just wanted more. I hope that we see more from them in the future, and if not, I will be watching for Rachel Gillig's other work. To anyone wanting to read this, it would be perfect for spooky season, and I definitely recommend it.
Favorite quotes and moments
“I am helping them, dear one,” he said under his breath. “More than they know.”
"There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he’d wandered, in all the notebooks he’d scrawled, that could measure—denote or describe—just how beautiful she was. "There you are.”
“The way you’re looking at me,” he said, cupping her chin, “terrifies me.”“Why?” She ran a hand down his neck, his chest, the line between his abdomen muscles. “Did no one ever love you before, Elm?”“Not like this.” Closer. He needed her closer. “There’s never been anything like this.”
“Careful what you say. You’ll spend me too soon with that wicked mouth of yours.” He pulled her down, kissed her slowly. “I want this to last, Ione.”
“A hundred years,” he said to her, as if she were the only one in the room. “I’ll love you for a hundred years—and an eternity after.”
"Here we are, my darling girl, he whispered to me. The end of all things. The last page of our story."
~~~~~~
Pre-review: Starting this right away because I need to know what happens with that cliffhanger 🩶🤭
"The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, the King, and the monster they became.”
Now, this is how you write a sequel! To say that I'm not ready to say goodbye to the unique magic premise of this duology and its characters is underestimated.
Two Twin Crowns is the last book in The Shepherd King series. It is written with three POVs that I ate up. We get Ravyn, Elm, and Elspeths with two storylines that are easy to follow. It is a dark, gothic fantasy with magic, tension, banter, forced proximity, and action that had me engaged from page one.
This picks up right where One Dark Window had left off after all turmoil had broken loose in the kingdom of Blunder. Ravyn joins Nightmare on the journey of finding the remaining card of the 12 providence cards to unite the deck. The catch is that they must locate it by solstice to relieve them of the dark magic and the infection that comes with it. Will they be able to complete the task at hand in time?
Nightmare is still his snarky and humorous self, and I loved every bit of it. We got to see more about his backstory and the person he once was as he let Ravyn, Elspeth, and Jespyr see the jagged edges of his pain that he had endured. I love the way he protected them even though he pretended that he didn't want to help them. What we also got was more information about the cards on what their magic does and how they worked. I loved learning more about them. The bond that he built with Ravyn was one of a kind even if they were bickering, which had me often times laughing out loud. I somehow loved him more than before and found myself shedding some tears for him in the end.
“Elspeth says if you do not get up, she’ll never kiss you again.”“That’s—not—what she—said.”“Get up, Ravyn.” The Nightmare’s oily voice echoed through the wood. “Get up.”
Ravyn Yew is so strong, resilient, and protective. He proved his protectiveness of those he loved over and over again as he sacrificed his own life and endured the mist, the spirit of the wood, and its barters to find the remaining card. Gosh, this had me swooning over him.
"You and I are Blunder’s reckoning, Ravyn Yew. Not its peace.”
Ravyn and Elspeth weren't the main love interest in this, and at first, I was saddend by it. They were still a big part of this. We still see glimpses of Elspeth outside of her shorter chapters through the nightmare. She is still so strong and clever, and I love her. I loved still being able to see their love for one another through Ravyn and the Nightmare. I do hope that we get more of them someday.
"Ravyn? Yes, Elspeth? Don’t die. I won’t. Because if you do, and we never get the time we’re owed, I’ll hate you, Ravyn Yew. I’ll love you and hate you forever."
Elm Rowan is intelligent, kind, strong, and yet broken, and he needs to be protected at all costs. The things that we found out that his brother did to him growing up were just so awful. This man had me literally melting for him. The way that he saw the true Ione and wanted to protect her from all the horrendous things that had been done to her. He cared for her so much that he went to her house and got some of her dresses to wear so that she didn't have to wear the attrocious ones his father made her wear.
"I’m going to change things. I’m going to be the worst Rowan King in five hundred years.” The tips of his lips curled. “I might even enjoy it.”
Ione Hawthorn surprised me in this because in book one, I wasn't sure how I felt about her. I didn't trust her in a way, but here she proves herself. We get an understanding of why she was acting that way and the tragic things that happened to her, and it broke my heart.
“What would you have me do? Burn the castle down with everyone in it? “That would be a start.” Trees, Hawthorn. What a Queen you’d make.”
Elm and Ione are the main love interest here, and I didn't hate it. We actually got more romance with their story. They are each others missing, broken piece and together are a whole with helping to mend and heal each other the way no one else could. I was happy that they found one another and to see more of them.
“I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper. “Think about it, Hawthorn.”
There were a few supporting characters that I loved and one that I still loathe. I love Jespyr so much! I did enjoy the Ivy brothers Petyr and Wik, though we didn't see much of them. The duo had me cackling with their banter. Lastly, we have Hauth, who, in my opinion, deserved so much more than what he got.
I know that I said before and will say it again that I'm going to miss these characters, Elspeth and Nightmare the most. These two were so unique in the way they shared her mind and had me laughing so much throughout this duology. I loved that ending so much with all of its action and the emotion within. This is where I shed some tears. I will say that there is a particular scene that I had guessed from the riddles that gave hints, but it honestly didn't bother me. One thing is that the ending did feel rushed to me, or maybe I just wanted more. I hope that we see more from them in the future, and if not, I will be watching for Rachel Gillig's other work. To anyone wanting to read this, it would be perfect for spooky season, and I definitely recommend it.
Favorite quotes and moments
“I am helping them, dear one,” he said under his breath. “More than they know.”
"There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he’d wandered, in all the notebooks he’d scrawled, that could measure—denote or describe—just how beautiful she was. "There you are.”
“The way you’re looking at me,” he said, cupping her chin, “terrifies me.”“Why?” She ran a hand down his neck, his chest, the line between his abdomen muscles. “Did no one ever love you before, Elm?”“Not like this.” Closer. He needed her closer. “There’s never been anything like this.”
“Careful what you say. You’ll spend me too soon with that wicked mouth of yours.” He pulled her down, kissed her slowly. “I want this to last, Ione.”
“A hundred years,” he said to her, as if she were the only one in the room. “I’ll love you for a hundred years—and an eternity after.”
"Here we are, my darling girl, he whispered to me. The end of all things. The last page of our story."
~~~~~~
Pre-review: Starting this right away because I need to know what happens with that cliffhanger 🩶🤭
October 1, 2023
"For even dead, I will not die. I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream. The nightmare in the night."
Well, this book had a lot of ups and downs for me, unfortunately I think the downs won out. Maybe it was a combination of really high expectations bc I loved ODW so much and I had built this sequel up so much in my head, but I was left really disappointed with how the story played out.
What worked for me.
-The writing was beautiful. It was still atmospheric like ODW and probably even more dark and eerie and I really enjoyed that part.
-The Nightmare. He has always been the star for me, and I loved getting into his backstory and his more human side.
-The Banter. It's so funny and smart. The Nightmare and Ravyn, Elm's interactions with pretty much anyone. It's just really funny.
-Getting answers. We get all the history of what happened, and it was satisfying.
What didn't work for me
-The way Elspeth was completely ignored in her own book. She is the main character, yet she is barely a whisper in this entire story and honestly non-essential. You could erase her entire part until the epilogue, and it wouldn't have changed any outcome. I have never seen this done before and I didn't love it.
-Elm and Ione become the new main characters of the book and the romantic center piece of the story. Again, I wasn't a fan of this. I love Elm but it felt very insta-love and the investment in them as a couple wasn't there for me bc it felt a bit forced and I really wanted more Ravyn and Elspeth which we never actually get in any substantial way.
-The pacing. Every time, something exciting was happening in the woods with Ravyn and the Nightmare the next chapter (or few chapters) would cut back to Elm in another place, and it would slow down the momentum. Also, bc what was happening with Elm and Ione, I didn't find very exciting.
ODW is still one of my favorite reads of this year and I still think Rachel Gillig is an amazingly talented writer and I will continue to read her books, this one just fell short for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Publishers and Rachel Gillig for the gifted arc.
Well, this book had a lot of ups and downs for me, unfortunately I think the downs won out. Maybe it was a combination of really high expectations bc I loved ODW so much and I had built this sequel up so much in my head, but I was left really disappointed with how the story played out.
What worked for me.
-The writing was beautiful. It was still atmospheric like ODW and probably even more dark and eerie and I really enjoyed that part.
-The Nightmare. He has always been the star for me, and I loved getting into his backstory and his more human side.
-The Banter. It's so funny and smart. The Nightmare and Ravyn, Elm's interactions with pretty much anyone. It's just really funny.
-Getting answers. We get all the history of what happened, and it was satisfying.
What didn't work for me
-The way Elspeth was completely ignored in her own book. She is the main character, yet she is barely a whisper in this entire story and honestly non-essential. You could erase her entire part until the epilogue, and it wouldn't have changed any outcome. I have never seen this done before and I didn't love it.
-Elm and Ione become the new main characters of the book and the romantic center piece of the story. Again, I wasn't a fan of this. I love Elm but it felt very insta-love and the investment in them as a couple wasn't there for me bc it felt a bit forced and I really wanted more Ravyn and Elspeth which we never actually get in any substantial way.
-The pacing. Every time, something exciting was happening in the woods with Ravyn and the Nightmare the next chapter (or few chapters) would cut back to Elm in another place, and it would slow down the momentum. Also, bc what was happening with Elm and Ione, I didn't find very exciting.
ODW is still one of my favorite reads of this year and I still think Rachel Gillig is an amazingly talented writer and I will continue to read her books, this one just fell short for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Publishers and Rachel Gillig for the gifted arc.
August 24, 2024
“The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, the king, and the monster they became.”
Monsters by Ruelle was on repeat again as was live like legends & war of hearts—among others as it enhanced my experience with it
4.5 stars
I enjoyed and could say I loved this but the slump I’ve been in just made it difficult at times to keep up. That combined with the pacing initially felt slow or maybe it was both? Idk but thankfully it picked up soon enough for me.
Summary of the plot- I can’t go into detail without spoiling but after the events that unraveled in One Dark Window, the kingdom of blunder and its future are hanging by a thread and the nightmare and Ravyn are forced to work together against their wishes to retrieve the 12 providence cards needed to unite the deck to get rid of the dark magic/infection by solstice. Here we get a better sense as to how the cards are used and how they were created and let me just say can I have a maiden, mirror, chalice, nightmare & scythe card of my own??
The multi povs in this not only helped me connect to them more individually—but also see how everyone went about and their journey in gathering the cards. One aspect in particular felt predictable in retrospect (given the foreshadowing in OWD) but I enjoyed it regardless
I was much more immersed in the storyline here and at first thought this would come up short but to my surprise it didn’t. I know there are some who didn’t like elspeth getting less screen time and the second romance subplot in this but I didn’t mind it. its obvious & understandable why elspeth wasn’t in this but I was still able to feel her presence through her POVs.
The character development was executed well in hashing out Elms, the nightmare, ravyn and even iones character arcs. As a result of getting the added povs, all of their emotions and despair were known because of it. There was one character I couldn’t stand and now I get why Paige said he got off too easy ugh
“There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he’d wandered, in all the notebooks he’d scrawled, that could measure—denote or describe—just how beautiful she was” “there you are”
Elm made it incredibly easy to swoon over him and that ^ is a prime example. I was here for it and i regretted nothing. The urge to climb an elm tree was real guys 🌲 🧗🏻♀️ I wanted to switch places with the fmc in this moment besides others. this man was in complete awe of her and truly saw her for who she was and past what she was glamoured as. There’s plenty i could say but just know I ate up every moment and that one spicy scene between them. I was invested and enjoyed the romance we got from them as it felt like more than what we got in ODW since there was more depth & emotion. However, the longing between elspeth and Ravyn was felt throughout their separation.
“You and I are blunder’s reckoning, ravyn yew. Not its peace”
“Elspeth says if you do not get up, she'll never kiss you again" "that's-not-what she-said" “get up, Rayvn. The nightmares oily voice echoed through the wood. "Get up."
As for the nightmare, I was relishing in his and ravyns new found bromance as most scenes of theirs fueled my laughter in this. The constant teasing and banter had me wanting a novella for them and their bickering lol these two for sure surprised me and it was all ultimately a sweet bond they had going on
I felt compassion for the nightmare in getting more of his origin story and the whys and hows of how everything came to be. It was nice to see another side to him than the one we got in ODW. there was less rhythmic lore here from him and I was pleased about it as while necessary in the last book it would’ve felt entirely redundant here
Small mention of ione. The answers and suspicions i had about her initially ceased to exist after seeing what she had to endure and I ultimately felt and cared for her
Lastly, I’m gonna miss elspeth and the nightmare and their evolved connection with their threaded minds as is and because It was a unique aspect in fantasy for me. The last 30-25% ATE. It was action packed and somehow emotional? I somehow teared up at the end with how bittersweet it was with them as it felt very full circle. This was an amazing conclusion to the duology as everything that occurred prior was tied up greatly here. My one qualm has to be the last bit of the ending being rushed as I wanted more of the characters. But Gillig's storytelling power captivated me after this and I cannot wait for more of her work 🖤
One dark window review
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Quotes
“Here we are, my darling girl, he whispered to me. The end of all things. The last page of our story.” This is the part that had me in tears 😭
“All that talk of pleasure and warmth and that terrible, unquiet ache between your legs,” he murmured. “You painted such a pretty picture for me. And wouldn’t it be fun, denying me a kiss, had I lost our bet? To take my Scythe and render me helpless?” His top lip brushed hers. “Tell me, does it make you feel something, toying with me like this?” “Yes” “Then do it,” he whispered, gliding a hand up her spine. “Use me. Toy with me. Feel something” 😮💨
“Id be your king. But always your servant. Never your keeper.”
-
Rtc idk when since I’m in a review slump but I adored this one more and can’t believe it’s over 🖤 That ending was incredibly bittersweet 🥹 I want more
—
Multi povs, touch her and you die?!, court intrigue, reluctant allies—Let me be dulu and believe this is already 5 stars 🧘🏻♀️
September 29, 2023
That last line from the first book had been still ringing in my ears for over a year. One year later, I've finally read it and the last line from the first book has been clarified.
It's hard to review your most anticipated release of the year, especially when you're used to crushing disappointment by books that you're so hyped for that you wait for them so eagerly for so long. Not being disappointed is a new feeling to me, and to all those nervous about whether this will overcome or succumb to the Curse of Sequels I say: take heart, you won't be let down.
Two Twisted Crowns picks where One Dark Window left, with the Nightmare taking over Elspeth mind. What is he like now? The same lovable bastard as always, but a new side of him emerges that I can assure you that you'll love even more. We learn the true story of the Providence Cards, the price paid for them, and what happened to and with the Shepherd King. I can only say, avoiding all spoilers, that now I want a prequel that covers this period, because so much that's left unsaid is intriguing to me.
And Elspeth? Our dear girl is relegated to the background here, it's true. But there's a reason for it, and I don't think most readers will object to this when they see how the others are moving the plot forward. The two sets of POVs, a pair showing us one side whilst the other two POVs show us the other side is a brilliant play; I believe a few will be huge Elm fans by the end, if they weren't already.
And a few will also become fans of Ravyn, even if grudgingly like me. I've never made it a secret that I don't particularly like him, but here . . . boy, was he good. I can't say I'm a fan, but his chemistry and banter with is even better than Elspeth had with the same, in my opinionated opinion.
And speaking of chemistry, this is very much a personal preference, but I really would've wished for the finale to be different, for the resolution to "the maiden, the King, and the monster they become" to be different. Part of it, the smaller part, is because of the superb chemistry between the involved characters; I never say this, but in this case I'd have preferred them to be in a happily complicated tangle rather than disentangle. And the other part of it, the bigger part, is that one thing I loved about this story is that magic has a price in this world. Magic costs you. Magic comes with degeneration. Magic isn't free. But with this resolution, I feel like the cost has been lifted.
I'm not saying it shouldn't have been lifted but that there should've been a price for lifting it, and that price should've been paid for those that lifted it. Otherwise, it's too neat for me, everything is tied up and mended up too tidily. There should've been something left that couldn't be fixed, some scar, some ugly soreness from the price paid. But only Elspeth seems to feel it, and not quite in full. And that, for me, is the one small bit of dissatisfaction that doesn't go away.
Is it enough to mar my happiness with this final installment? No, of course not. I'm very happy with the Elm arc here, I'm pleasantly surprised by the Ravyn arc here, I'm satisfied with the Shepherd King story here, I'm tickled by the little Beauty & Beast imagery throughout the story here and in the previous book, I'm amused that I got half of my crackpot theory debunked but half of it confirmed. I'm overall happy, and no nitpicks and no sunk ships can measure up to this deep satisfaction. And, if Rachel Gillig were to ever write a prequel, life will be complete.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's hard to review your most anticipated release of the year, especially when you're used to crushing disappointment by books that you're so hyped for that you wait for them so eagerly for so long. Not being disappointed is a new feeling to me, and to all those nervous about whether this will overcome or succumb to the Curse of Sequels I say: take heart, you won't be let down.
Two Twisted Crowns picks where One Dark Window left, with the Nightmare taking over Elspeth mind. What is he like now? The same lovable bastard as always, but a new side of him emerges that I can assure you that you'll love even more. We learn the true story of the Providence Cards, the price paid for them, and what happened to and with the Shepherd King. I can only say, avoiding all spoilers, that now I want a prequel that covers this period, because so much that's left unsaid is intriguing to me.
And Elspeth? Our dear girl is relegated to the background here, it's true. But there's a reason for it, and I don't think most readers will object to this when they see how the others are moving the plot forward. The two sets of POVs, a pair showing us one side whilst the other two POVs show us the other side is a brilliant play; I believe a few will be huge Elm fans by the end, if they weren't already.
And a few will also become fans of Ravyn, even if grudgingly like me. I've never made it a secret that I don't particularly like him, but here . . . boy, was he good. I can't say I'm a fan, but his chemistry and banter with is even better than Elspeth had with the same, in my opinionated opinion.
And speaking of chemistry, this is very much a personal preference, but I really would've wished for the finale to be different, for the resolution to "the maiden, the King, and the monster they become" to be different. Part of it, the smaller part, is because of the superb chemistry between the involved characters; I never say this, but in this case I'd have preferred them to be in a happily complicated tangle rather than disentangle. And the other part of it, the bigger part, is that one thing I loved about this story is that magic has a price in this world. Magic costs you. Magic comes with degeneration. Magic isn't free. But with this resolution, I feel like the cost has been lifted.
I'm not saying it shouldn't have been lifted but that there should've been a price for lifting it, and that price should've been paid for those that lifted it. Otherwise, it's too neat for me, everything is tied up and mended up too tidily. There should've been something left that couldn't be fixed, some scar, some ugly soreness from the price paid. But only Elspeth seems to feel it, and not quite in full. And that, for me, is the one small bit of dissatisfaction that doesn't go away.
Is it enough to mar my happiness with this final installment? No, of course not. I'm very happy with the Elm arc here, I'm pleasantly surprised by the Ravyn arc here, I'm satisfied with the Shepherd King story here, I'm tickled by the little Beauty & Beast imagery throughout the story here and in the previous book, I'm amused that I got half of my crackpot theory debunked but half of it confirmed. I'm overall happy, and no nitpicks and no sunk ships can measure up to this deep satisfaction. And, if Rachel Gillig were to ever write a prequel, life will be complete.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
infinity stars - I will be thinking about this duology for the rest of my life.
“there once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. there also was a king, a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. the two were together, so the two were the same. the girl, the king, and the monster they became”
“there once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. there also was a king, a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. the two were together, so the two were the same. the girl, the king, and the monster they became”
October 2, 2023
4.25 stars UGH I loved this duology so much. If you liked the first book you’re going to LOVE this.
I struggle so hard to write reviews for sequels because I really don't want to give anything away to anyone who might see this, so suffice it to say Two Twisted Crowns is everything I wanted it to be and more. It really feels like the perfect progression for this duology, everything I loved about One Dark Window was just cranked up to eleven here.
Rachel Gillig's writing is so much fun, wonderfully paced and interesting prose. I can't wait to see more from her.
I struggle so hard to write reviews for sequels because I really don't want to give anything away to anyone who might see this, so suffice it to say Two Twisted Crowns is everything I wanted it to be and more. It really feels like the perfect progression for this duology, everything I loved about One Dark Window was just cranked up to eleven here.
Rachel Gillig's writing is so much fun, wonderfully paced and interesting prose. I can't wait to see more from her.
October 25, 2023
Five hundred years ago, a boy wore a crown—had every abundance in the world—but always asked for MORE.
2 stars ⭐️
Ugh what a massive letdown. I was so close to DNFing this.
The main issue with this is that there’s three POVs: Ravyn, Elspeth, and Elm’s. The problem is that one of the three doesn’t seem to make much sense in the book. Ravyn’s and Elspeth’s POV were definitely connected, but Elm’s POV?? It seemed like a whole new story LOL, disconnected from the search of the Twin Alders card and focusing on romance more than anything.
Which, let’s talk about it. Ione and Elm? I HATED IT. It is not often that I HATE things in books; I tend to dislike, or be indifferent, more than hate. But this I HATED. It made ZERO sense. Oh, so Elm has been in love with her for years now?? Good! But SHOW me WHY he loves her!!! It felt painfully insta lovey!!! As a reader, I couldn’t take it seriously. Everything Elm said to Ione made me cringe SO BAD. It didn’t felt romantic to me, it just made me roll my eyes in annoyance and close my kindle to stop reading. There was one steamy scene but I skipped it altogether because I just couldn’t read it –the romance was so pathetic, Elm was pathetic, and Ione had so much potential (at least while she was under the Maiden card, she was the most interesting thing in Elm’s chapters, but after she was released from it she became just another regular, boring character).
Okay but let’s continue with the POV situation: we have Ravyn’s POV, which is perhaps the most interesting out of the three (Elspeth, unfortunately, is pushed to the sidelines… which means the protagonist we spent a whole book reading about and reading FROM is barely present in the book). They’re in the woods, they’re fighting, they stumble upon something… STOP! It’s time for another Elm chapter!!! …. Are you serious?! We were JUST about to get action and revelations in Ravyn’s chapters… and the suddenly the author would decide that it was time for an Elm chapter. And so we went from action in the woods… to dances in the castle. It killed the flow SO MUCH!!!!!!!
Related to this, I think my main issue with this book is that it is NOT a continuation of Elspeth and Ravyn’s story. Now the protagonists are Ione and Elm, and like I stated, I HATED their romance, and I DISLIKED Elm a lot. A lot a lot a lot. He’s whiny, cringey, and OH, don’t forget that he’s “rotten”. Because yeah, he describes himself as the “rotten prince” probably more times that the amount of Elspeth chapters in the book. IT WAS SO ANNOYING. LIKE WE GET IT, do you have any other personality trait than being “the misunderstood but charming and sarcastic Rowan”?!?!?!?!?
So yes, 50% of the story is given to Ione and Elm. And you would think: okay, but if the author decides to give half of the story to this couple, SURELY it will be connected to the Elspeth-Ravyn-Nightmare side of the story, right? Whelp, no. Apparently Ione and Elm have their own card to recover: the Maiden card that Ione lost. So AAALL of Elm’s chapters (minus the last two, I think) were all about retrieving this card. Was it an interesting storyline, though? NOT IN THE SLIGHTEST. The best things that happened in Elm’s chapters were: 1) discovering that real powers of the Maiden card, and 2) Hauth (the REAL gripping matter). But the search for the Maiden card was so boring, so unnecessarily long, and so disconnected from the other POVs. It was like Ione and Elm were living in their own world while Elspeth-Ravyn-Nightmare were out looking for the Twin Alders card. And if you’re going to give half the story to characters other than the two main characters (+the nightmare), you have to make sure your readers care about them even a tiny bit, so that their chapters will appeal to them. Elm’s chapters stirred nothing in me more than hatred LOL. I did not like him, did not like reading from his perspective (most of the time he was just being petty to his family and lusting, pathetically, after Ione), and was not one bit interested in the search of the Maiden card. Ione had more personality to her UNDER its influence lmao.
And, hello?! Why did it take this book 30% to get going with the story? More than a quarter of this book was spent roaming the castle and deciding what to do with The Nightmare in the dungeon. There was no point to it!!! Just get going and get the Twin Alders card!! The pace was awful, specially that first quarter of the book. And the fact that we would have all this tension building up in Ravyn’s chapters… only to be followed up by Elm’s chapters and effectively breaking any sense of urgency… Ugh. It really made the pace and readability of the book suffer.
As for the plot itself, everything with the Spirit got resolved so quickly? She just… gave Ravyn the card? That easily? No fight? Uhm. She’s all like “if you solve this riddle I’ll give you the card”, and it’s not a riddle at all but more like THE WHOLE FRICKING ANSWER LMAO. She basically just straight up TOLD Ravyn he’s a descendant of the Nighmare –which, let’s be honest… was anyone surprised? Since the first book the description for Bennet has been “gray eyes”. If the author really expected this to be a revelation, it failed miserably.
Let’s continue with my complaints, with the unresolved plot points: Where was the father-daughter Elspeth-Erik moment? What happened to Elspeth’s stepmom and sisters? What of those characters in the forest that the author introduced once and we never saw again? What about JUST ONE conversation between Elspeth and Ione after everything they went through? More moments between Elspeth and Ravyn, hello???
I’m only not giving this a lower rating because some of Ravyn’s chapters were truly engaging, especially those right in the middle, and I was truly hooked. ALSO, and this is perhaps the best part of the whole book: THE NIGHTMARE CARRIED SO HARD . He’s awesome. And I was also so endeared by his and Elspeth’s relationship… when he said that he wished to be a real father figure to Elspeth, my eyes got teary. That last chapter between them, saying goodbye, was the best part of the whole book. It must be so bittersweet for both of them to (finally) be rid of each other.
In short: Deceptively good first chapter, everything after awfully boring. Main plot stalled to the max. Ravyn and Elspeth deserved more. Ione and Elm was unnecessary and dull. The Nightmare needed more book time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Opening my email to find this ARC had me absolutely ecstatic! Having adored the first book, 'One Dark Window,' I was eagerly awaiting the sequel and finale, and it did not disappoint.
I won't reveal the plot to avoid spoilers, but let me tell you why you should dive into this series. It boasts a unique magic system. There are not one but two captivating romance storylines. Intricate family ties add depth. Political intrigue keeps you guessing. A lovable monster adds charm. Revenge fuels the plot. Multiple POVs enhance the narrative.
From the very beginning, 'Two Twisted Crowns' immerses you in its enchanting atmosphere, crafting a world teetering on the brink of darkness. Gillig's storytelling is masterful, weaving tension throughout, ensuring you're on the edge of your seat following Elspeth and Ravyn's perilous journey.
The pacing is impeccable, blending heart-pounding action with introspective moments that delve into characters' emotions and motivations. Elspeth's character development is a true highlight, mirroring the complexities of her world.
'
Two Twisted Crowns' seamlessly picks up where 'One Dark Window' left off, exploring the magic system, world history, side characters, and budding romances. The new POVs, especially Ravyn's and Elm's, add depth.
The romances are a highlight. The angst and drama are pitch-perfect, and a new romance adds to the intrigue.
The Shepherd King duology's well-crafted atmosphere and magic system shine. It delves into history, the Shepherd King, providence cards, and the enigmatic Nightmare.
While Elspeth takes a less active role, the dark and atmospheric elements persist. Elm's connection to Ione brings romantic tension but may not satisfy those invested in Elspeth and Ravyn's relationship.
In conclusion, Rachel Gillig has crafted an exceptional fantasy romance duology with 'Two Twisted Crowns' as a fitting conclusion. It's a must-read for those seeking a unique and emotionally resonant fantasy. Gillig's hauntingly beautiful writing style will leave you spellbound.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for sharing this fantastic fantasy book's digital reviewer copy in exchange my honest reviews.
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I won't reveal the plot to avoid spoilers, but let me tell you why you should dive into this series. It boasts a unique magic system. There are not one but two captivating romance storylines. Intricate family ties add depth. Political intrigue keeps you guessing. A lovable monster adds charm. Revenge fuels the plot. Multiple POVs enhance the narrative.
From the very beginning, 'Two Twisted Crowns' immerses you in its enchanting atmosphere, crafting a world teetering on the brink of darkness. Gillig's storytelling is masterful, weaving tension throughout, ensuring you're on the edge of your seat following Elspeth and Ravyn's perilous journey.
The pacing is impeccable, blending heart-pounding action with introspective moments that delve into characters' emotions and motivations. Elspeth's character development is a true highlight, mirroring the complexities of her world.
'
Two Twisted Crowns' seamlessly picks up where 'One Dark Window' left off, exploring the magic system, world history, side characters, and budding romances. The new POVs, especially Ravyn's and Elm's, add depth.
The romances are a highlight. The angst and drama are pitch-perfect, and a new romance adds to the intrigue.
The Shepherd King duology's well-crafted atmosphere and magic system shine. It delves into history, the Shepherd King, providence cards, and the enigmatic Nightmare.
While Elspeth takes a less active role, the dark and atmospheric elements persist. Elm's connection to Ione brings romantic tension but may not satisfy those invested in Elspeth and Ravyn's relationship.
In conclusion, Rachel Gillig has crafted an exceptional fantasy romance duology with 'Two Twisted Crowns' as a fitting conclusion. It's a must-read for those seeking a unique and emotionally resonant fantasy. Gillig's hauntingly beautiful writing style will leave you spellbound.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for sharing this fantastic fantasy book's digital reviewer copy in exchange my honest reviews.
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November 4, 2023
Ravyn Yew? More like Ravyn WHO am I right? Move over, bird boy, because now we have Elm, the jerk cousin from the first book who is now the hottest tree ever. A lot happens but the most important part is Elm glowering and threatening bodily harm to anyone who touches his brother’s fiancée. Elspeth is stuck inside her own mind, an extremely relatable situation, and her boyfriend hates it a lot. It is established that the Nightmare has been a douche for several hundred years and that Ione feels feelings so hard that even when she can’t feel feelings she still feels them. There are murder trees like in the flooding of Isengard. Ghost children! Can the gang unite all the Magic: The Gathering cards and bring peace to a foggy nation? I sure hope so.
July 27, 2024
—— 4.5 ✰ stars.
LOVED IT AAAA 😭😭 rtc ?
27/07/24 🌙: Finally finishing this!!
06/05 🌙: putting this on hold bc I’m just not in the mood and it pisses me off to see it on the currently reading shelf lol 😃
13/03🌙: RAVYN BABY IM HERE. Let’s finish this bc the first one got me in a chokehold 😽
LOVED IT AAAA 😭😭 rtc ?
27/07/24 🌙: Finally finishing this!!
06/05 🌙: putting this on hold bc I’m just not in the mood and it pisses me off to see it on the currently reading shelf lol 😃
13/03🌙: RAVYN BABY IM HERE. Let’s finish this bc the first one got me in a chokehold 😽
October 16, 2024
★ 5 stars
"To anyone who’s ever felt lost in a wood. There is a strange sort of finding in losing"
Wow where do I even start... This book was so good and arguably the perfect ending to the duology. The writing was top tier - The riddles, poems and foreshadowing across the two books was done so seamlessly. The changing POV's had me on edge for the last 30%. I stayed up to 1 am to finish it because it's just that good.
The Nightmare
“Elspeth says if you do not get up, she’ll never kiss you again.” “That’s—not—what she—said.”
Who would have thought that I would have been up at 1 am crying over the Nightmare. I loved Elspeth and the Nightmare's relationship in book 1 but book two was even better. I lost count of the amount of times I laughed out loud at his bickering and being put in his place by Elspeth. I also loved watching him grow closer with Ravyn. He's a character you love to hate but love all the same.
**MILD SPOILERS BELOW**
"There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King, a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, honey and oil and silk. The King and the monster they became."
Ravyn and Elspeth
As much as I wished for more Elspeth and Ravyn throughout the book I understand why it was written this way. Even without being the main love interest in this book they still managed to carry such a large part of the story and I loved being able to see their relationship through the Nightmare and Ravyn's POV. The ending did feel a little rushed (for this couple) but I'm hopeful we might get some bonus scenes one day!
Elm and Ione
"I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper.”
Elm is being added to my list of book boyfriends without a doubt he is so sweet - he stole the show and needs to be protected at all costs. The tension between Ione and Elm from book one intensifies in Two Twisted Crowns. I didn't think I could detach myself from Elspeth and Ravyn but I ended up just as invested in these two (if not more).
╰⪼ Final Thoughts:
Without spoiling it, I did find the reveals predictable. If you paid attention to the riddles, you will probably catch on as well, but Rachel did this so well. The writing is abolsutely stunning and I can't recommend this duology enough. I don't know what to do with my life now that series is over...
Quotes
❥ “You don’t think I noticed you, Ione?”
❥ "He thought about touching her but held back. He didn’t think she’d want to be comforted by a Rowan."
❥ “Desire. I can still feel desire.” Elm sat up on an exhale. “And how, Miss Hawthorn, did you discover that?”
❥ “You were the strangest girl I’d ever seen. Because no one at Stone is happy. They pretend at it, or drink, but the performance has its tells. But not you. You were … painfully real.”
❥ “You have a wonderful mouth.” He tapped the Chalice three times, severing its hold. “And now, it’s all mine.”
❥ “All that talk of pleasure and warmth and that terrible, unquiet ache between your legs. You painted such a pretty picture for me. And wouldn’t it be fun, denying me a kiss, had I lost our bet? To take my Scythe and render me helpless? Tell me, Hawthorn—does it make you feel something, toying with me like this?” “Yes.” “Then do it, use me. Toy with me. Feel something, Ione.”
❥ "So he’d spent the day in the library, the only place in Stone he didn’t hate. The only place he’d be free of reminders of Ione Hawthorn. But that wasn’t exactly true. Because, when Elm looked down at his sketchbook, he realized the face he’s spent half an hour drawing was hers."
❥ "You vile, traitorous SNAKE." "Tether yourself, dear one, It’s only hair."
❥ “That wicked mouth is going to get you into trouble.”
❥ “Trees, Hawthorn. What a Queen you’d make."
❥ “I don’t want to think right now, Elm.”
❥ "There was a vertical crease in the center of her bottom lip—lines in the corners of her mouth and eyes. Smile lines, he remembered. This Ione smiles."
❥ “The way you’re looking at me, terrifies me.” “Why? Did no one ever love you before, Elm?” “Not like this. There’s never been anything like this.”
❥ “A hundred years,” he said to her, as if she were the only one in the room. “I’ll love you for a hundred years—and an eternity after.”
____________________________________
Prior to reading: Literally counting down the minutes until midnight here in Aus for this book to come out...
"To anyone who’s ever felt lost in a wood. There is a strange sort of finding in losing"
Wow where do I even start... This book was so good and arguably the perfect ending to the duology. The writing was top tier - The riddles, poems and foreshadowing across the two books was done so seamlessly. The changing POV's had me on edge for the last 30%. I stayed up to 1 am to finish it because it's just that good.
The Nightmare
“Elspeth says if you do not get up, she’ll never kiss you again.” “That’s—not—what she—said.”
Who would have thought that I would have been up at 1 am crying over the Nightmare. I loved Elspeth and the Nightmare's relationship in book 1 but book two was even better. I lost count of the amount of times I laughed out loud at his bickering and being put in his place by Elspeth. I also loved watching him grow closer with Ravyn. He's a character you love to hate but love all the same.
**MILD SPOILERS BELOW**
"There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King, a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, honey and oil and silk. The King and the monster they became."
Ravyn and Elspeth
As much as I wished for more Elspeth and Ravyn throughout the book I understand why it was written this way. Even without being the main love interest in this book they still managed to carry such a large part of the story and I loved being able to see their relationship through the Nightmare and Ravyn's POV. The ending did feel a little rushed (for this couple) but I'm hopeful we might get some bonus scenes one day!
Elm and Ione
"I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper.”
Elm is being added to my list of book boyfriends without a doubt he is so sweet - he stole the show and needs to be protected at all costs. The tension between Ione and Elm from book one intensifies in Two Twisted Crowns. I didn't think I could detach myself from Elspeth and Ravyn but I ended up just as invested in these two (if not more).
╰⪼ Final Thoughts:
Without spoiling it, I did find the reveals predictable. If you paid attention to the riddles, you will probably catch on as well, but Rachel did this so well. The writing is abolsutely stunning and I can't recommend this duology enough. I don't know what to do with my life now that series is over...
Quotes
❥ “You don’t think I noticed you, Ione?”
❥ "He thought about touching her but held back. He didn’t think she’d want to be comforted by a Rowan."
❥ “Desire. I can still feel desire.” Elm sat up on an exhale. “And how, Miss Hawthorn, did you discover that?”
❥ “You were the strangest girl I’d ever seen. Because no one at Stone is happy. They pretend at it, or drink, but the performance has its tells. But not you. You were … painfully real.”
❥ “You have a wonderful mouth.” He tapped the Chalice three times, severing its hold. “And now, it’s all mine.”
❥ “All that talk of pleasure and warmth and that terrible, unquiet ache between your legs. You painted such a pretty picture for me. And wouldn’t it be fun, denying me a kiss, had I lost our bet? To take my Scythe and render me helpless? Tell me, Hawthorn—does it make you feel something, toying with me like this?” “Yes.” “Then do it, use me. Toy with me. Feel something, Ione.”
❥ "So he’d spent the day in the library, the only place in Stone he didn’t hate. The only place he’d be free of reminders of Ione Hawthorn. But that wasn’t exactly true. Because, when Elm looked down at his sketchbook, he realized the face he’s spent half an hour drawing was hers."
❥ "You vile, traitorous SNAKE." "Tether yourself, dear one, It’s only hair."
❥ “That wicked mouth is going to get you into trouble.”
❥ “Trees, Hawthorn. What a Queen you’d make."
❥ “I don’t want to think right now, Elm.”
❥ "There was a vertical crease in the center of her bottom lip—lines in the corners of her mouth and eyes. Smile lines, he remembered. This Ione smiles."
❥ “The way you’re looking at me, terrifies me.” “Why? Did no one ever love you before, Elm?” “Not like this. There’s never been anything like this.”
❥ “A hundred years,” he said to her, as if she were the only one in the room. “I’ll love you for a hundred years—and an eternity after.”
____________________________________
Prior to reading: Literally counting down the minutes until midnight here in Aus for this book to come out...
October 20, 2023
4.5⭐️ WOW I'M SPEECHLESS. everyone go read this duology 🖤
***
update: AAAHHHHHHHHHH I just received my copy omggg it's looks perfect 😭😭
I wanna ignore my cr and dive in immediately 😩 why am I like this??
***
update: AAAHHHHHHHHHH I just received my copy omggg it's looks perfect 😭😭
I wanna ignore my cr and dive in immediately 😩 why am I like this??
November 29, 2024
Nie no ten tom to już był mega słaby
November 2, 2023
You know you've found a new favourite author when they leave you questioning the very fabric of your star-rating reality.
This book ticked every box, hit every sweet spot, and cemented a piece of its soul into my mind. How are we meant to rate such a transcendent experience with these star-shaped symbols that we use to try to assign personal meaning to books that made an impact on the very core of our being?
Am I being melodramatic? Perhaps. But anyway, have the whole galaxy of stars, Ms. Gillig. I guess that's all just a long-winded way to say I loved it and if you have similar tastes to me, you might love it as well. And if you don’t, that’s cool too.
🚨🚨🚨Spoilers ahead 🚨🚨🚨
Please write me more books asap, Ms. Gillig.
*Two Twisted Crowns review & guide (Avoid if you haven't read TTC, full of spoilers)
*Amazon reviews
--------
Today is the day I woke up to this self-gifted present sitting in my Kindle and any other book in progress is getting paused.
This book ticked every box, hit every sweet spot, and cemented a piece of its soul into my mind. How are we meant to rate such a transcendent experience with these star-shaped symbols that we use to try to assign personal meaning to books that made an impact on the very core of our being?
Am I being melodramatic? Perhaps. But anyway, have the whole galaxy of stars, Ms. Gillig. I guess that's all just a long-winded way to say I loved it and if you have similar tastes to me, you might love it as well. And if you don’t, that’s cool too.
🚨🚨🚨Spoilers ahead 🚨🚨🚨
Please write me more books asap, Ms. Gillig.
*Two Twisted Crowns review & guide (Avoid if you haven't read TTC, full of spoilers)
*Amazon reviews
--------
Today is the day I woke up to this self-gifted present sitting in my Kindle and any other book in progress is getting paused.
July 5, 2024
･:*:･ﾟ⁀➷ 5/5 ★
THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL 🥹🥹 This was such an amazing way to end a series- I absolutely loved it 🤍✨️
Tropes:
🍁 Gothic fantasy
🍁 Multi pov
🍁 Morally grey characters
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was so excited to pick this one up- and it did not disappoint! I ate this book up 🫶
⤹ Tw: violence, gore, body horror, self harm for magic, mention of violence against children (this isn't everything so pls stay safe & check a more in depth list!)
Let’s get into my thoughts! 🍂
ೃ⁀➷ Writing & plot:
Rachel's gilig's writing is sooo good omg! 🫶🫶 I cannot believe this is only her second book, bc it already feels so polished and enjoyable to read. The way the author develops the gothic atmosphere is amazing- the vibes of this series are absolutely immaculate. I love gothic fantasy books sm, and this is the perfect example of why! ✨️
Plus the plot of this book was so enjoyable. Adding Elm's pov was the BEST decision the author could have made 🤭🤭 learning about his character was so interesting to me and it meant there was always something happening! The ending was also absolutely perfect imo- it felt so sad turning the last page, knowing the series was over, but also so satisfying 💌 I absolutely cannot wait for Rachel Gillig's new book to come out 🤭🤭
ೃ⁀➷ Characters:
The characters were really good in this book! I honestly felt really connected to them in this book and I'm sad to say goodbye 🥺🥺
➵ Elspeth: even though she was the main character in Book 1, she kinda felt like a secondary character in this book? I wish we got a little bit more of her, but it did make sense in the story.
➵ Elm: I LOVE HIM! 🤭🤭 His sense of humour is my fav thing ever and it was so entertaining reading his inner thoughts. Plus it was soo interesting learning about his backstory and it just made me feel so connected to him 🥹🤍
➵ Ravyn: I also really enjoyed reading from his pov in this book! He's a super interesting character to me and I like him a lot 🫶🫶
ೃ⁀➷ Romance:
‼️ spoilers in this section ‼️
➵ Elspeth and Ravyn:
I honestly wish we got more moments of them in this book, but I also understand why there was less of a focus on them. I'm so glad they got their happy ending tho 🥹💘
➵ Elm and Ione:
I really liked their romance!! 🫶🫶 The tension while Ione was under the control of the Maiden was really good, but then the scenes after they freed her were soo adorable. I'm so glad elm found happiness, he deserves it! 🫂
‼️ spoilers have ended ‼️
ೃ⁀➷ In conclusion:
This series was actually so stunning omg 🥹🫶 I would highly recommend if you’re looking for:
✔️ Gothic atmosphere
✔️ Great characters
✔️ Interesting story
✔️ Really fun romances
If you're looking for a unique fantasy series that still has everything that you love, THIS IS IT! 🤍🤍
《 2024 Challenge: Book 72 of 115 》
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:��ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
ೃ⁀➷ pre-review
➷ such an amazing sequel 🥹🥹 if you love gothic fantasy, then you NEED to read this series! 🤍🤍
rtc 🍂
THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL 🥹🥹 This was such an amazing way to end a series- I absolutely loved it 🤍✨️
Tropes:
🍁 Gothic fantasy
🍁 Multi pov
🍁 Morally grey characters
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was so excited to pick this one up- and it did not disappoint! I ate this book up 🫶
⤹ Tw: violence, gore, body horror, self harm for magic, mention of violence against children (this isn't everything so pls stay safe & check a more in depth list!)
Let’s get into my thoughts! 🍂
ೃ⁀➷ Writing & plot:
Rachel's gilig's writing is sooo good omg! 🫶🫶 I cannot believe this is only her second book, bc it already feels so polished and enjoyable to read. The way the author develops the gothic atmosphere is amazing- the vibes of this series are absolutely immaculate. I love gothic fantasy books sm, and this is the perfect example of why! ✨️
Plus the plot of this book was so enjoyable. Adding Elm's pov was the BEST decision the author could have made 🤭🤭 learning about his character was so interesting to me and it meant there was always something happening! The ending was also absolutely perfect imo- it felt so sad turning the last page, knowing the series was over, but also so satisfying 💌 I absolutely cannot wait for Rachel Gillig's new book to come out 🤭🤭
ೃ⁀➷ Characters:
The characters were really good in this book! I honestly felt really connected to them in this book and I'm sad to say goodbye 🥺🥺
➵ Elspeth: even though she was the main character in Book 1, she kinda felt like a secondary character in this book? I wish we got a little bit more of her, but it did make sense in the story.
➵ Elm: I LOVE HIM! 🤭🤭 His sense of humour is my fav thing ever and it was so entertaining reading his inner thoughts. Plus it was soo interesting learning about his backstory and it just made me feel so connected to him 🥹🤍
➵ Ravyn: I also really enjoyed reading from his pov in this book! He's a super interesting character to me and I like him a lot 🫶🫶
ೃ⁀➷ Romance:
‼️ spoilers in this section ‼️
➵ Elspeth and Ravyn:
I honestly wish we got more moments of them in this book, but I also understand why there was less of a focus on them. I'm so glad they got their happy ending tho 🥹💘
➵ Elm and Ione:
I really liked their romance!! 🫶🫶 The tension while Ione was under the control of the Maiden was really good, but then the scenes after they freed her were soo adorable. I'm so glad elm found happiness, he deserves it! 🫂
‼️ spoilers have ended ‼️
ೃ⁀➷ In conclusion:
This series was actually so stunning omg 🥹🫶 I would highly recommend if you’re looking for:
✔️ Gothic atmosphere
✔️ Great characters
✔️ Interesting story
✔️ Really fun romances
If you're looking for a unique fantasy series that still has everything that you love, THIS IS IT! 🤍🤍
《 2024 Challenge: Book 72 of 115 》
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:��ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
ೃ⁀➷ pre-review
➷ such an amazing sequel 🥹🥹 if you love gothic fantasy, then you NEED to read this series! 🤍🤍
rtc 🍂
August 24, 2024
This was immaculate. I am basically speechless. This is one of the first fantasy books since TOG that I have felt so unbelievable blown away.
The magic system in this duet is so unique and the dark gothic setting was everything!! I will say I am basically dumb when it comes to riddles so yes, they confused me SLIGHTLY, but then it all came together and I am literally just so obsessed.
I cannot express how deeply in love I am with Elm. Like at this point, it's unhealthy. He is right there with Dorian from TOG for me. He is perfect. PERFECT.
I am in love.
If you are second-guessing reading this duet, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider picking it up for fall. It is the perfect fall read!!
"Be wary. Be clever. Be good." 👏👏👏
The magic system in this duet is so unique and the dark gothic setting was everything!! I will say I am basically dumb when it comes to riddles so yes, they confused me SLIGHTLY, but then it all came together and I am literally just so obsessed.
I cannot express how deeply in love I am with Elm. Like at this point, it's unhealthy. He is right there with Dorian from TOG for me. He is perfect. PERFECT.
I am in love.
If you are second-guessing reading this duet, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider picking it up for fall. It is the perfect fall read!!
"Be wary. Be clever. Be good." 👏👏👏
May 12, 2024
I barter my sanity for an enchanted providence card that will allow me to relive this escapade, obliviously. One. More. Time.
Two Twisted Crowns is a sequel that symbolizes the word, betterment in all given angles.
Pulsating with intrigue that envelops you with irresistible essence which only heightens.
The formula from the first book is not replicated, but elevated.
Even though this is the clear conclusion of the series, no spoilers will surface from yours truly cause I ain’t never been fixated on ruining shit for others 🤞.
To all the people who deliberately have spoilers in their reviews without warning , fuck y’all 😏🫶.
From the sheer start, you are met with multiple point of views derived from each character: Ravyn, Elm, and Elspeth/Nightmare.
“He’d pretended so long to be strong—but he wasn’t pretending now.“
Ravyn Yew. That lead Male Main Character who was mundane, and purely timid: who bored to me to slumber with his profound fuck shit in the first one, had different plans here. The internal metamorphosis ensnared by his actions is truly a masterful class act of development. He undeniably carries the narrative on his shoulders and exudes a ravenous desire to upturn an endangering world, into a hopeful one. My favorite moments resided in his chapters. I now present Ravyn the homie honor.
"I am angry. I think, if I'm honest, I've been angry all my life. I don’t have to forgive a thing, I live off my grudges”
Elm Rowan. That side character who absorbed all the vibrant limelight in the first one, once again glimmers in tenfold. Contrastingly, from being humorous, his maturity becomes more visible as he undertakes himself on breaking the loathsome stereotypes revolving around his cursed Rowan name/bloodline, deeming an admirable person out of him, one that belongs. An uncorrupted prince with virtues. Just like the first one, this man stole the show - easily.
The romance Factor Between Elm and Ione👀.
“Elm took in the sight of her—memorized her—praying he could get to his sketchbook before the lines of her smile faded from his memory. He doubted they ever would”.
Seeing Elm don this nonchalant persona, which slowly melts under Ione’s presence - and In return witnessing Ione struggling with her own feelings of denial/acceptance of what is surging through her in their physical moments of attraction, truly gave romanasty at its utteringly finest vibes 🤌.
It’s best I keep this vague to let everyone who hasn’t picked this up, absorb the sputtering chemistry induced here between the two. Thank me later. I say this with over confidence because, trust me. Simple.
“You are the Shepherd King, the author of everything I have ever known. You wrote Blunder’s history. Now rewrite it”
The Nightmare/Elspeth Spindle.
Ate. Devoured. Consumed. Hell I needed them chapters to chapter a little longer because, my eyes were magnetized towards passionately craving more. The lore based upon the Nightmare: slowly threading, and unraveling secrets that were needled onto his stature felt like blissful revelations. Understanding the Nightmare: his mood swings, sneering humor, and complicated morals sitting front stage center with Elspeth’s helplessness, was a reward to hold.
An enchanted story. One worthy of a crown indeed. I will not forget it.
This right here - is literature evanescence.
Read this. 🃏
Two Twisted Crowns is a sequel that symbolizes the word, betterment in all given angles.
Pulsating with intrigue that envelops you with irresistible essence which only heightens.
The formula from the first book is not replicated, but elevated.
Even though this is the clear conclusion of the series, no spoilers will surface from yours truly cause I ain’t never been fixated on ruining shit for others 🤞.
To all the people who deliberately have spoilers in their reviews without warning , fuck y’all 😏🫶.
From the sheer start, you are met with multiple point of views derived from each character: Ravyn, Elm, and Elspeth/Nightmare.
“He’d pretended so long to be strong—but he wasn’t pretending now.“
Ravyn Yew. That lead Male Main Character who was mundane, and purely timid: who bored to me to slumber with his profound fuck shit in the first one, had different plans here. The internal metamorphosis ensnared by his actions is truly a masterful class act of development. He undeniably carries the narrative on his shoulders and exudes a ravenous desire to upturn an endangering world, into a hopeful one. My favorite moments resided in his chapters. I now present Ravyn the homie honor.
"I am angry. I think, if I'm honest, I've been angry all my life. I don’t have to forgive a thing, I live off my grudges”
Elm Rowan. That side character who absorbed all the vibrant limelight in the first one, once again glimmers in tenfold. Contrastingly, from being humorous, his maturity becomes more visible as he undertakes himself on breaking the loathsome stereotypes revolving around his cursed Rowan name/bloodline, deeming an admirable person out of him, one that belongs. An uncorrupted prince with virtues. Just like the first one, this man stole the show - easily.
The romance Factor Between Elm and Ione👀.
“Elm took in the sight of her—memorized her—praying he could get to his sketchbook before the lines of her smile faded from his memory. He doubted they ever would”.
Seeing Elm don this nonchalant persona, which slowly melts under Ione’s presence - and In return witnessing Ione struggling with her own feelings of denial/acceptance of what is surging through her in their physical moments of attraction, truly gave romanasty at its utteringly finest vibes 🤌.
It’s best I keep this vague to let everyone who hasn’t picked this up, absorb the sputtering chemistry induced here between the two. Thank me later. I say this with over confidence because, trust me. Simple.
“You are the Shepherd King, the author of everything I have ever known. You wrote Blunder’s history. Now rewrite it”
The Nightmare/Elspeth Spindle.
Ate. Devoured. Consumed. Hell I needed them chapters to chapter a little longer because, my eyes were magnetized towards passionately craving more. The lore based upon the Nightmare: slowly threading, and unraveling secrets that were needled onto his stature felt like blissful revelations. Understanding the Nightmare: his mood swings, sneering humor, and complicated morals sitting front stage center with Elspeth’s helplessness, was a reward to hold.
An enchanted story. One worthy of a crown indeed. I will not forget it.
This right here - is literature evanescence.
Read this. 🃏
April 11, 2024
i’m obsessed w this world🤍
June 28, 2024
NOW THAT IS HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL!!! i can only stan rachel gillig now🫡
Read my mini review here
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Read my mini review here
Follow me on Instagram
August 30, 2024
꒰ 🖇 ⊹ ׁ݂ "The two were together, so the two were the same. The girl, the King, and the monster they became."
ravyn is shook by elspeth's transformation. despite his original mission to unite the magical deck of cards to rescue blunder from the spirit of the wood's mist, his focus shifts to saving elspeth. this leads him to collaborate with the nightmare, who holds the key to locating the elusive final card—the twin elders. with no sightings of the card in 500 years, ravyn must reluctantly rely on the nightmare's guidance. together with a small group of allies, ravyn embarks on a quest to retrieve the final card and protect the kingdom.
꒰ 🖇 ⊹ ׁ݂ I was more than the girl, the King, and the monster of Blunder's dark, twisted tale. I was its author.
on the other hand, back at the royal court, a significant series of events is taking place while ravyn and elspeth are occupied with their card pursuit. the second prince, elm, is being reluctantly promoted to the position of heir by this father. meanwhile, his older brother, hauth, is fighting for his life after his confrontation with elspeth's nightmare. as elm grapples with the responsibilities of a role he never desired, he also discovers himself developing feelings for his brother's bethroned, ione.
after discovering elspeth's infection, the king has commanded the destriers to locate her family and carry out her execution. her father and uncle have been apprehended for allegedly betraying the king. meanwhile, ione is on a quest to retrieve her maiden card—a card for enhancing one's beauty, but every magic within the cards comes with the cost. the maiden card strips away the ability to experience emotions. ione yearns to break free from its grasp. thus, elm and ione embark on a journey to reclaim her maiden card. elm successfully persuades his father to spare ione, at least temporarily. as they spend more time together, a connection begins to form between them, although it's difficult to discern due to ione's emotional numbness. can elm help her rediscover her heart and safeguard the kingdom?
꒰ 🖇 ⊹ ׁ݂ "I'm going to change things. I'm going to be the worst Rowan King in five hundred years." The tips of his lips curled. "I might even enjoy it."
𖣠 ravyn and elspeth
ravyn's pov didn't quite grab me as much. it could be due to the fact that he's unable to communicate with elspeth anymore, causing him to bury his emotions deep down. it was challenging for me to relate to them. one of the standouts aspects of this book is the dynamic between elspeth and nightmare. elspeth takes a bit of supporting role in this story, allowing us to witness the evolution of their bond and mutual understanding. i was truly saddened by the nightmare's fate in the end, and bidding farewell to him was quite emotional for me.
꒰ 🖇 ⊹ ׁ݂ "Elspeth says if you do not get up, she'll never kiss you again. Thats—not—what—she—said."
bye this part had me 😭✋️
𖣠 renelm rowan
⤷ elm
i absolutely loved getting to see things from elm's perspective. it really made me rethink my own morals when it comes to ravyn. in the first book, i wasn't really a big fan of him, but giving us his point of view in this book was a brilliant idea. the tension between him and ione was just so sweet. although i didn't feel as connected to ione, i really enjoyed their chemistry, banter, secret glances, and overall interactions.
꒰ 🖇 ⊹ ׁ݂ There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he'd wandered, in all the notebooks he'd scrawled, that could measure—denote or describe—just how beautiful she was.
after 500 years in making, the story finally reaches a point where patterns can be completed, cycles can be broken, and new circles can begin. giling's ability to foreshadow is truly impressive in this book as many major plot points and revelations were subtly hinted in the first book. i'm absolutely fascinated by the intricate magic system that author has crafted in this duet. the twelve providence cards, each with it'd own unique magic, are truly captivating. the way the cards were introduced in the first book and then further develops them in the second, revealing their hidden potential in a chilling manner, is simply brilliant.
꒰ 🖇 ⊹ ׁ݂ "For the dead I will not die. I am the Shepherd of the shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream. The nightmare in the night."
July 13, 2024
4 out of 5 stars!
When the secondary characters steal the spotlight. 🤌🤌
____________________________
I have never yet in my life heard so many high praises about the second book of a duology. The first book was already fantastic, so I can't imagine how much better this book is going to be.
When the secondary characters steal the spotlight. 🤌🤌
____________________________
I have never yet in my life heard so many high praises about the second book of a duology. The first book was already fantastic, so I can't imagine how much better this book is going to be.
December 7, 2024
ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
🕯️07/12/24
RTC. Trees, I think I have a new fav duology now in over a year! I'm so sad I have to say goodbye to this duology, but I am also happy I read it this year 😭
🕯️05/12/24
Curiousity got the best of me and here I am jumping onto the last book blindly with my head still dizzy from that ending of the first book!!!😭🖤
🕯️07/12/24
RTC. Trees, I think I have a new fav duology now in over a year! I'm so sad I have to say goodbye to this duology, but I am also happy I read it this year 😭
🕯️05/12/24
Curiousity got the best of me and here I am jumping onto the last book blindly with my head still dizzy from that ending of the first book!!!😭🖤
November 26, 2023
5⭐️
What an amazing end to an amazing duology! I can't believe I finished this I never wanted this to end is was amazing beyond words. 😭
THE PLOT
I don't want to put spoilers in this review so I will be describing this book very vaguely. The story continues with Elspeth and Ravyn looking for the final Providence Card: The Twin Alders. With their friends and family, Elspeth and Ravyn enter deep into the mist--along with the Shepherd King-- in search of the final card. They are thrown into trials and sacrifices as the only way of retrieving this card. The second plot in this book is the growing relationship between Elm and Ione. Hauth, Ione's "husband", secretly misplaces Ione's Providence card so that she will stay cold-hearted and feel nothing at all. Elm and Ione are in search of the card and fall in love along the way, despite Ione's feelings being taken away by her missing card.
MY THOUGHTS
The book was literally perfect. There is no other way to accurately describe this book. This is hands down my favorite series of the year. It managed to pull me out of my reading slump and I just couldn't stop binge reading this. 🤭
Just like the first book, the magic in this series is completely unmatched. I've never read a book that had as in depth and unique magic system than this book. The world building just continued throughout this book and I could just picture myself in this world with the characters and i LOVE when a book makes me feel that way!! Elspeth was not the main character in this book and that was perfectly fine because of the way the first book ended. The multi POV's were top tier and I'm not usually a fan of those. I can see why it was written that way and, honestly, I didn't mind! It was amazing to follow multiple plot lines through multiple characters. Ravyn's POV was my favorite just because I love him so much, but Elm was such a close second! I loved going through the development of Ione and Elm's relationship. Their relationship just blossomed so well I fell in love with them. 😩
Side note: Hauth and King Rowan can kiss my ass. They got what they deserved and more. 🙄 Too bad I wasn't in the book to torture them because I would've taken my sweet ass time.
FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
He could still smell her hair--feel her cheek against his palm. He'd kissed her deeply and she'd kissed him back. Every part of him had wanted every part of her.
"You're alone, Captain. Is that wise?"
"Would you hurt me?"
"I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't played with the idea."
"You've proven a wretched disappointment, Ravyn."
"From you, Uncle, that is praise indeed."
Neither Rowan nor Yew, but somewhere between. A pale tree in winter, neither red, gold, nor green. Black hides the bloodstain, forever his mark. Alone in the castle, Prince of the dark.
But if he was rough, it wouldn't last. And for a reason he had not time to work out, Elm wanted it to last with Ione Hawthorne.
"Nightmare," he said through his teeth.
"She'll live. All I did was pay her back for breaking your nose."
"I didn't ask you to do that."
"No. But Elspeth did."
"Dance with me, Hawthorne."
"Aren't you meant to be wooing Blunder's daughters?"
"I intend to. One, in particular."
There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he's wandered, in all the notebooks he scrawled, that could measure--denote or describe--just how beautiful she was.
"Did no one ever love you before, Elm?"
"Not like this. There's never been anything like this."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had to start book two right away!! 😩
What an amazing end to an amazing duology! I can't believe I finished this I never wanted this to end is was amazing beyond words. 😭
THE PLOT
I don't want to put spoilers in this review so I will be describing this book very vaguely. The story continues with Elspeth and Ravyn looking for the final Providence Card: The Twin Alders. With their friends and family, Elspeth and Ravyn enter deep into the mist--along with the Shepherd King-- in search of the final card. They are thrown into trials and sacrifices as the only way of retrieving this card. The second plot in this book is the growing relationship between Elm and Ione. Hauth, Ione's "husband", secretly misplaces Ione's Providence card so that she will stay cold-hearted and feel nothing at all. Elm and Ione are in search of the card and fall in love along the way, despite Ione's feelings being taken away by her missing card.
MY THOUGHTS
The book was literally perfect. There is no other way to accurately describe this book. This is hands down my favorite series of the year. It managed to pull me out of my reading slump and I just couldn't stop binge reading this. 🤭
Just like the first book, the magic in this series is completely unmatched. I've never read a book that had as in depth and unique magic system than this book. The world building just continued throughout this book and I could just picture myself in this world with the characters and i LOVE when a book makes me feel that way!! Elspeth was not the main character in this book and that was perfectly fine because of the way the first book ended. The multi POV's were top tier and I'm not usually a fan of those. I can see why it was written that way and, honestly, I didn't mind! It was amazing to follow multiple plot lines through multiple characters. Ravyn's POV was my favorite just because I love him so much, but Elm was such a close second! I loved going through the development of Ione and Elm's relationship. Their relationship just blossomed so well I fell in love with them. 😩
Side note: Hauth and King Rowan can kiss my ass. They got what they deserved and more. 🙄 Too bad I wasn't in the book to torture them because I would've taken my sweet ass time.
FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
He could still smell her hair--feel her cheek against his palm. He'd kissed her deeply and she'd kissed him back. Every part of him had wanted every part of her.
"You're alone, Captain. Is that wise?"
"Would you hurt me?"
"I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't played with the idea."
"You've proven a wretched disappointment, Ravyn."
"From you, Uncle, that is praise indeed."
Neither Rowan nor Yew, but somewhere between. A pale tree in winter, neither red, gold, nor green. Black hides the bloodstain, forever his mark. Alone in the castle, Prince of the dark.
But if he was rough, it wouldn't last. And for a reason he had not time to work out, Elm wanted it to last with Ione Hawthorne.
"Nightmare," he said through his teeth.
"She'll live. All I did was pay her back for breaking your nose."
"I didn't ask you to do that."
"No. But Elspeth did."
"Dance with me, Hawthorne."
"Aren't you meant to be wooing Blunder's daughters?"
"I intend to. One, in particular."
There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he's wandered, in all the notebooks he scrawled, that could measure--denote or describe--just how beautiful she was.
"Did no one ever love you before, Elm?"
"Not like this. There's never been anything like this."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had to start book two right away!! 😩
October 17, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK and Orbit for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
it's officially here!!
•✿•➳5✫
𝕭𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖞, 𝕭𝖊 𝖈𝖑𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗, 𝕭𝖊 𝖌𝖔𝖔𝖉
Wow oh how much I missed this world. I love how I was just immediately immersed in the story the moment I started reading this book. Their magical world amazed me. I think I said this before, but I love Rachel's writing. I'm in love with every single thing.
In my opinion, the first half started a little bit slow to adapt to each character and their perspective stories but I liked it. And I loved how we got multiple perspectives in this book so we could know more deeply about each of them.
It's more angsty, painful, nerve-wracking, and even scary, I would say. We got to see more action packed, which was so good.
The relationship of each character warmed my heart; their little banter the "I hate you but actually not" is so endearing to see.
Even though I understand for some people this might not like Elspeth’s story at all but I like how it turned out because the story is so heavy and consists of so many characters that it might feel like it wasn't enough without them or their stories to be told. And my only complaint is to have more Elspeth and Ravyn; maybe a novella about them? please🙏🏼😭
Also, the detailed story behind the providence cards and the history of the magic are so thorough. I really love this. This is such a perfect ending for this duology.
"𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵, 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭, 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓲𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓴.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰... 𝓦𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼, 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴. 𝓐 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓮. 𝓐𝓷 𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓪𝓻𝓮𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.
𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮"
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got approved for the arc😭😭😭😭😭 CRYING SCREAMING THROWING UP
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notpatiently waiting. 4 months to go
it's officially here!!
•✿•➳5✫
𝕭𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖞, 𝕭𝖊 𝖈𝖑𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗, 𝕭𝖊 𝖌𝖔𝖔𝖉
This book was immediately picked up after the ending of Book 1, The Journey of Elspeth, Ravyn, and the Nightmare.
Wow oh how much I missed this world. I love how I was just immediately immersed in the story the moment I started reading this book. Their magical world amazed me. I think I said this before, but I love Rachel's writing. I'm in love with every single thing.
In my opinion, the first half started a little bit slow to adapt to each character and their perspective stories but I liked it. And I loved how we got multiple perspectives in this book so we could know more deeply about each of them.
It's more angsty, painful, nerve-wracking, and even scary, I would say. We got to see more action packed, which was so good.
The relationship of each character warmed my heart; their little banter the "I hate you but actually not" is so endearing to see.
Even though I understand for some people this might not like Elspeth’s story at all but I like how it turned out because the story is so heavy and consists of so many characters that it might feel like it wasn't enough without them or their stories to be told. And my only complaint is to have more Elspeth and Ravyn; maybe a novella about them? please🙏🏼😭
Also, the detailed story behind the providence cards and the history of the magic are so thorough. I really love this. This is such a perfect ending for this duology.
"𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵, 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭, 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓲𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓴.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰... 𝓦𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼, 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴. 𝓐 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓮. 𝓐𝓷 𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓪𝓻𝓮𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.
𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮"
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got approved for the arc😭😭😭😭😭 CRYING SCREAMING THROWING UP
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June 16, 2024
➼ 3.75★
<>mar 11: i just can’t wait to know how this story goes!!!
let’s go🏃🏻♀️💨
“Here we are, my darling girl, he whispered to me. The end of all things. The last page of our story.”
➳.・゜゜・𝔄𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔩𝔬𝔱・゜゜・．
This is the second book of the duology, and it starts when the first one finishes.
Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the Providence Cards but the last and most important one has yet to be found. They’ll have to journey to the forest through the dangerous mist and the only one who can lead them through is the Nightmare.
➳.・゜゜・𝔐𝔶 𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰・゜゜・．
I should start this by clarifying what I said on my pre-review bc I feel like I explained myself badly.
A lot of people said this was the best one and had more romance, and I disagreed. It does have more romance but it’s not about the couple I thought. While I still enjoyed the romance in this book, I feel robbed for the mmc and fmc’s love story. For obvious reasons, I can’t say much about it but what I can say is that the ending felt rushed.
I really appreciated Elm as a character; in the first book we can see so little about him, and I’m glad I got to know him more in this one. Same for the Nightmare—I was so interested in his backstory in the first book already. I really liked him, but I feel like he eclipsed Elspeth a little—the focus was on him and him alone. I kinda missed Elspeth in this book, and not only her but her AND Ravyn too—their interactions, convos etc…
That said, I still enjoyed this book and I would recommend it, just not as much as the first one. Idk why I felt more intrigued by One dark window, I think it had more magic, more mystery… And maybe bc I didn’t have any kind of expectations while I did with this one. It’s still a great book and I didn’t mind the multiple povs but it still lacks something in my opinion. It didn’t give me the same emotions the first one did, it didn’t have me glued to the pages as the first one did. This is just my humble opinion, I respect others and I’m glad if y’all enjoyed it more than me.
➳.・゜゜・𝔔𝔲𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰・゜゜・．
“There were not enough pages in all the books Elm had read, in all the libraries he’d wandered, in all the notebooks he’d scrawled, that could measure—denote or describe—just how beautiful she was.”
“I was the darkness and the darkness was me, and together we rolled with the tide, lulled toward a shore I could neither see nor hear. All was water—all was salt.”
“But his soul carried on, buried deep in Elspeth Spindle, the only woman Ravyn had ever loved.”
“Here. In the dark, on the shore. Where there was no sun, no moon. Where the mourning dove did not call at dawn and no owl announced dusk. A place of desolation—emptiness and despair. This is where his secrets were kept. And I was among them.”
“The smile lines, I was fond of.” His gaze traced the corners of her mouth, her eyes. “Your eyelashes were blonder. You had freckles and red patches of skin. A gap between your front teeth. Your eyes are the only thing the Maiden hasn’t altered too much. Only, before Equinox, they were happy.”
“You have a wonderful mouth.” He tapped the Chalice three times, severing its hold. “And now, it’s all mine.”
“Ravyn watched him go, Elspeth’s voice ringing through his mind. Alive. She was alive. The relief was like stepping indoors after a winter night’s watch—so warm, it hurt.”
“I would have liked—My voice quieted. I would have liked a little more time. With you. The lines in Ravyn’s face strained, his voice deepening with insistence. We’ll get that time. I swear it, Elspeth.”
“And yet Ayris was still the sun to me. Even in the wood, cold and gray with mist, her presence was a light, a warmth. I wanted her near me, for there are some things not even magic can erase.”
“I thought I’d slipped through the veil. I was riding in the wood, mud on my ankles.” A small smile graced her colorless lips. “With you.” Elm buried his face in her neck. “Someday. But first, I want a hundred years with you.”
“And your love?” Ravyn’s chest tightened. If he were to close his eyes, he knew what he would see. His parents’ faces, bent as they read books in silence by the library fire. Elm and Jespyr and Emory, riding on horseback down the forest road. Elspeth, sitting across from him at Castle Yew’s table, pink in her cheeks as she smiled at him from behind a teacup. “I have something of love in me.”
.・゜゜・To anyone who’s ever felt lost in a wood. There is a strange sort of finding in losing. ・゜゜・．
pre-review: i’m torn between 3.5 and 4 stars😖
for those who said this had more romance, i have a question: have we read the same book?
rtc😃
<>mar 11: i just can’t wait to know how this story goes!!!
let’s go🏃🏻♀️💨
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